Gaal at United
• No Liverpool player has gone to United
since 1938
Raheem Sterling is open to a move to
Manchester United, although the player
is concerned how the transfer would be
received given the fierce rivalry between
the clubs.
The Liverpool winger is aware of
United’s interest and would be keen to
explore joining and working under Louis
van Gaal. Although relations between
Liverpool and United are cordial the
competition between English football’s
two most successful clubs and the enmity
between their supporters mean no
footballer has moved between them since
1964. Then, Phil Chisnall was transferred
from Old Trafford to Anfield. Seventy-
seven years have passed since a player
has gone the other way, Allenby Chilton
joining United from Liverpool in 1938.
Van Gaal is an admirer of Sterling’s pace
and willingness to beat opponents and
break a game open. The manager’s
preferred formation is 4-3-3 and
Sterling has shown he can play in any
position across the front, and as a No10.
Two seasons ago Brendan Rodgers
positioned him as a No10 against United
in the league fixture at Old Trafford and
Sterling proved a revelation. This
flexibility is another attraction for Van
Gaal, and the Dutchman is also keen to
work with young players who possess
immense potential he can develop, as
Sterling does.
If United were to firm up their interest
by making a formal bid it would test the
resolve of Liverpool as selling one of
their few A-list players to their greatest
rival would be ill-received by fans.
Rodgers, the Liverpool manager, has
insisted Sterling will still be at Anfield
after the summer transfer window
closes.
Any offer from United may start a
bidding war, with Manchester City and
Real Madrid also admirers of Sterling. As
the player is intent on leaving, Fenway
Sports Group, Liverpool’s owner, may
decide a sale is the most pragmatic
solution. From this perspective a United
offer would be welcome as it would help
drive up the price.
Sterling has turned down a £100,000-a-
week offer from Liverpool, stating he
wants to depart and play for a club that
can match his trophy-winning ambition.
United are back in the Champions
League next season and Ed Woodward,
the executive vice-chairman, has stated
the club must challenge on all fronts.
United could also afford to offer Sterling
a wage in the region of £140,000 a week.
On 1 August United’s world record
£750m, 10-year kit deal with Adidas
starts.
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