For many seasons Sir Alex Ferguson has been generally reserved in the transfer window, but not in 2011. It is reported that he has been given one hundred and twenty million pounds to spend this summer, and it certainly appears that he wants to spend it.
It would appear that United have already splashed out £18.9 million on Athletico Madrid ‘keeper, David De Gea, with only to cross the t’s and dot the i’s on the contracts. The relatively inexperienced twenty year old goalie has represented Spain at all youth levels but has not played for the full national team. That’s no disgrace considering he has: Casillias, Reina and Valdes ahead of him. De Gea has been seen as a long-term replacement to Edwin Van Der Sar, and after watching him in the La Liga this season, I have to agree.
The next big money signing is the highly rated youngster Phil Jones. The deal has stalled recently over rumours that he has had problems with his medical, but knowing Sir Alex he will not stop until he gets his man. The nineteen year old defender has earned plaudits for his standout performances for Blackburn. The youngster said: “I’ve always said I aspire to follow John Terry, Michael Dawson, Rio Ferdinand – I always watch what they do and try and learn from them.” And now, he can as he is the natural replacement for one of his heroes, Rio Ferdinand. £17 million is a big price to pay, but it is £13 million less that Rio, yet it still represents a risk as again he is inexperienced.
Finally, the last transfer which is close to completion is that of Twenty Five year old English international Ashley Young. £20 million pounds is what Sir Alex will spend on the high scoring, quick winger. It has long been common knowledge that he has been a big fan of Young, and anyone who watches him can see why as he has the ability to tear up any defence in the league.
So, where does this leave the £60 million that is left in the budget? Well, does he need to spend the rest of it? These three signings not only build the foundations of a solid future for United, but also signal their serious intent not only to win the Premier League next year, but to go for the Champions League again. Like most big clubs they are linked to everyone, but which rumours are credible? Wesley Sneijder just newly signed an extended contract with Inter Milan, so that one is dead. But who will Sir Alex go for next? Alexis Sanchez? Eden Hazard? Charlie Adam? Luka Modric? Whoever they go for, one thing is for certain. Manchester United will continue to spend as they stretch further apart from the rest of the Premier League.
Written by Matthew Byiers
