Brede Hangeland’s agent has confirmed that a number of clubs are interested in the Fulham centre-back.
The Norwegian is out of contract at the end of the season, and was the subject of speculation regarding a move to QPR during January.
Although reports have circulated in recent weeks that he could renew his deal at Craven Cottage, no official agreements have been announced, leaving the 31-year-old’s future up in the air.
This lack of certainty has led to rumours that he could move on this summer, and his agent, Rune Hauge, has revealed that a number of European sides are interested in Hangeland:
“There have been some enquiries about what is going on.” He is quoted by Sky Sports.
“That includes top clubs, but no offers. We do not have permission to negotiate with other English clubs yet.”
Hague went on to confirm that discussions with Fulham are ongoing, but that the longer they take the less likely it is that the Scandinavian will stay with the Cottagers:
“We are still negotiating.” Hauge told the Norwegian media.
“But the longer it takes to reach an agreement, the chance that he will stay is decreasing.
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“At the same time, Brede is happy at Fulham and the club is happy with him. We will see in one or three months.”
If Hangeland leaves it will be a big blow to the club, with the commanding centre-back a fans’ favourite in west London.
Joey Barton has confessed that he let himself down by being sent off on the final day of last season.
The QPR midfielder was dismissed for violent conduct in the Loftus Road club’s clash with Manchester City, and was subsequently handed down a 12-match ban from the FA.
Barton has since secured a season-long loan to French club Marseille, and has explained his actions at the Etihad Stadium.
“I completely let myself down but it’s not a rational situation. I knew we could be relegated, they could win the league and I’m captain,” he revealed to The Sun.
“There’s a bit of a media spotlight on me so if we go down, I’m going to take a lot of s***.
“I was already getting it on Twitter so pressure started building and I didn’t handle it well.
“My inner chimp doesn’t work well with injustice, it reacts too quickly. Tevez has done what he’s done, I have reacted and the aftermath is…
“I look at it now and it’s almost like it’s not me. I’m like ‘What the f*** were you thinking?’
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“At the time in some weird way I thought it was the correct way but, looking at it now, I know it wasn’t.
“I’ve got to learn a lesson from that. The thing it reiterated to me was just how far I am from the person I want to be,” he concluded.
What does being in the Champions League final mean to you personally?
To be honest, I have never really thought about that and I also don’t think it really matters. I have had so many things to do, I haven’t even thought about it since we have reached the final. But once the moment of the final arrives, I will probably feel that it is the most extraordinary thing I have ever experienced in my whole sporting career. Michael Zorc still enthuses about the victory in 1997 and can commentate on nearly every single minute of this match. We will feel it when the moment comes, but right now I don’t have the time to think about it.
It really was an incredible season for the squad. Are you proud that your team has made it to the final?
Yes, in this Champions League tournament, but also throughout the whole of the Bundesliga season I have felt very proud of the team, because of the way they have coped with a variety of different situations. Everything we have done this year has had a positive impact on our Champions League performances. The guys have made use of what we have practiced and additionally they always performed on the pitch with all their heart. This season showed a little bit of everything, all feelings were represented. Of course there were some concerns in the match against Malaga, but also there was huge relief and many positive emotions. The 3-2 against Malaga or also the final whistle in Madrid were moments, which all of us will never forget.
Are situations like playing a final at Wembley the reason why you have become a coach and can you say afterwards ‘this is the biggest thing I can ever experience’?
To be brutally honest, I became a coach, because I am not good at anything else (laughs). But more seriously, I could be the exact same coach, but if I didn’t have such support of the club, such a great coaching team and most importantly, such incredible players in the squad, I would have never had the chance to make it to the Champions League final. I am also aware of the fact that not everybody gets these great opportunities, so this is really not the reason why I became coach. I see it more as the icing on the cake and a special moment, which we want to enjoy, but we will enjoy it our way, by playing really intensive football. There will be a moment in which we will be overwhelmed with what we have achieved, but right now it is not the time yet.
