Transfers Are to Manchester United What Heroin is to an Addict

By: Taylor Rockwell | July 17th, 2009

Much like the heroin addict who swears this is his last hit, Manchester United (and Sir Alex Ferguson) need just one more hit to get them through their Asia tour. As previously discussed, Fergie made it quite clear that United were done in the transfer window (leading some incredibly astute individuals to wonder whether or not this was smoke and mirrors). Today, Manchester United confirmed that the club had captured Senegal Under-21 striker Mame Biram Diouf from Norwegian club Molde. This signing is important on two different fronts.

Number 1: It definitely appears that the speculation regarding Fergie’s decision to abandon any further transfers was more so rooted in frustration than an actual set policy. As a result of Slave and Kaka, nearly every player in the world is now apparently worth 15 times what they were three months ago. Take, for example, the case of Douglas Costa. The ramifications of his signing aside, the youngster (or “New Ronaldhino” if you prefer) has featured in only a total of 13 games for the Brazilian side. Of those appearances, eight were as a substitution. His goal tally? Zero. And yet Gremio, currently residing in eighth place in the Brasileirao, are demanding upwards of £25 million for the youngster.

So it doesn’t really surprise me that Fergie intended to close up shop, nor does it surprise me that he’s also occupying the role of shopaholic today. “We weren’t intending on signing anyone else after last week – we feel we have a full squad – but the situation accelerated to a point where other clubs started to make bids, so we had to decide whether we acted or didn’t act. We decided to act and he’ll be the last person we sign.” Translation: We’ve tracked him for two years, realized he would be cheap now, realized that if other clubs got involved the price would skyrocket, and therefore pulled the trigger quickly. Whether or not this is actually our final signing remains to be seen.

Number 2: I don’t know what the cost of this deal was, but I’m willing to say this: move over Manucho, there’s a new man-crush in town. According to Soccernet, “The 21-year-old forward joined Molde in January 2007 and has scored 23 goals in just over 50 league appearances for the Norwegian club.” Sadly, he won’t be heading to Old Trafford any time soon. “He was signed yesterday and he needs a work permit. He’ll stay on loan where he is and we’ll look to bring him in January,” said United chief executive David Gill.

Regardless, I’m always excited when we bring in a new striker even if the words “Senegalese striker” and “Norwegian League” don’t exactly instill a lot of confidence. Just remember that the last player to play for both Molde and Manchester United was Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Just saying… Anyway, here are some YouTube clips that will hopefully sustain you until January…

That’s right Nani… he stole your celebration… I would advise you to watch your back…