5InIstanbul

Im increasingly coming round to this way of thinking. I wouldnt be surprised if Rafa insisted on tying up a deal for his replacement before allowing Alonso to leave / it to be made official.

Yep I agree. I thing Babels time on the wing is done, I think Rafa will use him as backup for Torres now or perhaps even if he wants to go 2 up top with frigthening pace with Gerrard behind. Cue the, "He's gonna be our Henry" prayers...

I agree thats the usual story yes. But there are examples of clubs playing hard ball. Mancs with Placcy, Villa with Barry last yr etc. Im afraid he may well be off, I just think we should have the balls to hold out for a truly massive fee. As I said, we need every bean for replacements, and it would be nice to screw those parasites for every last Euro.

I dont deny that but it wasnt my point. Rafa has said not for sale / pay 47m if you want him. So why lower your demands? And whilst 35m is a lot, in this currently stupid market, replacements will cost a bomb too you we need all the moola we can squeeze out of the f**kers.

Why would we cave in and take 35 million, I just dont see the logic if we do that. I'd be very disappointed. Where's the vodka, i need a large one!

According to the beeb, one of the Madrid Directors has confirmed they are chasing Alonso. No sh*t! Pay what we'd want (47m Euro was it?) or feck off. Preferably the latter.

Just as a slightly off topic aside, whilst Im no fan of them, I love what Madrid have done to Utd this summer. First Ronaldo, then top target Benzema. Thank you. Now f**k off about Xabi you tossers.

Well that's a come and bid for them plea if I ever heard one!

Dear Mssrs Valdano and Perez, You're boring me, any chance you could f**k off? Ta muchly. Rafa

Exactly, and lets not forget a couple of seasons of abject mediocrity by Alonso's standards meant Rafa was spot on to try what he did. In the end it worked out and he had an outstanding season, who's to say his form wont slide as it did last time? Id love him to stay an maintain his level of last season, but I trust Rafa either way.

That does not sound good! They can feck off if they think 20mill is enough. And how the hell is a spanish international right back, even with just one yr left on contract, worth only 5 mill?

Well you should bloody know. Are you away with him or not?

Well I agree with Arbeloa on one thing. It certainly is "always nice to be on the list of large equipment".....

F**k me, great poinjt. Ring Rafa just in case this has slipped his mind! He knows what he's doing you tool.

Any chance you could crunch them up first please? Ta

£18.5m for a player who wins goal of the season ahead of Torres' v Blackburn is an absolute bargain.

Exactly, if its got wheels or t1ts it's going to give you trouble at some point!

Benzema = the new Cisse. Ribery, whilst looking very good, has proved rock all in a top class league/team. Yes please Fergie, blow your brains to the tune of 80 mill on those 2.

Fair point Tosh but there is a big difference IMO. Those players you mention were all part of very very good teams in their day. Ronaldo has dragged a merely decent team to the top. 07/08 they were a one man show and last season they were knackered until he switched it on after injury towards mid season. To them in their current form, he's irreplaceable, no one else will do what he's done. Big big changes needed. Yes they may manage it but its a massive ask.

Alright then, top 6. Still doesnt mean the Mancs have any Interesting question, after Ronaldo goes, whos their best player and would he make a world top ten. Rooney's probably about there to be fair.

There are 5 players in world football head and shoulders above the rest. Gerrard, Torres, Ronaldo, Kaka and Messi. Liverpool 2, Man Utd 0

Better atmosphere in the ground?

Exactly. Cant remember where I saw it but some journo muppet during the run in did a who from Liverpool would get in the United XI. Their genius concluded only Gerrard and Torres. Apparently VDS was clearly better than Reina and Fletcher and Carrick were in front of Alonso and Masch Priceless, wish I could recall which t*** it was.

Perez: Were going all out to sign Ronaldo but Alonso is out of the question as he plays for a big club. Brilliant, that should wind up a Manc or twelve.

Funny how us and Barca both went at this shower and tore them to bloody pieces. Food for thought the rest of you Premier league bottlers. Next year, f***ing get at them!!!