By Ryan Kane.
So its finally emerged, the news United fans around the world dreaded to hear – Dutch midfielder Wesley Sneijder WILL stay at Inter Milan next season.
The 26-year old had been in scintillating form for his club scoring four goals in 26 games during his first season at the San Siro. In doing so he guided Inter to not only the Italian Serie A League title but success in the UEFA Champions League Final, as the Italian side clinched a 2-0 win over Bayern Munich.
Sneijder’s impressive performances have continued into this summer’s World Cup in South Africa. The attacking midfielder upped his tally for the campaign to 5 goals following a deflected strike in the semi-final win over Uruguay. His current form has perceptibly attracted some of the world’s biggest clubs including Manchester United, who were reported to be deeply interested in signing the ex-Real Madrid star this summer. All rumours were however shattered on Wednesday as Inter President Massimo Moratti announced that Sneijder was “not for sale”. This statement was later backed up by the player who said that he was staying and that he “will play for Inter Milan next season”. The midfielder went on to say his “heart is with Milan” and he feels
“there is a lot more to win with Inter”
naming the European Super Cup and World Club Cup as two apparent targets.
So what now for United? With just weeks left until the start of the new Premier League campaign will Sir Alex make any further additions to, what looks from the onset, quite a lacklustre squad if they are to challenge for major honours? With Wayne Rooney coming off the back of a dismal World Cup campaign along with the likes of Michael Carrick and Dimitar Berbatov, two of several under-performers at Old Trafford last season, many have questioned if United’s current batch of players will be capable once more of challenging Carlo Ancelotti’s Chelsea side for the Premiership title. For several frustrated fans at Old Trafford the answer is, at this moment in time – no.
With just two major additions to the squad thus far, youngsters Chris Smalling and Javier Hernandez, eager fans expect Fergie to bolster his side with at least one other signing before the end of the summer. With Wesley Sneijder now ruled out along with Uruguayan striker Diego Forlan, reports have speculated that the Red Devil’s may move for either Karim Benzema or Alexis Sanchez to strengthen their attacking options.
Sneijder will earn his 68th cap for the Dutch should he play a part in his sides World Cup final showdown with Spain on Sunday. Holland have beaten Brazil, Uruguay and Slovakia on route to the final, which will take place in the Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg. English referee Howard Webb will take charge of proceedings as both sides aim to win the illustrious prize for the first time in their history.
