Why United Should Keep Alan Smith …
Does United’s ‘decision’ not to renew Alan Smith’s contract herald a grim return to form by the Glazer family?
The Sun newspaper splashed today with its claim that United will not upgrade the striker’s contract. The club now has every reason to auction Smith to a number of Premeirship suitors, before he is able to walk out for nothing.
United would expect to recover all of their £7 million investment in the player, who would be an automatic starter at most Premiership clubs.
If the Sun’s sensation is true, it would allow United to recoup some of the £50 million which has been lavished on Nani, Anderson and Hargreaves. It would also confirm suspicions that the Glazers are loath to fund new signings without sales.
It may be that Sir Alex and United’s bean counters have calculated that the player is not worth the terms of an improved deal. Perhaps, United are close to capturing the forward whose all-round game is more complete, meaning Smith is surplus to requirements.
Nevertheless, the splash still makes no sense. Even if United add to their attacking options, this should not be at the expense of a forward already at the club. Sir Alex has said that his squad size needs to increase and it is now a maxim that four hot strikers win prizes. United campaigned last year with Rooney and to a lesser extent Saha, assisted by cameos from Larsson, Smith and Solskjaer
After a horrendous injury, Smith is still not firing on all cylinders but could be expected to return to form in the new season as his match fitness improves.
Whist the jury may still be out as to whether the ex-Leeds hero is genuine United class, there is no doubting that he is an able member of the squad, with the attitude and versatility that the manager endorses again and again.
Smith might have looked forward to next season too, as his opportunity to demonstrate an aptitude for the role of focal point in an attacking trio. Improved distribution and touch, allied to existing aerial ability and a fierce competitiveness, would have given him an outstanding chance in United’s new tactical formation.
With questions already being asked about the futures of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Louis Saha, why would United add to the uncertainty by signalling to Smith that his time at Old Trafford has run out?
It may be that Smith has no long-term future at United. There are more gifted Premiership strikers – Berbatov and Anelka perhaps – who have a greater goal threat and more to offer. That is for the future. For the moment, Smith should stay.
