I’ve picked 5 players, but 2 are replacements, and I’m assuming Blanc will be retiring.
1. I’ve never been happy with Barthez. I’m not questioning his ability, but he’s just too small. He looks tiny in goal, and doesn’t fill me with any confidence. A reliable, tall, English speaking goalkeeper in his mid-twenties would be ideal. Along with Carroll and Steele, this would sort out the goalkeeper position for the next 10 years. The best two who fit the bill IMO are Sorensen and Robinson. I’d be very happy with either of them.
2. We only have one left back, so another one is required. The best left backs in the world are all coming to the end of their careers, so Escude is as good a choice as any - however, if Chivu was happy playing left back then he would be my choice (also has the added bonus of being a top class centre back). I don’t think Bridge is as good as he’s made out to be, - certainly not defensively.
3. We’re in desperate need of a wide player who is equally as good on both sides, someone who can put real pressure on Giggs and Beckham, and is worthy of a place in the team on his own merit and not just back-up. Damian Duff for me has got “Manchester United Player” stamped all over him. We have a long history of great Irish players, and he should be the next one.
4. I’m a great big fan of Veron, but I think that there’s a very good chance of him being sold within the next year, - and not because of his performances. The fact is, he’s extremely unlikely to want to stay on once his contract has expired – and there is no way Kenyon & Co will let him play out his contract, and walk away for free, - so I think that he may be away at the end of the season or the end of next season.
I think a great replacement for him would be Juan Roman Riquelme. I’ve seen him play on T.V for Boca about a dozen times, and he completely dominated every game from start to finish. I also saw the game where he took Real Madrid apart a few years ago, which was one of the best performances I’ve ever seen on a football field. Although he’s not that well known, I feel that he’s one of football’s future superstars, and far better than both Aimar and D’Allessandro - Ronaldinho as well for that matter! Argentina’s boss needs his head examining for leaving him out of the World Cup squad.
He can be a bit controversial at times, but then so was Eric – and he didn’t do too badly. He’s very strong, fast, and has great ability with both feet. He also more than holds his own in a physical battle. The Argentinean league if anything, is even quicker and more brutal than the Prem., so he wouldn’t need much time to adjust. Apparently he cost Barca less than £10M, which is ridiculous considering his quality. I’m not sure how happy he is at Barca, but Van Gaal seems to be playing him out of position on the left, that’s if he plays him at all! If there was any possibility that we could get him, we should.
5. We need a speed merchant up front to add another dimension to our play. If we’re going for the finished article, then it has to be Shevchenko. Cisse would also be more than welcome, as long as he turns out to be as good as it looks like he’s going to be.
get all the girls I want...