Carlos Tevez Departure from Manchester United Paves the Way for Revolution

With the announcement that Carlos Tevez will follow Cristiano Ronaldo out of the exit at Old Trafford, coupled with the disappointing performance in the Champions League final in Rome last month, there would appear to be a slightly subdued atmosphere around Manchester United at the moment.

The loss of Ronaldo is a devastating blow, and it is difficult for anybody to argue differently. Ronaldo has scored close to a century of goals in the past three seasons and therefore is as close to irreplaceable as any one footballer can be.

However, the reaction to the announcement that Tevez will be plying his trade elsewhere next season has been somewhat confusing. Tevez was undoubtedly one of the most popular players of recent years amongst the fans, but on calm and considered reflection, his departure from (the bench at) Old Trafford is not as bad as many fear.

In Britain, Tevez’s work-rate and commitment were highly valued, but with a rumoured £25.5m price tag, many Manchester United fans know that we would have been paying vastly over the odds for a player who tried hard, delivered occasionally at very important moments, but who was not quite as deadly or prolific as would have been desired.

However you view the situation, one fact remains constant: Manchester United need to find replacements for these two players if they are to remain at the top of English football. The money saved on Tevez and acquired from the sale of Ronaldo must be put to good use.

So where might Sir Alex Ferguson be looking to for reinforcements?

Karim Benzema, 21, of Olympique Lyonnais, is thought to be a long-standing target, and with president Jean-Michel Aulas practically inviting bids for his young starlet, it seems increasingly likely that Benzema could indeed move from Stade Gerland on to pastures new.

Another name that has been circulating is that of Samuel Eto’o. The Cameroonian forward ha a spectacular season last year with Barcelona, but stories persist that both Manchester clubs, United and City, are confident of prising him from the clutches of Joan Laporta and Pep Guardiola.

His contract expires at the end of next season, so a transfer of around £20m is not beyond the realms of possibility.

Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan has taken part in a very public flirtation, suggesting that his Ecuadorian winger and prized asset, Antonio Valencia, would be a steal for Manchester United at £18m. Valencia is clearly a very talented right-sided player but would be a gamble at that sort of price, as he is untried at the very highest level.

For the fans, the fear would be that he is another Nani, who despite showing flashes of utter brilliance has failed to convince many he has the temperament to succeed for Manchester United.

Other rumoured targets include Valencia midfielder David Silva and Franck Ribery. Financial troubles for the Mestalla club would suggest he could be acquired if not on the cheap, then certainly at a reduced level.

However, it would seem his preference would be to remain in Spain, which has alerted the usual suspects—Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Ribery’s acquisition would also appear troublesome, with his club Bayern Munich appearing to change their mind on a daily basis as to his transfer status. Real Madrid are, again, also in the hunt for the Frenchman’s signature.

On a more personal note, I have been surprised that Yoann Gourcuff of Bordeaux has not been linked with a move to Old Trafford.

Gourcuff had a spectacular season in France after flattering to deceive in stops and starts at AC Milan. He has finally lived up to his billing as a Zinedine Zidane-type player and could be well worth a gamble. He has guile and craft, presence of mind, and scores goals. He appears to tick all the boxes.

Liverpool are on a high after their best ever Premier League season, and Chelsea have fresh impetus with the arrival of Carlo Ancelotti and a seemingly hungry again Roman Abramovich. The next few months represent a challenge for Sir Alex Ferguson, one he must meet head-on to reassert Manchester United’s authority.

Tevez’s departure is disappointing, but one which could turn out to be a blessing in disguise if the money available is used wisely. This really could be a chance for revolution, not evolution, at Old Trafford.