Jun 08
Euro 2008 and Unsubstantiated Transfer Rumours
Since a lot of readers have requested more focus on the Euros I’ll add a few lines of comment on the ongoing championships myself. However, thanks to the tournament clashing with my work timings, I wouldn’t be able to comment on a large chunk of the group stages. That shouldn’t stop you from adding your thoughts on the tournament, so feel free.
I’ll make sure that there is always a Manchester United slant in the coverage of the Euros — whether it is about our players’ involvement or about possible transfer targets.
Yesterday saw Czech Republic take on and beat hosts Switzerland [although fortuitously, one would say]. I really wasn’t too impressed with the quality of footy on offer and went to sleep midway. The Portugal-Turkey game, on the other hand was better. However it was a little uneasy to watch and I was really conflicted. Ronaldo was certainly the pick of the lot in the first half and with some luck he might have scored off a free kick. He was involved in the first goal, although credit must be given to Pepe and Nuno Gomes for a beautiful one-two. The second goal however, was straight off the Manchester United copybook; Ronaldo breaks free on the left, supplies Moutinho who lays the ball to Raul to slot it home.
Portugal seem heavily reliant on Ronaldo to provide the spark, but if Deco steps up his game they will certainly go up a notch.
The rest of this post will concentrate on reports made out of wet dreams of journalists.
First one is a Saha-Santa Cruz swap deal. Now this is plausible, but there aren’t many quotes to back it up. So we can only wait and hope to hear something concrete before commenting on this.
Sunday Mirror carries a story that is laughable at best. According to that, United will suspend Ronaldo without pay if he goes on strike. Predictably, “unnamed sources” have made some quotes. One word: bollocks, should sum it up nicely.
Neville says Ronaldo should stay. Ok, this is not rubbish, it’s true Neville said it, I think, for ITV. But we all say this too; we know United is the best club for Ronaldo. But there really is no point debating this now since we can’t expect much headway made till the Euro gets over.
Just when you thought he had become the forgotten man, he comes back to the news. The Times reports that United are interested in Dimitar Berbatov. But the lack of quotes or anything worth talking about in the article make it pointless really.
And the Fantasy League for Euro 2008 is going strong as yours’ truly is currently in third place. How are you lot doing? And if you haven’t joined then do join by clicking here and signing up [group code: 98380-18218] — it’s never too late.
Related items from Red Rants:- Roundup: Recycled, Unsubstantiated Trash Dominate United News
- Rooney’s Desire For England | Tevez’s Desire for Boca
- Veloso Rumours Won’t Go | Nani, Ronaldo Shine| Gerrard Continues To Be Media Darling
- Easter Island Head’s NYC Visit | Ronaldo Goes Top | Fergie’s Double/Treble Aim
- Quiet Monday Roundup
Tags: Daily Roundup
June 8th, 2008 at 10:42
Neville said he was healthy and ready for next season which is great news. On a bad note there is a real possibility we may lose Park during next season because of the Olympic games. Not sure how it will effect other players but definitely something to watch out for.
June 8th, 2008 at 10:58
A bit random, but anyone else seen Marek Hamsik play?
It’s sorta bound to happen though.
Definately would love for United to snap him up! I guess aso in line to groom as a replacement for “The Departed”
Apologies for bringin Him up again Red Ranter
June 8th, 2008 at 11:26
yea, i saw him on itv, and he said he’s not going, to be honest, im going to wait until the start of the season to see who or where he plays, you just dont know with this guy.
June 8th, 2008 at 11:31
DOS SANTOS MOVING TO SPURS where did that come from ??
June 8th, 2008 at 11:38
dude, did you just realise.
June 8th, 2008 at 11:50
Neville didnt just say Ronaldo should stay, he actually poured scorn on alot of the reports about Ronaldo and cast alot of doubt (adding to the already massive doubt on the validty) on the Brazilian Website story.
