Toys are flying out of Catalan prams right now as the media closest to Barcelona start to deal with the possibility that Thiago is actually leaving the club and moving to Manchester United. When it was an idea, everything was still rosy and Thiago and Manchester United were treated respectfully. They obviously assumed that the move wouldn't actually happen, with Barcelona somehow encouraging their boy to stay with the club.
We said several times it would all change if the deal actually happened and it's changed already, with a quite bitter attack from Catalan newspaper
Sport today, and their journalist Emilio Pérez de Rozas. An article was put out at 4am in Spain this morning, now we could assume the journalist was a bit tired and emotional and let his feelings get in the way but we'll give Emilio the benefit of the doubt, he could have been in Brazil with the Spanish national squad which would have made the time closer to midnight.
Sport have changed their tune from saying that Manchester United are a great club to join to describing the club as not such a good destination now Sir Alex Ferguson has gone and a new man taken over. Just two days ago the same newspaper were raving about David Moyes and said he wanted to make Thiago his new Arteta and understood the role of the Spaniard.
We covered that article from Sport and said at the time:
'Sport say that Moyes has played a huge role in the effort to convince Mazinho and Thiago, and will be a big part of the reason he joins, if the deal is completed. The newspaper concede, in this one article (they'll probably change their minds if the move happens), that Thiago isn't moving for money, although Manchester United are offering more than Barcelona would. They say it's the promise of a prominent role and the explanation Moyes has put across about Thiago being his new Arteta. They label the chance to be the protagonist of Manchester United's midfield 'priceless'.'
From that Sport have turned on a sixpence, or at least Emilio Pérez de Rozas has done it for them. He says that Thiago has a choice, either playing football 'vertically' with balls flying over his head - at Manchester United, or 'tiqui-taca' at Emilio's beloved Barcelona.
'Catalonia, England, Barça-ManUnited, Vilanova-Moyes, Iniesta / Xavi or balls flying overhead, tiki-taca or football vertically, fast, direct.'
Emilio may not have heard of Paul Scholes but Xavi and Iniesta certainly have and wouldn't put him into those categories or be so rude about Manchester United's style of play. The bitterness is so evident it's laughable.
In just two days, one newspaper have gone from praising Manchester United, their style, and the new manager, to almost describing them as akin to Stoke City. Sport were correct, it is priceless. Perhaps it also shows that a move is edging ever closer, Emilio thinks Thiago should just be shown the door now, he's had enough. Manchester United will be ready and waiting.
Other newspapers in Spain are also beginning to question Thiago's motives and reckon money has played a big part in his decision, rather than any wish for more playing time. If the transfer is confirmed then it's likely to get worse.