Jun 23
Should United Bet on Ronaldinho?
I know this question has been posed before, but I think it deserves a separate space of it’s own. [Why you ask? Because I think it does!]
On a day where the likes of Zizou have jumped in on the Ronaldo should go to Madrid bandwagon I’d rather sidestep Ronaldo talk for a day and talk about some transfer targets. So today, it’s Ronaldinho for me.
The reason I brought him up is because, the Brazilian superstar has given an interview to TV Globo and spoke of his desire to get back from his rehabilitation and, in essence, prove a point to the world. In his interview he welcomed a move to the Premiership. Here are some excerpts:
Every player would love to play in such a competitive championship like the English league. I’m happy because almost all the teams want me to play for them. I’m [also] very happy for him (Scolari). I admire him a lot and I hope he can make all his dreams come true. I wish him well.”
Also regarding his problems he had this to say:
“When a lot of problems come together, the whole team is not well and players find it difficult to shine. I’m as upset as my team-mates for not playing well. The lack of titles let us down even more. Now I am recovered. Everything is perfect and I’ve started a new stage in my rehabilitation. I want to profit from these holidays to return as soon as possible to achieve my dreams of becoming the world’s best player and playing in the world’s best team. And moreover, I want to be world champion with the Selecao again, that’s my objective.”
“The gold medal is a title Brazilian football has not achieved yet and all players dream of making history by clinching that medal. The Olympics are one of my dreams. I want to schedule my recovery and train hard to be in the national team as soon as possible.”
So he seems quite determined to get back on track. Party lifestyle apart, he’s also been troubled by muscle injuries for a good part of the last year which was never treated. Now that he’s rehabilitating, if he is even half as serious as he comes across in the interview, I’d put my money on him. The question remains: is Fergie interested in buying him? Not just that, would he still be interested in coming to United for one final hurrah? I’ve always been of the opinion that more than a party lifestyle, it was the lack of leadership in the Barcelona dressing room — Rijkaard seemed a bit too laid back for my liking — that allowed things to deteriorate. I think Ronaldinho’s talents and pace are far from finished at 28 years of age and if he can give us a solid three seasons he would slot right in if Ronaldo were to leave.
Given his recent past, his value couldn’t be any lower. It could also be the realisation of Fergie’s dream to finally sign him — where Peter Kenyon botched it then. It must be said, though, that if United were to come into the market for Ronaldinho, it won’t be City but Kenyon’s Chelsea who could snatch him from us in the wake of Scolari’s appointment.
At the end of the day, I loved Ronaldinho, and was really cursing our luck when he was wowing the world at Barcelona.
Hence my question to you all…
So what do you think? Is Ronaldinho worth a punt? Do you think Fergie can get the best out of him?
Related items from Red Rants:- Will United Meet Great Expectations?
- Nani and Anderson - The Future Gets Brighter
- Striking Questions and Nicolas Anelka
- A disgruntled fan’s views on the Barca game
- What Happens When A Player Doesn’t Get His Move?
Tags: Opinions/Columns
June 23rd, 2008 at 10:20
How weird RR, just thinking the same thing this morning. Worth a punt but depending on the fee, any idea how much he would cost? Fergie could turn him round form is tempory class is permanent.
June 23rd, 2008 at 10:20
If there’s one manager who could get the best out of Ronaldinho, then that’s SAF. If he’s only interested in money, he’ll go to CSKA London. If he wants to show he can still play samba football, he’ll link up with Anderson and Nani. It’s worth a shot.
June 23rd, 2008 at 10:23
I’d LOVE to see Ronaldinho get back in shape, and return to his very best at United. Even in an off game, he’s still one of the best on the pitch. His technique, vision and passing are almost second to none, and he could prove a really good signing for us. In addition, Chelsea and City could watch with envy, that Fergie finally got his man.
Now, one might argue; -what about his mentality? -what about his physique? -what about United’s playing style vs. Ronaldinho’s?
He obviously likes to keep hold of the ball, and make stuff happen himself. Would he slow down the United attack, or would he add another dimension? I think he’s worth the gamble..
June 23rd, 2008 at 10:32
However poor he has been the last year or 2 he would still bring a real buzz and new excitment so i’d have a punt BUT its reported city were offering him 200k per week!! crazy crazy money, if he demands that sort of figue then i’d rather say thanks but no thanks, Ronaldo u have the 200k a week….
I hear Arshavin wants to join his favourite team Barcelona and they have made a move to sign him. Ahh well……..
June 23rd, 2008 at 10:38
Arshavin does look good but at 27 pos too old for Fergie?
June 23rd, 2008 at 10:41
[Ryan]
City will offer him money, but United will offer him prestige and Champions’ League football. It’s not a step backward for him.
However, if Chelsea come into the fray, it will be tough for him to turn down Scolari + money — and I can understand that.
June 23rd, 2008 at 10:45
RR: thats the thing isnt it whats his motivation - football at the highest level or money? I guess if it was money he would be going over to the MLS…
I dont know but I wouldnt be happy having him on a contract in excess of 80k a week just because of what has happend over the last couple of years with him. Its a real gamble one which I cant see happening at all. I think there is more chance of us going after Ronald McDonald…..
June 23rd, 2008 at 10:46
NO HELL NO!! Ronaldinho is over no question. Its not his age nor his ability that leads me to this conclusion its his mental state. If ever we had to replace one ego-manic with another, we missed the boat with the buck tooth superstar 5 years ago(signing some humble kid from madiera) and that should be that. Ronaldinho spent last year in and out of the Barca team through god aweful form, faking injuries, and he was more concerned with the spanish party lifestyle than watching his beloved Barca fall apart.
