The Finishing Touch

The 19^th league title is done and dusted, now we look to the future at #20 and attempt to de thrown the mighty Catalan juggernaut in Europe .

Man United had a wonderful preseason in USA, going unbeaten and finishing their stay in the States with a win against the best team in the world (although a couple star names were missing). The new boys seem to be settling in quite well. In a time when our rivals are frustrated with their defensive options (Arsenal & Liverpool), going through more change and uncertainty (Chelsea), players only playing for money and lacking passion (“Money Bags” City) and star players looking for “greener pastures”(Spurs), the Champions seem to have none of the same problems. The players are happy, the club’s stability and genius has been the backbone of its success and there is a wonderful balance to the Red Devils.

There have been 3 young player added to an already talented group of champions in wonder kid David De Gea, hardy Phil Jones and the skilful Ashley Young. Add those youngster’s enthusiasm, potential and unique stills to a squad that has just “freshened up”.

Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Edwin van der Sar retired, Wes Brown and John O”Shea have moved on to Sunderland to ply their trade under United legend, Steve Bruce.

It seems as though the existing group are as hungry as ever to win trophies, and the youngsters proved against Man City in the Community Shield that they have the metal against top teams. We have (all United fans Hope) found a long term replacement for the Dutch master Edwin van der Sar. We have added depth and youthful enthusiasm to the defence. We have, however, lost the utility of O”Shea and Brown, but the Brazilian Da Silva twins can cover left and right back and Johnny Evans has played left back for United and Internationally for Ireland. Chris Smalling had a stint at right back (He was superb on sunday "out of position") and I am sure if injuries curse us again at the back Giggs, Fletch and Valencia can cover wing back positions in the worst case scenarios too.

Out wide we have more than enough to create and score enough goals with Nani, new-boy Young, Park, Valencia and even academy graduate, Cleverly(a player that really excites me), can play across the midfield.

There is no shortage of quality wide going forward right now with Rooney and Chicharito potentially being the most potent front 2 in Europe, and Berba (Although, the joint top scorer in EPL could be on his way to Paris) Owen, Mecheda and new England International Welbeck covering, there are goals to be scored in all competitions.

Some might argue that there is a piece missing in the puzzle, that midfield is “weak”. It’s strange that a “weak” midfield has gotten to 3 Champions League finals (and a semi final) in 4 years, and a “weak” midfield was instrumental in the Champions’ winning the league again. They out played Chelsea with their “world class” combative and workman-like midfield 3 times last season, and I am sure you could count the number of touches that the Man City midfielders had on Sunday on your 2 hands... So for this “weak” midfield to improve, Sir Fergi would have to truly find a special, world class talent to play with Fletch, Carrick, Giggs and Anderson and youngster, Cleverly. 

Fleet footed, vision, composure and a wonderful temperament and an eye for goal are the credentials of the player that would add to an experienced, balanced squad.

If all reports are correct, and we ignore SAF trying to defuse the situation in the media, such a player has been chosen and a certain Wesley Sneijder could be wearing the United red come September 1^st... this would make us “unstoppable”, if you ask my Gooner colleague.  He recently put himself up for sale (didn’t know players could do that?), so my guess is that he wants the move. There is no real replacement for the legend Paul Scholes, but Wesley Sneijder would come close to filling that hole... and adding the something special needed to de thrown the kings of Europe. The thought brings a smile to my face and a spring in my step.

Mr. Sneijder , Please come be the final piece of the puzzle and finishing touch to a masterpiece, Glory awaits you...

Fletch

On fire in the States

Man United are in the USA. They started off  their pre season off with an encouraging performance against New England Revolution, winning 4-1. Although they are not exactly the toughest opponents on paper, they were match fit. I am happy to tell you that Man United,  although only just back from their preseason break, looked very good, with all things considered.

It took  the introduction of young Italian Kiko Mecheda and Michael Owen to open, and continue the scoring. The finishing by Mecheda and Owen was encouraging considering that this was their first game in a couple weeks.  If “Wazza” and Berba showed the similar deadly touches, the Revolution ‘keeper could of picked out 8 or 9 goals out the Revolution net...

The most encouraging performances came from the midfield where Michael Carrick (2 assists) and Anderson bossed the midfield and new boy Ashley Young (wearing Scholesy’s #18 shirt) was fantastic on the left wing, causing the Revolution defence endless problems with his silky running and accurate crossing. It’s great to see our new signing settling in wonderfully...

Scorers: Owen, Park and Mecheda (2)

On to Seattle, where the Sounders were next... A match that started out with a competitive open 20 minutes, ended with a wonderful 2^nd half display by United, outclassing the unbeaten (locally) Americans 7-0. Wayne Rooney shook off an rusty opening game to score a hat trick and Boss the game, and the performances of the wide men have to be complimented. Gabriel Oberton showed some good pace, power and skill on both flanks after his inclusion in the 2^nd half to suggest that he could be making good progress. Nani and Ashley Young also caused the Sounders defence endless problems along with Oberton, who scored the 7^th goal.

Great performance in front of goal, and United kept possession marvellously throughout.

Scorers: Rooney (3), Diouf, Oberton, Park and Owen.

