World Cup 2006 Blog

The prospect of having Torres sign for Man Utd is amazing !

We can't wait to see him in a Man Utd shirt, moreover, it brings more flair to our side with Roo & Ron linking up to him.

I am not keen. I'd rather have ruud with his ability to score in the box at will. He is a massive red as well but has been marginalised merely due to ferguson's antiquated ways.
How many spanish forwards have succeeded in the premiership? How many 22 year olds with a massive price tag on their shoulders have come from abroad and succeeded.
I'd rather fergie sorted out the ruud situation. He is a united legend.

Enough about England playing poorly and yet progressing and all the transfer gossip!

Let us focus on something much more interesting. Pot Noodles! Mmmmmm

Pot Noodle Facts:

-Pot Noodles are vegetarian friendly and contain no meat (even the Beef and Tomato or chicken varieties use Textured Soya Pieces, hmmmm nice!).

-They are based on foods designed by NASA for early astronauts.

-Scientists working at the Food Standards Agency have discovered that the nutritional value of used cat litter is higher than that of Pot Noodle and other re-constituted snacks.

http://www.FollowingEngland.com

I could have sworn there was a line about Gary Neville eating a pot noodle?

I must be losing my mind!

It will take more than £20M to get hold of "El Niño". The board of Atleti know that his value is rising with every World Cup Goal he scores.

In addition Atleti are financially okay at the moment, they don't need to sell him and I don't think he wants to go. He has always that said that if he goes, it will have to be for the good of the club, and the signings of Costinha, Aguero et al mean that Atleti should be pushing to get back into Europe next year - something Torres will want to be part of.

But to be honest, if you'd have seen him play week in week out last season (I have a season ticket at the Calderon), you'd say he was worth about £5M only. He was poor most games.

how legit is this?

bbc sport are thye only source for this story???

why?

As a Utd fan I still want Ruud to stay and would be quite gutted if he left.

However, I would love it - LOVE IT I say - if we signed Torres. He's class.

it think man utd have to sign a good midfield like diarra or riquleme or carrick we aslo need a quailt defender and if ruud goes we will need a striker like torres.

ruud has been great for us, but everyone has a sell by date and ruud has passed his. if man utd get torres that would send a message to chelsea that they are going to have a realistic rival in the championship.
carrick and torres, heinz back. we'd be back in business.

rud is out bring on rooney and torres
what a combination they would be unstoppable. bring on carrick we need a midfielder and who knows he could be the next beckham

I think Manchester United should try every possible means to sign the 22years old teenager, Fernando Torres
without any waste of time, so that what happen to Rhonaldino's deal will not repeat itself.
I am very happy that England made it through to the quater final. I will like Ericksson to play with the same formation, that is 4,5,1,formation, but this time he should allow Lenon to start and rest Beckham so that it will be all out attack.Secondly I prefer Jenas than Carrick, and that it's.

how can you compere torres with nistelrooy . torres is twice the player
nistelrooy is not as good as saha
if you can get 20mil for van nistelrooy
jump at it john

is fernando torres going to United?

Thats a suprise. You are comparing Torres to van Nistelrooy? We should not judge torres by the few games he's played. And i'm sorry to say he is not twice the player van is, may be later in the futture but for now, van is the man.

Torres and Rooney what a partnership that would be, take on Shev n Co any day

Van Nistelrooy's performances end of season and in the world cup have been effortless. I cannot believe he hasnt had the same stick Ronaldo has had. He just looks like he doesnt care. We dont want a player who doesnt want to play to win so Van the Man on your way Milan are calling, or maybe Porstmouth...Torres welcome son!

United should get Torres

Of course Chelsea are lurking in the background. Any club selling a major star would do well to involve Chelsea in an auction - perceived or real. The Chelsea tax must add at least 25% to a player's market value and whether they want Torres or not Atletico would be mad not to make out that Chelsea do.

Still, maybe Chelsea do want to buy him and play Torres, Drogba, Shevchenko, Kalou, Duff, Robben, Wright-Phillips, Cole, Ballack and Lampard up front in a revolutionary 0-0-10 formation!

TORRES WILL BE A MANCHESTER UNITED PLAYER ON JULY 1ST, TORRES WILLNEVER GO TO CHELSEA BECAUSE THEY ALREADY HAVE 4 GREAT STRIKERS, IT LOOKS LIKE RUUD IS LEAVING SO WE NEED A REPLACEMENT AND TORRES IS PERFECT, ROONEY AND TORRES A FORM A TERRORISING PARTNERSHIP, AND YOU LIVERPOOL FANS MUST BE DREAMING IF YOU THINK IS ON HIS WAY TO ANFIELD, SIMPLY BECAUSE YOU CAN AFFORD HIM. COME ON UNITED, SIGN TORRES AND WE WILL HAVE 3 OF THE GREATEST YOUNG LAYER IN THE WORLD ROONEY, RONALDO AND TORRES NOT FORGETING ABOUT ROSSI

well if he does come thn it will be rooney and torres will it work? well both young,quick but lets face it rooneys better so why get a striker when we have saha,rossi and smith there and then where playing o'shea and giggs in the middle whats all thath about get a grip fergie i say get carrick in and that macscherano who plays for argentina young keano in the making so stop wasting time with strikers when we need midfielders

Torres is a very good player and i think it is the kind of player man utd need. he is a very talented young player that can help them win the championship.he is doing well in the world cup for spain.

In response to killemall, who is presumably a Metallica fan given that name....
The Torres whisper comes from a reputable source and it appears the whole story has gathered pace in the last week.
Being the decent chap I am, I thought I would share this little titbit with you all.
I would not have mentioned it if I thought there was nothing in it.
One word of caution though - many have tried to prise Torres away from Atletico and none have succeeded.

Rooney and Torres how about no why get a striker when we got ruud,rossi,smith, and saha and Rooney!!!!! what we need is a action packed midfielder like maschernano he is a young keane in the making and get carrick great on the ball have mascherano tackle for him easy. Fergie get a grip man and hurry up and sign some midfielders or chelsea will just buy them all the way there going. Get Fergie out martin o'neil in keano as assistant.

Everyone moans about Beckham but dropping Van Nistlerooji didn't help the Dutch. They could have used his experience in front of goal against Portugal. Kuyt, who was picked instead, was profligate and they payed the penalty. I would have no qualms about playing Lennon and earlier in the match but Beckham should start.

