Red Rants |
- United target rules out move
- Glazers issue warning over United’s future
- United youngster bemoans being frozen out
| Posted: 31 Jul 2014 04:12 AM PDT
The Uruguayan striker has long been linked with a move to Manchester United, after emerging as a transfer target for David Moyes in January and speculation over the former Napoli striker intensified towards the end of last season, when Cavani had looked frustrated at being deployed in a wide role to allow Zlatan Ibrahimovic to play in his favourite position.
That, coupled with the fact that he was no longer the team’s focal point as he’d been during his three seasons at Napoli when he scored an incredible 104 goals in 138 appearances in all competitions, had led to an increase in the rumours that claimed the 27-year-old was desperate to find a way out of the Parc des Princes. However, speaking to French newspaper L’Equipe, Cavani insisted he’s happy under the Eiffel Tower and that he has no intention of leaving PSG this summer. “I’m gonna stay in Paris,” he said. “I’m really happy here and I’m completely sure that I’ll remain here, why wouldn’t I be? “I’ve contract to honour and I’m totally relaxed about the future.” Cavani, however, admitted that his future is not entirely in hands. “Of course, it’s not all about the player, for the club has to make a decision too.” Despite the rumours surrounding the Uruguayan and his perceived poor return last season, Cavani still managed to net 25 goals and assisted a further seven in 43 games in all competitions in his inaugural season in France and even if PSG were to consider selling him, they’d likely try to recoup almost all of the £56m they paid Napoli 12 months ago. |
| Glazers issue warning over United’s future Posted: 31 Jul 2014 03:16 AM PDT
A second consecutive season away from Europe’s elite competition would put United in a difficult situation and the Glazers were more than eager to stress the point when they announced their plans to sell a further five per cent of the club.
The Glazers currently control 90% of the club, but the eight million shares they’re planning to sell will see them – not the club, obviously – pocket £89m but in the accompanying prospectus, they painted a rather bleak picture, by pointing out that missing out on the Champions League would see the income from the new kit deal with Adidas drop by 30%. United signed a new 10-year deal with the Germany manufacturer, which will replace Nike on United’s kit from next season, worth £75m-a-season, but that could drop to £52.5m if Louis Van Gaal fails to steer United to a top four finish. Over the last three seasons in European football’s most important competition United earned £59.7m, £42.3m and £38.9m in 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively, from matchday revenues and broadcasting rights, but a first season without Champions League football in 19 years has hit the club hard, just one of the many unwanted legacies of the David Moyes’ era. Here’s what the prospectus says: “Because of the prestige associated with participating in the European competitions, particularly the Champions League, failure to qualify for any European competition, particularly for consecutive seasons, would negatively affect our ability to attract and retain talented players and coaching staff, as well as supporters, sponsors and other commercial partners. “Failure to participate in the Champions League for two or more consecutive seasons would also reduce annual payments under the recently announced agreement with adidas by 30 per cent of the applicable payment for the year in which the second or other consecutive season of non-participation falls.” |
| United youngster bemoans being frozen out Posted: 31 Jul 2014 12:10 AM PDT
Zaha signed for United in January 2012 for £15m but remained on loan at Crystal Palace for the remainder of the campaign making the switch to Old Trafford at the beginning of last season, but he was given very few opportunities to impress and was eventually shipped out to Cardiff on loan in January.
Having made his first appearance in United’s summer tour against Inter Milan on Wednesday, Zaha insisted that he’s determined to establish himself at United and that Van Gaal’s arrival is an opportunity the 21-year-old is determined to seize. "There was so much pressure on Moyes, so I can't really blame him," explained Zaha to the Mirror. "I could have got a better chance, but coming to United brings a load of pressure. “But if you're not the manager's cup of tea, you can't do anything about it. "It was definitely not my attitude.”The manager had his way of playing and maybe I just didn't suit it." Van Gaal’s reputation to give youngsters a chance has been evident in United’s US tour so far, with Reece James, Tyler Blackett and Michael Keane all been given some minutes on the pitch and Zaha admitted being excited by Van Gaal’s penchant for trusting young players. "I'm buzzing to hear he will give youngsters a chance," said the 21-year-old. "That's all I wanted since I came here. I just want to be a Man United player. Hopefully this season I'll get the chance." Zaha was also eager to stress that Van Gaal’s forthright approach with both press and players has already been very well received by the latter category. "He'll tell you exactly how he wants it," Zaha said. "He won't beat about the bush or not tell you anything. That helps you instead of isolating you or just not telling you. He'll let you know exactly where you are and what you are doing wrong." |
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