Tactics Board: Moyes’ first tactical conundrum

David Moyes takes on Chelsea and Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford.

There has been plenty of talk about the difficulty of United’s opening fixtures, and one view would certainly conclude that facing Mourinho’s Chelsea later in the schedule would have been more beneficial – but perhaps Chelsea’s early visit gives David Moyes a chance to show the rest of the league what he and the team are all about. Whilst it is true that United are currently lacking in the midfield department (and the transfer dallying has left a lot to be desired thus far), it can’t have been easy for the squad to stomach the ‘third favourites’ tag, particularly after such a comfortable ride last term.

Tactically then, the crucial question for Moyes is basically whether to stick with the tried and tested 4-1-4-1 that served United so well at Swansea, or whether he will seek to combat Chelsea’s fluid front four with somewhat of a 4-3-3 system; something Moyes experimented with in pre-season on occasion. Chelsea are likely to go with the same side as the one that started versus Hull on the opening weekend, which means De Bruyne will team up with Oscar and Hazard just ahead of Ramires and Lampard, and just behind Torres, who is likely to return in place of Ba. And given how early in the season this game has materialized, matching Chelsea up in the middle is probably at the forefront of Moyes’ mind.

Moyes may well go with the same team that started versus Swansea.

To counter Chelsea’s attacking 4-2-3-1 (a system sure to be enhanced by the Portuguese manager), Moyes may have to start one of Giggs, Anderson or Jones in the centre with Carrick and Cleverley. Jones started this fixture last season, and if he does get the nod on Monday evening, Valencia may be asked to slot in at right back, with Smalling not quite match ready. On the face of it, this move could be seen as a negative one, especially given the Ecuadorian’s return to form, and the trouble he caused Cole last season at the Bridge – but perhaps this is a tactic that could actually prove quite useful, with Mourinho likely to ask Cole and Hazard to link as much as possible in the final third. Valencia then could use his pace to time his counter attacks in the space vacated down Chelsea’s left side, providing that much needed width in a 4-3-3. One particular pleasing aspect so far under Moyes has been the attacking threat of the fullbacks, but particular Evra. Time and again the Frenchman has sought to hit the by-line and centre the ball, more often than not to van Persie who times his runs to perfection.

What isn’t in doubt is that United will have to crowd the zone just in front of the back four, so we can expect a bank of five in defensive transitions, with Welbeck dropping in on Lampard (the Englishman very keen on the diagonal into the attacking fullback in the games thus far) and Ramires. De Bruyne’s movement will also be key for the away side, preferring to pick up the ball in slightly deeper positions than Mata, and running at defenders (rather than moving horizontally across the line), drawing them into the challenge. Jones, Carrick and Cleverley will have to work as a triumvirate in this zone, working closely with the fullbacks.
United’s threat on the counter with Welbeck and van Persie in particular will give them a chance of winning the game (particularly too in targeting the lackadaisical Cahill), and the midfield three will try to release either one into feet as quickly as possible. Rooney will certainly feature, but whether he is psychologically ready to start this game is another question (Moyes should choose between Giggs and Kagawa). Of course, the psychological ‘warfare’ aspect of the game itself will actually go equally as far to determining the outcome as the team selections – Mourinho is a master at ensuring his troops are battle-hardened. This contest then, is also Moyes’ first opportunity to showcase his man-management skills, and how far he is able to influence the collective nerve of his players will go along way to deciding the result

VIEW FROM THE ENEMY: Norwich fan on United youth and avoiding relegation

Scott: How did you rate 2012-2013 for your club?
Nathan: 2012/13 was a season of consolidation. The only objective was to stay in the league. We didn’t spend much money due to a prior agreement with our bankers so had to rely on mostly what we had already. Although it was a little tight towards the end of the season we actually ended up in eleventh place – one better than 2011/12.
Scott: Who was your best player?
Nathan: Sebastien Bassong won the player of the season award and rightly so. He has brought a calmness to our defence as well as some pace and reads the game very well, he’s also a goal threat in the opposition’s area.
Scott: Which player are you expecting most important in 2013-2014?
Nathan: Scoring goals was a problem last term and with cult hero Grant Holt now gone, the responsibility will lay on the shoulders of one of several new forwards. Ricky Van Wolfswinkel comes with a good reputation as a goal scorer so he promises much.
Scott: If you could take one United player, who would it be?
Nathan: That’s easy, Robin Van Persie. What team wouldn’t want him in their squad?
Scott: Are you pleased Fergie’s retired?
Nathan: I wouldn’t say I’m pleased that Fergie has retired but it will make things at the top more interesting. The fact that Man City and Chelsea both have new managers as well should make it lively and question marks will be over David Moyes if he doesn’t make a good start in the league.
Scott: Where do you think your club will finish this season?
Nathan: This transfer window has seen the recruitment of some very exciting players – it’s been the best ever window for Canaries fans. We’ve spent money and got players that I’m hopeful will take us to the “next level”. I would hope will can finish inside the top ten and have agood cup run like Swansea did last season. A lot of mid table teams have spent heavily which will make it very tough for the newly promoted sides so I don’t see us involved in a relegation battle.
Scott: Where do you think United will finish?
Nathan: United will finish in the top three. Much will depend on whether or not you can get any marquee signings, Fabregas or Bale in and if Rooney leaves. Man City have quietly strengthened very astutely and with Chelsea having Mourinho back they can’t be discounted.
Scott: What do you think of former United youth product David Fox?
Nathan: David Fox is an excellent midfield quarter back with a great eye for a pass. He was instrumental in our promotion to the Premier League and in our first season there. Last season though he hardly got a look in due to the system that Chris Hughton played. He went for strength in midfield which isn’t really Foxy’s game and with the signing of Leroy Fer, I think his future at City doesn’t look bright. He’ll always be remembered for his pin point pass to allow Simeon Jackson to score against Portsmouth – the goal that saw us promoted to the PL.
Scott: Most newly promoted clubs in the PL struggle. What has been behind Norwich’s success?
Nathan: The secret to our success in the first couple of seasons back in the PL is a bit of a cliche but it was team spirit and effort. The majority of players, especially in the first season had no PL experience and they played above their perceived ability levels. Grant Holt summed this up when the ex-tyre fitter from Carlisle, who has scored in all four divisions, scored 15 PL goals in that first season. It seems that if you can survive a season in the PL, popular wisdom suggests that you might well survive a few more. With the signings made in this window I feel we can now establish ourselves as a PL side.

Manchester United are ready to enter race for Gareth Bale

Manchester United may offer competition to Real Madrid in the pursuit of Ga
reth Bale this week, with Tottenham Hotspur seemingly more receptive to the English champions, having become deeply frustrated by negotiations with the Spanish side.

