Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Time right for red hot Campbell and Fabiano?

It was a fantastic weekend for United fans, the Premier League title was wrapped up at Wigan. It was a nerve-racking game for all those who follow the Red Devils, but we got the right result and of course Chelsea faltered against Bolton - few had predicted the game at Stamford Bridge would end in a draw.

Manchester City even went down losing by an eye-watering score-line of 8-1 against 'Boro. Many Reds will have been so absorbed by events at the JJB that the City result was always going to be academic given both teams had little to play for, but still news of the result capped off what was a truly memorable day for United fans with a few added laughs thrown in.

The good news didn't end there though as those who were lucky enough to see Watford vs Hull City earlier in the day will have witnessed another treat in the form of young on-loan United striker Frazer Campbell, who went on to have an outstanding game for the Tigers who won two-nil. Campbell expertly laid on the first goal for Nick Barmby when pulling the back from the by-line; he also had a hand in the second goal and could have scored a couple himself.

Those United fans who follow the Reds youngsters will no doubt be hoping that Campbell isn't offloaded like David Healy. The big problem is that United are almost spoilt for choice in the 'second striker' department with Rooney and Tevez both coming into that category and course we have Ronaldo who can play anywhere up front - though his best position like Ryan Giggs is out wide.

However, Giggs cannot go on forever, therefore it's likely that Campbell will spend another season on-loan and if he continues to develop at the current rate Fergie will have a ready made replacement for the Welshman in 12 month's time.

While competition for places at Old Trafford is fierce in the wide positions, Fergie is looking to bring in another out and out striker; ideally the Reds will find someone with power, pace and skill - not an easy task - and many are rightly hoping that Angolan striker Manucho gets the green light for that work permit.

There was a further development on the search for a new striker today, with the name of Luis Fabiano being added to the list of potential new acquisitions. The 27 year-old Brazilian is thought to have a buy-out clause in his contract that could see him arrive at Old Trafford this summer for a knock-down £9m, but his club Seville reportedly have a prohibitive £46m price tag on the player who has scored 34 goals in all competitions this season. Most of the newspapers ran the Fabiano story today, which had all the hallmarks of originating from one source, probably the Press Association. Is there any truth behind the story as Fabiano has also been linked to Manchester City?

We have been led to believe that United have been watching the Brazilian all season, but again this could be paper talk as was the Michael Owen link to United at the weekend.

At this time of year, players' agents' will go the extra mile when talking to the press and their contacts with a view to brokering a big money move for their clients and course we are now entering the silly season where transfers are concerned.

I personally wouldn't rule out United's reported interest in Fabiano - the fact that respected sports papers like the Times and Telegraph ran the story suggests that somewhere along the line credible sources must have been consulted on this link.

3 comments:

  1. Let's just hope that we do get an out-and-out striker in the summer. I think Michael Owen could shine if given the chance at Manchester United.

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  2. But Micheal Owen is going to Japan they say. I know that's rubbish. Would Fabiano cope? I doubt.

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  3. Oh, I didn't know that they lost Healy.

    Any promising youngster would be useful and United should assess their options effectively, which the administration should be competent of.

    Just because the Glazers are ready to put more money on the table, it does not mean that Ferguson should needlessly spend it, Frazer if in form and an improved player would be a valuable addition to the squad.

    But then again, if United pick up Huntelaar and Manucho, it seems unlikely he would stay and would leave like De Rossi, and Healy like you just mentioned, and he would be a loss indeed to United.

    Let's see what happens, it's all about Moscow now.

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