With what expectations do you travel to Wembley? What is your goal? Actually, there can only be one goal, otherwise you wouldn’t go there, right?
(laughs) Yes, it is not like the Olympic motto ‘The most important thing is not to win but to take part’. The preparations have been extremely intensive and thus there is just one reason why we participate in the final: To win it! I really hope that people will see that this is the reason why we go there. We have made it so far in the tournament whilst at the same time being the fairest team in the competition and this is also the way we want to present ourselves to the audience in the final, because we are convinced fairplay is the right way. I hope that this will also work out for us in the final. But I could also not claim we deserve it more than Bayern does. The team that wins in the end will be the team that deserves it the most. This we will have to respect and acknowledge if it isn’t us, but right now we still have some time to make sure it will be us who lifts the trophy. Until then we will do our best to maximise all our resources.
Why do you think it will be you, who lifts the trophy?
This is easy to answer: Because we have all the possibilities for it. We surprised even ourselves a few times this season. For example when we played against Manchester City, or several times against Real Madrid or against Shakhtar Donetsk. In the end we will have to adhere to the fact that we deserve to be in the final. And the one who deserves to play in the final also has the chance to win it, and this is exactly what we are focused on now.
Who has more pressure to succeed? Dortmund or Munich?
I don’t care about that, as it is not of importance. Ahead of the match both teams will feel the pressure and everyone will go there with the feeling that this might be a unique opportunity. What counts is how to shut out this pressure and to get into the match and focus on what is needed and expected. And as long you can see that bright light at the end of the tunnel, that shiny Champions League trophy, it is also easier to approach the task with a positive attitude and not get carried away with a feeling of anxiety. We will take on this challenge in a happy, joyful and free way and then we will see what happens.
Is it an advantage for you to play in the final against Bayern Munich, since you have proven various times in the past two years that you are not only equally strong, but even better than them?
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The last two years don’t really matter when it comes to this final. The past results included two close defeats, in the Supercup at the beginning of the season and also in the German Cup quarterfinal. Additionally we drew twice in the league matches. If you look at the results of Bayern Munich this season, they basically destroyed anyone in a heartbeat, anyone but us. This is what matters now. We’ve always fought back, even if we weren’t in the best shape in some matches. When we are in our best condition –and this is the only thing we really need to talk about- we can beat Bayern Munich. We know this, and so do they. But we have to make it come true now. We know we will play against probably the best team in the world at this moment in time, but we also know we are the only ones who have the weapons to be an actual threat to them. And this is exactly what we want to capitalise on.
You are very often in the center of attention, without aiming for it. Would you rather have the squad and your coaching team be in the spotlight?
Yes, of course. I am a normal person and often things feel uncomfortable when being too much in the center of attention. But in the end it serves to the purpose. When I am in the focus, for example in a more negative respect, I know I can handle it, but I don’t know if someone else could to the same extent. Thus it is sometimes even helpful to have me in the spotlight. In the end it is only important to me that the team knows I am not purposely stealing their ‘thunder’ and they feel my respect towards them. We simply accept what’s finally being reported about in the media. Sometimes it is too much attention, but as time goes on, it gets less important.
Jürgen Klopp is proud to wear PUMA on the touchline and away from the pitch, PUMA are also partners of Borussia Dortmund.
have confirmed that Paul Jewell has left the club by mutual consent following a disappointing start to the Championship season.
Jewell joined the club in January 2011 and led them to a 13th place finish and followed that up by finishing 15th last season. But just one win in their opening 12 Championship games this season has seen Ipswich slump to the bottom of the league, four a drift from safety.
A statement by club owner Marcus Evans on the club’s official website reads: “Since he first walked through the door here, no one has worked harder to bring success to this Football Club than Paul Jewell.