United have not made a firm offer for Bale and, as the transfer window enters its last three weeks, they will be acutely aware of any attempt to use them as a way of flushing out a serious bid from the Bernabeu, at a time when Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is beginning to doubt whether the Spaniards actually possess the funds.
But United's failure to land a big-money signing this summer may persuade them to make a huge investment, to deliver the boost which is badly needed at the start of the David Moyes era, as well as goals and momentum. The failure to secure a marquee name has only amplified the noise created by Wayne Rooney and his desire to leave.
The odds are stacked against such a deal coming to fruition. The impediments to United securing Bale include Spurs' valuation which is believed to be around £110m, though the appeal of Javier Hernandez to the north London club could conceivably help in that department. It is also unclear whether United would be able to agree personal terms with Bale. They have been reluctant throughout about the prospect of being strung along by Levy, a frustrating sparring partner in the acquisition of Michael Carrick in 2006 and Dimitar Berbatov two years later. But that sentiment may have changed now that the summer has brought no new big name.
Moyes insisted Rooney is staying at Old Trafford, and his determination to hold on to the unhappy England striker was easy to understand after watching Manchester United labour to a 2-0 victory over Wigan Athletic, of the Championship, in the Community Shield. United dominated possession but the provenance of Robin van Persie's goals – an unmarked long-range header and a deflected shot – underlined their lack of creativity. Rooney, of course, was absent with a shoulder injury.
That injury, said Moyes, was genuine, but would not prevent him returning to Wembley to play for England against Scotland on Wednesday, albeit not for the whole game. The Scot said: "Wayne wasn't fit [today], he's a bit short. You don't think I'm going to send England a fit player! It is a big game for Scotland too."
That moment of jocularity was the exception in a spiky exchange with the media regarding Rooney. Asked if he was fed up of talking about the 27-year-old, Moyes said: "I'm enjoying talking about it because so many of you have got it wrong. I didn't fall out with Wayne, he trained with the reserves at his own request. He couldn't have contact because of his shoulder injury so he played as a floating player [a player who plays for the team in possession] with no contact. Anyone who wrote anything else is misleading their readers."
Moyes, who said he had spoken at length with Roy Hodgson about Rooney's condition, added: "I want him to join up [with England]. It would be great for Manchester United, hopefully he can get some playing time. He is not fit and you will probably see that in the game. He will probably play a chunk, but he has not had enough football – just 45 minutes against Real Betis in a friendly. The club's policy is he will not be sold. That has not changed."
With United expected to make a joint £35m bid to Everton for Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini this week, Moyes said: "We're moving forward [to making signings]. Every day you get closer – and so does the [transfer] deadline – but if we have to I am happy to go with what we have. We have a lot of good, young English players."

List of Manchester United's 2013/2014

Manchester United FC or commonly abbreviated as MU is one of the top football clubs in the Premier League, based in Old Traford, Manchester. Football club has become one of the giants highly regarded and well-loved by many football lovers all over the world and also in Indonesia.Manchester United's RosterSince handled by Sir Alex Ferguson from 1986, Manchester United have managed to emerge as one of the dominant clubs in the UK domestic championship. Proved since the passing of the era of the Premiership in 1992, Manchester United so far has won twelve titles.
Success of Manchester United became one of the most respected soccer clubs in the world has an impact on the club's own prestige in the eyes of the football lovers around the world. Almost every thing related to the presence of Manchester United is always a subject of conversation in society, ranging from coaching, players, and also a variety of match that is always making headlines around the sports media world.
On this occasion, Karo Cyber ​​blog will publish one of the most interesting information about the existence of the club Manchester United, the Manchester United player list, especially in the 2013-2014 season under David Moyes as the new coach replacing Sir Alex Ferguson. Who are the list of players Manchester United in the 2013-2014 season? You can completely see the list below:

Goalkeeper

    David de Gea
    Anders Lindegaard
    Ben Amos
    Sam Johnstone
Back

    Rafael
    Patrice Evra
    Phil Jones
    Rio Ferdinand
    Jonny Evans
    Chris Smalling
    Nemanja Vidic
    Fabio Da Silva
    Alexander Buttner
    Scott Wootton
    Marnick Vermijl
    Michael Keane
Midfielder

    Antonio Valencia
    Anderson
    Ryan Giggs
    Michael Carrick
    Nani
    Ashley Young
    Tom Cleverley
    Darren Fletcher
    Nick Powell
    Shinji Kagawa
    Larnell Cole
    Adnan Januzaj
    Davide Petrucci
    Ryan Tunnicliffe
Striker

    Wayne Rooney
    Chicharito
    Wilfried Zaha
    Danny Welbeck
    Robin van Persie
    Angelo Henríquez
    Federico Macheda
    Bebe
    William Keane
    Jesse Lingard
Given the transfer has not been closed on the 2013-2014 season so far, it is likely that there will be changes to the Manchester United player roster that already published above. The changes will be pursued through lamaan is always updated.

Spanish giants tell Moyes: Fabregas and Ronaldo are not for sale

 

United boss is told to forget hopes of landing Barca or Real stars

David Moyes has been warned that any moves for Cesc Fabregas or Cristiano Ronaldo are doomed to failure.

Check out our live sport blog here
The United manager has spent the summer trying to land a marquee signing ahead of his first season in charge at Old Trafford.
But his two top targets are moving ever further out of reach with Barcelona and Real Madrid insisting they will not sell.
Barca have remained resolute in their determination to keep hold of Fabregas, with their coach Gerardo Martino reiterating that stance yesterday.
“He still is our player and will be with us this season,” he said while on the club’s pre-season tour in Thailand.
Ronaldo was always going to prove much more of a stretch to bring back to England. And despite a summer of speculation surrounding the Portuguese superstar, Real coach Carlo Ancelotti insists he will sign a deal to keep him at the Bernabeu for the rest of his career.
“The player wants to renew his contract and the club want him to renew it too, so I don’t think it’s going to be a problem,” he said. “I think Cristiano and the club are relaxed about the issue.
“I don’t know when it will happen, but I am certain that Cristiano is going to renew his contract with Madrid.”
Moyes is now having to face up to the increasing likelihood that he will have to look at alternative options, with Marouane Fellaini a player who has been under consideration since he took up his new job on July 1.
On Tuesday night Moyes assured supporters that he would add to his squad before the close of the transfer window on September 2.
But he has so far endured a summer of frustration, seeing bids of £25m and £30m rejected for Fabregas, while a £12m move for Everton’s Leighton Baines was also rebuffed.
His interest in Thiago Alcantara came to nothing when the Spanish starlet opted for a move to Bayern Munich instead of Old Trafford.
Moyes has not yet given up on his pursuit of Fabregas but he is increasingly coming to accept that it may take an official transfer request from the midfielder in order to see the move go through.
His on-going frustrations over the Fabregas deal have seen him turn his thoughts to Fellaini – but Everton manager Roberto Martinez yesterday insisted he is still to receive an offer for the Belgian – or an improved bid for Baines.
“There are no bids,” he said. “When you read that someone is interested in someone, it doesn’t mean there is a bid on the table.
“Marouane has been working really hard. Leighton Baines has been working really hard for the team and that’s all that matters.
“I’ve said from day one as a manager you only concentrate on working hard.
“I don’t mind having my players grabbing headlines. That’s a good story because it means they’ve been doing well and performing well.
“I’m only concentrating on having as strong a squad as possible for the start of the season. That’s all my concern is.”
That is Moyes’ main focus too – but he is finding it increasingly difficult to make the additions he believes he needs to give him the best chance of retaining the Premier League and challenging in the Champions League.

Transfer news: Cesc Fabregas puts an end to Manchester United interest by admitting he wants to stay at Barcelona

Cesc Fabregas has shown no desire to move to Manchester United after he insisted he is “very happy” at his dream club Barcelona.

