I think Julian`s opinions are more times than not correct but I have to disagree regarding the comparison using Bobby Charlton. I`ve watched many MU games from the 60s on video, and I don`t think you can with any credibility cite such a hardworking, skilful,100 percent committed team man as the Great Bobby when trying to make a case for the playmaker such as Veron who doesn`t put in enough work during the game.
Bobby certainly was not the hard man of MU but he had such wonderful skills which were accomplished by a superb work rate and a fair share of tackling. Bobby did it all - nobody could ever accuse him of not giving his full attention and full commitment. I bet no old timers could ever say that Bobby dodged tackles, and this was a time when the ball playing players were not protected.
Veron is so different - he just cannot seem to adapt to the fact that you can be a flair player at MU AND give a full blooded, 100 percent commitment to the game, involving yourself as much as possible. In too many games Seba has looked disinterested. I say `looked` because that probably was not going through his mind. But when you are not having a good game you can make up for it by astute observation of what is going on and how you can best contribute.
Sure he was great in a handful of Champions League games but let`s be realistic here - what club can afford such a highly paid player with such a great reputation to only really turn it on for Champions League games? Are there any such top clubs around?
The idea is laughable - even the cossetted Real Madrid with their access to financial and other perks from the Spanish government and other deals that allow them to spend as if there
is no tomorrow, do not have players in their first team that only really perform in the CL games. To keep Veron at MU with the salary he is on and with the difficulties that come with trying to accommodate in with a team that plays so well without him in the Premiership, would be plainly foolish.
It doesn`t make any sense - footballing or busines-wise. I don`t think the money men have had their way. It is clear to me that Sir Alex has again demonstrated just how shrewd he is by not persisting with a player who is not needed by MU. By allowing Veron to go, Sir Alex is admitting he made an error of judgement. How a player performs on the pitch is as much a test of character as footballing ability - and with Veron, the footballing ability has not been really shown after two seasons as he clearly does not have the drive to adapt to MU.
I like Seba but he will be better off at a club like Chelsea which collects players and tries to asemble a team. That is not Manchester United`s way, and I think that all the players Chelsea is buying will backfire. There is going to be a lot of discontent at Stamford Bridge, and the reason why Chelsea has not won the English title over the last decade was largely to do with having a bunch of players who don`t have a team or club ethos. MU and its players clearly have.