No ones bigger than Man United (Jaap Stam)

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Product:	Jaap Stam
Date:	31/08/01 (18 review reads)
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Advantages: healthy profit for United, bigger wages for Stam

Disadvantages: loss of top quality defender

Jaap Stam's recent transfer from Manchester United to Lazio raised more than a few eyebrows in the football world. For three years, the colossal Dutch defender had been a rock at the heart of the United defence, helping to bring trophy after trophy - including the Champions League which had for so long eluded United - back to Old Trafford. Stam had arrived in Manchester from PSV Eindhoven in a long, drawn-out affair three summers ago, but within a matter of days, he was told his services were no longer required with the English champions.

There has been much speculation over the motives behind Stam's departure - but all signs would appear to point to his controversial autobiography which is currently being serialised by a national newspaper.

Stam was undoubtedly the best defender at United. His towering figure and strong physique made him a handful for opposition attackers and he held together what was at times a shaky United defence. Yet, after the first game of the season - which United won 3-2 against Fulham - Stam found himself dropped from the team altogether for United's midweek clash against Blackburn and immedietely a question mark was raised over his United future.

It has been claimed that the decision was taken due to a loss of form but it seems highly unlikely such a decision would be taken just one game into the season - and coincidential that it co-incided with the release of Stam's book.

The book revealed dressing room secrets at United - breaking a strict code imposed at the Old Trafford club. Among secrets revealed by Stam was that manager Alex Ferguson had illegally 'tapped him up' while he was at PSV and that the United boss instructed players to dive in Europe. Stam also labelled team-mates Gary and Phil Neville "busy *****", as well as insulting other squad members including David Beckham.

Stam's out-burst left Ferguson with little alternative but to seek a replace
ment, and in all fairness, both parties have benefited from the deal. United have made an £8 million profit on a 29-year old and have now snapped up long-time target Laurent Blanc, whilst Stam has negotiated a hefty signing on fee and wage rise with Lazio.

The debate over Jaap Stam's book will continue but the reason behind his departure is inevitable - no one man is bigger than Manchester United.

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