ESPN Soccernet - Correspondents - Manchester City- This Could Change Everything

Posted by Wallace Poulter on 06/12/2009

So when I said that we should start to see some movement in the transfer market after the internationals on Wednesday I can assure you that an £80m bid for Ronaldo from Real Madrid wasn't what I was alluding to!

Wow! That just blew next season wide open. Ronaldo's a petulant diver, but the guy can play.

You don't replace such a player over night. It's potentially very good business though for Manchester United. This means they can keep Carlos Tevez, if he wants to stay, get back up and/or replacement for Owen Hargreaves which is their one other significant hole, pick up the long term replacement at centre back for Nemanja Vidic - who I believe will leave next summer - and bring in a replacement for Ronaldo... United for my money have the best squad in the Premier League (Liverpool the best starting 11) but it will take new players time to gel!

What fans don't realize is how much running Ronaldo does to get the opportunity to make his plays. Off the ball running is an underappreciated art and Ronaldo may be the best in the world at it. I can't stand the cheating, but the effort he puts into a game is unbelievable. United will miss that.

With Liverpool apparently unable to strengthen significantly, Chelsea aging, but still good side, and Arsenal that one player away from challenging for the title there is the potential for a fairly wide open chase for next year's Premier League title.

Meanwhile... it took him 48 hours after Kaka's move but fair play to Michel Platini for finally showing some consistency in his comments about large transfer fees. Gordon Taylor over at the PFA is still glaringly absent from the conversation. (Update: Gordon Taylor has now commented, but I find it very weak compared to his comments about City trying to buy Kaka in January.)

City are being linked with numerous players again. Hughes is wisely keeping quiet about targets other than his comment about Tevez. The more I think about it, I'm convinced that was designed to make United pay the maximum if they do indeed sign him. I really hope the Glen Johnson rumour is just more press muck-racking rather than someone that the club have actually made a bid for. I've never been a fan; stretching back to his West Ham days and the bizarre over bid that Chelsea made.

Those of you who have read this column over the past couple of years will, I suspect, remember my comments when Roque Santa Cruz joined Blackburn that the issue with the Paraguayan was not his ability to score but rather his ability to stay healthy. Like Dean Ashton, Santa Cruz is worth taking a flyer on in the £8m-£10m range just because we can but anything more is a waste of money and the presumption should always be that the player will not make it through the season.

City and United both with money in the market... This is going to get very interesting!

Comments

Posted by Martin Nazimek on 06/12/2009

I agree on Ronaldo. He makes you pay attention with his runs that give more space to other players with the ball and also while he has the ball he demands more than 1 defender which opens up for others like Tevez and Rooney. Overall he will be missed at united and I do like it. We dont have to see him anymore. I just hope that we can still get Tevez. RSC would be an upgrade in the striker position. He proved he is a threat under Hughes at Blackburn. CTID

Posted by yin-rong on 06/12/2009

yes it might be true that ronaldo's departure will greatly weaken manutd, but given fergie's ability to reinvent the side, he might just make a few inspired signings and build another great team next season. as for city, signing players like barry and santa cruz shows that the team is going in the right direction, instead of instantly signing big names like robinho who might not fit in that quickly

Posted by dmz on 06/12/2009

who man utd buys, i'm not sure.
one thing i'm very very sure of is that if man city doesnt end up in the top 4 by end of the coming season, mark hughes will definitely be sacked.
there would be a host of world cup managers to choose from when the time comes n the owners of City would be foolish to let this golden opportunity pass them by.

Posted by Jim on 06/12/2009

I'm know that City has some glaring holes in the back four and am surprised that they have not made any moves towards that end. Even going on the cheap with someone like Onyewu from Liege (yes I am a US fan) would be an upgrade to their central defense. I really like the Barry pick up and all things being equal, it is shaping up to be a potent midfield especially if Ireland can repeat his performance next year. As much as I think Man U can retool, I think the loss of Ronaldo is going to be tough for them to replace. Now they're making a move for Valencia from Wigan? Reeks of desperation in my mind.

Posted by tunde thomas on 06/13/2009

Ronaldo is history, Man U should now focus on getting Karim Benzema, promote Nani, Macheda and a couple of young players and we can be assured of a clean sweep of trophies next season.

