Pick Your Poison - Manhester United

The Challenge

Pick 3 players you believe have left your club and gone onto bigger/better things and you want back at the club. Then make a choice between the 3 players as to which one you'd take back in the current squad. Judge all players on their time of sale, not currently.

The Challenger
Richard Laverty, 20, Leeds.

Player 1

Gerard Pique - Central Defender

July 2004 - May 2008

"First name out of the hat, Gerard Pique. It seems obvious doesn't it, Pique perhaps wasn't suited to the English game as he was the La Liga, maybe he would have been, but he didn't show it during his spell at Old Trafford. Caught out many times, namely at Bolton, when Nicolas Anelka finished off a free-kick which Gerard Pique didn't have a clue about. But he showed glimpses of why he has been such a success in bringing the ball out of defence, a cutting edge through ball in 2007 against Wigan set-up United’s second goal. 

He got his name amongst the goals too, against Kiev and Roma, and was picked for the game title decider against Arsenal in 2008. It was a surprise to everyone when Pique was let go, and went on to become a regular Barcelona defender, and beat United in the Champions League final just 12 months after his departure. 

Maybe we’ll never know how suited to the English game Pique would have become, but I do wish we’d have found out."

Gerard Pique looked a very promising defender during his four-year stint at Old Trafford and it came as a bit of a surprise to most fans when he was let go for a measly £5M. He showed great potential while at the club and generally looked like a superb talent. While on loan at Real Zaragoza he made 22 appearances for the Spanish club and we all thought that the next season would be his breakthrough year. However, he made just 9 league appearances and with the stable partnership of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand at the heart of the defence with an emerging Jonny Evans and a Wes Brown in his prime, it looked like he didn't have much room for   game time and was moved on. He's gone on to become one of the best defenders in world football, and it's no coincidence that he has become that after constant game time. We can only imagine what he would have become had he stayed at Old Trafford.

Player 2

Diego Forlan - Striker

January 2002 - August 2004

"Number two on my list is like marmite, you either loved him or hated him. Diego Forlan. To say he took a while to get going at United would be an understatement, but we let him go just as he was becoming the striker he still is today, and showed in South Africa 18 months ago almost.

Once he got that first goal, against the mighty Maccabi Haifa, the goals flowed. There were some scruffy ones, Northampton springs to mind, as does Southampton, when he was running around half naked. But there were the crackers, Southampton again, Chelsea in the last minute and against Rangers in the Champions League. And there were the downright memorable ones…Mr Jerzy Dudek.

Forlan had all the qualities of a top striker, he went on to score plenty with Atletico, he dominated teams in the World Cup with Uruguay and I have no doubt he would have done the same had he stayed at Old Trafford."

Diego Forlan went from one of the flops of the 21st century, to one of the most lethal and feared strikers in world football within 2 seasons. He signed for £7.5M from Independiente with a tonne of potential. He never really hit the heights he was claimed to have stored away while at United, as it took him 27 games before he finally opened his account for Manchester United. His most memorable goal for the club was without doubt the double against arch-rivals Liverpool and that famous blunder from Jerzy Dudek. He signed for Villarreal in the summer of 2004 for just £2M and went on to become one of the most feared strikers in world football, scoring numerous goals for Villarreal and Atletico Madrid, although he's struggled since his summer move to Inter. When he left, he was on the brink of a breakthrough and the season after his departure, United struggled.

Player 3

Zoran Tosic - Winger

January 2009 - June 2010

"Finally, a controversial choice maybe, the little Serbian, Zoran Tosic. There was much excitement when it appeared United clichéd a double deal to bring Tosic and then Partizan team-mate Adem Ljajic to Old Trafford, but when the Ljajic deal fell through, rumours surfaced that Tosic had only been brought here as a buddy for Ljajic, and suddenly the Serbian was out of the door.

He had his moments, a fleeting debut against Tottenham was followed by the odd appearance. He shone in the 2009 pre-season, setting goals up, and scoring a nice goal against Greentown over in Asia, but he was soon on his way to CSKA Moscow, where he has flourished and become a key member of the Serbian national team squad.

Tosic didn’t win the hearts of many United fans but I feel with a few more chances, Tosic would have developed well here and given us good back-up options on the wing, where we sometimes struggle to find back-up for these days."

A strange choice from Richard, I can't see many reasons why any United fans would want Zoran back at the club. He was an exciting young winger, but never looked like he had anywhere near the quality to make an impact at Old Trafford. He had a good pre-season in 2009, but other than that he didn't do much to stand out to the fans or management. He went on loan to Koln in January 2010, and upon his return was sold to CSKA Moscow for around £6M in June. He's done well in Russia, his direct running and skill earning him a starting berth and a regular place in the national squad. With options such as Giuseppe Rossi, Tim Howard and even Cristiano Ronaldo, I myself am struggling to see a reason why he's been included in this list and I don't think we would have offered much more to the current squad than any of the players we already have in the team.

