The 22-year-old midfielder from Cork will play out the rest of the season with Celtic, but will then join one of the world’s biggest clubs in the summer in a move that will see his earnings rocket to a reputed $2 million a year.
While Celtic will undoubtedly suffer from Miller’s departure — their charismatic manager, Martin O’Neill, may well also quit the club in the summer — one of Ireland’s most talented young players now has the dream opportunity to follow in the footsteps of his fellow Corkonian Roy Keane and guide the fortunes of Manchester United.
“We’ve been watching Liam for a while now,” said legendary United manager Alex Ferguson, “and we’re trying to build a squad that will serve us for a few years. He joins a group that includes the likes of John O’Shea, Ronaldo, Kleberson, Djemba Djemba and Darren Fletcher, players who we intend will safeguard the future.”
Asked if comparisons between Miller and Keane were valid, Ferguson said there were some similarities, but added: “I see more of the Brian McClair in him, to be honest. He has a fantastic engine and he sees the space in front of him very well. I think we’re seeing a potentially very good player and in terms of the future of Manchester United. I think we’re doing the right thing.”
However, O’Neill suggested strongly that Miller was making a mistake in quitting Celtic at this time in his career. “We’re not talking about a man of 30 years’ experience and I think he should’ve been looking to play at Celtic for another 18 months at least,” he said. “He was starting to really progress and I’m disappointed, no doubt about it.”
Along with the highly promising Andy Reid, Miller is expected to be at the heart of Brian Kerr’s plans to build a new Ireland team bolstered by the talents of Daminen Duff and Robbie Keane over the next year. “As a young boy I only supported two clubs, Celtic and Manchester United,” said Miller. “I’m honored to have played for Celtic for six years and it’s an exciting challenge to be going to one of the biggest clubs in the world.”