It hasn't taken Sven long to latch onto the Man City 'big club' mantra, because during an interview with the often hapless Evening News, the former England manager and lothario managed to say that City are a big club no less than six times. It was almost as if he was trying to convince himself that they are indeed a big club. No doubting Sven was just trying to buddy up to Blues who never stop telling us all what a big club City are and so it goes...
I actually wish Sven and Tord Grip well, the Swede was forced out of the England job by our gutter press, he did not deserve that. How long the Swede will rein at Eastlands remains to be seen, a lot will depend on what money the new management team will be given to spend and of course there's still the business of 'Frank' Shinawatra's outstanding court date, which could, worst case, be catastrophic for both the former Thai Prime Minster and the Blues.
In terms of management style, Sven is the exact opposite of Stuart Pearce, the former City manager spent most of his time jumping up and down on the touchline often remonstrating with his own players or the officials. The most action City fans are likely to see from Sven is the odd shrug of the shoulder, and during moments of high drama on the pitch the Swede has been known to perform the odd buttock shuffle on the bench, but to all and intensive purposes City fans wont actually be aware that he's there.
No doubting many a City fan will be already dreaming of a European spot finish at the seasons end for the Blues. The fact is that so far they haven't signed anyone yet this summer and like Sunderland they'd better get busy or face the prospect of what will be a very difficult season.
Friday, July 06, 2007
Tevez to become United's missing link?
So then after much speculation it seems that Carlos Tevez is indeed set to become a United a player, albeit on loan for a couple of seasons. The transfer once completed will go down as one of the most complicated that I can recall concerning a United player, but it will by no means unique as Javier Mascherano has a similar deal at Liverpool.
Under the terms of the deal, the Red Devils will hold the players registration while his agent will retain the ecomonic rights to Tevez. In other words a third party will still effectively own the player, this it transpires is not against Premier League rules. What is against the rules is something called "side agreements" which in translation means that a third party could in theory hold some influence over the said club. It is, as I say, a very complicated business and it's one that I'm personally not that comfortable with going forward. Imagine a scenario whereby some third party owned five Man United players and five Man City players, it doesn't take Einstein to see the potential dangers of match fixing.
However, now is not the time to be pessimistic, Reds will no doubt be excited about the forthcoming season, and rightly so, as matters on the pitch are looking very optimistic indeed with the capture of three young world class players, add in the mouth-watering prospect of Tevez arriving and it will surely represent one of Ferguson's best ever summers on the transfer front.
So what about Tevez the player, just what is he likely to bring to the table and how well will he fit in at United? For starters, he's got one season under his belt in the Premier League, which is great, he isn't unproven. Whenever I saw the Hammers play last season he was their star man. He is also a former Brazilian footballer of the year - given that he's an Argentine, that speaks volumes in itself.
Personally I think that Rooney and Tevez could terrorise defenses next season, both on the domestic and European stage. True neither is an out and out centre forward and both are classed as second strikers. But in their favour, both are extremely hard working and make themselves hard to mark, unlike many traditional centre forwards who lack movement, Tevez and Rooney drift across the forward line. Even Van Nistelrooy, despite his many goals, became quite predictable and easy to mark during his final months in the United shirt.
For me the Rooney and Tevez partnership could be explosive and it could go down as one of the most successful in the clubs history - providing that they click, they will be for me the deadly gruesome twosome.
Under the terms of the deal, the Red Devils will hold the players registration while his agent will retain the ecomonic rights to Tevez. In other words a third party will still effectively own the player, this it transpires is not against Premier League rules. What is against the rules is something called "side agreements" which in translation means that a third party could in theory hold some influence over the said club. It is, as I say, a very complicated business and it's one that I'm personally not that comfortable with going forward. Imagine a scenario whereby some third party owned five Man United players and five Man City players, it doesn't take Einstein to see the potential dangers of match fixing.
However, now is not the time to be pessimistic, Reds will no doubt be excited about the forthcoming season, and rightly so, as matters on the pitch are looking very optimistic indeed with the capture of three young world class players, add in the mouth-watering prospect of Tevez arriving and it will surely represent one of Ferguson's best ever summers on the transfer front.
