Manchester United News 24/7Writer: Zae 
Date:Thursday July 30 2009
Time: 10:31PM
UK time is: 02:51:43
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Leeds 'Forced' Smith On Us
Leeds United legend Peter Lorimer revealed that Alan Smith did not choose United: he was asked by the club to go there as we were the only ones who could pay the price they wanted for him there and then. Leeds, back then, had been in desperate financial trouble so they wouldn't have accepted a deal that involves monthly installments or that sort of thing.
'The biggest asset at that time was Alan Smith. We had offers from Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Everton, and various other clubs were interested, but we also knew Manchester United were interested.
'I was asked personally by the board of that time to ring Alex Ferguson to let him know that Alan was available if he was interested and tell him how much we were looking for.
'And the reason he had to go there was that we were so pressed for money, and it was such a desperate situation, that they were the only team who could pay us the full amount there and then.
'The other teams who were interested - as with most transfers nowadays - were on partial payment terms over a longer period of time. But the club was in such dire straits we needed the money there and then. That was the reason why he went there.'
Lorimer added that he's not sure that Smith, a Leeds fan, would have chosen United but they explained the situation to him and he agreed to help his club. So it's a bit of a shame that their horrible fans gave him stick after playing against Leeds in Newcastle colours in pre-season.
Think they'll never forgive him that he got himself accepted, even loved by us. They should be proud, actually, after all the boy is Leeds through and through yet could make an impression at Manchester United and on our fans as well. But I don't think they'll adopt this point of view, somehow...
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Your Comments
No you're right, that's definitely not the view we'll ever be taking. You can love Smith all you want but you know deep down he had a bitter resentment for you all! He went to you to help Leeds. An horrible, horrible sacrifice to have to make but he put himself in the firing line on behalf of Leeds United. He should be knighted for the suffering he endured at your horrible, horrible club! :P
milkylufc
CAn't wait till we are back and abusing Scum fans again...It will be a few years again anyway unless you're relegated...
Gromjo
Yeah, I miss abusing the glory hunting, fickle, plastic fans of Scum.
milkylufc
You should change your title. Leeds didn't force Smith on Manu, they forced Manu on him.
JohnDoe
The majority of Leeds fans realise what th situation was and have no problems with Smith. Its just the vocal minority who shout the abuse. I would welcome him back tomorrow.
erni
Oh look, filthy vermins! I thought you all went extinct!
ForeverUnited
Well said Zae. To be fair though the majority of Leeds fans understand the situation why it happened.
HuddersfieldYiddo
It doesn't really matter who forced who on who, the kid gave 110% week in week out!!! Hats off!!!
java
comments like milkylufc just stops me from feeling even alittle bad for leeds :D thank you milkylufc. enjoy the conference in 3 years
Reddevils4ever89
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