WHAT THE PAPERS SAY..#FOOTBALLTRANSFERS
Manchester United officially presented Memphis Depay
to the media this week. The Dutch sensation spoke of his aspirations to
win titles at his new club and let his feet do the talking. The press
tried to bait the new signing into saying something silly but the
confident youngster did well to insist that he did not want to be
compared to Cristiano Ronaldo.
“I don’t want to compare myself with somebody like that.“That is the best player in the world. I don’t want to talk too much. I want to show it on the pitch. I am still young, [I have not been] in the game for many years in the game, I [only] played two seasons for PSV. I want to let my feet speak.”
Depay was prolific for PSV Eindhoven as
he finished as the top scorer in the Dutch league last season. There
were some questions in regards to where he could play next season. But
ultimately as long as he lives up to his potential it will not really
matter if he plays on the flanks or as a striker. Louis van Gaal has
repeatedly mentioned his preference for multifunctional players and
Depay as the ability to fill in either role.
It is important that the youngster stays
grounded, and works hard to get acclimated to the Premier League so
that he can help United regain the Premier League title.
Depay’s addition brings quality and depth to squad that struggled to
create and score goals at key moments last season.
During the press conference, Louis van Gaal also confirmed that Manchester United have signed Torino right-back Matteo Darmian. Former Azzurri defender Marco Materazzi believes Manchester United’s new signing Matteo Darmian is ‘the best full-back in Italy’. It is a definitely a shrewd signing
for the Red Devils as Rafael’s days are numbered at Old Trafford.
Antonio Valencia also has not really light up the world with his
performances as a make-shift right-back. Like Ander Herrera last summer,
Darmian next season could be the cream of the crop of summer arrivals.
“Matteo is a right-sided full-back with the versatility of also being able to play on the left.“He is a strong defender and has the ability to go forward in the attacking positions which is a fantastic attribute to have and much-needed in the fast rhythm of the Premier League.”
There was more good news this past week as United signed their first ever German player in Bastian Schweinsteiger.
It does seem likely that United were encouraged by Bayern Munich to
pursue the player as they were unwilling to offer him an extension;
given his recent dip in form and injury history. The 30-year-old
midfielder decided not to play out his current contract until 2016 and
seek a new challenge elsewhere.
United released a club statement to
confirm an agreement with the World Cup winner. It is an exciting
signing for United as Schweinsteiger brings in much-need leadership,
quality, and winning mentality to the dressing room. His experience at
the highest-level would be invaluable for United next season as they
look to chase title success on all fronts. Bayern’s chief executive
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said:
“It’s regrettable because Bastian meant a great deal to the club.“He achieved great things but he wants to do something new at the end of his career. He asked that we meet his wishes.“We tried to convince him to stay with Bayern Munich. But I also understand that a player who has spent 17 years at Bayern Munich still wants to gain a new experience.”
Even after the signing of Schweinsteiger, it is very possible United will continue to pursue their interest in Morgan Schneiderlin.
Many have suggested that the Red Devils will cool their interest in the
French midfielder given the recent addition of Schweinsteiger. But it
is important to understand that they are different types of players with
varying strengths and weaknesses. It is very possible that Louis van
Gaal could urge Ed Woodward to wrap up the signing of the Southampton
midfielder as soon as next Monday, before United head out on their US
tour.
Robin van Persie has inched closer to a move away from Old Trafford and is likely to follow his former teammate Nani
to Fenerbahce. The Mirror reported that the Dutchman has had a falling
out with Louis van Gaal and is very close to leaving Old Trafford. Van
Persie played an important role in United’s 20th title winning campaign but now it is better for both sides to go in a different direction.
The Mirror also reported this week that Arsenal are interested
in securing a deal for Johnny Evans. Evans is unlikely to have starting
role at Old Trafford and it is ideal for him to move elsewhere. The
Ireland international’s career has been marred with injuries as he looks
to resurrect his career away from Old Trafford.
United are still in search of a
world-class center back as they continue to pursue Sergio Ramos and
Nicolas Otamendi. Despite speculation Ramos is unlikely to be a part of
De Gea’s possible transfer to the Bernabeu. Ramos returned to training
at Real Madrid, despite interest from United and reported contract
dispute. Iker Casillas
has been De Gea’s biggest obstacle to a transfer to Real Madrid. The
Real Madrid legend has completed a move to Porto leaving a vacancy at
the starting position. It looks ominous now that De Gea could be on his
way to Real Madrid. How soon it happens, likely depends on Florentino
Perez if and when he decides to meet the demands of Ed Woodward.
With departures of Van Persie and Falcao
this summer, United currently lack the fire power they boasted last
season. The lack of depth in the position is concerning considering
their woes in front of goal last season. It has been reported that
United have shown an interest in Christian Benteke.
But the question remains if the Aston Villa main man would accept a
move for a secondary role behind Wayne Rooney in the pecking order. The
Belgian international would be a sold signing for the club as Benteke
would add a physical and clinical presence in the box for “long ball”
United.
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