Oct 30 2011 by Steve Bates, The People
MANCHESTER UNITED are set to step up their interest in Newcastle midfielder Cheick Tiote.People Sport understands Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been impressed by the 25-year-old tough-tackling Ivory Coast international, who was signed for just £3.5million from Dutch side FC Twente last year.
Despite a Premier League record-equalling 14 yellow cards last season, Tiote has been a smash hit on Tyneside – and it’s not gone unnoticed by Ferguson.
The United manager also likes their French midfielder Yohan Cabaye but it’s the talents of Tiote that have really caught his eye.
Even before last week’s 6-1 hammering by rivals City, where Anderson and Darren Fletcher failed miserably to control the middle of the park, Ferguson had recognised United’s need for a powerful defensive midfielder – and that Tiote could fill the role. But the 25-year-old signed a six-and-a-half year deal at Newcastle in February meaning it will take a huge offer to tempt owner Mike Ashley into doing business.
Meanwhile, Tiote has revealed how his current life as a Premier League star is a stark contrast to his tough upbringing in Africa.
He said: “We all played barefoot back when I was young. I played barefoot until I was 15. It was good for technique and to have a good feeling for the ball. At 17, you started wearing boots.
“It is very difficult to play football over there. There are no facilities, no money to do everything you want to do.
“You come over to Europe and are given everything.
“In Africa you have to be strong mentally to make it. You need to believe in yourself to go forward.
“Playing in that environment you need to believe in yourself. That is what
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