Do fans really wanna sign him, Barca will STILL demand 20m+ for a player they are SO eager to get rid of. A player 6 years older than Ronaldo and 6 times more hassle.
Please if we are linked with him don’t watch ancient Youtube videos of him, he WAS undoubtably the best player in the world he is nowhere near his former self. He is behind a 17 yearold spainish kid in a team who finished 3rd in the current mediocre La Liga.
Truely are we gonna sign this 29 year old injury-prone egotistical drunkyard??
I guess the same fans want Micheal Owen to replace Saha!! no thank you.
This isn’t anti Ronaldinho, I was a major fan of his 3 years ago. I just can’t fathom why are fans question Ronaldo’s attitude but want the likes of Ronaldinho, Fabiano, Queresma etc to join!!
June 23rd, 2008 at 10:52
Damn i forgot this guy was overweight and demanded the queens jewellery for wages!
This article is over!!
SAF please sign an unknown or menez, young, maybe arshavin if under 25m.
June 23rd, 2008 at 10:56
I have also been thinking the same thing all summer.And he is worth the gamble.Id hate for him to go to Chelski and recapture even half the form he had because that would mean a lot of trouble for us.I also agree with REDB if anyone can rehabilitate Ronaldinho it has to be SAF but dont count Scolari out of the equation just yet!!!
June 23rd, 2008 at 11:08
We don’t seem to have identified any transfer targets at all this summer, it is really worrying.
We have needed a striker since the beginning of last season and you would have thought we would have at least one in by now.
June 23rd, 2008 at 11:12
Stephen: United will have their list of targets and will be working on deals as we type i can assure you. Be patient we will have new players soon. In Fergie we trust.
June 23rd, 2008 at 11:16
Ryan I do just trust him but since the final just seems a bit doom and gloom, with Wrongaldo and loosing Ramsey and you never know pos CQ!
June 23rd, 2008 at 11:21
stephen
how do u know if the targets are not yet identified?
most likely they are well identified (i would think even before euro) and its just that nothing major is gonna happen while this tournament is in progress. and arent u seeing so many players being linked to us all the time? but 99 times out of 100 nobody comes just by being linked or talked about.
transfers at OT are going to be done at a hush hush note as all chelsea have to do is just to go after whoever we want!
June 23rd, 2008 at 11:22
dinho is a complete player who’s simply low on confidence and unfit.butif his injury problem can be corrected,his attitude changed and he’s willing to submit to SAF then why not?
1.He has a brilliant football mind thats simply priceless.
2.He’s still one of the most naturally skilled attacking footballers in the world.The skill’s there,as long as he can get fit.
but unfortunately i feel we dont stand a chance against chaski’s scolari with whom his loyalties lie.
June 23rd, 2008 at 11:22
Stephen: Your right all this doom and gloom is unbelievable considering the season we have just had. I think there is still 9 weeks left to go in the transfer window so we wont get desperate. Anderson and Nani’s signings took us all by suprise last year so peeps are probably expecting more of the same. Look at it this way, at least we wont have to wait as long to see the new players play as it felt a lifetime to see the new boys in action last summer as they were signed so early!!
June 23rd, 2008 at 11:22
None of us is in a position to judge his mentality (we have learned first hand how the spanish media works), if his passion for the game can be re-ignited(which is what Man Utd is all about) then why not! this man is a football genius id bet my nut sack on that!
How would we feel to see him get back on form ‘which he will’ with the likes City or chelski?
“I want to profit from these holidays to return as soon as possible to achieve my dreams of becoming the world’s best player and playing in the world’s best team”
best team in the world? Thats Us He’s Talkin ABout!
2 years ago no football team would dare dream of prizing him away from barcelona.. now on sale for 20 million? someone pick up the phone and call his agent! I demand 1 ronaldinho!
June 23rd, 2008 at 11:25
Im also hearing people say that Fergie is missing out on good players as he is not acting quick enough, i can assure you that if we have not moved for them we are not interested or missed out on them!! We all have our favourites but doesnt mean they fit into our plans and considered transfer targets.
June 23rd, 2008 at 11:26
I’m extremely surprised that more hasn’t been made of this you know. Granted, Ronaldinho’s gone off the rails a little bit in the past couple of seasons, but think back to his performances of three seasons ago and before. The guy wants to make amends for his misdemeanours and realises that a footballer’s life is finite - you can’t spunk it all away in sweaty Spanish nitespots.
To counterbalance the marketing buzz Ronaldo’s capture will give to Madrid, United should create a ’sensation’ of their own - rehabilitate Ronaldinho (and inspire compatriot Anderson in the process)and steal Madrid’s thunder.
June 23rd, 2008 at 11:29
RedB, Nani and Anderson, and Samba football sound good to me. Fergie does love that type of football, as most United fans do too!. City were saying recently they had the Ronaldinho deal tied up, then we hear that Ronaldinho himself is saying he’s waiting to see whether Chelsea make a move before deciding on a move. So there’s a fair idea of where he is looking. On form and fit, and commited desire to play again, would be a factor before Fergie would entertain him for United I think. But if he has those things, then yeah, Samba football could be his contribution. I think Grog was saying though, that he has supposed substance abuse problems, and has fell in with bad company. So, if that’s true, I don’t believe teams buying him will get the best from him. Is his state just rumour, or does Barcelona have a real problem with his off field antics and behaviour. I cannot think why they would want to sell him otherwise?.