He said this thing happens all the time when players are on international duty as players generally and that players don’t generaly do interviews at this time as they are focusing on the tournament and are locked away in the nations training camp
June 8th, 2008 at 12:26
i am going for spain in the euro they have a class team this time could be there first
man utd should look at mario gomez he is young and is good in the air also can play upfront on his own
June 8th, 2008 at 12:46
United fans are trying, like other England fans to get enthusiastic about a championship tournament in which English Utd fans have no national interest. Most footie loving fans enjoy good football though, from whichever teams are playing it, so the more of this we see, the more enjoyable for some of us. With no English national interest, we obviously will be looking to the games where we have our club players involved, and feeling allegiance, wanting them to do well and stay in the competition. Well the majority of them anyway LOL. Each of us will no doubt latch onto a team to support during the tournament. I will be routing for Holland, because I would like EVS to get winners medal in his final appearances for his national team before retirement. I would love to see Edwin get the full set of medals this year, so come on Holland do the business for Edwin. So who will the rest of you be routing for then?.
The more the debate rages in the press about a certain player, the more doom and gloom and fighting arise, for or against supporting said player. This should have been a summer of basking, for all United fans to celebrate and brag about. Instead it is bringing the ridicule of other fans upon us at the time of a year of one of our greatest triumphs. So I would like to encourage anyone who cares to be encouraged, with this song United faithful made famous:-
Que Serra, Serra, WHATEVER WILL BE WILL BE, we’ve won premier and European cups,
Que serra, serra.
Que serra, serra, WHATEVER WILL BE WILL BE, United will always succeed,
Que serra, serra.
Que serra, serra, WHATEVER WILL BE WILL BE, just look at our history,
We overcome everything.
Que serra, serra, WHATEVER WILL BE WILL BE, United fans need not cry,
Man Utd NEVER DIE!
To all you Man Utd fans from other nations, and especially those who have their national teams competing in the tournament, ENJOY, and may your teams do you proud.
June 8th, 2008 at 12:49
Santa Cruz is good as a 4th striker… Get villa or Huntelaar.. But i guess thats all after the Euros… Im an Argentina fan.. So for the Euros id go with the Spanish and Czech teams… Only coz im a fan of Villa and Nedved(even though nedved doesnt play anymore)
June 8th, 2008 at 14:08
im undecided-ronaldo
link.
strange, its coming out of marca, the paper that always has the ronaldo quotes saying he’s leaving and is run by real crap, a day after we report them, Hmmm.
June 8th, 2008 at 14:16
The Portuguese defense looks solid even though they weren’t tested much yesterday.
just 8 points in the fantasy league. Had only Cech who played yesterday. So hoping for better dividends in the coming days.
June 8th, 2008 at 14:29
anyone can shed some light on y initially it was reported that Ronaldo is the Portugese’s captain for this Euro, and yet, the one with the armband yest was Gomes? was it Big Phil’s punishment of Ronaldo for all the circus or was it something else? i remembered Ronaldo captained the side for quite a number of games before this and suddenly Gomes is the skipper?
June 8th, 2008 at 14:30
AIG=Alex Is God.
yea kienu i noticed that to but, at the end of the night, ron was captain, i would imagine that in their next game, ron will move into the centre and nani simao(spelling?) on the wings.
June 8th, 2008 at 14:31
sign Moutinho! the new scholes!
June 8th, 2008 at 14:35
hello anybody here?
June 8th, 2008 at 14:39
ppl………
June 8th, 2008 at 15:03
i dont know much about this lad, but im over at 606 and some guy is saying we should seriously consider a bid for Mario Balotelli, i know nothing about him, other than we where linked with him a couple of years ago and he now plays for inter, would he be a good signing?
June 8th, 2008 at 15:04
hey
June 8th, 2008 at 15:04
balotelli is good
June 8th, 2008 at 15:07
hows it going lads? only got 7 pts on my euro fantasy league yesterday, ah well, i’m hoping for better in the next couple of games.
I’m definetly in favour of the Saha, Santa Cruz swop. Would love Berba aswell as Huntelaar, what about that for a striking dream?
June 8th, 2008 at 15:29
Mario Balotelli would be a great buy. He’s only 17 years old and he is as tall as Vidic and Ferdinand. I’m not sure how much he would cost, but I wouldn’t mind buying him and my current favorite transfer dream. Although it seems Villa will go to Arsenal or even Chelsea.
June 8th, 2008 at 15:40
mario gomez is a good option but he snt evn in fregis radar so frgt about him .lets see how manucho plyss ,he was good in africn nations cup.
June 8th, 2008 at 15:54
gireesh, please tell me those where typos…
June 8th, 2008 at 16:14
Kienu; I too was wondering why the captaincy was taken from Ronaldo who had been their captain for many games building up to this. I think it is because of the firestorm and distractions he brought upon his team in training for the EUROS and Big Phil was not amused as he probably feels the bastard should have waited until after the EUROS to make his selfish demands.
