Unbelievable - Sneijder rumours abound!

Just one day after we wrote that Wesley Sneijder must come to Manchester United, the Interwebs were ablaze with the rumours that the Dutchman was coming to Manchester -- but the wrong side of town!

The CounterAttack refuses to believe that Sneijder would sign for City. Let's call it a hunch, as United have a long and successful link with Dutch players. This goes as far back as Arnie Muhren and includes Jaap Stam, Van Nistelrooij, and of course Edwin Van der Sar - silverware winners all, while City...don't. Still, it could happen.

We simply can't believe that despite all his protestations that Sir Alex Ferguson would allow a key rival to snatch such a needed player away from him. So until we see Sneijder in blue, we won't believe it.

We also press our plea to Ferguson to get this deal done! As much as signing Cantona and Keano were testaments on which Ferguson built his empire, not signing Sneijder will help some other club do the same. Let's not let that happen.

The one reason Sneijder must come to United

The CounterAttack returns, after a season-long layoff, thanks to an incredible season from Manchester United. A record 19^th English top-division league title was won. We had thought that 2010-11 was not the year for United but were we ever wrong!

Last year’s analysis is why we’re back. We didn’t think Manchester would win last season mainly because of personnel. We didn’t think Chicharito would settle in as quickly, and that the midfield would be exposed for its frailties. Luckily in the league, the other clubs couldn’t seize the moment; cruelly, we were exposed in the last match, at the Champions League final.

So this season, we’re pleased to see Sir Alex sign David De Gea to replace the incomparable Edwin Van der Sar. Despite his precocious youth, De Gea does nothing but win everywhere he goes, an irreplaceable quality that will belie his age.

Adding another winger in Ashley Young is never a bad idea. He offers options and allows Ferguson the flexibility to consider the transfer market to raise funds – even though we firmly believe that the Glazers have always made funds available, it’s always a good idea to be able to raise money through player sales.

Phil Jones is a combination of the De Gea-Young signing – he adds youth to the defensive mix, allows for options in terms of selling players on, and provides flexibility in squad selection.

But the big story all summer has been Wesley Sneijder and his will-he-won’t-he saga. He’s on, he’s not, he’s signed, he hasn’t, he wants to come, he doesn’t want to leave Italy, he’s agreed to terms, his wages aren’t being matched, it’s his wife, it’s his gaffer, it’s UK taxes it’s….ENOUGH!

Manchester United need Sneijder because he instantly solves the midfield problem that has existed ever since Roy Keane left. Sneijder would link to the strikers, working between the wingers. He would be the bulwark to stop opponent attacks, beginning the defence from the midfield.

Sneijder would perfectly replace Scholes, as the Dutchman can score from distance. His work rate would help Rooney – they would split the middle so Wazza won’t need to run all over the place as much. And, his national coach said that Manchester United would be the best system for Sneijder to play, as it mirrors what the Dutch use.

But all these things are known. And if we’re honest, with some luck, one of Fergie’s latest Fledglings could be that player. There is, however, one reason why United should sign Sneijder, above all others:

So that no one else can.

Sneijder is the final puzzle piece for Manchester United. He is the best two-way midfielder of his generation. As such, he could also be the building block from which to build for clubs with pretensions. Perish the thought another Premier League club might sig... (shudder)....

So for this reason and this reason alone, it is critical that should Wesley Sneijder leave Inter, he wind up only at Old Trafford.

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