Fantasy Premier League

Fantasy starts next week, please join my league. League Code is 327235-96836.

~deyao~

The Arsenal Crisis Q & A

I use the word crisis because it really is at the moment. Pretty nothing much is rosy for the team. No trophies, no big signings, players leaving...The glory days are all forgotten and being empty-handed feels somehow normal at the moment. Can you believe Arsenal are actually competing for the fourth spot. It is a pretty big slump at the moment and today's Q and A will be about the big issues surrounding Arsenal.

Q: First Adebayor, now Kolo Toure, really proving to be a selling club?

A: No club in this world really does this except Arsenal, I think I mentioned this probably 1 year ago. But it is really strange Arsenal seem like they are offloading the big players every season. We saw Hleb and Flamini wave goodbye last season and now the number 1 striker and the best defender in the club, I got no idea how is this happening. The players that has left the club over the last few seasons will amaze anyone.

Q:Vermaelen is the only signing this season, is it sufficient for the club?

A: In terms of number of players in the team, we are not really short. But in terms of quality we are really quite short on numbers. We have the players in the positions but I feel quite a few of them doesn't have what it takes. A player like Bendtner or Walcott. They have proven quality but the consistency level is actually very low. We need signings desperately.

Q: Arsenal hasn't really been linked with any big names, only a few and the boss again doesn't seem interested in spending. What are your thoughts?

A:I am obviously very disappointed we don't look close to signing anyone. I really see the lack in quality in the team and the names mentioned are not really helping the cause. I screamed for a defensive midfielder last season but the boss decided Denilson could do the job. He did alright in some games but he didn't look comfortable in the position. We just can't continue with Denilson or Song this season in the middle. We were linked with Melo a month ago I saw some hope for the elusive defensive midfielder but I was denied. We have been linked with Huntelaar, Hangeland,Vieira and Chamakh. Huntelaar is overrated, Hangeland is Europe cup-tied, Vieira is way past his prime and Chamakh is just another baby sprout. I am certainly feeling very down by the players we are linked with.

Q: Who would you like to see then?

A: There was a hint of Benzema and I don't see why we could not afford him. But the thing was he was only interested in Real and Man Utd will out-bid us anyway with the Ronaldo cash. A defensive midfielder is very urgent, I don't see Flamini making a return but I really like him. A real goal scorer would be good like David Villa. I also admire David Silva which can provide a lot of creativity on the flanks. We seriously need some enforcements in midfield and the boss really needs to work faster.

Q: The Eboue situation and Fiorentina?

A: In short, just let him go. For 8mil pounds? I thought it was a joke initially,he is really not worth that much. Why on earth is any team interested in him. I will even take 5mil.He has lost all the shine he had when he arrived. He is no longer that player who made great runs down the right wing and putting a good ball in the box.

Q: Does Senderos have a future at Arsenal?

A: He was certainly one of the biggest upcoming players when we signed him at the age of 17. But he never lived up to expectations and he certainly isn't good enough at the club. Even as an understudy he probably lacks it. I don't think he will stay.

Q: Should there be high hopes on Rosicky this season?

A: He has an injury nightmare since joining. He was injured the whole of last season. He is like out for nearly 2 years! I have missed Tomas quite a bit. He is so creative and has a sweet strike on the ball. He creates a lot for the team which is what we really need right now. He is one of the best in the game in his good matches. I am looking forward for a huge contribution from him.

Q:Are young players like Vela, Ramsey, Wilshere going to make their mark this season?

A: Vela probably has the best chance among them three. Ramsey still needs time, he is not close to making big impacts yet. Wilshere is only 17 so he will probably feature more in cup games. Armand Traore is back too which gives a perfect backup to Clichy. Traore can play midfield and swings pretty good crosses too so I hope he doesn't make any loan move. Gibbs should be quite influential too.


Q: Biggest players to the team this coming season?

