The last time a Manchester club went after a Swansea City player, Scott Sinclair ended up moving to Manchester City and enjoying what’s ended up being a long-term spell on the bench.
The young winger made a grave error in trading up to a big club much too soon, when it was clear to just about everybody that there was no space in the squad for him. World-class talent often struggle to break into the City first team and Scott Sinclair isn’t quite there yet.
I hope his failed move acts as a cautionary tale for footballers who have ideas above their station.
With that in mind, it was interesting to see another Manchester side (this time United), target another Swansea City player. According to The Mirror, Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to ‘splash the cash’ on Swansea’s skipper, Ashley Williams.
Williams, of course, is the player who nearly killed United star Robin Van Persie, if you believe Fergie. The centre-back smashed the ball at RVP’s head from close range as the striker was lying prostrate on the ground, cueing righteous anger from Fergie and laughter from neutral fans.
Beyond this, however, he’s also a talented defender who helped lead his side to their first major piece of silverware in 100 years. He’s a smart defender, who uses his physical presence well, makes neat interceptions and is dominant in the air. Like most Swansea players, he’s also confident on the ball and can distribute it well from the back.
One thing’s clear: United could do with another defender. With Rio Ferdinand getting old and Nemanja Vidic’s injury issues, it would make sense to buy another experienced player who could fill in where necessary. It’s also worth noting that despite the fact that United are running away with the League, they have conceded 31 goals in 26 games this season.
This is a number that I’m sure Sir Alex will look to reduce next season.
Williams only recently signed a new deal that will keep him under contract with the Swans until 2015. As such, City have no real pressing need to sell and would likely demand a significant sum if they are to be persuaded to sell. The Mirror quotes a figure of £10m, which is certainly within United’s wheelhouse.
If Sir Alex can persuade Swansea to sell one of their key men for that kind of price, United should jump at the opportunity.
What’s your take? Should Sir Alex look to wrap up a deal for Swansea City’s skipper?
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I would have to say and I do with confidence that I believe Ashley Williams will not be going nowhere. Even though Man Utd are great and successful club where Swansea on the other hand are some in comparison but they have something more to offer then United and most other clubs.He is enjoying is life and football at Swansea and Swansea City Football club don’t need the money. The club as a unit (including the fans) look after the players when they come and they soon realize they are a part of a machine who work together for the success of everyone else. There are no individuals at the club and most do not wish to leave. However, Scott Sincere after Team GB in the Olympics was looking forward to play and working under the new manager Michael Laudrup. If he had stayed I am sure he would have been are regular in the Swansea setup but he was drawn away for other reasons that wasn’t to his benefit. The player at Swansea appreciate what they have at the club which money can’t buy. They are a unit that is working together nicely and Alex Ferguson and everyone can see how well this machine works well together. Whoever comes to the club are most welcome to stay and the chairman and everyone else will support them because we are all fans!!!
@jubal football is more than to be just welcome at a club,every player dreams of playing at the highest level especially the champions league,no matter how cool the swans set up is,i am sure Ashley wont mind moving to the next level considering the fact that he is going to have his opportunities & not spend his time on the bench…Swansea may be a unit working but so is Utd,it didnt take long at all for RVP to declare that he’d like to retire @ Utd despite having spent less than a full season,if SAF eventually gets serious about Ashley,trust me he’ll move to Utd…you guys had better start preparing a replacement.