There has been talk of peace breaking out between Ruud van Nistelrooy and Sir Alex Ferguson.

But he will have hardly made Sir Alex pine for his return with his performances out here.

Maybe a young and hungry fighter like Torres is the better option.

Torres will be suited to Man U. Seems Chelsea has ran out of ideas about who they actually need. Torres has more prospect of playing regularly at Man U. C'mon boy, bring the flair to Old Trafford. Van Niestelrooy been axed in the Dutch team just proves SAF right all along.

Carrick £14m? Is he really worth that much, is he that good? Hasnt achieved much, cannot get in the England squad ahead of Hargreaves. We need to compete with Chelseas omense midfield, Riquelme and Gattuso in the center, Maxi Rodriguez on the right, stick Ronaldo on the left, Torres n Rooney leading the attack - AWESOME

I'm a United fan who would love to see Fernando Torres palying at Old Trafford. I remember seeing him play a few years ago while i was on holiday, he was playing for Atletico Madrid against Barcelona at the Nou Camp on the opening day of the 2002/03 season. Even then you could see he had what it takes to be a top player and judging by his performances at the World Cup so far he seems to have got better and better.

Ruud Van Nistelrooy on the other hand is a player I have had the utmost espect for ever since he came to the Premiership. Until now. It seems to me (and plenty of other United supporters, I'm sure) like over the past year he's completely lost interest and the work-rate just isn't there like it used to be. And looking at the World Cup he's just had, I wouldn't want to count on him next season, especially as it's a season where we clearly neeed all our players firing on all cylinders if we want to top Chelsea.

I for one would certainly prefer to have the young and hungry Torres playing at my club over a lazy, whingy Van Nistelrooy...

Yes,Torres might end up there, but he could do better. Apart from Rooney, Ferguson presides (for however long he lasts) over a rapidly declining team. Torres should have had a good look at them last season.

by him please he will make the differts to our team put the bid up to 30 million if you have to

How much better than United can you get? Chelsea but they have 7 players for each position of whom each cost £20m +, Barcelona who have an awesome attack n wont drop Ron or Eto so Torres would be stuck out on the right or on the bench. Madrid, when they appoint Sven n he brings injury prone owen back, n buys Hargreaves n makes Beckham capt n plays him til hes 50, so Torres a Spaniard wouldnt get a look in. No point Torres going to Italy or Germany cuz you wouldnt hear about him again. So the Prem beckons and Lpool or Arsenal or even Ncastle cant afford him. So who better than Man Utd for Torres

He went completely unnoticed, unrecognised, ignored even.

except by you. or your sources!!!

What is the deal with Terry Butcher slagging Beckham. Ok the lad has not played to his best but set up two goals in the group stage which without England may no longer in the world cup, and then yesterday he score the match winner.

I think due to the contrubtion he has made so far for England and changing their games he is got to be looking close to player of the tourment so far along with Joe Cole who to has been outstanding.

From Andrew (Glasgow)

Thanks for sharing that with us Phil. I am grateful for all the football gossip I can get my ears and eyes on - from reliable sources of course. With England playing so poorly that even if we were to win the World Cup I'd think we didn't deserve it, it's good to be able to fantasise about all the great players we might see playing in the premiership next season. And as a Spurs fan who is bitter that Daniel Levy never followed up Roman Abramovitch's interest in Tottenham, if any club can get to a player before Chelsea I'll be happy. It looks like we're getting there with Zokora, and I hope United get there with Torres too. It can only be good for the Premiership. And as for what that other guy wrote about Carrick, did he watch the Premiership last season?

I would love to see Torres at OT,just got my season ticket would be great to watch him week in week out.As for Ruud i would like to know the full story,he has been great for us but something isn`t quite right.

Come on Torres!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi, Phil.

I just wondered, what are the chances of this deal going through, according to you source?

I've got my hopes up about the Torres story ever since if first broke again this summer and for it all to turn out to be nothing, or for Torres to go elswhere i'd be devestated in truth. He's a great player and at 22 will only get better, RVN is a great player too but if United have any sence, they will sign Torres. He's younger, hungrier and overall he's a better footballer.

Any more info would be greatly apprechiated, Phil.

Couldnt prise my lazy eyes away from Champ Manager long enough to watch Spurs last season Ollie so i can only go on what i have seen. Dont get me wrong he does have potential but with all the names Man Utd have been linked with and watching Carrick yest im not sure. We need a tough tackling midfielder which Carrick aint, and we need a playmaker which if we can get him i think Riquemle would be a better catch than Carrick. But hey thats just my opinion

This is a strategically terrific move by Fergie. If he spends the bulk of his transfer money on Torres it gives him a fearsome set of young attacking talent including Rooney, Ronaldo, Saha, Rossi, Park and Richardson.
The key is whether they can do a deal that sees Ruud go to Lyon in part exchange for Diarra.
Does that get Man Utd what they need to win the title? Read some additional thoughts and vote here:
http://www.globalfutbol.com/story/2006/6/26/8554/39333

I would definately prefer Torres over van Nistelrooy

My comment is that chelsey are making the game of football very unintresting. The want everything for them selves.This prove the vieuw that the chelsey caoch is not a real coach but a pretender. Get a life morinho and Man U alone Ok Or else you will be loking for enemies all over the world as Man U is the richer than your club.

YEAH.

I THINK Torres WILL DO THE JOB OF RUUD VAN IN MAN UTD.

SO NO FEAR ABOUT THAT HE WILL BE A GOOD SIGNIN..................

ONE UNITED.

I think it's almost inevitable that Ruud is finished at United and will be on his way (for about £12m) in the summer. Fergie will obviously want to replace him and Torres makes perfect sense. He's young, quick, strong and has shown at the world cup that he can score goals (even if he has hardly set the world alight in an average Athletico Madrid side).

I think this deal will happen - Chelsea won't go after him as they've already signed Shevchenko and Kalou to go with Drogba and it's too rich for Arsenal's blood; plus the top Italian sides aren't in a position to bid due to legal troubles, barca don't need a striker and he would never move across Madrid to Real.

Now if only Fergie would realise that Michael Carrick CAN'T tackle and is NOT worth £14m and instead spend the money on Mascherano United might actually be in a position to challenge for the title next season.

