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.
Showing posts with label new striker. Show all posts
Showing posts with label new striker. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Top striker deals likely...
It's very nearly that time of the year again folks, the summer transfer window is set to open and with it will come the usual plethora of players who will be linked to Manchester United.But before we get into some of the names in the frame, how much will Ferguson have to spend this summer?
According to one recent report Fergie has up to £50m to spend on new signings, but let us not forget that the future of Carlos Tevez needs to be resolved, that deal could account for up to £20m.
The good news for United fans is that the player known as the "Apache" says he wants to stay, and he's in no hurry to sign - but with only one year left on his current loan deal, it seems likely that the Reds will have earmarked a substantial amount of this summer's transfer kitty to secure the Argentine's long term future.
There has also been no official news on what is likely to be happening in the transfer market from within Old Trafford - and that is how it should be - we don't want a repeat of our chief executive announcing to the world that the club are cash rich and ready to spend, as did Peter Kenyon prior to capturing Rio Ferdinand from Leeds United. At that time the West Yorkshire club were on their financial uppers, but it didn't stop United from shelling out silly money for a defender, over £3om to be precise.
The Ferdinand transfer was an abject lesson on how not to conduct a transfer, it is to be hoped that lessons were learnt, because down the years, United really have been their own worst enemies where inflated transfer fees are concerned.
Whenever the Red Devils come knocking enquiring about the availability of potential transfer targets the selling club almost always adds on a few noughts' - it is entirely our own fault, if you act daft, expect to be treated accordingly.
Another case in point being Jaap Stam's move to Lazio - we paid them £30m cash for Veron - in return the Italian club didn't stump up the £14m for "the big Dutchman" for about three years... I could go on and on...
So who are the names that Ferguson's most wanted list? As ever we can only speculate. Spurs Bulgarian striker Berbatov reportedly wants Champions League football next season, should United's interest be firmed up with a bid, there's no doubting the North London club will take the greatest of pleasure in pulling down our collective trousers on the transfer fee as they did with Michael Carrick - once he had signed for £18m, sources close to the club let it be known they'd have accepted a lot less - suffice to say Spurs could be about to double their money for a player they signed for £10.9m ...
However, there's has been suggestions that Berbatov sulks when not selected (another Saha?), added to which he doesn't track back in the manner of our very own "White Pele" aka Wayne Rooney. The Bulgarian star is also more than a bit lazy, but the boy can play and there's no doubt about that. My gut feeling is that Fergie would love to have him at Old Trafford, he's a big player for the big occasion, for this reason I can see United making Spurs an offer which they cannot refuse.
Samuel Eto'o name is being linked to all of Europe's top clubs - no surprise there given that Barcelona have parted company with manager Frank Rijkaard, but like the rest of the Barcelona players including Thierry Henry, he will want to see what the new coach has to say before making any decisions on his future. Another potential stumbling block stems from the fact that the Catalan club would want Ronaldo in part exchange - a request that would surely bring to an end any prospect of a deal? There's also talk that Samuel Eto'o is another complex character and is quite hard to manage. My own view is that both Samuel Eto'o and Henry are unlikely to arrive at United this summer.
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar's name has been constantly linked to United over the last few seasons, the Dutch striker would appear to fit the bill, he's the right age and he can score goals - 33 from the current campaign.
A recent report claimed that Huntelaar was keen to stay at Ajax under the guidance of Dutch legend Marco van Basten, but Huntelaar is 26 this year and given his age he can no longer be classed as "Europe's hottest young striker" added to which the Ajax star must have surely contemplated moving to a bigger stage. My own verdict is that this deal is possible - given it's likely to be the one that offers the best value for money.
Kenwyne Jones has risen to prominence since his move to Sunderland where he is currently top-scorer, but surprisingly he has only bagged seven goals this season in what is a struggling side.
Ironically, his move to Sunderland could potentially scupper any prospect of a dream move for Jones to a big club of because of the Black Cats likely sky-high transfer valuation.
Sunderland manager Roy Keane has not spent wisely in the transfer market and Jones is the club's most valuable asset. The Trinidad and Tabago star has been described as the next Didier Drogba - he's not quite that good and due to Sunderland's valuation, my view is unlikely.
According to one recent report Fergie has up to £50m to spend on new signings, but let us not forget that the future of Carlos Tevez needs to be resolved, that deal could account for up to £20m.
