Bobby Dazzler …
Sir Bobby Charlton has told fans to expect new signings in the new year. The revered United legend replied “absolutely” when pressed by a BBC interviewer to confirm whether United intended to enter the winter transfer market.
Sir Bobby added: “We think we have good enough players but we just maybe have to be a bit careful. We don’t have cover for them. We have to have cover for our better players. If some of the really influential players got injured then that makes it a bit of a problem.
“It’s very difficult as we can’t mention anybody that we would like to have because immediately the price goes up once Manchester United are interested and it becomes an auction. We have to be really careful. We will leave that to Sir Alex and chief executive David Gill. They will keep it nice and private and, hopefully, we will get the players we want.”
Sir Bobby’s comments echo Chief Executive David Gill’s assertion yesterday that funds would be made available for targets Sir Alex believes will spur United to the title. “If we determine that there is somebody who can come in and strengthen the club, then there is certainly money there,” Gill said “
Fans, who may have greeted Gill’s commitment with scepticism after his poor delivery on last summer’s promises, now have every reason to believe that this winter will be different. Sir Bobby, 69, recently voted the greatest United player of all time, has unrivalled authority at Old Trafford. It is unthinkable that he would go on record to confirm United’s transfer intentions without inside knowledge and the prior consent of Sir Alex.
Speaking at the unveiling of the United Opus book, Ferguson spoke of the deep bond shared by the two men. “I’m proud of my time here,” Sir Alex said. “It’s been a fantastic period. Sir Bobby has been a great supporter of me since the day I arrived and he knows I appreciate that.”
United’s decision to spend is timely with speculation rife that Chelsea are readying themselves to throw cash like so much confetti in the direction of a top class right back and an attacker to rival the disappointing Andriy Shevchenko.
Charlton’s intervention will renew interest in the fate of Owen Hargreaves, the hot favourite for a move to Old Trafford. If Ferguson had £100 for every column inch devoted to this story since United’s interest in the player first broke last August, he wouldn’t need to ask Malcolm glazer to dip into the transfer kitty. As mentioned already within these pages, the deal is complicated by Bayern’s resistance and Hargreaves’ leg break. It was thought that an increased United offer in the region of £20 million, which anticipated the complexities of German tax law, might be enough to spring the player’s release. Bayern’s qualification for the next stage of the Champion’s Legaue has worsened United’s chances. Moreover, the player’s slow return to full fitness after injury might make the risks outweigh the gains of a move that would win approval from the majority of fans.
Perhaps, in anticipation of another Bavarian rejection, news sources have begun to focus on West Ham’s captain Nigel Reo Coker. The young English international is accused by some disgruntled fans of having sulked since an August deadline day move to Arsenal or United fell through. His lack of motivation and loss of form contributed to West Ham’s poor start to the season. Now the midfielder has hinted that he might look for a move following the dismissal of Alan Pardew.
“Everyone keeps saying I should be sacked and it’s all my fault we’ve been doing so bad,” said Reo-Coker. “Now Pardew has gone it’s only going to get worse for me, with people pointing the finger. I have no idea what is going to happen in January.”
Pundits are also pointing the finger at young French tyro Rio Mavuba, claiming the Bordeaux midfield talent might be destined for Old Trafford next month. The speculation was ignited by Mavuba’s admission that he was favourable to a move. Though highly rated in France, Mavuba’s star has waned in the past two years and his current dispute with the Girondins coach hints at a player whose career has stalled. Indeed, the form of Patrice Evra notwithstanding, United may be wary of signing another Frenchman who might have difficulty making the step-up from French league to Premiership football at a crucial period in the season.
Rumours continue to circulate that United are interested in adding another striker to the Old Trafford roster with Jermain Defoe and Darren Bent frequently mentioned as possible candidates. Defoe, a player of some class, would be a useful squad addition but would have to swap Tottenham’s bench for United’s. Darren Bent’s future depends on Charlton’s relegation dogfight. The Greenwich club would be bonkers to part with their most prized asset now but in their perilous position, might a huge United bid be irresistible? However, would such a bid be forthcoming for a player who still has much to learn?
United have also been linked with new Dutch sensation Klaas Jan Huntelaar. The striker scored for fun last season but has found the net on only four occasions this term. Nevertheless, having succeeded the great Ruud van Nistelrooy at national level, might he do so at club level too? Huntelaar, gives every indication of welcoming the idea.
“I love United,” he declared. “It’s a club that makes me dream, especially since Ruud van Nistelrooy has played there and did great things for them. It could be a source of inspiration as to how I continue my career.”
Few doubt that fitness permitting Rooney and Saha will remain United’s first choice spearhead. Having survived until Christmas without either striker suffering unduly from injury or poor form, Sir Alex will soon have an embarrassment of riches at his disposal and be able to choose from among six forwards. Henrik Larsson should be available for the January encounter with Aston Villa. Giuseppe Rossi will return from Newcastle with much to prove whilst Alan Smith and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer are working their way back to full match sharpness. On paper, this sextet looks sexy indeed. It may be enough to convince the manager that reinforcement up front is not necessary.
Sir Alex’s capture of Larsson caught fans and commentators by surprise. The deal has been well received by all but the curmudgeonly. United have an ageing though tested goal scorer who could prove decisive in the tight contests of the Spring. With the current pick of transfer stars either injured, unavailable, out-of-form or uninspiring, could it be that the manager has another ace up his sleeve? AU
© Copyright: Absolutely United 2006
