Man Utd for Chelsea's Torres: chance for rebirth

Bring Fernando Torres on a free transfer. Then, turn him around and use him to terrorise the very clubs that were unable to unlock his scoring power.

That is a project that must fascinate Sir Alex Ferguson. Irrespective of what happens with this year’s title charge, Sir Alex must know that next year, to have any hope of launching a simultaneous attack on the league, Europe and hope cups, his bench must match that of Manchester City.

Sergio Aguero, Mario Balotelli, Edin Zeko, David Silva and Samir Nasri. That’s what City bring to pitch.

Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez, Danny Welbeck, Dimitar Berbatov and Ashley Young.

Somehow, United look a little light in the heavy fire power department.

Without the endless funds at Old Trafford’s disposal, Sir Alex has always been the wily one in spotting the “unwanted” striker, and then using him to profitable effect.

Think Henrik Larson and his effect on United’s title run in 2007.

Think Michael Owen and his extra, extra time goal against Manchester City that all but put doomed Mark Hughes’ reign there.

Now, think Fernando Torres. If anyone can turn him around Sir Alex can. Because at United the mentality is that of an impregnable fortress and relentless, ruthless, dogged, pressing on till the target is achieved.

It’s a shot in the dark, but one that might wound Chelsea, Liverpool and more importantly, Manchester City.