Jamie Ireland
Every club has that player who they are linked with every summer, a ‘saga’ ensues which lasts the majority of the window and nothing materializes. This particular saga is finally finished.
Sky Sports report that former Manchester United target Ezequiel Garay has left Benfica and signed a five year deal with big spending Russian side Zenit.
Garay had been a target of United’s legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson and his successor David Moyes, and was seen as the long term replacement for an ageing Rio Ferdinand.
The former Real Madrid centre-back is currently with Argentina preparing for their Round Two match against Switzerland, after they secured top spot in Group F with a 3-2 win of Nigeria.
Garay has been formidable at the back for La Albiceleste in the group stage games, winning an impressive 78% of his aerial duels and maintaining a 96% pass completion rate. (Squawka)
Although an official transfer fee is yet to be announced, it is believed that Zenit only had to spend €15 million on the 6ft5 defender, which begs the question, why weren’t United in again?
I suppose it follows the pattern that without a manager at the helm and Ed Woodward being a relative rookie at closing big transfer dealings that United to this point have been quiet.
Although, it seems that new manager Louis van Gaal didn’t have an interest in the player. But surely for the quality of the player and the price, how could he not be?
Do I believe that United should have bought him? Yes and No.
Garay would have been a great addition to the United squad and would represent a significant replacement for one of Ferdinand or Vidic.
However, van Gaal could have simply said to the higher ups at United that although the Argentine is a top defender, he doesn’t fit the mould of player that the Dutchman wants.
With van Gaal it is usually his way or the highway.
