Jul 26
Tevez for £32m? Tevez Quotes Denied + Kaizer Chiefs Friendly
Everyone seems to agree that Manchester United have completed the signing of Carlos Tevez for £32m. Everyone, except the official site, who haven’t yet confirmed anything.
Just how they managed to get the exact figure remains to be seen, but £32m for Tevez? Really?
To be honest I hadn’t expected us to have signed him already; the gruelling South Africa trip does not strike me as the best time to negotiate with Tevez, his agent and that shady company that goes by the name of MSI on to a full time deal, but if they did manage to seal it there, then all power to them.
But back to my question: is Tevez really worth £32m? And if so how would Spurs rate Berbatov? All that said, a valid counterpoint to this argument would be that United spent £10m on his initial two-year loan deal. So there is a good chance that this sum may be included in the overall payments.
Meanwhile SAF has denied that Tevez made those quotes attributed to him. He’s gone out of the way to make those statements; so we’ll take his word on that. He also clarifies what he really meant by what was considered to be jibes on Chelsea’s old age.
And finally today we take on Kaizer Chiefs and then run to Nigeria to rake in £1.5m play another game in a gap of 24 hours. Insane, but that’s a small price to pay these days innit?
Related items from Red Rants:
- On the Kaizer Chiefs Friendly + Rodrigo Possebon
- Man Utd v Chelsea: Community Shield Preview
- Ferguson on mid-season trips: last season & this season
- Irresponsible Media Stir Up Another Storm
- The Tevez Problem
Tags: Daily Roundup
July 26th, 2008 at 13:33
I honestly do not think Tevez is worth more than 20 million…at least to us. His work rate is amazing but I see him as something of a luxury. Rooney can do everything Tevez does and more and playing both of them in the same team can sometimes work but other times their combined weaknesses (poor finishing, poor aerial ability) hinder us.
July 26th, 2008 at 13:42
if it was up to me, if/when we get berbatov, rooney would be dropped to the bench, i dont care about his past or his potential, if he’s of form, he’s getting the drop.
July 26th, 2008 at 14:02
WHY?they we pay $32millon for tevez transfer,he his not worth than $23 millon.
July 26th, 2008 at 14:49
I’m watching the game (at least until 4:00 cause the stream is switching to Barca). I’ve noticed Simpson and Martins playing so far. KC has been dominating posession so far
July 26th, 2008 at 14:57
http://www.justin.tv/mwb67
Possebon is playing which is a nice suprise…
July 26th, 2008 at 14:59
Th@Traverse: That’s the one I’m on. Martins is really getting forward. Soon, he’s gonna catch the benefit of an offside call and net one.
July 26th, 2008 at 15:10
@Traverse: Cheers mate! £32m for Tevez no chance 18m max in my view he will probably wil be sub next season, if we get Berbatov.
July 26th, 2008 at 15:12
Goal for Giggs! A righty one too.
Lee Martin beat his man and crossed it, went over Simpson’s(?) head and Giggs caught it on the bounce
July 26th, 2008 at 15:32
2nd half has moved to this link
http://www.justin.tv/pehtv
enjoy!
July 26th, 2008 at 15:55
I missed the 2nd and 3rd but Rooney and Cleverly scored them
July 26th, 2008 at 15:56
Who scared the 2nd goal?
July 26th, 2008 at 16:09
how did scored became scared?
July 26th, 2008 at 16:15
I think that we should wait atleast mid season for Tevez! And if we dont have enough money! We should get Berbatov first! We should have ENOUGH money for both though! Berba is more important!
July 26th, 2008 at 16:16
Campbell goal.
July 26th, 2008 at 16:16
4 – 0. get in fraizer!
July 26th, 2008 at 16:23
you said it clover. Tevez is a luxury for us. He merely adds more
of the same qualities we have in Rooney. Dont get me wrong i love
the guy but dont want him for anymor than 20 /25mill.
Thought Danny Simspon has looked very promising this tour….I like
the lad alot.
WE REALLY NEED A TALL NUMBER 9 TO PLAY UP TOP WITH ROONEY- HIS
FRUSTRATION IS BEGING TO BOIL OVER AND IM SURE ITS MAINLY DUE TO
THIS.
cMON BERBA.
July 26th, 2008 at 16:29
the lads atleast played decently today
July 26th, 2008 at 16:36
Nothing fancy about Possebon, looks to be steady and stylish: in Pirlo mold.
July 26th, 2008 at 16:38
@realred: Easy on the caps mate.
July 26th, 2008 at 16:39
Tevez 32m?? hahaha that’s ridiculous! he’s worth 20m THE MOST!
July 26th, 2008 at 16:49
Possebon looks a class act, hopefully he will get a chance next season, and not sell him to some Spanish side where he probably will flurish!
July 26th, 2008 at 16:51
@colver: and realred – How can having a player of Tevez’ ability be a luxury? It makes no sense to me to state such a thing. When did it become a luxury to have 2 players in the class of Tevez and Rooney?
I see Tevez’ presence as a necessity if we want to win titles again this season. We simply couldn’t do it without him. There are very few players as good as he is, and I’d welcome a permanent signing no matter the price tag.
We will probably be even better with someone like Berbatov, but that certainly doesn’t mean, we don’t need Tevez as well.
And btw. There’s no way his price is that high. I’d like to know, where the media get these figures from.
July 26th, 2008 at 16:53
I’m quite surprised by all the negativity over the money supposedly spent on Tevez. I have to agree with RR here because as long as United themselves have not confirmed the signing, then nothing has happened. The football media in Europe is just so irresponsible and immoral that I wonder how they are allowed to do business. Is there no code of ethics in that profession. At least in North America the one wing of journalism that can be counted on for truth and honesty 98% of the time is that of sports journalism. Also, if it is true and they did sign Tevez up for 32 million, I definitely think that the 10 million for the loan last year is part of the deal. I would be shocked to think that United would value Tevez at over 20 million yet alone 32 million.