“Unfortunately his outstanding commitment has not been rewarded by results on the pitch and having spoken with Paul at length, we feel it’s best for him and the Club if we go our separate ways.
“I’m bitterly disappointed – as is Paul – that it has not worked out as we had hoped when he became our manager 21 months ago and I would like to put on record my thanks for his services to the Club and wish him every success in the future.”
Paul Jewell said: “We all know that football is a results business though and I’ve never hidden from the fact that our results have not been good enough.
“It’s been a privilege to be manager of such a fantastic football club and I want to thank the staff and the supporters for the backing they have given me in my time at the Club and wish Ipswich Town the best of fortunes ahead.”
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Assistant manager Chris Hutchings will take over as caretaker manager while a search for Jewell’s replacement gets under way.
England are now gearing up for what should be a guaranteed six points in their EURO 2016 qualification campaign, with games against San Marino and Estonia on the schedule for this international break. There have been a few shock calls by Roy Hodgson in terms of his squad for the clashes, with Nathaniel Clyne set to make his Three Lions debut, while the likes of Jonjo Shelvey and Fabian Delph are also present.
But, there are a number of players left at home scratching their heads, with their form having been impressive but their phone having failed to ring. We here at FFC Towers have compiled a list of FIVE Englishmen who have every right to feel aggrieved at not being in the squad…
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Curtis Davies
Despite being a key member of Hull’s impressive first XI, Davies’ England career is yet to get off of the mark. The Tigers centre-back has represented the Three Lions at U-21 level, yet his displays both last term and so far in the current campaign have, for reasons unknown, not been recognised by Hodgson.
With just two orthodox central defenders in the entire squad, surely sacrificing a midfielder for an in-form enforcer would have made sense? Davis has already confessed that he may look to pursue a late international career with Sierra Leone, and we would not blame him if he does.
Mark Noble
A hero at West Ham and a very consistent performer, it looks as Noble will never get the chance to do his thing on the international stage. The Hammers midfielder looks to be some way down the pecking order following Shelvey and Delph’s call-ups, but it’s hard to argue that he doesn’t deserve a chance thanks to his showings in the claret and blue shirt over the course of the past few seasons.
Nathan Dyer
With Swansea having been riding high in the Premier League so far this season, it looked as if Dyer may get a long-awaited call-up to represent his nation. Alas, the impish winger was once again overlooked, despite having rattled home three goals in seven outings.
With pace, tricky and end product, now would have been a great time to test Dyer in some winnable games, but Hodgson stuck with a rather tried and tested set-up.
Stewart Downing
Rejuvenated in the ‘No. 10’ role at West Ham, Downing has been in great form in recent weeks. The former Liverpool man gave his old captain, Steven Gerrard, the run-around in a thumping 3-1 win as Hodgson was gathering names for his squad, but he was overlooked.
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With Andros Townsend in the squad despite having not performed on a consistent basis for around a year, Downing must be questioning the decision as he ponders his international future.
Saido Berahino
The promising Baggies forward has a tally of five in seven this season, yet he will be spending this international break with the U-21s instead of the senior squad. The Burundi-born forward is sure to get his chance in the not too distant future, but seeing the out-of-form Rickie Lambert ahead of him in the pecking order must be frustrating for the 21-year-old.
“Forget about Mario Balotelli. He is an absolute waste of time. He shouldn’t be anywhere near this team.”
Ouch! Everyone’s favourite football pundit Mark Lawrenson didn’t hold back on his Mario Balotelli verdict yesterday as the Reds were forced to an FA Cup quarter-final replay by Blackburn. The Championship side were resolute in the way they defended at Anfield and held on to take the tie back to Ewood Park, even though they were penned in for large chunks of the 90 minutes. Balotelli did not start the game, which has been the norm this season on Merseyside, but even though he had just over 30 minutes to make an impact, it was another lifeless showing from the 24-year-old.
