Which “two or three” players are Manchester United targeting this summer?
Not one trophy is a certainty for Manchester United this campaign, but Sir Alex Ferguson and co. are already looking forward to a summer of spending. Ask any player in the world to what extent they would go to joining the Red Devils and you would receive some of the most perplexing, eccentric answers, such is the status of the club. Unfortunately, Ferguson has revealed that only “two or three” signings will be made, but who will the lucky starlets to join what has been described as “the worst United squad for a decade”?
Before finding out which players are likely to arrive, let’s look at those departing. Edwin van der Sar has already told Ferguson that he is hanging up his gloves, which is understandable seeing as the Dutchman has been performing at the highest level for over two decades. Paul Scholes is another whose age appears to have finally caught up with him – he wasn’t featured in United’s squad photo for their tour to the United States at the end of the current season. Michael Owen is also set to pack his bags as Aston Villa search for a much desired striker. Oh, how he must regret leaving Liverpool.
United may only make a few million if Owen is sold, but the controversial Glazer family have told Fergie that the money is there for him to spend when he pleases. Expect some young faces at Old Trafford though, the Scotsman said, “When the opportunity does arrive and we identity the right young players, that’s the way we’ll go”. This could therefore signal the stage in the careers of the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Wes Brown and Darren Fletcher where they emerge as the experienced bunch that have been there, done that, and received the medals to prove it.
Ferguson will be doing everything in his power to sign a top class goalkeeper to replace the infinite Van der Sar. One name mentioned is that of Maarten Stekelenburg. The Ajax goalkeeper may be 28 years old, but if his Dutch hero is anything to go by, the ‘keeper will be around for many years to come. He played an integral role in Holland’s World Cup squad last year where they reached the Final, conceding just 6 goals throughout the whole of the tournament. £10 million for the 6 ft 6 in former Ajax Player of the Year? Bargain.
If finding a world class goalkeeper is going to be tough, Ferguson will do well to find a midfielder with the skill level to match that of Scholes. Hate him or love him, the midfielder always wore his heart on his sleeve and definitely wasn’t afraid to let those around him know he was there. Jack Rodwell could be the man set with the task of filling in the hole left by Scholes. The talented Everton star comes with a price tag of around £25m, which on first glance of the future England star appears to be completely justified.
Ashley Young is another name which doesn’t sit too far down Fergie’s transfer list. Speculation about the winger has been ripe for months, and the winger would be a perfect addition to the United squad. After recent performances for England, moving to United seems to be the only direction for Young, and let’s imagine the player he could become if Giggsy were to offer a few tips. £12m is cheap for a player who can run at players, has an abundance of pace, and can land the ball on a five pence piece. Just to clarify, that’s Young I’m talking about.
Other names floating around Old Trafford include David de Gea of Atletico Madrid, Tottenham’s Luka Modric and Wesley Sneijder of Inter Milan, to name but a few. I predict a goalkeeper and a couple of midfielders will join Rooney and co. in a bid to bolster United’s squad. Fergie must feel like a little boy who’s just received his pocket money and is off to buy himself some much craved after candy. As for ‘the worst United squad this decade’ accolade, the guy who called in on talkSPORT is probably right. However this is a side that is top of the Premier League, in the semi-finals of the FA Cup and in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League. Who would have known?