No way. Not when they are haggling over 5 to 10 million for Berbatov who in my opinion is a far better player, although not as energetic and diligent.
Nope, I still have doubts over this supposed signing. United are in no urgency to sign Tevez as he still has a year under the loan agreement. The smart thing would be to take that money and actually buy a player that isn’t already on our roster. Besides, would I pay 32 million for Tevez unless I get a contract commitment from Carlito that goes for five years? Buying him is one thing, securing him long term is another. Spending 32 million and then watching him walk next season would go down as one of the worst deals of all time. And them being in South Africa on tour is not a good time or place to be discussing contract terms I feel. I think this news is just a bunch of bollocks.
July 26th, 2008 at 17:01
Saw the whole match today, and it’s great to see the players getting into shape. There’s still some way to go, but I was especially happy to see Rooney, who played a very good game today.
Cleverley looked interesting. I have never seen him before. And I’m not saying this because of his goal (which was well taken), but his passing was sharp, and he seemed to move well off-ball.
Possebon had an ok game, but I don’t think he brought much to the game. He did the simple thing most of the time, which isn’t bad, but he didn’t make an impression on me. No doubt he is gifted, but it’s hard to say if he’s got what it takes.
Campbell. Well, I think he could be 4th striker this season, but I have my doubts that he’ll ever be more for us.
Simpson is a good player, but he needs to work seriously on his crossing. He’s got the speed, and his touch is getting better. He could be in the team in a year or two.
Martin. Looks good and crosses the ball well. Has some speed, but he’s pushed off the ball too easy… needs to lift some weights.
Having said all this, we have to remember that Kaiser Chiefs played 48 hours ago and needed to fly to the city to play it, so they were beat before the game started. The good thing is that our players still looked sharper on the touch and passing, which is nice.
July 26th, 2008 at 17:02
Besides, would I pay 32 million for Tevez unless I get a contract commitment from Carlito that goes for five years?
In the current contract climate, expecting a contract commitment is surely being naive. Yes, in north america contracts are respected etc etc… but the meaning of contracts in the current footballing world is that it is a document that serves to give you compensation if a player is moved on (or decides to move). I had to agree with Robbie Earle of World Soccer Daily on this — that one cannot expect it to be seen out these days.
If one can get 3-4 good years out of a player these days one can be happy.
July 26th, 2008 at 17:04
@Grognard: I agree mate being realistic he will be a sub next season if and it looks a big if we get Berbatov. Paying that money for Tevez would be lunacy, good player but not that good, Huntelaar for £18/19m would be far the better option.
July 26th, 2008 at 17:05
@Grognard: I’m completely with you on this one Grognard. The news are made up from Gill’s comments that we want to sign him, and that it can happen in any month from now and until the deal ends. The media makes their own stories from such quotes, and suddenly we’ve bought him in the biggest deal ever in England… no way.
As you say, he’s a player worth around £20 mil. I think that’s a fair amount.
July 26th, 2008 at 17:09
@Red Ranter Thats being a bit negative mate, you can’t judge all players like that, Rio, Evra, Vida, Rooney, ect will be at OT for a long while because I believe they believe in the club, thats why we won the double!
July 26th, 2008 at 17:30
@Stephen: Not being negative. If contracts are respected you will have only free transfers. How many do you see happen.
I am not generalizing about players. I am talking about contracts as such.
And tbh I don’t expect any player to stay for his entire career. The days of Giggs, Scholes and Maldini are gone. So I am being realistic when I say I can’t possibly expect one club players.
July 26th, 2008 at 17:38
@Red Ranter: I do think you are being unfair to a degree, not so much with us as the only way is downwards, but contracts are there also to protect the clubs, they are not a one way street, but I do understand where you are comming from.
July 26th, 2008 at 17:38
Possebom looks like a neat player but not much else. JOS had a
shockingly bad game and K. is a liability every time he comes
out. Giggs misplaced almost every ball except the well taken goal.Carthright and Simpson ok, Clevearly and Campbell promising. Rooney by
far the best player. He doesn’t do friendlies!!
July 26th, 2008 at 17:42
@Stephen: but contracts are there also to protect the clubs
Er, which is what I am getting at.
July 26th, 2008 at 17:47
@Red Ranter: Sorry mate, misread your comment, Ps Robbie Earle goes to my gym he still looks like he could play a bit!
July 26th, 2008 at 17:53
@Stephen: Interesting. He’s a regular correspondent on this podcast I listen to from time to time. He reckons that Ronaldo is going to Madrid, which I don’t agree with. But otherwise, he’s a pretty decent guy to listen to.
July 26th, 2008 at 17:57
@Red Ranter: He also has a lovely Bentley!
July 26th, 2008 at 18:05
Sir ALex will wait for one more year and may sign tevez for a sum around 20m.
if We are gonna sign Berbatov or any other striker, I can’t see the 32m deal happening this year.
July 26th, 2008 at 18:11
@frankie: what game where you watching?
July 26th, 2008 at 18:13
I thought Giggsy has quite a good game!
July 26th, 2008 at 19:03
I don’t know why the fuss is. Carlos Tevez is a United player, and wants to play for us. He was instrumental in our trophy-winning last season, and that’s as good a first season we have seen at United in a long, long time. If 22 million (plus the 10 million we’ve already paid) is what’s going to keep him at OT, then so be it.Great clubs quite often fiddle get positions for THEIR players rather than players for their positions! And talking about the Rooney-Tevez combo, I believe it was real dynamite last season. Ask the opponent defenders that! And whoever said Berbatov or Huntellar don’t miss chances. They do that, and are also much more one-dimensional(especially Huntellar). Wazza and Carlito take a huge load off our midfielders and that’s probably 1 of the reasons why Giggsy is still in the game.
