With the week being of for World Cup 2010 Qualifiers, it means that the rumour mills are working out to make a groundwork for the approaching transfer window this break. Let me try to cover the basic stories as my own groundwork here at 11Reds for the coming times. In relation with ManUtd, the rumours of strong interest and validity (that rules out the stupid Barcelona rumour for Wayne Rooney) we have two of them. Players in question being Nani and Carlton Cole.
With the latest Nani outburst (as the press loves to call it) about Fergie, the rumours that Juventus and AC Milan are interested in the Portugal player may hold credibility. According to the Sun, both the clubs have seen enough of his game and will be more than ready to provide an escape window should he need one. However, with Nani speaking out openly, that he has not yet thought of leaving United, it remains to be seen how much intent was actually there in the statements revealed in the Press earlier. During the summer, Nani was also linked with a move to Spain, with Atletico Madrid and Villarreal being mooted destinations. Looks like the Serie A big players are all waiting to get their hands on the talent that we have yet to see flourish at United.
Meanwhile, West Ham’s Carlton Cole might see Sir Alex Ferguson and Rafa the fact man head to head in a battle royale for his signature to join either club.
The England striker is seen by Liverpool as an ideal foil for Fernando Torres, while we would want him to add extra bustle to a front line in which Dmitar Berbatov and Michael Owen have struggled to convince.West Ham continue to insist the big forward, who has taken massive steps forward under Gianfranco Zola, is not for sale at any price but it is understood a fee in excess of £20m – plus a guaranteed number of starts to preserve his World Cup dream – would be enough to see Cole quit Upton Park.
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We’ll soon find out Ferguson’s intentions. He’ll either play Nani, or he won’t. Can he get Nani to knuckle down and become a true team player, or has he made his mind up? £20m sounds like an awful lot of dosh to spend on Cole, but his physical presence would definitely help to free up Rooney. Owen can be counted on as a sub, but, once again, I have to ask, what purpose does Berbatov serve?
I have spoken this a number of times whenever Berba’s game and importance has been questioned. He is not a player like Rooney and Ronaldo, who make games all way round. Berba has class and yes I know it is one of the most cliche things said about him but sadly it is also the biggest truth about his game. He is a player who could on days be a terror to the opponent and on others simply sizzle away in the dramatics of football.
Probably his lack on field was felt greatest against Chelsea when all we had was Rooney running all round the field and an Anderson who was mysteriously sucked up by a Black Hole everytime he was needed. It was Berba we needed to get many of those inside the keeper. That is the purpose my friend of Dimitar Berbatov.
Very nice, Red Devil. Add a curtsy and you’re all set. Unfortunately, I don’t think Berbatov is ever going to produce “many of those” for Manchester United. If we get Cole or Chamakh or whoever, does Berbatov come on in the 80th minute with Owen, or can we give him the heave-ho now before he loses all his value?
Berbatov is class, no doubt about it. But his greatest value, for me, is his positioning and role. I see him as the vital link between midfield and attack, especially with the kind of uncreative season our midfield’s been having this season. He’s the one to provide those killer balls to Rooney or Owen, or get that extra long leg out to get that difficult ball and make space, or just stay on the ball long enough to find spaces and players to play the ball into. The Wolfsborg game put all of these into perspective. Or, alternatively, when Wazza’s having one of those purple patches again, he can be the one to latch on to the through-ball, that cross in the box, or the rebound off a long-range effort.
Berba gives you these many options, and even on his off-day, he keeps the ball in our possession and rolling- what else can one ask for?
Oh, before I forget, on the topic at hand, I don’t see Fergie going for someone as dumb in the box as Carlton Cole. I’ve seen him for the Hammers, and even with that amazing physical presence of his, he’s too selfish (WC 2012 dreams, of course) and misses from two yards out. The gaffer wouldn’t spend so much on him only to have another shoe to throw. I feel he’d be looking at Macheda beefing up for that, or from what I get from the Academy news, even Davide Petrucci, maybe. But that’s thinking too far ahead, ain’t it?
Nani is an eternal mystery. I’m getting the feeling if he goes out to some other club, he’ll sparkle and bang in those goals and killer crosses and do those somersaults (Gerard Pique, anyone?).
I can’t see a huge transfer coming- all I want is news on our curly-haired genius.
Nice posts some interesting transfer rumours. Nani is a quality player i hope stays and gets fair chance.