United Sell Four Players
Manchester United have shocked the footballing world, by selling four players who are often seen as first team players. Nani, Antonio Valencia, Ashley Young and Patrice Evra have all been sold by David Moyes, without featuring in any of the three pre-season games played so far.
Ashley Young decided to join Tottenham Hotspur for £20 million. Some Spurs fans cannot find out why Villas-Boas decided to buy the England winger, with Gareth Bale already having a solid position in the left midfield position. Meanwhile, Patrice Evra has joined Italian side AC Milan for £10 million. Evra was the vice-captain in the side, but at 31, it's suggested Moyes wants to bring in some new faces. The departure of Evra has made it even more likely that Leighton Baines will soon be joining the side.
Antonio Valencia was the next to leave, joining rivals Chelsea for an estimated £15 million. Many United fans are shocked at the move, with many not understanding why he moved to Chelsea, after both Borussia Dortmund and Juventus expressed their interests in the services of Valencia. Finally, winger Nani left Manchester to join Russian side Anzhi for £13.75 million, with United also recieving 10% of the profit if Anzhi were to sell Nani. Anzhi are known for their big money signings, and this is just another to add to the collection.
After announcing the departures, Moyes decided to openly state why he decided to let such big players leave the club, and what future plans he had in order to come around the issues, in positioning, and player depth. However, Moyes would not say how he would use the money available from the players.
"I decided to let Evra go for a few reasons. Although I do not like his playing style, and find he attacks far too much, I felt better players could be bought with the money. Although fans may not like the move, I have done it to benefit them. In the long run they will understand why I have completed this move, as age is getting to Patrice now. I also sold the other three as I do not intend to use wingers. I have seen the tactics Andrei Kanchelskis uses, and I want to try a similar thing, so wingers are not required. As a result, Giggs will play in a central role this season."