Manchester Madness on Deadline Day

Like about 50 percent of Britain's population, I was glued to Sky Sports News all day and night yesterday, and witnessed probably the most enthralling transfer window ever, with news breaking every five minutes and twists and turns galore.

Manchester United's controversial acquisition of Dimitar Berbatov from Tottenham and Manchester City's sudden takeover and subsequent swoop for Chelsea target Robinho are the main headlines splashed across today's papers.

What kept everyone on the edge of their seats was City's surprise bid for Berba, and I couldn't tear my eyes away from the screen as reporters speculated as to the whereabouts of the Bulgarian star throughout the day.  One minute he was in London, then at United's training ground, then having a medical...the whole saga was as enticing as any blockbuster action movie.

But what got to me the most—and forgive me if I am a tad biased (I am a Liverpool fan), but how on earth did Fergie get away with it?

A deal was agreed between Spurs and City at around 2 p.m., so what gave Fergie the right to sweep Berbatov away to United's Carrington training ground without any permission from Spurs? Relations between the two clubs have been strained all summer, so then why did Spurs suddenly agree to let their star striker go to United?

Surely this needs an investigation by the Premier League—no fee was agreed between United and Spurs until about five minutes before the deadline, no permission was given by Spurs for United to speak to their player. Then all of a sudden the London club are out of the equation and it's all about Ferguson, Berba and David Gill.

It wasn't done by the book  as things look, and I've been hearing that United gave Spurs hush money to enable the transfer to go ahead. This should not be tolerated at all! If Rafa Benitez did the same, I would be asking questions too.

Second big story centred around the blue half of Manchester, and I must say fair dues to City for signing one of the most talented forwards in the business. 

A summer-long target for Chelsea, Robinho will undoubtedly bring world class to the City of Manchester Stadium, and it is inevitable that when the January window opens, more players of his ilk will be shipped in by the new owners.

It will certainly make the Premier League more interesting...I doubt they will be able to break into the top four this term—but come 2009-2010 things may be a little different at the top of the table.