Sundays game against Newcastle is a must win if we are to prevent the pressure piling up on us. We have a great record against the Geordies and I hope that this continues beyond Saturdays game. In recent meetings Rooney has excelled and this could be the very game for him to find his form again.
As I have written previously the team looked low on confidence on Tuesday until the goal went in. After that we looked like a completely different outfit and we must use that win as a stepping stone to bigger and better achievements. As much as I hate to say it I feel like we need a little bit of Mourinho magic. For all his faults he is a motivator, Chelsea have the self belief and confidence that was eminent at United throughout the 1990’s. Confidence wins you games and we need a boost right now.
That is not to say that we are not better than Chelsea or that we can’t compete with them because I really believe that we can mount a serious challenge in all competitions this season. However we certainly miss Ryan Giggs and his leadership. Although not a vocal man he has a wise head on his shoulders and drives the team forward when the younger players are struggling to get going. Gary Neville is another player who does this, but it is also important (probably more so) that we have that kind of player in the midfield. After all they say that games are won and lost in midfield.
In other news it seems Rio Ferdinand really wants the United captaincy. If he had not been photographed with Kenyon, our biggest enemy, then he would probably be wearing the armband by now. I for one hope that he does get the opportunity to lead the red-devils. Ferdinand is the kind of player who thrives on responsibility. He has been accused of cruising at times in his career and the captaincy would provide him with that fresh challenge. I have every confidence that he would step up to the mark.
Back to Sundays game, I think we can build on Tuesdays performance and I predict a 2-1 victory to us. I think we will also see a similar formation with Rooney stuck out on the left again. Hopefully he will have a little more freedom than against Benfica.
Friday, September 29, 2006
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
United V Benfica and the team in general
Well guys, firstly great apologies for not posting in a while. I have been so busy that I haven’t even managed to check it myself. A lot has happened in the two weeks since I last posted and I hope the blog has not lost too much momentum. I will endeavour to post more frequently from now on.
Let’s start with last night’s performance against Benfica. Does anyone else feel that Rooney has suffered from a loss of confidence? I was watching him quite closely last night and it seemed that he was always looking to play short passes along the ground. He rarely looked to take players on and when he did try something elaborate it always went wrong. For the first time I think we are seeing a young lad that has lost the faith in his own ability. This was the very thing that made him so deadly in the first place. One of the commentators summed the situation up perfectly. “The boy is one goal from being back on track”. I agree with that statement 100%.
Rooney aside I think it was an average performance, where the team on a whole lacked a little self belief. In the first half the boys did not pass with conviction, they gave possession away all too easily and Benfica were beginning to make us pay. Ronaldo was our only inspiration and he seemed determined that last year would not happen again. For us half time could not come soon enough.
We began to find our stride again in the second half and superb linkup play between Ronaldo and Saha followed by a sublime piece of individual skill by the Frenchman led to United taking the lead. Once we got the goal you could see our boys grow phenomenally in confidence. We were playing slick one-two passes moving the ball quickly and efficiently. The self belief was back and we showed it in our football. I remember the glory days well when we were winning every trophy in sight. We played with such conviction; we knew that even if we were behind in injury time, we could still win the game. Does anybody remember the 1999 champion’s league final? Just in case you don’t here is a link to a video so that you can relive that wonderful moment.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEqREaX-mF8
Anyhow I digress. We need that conviction back in our game and that will come with results. Drawing against Reading and losing against Arsenal will dent that confidence, but the win last night was huge for us. It was our first victory away in the champion’s league in 3 years and we must now go on from this.
Looking at the Arsenal game I was disappointed with our performance. I don’t like to criticise Fergie but I felt that we really needed Carrick in the midfield that day. The game was lost in the midfield. Scholes spent most of the game chasing shadows and he eventually had to come off due to fatigue. That result has given Arsenal the confidence to go on, whilst it has made us stumble. We must now go on and notch up those wins.