Posted by Daniel on 06/13/2009

I hope Tevez's feelings really were hurt by Sir Alex. He would be the perfect counterbalance to the more 'leisurely' Robinho. I also really like the idea of Eto'o. Pace, balance, and finishing. He'd grab at least 16, easy.

As an American, I was embarrassed by one reader's mention of Onyewu. City have no use for anyone in the current U.S. national team, especially a Newcastle reject like him.

Posted by Ando8 on 06/13/2009

You are kidding right? The running that Ronaldo does?
Ferguson built a team around Ronaldo to suit his style by ensuring the other 10 guys did all the defending for him. Ronaldo never tracked back!Fergie is now going to build a team around Rooney which will dominate Europe once again. The truth is they don't need to 'replace' Ronaldo - they can't anyway - they will just build a team around their strengths just like they did with Beckham, Cantona etc..
Anyone ever notice that Kaka hasn't been effective since his teammates dropped off at Milan? The Man U players were what made Ronaldo the player he is.

Posted by Chris Lee on 06/13/2009

I feel Fergie realised after the Champs League final with Barca that it is better to have a great team with great teamwork rather than relying on an individual to liven things up. With Ronaldo gone, he will have an opportunity to recreate a team that passes and moves as a team (like Barca), just like the Cole/Yorke days when players seem to have a telepathy understanding of each other's movement. If Man U players can have a greater finesse and greater composure on the ball, they will have another great season.

Posted by adewale on 06/13/2009

Has anybody stopped to think about the reason Ronaldo has never had an impact in his national team; easy, no Rooney to run and create space for him to run into. I can't see him getting another rooney in Madrid. That move is bound to end in heartache. Maybe a few brilliant play here and there but nothing consistent would emerge. should be on the bench by the ned of the season. Ahahahaha

Posted by Bassam on 06/13/2009

It's quite early to say how the title race would be next season. Man United are the champions, and they've got the best group of players much to my dislike "as a Liverpool fan". Man United will miss him, like any team that would lose him, he's an exceptional talent and any team in the world will always miss their stars if they were injured or sold. Nevertheless, it is an interesting summer for sure.

Posted by Stan Finger on 06/13/2009

With Ronaldo going to Real Madrid, I am convinced that Tevez will now stay at ManU.

I agree with those who say Fergie will not seek "another Ronaldo," but will reshape the tactics to maximize the squad he has.

I agree, too, with your assessment that the Premier League race will be more wide-open in the coming season, though ManU has to remain the clear favorite for the title. Liverpool's debts are crippling a real shot at a league championship this coming season.

With a few more key signings and an off-season to gel, ManCity's goal of Top 6 is quite reasonable.

Posted by Iqbal on 06/14/2009

I know that some of Liverpool fan a delight when they read about the "mega-buck transfer"..Man Utd always bigger than any player..80mil is a good deal and i know that its impossible to replace Ronaldo but The Gaffer always know what best of Man Utd. I can still see trophies come to the Theater of Dream next season with ot without Ronaldo..

Posted by Iqbal on 06/14/2009

Ronaldo went for the right money and I think it will benefit the team, but i think UTD fans will remeber some of the last words he said to the camera in a UTD shirt were "I'm happy here"....
Anyway, I think Frank Ribery is the only replacement Fergie should be looking at. I've been watching this guy since he was at marseille and he is incredible, truly in the mould of Cantona. Also, why keep Tevez? We all love him, no doubt but is he worth the money? Wouldn't it be better to invest in someone like Benzema or Aguero?

Posted by Spark_Alex1134 on 06/14/2009

DB7...CR7... Who next???It will be interesting to see how Man Utd spend their money.As i can see Real are spending huge amount of money to beat their Arch-rival Barca.Barcelona is good squad with many talented players.The play as a team ,good teamwork,Chemistry between each others and etc.Like i say Real madrid sign names but still Barcelona will emerge ,as the stronger team.It will no suprise to see Real's signing flop like they does it .History repeat itself...

Posted by vimmal raj on 06/14/2009

In my point of view,I think that manu should get Frank Ribery and give a permenant place in the starting line-up for Nani and Macheda.. this two young laids have just got the potential to shine in EPL,but unfortunately sir alex did not gave them the best chance to show their ability.. i hope that manu can still be champions in EPL.. they had a team spirit which is not only depends in a player[ronaldo],but its a team work spirit they had played in this previous season.. it was fantastic.. temendously well assembled team.. lastly i hope that manu will buy ribery and tevez to stay at manu and get a regular place in manu shirt.. the next replacement for ronaldo is no where else but its already there.. ya i mention about Nani.. i believe if he had given chance to play the full 90minutes means he can really shine well day by day.. just look at his game play in the international level for portugal,he is really doing well just because he had given the chance to play,create and score goals.

