Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson made a personal check on Atletico Madrid midfielder Raul Garcia on Sunday.

El Mundo Deportivo says Ferguson attended Barca's 3-0 thumping of Atletico with the mission to run his eye over Raul, a player his scouts have been following since his early days at Osasuna.

Ferguson likes Raul's versatility and is aware of the youngster's smooth transition into Atletico's midfield since his summer arrival.

Raul is under consideration by United for the 2007/08 season.