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United set to spend in January?
Published by Ian John on September 23, 2009
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Transfer rumours are nothing new but it seems that most of the bigger rumours involve Manchester United and their possible attempts to land at least two new players in January.
First up was a rumour linking Sir Alex with a move for a goalkeeper. It seems Sir Alex Ferguson has identified two of European football’s hottest goalkeeping prospects, Schalke 04’s Manuel Neuer and CSKA Moscow’s Igor Akinfeev as a possible long term replacement for Edwin Van Der Sar after stand in Ben Foster failed to impress. Neuer has since been linked with a move to Bayern Munich and it remains to be seen whether Sir Alex will use some of the cash languishing in United’s account since the summer sale of Ronaldo, to land either of the talented young shot-stoppers.
This rumour was then followed by the news that United are reportedly keen on Valencia star David Silva. This isn’t a new story. United were one of a host of clubs interested in the Spanish international in the summer, but it seems they may be considering a bid in January. The only problem being that almost every half decent and wealthy side in the world will consider doing likewise, such is Silva’s burgeoning reputation on the world stage.
Lastly there are rumours perhaps of a move for Napoli’s Slovakian winger Marek Hamsik. The wide man has impressed in Serie A and boasts an impressive strike rate for the Italian side. Liverpool were reportedly among his admirers in the summer and while nothing came of their mooted interest, it seems Hamsik remains on the radar at Old Trafford. He’d certainly cost less than Silva, with newspaper reports citing £8m, a £4m depreciation from the Summer when Hamsik was linked with a £12m move to Anfield.
With Manchester City proving they have closed the gap on United at the weekend and Chelsea looking strong, one wonders if Sir Alex is considering making at least a couple of signings in the January transfer window. Or is this just the frantic speculation of fevered minds from the national press?
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Nabyl Charania on Wed, 23rd Sep 2009 10:38 am
Man U definitely need a creative playmaker like David SIlva or Hamsik, although Giggs continues to defy the odds and play like the true legend he is!
By the way, over on the guarding football weekly podcast (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/audio/2009/sep/20/football-weekly-podcast-manchester-united-michael-owen-manchester-city), they claim that the 6 minutes of added time in the match b/w Man U / Man City was not only warranted it was actually not enough
Diego Zidane on Wed, 23rd Sep 2009 10:41 am
Giggs is a legend! but you are right, they need some one else to play off Rooney, their defence is also leaky and the goalkeeper situation needs to be resolved.
Ian John on Wed, 23rd Sep 2009 10:47 am
I think this is where Sir Alex Ferguson is so good. He seldom makes a bad purchase. Ok, you can argue Hargreaves has been too injury prone and Berbatov has hardly set Old Trafford alight, but he always seems to bring in the right player. I think Neuer is a great keeper and although Akinfeev has his fans, I think the German is a better all round prospect. I think Silva would fit into any team well, as for Hamsik, I’m not so sure, especially with the number of talented youngsters at Old Trafford.