A: Fabregas, Van Persie, Nasri , Arshavin will be the big four this season. They are all brilliant but they must find ways to play consistently and avoid those bloody injuries. Nasri is out for the first few games, so we should see Rosicky playing in the first team. The midfield department really lacks depth. With Eboue departing, we need at least 2 new names. I am just dying for a big player to come to the club, someone like Wesley Sneijder.


Q: Is Arsene Wenger bulletproof?

A: I think this season is probably a defining moment. He has been given quite a lot of time to prove the critics wrong. The team has come close to doing big things but has always stumbled at the wrong time. But this year amounts to 5th season trying to capture a trophy and I feel he has to do it regardless of any reason. Things are possible if he brings in big players and take chances on big transfers. This could be his last throw of the dice on proving his strategy and beliefs.


Q: Can he be ousted by the club?

A: Why not. I am not saying they will but if we don't make top 4 then it becomes highly possible.However I think it is only fair for Arsene to quit as opposed to being sacked for his contributions to the club. He has done very big things very the club but there comes a moment when things do not work as before. I still believe in him but the patience of the fans are running thin.

Q: Arsenal haven't been able to compete financially with other clubs due to huge stadium debt and some other problems with the Highbury developments , do you think a rights issue as proposed by Usmanov is a viable option?

A: Arsenal are the only club in the top four or even top 7 to have actually built a stadium from scartch. AND, the big AND is that Arsenal does not have access new funds from a takeover. In the term of 15 years, Arsenal probably could be financially more well-off then the other teams as Arsenal generate their funds internally. The Highbury development has suffered lack of sales most likely because of the recession and falling real estate prices but that has little to do with the football. A rights issue proposed by Usmanov actually sounds like a possible move which can provide some injections to the club. Ownership is not diluted and funds can be provided for Arsene's transfers. Yes, the shareholders has to come up with the money but if the extra 50mil actually helps, I don't see why not.

Q: Last question, a prediction of the Arsenal's fate this season as compared to the top four.

A: We could see the FA Cup at most I feel. Champions League last four is possible and 3rd place for the League. I think my predictions this time are more conservative so Arsenal proof me wrong! Man Utd might have a very tough season ahead and Rooney is the key driver next season. Losing 2 big players is probably enough to set them aside this season. Chelsea and Liverpool will occupy the top 2 spots and they could also do well in Europe.

A quick recovery?

Its the one of the hardest questions to answer at the moment for the economy. Some are predicting things are set for another tumble while the others are quite optimistic. Some big corporations in the past week have posted handsome profits and this has caused people to believe things are going to get even better. If you weren't observing, the rally since March 2009 till today is quite unbelievable, the most daring people in this period would be really smiling to the bank, returns are at least 50% since. The problem is whether this rally could really sustain? From what I have read, people are a little impatient at the moment and anything positive are driving values out of its fundamentals. The White House had a forecast unemployment could settle at 8% this year but it is already 9.5% and is almost heading to 10%.I am not sure how they also forecast a 4% growth under these conditions where contractions are still happening. Probably they were trying drive some optimism into the people for voting them into the White House.

There has been many circumstances where things have taken a few checks along the way. Crude Oil rallied all the way to over $73/bbl recently driven by demand by China. The speculators outdid themselves and a week later when inventory eventually piled up, crude dipped all the way to $59/bbl. Volatility at the moment is probably at its highest. People want the recession to be over now and this is a problem. There also people writing that the rally at the moment is also due the massive stimulus by governments around the world and they are worried things might dry up soon if the fundamentals are not there. The positive news, things will eventually recover gradually, it always has and should continue. The big brother of the world (US) is still a major force in determining the fate of the rest of the world. Obama really needs to step up and reform the healthcare, social security, war, minimise a mind-boggling deficit, restore confidence in the dollar and prevent its treasury bill holders from getting nervous. Those are just parts of the problem right now, he also has to deal with the declining confidence of the people. Polls declined again today. So a quick recovery, probably not yet.

