Kleberson's Posh exit

Stuart Mathieson

July 20, 2005

KLEBERSON could have made his last appearance for Manchester United in Tuesday's friendly at Peterborough.

Spanish outfit Celta Vigo are homing in on the Brazilian midfielder.

The 26-year-old played the first half at London Road - which the Reds won 6-0 - but could be set to leave.

Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson told M.E.N. Sport last week that the 2002 World Cup winner had attracted plenty of interest this summer - but ruled out a loan deal for the player who cost £6.5m from Paranaense.

Celta Vigo are considering fellow Brazilian Anderson Silva from Racing Santander as a cheaper option.

A sell-out crowd of 15,400 at London Road saw Ruud van Nistelrooy net a hat-trick as United thrashed Posh in a testimonial for boss Barry Fry.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored two and Guiseppe Rossi the other.

Should United sell Kleberson? Have your say.

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Mick, Dublin (20/07/2005 at 10:02)

Never mind Kleb, what about that second-half performance?!? Ruud has now scored 5 goals in 90 minutes of football and I thought Rossi was sensational, as was Ronaldo. I was also really impressed with Smudger playing as a holding midfielder. His strength and determination make him well-suited for that position, I'd love to see how he does against a better team than the Posh. Pique and McShane were class too - Rio who? And yes, I'm probably getting far too excited after two easy victories against limited opposition but it's great to see the lads scoring left right and centre and I have a good feeling about this season.

Red Cabbagehead, Salford (20/07/2005 at 10:10)

Looks like he might be on his way. Good luck to him, like Frank's said on the Ballack thread, another Forlan. I don't think you can label him a Flop, did anyone really see enough of him? Did he have the chances to get accustomed to a new Country a different League, was he ever played in position? Can anyone remember what his prefered position was? In a perverse way I quite liked the idea of a limited Transfer fund. Fergie's got way to many toys already.

David Kelly, Dublin (20/07/2005 at 10:16)

Yes even allowing for the opposition it was a good performance. Rossi and Pique were brilliant. I do think we need anoher experienced centre back, Silvestre could be a weak link.

Gaz, North Stand (20/07/2005 at 10:16)

Didn' see the whole match last night but saw some brief highlights this morning which looked incouraging, i know pre-season is not a good yard stick but ruud looked sharp for his goals and it was a good finish by Rossi who could get more of a look in this year if fergie is turning Smith into a midfielder as it would seem from the last two games. Amazing that so many fans have been calling for Smith to be tried in midfield and yet Fergie only gets round to idea after trying Neville, O'shea, Fortune as central midfielders, how did he play ?, It would seem from the two line ups Fergie also played 4-4-2 is this correct ? if so it is another silver lining. Still need another top class midfielder, living in hope.

William Prunier, Montreuil (20/07/2005 at 10:33)

I can't believe anyone would want to sign Kleberson. How many times can they possibly have seen him play? As for last night's result; another handsome result against one of the top sides in Europe. As I said after the demolition of Clyde, the Premier League is in the bag as are the European Cup, FA Cup and that other cup. Chelsea and the rest may as well surrender now because NOBODY can stop us when we're in this sort of form - not Clyde, not Peterborough, not anybody. MANCHESTER UNITED: QUADRUPLE WINNERS 05/06!!! 'AVE IT!!!

Trick, Norway (20/07/2005 at 10:34)

Kleberson might not get many matches,so its probably right to let him leave.But why sell him at a cut-price,loan him out in case he does well in Spain.
All the money we wasted on Forlan was enough,no need risking that backlash again...

Mick, Dublin (20/07/2005 at 10:50)

Gaz, we played 4-3-3, first and second-half. It's the same formation we played all of last season. 4-3-3 going forward, 4-5-1 when the other team have the ball. It's not gonna change, I'm afraid. But when it works it works well. And you can't knock a formation that won Chelsea the league at a canter last year. Hopefully our players will be a bit more comfortable with it this season. They certainly looked it last night. Totally agree about loaning Kleb before selling. He could easily do very well in La Liga and another Forlan would be too much to take.

Joe, Malta (20/07/2005 at 11:07)

Very sad to see a player like Kleberson leave but there seems to be no alternatives. (according to the this morning's Spanish press another United player is linked with a Spanish club b�" Giggs with Real Madrid b�" good one eh!!)
As for yesterday's game, it seems that Smith is emerging as one of the candidates to replace Keano but we ll have to wait until we face tougher opposition. The same can be said of Pique's and Rossi's performances.

Alias Smith, over the moon (20/07/2005 at 11:08)

Hands up who was the first person on this forum to suggest Smudger as Keano's replacement? Much respect for foresight and football knowledge, whoever you are. He has the tackle, the pass, the stamina, the workrate, the battling and leadership qualities, so he must have a chance. Oh, and he can score! Two questions; 1. If we don't need to sign a defensive midfielder, does that mean SAF if looking for a striker (Smith's replacement if you like)? 2. I wonder if SAF always had this in mind for Smudger?

