Ferguson Was After Adam Good Player

Sir Alex Ferguson revealed that he did try to sign an unidentified player in the January transfer window, but there really was only one player that would have benefited Manchester United.

Charlie Could Not Be Contained By United

The revelation by the United manager started a whirlwind of stories in the press about who he was referring with the likes of Tottenham's Gareth Bale, Aston Villa's Ashley Young and Real Madrid's Lassana Diarra all being touted to be that player, but none of them would ever come to Old Trafford in January.

However, after his finesse, but yet robust display in United's dramatic victory, Sir Alex presumptively inquired about Blackpool's Charlie Adam, because the Scottish midfielder proved that he was the only player that was worth anything in the overvalued transfer market.

According to the Seasiders' boss, Ian Holloway, Adam was subject of two derisory offers from Liverpool and Aston Villa and then an 11th hour bid from Tottenham, but he never mentioned United, which is why his likely destination will be Old Trafford, if anywhere.

After United's come-from-behind 3-2 win, Sir Alex claimed that Adam's corners were worth £10m alone, which indicates he was a very keen admirer of the left-footed midfielder.

Ferguson deployed three midfielders at Bloomfield Road, and Adam tore them apart in the first half, which is something that has prompted the United manager to move for players before.

Similar
Not saying he is even close to the same player, but Adam's performance probably reminded the Gaffer's time seeing Paul Gascoigne's influence when he first came to England.

Gascoigne was the one player that Sir Alex regrets not signing, and the often-troubled, very talented footballer has admitted that he should have joined United as well.

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Following United's preseason match with Sporting Club de Portugal, Ferguson said it would have been criminal if he left the Estádio José Alvalade without speaking to them about signing Cristiano Ronaldo.

Quality
Adam is far from the finished article, but Sir Alex has a wonderful eye for talent, and there is no question that the Blackpool midfielder could have helped shored up United's problems in the middle of the park.

As Holloway has said before, all Adam has needed was a stage to showcase his skills, which he was given and has really has done ever so well by being a key figure in the Tangerine's recent success.

On top of his ability to tackle, Adam has not only the vision, but the ability to pick out a pass - short or long, which has been something United has been lacking this season.

Another thing that probably drew Ferguson to his fellow Scot, has been his ability to add goals, which he has six so far this season, because Paul Scholes' 12 goals in 2004/05 was the last time a center midfielder hit double figures.

To be honest, Holloway was never going to sell Adam to anyone, because of the certain drop off that Blackpool would face in such a tight relegation battle this season.

To the Tangerines, Adam's worth was only equivalent to as much as they would make if they were not able retain their Barclays Premier League status, which would have require a fee of more than £40m.

Unlike Liverpool and Villa, Ferguson seems to have kept a good standing relationship with Holloway and Blackpool, which by saying they will revisit the potential transfer of Adam in the summer.

It is a real shame that Adam was unable to join up with United now, because he would have been available to feature in all competitions, because he was rested for Blackpool's only match, a 2-0 loss to Southampton, in the FA Cup, and, obviously, he has not been involved in any European competition.

However, his greatest asset would be helping out in the Premier League by add another set of legs in the center of the midfield, and giving Sir Alex the option of playing a 4-4-2 formation rather than deploying just the defensive-minded 4-5-1.

Adam is very good utility midfielder, and would have been a very good replacement for Owen Hargreaves, who has been left out of both 25-man Premier League and UEFA Champions League squad, which should signify the end of his injury-plagued career at Old Trafford.

It is not often that Sir Alex Ferguson is wrong when he assesses players, and Charlie Adam would look great in a Manchester United shirt and bolster a very mediocre Reds midfield.