I feel that torres would be a great addition to our strike force, I think that maybe it is time to let go of ruud van niestelrooy because towards the end of the season we managed to put a tremendous run and went unbeaten for eleven gamnes till we lost to the filth of chelsea and with age also different we could get someone that value could rise within the next 5 years and he also has a great future ahead with torres and rooney up front there aint a better partnership in the world.

yes we should buy torres but why dont we also buy maxi rodreguez because giggs wont be able to play the whole season and parks hopeless especially in the champions league. Requelme may be good but does anyone remember what happened last time we bought a £20m+ argie midfielder? we could probably get away with buying macherano cos hes a class act as it looks like diarra isnt going to come but:
van der sar
Neville Ferdinand Vidic Heinze
Maxi Macherano Scholes Ronaldo
Torres Rooney
is still good. and Carrick £14m really, him?

He's great, but I'm just waiting for Chelsea to snatch him from us, even after he has signed a contract and appeared posing in the shirt!!!

I think Fernando will bi the best replacement for Ruud as the Ducthman's future at OT is in doubt now amid his poor display at the World Cup.ManUtd should release some players to make way for new signings. Luis Saha, Alan Smith, Darren Fletcher, John O'shea should be released to make way for Mohamadou Diarra, Michael Carrick, Juan Roman Riquelme, Javier Merchanaro, Fernando Torres and Miroslav Klose. I am eager to see these players at OT next season and I think if ManUtd want to win trophy, they must release players for new, better and world class stars. ManUtd is the World's second richest club after Real Madrid in 2005, so they must have enough money to spend on players. If they don't sign world class players, how can they overcome Chelsea for trophy.

Chhieng Yung, a ManUtd fan from Cambodia

i think we should get torres, carrick or mascherano & a good defender. we dont need riquleme, he dont interest me much. coz everything has gotta go through him before some1 can shoot. we need a team player coz if we get him, we wont be seeing ronaldo or rooney doing what they can do with him hogging the ball all the time.

as a united fan who watches them every week, i have to admit ive neva been a fan of ruud, yeah scores goals but not the kind of striker we need at old trafford, torres is.
Im agreeing with all the talk about needing midfielders, ever since becks left our midfield has fallen appart. Fergie for once get a grip, sign riquelme, even if it is at the expense of torres. Think its fergies last season to prove himself or he shud go, so these summer signings will make or break him aswell as united. (he shud have gone 3 years ago to be honest)
Nice talking to u all, if u agree or disagree do not hesitate to repli

£20m for Torres is fine but afterwards will we have the cash to buy at least 2 top central midfielders that we desperately need (hopefully including Requelme)?

£20m for Torres is fine but afterwards will we have the cash to buy at least 2 top central midfielders that we desperately need (hopefully including Requelme)?

my source who knows the ins and out at Old Trafford said Torres is a done deal but due to World Cup and all that, announcement will be made after the WC

also Requleme on his way as well.. if you all recall when Villareal were in London during the CL semin-Final Alex Ferguson and David Gill went to the Hotel Villareal were staying in, under the impression they were wishing Forlan good luck, yeah right, why would David Gill be their.. work it out people..

Our football style over the last season has evolved over the last few years from the Becks-Giggs-Keane-Scholes midfield. We played with two wide players crossing the ball to two main strikers.

Now the tactics are different, we sometimes play with one striker with two players roaming behind him linking the play. Van Nistlerooy does not suit this at all as he plays with his back towards goals and prefers two traditional wingers.
He is a traditonal big centre forward who loves crosses. In the World Cup, Holland's tactics don't suit him as both Persie and Robben like to cut inside and are not your typical crossers of the ball. He misses Becks and the old Giggsy too much. Saha has been more successful and comfortable when playing in front of Ronaldo and Rooney. This is because Saha is more agile and versatile, he can drop deep easily. So Ruud will leave because of his problems with Fergie but also he doesn't suit our tactics for the forthcoming season.

Torres is a lot more agile and quick than Ruud. he has the ability drop deep to pick up the ball. i read somewhere that he can run 100m around the 10 second mark. So he is quicker.

Torres would suit our tactics perfectly.

4-3-3 formation

Torres-Rooney-Ronaldo

DM-DM-Giggsy/Park

Heinze-Vidic/Brown-Rio-Neville

VDS

I have heard this rumour for a good few weeks now & I firmly believe it could be true. The scary thought is imagine Torres, Rooney, Ronaldo, Rio & co. Give it a couple of seasons & they will be breathtaking again!!!

i think the prospect of torres coming to manchester united is fantastic

To sign Torres would be great, I think he would partner Rooney well.
But I would like to see Ruud stay as I think this will sharpen him up,and if he gets another chance I think he will prove his critics wrong. All great players go through bad patch,and don't forget what a great servant to Man utd he's been.

4 ever united

i think torres would be a great buy but right now its just a rumour. you just have to read all the rubbish on the bbc gossip column to have an idea of how realistic this transfer is. Man United have been linked with at least 10-20 players since the world cup started but i wouldnt believe anything until the World Cup's over and out the way!

u know that torres has score 3 spectacular goals in world cup and more to come...he is young player that united need ...if he joins united than for me i prefer ruud to stay..we need experience too

for more information

why not check out manutd massage board on manutd.com

i think that the addition of Torres will bring a greater chance of the title coming back to Old Trafford. Rooney and Torres Up front.

The BBC is not the only source of this story. I've also read the spanish website for their sports paper "La Marca" (a cracking paper if anyone can understand Spanish), and it was actually on their website BEFORE the BBC put it on, and the Marca is usually pretty damn good with these stories. I'm a Utd fan and whilst he may not be 100% the player needed, in time he will be, and more. Him & Rooney together? Dynamite partnership of young eager hungry skilful strikers. Champions League beware!

i think torres must come to man united because we need him if nistelrooy is going we will put him up front with rooney witch will be great as the way they are both playing.

He would be an excellent signing but i think Riquelme would be a better buy if they could get him.

I also read that Chelsea want Torres too? They have Drogba & Shevchenko amongst others so if this is true the only reason i could figure is they want him so others can't have him maybe??

