Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Brad Friedel believes the new look Spurs side is stronger than last season despite losing Gareth Bale.
Spurs boss Andre Villas Boas has spent over £100million revamping his squad with Bale joining Real Madrid for a world record transfer fee.
Despite Bale being considered as one of the best players in the world at the moment, Friedel feels the North London club are now stronger with their new additions and he is ultimately pleased that Bale was shipped off to Spain.
Friedel admits that losing a key player is usually a negative at a club but he sees this summer as a massive positive for Tottenham and their supporters.
“It’s not always that a manager and a board can turn what could have been a massive negative, losing someone like Gareth Bale, into a massive positive,” Friedel told talkSPORT.
“Losing a player like Gareth Bale would normally make your squad weaker, but I don’t think that’s the case. I think our squad is stronger for it.”
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In light of Arsenal’s fantastic 2-0 victory away to Liverpool during the weekend, it would appear bizarre that both Santi Cazorla and Lukas Podolski managed to come out of the game overshadowed by one of their teammates. But Sunday’s victory at Anfield heralded the rebirth of one Abou Diaby and the Frenchman’s virtuoso display, gave a tantalizing sample of what Arsene Wenger’s team may have to look forward to this term.
Such was the level of his performance the other day, Diaby fever has already seemed to hit a level of relative overkill, with observers from every corner of the Premier League heaping some pretty heavy praise on the 26-year-old. And let’s not forget, Diaby is indeed, 26. He’s not just cropped up overnight.
To most Arsenal fans, the antics of Diaby last weekend won’t have come as any surprise. Where as many neutrals have always been quick to write the Frenchman off, Gunners supporters have always known exactly what he’s been capable of. The problem is, he simply hasn’t had enough chances to exhibit his skills in a red shirt.
Diaby’s talents as a footballer, as he demonstrated during the weekend, are perhaps fairly unique in today’s game. As the English game moves towards a more tactically refined set-up, players – especially midfielders – seem to be geared to beholding a more specialist set of skills. The defensive enforcer, the deep-lying playmaker and the separate attacking units all play their part in Premier League midfields in 2012. But what about the box-to-box midfielder?
Quite whether Diaby represents something of a dying breed is an argument for another day, but his range of abilities as a midfielder are nothing short of eclectic. Diaby has the physicality and temperament to sit as a defensive midfielder but his technical ability and craft on the ball allows him to be just as adept as an attacking outlet, He has that rare combination of physical power and technical brilliance that makes him such an asset for Arsene Wenger in the centre of the park.
His close control and dribbling at speed brings more than a gentle reminder of a certain Yaya Toure at Manchester City but perhaps even more prominently, of Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira. Such is their physical resemblance on the ball, you could wonder the French have stored vials of Vieira’s DNA for some sinister cloning project at Clairefontaine.
But for the man who has coached both, the resemblance with Vieira is nothing more than a trick of the eye. In 2009, Wenger said of his midfielder:
“I believe Vieira was more of a passer of the ball. Diaby is more of a dribbler, more offensive and makes more penetrating runs. Vieira was more of a constructor. They have a similar elegance and type of play but are not completely comparable.”
The problem for Diaby, however, has never been impressing the manager or winning over the Emirates support. The issue has been a string of injury issues and an inability to sustainably keep fit. The last two seasons in particular, have been a living nightmare for the Frenchman.
It feels remarkable to note that Diaby is now participating in his seventh full season for the club. On one hand, his 115 league appearances (166 in all competitions at the time of writing) suggest that he’s not been quite the peripheral figure that many make him out to be. Indeed, his real stand out season in the 2009-10 term saw Diaby score six goals and four assists in 29 league games- following on from his 24 top flight appearances the season before.
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But looking past those two terms and the statistics don’t make great reading for the Parisian-born star. Excluding those two terms, Diaby has failed to rank up more than 16 appearances in a Premier League season. A catalogue of muscular issues, most notably to his calf and hamstring, restricted Diaby to a meager five run outs in all competitions last season and since he came to the club in January 2006, he’s only started for Arsenal in the league 85 times.
