Jun 21
United’s Transfer Strategy — Is There More to Their Denial?
[Warning: Highly speculative article involving yours' truly thinking out loud for most part. Kindly bear and do add your 2 pennies' worth at the end.]
Yesterday, following Ronaldo’s interview with Guillem Balague Manchester United Football Club, issued a statement on its official site reaffirming what it’s been saying all along: that Ronaldo is not for sale.
This is the rare occasion where United are being put in a position where they don’t want to sell a player who seemingly wants away. [I personally think he does want away, but for the sake of those who think we should wait till he comes out and says it definitively, I've added the word 'seemingly']
But despite all this, and the possibility of getting big money from Madrid, United have been firm on their stance on Ronaldo.
So here’s a theory…
So often in the past we’ve seen United fall out with players and hence driven to desperation to sell their players. As a result the price of the player would eventually go down thus selling the player at a bargain. RvN’s price, for instance, was laughable. Whilst the club seem firm on Ronaldo, there is a distinct possibility that the club may be doing this consciously in order to ensure that Ronaldo’s price stays high. Thus with Madrid being desperate to buy, there can be only on way of that happening: selling the player on United’s terms.
So does anyone else think this may be a plausible strategy from the United camp?
The second part of his hypothesis is more of a suggestion than anything. Suppose, United decide to sell Ronaldo (but not decide publicly) they would ideally want to make purchase of players before selling Ronaldo. So buying a winger, perhaps, and a striker before selling would make sound business sense.
The reason? Well, selling Ronaldo would net us a lot of cash, but attempting to make purchases after that would come with pitfalls: clubs will charge exorbitant amounts for their players looking for a bite of the Ronaldo pie. So Ajax might say, “You want Huntelaar? Hmm, let’s have £40 million, thank you. You must have a lot of money now, mustn’t you?” And we couldn’t say, “No we don’t” because what we’ll sell Ronaldo for — even if the amount was undisclosed — would be huge. And that’s where the sales of our star winger would burn holes in our pocket.
So wait till the Euros are over and swoop in soon after. As the bloke from crystal maze would say, “Let the games begin.”
Related items from Red Rants:- Nani dazzles | Kieran in Denial | Manutd.com Wins.
- Courtroom Drama | Mourinho’s Latest Joke
- United’s £100k+ Christmas party, useless Shorey, Arsenal will stumble and of course, Rooney is better than Kaka
- Manchester United’s Munich tribute on 6 Feb 2008
- Who is your Manchester United’s Player Of The Month for November?
Tags: Opinions/Columns
June 21st, 2008 at 19:12
Yeah nice theory. I also think the plan is to sell Ronaldo at the END of the summer, once we’ve lined up replacements.
We’ll refuse to sell, Ronaldo will make it clear he wants to leave, Real Madrid will think a deal is on the cards, so offer higher and higher amounts. Eventually when our target figure is reached we sell.
In fact it is becoming very much like the Hargreaves situation and Bayern ended up making us pay a pretty high price.
June 21st, 2008 at 19:13
Great article RR! I agree on both of your points. It’s obvious to me that Ronaldo wants to leave and in my opinion I hope he leaves soon. The guy has become an arrogant asshole.
June 21st, 2008 at 19:35
For me ,I think CR has fallen in love with his image.I think he should be kicked whenever United get their targets.For me I think they should sign Wesley Sneijder if Madrid makes an offer to swap.And if they can ,get a stiker like Fabiano or Huntelaar b4 selling CR.
June 21st, 2008 at 19:45
RR, you’ve let the cat out of the bag. Let’s hope Real Madrid and the other clubs don’t read this site and find out what United are doing. haha
June 21st, 2008 at 19:58
Nice one, lads. Let’s leave Cristiano and that wanker Calderon twisting in the wind until the night the transfer wind closes. That way, buying Stefan Radu from Dynamo Bucharest, Miguel Veloso fromSporting/or Jermaine Jones from Schalke, Andrei Arshavin from Zenit and Samuel Eto’o from Barca is not going to cost us Chelski/Real dosh. Then again, as Calderon’s job as president is on the line, why not bend him over a barrel till his aristocratic Spaniard’s arsehole gapes and demand 50M quid AND Sergio Ramos, Wesley Sneijder and Mohammed Diarra. Robinho is a bigger diva than Cristiano, so Chelsea deserve him!
June 21st, 2008 at 20:37
RR; Totally agree with you especially in regards to buying other players. All the more reason why I don’t like their procrastination regarding this. Go out and buy two players before anything is done about Ronaldo. Don’t cause a problem where there is one price for us and a different price for others.
June 21st, 2008 at 20:41
Watching the Russian’s totally outplay the Dutch is making me very happy. I like the way they play and Hiddink’s attacking approach. The Dutch don’t look terrible but they are a shadow of the team that has played the past three games. Andy Gray was correct. Lets see how well the Dutch play when they run up to a tough game where everything isn’t turning over for them. Can they win ugly? I say they can’t. Hopefully Guus and the boys can prove me right. Russia has been my dark horse from the beginning. And you know, I love the way they play so much that I would love to see Hiddink be Ferguson’s successor. He would ensure that United play with style, pace and passion while always attacking.
June 21st, 2008 at 20:46
crystal maze woah u just brought back my childhood memories RR
i just think the club is just doing what any other club will be doing standing by their decision and yeah if we think deep i think the second option u said makes the most logic as most of the clubs do exploit us in the transfer market and why the hell we still havent sold saha and silvestre
get some action people
June 21st, 2008 at 20:51
Most of our targets are in the Euros.
June 21st, 2008 at 21:00
grog
hiddink is a gypsy!!!
what do u think of pavlyuchencho as 3rd choice striker! Him or Santa Cruz?
VDV has sent in some high quality crosses!!! How RVN didnt score is a mystery! Our next No. 7 ???
June 21st, 2008 at 21:18
I’ve thought about this for a while and so I am going to offer this to all of you for the sake of debate and to hear some of your suggestions. The following is my official 10 player shopping list for Fergie to use in my fantasy. I of course don’t expect him to sign all 10 players but I would be happy with signing even 2 or 3 of them with or without Ronaldo on the team. The order is from my 10th choice down to my number one choice. The rating is out of 5 (1 being very unlikely that Fergie will buy to 5 highly likely to buy).