United saw two bids rejected for the former Arsenal captain, and reports of a third and final bid prompted Barcelona manager Gerardo Martino to insist they would not sell the midfielder for any price.
Sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta declared earlier this week that the Premier League champions had accepted defeat in their pursuit of the 26-year-old, and Fabregas spoke earlier today to dismiss any speculation that he wanted to leave the Nou Camp.
"Triumphing in Barcelona is what I have been hoping for all my life, it's been my dream since I was a child,” admitted Fabregas.
"I am very happy at Barcelona and I haven't spoken to any other club in the last two years."
Fabregas, who joined the La Liga champions after a drawn out transfer saga in 2011, also defended his decision to not make a statement on his future in the midst of speculation about United's interest.
"I've been relaxed about it the whole time, I didn't have to clarify anything because the only thing I was thinking about was staying at Barca," he said.
"As I haven't deceived anyone or hidden anything, I told the club's press department that I would speak when it was my turn to speak to the press."
He went a step further to rubbish claims that he had spoken of his desire to return to the Premier League, where he spent eight seasons under the tutelage of Arsene Wenger before leaving for the Catalan club.
"Stories have been invented," he said. "I don't know why speculation grew even after Tito (Vilanova, former Barca coach), Zubizarreta, Tata (Gerardo Martino, new Barca coach) and (Barca vice-president Josep) Bartomeu all said they wanted me to stay.
"I was never given any sign from the club to make me think they didn't want me, I have always felt wanted here. I spoke to Bartomeu, the president (Sandro Rosell) in person and Tata also told me he wanted me to stay and there's been no problem."
He also dismissed any reports that suggested he had asked for a new contract in the wake of United’s interest, admitting that he has a fight on the hands to become a mainstay in the Barcelona midfield.
"What I have to do is do everything better because I'm at the biggest and most demanding club in the world," he said.
United confirmed that they understood Fabregas' comments, when a spokesman said: "We appreciate Cesc is a contracted player at Barcelona and completely respect everything Cesc has said today."

Match Report: Manchester United 2-0 Wigan Athletic

A Robin van Persie brace was enough for Manchester United to win the FA Community Shield at Wembley.
One goal from each half from the Dutchman. The first came after just six minutes when Patrice Evra’s cross from the left found Van Persie whose header from, almost, the edge of the box found the bottom corner of the goal.
The second came via a deflection after a nice move involving Evra, Cleverley and Welbeck, when Van Persie turned onto his left foot, inside the area, which was diverted away from Wigan goalkeeper Carson by defender Perch. United’s No. 20 has now scored six goals in his last seven games against the Latics.
The eyes of the world were like hawks as David Moyes managed his first competitive game as United manager just as Hawkeye also made its début in English football. However, it was Moyes’ first trophy that will be remembered here rather than any use of the new goal line technology. The pre-season has been a mix of mixed results and constant Rooney questions but the new main man in the dugout will be glad to have got off to a trophy winning start.
The match on a whole was more the gentle stroll of a friendly rather than the competitive spirit of cup matches but United were very comfortable from start to finish. Apart from a few free-kicks to defend, the United defence were hardly challenged with De Gea not having to make a save, although the same could be said of his opposite number as chances were very scarce.
Carrick orchestrated much of the play in the centre of the three man midfield. While much of the talk in the press has been the lack of transfer activity by Moyes, the January signing Zaha was very lively throughout, during his time on the pitch. There was even time for the youngster Adnan Januzaj, who has impressed for much of the pre-season matches, to have a run out.
It’s a winning start for Moyes and a trophy to take home and a decent, if uninspiring, run out before the beginning of the defence of the Premier League at Swansea next Saturday.
Manchester United team: De Gea, Rafael (Smalling 16′), Evra, Jones, Vidic, Giggs (Anderson 67′), Carrick, Cleverley, Welbeck (Kagawa 83′), Van Persie (Januzaj 84′), Zaha (Valencia 61′).
Unused Substitutes: Lindegaard, Evans.
Man of the Match: Michael Carrick.

Utd vs Sevilla (Ferdinand’s testimonial cast in shadow by sublime Spanish)

In themselves, testimonials are not taken seriously. They are just a nice way of showing respect for a certain player’s loyalty and longevity, and the opponent and result are largely irrelevant. However, there were a few extra reasons to take a peak at the latest one at Utd. In recent years, we’ve celebrated the careers of Ole Solskjaer, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville. This season came the turn of Rio Ferdinand and the chosen opponents were Spanish outfit Sevilla. Testimonials are sometimes left until the end of player’s career, but in this case, Ferdinand has just come off the back of a season as solid as any. All the more reason for this one to be a little more competitive. In addition, this, because of all Utd’s globetrotting, was Moyes’ first game at Old Trafford. How would it go? Well, in short summary, Utd were largely made to look quite average by a free-flowing Spanish side full of confidence.
De Gea; Fabio, Ferdinand, Smalling, Buttner; Valencia, Cleverley, Anderson, Kagawa, Januzaj; Henriquez. That was the team sheet to represent Ferdinand. Sevilla meanwhile had to chop and change quite drastically, for they had been involved in the Europa League only the day before, but that was not to their detriment. Indeed, I believe there was only one player involved in both occasions and even he looked fresh. I suppose FK Mladost Podgorica are not the sort of side to push you to your limits. Anyway, the referee, as is custom in testimonials and by association football in general, whistled and off everyone went.
If Ferdinand was hoping for a quiet and successful evening, Sevilla revealed almost immediately no script had been sent their way. First, Ferdy was forced into deflecting Perotti’s attempt wide and then ensuring Marin’s ball in the box came to nought. Utd didn’t really have the firepower (yes, I have just said that) to provide much in the way of a response, despite the midfield being one that could appear without hesitation in any Premier League game. The one bright spark was Januzaj, who did try to supply Henriquez to follow up his goal midweek, but the shot was dead straight.
Oddly, left back Buttner seemed more likely to get forward than the midfield. No one was moving about him, so he had a pop himself, smothered fairly comfortably by Beto. At least it was intent, but Utd were frozen stiff by the next four minutes of play. The pacy Bacca found Perotti, whose through ball set up a one-on-one with the advancing De Gea and Vitolo on the chase. To be honest, the keeper looked favourite, but Vitolo got the stab in and just nudged it home for 1-0. It was deserved, for the move was slick, a word that would crop up again very shortly.
Forgive me for getting repetitive, but Bacca (again) then set up Vitolo (again), who simply tapped it sideways to the approaching Marin, who converted with ease. Two goals in four minutes sent a soundproof cover over Old Trafford and the crowd sounds was almost negligible. I was forced to pause to answer the phone and just knocked the TV onto mute, and when I removed it, the only difference was the commentator’s voices. Although only the lower tier of the stand was being used by the looks of it, it was still spookily quiet.
Barely two minutes later, Marin could have made it three with a shot just wide. Utd did get a short zap of action, with Kagawa, who looked very very tired and out of position, certainly not the same player Dortmund had, first failing to connect with a Fabio pass but then finding himself on the end of a sloppy move. The midfield passing was awful, and often overplayed, forcing the wide man to run just that little bit further out. Again this happened with Buttner collecting and firing in a long cross that found Valencia. The Ecuadorian lifted it back across and it found the head of Kagawa. It looked like an obvious goal but instead of going diagonal, the header was straight at Beto, who reacted swiftly to get it clear. Kind of summed up Utd’s and Kagawa’s evenings.
Sevilla responded by releasing the dangerous man on loan from Chelsea, namely Marin, who looked like he would definitely made it three with his slotted effort, but De Gea JUST managed to get enough of a contact to put it onto the goal frame. Very unlucky, and the last action of the half saw Valencia collect the ball in a very tempting position in the opponent’s box. He overdid the cut-in and his left foot effort met Geoff in row F. 2-0 at the break and for all that it didn’t matter, Ferdinand didn’t look happy and neither did Moyes. Sevilla had the two, but it could well have been double that with Marin’s efforts and a skied shot from the dangerous new signing Bacca, who has apparently settled in seamlessly.
Chances at the break saw Lingard and Jones replace Henriquez and Cleverley (I really do hate when Jones is put in midfield, it really highlights our lack of men there, but on this occasion had the slight merit of possibly tightening things up). Januzaj was now a lone striker, but Utd had a bit more zip, and he was involved again as he curled a shot over. Early signs before the impressive young Belgian got involved for Utd’s breakthrough. First he forced a save, then collected, sold the defender with great dribbling before just letting Valencia tap it in. The Ecuadorian’s reward was to be substituted, for the goal didn’t really make up for yet another lacklustre performance with little end product from the wing. Carrick, Zaha and Giggs replaced Valencia, Anderson and the flat Kagawa, as Utd looked to inject a bit of energy to draw level.
It did work to a degree, with play seeing Lingard just miss a possibly goal-worthy connection and Zaha, Buttner and Carrick all having efforts saved and blocked. Januzaj continued to shine as the only one displaying real quality, surprising as that may sound. That said, Sevilla missed the chance to go two clear again before Ferdinand was substituted and Zaha had another effort. Time ran down on Utd and for all their forward momentum at this point, it was Sevilla who capped off a fine performance with a third. Utd appealed for offside, but Rabello had timed it exactly and a simple swivel and shot found the net on 91 minutes. The final score: 3-1 and although this was still pre-season, and lacking in some first-team names, there really wasn’t much fight in them until the end, which was disappointing. That word there perhaps described the performance best: disappointing. Nothing particularly bad in terms of mistakes or such, just a complete lack of energy and, dare I say it, want. Utd didn’t look like they wanted to attack properly. Many times players got in space to provide a good ball into the box, but the bad end product far outnumbered the good.
A very quick turnaround for Utd, who face Wigan in the Community Shield season-opener on Sunday. Usually considered a friendly, personally I am starting the season from here. I certainly don’t class it as pre-season, and the opposition, despite being relegated, have been savvy in the transfer market thus far. I fully expect them to make a game of it. As for Utd, I do not want to see any more tinkering on their half, just a desire to get things going in the right direction. Until then.
P.S. No transfer activity to report. I honestly think things may have been left a little late now. Unless anyone comes from Everton, I don’t think there will be movement.

