PSV anger over Robben United trip
LONDON, England -- PSV Eindhoven chairman Harry van Raaij has launched an outspoken attack on Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson, angered by his young starlet Arjen Robben visiting Old Trafford without the Dutch club's permission.
"I have good relations with United, but bad relations with Ferguson," said van Raaj, who told The Guardian newspaper that a bid of $9 million for the 19-year-old striker was a "joke."
Robben visited Old Trafford, at the invitation of Ferguson, last Friday.
He was accompanied by his family, who also act as his agents.
"I recognise exactly the same actions that he (Ferguson) has taken when he approached them. It's his way of doing business, but it's not my way," added van Raaj.
United had informed PSV of their interest in the player some months ago but Van Raaij said he was unhappy to have heard about the visit via the Dutch press.
"We are unhappy that we did not know one of our players was visiting another club, especially Manchester United with whom we have had an excellent relationship in the past," Van Raaij told Tuesday's London Daily Telegraph.
"We have had some dealings with United over Jaap Stam and Ruud van Nistelrooy and therefore I was not happy to be told this news by the Dutch press.
"In the meantime I have spoken to United, they were a little bit embarrassed and said that the initiative was taken by the parents of Robben.
Van Raaij accepted, however, that his club would be unable to hold on to the striker as they are unable to match the salaries of the premier league.
"It's part of the business we are in," he said, though he added that any deal was unlikely to happen until the end of the season.
