Imagine Real Madrid had been spent up this summer, after breaking the world record transfer fee twice within a few weeks, Karim Benzema would likely be a Manchester United player now. He would have cost us £35m and at 21-years-old he has room for improvement. However, like RoM mentioned at the time, we would just be a pit stop for the ambitious forward. He’d probably be happy at United but it would only be a matter of time before he got itchy feet. One season, two seasons, three seasons…? He was always going to leave us for Real Madrid.
The fans’ reaction to our little business in the transfer market is as if the £80m is burning a hole in their pocket, not Sir Alex’s!
If we go back a year in time, to the final day of the transfer window, the shit hit the fan. Fergie was trying to call Daniel Levy’s bluff on Dimitar Berbatov when Manchester City suddenly became The Richest Club In The World (TM) and were trying to tempt Dimi with a move to Wastelands. City were dropping bids all over Europe for the best players around and the only one interested was Robinho, who was desperate to get away from Real Madrid, and who wasn’t entirely sure who he was signing for.
Spurs accepted a bid from City which gave Berbatov the excuse to fly up to Manchester but there was only one club up here he dreamed of playing for.
“If I want to play for the money, I would accept the Manchester City offer or Chelsea,” Berbatov said after signing for us.“The red shirt is the really big thing for me. I want to play for the biggest club in the world.”
That is the kind of player we want at Manchester United. For signings like Berbatov, Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra and Wayne Rooney, this is as good as it gets. Playing for United is the pinnacle of their career and if we’re going to spend obscene amounts of money on anyone, it needs to be on people who share this attitude.
Not every player we sign has to love United, that’s not my expectation, but if we’re going to be coming close to breaking British transfer records, we need to make sure that money is going on players who sees themselves here for a long time and who are grateful to wear our shirt.
With the market going crazy this summer we would have to pay over the odds on a superstar anyway. But to pay over the odds on a player who saw themselves at Real Madrid or Barcelona in a few years time would be mad.
The Glazers’ spokesperson, Tehsin Nayani, has spoken out on the club’s decision not to spend Cristiano Ronaldo’s transfer money this summer.
“The delay is because the manager has not been able to locate the players that he believes fit into the Manchester United mindset, ones that are motivated to play for United,” said Nayani. “You don’t want mercenaries, to pay over the odds for players not willing to give their all for the club.”
I think the club have a healthy stance on spending at the moment and whilst some will claim the lack of spending is down to the debt, it is common sense for us to wait to splash out. So, let’s work on being a little more patient!
Man Utd News 24/7
Absolutely spot on Scott just wish some of the muppets who phone MUTV and go on various blogs would see the same. We now have a great balanced squad with everyone WANTING to play for United. I think we may even surprise ourselves next season and can envisage great things from the lads. The team spirit in the camp looks second to none.
First ever post on the best site on the net!the comments are classic-especially wen deluded City fans come here. Rumours this morning that Young is next 4 wastelands. Chelski are going 2 join the fray no doubt,and might just prompt SAF 2 react again aftr Diouf signing.does this now mean we wil be dictated by the scum around us everytime to buy
Scott, fantastic writing yet again.
Even if some of the money is used to pay off some debt, it is a good thing for the club. As long as half the money is left for January and next summer, I’m happy.
manutdchampions2008,this article was written specially for you!
Brilliant article,as always,Scott!
CITEH’S GOING DOWN WITH A TRILLION IN THE BANK
This is going to be a good season, can feel it in my bones.
Got the likes of Rooney and Berba who are going to claim centre stage, come out of Winkers shadow, and some good youth coming through. Players like Nani are going to have to show what they can do, but if he does have the talent, now is the time to grasp the nettle.
Good to now we have a few quid in reserve too.
Happy days.
An eminently sensible decision and a well-written post…..hopefully it will help to calm down some of the fans who have been clamouring for SAF to splash out on Huntelaar or Aguero or summat..
We can use the extra cash to repay the debt now when interest rates are at their highest all around the world, or invest it in some short term liquid assets which can be redeemed by the time January comes along when player prices will be (hopefully) slightly more sensible….
However with the world cup looming next year, we have to be quick on our deals and finish off any major business early next season as prices will again skyrocket especially if the player in question has even a half-decent world cup!!
Morning guys. I have been one of the most persistent fans when it comes to wondering what happened with Ronaldo’s transfer fee. I am glad to hear Nayani’s statement and i hope it’s the truth. If SAF does have the money at his disposal, he has to be very careful about spending it.
@costas
good morning
u seem to be very worried about the transfer fee availability.but mate,dont you think SAF is strong enough to publically state that he does not have the funds(if that was the case).The Glazers have backed SAF.Look at the money we spent 2 seasons back in hargo,ando,nani and loan deal for cuntevez.they did not hesitate to give 30mn for berba.Be positive mate,SAF has the funds but no worthy players to spend it on.