June 23rd, 2008 at 11:30
If we could get him for 10M and 100K/wk then why not? With Scholes aging we don’t have a centre midfielder who can pick the ball up, run 20 yards and shoot from 25 (like Gerard or Lampard). I don’t see Carrick, Hargreaves or Anderson scoring much.
June 23rd, 2008 at 11:54
From what I’ve seen that of the 200k/week from City is that because he’s going to a non-nike team and that’s why they have to upped the wages. If Ronaldinho goes to us, I bet you that even if we are offering him say 80-100k/week, he would still be happy because his endorsement with Nike will still give him loadsa cash. Taking that into account, I say why not? Let’s give the guy a chance to prove himself if he wants to play for us.
June 23rd, 2008 at 11:54
RR; certainly seeing Ronaldinho signing for Barca was painful esp after his performances there..but how do you know that it was a case of Kenyon (true that we all hate him) botching it, rather than the player himself ditching us at the last minute?
I feel going in for him is a pretty huge risk, though it sounds exciting…we’re better off going in for a safe but sound option.
June 23rd, 2008 at 12:08
Ronnie could easily replace Cronaldo but SAF wouldn’t bring Ronnie to Manchester.
June 23rd, 2008 at 12:29
Not convinced Ronaldinho would be a good signing for the mighty REDS too much money involved and not sure he would be motivatved for the right reasons, one player who hasn’t been mentioned unless he has already been snapped up Samuel E’to sure to fill the void with goals when ego mad dis-loyal Ronaldo gets his backward move to Madrid. Nani will fill the void on the flank given a run of games. What about Mouthino from Sporting for the centre of midfield?
June 23rd, 2008 at 12:31
re>Kony_ As I explained I was a fan of Ronaldinho 3 years ago and as players go post yr2000 I rank him in the top 5 however he is a completly different player and I can judge him because I watch Spanish football and its widely reported in the world media his Off-field problems. I agree the media face pressure to deliver fabricated rumours but his drink binges and party lifestyle are genuine.
United are a team who MAKE players! If supporters wants this transfer so much I beg them to remember when we signed Veron he was a great talent yet the few fans who were cagey over his transfer(wage demands etc) were mocked. Fast forward a year after united sell him for half his original price tag and he becomes SAFs biggest flop.
Now ask yourself £20m 150grand a week injury prone and 29 years old IS THIS A RISK..
We are not Chelski we have money but we don’t throw it around at the biggest names possible, are team is PERFECT CR7 or not. A few minor tweaks in the transfer market and we will have a team ready to challenge for the next 5 years.
OFF TOPIC>>
keep in mind we cant forget>>
Tevez permenent deal £20m?
A Ronaldo u-turn?(who thought gerrard was gonna jump ship to Chelski a few years back)
Carlos Quiroz’ future - no question he is in demand how patient are the portuguese??
June 23rd, 2008 at 12:58
I think this could really work. United will more than likely lack that real decisive attacking edge, and a fit Ronaldinho, who is focused under SAF could be that element. Possibly one of those great purchases that against the odds turns out to be one for the ages. 3 solid seasons from R10 would satisfy me, and also give our team a little bit more experience, that players like Nani and Anderson could realy benifit from.
June 23rd, 2008 at 13:19
if we can get him for under £15 million and 100k a weak then I say its worth it.
June 23rd, 2008 at 13:29
he’s only 28 if we get 5 years out of him then yeh he’s worth the money i think ronaldinho, van der vaart, berba, tevez and fund this by selling ronaldo we’ll probably still have money to spare!! ronaldinho will also sell shirts and he’ll be a great no7 if he comes and andy will able to learn from him it’s all pluses if we can get him fit!!
June 23rd, 2008 at 13:53
SAF can be full of surprises and I won’t rule out a bid for Ronaldinho. The thing is that SAF does not have any problems bringing in experienced players into the squad that are capable of doing a job. Sheringham, Blanc, Laarson spring to mind. These were highly professional players who had looked after there bodies and I don’t think Dinho falls into this category. It is a huge gamble that might end up having a negative affect on the team. We saw how Anderson and Nani flocked to Ronaldo and had no problems falling in with the hookers lifestyle and the chance that the party lifestyle that Dinho loves can have a bad influence on our younger players.
Fantastic player but not worth the risk imo.
June 23rd, 2008 at 13:56
AGP: This is arguably a bigger risk since Veron was in his pomp when we signed him. At one point Ronaldinho was apparently only turning up for a third of training sessions, when he was fit.
antsBoy: There is no way to be sure but the story is that we were close to agreeing a deal with PSG for Ronaldinho. At the last minute cuddly Pete was meant to have played hard ball and tried to knock 2 or 3 million of the transfer fee, PSG subsequently took the huff and Barca sneaked in and stole him from under our noses. Given his supposed conduct in other transfer negotiations, it wouldn’t surprise me if this was true.
June 23rd, 2008 at 14:01
i really think that we should make a move for ronaldinho. he is the best player in the world, even ronaldo is not on par with him. It is proven that SAF can get the best out of players and if ronaldinho Can get to where he was, we definitely won’t miss that winking ronaldo
June 23rd, 2008 at 14:17
I just heard that Real won’t make a bid for CR7 until we say we want to sell him, does anyone think that they are getting pos cold feet.
Not that they don’t want to sign but actually realise that we don’t want to sell him obviously, so they don’t have to make an offer. A bit of good PR for Calderon being linked to him? plus thay also can’t afford him.
June 23rd, 2008 at 14:36
Dinho, A very unlikely target - his very possible destination is Chelsea.
