With all the internationals spread all over Europe to play for their country, trying to qualify for European 2008 next summer, one would have expected last week to be rather quiet on the ManU front, but the media have given us some of their best shots. And so did SAF.
On Wednesday SAF admitted that the sale of Jaap Stam in 2001 an error was and the Dutchman an all time great is. Stam was the last solid rock at OT and according to Alex he still plays on a great level for Ajax, although already 35.
In playing terms it (selling him) was a mistake. He is still playing for Ajax at a really good level.
The day before SAF hinted about who his successor at OT could be when the Scot finishes his career, preferably on a high. And no one else than Carlos Queiroz was named a strong candidate by our Boss. Not Roy Keane.
I have a great assistant in Carlos Queiroz, I think he will be a strong candidate.
SAF also made a very solid point about Becks’s involvement and chances in the MLS.
Before that, there was Pele, (Johan) Cruyff, (Franz) Beckenbauer. It is difficult with David going there – I don’t know what impact he can make. David Beckham himself can’t change the whole country.
Problem is not Beckham nor his performances, but the size of the country. Solid point.
To make it substantial, you would have to go regional, but there’s not enough teams to have four strong leagues.
Once more we have been linked with Jan Klaas Huntelaar, the prolific Dutch striker, who is expected to leave Ajax after the Amsterdam team didn’t qualify for the Champions League. Rumored financial problems at Ajax could result in an early exit of Huntelaar in January already for £18mm instead of previously mentioned £28mm. I like the sound of that. Huntelaar already has been named the natural successor of RVN, he’s young but experienced already.
But we aren’t alone in the hunt for the prolific striker. There’s a Thai-Swede duo working on bringing the lad to Manchester. Sven, who obviously enjoys to spend someone else’s money is dreaming about finally having a striker.
But honestly… imagine you had two teams who wanted you: ManU and Citeh. I guess the choice is obvious. Winning the Prem, playing on the highest level of the Champions League… or knowing you’ll end 13nd anyway.