Posted by Devil's Advocate on 06/14/2009

I disagree with your statement that Ronaldo is the best in the world at movement off the ball. It is easy to make runs when defense is not something you have to worry about (so Ronaldo is not in fact a midfielder), and you're always facing the goal (so he is not a forward... so what is he?). Ribery is a fantastic player because he never stops running and is always an option, as is Benzema. These two players are the best in the world at moving off the ball. What Man Utd will miss when ronaldo goes is his shooting ability, both with headers and long distance shots. I think there is no one at the moment that can do both at the same level as ronaldo, and in the same position. Ribery would be a great asset to any team, but he does not have this. I'm sure Fergie will find a way to get past this.

Having said that, I really want arsenal to finally do something this year, and hope they do find that one or two players that will make that happen!

GO ARSENAL

Posted by ed on 06/14/2009

Nani and Macheda? those of you that mention those two as filling the ronaldo-void are dreaming. Utd need to find at least TWO world-class talents in the forms of a ribery, benzema, silva, villa.

Fergie's challenge is to balance the team, bring in true wingers/attackers (park not good enough, nani-hahahaha) AND a central-mid that can pull strings which they have not had since scholes' fell off. Unfortunately, Utd are now competing with city, chelski, barca, and r.madrid for the handful of marquee names.

CR had to go, and Fergie will re-tool, but UTD now have much bigger off-season challenges than Chelsea, 'pool, and arsenal who are all keeping their main components and are looking to strengthen. Utd have to repair and replace. Yes they were champions last year but they weren't that great that they can afford to slack and still beat everyone.

I don't see them as champions, barring the stellar acquisitions mentioned earlier.

Posted by busta on 06/14/2009

Ronaldo gone, good riddance to bull-itsh.He does not know what he had until the end of a failed 2009/2010 season in Spain.No one player makes Man u.History is there to tell.Wit 80 mils on ground, SAF shuold get d needed signings-Benzema, Ribery (possibly}, Valencia etc,promote some of Ole's Boys- Lee Martin, Macheda, Tosic etc and blend them, with the true legends -Giggsy, Scholesy etc and set the premier league ablaze wit trophy no 19.

Posted by ric on 06/15/2009

man u needs help at right back and need two world class midfielders a forwrd to play with rooney and a proven winger. in comes benzema moutinho robben and veloso as well as glen johnson. if there is enough money left over a back up goalkeeper such as valdes from barca!

Posted by kabo on 06/15/2009

CR7 in no doubt a brilliant player and a great loss to Man U. But lets face it , he wasnt as brilliant as the season he smashed in 42 goals. He was already spoilt & selfish(always preferred to take his chances when he could have clearly passed). He never trekked back to help in defending esp considering that he gave away the ball so much. Maybe it's not so bad then, that he's leaving and Man-U pockets an easy 80mill. Now we can get altleast 2 good strikers and midfielders to replace the ageing giggs and scholes.Man-U needs to re-invent itself after CR's departure otherwise they will face another period of trophyless seasons like after the departure of stam,becks,cole,yorke and company.

Posted by Draz on 06/15/2009

Fergie is a genius, he sold ronaldo at exactly the right time. He played him even when he wasn't performing to make sure he could off load him for a great price and he did! this money means we can balance out the team. we are really lacking in midfield, and Neville also needs to be replaced asap. why so much focus on forwards? all the transfers so far have been linked to forwards. we have Rooney up forward who is a spearhead and you can work him with any of the 3 (tevez, berbatov or even marcheda). Obviously if tevez is going or the asking price is too much, we should be looking at a striker of the caliber of d.villa. However the main focus should be freshening up the midfield, giggs and scholes were class in their time but thats over now. carrick is the only stand out in the midfield now that ronaldo is gone (and thats only if you consider cr as a midfielder in the first place)

Posted by Sam on 06/15/2009

First of all, CR7 will not be as good at RM becuase of lack of team chemistry. There is only one ball on the field and too many egos to make it work there. Next, David Villa has always stated he wants to stay in Spain. If we can get Ribery and Benzema and also start to look for a non-injury prone (Foster) keeper to come in when VDS is gone it will also help.

