United fans will no doubt be awaiting news of the Reds next move in the transfer market with Fergie's number one objective focusing on the search for a new striker. The Red Devils have been linked with a number of stars who have been involved in Euro 2008 including French star Karim Benzema and Holland's Klaus-Jan Huntelaar, in truth both were disappointing. We have been led to believe that Benzema isn't for sale at any price and the jury is very much out on the suitability of Huntelaar.
Watching Euro 2008 this summer has served to highlight the fact that there are few top strikers in Europe at this moment in time, at least few that are 'available'. The one real star of the show so far has been the amazing contribution of Arshavin. Whether or not the Russian is on Fergie's radar would be interesting to know. Should the player decide that he fancies playing abroad there would be no shortage of suitors. My own view is that Arshavin will remain in Russia.
There has been an awful lot of speculation linking United to Dimitar Berbatov, if Fergie wants to sign the Bulgarian, now would be the right time to do so before Ronaldo's future is finally resolved. However, if the Reds dither and then announce to the world that they've just received a world record fee for Cristiano, Spurs, being the crafty Cockneys' will add another few million to their asking price as will any other clubs looking to do business with the Champions this summer.
Fergie could make a move for Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o, the player has been told that he can leave the Nou Camp along with Ronaldinho. Eto'o would give United genuine pace which they currently lack down the middle, his ability is not in question, but doubts persist about his attitude and temperament.
United will also have to resolve the futures of their existing strikers; Carlos Tevez says that he is very happy and as such he has so far bided his time on agreeing a new deal - expect an announcement in the next couple weeks. Louis Saha is being linked with a move to Italy, many suspect that Fergie's patience with the Frenchman ran out a long time ago and so I fully expect him to leave the club soon.
Manucho has returned from his loan stint with Panathinaikos, the Angolan striker is still awaiting news on his application for a UK work permit, he will join United for pre-season training and will be among the squad that travels to South Africa for the club's summer tour.
Failure to strengthen the Reds attack this summer could prove to be a costly mistake, especially if we end up off-loading Ronaldo. Who will score 42 goals next season should that happen? Even if Ronaldo stays, it is likely to be only for one more season and so Fergie needs to prepare the groundwork for his departure, the acquisition of a top striker must be a priority.
If you are suggesting about the brilliant play of Andrei Arshavin,surely you wouldn't have overlooked the play of Pavlyuchencko!I think he was brilliant in the Holland game,he has that knack of being at the right place at the right time like Nistelrooy did,plus he's not bad in the finishing department either.He might be lacking in pace,but i don't think that will be a very big problem.He could be a very much cheaper alternative to Berbatov,what with Spurs holding out for the highest sum of money that they can extract out of United...
ReplyDeleteAgreed on both. Ashavin looked a dead ringer for Messi in the game against Holland, while Paylachenko was equally superb. Both would be great buys and suit the United style of play.
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