Tuesday, May 31, 2011

The usual...

      There are always loads of rumors every summer about who will be coming to and leaving Old Trafford. If you know anything you know that most of the rumors are usually just that...rumors. If you are a United, you also know that United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, usually goes with the unexpected off the radar purchase. However, United Chairman David Gill has suggested that the team may go a little further than usual in spending this summer and may bring in at least one notable name.
      The most talked about players so far are David De Gea as a replacement for Van der sar, Ashley Cole from Aston VIlla, and Luca Modric and Sneijder as possible replacements for Paul Scholes who announced his official retirement today. Sat Nav you will be missed. Paul Scholes was the greatest midfielder of his generation according to Zinedine Zidane. Who is going to argue with him?
     Today I thought it would be interesting to ask for comments about who you think should come to Old Trafford as well as name some the few names I would look to sign this summer. Here are some of them.

                                       Each player is followed by a youtube link.

Since Manuel Neuer seems to be an unavailable choice I guess that I would look to DeGea (who fergie seems to have already chosen according to the media) or Adler. De Gea seems to be on his way and could be a good choice. He is very collected in big matches and is very athletic and agile. His age gives me some reservation though. Adler has been first choice at Bayern Leverkusen and has done well there. He is known for having great reaction times and his age isnt a factor so he also could be a choice. although it is difficult to see him leaving Germany.

David De Gea - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9GojWpLpq0

Rene Adler - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpIch4M71EU

As far as The Midfield is concerned...

Lassana Diarra would be a great addition to our midfield. He would fill that void in front of the defense that continues to cause us problems. He is aggressive and has already proven himself in england. With Reald Madrid signing Sahin from Dortmund in the Bundesliga it would not be surprising to se Lass leave the Bernebau.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70MPmcVT1Sw&feature=related

Bastian Schweinsteiger is an extremely versatile player who can play on either wing as well as in the center. In the center he exceeds defensively as well as a play maker pushing forward and would be a great replacement for Scholes. This signing is most unlikely but I am a fan and could see him doing well for the side.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRXuGoyhdwc&feature=related

Charlie Adam had a wonderful first season in the prem this year and most likely will depart Blackpool because of relegation. Adam is a true warrior in the midfield and would seem to fit in well at United. He is unproven at the highest level though.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOb-n8KOHiA&feature=related

Cheik Tiote has proven himself to be a vital asset for Newcastle United this season and could make a move away from the Toon this summer. Also a warrior in the midfield who would fill that space just in front of the two center backs that United have not filled in recent years.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNU0fldo0Vw

Keisuke Honda showed his quality at the world cup last summer. Another Versatile midfielder who can perform as a more deep lying play maker or push forward in an advanced attacking role. Move to Old Trafford would be most unlikely but could be an incredible asset to the team.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekw5SOB-OMQ

Comment and let me know what you think. Who should be coming to the Theater of dreams and who is on their way out?


 