But people should still be rational and remember this is probably the BEST opportunity you could ever have. The opportunities are still there for the taking so be on your toes at all times. Be patient and update yourselves. Probably not once in a lifetime but you really don't want to miss it. There's no secret that equities will outshine any other investment in any condition over the long run so keep tabs on it if possible. I have a friend who had a quote, "Any day is a good time to invest, there are just times when it is better". Guess when's the best time?...NOW!!! Last tip, be calm no matter what and only buy things you understand very thoroughly. There's really no secret.

Wanna wish my bro Loon Hung a very Happy Birthday today and hope it would a nice birthday with his girlfriend. On another note, another year has gone by without Dad so things are always bittersweet on this day. Some days seem to have many events in one. Anyway, everyone have a good day!!

~deyao~
Update on Australia soon..

Thank You Mum and Dad

There comes a time in life when we move a little too fast, forgetting who we really are. Progress is always good in life, improving at we do everyday. But after having so much time during recuperation last year, I had a long pause in life, appreciating the things that brought me where I was at that time. I had the time to reflect on the things I did and remembered all the things people around have contributed to me. It was really boring with so much time, but that was probably the time I felt really moved me onto the next stage in life. Today is a little more than 1 year since that time and I could feel I am progressing again. In life there are also bubbles, I knew that. Since last year I was growing so quickly and at one point of time I just took a slight pause in life, I gave myself a reality check, I told myself the bubble could burst anytime things go too perfectly for a long time.

In fact, I wrote "Trying not to fall off a cliff". It was not that I was going to do anything stupid but I felt the concentration I put in at doing things was paying off very well and it gave me more incentive to work even harder. As a result things progressed rapidly at time went by and I think things actually went too well, I had the results, I found new happiness and I did things that I should be doing. Sounds perfect enough. I hate to admit this, but I have crumbled under pressure. Just when I thought I could deal with everything I wanted to if I was determined, a change in fortune threw a huge blow at me. The inability to remain composed and being myself in such circumstances told me I have got lots to learn in life. The fact that my emotions were out of my control in a bad way gave me an indication I am not there yet. I am going to take a step back now and go into pause mode again. I would take this time in pause mode to thank two important people who made me who I am today.

First to my dear Mum, all these years you have given your absolute care and love to me and at this stage of life sometimes I take things for granted. I hope I haven't realised this too late because I will never have those sort of attitudes anymore. You and Dad have given everything possible to me in this life and I am so grateful for everything. I am not sure if you reliased this but I have put in a lot of effort to please you most of the time. I know it is my responsibility and it goes without mentioning but I would want to say that my best has been given to you. I know it has also been hard for you dealing with all the challenges and I feel like I haven't contributed enough. I will continue to strive in this life to make a good life. It's unfortunate we three have to leave home at this stage, I am not sure whether this is right sometimes. But I promise at least one of us will be with you when I finnish my degree. It is hard to handle everything in the family, from A to Z but you will always have us with you if you need us anytime. I feel like I am not making the right move now but your assurance has allowed me to continue to move to a higher level in life. I am sorry you have to endure 4 months like this, I hope the Sundays being on the phone with us will make things better. I can't thank you enough for everything and I will miss you so much. I love you Mum.

Hi Dad. I think I only told one person about this but nothing is ever too late right. I would like to say all my life I have been looking for a role model or sometimes we call it an "idol", I have seeked people from musicians to footballers to the rich to look for the right one. The further I looked and looked I could never find the right one. Little did I know the best role model I ever had was you. The person I have lived with for so many years, my own father was the greatest role model I will ever have. The qualities you possess is truly amazing and I am very devastated that I am only reliasing it after these many years. A true leader, a great dad and a friend to so many people. I never knew you had such a deep impact on so many people and I am in absolute admiration of what you have done. Firstly being a true leader is not as simple as it seems and only the strongest minds in this world can be leaders. Dad, your composure in life is the number one thing I have learned and it would continue to be one of my best qualities in life no matter what. For the times you kept your composure when dealing with even life-threatening situations is totally out of any book. Your success I am sure has also come a lot from this. Another quality that will always be up there with composure, its also linked to being a leader, it is your passion to empower people. I have never seen a person like you, having the pleasure of seeing people ride their bike on their own when you take off their training wheels. Your ability to instill such confidence and power in people is something I will learn so much from. Your effort in continuously fighting hard in making sure your staff being well-equipped with the latest happenings in this world and their English being at an acceptable standard is something few bosses would even do or care about. So many people have paid so much tribute to you over these years. I can say Uncle Ben Morais is one of the people that has truly appreciated your work. The words he used to describe you showed how much you have contributed to him. However, you will be sad to know some people have done the opposite, I do not want to mention much but I would say what you have done for them was something probably I may not be capable of doing.

