Who Is Aaron Ramsey?

In approaching Aaron Ramsey, United have stuck to their tradition in trying to secure talent young and turn potential in to real ability and talent.

“Manchester United is delighted to announce it has agreed terms with Cardiff City for the transfer of Aaron Ramsey subject to contract terms being agreed and the player passing a medical,” read the official statement on our website.

The Welsh teenager has also grabbed the attention of rivals Liverpool and Arsenal, who have yet to have any agreement with the club.

A whole host of Premiership clubs have been keen to secure the 17-year-old’s signature, with United the closest at the moment, despite a bid from Everton today.

Following his impressive performance against Boro in this year’s FA Cup semi-final, Sir Alex Ferguson gave the lad’s boss, Dave Jones, a bell, enquiring about his availability.

“Sir Alex Ferguson did make a telephone call to our manager, but that is the only contact of any sort,” said the chairman. “It was no more than a call to ask what the youngster is like. We know, of course, there is strong interest in Aaron among a number of Premiership clubs.”

Now we’ve made our interest more concrete, it’s time to look at who this lad is and decide whether he’s worth the £4.5 million we’re offering.

Full name: Aaron James Ramsey
Position: Midfielder
Born: 26 December 1990
Place of birth: Caerphilly, Wales
Cardiff career stats: League 11(5) apps, 1 goal
FA Cup: 3(2) apps, 1 goal
League Cup: 0(1) apps
International: Youngest player ever to play for Wales Under-21s.

The Welsh Under-21 coach, Brian Flynn, had nothing but praise for the youngster. “We have a cracking player in Aaron, no doubt about it,” he said. “Nothing he does surprises me. I have worked with him for two years now and I know the quality he has.”

Following the victory of Middlesbrough in the Cup, the papers were filled with positive reviews over the young Welshman.

Sky Sports: “Dave Jones’ men fully deserved their place at Wembley with impressive performances from 17-year-old Aaron Ramsey and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink leading from the front.”
The Sun: “There were Cardiff heroes all over the pitch. Stephen McPhail, Aaron Ramsey and Glen Loovens were the pick of an outstanding bunch.”
The Mirror: “Midfielders Steve McPhail and Aaron Ramsey were outstanding.”

His appearance for Cardiff in the FA Cup final, coming on for the final half hour, puts him as the second youngest player to feature in such a game. The Times gave a glowing report of this potential red. “Against Portsmouth, he made an impact as soon as he came on. No 30 on his back, he first occupied the right wing, but it was soon clear that his appetite for the conflict was such that he had no intention of being isolated there. In no time at all, he was moving into the middle, eager for the ball, never hurried or intimidated when he got it. By the same token, he never made a common mistake of youth by selfishly hanging onto it. When he had beaten an opponent, or more than one, he was looking to lay off the ball to a better placed colleague…As Portsmouth tired in the closing stages, his presence seemed to inspire a Cardiff revival which came measurably close to forcing a draw. We shall watch his progress with enormous interest. Meanwhile Wales themselves have surely found the best young prospect they have had for many years.”

He certainly has got the country talking and whilst I’m happy to admit I haven’t been a keen watcher of Cardiff City, if he’s all people claim he is, then I’d be happy to see him secure a deal with United.

The problem now is, if Arsenal and Liverpool match our bid, whether he will pick United. In our favour, our history, our recent successes in England and Europe, as well as our well known ability of turning potential greats in to World class talents. Ramsey only needs to look at the development Ronaldo has made in his 5 years at the club since joining us as a teenager to see what could be in store for him.

However, whatever Arsenal and Liverpool might be able to offer the player, we have one thing they never will. Ryan Giggs.

“Ryan is my all-time Welsh hero,” Ramsey said last year. “He has played at the highest level for Manchester United and in all the major tournaments. He has always been a good ambassador for Welsh football. When he captained Wales his flair and pace was magic to watch.”

The chance of playing with his all-time hero could be all that is needed to convince the player to pick us.

Do you want to see us sign Ramsey?