CONCLUSION

RICHARD LAVERTY 

"Who would I take back out of the three at the time they were sold? Under circumstance, it’s too easy to say Pique, but at the time, Rio and Vida were in their pomp, Jonny Evans was a developing young talent, and Wes Brown had just endured his best United season. For me, Diego Forlan left at a time when he could have been a star.

The 04/05 season wasn't a success, in any way. United lacked creativity, sure, Ruud was scoring the goals, we didn’t know if Wayne would sign for us or head up north to Newcastle, Saha had only been with us six months, Solskjaer was crippled, Smith was a new entity, Ronaldo was just a one-trick pony and nobody knew how poor David Bellion would be. There were youngsters, as ever, when nowadays we look to Welbeck and Macheda for youthful inspiration, back then it was Rossi, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, and erm.. Kenny Cooper. Forlan had a chance to shine that season, would we have signed Rooney if he hadn't gone, who knows? But Diego had much more to give, it’s just a shame he didn't want it."

DMF

Personally, I think from the selection given to me by Richard, this is a fairly easy choice to make with the current squad. Forlan would be a good addition to the side, but we currently have plenty of striking options with Rooney, Berbatov, Hernandez, Owen, Welbeck and Macheda so I don't think he'd be necessary or add much to the side that we don't already have. 

Zoran Tosic would still struggle to get into the side with the options we have on the wings in Nani, Young, Valencia, Park and even Giggs to an extent. I also firmly believe if he were still in the side, youngsters like Macheda and Ravel Morrison probably wouldn't be getting a look in right now.

So that leaves world-class defender Gerard Pique. When he left he was ready to break into the starting eleven, but with Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic in the pecking order ahead of him he couldn't find a way through. With Rio aged 33 now and struggling to play constantly at a top level, Pique would be the perfect player right now. Young, on the brink of stardom and able to partner Vidic (when fit), Jones, Smalling, Evans and Rio would be a masterful defensive display to watch.

 Do you agree with the choices @JournoRich made? Let us know in the comments section or on Twitter.

DMF (@dmf180593)

Pick Your Poison - Tottenham Hotspur

The Challenege

Pick 3 players you believe have left your club and gone on to bigger/better things and you want back at the club. Then make a choice between the 3 players as to which one you'd take back in the current squad. Judge all players on their time of sale, not currently.

The Challenger

Stephen Walker, 62, London (residing in Belfast)

Player 1

Paul Robinson - Goalkeeper

May 2004 - July 2008

"Paul Robinson joined Spurs from Leeds in May 2004, for a fee of £1.5M. He was an instant hit with the fans and in the next two seasons he put in some top quality performances in a team that generally was considered to have a poor defence. It was easy to see why many considered him to be England's best goalkeeper. In his third season, he was very inconsistent, due to the lack of confidence after his mistake at the beginning of the season for England against Croatia. He never fully recovered and in that season Spurs had a poor record of keeping clean sheets. The team however, still managed a fifth place finish in the league. 

His form again suffered for club and country and he lost his No1 status for both club and country. However he showed his professionalism & regained his place and collected the first major trophy of his career in Tottenham's 2–1 victory over Chelsea in the 2008 League Cup Final. His form suffered again after this and he eventually left the club on transfer to Blackburn in July 2008 for a fee of £3.5M. His performances since for Blackburn showed what a good goalkeeper he still is and it is no coincidence that Spurs have struggled to find a replacement of the same standard. Brad Friedel is showing he is close. I believe he is still a genuine contender for an England place, if he chooses to make himself available for selection. Worth noting that on his Blackburn appearances at WHL, since he left, the fans have given him a special and warm welcome."

Paul Robinson is a good goalkeeper and not much more in my opinion. A committed player to the cause, he is capable of pulling off some top saves for his side but is just as prone to making errors to throw that same side in at the deep end. He always tries hard and gives his all for the team but for me Spurs already have better options in that position in Gomes and Brad Friedel. Their record breaking start to the season is proof to that.

Player 2

Dimitar Berbatov - Striker

July 2006 - August 2008

"This decision is a hard call. I don’t think he has played as well for Manchester United as he did in his spell for Spurs, but he was sold for a club record £30m. He joined Spurs in July 2006 and took time to settle, but formed a good partnership with Robbie Keane and from about April 2007 put in some great performances. However, he is very moody and needs careful management (a genius often does). His languid approach on the pitch can be deceiving; he has a great eye for goal, much like Greaves and Klinsmann before him. We have not really replaced him. Pavlyuchenko is a mood player, Crouch was clumsy, Keane fell out with Redknapp and Jermain Defoe is only now getting some form back. Emmanuel Adebayor is proving to be another shrewd acquisition that has good potential."