What I mentioned does not even touch about what you have done for this family. You gave everything possible to allow this family to have the best life possible. The sacrifices and beliefs in making a good life will be in our hearts forever. The hard work, dedication and motivation you put in to build this family will be talked about for a very long time. There is too much you have done and it makes the word great or impressive seem weak. You probably didn't see much glimpses of what I am today, but I can confidently tell you that almost everything I do, I will make a thought of what you would have done. I have grown so much over the past few years and I am very happy to have you being my role model. I will continue to pass on as much of your teachings and examples in my lifetime, please be sure of that. I think you will be absolutely thrilled to know I am investing at this age. I could imagine us talking about investments, finance, the economy and businesses everyday and I think you will be more than happy to have this conversation with me. I still remember the days you read the Wall Street Journal, now I know why you do. I loved the book Rich Kid, Smart Kid and I know you did too. I can only imagine if I read it 5 years earlier when you asked me to. I think what I have put in writing has told quite a big part of how I feel, but I will continue to talk to you whenever I recall anything. Thanks for being the greatest dad. You are sorely missed.I love you Dad.


"Take a pause and appreciate the things in life"
Happy 4th of July!
~deyao~

The Sis Post

Two people must be saying "Hey, thats us!". haha. Yes its both you. Firstly, I don't really like doing a picture post because I feel it takes a lot of attention off from what I write which I feel is the point of every post. I'm not a good photo blogger either so nothing is lost.

Honestly, I always need a certain level of encouragement to write any post. Normally things accumulate over weeks or months before I click the "Create" button on the dashboard. This one has been mentioned a few weeks now but haven't really got time to think. Truth, writing about family needs thinking? probably not.

So where do I start? Family potrait.
Left 2 pictures :Huiwei
Centre picture: Me(Left), Huiwei(Top), Mum(Bottom), Rong(Right)
Right 2 pictures: Huirong
A landmark at home, gains the most attention from any visitor. And yes, all our names are joined. We'll explain the reason behind it when you ask any of us.

Done with the formalities, age...hmm...no need la. They are both elder than me? duh...haha. But Wei has been the youngest in some people's eyes. She must be celebrating that time.haha

Options on what to write? About? Why I love them? A bit of a little. I think I need to cut the chase.lol!
I love my sisters because.....eh....like slogan wan?

Both my sis graduated in Australia. Took the SAM program. Like me. I should be graduating there too. We took the same subjects in SAM and probably the same stuff in UWA. Fine, slogan. I love my sisters because they are the best sisters in the world. They are so nice too me all the time, really treat me like the little brother, give me minimal responsibilities, so fun la. But I'm not sure how much I have done =(. Remind me anyone?

Rong, tied greatest sister with Wei. Haha. Sorry Rong, the genius award goes to Wei, I think we both agree to that la. She reads faster than anyone. Hands down. More on Wei later. Rong, the RAT. Got the name from the chinese calendar (hint..hint). I would say she works really hard and is the sportiest among all of us. She leads in so many things I think she can lose track of what she has done too. The RAT smells people like no other, very much like dad. Doesn't take long for her to separate genuine ones from the impostors.I really greatly admire this skill.Don't mess with the rat, you get screwed (overstatement? hmm...).Super hardworker. Works really hard, I would say more than me at least. Skills? She has very good makeup skills although I've not seen her do makeup inawhile because we only meet anually, how sad. But I remember she's got a nice bag full of cosmetics with a Laura Mercier product (my pronunciation will drive ppl nuts for that brand). I dunno anything abt makeup la...Oh ya, she has this cleanser which she doesn't tell me the price till today. Sure ex wan...
Hmm, she puts me to tears the most without crying. She use to press my blackheads and pimples for me way back 6-7 years ago? It was so fudging painful when she does it. Thank goodness I am handling it myself now.
She shares common with me. Our beautiful use of language, probably only she speaks on those terms with me in the family. I love how she complains when I overdo my swearing. Haha.Now I really miss our bedtime stories....really....
Credit goes to you for all tv shows introduction, ANTM, Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice and Samantha Who? and fine...How I Met Your Mother although Bin and Syl were the final push.


