31 May 2007, by Sean Gillen

Queiroz: “We’re building a team for the next decade”

Coach left tired but beaming after marathon negotiations

Manchester United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz has revealed his delight after the club secured the signings of Portuguese winger Nani and Brazilian sensation Anderson.

Queiroz was at the heart of the negotiations this week as the Premiership champions stunned Europe with the double swoop, which is believed to be worth up to 50 million euros, to add to the recent capture of Owen Hargreaves from Bayern Munich.

“I’m very tired but naturally very happy,” he said. “We started at six thirty in the morning and only finished at nine in the night. Now all I want to do is go on holiday and forget about football until the new season!”

“Obviously we believe we are talking about two huge talents who will contribute greatly to the renovation we are undertaking in Manchester. Remember that the team only has four players in their thirties - Van der Sar, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and Giggs.”

“These signings are the fruit of a long and detailed tracking of both players – as well as others who were considered. The key was that they both fit the profile we want – young, talented and with enormous potential still in front of them.”

“It is really worth just stopping and imagining what an attack formed by Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani and Anderson could do. They are players who blend creativity and magic into football. It really is wonderful to be able to mould and enhance their capacities.”

“I have always worked with players in this formative process and it really is something that I love and it is a significant investment. We are in a continuous process of renovation and these purchases are part of this process, with the aim of building a team for the next decade.”

When asked if Nani could become the new Ryan Giggs on the left of the United attack, Queiroz said: “Lets see. We’re going to do with Nani and Anderson what we did with Cristiano Ronaldo. That’s all I can say for now.”

Queiroz is believed to have had a major influence in identifying the talented pair for the move to England, with his involvement appearing to strengthen his position as the favourite to take over from current United manager Alex Ferguson when the Scot decides to end his reign at Old Trafford.


Related: Djalo & Cristiano Ronaldo reaction to double transfer
Related: Anderson video
Related: Nani video clips