Dimitar Berbatov proved he was a genius at Spurs and although he's struggled since his move to Manchester United, we have seen glimpses of it at Old Trafford. In his first two seasons with United he struggled to reach the heights he did with Spurs, but last year he bagged 21 goals in all competitions making him joint top goalscorer in the league with Carlos Tevez. This season he's struggled to break into the team ahead of Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck, but when he's played he's looked good, scoring 3 goals so far this season. Spurs' depth is something of a huge strength to them, but their striker department looks fairly bleak. Emmanuel Adebayor looks the perfect man up front for them, but he's only on loan and it's looking unlikely the North London club can match his wage demands to make it permanent. Jermain Defoe is a poacher and struggles in the lone role. Although he's bagged goals this season, he still doesn't look as good as he has done and there are lots of reports linking him with a move away while Roman Pavlyuchenko has been invisible this year. Dimi would add a new dimension to an already impressive Spurs squad.

Player 3

Sol Campbell - Central Defender

December 1992 - July 2001

"Sol made his debut in 1992 and proved his class almost immediately. Initially he played up front and also covered all across the back line, but eventually settled into the central defensive position circa 1995. He moved to Arsenal under the ‘Bosman ruling’ amidst a lot of hostility from Spurs fans in 2001 and that is still prevalent today. He played a key role in Arsenal’s success in the early part of that decade and also key games for England, although injury restricted his appearances. The natural successor was Ledley King, but injuries have severely restricted his appearances over the years. We have not had a strong defensive player since, Dawson and King are the closest when fit."

Sol Campbell was a defensive stalwart for Tottenham Hotspur during his time at White Hart Lane and caused mass controversy when he moved to arch-rivals Arsenal on a free transfer. His massive physique along with his deceptive quickness made him a force in defence and he was a key member of Arsenal's invincibles squad. He was excellent for England too alongside Rio Ferdinand before his injuries took their toll on him.  He'd add some real leadership to the side as well as a pure defensive mindset. He and Ledley King would make a formidable centre half pairing and it would be very difficult for anyone to break them down.

CONCLUSION

STEPHEN WALKER 

"If I had to choose one of those 3 above the others, it would be Campbell. Central defence has been Spurs’ achilles heel ever since he left. I am certain we would have been a better team had he stayed."

DMF

I personally think Spurs have got a perfect blend of guile up front and power/speed/creativity in midfield. The defence is solid but could do with some shoring up and for that reason, a Sol Campbell set to enter his prime would be my choice to take back into the squad today.

Do you agree with the choices @spursmentor made? Let us know in the comments section or on Twitter.

DMF. (@dmf180593)

Pick Your Poison - Sunderland

The Challenge

Pick 3 players you believe have left your club and gone onto bigger/better things and you want back at the club. Then make a choice between the 3 players as to which one you'd take back in the current squad. Judge all players on the time of their sale, not currently.

The Challenger

Michael Graham, 31, Sunderland

Player 1

Danny Welbeck - Striker
2010/11 (LOAN)

"Whilst many may have raised an eyebrow when seeing how involved with the Manchester United first team Danny Welbeck has been this season, there was no such surprise amongst Sunderland fans. Last season we had the privilege of having the youngster on loan and he had Manchester United pedigree oozing out of every facet. Welbeck appears to be the archetypal modern day striker, possessing the touch and vision to go with formidable physical attributes. Many believed that the club had enough prospects of their own that should be getting the playing time that would be devoted to that of another club. But the player started contributing to the first team immediately and it was clear from the start that he was far more than a 'prospect' - he was a Premier League player. 

It is fair to say that Sunderland have been haemorrhaging strikers at a frantic rate this year, with Welbeck, Bent, and Gyan all wearing the colours of another club at this moment in time. The latter two will not make this short-list, as the only thing 'bigger and better' about what they have done since leaving is their pay-packets, but Welbeck is making a big contribution to the champions and being fast-tracked into the England side. Whilst the other strikers we have lost have made the headlines, Welbeck has been a huge miss."

 Danny Welbeck has been superb for Manchester United this season, but that is with a huge thanks to Sunderland for the way they developed the youngster last season during his loan. He struggled to make an impact at first, but once he found a home cutting in from the left flank he found great form scoring in a run of games including the 3-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. His general play improved greatly but he also developed physically during his loan spell on Wearside. He pushed for an England call-up but injury pulled the plug on that before he returned to Manchester United this season to earn that illustrious cap. 