Wei, tied greatest sister with Rong. Probably the softer person among 3 of us. More likeable maybe? This sister is known for her love for shows and books. She is probably the fastest reader I know, 3 books in a day? Dunno got skip or not la, but she reads so freaking fast. Plus, her study productivity is outrageous, it "feels" like she doesn't do much, but she always come up on top. And ya, stop the deception of not doing well, we no longer buy it. haha.And when she watches shows, she doesn't stop. The most hilarious part is probably when she smiles while watching shows and I love to imitate her doing it. Oh ya, I forgot about how she laughs. All of us in the family would be like "Yoh...this wei ah". When she laughs right, her body is technically vibrating and especially when she is trying to control her laugh by closing her mouth, its so funny!! Her sound of laughter is impressive.
Next point, she is always bullied by us. Poor wei, she always gets disturbed by me and rong, especially night time when she is about to sleep and I go VERY near her and say "Hi Wei". She would be like struggling to counter my annoyance.And when she can't take it, she say "Deyao....".Haih, the way she says it cannot show la..so funny.
Funniest moment, Wei's hair got stucked in the comb. Wah lao, can laugh until go crazy man. I was there to witness it, there was actually no way to get the comb out. What an experience where a comb was destroyed and hairs were lost. Sorry wei, just came across my mind.
Also, the disposing flower incident. She had to hide some flowers this fellar gave her so we were in the 'adventure' to make it disappear. You really owe us wei. Who was the person to collect it somemore. The biggest culprit for any Korean things around. Whether its Korean shows, guy or food. You influenced Rong!! You spread the disease....

There's so much about both of them that I can't describe. Bottom line, best people ever! We've been apart for so many years now except CNY but things will change very soon, right?
Last pics to end.

Rong ! The not so fierce look.

Wei! Notice the height difference...lol.

I love you both!

~yao~

Open Letter

I just want to say thank you for the times you have been with me. I never expected someone so special to appear in my life all of a sudden , but the swiftness came at a price. It's unconscionable to blame anyone here. I gave you my heart and I gave you my word. I gave you love to the extent I'm not sure is possible. I appreciate everything you did and shared together with me.

I'm sorry things didn't work out. Everything I've said to you is true and I meant it with all my heart. I thought the fundamentals of the relationship were there, but I was mistaken, it was the exact thing that kept us from going. You are one of the most wonderful people I've known and I will never forget your presence.

~deyao~

Why Do You Need To Invest?

Previously, I looked at why people were afraid to invest, fear and greed, simple. But I think if you told people that they shouldn't be afraid, its NOT going to be any help. The better question, DO YOU NEED TO INVEST? And obviously, yes. And another yes, no matter what level of wealth you are at. Warren Buffet still invests his money today, worse still, he's still working. Does he need add more to his $50bil estimated wealth? Probably not, but he still does it.

Money matters, we all agree. But it's the perception of it which makes things go wrong. I am afraid people do not see wealth as something increasing but worse still they look at it as something depleting. Do you have control over money? If you have an overnight windfall of $1mil, what will you do? If there's too much hesitation, you're not in control. If you are thinking how to make the $1mil last you for a certain number of years, financially, it's not really a good sign. Put aside the charity and human side of things for awhile. From a financial perspective, if you are imagining and thinking how to grow it to another million, you're on right on track.