10 Selingkuhan Bek MU Rio Ferdinand

Description: 10 Selingkuhan Bek MU Rio Ferdinand

Skandal perselingkuhan sepertinya tidak berhenti melilit pemain sepakbola ternama di tanah Inggris. Jika sebelumnya ada Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney hingga Ryan Gigss, kini skandal perselingkuhan yang lainnya menghampiri bek tangguh Rio Ferdinand. sebelumnya Natasha, Wanita Yang Menjadi Piala Bergilir Pemain MU dan Kostum Baru MU Yang Bocor Di Internet Sebelum Diumumkan

Dalam sebuah persidangan yang mengagendakan keteranggan saksi-saksi, Ferdinand disebutkan pernah melakukan affair dengan 10 nama wanita. Mulai dari seorang penari striptis, model topless hingga artis disebutkan pernah tidur bersama dengan bek yang kini berusia 32 tahun. Lalu siapa sajakah mereka?

Seperti yang dikutip oleh harian the Sun, berikut adalah 10 wanita yang disebut pernah tidur dengan bek manchester united ini.

10 Mantan Pacar Cristiano Ronaldo Yang Paling Seksi

Kaki Cristiano Ronaldo terbukti paling piawai menggiring bola. Tapi, tidak dengan jari jemarinya. Buktinya, seperti yang ditulis di laman Dailymail. Saat bermaksud ingin menghapus email yang masuk, dia malah meneruskan atau forward ke banyak alamat.

Salah satunya, adalah Irina Shayk, tunangannya. Email itu memang gawat. Berisi foto-foto panas dari wanita asal Belanda. Perempuan itu ingin bercinta dengan Ronaldo.

Nah gara-gara salah kirim itulah, telepon genggam Cristiano terus berdering. Banyak yang bertanya maksud Ronaldo mengirim gambar-gambar wanita tanpa baju itu. Akhirnya, CR7 pun menjelaskan. Meski dengan perasaan takut dan malu bercampur bersamaan. Apalagi, ternyata email itu juga terkirim pada tunangannya itu. Untung, Irina bisa maklum. Dia ogah mempermasalahkan apalagi memperpanjangnya.

Kalaulah ada penggemar wanita yang naksir berat padanya bisa dimaklumi. Perempuan adalah kata yang bersanding dengan namanya. Sejak muncul menjadi pemain bintang Manchester United, pada 2003, kisah percintaannya dengan banyak wanita kerap menghiasi halaman surat kabar di Inggris dan juga di dunia. Dari berbagai wanita yang mampir di pelukannya, tercatat paling tidak mencapai angka 30. Jadi dia bisa membuat dua kesebelasan wanita-wanita yang pernah dipacarinya.

Asalnya pun macam-macam. Di negerinya sendiri, dia pernah berkencan dengan Jordana Jardel, yang tak lain adalah adik dari pemain Brasil Mario Jardel. Hubungan ini tak berlangsung lama. Belakangan pamor Jordana di dunia model pun pudar. Badannya jadi gendut.

Wanita lain dari “lapangan” juga ada Luana Belletti, adik Juliano Belletti pemain yang pernah bermain untuk Chelsea. Mereka berpacaran hanya dua bulan. Nama lainnya, masih berderet. Termasuk, petenis sexy Maria Sharapova, yang dipacari pada 2008. Juga, Paris Hilton.

Hampir semua cewek Ronaldo keren. Kebanyakan selebritas. Kalau tidak model bisa juga penyanyi atau bahkan aktris. Tak heran kalau semuanya bening bak pualam. Tapi, siapakah yang paling hot di antara semuanya? Ini sepuluh wanita yang oke:

Thank you Scholesy

AMIDST the cascading emotions, everlasting memories and heartfelt gratitude bursting from Old Trafford at Sir Alex Ferguson’s last ever home game as Manchester United manager, it would have been easy to forget during the fanfare of last Sunday’s game against Swansea City that the Theatre of Dreams was also saying farewell to arguably its finest ever performer.
Paul Scholes will follow his manager into retirement at the end of the season after 19 glittering years in the red shirt.
Scholes, with 717 appearances for the Reds, stands third overall in the list of record appearances, behind Sir Bobby Charlton’s 758 and Ryan Giggs’ 940 (and counting).
He’s won 11 Premier League titles, three FA Cups, two League Cups, five Community Shields and two Champions League titles; scoring 155 (mainly stunning) goals.
When you talk about loyalty and longevity at United, the majority would instantly think of Ryan Giggs. But while the Welshman has been a superb servant and an excellent player for United, Scholes’ world class ability and talent stands him among the very best players United have ever produced.
Many critics and supporters balked when Giggs was named PFA player of the year in 2009. They argued that Giggs had come first in a largely weak field and that he’d won the award as consolation for having never won it previously.
When I think and laugh about that, I actually think a little harder and I wonder how in the hell it is that Scholes never won the award. He has never even been nominated for the award. He has never picked up a PFA young player of the year accolade and has never been voted football writers’ player of the year. Nor, either, has he won or been nominated for the world player of the year crown – despite a whole host of amazing players past and present lining up to salute his brilliance.

The Closest Title Race Yet

THERE are several factors screaming out at me that say the 2013/14 season will be the closest title race in years.
Manchester United’s 20th English domestic title was a carnival parade – despite the fact that critics continue to weave the laughable yarn that the current squad is one of the worst in the Premier League era.
This season, however, I have a feeling things will be quite different.
After the dramatic final few minutes of the 2012/13 season, Manchester City stood still last summer in the transfer market and looked like they were running through quicksand for much of the season trying to keep pace with their cross city rivals. They cannot afford to do the same this year.

Early Tests Will Show If Moyes Has The Mettle To Manage Manchester United

THE predictable randomness of the Premier League fixture computer has ensured new Manchester United manager David Moyes will be very aware early on of the enormity of the task facing him at Old Trafford.
Moyes is already up against arguably his greatest professional challenge – replacing the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson – and the start of life at Old Trafford without the great man could hardly be a tougher one for his fellow Scot, with mouthwatering clashes against Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City awaiting the Reds in our first five league fixtures.
Moyes will be able to judge the commitment and character of his side, not to mention his own stomach for dealing with the pressure cooker atmosphere that comes with the territory of being United boss, by the end of September.

