Sunday’s 191st edition of the Manchester Derby can be regarded as one of the most important in recent memory, even in the rich tradition of drama, subplots, and intrigue. A new rivalry between strikers on the field is born, and an 18-year-old headline story moves into a potentially decisive phase when Manchester United hosts Manchester City at Old Trafford. The anticipated end to the Glazers’ nearly two-decade hold on United is marked by the meeting of these icy neighbors, while a first-ever matchup takes place between two young Scandinavian center-forwards: Rasmus Højlund, who made his derby debut for the home team, and Erling Haaland, the Norwegian star who plays for City.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plan to buy 25% of United at a premium of £1.3 billion in exchange for control over football policy is anticipated to be finalized by March’s league return meeting. From there, the implications for Erik ten Hag’s team and the long-term viability of a venerable institution ought to become evident. Related: 10 things to watch this weekend in the Premier League By then, we’ll know if Ratcliffe’s intention to force the six Glazer siblings to give up a quarter of the team will be formalized in time to influence January transfer transactions. Although the anniversary of the Glazers’ lengthy plans to sell is next month, nothing about their business is certain. However, the Ineos’ successful month of business last winter is most likely
But rather than signing a hungry young marksman (£35 million, for example, was Cody Gakpo’s asking price), Burnley brought in on loan Wout Weghorst, a journeyman whose poor performance was bad enough to land him a temporary contract at Besiktas. Due to this acceptance of mediocrity, United struggled, losing at Arsenal and drawing at Palace. This highlights the dubious transfer strategy that the owners were supervising. During a presentation in March at the club’s Carrington training base, Ratcliffe notably brought up his own example, pointing out that Casemiro, 30, had been given a four-year contract the previous summer that was estimated to be worth about £350,000 per week. We now look at Højlund and Haaland, whose presence indicates the different eras of the clubs. United’s £20 million bid to purchase Haaland in 2019
But rather than signing a hungry young marksman (£35 million, for example, was Cody Gakpo’s asking price), Burnley brought in on loan Wout Weghorst, a journeyman whose poor performance was bad enough to land him a temporary contract at Besiktas. Due to this acceptance of mediocrity, United struggled, losing at Arsenal and drawing at Palace. This highlights the dubious transfer strategy that the owners were supervising. During a presentation in March at the club’s Carrington training base, Ratcliffe notably brought up his own example, pointing out that Casemiro, 30, had been given a four-year contract the previous summer that was estimated to be worth about £350,000 per week. We now look at Højlund and Haaland, whose presence indicates the different eras of the clubs. United’s £20 million bid to purchase Haaland in 2019
Leave a Reply