You can’t help but feel sympathetic to Diaby’s plight, especially considering some of the injuries he’s had to deal with. He’s been plagued with ankle issues ever since the now forgotten Sunderland defender Dan Smith, fractured and dislocated his right ankle in the May of 2006. Three operations during his career are the legacy of that wild lunge and Diaby has certainly been through the mill in looking to stay regularly match-fit for the Gunners.
And to his credit, Arsene Wenger has stood right by his midfielder throughout his injury blues and has always been quick to support Diaby when criticism has come. But after floating in and out of the time and so many false starts, he’s going to have to start paying that trust back. The only way he can do so is by staying match fit; Wenger’s patience cannot last forever.
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From what we’ve seen so far, too, Diaby looks to finally be putting the past behind him and pushing on for the season ahead. He’s grown in both prominence and influence in the first of Arsenal’s three Premier League games and his display against Liverpool is the amalgamation of a summer of hard work and desire to get fit for the new season. He’s looked to develop a sense of maturity within this developing Arsenal side, knowing when to sit and when to go from the centre of midfield and if he keeps it up, then Diaby fever could be lasting well past the season’s opening.
Abou Diaby is still only 26 and make no mistake about it, he has his best years of football still to offer Arsenal. But he has to make this term count. No one has ever doubted his ability and it’s time to forget the past and keep looking forward. If Wenger can keep him fit, than the 2012-13 season could be a memorable one for both player and club.
How do you feel about the Diaby fever that’s currently sweeping the Premier League? Are we going too far in our praise for the midfielder or do you believe he can be a real asset for the Gunners this term? Let me know what you think on Twitter: follow @samuel_antrobus and bat me your views.
The El Clasico has always been one of the most thrilling contests between two of the best clubs in the world. The intensity that these teams bring on the pitch has made it one of the most viewed sports events across the globe.
Just the previous El Clasico at Camp Nou speaks volumes about the excitement and thrill in this contest. Though the title had already been secured by Barcelona with no hopes left for Madrid, it still it offered all of us a most exhilarating contest. Twice Barcelona scored and twice Real Madrid equalised with the match ending at 2-2. It was tense and enjoyable with eight yellow cards and one red card being given until the end.
The history of the El Clasico is rich with very exciting matches. Following are some of the best matches between these two clubs.
1: La Manita – 2010
In Spanish, La Manita is used when a team beats their opponent with a difference of five goals. This scoreline is very prized and treasured in Spain. In 2010, Barcelona performed this very feat against Real Madrid at Camp Nou, repeating the same result of the 1994 match.
Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona in the 2010-11 season was at their best who later went on to win both the league title and the Champions League title. Sir Alex Ferguson described this squad of Barcelona as the best he had ever faced.
Real Madrid were absolutely devastated at Camp Nou with five goals by the full time. The scoreline looked to exceed more considering Barcelona had scored four before the hour mark.
Messi was very central to Barcelona’s emphatic win that day with Xavi, Jeffren Suarez, Pedro and David Villa all getting on the scoresheet too.
2: Humiliation for Barcelona – 2008
This El Clasico match in 2008 would remain like a scar for all the Barca fans. Their team suffered a humiliating defeat at Santiago Bernabeu by 4-1. Real Madrid had already won the league and therefore, their confidence was sky high when they were hosting Barcelona.
Earlier in the match, Real players had run through the guard of honour formed by the Barcelona players in accordance with their Spanish traditions. It was intended as a mark of respect for the local champions which Real then did not extend their rivals during the play.
Raul initiated scoring by striking from 18 yards followed by a brilliant header from Arjen Robben. Then, substitute Gonzalo Higuain added one more to shatter the Catalan side completely.
Barcelona suffered one more goal from the penalty kick of Ruud van Nistelrooy after Carles Puyol blocked the ball with his hands. Thierry Henry scored a late goal but by then the humiliation was complete for Barcelona.
