Been watching this story play out since yesterday – and here’s what we’ve got so far:
Wednesday afternoon (8 Nov), Washington Post reports that Freddy Adu is being lined up for a 2 week trial with Manchester United. UK media houses pick up the stories and run with it.
Thursday morning (9 Nov), Manchester United categorically deny the link, referring to statements United had made last year about not being interested in him. The Guardian covered this denial.
Thursday afternoon (9 Nov), The Sun and Sky Sports report that Manchester United have actually confirmed that the trial will be taking place – indeed, Sky Sports ran the following subhead:
Manchester United have confirmed to Sky Sports News that American teenager Freddy Adu will link up with the club for a two-week trial.
Mainstream media is biased, yes, but they do get this type of news right so I’ll believe them.
What’s more interesting (and makes me believe the media on this topic) is that Manchester United ran a story Thursday morning titled “Reds rule out Adu…” – this story is in the Top 5 stories (in the last 24 hours) for NewsNow’s Manchester United feed – but when I checked it out right now, the page was blank.
Basically, the club put out a denial, then retracted it. U-turn indeed.
Quotes from the original Washington Post story:
Freddy Adu has been granted permission by D.C. United and MLS to join renowned English club Manchester United for two weeks of offseason training beginning Nov. 18, the first step in what might lead to a permanent move to Europe next year.
“I still don’t know the details, but if it happens, it will be exciting,” Adu said yesterday.
“This is something Freddy has wanted to do and we completely support him,” United technical director Dave Kasper said of the two-week stay. “It will be a good experience for him.”
Sources said the workout was arranged by Adu’s representatives at Wasserman Media Group. Dan Segal, who works in the agency’s Bethesda office, declined to comment.
Adu, a forward and midfielder, would participate in regular practices and attend some team functions but not play in any official matches.
“We have a good relationship with Manchester United and the opportunity for Freddy to train there made sense for D.C. United, Freddy and the league,” MLS deputy commissioner Ivan Gazidis said.
Freddy Adu – how good is he?
He scored his first professional goal when he was 14, and we’ve been hearing rave reviews about him since April 2004 when he started playing in the MLS.
But is he really any good?
That’s what the trial will find out – I have little doubt hat if United are really going to trial this kid and if this kid is really any good, we’re not going to give him up to Chelsea or Arsenal.
If Ferguson thinks he’s good – if he has the pace and balance and finishing that we really, really need (keeping in mind that he’s still under 18), then we’ve got a star in the making.
You can watch two of his videos below.
Freddy Adu Videos
Granted, he’s playing in a shit league, he’s only 16 and he’s bloody over-rated, but damn this kid looks good.
Freddy Adu 1
Freddy Adu 2
Want more? Find him on YouTube.
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