Another observation that I’m sure many of you have noticed is that the vast majority of transfers that have happened so far have to do with South American players or players currently not involved in the EUROS. This may be a tip off as to where Fergie’s mind is when it comes to all this. I think he is interested in European players as he has lost out on Alves and other names that have been linked to us. This may be a good omen about players like Huntelaar, Arshavin etc. Personally I am sick and tired of waiting for some major moves to be made. While Barca and others are improving all the time we are standing silent. Still, I have faith in Fergie to get the job done in the end.
June 8th, 2008 at 16:19
u guys think mourinho will sell batolli? dun think so……….
June 8th, 2008 at 16:21
Gomez must be signed…
June 8th, 2008 at 16:24
Kienu - On the whole ronaldo captian thing, he said in an interview that gomes and himself share the armband but when gomes plays hes the captain.
June 8th, 2008 at 16:43
so ronny is vice-captain! hahah!
June 8th, 2008 at 16:49
Balotelli is a fabulous prospect! He is rated at the same level as Alexandre Pato. He recently said that he was seeking playing time and would need assurances from the coach. Looks like he could become one of the best strikers in the world. From what I’ve seen, he’s gonna turn into a fabulous target man.
June 8th, 2008 at 18:58
So you guys want an 18 year old to lead our line next season? Get real. Also Inter and Mourinho would never sell him unless it was for big big bucks (again, get real!) ‘cos they know he’s a real hot prospect.
Speaking of the new Inter manager, I was watching Portugal play yesterday and, from a distance, it looked like the back of the player Moutinho’s shirt had ‘J. Mourinho’ (#10) printed on it! I did a double take before realising the ‘Special One’ hadn’t actually decided to make a surprise appearance for his country playing in attack hehe!
June 8th, 2008 at 19:42
Not that we want him to lead the line… Definately not right away atleast. But he is an exceptional prospect for the future. And in the current transfer market teams tend to sign players at a far younger age than before. Oh and Balotelli has stated that Inter don’t mean anything to him and he’s unhappy with their wages, so I don’t think it would completely outa our reach if we wanted him…
June 8th, 2008 at 19:44
The Germans and the Poles are just about to kick off. I can’t bear Ballack after the way he behaved and tried to duff up Tevez in the CL final. In fact if he hadn’t have jumped in and started pushing Tev about, there would have been no fracas, because Terry and Tev were sorting it out. Ballack is a tosser of the highest degree, and since he went to Chelski he has become more hateful. I expect Germany to win this game, but I pray they won’t win the tournament.
June 8th, 2008 at 20:08
Germany-especially Podolski, Klose and Gomez are looking awesome. Great goal.
June 8th, 2008 at 20:13
Grognard
you’d be better placed than me to talk about this but what about buying Podolski. He is quick and agile and doesn’t seem to be Bayern’s first choice so a bid of 10-15m could test their will. I doubt Fergie would go for it though…
June 8th, 2008 at 20:33
How feckin comedic, a Pole scores for Germany!!!!
June 8th, 2008 at 20:38
Laim - I doubt that Podolski is United material, if he’s not Bayern material.
June 8th, 2008 at 20:47
Tomas
but seriously Podolski is up against Klose and Toni who are world class strikers at their peak and Podolski is 22 or 23 I think and far from the finished article and he looks like he might suit our style of play
I find that very ironic given our interest in Santa Cruz
June 8th, 2008 at 20:51
maybe fergie ISNT on a holiday and is secretly travelling europe to sign in up players in a bunch to prevent chelsea from stealing our targets…
notice when we have no one linked to us, chelsea have no one linked to them? i feel rivalry towards liverpool, annoyance towards arsenal. but chelsea is the team to hate for me… bunch of used adult diapers
anyway on a lighter note, i would probably feel so happy if i suddenly see a barrage of signings reported, and among them would be Hunterlaar, Lahm, Arshavin, and Ramsey who gets loaned back to cardiff. for a total of (12mil, 7mil, 15mil, 5mil respectively) 39mil
not too out of reach i dare say?
or KAKA and Benzema, (20mil, 25mil) for 45 mil. although i would be dreaming more than anything. i think this fantasy league thing has been getting to me. haha
ramsey deal is being drawn out because he is waiting to hear all there is to be offered from the three teams after him. sigh… hope he signs and becomes our new focal point after rising to super stardom and scoring 43 goals in a season, thus winning us the EPL, UCL, FA cup and League cup next season and declares his loyalty forever to man utd.
