Alex Ferguson's well-timed and equally well-chosen words in the Gareth Bale transfer saga showed that while he might not be as sharp tactically as in the past, his skills of media manipulation are as strong as ever.
Just when it seemed like Spurs had stolen a march in the race to capture the highly-rated Bale, having tabled a higher offer than United and promised him regular first team football, in stepped Fergie.
''Southampton said no to us because they are looking for more money, which they have every right to do,'' he said.
''The bid we made for Gareth reflected his potential. There were a series of build-ups in it because we have to protect our own club's assets too.
''We offered an initial fee with add-ons depending on how many games he plays, international caps and so on.
''I am not exactly sure what Tottenham have offered more but they have offered more and that has put them in pole position at the moment".
''Anyone who guarantees a player first-team football every week is wrong,'' he said.
''There are so many examples of young players being given a chance at this club, no-one could dispute the fact they will get opportunities.
"Maybe the boy himself would need to assess that.
''The fees don't frighten me, although it can sometimes frustrate me a little bit.
''When you are talking about signing young players with potential, you hope your decision-making and your assessment of the player is correct.
''You hope he won't be there for just one contract but for two or three. Then you get the longevity from that player, as we have done in the past with the likes of Roy Keane, Gary Pallister, Steve Bruce and Denis Irwin.
''That is the only way you can assess it".
This is classic Ferguson, challenging Bale to back his judgement of how best to treat a young player, and pointing to the success experienced by those who have done so in the past. His words are made more persuasive by his immense reputation and the signs that United are finally re-establishing themselves as a dominant Premiership force once more. If Bale does snub Spurs for United, then Fergie will also have saved United a few million pounds, as Southampton have been guilty of driving up Bale's price and would surely not turn their nose up at 8 million pounds for a 17-year-old.
Just when it seemed like Spurs had stolen a march in the race to capture the highly-rated Bale, having tabled a higher offer than United and promised him regular first team football, in stepped Fergie.
''Southampton said no to us because they are looking for more money, which they have every right to do,'' he said.
''The bid we made for Gareth reflected his potential. There were a series of build-ups in it because we have to protect our own club's assets too.
''We offered an initial fee with add-ons depending on how many games he plays, international caps and so on.
''I am not exactly sure what Tottenham have offered more but they have offered more and that has put them in pole position at the moment".
''Anyone who guarantees a player first-team football every week is wrong,'' he said.
''There are so many examples of young players being given a chance at this club, no-one could dispute the fact they will get opportunities.
"Maybe the boy himself would need to assess that.
''The fees don't frighten me, although it can sometimes frustrate me a little bit.
''When you are talking about signing young players with potential, you hope your decision-making and your assessment of the player is correct.
''You hope he won't be there for just one contract but for two or three. Then you get the longevity from that player, as we have done in the past with the likes of Roy Keane, Gary Pallister, Steve Bruce and Denis Irwin.
''That is the only way you can assess it".
This is classic Ferguson, challenging Bale to back his judgement of how best to treat a young player, and pointing to the success experienced by those who have done so in the past. His words are made more persuasive by his immense reputation and the signs that United are finally re-establishing themselves as a dominant Premiership force once more. If Bale does snub Spurs for United, then Fergie will also have saved United a few million pounds, as Southampton have been guilty of driving up Bale's price and would surely not turn their nose up at 8 million pounds for a 17-year-old.
Of course there is no law that says Bale need join anyone in this transfer window, and even if he does not move to United, if he does not join Tottenham either then Ferguson will have achieved his objective. There is always the summer after all, and it would be no great surprise if Bale is wearing red in 2008.
No comments:
Post a Comment