Quote:
Originally Posted by Pogue Mahone
...it's a much, much more prestigious club than Zaragoza to play for, even if you're Spanish. At the end of the day, Pique knew exactly how limited his opportunities would be when he snubbed Zaragoza to come back here in the summer.
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He knew he wouldn't be first choice with Vida and Rio healthy, but I think he assumed he'd play more than this. 9 total appearances, 3 of those as a sub, and only the recent match against Bolton since the New Year. Has to be a disappointment for him.
You're right in saying that Zaragoza is certainly less prestigious than United, but at age 20 he started for them in a season in which they qualified for the UEFA Cup. If he goes back there, and continues to improve, it probably wouldn't be long before one of the more prestigious clubs in Spain (or elsewhere) were interested. Perhaps they were even interested last summer - we don't really know which clubs were inquiring about him before this season, but by most accounts he impressed at Zaragoza.
Also, as has already been mentioned, there is the possibility that perhaps he's not best suited to the Premiership because of his lack of pace. Some think he'd be better suited to La Liga for that reason. He certainly hasn't won the hearts of United fans (or Ferguson) with his performances here. He did score two goals in Europe, but his defending has been far less effective.
I think he'll ask to leave this summer unless the club promise a lot more football than he's had this year. Playing in the Reserves is not doing him any good at all.