Alright then, down to what this blog is supposed to be all about — giving you front-row coverage of what’s going down with the best club in the world.
Coming In
Manchester United are set to splash some cash this summer on young and talented midfielders, and it seems that the first rejection has already set in. Steve Reid has said that he would be staying at Blackburn, with reports of interest from Old Trafford and an estimated price tag of 6 mil put on him. I wonder why the man’s on the list to begin with — While Diarra might prove to be out of reach financially, English midfielders such as Carrick and Nolan are far better options for shoring up our midfield — Nolan with his attacking talents and Carrick with his passing would both make excellent acquisitions to the team.
There are two big problems to that — one is captain, and the other is their star midfielder — and in both cases, they would cost a lot to bring in. And with Nolan being the Bolton captain and Jol’s revolution at Tottenham in full flow, neither would want to leave so easily (although playing for United could be the carrot that makes them jump).
I’d love to see these two at Old Trafford — smashing young players with excellent temperament and an ability to control the game from midfield — something Manchester United has lacked this season. We’ve been much more comfortable going down the wings, and midfield has become a means to keep out the other team and to kick the ball to Ronaldo and co.
With all due respect to Alan Smith and Paul Scholes, Manchester United needs two star players in the midfield, and they need them fast.
Going Out
Silvestre is everyone’s favorite to be ditched, especially with Heinze, Evra and Richardson vying for the left back berth. However, with only three quality centre backs (Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic — I’d consider John O’Shea as a Phil Neville, not a centre back), Silvestre might have a case for staying. Still, the new buys will require some selling, and Silvestre is the main bet.
People have been talking about Nistelrooy leaving, but I don’t see that happening this year. Next year? Probably, when he gets old and Rossi is brought into the first team. For now, barring a 40-plus golden season from Saha, Ferguson knows he needs his star forward next year.
Speaking of Rossi, the man looks to be heading out in a loan move next season, but that will depend on whether Nistelrooy stays or goes.
Fletcher is another one said to get dropped, and if Ferguson brings in two new midfield recruits then Fletcher might very well go. He was supposed to be a player in Keane’s mold, but the man has not developed as expected. I want him to stay, but only if the man does anything good. Otherwise, let O’Shea take over.
The rumor mill should really start grinding once the season ends, but right now our most important concern is beating Chelsea at Stamford Bridge tomorrow…well we can hope at least 🙂
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