Ted The Red, Hyde (20/07/2005 at 11:17)

I had to chuckle at the comments of William Prunier. Irony can be pretty amusing. Pity you're still not playing William...your playing ability made me laugh a lot as well.

alex, auckland new zealand (20/07/2005 at 11:24)

Sell Sell Sell for the guy's own sake as well as the clubs. He is a wonderfully skilled player and in the brazil set up in 2002 surrounded by instinctive free flowing players he looked good - but in the PL he is just not robust enough and he doesnt look comfortable or happy when he is on the field. Go to spain or italy where he will get time on the ball to show his stuff ala Kaka et al. Another example of scouting incompetence - or perhaps we needed the shirt sales in Brazil!

adam, bolton (20/07/2005 at 12:16)

Luks like Ballack isnt cumin nd trust me we aint gna buy n e other playas dis season

Ray, Urmston (20/07/2005 at 13:37)

Another poor Ferguson signing. Good riddance.

John, Singapore (20/07/2005 at 13:46)

This is hard to swallow because after one game, everything points to Smith giving that midfield role, Rossi promoted and finally no more midfield signing.It would be nice to see Rossi play a role in the team next season but I still have reservations for Smith being our midfield lynchpin because we played petersbrough not Chelsea. It would be nice to see Smith develop into a keano mould and if there is one thing I want this guy to do is improve his communication skills and his timing on tackles. Finally, I think we would not see another midfield in this summer and I do HOPE I'm wrong. I still like Ballack to come to OT, not just because he would be a great addition but he would push Scholes the entire season. When Scholes plays well, we win, it is that simple and if Scholes have proper competition which Giggs did not have, I doubt he would be inconsistent as he was last season. However, I doubt seeing Ballack in OT and all the rumours are still rumours until he plays in a ManUnited shirt.

Louis, Malta (20/07/2005 at 14:14)

First we pay millions to sign these talented players from South America knowing full well that they will need 1 to 2 years to adjust to the different environment and style of play in England. Secondly we either keep them on the bench or just play them every now and then during these 2 years. Thirdly, when they've settled down and start showing their true worth, we ship them out at a fraction of the price we bought them. Fourthly we watch them establish themselves as top class talent in other leagues. This happened with Veron, Forlan and now Kleberson.

deivid, dreamland (20/07/2005 at 14:15)

Posh exit? If we had a friendly against Brazil and we won 6-0, now that would be posh. Good luck to you and don't do a Forlan :)

Alias Smith, over the moon (20/07/2005 at 14:25)

Louis. Veron? Heinze!

Steve, Brussels (20/07/2005 at 14:37)

Yes Mick ... as I have mentioned I am also optimistic for the season. Ruud has scored 5 in 90 minutes. So how do you "Offload" bunch think now eh? Ruud will make you all pay for your short-sighted lack of faith. As for Smith I mentioned a while back he might mature into midfield and I am sure Fergie had one eye on that when he bought him. I see him as a sort of younger Guti - adept as both midfielder or striker. His tenacity may see him develop into a Keane-type but I think if Fergie gets the chance to sign Ballack for sensible money he will. I think we have a pretty good squad as it is. Ballack might just complete it.

Mary, Sale (20/07/2005 at 14:40)

Alias if you were the first I hand it to you I would say given a regular shot at this position he will outshine Keane he is 100% very good move,looks like Saha could go and he will slip in Rossi who will be an instant hit we will win everything and we will all say Fergie is a geniuos.

Duncan, London (20/07/2005 at 15:10)

Actually on the taking credit for Smudger as a holding player I seem to remember me and one other poster suggesting it when we were first looking at buying him. He was never a prolific scorer even at Leeds and was constantly outshone by Viduka. I seem to remember Keano being a combative attacking midfielder prior to becoming the holding player he is today hence his high career goals tally. Ditto Ince. Smudger always looks very strong on the ball and passes well. Still not sure about his awareness of players and intelligence in his distribution compared to Keane who is awesome in those departments (IMO).

Alias Smith, over the moon (20/07/2005 at 15:51)

Mary, twas not me. Duncan, I doubt Smith has those awareness abilities now as he's not played the position regularly. Perhaps he could develop them? He has time on his side.

DC, Dublin (20/07/2005 at 16:17)

To be a midfielder for a top club you need to have more than aggression and fitness. But you also need to have them. Therefore, no to smith in midfield and goodbye Kleb. QED

Nick, Chorlton (20/07/2005 at 16:26)

Oi, Deivid, please tell me you knew Posh is Peterboro's nickname!

William Prunier, Montreuil (20/07/2005 at 16:29)

Just doing my bit to brighten up some of the glum faces round here, Ted! MANCHESTER UNITED: UNDEFEATED IN ALL COMPETITIONS 05/06!!! 'AVE IT!!!

Mike, Burnage (20/07/2005 at 16:55)

Remember when Vicky B tried to have a go at Peterborough using the nickname "Posh"? What a tool she well and truly is.

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