Retro Manchester United

1980s bedroom.

1980s lighting.

Manchester United fanclub… based in Merseyside.

Releasing records.

The official flask to make drinking official.

Sharp ideas.

The official United magazine… only 50p.

A kit launch in 1988 at Albert Square.

When the only way to keep up with the latest club news was via a phonecall.

The souvenir shop… before the Superstore and Megastore.

Man Utd v Newcastle 1996 FA Charity Shield

United: Peter Schmeichel, Phil Neville, Gary Pallister, David May, Denis Irwin, David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Roy Keane, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Eric Cantona (c)
United substitutes: Raimond van der Gouw, Gary Neville, Ronny Johnsen, Jordi Cruyff, Karel Poborský, Brian McClair and Ole Gunnar Solskjær.
Newcastle: Pavel Srníček, Steve Watson, Darren Peacock, Philippe Albert, John Beresford (c), Peter Beardsley, David Batty, Rob Lee, David Ginola, Alan Shearer and Les Ferdinand.
Newcastle substitutes: Shaka Hislop, Warren Barton, Steve Howey, Keith Gillespie, Lee Clark, Faustino Asprilla and Paul Kitson.

Paul Scholes – The quotes you probably haven’t seen

July 11th 2000: Inter president confirms £31m offer for Paul Scholes
“Yes it is true. The story is correct. We are very much interested in signing Paul Scholes. Unfortunately for us, it appears Manchester United are not prepared to release Scholes at the moment. It is going to be very hard for us to get him.”
July 12th 2000: Agent Pino Pagliara tells Moratti to give up on Scholes
“I told Moratti Scholes is a “mission impossible” man. It’s more than money with him. He was born just a few blocks away from Old Trafford. It’ s about wearing United’ s colours. United say it will only happen if the board, player and manager all agree.”

Anderson – Six years later

Manchester United beat Kitchee FC 5-2 in their final game of the pre-season tour of the East and Anderson got a rare 90 minute run out. That game marked the six year anniversary of Anderson Luis de Abreu Oliveira being granted a work permit to play in the UK, and four days later the boy from Brazil officially became a Manchester United player. Aged just 19, Anderson joined for a significant transfer fee – around £20m – and was immediately handed the number 8 shirt vacated by Wayne Rooney (who became United’s number 10). And fans were cautiously optimistic. Youtube footage of him did the rounds. We liked what we saw: Ando scoring a brilliant solo-goal for Gremio, in which he slalomed through the entire opposition defence before calmly slotting home. Ando buccaneering up and down the pitch for Porto. Some said that given time, he would become the box-to-box midfielder we so yearned for.

Danny Welbeck’s Career In Quotes

September 24th 2008: Welbeck on the League Cup – “This competition gives me an opportunity to play more games and show what I can do. The manager usually gives the youngsters a go and you have seen it again. Now we will just wait to see who we get in the next round but I am looking forward to it. I have the chance to be play with other great young players and also to learn off the older ones. I am looking to take it all on board for the future when I am called upon again. Manchester United is the best place to be at the moment. I am loving it.” November 15th 2008: Ferguson on Welbeck’s debut goal – “Unbelievable. To score on your full debut with a goal like that, he will remember it for a long time.”
November 17th 2008: Welbeck on debut goal – “It’s amazing really. It is what every young boy would dream of, in front of the Stretford End on my debut for someone coming from Manchester. I can’t say I have dreamt about it but I have thought about it ever since I started playing football. I remember picking the ball up on the edge of the centre circle. I knew Ryan Shawcross was coming up behind me. I have played with him a few times at United. I played a one-two with Manucho and just thought I would hit it. It was a relief to see it hit the net.”

The Final Countdown: What goes on tour stays on tour

So, that’s the tour of South East Asia and Australia done and dusted. We’ve seen a mixed bag of results from the trip, and steadily improving performances from the boys after a decidedly rocky start threatened to get a little, shall we say, embarrassing. The ABUs out there must have been rubbing their hands with glee after Moyesy’s men contrived to lose two out of their first three games, against the might of a Singha x11 for example, and we nearly lost the fourth, too, but for a Moyes-Time equaliser from Zaha.

United’s latterday Phileas Foggs took in Bangkok, Sydney, Tokyo, Osaka and Hong Kong in a rather exhausting schedule. The wisdom of jetting off halfway around the world to play these games in stifling heat on pitches which were as bad as the cabbage patches United experienced in away cup clashes against lower league opposition in the 1970s, knackering players out with all that red-eye travelling just to line the coffers and allow our estimated 10 gazillion fans out there to have the opportunity to have a glimpse of their heroes like Buttner, Fabio and Smalling in the flesh is, ahem, open to some debate.
And although Moyes acknowledged that the whistlestop tour was not exactly “ideal preparation” for the crucially important new season, he towed the party-line somewhat by adding: “I think in football now if you’re one of the big clubs, you have to take your club to the supporters around the world. It means the extra money you earn from your marketing and from your sponsors is going to play a big part in the future. So I think it’s something we’re going to have to come to terms with and it is going to happen – and maybe even more so in the future.”
That last line has me a little perturbed. We don’t want to become footballing Harlem Globetrotters in the off season… But then again, we aren’t the only ones undertaking punishing intercontinental journeys. Indeed, to some Thais, or residents of Hong Kong, it must have seemed that they couldn’t move without bumping into a Premier League player this summer. Arsenal, Chelsea, city, Spurs, Sunderland: they’ve all been out there setting out their stalls, engaging in a bit of sports marketing.
So I’m uneasy. But to look on the bright side, there have been at least some positives to emerge from our international jetsetting. The stand-out performers have been the youngsters, with Lingard, Januzaj and Zaha particularly impressing. Tom Cleverley had an similarly outstanding pre-season a couple of years back and his form convinced Fergie not to send him back out on loan, although Wigan were interested in taking him back. The three players I’ve mentioned will all be hoping their displays have the same effect on new United supremo David Moyes.
From a fans’ perspective Zaha has perhaps looked the most impressive of this trio. But the 20-year-old has also made some of his more illustrious colleagues sit up and take notice of his ability too. This is Rio Ferdinand on the former Palace starlet: “The thing that has most impressed me about Wilf is his raw ability. He can take someone on from a standing start. He’s quick and direct but what has surprised me more than anything is how quickly he gets his shots off. I hadn’t seen a great deal of him beforehand and obviously he’s a winger but he seems to have a hunger to get inside and cause trouble in the opponents’ box and that’s a good thing to have. I don’t like to say too much too early but I think he’s a fantastic talent.”
It’s nice, then, to see at least one new face at United who we can get a little excited about. But that stellar signing which can really make us giddy to see that first game of the season still eludes us, and the business with Thiago Alcantara looked like a bit of a shambles, and the pursuit of Fabregas is starting to look desperate. Fans keep wondering why we’re still persisting, that there must have been some come ons from Barca or Cesc which we’ve not been party to. But it might be that we’ve simply got no other options. Fellaini might still come, but Moyes knows he’s not the answer on his own.
Moyes himself has already had something of a baptism of fire as United manager and after a frenzied month in which the press has pretty much jumped on everything he’s said, and then cooked up their own stories about it – the rift with Rooney – he’ll at least be under no illusions regarding the size of the task at hand for him. And he’ll have had a decent chance to get to know the players during the tour too. (Not that he didn’t know them before: Moyes signed four former United players whilst manager at Everton and has already brought Phil Neville with him).
Most of the time Moyes has handled himself well, and has come over as intelligent and authoritative. But at times he’s looked rather haunted, and sometimes very lonely. Although United’s start to the season is daunting to say the least, I think he’ll be much happier when the real business of the football season starts in August.
The Reds face Swedes AIK Fotboll next Tuesday at the Friends Arena in Solna, and then a Navas and Negredo-shorn Sevilla at Old Trafford on Friday 9^th August for Rio Ferdinand’s testimonial, and then finally the countdown to the season proper can begin in earnest. (Talking of Countdown, did anyone else catch Ryan Giggs’ surprise special guest appearance on the Channel 4 show recently? Giggsy showed up to present Rachel Riley – the new Vorderman – with a bunch of flowers for reaching her 1,000^th appearance on the show. Rachel said: “As a lifelong red, I’ve watched Giggsy rack up 1,000-plus appearances since I was five so there couldn’t have been a more special way to celebrate mine.” Good on her.)
Sky and BT have already dicked up the fixture list for us of course (nice of them). It’s getting to the stage when we might as well not bother looking at the fixture list until the TV companies have had their sticky fingers all over them. When they were first announced, they were littered with ‘TBCs’ but now we know we won’t be facing a Saturday 3pm kick off at Old Trafford until the last weekend in September. By that time, we’ll have been on the box a full six times, including Wigan in the Community Shield. By my reckoning, we have just three games with traditional kick off times before the end of the bloody year.
Won’t somebody think of the match-going Reds?
Still, despite the lack of activity on the transfer front, despite the two TV behemoths deciding to piss about with my calendar yet again, I can’t help but feel the butterflies in my belly when I think about the new season.
Even though it doesn’t feel like five minutes since we were simultaneously celebrating that famous twentieth title win, and wiping away the tears shed for Fergie’s retirement, United seem to have been away too long. Bring on Wigan in the Community Shield!

