Eric Cantona; one of the first names on fans' lips if asked to name a Manchester United legend. The flamboyant Frenchman scored 80 goals in 5 years for the Red Devils, was listed in the 100 League Legends List, and in 2002 he was inducted into the the English Football Hall of Fame. A tremendous talent, signed for just £1.2 million in 1992, by Alex Ferguson.
Other great deals by Fergie include, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (£1.5 million), Roy Keane (£3.75 million) and Cristiano Ronaldo (£12.25 million). Just three names that are synonymous with Manchester United, and have gone on to fully justify and exceed their transfer fees. But this got me thinking; has Fergie still got the same eye for a player, in the transfer market today? Roy Keane's transfer from Nottingham Forest was then a British record fee, so it's obvious these days; that you can expect to pay a little bit more than that.
So why have Chelsea reportedly agreed an £8 million fee for Inter Milan and Brazil's Maicon? As a United fan, I think the position we need to strengthen most is the defensive / holding midfielder role. But Rafael is also less than competent at right-back, and Smalling or Jones could only fill in there, as they are both centre-backs primarily. It seems absurd to me, that Fergie hasn't even contemplated a move for Maicon since he's available on the cheap, or another right-back that would serve us for a handful of seasons.
Also, Ronaldinho became a free agent this summer; leaving Flamengo after a row over unpaid wages. I would have loved to see us snap up the Brazilian legend on a free transfer; but again no contact was established and Ronaldinho went on to sign for Atletico Mineiro just a few days later. Yes he's not as good as he once was, but let's not forget; Fergie snapped up Laurent Blanc on a free transfer in 2001. The commanding centre back did a decent job for us, despite his age of 35.
Over the last few years, despite good pieces of business for the likes of Rooney and Ronaldo; Fergie has bought a number of flops. Eric Djemba-Djemba anyone? Brought in by Sir Alex to replace Roy Keane, however he ended up applying his trade in Qatar by the age of 27. Others include Liam Miller, and the more recent flops of Mame Biram Diouf and Bébé. The latter costing a ridiculous £7.4 million.
However there is some good news, as Sir Alex has bought well in Shinji Kagawa. As one of my favourite players, he possesses good passing and dribbling abilities, and has an eye for goal. Our second new arrival is Crewe's youngster Nick Powell. Firstly, I'm pleased to see us beat Arsenal to the signing of a young, potential star; but I'm also pleased to see us buy British talent. I wish that a lot of the big teams would scower the lower leagues more, rather than buy from abroad; but United aren't too bad at that in general. Chris Smalling and Phil Jones to name another two bought Englishmen.
But it remains to be seen if Fergie can counjure some more off-guard, inspirational signings. Will he uncover the next Nemanja Vidic? (a £7 million bargain) or perhaps the next Roy Keane? In any case, our midfield is dire need of a holding midfielder; as our search for the next Roy continues since 2005. It also remains to be seen if we can keep up with moneybags Manchester City and Chelsea. Chelsea already opening their cheque book to sign Marko Marin and Eden Hazard this summer.
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