10. GK Manuel Neuer Germany - A tremendous shot stopper and exceptional reflexes and ability to distribute the ball. Despite the furor over Adler, this is Germany’s best goalkeeper. (1)
9. GK Artur Boruc Poland - All the skills that Neuer has and a Schmeichel like presence in the box. An intimidating and physical keeper
who reminds me more of the great keepers Germany had in the past like Maier, Schumacher and Kahn (2)
8. ST David Villa Spain - Who wouldn’t love this lad on his side. Pace, skill , exceptional first touch and a flair for the dramatic, not to mention a nose for goal. His only knock, he’s short and he doesn’t seem interested in playing for us. (1)
7. ST Roman Pavlychenko Russia - I really love this kid. He has pace, can play up front by himself and has great goal scoring instinct. Scores crackers for goals but needs to work on his finishing as he misses a lot of chances. Great thing is that he can be taught to have more patience and composure in front of goal and the fact that he gets a lot of chances due to his hard work. (2)
6. Wesley Sneijder Holland - A super midfield talent who has flexibility and can hit the ball well with both feet. He is a good passer but a very decent goal scorer from an attacking midfield position. A solid replacement for Ronaldo and a heir to Scholes too. (4)
5. Rafael van der Vaart Holland - A classy play maker who can score goals and be a strong taker of set pieces and corners. The total package and very much similar to Sneijder. Wants a change and I think he can be had at an affordable price. Wants to play for us too. Only problem is Chelsea want him too and they have unlimited funds. (3)
4. Lukas Podolski Germany - Very overrated on our blog because people simply haven’t seen him as much as I have. This kid is super talent with a lethal left foot and a very decent right one too. Improving in the air and has great dribbling skills with great pace. Is also a very good passer and has been known to also take free kicks and corners. His finishing is still a work in progress but it is constantly improving. Can play alone up front or in tandem as a second striker. He can also play on the wing or as a LFM. He has been improperly used at Bayern and he has a right to want out. The kid is world class and deserves more respect. (1)
3. Philip Lahm Germany - The best fullback in the world hands down. A great attacker with a great right foot. His defense is very underrated as very few players ever get around him and he is surprisingly strong in the air too. A great dribbler with great pace and strong crossing and passing ability. His greatest asset is his ability to play either RWB or LWB at the same world class level. The chances of us getting him this year seem slim to none as he did agree to a new 3 year contract extension with Bayern thanks tot his talk with manager Klinsmann. (1)
2. Andrei Arshvin Russia - A tremendous world class talent with incredible pace, imagination and sublime passing skills. Plays a second striker role for Russia while playing an attacking midfield or LMF role for Zenit. He can play anywhere on the field and can use either leg efficiently to take shots or thread incredible see and eye passes that dissect the best of defenses and makes them look silly. A very strong finisher and an ideal replacement for either Ronaldo and especially Scholes. I love this Russki to death. He is Russia’s engine room and is worth twice what he is being valued. If Wenger buys him too United will really regret it much more than losing Ramsey to him.
This boy is all we really need to be honest. (3)
1. Klaas Jan Huntelaar Holland - This is my boy. I absolutely love him to death. He is awesome. Natural goal scorer extraordinaire. He can do it all. Lethal right and left foot, scores from distance, tremendous in the air, bicycle kicks like it’s nobody’s business, and is a pretty decent short passer as well. He is also good at holding up the ball. His pace is underrated. Not fast but certainly wouldn’t slow United down. commands the box and wants the ball. Lethal in tight areas and a master of scoring on the half chance or half volley.
If we don’t get this player I will be gutted beyond belief. (4)
There you have it. I have left out other players I like but these are the 10 I most would like to wear United red. Fergie please buy Huntelaar and one or two more of them and make me a very happy camper.
June 21st, 2008 at 21:37
The Ruud boy shows exactly why I miss him so much. Clutch goal from a great striker. Russia is very unlucky and really missed a few sitters to go up 2-0 and win this. If Holland go to win this they should count themselves very lucky. Russia have outclassed them tonight. And my boys Arshavin and Pavlyuchenko have shown what they are all about. Boy Kolodin got off very lucky at the end of th 90 minutes. A yellow there might have been curtains for Russia.
June 21st, 2008 at 21:37
Grog
Guardian ran a list of possible utd targets and the young russian keeper Akinfeev (they labeled him the best young keeper in the world!) was in there too! He is playing today for Russia.
About VDV it depends on whether or not Lampard stays! If Lampard leaves then only there is a vacancy (in fact then also there is no vacancy in chelsea midfield) They already have 2 world class talents in that position in Ballack and Lampard. If Ronaldo leaves then we do have a big hole in our midfield. Then we will need to change our style of play and he can slot in a 4-4-2 or 4-5-1 formation
Schnider has already declared he is not interested in a move to Utd so he is not coming for sure!
June 21st, 2008 at 21:42
jos; Akinfeev is a good shot stopper but he is very week on high balls and crosses into the box. And never was that more proven than today, especially with RVN’s goal. He should have had another in the first half that Akinfeev refused to come out for and RVN fanned on it. He’s good but I actually think their backup keeper from Zenit is a better keeper. Just my opinion. As for Sneijder, he may have no choice if Real makes him a part of the deal for Ronaldo. Beside, he would be almost losing his position to Ronaldo if he were to stay. He should be careful about burning his bridges.
June 21st, 2008 at 21:58
grog
well its not me but the guardian who said that! I havent seen much of Adler or Nueur (didnt Schalke lose to chelsea coz of his gaffes?)
Anyway we were at one time linked with Mexican keeper Ochoa who was labeled as the 3rd best keeper in the world (behind Buffon and Casillas and ahead of the likes of Cech, VDS etc according to FIFA!) what do you think of him.
June 21st, 2008 at 22:02
heres a link about the Ochoa thing…
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2007/11/08/ufnochoa108.xml&CMP=ILC-mostviewedbox
June 21st, 2008 at 22:03
Andrei Arshavin is a bloody God. FERGIE. Please sign this Russki.