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3: Messi hat-trick – 2014
This match in 2014 was one of the most thrilling matches. The highlights of the game included a hat-trick, three penalties, and a red card. Both the teams were evenly matched and provided a spectacular contest for the fans.
Andres Iniesta gave a good start for Barcelona by striking early. Then Karim Benzema in combination with Angel di Maria provided two more goals to turn the game in Real’s favour.
However, the talented Lionel Messi scored before the first half to level the scores. And though Ronaldo added one more in the second half, it was Messi who stole the show that day by scoring two goals from two penalties. The thrilling match ended at 3-4 in favour of Barcelona.
4: Humiliation for Real Madrid – 2009
Real Madrid dominated La Liga from 2006-2008, with the points difference reaching eighteen between the two rivals by the end of the 2007-08 season. That all changed when Pep Guardiola turned up at Barcelona.
Real Madrid team was on an eighteen unbeaten streak when it hosted Barcelona at Santiago Bernabeu. Their confidence was visible as Higuain scored their first goal. However, goals from Thierry Henry, Carles Puyol, and Lionel Messi destroyed any chances for Real Madrid in the first half.
Though Sergio Ramos gave a glimmer of hope in the next half with a header, the domination of Barcelona was totally complete as Henry, Messi and even Gerard Pique scored.
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This match almost wrapped up the season for Barcelona, giving them a 7-point lead with 4 games remaining. Barcelona ended up winning the league with 9 points clear of Real Madrid.
5: The Copa del Rey Final- 2011
This was one of the most exciting El Clasico matches in which Jose Mourinho won his first title for the club. The evenly balanced sides could not score any goal in the 90 minutes time.
Cristiano Ronaldo missed three good chances in that time, though in the extra time he headed the cross home and took his team to victory.
6: Champions League semifinal – 2002
In this very important match, the Catalan side dominated the first half though they could not find an opening goal. In the second half, Zidane chipped the ball over Bonano for a vital goal after presented with a good opportunity by Raul. Barcelona desperately tried for a goal though the score did not move. In the stoppage time, substitute Steve McManaman scored a killer goal.
This was Real Madrid’s first victory at Camp Nou in almost nineteen years. The win also gave them a huge advantage for the next leg at Bernabeu. The next tie ended at 1-1 and hence Real Madrid proceeded to the final. To the delight of Madrid fans, they even won the final at Hampden Park against Bayer Leverkusen in Glasgow.
Former England captain Rio Ferdinand has recently branded the valuations of home-grown talents such as Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane as ‘a joke.’
Sterling’s current club Liverpool are reportedly holding out for a £50m transfer fee for their young forward, whilst Tottenham have slapped a £40m transfer fee on striker Harry Kane in hope of warding of interest from Manchester United.
And you would could well say Ferdinand is completely right, there is no way that these English players despite their careers being ahead of them, they shouldn’t be valued so highly.
Take Andy Carroll for example. signed for £35m at a similar age to Kane who proved he was eventually worth just half of Newcastle’s original evaluation.
These English talents like Kane and Sterling are undoubtedly quality players, but in truth they have achieved little when compared to their professional rivals, who have achieved so much more at both club level and international level.
As well as this their levels of goals and assists are well short of the players valued of similar prices like Alexis Sanchez and Sergio Aguero, who produce far more and have cost far less.
Ferdinand said via social media: “English players are soooo overpriced right now it’s a
joke!
“Kane & sterling have huge potential but 40m & 50m…aguero 38m & sanchez 32m!!!”
And you would have to say Ferdinand is right the prices for these players are simply a ‘joke.’
But why they cost so much is a mystery really, as they aren’t as good as their professional counterparts and should be valued sometimes £15m less at times.
However this has been the case for a long, long time now. Liverpool brought Stewart Downing for £17m and Jordan Henderson for £20m when you could argue both of those players, especially Downing, could’ve been £7m less.
Perhaps the reason why English players are so over valued is down to the fact that we as a country overrate our English stars to the extent where their prices are ridiculously hiked up, and until clubs start being more realistic the prices will stay continue to rise.