The good news for United fans is that the player known as the "Apache" says he wants to stay, and he's in no hurry to sign - but with only one year left on his current loan deal, it seems likely that the Reds will have earmarked a substantial amount of this summer's transfer kitty to secure the Argentine's long term future.
There has also been no official news on what is likely to be happening in the transfer market from within Old Trafford - and that is how it should be - we don't want a repeat of our chief executive announcing to the world that the club are cash rich and ready to spend, as did Peter Kenyon prior to capturing Rio Ferdinand from Leeds United. At that time the West Yorkshire club were on their financial uppers, but it didn't stop United from shelling out silly money for a defender, over £3om to be precise.
The Ferdinand transfer was an abject lesson on how not to conduct a transfer, it is to be hoped that lessons were learnt, because down the years, United really have been their own worst enemies where inflated transfer fees are concerned.
Whenever the Red Devils come knocking enquiring about the availability of potential transfer targets the selling club almost always adds on a few noughts' - it is entirely our own fault, if you act daft, expect to be treated accordingly.
Another case in point being Jaap Stam's move to Lazio - we paid them £30m cash for Veron - in return the Italian club didn't stump up the £14m for "the big Dutchman" for about three years... I could go on and on...
So who are the names that Ferguson's most wanted list? As ever we can only speculate. Spurs Bulgarian striker Berbatov reportedly wants Champions League football next season, should United's interest be firmed up with a bid, there's no doubting the North London club will take the greatest of pleasure in pulling down our collective trousers on the transfer fee as they did with Michael Carrick - once he had signed for £18m, sources close to the club let it be known they'd have accepted a lot less - suffice to say Spurs could be about to double their money for a player they signed for £10.9m ...
However, there's has been suggestions that Berbatov sulks when not selected (another Saha?), added to which he doesn't track back in the manner of our very own "White Pele" aka Wayne Rooney. The Bulgarian star is also more than a bit lazy, but the boy can play and there's no doubt about that. My gut feeling is that Fergie would love to have him at Old Trafford, he's a big player for the big occasion, for this reason I can see United making Spurs an offer which they cannot refuse.
Samuel Eto'o name is being linked to all of Europe's top clubs - no surprise there given that Barcelona have parted company with manager Frank Rijkaard, but like the rest of the Barcelona players including Thierry Henry, he will want to see what the new coach has to say before making any decisions on his future. Another potential stumbling block stems from the fact that the Catalan club would want Ronaldo in part exchange - a request that would surely bring to an end any prospect of a deal? There's also talk that Samuel Eto'o is another complex character and is quite hard to manage. My own view is that both Samuel Eto'o and Henry are unlikely to arrive at United this summer.
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar's name has been constantly linked to United over the last few seasons, the Dutch striker would appear to fit the bill, he's the right age and he can score goals - 33 from the current campaign.
A recent report claimed that Huntelaar was keen to stay at Ajax under the guidance of Dutch legend Marco van Basten, but Huntelaar is 26 this year and given his age he can no longer be classed as "Europe's hottest young striker" added to which the Ajax star must have surely contemplated moving to a bigger stage. My own verdict is that this deal is possible - given it's likely to be the one that offers the best value for money.
Kenwyne Jones has risen to prominence since his move to Sunderland where he is currently top-scorer, but surprisingly he has only bagged seven goals this season in what is a struggling side.
Ironically, his move to Sunderland could potentially scupper any prospect of a dream move for Jones to a big club of because of the Black Cats likely sky-high transfer valuation.
Sunderland manager Roy Keane has not spent wisely in the transfer market and Jones is the club's most valuable asset. The Trinidad and Tabago star has been described as the next Didier Drogba - he's not quite that good and due to Sunderland's valuation, my view is unlikely.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
United on trail of red hot striker....
Manchester United take on Lyon at the Stade Gerland on Wednesday when the Champions League resumes for a game that could prove to be the most difficult so far this season for the Red Devils.
Over the last few seasons Lyon have been many neutrals 'dark-horse' tip to lift Europe's premier club competition, only for them to fail in the latter stages as United themselves have done so many times over recent seasons.
Last Saturday Fergie went on a scouting mission to check out Lyon, they won 4-1 and the United manager let it slip that he's interested in 20-year-old striker Karim Benzema, who scored his 25th goal of the season. Benzema is hot property and is coveted by just about every top club in Europe. The striker has hinted that he would like to join AC Milan, Fergie hasn't gone overboard when confirming his interest, but the United boss has admitted that Benzema "is a possibility".
