The highly thought of Dutchman is currently experiencing a torrid season at Inter Milan, while the Red Devils’ problematic midfield is well documented.
On the face of it this deal made perfect sense, this summer.
For wage differences or United’s reluctance to spend the cash, it never happened, and you get the feeling the boat has sailed.
The Mirror newspaper is though adamant that United will continue to pursue Sneijder, and the story has also been picked up by the Manchester Evening News.
But hold your horses, the probability of this deal happening is slim to remote and that’s being generous.
United have only spent more than £25 million on players over 27 on two occasions, Juan Veron and Dimitar Berbatov; and it is difficult to argue that both of those signings were total successes.
If United do have that sort of money to spend, Ferguson would rather spend it on a younger prospect whose best days are in front of them. An Eriksen or a Hazard for example.
Surely most pundits would agree this would be a shrewder investment.
Level on points with Manchester City, signing Sneijder now would surely give United the added impetus to win the league. But with club finances and long-term views to be taken into account, it is never that simple, especially considering the hefty wages the Dutchman would demand.
One glimmer of hope for the deal is that Ferguson stated he would likely only sign an ‘A-lister’ and long term target in January if the opportunity arose. Rumour-mongers state Inter Milan, undergoing a similar transition to Chelsea, would also be open to selling.
Just don’t bet on it happening.
– What do you think, will United try to sign Sneijder?
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