OOPS! As I write this Arshavin scores the third Russian goal. Goodbye Holland. They choke again. Russia are just awesome to watch. Look for a Russia vs Germany final and I think the Russian’s pace will hurt Germany but Russia’s weakness on set pieces might hurt them. Can Spain or Italy beat the Russians with Arshavin? I honestly don’t think so. And that Pavlyuchneko is just so impressive.
June 21st, 2008 at 22:06
jos, Much like my list, that’s the view of one person who sees things differently. Just because he works for the Guardian doesn’t make him right or more informed. Then again, my opinion is based on having seen the lad play goal half a dozen times or so.
June 21st, 2008 at 22:06
I feel for Netherlands…but Arshavin man!!….i dont know why this kid was never spotted when he was 22 or 23…He is untouchable now!!!
And as i type…he scores!!!…..
June 21st, 2008 at 22:11
This is great news for United. More rest for EVDS and now we can seriously go after Huntelaar, and Rafael van der Vaart. Nothing holding us back from going after those targets now. Even Sneijder is free to discuss now.
June 21st, 2008 at 22:12
that man arshavin.. makes holland look shite…
the next no.7 anyone?
Ronaldo who.
June 21st, 2008 at 22:15
Pity, because I thought we could go after the entire Russian team
June 21st, 2008 at 22:18
LB: Zhirkov.
Palvyuchenko
Arshavin
Afinkeev
All caught my eye
June 21st, 2008 at 22:19
i think chelsea would have first refusal on Ashravin given Abrahimovic’s links… he might just buy him to stop others from having him or maybe they will shunt out SWP and buy him as replacement.
June 21st, 2008 at 22:23
Could vidic play a role in tempting him to utd? i know that he used to play in Russia?
not to mention the greatest ever Russian player played for Manchester United Andrei Kanchelskis!
June 21st, 2008 at 22:24
Utsav; Dead on mate. I don’t know about Akinfeev but Arshavin and Pavlyuchenko were in one word AWESOME! I also am a big Yuri Zhirkov fan but I doubt we would go after him as he is pretty old. Still he is a great attacking LWB/LMF/LW with great skills, passing and dribbling ability. He also is a good set piece taker.
I know I am being fickle here but Pavyluchenko just leapfrogged my list above Huntelaar and behind Arshavin. Pav reminds me of a Wayne Rooney from 4 years ago that was more aggressive and likes to take shots from anywhere. He is also much better than Rooney as a lone striker up front always getting to long balls that aren’t even directed for him. Arshavin and Pavyluchenko is all we need and 75 mil for Ronaldo. Make it happen Fergie. Neither of these guys will cost as much as some of the more ghlamor names out there. Although there stock just skyrocket this evening. And as for Arshavin. This kid amazes me not only wioth his skills but the way he always comes through big time in big games. Can Ronaldo say this? Where was he on Friday?
June 21st, 2008 at 22:27
jos; Is that a Abrahimovic a cross between Abramovich and Ibrahimovich?
Just messing with you mate!
June 21st, 2008 at 22:27
I was not very impressed by van der Vaart. A few good crosses and free kicks, but I was much more impressed with Sneijder who had a bad game compared to usual! I don’t watch van der Vaart much, but Sneijder worked harder and was more creative for me tonight. Also, he took a lot of threatening shots from far.
June 21st, 2008 at 22:29
kurt; Neither Sneijder nor van der Vaart had good games but they are bot world class players, trust me. Manchester United don’t play one game, they play 60 or so over a year so no player is outstanding every game. Either one would be a tremendous signing for us.
June 21st, 2008 at 22:32
Oh yeah Arshavin would be perfect. What about Srna? I think he is a useful player
June 21st, 2008 at 22:34
Jos: Abramovic does not own Moscow. He has pumped alot of money into CSKA Moscow and not Zenith. Also, Zenith pays this guy big bucks. Add to that he has just become the hottest property around after Villa. I expect all clubs to come sniffing.
Im not going to base my judgement on oone match. I wouldn’t thus call Van Der Vaart poor. More than anything else, the Dutch could not cope up with the flexibility of the Russian system and formation. Guus has really trained them well
Grognard. Arshavin would be top of my list too. Ever since UEFA Cup Finals. But I wouldnt go for Pavyluchenko over Huntelaar. We need someone lethal. Pavyluchenko tends to be very inconsistent and can miss a host of chances. But he does play that lone striker role very well.
Now the only thing thats left for Fergie to ponder is whether the players are good or the system and the way they play as a unit make them look good. I wouldn’t discount either
June 21st, 2008 at 22:35
guys the answer to all our striker problems has finally been found , Pavyluchenko!!! are u kidding me the kid is insane!
June 21st, 2008 at 22:52
i liked the number, 8, 9 and 10 in the german side, we all know who the number 10 is, but i really cant remember the names of the number 8 and 9.
to be honest, i just want the number 8s right foot, unbelievealbe it was, and the number 9 looks like he could be the winger i want(granted the traitor stays) but he did look a bit on the chubby side
and well arshavin, the only thing wrong with him is his name.
Gosh, it just hit me, we look at all these countries, with all these young talents that could play for any team they wanted to, then we have england who gloat the likes of barry, crouch and the slipper. Heartbreaking.
June 21st, 2008 at 22:54
colver; I for one don’t want useful, I want awesome. Srna for me is Tottenham class, not United.
Mike; I agree, this kid is very good, very young, tall, and full of pace and has the willingness and courage to attack and take shots. Unlike our current crop of strikers who are a little gun shy. Arshavin as our attacking midfilder from the right side, Nani on the left and Rooney and Pavyluchenko up front would be an awesome site.
June 21st, 2008 at 23:01
grognard- every word in which you have described him is true and accurate except his age, one may argue that 26 is not very young
June 21st, 2008 at 23:07
Also Jos, what Utsev is right and Arshavin plays for Zenit while Pavyluchenko plays for Spartak. Neither have strong ties to Abramovich. Many people may not be aware of this but Abramovich is not a liked man in Russia. He is blamed for a lot of things and rumors of how he made his billions has really made him unpopular. During the CL final, it was clear from what the press were reporting and from what was being shown on tv that Man Utd is a very popular team in Russia. Who knows? If Fergie wakes up to the fact that beautiful football exists in other places outside of Portugal and Brazil we may be fortunate to sign either or both of these super lads. One can dream.
