Miguel Nadal, the Spanish international nicknamed "The Beast of Barcelona", will be a Manchester United player before next weekend. Old Trafford manager Alex Ferguson yesterday confirmed that his move for the tough tackling 30-year-old defender will be completed before United visit Aston Villa a week today.

Ferguson bid for Nadal during Euro 96, but talks collapsed because he could not agree personal terms with the player, although Barcelona were ready to accept United's £3.5 million offer.