Remember, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer?

Let us relive a bit of Manchester United history. It’s 1998, and United are level 1-1 with Newcastle United and must earn a draw to keep up with leaders Arsenal. Yes, Arsenal – about six years ago that squad was what we like to call “invincible” but, that hasn’t been found in quite some time. Nevertheless, with Newcastle pressing for the winner, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s footballing brain clicked, and instantly he was tracking pack on defense. The forward who’d beaten out the likes of Eric Cantona, Dwight Yorke, and even Andy Cole at one time, proved in 1998 why he belonged in a Manchester United kit.
The Norwegian put the club ahead of himself, and committed a professional foul against Newcastle’s Robert Lee preventing him an opportunity on net – and immediately he knew the consequences. As that moment was one of many for the United great, the Stretford End would forever cheer the loyal frontman on with “You Are My Solskjaer” and “20 LEGEND” which was highlighted in red to also feature his name, Ole.
It’d be hard to forget the frontman who featured alongside Ruud van Nistelrooy during his heyday, and remained a red from 1996-2007. Resuming the number 20 kit while a red, Sir Alex Ferguson basically stole the Norwegian for a mere 1.5 million pounds, and the signing proved dividends especially during United’s treble winning season. At first glance, with Eric Cantona and Andy Cole already present in the squad whom both looked equally solid to hold onto their respective starting position, Solskjaer proved to be one of the best bargains in the history of the Premier League.
A mere six minutes into his debut appearance for Manchester United against Blackburn Rovers, saw the Norwegian find the back of the net – one of his 18 goals during his first season with United. We like to call Javier Hernandez our super-sub; however, Solskjaer would put Chicharito to shame with his plethora of goal scoring chances and his success rate. Sir Alex made it a habit to employ his third striker late in matches to leave his mark, and instead of leaving a small imprint onto matches – he left a crater in oppositions defenses.
Being a good footballer is more than scoring goals, or appearances. Instead, being a great footballer is one who is a student of the game, watches film after training sessions and without question, is all hands on deck. During matches, when pundits would glance over to the technical areas, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was intently gazing onto the pitch as if nothing else mattered in the world – his eyes never left the pitch.
He even noted after his career was over that “I had to think about myself, how can I do the most damage for the opposition if I come on? I sat there and I studied football games but I didn’t exactly analyze their strikers […] Instead I would pay attention to what the defenders and full-backs were doing wrong.” Known as the “Baby-Faced Assassin” for his youthful looks and clinical finishing, Solskjaer made his money doing what others could not do for a full 90 minutes – concentrate at the task at hand.
Numerous impressive feats come to mind when we reflect on Ole’s career: his four goals in 12 minutes in United’s 8-1 routing of Nottingham Forest immediately comes to mind. A feat in which we all known Danny Welbeck couldn’t replicate if he had an empty net. Yet, looking back at his career with Manchester United I remember one particular moment which speaks dividends his character – he refused an offer from Tottenham even after United accepted the bid for him. That moment United would go onto relish in the 1999 Champions League final as he notched the game winner, thus securing the fabled treble and cementing Ferguson’s men into eternal glory.
With his playing career days over, we still readily recall “Who Put the Ball in the Germans’ Net?” or his boyish looks. After working closely with Ferguson with United’s strikers and also Reserve Squad, he made a move which was best for both he and his family – taking over as Molde FK’s manager in 2010 with a four-year contract attached to it. Despite the Aston Villa talks in 2012 after Alex McLeish was sacked, Ole didn’t want to disrupt his family life – and it’s hard to depart a club after winning the Tippeligaen in the first season with the club.
Carry on Solskjaer – we hope one day you’ll return.

Remember, Sam McIlroy?

Let begin by saying happy 58th birthday Sammy McIlroy – those long locks and perfected mustache are surely missed. The Northern Irishman played for Manchester United from 1971-1982, while also making pit stops to Stoke City and Manchester City: And yes, we’ll let playing for City slide for today only, as birthday’s are always an upbeat occasion.

McIlroy, or Super Sam as many referred to him as, was Matt Busby’s final signing. Nevertheless, McIlroy had a knack for being in the right place at the right time during his time as a red. Take into consideration scoring a goal in the 1971 Manchester derby in the 3-3 draw, and his regularity in United’s squad, the icon made his mark. The 17-year-old boy wonder made an immediate impact in the ranks at Old Trafford.
Even though the bullish Stoke City stole him away from us for 350,000 pounds in 1982, United were graced with plenty of effortful years out of the Irishman. For instance, Super Sam appeared in every Manchester United fixture in the 1974/75 season as the reds made their return to the Premier League. And despite being seriously injured in a car accident in 1973 which put his professional career on hold, his resiliency to return to football was astonishing. His work rate in recovery, made him an even better footballer upon returning to United’s first team.
Constantly finding the openings in opponents penalty areas, he found the net even though those long, curly locks seemed to get in his face. How often was it that we heard “Best to McIlroy” during their careers? Often, but their partnership was taken to an entire new level.
The understanding between Best and McIlroy was that of simple understandings between one another coupled with the fact that both knew how to find the onion-bag. Although McIlroy’s goals were not always the most superb of finishes, he made his chances count and the goals he tabulated throughout his career with United are a testament to the immense work he put in. During his time, McIlroy was one of the best at punishing defenders for their simple, yet costly mistakes.
After all, many fond memories were had between United and McIlroy – United’s second-leg tie with Ajax in the 1976 UEFA Cup at Old Trafford. As European football finally returned to its rightful spot, reds welcomed the Dutch outfit with roars and belief beyond this universe. The tone was set in the second leg as United fell 1-0 in Amsterdam, and were determined to make their European dreams right once again. Lou Macari scored the opener for the hosts before McIlroy made his mark in football glory, scoring a winner in European competition.
McIlroy was the beneficiary of the simplest of finished past the Ajax goalkeeper from a brilliant set up by Steve Coppell to Brian Greenhoff, who played a splendid ball to the awaiting Irishman. As he’d done so well throughout his career, his awareness in the box to loose his defender freed him for the brief moment to send the already electrified Old Trafford crowd, to euphoria.
Drink up McIlroy, and relive those glorious memories throughout your football career. A genius during his time, and a pest in the box – Super Sam, will forever be a red.