* Wesley Sneijder will not be a part of the deal, he wants to stay (Don’t compel him)
* Robinho is more likely.
* Arshavin fancies Spanish league (Source: Various tabloids)
June 23rd, 2008 at 14:39
Agree that ronaldinho at 28 is a risk but he still has 4/5 years left in him in which time we could have a replacement ready to take over. At 10/20 mil we could potentially get a player who could make us forget about ronaldo. Admitedly he has lost his way but fergie could easily get him to reproduce the form he had a few years ago. I think a deal of 60 mil plus robinho wouldbe a good deal for a player who doesn’t want to play for us. Use 20 mil to buy ronaldinho, 20 mil on mario gomez and either spend the rest on a defender or bring up a youngster from the reserves (simpson, evans, cathcart)
June 23rd, 2008 at 15:09
Surely Robonho is too lightweight for the Premiership, he has struggled in La liga, I would rather the cash of the goalkeeper in exchange, Casillas is top draw.
June 23rd, 2008 at 15:25
Samphraim: Apparently in the reports this morning, Madrid will have to sell Robinho and one of RVN/Sneijder to finance the Ronaldo transfer, with Schuester’s preference supposedly being for Sneijder to leave (sensible enough given that if RVN was sold a replacement would have to be bought, whereas they might get away with letting go of Sneijder).
June 23rd, 2008 at 15:30
I dont agree with the “weight” argument for Premiership…Robinho is a class act and when in full flow can penetrate the meanest of defences and have skills to come out of tight space….He has pace, trickery, good first touch and a stinging shot….overall a good footballer may not be a great one..and one of those breed who can cut it in any league…
First and foremost thing Fergie need to solve when Ronaldo leaves is - GOALS…who in this world can fill those big big shooting boots…or whom all can take the burden of goal scoring!!…
Coz in football there is only way you can win, score goals!! and we need an out n out goal poacher along with Rooney and Tevez….
Why are United waiting on Tevez deal…they should have completed that right after the CL final…He really is indispensable right now…a monster of a player who is so underrated now…
June 23rd, 2008 at 15:33
ronaldinho bottom of the transfer list good but getting old maybe already past it.ronaldo for casillas,robinho and sneijder then buy richards
and get tevez a new deal done casillas we could have for 10 years robinho fast 3rd striker sneider to paly on the right and richards young and a new right back i think this is a great formation casillas
richards rio vid evra
harg carrick sneijder
robinho tevez rooney
June 23rd, 2008 at 15:36
stephen look at torres he didnt score over 20 goals in la liga and now he has moved to a harder league he has done better maybe robinho coming can bring out his true potential also
June 23rd, 2008 at 15:40
I do have a question….how good is Frazier Campbell??..I saw some of his videos with Hull city and he looks like a good player…pace,finishing, better header of the ball ….Do anyone see him as a potential United striker in EPL? or as an impact striker?
June 23rd, 2008 at 15:44
Agree its a risk. But its worth to take.If Guacho is Serious and under the eyes of Fergee and co. am sure that he can recoup his lost touch and form and produce wonders in the field again. This will benifit both UNITED and Ronaldhino not only in the fotballing aspect but also in the commercial aspect also.
Coming to Ronaldo its better to sell off the player who is not interested in playing for the club than trying to convince him to continiue.Know Ronaldo has become a prestige issue for Real Madrid. Its better to bargain to the maximum and sell. United can ask for Robhino, Sniejder,Ruben De La Red and 65 mil. as the deal, and invest the money on new faces like Van Der Vart, Daniel De Rossi, Luka Podolski, Bastian Schwienstieger and Ronaldhino. It is better for United to develop Danny Simpson as long term replacement for Gary Neviele than going for Ramos or some others outside from U K.If Evans is perticular of leaving for first team football its better to go for the Rumanian central defenders of Tamas and Goian along with Italian left back Fabio Grosso who have impressed every body in the euros. United can sell Fletcher, O’Shea along with Saha, Silvestere,Evans and already sold Pique. This Can ensure that United can field quality two teamin the field at any point of time which will ensure that player burn out is minimum at the end of the season.
June 23rd, 2008 at 15:58
@Prakash
Yes, Sell Sheasy, Fletch, Evans and buy Podolski, Schwienstieger, DeLa Red, De Rossi etc. We are NOT Chelski. Get a hold and reduce the FIFA 2008 stuff. These players are great squad players. You can’t have a team of 22 superstars.
June 23rd, 2008 at 16:01
I wouldn’t take a straight cash offer for ronaldo as you will get severly ripped off for players. Instead of paying 15 mil for a 10 mil valued player (we always overpay anyway) you will be forced to pay 25 mil just because the selling club know you have massive sums of money. Look at chelseas signing to see what i mean. As for people saying that robinho is too lightweigbht for this league, well they may have a point and they may not. Look at players like fabregas (and most of aresenal squad), and you can see that they are small, but fabregas does a good job for arsenal. We do not know how robinho would take to the league if he came, but in my honest opinion i think under fergie in a few years he would be one of the best players in the world. As commented earlier i have already stated my preference to see ronaldinho at old trafford plus mario gomez. I believe that these 3 players plus a possible defender would be great plus upgrading a few youngsters to the team. I too like the look of frazier campbell, as well as possebon, simpson and evans.