/ends dream
June 8th, 2008 at 21:08
[craig]
Actually that’s happened even in the World Cup. I think it was Klose on that occasion (Both, Klose and Podolski are Poles btw.)
June 8th, 2008 at 21:18
wow, nice finish there by Podolski
June 8th, 2008 at 21:21
Hahaha - Seriously redranter?. Well so far then, it’s Poland 2 vs Poland 0. Ironic smile here!.
June 8th, 2008 at 21:44
wink
Kaka for 25mil?? you’re bonkers mate
minimum would be 45Mil. . and thats if they’re looking to sell
June 8th, 2008 at 21:49
Just seen a few clips of Bafétimbi Gomis He looks to be a fantastic talent
They are calling him the new Drogba 2 goals in 2 international appearances for france not bad .
June 8th, 2008 at 22:08
Liam - I wouldn’t like to see neither Klose nor Toni at United either, so it makes no difference to me. But I see what you mean with Podolski suiting our style of play. I’m just not sure, he’s good enough.
And I’m not sure about our interest in Santa Cruz either, but we’ll have to wait and see on that one. Personally, I don’t think he’s good enough either, and very few strikers are imo. We shouldn’t go for the second best, when we’ve just won the CL, and everybody wants to join us.
June 8th, 2008 at 22:16
Red Ranter; Oliver Neuville scored the goal against the Poles at the World Cup.
Tomas; Terribly unfair your comments about Podolski. I think there are probably two or three strikers in the world who could even have a chance to uproot either Klose or Luca Toni up front for Bayern. Lets get serious for a second. Podolski is a super talent and has great skills, pace dribbling skill and a lethal left foot from close or long range. He’s also very good with his right foot and his heading ability is not bad either considering he isn’t the tallest striker out there. How good is he? He can be a world class striker but when Low moved him to LMF today he ended up being the player of the game.
Liam; I said that United should consider buying Podolski over 4 months ago on this blog. Many laughed at me and claimed I had a German bias. Well perhaps I do but I challenge anyone on this site to know more about the German team or the Bundesliga than I do. Polski was fighting injuries and struggling to find his form because Hitzfeld and the Bayern brass got greedy and bought both Klose and Toni. They really only needed one of those as Podolski is very very good. If he has had one fault in the past it’s been his lack of aggressiveness up front. This is why he is suitable as a second striker, LMF in a 4-4-2 or wide forward in 4-3-3. He is very versatile and I think his style perfectly (and I emphasize perfectly) fits Manchester United’s style of play. But to all Podolski detractors I say don’t worry about it. He’s not on Fergie’s radar and he’s German. Fergie’s one character flaw in my opinion is his obvious distain for Germans. Fergie may want to waste his money on that piece of trash Fabiano instead.
Craig; Ballack is not a tosser. He may have signed for Chelsea which is hard for me to take but he is far from a tosser. In fact you would be bending down to kiss his feet if he were playing Man Utd. He did nothing Roy Keane wouldn’t have done in that situation. Ballack is my favorite player so I feel compelled to stick up for him even though the club team he plays for sickens my stomach. I have seen him play more than 200 times and he has never acted like that against anybody. I cut him a little bit of slack due to the obvious disappointment of the final and the fact he was sticking up for a teammate. It’s also possible Tevez said something to piss both Terry and him off. For me Ballack is a class player but he’s got poor taste in selecting British teams to play for. He was the heart soul of Chlsea in the second half of the season and easily their MVP.
Duffstuff; Gomis is strictly Portsmouth quality. A good player but one who can only play in a 4-5-1 formation and chase the long ball. The bottom feeders of the league should be chasing this player, not us.
June 8th, 2008 at 22:29
Just watched the Germany v Poland match. Esily the best game of the tournament so far and strong performances by both teams. Poland for me was very impressive in their approach but not in their execution. They could improve their play in the box and qualify to the quarters because I think they are quality with the added benefit of good coaching and world class goalkeeping. That save Boruc made on Ballack’s cannon was just incredible. Fergie sign him up
Truthfully I have wanted him to sign Boruc since 2006.
