Well now he's really not playing at all. And if things don't change soon, he'll find himself on the outside looking in for the world cup squad. Anyway, if Gooch moves to Man United now, he'll be immediately thrust under the microscope...every mistake he makes will be sensationalized beyond belief. If he struggles (which given the pressure he very well might) he'll be ripped as being a personal choice of the new American great satan who bought their beloved United. And that's only if he qualfies for his work permit (which I still don't think he will). Manchester United is a huge club, and they buy developed players, not developing players (if they do, they loan them out). I'd rather Gooch go to a French or Dutch club where he can continue his development, and be assured of a 1st team spot.
Personally, I think it would be a great move for Gooch. I think he is, or soon will be, better than Sylvester and Brown, and he can become a replacement for Ferdinand, if necessary. He has a ways to go in that, however. ManU needs a third quality center back.
I agree. Some folks don't seem to understand the difference in "career" and "playing for your country". Obviously, guys make money playing for their country (see still unresolved labor dispute with USSF), but your "career" is your "day job". I can't imagine that there could have been a better boost for Howard's career than moving to Old Trafford. I think the same could be said for Gooch.
I just watched Manchester United in the News on Setenta sports (gotta love Directv) and they discussed the transfer rumors. No mention was made of Gooch.
I don't see any damage there either. Do you really think that Tim Howard the MetroStar could win the job from Kasey Keller, the CastleDweller?
Tim Howard had little chance for 2006 anyway. If anything, going to ManUtd was his only shot at taking the spot from Keller.
Webmaster StandardLiege.com to me More options 1:31 pm (8 hours ago) Jeff, There's been some talk about a possible move, but it goes without any doubt that Gooch will remain at Standard for the upcoming season. He signed a new contract last month, and is looking forward to next summer to have a chance and play with the US Team in Germany. Marc. Take it for what it's worth...
Nice work Jeff. I'd rep you but I'm out. That sounds like that settles the topic until after the World Cup, or in a very unlikely event the January transfer window.
Confirmed in today's USA Today - Gooch is not going to ManU any time soon (or so says Gooch's agent). Close down the thread, last one out turn out the lights, please. . .
Here's that Article: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/national/2005-08-16-onyewu_x.htm "Recently, famed club Manchester United expressed interest in acquiring Onyewu as well and last scouted him at the Gold Cup in July. However, his London-based agent Will Sterling says the move is unlikely at this time, and no offer has been tendered. Onyewu is under contract with Standard for the next two years." ....This still doesn't mean there's no possibility that he'll end up at Old Trafford. Also, it would depend whether or not Standard Liege needs the transfer $$$ and also if Gooch can nix the transfer according to his contract. I guess we'll just have to see what happens.
Thank God. The last thing we need is another quality young Yank who's trying to get a roster spot for Germany to sit the pine for ManU (or play reserve games) until Judgement Day.
i think his roster spot is probably as secure as our other top defenders, along those same lines I sure hope Boca can get good amount of playingtime if not at Fulham, then somewhere
Gooch is too talented not to draw major interest from bigger clubs. He needs to see better strikers before Germany. I am not in favor of him going to Man Utd but I would like to see him move to the one of the big four in Europe. I think he will most likely end up in the Bundesliga as teams are always looking for defenders to mark the monsters that play striker over there.
He's going to lay low because if he waits till after the WC his value will skyrocket, I think his agent knows this, and that's why they holding. I agree with this thinking
It sounds on TV that Dragutinovic is leaving Standard Liege for Olympiakos. So now, Gooch becomes the boss in defence and is no more likely to leave.