Team for next year:
VDS
(FOSTER)
BROWN RIO VIDIC EVRA
(SIMPSON)(EVANS) (OSHEA) (NEW COVER)
ROBINHO ANDERSON CARRICK NANI/RONALDINHO
(FLETCHER) (SCHOLES) (HARGREAVES/POSSEBON) (GIGGS)
ROONEY TEVEZ
(MARIO GOMEZ) (MANUCHO/CAMPBELL/WELLBECK)
June 23rd, 2008 at 16:02
Under Fergie’s watchful eyes,Ronaldinho can become the best player He’s been known to be.Like Craig mentioned,if He’s problem are not drug related as mentioned or rumoured br Grog,then i say He will be a very good signing.Reason?Ronaldinho loves playing football and being the best,and will bring the best out of Nani and Anderson.That said,SIGN ARSHAVIN NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.Get Berbatov,Sell Ronaldo,Get Van der Vaart and we will win the Treble this time.
June 23rd, 2008 at 16:06
Sell Fletch and JOS? Bad Idea mate. One thing about this Ronaldo saga that we should’ve already learn is that we want players who are proud to wear our colors and these two guys have that in them. Switching them for players we don’t even know wants to play for us is just ridiculous. I’d take mediocre-loving-the-club-player any day over players who highly thinks of themselves only.
Saha I can understand though, he’s getting to annoying. Tweety is probably on his way out and maybe for Evans too.
June 23rd, 2008 at 16:13
Stephen: I think the reason Real are waiting for us to say we want to sell is that they will then end up getting him cheaper. We will never say we will want to sell him so they will need to come in with an offer, if we play it correctly we could end up getting a very very good deal out of this. 50m Ramos and Robinho would be fine
If I was the manager i’d be making sure we look something like this next season -
———————–VDS———————–
Ramos——-Rio———Vidic———Evra
———Hargreaves—–Carrick————-
Nani————– Rooney———-Arshavin
——————-Berbabtov———————
subs -
Foster
Brown
Anderson
Scholes
Robinho
Giggs
Tevez
June 23rd, 2008 at 16:15
Funny no-one mentioned Silva here. Looks like a future great to me. Unless he wants to be a galactico. Buying spanish players are risky that way.
June 23rd, 2008 at 16:16
Just a quick question. I have heard people mentioning buying aguero with the ronaldo transfer money, and although i have seen him play and know he is a good player i was just wondering if we could turn him from being a second striker to a winger and being a direct replacement for ronaldo.
June 23rd, 2008 at 16:20
Ryan: I quite like that team, if Ronnie was to go I wouldn’t object to a line up like that (unfortunately I don’t see us getting Ramos!),
Matthew: I presume you would convert him into a free floating wide forward like Ronaldo rather than tie him down to the wing strictly, let him drift about and cause damage.
June 23rd, 2008 at 16:23
Ryan I think you are right mate, we should do the same to Berbatov.
Look on the brightside Bolton say they are going to sign Saha for a record fee, good player what I can remember of him. How about Drenthe youg has had apoor season but looked really good in the under 21’s?
June 23rd, 2008 at 16:27
JB: If we did get the side looking a bit like that then Ronaldo will be yesterdays news. Exciting times ahead im sure.
Ramos in a recent interview gave off the opinion that maybe he would consider a move to us so if Real want Ronaldo bad enough something has got to give.
June 23rd, 2008 at 16:37
Ronaldinho is class, and I could easily see him running around at OT for the remainder of his career. He’s got so much to offer, and frankly, speaking in monetary terms, he wouldn’t hurt us either.
But first of all, he’d be a great player for us, once he adapts to our style of play. Remember how he played 4-5 years ago. He was so quick and explosive in his moves. If he could get that back with the right fitness coach, he’d be a bargain at £20 mil.
Only problem is that we can’t play the 4-4-2 system with him and Ronaldo (or whoever we put there - yes maybe with Park), which means, we’d be playing the lone striker system, for which we really don’t have anyone suitable. Where would it leave Rooney and Tevez?
Don’t think we’re going for him, even though it would be spectacular.
June 23rd, 2008 at 16:39
I think its a step back, Ronaldo is an up and coming superstar and probably hasn’t hit his prime yet. I say this knowing full well what he did this past season and while his scoring is unbelievable he is still growing in the other parts of the game to become a complete player.
Ronaldinho I think we all can agree is past his best. He is coming back from a torrid year at Barca and has been injured for the majority of there campaign. Ronaldinho however was close to signing for United and with the recent influx of Portuguese speaking talent to United it might be a good decision.
Where would he play? He could go on that left side play a similar style to what we did this year, except instead of Ronaldo on the right you have RR on the left.
Here is the biggest problem for this transfer, it hurts what we have. Nani played well at the Euro’s and should have started over Simao who had an awful tournament. If we bring in RR we cripple Nani’s left winger development which is crucial to the longevity of the squad. RR is a quick fix, not a permanent one. Lets get some more youngsters in, as we have with the Brazilian twins and the Roma prodigy. Lets bring in a new right midfielder, new striker, and a new right back and continue on…life goes on without Ronaldo. As we did when RVN and Becks left for Madrid. That turned out well for United. We have one the Champions League since 2004, Madrid have not.
Oh, if we do sign Ronaldinho I have no doubts Fergie will put United into a formation that will be successful. I have to agree with JB a free flowing position has always been RR’s best and could even play him more central behind Tevez and Rooney.
June 23rd, 2008 at 16:44
Just thinking of the players we have which i left out of the starting line up and subs -
Kuzsiack
Neville
Silvestre
Evans
O’Shea
Simpson
those brazillian twins!
Fletcher
Eagles
Possebon
Park
Saha
Manucho
Campbell
Wellbech
im sure i’ve missed more, like Dong, but we have a mamouth squad to be fair!!
