They’ll sell us Berbatov anyway. Won’t they?
Jul 18th, 2008 by UnitedViews
Well, can you blame David Levy? He’s had enough of every Tom, Dick and Harry (usually Redknapp) going after his players and has finally reported both Manchester United and Liverpool to the Premier League for their pursuit of Berbatov and Keane respectively.
“The behaviour of both clubs has been disgraceful. We told both clubs very early on that we had no interest in selling Robbie or Dimitar, respectively, and that they should refrain from pursuing the player.”
Image from Mtl_Shag on Flickr
What seems to have tipped him over the edge is Ferguson’s interview with the Sun (since when did Fergie do exclusives with the Sun?) in which he says “Berbatov has been impressive for a long time and he would be a great addition to our attack” as well as intimating that although their offer had been turned down they fully expected a positive outcome.
As Levy points out, “It is unbelievably hypocritical given his comments in respect of Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid.” Well, I’m not sure exactly which comments hes referring to but we know Fergie’s been hacked off by the way Real have behaved and we know that United have themselves reported Real to UEFA.
So Levy’s right, isn’t he? Fergies comments about Berbatov are just the same as Real’s pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo through the papers. Well, from Fergie’s point of view there are probably a few subtle differences: for one thing, he hasnt been tub-thumping, suggesting it would be an honour for Spurs nor has he been suggesting that the problem lies between Berbatov and Spurs and that he is an innocent bystander. More significantly, United have actually made an offer for Berbatov. It’s been rejected but it’s an offer! As far as Fergie is concerned he’s played it by the book. It may be his own book filled with is own rules but he’s stuck by it rigidly.
So is there any difference? Yes. The greatest difference in the situation relates to the would-be sellers not the buyers. Both have reported the aggressors to the toothless football authorities, who have done/will do precisely nothing about it. Both clubs knew this when they filed the reports, so why bother? For very different reasons.
United wanted to fire a shot across Real’s bows. ‘We know what you’re doing and there’s a limit to how much we’ll stand for.’ If it makes the slightest difference to Real’s behaviour, makes them a scintilla less brazen in their advances then it’s worth it.
Spurs have filed the report purely and simply to make it look like their putting up a struggle, to keep the fans happy, to keep those two horrible words ‘Feeder Club’ at bay… just before they sell the players anyway. How can we know this? Two reasons…
Firstly, Spurs have previous. They told everyone who would listen that Carrick wasn’t for sale. As Jol said at the time, “We are building something here and I can’t do without him. I told the chairman I want to keep him and the board don’t want to sell him. He’s got a contract for two years and that’s it.” That would be the same chairman who sold Carrick to United 6 weeks later.
And secondly, Levy has said he’s going to sell both players, virtually sent them down Oxford Street with signs on sticks saying ‘Player Sale->’ in the very same statement in which he condemns their pursuants.
“However, when a player’s head is turned and their commitment is absent, particularly when they occupy key positions such as that of striker, they become a negative influence in a team dressing room in which they were once a positive addition and influence.” Now you just don’t say that about players you expect to be at the club next year.
So, in short, it’s all a bit of a charade. Levy is looking to re-coup some of the £100M+ he’s lashed out on players in the last few transfer windows but rather than come clean with Spurs fans he’s decided to cast Fergie and Benitez as the pantomime villains. I’d be surprised if Berbatov didn’t end up at United. Keane may or may not go to Anfield depending on how much money Rafa can raise with a sponsored beard trim or selling Xabi Alonso, whichever earns more.
Surely?