July 26th, 2008 at 19:20
Cumon Ahmed and just1n, post some comments
LOL RedRanter, South African revolution coming to your site…Juz Jokin man. 
July 26th, 2008 at 19:23
Oh and to all those who dont have regular internet access to view RedRants, I suggest you guys use an application called Opera Mini on your mobiles…Its BRILLIANT…
July 26th, 2008 at 19:25
@Anish: Clearly you nothing about what you are talking about. It’s bad enough that you call a player like Huntelaar one dimensional but to call Berbatov one dimensional is ridiculous and almost comical. The player is one of the sweetest and most dynamic players alive today. He can score, pass, hold the ball up and his vision and first touch is as good as the best attacking midfielders playing. I suggest that when you watch games on your television that you should first turn the television on.
And of course those players miss chances too. Name me a striker who has never missed chances? The difference is the create more opportunities than Tevez and Rooney and make the most of their chances at a higher percentage. And I’m curious, you base the fact that Huntelaar is one dimensional on what? How many times have you seen him play? Or do you just base your facts on what you read or gut instinct?
July 26th, 2008 at 19:33
@Grognard: You are spot on mate as always!!
July 26th, 2008 at 19:40
Thank God that this Soutth Africa tour is finally over! I would like now that United should speed UP over their transfer activities! Oh and guys I dont think we should sell SAHA! If he stay fit(Here’s HOPING FOR A SECOND SEASON) he and Berbatov could also be an intimidating partnership whenever Fergie wants!
July 26th, 2008 at 19:43
@Ishaq(South Africa): Ahmed isn’t South African. And Just1n’s been here for a long time. Just that he doesn’t post as often
And I don’t have a problem with any kind of a revolution on RR
July 26th, 2008 at 19:43
@Red Diablo: We certainly should not sens him on loan, whats the point?
July 26th, 2008 at 19:53
@Stephen: Hey Stephen I am trying to say that we should not sell Saha! Not atleast THIS year!
July 26th, 2008 at 19:57
@Red Ranter: LOL I know RR. I was’nt referring to the ahmed from Soccerlens lol. I was referring to the ahmed who commented in the last post. Comment no: 100 and something(too lazy to check)…And yes im aware Just1n has been here for a long time. Just that I only recently found out his South African…and then to my amezement this dude Ahmed comments whos also from South Africa lol…quite unexpexted especially since I taught im the only South African.
Im sure theres lots more visiting this site. Just for them to come out and comment.
July 26th, 2008 at 20:00
@Red Diablo: I agree unless we replace him, which we won’t, we are not over furnished with strikers at the moment, and I do not include Welbeck, Campbell and Manucho.
July 26th, 2008 at 20:01
@Red Ranter: Oh lol RR isnt it amazing how REDRANTS has grown. When I first started reading your posts, if we got 20 comments it would have been a high number. Now RedRants can do well over 100 easily.
July 26th, 2008 at 20:06
@Ishaq(South Africa): Where abouts in SA are you from?
July 26th, 2008 at 20:19
Hey guys! Ever heard of Pakistan?
July 26th, 2008 at 21:29
@Stephen: I’m from Uvongo Beach. About 80 km from Durban…Ever heard of Port Shepstone? Anyways where you from?
LMAO Red Diablo, umm no where’s that? is it in Africa?
July 26th, 2008 at 21:48
@Ishaq(South Africa): No Ishaq don’t be dumb!!! Pakistan is somewhere in Europe near Norway!!! You really need to brush up on your world map knowledge!!!
July 26th, 2008 at 21:49
@Ishaq(South Africa): No Ishaq don’t be dumb!!! Pakistan is somewhere in Europe near Norway not Africa!!! You really need to brush up on your world map knowledge!!!
July 26th, 2008 at 21:56
Ha ha quality, oddly enough I am from Manchester!! but live in London due to work during the week, I go to Stellenbosch on holiday once year.
July 26th, 2008 at 23:26
@Red Diablo: If he stays fit? Can they raise the Titanic too?
July 26th, 2008 at 23:51
Was great to see the young guys perform today. I really enjoyed seeing Cleverley score. He was so pleased. I love that.
July 27th, 2008 at 0:05
Tevez representatives reject Real Madrid offer.
ha ha ha
love it
July 27th, 2008 at 0:29
I dont understand some peoples obsession with new signings. The grass isnt always greener guys. We already know that Carlos will give the team every ounce of energy he has and he would run himself into the ground to help the side. AND he has the ability to regularly come through with timely and important goals. Yet people are desperate to sign players from different leagues when they have no idea who they will adapt to the pace of the Prem or gel with their teammates. We already know that things work with carlos, so why change it for a hope and a prayer?
July 27th, 2008 at 3:08
Im also concerned about Tevez’s resale value. From comments he’s made he is not planning on a long career either retiring or going back to South america in the next five years or so. We’d be continuing to pay 5 million a year along with his wages and it is a lot.
Of course we did not spend much money in the 90s compared to the other European giants and won nothing in europe aside from 99…so maybe this is the price you have to pay
July 27th, 2008 at 4:36
Has anyone seen the quotes on the up and coming united starlets on the official site? Ferguson had this to say..
“Cathcart is looking much stronger and the intention is to put him out on loan this season. Possebon will stay as he has potential for first team football, while Cleverley is just a young lad and has time on his side. All the young players have good potential.”