So what about Tevez the player, just what is he likely to bring to the table and how well will he fit in at United? For starters, he's got one season under his belt in the Premier League, which is great, he isn't unproven. Whenever I saw the Hammers play last season he was their star man. He is also a former Brazilian footballer of the year - given that he's an Argentine, that speaks volumes in itself.
Personally I think that Rooney and Tevez could terrorise defenses next season, both on the domestic and European stage. True neither is an out and out centre forward and both are classed as second strikers. But in their favour, both are extremely hard working and make themselves hard to mark, unlike many traditional centre forwards who lack movement, Tevez and Rooney drift across the forward line. Even Van Nistelrooy, despite his many goals, became quite predictable and easy to mark during his final months in the United shirt.
For me the Rooney and Tevez partnership could be explosive and it could go down as one of the most successful in the clubs history - providing that they click, they will be for me the deadly gruesome twosome.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Tevez to United talk hots up as more controversy looms
The ongoing on saga of Sheffield United's battle with West Ham and the Premier League surrounding the row over Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez could well end up costing Manchester United, because the latest news is that the Red Devils have been in talks about signing Tevez, possibly on loan as I have been saying for some time on this blog.
However, the Blades who have been relegated have announced that they've been given a high court date of July 13th to challenge last weeks ruling which backed up the Premier League who fined the Hammers £5m over the deal surrounding ownership of the two Argentines.
Further to this media reports claim that the Red Devils might not be allowed to sign Tevez until ownership of the player has been completely resolved.
The Hammers claim that they own the registration of Tevez after the league accepted in April that the club had terminated all agreements with MSI and the player's agent Kia Joorabchian, but the latter point hasn't been clarified, there has even been talk that Joorabchian could go to court himself on behalf of the Blades.
The Premier League are apparently insisting that any fee for Tevez must go to West Ham. It would appear that the way around this would be for Manchester United to strike a similar deal to that of Mascherano who has signed for Liverpool, but as I understand it this is only a loan deal, so surely United could do likewise?
However, the Blades who have been relegated have announced that they've been given a high court date of July 13th to challenge last weeks ruling which backed up the Premier League who fined the Hammers £5m over the deal surrounding ownership of the two Argentines.
Further to this media reports claim that the Red Devils might not be allowed to sign Tevez until ownership of the player has been completely resolved.
The Hammers claim that they own the registration of Tevez after the league accepted in April that the club had terminated all agreements with MSI and the player's agent Kia Joorabchian, but the latter point hasn't been clarified, there has even been talk that Joorabchian could go to court himself on behalf of the Blades.
The Premier League are apparently insisting that any fee for Tevez must go to West Ham. It would appear that the way around this would be for Manchester United to strike a similar deal to that of Mascherano who has signed for Liverpool, but as I understand it this is only a loan deal, so surely United could do likewise?
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Heinze to sign for Real Madrid?
Reports claim that fans favourite Gabriel Heinze will sign for Real Madrid once the Copa America is over. According those in the know, the Argentinean has become unsettled since the arrival of Patrice Evra. Liverpool are said to be interested but it's being reported that United are understandably 'uncomfortable' about the prospect of a star player signing for our big North West rivals. The last player to transfer directly from United to Liverpool was Phil Chisnall who moved to Anfield in 1964 after helping the Reds to win the FA Cup in 1963.
If Heinze does leave it is expected that the club will receive around £6m.
Kieran Richardson is once again in the news, the United and England bench warmer is being linked to Sunderland along with team-mate Alan Smith.
If Heinze does leave it is expected that the club will receive around £6m.
Kieran Richardson is once again in the news, the United and England bench warmer is being linked to Sunderland along with team-mate Alan Smith.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Richardson to Everton talk as rivals show their muscle in transfer market..
It looks increasingly likely that rivals Liverpool will capture Spanish scouse fan Fernando Torres. Many United fans wouldn't have been too keen on him signing for the Red Devils given the amount of brown-nosing he's been doing regarding his impending move to the 'Merseyside Reds'.