Welcome,Enzo,and NO,OUR SIGNINGS WILL NOT BE DICTATED BY THE OTHER TEAMS!(That’s not screaming,that’s emphasising
)As Nayani said,we only want players who want to play for us,like Valencia and Owen.No need for any mercenaries.
Who is around to spend it on who will also improve what we have???
There is this clamour for Hutlear, never seen him play but has impresive record. BUt why are non of the big clubs in for him??? and at that price, would seem a bargain. Makes me think of Kezmen, scored a shitload in holland (i think), but did nack all at the rentboys.
To answer my own question, Iniesta (spelling) from Barca, and Mesi.
On the subject of transfers-does anyone else think we have a pre-agreement in place 4 Sanchez. year and half ago we bid(9-11m)while he was at River Plate; 2 low, then fastfoward this season SAF(sorry no links) that alexis had qualities 2 become as HUGE as CR7(r.i.p)/CR9.then we hear his agent war in the country talking 2 clubs-next thing all is quiet. My guess Doug Costa n Alexis Sanchez next aftr Asia tour. Another mad rumour on various forums-Essien 2 Utd..anyone heard that one?A. Sanchez has stated that he Dreams of playing 4 United(anyone else remember Ronaldinho’s ‘i had a Dream’ speech of him wearing Red..hmm)Essien rumour is ludicrous but we know he has a thing 4 Utd-maybe delusional but would love 2 see the shoe on the othr foot with a player ‘dreaming’ only of United and begging 4 a move. I say sign that mercenery now!
Morning,Costa.
@AIG: I hope that is the case. I am not denying that there arent’ many good players available at the moment. Maybe Benzema, but that thing was getting out of hand as soon as Real got their noses in it. My concerns about the availability of the funds are not about this summer, but for the upcoming years. And as i said, i am glad a reassuring statement has been made.
Morning Boogeyman
spot on!
Wonderful article. Been trying to mention to other impatient and paranoid United fans of these but they still fear and mad about the low spending transfer.
Maradona to Pompey? http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_5449180,00.html
What’s with the Argies? They have zero loyalty or humility – Heinze, Tevez, Macherano, Maradona! So quick to jump ship.
The exception seems to be Seba; a decent skin, he didn’t fit into the team but tried to stay positive – nice to see him doing well back home.
Have to say I agree 150% with this article.. great stuff..
We have a strong squad but unless hargreaves is fit we are lacking a top class holding midfielder. Also I have doubts about nani and young tosic being able to play a full season on that left wing.
We should buy a left winger and a holding midfielder in my humble opinion.
And young is a fine winger who would do a cracking jon for untd
Enzo, that is interesting. I can’t see Essien joining but I would take him without thinking.
I think if there is a pre-agreement it will be for Douglas Costa. Maybe he could join us in 2 weeks or in January. Sanchez could be a possibilty, like you said we have bid before and Fergie is an admirer, he looks class on YouTube but that doesn’t tell the whole story, he does look like he’s got something extra special about him.
My prediction for tomorow. 5-1 to United. Rooney scores 2, Park, Owen, Berbatov. Berbs to be involved with every goal.
Can’t waith to see Valencia in action.. Will he play in Germany?
I think he will Tony Starks. He had problem with his permit and couldn’t travel outside Europe. Or something like that.
does valencia take free kicks?
@MUFC The Religion
As much as i’d love the same am humbled everytime by the financial sense shown at United. Even if we had been taken ova by sum mega rich Arab with a oil well to his name-with SAF and co it would still be business as usual. In the longrun fifa and that diot Slapper Blatent will wait til TheVirus mkII is complete, Salary cap a.k.a ‘ContainEnglishClubs’ will be effected plus 6+5 rule. Our history and approach bodes well regardless as Scott’s article shows-we wont be held 2 ransom. All the noise esp on the shyt 606 site 2 ‘sign him up fergie’ is garbage.no one shud come 2 OT thinkin they will b the new dog’s eggs-not Aguero, Ribery/Benzema/delusionalNewZidaneRonaldoPeleMaradona…space(not fit 2 be near the greats..Tevez. Aguero especially wil do a number on us and run 2 Barca 2 play with his Messitress. Maybe daddy.in-law will allow him 2 play 4 pompey a la Tevez/WHU before joining a big 4 club- before moving 2 a BIGGER club-citah..oh well!
So excited by the kids coming through!
We need a solid base of players, and I am pleased we have enough youth and experience to get the job done.
how wonderful is it that i support manchester united
and not some screwed up tea
if united win nothing for 27 years and go down the crapper
ill still be proud to support a team that isnt a clusterfuck like so many more
For me the £80m should be split in two, half on the debt and half tucked away until the right signing comes along. Fergie wont spend unless it is for a player with the right atitude and quality to add to what we already have. I’m not fazed that he hasn’t spent it, and if Hargo returns as is hoped in September, then we will have some midfield to choose from. Great article by the way scott.