Fernando Torres is quick, powerfull, skillfull and aggresive, Ruud is an out an out poacher, who can get 20 goals a season (as long as he is injury free and picked as a first team regular), however I dont really see what he adds to the team other than his striking ability - for me the truely great players are the ones who can do everything - total footballers - Torres definietely has that potential. Van was the man at his peek, united cant afford to keep him if he has passed his best (which i think he has) thus his time should be over at United. Ferguson has always been rutheless and should continue to be so, whether he has had a falling out with Ruud or not is immaterial, being a United player is about being the best.

OMG!!!

Torres coming to Old Trafford is fantastic news, the best all week!

Just imagine Rooney and Torres at the frontline of United's attack

Unstoppable!

Ideal united team to challenge chelski next season:
VDS
G Nev Rio Vidic/Wes Heinze
Scholes Mascherano
Ronaldo Rooney Riquelme
Torres

The money from Ruud (£12m), Obi Mikel (£12m) and a couple of other sales (eg Silvestre £5m) plus the summer transfer budget should be enough to get these three players all of whom are available apparently.

If Toress wants to see his career in 12 months if he goes to Chelsea.. he may want to talk to Shaun Wright-Philips.

Ruud Ruud Ruud!

As long as we don't pay way over the odds, Torres would be the ideal partner for Rooney, perhaps by selling ruud we can find the funds to get him. However, we definitely need a new centre-midfielder. Carrick is a good idea but Mascherano would be more worth spending £15 for. If we have money left over after that another midfield playmaker can be bought, such as Riquelme, to support our strikers. We also need to let Richardson, Rossi and our other younger players develop as they are the stars of OT's future.

Despite being a spurs fan, i think torres would do wonders for ManU and would be a great addition to the premiership, lets hop he can silence Shevchenko and Chelsea

TOOORRREEESS D BEEESTTT...UNITEEEDD D BEEESSTTTT

Weheey whoever wrote number 13 needs their ed lookin at, since wen has a 22yr old ever been a teenager????
He doesnt know wot hes tlkin bout wiv carrick he was gr8 against Ecuador and the only thing he managed to reflect on accuratly was tht Torres wud b ace for Man U, Rooney wud play off him well n it'd b gr8 2 c him playin for us

Not a United fan, but gotta say that even though he has a few goals in the tournament dont think Torres is all that special.

His fourth goal against Ukraine showed lovely technique but I dont know exactly what kind of striker he is. Doesnt have great pace to play of the shoulder, great strength to hold the ball up, or great dribbling skills to beat men. Missed a few chances against Tunisia where he should have bagged a hat-trick at least.

Infact most spanish fans I ran into in Germany lasdt week gave the impression that he is a bit flakey when playing for Athletico in La Liga.

Tevez looks a far more exciting proposition IMO, although he does reimind one of Rooney, and what about united going in for Klose, surely the most improved player at the Tournament?

Ruud needs confidence from ferguson. He hasn't been playing well because of this. Ferguson should know this. He's such an ass. Trying to bully ruud out of the team while he has been giving 150% for a couple of years. (just like jaap stam, keane and beckham) Ruud set all the records at united. I'd like to see torres do that.. (he has the potential and is a great player but we'll just have to see if he can perform that well) Its ferguson who's failing. Maybe it is time for him to go!

everyone seems to forget about ruuds amazing scoring record for united. its a shame the way things have gone but to be fair to fergie ruud has looked distant and demotivated ever since saha was given a run. so id be lying if i said we shouldnt go for it with torres.
i agree with a lot of the other posts too about our midfield, finally replacing keano should be our priority this summer. we cant expect o'shea/giggs/fletcher to compete with the likes of makelele/lampard/ballack, we need 2 midfielders, one a ball winner like gattuso or mascherano, and a match winner like riquelme or maxi.
heinze will be like a new signing to us to the defence will be ok next year.
we saw last year that chelsea are beatable, and can go on bad runs too, so lets get this sorted united and take back our trophy

torres in ruud out
also purchase carrick
and buy woodgate for a fraction madrid paid for him

I only hope this is true, if He signs for Man utd then I see a proper challenge for the title against chelsea.He's big,strong and reliable.

Torres will join Utd for £22 Million, Theres no way chelsea are going to rob Man Utd again. Torres will form a terrorising partnership with Rooney,This is one spainiard not heading for liverpool and he's going to be the 'Best@ Spainiard in the premiership, He will score 20+ golas in a season. With Carrick on his way to utd aswell and theres a 50/50 chance of signing Riquelme, Man Utd will bring home the Premiership. It will be a long race between Man Utd and Chelsea but Utd will win it. Im guessing Torres will sign on the 23rd Of July, Fergie will also sigh Kerlon who will be another great signing, I think Rossi and Pique are going to be Big stars in 2 seasons. UNITED UNITED!

Take it from me and I have inside knowledge from Madrid.

Torres will sign for Arsenal as sson as Spain are out the world cup.

Ribery to Man Utd

hey i think its graet to have torres in man u.Then next season they will compete against chelsea.RVN is too old

Im puzzled why Tevez has'nt yet been linked with Man utd though i do think Torres is just the stiker the Red W**kers need with Van the man Milan-bound and Saha breaking his leg every other game, though i believe he should of been a secondary priority behind Zokora, Diarra, Mascherano and Carrick. I doubt O'shea and co. can stand to Chelsea's Trio of Lamps, Ballack, Makelele and Essien and Liverpools duo of Xabi and Stevie Gerrard. Arsenal definetly have the skill vision and classy youth in the middle of the park, but i doubt half of them could last five minutes against physical opposiotn i.e Blackburn ( don't give me dat rubbish of 'our reputation precedes...) and Bolton.

I know the speculation hasn't mentioned Arsenal but does no-one remember that in January Torres complimented arsenal and said he would love to move to arsenal come summer, this was on the bbc, arsenal have been following him for years and i would not be surprised if they jumped in for his signature

We need to go all out to get Torres, him and rooney would be unstoppable! Ruud has been a great player for us and we cant forget that but every player has their time and now maybe its time for Ruud to go. Also we need to make sure we get Carrick, him and Scholsey will be great in the middle 4 us.

