IT'S easy to see what George Burley means when he says that é10m-rated Gareth Bale should continue his education at Southampton for a little longer.
The 17-year-old has been the subject of more hype than a Take That reunion concert after some impressive performances in the Championship for Burley's side this season.
United assistant boss Carlos Queiroz was among the crowd at Eastlands yesterday to watch the Southampton left-back first hand, as was City legend Tony Book, now a scout for Spurs.
Despite the interest from United, Spurs and Arsenal, Burley said last night that Bale - who has 18 months left on his contract - was staying at St Mary's.
On yesterday's evidence, there's no doubt that the Wales international has potential; he is comfortable in possession, has the acceleration to go past players, takes a good set-piece, and has an eye for a goal.
It's just that, for a left-back, he doesn't seem to do very much defending; he rarely won the ball in the air yesterday, was often caught ahead of the rest of the back line, was not strong enough in his tackling and relied too often on his centre-backs to mop up behind him. He won't get away with that in the Premiership.
So although Tottenham are the favourites to sign him, Burley reckons that Bale should stay put until the end of next season.
"Gareth is going right to the top, and it is important he does not spoil it like so many others," Burley said.
No chance, George. Bale will be gone long before his contract expires, whether he's ready or not. And he will probably go to Tottenham.
Bale has potential, but in which position? One attacking burst near the end of yesterday's game, which ended with a stinging shot pushed out by Nicky Weaver, suggests that Bale's long-term future may lie in a more attacking, Giggs-style role.
Are United right to be monitoring the progress of Gareth Bale? Have your say.
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Birdy, Ireland (29/01/2007 at 10:13)
Reason for the Season, Manchester (29/01/2007 at 10:48)
Red Eyes, Manchester (29/01/2007 at 11:05)
DC, Amsterdam (29/01/2007 at 11:34)
Saint-Alan, Hampshire (29/01/2007 at 11:37)
Davey Boy, Kuwait (29/01/2007 at 11:54)
Small point here Manuel Fernandes 20 senior and U21 caps with PL experience and the portugese equivalent of makelele and Davids wanting out of spurs (short term I know but great to have on the bench for the last 20 mins if he fancied it) plus I am sure there are others out there we could take on loan or at a realistic price that can cover til the summer, and the first options could well be a good long term option!
I am truely beginning to believe this lack of planning will be the only thing to stop us winning the PL or the CL
Mick, Dublin (29/01/2007 at 12:10)
chris, oxford (29/01/2007 at 12:21)
Andrew Lee, Singapore (29/01/2007 at 12:35)
Or, the other institution is the modern investment school of thought. Ronaldo makes the best case study. 12+m purchase when he ws 20. Everyone bulked at the price. But the current whirlwind transfer talk abt a 30m price tag placed on him by his admirers speaks of good investment. Just a tot, selling him would rake MU a whopping 18+m profit. this makes 10m a tad insignificant. There is surely common sense in here too. The caveat though, is, is he worth it? Bale? wing back?
As you can see, its a cyclic process of the 2 schools. For me, i doubt Bale, a wingback is worth 10, whether as a 17 yr old lass or a smarteye investment.
George, RHYL (29/01/2007 at 12:39)
RedillIdie, leigh (29/01/2007 at 12:41)
Birdy, Ireland (29/01/2007 at 12:44)
Alf, Ipswich (29/01/2007 at 12:54)
Mick, Dublin (29/01/2007 at 13:08)
stu, london (29/01/2007 at 13:14)
Mick, Dublin (29/01/2007 at 14:10)
Tufty, Bandango, Runcorn, MERSEYSIDE. (29/01/2007 at 15:40)
Shalala, Lusaka, Zambia (29/01/2007 at 17:52)
Shalala, Lusaka, Zambia (29/01/2007 at 18:10)
Dean, Blackpool (30/01/2007 at 02:46)
Ivor Bailey, London (30/01/2007 at 18:09)
It's just that, for a left-back, he doesn't seem to do very much defending; he rarely won the ball in the air yesterday, was often caught ahead of the rest of the back line, was not strong enough in his tackling and relied too often on his centre-backs to mop up behind him. He won't get away with that in the Premiership.
de Meester, Amsterdamned (30/01/2007 at 20:07)
It seems that United are not only unwilling to go past the 10m being suggested but that coupled with the necessity to offer improved contracts to Rooney AND recently CE then that means obvviously that there isn't much money to throw at the possibility of sogning this talent.
It seems that SAF has reluctantly decided that he cannot go any further on this project.
A sign of the times at OT.
de Meester, Amsterdamned (30/01/2007 at 20:45)
Davey Boy, Kuwait
I can also agree with you about Davids and Manuel Fernandes - easpecially would have I feel been a good signing. At latest it seems that Everton are gonna sign him, and Edgar Pit-Bull is coming 'back home'.
I hope too that SAF will not learn to regrets signing Senná (was it only 4m!?!) or someone, as preiviously mentioned on a loan basis!
I hope that in may we are all breathing a sigh of relief and wearing our t-shirts - Again!!!
de Meester, Amsterdamned (30/01/2007 at 20:56)
That's 4-5-1 - again!!! or the chav$ki'$ version of it, and looka t how they are getting in each others way there!
I prefer the good base 4-4-2 and keeping true to our philosophy of attacking with flair and wingers!
He - SAF - should have signed senn¿¿ (I am like a faulty cd!), and not been so obessed with a one-legged canadian-northerner!
bobbydazzler, lowton (31/01/2007 at 11:26)