Another blow is Ryan Giggs and Ji Sung Park’s injuries. I really hoped that we could see more of Park this season. I think that he is a great player with bags of potential. Giggs injury would have given him the opportunity to gain some really valuable first team experience, Alas it is not to be.
Smith is back which is great. I think that it is going to take another month or 2 before we see the real smudger, we must be patient and not rush him back.
So if there is anyone still reading this blog, I want to know what your thoughts are on Rooney and also what you think about the teams confidence. We need to regain momentum fast if we are to contend the title. Once again sorry for the lack of posting recently, I will try and do better from now on.
An idea, if you email me your email address at bewisebets@gmail.com I will fire out an email to you whenever I post. Saves you having to check all the time.
Let’s start with last night’s performance against Benfica. Does anyone else feel that Rooney has suffered from a loss of confidence? I was watching him quite closely last night and it seemed that he was always looking to play short passes along the ground. He rarely looked to take players on and when he did try something elaborate it always went wrong. For the first time I think we are seeing a young lad that has lost the faith in his own ability. This was the very thing that made him so deadly in the first place. One of the commentators summed the situation up perfectly. “The boy is one goal from being back on track”. I agree with that statement 100%.
Rooney aside I think it was an average performance, where the team on a whole lacked a little self belief. In the first half the boys did not pass with conviction, they gave possession away all too easily and Benfica were beginning to make us pay. Ronaldo was our only inspiration and he seemed determined that last year would not happen again. For us half time could not come soon enough.
We began to find our stride again in the second half and superb linkup play between Ronaldo and Saha followed by a sublime piece of individual skill by the Frenchman led to United taking the lead. Once we got the goal you could see our boys grow phenomenally in confidence. We were playing slick one-two passes moving the ball quickly and efficiently. The self belief was back and we showed it in our football. I remember the glory days well when we were winning every trophy in sight. We played with such conviction; we knew that even if we were behind in injury time, we could still win the game. Does anybody remember the 1999 champion’s league final? Just in case you don’t here is a link to a video so that you can relive that wonderful moment.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEqREaX-mF8
Anyhow I digress. We need that conviction back in our game and that will come with results. Drawing against Reading and losing against Arsenal will dent that confidence, but the win last night was huge for us. It was our first victory away in the champion’s league in 3 years and we must now go on from this.
Looking at the Arsenal game I was disappointed with our performance. I don’t like to criticise Fergie but I felt that we really needed Carrick in the midfield that day. The game was lost in the midfield. Scholes spent most of the game chasing shadows and he eventually had to come off due to fatigue. That result has given Arsenal the confidence to go on, whilst it has made us stumble. We must now go on and notch up those wins.
Another blow is Ryan Giggs and Ji Sung Park’s injuries. I really hoped that we could see more of Park this season. I think that he is a great player with bags of potential. Giggs injury would have given him the opportunity to gain some really valuable first team experience, Alas it is not to be.
Smith is back which is great. I think that it is going to take another month or 2 before we see the real smudger, we must be patient and not rush him back.
So if there is anyone still reading this blog, I want to know what your thoughts are on Rooney and also what you think about the teams confidence. We need to regain momentum fast if we are to contend the title. Once again sorry for the lack of posting recently, I will try and do better from now on.
An idea, if you email me your email address at bewisebets@gmail.com I will fire out an email to you whenever I post. Saves you having to check all the time.
Friday, September 15, 2006
get your trnasfers in!
Just a reminder to all those in the fantasy football league, that you need to have completed your transfers by the start of play tommorrow. You have 3 transfers available, use them wisely!
Thursday, September 14, 2006
2 more wins and we are maintaining momentum.
Good morning people. Apologies for not posting in a while, things have been pretty hectic, but I felt today was a good time to get up to speed with everything United. Since I posted last we have won another 2 games to make it 5 out of 5. We must keep up this momentum if we are to regain some silverware this season, but well done lads keep it up.