With that said I find it incomprehensible how van Basten was unwilling to change his defensive minded 4-2-3-1 formation and go with an attacking 4-4-2 by bringing in Huntelaar to try to at least tie the game in extra time. No strategic finesse or genius by the man. Like AV Grant, all he did was exchange a player for a player and keep the same formation which was not working. Stupid and arrogant beyond belief. Hiddink has said he will coach Russia into the next World Cup. That will be until 2010. That may be the time Fergie finally hangs it up. I know Hiddink is a friend of Roman Moneybags but I think he would be a perfect replacement for Fergie because of his vast experience and his propensity to like attacking fast and innovative football. Russia today looked like United on a great day. I don’t think I am lost in the wilderness with this thought.
June 21st, 2008 at 23:08
I havent posted for a while lately, the Ronaldo soap opera was going round in circles and was doing my head in so heres my take on things after a couple of weeks reflection.
Over the last 12 months or so Ronaldos ego and arrogance has grown to dangerous proportions and although he has become a major weapon in our armoury I think it is in the best intereste of United if SAF wakes up and smells the cofee coz for him to be fighting so hard to keep a player who so has so blatantly disrespected the club, the fans and SAF himself to me smacks of desperation and sends out the messge that without Ronaldo we are doomed. To much has went on this summer and Ronaldos flirting with Madrid and constant fawning over them without even mentioning how great a club United are has burnt all his bridges with me and I will never see him in the same light again.
Deep down inside most of us we probably suspected he was shallow, self obsessed and put himself before the team but we aleays defended him because he was our player but its time for us all to wake and realise that to keep a player who so clearly loves himself more than anything is going to have long term repurcussions and it is better to get rid of him now and move swiftly for proper team players who will improve us as a unit rather than indulging the ever growing ego of someone who thinks he is bigger than the club.
SAF must act swiftly and sound out the possibility of bringing good team players like Lahm, Huntelaar and tonights man of the match Arshavin to OT coz to try and hold on to Ronaldo makes us look weak and frightened and I for one hope that SAF will realise that losing him now might not have been part of the plan but in the long run could actually take us to the next level as a team.
Cmon SAF, dont let Ronaldo hold us to ransome, United are bigger than that.
June 21st, 2008 at 23:13
Mike, 26 is fine. He would give us 5 good years at least. In this day and age, 5 years is about all we can expect from players who seem to all have a mercenary frame of mind. Giggs, Neville and Scholes excluded of course.
Utsav; I love Huntelaar and truth be known, he’s my guy but if I’m honest, Pavyluchenko is more suited to our style of play which is the same style used by Russia. He is very young and has lots to learn so grant him his occasional misses. He will get better and at least he creates chances and has the courage to take his chances. Two years with Fergie and Pav would be the most feared striker in Europe, I guarantee it.
June 21st, 2008 at 23:22
Dan; I’m sorry mate but what the Heck are you watching? #8 is Torsten Frings who missed the last game and who has been horrible up to that point. #9 is Mario Gomez who is reinventing the word awful in this tournament. and #10 is Oliver Neuville who used to be pretty good in the 80’s and who is close to 40 years old now and has played less than 5 minutes. Now had you mentioned Podolski, Schweinsteiger or Lahm I might agree with you. Besides, making an accurate appraisal of a player when all you know about them is their number makes me wonder if how you are watching this game? Are you watching alone or in a distracting crowded environment like a pub? Sorry but your observations are really confusing me greatly. Is it possible you meant the Russian side and not the GERMAN side?
June 21st, 2008 at 23:23
Blame the coach for the Holland loss. He had Robben and Huntelaar parked on the bench, when they needed speed and trickers, and heading ability up front. Hollands substitutes were abysmal. I will never understand why Robben and Huntelaar were not on the pitch. Holland didn’t deserve to win. It would have been a Russian cricket score but for the magnificent EVDS. So sad for you Edwin.
June 21st, 2008 at 23:25
Fred the Red; Beautifully said mate. Welcome back.
June 21st, 2008 at 23:27
It’s kinda funny for me watching how everyone is ranting and raving about Arshavin now. I knew about him this time last year, and what an excellent player he was, but I feared people on here would laugh at me and dismiss him if I were to suggest him as a transfer target for United, as he was a relative unknown back then.
He first came to my attention when I was watching a Euro 2008 qualifying game between Russia and Croatia. The match finished goalless, but Arshavin pulled all the strings for Russia that night and I remember thinking to myself ‘this dude can play quite a bit!’. Then I saw him again playing against England, and then for Zenit during their UEFA Cup run, and he reminded me a lot of Paul Scholes, with his sound technique, passing, vision and goals from midfield. Still, I was too scared to suggest him on here as a lot of people at the time were obsessed with getting Huntelaar, Benzema, Gomez etc. They say the best players do it in the big tournaments, and I would like to ask, what have those three done in the Euros? Gomez missed an open goal, Benzema was nowhere to be seen in any of France’s three group games and Huntelaar has hardly set the place on fire has he?
Arshavin, on the other hand, is now showcasing his awesome talent on the biggest stage and I am glad that everyone is now realising what a class player he is. I wouldn’t bet against him finishing up as the Player of the Tournament, and if Mr Voldemort decides the grass is greener elsewhere, this guy is one of the few players out there who can definitely go a long way to plugging the gap. The only thing going against Arshavin, however, is the fact that he is already 27, which means we’ll probably only get 4-5 years out of him at his best. Not a sound long term investment in a financial sense, especially as he won’t come cheap; if Modric (a similar player) can be bought for £16m, I’m guessing Arshavin will come with a hefty price tag in the £15-20m bracket also. But hey, we’ll have the cash to splurge like there’s no tomorrow, so I wait with bated breath to see what Fergie thinks…
June 21st, 2008 at 23:27
A defence comprising of Ooijer and Bouhlarouz will always be suspect but not taking anything away from the Russian team. And Ashavin, what a player! Simply world-class. Zhirkov is eye-catching too. Amazing how the group leaders all fell by the wayside. Spain next?