‘Lawro’s’ views reflect those of many Liverpool supporters, whose optimism at the start of the season as the Italian arrived has proven to be unfounded, but we think that Brendan Rodgers could do better than to listen to the former Liverpool defender. Here are FIVE reasons the Balotelli gamble may yet end with reward…
Okay, just four goals in the red shirt is far from ideal, but Balotelli’s efforts have all been big ones for Liverpool. The quartet of strikes have come late in games to secure victories against Ludogorets and Besiktas in the Champions League and Europa League respectively, Swansea in the League Cup and, perhaps the most important of all, Spurs in the Premier League. The last of the mentioned four may prove to be one of the club’s most vital efforts of the campaign should they finish ahead of Tottenham and leap back into the top four, with the money from qualification and TV rights for Europe’s top competition alone enough to pay the fee it took to lure him from AC Milan.
Still just 24
Even though he’s won the Premier League title with Manchester City and represented both Milan clubs in the biggest competitions around, Balotelli is still just 24. With his youth very much still there, it’s understandable that Mario will be struggling to find his footballing identity a little, and many footballers have shown In the past that the journey to the top is not always started with a stunning breakthrough.
Undoubted talent
Balotelli must have some talent. You don’t play for Italy at senior level, work under bosses such as Roberto Mancini and Jose Mourinho or bridge the gap between the two Milan sides unless you have something about you. Mario has, of course, done all the above, providing flashes of sheer magnificence along the way. Who remembers his goals against Manchester United? His assist for Sergio Aguero’s Premier League-winning moment? His long-range wonder-strike against Bologna?
Proven record
Wherever he has been, Balotelli has scored goals. He’s notched over double figures in a single league campaigns for Inter, Man City and Milan, while also finding the back of the net in European and cup tournaments. Over his career, Italy included, Balotelli averages a goal every two/three games, which is a return that many forwards would be proud of at his age.
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Not a bad option from the bench
Although paying £16m for a bench player is far from ideal, Balotelli is pretty good option for Brendan Rodgers to have. Last season as the Northern Irishman guided his team to within a whisker of the Premier League title, he had limited options to call on outside his best XI, with Iago Aspas – now shipped out on loan to Sevilla – the only orthodox alternative to Luis Suarez of Daniel Sturridge. However you may feel about Balotelli, he’s a better player than Aspas!
Liverpool icon Ian Rush believes that Luis Suarez should be excited to return to the first-team.
The controversial Uruguayan openly chased a summer move away from Anfield, citing treatment he has received in the media and a lack of Champions League football as major factors.
He is yet to start a competitive match for the Reds this term, as he continues to serve a ten match ban for biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic.
But, with only two games left to run, Suarez is set to return to Brendan Rodgers’ starting XI soon.
Liverpool have enjoyed an excellent start to the season and are the only team in the Premier League with a 100 per cent record after the opening three fixtures.
Part of this has been down to the exciting attacking combination of Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho.
Rush believes that linking up with these two and club captain Steven Gerrard should be an exciting prospect for Suarez, although he believes that he shouldn’t walk back into the team.
“Suarez, when he sees Sturridge and he sees Coutinho and he sees Gerrard, he will be thinking: ‘Hang on, I quite fancy this!’,” Rush told The Mirror.
“Especially with the prospect of getting on the end of those passes that Coutinho puts through. The team are on the same wavelength now and Suarez will be excited about coming back to play with these guys.
“It was a fantastic piece of business from John W. Henry to keep hold of Suarez. It’s great that he stuck to his guns in the face of the interest from Arsenal and the fact that Suarez was saying that he wanted out.
“The ideal scenario for me now would be Suarez still on the bench after six games – because that would mean that Liverpool have won them all.”
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Will Luis Suarez walk back into Liverpool’s starting XI? And should he take the centre forward role from Daniel Sturridge?
In disappointing news for Arsenal fans, it appears rumoured summer target Edinson Cavani is on the verge of joining Champions League finalists Juventus – as The Daily Mail reported last week.