I thought on Saturday we badly missed Scholes and Rooney. The link up play between the midfield and the strikers (well Saha) was particularly bad. We adopted our cavalier approach as usual, but I felt that there was that man lacking to link the play up and therefore attacks broke down. Saha was accused of wasting chances, but I genuinely feel that he was isolated for long periods of the game. He had no support and any chances that he did create he had to do all off his own back. Full credit to the Frenchman for his work ethic, he literally never stops trying. Ronaldo was on incredible form as well, in fact most of our opportunities game through him, it was a shame he was banned for last nights game as I think he would have made a real impact for us. Anyhow Giggs got us the goal and defensively we looked solid.
Last night brought a battle of Britain Clash against Celtic. What a game!! To Celtics credit I thought hey played extremely well, they didn’t sit back and roll over as many had expected, but the return of Rooney and particularly Scholes brought the fluidity back to our play. We were sloppy at the back, Ferdinand especially was the cause of the first goal.
Worryingly Giggs had to come off with a darned hamstring injury. With Park out for 3 months as well it leaves us worryingly weak on the left hand side. Does anyone have any ideas of who we will play on the left flank against Arsenal. I really hope that Rooney doesn’t get stuck out on the left like he did for periods last night. As a player he is wasted out there, he becomes frustrated and that ruins his play even more. We need him bursting through the centre on Sunday, terrorising that weak Arsenal defence.
All in all I think it was a fair result for us. Ok it was not a penalty, but created so many chances, the slick passing and attack mindedness was back for all to see. I think it will serve as a stark warning for Arsenal who visit the theatre of dreams on Sunday.
In a fantasy football update, congratulations to Rob hill and Jack Fernie who are sitting at the top for now. Im sitting nicely in 5th only 3 points off the chase so watch out boys! Who was your star man in your team and who do you think would be a good buy?
I thought on Saturday we badly missed Scholes and Rooney. The link up play between the midfield and the strikers (well Saha) was particularly bad. We adopted our cavalier approach as usual, but I felt that there was that man lacking to link the play up and therefore attacks broke down. Saha was accused of wasting chances, but I genuinely feel that he was isolated for long periods of the game. He had no support and any chances that he did create he had to do all off his own back. Full credit to the Frenchman for his work ethic, he literally never stops trying. Ronaldo was on incredible form as well, in fact most of our opportunities game through him, it was a shame he was banned for last nights game as I think he would have made a real impact for us. Anyhow Giggs got us the goal and defensively we looked solid.
Last night brought a battle of Britain Clash against Celtic. What a game!! To Celtics credit I thought hey played extremely well, they didn’t sit back and roll over as many had expected, but the return of Rooney and particularly Scholes brought the fluidity back to our play. We were sloppy at the back, Ferdinand especially was the cause of the first goal.
Worryingly Giggs had to come off with a darned hamstring injury. With Park out for 3 months as well it leaves us worryingly weak on the left hand side. Does anyone have any ideas of who we will play on the left flank against Arsenal. I really hope that Rooney doesn’t get stuck out on the left like he did for periods last night. As a player he is wasted out there, he becomes frustrated and that ruins his play even more. We need him bursting through the centre on Sunday, terrorising that weak Arsenal defence.
All in all I think it was a fair result for us. Ok it was not a penalty, but created so many chances, the slick passing and attack mindedness was back for all to see. I think it will serve as a stark warning for Arsenal who visit the theatre of dreams on Sunday.
In a fantasy football update, congratulations to Rob hill and Jack Fernie who are sitting at the top for now. Im sitting nicely in 5th only 3 points off the chase so watch out boys! Who was your star man in your team and who do you think would be a good buy?
Saturday, September 09, 2006
less than six hours to go until the restart of the premiership
Well guys a big thanks to everyone who is in the fantasy football league. There are 26 of us so far. If you still want to join you have a little under six hours to get in! It is free and there will be a prize for first place! To join simply Click here and join. Setup your team and then go to private leagues and add the pin 12095. That simple.
Looking forward to today I hope Liverpool drop points to Everton. I could see them sneeking a win at home! I think Chelsea have got their game wrapped up if I'm honest as have Arsenal. I also predict a Newcastle win against Fulham and a draw between Pompey and Wigan. Blackburn may get a draw, although they should really win. I welcome your predictions for this afternoon.
