Quote:
Originally Posted by funkdoctorspock
The problem which United has at the moment [not really a problem, but a philosophy which I completely agree with] is building a team around youth. I can't imagine a striker coming into the fold older than 26. So it is going to cost a bit to get this accomplished. A top striker with European experience and in the age bracket of 20-27 starts at 18+ million pounds. Can't say this is any different from the last 5-7 years.
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Here's a thought regarding a youth policy. Now, what I'm about to say is very obviously only a short-term fix, and we'd still need to find someone young(er) as a long-term solution. However, so as not to get the club engaged in some sort of bidding war or end up paying well above what should be the actual value thanks to the current trend of skyrocketing fees, it may be a workable plan for now:
How about going for an older, already-established striker who has this much-lauded experience factor working in his favor? Someone like a Larsson last season. We wouldn't have to tinker too much with the existing first team, his experience would come in handy for the first teamers and younger players playing the same position, he'd be a viable threat coming off the bench if/when needed, and fitness shouldn't be an issue if he's primarily used off the bench. And hey, if he still has legs to play full matches, even better.
Candidate #1: Thierry Henry. Sacrilege to some to even suggest, maybe, but can anyone deny his ability? And look how he played for Barca against us in the CL semis. My gosh, if he played 180 minutes in those matches, I almost fear for what could've been the outcome.
Again..........short-term fix. And no, I'm not delusional.