OK, look at it this way...

Prior to this season, Man Utd's only really impressive run over the previous 3 years happened midway through 04/5 - when Van Nistelrooy was injured. I remember seeing them wallop Arsenal 4-2 at Highbury (prior to which Roy Keane said to Patrick Vieira in the tunnel, "if you're so good, why aren't you playing for Real Madrid?"), and saying to a mate, "they're so good precisely because Horseface is out - if Fergie's got any sense, he'll sell him in the summer". Indeed, their results declined again as soon as he came back from injury: something I assumed the manager would take note of.

Of course, Fergie delayed a year - but look at them now. And I don't think it's any coincidence at all: they were far, far too predictable with him in the team. Of course, we're operating at a far lower level, but I don't think the comparison's that far fetched: our reliance on Earnie might very well undermine our overall team play. And if the only way Grant can strengthen in central defence, in goal, at left back and up front is by selling him - well, having thought about it, I reckon that's precisely what he should do (though it'd depend hugely on who we brought in to replace him directly).

Posted By: thebigfeller, Mar 4, 13:42:23