There's many ways you can deal with 1mil, keep it in the bank at 2.5% interest, buy a house, put it in equities, give it to someone, buy many years worth of lottery or anything that you know of. This post won't tell you how to use the imaginary 1mil, but the lines above are just to trigger some thinking of whether you are in control.
Before I continue, this post is by no means showing you how I much I know or how much in control I am but just to create some awareness.

Why do you need to invest? Title says....
Just a brief summary
1)Options
2)Uncertainties

Options
Money gives you options, no doubt, we all know that. Although some people may be well-off, but some are not that fortunate, thats why investing may be even more important for some people. Where do we get money from? Our jobs, salary. Anywhere else? If there's no where else, things aren't going to be easy. Not many people can reach top management but almost everyone needs almost the same amount of money. True? That's why, job security today is paramount for many people. But if they lose their jobs in situations of a recession like now, what are they going to live on. Savings would be a blessing, but for those who depend heavily on their monthly salaries, this is trouble. This is serious, not everyone can keep their job all the time. That's why we need to start supplementing our salary with incomes from a different area such as investing.

Difference between investing generally and investing in a business.
Investing generally means money is working for us and investing in business also means money is working for us but indirectly, actually SYSTEM is working for us. Many people do not opt for a business normally because of lack of capital, talents, risk and giving up their jobs. Both investments' return can vary and no method is technically better.
Investing generally is more accessible and easier to learn. Normally, we look at equities (stock market), commodities, mutual funds, real estate, bonds and foreign exchange. There are many more...

Currently, interest rates and inflation are at the lowest in over a decade. Many would be smiling at the lower interest on their mortgages and loans and the lower costs of living. It's not actually a good sign, because these low numbers can go up really fast, I mean really fast. If crude oil prices can rise from $50 to $70 in a month, you have to anticipate interest rates and inflation will follow very very soon. Take advantage of the lower borrowing costs right now because rates will only have an uptrend after this.The economy may still be contracting but its no longer at free-fall. When commodity prices surge in the near future, inflation picks up, interest rates follows and there is goodbye to low cost financing.
So we should be responsible as people who make things happen (invest!), NOT "see it happen" or worst still, saying "What happened?" (quoted from Rich Dad).
What are you suppose to do? Grow your wealth as much as you can right now, unless you are in a very good position and is very comfortable with paying high interest rates on cars, real estate or any other loans in the future.

Uncertainties
Another issue for Malaysians and Singaporeans, after 2011 , our money placed in banks are no longer guaranteed. What??? My money can disappear?? Yes in the event of liquidation, the central bank only guarantees RM60,000. That is worrying for sure. Even banks , our biggest safety haven is no longer safe. Where to put my money then? Now it's your turn to think, I would suggest you put your money in investments that you really understand and feel confident in. Learn to do your homework and from there you could grow your wealth and this will give you more options in life. Be patient of course.
You still might consider hiding it under your bed or in a safe, but it's not a such a good idea.

It could awhile until the next topic comes in mind, How to Invest is something I probably am not capable of writing yet. But at least, the important thing is people to do things for a reason, and I just gave you a few reasons to INVEST. I hope the things I wrote made sense, tell me if I haven't. Thanks for reading.
Reward for reading...
There is no doubt energy demand will rise very quickly in the near future especially when things start to pick up. Look at the energy sector, my biggest tip.

~deyao~

Dispensable but Replaceable?

Regardless whether Ronaldo had lifted the Champions League trophy last month, he is one of the best players around but amazingly his common sense still doesn't communicate with me. I'm only writing this because of the official statement from Utd, again the papers have overstated the meaning of RECEIVED as ACCEPTED. No deal yet but it could be likely. Almost a year ago I predicted Utd will not regain the League without Ronaldo. My predictions on other matters were not as good but I think this one is fair.