Personally, I believe that Liverpool still lack width and until they resovle that situation then I think / hope that United will continue to edge them out, but I fully expect a stronger challenge from them this season.
Arsenal have also moved to replace Thierry Henry and how typical that Wenger has made an £8m profit on the deal that sees prolific goal scorer Eduardo da Silva, 24, switching from Dinamo Zagreb. The jury will be out on the former Brazilian, but if his goals per game record is anything to go by, Arsenal fans wont be carping for much longer.
Chelsea's injury problems continue with the news that Ballack will have to undergo another ankle operation. Jose will be most unhappy about this news, the Blues were none too pleased with the German's end of season antics, this latest setback wont help relations.
There's also reports claiming that Robben could yet be sold. If that happens the talk is it's likely Lyon's Florent Malouda will be signed as a replacement as well as Royston Drenthe from Feyenoord who looks like a real star in the making. Geremi has today moved back to the North East, this time to play for Newcastle - where he's perhaps best suited, because frankly he has never looked like a Chelsea player.
As for Roy Keane's Sunderland, as I posted a few days ago, the former United skipper is finding out now how tough this coming season is going to be in terms of the size of the challenge. So far Keane has been unable to attract any decent strikers - the word is the Irishman is keen on signing players with Premier League experience. Defoe doesn't reportedly fancy it nor it seems does Preston's Nugent. Keane may well now be forced to look abroad. However Sunderland are being linked to Alan Smith of United who continues to be the subject of speculation along with teammate Kieran Richardson who is being linked to Everton. If the Black Cats do not get busy soon and sign some genuine quality they will become one of the bookies favourites for relegation next season. It is time to get busy...
And what about happless Man City and this controversial takeover? Contrary to some, Britain does indeed have an extradition treaty with Thailand and has done since 1911. The only thing which may stop 'Frank' Shinawatra from being sent for trial in his own country is the fact that the current regime is a Military Junta. But with every passing day it looks increasingly likely that the former Thai prime minister will face charges of corruption when he's finally dragged back to his homeland. The Thai government were not aware that their former PM had any sizeable assets overseas and they would like to know where this money has come from. There is talk of money laundering...Will the Thai goverment eventually own City at some point in the future? Surely not, so we cannot rule out another firesale.
As far as City's new manager in waiting is concerned. Apparently Sveng is talking about recreating 'team England', which translates to capturing 'the coathanger' AKA Peter Crouch, from talking to a few Blues they were hoping for a 'bigger name' - but they would, wouldn't they? All in all, it looks like City will continue to keep us amused for a good while yet.
Personally, I believe that Liverpool still lack width and until they resovle that situation then I think / hope that United will continue to edge them out, but I fully expect a stronger challenge from them this season.
Arsenal have also moved to replace Thierry Henry and how typical that Wenger has made an £8m profit on the deal that sees prolific goal scorer Eduardo da Silva, 24, switching from Dinamo Zagreb. The jury will be out on the former Brazilian, but if his goals per game record is anything to go by, Arsenal fans wont be carping for much longer.
Chelsea's injury problems continue with the news that Ballack will have to undergo another ankle operation. Jose will be most unhappy about this news, the Blues were none too pleased with the German's end of season antics, this latest setback wont help relations.
There's also reports claiming that Robben could yet be sold. If that happens the talk is it's likely Lyon's Florent Malouda will be signed as a replacement as well as Royston Drenthe from Feyenoord who looks like a real star in the making. Geremi has today moved back to the North East, this time to play for Newcastle - where he's perhaps best suited, because frankly he has never looked like a Chelsea player.
As for Roy Keane's Sunderland, as I posted a few days ago, the former United skipper is finding out now how tough this coming season is going to be in terms of the size of the challenge. So far Keane has been unable to attract any decent strikers - the word is the Irishman is keen on signing players with Premier League experience. Defoe doesn't reportedly fancy it nor it seems does Preston's Nugent. Keane may well now be forced to look abroad. However Sunderland are being linked to Alan Smith of United who continues to be the subject of speculation along with teammate Kieran Richardson who is being linked to Everton. If the Black Cats do not get busy soon and sign some genuine quality they will become one of the bookies favourites for relegation next season. It is time to get busy...