To be fair, Tevez did want to play for United, but we were off with him and now the shit has hit the fan with him. If Berbatov truly wanted to play for us, he would’ve signed for us when we first went in for him but he repaid Spurs loyalty instead, it’s obvious you’d choose United over City and Chelsea, quite simply, we’re better, i’m not having that he loves the club, same with Rio, he met with Chelsea and wanted a massive contract, he doesn’t love the club but since we’ve become successful, he’s shown more commitment, the same applies for alot of players. Evra is the one I love though, the stuff he’s done when he signed and shit, what a bloke.
Enzo – Essien would be great but Sir Alex is banking on Hargo getting fit. With regard to Sanchez I got excited two weeks ago. I happened to be looking at his Wikipedia page and it stated at the bottom ……”English club Manchester United have agreed a fee of £x to sign the player” Posted it on here, had a look two hours later and it had fucked off!
By the way welcome mate.
I said at the end of the season that I would be happy with the squad we have – Owen is a massive bonus for us (as long as he stays fit) and it looked like Hargo was never going to play again, so if he comes in September, it will be like a new signing for us, another bonus. I am still reserving my judgement on Valencia, but I have faith in the gaffer.
Whatever happens, I have complete faith in SAF, the fact of the matter is that if SAF did not get his way, he is not the kind of bloke to stick around at the club, and he would walk away quicker than you can say ‘Tevez is a cunt’
-King Eric
Thanx mate. Hargo will be immense. Wiki gets edited by muppets but then again Rodrigo P. was same on wiki a year b 4 news broke out we had signed him-same time we had Essien as 1st option, Mascherano as a cheaper one. Glad we eventually got TheBest DM in the world!i’ll donate a knee 4 half a season!
-Ghtt
Spot on mate. Was sumwat glad after the Beckham years wen the plastic fans joined up 2 form the new Chelsea fanbase and now after TheSmoothCriminal has gone more plastic 2 shore up the oilleak at Wastelands!
Insightful article. Well written as usual.
I seriously think that the people from their country are way too less of a loyalty. If he were to coach Portsmouth then tevez might want to join his hero?? Aguero might not be the one for United as well.
Ha! Funny if Tevez got sold to Pompey.. That would make my day
Fergieisgod I agree with you use all the money to pay off the debt ( less intrest so less money has to be paid off ) fergie tracks players for years before he buys them check so he will no who his targets are n will be in the future so as long as the club makes he money available when sir alex needs it why not pay off the debts
Wrote that on my iPhone sorry for spellin
has predictive text on it
http://www.newsnow.co.uk/A/359783508?-11193
Now thats wat i like to see players hungry to play for united. ps thats me of now helping my mate move house.
If Hargreaves can return to full fitness, the only player who could improve us at the moment is Messi, but that is not happening. We are good enough to win everything if everyone is fit and fighting.
Actually Hargo could make us the easily the best team in the world, head and shoulders above Barca (real are a circus).
Take your mind back to 09 EC Final.
We lost the battle in the mid field, a mid field which lacked it’s usually ruggedness (Fletcher) and also a proper frontline to supply the ball to (which is of course Carrick and Ando’s strength) with Rooney on the left and Ron in the middle, and god knows who the fuck was playing right!
Now, we are better off in the mid field if Hargo returns, and while Ronnie’s departure COULD and i reiterate COULD have lessened our pace in attack/counter attack, I think a nice combination of Valencia and Rooney could easily do what Ronaldo did for us. Add an improved to unrecognisable Nani to the team, and a more confident Berba I think we are in business for number 4. (I am the firm supporter of the bill in the house of commons that the PL should be rename Manchester United Cup, and all the league games be turned into exhibition matches. At least it would restore some respectability to the other clubs)
Totally agree!
Speaking of mercenaries, Gill stated that Tevez’s decision to snub United in favour of a move to City was financially motivated. He also said that Tevez had no understanding of what being part of a squad was about. Superb!
they’re all fascists!!!
First of all i can’t really understand why people think that buying a replacement might suit our game??Even if we buy a player,u think we would buy benzema or aguero or ribery my fill in the boost for Ronaldo??Like i say last season,if we sold ronaldo the oni guy that can fill that boost would oni be Messi…And this is why SAF does not want to spend the money yet,he has to analys the situation..And whats we people saying we will the league??we havent really see wat we can do againts a standard team.ITS NOT ABOUT SPENDING but like i said on this site before SAF to start thinkering his formation and start gelling or moulding the team with those tactic..Even thou i hate to admit it,United may have played the best football for the last 3 season(not the previous season that finish)..Because there is no GOD DAMN way that rooney replicate that tactical part in his game,which is why i think united will played the traditional fromation(boring)4-4-2…
gr8 article man. yeah thers no point in signing those players who wants to play for money.
theres a big truth those players who join either man utd ,barca and even i will say arsenal bcose they love football but those who join real,city and chelsea love monnneyy.
i think fergi would and should eventually sign douglas costa.
even if u look as a nuetral supporter u have to accept that uniteds squad is the strongesteven without ronaldo.