The Uruguay international boasts a healthy return of 53 goals in 92 appearances for current club PSG, following on from his sensational haul of 104 goals in 138 outings for former side Napoli.
But his future has been shrouded in doubt this season, having made public his frustrations at playing on the wing to accommodate enigmatic front-man Zlatan Ibrahimovic up top, and the situation was further amplified by a touchline bust-up with manager Laurent Blanc last month.
Arsenal and Manchester United were both considered to be amongst the likeliest candidates for his signature – with the Premier League duo reportedly keen to bolster their forward casts in the coming window – but recent speculation suggests the 28 year-old will be moving to Turin.
But fear not Gunners fans, for Football Fancast is here to help. Using our god-given powers of transfer know-how, we’ve listed FIVE alternative strikers Arsenal could turn to this summer.
ANDRE PIERRE GIGNAC
A bargain suggestion ahead of a list of otherwise ridiculously expensive stars, Andre Pierre Gignac might not belong in the top bracket of European front-men but he will be available on a free transfer this summer.
And the 29 year-old has been in fantastic form over the last three seasons, bagging 62 goals and eight assists in his last 118 appearances for L’OM, including twenty strikes in Ligue 1 this term – firing Marseille to fourth in the French table.
He boasts a powerful 6 foot 2 frame and is renowned for his ability in the air – in a similar mould to Olivier Gioud, albeit without the habitual deft touches and quick one-twos.
As aforementioned, he’ll be leaving the Stade Velodrome outfit on a free transfer at the end of the season. There’s already quite the queue for his signature, however, with Fiorentina, Newcastle, Southampton, Tottenham and West Ham reportedly courting the France international.
ALEXANDRE LACAZETTE
Boasting 27 goals in 32 Ligue 1 appearances for Lyon this season, only Ballon d’Or duo Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have scored more league goals than Alexandre Lacazette throughout Europe’s five leading top flights.
Following an impressive 22-goal haul last term, that prolific total has lead to plenty of interest in the France international according to the tabloids, with The Express mooting Liverpool and Manchester United as potential suitors.
The 23 year-old’s lightening pace will serve him well in the Premier League and particularly for an Arsenal side blessed with copious through ball magicians – namely Mesut Ozil, Aaron Ramsey and Santi Cazorla.
The prodigious poacher, who has also proved an effective force on the wing for Lyon in prior campaigns, has recently revealed he’ll ‘think about his future’ at the end of the season. But Lacazette will be keen to ensure first team football ahead of Euro 2016.
Paulo Dybala
A scintillating return of 13 goals and ten assists in 33 Serie A appearances this term has seen Paulo Dybala emerge as one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers ahead of the summer transfer window.
Indeed, the 21 year-old’s stunning displays for Palermo have earned him comparisons with Sergio Aguero, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez to name but a few.
He certainly shares the latter’s tenacity, drive and potency on the break, with many of his goals spawned from mazy counter-attacking runs and a prolific partnership with countryman Franco Vazquez.
Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini has made no secret of his desire to cash in on the young Argentine, claiming Juventus, Arsenal, Barcelona, Manchester City, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are all fighting over his services – as reported by ESPN.
But with the Old Lady believed to be in talks with the promising forward already, the Gunners will have to act quickly to prevent a £23million move to Turin.
CHRISTIAN BENTEKE
Just when Christian Benteke appeared on the verge of plunging into the realms of mediocrity, he’s re-emerged as one of the most formidable target men the Premier League has to offer.
The Belgium international been on fire since Tim Sherwood took Aston Villa’s managerial reins from Paul Lambert in February, bagging eleven goals in his last ten appearances in all competitions to bring his Villains total to 48 goals in 97 appearances.
Powerful, tall, aggressive and blessed with an imperious leap, the 23 year-old would be perfect for Arsenal’s customary lone striking role – and he’s probably the most likeminded suggestion to Edinson Cavani on this list.
