Manchester United chief executive David Gill has promised Sir Alex Ferguson further funds to strengthen his title-winning squad this summer.

Gill said: "We will be in a position where, if we can improve it, we will.

"It is the best league in the world so if we want to continue to be at the top we have to make sure we look at the squad and improve it."

United were happy to spend last summer, with Owen Hargreaves, Anderson, Carlos Tevez and Nani all added to the squad.

However, Ferguson has been given licence to add more new signings as he looks to equal Liverpool's record haul of 18 league titles.

England internationals Michael Owen and Micah Richards are rumoured to be on the Scotsman's shopping list.

"When you make big money signings like we did last year, it is fantastic when you see them come in and do so well," said Gill.

"That shows what this club is about. All these big stars are integrated very quickly, made to feel very welcome and therefore they produce the goods on the pitch."

In a later interview for BBC Radio 5 Live, Gill added that United's success was attributable to a number of individuals.

Gill said: "It's down to Fergsuon, his assistant Carlos Queiroz, the coaching staff, the scouting staff and the players.

"It's down to what happens on the pitch but what happens off the pitch gives Alex the funds to invest in the club."

He said the Glazer family had brought stability to Old Trafford three years after taking over.

"They recognised the importance of what happens on the pitch and to have a business plan off it.

"But there will always be certain factions that will be anti the Glazers even if we win the European Cup in Moscow."

Gill also insisted there was no question of the 66-year-old Ferguson considering retirement, adding: "He's on a 12-month rolling contract and we never discuss it [retirement].

"He's got the enthusiasm and the appetite for more."