Some transfer rumours seem to defy belief. Whilst most tend to follow some kind of logic, a good number throw sense out the window and attempt to pull the punters in through a sense of bewilderment. Take, for instance, the claim that Manchester United are looking to bring in Liverpool winger Stewart Downing as a potential replacement for Luis Nani. Wait, what?
Why on God’s green earth, would a manager with as much nous as Sir Alex Ferguson be interested in a player like Downing.
The source in question here is Emirates 24/7 and they claim that Stewart Downing is in pole position for a move to Old Trafford. Pardon me if I take these pronouncements with a little pinch of salt.
It strikes me that the career fortunes’ of Stewart Downing and the club fortunes’ of Liverpool have gone hand in hand. He was one of Kenny Dalglish’s big money signings two summers ago. Along with the likes of Andy Carroll, Jordan Henderson and other young British no hopers, he has more or less broken Liverpool.
A club with ambitions as large as Liverpool just can’t afford to spend big on players like Downing and receive so little in return. Indeed, Downing’s contributions since he has been at the club have been so slight that they are almost non-existent. £20 (approximately!) flushed down the drain. Kenny Dalglish left Liverpool this summer. Downing should have followed.
There’s no way he’ll end up at Old Trafford. Two summers ago, Downing was an Aston Villa player alongside Ashley Young. Liverpool spent big on Downing, whilst United plumped for Young. Sir Alex made the right decision. Despite his propensity for diving and the occasional frustrating game, Young has contributed well over the last season or so.
Whilst Liverpool would be glad to see the back of him (and perhaps scupper United’s efforts by having them join up with their team), the reality is, Downing’s on a pretty hefty contract at Anfield and won’t want to leave unless a good offer comes in. Given the state of his game at the moment, there’s unlikely to be any kind of half decent bid coming in for his services. Liverpool fans may have to get used to him sticking around.
This just goes to illuminate how a gulf has grown between these two sides over the last couple of years. Let’s hope that the Reds can bridge it.
What’s your take? Is Stewart Downing good enough for Manchester United?
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definitly not. I dont think he is good enough even for blackpool.