United are already in Chicago, preparing for the Chicago Fire. This will be the most exciting game on tour for me, as we will have a look at our new #1, and new signing Phil Jones. Tom Cleverly and Danny Welbeck will also play a part, who are almost like new signings. Let’s hope United continue their dominance in the States, and it’s the Fire who get burnt.

The team are finding their stride...Exciting times ahead for Man United fans. 

Over and Out

Fletch

Things could get ugly in London

Things are potentially heating up for Arsene Wenger. He has made one signing in Gervinho, but is facing the exodus of his stars. Wenger is appalled at the attitudes of Barcelona and Man City. They lack ” respect”. Well wenger, show your team some respect and strengthen if you want to keep your best players. It seems that everyone at Arsenal just “keep the faith” and nothing actually gets done to keep their stars, or to strengthen a squad that needs, in my opinion, 3 defenders.  

His stars want to win trophies... they want to leave. Why would you want to keep players that are not happy? Players don’t give their all if they don’t want to be there...

Spurs have a similar and possibly even uglier affair brewing. Luka Modric has asked to leave spurs nicely. That was declined. He then put in a transfer request that was rejected. He previously stated that he didn’t want to make things ugly, but it seems the Croatian playmaker is set on leaving, and was even been threatened to be benched by chairman, Daniel Levy, rather than sell him to Chelsea.

Now, lets be honest, that’s just childish... of course every club wants to keep their best players. But if Spurs are honest with themselves, they surely can’t keep Modric after it has become ugly. They also don’t have Champions leave football to offer... Levy, be realistic, cash in, and buy 2 players for a squad that needs a little depth.

Still early days, but keep an eye on Chelsea, I’m sure there will be movement. City will splash their millions soon and Liverpool are going to continue adding to a squad that has more balance.

It’s a good time to be a Man United fan...stability and genius has bread success at Old Trafford. Transfer dealings done early. Holes plugged. No players bickering about “lack of ambition”, or stars wanting to leave... and judging by a recent performance, United are picking up where they left off... only thing missing is Shneijder.

Cry Baby Tevez

Right, So that cry baby Carlos Tevez is about as stable as a woman going through menopause and after an indecisive couple of months, has not stated he wants to leave City for personal reasons. He wants to be with his family. Do you think this muppet is going to go back to Argentina (afterall, which argentine team can afford him)? Nope, he wants a move to a place where football is fickle or corrupt and the sun shines like Italy or Spain.
Fair enough, his family were not happy in England, but It proves that money is not everything and the millions he received was not enough.  But could they not compromise for a couple years while he carries on sulking and making millions of pounds? 

I thought “Mr. Manchester” was so proud to sign for a “real” Manchester club with ambition. Even though he has been a star on the field, he has only but moaned about things for the last 3 seasons. City offered him time off with his family in Argentina to help him. He replied with " it's time to quit football" rubbish... He is 26 ?

He is a great player but I would be happy to see the back of him. His attitude and sulky behaviour has annoyed me even before he left Man United... and of course it will be nice to see a rival club lose a world class player.

City have claimed 50 odd Million the fee required... WOW. Good luck with that...

Imagine the tears when Tevez is not able to leave. I wait with a smile on my face as the drama queen’s future is being decided...


Fletch

Money Bags City

So the City Money Truck has started to Role and have made their first signing in (tears tears) Arsenal’s Gael Clichy. But wait City is not all about money, maybe Clichy went there for another reason, haha ok no look at this quote he made in 2009 - “I really believe if you are a player who thinks only about money then you could end up at Manchester City” mmmm well I think he proved his point.

Let’s look at this from two ways, first I hate the fact that they are splashing cash like there is no tomorrow in recent windows. They have only spent 7 million so far, but I reckon the chances are pretty him of them spending up to 100 million. The Fair play rule seems to be taken as seriously as Ryan Gigg’s marriage, how can they possible expect to meet the guidelines with a wage bill that would make any CEO sick to the stomach. There are those that believe clubs like these are ruining football and I have to agree, there is such an obsession with money that the beautiful game will suffer. Agents don’t care really what’s best for the player, but how much money they can get. If I had my way I would shoot all agents….Malema for once said it best “bloody agents”.

Ok now let’s try be fair, City had nothing really before the big money rolled in and their fans must be over the moon. To see superstars at every corner and there is no player that is out of their reach. If it were your club, maybe you would feel a bit different if all your dreams of making a FIFA 2011 superstar team was coming true.

Ok, Ok to be even fairer City apart from attracting all those players with pots of money they are also showing ambition and as Fletch likes to point out to me every day, that is the opposite of what my beloved Arsenal are showing. City are building a squad of great players (to many in my eyes) and have also qualified for champions league this season, so they are moving forward. And that’s what players like to see ambition, the chance to win things and be part of something great. So for all their money spending they are seeing results. United Fans will also do well to keep quite as they have splashed big this transfer window and are not done yet.

So Money Bags City could be at your clubs door soon offering your players promises of wealth and success. For me, it’s not such a good time to be an Arsenal Fan, with the most stubborn transfer policy in the world, how can you compete with a team like City that would buy a player just so you can’t have them.

De Andrade