Im puzzled why Tevez has'nt yet been linked with Man utd though i do think Torres is just the stiker the Red W**kers need with Van the man Milan-bound and Saha breaking his leg every other game, though i believe he should of been a secondary priority behind Zokora, Diarra, Mascherano and Carrick. I doubt O'shea and co. can stand to Chelsea's Trio of Lamps, Ballack, Makelele and Essien and Liverpools duo of Xabi and Stevie Gerrard. Arsenal definetly have the skill vision and classy youth in the middle of the park, but i doubt half of them could last five minutes against physical opposiotn i.e Blackburn ( don't give me dat rubbish of 'our reputation precedes...) and Bolton.

Im puzzled why Tevez has'nt yet been linked with Man utd though i do think Torres is just the stiker the Red W**kers need with Van the man Milan-bound and Saha breaking his leg every other game, though i believe he should of been a secondary priority behind Zokora, Diarra, Mascherano and Carrick. I doubt O'shea and co. can stand to Chelsea's Trio of Lamps, Ballack, Makelele and Essien and Liverpools duo of Xabi and Stevie Gerrard. Arsenal definetly have the skill vision and classy youth in the middle of the park, but i doubt half of them could last five minutes against physical opposiotn i.e Blackburn ( don't give me dat rubbish of 'our reputation precedes...) and Bolton.

ruud is better than torres, ruuds goal to game ratio is unbelievable, and torres probably wont be able to play well in prem like most high profile signings- veron kejman drogba and cisse- they were all disapointing and did not match what was payed for them

i think we could have a great partnership goin here but the formation may have to change keep van put torres with him and rooney in that attcking strike support position he likes with ronaldo giggs and scholles on the wings

Bbc thanx for the gossip news so far,for manutd to be competitive they need central and creative midfielders,but ,i think manutd miss the opportunity to challenge for trophy when they allow Glazers to buy into the club,why should one borrow to own a club,it's bad investment,Chelsea will continue to dominant coz they have bought the right players without fuss.

What are we waiting for?

As a united fan for some considerable time i have seen my fair share of newspaper goss about players going to OT. But finally it seems as though the papers have got it right. Torres would be an awesome signing for us, if we could get anywhere near the money we payed for RVN if we sold him it would be a great piece of business by SAF. How many other clubs can say that they sold an unhappy 30yr old striker and bought an up and coming, potential world beating 22 yr old for a minor loss.

Get the deal(s) done SAF, ASAP!!. dont want another ronaldinho situation.

As far as the team goes i think the midfield definately needs work, lerts not forget that scholesy is back and wil give us a bit of spark in that area, a new keano is a must though (like the look of mascherano for the Argies).

What does everyone reckon bout the goalkepping no.2 position? foster good enough? or does someone else need to come in?

Surely as a manutd fan for years i would like to see torres being a devil"s player in next season.But for Van Nistelrooy,he still looks sharp in his finishing as well. it will be a good option to keep him at old trafford like bergkamp at arsenal but when it comes to transfer dealing we can put Van in the transfer market for extra bidding funds for fernando tores.It may seems cruel or in other words backstabbing for Ruud who had done great things for the club and the fans,but he always be remembered in manutd fans heart especially in the club's history along side keano for his undisputed goal scoring record.Things have change cause bad things happens for a good reason in term of like the departure of david beckham to real madrid which cauze arrival of cristiano ronaldo who maked big impact in either way both of his club and country.And as a loyal fan for this club it's time to we sees some changes to take place

Torres is promising but a much better buy would be Dutch striker Dirk Kuyt(?) very strong quick more suited to the English game and cheaper. This signing would allow us to buy holding midfielder and attacking winger. Ruud must go not the player he was 2 years ago.

Torres would be a great young signing for Man U and maybe it could help us compete with Chelsea and for the champions league.

I think it's time now for Ruud to move on and for Man U to bring in someone younger (Torres is ideal).

Once we've done that we should sort out the midfield. I belive Carrick and one or two other players would help.

By torrss,riquelme,carrick Javier Mascherano. then we can chalenge CHELSEA,LIVERPOOL, and ARSENAL for the prem,the fa.cup and champions leauge.

I am a Man City fan and would love to see Torres in Manchester, even if its at Old Trafford. The boy is class, and would only make the Premiership better!

Whats good for English football is good for England.

For England & St George.

Vindaloo nar nar!

It saddens me to read some of the so-called United fans simply writing-off Van Nistelrooy in favour of the more glamourous, flavour-of-the-month, Torres.

I for one agree with one Mr Macari on Torres; How many Spanish strikers have come to England and been a success?' None. I'm not sure ''whether Fernando Torres could hack it.''

Ruud is a proven goalscorer. The best United have had since Law. Torres is risk, an expensive risk. But at least he has a fancy name and big price tag...

According to the Spanish paper Marca, United have put in a bid for 37m euros (£25m). This amount does seem a little high - i expect United to bid very low (as usual), and then eventually increase the bid. Ferguson has been interested in Torres for years and it's not exactly a well kept secret in either Manchester of Madrid that he would eventually bid for him. So it will be no surprise to me if Torres is at Old Trafford in August.

Well as the BBC are the only site trying to insist that this rumour is true then why hasn't any other site e.g: ( Skysports ), issued this statement. BBC sort it out - I will only believe this statement if Torres does come to O.T, I think if you are to make up a believable rumour make it about a world class midfielder or defender coming to O.T because that is what we need because our strike force is undoubtfully 1 of the best..

Conclusion... sort it out... or give someone else the job of making up crap like that...

torres is 2 good 2 go to manchester he shud cum to the toon where he will be appreciated and be the new no.9 TOON 4 LIFE

150 goals in 219 appearances, how can you expect more from a striker? ruud is one of the real legends of utd. when you see chelski splash out tens of million for a 29 years old marksman, ruud is no doubt invaluable as there's no sign he will soon slip. Never ever let him go & go get a true playmaker

1)for all the doubters, ruud van nistlerooy is staying

2)i would love to have fernando torres (who would say no?)

3) where the money coming from? if we want at least 2 world class midfielders

4)where the hell is that geezer going talking bout pot noodle? some are dutty!!

5) last but not least, BIG UP DI CREW WIT DEM BIG BATTY MASSIV!! GETZ ME BLUD lmao

thanks staar!

1)for all the doubters, ruud van nistlerooy is staying

2)i would love to have fernando torres (who would say no?)

3) where the money coming from? if we want at least 2 world class midfielders

4)where the hell is that geezer going talking bout pot noodle? some are dutty!!