Looking at the two players Ferdinand mentioned and comparing them with the prices of Sergio Aguero and Alexis Sanchez, who are absolutely outstanding players of world class quality, and whilst Kane and Sterling are hugely talented they are not playing for elite clubs and have a way to go before being regarded as world class.
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And by comparing the quoted valuations and what was paid for the South American duo, something like £20-25m as a price for both Kane and Sterling is fair, as at that price their potential is valued whilst the fact they aren’t world class is taken into account.
But it is difficult to see how these ‘joke’ prices are going to change as it is tricky to change the mindset of English clubs and change the way that they value their home-grown talents, but clubs should start making note of the prices paid for foreign players to English and lower their prices.
And maybe this is happening with the deal for Nathaniel Clyne who looks likely to move to Liverpool for £12.5m (BBC), a good price for his quality and not over hiked, and maybe the tide is changing.
Yesterday afternoon, it was announced that the Premier League’s managerial merry-go-round took another swing with the appointment of Roberto Martinez as David Moyes’ replacement at Everton. A popular club and a popular manager – from the day of Wigan’s relegation, it seemed almost inevitable that the two would join forces over the course of the summer.
Yet, according to Bill Kenwright, regardless of Roberto Martinez’ glowing reputation in England and natural suitability for a club that has never had the privilege of the powers of the purse, the former Wigan boss had to do his fair share of convincing around the conference table to stave off competition from the other candidates.
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What Martinez showed during the first few minutes of his meeting with the Toffees chairman was a belief that he could get Everton into the Champions League, breaking the glass ceiling between the Merseyside club and the Premier League’s top four, a feat only accomplished once by David Moyes during his eleven year reign.
According to Kenwright, the simple phrase from the Spaniard’s lips of “I will get you into the Champions League” resonated with Moyes’ first words to the Everton chief; “You will not be relegated”. Belief and desire are one thing, but is Champions League qualification an achievable goal for the Toffes? Is Martinez simply adding pressure to what will already be an intense situation? What stands in the former Wigan man’s way in bringing success to Goodison Park?
Sometimes, ambition and intent is all you need to get the ball rolling. The sheer subtle difference in tone from Moyes’ manner of remaining continually hopeful that Everton can claim fourth spot, but with the clear knowledge that the slightest injury crisis or dip in form could scupper their whole season, in comparison to Martinez’ self-confident and self-imposed target of achieving continental qualification could be enough to get the fans and the players at Goodison thinking in a more positive light, and galvanise the club to begin working towards a tough and challenging goal that will require full collective and individual effort.
Yet, to make the dream a reality, Martinez will need something far more substantial than simply words. The Spaniard has announced that he will be tinkering with Everton’s currently typically English philosophy, and he will be hoping that an evolutionary rather than revolutionary opening-up of the Toffees’ game will go some way to reducing the ten point gap between themselves and Arsenal this season.
There is a concerning naivety on Martinez’ part considering Everton have recorded their best results this year by remaining sturdy, physical and combative, with victories against Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham, in addition to draws against Arsenal, however, the myth that Everton aren’t capable of playing expansive football is simply untrue.
Leighton Baines, Steven Pienaar, Leon Osman and Darron Gibson are all very accomplished with the ball at their feet, and the four are very much the Toffees’ creative hub that provide the vast majority of their goals. Furthermore, just as with Swansea and Wigan, Martinez will be hoping his more stylish philosophy will create an institutional legacy at Goodison which outlives the coming and going of players, and even his own tenure.
Before the former Latics boss can begin installing his fresh, forward-thinking and open approach on the Everton roster however, his first battle will come in the transfer market. David Moyes is reportedly very keen to bring Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines with him to Old Trafford, whilst Phil Jagielka has been lined with a move away from Merseyside for a number of years. Of course, Martinez will be hoping he can hold onto all three, and that the trio have been convinced to stay put by his appointment and the ambition he brings to Goodison.
Yet with Chelsea, Arsenal and the two Manchester clubs all looking to bolster their squads and bring in added quality over the summer, it remains unlikely that the Toffees’ will be able to stave off interest from the Premier League’s elite. Keeping two of Everton’s three key men will be an acceptable loss, however, the new boss will have to get the best return possible on any departures, as it will make up a sizeable chunk of the club’s summer transfer kitty.
In regards to incomings, the first priority is undoubtedly a forward whom can consistently provide goals. Everton’s current collection of strikers – Nikita Jelavic and Victor Anichebe – recorded just 13 goals between them this season, and there is a common feeling at Goodison that a number of results could have been different if the Toffees possessed a forward that provided a greater cutting edge and could be a determining factor in his own right during matches.
Martinez’ acquisition of Arouna Kone last summer proved to be a solid piece of business, but the Spaniard will have to pull off a real master-stroke to bring a forward to Merseyside that can make a substantial difference to results without putting the club’s finances in jeopardy. There aren’t too many obvious candidates on the horizon, and Martinez will have to use his knowledge of Europe, ability to spot potential and his eye for a bargain to find a cut-price summer recruit whom can contribute at least 15 league goals a season.
Martinez is young, bold, enthusiastic and ambitious, yet the pressure of the Everton appointment makes it the most challenging step of his career to date. With the club already operating at full capacity in terms of finance and resources, it will be a tough task to bridge the gap between the Toffees and Champions League qualification within the space of four years – the length of the 39 year old’s contract – let alone within his first season.
From a more negative viewpoint, the margin for failure is incredibly slight; whilst Moyes had the Everton squad continually performing to the best of their abilities, and any slump in standard of performance could easily see the Merseysiders plummet down the Premier League table. Similarly, there will undoubtedly be teething pains from one era to the next, in addition to the change in philosophy.
Bill Kenwright is no fool – Martinez will be given time to complete his goals, as Everton have experienced more than any other club the benefits of overall stability and consistency. But the Spaniard’s tenure could unravel very quickly should it get off to a poor start. The Toffees’ home form must be maintained – David Moyes recorded just a single defeat at Goodison Park this season, the best record in the English top flight – and it would be a shame if plans for continental qualification are scuppered by a slow start to Martinez’ inaugural campaign.
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It will take a miracle to get Everton into the Champions League next season, yet for a manager of Martinez’ abilities, conquering the Premier League’s top four as a project with a duration of four years is achievable. The squad is in good shape, even if it is in need of a few extra pieces to complete the jigsaw, and the sense of collective effort and shared mentality at Goodison remains strong even after Moyes’ departure.
But the seeds for European success will have to be sewn within Martinez’ first season – it will undoubtedly be his biggest opportunity to spend, with Bill Kenwright giving his new manger a chance to imprint his own vision upon the Everton roster via purchases in the transfer market, and it will be the only year where any step backwards in terms of league standing will be judged by the fans as acceptable. Furthermore, and most importantly, he will have a single season to strike a healthy balance between philosophy and pragmatism, or it will not be long before the argument of the Spaniard and the Toffees being chalk and cheese begin to re-emerge.
Can Martinez lead Everton into the Premier League’s top four?
There is a chance Jonny Evans may be fit in time for Manchester United’s clash with Fulham.
The Northern Ireland international’s return would provide a huge boost to the 19 time league champions who have only one fit senior centre half in Nemanja Vidic.
United’s defensive issues were exposed badly in their Premier League opener at Goodison Park. The only goal in the game was a direct product of an aerial mismatch between make-shift centre-half Michael Carrick and Marouane Fellaini.
The United team that succumbed to 1-0 defeat on Merseyside saw two specialist midfielders in Antonio Valencia and Carrick deployed in defence.
Evans is recovering from ankle surgery and has been training with the first team for the past ten days after missing pre-season.
Rio Ferdinand remains absent with a groin injury, Phil Jones is still out with a back problem and Chris Smalling is still absent with a foot injury which needed surgery and was responsible for him missing the European Championships.