Looking forward to today I hope Liverpool drop points to Everton. I could see them sneeking a win at home! I think Chelsea have got their game wrapped up if I'm honest as have Arsenal. I also predict a Newcastle win against Fulham and a draw between Pompey and Wigan. Blackburn may get a draw, although they should really win. I welcome your predictions for this afternoon.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Man Utd V Tottenham Preview
Well Saturday sees the return of the premiership and boy am I glad. No disrespect to England but I just cannot get excited about games against Andorra and Macedonia. Both games we were expected to win and neither promised to be a particularly exciting proposition. I miss watching United, I miss watching my players doing their thing in the red shirt and we have 3 really exciting fixtures coming up, fixtures we must win if we are to prove our doubters wrong.
First up is Tottenham on Saturday. Kick off is at 17.15 in case you didn’t know already. Tottenham are a notoriously difficult team to break down and they have achieved some good results at old Trafford over the years. We simply cannot afford to drop points if we are to maintain our great start to the season. First off let’s have a look at the starting formation.
I think in defence we will play Vidic, Rio, Silvestre and Brown. I have concerns about playing Brown at right back; he has never looked as comfortable playing in that position and seems much more at home playing alongside Rio. But then again who else do we have to play at right back? Does anyone have any idea when Heinze and Neville are back? They are 2 key players to our defence. I think Heinze would have no problem dealing with Lennon, as for all his qualities he would get bullied by the giant Argie!
In midfield I think it will be Giggs, Carrick, Oshea, Ronaldo. The Wings are where our true strength lies. Giggs and Ronaldo can interchange at will, confusing the defence and creating space.
Up front it will have to be Saha and Solskjaer. With Rooney suspended, Rossi out on loan and Smith recovering from a horrific injury, what choice do we have? Saha will have a lot of work to do on Saturday but I am confident that he will shine. He seems to be in the middle of everything United convert at the moment, let’s just hope it continues until the end of the season!
I have to say I really wish that we had Scholes and Rooney back for this one. Those 2 make a huge difference to the side. Whoever says otherwise, just show them the replay of the Fulham game. Is it a coincidence that it was our highest scoring game of the season so far? I think not. Rooney and Scholes would make a difference in any team and I feel we will miss them dearly on Saturday. That is not to say I don’t think that we will win though. My prediction for the game… 2-1 to us!!
Over to you, what do you think the team will be and what do you think the score will be!
Just to let you know that deadline day is looming for the fantasy football league. We have 19 teams registered and as they say you need to be in it to win it! Especially as it’s free! You can join now by following this link
Once you have chosen your team click on private leagues and enter the followiing pin 12095
You really need to be in beofre kickoff on saturday!
First up is Tottenham on Saturday. Kick off is at 17.15 in case you didn’t know already. Tottenham are a notoriously difficult team to break down and they have achieved some good results at old Trafford over the years. We simply cannot afford to drop points if we are to maintain our great start to the season. First off let’s have a look at the starting formation.
I think in defence we will play Vidic, Rio, Silvestre and Brown. I have concerns about playing Brown at right back; he has never looked as comfortable playing in that position and seems much more at home playing alongside Rio. But then again who else do we have to play at right back? Does anyone have any idea when Heinze and Neville are back? They are 2 key players to our defence. I think Heinze would have no problem dealing with Lennon, as for all his qualities he would get bullied by the giant Argie!
In midfield I think it will be Giggs, Carrick, Oshea, Ronaldo. The Wings are where our true strength lies. Giggs and Ronaldo can interchange at will, confusing the defence and creating space.
Up front it will have to be Saha and Solskjaer. With Rooney suspended, Rossi out on loan and Smith recovering from a horrific injury, what choice do we have? Saha will have a lot of work to do on Saturday but I am confident that he will shine. He seems to be in the middle of everything United convert at the moment, let’s just hope it continues until the end of the season!
