Manchester United manager steps up interest in Belgian
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has signalled his intentions to sign Standard Liege captain, 21 year-old Steven Defour, by sending the Belgian midfielder a personal letter to re-assure him that United are still closely monitoring his progress, despite a foot injury that will keep him out of action until the New Year.
The letter, which Ferguson sent officially through Defour’s club, Standard Liege, read:
"Dear Steven, I have just heard about your injury and, in the name of Manchester United, I would like to wish you a full and speedy recovery.
"I am sure at the moment you must be feeling awful and that you'll have all kinds of questions.
"Steven, these are natural worries but I have to tell you that modern medicine and treatments are incredible, you have to have confidence in them.
"I'm going to follow your progress closely and I will remain in contact with your club to have news of your recovery."
Defour reacted well to the letter, and told Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws:
"I think the attention is great, but I do not want people think I am already at Manchester, which is no means the case.
"But if they come knocking, then I would obviously not cause problems."
It is now expected that Manchester United will make a move for creative midfielder Defour in January, and Ferguson now appears to have stolen a march on Arsenal and Everton in the race for the Belgian’s signature.
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has signalled his intentions to sign Standard Liege captain, 21 year-old Steven Defour, by sending the Belgian midfielder a personal letter to re-assure him that United are still closely monitoring his progress, despite a foot injury that will keep him out of action until the New Year.
The letter, which Ferguson sent officially through Defour’s club, Standard Liege, read:
"Dear Steven, I have just heard about your injury and, in the name of Manchester United, I would like to wish you a full and speedy recovery.
"I am sure at the moment you must be feeling awful and that you'll have all kinds of questions.
"Steven, these are natural worries but I have to tell you that modern medicine and treatments are incredible, you have to have confidence in them.
"I'm going to follow your progress closely and I will remain in contact with your club to have news of your recovery."
Defour reacted well to the letter, and told Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws:
"I think the attention is great, but I do not want people think I am already at Manchester, which is no means the case.
"But if they come knocking, then I would obviously not cause problems."
It is now expected that Manchester United will make a move for creative midfielder Defour in January, and Ferguson now appears to have stolen a march on Arsenal and Everton in the race for the Belgian’s signature.
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