June 23rd, 2008 at 16:44
Tomas, that was 4-5 years ago, 2-3 injuries ago, he is a diff. player now and although he would be an exciting summer, would he really improve and replace Ronaldo, should we even replace Ronaldo? We were so dependent upon him to get us goals, if he played poorly we were in trouble. Do we want the same situation with a 28 year old Brazilian who hasn’t played a full season in 2 years? If we get him he has to part of a system, not the main focus of that system. If that makes any sense.
June 23rd, 2008 at 16:48
Tomas: I think every united fan would take Ronaldinho if he was at the level he was 4/5 years back, he will never be the same player as he was then but he has the talent to be effective if he got himself straight. Just cant see it, if he does well next season at Man City for example we can then snap him the following season
June 23rd, 2008 at 16:49
Some of the suggestions on here border on the fantasy. I really don’t belive we need to strengthen that much. 2 good players is all we need. Good 3rd striker and defender is all we need. Also time to give our back up goalies more game time.
June 23rd, 2008 at 16:51
[Just1n]
Agreed.
June 23rd, 2008 at 16:53
What is evrybodys opinion of mario gomez. I have friends who support stutgart and they say he is the real deal. He is a tall striker who apparantly leads the line, and is young. Would he be a good signing despite a very poor euro 2008 so far.
Another striker that noone has mentioned is adriano.
June 23rd, 2008 at 16:58
Just1n, RR: thats fair enough and I agree that we need 1 defender and 1 striker BUT most of us are thinking about what happens if Ronaldo does go. Then we need at least 1 more player.
If he is sold do u still think we only need 1 striker and 1 defender?
June 23rd, 2008 at 17:06
Matthew Adriano is a fat as he is tall these days a real has been, wasted talent.
June 23rd, 2008 at 17:06
Matthew, Adriano is a fat as he is tall these days a real has been, wasted talent.
June 23rd, 2008 at 17:08
Matthew - I brought up Adriano ages ago as a potential solution to our problems, but his temperament has to be a worry. The plus side is that when he’s on his game he is absolute world beater, and has it all pace, power, height, trickery a cannon for a left foot.
But not sure if he recovered after his mini breakdown or whatever. Personally I don’t think it’s worth the risk.
Maybe I’m being naive, but I do honestly believe we’ll be fine with replacing Ronaldo. 42 goals don’t just go away if you get rid of him, hopefully they’ll just be spread across the team a bit better. He did take all of the penalties and majority of free kicks, not to mention was a target man for corners. He’s the best player in the world, but one player does not a team make.
Hell we looked like true world beaters against Roma playing Tevez, Park, Fletcher and Hargreaves up front…
June 23rd, 2008 at 17:14
I just read yesterday’s thread and would just like to add that i respect Grog’s views as always.We should not be overly optimistic as that would pass off as being a tad too overconfident.Honestly the faster we get some real transfer to OT the bettermyself,Grog and our likes will feel.Imagine Arsharvin signed for Arse tomorrow?That will definitely be heart wrenching for me.Truly sad.Fergie should come out with a strong statement,offloading Ronaldo and preparing fervently and SERIOUSLY to fend off imminen challenge from Cheski et al.This dilly dally about signind ‘the experienced striker ‘is frustrating really.I vote for Berbatov,and I cant understand why we are perpetually linked to a stiker who is not even at the EUROS and we cant clinch tthe deal.Blimey.I am expecting something concrete before the end of this week.Sign Berbatov,Arshavin,Vander Vaart.Sell Ronaldo,Poach Madrid for Robinho/Sneijer and lets CONQUER.
Grog
You have the RIGHT to be optimistically pessimistic.It shows your undying love for our great club.Please give us some info on the Croat kid
Ryan
Your team above,echos my innermost dreams.It almost feels like cheating ,lining that team up aginst say a Wigan.Truly awesome.
FERGIE
We the Fans of Our great club still HAVE FAITH in you.DONT LET US DOWN.
June 23rd, 2008 at 17:16
[Ryan]
Essentially a striker who can finish, hold the ball up and head would solve our goalscoring troubles in the absence of Ronaldo. If we do have that target man, Rooney could play off him and our side would revolve around Rooney. Nani’s crosses would be met more often than not. As a matter of fact a back up left back would be more important than RB. But yes, I see your point and wouldn’t mind a winger.
June 23rd, 2008 at 17:18
[whiteY]
I see where your desperation comes from, but those transfers are easier said than done, to be honest. And selling Ronaldo and heading into the transfer market will be more complicated than it appears.
Oh and what is optimistically pessimistic?
June 23rd, 2008 at 17:26
Do we really need a another winger, I agree back up RB, Matt Taylor cheap and not bad, seems to have decent attitude.
We need pos one defender and one striker thats all.
June 23rd, 2008 at 17:27
Red Ranter
I honestly feel this entire Ronaldo saga is having an ADVERSE effect on or PR.Imagine that?WE are European champions for petes sake.In my mind,I dont regard Ronaldo as our player anymore.Fergie needs to make things clear.We should sell and quick.Consider telling say Arshavin:Hey,we just sold this prick because we believing you and say Berbatov have the potential to take us to the next level alongside Rooney,Tevez,Carrick,Hargo and NANI,plus you deserve the no 7 shirt.What a plan,what a convincer.
Grog
Please break your silence and tell me what you make of David Silva
June 23rd, 2008 at 17:29
I wouldn’t rule out sneijder. He says he doesn’t want to move, but that will change in a heart best when real tell him they don’t want him. I don’t know about robinho either way. He seems to have off the field issues, and not sure he could handle the physicality of the epl.
