Manchester United target “would listen” to offers – time to snap him up?
Last week Sir Alex Ferguson admitted to French radio station RMC that he had been to watch Ligue 1 side Lille play and in particular that he’d gone to see Eden Hazard in action. The Belgian starlet has lit up the French League for a number of seasons now and it looks like he’s finally ready to make a move to England or Spain when the transfer window re-opens. Sir Alex Ferguson was impressed by what he saw: “When I went to watch Lyon versus Lille, last time, of course I saw Hazard playing but also other players which is part of my job.
I can confirm Hazard is a very good player, he has so many qualities, he is very fast over the first ten metres.”
These qualities have seen him become highly coveted across Europe. A good number of clubs, including Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool are thought to have been keeping tabs. As such, if United are to get their man, it’s going to cost them a pretty penny.
Hazard recently commented on Sir Alex’s quotes and made it clear he wouldn’t rule out a move should the opportunity arise. Speaking to Sky Sports he said: “I am flattered by the compliment coming from the top manager in world football. I did not know he was at the game to be honest but no one knew he came to watch me because I was not aware. Manchester United are a very top team and anyone would listen to them.”
Whilst these comments are nice, fans should bear in mind that Hazard has fluttered his eyelashes at just about any club he’s been linked to. If you search hard enough you’ll find similarly flattering comments about Arsenal and Spurs. Whichever way you paint it, the Belgium International is no slouch when it comes to self-promotion.
Whilst the prospect of Manchester United signing Hazard is doubtless exciting to fans, as he’d be such a costly addition it’s worth assessing whether he’s really needed. He’s a natural winger, though he has been known to play through the middle whilst at Lille. This raises the question: are Nani, Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young not good enough?
The only way this move makes economical sense is if Sir Alex plans to play him in the number 10 role (pushing Wayne Rooney further forward). He’s certainly got the chops to thrive as a play maker, though he’d probably be put to better use beating people down the wings.
If Manchester United can see past his self-promotion and fit him into their team he’d make for an excellent signing. Whether this comes to pass or not, however, remains to be seen.
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