Want to stop United being boring, Jose? It’s time to get Bale
WITH Manchester City unstoppable in the Premier League, it’ s going to be a big summer for plenty of managers, players and clubs — and none more so than Manchester United.
They finished second and could win the FA Cup against Chelsea on Saturday but let’s face it… this is one of the most boring United teams. It is no surprise that they have scored fewer goals and had fewer shots than the rest of the top four. If Jose Mourinho wants to change that, he should go and buy Gareth Bale (below). He has won it all at Real Madrid and won’t be fazed by the Premier League. United won’t be the only ones after him. If Eden Hazard goes to Real Madrid, I’m sure Chelsea would be keen on a swap deal.
After a season of limited gametime, Bale will be keen to prove he is still a world-class talent. What better way to do so than inspire a team to properly challenge City?
DON’T FEEL WORLD CUP HEAT, HARRY...
HOW often do we heap pressure on the player expected to be our superstar at a major tournament?
Those suggesting Harry Kane will be burnt out at the World Cup need to think again. He followed up his superb goal against Newcastle with a double to help sink Leicester. Is that the form of a player lacking sharpness?
It was the criticism Harry received for claiming that goal against Stoke, not his ankle injury, that seemed to affect him most. He will be determined to prove himself on the world stage but I hope he is able to enjoy it.
At Euro 96, I was so concerned about failure and I wish I had paid less attention to the pressure. These moments are the pinnacle of your career and my message to Harry and the England players is to see this World Cup as a joy, not a chore.
WILSHERE NEEDS A NEW CHALLENGE
JACK WILSHERE has proved he is still a fine player but a new challenge would do him the world of good. That could happen at Arsenal under a new manager, or he could look elsewhere.
Jack is loved by the Arsenal fans. Like Kane at Tottenham, he is one of their own. I have been critical of him in the past as he can offer so much more. He does not have as many goals and assists as a player of his talent should. A new manager will demand more — as he will from all the players in the Arsenal comfort zone.
But Wilshere may also see how Alex OxladeChamberlain has developed since leaving the Emirates. Clubs may be nervous about Jack’s injury record but he’s as fit as I’ve seen him in years. West Ham could be a good move. Their fans love a maverick who will conjure moments of magic. Jack could help West Ham light up the London Stadium.
NOW HAMMERS AND SPURS MUST GO BIG
THIS season will have been a huge wake-up call for David Sullivan and David Gold. West Ham’s jointchairmen can either admit this isn’t for them and walk, or give it a really good go next season. If they stay, they must back their manager with the funds to succeed. The fans will not accept another poor season.
It’s also a pivotal summer for Tottenham. Toby Alderweireld, Mousa Dembele and Danny Rose — all key men in the last three years — could be heading for the exit. As West Ham and Arsenal have shown, moving to a new stadium is not always easy. Spurs are not on the same playing field financially as Manchester City but they will have to spend to keep competing with the best.
IT’S A BUSY SUMMER AHEAD FOR STEVIE
I CAN’T wait to see Steven Gerrard in the dugout at Rangers but he is in for a busy summer. I’m sure his first priority will be to sort out a defence which let in five goals in yesterday’s 10goal thriller against Hibs. He’ll have some Liverpool youngsters on his radar but will need a couple of experienced Premier League players, too.