Welbeck offers great pace, guile and vision beyond his years as a footballer. Sometimes he can be a bit rash though but his general approach to the game is something to be admired for a man of such tender age.

Player 2

Shay Given - Goalkeeper
1996 (LOAN)

"It may surprise people to see such a Newcastle United stalwart in a Sunderland list. In fact, a lot of people may not even be aware Given is a former Sunderland player. But before he was a Premier League mainstay, before anyone had even heard of him actually, Given was a very important part of the Sunderland team that laid the foundations of the relative successes the club is enjoying today. At the turn of the year, Peter Reid signed the then Blackburn youngster on loan and stunned everyone by instantly throwing him into his promotion chasing team. We needed not worry, though, as Given's immense quality was evident from day one. During Given's brief 17-game spell at Roker Park, he amassed a massive 12 clean sheets as the championship was claimed. For the record, that means that in 17 games with Sunderland he won more medals than in the 400 he played for Newcastle. 

The club seems to have been searching for a reliable goalkeeper for years at this point. Craig Gordon is a richly talented shot-stopper, but suspect in other areas of his game and has an atrocious injury record. Mignolet we have high hopes for but injury has just befallen him as well. Given was good enough from the day he walked into the club as a 19 year-old and I wish we could have kept him."

Shay Given has become one of the best goalkeepers in the history of the Premier League after his fantastic spell at Newcastle, struggle at Manchester City and now Aston Villa but he began to make his name at Sunderland while on loan from Blackburn Rovers. He kept 12 clean sheets in his 17 games at Roker Park and helped them to a championship medal. His superb reflexes and handling make him one of the greatest British goalkeepers ever and at the age of 19 he would have had his entire career ahead of him.

Player 3

Stewart Downing - Winger

2003 (LOAN)

"Another high-profile player that many may not be aware ever played for Sunderland. Downing enjoyed a loan-spell at Sunderland back in 2003 as Mick McCarthy was trying to steady the ship following the total implosion of the club during Peter Reid's final months here. The more eagle-eyed of you will notice that this makes it a hat-trick of loanees, but for whatever reason Sunderland has always been a club for overachievers who struggle to replicate it elsewhere. The elegance and quality on the ball that has defined Downing's career was evident immediately at Sunderland despite his tender 19 years. In fact his form was so good that he was recalled after a mere 7 games and thrust immediately into the Premier League limelight by Middlesborough. 

It is no exaggeration to say that I genuinely struggle to remember the last natural left-sided wide-player we have had at Sunderland of any actual quality. You probably have to go all the way back to Julio Arca. It is a failing that has plagued the club for years and how different it could have been had the club been in able to secure his services on a permanent basis. The fact that he was in the England squad within 18 months of having his loan spell ended shows that even the 19-year-old version of Downing could have impacted Sunderland at Premier League level."

 I personally don't remember Stewart Downing ever being at Sunderland and now I remember why. He played a mere 7 games at the club before he was recalled by parent-club Middlesbrough and put straight into their first team. A traditional left winger he has pace and likes to run at his man before whipping in a cross with his favoured left foot and he's gone on to big things since his loan spell. He didn't do anything special while on loan at the Stadium of Light, but it was enough for Middlesbrough to notice his talent which has subsequently seen him get his "big-money move" to Liverpool this summer for £20M. A natural, creative winger is something that Sunderland have lacked for a while now and he would be a perfect fit for that role in the squad.

CONCLUSION

MICHAEL GRAHAM

"The great Brian Clough always said that he couldn't understand why top goalkeepers didn't cost as much as top strikers, and I completely agree with that. A save can be as valuable as a goal and Shay Given has made a career out of pulling off saves that he had absolutely no right to make. For that reason, coupled with the fact that he was young enough, and good enough even at the time, to provide the kind of goalkeeping stability Sunderland and so many other clubs rarely enjoy, it has to be Shay Given. He would immediately improve the current team considerably."

DMF

This season, Sunderland have struggled a fair deal throughout the pitch. Their defence has been leaking goals, their strikers haven't been scoring and their midfield has struggled to create. It's difficult to choose to who take back, but with Steve Bruce sacked yesterday it shows that some fresh blood in the squad could be exactly what the club needs to kick-start their season. Simon Mignolet and Craig Gordon have great potential, but Mignolet seems a bit hot and cold this season while Craig Gordon seems to have terrible luck with injuries and it's been said numerous times that a reliable and sturdy goalkeeper is the key to success so for that reason, Shay Given is the player that I believe would be best to return to the Stadium of Light in the current day.

Do you agree with the choices that @Capt_Fishpaste made? Let us know in the comments section or on Twitter.

Also, take a look at @RokerReport - 'Sunderland AFC's finest blog and podcast'.

DMF. (@dmf180593)