Jul 16
Why United Should Hold On To Smith
Yes, we and plenty other United fans who commented on our threads in the past have mostly felt that if we were to sell a striker, it had to be Smith. But at the moment we would do well to retain his services.
Here’s why…
Recent reports confirm that Manchester United have included him in the 24 strong contingent heading to Tokyo for the pre-season tour. Sir Alex has said he doesn’t want anyone in his current squad to leave and that, I believe, is said for real good reason.
However confident we may be about the Tevez situation, there remains the Premier League to deal with. Our past experiences of expressing confidence about a signing haven’t been too pleasant, to be honest. Ronaldinho and Mikel remain prime examples from recent memory. They were, of course, completely different scenarios and this latest transfer wrangle is mostly out of our hands. So there is a good chance, while we may get Tevez, the resolution of the situation could even take beyond August 31st - making his move possible only in the January transfer window.
Imagine if we had then sold Smith. Ole is returning from injury and surely cannot be expected to start. Saha is out injured. Nani and Anderson need plenty of time to acclimatise and cannot possibly be expected to slot into the team straightaway. Rossi’s situation is again in doubt based on the transfer rumours (although it might help things if he’s not sold). Park who could play as a withdrawn striker is also just recovering from his surgery facing a lengthy injury lay-off. That leaves us just with Rooney as the lone striker.
The first XI would still be formidable, make no mistake. But for how long? We would be forced into a 4-3-3 in all the games with Rooney forced in front on his own. Ronaldo and Giggs would support him, and we could still beat the ‘lesser’ teams, but we may not be as fluid, as evidenced from how we’ve fared in the past with a 4-3-3 formation. Plus, we have the other issue of maintaining momentum till Saha & Co. come into the fray. And that, from his wretched injury history, could even mean as long as December.
This is where Smith’s presence, movement and work-rate would be invaluable. I’d then expect Rooney to play upfront with Smith providing the service. There would be far more fluidity that way. Rossi is a great talent no doubt, but he would rather be blooded in with substitute appearances initially, than plunged into the deep end straightaway.
Although, as far as Richardson goes, could someone please tell me why, in God’s name, he’s still at OT? £5.5M doesn’t come everyday.
Related items from Red Rants:- Smith: I’ll leave Manchester United if they sell me
- Manchester United throw the last game of the season
- Should Saha leave Manchester United?
- Smith To Toon? | Jones’ Tribute to United
- Which Players Should United Sell?
Tags: Manchester United Players · Opinions/Columns
July 16th, 2007 at 11:22
I agree if anyone should be sold it should be saha.although that now looks unlikely with his injury status. Smith gives 110 percent every game and though he is not better than a fit saha he is better than an injured one.fully agree richardson will be sold
July 16th, 2007 at 11:40
Well, Richardson was NOT included in the tour. Maybe they’re waiting to see how high it climbs (with Sven also joining in)
July 16th, 2007 at 11:50
@Taehr
That is because he doesnt have enough talent to change the matches on his own. Even I would give 200% for united. But that doesnt mean that I would be playing for United. Would I?
July 16th, 2007 at 12:12
We should only sell Smith if we are forced to (ie. he puts a transfer request in), if for no other reason that at the end of last season our squad was depleted with injury and only then did we utilise him as a squad player.
Smith’s dedication and work rate will be desperately needed “on a cold night in Bolton” (i use this as a cliche Bolton fans) because we still don’t know much about Anderson, Nani, et al, it’s been p*ssing down in July so I don’t think they’ll enjoy January too much. As much as we all want to see beautiful football (and I think we will) there are times when unfortunately we have to lump it forward to an aggressive lone striker, and that man is Smith, not Saha. We should sell Saha for science, because i’d love to know how a man in his peak condition still manages to be out for six months for rubbish injuries (maybe Newcastle will buy him to add to their legion of injury prone players).
July 16th, 2007 at 12:16
Sharath. I agree smith is not the best player we could have upfront alongside rooney but until the tevez transfer is finalised we should hold on to smith.what would happen if we sold smith,saha out injured ,ole out as the article points out and left with just rooney and rossi?would be similiar to last season where we were short on numbers.smith is also one of the few united strikers that are good in the air.
July 16th, 2007 at 12:34
Can anyone please tell me why is rossi not included in the touring party to tokyo?Is it that he’s also going to be sold just like richardson.i don’t think we r going to get tevez soon.we don’t think we hv enough strikers at the moment with saha’s and ole’s injury.i even heard on BBC that sir alex revealed that heinze wants to leave.please dont sell heinze and rossi.
July 16th, 2007 at 13:25
Panks. Maybe has extra holiday because of the under 21 championships.not too sure though.
July 16th, 2007 at 13:51
Yeah cos Anderson isnt involved either, because of Copa. Im sure Rossi is getting extra jollies time because of the U21’s. Bloody hope so.
July 16th, 2007 at 15:42
Sunderland will buy Richardson. Smith’s sale to Middlesborough will be confirmed once Tevez arrives at OT. Hienze could go since his agent has now finally talked to SAF about his move intentions. As for Rossi his absence from China’s trip is worrying. Pique is in good shape as I watched him in the WC U-20’s so we should keep him.
July 16th, 2007 at 17:24
smithy is quality. he just needs a whole lot more match fitness and to get back into the speed of the premier league
I MEAN SMITHY SCORED IN HIS FIRST GAME FOR UNITED AGAINST THE ARSE IN THE CHARITY SHIELD AND THEN WENT ON A SEVEN GAME SCORING STREAK SUBSEQUENTLY (WHEN HE WAS PLAYING REGULARLY)
and what about the times he’s had the footy sense to make great passes like the one which condemned the arse to only a 49 match unbeaten run or the one where under immense pressure he’s had the composure to stick it past the roma keeper to give united to all assured 2-1 lead
i think ive made a comment along these lines before but i really truly believe that smith can supply the goals if he’s given the chance and he’s the best option you can have on the bench really, someone who can come on and bring an extra physical dimension to the game.
July 16th, 2007 at 19:50
keep smudge you cant buy that kind of heart.
and after the injury, please, give the kid some time to prove what he’s got left.
July 16th, 2007 at 20:20
Richardson had medical today with Sunderland
July 18th, 2007 at 11:57
heya ppl manchester united are gunna win the prem this year agen :):):)
July 18th, 2007 at 11:58
hi manchester united will win the prem
July 28th, 2007 at 17:07
SIGN ANELKA! EXCHANGE WITH SMITH THEN?
July 28th, 2007 at 17:08
I FORESEE THE TEVEZ SAGA NOT BEING RESOLVED SO SOON, THEREFORE WE SHUD SIGN ANELKA OR MAYBE KANOUTE TO SUPPORT ROONEY! GLORY FLORY MAN U!
July 28th, 2007 at 17:09
OR SIGN MARTINS? OR OWEN?
July 28th, 2007 at 17:10
HEHEHEHE