[GocartMozart]

first of all Berbatov has been subpar this season. he's scored 8 goals, but four of those were against Reading. So let's do the math. Tottenham had played 19 games before the 29th of December and he had scored 4 goals. THAT is shite at least by using your logic. I'm stunned that the Spurs fans haven't been pushing...no, no...i'm surprised they haven't LYNCHED him. Now let me point out that I'm a Bulgarian who is stating the obvious, and I do come with some bias towards my countryman, but Berbatov is not shite and 8 goals in 21 games is not representative of his class. It's unfortunate that you haven't been able to seperate class and form, the way you're willing in Berbatov's case. Let's measure the players by the same yard stick.

As for benzema...the question is WHO THE FUCK!

You'll list Benzema as a better candidate to lead the United line even though he plays for Lyon, in a substandard league, against substandard defenders, and he's only shown you something for all of 9 months. Give me a break. If you want to sell me the argument that he should be striker number 4, I might buy it at a lower price tag, but to ignore Saha outright, because you prefer an untested striker is nonsensical. You know, I know it.

I'll buy your arguments, but don't slag pure class, particularly when they are loyal to the red kit, are proven in the league time and time again. Saha has his problems, but talent is not it.

[losangeles]

I think Saha is certainly underappreciated. He was great in the Arsenal game and it always looks like he's trying to me. Sure his health isn't spectacular, but I appreciate his efforts and have certainly seen a lot of skill from him.

There is no way on Earth that Rooney is going to be benched for anyone. It's also hard to imagine seeing Tevez on the bench. If we do sign Berbatov then those 3 will be an absolutely incredible trio to go with Ronaldo for goals.

At this point, I'm expecting 1 striker signing, and I'm hoping for Berbatov. I've really liked him for a while and am thrilled that United might get him.

[GocartMozart]

spot on losangeles. i completely agree with you. It's probably going to be Rooney and Tevez as starters and Saha used to finish out games and bring on a burst of speed and give a real contrast to Tevez. They bring such different styles to the game that I don't mind seeing Saha coming off the bench.

I think of Saha as a thoroughbread horse. unless he's 100% fit, he's practically worthless, but when he's at his peak, he'll win you all three trophies.

[funkdoctorspock]

Steering this thread back on topic. Here's a news piece on Benzema's interest and love for United.

Still dont' see this transfer happening because:

1. 20+ million pounds is a lot of money
2. Lyon and United face off in CL play next month

Keep dreaming Benzema!

Lyon striker Karim Benzema has admitted that he "loves" Manchester United and would be extremely tempted by a move to Old Trafford.

The France international has scored 21 goals in 33 matches this season, including two for his country.

His impressive ratio has attracted attention from top clubs all over Europe - and speculation of a move has furthered by claims that he "loves" Manchester United.

The versatile front-man has played down talk of a move away from Lyon stating that he would only leave Les Gones after helping them to UEFA Champions League glory.

However, 22-year-old Benzema has admitted that he would be extremely tempted by an offer from the likes of the Old Trafford Club.

"Milan makes me dream," he told Italian sports daily Gazzetta dello sport.

"Also because Ronaldo is there - he's my idol. He's from another planet.

"But I also love Juventus, Inter and Manchester United - the big clubs. What's important is to win.

"I would leave Lyon only to continue to win and when I also feel ready mentally."
Click

[Wayne10Rooney]

Maybe saying Saha is shite was a little over the top, but when you look at the future of United, would you rather place it in the hands of Tevez, Rooney, Benzema, Berbatov or Saha, yes Saha has been a good fill in when those players are injured, but not a top class striker that United need, and should always have.

[GocartMozart]

unfortunatley you're right. we don't need a player that is such a fragile thoroughbread. sigh

i love the player, i especially love his wife, but he can't be trusted to be constantly healthy, not that berbatov can either, but regardless.

[Wayne10Rooney]

I think whether it's Benzema or Berbatov, they could play a format, where Tevez and Rooney rotate into an attacking midfield position, (of course after Scholes leaves) and have Berbatov up top. They would be a threat up the middle and having balls swung in from the wings.

I guess it would be a 4-1-2-2-1 crazy I know. Prospective lineup in 2 years:
---------------------------Foster
--Boswinga/Simpson--Vidic--Rio--Evra
------------Carrick/Hargreaves/Anderson?
Ronaldo-------------------------------------Nani
-------------Tevev/Rooney
--------------------------------Rooney/Tevez
-------------------Berbatov/Benzema

I know that this isn't realistic, and it shows the problem that United would have if they brougt in Berba or Benz. And where would that leave Anderson? THis shows that they would have to bench one of the strikers, and we don't want to become to rotating door that is Liverpool FC.

[losangeles]

I think Saha is a bench player who can spark a game - I don't think any of us see him as a regular starter or as the future of United. Still, I appreciate what he's given and tries to give.

There's something about Berbatov that had me at hello. I just sense his style would put goals in the net for United and that he fits in really well with who we have now. Of course, I haven't seen Benzema much at all... not many chances to from here in LA.

[funkdoctorspock]

Had no idea United would be monitoring another winger. This has to be bollocks. We have Nani to replace Giggs down the road. Why would they now want Arfa.

40 million for the two? errrrrrr...

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas claims Sir Alex Ferguson has enquired about Karim Benzema and Hatem Ben Arfa.


The highly-rated attacking duo have been repeatedly linked with a move to the Premier League, with Arsenal and Chelsea rumoured to hold an interest.

Back in the autumn, Aulas warned any interested clubs that Benzema and Ben Arfa would not be sold until Lyon had won the UEFA Champions League.

The French champions meet United next week in the last 16 of Europe's elite club competition and Aulas claims Ferguson has been in touch.

But the Lyon supremo is in no mood to sell the youngsters in the near future after United were linked with a £40million double swoop.

Building for future

"I told Sir Alex that Benzema and Ben Arfa will not leave in the next two years," Aulas is quoted in The Sun.

"We want to build our future on them.

"If he wants to exchange Cristiano Ronaldo for Ben Arfa we could talk about it, but they would have to also give us a bit of money."

Striker Benzema has scored 16 goals in 24 league games this season, while Ben Arfa has impressed on the wing for Lyon.

Sky Sports | Football | Premier League | Manchester United | Lyon warn United off duo

[Mark]

Imo it's a bit too much, I mean if there were 30 mil (i'm with euro here) for only one player (Benzema is a lot more needed I think), it would have been ok, but when you buy two, you get a discount :P 50 mil is enough I think
Aulas is a really funny guy, I mean Ronaldo, come on :lol: