United´s Campbell set for Premier League action

Sir Alex Ferguson admitted youngster Fraizer Campbell is set for a Premier League opportunity following his goal in Ole Gunnar Solsjaer's testimonial on Saturday.

Campbell, whose form could affect United's bid for Dimitar Berbatov, scored the only goal as United sealed a 1-0 win against Espanyol.

Former Norway striker Solskjaer is set to raise in the region of two million pounds for charity after a gate of 68,868 turned out at Old Trafford for the clash against the Spanish outfit.

But it needed Campbell's 82nd minute goal to finish off Espanyol, who finished a lowly 12th in La Liga last season.

Cristiano Ronaldo's ankle injury, which is set to keep the Portuguese forward sidelined until October, has weakened United's attacking options ahead of the new season and the club's attempts to lure Berbatov appear to have ground to a halt.

So with United due to launch the defence of their Premier League title against Newcastle on August 17, boss Ferguson admits that 20-year-old Campbell, who helped fire Hull City to promotion to the top flight last season, will play a key role in easing the club's attacking problems.

Ferguson said: “Fraizer Campbell has taken his goal very well and it won't do him any harm. He's an aggressive young player, very quick and determined, and he can do well.

“His future lies here because don't have any strikers. We only have Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez, so Fraizer comes into that area.

“We are also hoping to apply for a work permit for Manucho, who comes from Angola. That will give us more back-up.”

United were without a host of first-team players due to injury and illness and with Juventus due at Old Trafford on Wednesday in the build-up to next Sunday's Community Shield clash with Portsmouth at Wembley, Ferguson admitted that there remains a doubt over the fitness of Michael Carrick and Wayne Rooney.

He said: “Carrick and Rooney have been struggling with a virus for a few days and they won't be fit for the Juventus game on Wednesday. Hopefully they will be ready for the Communtiy Shield game.

“Other than that, Gary Neville had a calf strain, but he'll be ok for Wednesday.”

Solskjaer, who retired 12 months ago as a result of persistent knee problems, has recently been appointed United's reserve-team manager. However, with Espanyol offering him a playing farewell with a 20-minute cameo appearance, the 35-year-old admitted that it was an emotional day at Old Trafford.

He said: “I have had more than a year to get used to not playing, but it doesn't get any easier and I knew this would be my last game at Old Trafford.

“It has been a great day for me and my family, though, the 20 minutes that I played towards the end of the game are something I will never forget.”