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Liverpool could only manage a goalless draw at home to Stoke City on Saturday as they prepare for their crucial UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg clash away to Roma.
English Premier League action doesn’t mean much to the Reds right now, with a top four finish likely and the potential prize of European glory dominating their late-season.
Still, it’s important they maintain form and while Jurgen Klopp made five changes ahead of next Wednesday, fans were left disappointed by the performance against Paul Lambert’s side.
Particular criticism was aimed at striker Danny Ings, who failed to impress or score before being hauled off in the 65th minute. He did find the back of the net, but his finish was disallowed due to being offside.
Supporters believe he should be gotten rid of this summer, many believing that the club need much better back-up to their established stars if they’re to challenge for the league title.
A disappointing season by Manchester City’s standards has seen them fall along way short of regaining their Premier League crown as Chelsea stole the show by becoming worthy champions and despite their defeat on Monday night still hold an unassailable eight point advantage.
City are expected to ring the changes over the summer and there looks certain to be plenty of transfer activity over the next few months as Manuel Pellegrini reshuffles his side into one that can challenge for the league once again as well as put up a better showing in Europe.
And while there have been a number of stars linked with a move to the Etihad during the transfer window, some of City’s key players could be on their way out of the club if reports are to be believed.
One of these players is England international James Milner, who looks set to leave the Blues after five years in Manchester.
The 29-year-old has been heavily linked to both Arsenal and Liverpool as his contract at City draws to a close and despite the clubs best efforts to keep hold of the midfielder he may well be leaving on a free transfer in the next few weeks.
City are thought to have offered Milner one last improved contract in a bid to ensure he remains at the Etihad, and although he has previously dismissed such offers, he really should consider staying put as he would be foolish to move elsewhere.
In the past Milner has felt undervalued at the club, and rightly left frustrated by a lack of first-team football. Having only started 12 games last season he had every right to consider a move given his quality which was being wasted as he sat on the bench.
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But City’s latest victory at Swansea saw Milner score a fine goal in his 44th appearance of the season, and 31st in the league from a possible 37 league fixtures.
Pellegrini has continued to speak of Milner’s importance to the club, and the fact he has started 27 games this term which is more than double of last season’s total, goes to show just how important he vital he has become.
And it’s not just the smaller teams he has featured against, having started in both games with Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and Barcelona highlighting how is also trusted in the big games.
He may feel he wants to be starting every game possible which a move to Arsenal or Liverpool may cater for, but in reality it would be step down from where he is now.
City are the second best team in the Premier League and a move away would arguably dent his chances of picking up more trophies during his career.
He’s guaranteed Champions League football, something which Liverpool can’t offer him, and with a few new additions they are sure to be challenging at the top of the table once again. The same certainly can’t be said about Liverpool, and for Arsenal, well there’s a chance but it’s not a guarantee.
And then he has the contract itself to consider. At this point in his career a four year deal of £165,000 a week is certainly nothing to be sniffed at and realistically it’s one he should be signing.
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If he puts pen to paper, the deal would make him one of the top earners at the club with an estimated £34m. Surely that type of money shows how much they value him and want to keep him.
It’s clear the Citizens are desperate to sign him up to a new contract, particularly as he is an English player, and although at first he had a right to dismiss their offer; having played a big part this season and with the contract being offered to him, it shows he is a wanted man.
To leave a club that presents him with the best chance of silverware would be a bad move, and the fact he is being offered £165k a week shows he’s not going to be a bit part player. Would they be offering that type of money if he wasn’t part of their first-team plans? Certainly not!
Amid denial and conflicting reports, Wayne Rooney is likely to be the second big name leaving Old Trafford this summer, with clubs both in England and abroad looking to offer him a fresh start in his career. You can’t help but feel that a move would benefit both club and player, with Rooney failing to live up to the expectation of him and Manchester United looking to alter the look of their frontline this summer.
