Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is confident of winning any legal fight involving Gaby Heinze.
The shock move effectively renders his Old Trafford future untenable.
Yet United are sticking to their guns in refusing to let Heinze become the first player to switch between the bitter north-west rivals since Phil Chisnall moved to Merseyside in 1964.
And, having ordered Heinze to be back in training on August 6, Ferguson has made it clear he expects the Argentina international to meet the deadline.
"We are aware Gaby is taking legal advice," confirmed the United boss.
"That is good. I hope it is good advice because we are confident of our position.
"He is due back in training on August 6, which gives him three clear weeks' rest after the Copa America. And we expect him back in training a week on Monday."