June 21st, 2008 at 23:33
Akinfeev is a pretty decent goalkeeper, similar to Kuszcak though. I don’t know about Pavyluchenko though, he doesn’t seem to be a particularly great finisher to me, which is what we need. Rooney can play the lone striker role just as well in my opinion. Anyukov is an excellent full-back though; replacement for Gary Neville anyone?
June 22nd, 2008 at 0:04
really like the idea of nani and arshvin switching wings.
Its so fluent……would be immence actually.
With Rons imminent departure im warming to the idea of
Berbatov comin’ in this summer.
Very cantona esqu’ he’d relish coming to the ultimate stage that is OT.
FUCK RONALDO. TASTELESS CUNT
June 22nd, 2008 at 0:07
Aye, dead on Freddy boy.
June 22nd, 2008 at 0:29
Nino; You weren’t the only one ranting about Arshavin. I began my campaign months ago. I began my crusade after Russia played England. The boy is just class personified and like relared said, I would love to see he switching wings Nani to create loads of confusion for the opposition. Pavylucheno is decent enough of a finisher now but he could become lethal with some coaching and seasoning. He is very young but he has all the tools to be very dynamic. I just salivate watching him play the lone striker role because he just gets to every ball and makes things happen that are positive. He also creates chances for himself which we cannot say about our present crop of forwards barring Ronaldo. This kid isn’t afraid to hit it from 30 metres or to take 15 shots in a game. That kind of aggressiveness and courage is what we need. Fergie would fine tune him and make him the best in Europe guaranteed. And Nino I so disagree with your point where you say Rooney can play the lone striker role as well. Not only can’t he play it as well but he can’t play it at all well period. He’s useless as a lone striker. Come on! Everybody has been crying about not using Rooney as a lone striker now for two years. Yes he works hard but he doesn’t score goals and he’s not great at holding the ball and waiting for help.
realred; Yes Berbatov is very Cantona like in his playing ability but he is not as quick and his attitude is not the same either at least when it comes to United. Cantona was a problem at Leeds and maybe Berbatov would be the same here but I’m not sure. No doubting his skills but he does come across as lazy and a fair weather player who never wins the big one.
June 22nd, 2008 at 0:33
To the people worried that United aren’t going for Asharvin, an attacking midfielder(though he can play as a second striker but at 5ft7 per wikipedia, he’s still another midget) wasn’t one of the positions Fergie said he’d like to strengthen this transfer season maybe thats the reason for the lack of interest, but anyway that was before Ronaldo said he wanted to leave, so maybe he’ll be interested now.
June 22nd, 2008 at 0:36
Craig; Very good point. Not playing Huntelaar and Robben when they need a different look and more emphasis offensively showed just how outclassed van Basten was in this game. van Basten isn’t a coach. He’s a star player with a rep. Unfortunately that is a big trend now a days. Some of them like Beckenbauer, Cruyff and Klinsmann are decent and they surround themselves with tacticians who know what they are doing. van Basten was out in left field. He’s no better than his former teammates Gullitt and Rijkaard as tactically challenged.
June 22nd, 2008 at 0:51
Wasn’t Robben injured? I thought Arshavin had yet another good game and would love to see him in our red shirt next year. Their front man Pavlychenko also had a decent game but wasn’t exactly clinical in front of goal
June 22nd, 2008 at 0:51
Grog, Tactically challenged, what a good way of putting it. Van Basten looked out of it tonight.
Robben scored one and made ? 1 or 2 last match, and then he goes and leaves him on the bench. They needed Huntelaar for aerial possession, but he sent more midgets on, couldn’t make it out. Grog that guy Denis ?Kosdovin was something else with his 40 yard kicking. Only for Edwin, he would have scored at least two. Is he the Russian centre half?. I though he was good man.
June 22nd, 2008 at 0:55
[craig]
Yeah he’s a centre half — Kolodin was his name.
And considering the harsh Russian weather, I don’t think the likes of Arshavin and Pavlyuchenko will be complaining in Manchester.
June 22nd, 2008 at 0:56
Hey, we play Zenit in the Super Cup don’t we? I’m pretty sure Fergie can take Arshavin to one side before the match, tap him up and work his magic on the lad. Hopefully, he’ll be a United player within a couple of days. Failing that, we could pay a couple of Russian Mafia heavies to ‘convince’ Arshavin to join us no?
Seriously, the point I’m trying to make is that, with the Super Cup match coming up, it would be an excellent opportunity for United to foster a good working relationship with Zenit and perhaps put ourselves in a pole position, above other clubs, to sign Arshavin, and other promising players in future, from them, and United should seek to take full advantage of that opportunity.
Russia seems to be an uncharted territory in footballing terms, but it is probably a goldmine of undiscovered talent. Who knows how many other Arshavins are plying their trade in the Russian league. Remember we also bought the then unknown Nemanja Vidic from a Russian club. Also, with the sub-zero climate over there, Russian players would have no trouble whatsoever adapting to the dreary Manchester weather! Grognard you are right; Fergie should cast his net wider to include places like Russia, rather than limiting himself to Portugal & Brazil.
June 22nd, 2008 at 0:57
Ah RR you beat me to that point about Russians and cold weather!
June 22nd, 2008 at 1:05
United and Ferguson’s intended lineup(if Ronaldo wasn’t a prat and stayed):
Target Man (whoever is purchased)
Nani(LW) Rooney (FW/AM) Tevez (FW/AM) Ronaldo(RW)
Carrick/Ando (box to box or DM)
Evra (LB) Vidic (DF) Ferdinand (DF) Hargo (RB)
EVS (GK)
Subs:
Manucho (target man)
David Petrucci(FW/AM)
Scholes (AM)
Giggs (LW)
Park (L/RW)
Fletch (all across midfield as cover)
Brown (RB/CB)
Sheazy (all across DF as cover)
Kuczaks and Foster (GK cover)
Bring in Sergio Aguero or Guy Assulin for Ronaldo if he leaves, and Trezuguet and a young guy (huntelaar) as cover for target man.
