Is Seba the reason Fergie wont spend big again?
When you talk about Manchester United, you are talking about one of the biggest clubs in the world in terms of global appeal. It is little wonder then that the club is constantly linked with big name signings and world superstars. In the past, Fergie and the board have not been shy in splashing the cash for the likes of Rio, Rooney and Berba who all cost in excess of £30 million. Add to this the names of Nani (£17 million), Anderson (£17m), Valencia (£16 million) and Hargreaves (£17 million) and it can be seen that the current United crop certainly took a few quid to assemble.
It is perhaps inevitable then that the rumour mill is already going into overdrive. If reports are to be believed, Utd will be looking at a midfield next season containing Pastore, De Rossi, Ashley Young and Wesley Sneijder to name but a few – not bad eh? These players would all command fees in the region of those quoted above with the possible exception of Ashley Young due to his contract situation at Villa.
Get real. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news Utd fans but this just is not going to happen. Every time I hear Utd’s name linked with a big money signing, it makes me chuckle. Fergie and Gill have done their broken record bit of stating that the money is there and can be invested in the squad but who really believes them? Gone are the days when United splashed out £28 million on Veron and £19 million on Van Nistelrooy. Due to the economic climate at United (also known as the crippling debt), now is the time to be more prudent with the limited riches available.
Sir Alex has come out and stated again and again that there is no value in the market and in truth, he is correct. When Joleon Lescott is worth £22 million and Balotelli £29 million, it is evident that the market has been completely saturated. As soon as ridiculous fees were being banded about for distinctly average players, the value of the top players is bound to increase dramatically – simple economics. This has benefited Utd in that they could cash in on their prize asset but want away superstar for a cool £80 million. It could also be argued that Utd in fact began this era of ridiculous fees by the lavish amounts spent aforementioned. If you want the top players, you have to pay the top money. This has always been the case and as these figures throughout history have continued to rise and rise and with more and more clubs becoming the playthings of foreign billionaires, this trend is likely to continue.
If Fergie ever needed a ‘real-life’ and current example to vindicate ‘his decision’ (or more accurately the Glazer’s decision) not to splash the cash and instead opt for a more economical and measured transfer, look no further than the little Mexican Javier Hernandez. At a comparatively paltry £7 million, Chicharito has set English football alight in his debut season, netting 17 goals so far and with surely a major part to play in United’s quest for 3 trophies. The 22 year old hitman is living proof that with the right scouting networks and connections, you don’t need to break the bank for a top class talent and this will be music to the ears of the Glazer family and everyone associated with Manchester United PLC.
Another positive is the always excellent youth academy continuing to provide future superstars. After a recent lull in terms with what has come before, the new fledglings seem to be developing nicely with a 3-2 deficit in the youth cup semi final to overturn against Chelsea, the young reds will be confident of progression and have some real quality ib their ranks. The likes of Pogba, Keane, Tunnicliffe, Morrison and Josh King amongst others should all be knocking on the door of the first team next season and all have the potential to be top class players.
This summer, Fergie will buy 2 or 3 players. A goalkeeper is a must with David De Gea the most likely due to his age – a £12 million investment for a 20 year old makes business sense as potentially Utd could get 15 years of service or more out of him and he would also command a high re-sale value should they decide to (or need to) cash in at any point. In addition to this, a bid for Jack Rodwell seems likely and again due to his age, £15 million would be a good deal and solve the major problem caused by Paul Scholes and Owen Hargreaves likely retirements. That would leave one more area to be looked at which would be to provide another option on the wings. As previously mentioned, Ashley Young would be available at a bargain price but don’t be surprised if Fergie trusts his scouts as plumps for another unearthed diamond in the rough.
So please stop this fantasy, football manager esque speculation of big money signings and splashing the cash as it just isn’t going to happen. Manchester United are buried under a mountain of debt and apart from the odd, comparatively small acquisition, a frugal period of self-sufficiency is upon the club. What you need to ask yourself is would you prefer to see a player brought through the youth system, break into the first team and develop into a world-class talent at your club or would you rather see your club go out and spend ridiculous sums of money on an already established name, with no interest in the beautiful yet harrowing history of the club, only focusing on their £200,000 a week salary?
If you even considered the latter, you are supporting the wrong club!
