So now we know why Manchester United’s troubled star Wayne Rooney suddenly hightailed it to Dubai with Coleen. It was supposed to give the couple a chance to reinforce their marriage but in actual fact he’s there to check out the local football scene and find out if reported plans by clubs such as Al Hali to sign three of Roo’s veteran United colleagues Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville are legitimate.
The Sun reports that the mega rich outfit is ready to offer Giggs £200,000 a week to finish his career in the Middle East while Scholes and Neville can also expect huge offers from various Dubai clubs. According to the tabloid, David O’Leary’s Al Ahli have already discussed signing the trio when their United contracts expire next summer.
Italian 2006 World Cup winning captain Fabio Cannavaro moved to the club last summer and was immediately put on £110,000 a week tax free – which equates to £200,000 in Britain. Cannavaro recently admitted that “I always thought of moving to live in Dubai as I love it – I have achieved my dream.”
A unnamed United insider said that “Ryan is a legend at United and still an important part of the team but like Scholesy and Neville he can’t go on for ever. He has always rejected moves but this is a very attractive way for him to end his career, a last big pay day in the sun and the same goes for Scholesy and Nev.”
Neville has already got a property in Dubai and Giggs recently went on holidays there. None of the veterans have ever played anywhere else except Old Trafford during their long careers and could be tempted to accept an opportunity of spending a short spell elsewhere to get a taste of the experience.
It’s thought that the mega buck deals are being brokered by a mysterious Dubai football agent known only as Majido but the three veterans may not make a final decision until they hear what Rooney has to say upon his return.
Should the veterans go and enjoy some pressure free football after ending their contracts?