I have to say I really wish that we had Scholes and Rooney back for this one. Those 2 make a huge difference to the side. Whoever says otherwise, just show them the replay of the Fulham game. Is it a coincidence that it was our highest scoring game of the season so far? I think not. Rooney and Scholes would make a difference in any team and I feel we will miss them dearly on Saturday. That is not to say I don’t think that we will win though. My prediction for the game… 2-1 to us!!
Over to you, what do you think the team will be and what do you think the score will be!
Just to let you know that deadline day is looming for the fantasy football league. We have 19 teams registered and as they say you need to be in it to win it! Especially as it’s free! You can join now by following this link
Once you have chosen your team click on private leagues and enter the followiing pin 12095
You really need to be in beofre kickoff on saturday!
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
What do United fans think about Ryan Giggs?
Giggsy's Right foot wanted me to put up a post to find out what fans think of Ryan Giggs's illustrious career at Manchester United. Read this BBC Article here
Personally I think he is one of the greatest players to have graced Old Trafford. His unquestionable loyalty makes him a fans favourite. I remember him playing at 17 and he excited me as much back then as he does now, testament to his consistency as a player. Anyone remember THE goal against Arsenal? Sums him up really!
This is what Giggsy's right foot had to say:
Hi Agent,
could you create a post about the below article? If not I would love a discussion about the subject. As my name suggests, I am a massive Ryan Giggs fan. I have always felt that he has never got the recognition he deserved but his mature and extremely consistent play of late is starting to earn some acclaim.
I agree that he was perhaps a bit inconsistent in his early years, mainly due to his hamstrings! On his day, he always outshone the likes of Beckham. Yet it was Beckham who was always nominated for world player of the year, mainly for his popular appeal, in my opinion. Ryan is much more like Paul Scholes; they are both more talented than Beckham and happy just to get on with their 'job'.
Anyway, he appears to be an early candidate for footballer of the year, an award he has never won. Anyway, I would love to hear other united fans opinion on the player, I believe, is the best of his generation at United, and one of the best overall.
Please let us know what you guys think!
There is still time to enter my Fantasy football league It's free and we already have 16 teams, it's gonna be great! Expect lots of chat on this blog about it! simply choose your team and under private leagues use the pin 12095 to enter our private league! It'll be like our very own premiership! (I'm Man utd by the way lol!)
Personally I think he is one of the greatest players to have graced Old Trafford. His unquestionable loyalty makes him a fans favourite. I remember him playing at 17 and he excited me as much back then as he does now, testament to his consistency as a player. Anyone remember THE goal against Arsenal? Sums him up really!
This is what Giggsy's right foot had to say:
Hi Agent,
could you create a post about the below article? If not I would love a discussion about the subject. As my name suggests, I am a massive Ryan Giggs fan. I have always felt that he has never got the recognition he deserved but his mature and extremely consistent play of late is starting to earn some acclaim.
I agree that he was perhaps a bit inconsistent in his early years, mainly due to his hamstrings! On his day, he always outshone the likes of Beckham. Yet it was Beckham who was always nominated for world player of the year, mainly for his popular appeal, in my opinion. Ryan is much more like Paul Scholes; they are both more talented than Beckham and happy just to get on with their 'job'.
Anyway, he appears to be an early candidate for footballer of the year, an award he has never won. Anyway, I would love to hear other united fans opinion on the player, I believe, is the best of his generation at United, and one of the best overall.
Please let us know what you guys think!
There is still time to enter my Fantasy football league It's free and we already have 16 teams, it's gonna be great! Expect lots of chat on this blog about it! simply choose your team and under private leagues use the pin 12095 to enter our private league! It'll be like our very own premiership! (I'm Man utd by the way lol!)
Fantasy football update!
Thank you to all those who have entered the fantasy football league. There are now 15 participants. Remember if you are interested in taking part, make sure you are in before the premiership kicks-off on the 9th September! If you haven't signed up yet you simply Register at the metro, choose your team and under private leagues use the pin 12095. There will be a prize for the top performer, so what have you got to lose considering it's free!! You can also expect lots of commentary on this blog about how we are performing. I figured it's a good way to give the conversation flowing whilst the transfer window is closed!