June 22nd, 2008 at 1:06
According to The Independent “Real are reportedly set to offer United a world-record €100 million (£79m) for the player or €80m (£63.2m) plus the Holland midfielder Wesley Sneijder.”
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/real-size-up-16380m-ronaldo-bid-851961.html
Even though I take these figures with a grain of salt IF either of these offers were on the table from Real (especially the latter) AND Ronaldo really wants to go then I would snap Real’s fcuking fingers off and take it. United would be mad not to and if Real were silly enough to offer we should not look a gift horse in the face.
June 22nd, 2008 at 1:45
What does Kanchelskis do these days?
He could be employed by United as a scout on Russian territory!
June 22nd, 2008 at 1:48
according to some reports AC Milan are preparing to move for Arshavin and Hiddink himself said that the boy would like to play abroad so its time to move, weve wasted enough time on Ronaldo we have to be pro active and think long term coz I know SAF had the notion of building his squad around Rooney and Ronaldo but he has to realise now that this aint gonna happen, so sweet talking or forcing Ronaldo to stay even for one more season is just delaying the inevetible and to be honest with you, the thought of Ronaldo staying does not sit well with me so if Real offer anything in and around 70 million, let him go as quickly as possible and waste no more time in the transfer market, its time to bring in recruits with Ronaldos exit in mind.
I know selling Ronaldo would hurt SAF after all that has went on during the summer but he has to think clearly about this coz bottom line is Ronaldo is just not worth it anymore and to plan our future success around someone so clearly self obsessed is potentially catastrophic, but is not something SAF has been guilty of in the past so please dont start now.
June 22nd, 2008 at 1:49
I’d take £80mil for the preening gasbag. Do we need Sneijder? at £16 million, i’d say no. The same money could get Arshavin, who could replace Ronaldo. Hand him the number 7 shirt.
Also, Russia is a fairly untapped marketing opportunity, we’d sell a soviet tankfull of shirts. And, hes bloody good!
I’d be really excited about the new season if we were to buy Arshavin and Berbatov.
ARSHAVIN HARGO CARRICK NANI in midfield and any 2 from ROONEY BERBATOV TEVEZ upfront. Scary thought…
June 22nd, 2008 at 2:08
A Dog, the jury is still out on Petrucci, I hope he doesn’t end up like a Pique or Rossi.
June 22nd, 2008 at 2:45
ya, but on the positive, from what I’ve read Roma were going to give him 1st team playtime next year, which means he gotta be prety good.
June 22nd, 2008 at 2:59
I’m really happy that a lot of you are coming around to the Grognard’s kind of thinking. I know! I know, a scary thought but I have been the lone advocate for as Nico put casting our net wider and going into countries like Russia, Croatia, Serbia, the Czech Republic etc. Russia is going through a Russian Renaissance and now is the time to check out their talent and make a dent in that market. It also has incredible potential for marketing the the team brand. Imagine how many Arshavin jersey’s would be sold in Eastern Europe if he signed with us?
As far as going after him, AC Milan may be interested in him but I’m hearing serious things from Arsenal. He could end up being the replacement for Adebayour. Is Fergie going to let Wenger get one up on him again? Lets put it this way, when it came to signing Ramsey he got a call from Fergie and a tour of OT from Gary Neville. From Wenger the lad and his parents were flown to Switzerland as Wenger’s guests, wined and dined and guests in a deluxe box for one of the games. Am I missing something here? Is there a lack of effort or an old school mentality that is causing us to lose out on players because Fergie and management can’t be bothered to invest some time and effort and get their noses dirty? I applaud Wenger for playing the douche bag and seducing the Hell out of the lad and his parents. It looked and probably seemed very professional and big time to them unlike the amateur hour exhibited by United. Is Fergie getting to old to make the extra effort. I’m serious here. Is he at the stage in his career and life where he isn’t willing to try hard anymore and instead he is willing to hold a player hostage and let him rot in the stands because he doesn’t want to give the effort that is needed to win over new players? Look, I’m just playing Devil’s Advocate here so please, no jumping down my throat. I’d honestly like to know what some of you think? If I’m honest I don’t think I will get any of the ten players on my list and I find it hard to stomach that Fergie isn’t seeing the obvious. If he is, and he’s planning a big coup, then forget what I just wrote, but honestly……..I DON’T THINK SO. I think by the time our season starts we will have a Fabiano or Santa Cruz and few scraps and we will be crying all the way down to 4th place. Fergie; Come on BOSS prove me wrong. Show me the money?
June 22nd, 2008 at 3:36
[Grognard]
Sorry to disappoint you but you weren’t the lone advocate when it comes to spreading out net far and wide. Germany I can agree, but not otherwise.
And I think Wenger won’t spend that much cash on Arshavin now that a few million quid will be added to Arshavin’s stock. If it’s a bidding war between us and Arsenal, then we will win. And if Fergie really wants a player then it’s a different thing entirely. Perhaps he didn’t want Ramsey as badly as Wenger wanted. But going by that to make presumptions on a manager who’s really got nothing to prove over someone like Wenger, who hasn’t won anything for what now seems like almost forever is unfair. We are still good enough to win the title at present — considering the other teams right now. But I’m sure there will be a transfer by mid july.
Fourth place? I hope that was a hyperbole meant in jest.
June 22nd, 2008 at 3:51
Grog,
You seem to forget the simpler reason to why Ramsey signed for Arsenal - because they weren’t sending him back to Cardiff on loan like United were.