Germany was full of style and great counters with some great runsand overlaps from Fritz and especially Lahm. If anybody has had any doubts about the world class skill of Lahm, they need to watch the game and see how well he ran passed, overlapped and defended. His pass for that great Ballack shot was visionary and was set up by a great run on his part. Fritz was also fantastic but he needs to know when to get rid of the ball as he seemed to do amazing things and then go a bridge too far. Jansen on the left side was also very strong and Germany really did well handling Poland’s press formation and their physical play. Poland had a few chances and Lehmann was his usual solid self for the Germans but Germany could easily have had 4 or 5 in this game. Gomez did not have one of his best games but his vision did free up Klose and Podolski for the first goal and I wouldn’t blame him for missing that early sitter as Klose did poke it a little too hard and to far for Mario to get a good piece of it. They really tore Poland’s defense apart on some of those quick 1-2’s. I see nobody but Portugal being capable of keeping them from the final. Croatia looked awful against a fired up but poor Austrian team.
After that game all I can say is that I am happy to also be a Bayern Munich fan as their players excelled today. Podolski and Lahm were fantastic. Fergie should also consider Bremen’s Clemens Fritz. He’s the RB he is looking for at half the cost or less of Alves, Lahm or Richards. Today he played RMF which shows his great versatility but he likes to attack and he is also a solid defender. I watch Bremen play all the time and he never bores me or appears to be out of form.
June 8th, 2008 at 22:37
Grognard, I don’t watch German football as you do, so I can only assess Ballack by his performances and behaviour since he came to the prem. I didn’t say he wasn’t a good footballer, I said and still believe he is a tosser on the grounds of his behaviour in the CL final, and other games he has played in over here, operating on a short fuse. I never said either that I agreed with the way that Keene plays. As for Tev, no way did he do anything to start that fracas, or say anything, except point out to Terry, that he only kicked the ball out so that could get possession, as Chelsea had done the same thing to give United back possession. I have watched that fracas and what led up to it over and over again. Tev & Terry were sorting it out between them VERBALLY, but Ballack came running over from nowhere to get involved and didn’t wait to ask what was going on, but shoved and hit out at Tev straight away. So in my mind he is an aggresive tosser full stop. I have watched the game over and over again, and Drogba and Ballack were absolute disgrace ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE MATCH, not only mouthing off to United players, but giving the ref grief in copious amounts. So please, Ballack may be your favourite player, and good for you Grog, but you can’t expect every else to enjoy him when some of us see what he is like in behaviour. And Grog, I remember a post from you after the final lambasting Ballack for the very same things, I am sure I am not the only one who saw it. So even you know and recognise what I am talking about here. Nothing to do with his football skills, but his dastardly behaviour when things are not going his way. I do agree with you Grog, that their are other players just as dastardly in their behaviour, but I was watching the Germany/Poland match, so that is why I was discussing a German player.
June 8th, 2008 at 23:34
wink
Kaka for 25mil?? you’re bonkers mate
minimum would be 45Mil. . and thats if they’re looking to sell
maybe… but in football you never know…. i say 25, u say 45, someone will say 65. but if it makes u feel better. then 45 it is.ur guess is as good as mine
June 8th, 2008 at 23:34
Ever since the 2006 WC I’ve been extremely impressed with Podolski. He just seems like a slightly quicker version of Benzema. last year on the SL forum I said we should sign him and I was told that he was struggling at Bayern. Maybe this tournament will get him on Fergies radar.
Grognard
if he was to leave Bayern in your opinion how much would we have to pay? I heard Bayern got him for 5m so surely 15m or something for your 3rd striker would be good value for both sides
June 9th, 2008 at 0:00
Craig; Ballack was only supporting his teammate right or wrong. All teammates should be like that. And as for him be a tosser with Chelsea, it seems that whole team has a culture going through it that is unethical and destructive and the best of players get caught up in it. This of course started with Mourinho. It’s the typical us against the world thing. They know they are unpopular and so they rebel in the most unsportsmanlike fashion. It’s a disgrace, but it’s really a team makeup, not an individual player makup. And Craig I’m not expecting you or anybody on this Blog to be a Ballack player, I’m just one who will stick up for him if I think things are being said about him that I either think are unfair or that I disagree with. I too wasn’t happy with his behavior on that night but I let it slide because we won and because his temper tantrum was nothing compared to Terry and Drogba. But let me close by saying I understand how you feel and you are justified. I just don’t think he’s a tosser. For me the player is a true warrior and captain of my favorite national side so I will be a champion for him as he cannot defend himself.
