Maniche already wanting out of Russia

Maniche, Portugal’s star Euro 2004 performer is apparently unhappy with life in Russia and would like a transfer. Arsenal, are you listening? The solution to your holding midfield problems is right here in the shape of the tenacious, compact defensive midfielder who’s clearly capable with both the pace of the Premiership and Arsenal’s style of play.

The unhappiness is being played down, the club, Dynamo Moscow, has denied any rift, but newspaper quotes by the player clearly dispute this. I must claim vindication, I was right, why did a player who was linked with Manchester United go to Russia?

My conclusion here starts in Portugal, moves onto France and ends in Ghana.

I think Maniche went to Russia as a stepping stone to join Chelsea and re-unite with Mourinho. As soon as Chelsea signed the Ghanaian international Michael Essien from Lyon a door looked shut for Maniche. The transfer window closed 7 days ago. Now we see the public discontent, maybe with Russia, maybe not, but we have that part that starts in Portugal to deal.

Jose Mourinho’s brilliance as a football coach is shadowing his dark side. I think Mourinho, for all his positives, has left Maniche hanging out to dry. It’s for many clubs to profit from.