Sunday bloody Sunday: Speculation and supposition and poll results

Some of you might have noticed but most probably wouldn't have, but I have been away for a few days, but I am now back to rain and long grass which is not what I like to see. On the other hand, it is Sunday and the best rumours are kept for Sunday.

First up, which ties in with the poll we had running for a couple of days this week, is that Ashley Young is now wanted by Barcelona and that Sir Alex has put him top of his wanted list and both clubs are willing to spend around £25mn. on the winger.

The poll showed that 87.6% of the 700 or so that voted thought it imperative that John Carew and Ashley Young stay at the club. I agree with that and if one or both are allowed to leave, well, it will be the biggest message the club have given me in three seasons.

Now, I'm not going to get down on this or Young though, as it's only speculation but apparently according to another paper, we've had a bid of £10mn. for DJ Stewart Downing made as a replacement for Young. For those that don't know; Downing is no replacement for Young, but again, it is just speculation.

It is just speculation and I can't see it happening. What I mean is, sure United and Barcelona are two of the biggest clubs in football, but Young is part of something and surely, as a player and so close to the action, he can see what is happening. Surely, he can see that the club is heading in the right direction?

Moving on on to another youngster and this time German midfielder Mesut Ozil. Some of you might remember him as the player that had a really good game against England in the U21 final in Sweden recently. He was excellent and apparently, because we are not getting Fabian Delph from Leeds, we are going after this one.

He has talent and is a very good footballer and one that I am sure will get better but I can't see O'Neill taking a risk on a youngster that isn't English. I don't know why, but it's just a feeling.

As of right now, that is it, although we might get something new later, you never know. I'm hoping for the rain to stop so I can get outside and I'm also going to hope we can get a player or three in next week, because it isn't just about adding players, it is about pre-season, it is about allowing time for new players to know his new team and seeing as the manager has a big task of changing formation and how we play football, surely he is going to want these players in sooner rather than later. I'm hoping anyway.