Possebon for first team football
With Anderson away at the Olympics, Ronaldo out, Nani banned, Park injurerd, and Hargreaves not fully fit, I’d bet sooner in the season rather than later!
July 27th, 2008 at 8:03
@Traverse: He plays in the central midfield, where we still have Hargo, Carrick, Fletcher and Scholes (and even O’Shea would be ahead of him imo)), so I wouldn’t bet on him coming on. He might be on the bench for a few games, and he’ll play the Carling Cup, of course. But don’t expect to see him much.
The start of the season is tough for us, so it’s no time for experiments, and SAF knows this.
July 27th, 2008 at 9:00
Sir Alex;s interview in SA to times–
Q. You’ve never rested on laurels but after conquering England and Europe last season, what are the goals for 2008-09?
Well, it’s straightforward for me. I’m thinking always of what I can say to the players in that first team meeting of the season. This time it was “what do you want your-selves?” I think it was summed up perfectly by Ryan Giggs at the dinner after the Champions League final. He made a speech, ‘I’ve had to wait nine years to win this trophy again’. Nine years is a long time and hopefully that registers with the players. They’ ve got a chance to win it again this season. That’s my immediate thought.
Having won in Moscow with a youngish team, we could do it again. The league will always be important because of the tribalism in your country and we start off with Newcastle – you know what the Geordies are like, fantastic atmosphere – then go to Portsmouth, Liverpool and London. Chel-sea, they’ll be wanting to confound my comments about them being an old team (mischievous laugh).
But if this team can win another European Cup it puts them on a different platform to any other United team in history. AC Milan have won the trophy seven times, Liverpool five, Bayern Munich and Ajax four, and we should really be in that frame. Europe is our priority in the sense it’s the big challenge for us, to get on to the level at least of the Liverpools and Bayerns.
Q. How will you manage Ronaldo when he returns?
The boy loves to play football. He loves training. He’s always last off the field and that won’t change. The injury? Right now he can’t do any fitness work because he’s got the crutches, you see. He’s out of plaster in eight days’ time. At that point he will return to us to start rehabilitation.
Q. It’s okay that he’s in LA?
There’s no harm in him going there. He’s gone to do a commercial thing. I think he’s signed up with a new commercial company, an LA-based company.
Q. There are photographs of him in nightclubs . . .
Listen, I’ve got someone with him there. It’s a load of rubbish. He’s not drinking for a start. They (newspapers) had him drinking vodka and that. I said to myself: “Drinking vodka?” I phoned my friend who’s with him and he says: “Boss, there’s no truth in that.” Ronaldo doesn’t drink, we know he doesn’t drink. Stories about some of the other stuff he’s doing are rubbish too.
Q. You sent a club employee with Ronaldo?
We (United) have got someone, aye.
Q. You mentioned Ronaldo’s dedication yet he’s being portrayed as a glamour boy. Are you confident he hasn’t changed?
Any young player who’s had that type of success is going to get attention. The important thing is how they handle it. We know success changes people but the change you like to see is when there’s an elevation in the player’s own esteem which helps them become better. That’s the case with him. At 23 he is reaching the stage where his maturity, his personality and the presence he has on the world stage should help him.
Q. Is there any similarity with Beckham in that he’s no longer being seen as just a footballer?
No. I don’t want to go into it (the differences between Ronaldo and Beckham) but it’s obvious.
Q. How does losing Carlos Queiroz as your number two disrupt plans?
We’re not in a hurry to find a replacement, though we’re looking. When you lose a good man you take your time before filling the position. But with our experience, hopefully it’s not too big a loss. Carlos did some great work but Mike Phelan has been with me 10 years, Les Kershaw, Jim Ryan nearly 20 years. And there’s Rene Meulensteen. They’re all good coaches.
Q. Nonetheless, it puts an extra burden on you – and you’re 67 inDecember.
Naw. Naw. I was going to maybe take a week off now and then, but that’s that bolloxed. But, really, the only time I’ll have to do a lot extra is if we pick a new assistant, because you have to bed them in.
Q. You’ll miss Queiroz’s language skills?
Without question. We’re going to have to work hard with our language teachers, with the players who are still adjusting to the English language, such as Nani, Carlos Tevez and Anderson.
Q.So the new No 2 won’t necessarily be British?
He could easily come from abroad because that would give me an advantage in terms of language, but I’m open-minded.
Q. Would you manage a GB team at the 2012 Olympics?
Seb Coe did have a meeting with me. I said: “2012, that’s a long way off and I don’t know my retirement plans.” But I told him I would give it consideration, because I may have retired by then and want to accept those kinds of challenges that come up on a short-term basis.
Q. If Scotland boycotted the team?
Well, obviously that would make things difficult.
Q. You made Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reserve team manager, a rapid pro-motion for a coach in his first year. Could he be a top manager?
He’s taking his badges and he’s got a lot of qualities, a good manner with the players and a different way of getting things out of them, because he has a quiet-spoken nature. He’s improved his voice levels, which is important in coaching, but I don’t know his ambitions. Coaching’s always the best thing. Anyone who wants to take the next step into that unknown valley of snakes and rats and all the rest of it . . .
Q. You’re surely not talking about the press?
Exactly! That’s where the valley is.
July 27th, 2008 at 9:04
@Stephen: Yea mate Stellenbosch is quite a lovely place. So why dont you change your holiday destination? I hear Plettenberg bay has lovely scenery…
July 27th, 2008 at 9:44
@OllieY: please tell me your joking
July 27th, 2008 at 9:49
@Ishaq(South Africa): Hey! No joking about my country! You lazy thing search wikipedia! I mean we have the largest export OF SPORTS GOODS in the world! Umm that includes football
July 27th, 2008 at 9:50
@OllieY: U dumb dumb its in south east asia! (Talking about pakistan!