Monday, May 30, 2011

Thats 19 now on to 20

Well that's it for the season. We had a run at it. In the end Barcelona truly showed their class and we were not able to overcome it. I truly agree that this Barca side could be one of the greatest in history. Their line up, their positioning and the way they play is so simple and perfect that its almost unbeatable. Overall I think we were better than the last meeting. I expected more from Hernandez and thought Valencia was quiet. However, neither played badly. Wayne Rooney was absolutely briliant. When he opened up for the first time on the left side, I really thought the magic was about to happen. Alas, we went down to a fantastic side. I am happy with this season though. I never expected United to do as well as they did and I am grateful to have our trophy back.
    Champions League final aside United were great during a season full of adversity. It was an interesting season to say the least. That is something that makes the 19th title even more savory. I envy those boys that took the banner to Anfield. That was a riot. The EPL is becoming more and more interesting. United overtook Liverpool in titles, City finally won a trophy and Wenger continues to pout about another trophyless season. I guess not too many things are changing! However, next season looks to be another tough one. But that's good! Competion sparks magic. Espeacially at Manchester United! Sadly one of the most interesting teams of the season has been relegated. I was thrilled to watch Blackpool this season. They were a quality side that I really would have loved to see again next season. Their relegation may also lead to their complete undoing with player departures (i.e. Charlie Adams). Good luck to them next year in the Championship.
   United have some work to do over the summer. While i am not suggesting a spending spree, it would behoove Fergie to go out and purchase some quality players. Obviously United will be looking for the Van der Saar replacement. All the papers were saying that De Gae was on his way. Now they are stating the opposite. De Gae seems to have many of the qualities desired of a first class keeper. His age does bring some questions to light though. We shall see how that pans out. Ashley Young is another name that has littered the papers. The press are adamantly pointing towards a move to Old Trafford. Personally I have not been overly impressed with Aston Villa winger. He is a solid player but I wouldnt be willing to shell out the cash it would take tobring him to the Reds. Also, I think the side is set as far as wide players go. The center of the pitch is where I would look to make improvements. We need some investment in a center midfielder. With Scholes most likely on the way out, United need a play maker. They should also be looking to fill that deep space behind the MF and in front of the Defense. This was a major problem during the final. I expected Sir Alex to play a 4-5-1 to help to remedy this problem but that didn't turn out to be the case. I think it would made a difference in the midfield which was over run by Barca. Fletcher gets into that defensive gap some and can be effective but he is not a strictly defensive midfielder by nature. As he was not on the pitch on Saturday it didn't matter. It is definitely an area in which United can improve and definitely where I would look before the Wings! 
    Regardless it was a great season and the team did well! Time to look forward to another season full of trophies for the Reds !!!!
 
My player Ratings for this Season:
 
Van Der Sar - 9 - Was pure class all season as always. Barely put a foot wrong(or hand for that matter). Cool and collected he was the epitomy of consistency as he always has been! He will be missed next season.
 
Kuszczak -5-  Not too many appearences for the Pole who will probably be gone over the summer. He has not impressed over the last two season and his shaky performance at Blackburn at the end of the season left much to be wanted.
 
Vidic - 10 - An extremely elegant and consistant display from the Captain this season. He was the anchor at the back and led the team with consistancy and strength. Best Center Back in the world.
 
Ferdinand - 8 - Continuing his injury problems this season. But when fit was almost always quality. Hopefully he will stay fit next season!
 
Evra - 6 - A little less consistant than the Evra of last season. Still showed glimses of magic but nowhere near his wonderful display of last season.
 
Rafael- 7- Overall a good display from the young Brazilian. Still seems to have trouble with impulsive tackles and keeping his cool but looks to be one of United's future talents. Did well to play on the opposite wing from his brother in Fergie's surprise line up against the Gunners.
 
Fabio - 8- Not much time in the first half of the season but put forth an excelent display in the second half when playing on the right or left. Has shown himself to be the better brother. He was arguably our best player against Arsenal at the beginning of May. Sure to continue to improve and become a starting eleven player.
 
Evans - 6- Did not produce the collected and consistant displays as previously seen but was not bad over all. Smalling seemed to take precedent
 
Smalling - 8- Turned out to be a great purchase. Put out quite a few elegant displays for his age. looks like he could become a great replacement for Rio.
 
Brown - 7 - As always not as much time as deserves whether it be due to injury or other players. still a quality defender and true red.
 
Giggs - 9 - The old master did again with impressive displays of  experience and creativity as soon as he steps on to the pitch. Does not have to be directly involved to come on and change a game. check out the stats on goals and wins after giggs was subbed on. He truly is a player of this generation and should go down as one of the greats. looking forward to another season with the welsh wizard.
 
Scholes - 7- Had a great start to season and was crucial to the team. struggled with injuries later on and didnt get as much time in the second half of the season. still a great player but looks like this may be his last season.
 
Anderson -6- Still not convinced by the brazilian midfielder. didnt seem to find his form untill the tail end of the season. if this form continues maybe things will change.
 