June 22nd, 2008 at 4:53
RR; I probably wasn’t the lone advocate. My point was clearly just to point out that quite often I felt like I was. I want to see a little urgency in Fergie. He comes across as a guy who sits back in his lounger and waits for phone calls and has never even heard of a computer or the internet for that matter. He needs to get with it and get aggressive. And if he didn’t want Ramsey he was making a big mistake. The UK isn’t exactly a farm for world class players anymore. When one comes along that has the potential, you need to grab it. But then again he’s gone in two years so he figures what the Hell, Ramsey won’t be my project anyway. I’m sorry RR but I feel he and Gill have been royally dragging their asses this off season and if we end up with crap to show for it I and a lot of other die hard supporters will be very let down. And sorry but but that wasn’t hyperbole. If we can’t adequately replace Ronaldo as well as add a goal scorer, this team is going to drop in the standings. Scholes, Neville, Giggs, EVDS are all a year older and we are missing the straw that stirred the drink in Ronaldo. Trust me when I say that Fabiano or Santa Cruz will not make a lick of difference to our outcome. Without Ronaldo our roster is a 4th place team. I’m sorry but that’s the truth and it’s an honest and fair assessment. Replace Ronaldo with an Arshavin and buy a goal scorer and I don’t think we skip a beat. We might even improve because the selfishness will be gone and Rooney for one will improve without the darkness around to bring him down.
Ahmed; If Fergie took the time to sit down the boy and tell him what his plans were face to face I don’t think a year at Cardiff would have turned the lad off. But imagine what the lads parents thought when nobody but Neville showed up to talk to them and give them a tour. At least get the kid’s idol Giggs to make an appearance. This was royally botched up.
June 22nd, 2008 at 5:09
I love all the links at NEWSNOW.COM under Arshavin. All these sites with headlines like “Arshavin - A star is born”. This is the kind of bandwagon BS that really gets my goat. Where were all these media giants last year when the Russian was tearing England and other apart? Now watch, all of a sudden Real, Barca, Chelsea and the two Milan’s will start stoking the fire and putting their hat in to get him because none of them have a clue what’s going on outside of Argentina and Brazil neither. They wait for a tournament like this to raise their awareness. I cried and pleaded into the wind with he hope Fergie would go after this kid even before the UEFA Cup final. Nobody was looking then. Now everybody is going to get in the act and I’m noticing Fergie doesn’t like to go after players where there are competitor about. Mark my word, within the next 10 days every major team is going to be linked with him and Pavyluchenko. FRAK!
June 22nd, 2008 at 5:26
I don’t know how I missed this but I just read that Arshavin got a yellow card in the game today. That was his second in two games which means he misses the semi final. What a blow for Russia. That means they are history I think. This yellow card stuff is just bull shit. I’m sorry but I’m Canadian and where I’m from fans want to see the best players in the big spectacles and they don’t tolerate crap like this for misdemeanors.. Not have them miss big games for a bad tackle here and there. Just total tosh! A red card, fine I understand but accumulating two yellows in such a short tournament is too severe a penalty to force on a player. Some of these lads may never get another chance to be in such a tourney. Piss on fair play. Depriving fans and their nations of their best players because of stupid fouls is just horseshit. Number 1 reason why the sport will never ever really take off in North America. Hockey has a penalty box where players sit for two minutes for worse stuff than a lot of these yellows are being given for. The penalty far outweighs the crime I feel. Just rubbish that he won’t play against either Spain or Italy. Those big clubs always get the breaks. Not to mention all the yellows and suspensions Turkey have to deal with when they face Germany. What happened to cancelling out all cards after the first three matches?
June 22nd, 2008 at 5:42
I am sure Fergie has seen Ramsey play plenty of times. I think at the end of the day fergie just didnt rate him. He would have prolly loved to have him, but he wouldnt go out of his way. This petrucci kid sounds more promising to me anyway.
If madrid are offering 65 million plus sneijder I would tell them to throw in Ramos also and ronaldo is theirs. He wants to leave so let him and we end up getting 2 world class players in positions we need. I also have a funny feeling that Ronaldo going there is going to be bad for Madrid. I can see him and Raul clashing alot.
June 22nd, 2008 at 6:24
I’m sorry, but i must have missed something. I was under the impression that Pavyluchenko was older, more around 26 or something. I know this isnt exactly old, but when I hear ‘young kid’ i tend to think closer to 20 or 21. I sometimes forget that that fag ronaldo is already 23. Again, not old, but with players being bought younger and younger and prices going up and up, it just seems more sensible to buy young. I dont want to end up like Le’Arse, but certainly there’s a equally or even better striker out there that will cost the same and will be 6 years younger? Why do we have to go after the ‘hottest thing under the sun’ right now? I would much rather prefer someone like a Solskjær, realtively unknown and pretty inexpensive compared to other strikers of lesser quality but bigger names.
I know thats unlikely, but a boy can dream.
June 22nd, 2008 at 6:57
Has it struck anyone how much this whole Ronaldo mess must be pissing off players in not only the United camp but also the on other side? Imagine being Robben and having to hear that the club management are getting desperate to sign some disloyal jerk who says things like ‘I didn’t do anything wrong, my team were shite’ and ‘If I score a few goals, fans (not unlike dogs thrown tidbits) will be happy’. And they are willing to pay him some 3 times my salary and buy him for 5 times my worth.
Mates, Madrid have no idea what they’re getting into. Neither has Ronaldo. But the milk is spilled and spoiled. Oh well…
June 22nd, 2008 at 7:08
k9 and others
what prob ronaldo meant when he said ‘i dint do anything wrong but team was poor’ was taking collective resposibility rather than blaming just an individual. Portugal were bad as a whole unit that night. Defense was piss poor, simao was shooting all the time instead of passing as soon as he used to get the ball, so was petit and ronaldo as well! the only players who were trying to do anything creative were deco and gomes! germany were equally poor at defense but their attack was good and they took advantage of thier prowess from set pieces that night (aided by some shoddy defending). Its useless to blame ronaldo for portugal’s exit.
anyway lets leave him. he has been a very good investment from Fergie (we all knew he wouldnt stay forever for a long time now) and he will prob make us good 50-60m while also delivered lot of success (whether u acknowledge it or not, he was catalyst for our success of the last 2 years). we still have an outstanding team and players come and go all the time. theres nothing in it that should unsettle others. we still have most of the important players tied to long deals (vidic, rio, evra, brown, carrick, OH, andy, rooney) even if ronaldo leaves we will be fine. even without all of ronaldo’s goals we would still have finished above everton and qualified for europe! shows how strong a squad we have!
June 22nd, 2008 at 9:32
I wouldn’t rate Pavlyuchenko that highly. He’s having a good Euro, but not what United need. Overall his goal scoring record is poor.