Sherwood has admitted Benteke could force a move away from Villa Park this summer, leading the tabloids to value him at around £30million.
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But if there’s one lingering concern, it’s that the 6 foot 3 front man will struggle to adapt to Arsenal’s technically-demanding style of play.
GONZALO HIGUAIN
An old transfer flame certainly worth rekindling, Arsenal came close to signing Gonzalo Higuain from Real Madrid in summer 2013, before a lengthy dispute over his price-tag inevitably stood in the way.
The 27 year-old boasts an impressive career return of 212 goals in 447 appearances throughout his prolific spells with River Plate, Real Madrid, Napoli and the Argentina national team.
But he’s also a smart link-up player who’s equally threatening when playing out wide, perhaps epitomised best by his impressive haul of eleven assists for Albiceleste and 15 during his last two Serie A campaigns.
Napoli’s elimination from the Europa League yesterday evening suggests they’ll fail to qualify for next term’s Champions League tournament, with the Naples outfit currently three points (and twelve goals) off third place in Serie A – which the tabloids believe could force Higuain into jumping ship this summer.
The Metro claim he could be available for around £29million – an absolute bargain for such an established goal-scorer.
Michu is out of the spotlight and underperforming, at least in comparison to what he did over the last two seasons. Maybe it’s second-season syndrome; maybe he was never that good in the first place. No. It is a natural dip in form and productivity that could work in other teams’ favour.
The Spanish forward was on the list of targets for Arsene Wenger during the summer. Swansea wouldn’t sell, understandably, with their valuation being in the region of £25 million. They know he’s not worth that on the market, so that price tag more or less acts as a not-for-sale sign. But what about now?
Michu has expressed his desire to play for a club competing in the Champions League, with Arsenal being one of the teams linked with the Spaniard.
Is he good enough for Arsenal, is the important question. The fact that he’s received a call up to the Spanish national team and looks more or less settled in English football is a good indicator. What can he bring to Wenger’s team? His size means he’d be able to offer a similar presence in the attack as currently provided by Olivier Giroud, and he’s arguably a better finisher. Not only that, Michu is a player who drives forward and can carry the ball too.
Arsene Wenger may feel that the team and overall the club are in need of a boost. It’s been a trying week for Arsenal, losing in Napoli, yet going through to the next round of the Champions League, and having their title credentials seriously questioned after the loss at Manchester City. The team need a boost, the fans want assurances, perhaps rightly so after the failure to properly address the striker department in the summer.
Nicklas Bendtner is the butt of all jokes. What people fail to see, however, is his talent as a footballer, instead focusing on his shortcomings and missteps away from the pitch. Nevertheless, he is still Denmark’s leading marksman, a forward who scored twice against Italy when the two sides met in October. He’s not the answer for Arsenal long term, but he’s an option for now.
The problem is it won’t do for some. Bendtner’s reputation away from the pitch precedes his ability on it. Look at his contribution against Manchester City. Giroud missed a handful of fantastic opportunities to add to Arsenal’s tally. Bendtner came on and put his first real chance away, only to be wrongly adjudged offside.
If Arsenal are to enter the market in January, they could do worse than Michu – though of course they could do much better, but only in the summer. The Swansea striker’s stock is down, he’s not catching the attention or imagination in the way he used to, and there could be a feeling at Swansea that now might be the right time to move him on and reinvest.
The fact that he was on Arsenal’s radar in the summer is a good sign, but he doesn’t fit the bill as the long-term addition the club need. The last thing Wenger needs to do is sign a player for the purpose of appeasing others. If a January signing is to take place, it needs to be with purpose and with long-term thinking in mind. Does Michu fit the bill?
The summer will more than likely see Arsenal spend again, adding to an already good squad. Due to the club’s financial capabilities and those available during the summer, Michu is more than likely to be an afterthought. He’s good, but will he lead a team to the league title? It’s unlikely.
