We could just about understand Manchester United breaking the bank for a Gary Bale who, at 25, has his best football ahead of him. Even a Paul Pogba would be worth the crazy money despite his exit from Old Trafford for peanuts in 2012. Because, at 22, Pogba could form the backbone of the next great Manchester United side.
But the intense speculation that surrounds Manchester United’s interest in Sergio Ramos smacks of insanity.
Latest reports in The Daily Mail suggest that Ramos will be paid the same amount as Manchester United’s top earner if he comes to the club this summer:
Manchester United will have to put Sergio Ramos on around £260,000 a week and make him joint top earner at the club alongside Wayne Rooney if they want to entice him from Real Madrid.
Now, say what you like about Wayne Rooney. He left a bitter taste in many Manchester United fans’ mouths after twice coming close to leaving the club. But he has been worth his weight in gold at Manchester United and, without him, god knows where the club would be right now.
He’s scored 230 goals for Manchester United and, as well as spearheading some of United’s finest European campaigns, he’s also dragged them through some of the toughest times in their recent history. Furthermore, we strongly believe that his desire to leave United was more about football ambition than money. In short, if anyone is worth £260k a week to United, it’s Rooney
As for Ramos, he seems annoyed about not being offered a new improved contract at Madrid and there is little to suggest that he will suddenly become Manchester United through and through. There is not one defender in the world who we would pay £260k a week and certainly not Ramos, who is arguably as likely to get sent off as he is to make a crucial intervention in a big game.
If Manchester United do this deal they will be signing a good player but making a dreadful investment. Because, just like RvP, there is no guarantee that Ramos will give the club more than one good season. Even if they get three out of him he’ll still be seen as a hugely expensive signing with little to no sell on fee.