In time honoured fashion Benzema bas been dubbed "the new Zidane", "the new Platini" and "the new Henry", and so it goes.
In 2006 Benzema, who is of Algerian descent, was given the option of playing for Algeria, but instead he opted for France and he is now a full international who is expected to play and big part in the French Euro 2008 finals campaign.
One of the key elements that United always look in any potential transfer is the desire of the player concerned to join the Reds, a case in point is Van Nistelrooy. Once Fergie knew that the Dutch striker really wanted to come to Old Trafford even a serious knee injury setback didn't prevent that deal from eventually going through. However, at the time of the Van Nistelrooy transfer the Red Devils were the only serious bidders, it is likely to be a different situation where Benzema is concerned.
Over the last few seasons Lyon have been many neutrals 'dark-horse' tip to lift Europe's premier club competition, only for them to fail in the latter stages as United themselves have done so many times over recent seasons.
Last Saturday Fergie went on a scouting mission to check out Lyon, they won 4-1 and the United manager let it slip that he's interested in 20-year-old striker Karim Benzema, who scored his 25th goal of the season. Benzema is hot property and is coveted by just about every top club in Europe. The striker has hinted that he would like to join AC Milan, Fergie hasn't gone overboard when confirming his interest, but the United boss has admitted that Benzema "is a possibility".
In time honoured fashion Benzema bas been dubbed "the new Zidane", "the new Platini" and "the new Henry", and so it goes.
In 2006 Benzema, who is of Algerian descent, was given the option of playing for Algeria, but instead he opted for France and he is now a full international who is expected to play and big part in the French Euro 2008 finals campaign.
One of the key elements that United always look in any potential transfer is the desire of the player concerned to join the Reds, a case in point is Van Nistelrooy. Once Fergie knew that the Dutch striker really wanted to come to Old Trafford even a serious knee injury setback didn't prevent that deal from eventually going through. However, at the time of the Van Nistelrooy transfer the Red Devils were the only serious bidders, it is likely to be a different situation where Benzema is concerned.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
New striker talk returns as January sales begin...
Reports in the press are once again linking United with Berbatov, but the bad news is that it's thought any offer for the Spurs striker won't happen until the summer. Fergie has recently gone on record saying that January is problematic and he's hinted that Europe is uppermost in his thoughts and of course the Bulgarian is cup-tied. Ramos the Spurs manager has also said that Berbatov is going nowhere, but as we have seen in the past the North London club will sell to United if the price is right.
Despite Fergie's views about Europe, the Reds still need to sign a new forward for the domestic competitions, this was highlighted against West Ham at the weekend when United needed to change the game, but they had no striker on the bench - which is a ludicrous situation for a club of United's size.
While the Reds are in need of a new striker whoever comes in has to be the right player and the last thing United need to do now is to make a panic buy - that is the danger when you're short of numbers and once again Reds fans might wonder about the wisdom of allowing Rossi to move on last summer.
January is of course by tradition the time of year when retailers try to off-load old and unwanted stock. The January transfer window is football's equivalent in many ways and it only came into being a few seasons ago, but many managers believe that the old transfer system worked better for the clubs and the players.
The Reading manager Steve Coppell has today voiced his concerns about the January transfer window, hinting that some of his players have been tapped-up and at the same time he has insisted that Nicky Shorey who has been strongly linked to the Red Devils is going nowhere.
Despite Fergie's views about Europe, the Reds still need to sign a new forward for the domestic competitions, this was highlighted against West Ham at the weekend when United needed to change the game, but they had no striker on the bench - which is a ludicrous situation for a club of United's size.
While the Reds are in need of a new striker whoever comes in has to be the right player and the last thing United need to do now is to make a panic buy - that is the danger when you're short of numbers and once again Reds fans might wonder about the wisdom of allowing Rossi to move on last summer.
January is of course by tradition the time of year when retailers try to off-load old and unwanted stock. The January transfer window is football's equivalent in many ways and it only came into being a few seasons ago, but many managers believe that the old transfer system worked better for the clubs and the players.
The Reading manager Steve Coppell has today voiced his concerns about the January transfer window, hinting that some of his players have been tapped-up and at the same time he has insisted that Nicky Shorey who has been strongly linked to the Red Devils is going nowhere.
Friday, December 21, 2007
United sign new striker, but it's not all good news....
