Sir Alex Ferguson confirms Manchester United interest in Eden Hazard

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that he is a fan of Lille midfielder Eden Hazard. Hazard has been regularly linked with a move to Old Trafford, along with Tottenham, while Europe’s elite clubs have also been showing interest in the 21-year-old Belgium international. Until now, all reports were just rumours with no confirmed quotes from United themselves.

However the Manchester United boss spoke of Lille’s recent match against Lyon in France last month and hinted a transfer could be likely this summer:

‘I came to watch Lille play Lyon and followed Hazard, of course, along with other players.

‘He is a very good player who has a many qualities. He is particularly fast over the first 10 yards.’

The Guardian reports that in an interview with French Radio RMC Sport, Ferguson refuted claims that the rivalry his United side have with Manchester City was one on Passion versus Money. Ferguson said:

‘The difference is perhaps that we’re trying to build with youth.’

With the Manchester derby less than a week away, there are likely to be plenty of mind games between both Ferguson, Roberto Mancini, and the players ahead of the clash at the Etihad and the press conferences this week should be a little more feisty than usual. As the pendulum swings back and fourth across the City of Manchester ahead of what Ferguson believes is the most important derby in his history at United, the clash between the local rivals could be just as dramatic as when Arsenal faced Liverpool in the old First Division, needing a two nil victory to overturn the Merseyside club at Anfield. Arsenal prevailed with a last gasp Michael Thomas strike to win the game 2-0 and went on to be crowned champions in 1989.