And what about happless Man City and this controversial takeover? Contrary to some, Britain does indeed have an extradition treaty with Thailand and has done since 1911. The only thing which may stop 'Frank' Shinawatra from being sent for trial in his own country is the fact that the current regime is a Military Junta. But with every passing day it looks increasingly likely that the former Thai prime minister will face charges of corruption when he's finally dragged back to his homeland. The Thai government were not aware that their former PM had any sizeable assets overseas and they would like to know where this money has come from. There is talk of money laundering...Will the Thai goverment eventually own City at some point in the future? Surely not, so we cannot rule out another firesale.
As far as City's new manager in waiting is concerned. Apparently Sveng is talking about recreating 'team England', which translates to capturing 'the coathanger' AKA Peter Crouch, from talking to a few Blues they were hoping for a 'bigger name' - but they would, wouldn't they? All in all, it looks like City will continue to keep us amused for a good while yet.
Monday, July 02, 2007
United wrap up three signings in one day...
Following on from the news that Owen Hargreaves completed his big money move to United over the weekend comes the news that the Reds have completed the triple signing of Nani, Anderson and Tomasz Kuszczak who was on loan last season from WBA.
Nani and Anderson have penned five year deals and so the future is looking bright on the playing front. The Red Devils just need to find a new striker now and that particular saga looks set to run a while longer as United have yet to reveal their hand on who they are trying to sign. My gut feeling is Tevez.
Nani and Anderson have penned five year deals and so the future is looking bright on the playing front. The Red Devils just need to find a new striker now and that particular saga looks set to run a while longer as United have yet to reveal their hand on who they are trying to sign. My gut feeling is Tevez.
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Hargreaves completes United transfer...
More good news to report on the transfer front because as expected Owen Hargreaves has completed his protracted move from Bayern Munich to the Red Devils. United will now hopefully finalise the Nani and Anderson deals as well as tie up a new striker in the remaining weeks of the summer transfer window.
Full story
Full story
Arsenal and United battling it out over Tevez?
Media reports claim that Arsenal have emerged as the only serious bidder for the signature of Carlos Tevez. The Gunners are also reportedly in the hunt to capture Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o, a move which seems destined to almost certain failure.
With Arsenal having sold Henry to Barca, the Gooners will be hoping that Wenger comes up with a big name signing and Tevez comes into that category. The fee could prove to be a stumbling block for Manchester United. From the Gunners perspective, with Wenger's ability to balance the books a fee of £20m for Tevez which is being bandied around today would be within the Arsenal manager's scope.
As things stand Wenger has acquired Lukasz Fabianski for just £2m, he sold Henry for £16.1m and Jeremie Aliadiere to Middlesbrough, £2m, as ever, it seems the Frenchman is on target to once again be prudent in the transfer market even allowing for the possible capture of Tevez if indeed that move comes off.
Personally, I'm not 100% convinced that Wenger is indeed looking to sign the Argentine, he might go for Huntelaar instead.
With Arsenal having sold Henry to Barca, the Gooners will be hoping that Wenger comes up with a big name signing and Tevez comes into that category. The fee could prove to be a stumbling block for Manchester United. From the Gunners perspective, with Wenger's ability to balance the books a fee of £20m for Tevez which is being bandied around today would be within the Arsenal manager's scope.
As things stand Wenger has acquired Lukasz Fabianski for just £2m, he sold Henry for £16.1m and Jeremie Aliadiere to Middlesbrough, £2m, as ever, it seems the Frenchman is on target to once again be prudent in the transfer market even allowing for the possible capture of Tevez if indeed that move comes off.
Personally, I'm not 100% convinced that Wenger is indeed looking to sign the Argentine, he might go for Huntelaar instead.
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