In other news united wise, it seems that Brown has been dropped in favour of Rio, which is to be expected really. It's a shame we couldn't axe Terry and have Brown and Ferdinand for club and country, but I think that would be taking the United bias a little too far!
Keane apparently has been on the phone to Ferguson repeatedly since he has taken charge. All I can say to that is... Wow what a mentor to have on the end of the phone. Although the pair had their disputes, it is blatently obvious that the pair had the greatest respect for each other in a footballing sense.
as I reminisce, I remember on a number of occasions when Keane had been injured on the pitch, but was determined to see the game out! Fergie would be on the touchline screaming at Keane, telling him to come off. He seemed reluctant to risk his star man. Keane would not go and carried on running. The funny thing was that Fergie would not substitute him, such was their relationship. If Keane would run on, then Fergie respected that!
Something else I found interesting was Pardew coming out and saying that he would quit if he was told what team he should play. As time moves on it seems more and more as though signing the pair of Argentineans is more trouble than it's worth. Yes they are both great talents, but boy do they come with conditions. Could you imagine some shady Iranian business man telling Fergie that he could have Tevez but he must be selected for every game? Somehow I think not!
Giggs had a good 45 minutes yesterday against Brazil. Yet again he proved that he can mix it up with the stars, producing a blinding performance. It was good to see him rested as well, we have 3 crucial games coming up against Tottenham, Arsenal and Celtic and we must win them all! I really don't like international breaks. I can't get excited about England playing the likes of Macedonia and Andorra, bring back the premiership and let's get our fantasy football league rocking and rolling!
In other news united wise, it seems that Brown has been dropped in favour of Rio, which is to be expected really. It's a shame we couldn't axe Terry and have Brown and Ferdinand for club and country, but I think that would be taking the United bias a little too far!
Keane apparently has been on the phone to Ferguson repeatedly since he has taken charge. All I can say to that is... Wow what a mentor to have on the end of the phone. Although the pair had their disputes, it is blatently obvious that the pair had the greatest respect for each other in a footballing sense.
as I reminisce, I remember on a number of occasions when Keane had been injured on the pitch, but was determined to see the game out! Fergie would be on the touchline screaming at Keane, telling him to come off. He seemed reluctant to risk his star man. Keane would not go and carried on running. The funny thing was that Fergie would not substitute him, such was their relationship. If Keane would run on, then Fergie respected that!
Something else I found interesting was Pardew coming out and saying that he would quit if he was told what team he should play. As time moves on it seems more and more as though signing the pair of Argentineans is more trouble than it's worth. Yes they are both great talents, but boy do they come with conditions. Could you imagine some shady Iranian business man telling Fergie that he could have Tevez but he must be selected for every game? Somehow I think not!
Giggs had a good 45 minutes yesterday against Brazil. Yet again he proved that he can mix it up with the stars, producing a blinding performance. It was good to see him rested as well, we have 3 crucial games coming up against Tottenham, Arsenal and Celtic and we must win them all! I really don't like international breaks. I can't get excited about England playing the likes of Macedonia and Andorra, bring back the premiership and let's get our fantasy football league rocking and rolling!
Monday, September 04, 2006
In the papers today 04-08-2006
News has surfaced this weekend that Gill was offered Mascherano on a loan type deal, but was never interested in Tevez. This was a footballing decision taken by Ferguson, but was it the right one?
I have been reading a few articles on the Mascherano situation. The news is that MSI had a string of demands relating to the 2 Argentinean youngsters. One such demand was that the players must be selected for every game. Can you honestly see Ferguson agreeing to that one? Neither do I. The second demand was that the player could be sold at any time according to MSI’s stipulations. Again I can see how this could harm the club, if you become reliant on a player and then all of a sudden Real Madrid decide they want him, all of a sudden you are stuck with a huge void to fill, possibly when the transfer window is shut.