June 9th, 2008 at 0:08
Liam; The one advantage that Fergie would have is to justify a lower price because of Poldy’s poor season with Bayern although he did come on at the end. If he continues to play this well in the tournament I see Bayern not selling him because both Toni and Klose are near or at 30 years of age. Poldy needs to be patient and he will be the number 1 cat at Bayern. Bayern know this and they won’t take anything short of 20 mil for him and possibly 25. So as you can see he won’t be cheap even though his season tells us he should go in the 10 to 15 mil range. The problem is that Bayern is a very big club and just like us are not in the habit of selling their young players unless they are not working out as hoped. I still think they believe in him so I just don’t see them parting with him for any reasonable price.
June 9th, 2008 at 0:18
Fergie will know all about podolski. If we don’t get him it will be because fergie has decided he’s not good enough or just not right for the club. The gaffer will know about anyone we talk about on this blog. He also will have his targets identified already and will not buy based on this tournament.
June 9th, 2008 at 0:49
Grognard, I have no problem with you defending Ballack or any other player that you care about, that is what this board is all about. Will, Tom, RedDevil, Redaddict etc have all defending Ronaldo because they love him, and feel comments about him are unwarrented. So I defend your right and everyone’s right to support any players they want. I have just watched the whole CL match through again because MUTV were replaying it. I can assure you that Ballack was mostly responsible for ref harassment and player disturbance thru most of the match. It wasn’t like you say, that he was just supporting his team mates, because there was nothing to support until he charged in between Terry and Tev who were just having a verbal spat. Ballack on the otherhand, just barged in and started to physically manhandle, push Tev, and that caused other players to become involved and a melee ensued. Ballack was an incendiary devise ready to explode most of the game. I have seen this in other games he has played in too, especially against the big teams, although he wasn’t exemplary at Barnsley, when Chelski were knocked out the cup by these little people!. I am the first to say that Roon is hotheaded, and he can be a behavioural tosser in quite a few games throughout the season, so I am not biased about this. You record the games Grog, so watch the CL final again, and tell me if you don’t see a behavioural tosser at work. For all I know Grog, Ballacks behaviour could have been totally exemplary at Bayern, but if so, it has deteriorated since his move to Chelski. I think he’s a tosser, you don’t, so we will just have to agree to disagree Grog!. As the term tosser regarding Ballack seems to offend you, I won’t use it again out of respect for your feelings!.
June 9th, 2008 at 1:15
Tevez; Fergie bought Ronaldo based on one game he played against us for Sporting and on the advise of his players so I doubt very much that is true. He also bought players like Podborsky because of his EURO 96 performance and wanted to buy Gaza based on one performance he had against United when a teen at Newcastle. He gets seduced as easily as any man. And if he doesn’t buy Podolski it’s because he will buy someone better or because he just doesn’t buy Germans.
Craig; I agreed with you over his actions against Chelsea but I Also believe he was acting as a leader and as a good teammate RIGHT OR WRONG. You are right about Rooney acting just as bad at times and again lets not forget our beloved Keane as well as Cantona. They weren’t always the best of sportsman in the heat of battle. So I again say that I do agree but not when it comes to making these claims about his career and certainly about being a tosser. You can feel as you do and that’s fine I just save the term tosser for the lowest of the low. You see Ballack that way, I definitely don’t. But that’s OK. Chelsea does bring the worst out of their players that is for sure. Arsenal also have many great players who act like tossers when things go against them. I can’t begin to call out the names of players from that lot that have acted like bloody c^*$*s when things went against them. It’s all to do with the mentality and culture that a given manager or owner create within the club.
June 9th, 2008 at 1:51
Grognard: Do you actually believe that bullshit story about Ronaldo being signed on the basis of that one performance in that friendly match (and the United players raving about him to their boss and infleucing his decision)? I’m prepared to bet that Ronaldo must have been on Fergie’s radar for a good 6-12 months before that match, with the wily Scot surreptitiously keeping tabs on the player’s development during that period. Note that CQ was with us during that period too (2002-03) and so he must have tipped off SAF about Ronaldo with his Portuguese connections.