)
July 27th, 2008 at 12:11
@Red Diablo: Ok OK I apologise … South East Asia it is then…UMM but is South East Asia in Africa?
July 27th, 2008 at 12:14
@OllieY: You need to brush up on your Geography mate…
The man says it’s in South East Asia…somewhere in Africa…next to Timbuktu
July 27th, 2008 at 12:22
@dan(u-ol): Yes ofcourse I was!!!
I thought Ishaq was aswell though 
@Red Diablo: I was being sarcastic, I myself come from Iran which borders Pakistan.
July 27th, 2008 at 13:07
@Red Diablo: Dude, South East Asia countries are Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, Cambodia, Thailand, Philippines and my own country Brunei. Just for a heads up
July 27th, 2008 at 13:11
@Red Diablo: which city are you from? I am from karachi. and pakistan is in south asia.
July 27th, 2008 at 13:14
@Jezta: those are east asian countries not south east asian!!! South East Asian countries are Pakistan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives, Bhutan.
July 27th, 2008 at 14:16
@Tomas: well hargreaves, if hes even fit will have to play on the right. If he’s not, then it’ll be fletcher instead, meaning carrick and scholes are our only central avaliable midfielders. Jo’S not included…
July 27th, 2008 at 14:46
it’s off topic but, anybody kind enuf to tell me where i can find the feeds for the portsmouth game?
July 27th, 2008 at 15:39
There are none with high quality, but here you go anways:
http://www.myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=15477&part=sports
On another matter, Tevez is worth as much as Rooney and paying 32 mil for him is not outrageous given that we paid 27 mil for Rooney. SAF always tends to be ripped off by other clubs…
July 27th, 2008 at 17:03
Looking to the start of the season there is a small problem which worries me, the wing position. I feel that we are in need of a winger, but we do not seem to be too worried about it. In my opinion i feel it is of greater importance than buying a striker, as we always seem to score goals but without ronaldo we have no creativity. We start the season with ronaldo injured, nani suspended, park out (olympics or injury can’t remeber) and anderson. That leaves us with only giggs, and although he is crap there, fletcher. I know that nani is a short term problem and that should solve the lift winger place, but who to play on the right. Hargreaves can play there i know but will be be as good playing out of position. I saw him play there in the champs league final and he was good but would he do the business week in week out. With ronaldo not due back for 3 months (october time) and us starting with difficult fixtures against portsmouth, liverpool and chelsea all away i would be very worried with us having to play fletcher there. As i said i feel we need a winger more than a striker. As for names to buy i feel we need a winger who can play on either wing, Suggestions please.
July 27th, 2008 at 17:24
You know I have a new Public Enemy #1 and it’s Daniel Levy. This ass clown really knows how to botch things up. I’m reading everywhere this morning that it looks like Fergie may be giving up on Berbatov because Levy is now demanding 38 million. This guy needs to be drilled a new asshole. So now apparently the rumors are that Fergie is looking at Plan B. Levy and Spurs are apparently trying to land David Villa. How poor is Liverpool? They don’t have the capital to scuttle Levy’s plans and will have to settle for Robbie Keane at about 10 million less. This brings me to ask one question. Why doesn’t Fergie go after David Villa? Yes he is not the tall striker he would like but the player is world class and quality and he is on a club that needs to sell. He would blend in well with Rooney and Tevez as he plays a similar game and he can play as a lone striker too. For me he would have been my 3rd or 4th choice after Huntelaar Berbatov but still, he is a great player. Nothing would give me more joy than to see Levy end up stuck with Berbatov who clearly doesn’t want to be there. He clearly has to deal him to be able to afford a Villa as I don’t think the sale of Keane will be enough. Levy has made things very personal where there was nothing wrong being done by Fergie or United. He should be taught a lesson on how to deal in this day and age because he clearly is out of his element and has no clue about the game and how these things work. Why burn your bridges when United have don you no harm? Cheap amateur allegations of wrong doing just shows me what an amateur environment is presiding at White Hart Lane these days.
For what it’s worth, I still feel at the end of the day Fergie will get his man. Levy will feel the crunch near the end because there are no other serious buyers for Berbatov because he is so over priced. He will get egg all over his face if he persists with this anti Fergie campaign of his and he will end up losing Berbatov at the end and probably have no time or chance left to get Villa. Won’t Juande Ramos love that. So Fergie should perhaps look now to Huntelaar or Villa and by putting in bids for either, it will send a clear message to Levy that United are not in the mood to play games with such an idiot. There is a reason why United have won so many trophies in their history and Spurs so few. It’s all about class and leadership at the top. Levy should take the hint.
July 27th, 2008 at 17:31
I’ve got to say I get a real kick out of Fergie’s apparent faith in Ronaldo and his lifestyle and yet he has send a minder to LA to watch over the antics of CR7. Now to be honest, if I was Ronaldo, I would be mightily pissed off over this sign of disrespect and lack of freedom. In this case, he is being treated like a slave. To have to be monitored 24/7 by a team lackey while he is recuperating from an injury is nothing more than disrespectful to the player and akin to Cold War espionage tactics. Why damage the relationship with Ronaldo more than it already has been? I have been the loudest anti Ronaldo voice on this blog but even I have to ask myself how wise it is to put a minder on Ronaldo? Truly, if I’m Ronny right now, I’m totally pissed. Unless the minder is some beautiful big hootered foxy babe who is just so irresistible. And chances of that are slim to none I’m sure.
