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Replacing Ronaldo
Friday, 13/11/2009
Another loss, another ref rant from Fergie. While he has a point, as emphasised by the FA’s decision not to investigate his comments directed at Martin Atkinson following the Chelsea defeat, his tirade did little other than to mask his side’s deficiencies.
Man United had big decisions go against them, but the fact is the reigning champions have done little so far this term to suggest they will secure a fourth consecutive Premier League crown.
The side have lacked a cutting edge. The loss of Ronaldo was huge, but what has been done to address his departure?
Michael Owen has added attacking depth, basically filling Carlos Tevez’s position in the team; Antonio Valencia is more of a provider from the right flank and a very different player to the prolific Ronaldo, while Gabriel Obertan is at the moment squad player.
Sir Alex Ferguson hasn’t replaced Ronaldo - the irreplaceable. There are suggestions that he was priced out of a move for Karim Benzema.
Given Nani’s inability to make the step-up from Ronaldo’s shadow, it’s time to make a move. Money should be available to spend. Fergie would be loathe to waste it, but the high asking price for Franck Ribery may be justified to reinvigorating a stuttering title tilt.
There needs to be a maverick in the team, a wildcard. Ribery would fill this void, as would Valencia winger David Silva. Rumours of a double raid on the Spanish club for Silva and his team-mate David Villa would set pulses racing but may be unlikely.
Another player linked is Klaas Jan-Huntelaar, who has been compared to United legend Ruud Van Nistelrooy. Huntelaar’s time at Real Madrid was cut short after just seven months, and he has yet to impress at AC Milan. He is renowned to be clinical, but would be a signing in the same vein as Owen.
Douglas Costa and Luis Suarez are two exciting midfielders also linked with a move to Manchester in January, but there is a sense of dread amongst United’s support that nothing will happen in the winter transfer window.
With Chelsea already forging ahead, something needs to happen. My choice? A fit again Luka Modric and the duo from Valencia...
. Man United fan Lee Price runs www.football-previews.com
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Total comments: 8
Loren Moffitt
Saturday, 05/12/2009
I believe we need one strong signing whether it is in the summer or january transfer window i could care less as long as we get someone and i feel that David Silva would fill the gap of Ronaldo leaving and also give us more depth. I do not believe we could take Silva and Villa from valencia and do not know we could afford it with the whole Glazier debt story going on. I also believe with the squad United has right now we can still win the league. We showed it against chelsea and deserved at least a point and in the last 3 seasons (which we have won the league) someone else was on top of the league in the beginning of the season but we showed our class and pushed on. Glory Glory Man United!
dan cook
Sunday, 15/11/2009
Jesus Navas of Sevilla has just made an appearance for spain and a right mid/winger = great potential, great replacement. but if i was fergie i would jump at the opportunity of valencia saying they are willing to sell two world class internationals: villa & silva. both vital parts of the spanish team which dominated euro 2008. but yes, unlikely. 50 mil for both. you’d have to be dreaming, i guess thats where negotiations start but its too low for too much. other potential replacements are one SL Benfica’s Angel Di Maria who Sir Alex has made interest clear about and also the pacey, exciting, goal threat, ashley young who has stated that he would rather go to united than chelsea. watch these boys over the next few months because if i didnt see at least 3 of them in a red shirt then i would be surprised
Dan Poole
Tuesday, 22/12/2009
Sol Campbell may be on his way to Manchester United to ease the defensive crisis as the media call it. I would also like to see someone like adriano or ronaldinho at United.
Bob Brookes
Friday, 18/12/2009
Too right Owen is no comparison to Tevez, Owen actually scores goals.
Ronaldo is irreplacable, Valencia whilst not setting the world alight ,is settling in nicely and the goals are coming, have faith in Fergie, we have been here before!.
jason
Friday, 17/12/2010
Ronaldo and Tevez should not leave Manchester United because they already very happy in United and Fergurson should n’t sell them. I wish Real Madrid could buy Messi
Ed: Bit late, they are both long gone…
Hamzah
Friday, 30/12/2011
you lot are all right but no offence cos some got wrong
spursawsome
Saturday, 02/10/2010
they cant replace ronaldo cos they aint got no cash after they spent it on bebe who cant get into the reserves
Mark Hall
Monday, 16/11/2009
Owen is no comparison to Tevez