Fergie Blanks Ruud
Alex Ferguson and Ruud van Nistelrooy have barely spoken since their row over David Beckham. The pair fell out in a big way on February 28, when Ferguson axed his Dutch striker for the league visit to Fulham. But the big silence had set in just days earlier, after the Manchester United star claimed the team missed Becks. His manager was furious at the player’s apparent questioning of his decision to let England’s captain go. The Old Trafford chief has since also become fed up with the Holland international’s attitude, which has seen the player not only confront his boss but fall out with a number of his team-mates. United chief executive David Gill, though, has written to both Real and Barcelona saying ‘Hands Off’. Gill rapped: “I have written and told them Ruud is not for sale.”
Walkie Talkies
Barcelona´s Dutch stars have been ordered to get Ruud van Nistelrooy to the Nou Camp. Real Madrid are favourites to land the £28million-rated striker from Manchester United this summer. But United would rather sell to Barca and there has been contact between the two clubs. Last summer Real hijacked Barcelona’s attempts to sign David Beckham after there had been a transfer agreement between the clubs. Barcelona’s president Joan Laporta is determined that will not happen again.
Neil Custis, The Sun
Selling Van Puts United On Slide
If Manchester United lose Ruud van Nistelrooy to Real Madrid, they might as well run a white flag up the pole at Old Trafford and have done with it. There would be no greater indication United´s power base in the game is shrinking than the sight of their record-breaking striker heading for the exit, whether it´s because they cannot fight off the financial clout of the Spanish club or because the player himself believes his prospects would be improved elsewhere. His sale would constitute an admission United had given up trying to dominate England and Europe and were ready to settle for a place in the pecking order behind the likes of Barcelona, Madrid, Arsenal and Chelsea. Next it´s the slide into the second tier of Premiership clubs, jostling for position with Liverpool, Newcastle and Aston Villa. This would soon be followed by Gerard Houllier-style pronouncements hailing fourth place as a " success in the circumstances".
Des Kelly, Daily Mirror
Ruud´s Get-Out Clause Clears Way For £30m Real Transfer
Ruud van Nistelrooy´s £30million switch to Real Madrid moved a step closer last night when it emerged he has a clause in his contract allowing him to speak to the Spanish giants. The Manchester United striker is Real´s top summer target and van Nistelrooy´s departure from Old Trafford seems increasingly likely with the revelation of the get-out clause. Despite United´s insistence their prolific goalscorer is not for sale, Real are ready to launch a bid in an effort to sign the Dutchman before the Euro 2004 finals. It is understood the clause, inserted in the two-year contract extension van Nistelrooy signed in January, allows him the option of talking to other clubs.
David McDonnell, Daily Mirror
Alex Is In For Smith
Alan Smith is the man Alex Ferguson wants to replace Ruud van Nistelrooy. Manchester United boss Fergie has already made contact with Leeds and is preparing a £5million summer offer for the England hitman. Smith, 23, will be seen as a surprise choice by some. But Ferguson is impressed with his fierce determination and goalscoring ability. Leeds are willing to sell Smith and chairman Gerald Krasner has already appoint agent Phil Morrison to find buyers for the club’s top players with relegation now imminent. Smith reacted angrily to this news in yesterday’s Sun. He said: “If I have to leave — and that is not certain — it will be to a club of my choice not theirs.” Local boy Smith has a fierce allegiance towards Leeds but he would find it difficult to turn down a switch to Old Trafford.
< <<< ruud a une clause dans son contrat qui precise qu´en cas de transfert avec le real ca ne pourra etre refusé .
si on perd ruud alors Mu risque quand meme de s´ecrouler un peu . Perdre ruud est un dementi des ambitions du club je trouve .
mais bon c´est loin d´etre fait on verra . Et puis ses journaux sont tous des torchons .
mais c´est dingue a quel point ca me rappelle le transfert de ronaldo et de zidane . Maintenant se faire piquer notre meilleur joueur par un club surnedetté , monterait un sacre aveu d´impuissance de MU .