5) last but not least, BIG UP DI CREW WIT DEM BIG BATTY MASSIV!! GETZ ME BLUD lmao

thanks staar!

Torres v RVN no contest..... Ruud is a proven Premiership goalscorer - his record speaks for itself. Now bring Torres in to play alongside with Rooney just off them would be AWESOME. I'm sorry to have to say it but Fergie is the problem at OT, we have lost enough quality because he's "the boss" It's time for a change - bring on Martin O'Niell.

i'm a great fan of manutd and the combination of torres and rooney is unimagineable and i hope manutd will sing torres and that will be of the hook.

Not entirely convinced myself. Whilst the boy has played well at the World Cup for part of the games, the number of chances he has missed has suggested that he might not yet be ready.
I would prefer to see us go for someone with a bit more pedigree and experience. The boy Saviola has looked amazing in the competition and is available, though would except that he might be too small and the link up play with Rooney would be effected by his lack of height.
For me, we need 2 midfielders - Riquelme and Reo Coker would be my preferences, and a forward. Tevez would be my dream player at OT but accept that he will probably be out of our price range.
Cheers, Mike.

That's a fair point Matt C. Championship Manager really is for those with seriously lazy eyes. If we were to get 14m for Carrick I wouldn't be disappointed. Zokora looks like a better all round player so I'd be perfectly happy to get him in for the 8.5m they're talking about and end up with 5.5m profit from the Carrick sale.

Torres and Rooney! Torres and Rooney! TORRES AND ROONEY! seriously the more i say it the better it sounds. Torres is the ideal replacement for van Nistelrooy, like Nistelrooy he is a fox in the box, but with so much more to offer! his link up play, vision and flair is fantastic, not forgetting he has bags of pace to say the least. Don't get me wrong van Nistelrooy is a legend and at one stage in his career he was untouchable but saddly that stage is dissapearing fast. Its not just Fergie being ruthless and stubborn, other world class coaches can now see rudd is not what he was. just look at the match last night (Holland vs Portugal) in the final twenty minutes the game was crying out for the van Nistelrooy we think we know and love, a big name player on the biggest stage but van Basten didn't want to know, he had no confidence in his 'star' striker. It also seems the only club showing real interest in the striker is Bayern Munich. Once apon a time (less than a year ago!!!) the biggest clubs in Europe would be willing to offer Manchester United huge amount of money for this lethal goal predator, but it seems Manchester Utd couldn't give him away due to his age and wage demands. This brings us back to his 'expected' replacement Torres, you could say it is like buying van Nistelrooy all over again but with added pace and flair, for around the same price, a suggested 20 million. Let me tell you now if Torres joins Manchester United for 20 million Sir Alex Ferguson will not stop laughing for years to come. Athletico Mardrid are not stupid, they know what they heve in torres, the whole of europe know what Athletico have. This is not a one or two horse race for 'El Nino' it is more of a twenty horse race with the likes of Chelsea being the Red Rum of the pack, they are able to outbid any offer for Torres, However only one club holds the key to where Torres will play his football next season is Athletico Madrid, they know that Torres seems to be the most layal boy in history of the world, insisting he will never leave Athletico unless they ask him to go, the question is will they ask him?

I hope Man U get him rather than Chelski or The Arse, as a certain football rumour website is being bogged down by mental Gooners saying Torres has already signed for them.

As a Spurs fan this news pleases me.

Mr Popo

I hope Man U get him rather than Chelski or The Arse, as a certain football rumour website is being bogged down by mental Gooners saying Torres has already signed for them.

As a Spurs fan this news pleases me.

Mr Popo

Well I reckon that if Man U are getting Torres they'd be as well to hang on to Nistelshits and get rid of Saha or Smith (who'll never be the same player again - that's right Mr Shaun Wright_phillips.... you won't be the first or the last).

Torres is ace and it would be great to see him get the crap kicked out of him on a weekly basis by the likes of Fulham, Bolton, Charlton, Everton, Sheffield United. However even the names of those places will put him off. Let alone Warnocks ugly face.

Face it you miseries. Beckham has had his day. BAck in 2004 he showed he ws absolutley run out. Yes, he might be able to do one or two good things in a match. Aaron Lennon could probably do 2 million. Please let's move on and get the next generation of young, enthusiastic people that dare to TAKE ON defenders rather than lauch V2 style passes and pray that Rooney gets on the end (hmmm shades of banging it up to Owen....)

I hate to disagree with Butcher or infact any incompetent ITV bullshitter. What absolute nonsense, none of them EVER speak any sense and hasn't anyone killed Venables yet? Christ shoot him. If i hear the words 'spare man' or 'through the channels' anymore from such a complete gobshite i might actually have to initiate an I hate sport on ITV campaign.

From such great pundits as Andy Townsend , Ally McCoist (I mean Ally McCoist????), Butcher, Venables, Pleat, Atkinson they have ALL been extremely boring and should never ever be allowed to appear on national television ever again.

Apparently there is some kind of Tennis Tournament on (wow). Don't let the Missus blag you!!!!

Peace out everybody

Tores must come, he is a world class player and easilly worthy of a first team place and unlike ruud he is young with unseen potential. Ruuds potential has been established and i beleive it will increase no more over the remainder of his career.

Sign Torres!!!

I would rather have them both Ruud & Torres.Utd need to add to their squad to compete with Chelsea.We can't afford to lose a player as good as Van Nistelrooy.

I would love to see Torres at United,he could take over the mantle of most expensive and most overrated player from R.Ferdinand

is there any pount, clearli we will loose out to chelski or the gunners or barcelona etc

I think torres would be a great asset to man u if they want him, but Ithink that rud is still a great player and has been critcised enough. We have not seen torres in action properly and therefore cannot judge wether he is going to play well with the likes of rooney or not.
can you base him on a few world cup matches?

TORRES WOULD BE AN GRAET SIGNING 4 US.HIM AND ROONEY WOULD DO GREAT TOGETHER.BUT IF U THINK ABOUT IT CHELSEA HAVE WON THE PREMIERSHIP TWICE IN A ROW IF U WHERE A PLAYER AND YOU HAD TO DEICIDE WHO U WOULD GO TWO U WOULD GO TO THE CLUB THAT HAS WON IT TWICE IN A ROW. BUT I AM HOPEING THAT HE IS GOING 2 COME TO US.I THINK IF UNITED OFFER £25m HE WILL COME.???????????????