I think Ferguson has a very clear picture of who he wants to fill that midfield position. For those of you who don’t know who that is I’ll give you a clue. He is Anglo Canadian and plays his football in Germany. Yes Hargreaves demonstrated yet again that he is an excellent holding midfielder. He harried the opposition all day long on Saturday, agreeably against very poor opposition. His free-kick was a masterclass and he was desperately unlucky with his long range effort. One thing is for sure. Fergie will not have given up on Hargreaves just yet, especially as the player so desperately wants a move to England. Expect more movement in the transfer market at Christmas.
So was Fergie right in turning down a loan type offer for Mascherano? On reflection I think so. MSI’s involvement is questionable, for me they are a shady organisation that will bring more trouble than the players are worth. If we were to sign either player, it should be to the tune that MSI relinquish all ownership and rights to them. Anything less would be damaging to morale.
On the international scene it was really refreshing to see Wes Brown starting for England. The guy has overcome so many injuries and the doubters have been in line to ridicule the guy on a number of occasions. He has been instrumental at the back for United last season and this one. It is refreshing to see Steve rewarding this kind of fine form.
Just to let you know that my fantasy football league will be open until the 8th of September. It’s with the metro and it’s free! So sign up here!
Once you have created you team use the pin 12095 to add yourself to my private league. And yes there will be a prize for first place
I have been reading a few articles on the Mascherano situation. The news is that MSI had a string of demands relating to the 2 Argentinean youngsters. One such demand was that the players must be selected for every game. Can you honestly see Ferguson agreeing to that one? Neither do I. The second demand was that the player could be sold at any time according to MSI’s stipulations. Again I can see how this could harm the club, if you become reliant on a player and then all of a sudden Real Madrid decide they want him, all of a sudden you are stuck with a huge void to fill, possibly when the transfer window is shut.
I think Ferguson has a very clear picture of who he wants to fill that midfield position. For those of you who don’t know who that is I’ll give you a clue. He is Anglo Canadian and plays his football in Germany. Yes Hargreaves demonstrated yet again that he is an excellent holding midfielder. He harried the opposition all day long on Saturday, agreeably against very poor opposition. His free-kick was a masterclass and he was desperately unlucky with his long range effort. One thing is for sure. Fergie will not have given up on Hargreaves just yet, especially as the player so desperately wants a move to England. Expect more movement in the transfer market at Christmas.
So was Fergie right in turning down a loan type offer for Mascherano? On reflection I think so. MSI’s involvement is questionable, for me they are a shady organisation that will bring more trouble than the players are worth. If we were to sign either player, it should be to the tune that MSI relinquish all ownership and rights to them. Anything less would be damaging to morale.
On the international scene it was really refreshing to see Wes Brown starting for England. The guy has overcome so many injuries and the doubters have been in line to ridicule the guy on a number of occasions. He has been instrumental at the back for United last season and this one. It is refreshing to see Steve rewarding this kind of fine form.
Just to let you know that my fantasy football league will be open until the 8th of September. It’s with the metro and it’s free! So sign up here!
Once you have created you team use the pin 12095 to add yourself to my private league. And yes there will be a prize for first place
Friday, September 01, 2006
Join my fantasy football league
Appologies if you signed up to the last league that i put up. I discovered that it costs £32 per team and I dont think i can quite afford that. I have now found a free league at: The metro
Simply sign up pick your team then go onto private league and join by using the following pin:
12095
Let's have some fun!
I will throw in a prize for the winner. If you have any suggestions let me know!
Simply sign up pick your team then go onto private league and join by using the following pin:
12095
Let's have some fun!
I will throw in a prize for the winner. If you have any suggestions let me know!
What a conclusion to the transfer window!
On one of the most exciting conclusions to the transfer window that I can ever remember, Man Utd ended up with no extra players, whilst West Ham ended up with the coup of the century in signing Tevez and Mascherano. The deal is a cornerstone in West Ham’s history, but does the deal ask more questions than it answers?
