Stick around, Freddy

Still on the US soccer tip, today. Surprising no one Freddy Adu clearly isn't ready for the trials of Manchester United and the English Premiership. Spurred on by the notion that Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo signed with the Old Trafford side at 18, but for a phenom who hasn't exactly knocked MLS on it's ear, it seemed fairly easy to predict at the start of his two-week training stint that Sir Alex wouldn't be terribly impressed either.

Adu's got talent, there's no arguing that. But strictly from a size and strength perspective, he'd be torn to shreds in the EPL. Perhaps a second-tier, less physical European league would be more to his suiting for the time being (although he'd have to wait until he turned 18 in June, anyway). Somewhere like Holland or France or Portugal, leagues where the level of competition is higher than in MLS, but also where he won't be punched in the face on a regular basis.

There's little question, in my mind, that this whole charade of getting Adu to train with United was orchestrated by the Glazer family who undoubtedly would love to have an American presence on the team. But just any American? Why not the future of the national team? To that end, I've confirmed my own belief that this was little more than a poorly conceived publicity stunt on behalf of the Glazers. Sir Alex is the one who evaluates talent. He would know what's best for the club.

As the annointed savior of the national team, it remains my contention -- despite this setback -- that Adu must play his club football in Europe if he is to ever truly elevate his game to an elite level. But as far as the here and now are concerned, I think another season (possibly two) in MLS would be best for the youngster. We all forget, he's only 17. He's a well-adjusted kid and he's headed for big things. To throw him into the fire now, however, would be a dreadful mistake.