Correct me if you will but not too long ago Sir Alex was waxing eloquent on how the Man U locker room’s sunny disposition was a huge factor in winning their ninth Premiership.
So why would you spend £8m to £10m on an enigmatic player who is known for his surliness and questionable temperament? Sure, ‘Le Sulk’ seems to be less cagey and more personable but that has to do with Sam Allardyce’s man management. Big Sam’s penchant for taking creative misfits in midlife crisis who have worn out their welcome at other clubs and rehabilitating them is well known. Low budget Bolton took a chance on Anelka, the highest priced player in club history and universally recognized as one of the game’s most gifted but temperamentally volatile strikers. Anelka had played for six clubs and parted ways with each one of them on bitter terms. Even Allardyce acknowledged the fact that it would be a challenge. However, Allardyce managed him well and it paid of for Bolton as Anelka had a productive season with 11 goals including a brace in a win over Arsenal, his former club.
Anelka will be less likely to be dinged up compared to Saha and Solsjkaer and his pace up front will be welcome but the baggage he brings to the Teletubbies atmosphere in Old Trafford potentially outweighs the positive aspects. Sir Alex is not known to run a rehabilitation camp.