Carrick - 7- Just barely got a 7. has struggled since 09 and hasnt been able to find the form of his first season. this has made him more of a squad player recently untill the second half of this season where he seemed to pick up his form a bit. had a few world class displays against chelsea etc. hopefully this burst in form continues.
 
Fletcher -8- Keep reading about how he has not done well this season. Not really sure where people are getting this idea from. although he has been absent for quite a bit more recently. that absence has been extremely visible as his energy and movement provide so much for our side. when he has played he puts for the same diligent, determined and selfless displays as always.
 
Valencia- 8- unlucky to get injured severely so early in the season. But came back with a bang and sttarted back where he left off. good to have him back and consistant on the right.
 
Nani-8- Best season so far. Really worked hard with Berbatov at the beggining of the season sometimes being the only creative spark in the team. although seemed to fizzle out at the end of the season after Valencia returned to fitness. still his best display of yet. hopefully will continue to improve.
 
Park - 9- The man with three lungs continues to impress me with his work and determination. This season may be his best yet. Park was a crucial part of the Reds' side especially in big matches. He tirelessly roams over the entire field every match breaking up play, winning balls and making important passes. Lets hope he keeps it up next season!
 
O'shea-8 - still as consistent as ever. one of our best squad players. strong, dependable and versatile! Keep it up!
 
Gibson-6 - Expected a bit more from this one considering his form in winter 09. not too many opportunities on the pitch but for the most part did not impress. played well against Schalke but will have to do better next season!
 
Rooney-8- interesting season for Rooney with all the drama in October. But thats all behind us now. Rooney returned to spectacular form after christmas with his goal against City and never looked back. Good to see him back and on form. lets hope it continues on
 
Owen-7- not many opportunities but shows quality on the pitch. still as clever as ever. still struggles with injuries.
 
Berbatov-9- one of our best players this season. Carried the team the first half of the season while Rooney's form dipped. Deserves much more credit than he gets. small injury spell during the second half of the season then unable to usurp a spot on the field from chicharito. Hopefully the Bulgarian will be around next season even though rumors are spreading about a move away. Still, he was world class and deserves quite a bit of credit!
 
Hernandez-9- The best signing of the season for sure. Seems to be Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reincarnated but faster. He got started out not getting many starts but ended up being a first choice for Fergie. Lets hope he keeps up his affinity for goals. A huge talent with loads of potential. Should be exciting to watch this players career develop.

 

Saturday, May 14, 2011

What a week!

What a Week! It was a pleasure to watch both Matches this week as United produced two of their most excelent performances of the season! United's match against Schalke 04 was an exhibition of magic. Ofcourse after I spend a week talking about how I am not a fan of Anderson, He would produce a world class display at Old Trafford. But that is how it goes. I still think he is inconsistent and at the moment is barely a squad player. However if these performances continue he may change my mind because his performance against Schalke was awe inspiring. He displayed every quality I believed he missed. His energy was everpresent and worked hard to connect passes into the attacking third! Where did this come from? Darren Gibson surprised as well. After a season of mediocre performances, it was great to see him come out and shine for us. After his emergence last winter during United's defense crisis, I thought he would move into the starting eleven and become a more prominent player. This did not happen but there is still a chance after the Schalke match. The score could have easily been 5 or 6 to nil. It was one of the better performances of the season.

Our outing against the Blues at home was just as sublime. The Reds took to the field and never stopped going untill the whistle. I seriously think that as soon as Chicharito's feet hit the floor in the morning it is goal...goal...goal..goal. And that is all he thinks about everyday! To score in thirty seven seconds against a team like Chelsea is just mind blowing and just made it that much more special. He is truly a legend. On to the man of the match. He was the heart and sould of the team against Chelsea as he is often when he plays. Ji Sung Park was spectacular as covered every blade of grass on the pitch and provided much of the energy in United's attack. The man is litterally tireless. He never stops. The energizer bunny comes to mind. But there are plenty of players that can just run and run but produce nothing for their side. He provides so much energy in the midfield for United in the midfield. As I have said before if he or Flectch isnt in the side you notice the difference. Park provides a momentum and the ball doesnt linger or get caught up at the half line. Of course there is the ever present Old master. Ryan Giggs provides such an influence if only by being present on the field. This would be amazing except that he does even more. He is quited often the catalyst for goals and oppurtinuties. In my oppinon, he is the epl player of the decade. But thats just me and I am pretty sure that I dont have the FA's ear or Sky sports' either.