If anyone has seen Pogrebnyak… Thats Russia’s main striker. He’s unfortunately missing the Euros cause of injury just before.
He’s way better than Pavlyuchenko.
June 22nd, 2008 at 9:57
[Grognard]
If the Premier League were to start now, we are still bloody good. We’re better than Arsenal and Liverpoop. Chelsea have a manager who needs to come to terms with English football, but we’ll be either 1 or 2. My point is, right now the other teams haven’t been any better off, or have regressed, in the case of Arsenal, — which means there is real reason why no significant activity has happened on the transfer front.
In jest though, I thought you decided never to question Fergie after the Champions’ League semis
June 22nd, 2008 at 10:20
[Grognard]
Don’t worry mate, Arshavin didn’t get a yellow-card and therefore won’t miss the next match. Kolodin, Torbinski and Zhirkov are the ones who got YCs and the first two will miss the semis. Missing Kolodin will be a bit of a blow though.
June 22nd, 2008 at 10:47
Whooooo….I’ve just finished watching the 07-08 Season Review DVD and I’m choked with emotion…I know a few others on this site have said it before, and I repeat - It’s a must see!! Go get it!
PS: Makes me even more pissed though that Ron ruined what could have been a brilliant off-season so far.
June 22nd, 2008 at 10:53
Ron is a pig! n pigs fly away remember….so be it!
June 22nd, 2008 at 11:02
arn’t u guyz sick of tryin to defend him?for me’i dint anything rong but the team was poor’,simply means…”I AM AN OBNOXIOUSLY SPOILT BRAT”
June 22nd, 2008 at 12:40
I just gotta say to those in here critizising van Basten for not using Robben after his tremendous display in the group stages. Robben was injured last night, and it surprises me that none of you thought of that before critizising the coach.
Why people in here are so terrified about us not having signed anyone yet, is beyond me. SAF and Gill have both said that we won’t be buying anyone until after the Euros, and to me that’s very positive, because it means that we won’t end up with players not involved… players like Santa Cruz. Usually when teams enter this summer transfer window, they have a very clear cut plan of what to go for. It’s a plan that has come up during the season, when the few shortcomings of the squad show themselves.
Having a plan doesn’t alway mean, it’ll be fullfilled, and therefore SAF has a few backups that he could go for, if his main targets won’t materialize. Santa Cruz could be such an option, but if SAF really wanted to buy him, it would have been the easiest thing in the world.
It’s for the same reason that no other club has bought any major name involved in the Euros. Bosingwa was traded before the tournament, and he isn’t even a major name… not yet anyway. He was a typical Chelsea purchase in a very confusing time for them. They though we wanted him, and they got him. Let’s see how he fills out the £15 mil pricetag.
Only major name I can think of as traded is Alves, and he obviously isn’t involved in the Euros.
I certainly see our inaction as a good sign, because it means, we’re after real talent. SAF has said, he didn’t need to buy anyone, but that he will… quite a solid statement I’d say.
June 22nd, 2008 at 13:08
what is really annoying me is how Scolari is sticking his nose in the ronaldo/real saga. Looks like he is getting into the chelski spirit already!
June 22nd, 2008 at 13:56
@Grog and Co. (The Arshavin/Pavlyuchenko bandwagon)
Both are not kids. They are playing at their peak. Both are 27. On the other hand, that kid Pavel Pobrygnyak or whatever his name is is 25. He is still worth the goods if his goal record this season is anything to go by.
But agree with Grogger on this: Arshavin will be an immediate replacement for Ronaldo and will come good in that he has 5 seasons to go at the top and fits in well with a fluid system of attack. Should see us break from the ‘one man’ mold, yet again.
How about Bastian Schweinsteigger? Could be a good replacement for you know who. Groggy, you’re the Bayern scout on the forum. What’s your take on that?
June 22nd, 2008 at 14:30
Schweinsteiger has come out and said he’s keen on England. Definitely the second name on the list for me to replace CR, after Ribery. But I don’t think Ribery would leave Bayern.
I don’t think we’ll get Arshavin. To be honest I’d be very surprised if he doesn’t end up at chelsea given the relationships involved. heard him linked to l’arse a while back too. I agree with Gronard, he’s been quality for more than this tournament, it’s typical he’d have a blinder and get his price doubled. Fair play to him!
I don’t think there’s any reason to worry too much about the lack of activity. Very few signings have happened yet, and while I do feel we dropped the ball on Ramsey, it’s far from the end of the world. Also it’s worth remembering we do have a pretty strong squad to start with. All this talk of Van der Vaart and Schneider - I think they’re great players but don’t get who we’d replace them with. For better or worse Scholes will continue to play next season, and with Carrick, Anderson, Hargo and Fletcher (plus Rooney/Tevez if we get a real striker) we’re not short of midfield options. I think we should have faith in what we’ve got.
The only things we need are a striker/winger to replace grease lightning and some defensive cover.
I wonder if having him leave will actually improve team morale?
June 22nd, 2008 at 15:42
If he Ronaldo doesn’t have his head nor heart in United (anymore) then we’d be best off letting him go. I think we could see the team develop even further without him as I can see tendences of what Arsenal experienced the last season with Henry.
As goes for reinforcements there’s no doubt that there’ll be one set-up if we sell CR, and one if we don’t. I thin we’ll end up selling and here’s how I think we should spend the kitty:
Striker(s)
Berbatov would be my first choice striker because he’s class and he’s established. Huntelaar, Podolski, Pavlyuchenko or even Klose as the next lads to consider. All five fit the bill according to pace, understanding and height/ability in the air.
Midfielder
Here we’re talking CR replacement. Sneijder is class and I was gutted when we seemingly didn’t even have a sniff at him when he went from Ajax to Real. I’d see him or Arshavin as perfect replacements. Both can play wide in free similar roles to Ronaldo at United, and both also holds the qualities of replacing Scholes. And Scweinsteiger is also a very, very classy player.
But there are others worth considering if we’d look to a more classick winger. Aaron Lennon, Quaresma, Wright-Phillips and that Aston Villa-bloke Abgon-something. And who knows; maybe we could be the right club t