A round table discussion of Manchester United's French midfield transfer target

A move for Yohan Kebab Cabaye would be underwhelming, but he could be a useful addition to the Manchester United squad.

'So, would Cabaye be a good buy for United? A year-and-a-half ago, when United were limited in their transfer budget and they were being overrun by Cabaye and Cheick Tiote in a 0-3 defeat by Newcastle, I probably would have been more enthusiastic by the possibility. The Frenchman is undoubtedly a good player and as the United squad stands now, he would improve the midfield. However, the club is now in a healthier financial situation than they were and they appear willing to spend money for high quality midfielders. I'd rather inquire about talents like Thiago Alcantara*, Marouane Fellaini, and Kevin Strootman for now and see how that goes. If it gets deeper into the summer transfer window and the club are still in need of a midfielder, perhaps they can inquire about Cabaye. At 27-years-old, and after coming off a season where his form was inconsistent, United shouldn't be willing to pay much for him. And in terms of midfield transfer options, the Frenchman should be a 'plan B', but only if the price is right. Cabaye, at best, would only be a decent stopgap to the current midfield problems.'

* Thiago :(
Well, it's "deeper into the summer transfer window and the club are still in need of a midfielder" and there have been fresh links in recent days to Cabaye. Since I've already shared my opinion on the France international, and since it hasn't really changed much from early June, I decided to ask Callum and SilentRed their opinions on the player. Here's Callum's response:

'Cabaye's versatility is one of the reasons that, like Fellaini; while he may not have the talent of a Thiago or Fabregas, he can be almost as important. His tackling and ability to run a game from deep means he could quite easily slot alongside Carrick in a conservative deep midfield two, as we used in 2008-09. He could also play more of a box-to-box role, or even behind the strikers given his goal threat. In everything apart from maybe not quite being a top-level talent, he's the ideal player.'

Here's SilentRed's take:

'I don't claim to be an expert on Cabaye, but I did watch Newcastle's run to 5th with interest in 2011/12 and Cabaye struck me as a player. Consistent, but not that much of an X factor (as against, Ben Arfa?), and seems more level headed. I'm not sold that his defensive side is as strong as we'd like from Carrick's partner in the big games but his technical ability is sound. I do recall in the Euros (was it?) that he didn't look out of place at all, and it was a good quality tourney.
I don't think Cabaye will be out of place at United. However, given his age (27) and the fee being thrown around (15M???) I'd rather see us go with 'Fro. Cabaye is a creative sort and enjoys decent freedom at Newcastle - can he sit back when needed, or even rush back after bombing up? Is he needed when we have creativity oozing (ok, I exaggerate) out of the front 3/4? I don't know. Something doesn't fit for me, though he's a good player.
Nutshell - Good player, won't mind him on with Ando out. But we need more bite than him, and that's Fellaini. Between the two, Big Hair anyday (Gundogan blows them both out of the water).'

Can't say I disagree really with my TBB brethren.
The only thing I'd like to briefly add is how Cabaye likely would fit in if he were to arrive at Old Trafford. In David Moyes' likely 4-2-3-1 base system, the 27-year-old would probably compete with Tom Cleverley for the privilege of being deployed alongside Michael Carrick in a double-pivot. While the latter would occupy deep positions in midfield protecting the back four while controlling games with his tidy passing and tempo-setting ways, Cabaye would have license to break forward and join the attack**. The Frenchman would be able to link the midfield with the attack and his ability to create chances for others (2.04 per game last season), score goals (6 last season), and break up play in midfield (3.08 tackles per game and 2.12 interceptions per game last season) would be useful and complimentary attributes for United. As SilentRed mentions, Cabaye isn't as good as Borussia Dortmund's Ilkay Gundogan in this role, but he can still be a useful and functional player for United.
** Below is a passing chart diagram of Cabaye and his midfield partner, Tiote, versus United in January. Notice how it's Tiote holding and making passes from deep zones while Cabaye is distributing the ball further up the pitch. In a very basic comparison, this is the sort of relationship he'd likely share with Carrick or even Darren Fletcher if the latter makes a recovery from his ulcerative colitis.

Manchester United offered hope for final Fabregas bid

Stay connected

Manchester United will make a third bid for Cesc Fabregas, according to the English press, and the club believes it could be the one to finally convince Barcelona to sell.

Pretty much every single English news outlet, as well as ESPN, are agreed - Manchester United will make a third bid of 35 million euros for Cesc Fabregas in an attempt to prise the midfielder from Barcelona.

The story originally appeared in the Manchester Evening News but was reported separately by a variety of sources shortly afterwards, so it's highly likely that the bid will be made. Whether it will be enough for Barcelona to accept is another matter, but there seems to be a general agreement that United have some confidence in their pursuit.
The reasoning for that confidence is familiar - Cesc Fabregas has still made no public comment since United made their interest formal, so the chances that he's open to a move are very high indeed. United could also give him a bumper wage rise, and Barcelona may cash in to fund the purchase of a top-class centre-back, both gaining the money from Fabregas' sale and saving the money not only on his existing contract but avoiding the expense of a costly renewal.
When exactly the bid will be made, and how long it will take Barcelona to respond to it, remains to be seen, but there should be a development of some sort this week.

Tour 2013: Kitchee vs Utd (A rare win for Utd on tour as youngsters shine brightly)

Yes, you read that right, Utd won on Tour. And that means….absolutely nothing. I’d never heard of Kitchee, but they play in the Hong Kong league, which I think excuses me that lack of awareness. Having had the time to keep up with this match with live text feeds from the newspaper, it became clear very quickly that those covering the action were a little hacked off at the station. They signed up to cover classic Champions League encounters and ferociously contested derby games, not pre-season meanderings in the Far East. But Utd were in residence and Kitchee turned up, so they reluctantly settled over their laptops.

Great change at Utd as Moyes makes first appointments

Breaking news….Sir Alex Ferguson retired. I know, I missed that little newsbite too. I bet it was in one of those really tiny sections; you know, the ones where they say Gary Smith has transferred to Torquay for £500 and will be paid in custard creams, or David Beckham’s next club will be in the Belize division 2 – all of his salary going towards a penny chew. But anyway, apparently it was there, and on July 1st (a couple of days ago – granted, but if you are looking for hot-off-the-press news, this graveyard really isn’t the best place) his successor, Mr Moyes, drove the 35.5 miles (43 minutes according to Google Maps) to his new office. He looked absolutely delighted at the name plaque Utd went to great expense to produce:

First actions were to get to grips with his new mousemat (with appropriate Utd emblem – bought for an inflated £25 from an enterprising street salesman) and to interview for assistant manager. With such prestige, some big names turned up:

Moyes, having politely informed the candidates they may not be suitable, returned to his office and picked up the phone. An official, exclusive no less, transcript of the conversation is provided below:
DM: Hey, Steve
SR: Hey, David! How’s the new place? Find it alright?
DM: Bit tricky. They’ve gone and renamed the training complex, sat nav couldn’t manage.
SR: Sounds like they don’t want you there.
DM: Don’t start.
SR: So, what can I do for you?
DM: Well, you should have just seen who turned up for the assistant manager position. Four cleaners and an old bloke who from the museum.
SR: He runs it?
DM: No, he’s an exhibit.
SR: Well, what can I do about it?
DM: Get round here.
SR: That’s not funny.
DM: I know, just get here. You’re assistant manager. Say, get Chris and Jimmy in the car too. I need other coaches.
SR: Alright, I’ll get them.
Or words to that effect. It has since transpired, in all seriousness, that Rene ‘first team coach’ Meulensteen was asked to stay, but the Dutchman said he thought it better for Moyes to make his own mark. Fair enough, he’s done that. He’s also gone for a bit of the old too, for it was announced a few days later that recently retired Phil Neville has been appointed first team coach, and that he will be joined (part-time) by Ryan Giggs, promoted to player-coach with immediate effect. Excellent news, with widespread positive reaction, you can’t really beat those two for experience in the Utd setup. Good to have a bit of that around when making such changes.
That leads into today, where Mr Moyes has just completed his first press conference. This was no Mourinho moment, simply an occasion that had to be done at some point where Moyes said how happy he was to be in his new job. The hot topic was of course, Mr. Rooney, and it can be confirmed that he is NOT for sale. From his words, it seems as if Wayne has turned up for training (always a good starting point), has performed well, and is working hard, is willing to work hard on a more permanent basis, and generally seems committed. Personal feeling aside, it won’t be anywhere near enough to stop the press talking about the issue, but Rooney is NOT for sale. In the world of football contracts, this means diddly-squat but Moyes seems happy to be statesmanlike about it.
So, there we are. Up to speed on everything United. Comments always appreciated.