Posted by Jose on 06/15/2009

It is unbelibable what you can read of MU fans they love Ronaldo becouse is given you all the thropiyes now he want to go a other type of team and type of football, he is not good enough. Ronaldo is a blilliant player the number one, and better that Runny any time. I am sorry if he is gone from MU, but Real Madrid is bigger club

Posted by Homer on 06/15/2009

"Having said that, I really want arsenal to finally do something this year, and hope they do find that one or two players that will make that happen!" comment from Devil's Advocate.

Ha! ... just started supporting Arsenal did ya eh?

Posted by Pat on 06/15/2009

While I think Ronaldo is a great player I'm still glad he's leaving MU. I have never like watching selfish players. I hope Tevez and Berbatov stay.
Ferguson has a lot of money now to spend and my guess is he'll spend it wisely. Personally I would like to see him p/u either Ribery or Owen.

Posted by manses on 06/16/2009

ya i think its good that Ronaldo lives for real.tis will make Fergie upgrade Macheda,cause i think he (Macheda) is a great player ,n i think he pairs up with Tevez the Best

Posted by t pain on 06/16/2009

Ronaldo is a great player dont get me wrong, but sometimes he just acts like a little girl. He plays great against weaker teams but when playing a strong, physical team you wouldnt even know he was on the field. I think it was a great move to get ronaldo out of there. His off the field flounders arent worth his performances on the field.

Posted by Platini Ramaologa on 06/16/2009

With CR gone MANU will still be a team to beat and i tip them to retain the league. But the gap is fast closing and the the otner big three will push MANU all the way next sseason. The likes of Villa Man CITY and everton will also like to gatecrush the big four party, so it is going to be an interesting season.

Posted by Daniel Bille on 06/16/2009

...Cantona7,Becham7,Ronaldo7...AndyCole9,V.Nestelroy9,Rooney9(9 for forward)...Sir Alex Always knows the right man to replace a great player.

CR7 is a great player but Man U's football style made him great - he may not get that performance again in R.Mad.

L.pool, Chelsea(i'm a fan)and Arsenal are very good contenders...and beefing-up, City and others are also buying....THE TITLE RACE WILL BE TIGHTER COMING SEASON...there will be some SURPRISES HERE AND THERE. But one of the Big 4 will take the leage...IT WILL NOT BE MANU.

DONT FORGET MY LAST STATEMENT...we will discuss again this time next season...ciao !

Posted by brendan on 06/16/2009

liverpool best starting 11 in epl. at least u no what ur talking bout mate.LFC champions o9/10

Posted by Fubberuso on 06/16/2009

For the past 3 EPL season,I believed tt Man U will not win the title.The beginning of the season will always begin with me believing tt SAF is past his best!
The coming season,I've more reason to think tt Man U will not win the title again now tt CR is gone.CR has been the difference to Man U's challenge to the EPL in the last 3 season and now tt he is gone,I just can't see how Man U is going to win without him!
If I'm SAF,I'll replace Tevez with Michael Owen(Free),even if he fails,it will be a cheap replacement but if he can return to his best form,Man U will get a steal!I'll also buy Frank Ribery as CR's replacement.
I'll also buy up and coming promising youngsters such as Balotelli,Igor Akinfeev,Daniele De Rossi.But I'm not SAF... so too bad!

Posted by VICTOR on 06/16/2009

....Let us face it, Man u DO NOT NEED, a I dare to say DO NOT NEED a big signing. Why? Now tell me how old was Rooney and CR7 when we signed them? 18 yrs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Macheda and Welbeck are equally as talented as both of them. They will be back up to Rooney and Berbatov. I bet you, they will deliver
Go on MAN U, Let Tevez also go

Posted by Scotland on 06/16/2009

Liverpool will make a great run and i think it will depend on injurys over the season that will depend if they win the League or not... Man U wont replace Ronaldo but look they have won so much silverware without him so i think they will be just fine...I think a player that could make a change to the EPL is Ronaldinho and if he landed in Manchester at either club it would shake everything up. He is still an elite player and i think he now has a chip on his sholder...

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