With the summer transfer window about to slam shut and with Fergie still no nearer solving his central midfield problems, the latest transfer gossip suggests United could be about to test Everton's resolve with a £10m bid for Jack Rodwell. According to reports, Michael Carrick will be offered as part of any deal.
Rodwell is a rising English star who looks to have a genuine chance of making it at the very top. Assuming there is some truth behind this rumour, a lot will depend on how much Everton need United's cash right now, and of course would David Moyes fancy Michael Carrick as a replacement?
Carrick has become a bit-part player at Old Trafford and he'd probably jump at the chance to play more regularly; that is he would if Everton were willing to match his wages...
Rodwell would be a good addition to the United squad, but who would he replace in the current United team, Scholes or Fletcher? Rodwell can play anywhere down the middle, either in midfield or at the back, and of course Scholes is still United's main creative force.
You have to wonder where Rodwell would fit into the big scheme of things; would he be viewed as a Roy Keane type and if so, does that mean he'd be seen as a replacement for Fletcher and not Scholes?
When i think of Carrick at his best its the up-tempo passing and the side footed finishes arriving late into the box. Not seen much of that for quite some time now. He is too often a passenger in the big games. Perhaps its time to trade him in?
ReplyDeleteRodwell seems like a genuine talent albeit with a lot to learn and improve. Hes not yet a fixture in a starting 11 for Everton? It would be a long term thing but i dont think we would miss Carrick much in the short term as he doesnt seem to feature in the plans at the moment.
It is IMPOSSIBLE to see Rodwell as a replacement of Fletcher. United would be just buying a player for the future, and for the Carling Cup.
ReplyDeleteEd,
ReplyDeleteTO be honest I've never really rated Carrick. He's a bits and pieces sort of man: his passing is ok, his shooting is ok, but his tackling isn't what it should be and he was supposed to be a defensive type of player.
The problem with Rodwell is that he's been picking up injuries.. that appears to be a recurring theme.
Javier,
ReplyDeleteI didn't make my point too well. If Rodwell comes who plays alongside Scholes? IMO, it would have to be Rodwell unless Fergie selects three central midfield players.
IMO, Rodwell is more of threat going forward compared to Fletcher.
He might not play regularly this season, but he will get some games and Scholes won't last forever. He's a future England cap, I'm sure, so United might as well get him for £20m now instead of £20m in a couple of years (God, it sickens me that English players have such ridiculous price tags – Real only paid £12m for Ozil).
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I've just set up a price comparison website called www.manchesterunitedhotels.com, which compares all the hotels near Old Trafford. If you're travelling a long way for a match and want somewhere to stay, have a look. (P.S. I don't get any commission for the site.)
The transfer window is well and truly shut without as much a whisper about Rodwell. I still believe in Fergie alright but you can't help but feel nonplussed at our transfer activity lately- how is van der Vaart for 8mn or Ozil for 11mn not value for money? Or Sneijder for 10 mn the season before that?
ReplyDeleteThen again, I have doubted Fergie's unusual ways in the past, only to be proven horribly wrong. I really hope that is the case this time around as well.
I still think Carrick is the best passer in our side after Scholesy. The lad has had a terrible season, but if he can play as well as he did in his first season, we won't be whining about Ozil and van der Vaart come September.
ReplyDeleteDela,
ReplyDeleteFergie's 'lack of value' comments look totally ridiculous given he paid £7.m for Bebe. There IS value, if the manager looks hard enough. United could have negotiated for Sneijder when we were talking about the future of Ronaldo with Real Madrid, but we didn't have the gumption to do so.
Regarding Carrick, he's simply not good enough; yes, he can pass but the rest of his game isn't quite up to it. I'd quite happily have packed him off to Everton if Rodwell was available.
Apparently, Everton want £27m for him and that's probably why this deal hasn't happened.
I fear United will pay a hefty price for failing to strengthen central midfield, ie no silverware...