Beginning of the season, Utd really slumped without him , having one of the worst starts ever. A so called mediocre season by Ronaldo still saw him become the highest scoring midfielder ahead of the seemingly better Gerrard and Lampard. He scored 18 goals in the league and trailed leader Anelka by one. Goals were a lot short compared to the previous seasons but his influence has an "invisible hand" (Stolen from economics..lol). He is a bit silent on the goal front but when he plays, there's such exuberance with Man Utd, something Arsenal has lacked. The sort of catalyst and game-changing capability that every team is envious about. The question for Ronaldo first, is he making the right move?

YES, HE IS
Well, he has achieved every trophy and award possible at his level and it is fair for him to look for better challenges ahead. He has given so much to the team and he has the say what he wants. Not a very strong argument but he does have a point.

NO, USE YOUR HEAD.
Not many people really agree with the mentality of Ronaldo and what he says. I personally don't have a problem with his arrogance. At 23, still too risky for a move to Real Madrid. A move that has shown evidence players never really achieve their potential or didnt grow as much as they could have. Beckham,McManaman, Woodgate, Owen, Reyes, Anelka, Gravesen, Van Nistelrooy, Robben, Diarra, Dudek, Heinze are the ones that made their way to the Bernabeau. How many really did well? I don't think any of them did exceptionally well. First argument against this, none of them were really so called "best"players. There's some truth but Ronaldo is the best player in the world. The chances of screwing up his career is high apart from the possibility of spending the best years of his career wasted. Plus, Real Madrid has Kaka and can they actually play together. Mouth-watering prospect for an under-achieving team, but for me it is just blind optimism. For Real's sake , I hope it works.

REPLACEABLE?

According to THE SUN, they identified a few players who could replace Ronaldo. Let me take a look.
1. Luis Fabiano
I seen him play before , pretty decent, too far from Ronaldo.
Ronaldo "replacementness" rating : 3/10

2.Antonio Valencia
He has played for Wigan for awhile now and no one is really interested in him. Why will United be?
Ronaldo "replacementness" rating : 2.5/10

3. Karim Benzema
Now you're talking, excellent playmaker for Lyon but not for France. Superb skills and capability. Has the muscle for the Premier League. Scores goals.Thumbs up.
Ronaldo "replacementness" rating : 8/10

4. Franck Ribery
Good candidate as well. Aggressive style, scores goals and creates too. Not bad.
Ronaldo "replacementness" rating : 7/10

5. Samuel Eto'o
Radically different player, too attacking compared to Ronaldo's creativeness. 28 years of age. Not quite the replacement.
Ronaldo "replacementness" rating : 5/10

6.Carlos Tevez
On the list because not signed permanently. He has played for Utd and we have seen him play. Should sign for Utd but he is not a replacement for sure!
Ronaldo "replacementness" rating : N/A

My considerations
Kaka should be on this list but thanks to Real again.

1. Lionel Messi
Some call him the best player in the world, he could be this year. Barca wont sell him for 80mil pounds, but maybe 100? He is top draw , all I can say.
Ronaldo "replacementness" rating : 10/10


2.Diego
Haven't seen to much of him but a playmaker is the concern for Man Utd and he is one which is quite sought after. A third of Ronaldo's price could do it. His speed is a problem here.
Ronaldo "replacementness" rating : 6.5/10

3. Xavi
Man Utd surely knows a lot about him. Great player but different attributes. Don't think Barca will sell again.
Ronaldo "replacementness" rating : 6.5/10

4. Sergio Aguero
Very talented youngster. I haven't watched him play in awhile, but he could be a good buy. Small in size but big in talent.
Ronaldo "replacementness" rating : 7/10

5. David Villa
Proven capabilities. Has a very big eye for goal. Love to see him in the EPL. Sadly, almost the same argument for Eto'o. Too much of a striker.
Ronaldo "replacementness" rating : 6/10

Whatever the outcomes, someone will celebrate, whether its Ronaldo with the biggest wage cheque in his entire life, the Premier League's other 19 teams or even United (if he stays or they like the money).
Let's hope this fellar does not let success takeover him. Happy decision-making and discussions Ronaldo! Return the glory days to Madrid...haha. (Sorry for being bitter because of the champions league semis)

~deyao~