After the announcement of retirement from Paul Scholes, Sir Alex Ferguson has been forced to move quickly to fill the boots of the United Legend. Reports in France state that he is looking to sign midfielder Mathieu Valbuena from French club Marseille after receiving advice from Manchester United legend Eric Cantona.
French newspaper, La Provence broke the news that ‘The Red Devils’ are interested in the 26year old playmaker who has made a staggering 175 appearances for the reigning Ligue 1 champions scoring 20 goals, making him a perfect replacement for the ‘Ginger Wizard’.
The highly thought after centre midfielder has also made seven appearances for the France and since making his debut last year, managed to score his second international goal against England in November last year securing a 2-1 victory.
Fuelling the speculation further is that the French international has openly expressed his willingness to move away from the Stade Velodrome if the right club were to come along, and not many would put money against Premier League champions and Champions League finalists Manchester United fitting that bill.
“If an offer comes from a large foreign club it is hard to say no,” he said. “But now, I prefer to live in the present.”
Cantona, is believed to be a fond admirer of Valbuena, having recommended the Marseille midfielder as the ideal replacement for retired Scholes. The latest spanner in the works now sees interest from Villa Real in the race for his signature, but surely a club of United’s stature and history should see themselves in pole position to secure Mathieu Valbuena signature.