The part of this story that is most intriguing is whether Rooney, one of the biggest English names, is suited for a move abroad – and I’m not just talking about talent or playing style. Players like David Beckham have been the exception to the rule, that being that English players rarely break out of their comfort zone. The Premier League may be billed as the best, but for English players it’s what they know and are accustomed to.
For United, this summer may be the best opportunity to start again. Here is a player who has sent in a second transfer request since being at the club, and this time there isn’t such a need for Rooney to remain at Old Trafford. The player’s performances have been down, he’s scored only 12 league goals – a number which is not befitting of his reputation in football – and, most importantly, United have found ways of winning and surviving without him in the team.
It’s also a matter of what Rooney represents and that he is often the first name most would think of when thoughts of United come to mind. His adaptability at various positions in the team also make him a great asset to have, but just because he does well in the centre of midfield doesn’t mean that is the best option for the long term.
One of the problems going into this summer is that United will do all they can to avoid selling domestically. You really have to applaud that level of thinking and strength in holding that position. Despite being off their books, Rooney would still prove to be an issue, either directly or indirectly, if he remained in the Premier League. But do PSG, one of the frontrunners abroad, tick all the boxes?
Interestingly, it might make the most sense. Both PSG and Rooney could be argued to be on similar paths at this stage. The player is trying to regain (or attain) a higher standing in the game, while PSG will be keen to build their own reputation across Europe after their Ligue 1 triumph. With Zlatan Ibrahimovic likely to depart this summer, there is an opening for a big-name striker to take over.
And let’s not assume that Rooney would be off in some obscure corner of European football and lacking any kind of competition. For all their wealth, PSG will still face competition from the other big names in French football. Monaco will re-join Ligue 1 and will do everything their wealth allows to put together a strong title challenge. And it also shouldn’t be forgotten that PSG did well in this season’s Champions League; with players like Thiago Silva and Ezequiel Lavezzi, they’re sure to make an impression next season again.
From a footballing standpoint, PSG does look to be one of the better destinations, and one who United would certainly do business with. The question remains as to how Rooney himself would adapt to life in France. As mentioned, there isn’t really much to go by in terms of other big English stars moving abroad. Beckham did all he could to embrace Spanish culture, but you certainly feel that Rooney and his personality would be a little different in France.
And then there are the options in England, with Chelsea and Arsenal rumoured to be possible destinations. Either of these teams would seem ridiculous for what it would mean in the Premier League, and for all the shouting they may do, it appears beyond reality for what may actually happen this summer.
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Manchester United are not Arsenal, they won’t sell to a rival if they don’t want to. Moreover, why strengthen Chelsea in such a way when the focus will be to put themselves and David Moyes in a position of absolute strength in England?
Bayern Munich have been touted too, as well as Real Madrid and Barcelona. But for everything that can be made sense of at this time, France would appear to be Rooney’s best destination should he depart United this summer. If Rooney could lead PSG to title glory he would more than elevate his status in European football. It would be a signal that amid all the frustration and disappointing performances, a very good player just needed a fresh start, a new challenge and unwavering confidence as a club’s most important asset.
There is no question that Antonio Valencia has been a wonderful servant for Manchester United.
The Ecuador international hardly set Old Trafford alight with his performances as a winger, but he has developed into a very strong right-back for the Red Devils.
Meanwhile, in the absence of Michael Carrick, Valencia has worn the captain’s armband for the 20-time English champions during the 2017-18 campaign.
The 32-year-old certainly deserves credit for some outstanding performances this season, but it appears that a number of United fans are looking for an upgrade at right-back this summer.
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A selection took to social media to urge their club to sign a new right-back at the end of the season, although that is not a view shared by all United fans.
Indeed, one individual branded Valencia, who is valued at £9m by transfermarkt.co.uk, ‘the best defender in the world’.
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It is certainly an interesting debate, and we will see over the next few months whether head coach Jose Mourinho brings a new right-sided full-back to Old Trafford.
A selection of the Twitter reaction from the United fans, who have again called for the summer arrival of Antoine Griezmann, can be seen below: