Transfer Tales: The story of Park’s United move

WHAT THEY SAID

Sir Alex Ferguson: “I think Ji-sung will give us fantastic energy and speed on either side. The games he impressed me most with PSV were when he played on the left-hand side and came infield, so I will start with him there to begin with and see how he develops. But Guus Hiddink said to me that he is improving every day, so it’s a great option for me. He is quick, has fantastic energy and is good in the air. so the options are varied. He’s a very mobile player and very quick. He has fantastic energy and to get players with that quality with the speed of the game is a real asset.”

Sammy McIlroy: “Park looked the part in the Champions League for PSV and is an attack-minded player unlike the likes of Kleberson or Djemba-Djemba. So much was made of United’s goal output last season and I think Sir Alex will be looking for more from midfield. I think that’s where Park may have a better chance of consistent selection compared to his predecessors.”

The Guardian: “Park would have cost significantly more had he not been within a year of becoming a free agent at PSV Eindhoven, and the 24-year-old will be viewed as the long-term replacement for Paul Scholes, whose performances have been increasingly erratic over the past two seasons. An attacking midfielder, Park attracted widespread acclaim for his performances in last season’s Champions League semi-final against Milan, but United have been aware of him since the World Cup three years ago, when he played in all seven of South Korea’s matches en route to the semi-finals.”