At some point a couple of weeks ago, pundits speculated over the possibility of an 11th hour transfer for the Dutch to Old Trafford. But Alex Ferguson rubbished any sort of rumors by declaring the following statement at a press conference in reply to the media’s Sneijder transfer saga claims:
“You can forget anyone you like. I am happy with the young players I have got.”
Last Sunday, Manchester United supporters also sent out a strong message by displaying a banner that read: “Who needs Wesley? We’ve got Cleverley.”
For the player in question, the fans’ move was simply encouraging. After displaying a fine performance in Man United’s 8-2 victory over Arsenal, Tom Cleverley told reporters:
“I did [see the banner]! Wesley Sneijder is fantastic, but if the fans think that [they don’t need Wes] then I must be doing something right.
“I have always looked on thinking one day I want to be on the pitch. It is happening… But I have got to work hard and stay there.
“Growing up around Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and David Beckham, you know the history of the club. I looked at Scholes and Beckham, top professionals you can model your game on.”
But perhaps not everybody agrees on giving Tom Cleverley a big role in Manchester United’s midfield. It appears first coach Rene Meulensteen recently hinted at playing time limitation for the 22-year-old or his other team mates by citing the more experienced Wesley Sneijder. Rene was quoted as saying by Voetbal International magazine:
“Sir Alex Ferguson has tremendous confidence in our current squad, but a player the caliber of Wesley Sneijder could well suit us. Where there is a will, there’s always a way. 
“If club and player really want it, there is always something possible. I do not see why an older player like Sneijder would not fit into our team.”
The players that have joined Manchester United’s squad this summer only prove Ferguson’s belief in tomorrow’s generation. The Scot brought in 19-year-old defender Phil Jones and 20-year-old first choice goalkeeper David de Gea.
The oldest player on this summer transfer list has been 26-year-old Ashley Young. Still, the ex-Aston Villa key player is younger than Wesley Sneijder and definitely less experienced in terms of career achievements.
So do Manchester United really need to make a late move for the man that holds Eredivisie, La Liga, Scudetto, Champions League, Coppa Italia, Supercoppa Italiana, FIFA Club World Cup and FIFA World Cup silver medals?