Although it’s not strictly Man Utd related, I think I will dedicate most of today’s post to this double signing. As you are all aware I am a massive fan of the 2 Argentinean wonderkids, Mascherano especially. MSI and Iranian fronted consortium last night sold both players to West Ham on a permanent basis for £1 million each. On the face of it this seems like a massive acquisition for the club and indeed it could be, however it depends which theory you think rings true as to whether the deal really is as good as it seems. Both players have massive sell on clauses, in the hope that they will net MSI a huge cash reward.
The first theory is that both players will be at West Ham for just one season. At the end of the season, West Ham will sell both players to the larger clubs giving the proceeds to MSI. West Ham are therefore merely a feeder club for MSI, helping South American players settle in the premiership before making their big money moves. At £30 million each there are not many clubs that could afford them.
The second theory is that MSI are looking to buy West Ham. As part of the sweetener MSI offered both Mascherano and Tevez as part of the deal. The two players alone are worth at least £40 million and will improve the squad. This would be a very difficult deal to turn down.
Whichever is true, the deal is shrouded in mystery. It certainly isn’t a straightforward transfer, but then again, when are transfers ever straightforward? The big question on everyone’s mind is why on earth would they move to West Ham? Apparently no other clubs tabled significant offers for either player, although what is deemed to be significant is open to interpretation. You can be sure we were ready to offer £17 million at the very least for Mascherano, but obviously that wasn’t enough. According to the Mirror we have first option on Mascherano next summer, but at what price? That’s the big question.
Anyhow what’s done is done and I for one would like to take the opportunity to congratulate West Ham on their two amazing signings. It’s quite refreshing to see players of that quality move to a club outside the top four even if it is only for a season. They will be a joy to watch and I am looking forward to match of the day even more now.
Going forward it’s important that we focus on our own game. We must do the best that we can with the squad we have. We have a weakness in midfield but I am sure we can cope with that until Christmas at least. Rooney and Scholes will be back soon and I for one look forward to watching some more free flowing samba style football.
Although it’s not strictly Man Utd related, I think I will dedicate most of today’s post to this double signing. As you are all aware I am a massive fan of the 2 Argentinean wonderkids, Mascherano especially. MSI and Iranian fronted consortium last night sold both players to West Ham on a permanent basis for £1 million each. On the face of it this seems like a massive acquisition for the club and indeed it could be, however it depends which theory you think rings true as to whether the deal really is as good as it seems. Both players have massive sell on clauses, in the hope that they will net MSI a huge cash reward.
The first theory is that both players will be at West Ham for just one season. At the end of the season, West Ham will sell both players to the larger clubs giving the proceeds to MSI. West Ham are therefore merely a feeder club for MSI, helping South American players settle in the premiership before making their big money moves. At £30 million each there are not many clubs that could afford them.
The second theory is that MSI are looking to buy West Ham. As part of the sweetener MSI offered both Mascherano and Tevez as part of the deal. The two players alone are worth at least £40 million and will improve the squad. This would be a very difficult deal to turn down.
Whichever is true, the deal is shrouded in mystery. It certainly isn’t a straightforward transfer, but then again, when are transfers ever straightforward? The big question on everyone’s mind is why on earth would they move to West Ham? Apparently no other clubs tabled significant offers for either player, although what is deemed to be significant is open to interpretation. You can be sure we were ready to offer £17 million at the very least for Mascherano, but obviously that wasn’t enough. According to the Mirror we have first option on Mascherano next summer, but at what price? That’s the big question.
Anyhow what’s done is done and I for one would like to take the opportunity to congratulate West Ham on their two amazing signings. It’s quite refreshing to see players of that quality move to a club outside the top four even if it is only for a season. They will be a joy to watch and I am looking forward to match of the day even more now.
Going forward it’s important that we focus on our own game. We must do the best that we can with the squad we have. We have a weakness in midfield but I am sure we can cope with that until Christmas at least. Rooney and Scholes will be back soon and I for one look forward to watching some more free flowing samba style football.
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