The British press are in mourning for Scottish loser Andy Murray, who failed to end this sceptered isle's hunt for a Wimbledon champion. But even chirpy funster Murray cannot bounce another confirmer card Michael Owen out of the headlines.
Yes, Magic Mike's move to Old Trafford has surprised and shocked many, including what seems to be the mjaority of Manchester United fans. The Independent locates the timeline of a deal that happened very suddenly, saying that Sir Alex Ferguson moved as soon as he realised Karim Benzema was going to Real Madrid.
The Daily Mail say the deal was only done after the most gruelling of medical examinations. Martin Samuel meanwhile says this could be a move that works for everyone, though Des Kelly wonders why a club with £80m banked for Cristiano Ronaldo is snapping up players on a free transfer and is hitting the bargain bin.
The Mirror meanwhile, has Fabio Capello handing the move a ringing endorsement, though Martin "Laptop" Lipton uses no quotes and sources this information from the England boss's "close friends".
Far more expensive than Michael's deal to join United is Manchester City's somewhat mystifying move for John Terry. The Sun say the deal, should it go through - it was turned down on Friday, will land Terry £300,000-a-week, which could offset any guilt about repeated badge-kissing carried out in the past.
Another lovable funster in Ashley Cole is the latest target for Real Madrid, say The Sun. Ashley has snubbed a new Chelsea deal because, gasp, he wants more money.
Liverpool's transfer summer continues to be a rocky one, with Xabi Alonso, like everyone else, heading to Real Madrid but only if Alvaro Negredo comes the other way, say the Mirror. A possible replacement for Alonso is Gokhan Inler, but an £18m asking price does not look worth paying to Udinese, say the Mail.
One man staying is Robin Van Persie, say The Independent. And suicide corner to finish, The Times say that Birmingham want to take Joey Barton on loan to play alongside Lee Bowyer.
Posted by CCL on 07/04/2009
The Michael Owen move is a master piece of Alex Ferguson. No, not that I think Owen is still good. When you evaluate a falling star and how much he has left, it is most important to consider his 'drive', meaning if he does not have any drive any more, he is definitely finished. In this regard, it is highly likely that Owen will not do well in soccer anymore, regardless where he goes.
It is a good move for ManU because Own only cost maybe 2-4 mio pounds for 2 years, but after acquiring him, Ferguson can save millions of pounds when he negotiate any tranfers for any strikers from anywhere. When teams know ManU needs someone, and that ManU has the C Ronaldo money to spare, they will most certainly be charging ManU a premium. Ferguson can easily save that couple of million of pounds during the next transfer.
If Own comes good, fine. If he doesn'e, which I think will be the case, so be it.
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