July 27th, 2008 at 17:45
@Matthew: Fergie has learned and become very comfortable using a 4-3-3 formation that for the most part does not really include wingers. The two wide forwards play a different role than a traditional winger and cut in a lot more. You are to set in the idea that you cannot survive playing a British 4-4-2 without two wide midfielders/wingers. Well, United don’t have to play that way. Tevez can play wide as can Rooney and of course Giggs. The secret is to find that striker in the middle. Hopefully it will be Berbatov or even better, Huntelaar. So I have to respectfully disagree with your claim. To add another winger when Ronaldo, Nani and Park will eventually be returning is adding unwanted cost to a position we are not in long term jeopardy over. The only time we would need that winger, is of course if we lose Ronaldo for good. And it’s looking more and more like this isn’t going to happen. Don’t panic mate. And that coming from me is a revelation as I am known for my panicking.
July 27th, 2008 at 17:47
@Grognard: My thoughts exactly, Levy is an ass that needs a new hole!!! I seriously don’t know where he gets off falsely accusing Fergie and now trying to pawn Berbatov off for £38mil. Well, Fergie said it, “…you know what Daniel Levy is like. He is different.”
July 27th, 2008 at 17:50
@Grognard: We have enough classy short players. We need a striking plan B. Saha when fit is a decent one, but he is made of sugarpaper. Berbatov, Huntelaar hell even Santa Cruz is a different type of striker to what we have, and can be an option if we can’t unlock a defense with our short game.
@Grognard: I think this is standard procedure. He is worth £80mil to us. If that doesn’t warrant an official making sure he isn’t doing anything that might aggravate his recovery and also making sure random Madrid officials don’t accidentally end up at the same restaraunt as him then I’m not sure what does!
Levey is being very clever. I think both Keane and Berbatov will get their moves, but we will have to pay £27-£30mil, and wait almost till the day of the transfer window closing.
The Spurs fans take out their anger on the players and their suitors for poaching and wanting to leave, rather than the spurs board for selling their 2 best players. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Villa or Arshavin or even both end up at Spurs. Then we’ll see if Liverpool can finish 4th
July 27th, 2008 at 17:53
@Grognard: My thoughts exactly!! I seriously don’t know where levy gets off, falsely accusing Fergie, now trying to pawn off Berba for £38mil. The guy is an ass dat needs a new hole!! Anyways, fergie said it earlier, “…you know what Daniel Levy is like. He is different.”
July 27th, 2008 at 18:01
@Grognard: About the wing situation, i suggest we give the young lads (C eagles & L Martin) a try. They’ve been knocking on the 1st teams’ door for a bit now, so why not. We still ave Giggs, Nani, Park, Ronnie, Fletch and even Hargo, however, Giigs might be retiring end of this season and if none of those young lads can cut it, I suggest we then look for a young prodigy to be an understudy like Nani was last season.
July 27th, 2008 at 18:22
HANG ON ONE MINUTE! wheres nani? he isnt on the pre-season tour, why? injury?
July 27th, 2008 at 18:35
@jos: Mate Pakistan is a South Asian country that is why they’re a member of SAARC. South East Asia is Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.
July 27th, 2008 at 18:39
@dan(u-ol): Nani was given a rest because of the Euros…
July 27th, 2008 at 19:02
Gabriel, i quite like the look of lee martin but don’t rate eagles. To grognard i can see where you are coming from with the 433 formation but don’t you feel we loose the best out of rooney and tevez when they play there. We could of course play one of rooney or tevez in the middle with nani on the wing side in a fron 3 formation once his suspension is finished.
I was also just wanting to know everyones opinions of the youth team players who are on the verge of getting into the squad. I personally feel we have some of the best youngsters we have produced in a very long time and would certainly like to see some of them getting their chance. I definitely think foster, evans, possebon and campbell should get some playing time, along with danny simpson and lee martin. Whilst i am not saying to play them first team just for the sake of it i do feel that they should not be sold off and should be given their chance. If there is one thing that i feel fergie could do more, it is spending more time on the youth teamers to bring through more youngsters. Just look at the players barca have brought through in recent years (pique, messi, fabregas, dos santos, bojan) and they have still been a successful team. I would not trade success for giving youngsters time, but i do think that we have sold off too many players without giving them enough of a chance and feel we should now try to bring up the next generation of class youngsters, which to be fair fergie is doing, and doing brilliantly.
July 27th, 2008 at 19:07
Grognard just another question about german related football matters scene as though you seem an expert in that field. Can you please tell me if renato augusto has gone to germany to join a german team. Can’t remember if it was Stuttgart or Bayer Leverkusen. Just wanted to know because i really rated him and wouldn’t have minded him joining us.
July 27th, 2008 at 19:19
OK! Hmm! Nice posts! But anyway! LEt me make things clear! Pakistan is an asian country since 1947! We are in South Asia! And south EAST asia means that it is a part of SOUTH ASIA! And pls refer to SAARC as well! Anyway one more thing@Grognard: I agree with most of the things you say mate! but dont worry we WILL get berbatov! Just have some hope!
July 27th, 2008 at 19:59
Just had a penalty after good movement from campbell, tevez netted but for some reason ref disallowed, maybe encroachment but wasn’t notable. Tevez hit crossbar with second attempt. Typical
July 27th, 2008 at 19:59
Just got ripped on a penalty in the 6th
July 27th, 2008 at 20:07
Pakistan is actually in Sahara desert. But you have to parachute from mount Everest and open a trap door to get there. It also has a large population of polar bears that don’t get along with kangaroos that well. Anyone still in doubt?
July 27th, 2008 at 20:20
Not too much going on, but we’ve had great posession. Eagles through on goal had already spun away to celebrate but chipped wide. Tevez is playing really deep, kind of annoying.