I reckon this a classic case of a forwards agent exploiting his position for improved terms for the player. Van Nistelrooy will go but will not be relaced by a big name, Rossi will be given his chance as back up to Rooney, Saha and Solskjaer.

i will like to have torres in man u team

He will not go to man united. He will go to newcastle united as they will outbid them like they did for Owen. Athletico Madrid also released a statement saying that newcastle are the only club who have formally put in a bid.

So come on Torres for Newcastle!!!!!

My god, are you really a Man U fan??. if all of you are a Man U fan you'll be really disappointed if Ruud leaves, because he is a Red Legend. He has score 151 goals in Man U. Torres is good for us but I think what Ruud deserves respect from us.

Bein a man u fan all ma lyf i reckon 1st proirity is a new central mid, mayb even 2 carrick n requleme or dirria n requeleme will b like the new keane scoles parnership of old.

Secondly we need a new stiker if ruud leaves a striker that will hopefully cum 2 man u is Torres. Personally i would keep Ruud because if Torres is another united flop (e.g evra, djemba djemba etc) then we will have ruud as back up 2 score all the goals we need. i think we such sell saha cos hez injury prone n always get injured wen he plays 4 france. Also wid kerlon(who btw is a wicked player in fm06) also hopefully signin 4 man u we will have the best strike force in the prem n mayb in europe.

Also wid Howard goin on loan nxt season we need a decent no.2 4 VDS cos if he gets injured wer stuck wid reserve keepers like luke steel cos foster will probs still b on loan at watford nxt season. Plus we need a replacement 4 VDS he cant go on 4eva. Keepers like Sebastian Frey n mayb Buffon if juve get regelated 2 serie B in italy.

Plus i reckon Ballack n Sheva have onli 1 more season in them b4 they start 2 age
Tean 4 nxt season:
VDS
Neville Rio Vidic Hienze
Ronaldo/Park Carrick/Diarria Scholes/Requleme Giggs/Richarson
Torres/Ruud Rooney

sorry mr warren hayman, but i am not keen on you. i think ruud shud go, he'll be useless in a couple of seasons any way and i see torres as the ideal replacement: he's quick, energetic and explosive and i can see wazza and him making a superb partnership!

Bein a man u fan all ma lyf i reckon 1st proirity is a new central mid, mayb even 2 carrick n requleme or dirria n requeleme will b like the new keane scoles parnership of old.

Secondly we need a new stiker if ruud leaves a striker that will hopefully cum 2 man u is Torres. Personally i would keep Ruud because if Torres is another united flop (e.g evra, djemba djemba etc) then we will have ruud as back up 2 score all the goals we need. i think we such sell saha cos hez injury prone n always get injured wen he plays 4 france. Also wid kerlon(who btw is a wicked player in fm06) also hopefully signin 4 man u we will have the best strike force in the prem n mayb in europe.

Also wid Howard goin on loan nxt season we need a decent no.2 4 VDS cos if he gets injured wer stuck wid reserve keepers like luke steel cos foster will probs still b on loan at watford nxt season. Plus we need a replacement 4 VDS he cant go on 4eva. Keepers like Sebastian Frey n mayb Buffon if juve get regelated 2 serie B in italy.

Plus i reckon Ballack n Sheva have onli 1 more season in them b4 they start 2 age
Tean 4 nxt season:
VDS
Neville Rio Vidic Hienze
Ronaldo/Park Carrick/Diarria Scholes/Requleme Giggs/Richarson
Torres/Ruud Rooney

"But one of the finest imports to English football in the last 25 years, a man with good contacts abroad and who now works in the foreign media, told me Spanish emissaries have already been dispatched to Manchester to find a home for Torres".

Could this possibly be Arsene Wenger?

He is the finest import into this country, plus hes on dutie with the french television station covering the World Cup.

sorry mr warren hayman, but i am not keen on you. i think ruud shud go, he'll be useless in a couple of seasons any way and i see torres as the ideal replacement: he's quick, energetic and explosive and i can see wazza and him making a superb partnership!

sorry mr warren hayman, but i am not keen on you. i think ruud shud go, he'll be useless in a couple of seasons any way and i see torres as the ideal replacement: he's quick, energetic and explosive and i can see wazza and him making a superb partnership!

The propsect of Torres playing for United with CRonaldo and Rooney on either side, and if rumours are to be believed, one of Carrick or Riquelme behind them, must be a pretty mouth watering prospect.

I just wonder about the truth of it all. Some guy on http://www.footballfanzone.net is adamant that Torres will be a United player.... but I have it from good sources that Carrick is also a dead cert to be going up north. So that almost £35m on two players. One of the things that let Utd down last season I felt, was there lack of a squad. So much money on two players, given recent talk about a restricted transfer kitty.... just doesn't add up for me.

The thing that gets me is SAF saying Ruud is not a team player - but then he protects Ronaldo - I'd gladly see MU cash in on this selfish show-pony who ruins more attacks than Veron, and use the money to get a midfield worthy of supplying Ruud. Remember how we couldn't hit a barn door when he was injured?

Bein a man u fan all ma lyf i reckon 1st proirity is a new central mid, mayb even 2 carrick n requleme or dirria n requeleme will b like the new keane scoles parnership of old.

Secondly we need a new stiker if ruud leaves a striker that will hopefully cum 2 man u is Torres. Personally i would keep Ruud because if Torres is another united flop (e.g evra, djemba djemba etc) then we will have ruud as back up 2 score all the goals we need. i think we such sell saha cos hez injury prone n always get injured wen he plays 4 france. Also wid kerlon(who btw is a wicked player in fm06) also hopefully signin 4 man u we will have the best strike force in the prem n mayb in europe.

Also wid Howard goin on loan nxt season we need a decent no.2 4 VDS cos if he gets injured wer stuck wid reserve keepers like luke steel cos foster will probs still b on loan at watford nxt season. Plus we need a replacement 4 VDS he cant go on 4eva. Keepers like Sebastian Frey n mayb Buffon if juve get regelated 2 serie B in italy.

