This Manchester United article is from guest contributor Aayush Dureha
It’s only been a few hours since David Moyes wrapped up his latest press conference in Yokohama, Japan, but the football world is already going abuzz with the United manager’s fresh statements on a potential signing for the club. Manchester United have confirmed a second bid for ex-Arsenal skipper, Cesc Fabregas. A signing, that could very well go on to define the initial years of The David Moyes Era.
David Moyes said: “My understanding is that Ed’s had a response and he’s spoken with them [FC Barcelona] and again we’ve made a second offer. But Ed’s dealing with that, rather than me personally here.” United’s new manager has indicated that the club’s CEO, Ed Woodward, is dealing with a bid that would smash the £30.75m club transfer record. However, United supporters should keep the excitement levels in check as the player himself and executives at FC Barcelona (FCB) have repeatedly downplayed the links.
Barcelona vice president Josep Maria Bartomeu recently shot down the claims that his club was contemplating Fabregas’s sale. “Barcelona can assure you we will not entertain any offers for Cesc,” Bartomeu was quoted by Spanish daily Sport. “It is totally ruled out, he’s not for sale.” A stance, that was reiterated by the player’s ex-boss Tito Vilanova and other senior sports journalists in Spain.
Not only is the player’s love and desire to play for his boyhood club expected to create impediment for this potential move, but also a smartly inserted clause in his contract by his ex-manager, Arsene Wenger, could scupper United’s chances of signing this hugely talented midfielder. The Gunners have a buy-back clause in his contract and will be offered first refusal should FCB decide to offload the player.
One must also consider that this FCB outfit is undergoing a significant transition in the Post-Guardiola era. They’ve just lost their coach to a medical condition and may not want to lose a key midfielder in such difficult times. Should United’s second bid for Fabregas fail, they must consider other options in Europe while there is still plenty of time left in the transfer window.
David Moyes has acknowledged signings in central midfield as a priority and the club is headed towards the right direction in terms of the intent of its latest transfer activities.
United’s ambition at the beginning of every season is to win the Barclays Premier League and UEFA Champions League. It may be too early to think of Europe but it’s important that the club does whatever it can to ensure that it doesn’t start the season with a midfield that’s inferior to that of Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs and Liverpool. Or else, retaining the league title may become a wishful thought for David Moyes and the Red Army.
Aayush Dureha
7/22/13