July 27th, 2008 at 20:21
Oh and Johnny Evans has been awesome. As much as I wanted him to succeed, I think I’m happier we have him than pique in the squad.
July 27th, 2008 at 20:26
Eagles needs to go, and Campbell’s first touch on that through ball was awful
July 27th, 2008 at 20:48
Evans is a monster. Good enough to challenege either Rio or Vidic for a first team spot. Happy we got rid of Pique given the situation.
Eagles is good, but he seems to lack desire and speed. Good squad player, but I agree, he needs to go.
Gibson is playing al right. Not shining, but not a disaster either – just a typical young midfielder
Campbell would be magnificent if he could find his touch. His speed, positioning and vision are top class, but he cannot control the ball or strike it cleanly.
July 27th, 2008 at 20:57
The thing about Eagles is that he keeps getting himself in to situatiosn where I expect him to do better, but maybe just the fact that he’s getting there is worth noting. I do wonder if hell ever be first time quality though.
Campbell has been okay, nothing of note really. Anyone know why Foster isn’t on the bench>?
July 27th, 2008 at 21:18
Hell of a strike from our 32 million man.
July 27th, 2008 at 21:19
Whatever happened to Welbeck? I always thought he was meant to be the next big thing. Campbell has not impressed me. I’d have preferred he stayed on loan at Hull and got some Premiership games. He needs games to get his touch sorted and he is not going to get them with us.
Possebon impresses me. Interesting he has not gone on loan but I cannot seem him getting any games with Scholes, Carrick, Anderson, Hargreaves and Fletcher ahead of him. Its crazy to think just a few seasons ago our central midfield was Giggs and O’Shea.
July 27th, 2008 at 21:37
I know this hasnt been the offseason we all had hoped for, but trust me its not as bad as our minds lead us to believe. I would encourage all you to watch the 07-08 season wrap up dvd. It will bring back all the fond memories of this past season. After watching I made a few observations.
1. The fa cup game vs portsmouth. At the time I was livid, because i felt we were robbed. After watching the highlights it was clear to me, We werent meant to win that game. If anyone doesnt believe in fate, then I suggest they watch the replay of that game, Unlucky doesnt even begin to describe what happened to us on that day.
2. I went back over the DVD and made a list of players that I feel we couldnt not have won the double with out.
Ronaldo; for obvious reasons.
Rooney and Tevez; I hate to clump these two together, but its just too hard to seperate them. The amount of chances they created for themselves and others is just unreal. At the same time, the amount of chances they blew is also unreal. Having said that, I cant imagine them both missing as many easy chances again next season. And for people who say tevez and rooney cant play together, they are completely nuts. Both of the guys are incredibly gifted and intelligent players. I think next season we are all in for a treat cause they link up very well(If we added berbatov to them it will be Game over for the rest of the league.)
Rio and Vidic; I know there is alot of arguments about who makes the other defender look better. at times I think Vidic does prop of Rio just a little, but over the course of the season Rio was a rock. Not just for the back 4 but the entire team. He is everything that a captain should be. I know Neville has been a worthy captain, but it is time to give Rio the armband permanently, for both club and country.
Carrick; He had a hefty price tag to live up too, and because of that many didnt want to give him a chance… Myself included. I am hear before all you to eat crow. His stability alone has justified his price tag. The fact he played the most games in midfield speaks volumes about not only fergies faith in him, but his ability to stay healthy. His ability to feed the attackers is underrated if you ask me, the number of goals he set up last season on countless.
Hargreaves; WOW, he was IMMENSE last year. How many different positions did he play? Not only did he play wherever fergie asked him to play, but he did so with out a complaint and played his heart out. I can in no way shape or form see us winning anything last year if it wasnt for his versality and exellence all over the pitch. He can attack and defend with the best of them. His injury record is a little annoying, but other than that he was WORTH EVERY LAST PENNY.
July 27th, 2008 at 21:42
I think Campbell signed his loan deal tonight. had great chances, the type an out and striker who offers nothing else really needs to take, and missed all of them. He has promise, but needs a lot of work. Hopefully he can have a good time on loan and come back stronger, still has potential.
Late defoe goal which left Cathcart for dead but we didn’t really look troubled. Solid performance.
July 27th, 2008 at 21:45
Best performance to date in preseason…looking good…quick passing like usual
July 27th, 2008 at 22:07
@R…: Classic comment mate…LMAO
July 27th, 2008 at 22:21
Scholes, Vidic and Tevez looked really good tonight.
Scholes is such a rare type of player. His passing is always sharp, and his opposition can never get close to him. There’s so much for the youngsters to learn from the Ginga Ninja.
Vidic completely took out Crouch, whose only efforts came from 25 yards out, from where he’s always been shite.
Tevez had some great passing moves and his touch was a lot sharper tonight. The goal may have been just a bonus, but it’s vital none the less to get him going already. Him and Rooney look set for a great season, if you ask me.
The youngsters look decent enough. Eagles is a weird player, because a lot of the mistakes he makes seem to be lapses of concentration more than lack of skill. Passes over 10 yards that end up with an opponent and stuff like that. He has to up his concentration level, if he wants to have any chance of getting into the team. Funny thing is though that he may have to play a role in the first few matches, when we’re without Nani and Ronaldo – just as he did last season.
July 27th, 2008 at 22:31
@colver:
Wellbeck was due to play for England in the U19 championships but got injured before the start. I would imagine its this injury thats holding him back, although with the u19 championships he probably wouldnt have been part of atleast the SA part of pre season anyway
July 27th, 2008 at 22:55
@Red Diablo: If the papers are to be believed, Fergie has dropped the bid and is considering his options which i hope includes Huntelaar.
