Former France boss Raymond Domenech supports the idea of one Frenchman Manchester United target joining the team, but is against the idea of another. When commenting on both potential transfers, Domenech took some not so subtle shots at United.
Domenech is in favor of Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin transferring to United, but he expressed his approval with a very condescending remark and an extremely back-handed complement.
“For him, it [United] is a good move,” Domenech said to reporters. “If he wants to be with the French national team, then he has to be in this Champions League — but if he stays at Southampton… no luck.”
“United are better than Southampton, sure, but it’s not [Manchester] City, it’s not Chelsea.”
Never mind the fact that United just won the Premier League title in 2012-13, and that City is still the proverbial second club in Manchester, but hey he’s entitled to his opinion. Even though this opinion will no doubt incite the wrath of United supporters everywhere.
Schneiderlin has been heavily linked to United, as well as Arsenal, in transfer rumors this summer. In previous transfer windows he was discussed extensively as a Tottenham Hotspur target. Manager Mauricio Pochettino moving from the Saints to London obviously had a lot to do with that. It is thought that United could buy either Schneiderlin or Bastian Schweinsteiger from Bayern Munich this summer transfer window to address their concerns in the middle.
However, they likely would not be purchasing both.
And since we just brought up White Hart Lane, Domenech had a very strong opinion on the idea of Spurs #1 Hugo Lloris moving to Old Trafford.
“I have no decision to take for him, but in my opinion he has to play in Chelsea, Arsenal or Manchester City, to play in the European Cup,” Domenech told French reporters this past weekend.
“Tottenham is a big club — it is not the biggest. Manchester United qualified for the Champions League, but I can’t see really the difference with Tottenham.
“For me, it’s Chelsea, Arsenal or Manchester City. Because I think Manchester United is no more a big club, in England, for me. I think like that.”
“I think Arsenal will be every time a big club, Chelsea also — City is becoming a big club — but I think United is with Tottenham, with the other clubs. Not one of the biggest clubs, so there’s no difference.”
“For me, he’s a great goalkeeper so he needs to be in the best English club, or French, or Italian, or German.”
Ok, Domench, you’ve made your stances and opinions quite clear.
Paul M. Banks owns, operates and writes The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with Fox Sports Digital. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes to the Chicago Tribune RedEye edition. He also appears regularly on numerous sports talk radio stations all across the country.
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