Phelan defends Ljajic decision

Mike Phelan has defended the decision to pull out of the signing of Adem Ljajic.

The Serbian youngster was supposed to arrive at Manchester United in January, but United announced they were pulling out of the deal after reviewing his progress with current club Partizan Belgrade.

There were suggestions that the club were in a “financial crisis” and that this was the reason for backing out of the transfer, but Phelan has backed the official line of the club and added that there would have been problems securing a work permit.

“We made a tentative approach to getting a work permit and the word we got back from the Home Office was we couldn’t get that through in time to get Adem signed in January,” Phelan told a packed press conference.

“I don’t think money is an issue.

“The point is do you lay out money for Adem knowing there is a possibility that you might not be able to get him? As it stands Adem Ljajic won’t be coming to Old Trafford in January.”

United already have several youngsters who are trying to push their way in the first team.

“We have a platform that allows young players to develop and get into the first-team,” Phelan added.

“We looked at Adem and he has the potential to do that.

“But sometimes you cannot fight these things. Sometimes you can get work permits, other times you can’t. Adem fell into the latter category, which is why we made the decision.”

Short URL: http://www.strettyender.com/?p=485