10 Aug 2013 19:03:13
Woodward was spectacularly successful bringing in sponsorship deals but in doing so has created a level of expectation commercially in his new role that should bring transfers into sharp focus.

The major increase in heavy spending sponsors will bring notably increased pressure, those sponsors will want to see United making headlines for the right reasons, challenging for the top prizes and most importantly have the very top players that bring their own good headlines, faces and stories they can use.

At the moment RVP aside we are rather characterless and faceless, Rooney is not making good headlines, the other players are good but not great. The spine of our team has aged and is deteriorating. We get frustrated by the buying policy or lack of it from the club but imagine how the sponsors feel, who is the poster boy who will sell the product they have paid millions on us to highlight. Are they going to start getting nervous at the transfer efforts so far?

So what? you ask, well this window we need top players not just to improve the team but to keep our sponsors on board. When putting forward the Cabaye, Modric rumours, ask if they will propel the team to the top of the league but also are they top players who appeal to our worldwide audience that sponsors want to reach?

A team of Cleverleys, Andersons and even Modric, Cabaye are no more than ok but are they really global superstars? You should know they are not and therefore we rely upon RVP, 30 and 1 year at the club to carry us forward on the pitch plus commercially and let us remember he left Arsenal to win trophes but also to play with top players. Add to this we did not appoint a globally recognised manager.

The next few weeks are more important than many realise and Woodward needs to spend major money not only to improve the team on the pitch but also to give us the star factor that keeps the sponsors on board. No matter which way you look at it Cabaye and Modric are not it. A faceless team like there was at Everton will not cut it with those spending millions and if they stop investing our owners will not be happy.

When looking at potential players I ask myself would they have got into the 1994, 1999 or the 2008 side? Modric, Cabaye no chance, drop our standards and the spectre of Liverpool post 1990 looms.

Mr "no retooling" has been good to his word so far but sponsors as well as fans will be watching now.

1.) 10 Aug 2013
I would be over the moon with Modric, Fellaini & Baines.

2.) 10 Aug 2013
Good post.

I have to admit I hadn't thought about it like that. I'm still a fan of the football club and struggle to consider the business aspects. It makes sense though, especially when you consider how Kagawa was treated like a rock star on the tour. United are short of players that can be used in worldwide marketing campaigns.

3.) 10 Aug 2013
Red Man
So in the space of a close season having won the league by a canter where now facing a decline the likes of L, pool have experienced.
Our pre season hasn't been the easiest for DM with players not being available for whatever reasons however with a couple of signings which will no doubt come off and the exciting Januzaj showing great maturity I feel you need to chill out, relax and realise the squad your doubting have it in their DNA to prove pundits wrong.
Dylan

4.) 10 Aug 2013
These stars you are talking about were bought when they were young and developed into stars. Ronaldo was a young talented player who Fergie slowly developed into the world class player he is today. It's not the United way, that's the Madrid way.

5.) 10 Aug 2013
I totally agree Sydney, those three would be great and keep Mr Rooney and I think we really could win the league again this season.

6.) 10 Aug 2013
Great post redman hit the nail on the head

7.) 10 Aug 2013
Yep, agree, for the sponsors (and the fans) Ronaldo was the perfect signing, but that boat has sailed.

But if the team starts well and the young lads coming thru really excel then sponsors won't mind about a single global star, they will just market that they are involved with a successful team. While they would love the poster boy, most big companies like to advertise that they are a team and its the team, not any 1 person that is the importance.

Kepp the faith, transfer window not closed and we are still champions.

8.) 10 Aug 2013
I wonder what people's opinion of a "Director of Football" are now given the apparent ineptitude so far in transfer dealings. I really think we as a club are missing out on using David Beckham as well right now. From afar it seems he would jump at the chance to be associated with us again and given the recent unveiling of the beckham exhibit in the club museum its time to get him back in some capacity!

9.) 10 Aug 2013
Dylan I sometimes wonder if you watched us play last season, yes we won the prem but the standard of our football was average.catching our main competitors lacking like last year will not happen again.we have too many average players most of whom wouldn't get near our main rivals teams.