United says it’s ready to spend big
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MANCHESTER United is prepared to break transfer records in order to give new manager Louis van Gaal the players he wants, according to executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward.
The English giant has already spent over 50 million pounds (US$85 million) on England left-back Luke Shaw and Spanish midfielder Anders Herrera, and Woodward says that it is ready to spend even more.
Some of United’s European rivals have spent big recently. Real Madrid on Tuesday signed James Rodriguez from Monaco for a fee of around US$110 million, while Barcelona paid Liverpool about US$130 million for Luis Suarez.
Asked if United was able to pay a similar amount for a player, Woodward said: “It is in our capabilities. The club are not afraid of doing that — spending significantly in the transfer market.”
United is rebuilding under van Gaal after a dismal 2013-14 season and Woodward says that in the context, the club will have no qualms about sanctioning big-money signings. “Whether it’s a record or not doesn’t really resonate with us,” he added, in comments reported by the British media yesterday.
“What resonates is a top, top elite player that the manager wants that is going to be a star for Manchester United. We are in a very strong financial position. We can make big signings.”
United has been linked with a host of players in recent weeks, including Germany center-back Mats Hummels, Belgium defender Thomas Vermaelen, and the Dutch trio of Daley Blind, Stefan de Vrij and Kevin Strootman.
Meanwhile, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says the team is moving on after Suarez’s departure to Barcelona.
“He gave everything for Liverpool,” Rodgers said on Tuesday when asked if Suarez had let the club down. “Of course there have been issues, but they’re in the past. He was a brilliant player for us and for me. ... It’s a shame he’s not here. But Liverpool, as a club, is bigger than any one player.”
The Uruguay national scored 82 goals in 133 Liverpool appearances. But his three years in England were overshadowed by bans for racial abuse and biting. He was suspended for four months by FIFA for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini during the World Cup. Suarez cannot join his new team in Spain until after the suspension is over.
Rodgers also said that Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard’s retirement from the national team “brings an end to a great career.” But it might be beneficial to Liverpool.
“Liverpool means everything to him,” Rodgers said. “And there’s certainly no doubt missing out on international football means he will be fresher and at his optimum level for us.”
Rodgers spoke at Fenway Park, the home of the Boston Red Sox, before the Reds’ friendly against AS Roma. The game between teams from England and Italy will have a local flavor: Liverpool is owned by Red Sox owner John Henry, and Roma is owned by NBA side the Boston Celtics minority owner Jim Pallotta.
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