Saha out. Berbatov in? …
Three new players could be unveiled at Old Trafford before United’s defence of their Premiership title begins next August.
So says Sir Alex, raising the expectation of fans still celebrating the club’s first league triumph in four years.
“We have outlined three targets and David Gill is aware of them,” the manager said. “Manchester United has always been an attraction. We have 76,000 people watching us every week and have a celebrity status which means we are known throughout the world. It is not a question of attracting players. The real competition comes when Chelsea pay £27million for someone like Michael Essien. They can outbid us all.
“We identify players as quietly as we can so we can do things quickly. It is not easy, but that is what we are trying to do. As everyone knows, there is competition for the best players and when there is competition, it costs, so we will just have to wait and see.”
Midfielder Owen Hargreaves is favourite to join the squad as Bayern Munich are reliant on United’s £17 million offer to speed their own close season transfer deals. The rumour mill has also churned out several other possible candidates to be considered by Sir Alex – the full back Gareth Bale, winger Nani, midfielder Steve Sidwell and forwards Samuel Eto’O and Fernando Torres.
But it is Spurs striker Dimitar Berbatov who has gained most traction as a direct replacement for the eternally unreliable Louis Saha. The manager has given up on the Frenchman who in turn has lost interest in playing for United. Saha dropped out of contention for the weekend match against City, after getting 20 minutes playing time against Milan just three days before. “He didn’t feel he was 100% fit,” said Ferguson, barely concealing his contempt.
Is Berbatov the man to take-over from Saha and line-up with Rooney, Ronaldo and company next term? AbsolutelyUnited went Dimi-watching in Greenwich.
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With 22 goals so far, Dimitar Berbatov, has emerged as the buy of the season at just £10.9 million and deservedly claimed a place in the PFA’s team of the year.
In last night’s match at Charlton, the Bulgarian was head and shoulders above any other player on the pitch. That was not hard, given that Charlton are a sorry job-lot of scufflers, with the sole ambition all evening of hoofing the ball up to the pacy front two of Bent and Bent, followed by a collective crossing of fingers. But Spurs took the field with Keane and Lennon, two players who have done much to illuminate what must still rank as a disappointing season for Martin Jol and his team. Keane was anonymous and was substituted. Lennon reminded everyone that he is a long way short of Cristiano Ronaldo’s class.
However, Berbatov showed why he would fit in perfectly were he to feature alongside the Premiership’s top dogs next year. The former Bayer Leverkusen star has an economy of action, a range of pass and eye for goal that provoke fond memories of Teddy Sheringham in his prime.
Berbatov’s languid movement – the player hardly broke sweat all evening – suggest he is not blessed with blistering pace. Charlton’s Talal El Karkouri might well contest that opinion after finding himself outsprinted by the Bulgarian for Spur’s opening goal.
Berbatov already has an impressive show reel for any would-be employer but the goal that broke Charlton’s hearts was a stunning example of the player’s gifts. Ricardo Rocha pumped a long ball towards Berbatov, who was marked by the Morrocan defender just inside the home side’s half. However, Berbatov shielded and moved the ball forward in a single movement, before racing towards goal leaving the defender trailing. The finish was of the highest standard.
The goal was manufactured and executed with a brilliance that would delight the United faithful. Having scored a wonderful goal and understood that few of his team mates were so gifted, Berbatov settled into a comfortable rhythm. He passed the ball well – his carefully weighted ball for Defoe’s winner was a peach – and was comfortable in possession.
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Verdict: Berbatov would be a sensation at Old Trafford. He has all the attributes a United player needs – good in the air, an excellent striker of the ball, creative, perceptive, a good passer and a renowned taker of chances.
Spurs would move mountains to keep him and Berbatov would risk Chimbonda-level contempt were he to move after just one season.
That said, the Bulgarian may soon find himself operating in a comfort zone at Spurs, which could be his ruin. Jol’s side was made to look ordinary by a severely limited Charlton team. Berbatov wants to double his £22,000 weekly wage and Spurs might have to offer the player much more if he is to be retained next year. Berbatov could be the biggest fish in the White Hart Lane pond and pick up a bumper salary at Spurs whilst watching his talent wither for having to play alongside lesser performers.
Berbatov is in his prime. At 26, he will well understand the arguments that made Michael Carrick switch to Old Trafford - the desire to be tested regularly at the highest level, to play with the best footballers and of course, the intoxication of the Champions League. Spurs are not without talent but they are without players of the standard of Ferdinand, Vidic, Ronaldo, Giggs, Scholes and Rooney. For a player of ambition, that should matter.
A move to United would guarantee Berbatov the demanding work environment that would improve him still further. Spurs boss Martin Jol said he is “99% certain” the club wouldn’t sell the player but nevertheless, slapped a ridiculous £40 million price tag on the head of his star attacker. If United can work the one per cent into a more significant opening and find common cause with Berbatov’s agent, Spurs might yet find irresistible a players plus cash offer. Rumours suggest that Wes Brown and / or Louis Saha could be make-weights in any deal.
United may be admirers but they would be one of several suitors should Spurs indicate that the Bulgarian is for sale. Any bid for Berbatov might also be complicated by the expected departure of Spurs’ Jermaine Defoe, who has grown to tired of being a bench-warmer. To lose one striker would be unfortunate. To lose two forwards of Berbatov and Defoe’s calibre would provoke a riot in the Lane and sooner or later, get Martin Jol the sack.
(On May 8th, 2007 at 2:59 pm)
The sheer arrogance of these articles about utd stun me, you talk as if you are the only club that matters in the premiership ? - you may have just won the title back but pull your heads in a bit please. Real Madrid can say the same about Manure being their feeder club and you managed to keep Ronaldo didn’t you when the same can be said about him. Ambition : Giggs is old, Carrick is over rated etc etc. You are not getting Berba even for £50 million so keep dreaming. Please don’t make me laugh about playing with quality, you are talking kack, Lennon, King, Dawson, Robinson, malbranque, Zokora, jenas are all quality. We may not be Champions League but the way you got spanked by Milan suggests you aint either.