Everybody's Wrong All The Time

There's a great article in The Telegraph, on the stupid story from yesterday on our "bid" for Sergio Aguero from Atletico Madrid.

Reports in the Mirror claimed United had made an offer worth £30million plus Portuguese winger Nani to acquire the Argentina international. But the 21-year-old is under contract with the Primera Liga outfit until June 2012 and has a 55 million euro buy-out clause.

"Manchester United has not made any offers for 'Kun' [Aguero] - and we will not sell any player," Cerezo told Marca. "We will not sell Aguero, Forlan, Simao - because we don't want to sell any of our players.

"We will keep all of our players because we are very good as we are and we have a great team."

The best bit is this though:

Whether United were interested in the Argentina international or not, news that he is not for sale eliminates another striker option for Sir Alex Ferguson, who has a goalscoring void to fill at Old Trafford following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez.

Which basically says "even if Man Utd didn't want him, the fact that they can't have him is quite a blow." Which is some bizarre way to justify printing silly transfer stories all the time. It's like the papers make something up and when it turns out not to be true they turn round and say "well, that's a blow to the club," rather than just admit that they got it wrong. So the story above, and considering it was from a different paper, why don't they say The Mirror got it wrong. The quote from the president of Atletico says that. But then halfway the story changes to make it about our loss, even though we hadn't expressed an interest.
And to more transfer rumours. The Daily Star reckons we're after Ashley Young. Of course there's no source quoted, just, "Alex Ferguson has identified," Ashley Young.
The main rumour doing the rounds is on Eto'o. The Telegraph going so far as to say we'll make a bid for him tomorrow:

The Barcelona striker's agent, Josep Maria Mesalles, is optimistic that the English champions will make a formal bid of £18 million for the Cameroon striker tomorrow.

United would be able to get Eto'o for significantly cheaper than City, with the 28 year-old eager to play in the Champions League. One source in Spain suggested that United are prepared to offer Eto'o £150,000 per week, but said there is a problem with his demand for a four-year contract.

Sir Alex Ferguson is apparently a long-standing admirer of the player, who scored the opening goal against United in Barcelona's 2-0 Champions League final victory in May.

The News of the World run the same story:

They are ready to offer him a four-year deal on £150,000-a-week

Eto'o is also seeking more money based on appearances and goals.

Agent Jose Maria Masalles said: "At 28 he wants to join a club which will give him another chance of winning trophies.

"It can't be just about money. It has to be about the sporting project."

I find it very hard to believe that we'll be offering that much. It just doesn't seem to have truth about it. The whole thing seems a case of putting 2 and 2 together and coming up with 5.
Elsewhere the Mail has some quotes from Sir Alex on Michael Owen:

'There is no doubt he could really get his goalscoring form back on track with us. But really he has never lost it.
'Although he had a few injury problems at Newcastle, he kept up the excellent goals-per-game ratio he has had throughout his career. I've been really pleased with the way he has trained. He has worked hard -but the main thing is he coming into work with a smile on his face. He is really enjoying himself.'

And Bryan Robson tips Berbatov to come good (although his first season wasn't bad anyway) this season:

"Berbatov is a quality player and I think this coming season we'll see him come into his own. It's time for him to step forward and show what he can really do.

"With Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez gone, United will be looking for others to lead the way and I'm sure Berbatov can become the main man."

"It often takes players time to settle at Old Trafford and learn to cope with the expectations. Some very good players never made it at United.

"But I am sure Berbatov will prove himself a top player for United.

"He's been with the club for a year now, he should feel more comfortable and grow in confidence.

"With Ronaldo gone it's a great chance for him to demonstrate his talent and make his presence felt.

"I believe it can be a big year for him."