Plus i reckon Ballack n Sheva have onli 1 more season in them b4 they start 2 age
Team 4 nxt season:
VDS
Neville Rio Vidic Hienze
Ronaldo/Park Carrick/Diarria Scholes/Requleme Giggs/Richarson
Torres/Ruud Rooney

Ruud is the best thing to have happened to united in the past year after Beckham,so i think he still has alot to give to united,he need some encouragement especially from the boss.Torres is not consistent,what united really need is a midfielder like Riquelm or Juninho.Lets rest the torres talk and talk more of a midfielder.

RUUD WE LOVE YOU.GET ON YOU ARE THE BEST!!!!!!!

i think torres will b grt 4 man u. wit him rooney and ron nobody will be able to stop us. i also think that we should sign mascherano because he is the sort of player we need in our midfield.

i think torres will b grt 4 man u. wit him rooney and ron nobody will be able to stop us. i also think that we should sign mascherano because he is the sort of player we need in our midfield.

I don't think Torres will leave Spain .... he may leve Athletico but I doubt he would want to come to England at this stage of his career - too early and I don't think he speaks the language.

I also doubt whether he would want to join a club in decline like Manchester United ..... they are going nowhere either domestically or in Europe so if the guy has any sense he will stay put in Spain for a few more years and then join Barca or one of the big Italian clubs - but not Man USA.

If he really is a "22 year old teenager" I think we should get him - that makes him superhuman and maybe even younger than Rooney who must be set for retirement soon!

Well done Totti by the way - if you were a teenager still we would buy you too!

I would love to see Torres at Old Trafford I'll be sad to see Van Nistelrooy go but the timing is right as I think we can still get a reasonable price for him. Van Nistelrooy has a fanastic record for us 150 goals in 200 games but I don't think our style of play suits him any more he doesn't get the service he needs. Torres looks ready for a move to a bigger club and appears hungry for success if he joins it would give Manchester United a fantastic forward line with age on its side and would give the fans a massive boost for up and coming Premiership season

great torres to man utd brillant man u keep bringing in the talent now with rooney and torres up front goals and more goals

i like torres but wouldn't Carlos Tevez make a great addition to the red devil's! i rather have tevez but if torres comes, then i would welcome him.

i really dont understand how you "loyal man utd fans" can talk about ruud this way. He was injured a little and saha filled in for him. however, fergie made the biggest sin of leaving the starter on the bench after recovering from injury..thats the worst thing you could do to the morale of a striker. strikers need goals to stay good and hungry...and he was playing great in the first half before the injury. He should definately stay. I dont think torres is the best choice. i have a feeling he will flunk in OT. we desperately need a midfield general..someone like keane...riquelme would be ideal but what about van der vaart?...someone like him would def be a lot cheaper..

He does appear to be a talent but it does strike me as a little premature for Man Yoo to be dishing £20 million for such a young and relatively unproven player.

I would much rather see two world class midfielders head our way to sure up the big hole that is Manchester United's midfield.

He does appear to be a talent but it does strike me as a little premature for Man Yoo to be dishing £20 million for such a young and relatively unproven player.

I would much rather see two world class midfielders head our way to sure up the big hole that is Manchester United's midfield.

Rudd has been a great servant to us. Its a great shame the way things look like they are going to end. However he looks like he has lost some fitness and sharpness. Van Basten seems to have realised this also. Nothing and noone is bigger than our club. Its time for change and Torres looks like the real deal. He's powerful and quick. Him and Louis Saha could be a real handful next season if things work out, not to mention young Rossi. Martin - Manchester.

i would luv torres sign for united. we wuld be the best attacking team in the preimership. all we need now is a central midfielder. CUM ON UNITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

the prospect of a rooney-ronaldo-torres, is amazing, plus with them all just starting their careers would serve united well for many years to come, but after so many false dawns about big name signings, (ronaldinho, arjen robben) I'll prefer to believe it when i see it, but have everything crossed that it is true.

I think torres and carrick will be gr8 signings for the club. I hope rvn doesn't go! Come on SAF sign them and let rvn stay!!

Come on u reds!!

Torres is a good young player but like all young players coming from abroad in the premiership, will find it hard to settle. Also is another striker what we need? Shouldn't we spend £20-£30 mill on Riquelme and Mascerano. Or why not try to get a few good seasons out of Gatusso, easily the best midfielder in the Italian side. Is Torres just a signing to try and make a statement to Chelsea or can ferguson realy see a future for Ruud, Rooney, Torres and Saha all capable of at least 20 goals a season. Carrick would be a good signing, he showed he is capable of becoming world class against Ecuador.

Torres does seem like a very good forward, but how many people here have actually seen him play prior to the World Cup? Milan Baros was a star at Euro2004, but he hardly set the Premiership on fire for Liverpool or Villa. Not that he's a bad player, but it is always worth looking behind the hype to see whether his club performances match up.

Torres does seem like a very good forward, but how many people here have actually seen him play prior to the World Cup? Milan Baros was a star at Euro2004, but he hardly set the Premiership on fire for Liverpool or Villa. Not that he's a bad player, but it is always worth looking behind the hype to see whether his club performances match up.

ruud has been trated disgustingly at united recently , just for actually backing up roy keanes comments .

fergie has got to realise people besides him are allowed an opinion .

thats why beckham left coz fergie is too 'self important'

if ruud goes i hope he goes and shines again and sticks two fingers up at fergie.

Torres would be a great buy, Van Nistlerooy is past it despite flashes of brilliance and is his pedigree in Europe he lacks the pace he once had to beat defenders. Also after players fall out with Fergie it never realy works again. This is all good as long as Fergie buys two midfielders.
Creative:
1. Riquelme
2. Fabregas (no chance but it would be nice)
3. Carrick
Defensive:
1. Mascerano
2. Gattuso
3. Diarra (over-priced)

I am a big fan of Man Utd and i really do think Van the man will leave Man Utd... cause as we have seen it with the likes of Paul Ince, David Beckham, Roy Keane, no one is bigger than the club!

I do think they should bring in Torres and few more faces like Juan Roman Riquelme n Javier Mascherano i have been so far impress with these players and also Maxi Rodriguez..

but we have to see wat happens at OT!

Torres will be a great addition to not only the Manchester United sqad but to the Premiership. He is a player with a lot of quality and goes past defenders in the blink of an eye. I feel ruuds time is up and he knows so too.