July 28th, 2008 at 0:05
@Matthew: We may lose the best from Rooney and Tevez but it’s still better to playing a 4-4-2 without either Ronaldo, Nani or Park available. All it means is way play with less depth. As we are not a crossing team anymore 4-3-3 suits us fine and it still keeps Rooney and Tevez close enough to the 18 yard box to make a dent. It’s the best option we have until Ronaldo and Nani return. And as for a winger, we will need one next season as Giggs is definitely on his last set of tires. But right now we are OK unless of course we lost Ronaldo. And that doesn’t look the case right now.
July 28th, 2008 at 0:15
@Matthew: And just look where Barcelona has gotten all those players from, Croatia (Bojan), Messi (Argentina) Dos Santos (Brazil) etc. United’s reserves are mostly from the limited area around Manchester. The rules have made it difficult for us to find and nurture top world class talent from such a small pool of talent. But consider this, we have done just as well as Barcelona with our foreign youth. In fact most of our foreign boys have been better and more mature than Barcelona’s because they were able to break in to the squad right away. Ronaldo, Nani and Anderson broke in right away and lets not forget we had Pique first and he wasn’t good enough to make the team. As long as United and their top scouts can continue finding top talent for us from abroad, we will be right up their with Barcelona. We have the twins, Possebon and Petruzzi to also look forward to. The great news is we have not lost Queiroz from a scouting and connections perspective. He works for Portugal’s national team and he will be free to check out all the Portuguese talent that’s coming up. If he sees another Ronaldo, Nano or Brazilian import worth going for, who do you think he will contact first. He is a very valuable ally and potentially more useful for us as coach of Portugal as he ever was for us as United #2. I think he will open many doors for us to have first crack at up and coming Portuguese talent.
July 28th, 2008 at 0:21
@Matthew: Last I heard was that Augusto signed for Leverkusen for 10 or 12 million. He’s a real talent and it’s really a coup for a German club to get him over some Spanish or Italian giant. Another Diego in the making. I did hear there were some loose ends when it came to finalizing the contract but I think everything went well last time I heard. Hope that’s of any help to you. I’m impatiently waiting for my Kicker Yearbook to really let me know what’s happening this year in the Bundesliga. I love my Bayern and I think Klinsmann is a great but without Ribery they have no midfield schemers that can consistently set up their strikers. I smell trouble. They should have bought an AMF like Ballack instead of wasting money on Borowski.
July 28th, 2008 at 0:31
@Red Diablo: I am confident we will get him because Tottenham do not have the smarts or the leverage to keep Berbatov. They have no history of success and they are not in the Champions League. As we get closer to the deadline Berbatov and his agent will start to bitch and complain. This will create an untenable situation which they do not have the spirit or the clout that Ferguson has over Ronaldo. Plus, if they want both Arshavin and Villa, they will have to sell Keane and Berbatov. Oh trust me, I’m quite optimistic but Levy is a scoundrel so anything is possible.
July 28th, 2008 at 0:33
@Beachryan: I think the time that Johnny Evans spent at Sunderland with Roy Keane did wonders for him. He played on a poor team where he had to defend 75% of the time and be on his toes. He got plenty of EPL experience and that in itself has improved his game tremendously and has probably made him better than Pique at this stage in both of their careers.
July 28th, 2008 at 0:42
@Rd: Thats just a tactical case of chess. He hasn’t given up on Berbatov. He’s just saying to Levy “Oh Ya, fuck you, I can go elsewhere.” Now where else is Levy going to go? Barcelona are truly not that interested and Berbatov will not go to Milan because they are not in th Champions League. Nobody else seems interested in Berbatov for over 25 million and if indeed they sell him for 25 million or less, I think Ferguson would have grounds for laying some charges against Spurs to the FA as well as FIFA for being unfairly phased out of the bidding. You cannot demand 38 million from one team and then 25 or less from another without giving United a chance to match or better the bid. At last I don’t think you can. Fergie is playing Levy’s bluff and he will put him to the rack. Honestly though, who am I going to trust more in this situation, some greenhorn goofball like Levy or the legend Sir Alex Ferguson? Ferguson has been down this road many a time before. He knows how to play this bloke like a bass violin.
July 28th, 2008 at 3:17
@Grognard: Bojan is spanish mate, though his father with the same name is Serbian. Love this guy, he’s a prodigy!
July 28th, 2008 at 3:56
@Jezta: Yes I know his mother is Spanish and I couldn’t remember if the father was Croatian or Serbian but did he not initially grow up in Serbia? I could be wrong but that is what I remember hearing.
July 28th, 2008 at 4:03
@Grognard: His father is a scout at Barcelona. So he’s a Barca player through and through. He grew up in Barcelona.
July 28th, 2008 at 7:25
Can anyone suggest a good podcast for football? Preferably audio because it makes for easier downloading.
July 28th, 2008 at 7:29
@Grognard: And Dos Santos is Mexican BTW
July 28th, 2008 at 7:40
@Red Ranter: Thanks for letting me know. I wasn’t clear on his history.
July 28th, 2008 at 8:34
@Grognard: Very well put! @Rd I didnt think that you would still be believing in the press THESE days!
July 28th, 2008 at 8:36
@Krishnan: Mexican, Brazilian, Swedish, Chinese, what’s the difference?
July 28th, 2008 at 10:20
Okey, according to some newspapers today we are being linked with Henry. I dont like him, but Id take almost any striker at the moment. We cant start the season with only Rooney, Tevez and Campell as striker. One is injury phrone, Carlito can only play woth Rooney and Frazier is unproven. Hopefully Hargreaves, Saha or Park will be fit for the seasons start.