Subject to a work permit being granted, United are to sign a 24 year-old striker known as Manucho, real name Mateus Alberto Contreiras from Petro Athletico. The Angolan has been on trial with the Reds for three weeks and he's done enough to suggest that he deserves a contract.
If Manucho turns out to be a useful acquisition it could prove to be a very smart signing and it will prove that Arsene Wenger isn't the only one who can unearth gems' for next to nothing. Time will tell on that score. Fergie had this to say on this latest import "We have had Manucho here for a three-week trial and have been impressed enough to offer him a contract.
"He is a tall, agile, quick forward and through contacts that Carlos (Queiroz) has, was brought to our attention around six months ago."
United supporters will be hoping that Manucho doesn't turn out to be another Dong.
Meanwhile four United fans have been jailed in Rome for their part in the disturbances prior to the Reds recent clash with AS Roma. The four fans have been given the maximum sentences for this type of alleged offence - up to two and half years each. Apparently it wasn't even a proper trial and the United supporters have been effectively jailed without getting the chance to defend themselves.
A British Embassy spokesman has said that in the past these sentences have been suspended, but at this stage it is not known if this will be the case, so the four look likely to spend Christmas in an Italian jail.
It comes as no surprise to learn that no Italian's have been given custodial sentences despite the fact that four United fans were stabbed. So much for Italian justice.
Better news to report on the Champions League draw as the Reds will face the French champions Lyon (BBC Radio Five live today said it was Lille - oh dear, never mind).
While Lyon is a tough assignment, the Reds will play away first which is always a bonus but United will need to be at the collective best to beat the French outfit. The Reds look to have a decent draw where British clubs are concerned with Liverpool facing Inter and Arsenal facing AC Milan, while Chelsea face Olympiakos and Celtic have to overcome Barca.
If Manucho turns out to be a useful acquisition it could prove to be a very smart signing and it will prove that Arsene Wenger isn't the only one who can unearth gems' for next to nothing. Time will tell on that score. Fergie had this to say on this latest import "We have had Manucho here for a three-week trial and have been impressed enough to offer him a contract.
"He is a tall, agile, quick forward and through contacts that Carlos (Queiroz) has, was brought to our attention around six months ago."
United supporters will be hoping that Manucho doesn't turn out to be another Dong.
Meanwhile four United fans have been jailed in Rome for their part in the disturbances prior to the Reds recent clash with AS Roma. The four fans have been given the maximum sentences for this type of alleged offence - up to two and half years each. Apparently it wasn't even a proper trial and the United supporters have been effectively jailed without getting the chance to defend themselves.
A British Embassy spokesman has said that in the past these sentences have been suspended, but at this stage it is not known if this will be the case, so the four look likely to spend Christmas in an Italian jail.
It comes as no surprise to learn that no Italian's have been given custodial sentences despite the fact that four United fans were stabbed. So much for Italian justice.
Better news to report on the Champions League draw as the Reds will face the French champions Lyon (BBC Radio Five live today said it was Lille - oh dear, never mind).
While Lyon is a tough assignment, the Reds will play away first which is always a bonus but United will need to be at the collective best to beat the French outfit. The Reds look to have a decent draw where British clubs are concerned with Liverpool facing Inter and Arsenal facing AC Milan, while Chelsea face Olympiakos and Celtic have to overcome Barca.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Mark Viduka linked to United...
Well I will admit that I didn't see this one coming, because while I rate Mark Viduka in some ways, I'm not sure he's right for United. It isn't that he lacks skill, far from it, but he has always seemed to struggle a bit with fitness problems.
Viduka is available on a free transfer though and just maybe he could turn out to be a shrewd signing, but only if United sign two strikers - which is what I've been predicting will happen for a couple of weeks now.
To sign just one striker and especially if it is only Viduka would be a very unwise move as United would next season find themselves scratching around again in January like happened this year when we fetched in Larsson for three months.
This season we gambled with just Saha, aka sicknote, which has all too often left us short up front with the Frenchman being almost constantly injured.
Viduka is available on a free transfer though and just maybe he could turn out to be a shrewd signing, but only if United sign two strikers - which is what I've been predicting will happen for a couple of weeks now.
To sign just one striker and especially if it is only Viduka would be a very unwise move as United would next season find themselves scratching around again in January like happened this year when we fetched in Larsson for three months.
This season we gambled with just Saha, aka sicknote, which has all too often left us short up front with the Frenchman being almost constantly injured.
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