The Spaniard may be looking to his own future as further up the Premier League ladder. For Arsenal, though, a partnership makes little sense beyond this season, despite Michu’s obvious qualities.
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The signing of Robin van Persie should have given Alex Ferguson a new lease of life for the game, a new-found motivation to go and do it all again next summer. Talk of bargain signings from Spain continue to fill the air as the best moves of 2012, but no one can deny that £24 million for the best striker in England is a remarkable piece of business. Even if van Persie is pushing towards the age of 30, the Dutchman’s talent is enough to make any manager rethink the idea of retirement.
So why not go for another round next summer? Bild recently reported that Manchester United were after Borussia Dortmund’s Robert Lewandowski, stating that the Polish striker was keen to move to the Premier League for a fee just over 22 million euros. And why not? The are very few strikers in Europe who are better than Lewandowski. Few have managed to create a hybrid of the traditional, tall no 9 and the dynamic modern equivalent.
Does the Dortmund striker signal a quick-fire address to van Persie’s age, or is there something else in there?
Dortmund are in a similar state to Arsenal of last year, whereby their most valuable forward is nearing the end of his contract and the club are in a position where they may need to sell. You can bet the German champions will do everything in their power to keep hold of one of their assets, and the reported wages of £5 million a year that United are willing to offer should quite easily fall into their comfort zone.
If Dortmund go all the way in the Champions League—and they’re more than good enough to do so—then it may be a case that Lewandowski opts to stay. Even if the club do not retain their Bundesliga title this season, the loyalty of their other stars would signal a more than ferocious attack on the title next season. Bayern Munich may have the financial means to outmuscle Dortmund, but Jurgen Klopp’s side won’t be put down by the reinvigorated powers in the south of the country.
So how would Lewandowski fit in at Old Trafford? How does one of the Bundesliga’s most impressive forwards fit into a group of strikers who Alex Ferguson claimed were on par with his 1999 treble-winning squad? Javier Hernandez has already spoken out about his desire to leave should first-team opportunities remain limited in the future and the signing of Shinji Kagawa last summer gives the team an option of playing just one striker in attack. Ferguson has done so a few times this season, notably when the pressure was off, but how do you leave van Persie out of your starting XI for an extended period of time—even for Lewandowski?
What about Wayne Rooney? The idea of letting Rooney go would be more of a blow to the club from a symbolic perspective rather than for football reasons. Rooney is yet to fulfil the potential he had and become one of Europe’s finest attackers, while his inconsistencies, coupled with the presence of van Persie, means it’s not all that difficult to leave him on the bench.
Regardless of form and where the level of his talents may be in two or three years time, Rooney is a name who would bring in a royal fee from any number of the growing powers around Europe. Lewandowski is younger and can only continue to get better—as mentioned, there are few strikers in Europe who play the role as well and importantly as he does—so the prospect of swapping one for the other hardly seems catastrophic from a footballing perspective.
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But the real concern for United remains the other areas in the squad, notably defence and the centre of midfield. On one hand, you simply can’t pass up the opportunity to sign Lewandowski for the rumoured price, but those problem areas in the squad are unlikely to heal themselves. Maybe the manager has big plans for Nick Powell in the near future, maybe Phil Jones will convert to midfield and become the all-action defensive player the team needs. Maybe Rooney’s known versatility will mean he stays on at the club and fills a role elsewhere in the squad. He’s capable of scoring 30 goals a season, but how sure can the club be of that every year? He can play the wide positions and even in midfield, however a role on the flanks will limit the productivity he can bring from a central position.
For all the talk of where Lewandowski may fit and whether Rooney’s future at the club is certain, it may simply be that Alex Ferguson is loading the deck for one last charge on the Champions League. A Premier League and European double would undoubtedly be the grandest way to exit the game, and who can really complain when a squad has the most fearsome attack in English football?