After two days without Stretty Stories, I am back to bring you all of today’s United news and rumors. You’d think in the final week of the transfer window there would be rumors galore surrounding United, but it’s been surprisingly quiet. In today’s news the press is questioning Bebe’s ability, United is linked with Steven Defour once again, Rooney wants Scholes for England, Diouf is hoping to help United while on loan, and Michael Owen may play for Liverpool once more.
Sir Alex’s instinct signing Bebe looks to be off the mark – The Guardian
Sir Alex has been getting a lot of criticism from the press for signing Bebe without ever seeing him play first. Personally, I think they’re exaggerating it a bit to make a story. Carlos Queiroz reportedly recommended the Portuguese winger to his old boss, and Sir Alex has always put a lot of stock in Queiroz’s judgement. This particular story says that Bebe has done poorly in training and was left out of Tuesday’s reserve fixture as a result. They also said that our newest signing is competing against the likes of Rooney and the other strikers for a spot in the team. Clearly this guy has no idea what he’s talking about since Bebe has been classified as a winger by Sir Alex himself. I think I’ll wait to see Bebe myself before I pass judgement.
United remain keen on Defour – Sky Sports
With Mesut Ozil now at Real Madrid and out of the picture, the press has returned to a long-term United target in Steven Defour. The Standard Liege captain has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford, and Sky Sports understands that move could become reality before this transfer window closes. Personally, I’m a bit hesitant to bring in another central midfielder right now. Michael Carrick, Darron Gibson, and Tom Cleverley have all yet to feature this season, while Anderson is on his way to a comeback following an appearance for the reserves on Tuesday. The doubts still surrounding Owen Hargreaves may have something to do with Sir Alex reportedly weighing up a move for Defour. With Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs nearing the end of the careers, perhaps a promising young midfielder wouldn’t be so bad. I’m really undecided on this right now, but I suppose the extra competition can only serve as motivation for our current midfielders.
Rooney in plea to Scholes – The Sun
No. Seriously, please tell me this is a joke. I agree that Paul Scholes brings out the best of Rooney, but please keep our ginger genius away from England. Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard have proven they don’t play well with Rooney, but I hope Capello keeps his hands off Scholes. At 35, Scholes is playing some fantastic football and his passing creates chances for Rooney in a way Gerrard and Lampard could only dream of. That said, like I said, he’s 35. He can’t play every week anymore. Coming out of international retirement will only add a distraction. He’s shown his loyalty to United, he’s shunned Capello’s past attempts, just allow him to focus on United now.
Diouf hoping to help United’s title chances – The Daily Mirror
I fell in love with this story before I even read it; the headline said it all. Mame Biram Diouf is currently on loan with Blackburn and the striker is hoping to do a favor for United by beating title-rivals Arsenal this weekend. Even though he’s been sent out on loan he’s still got United’s interests at heart. This is a player who obviously knows how to win my love.
Owen will Kop it for pal Carragher – The Daily Mail
The thought of a United player donning a Liverpool jersey sickens me, but it shows the character Michael Owen has. Owen will pull on the Liverpool shirt once more as he plays in Jamie Carragher’s testimonial this weekend. I was really torn on how I felt about this, and in most situations I’d be upset, but coming back to play in a testimonial for a friend and former teammate shows a lot of loyalty. I may not like one of our players turning out for Liverpool, but I can at least respect his reasons for doing so.
Discuss all today’s news and rumors in the forum.
You can follow Kyle on Twitter at KDill_MUFC.
I don’t really see the point in reporting on Bebe (not by you, Kyle, by the Guardian.) Did anybody really expect to be able to see what we have or haven’t got at this stage?
Seems stupid to have decided anything at this stage when the guy is such a unique case.