The Contenders
Sir Alex has just seven more days to decide whether he wants to buy a new striker. Redville looks at the contenders.
Adria NO !
United are going through a difficult spell up front. Indeed, some hacks have termed it a ‘crisis’ and it’s unlikely but not inconceivable that Sir Alex might invest again before the close of the summer transfer window.
So media speculation has understandably reached fever pitch once more. But anyone suggesting that Adriano, of Internazionale, is on Fergie’s shortlist is surely scraping the barrel for a story.
Apart from anything else, the thrifty Scotsman would refuse to pay for the two seats that the ballooning player would require when flying over to England. By all accounts, he has had personal problems, but in sheer footballing terms, this transfer would be like asking Gazza to come in and solve United’s short term scoring problems.
Pavarotti, sorry Adriano, played in a pre-season friendly against United and did score. But at the wrong end, with an inexplicably powerful header into the bottom corner of his own net.
His underlying physique suggests that he could actually be well suited to The Premiership, but he hasn’t played well in two years and unless the lad puts his troubles behind him and gets fit, his career will continue to spiral downwards.
However bad United’s current problems are, if Adriano is the answer, you have to ask what the hell is the question?
Other Hilarious Contenders
Andrew Cole - At 46 (ish), he probably couldn’t hit a cow’s arse with a banjo. 1/10
Oba Martins - Our two main strikers are 5 feet tall. Yeah, let’s buy another one! Oh and let’s get one that’s going to The African Nations in two months. 3/10
The Ones worth getting
Dimitar Berbatov - A super player who would add great height and power up front. Deceptively skillful with a beautiful football brain. But has only had one good season in the Premiership. Didn’t quite get into my fantasy league team for this reason. Would he be happy playing second fiddle at any time in the season and do United really have another £25m to shell out?
8/10
Nicolas Anelka - Whilst most would plump for Berbatov, this would be my pick because Anelka has proven his class on every level for 8 years. He’s always been class. ‘Le Sulk’ has obvious issues with his temper and I can’t remember a time that he left a club on good terms but if anyone can get the best out of him, it’s Fergie. He has every quality that you look for in a really top class player. He’s two footed, tall and quick. He scores 15 goals every season and would be happy to sit out some games if it meant winning the Champions League at the end of it. What a buy at £10m. What a buy.
8/10
(On Aug 24th, 2007 at 8:19 am)
We can get cheaply David Trezeguet… Coz we need someone good in penalty box…who can head the ball or can score in single chance…We can let him alone in front and Rooney, Tevez and Ronaldo behind him… I dont think so, he have problem to adapt in our team style… coz France also playing the same style last time..whr he play alone in front and Henry, Zidane n Ribery support him…D.Trezeguet the rite choice..