Richardson, Kleberson to make United trip
Alex Ferguson has pledged to take Kieran Richardson and Kleberson on Manchester United’s four-match Far East tour even though the pair’s long-term Red Devils future remains in doubt.
Richardson is seeking assurances over his part in Ferguson’s plans after enjoying a meteoric rise to prominence following a loan spell at West Brom.
After playing a major role in the Baggies’ successful survival fight, Richardson then earned an unexpected England call-up and scored on his debut against the United States.
Those performances, coupled with his ability to play in Sven Goran Eriksson’s problematic left-sided midfield slot have earmarked Richardson as an outsider for the Swede’s World Cup squad.
Although the 21-year-old remains determined to prove himself at Old Trafford, where his current deal still has a year to run, he knows there is no chance of making the plane to Germany if he spends next season in the United reserve side.
Further talks are planned next week in an effort to find the best way forward of the three possible options, a permanent transfer, or a new contract and another loan move, or a new contract and a return to United.
However, Ferguson has already pencilled Richardson in as one of the 21 players who will be flying out to Hong Kong on July 21 on a trip that also takes in Beijing and Tokyo.
“I have had a chat with his dad but there is nothing decided at the moment,” Ferguson told the Manchester Evening News.
“I will be taking 21 players on tour and Kieran will be one of them. We will have to decide after that.”
Kleberson will be on the plane despite enduring a dismal two years at United since his £6.5m (€9.4m) move from Athletico Paranaese.
The Brazilian World Cup winner had been dogged by injury for much of his time at Old Trafford and rarely made an impression in his 30 appearances for the Red Devils.
Portuguese outfit Benfica are one of a number of clubs to be linked with the midfielder, but unless a suitor reaches Ferguson’s valuation, the 26-year-old will be staying where he is.
“We have had a lot of inquiries about him and one or two have tried to get him on loan, but that is out of the question,” said the United boss.
“One or two have made bids but they don’t match the value we believe he is worth. If we get that valuation, then that is a different matter.”
