Giuseppe Rossi: What About Me? …
As United search for a new top striker, forgotten man Giuseppe Rossi could be forgiven for shouting “what about me?”
The 20 year old former reserve team sensation is barely mentioned as a candidate to boost United’s title-defence, even though he has impressed since joining Parma on loan last January. Rossi has scored seven goals in 14 appearances for the Italian strugglers.
The Italian Under-21 international has rediscovered his form after a dismal loan period at Newcastle. But it may not be enough to force the player into the manager’s thinking for next season.
The purchase of Owen Hargreaves, which the Times newspaper reports today as nearing its £18 million conclusion, suggests United will move to a 4-3-3 formation. That means Rooney and Ronaldo plus one upfront.
The manager is said to be livid with Louis Saha and sources close to the club are happy to talk up the arrival of a new goal hero. United are believed to have enquired about the availability of Spurs’ Dimitar Berbatov and Barcelona’s Samuel Eto’o, for whom they were quoted an amazing £40 million fee. The smart money seems to be on a late move for cut-priced crock Michael Owen, if he can prove his speed and fitness have returned.
Where does that leave Rossi? Even his agent is none too optimistic. “The most probable hypothesis next season is for a simple loan without any purchase clause,” Andrea Pastorello said last month. “The boy has need to play and in the United squad, in attack, there are extraordinary champions.”
Another loan deal? Rossi would be justified if he asked himself what more he could do to convince the manager of his worth. The loan period was a success for all concerned. Rossi has done his part. Will United now do theirs and give him a chance?
The striker, perhaps unknowingly, explained his success in Italy and relative failure in the Premiership, when he spoke recently on the differences between the leagues.
“Italian football is slower than the English version, much more tactical and technical” he said.
If United do sign another heavyweight striker, Rossi might finally conclude that his future lies in Italy.
