[Tattooed Crusader]

Signing Carrick for £18million last summer set the price point on this deal. To be honest, it didn't really matter who United set their sights on, the price would probably be 20% higher for Chelsea, United, Real Madrid etc simply because they are who they are.

When Carrick was signed last summer, several folks (including myself) lamented the price. Looking back on it now it doesn't look like such a bad deal, as he really came on in the second half of the season. If the deal is done, then time will tell whether United got the best end of this transfer. If Hargreaves is "the next Paul Scholes" and actually plays to that level - we may look back on £18million as a complete steal.