June 9th, 2008 at 1:53
I think Fergie has made some blunders in the past with players he has bought, but I do think United do more research and background checks now. He bought Ruud because of His own son Darren’s recommendation I believe, and had him watched a few times. Player power persuaded him to try and get Rooney and Ronaldo. Sometimes though it is possible to see the potential in players after a first screening, other times it isn’t. With regards to buying German players, he did want to buy the Bayern player who said after United beat them in the Euro cup, and were due to play them again in the CL, that he would dance in his Lederhosen if United beat them a secong time. For the life of me, he was one of Germany’s great players and I’ve forgotten his name - sad!. He also went in for Ballack at the same time as Chelski, but Ballack said United were on the down, and that Chelsea was the place to be. Wonder how the Ballack feels now?. Beckenbaur said Ballack had chosen the wrong club, but who knows.
June 9th, 2008 at 2:00
Fergie did not buy ronaldo based on that one game. The players did all urge him to sign ronaldo after that but fergie had already had a good look at ronaldo, and quaresma for that matter. I think he may have bought poborsky based on his euro 96 performance, yes. However, he will not buy based on performances in a one-off tournament now. The scouting team appear to work very hard in identifying quality players, especially recently. Park was watched over twenty times in the season before we bought him. Vidic was consistently watched too. We played porto in a friendly two seasons ago where anderson played well for them. He hadn’t featured a great deal for porto at this point, but fergie already knew all about him and his career to date before that game.
He will already have his targets identified, and he will have already registered interest in these players. After the time where flops like bellion, djemba-djemba and kleberson were all brought in, it makes sense that more care has been taken towards transfer targets in recent times.
Also, fritz and jansen looked very poor against poland.
June 9th, 2008 at 2:00
[Nino]
That supposed bullshit story was confirmed by Fergie, Giggs, Rio, Ruud and almost every one. True they may have seen him play before, but that performance convinced Fergie and all the players. Even in the official site this “story” was reported. So when people believe in stories by the Sun or Skysports, I think it’s reasonable to believe the words of someone like Fergie or the official site.
June 9th, 2008 at 4:19
Nino and Tevez; Whether you are in denial or not, it’s not a bullshit story. I have heard Ferguson in an interview admit to exactly that happening plus Giggs also said so in an interview as he was the loudest proponent in getting Fergie to sign him. But I do agree that I’m sure he was aware of the player however, I don’t think he knew just how good he was until he saw him play against us live. So you don’t have to believe me, it came out of Fergie’s and Giggs own mouths.
Craig; Ballack was a colossal fool to go to Chelsea but it looks like at the end of a long battle for fitness and his original rift with Mourinho, he is the king of the candy store now. He not only has the team’s support and respect but Chelsea fans absolutely adore him. Still, he would have been awesome from day one with United and probably would not have sustained the foot injury that put him out for 6 months. Lets put it this way, he made a big mistake because of two factors. First we could have used him more properly and more often than Chelsea, and second, picking Chelsea over United was just dumb as hell and a show of bad taste. Beckenbauer wasn’t the only one who let him have it. Low, Klinsmann and even many of his German teammates were dumbfounded to understand why he chose a team that already had a player like Frank Lampard in his way. Go figure!
Tevez; I agree that Fergie will no longer buy a player based on his performance in a tournament but also, the team’s scouting is much larger and more sophisticated than in past years. I think he has his eyes out for certain players like Arshavin, Huntelaar, Benzema as is normal but he’s looking for diamonds in the rough like Clemens Fritz’ performance today. For a manager looking for RB’s or a RMF he can have a look at that player and then ask his scouts to line up video of Fritz with Werder Bremen and examine the player more closely. Still, it’s hard to really care when you are vacationing in France. Ah Heck, the Gaffer deserves a break. Just hope all the good candies aren’t taken by the time he returns.
June 9th, 2008 at 8:43
Deco in fact did play a good game, in Scolari’s strategy, he is more the player who links the defense to the midfield, and plays more defensively than Ronaldo.
Like Ferguson, Scolari has given Ronaldo free rein to be wherever he wants to be on the pitch, preferably up front.
Deco played amazing long balls to Nuno Gomes, Ronaldo and Moutinho the whole match, and was generally the Carrick-esque engine of the Portugal side. An OK game, to say the least