June 23rd, 2008 at 17:29
[Ryan]
In all honesty i’m not to concerned with replacing Ronaldo. There is no like for like replacement and talking about Messi or Kaka are pipe dreams imo. Also a world class player will not fit as well as Ronaldo. Unfortunately there is no quick fix or like for like player. It took 3 years of poor team play and decisions from Ronaldo before he delivered these last 2 years. Fair play to him. He has become a wonderful footballer and now wants to move on. I’m not worried. Man Utd will survive. Nani and Anderson will get more game time. Tevez and Rooney will have more time to renew there partnership. Manucho is coming in and granted he is a unknown quantity but so was Vidic, Kanchelskis, Evra…and look how well they did. A front 3 of Tevez,Manucho and Rooney. Midfield of Anderson, Carrick, Nani, Hargo, Park,Scholes, Giggs, Fletch -any 3 or 4 depending on formation , and our back 4 which is unbelievably good. We will do well. We don’t need to spend. Remember to many stars can have a detrimental affect on the team and I stick to my original wishlist. 1 Striker and 1 Defender.
Remember Tevez and Rooney have enough tricks to unlock any defense and if they lay it on a platter for another striker to put it away then we will be fine as far as goals bearing in mind Nani will also score more and Park will weigh in as well. Goals will spread around the team of that I am certain.
June 23rd, 2008 at 17:29
Seems L’Arse are after David Gill. Hopefully he tells them to stick it…
Also, as far as Defenders go, I think Lahm for £10million is a good deal considering he can play left back or right back..
June 23rd, 2008 at 17:30
I agree with Beachryan, i also think that if ronaldo were to leave then we would compensate with the other players scoring more goals. Nani and anderson will get more playing time and will score more, hargreaves will most probably be our new free kick taker meaning more goals for him etc. I also was reading someone say that the 42 goals he scored was an amazing feat but was not the biggest reason why we won what we did. Put it this way the 2006/07 season roanldo scored 23 goals and we won the league and very nearly won the champions league. He added another 20 goals to his game last season, but are you saying that those extra 20 goals were the single reason we won both last year.
Put it this way, there is no other team in the world whose winger scores more than about 15 goals a season, but these teams have strikers who lead the line, and wingers who are more team players. Ronaldo going would not be as big a loss as if rooney were leaving.
June 23rd, 2008 at 17:37
Is there any chance at all in the world that we could do a straight swap roanldo for messi. Ronaldo has more commercial appeal than messi but i know am living in a dream world.
June 23rd, 2008 at 17:54
how about this?
EVDS
Sergio Ramos Vidic Ferdinand Evra
Robinho Carrick/Anderson/Hargreves Scholes Nani/Giggs
Rooney Tevez/Huntellar
Others- Kuczack, Foster, OShea, Fletcher, Brown, Neville, Manucho, Wellbeck
June 23rd, 2008 at 17:58
Lahm for 20 million is also splendid. He is quite simply the best wingback in the world at the moment. Good temperament and also very versatile. He can fit into United ever so snugly.
June 23rd, 2008 at 18:00
Regarding Ramos;
Has anyone suggesting we land him actually watched him play? He had an abysmal season with Real followed by a disastrous Euro ‘08 campaign (So far). Every opportunity the Italians carved out last night was down his flank or as a result of one of his misplaced passes. I’ll take Red Wes any day of the week thank you.
(Anish - You’re right with Lahm, he is a quality player w/ fantastic work ethic, think he just signed a new deal though)
June 23rd, 2008 at 18:06
Being honest Ramos and Sneijer seem very happy in Madrid I can’t see us getting either player or Casillas. We must be realistic about our potential targets, Berbatov, Huntelaar, even he seems focussed on a move to Real, and Van Der Vaart.
June 23rd, 2008 at 18:06
[Jig]
You are correct. Ramos looked pants imo. EIther he is tired or overrated.
June 23rd, 2008 at 18:29
Grognard, mate, please come back and post a lengthy comment and just start off a fresh debate
i absolutely love your comments and it is clearly evident from those comments that you really know what you’re talking about. You’ve still not offered your opinion on Rakitic and someone had even asked you about Altintop who played for Bayern. Now now I really dunno if one blogger frm this site can come out and say that they know abt Bayern more than you do… People like me visit these sites not only for entertainment but also for some football insight and knowledege,.
Please break your silence….
June 23rd, 2008 at 18:29
I totally agree with someone like Berba we could still be a world-beating squad, even without Grease Lightning. But the only way I can see that is a 4-3-3, just like Ryan’s above:
———VDS———-
-Gary-Rio–Vidic-Evra-
——-Carrick——–
—Hargo–Ando/Scholes-
-Tevez/Nani–Rooney—
——Berbatov———
The problem I see with this is that it would inherently be narrow, and given that teams love to play stifling, pack the midfield games against us, I fear we wouldn’t be able to spread play enough. I don’t think that Rooney or Tevez are effective as true widemen, and that would mean, for me, we wouldn’t have a world quality 4-4-2 option:
———-VDS———-
-Gary-Rio–Vidic-Evra–
—Carrick-Ando/Scholes-
-Hargreaves?—-Nani—-
—Rooney/Tev-Berba—–
I guess Fletcher and Park can also do a job out on the right, but we would lack a true right ‘winger’ in the traditional sense.
But maybe that’s a luxury we don’t need?