Still there is more to come! A final at Wembley is quited a daunting task but it is on the Reds can most definately over come if they provide the will! Hello! Hello! We're the famouse Man United and We're on our way to Wembley!!! Wembley, Wembley!!!!

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Week of Weeks

     United are moving though a week that will most likely prove to be the most important of the campaign. However, starting that week out with a defeat at Arsenal was not a good start. Frankly I felt like Fergie's side was holding back on purpose. Arsenal didn't play particularly well. The Reds just seemed to sit back and defend until Ramsey scored. The Referee played an important role in this one by missing two clear penalties. One for each side. Vida's hand ball in the box could have been difficult to spot but Owen going down Arsenal's area should not have been missed. Overall, United did not loHe ok great. I am not sure why Sir Alex started Anderson. He has the clever pass or though ball here and there but he lacks energy and never puts the ball in the net. His lack of energy is a real problem for me. I think it causes big problems for United. Players like Fletcher and Park bring that energy to the center midfield. It is very obvious when that aspect is absent from the United side. I felt Fabio was one of our best players. He provided that energy on the right side and in the defense. I have not made up my mind about which twin is better but I am leaning toward Fabio at the moment. They both have discipline problems, often making rash and impulsive tackles. Regardless, they are both extremely talented and should mature over time. 
        The Champions League match at Old Trafford Wednesday should not be too difficult to win but then again you never know. Schalke have a decent side regardless of their performance in the previous leg. United should take nothing for granted and not put out a weaker side. According to the papers, it sounds like Rooney could be rested. It would be nice to see Berbatov get a game. He has had a great season and doesn't seem to be getting the credit and games he deserves. It is Manchester United though and they have quite a few talented strikers at the moment. Chicharito has turned out to be the purchase of the season. All I can say is: Legend. His goal against Everton was pure class. Has anyone checked to make sure Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is still in Norway and hasn't died? This kid seems to be Ole reincarnated! His attitude a nose for goals are so familiar of the Norwegian striker I had to ask.  I hope he plans to stay for awhile! 
     If the Reds do make it to the final at Wembley, it should be a tough match. Both Barca and Real are good sides. Barca look to be the obvious favorite but anything can happen in that tie. Barca's assets are obvious. Their midfield is second to none. Their defense is not so shabby either with Pique at center back (Say Thank you to Fergie!) Either way The Reds face the best attacking player in the world ( Messi or Ronaldo). The difference is Messi probably has a better squad backing him. It would be strange to play against Cristiano. He has not been gone so long and I still have dreams about him coming back (as well as nightmares about him leaving!). It looks like a Barcelona Manchester United final though. Lets hope that the Reds perform better than last time. 
    Finally, Fergie's side have Chelsea at home during the weekend. This is a match United Should win hands down. They are the better side hands down. This match will not be easy though. Chelsea will be gunning to overtake United to win the title. I am sure Sir Alex has it under control. Still this match deserves our strongest side and Ill be interested to see who he plays. Depending who he plays during the week I would do it one of two ways. Van Der Saar, Fabio, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Valencia/Nani, Fletcher, Park, Giggs, Rooney, Hernandez or Same back four, Valencia/ Nani, Fletcher, Scholes, Giggs, Park, Rooney ( in a 4, 5,1 formation). Im sure Sir Alex has his own plans though. Unfortunately, I will not be watching this match because of work. So I will have to be there in spirit. I would have to miss one of the biggest games of the season. Still, I'm sure United will come out on top as long as they come out strong and keep their energy up.