Jun 14
Saha’s Injury: Who do we believe?
Close on the heels of Smith’s uncertainty at United comes another set of conflicting reports, this time about Saha’s injury.
Well, at least we have something to talk about. 
(You see, I am an optimist)
Anyway, onto the story after the jump.
Let’s have a look at the reports that first originated in the Manchester Evening News that filtered down to other websites:
Stojic, who was involved in his £12.8million move to United from Fulham in January 2004, told the Manchester Evening News: ‘Louis has had surgery in America and he won’t be on the field now for a few months.
‘I don’t know when he will be able to start training again but he is looking at being back around November or December. But it is going to be a while.’
Honestly I don’t understand why the MEN should interview his former agent in the first place, unless they wanted some juicy sound bites that would trigger a wave of activity in the media. Oh wait, they just did that.
Ranko Stojic for all his close association with Saha, as an agent, at present has as much knowledge/authority over his situation as you and me. Even if what he says may be true, his quotes are not meant to carry any weight as long as Saha, his current representative or the club endorses those views.
Speaking of which, the Stellar Group, who now represent Saha had this press release on their website:
Louis has successfully undergone knee surgery in America and is now undergoing rehabilitation in the South of France. He hopes and fully expects to be fit for the start of the new season and any claims to the contrary are completely false.
There, that kinda settles it, doesn’t it? There were other uncomplimentary words directed at Stojic, questioning his authority to comment on Saha. At least there is some official remark on Saha’s current situation.
However from past experience, even agents have known to be wrong just for the sake of publicity and the possible cash incentive it may provide. But I believe agents stand to gain either from a transfer or a brand new contract – the latter in this case being highly unlikely. The former, although possible, is not apparent at least from his representatives’ comments indicating his readiness for the start of the next season. So no ulterior motives are apparent here.
But what troubles me more is the uncertainty around the player himself. Make no mistake, the guy is either the victim of voodoo or is made of glass. Clearly he wants to play for United. So releasing a statement that he would be ready for the start of the next season could also be borne out of the need for self-preservation. Maybe this optimistic bit of news might make Ferguson decide against possibly selling him. Thus giving him a chance.
I know, all this is speculation, and you are forgiven for thinking this to be utter tosh. (And I am not high)
I am just thinking out loud. What do you guys think? Will Saha play for us next season? Will he stretch his groin while reaching out to swat a fly during rehabilitation in South France? (Even Sir Alex is holidaying there, isn’t he?)
Related items from Red Rants:
- The Guardian’s Version of Saha’s Injury
- Roundup: Saha’s Enlightenment, Nutty Takeover Bids, The Portugeezers’ Romp and More
- United are EPIC #FAIL, injury-wise
- Brucey We Owe You One!
- Anderson Glad to be Back
Tags: Manchester United Players
Craig Mc (195)
RedDevilEddy (170)
Opti (135)
Moscow is my heaven (96)
Ian (95)
[...] have had our own share of discussion about Saha’s injury here. On a related note where we talk a bit about uncertainty and how the media plays to its advantage, [...]
Like?
0 
0
the statement by the stellar group clears everything.it does look that saha wants to play for united and he is afraid he might be sold.in hindsight he does play well when he’s fit and he suits the type of play that united play after RVN left,more than smith does.anyway we will not get a good deal if he’s sold now as his injury might reduce his price.i think united should give him a chance and may be see him till january.if he doesn’t perform then he can be sold in jan.moreover we r not sure if a new striker will be signed by united so it’s better to wait as saha can provide depth to our strike force when we r challenging on all fronts.
Like?
0 
0
Hmmm… I smell a conspiracy. I could be being paranoid, but the release of these conflicting stories does Saha no harm at all.
The first story puts paid to any potential sale of Saha. No one is going to buy a player who isn’t fit for the season start. His ex-agent is clearly not going to make any money out of a sale, so could this just be him doing his old mate Louis a favour?
The second story contradicts this, letting United know that their man will be raring to go for the new season and committed to the cause, but it does not extinguish the doubts around his fitness that any potential purchsers might have.
The net result? United look to sell a different striker to balance the books – Smith? Rossi? – while Saha gets another season at Old T to prove his worth.
Like?
0 
0
manutd.com has said the same as his reps – that he’ll be ready for the start of the season.
Like?
0 
0
If he wont be ready for the start of the season then there wont be much point in keeping him but if he is fit he probably deserves one more chance
As for Smith I think that there is a lot of unfair critisism of him because I thought that when he returned United were a better team when he played than when he didn’t
Like?
0 
0
saha is technically superb. like dwight yorke with more pace and really suited to utd’s current style / formation. i’d sell the robust, big-hearted but ultimately limited smith before i’d sell saha. but you just can’t count on him to play a full season. he was given a rest during larsson’s spell at the club…and the time sitting on the bench seemed to cause him a number of injuries which basically ended his season. lovely player on his day but not the man to count on for 12 months. keep him if possible though.
Like?
0 
0