June 23rd, 2008 at 18:49
I have to agree with the ideas that we don’t need superstars if Ronaldo leaves. We need players to come in and fill a role. We will need a new winger if Ronaldo leaves, we need a clinical finisher, and a new right back. A right back if Ronaldo stays that can cross, and if he leaves one who can attack as well as defend. If Ronaldo does leave, Robinho could be a decent replacement on the right, but I worry about how his game would fit in the EPL. He won’t get the time to do what he wants on the ball.
June 23rd, 2008 at 21:57
There is a good young player that i have heard rave reviews about called renato augusto a young brazilian kid. He is supposed to be rated very highly in brazil and like ronaldo is a winger who likes to drift inside into the striking option. Worth a punt.
June 23rd, 2008 at 22:22
Can anyone say ‘bigger than the club’ You take one look at the likes of ronaldinho, etoo and the like and all you see are players with a big ego who just WONT be controlled. Everyone remembers the story of SAF heading over to sharpeys house when he was having a little non alcoholic get together (or so he claims) with giggsy present, ultimately letting rip with the mother of all hairdryer treatments and putting both lads in there place. Now imagine fergie walking into a downtown manchester brothel looking for his ‘latest’ goofy toothed signing and being utterly ignored. The players a liability, the money would be better spent elsewhere imo
June 23rd, 2008 at 22:24
elsammio99 as you seem to be the only person on here just wanted to know who you think we should buy/get in exchange for ronaldo.
June 23rd, 2008 at 23:25
We sure have some telepathy Red Ranter. Amid all the hoolah about Arshavin, I noticed that Ronaldinho is just an year elder to Arshavin. They would cost the same(Arshavin will probably cost more considering his current form) and you get a World Cup + Champions League winner in Ronaldinho. The guy still has talent - I remember some of his free kicks & movement on the pitch from the 2007-08 season.
The two major problems that I could see -
(1) Is Ronaldinho still motivated enough to play at the top ?
(2) His salary demands.
June 23rd, 2008 at 23:30
If Berbatov were to arrive, I see something like ->
——VDS/Foster——
——Brown-Rio–Vidic-Evra——
——Carrick-Hargreaves——
——Tevez–Rooney—Nani——
——Berbatov——
June 24th, 2008 at 0:20
Alot of you are saying if Ronaldo goes we dont need to replace him which i find incredible. If Ronaldo leaves then a winger is a must. If not then we will be left with the inexperienced Nani, Giggsy who can only play half the games and Park who is a good squad member but is he really good/effective enough to start every week? Not in my opinion. Tevez and Rooney are not wide men.
June 24th, 2008 at 0:26
I was reading today on sky news that Asharvin has just declared his preference for La Liga, so i think that rules us off him.
June 24th, 2008 at 1:58
I like these dream teams. But seriously, why is everyone so quick to bench Tevez? The man had a fairly remarkable debut season, and his clutch contributions saved our asses and good on several occasions. Yes, he plays very similarly to Rooney, but I think we’re over analyzing things. Rooney and Tevez are both tireless workers and incredibly talented players. They can and have played brilliantly together. Good footballers with good attitudes play well together. This is not to say that I wouldn’t mind Berbatov, but I don’t think that we should automatically relegate our Argentine to the sidelines. If I was SAF he’d be on my team sheet everyday.
-ian-
June 24th, 2008 at 5:00
Krishnan and whiteY; Thanks for your support. Kind words are always appreciated, believe me, even if they make some others nauseated.
Sorry for the delay. The site was down for me until just now.
You asked about Rakitic and Hamit Altintop. Well here goes for what it’s worth. Rakitic for me is a highly skilled offensive midfielder who is very flexible in a lot of different positions and mature technically for his age. Schalke have used him as a holding midfielder, attacking midfielder, LMF/LW and he has even played LWB. His strength is not the defensive part of the game. The reason he is played occasionally in defensive positions is because he has good ball control, he can hold the ball and he has has pace and strong passing skills. For me his best position is as a LMF player where he can run and utilize his speed and very good passing skills while also cut in and shoot as he has a very strong and very accurate shot. Croatia has gone as far as to use him as a striker on occasion but that is not his strength. Even though he is not the best of tacklers, a holding midfield role similar to the kind Pirlo plays with Milan is also well suited for him. He holds the ball well but his passing and vision really works well for counters and a lot of 1/2 give and go passing schemes. I like him as a player but I don’t love him. For me he is a little soft and can disappear in a game especially against strong and physical opponents. But what makes him an interesting prospect is his tremendous passing ability, ability to score wonder goals and his age. He also is a very strong free kick and general set piece taker. A lot of his goals and near chances come from a very good bender from set pieces. He’s only 20 so he will improve. But in order to improve he needs to play for a better team than Schalke.
Hamit Altintop is also a very fine player but his biggest fault is his propensity to get injured and his ability to disappear in games. When he is on he has very good passing skills and ball control and a very good good hard shot. He is very good at set pieces but his defense for me is only average. He has decent pace and likes it when the offense goes through him. Doesn’t play as well when he is the third wheel in the midfield. He is actually very effective coming on as a substitute. His energy and creativity can often turn a game.
I don’t rate him as high as Rakitic but he is mature and refined at this stage in his career. If he could improve his consistency, he would be a regular starter and star for Bayern. There are days he is absolutely world class and days he couldn’t play for Bolton’s B Team.
Hope that is of help to you. Just an honest assessment as I see them. Not written in stone of course.
June 24th, 2008 at 5:05
He can finally “sign” for us. I think he will be great, he would fit in well, and I believe we need to give him a chance.
So if we give him a chance, we should not pay a lot for the transfer and his wages. I wish that was possible.
June 24th, 2008 at 5:09