Wayne Rooney: Top 5 Replacements As He Heads Towards the Exit
Today we were left breathless as Sir Alex let it out, Wayne Rooney known for his passion, love and commitment to the club his once vowed to never leave, has call his time at Old Trafford.
With his current contract due to expire in May 2012, David Gill has failed to sit down and negotiate an extension. With poor performances in recent games, failing to make the starting eleven and rant to the press that he was not injured when the Gaffer said he was, Rooney has called it quits at Manchester United.
So while we remain shocked, other teams are licking their lips at the possibility of having him in their squads come next season or even sooner.
The January transfer window is two months away, and with so many interested clubs we know the fight for his services will attract massive attention.
On the other hand, United and Ferguson will need to look at the possibility of a Wayne-less United, one that will loose some of its passion and desire when he represented the club.
But like Sir Alex always said, there's no player in the World, that's bigger than the club.
We saw the likes of David Beckham, Ruud Van Nistelrooy and of-course Cristiano Ronaldo all leave.
But it's not too late, United still may convince him to stay on if his willing something that seems very unlikely as if their were a chance, it's highly unlikely Fergie would bring all the laundry into the media.
But it was necessary for the speculation to stop, and credit goes to Sir Alex for coming out and dishing out the news.
So what next, Ferguson needs to find a suitable replacement, while their might be some young and experienced players who will stand up, many whom already have in the last couple weeks.
Since the departure of Ronaldo and Tevez, United have lacked the X-factor, teams are no more afraid and many have grown in belief that their lies a chance at Old Trafford.
So taking this into consideration, United require a player with great ability and also needs to be a recognizable face in World Football.
Usually we would embrace a young unknown, but with the quality of Chelsea, the recent rise of City and the unexpected glow of Arsenal, United need to act fast.
Karim Benzema
1 of 5
Benzema has always been amongst the names mentioned when it came to United and possible transfers.
He was targeted few years ago, but United failed to negotiate a deal as Real Madrid pounced at the opportunity to attract the quality of Karim to Madrid.
Now with Benzema failing to make a real impact at Madrid, and been sidelined for most of last season, even failing to make the World Cup squad, United could be favorites in acquiring the Frenchman's signature.
Age: 22
Nationality: French
Current Club: Real Madrid
Value: £30 Million
If Real Madrid show any interest which their certainly is every time a quality player is up for grabs, United could be lucky to strike a possible exchange deal with Madrid having to pay the balance.
A deal which could be promising for both clubs and players.
There's no doubt Benzema will enjoy more opportunities at United.
Sergio
2 of 5
The Argentinian is another player that we heard about and had the opportunity to witness during the World Cup in South Africa.
His been linked with a move to England for some time now, although speculation has carm downed a little.
Chelsea were seen as front runners for the Atletico Madrid striker last season but failed to agree on a price with the club.
His quick, skill full and a great eye for goal.
Age: 22
Nationality: Argentinian
Current Club: Atletico Madrid
Value: £30 Million
His value has escalated due to the interest from other clubs in the past two years, but he has showed real quality both for club and country and in some ways deserves the huge price tag.
He could be exactly what Ferguson is looking for, different compared to Berbatov, together their differences could be the password to success.
Klaas Jan Hunterlaar
3 of 5
He was once a promising Dutch teenage who attracted huge attention from some of Europes elite, then faded away, but was once again found when he started scoring goals a Ajax.
Later moved to Madrid and the Milan, but failing to really make an impact on the big stage, Hunterlaar has recently made the move to the more subtle German league.
But it seems all is well and going in the right direction for the Holland International.
He has scored eight goals in six matches for country, as Netehrlands look to qualify for Euro 2012, and five goals in six matches for Schalke.
He might be one of those strikers that interest Ferguson due to his recent performance, but an unlikely choice as he just transfered to Germany in the August window.
Age: 27
Nationality: Dutch
Current Club: Schalke
Former Clubs: PSV, Ajax, Real Madrid, AC Milan
Value: £18 Million
Kaka
4 of 5
Yes, his not a striker but I could see him as a worthy replacement in terms of quality and assurance that he could have an impacted to the overall performance of the team.
Kaka has showed time and time again that no matter where he place, whether on the left or right he has the ability to draw defenders and feeds the front-man.
So you ask, why and how does he fit as a replacement for a striker?
Since the departure of Ronaldo, the service to the forwards has come under some pressure, Scholes has been the real engine room, Carrick has failed to really catch the eye.
If Ferguson uses the likes of Owen, Hernandez and Macheda alongside Berbatov he could opt for a world star attacking midfielder rather than a striker.
This also gives him the option to buy a lesser known striker, one from the league, and work him into the squad.
Age: 28
Nationality: Brazlian
Current Club: Real Madrid
Value: £45 Million
The price tag could be a problem, is Fergie prepared to splash out so much money? But again the scenario of an exchange could be the solution.
Also the question rises, will Madrid let go of Kaka who has been injured since the arrival of Mourinho.
Neymar Da Silva
5 of 5
Young, highly talented and has amazing promise...
Could this Brazilian wonder-kid attract Manchester United or will his youth and lack of experience dismiss an opportunity to play at one of Europe's biggest clubs.
The only problem been Chelsea has staked considerable interest in the youngster.
Age: 18
Nationality: Brazilian
Current Club: Santos
Value: £20 Million
Asking Price: £30 Million
With Chelsea already having declared interest in his services, Ferguson could be put off a heavy price war with their English rivals.
