Not exactly the most popular choice in this line-up, granted, but then considering the clubs hes played for since and even before his ill-fated Sunderland loan, there is no doubting the pedigree of the player. Attitude on the other hand If suggestions are to be believed, we have Muntari to blame for unsettling Ghanaian teammates Mensah and Gyan upon his arrival but who knows? With Steve Bruces Sunderland riding higher in the league than at any point since the clubs return to the Premier League back in 2007, that Januarys transfer activity was eagerly anticipated. On the surface too it was exciting, the prospect of Muntari returning to England from Italy and a player in the mould of Steed, with pace, as Gyan had described Sessègnon. Of the pair however, it was Muntari that the Wearside public would have preferred to sign on a permanent basis, though no matter. If Sunderland could have maintained their trajectory Muntari was sure to sign in the summer anyhow, Steve Bruce believed. Though right from the off the two new signings as well as the loss of Bent and Welbeck through injury had an unsettling effect on the entire team. In contrast to Bruces battle-hardened midfield, Muntaris assured touch and sharp passing was clear to see. On the path Sunderland seemed to be headed that January, Muntari would indeed have been the perfect acquisition, but against the rest of the team he looked as though hed arrived at the wrong time, too early almost.