Fergie gets big calls right as Rodgers and Howard Webb get it horribly wrong

The story of United's 2-1 win over Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday can be summarised as follows: Van Persie, Vidic and Sturridge grab goal headlines, while Ferguson's big calls pay dividends as Howard Webb and Brendan Rodgers get it horribly wrong.

The game passed without too much controversy, that is it did, apart from the part played by Howard Webb and Liverpool's Glen Johnson, more on those two later.

The magnificent reign of Ferguson at Manchester United: It all hinged on one quite brilliant signing

Manchester United have won back the trophy that they lost in such dramatic circumstances last May to local rivals Manchester City. This season's battle for the title was once again contested by Manchester's finest, but the end result couldn't have been more of a contrast; by the end of April, City had all but thrown in the towel and United's consistency saw the Red Devils romp home with games to spare. Job done.

However, the euphoria of winning the Premier League title for the thirteenth time has been overshadowed by Sir Alex Ferguson's decision to retire after 26 trophy laden years at Old Trafford. The thought of Fergie not being on the United bench next season is something the fans' are having to come to terms with and it isn't easy. It will never quite be the same without the man who has given United fans so much pleasure for the best part of three decades.

It's difficult to quantify what Ferguson has done for United; in terms of winning trophies it is easy, quite simply, he is the most successful British manager ever. But Ferguson's remit went way beyond managing the first team; from the beginning, the man from Govan has ruled everything to do with the playing side of the club with an iron rod.  Ferguson's control and leadership has given United stability - an all too rare commodity in the hire 'em 'n fire 'em Premier League.

Often arriving before 7am at Carrington, the club's training ground, Fergie's work ethic is well documented. Hard work is just one of many attributes, less often mentioned, but of equal importance is Ferguson's ability to keep everyone happy. Long after being sold, former United star Lee Sharpe went on record saying that Ferguson would drop players like any other manager, but unlike many of his contemporaries, he always made sure pride was left intact.

His ability to man-manage is rightly lauded, but perhaps slightly less so is his ability to spot a player.  If one player illustrates these characteristics perfectly, it was the signing of Eric Cantona in 1992. At that time, United were still struggling to win that elusive league title. In the summer of 1992, Ferguson had tried to sign Alan Shearer from Southampton and then David Hirst from Sheffield Wednesday, both without success; he eventually ended up signing Dion Dublin, who broke his leg just a few weeks into the season after completing his transfer from Cambridge United.

United faltered after making a promising start to the new season, but then to the amazement of his own players in November, Fergie signed Eric Cantona for just £1.2m. Former Liverpool captain Emlyn 'crazy horse' Hughes, described the signing as a 'panic buy'. Mark Hughes feared it might 'end in tears', while Gary Pallister wondered if Fergie had taken leave of his senses and had Cantona 'lost something' given the low transfer fee?

Despite only playing 15 games, the Frenchman had been instrumental in helping Leeds pip Manchester United on the finishing line to the league title in 1992. Cantona was a cult hero with the Leeds fans, but his relationship with Howard Wilkinson had become strained, so much so that a cut-price deal to bring him to Manchester was struck within an hour following a chance telephone conversation about the availability of Denis Irwin.

Howard Wilkinson famously said of Eric "He likes to do what he likes when he likes - and then f***s off. We'd all want a bit of that." While the Leeds manager had struggled with Cantona, Ferguson did not. The rest of the Manchester United squad soon realised that Eric had found his spiritual home - it was a match made in football heaven. The arrival of Eric helped transform a team of ‘nearly men’ into serial winners.

The importance of Cantona's arrival cannot be understated, and without doubt it was the catalyst that brought about an end to that long 26 year wait for a league title. The long wait finally ended when captain Steve Bruce scored two late goals against Sheffield Wednesday.

In 1993, Ferguson fought off competition from Kenny Dalglish and signed Roy Keane from Nottingham Forest - it was obvious his arrival would make United even stronger and it did with glorious back-to-back league titles. 

In January, 1995, Cantona was the attention of unwanted world headlines after he'd jumped into the crowd at Selhurst Park and kung-fu kicked Matthew Simmons. United suspended Cantona for four months - the FA increased than ban to 8 months. Everton went on to beat United at Wembley in the FA Cup final. Cantona threatened to quit English football, which led to Ferguson riding pillion on the back of a scooter around the streets of Paris in pursuit of his French talisman. What other manager would have gone to those lengths? Ferguson used his powers of persuasion to convince Cantona to carry on and thankfully he eventually agreed.

But in the summer of 1995 and to the fans absolute dismay, Fergie ripped up the team that had secured back to back titles and sold Paul Ince, Andre Kanchelskis and then Mark Hughes. The media had a field day. One of the tabloids ran a big story with an image of a light bulb alongside the headline "Will the last one out turn out the light" that was accompanied by an image of the club crest which had been split in two. From the outside looking in, it looked like United were imploding. United were about to lose three massive fans favourites.

A delegation of 'die-hard' United fans had a meeting Paul Ince, in the hope that sense would prevail. Nothing doing. Ince was sold to Inter Milan. Kanchelskis to Everton, and then Mark Hughes joined Chelsea.

For many United fans, the summer of 1995 was a difficult one. In the previous season, Fergie had blooded his fledglings in the League Cup. Despite what some fans thought at the time, the decision to sell the illustrious trio wasn't an act of madness, Ferguson had a plan. That plan was simple, he would replace a trio of top internationals with rising stars from the 'class of '92'.

Ryan Giggs had become the first of the fledglings to flourish when making his debut in 1991 and by the start of the 1992-93 season, the Welshman had carved out a regular starting place and it was his success that in part paved the way for the rest of the 'class of '92'.

The beginning of the 1995-96 season was something of a journey into uncharted waters - a hitherto successful team had been torn apart as Fergie started with a clean piece of paper. United went on to lose the first game of the new season at Villa Park, when going down 3-1. Match of the Day pundit, and former Liverpool skipper Alan Hansen aired his never to be forgotten quote "You'll win nothing with kids". Like many former top Scottish internationals, Hansen's voice carried authority - at least it did until then; those ill advised remarks have subsequently been rammed down this throat on many occasions.

United went on to overturn Newcastle's 10 point advantage at Christmas to win the title. Cantona wrapped up a League and FA Cup double at Wembley thanks to a memorable goal against Liverpool. In just one season, Fergie had not only ripped up a very successful team, but he'd built a new one. At the heart of it, was Eric Cantona.

The list of great United players who played under Ferguson is long and illustrious, but of all of them, Cantona is the most important. Cantona retired somewhat prematurely, in 1997, during that period United won the league title in 4 out of 5 seasons.