When Gerard Pique joined Manchester United as a teenager back in 2004, it was difficult to see what the fuss about. The Spaniard was quick across the turf and he worked hard, but he was hugely inconsistent and seemed to switch off at important moments.
Sir Alex Ferguson seemed to lose patient in Pique and soon enough he was sent back to Barcelona. This move proved to be the best possible result for the player himself. Since heading back to the Nou Camp his career has gone from strength to strength. He hasn’t looked back since.
He’s one of two players (the other is Paul Pogba), that Fergie was wrong about. It doesn’t happen often, but the examples we’ve got are fairly notable. Just look at what Gerard Pique has achieved with Barcelona.
Of course, Pique has never quite been able to escape rumours suggesting that he’ll return back to Old Trafford one day. Perhaps these sources feel like the the Spaniard has a point to prove in English football. Either way, the same links seem to pop up in every iteration of the transfer window.
Unfortunately (for both Manchester United and headline writers), it doesn’t look like a deal will be forthcoming – not now and not in the future. Check out these comments from the player himself: ‘I can safely say that I plan to retire here at Barca. Whether that’s at the end of this season or six years from now. I won’t play for another club.’ (Source: The Metro)
That’s fairly definitive stuff. Surely it’s time for Manchester United to start looking elsewhere?
There are top centre-backs out there. There are players out there who are good enough to play for Manchester United. Take, for instance, Borussia Dortmund’s star man, Mats Hummels. What about Raphael Varane over at Real Madrid?
There are options out there. Manchester United don’t have to stand rooted in the past. They can move on, but only if they’re willing to do so.
What’s your take? Is it time to give up on The Red Devils re-signing Gerard Pique?
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