The January Transfer Window

Indeed, the winter transfer period is still a month away, but it's time to start thinking about it. I must say that nothing excites me quite like this time of year. Half of the season is over and most teams are able to assess what they're doing well and what they're missing. It's high time to strengthen an already strong squad and fill the holes in struggling sides. SO... who do I want in January?

Manchester United is obviously a very strong and talented group of players. We have world-class players on every part of the pitch. However, with the losses of Ronaldo and Tevez last summer, and only the addition of Michael Owen in the forward department, we need a striker. Rooney is absolutely fantastic, and Berbatov is great as well, but a top club needs more than two reliable strikers. What we need... is a DAVID VILLA.

The 27 year old Spanish winger currently plays for Valencia in Spain. Although he has had an impressive career, he has only really started to shine in the last couple of years. He managed to captivate the footballing world with his stellar performance for Spain in the Euro 2008 last summer, and his scoring record for his club is fantastic. While he is certainly capable of passing and making plays, his specialty is finishing. He scores goals. He is exactly what Manchester United needs. Rooney and Berbatov are both creative forwards. While more than able to score goals, they play best when they're able to play a bit deeper and create and work with space. I can only imagine how effective a Rooney-Villa partnership could be.

When Ronaldo left for Real Madrid, we lost a forward AND a winger. That's how good he was. It's time for United to get over the loss, though, and move on. Right now, we are very weak on the flanks. For starting wingers, we've got Nani, Valencia, and Giggs. Nani has been very poor lately (and as you may have read here, he's recently criticized Sir Alex...), Valencia is promising but unproven, and Giggs is only getting older. To fill in this large gap, we could use someone like... ARJEN ROBBEN.
Robben is 25, Dutch, and knows how to create magic on the wings. He's lightning fast, he has fantastic ball control, and his passing and crossing are sublime. He also seems very attainable, considering the fact that he currently plays for Bayern Munich in Germany. Bayern is buried in debt right now, and it's no secret that they NEED to sell players to fix up their finances.

Villa may be wishful thinking, but Robben is certainly a possibility. If we were somehow able to secure the both of them, I'm confident that Manchester United would instantly see huge improvements and begin playing even better.

Rooney Hat-Trick Sinks Pompey

It's never an easy match when you're away to Portsmouth, but we made it look easy on Saturday! United kicked off with a modified squad, that featured five midfielders instead of four and only one striker: Wayne Rooney. The changes seemed effective immediately from the beginning of the game, as Manchester's midfield controlled the tempo of the match. With 60% of the total possession for the match, anyone watching could tell who had the upper hand. Pinpoint passes from the likes of Carrick and Scholes found Rooney in the box again and again. It was only a matter of time before the lad finished one off. In the 25th minute, Rooney received the ball and looked likely to score when he was brought down by a dirty tackle from a Portsmouth player. The ref wasted no time blowing his whistle and pointing to the spot.

Rooney slotted the ball right into the lower left corner of the net, and Begovic, Pompey's keeper, had no chance. 0-1 United. Only 7 minutes later, Portsmouth became more aggressive and managed to get the ball into United's penalty area. Boateng fell down on his own accord, and when the referee awarded him a penalty, most watching couldn't figure out what United had done wrong. A call's a call, though, and Boateng stepped up and took his penalty well. 1-1.

At the beginning of the second half, a fantastic pass from Ryan Giggs found Rooney who made no mistake in finding the net with his first touch. 1-2 United.

A frustrated Portsmouth began fouling United players left and right. With their inability to control the play came the apparent realization that playing cleanly could not work. In the 54th minute, when Rooney was fouled in the penalty area again, nobody was surprised. Rooney settled himself and scored his second penalty and third goal of the match. HAT TRICK! 1-3 United.

At this point, the match was mostly over. It takes a determined and talented team to come back from a two goal deficit. Pompey is certainly capable of it as a team, but they weren't on Saturday. The only event worth noting for the rest of the match took place in the 87th minute. Anderson was fouled outside of the box and United was awarded a free kick. Ryan Giggs stepped back from the ball, got ready, and struck the ball brilliantly to score United's fourth goal of the match and his 100th goal as a Manchester United player! Congratulations Ryan Giggs! You're a true legend. 1-4 United

Ryan's 100th Goal in a Red Shirt

Top 10 United Goals of All Time

I've been blogging about Manchester United since September, and despite a few dry spells where I've gotten lazy, I thing I've done a pretty damned good job of keeping you guys up to date with the ins and outs of The Reds. However, there are two main problems that I'd like to address. And I'd like to address them NOW.

1. This blog has only focused on United THIS SEASON

Manchester United is a club with a rich and glorious history. Yes, we are huge now, and enjoying as much success as ever. However, it is important to remember the days of old and the legends that have made Manchester United what it is today.

2. Too many words, not enough pics and videos

Who likes to read, anyway?

With no further ado, I present to you:

THE TOP 10 UNITED GOALS OF ALL TIME

Nani with a no-no... time for a new winger?

When you think of Manchester United, you probably think of several things. Manchester United is personified by world class players, the biggest fanbase in the world, and, of course, Sir Alex Ferguson. Sir Alex Ferguson was appointed as manager in November of 1986, and he has been an integral part of United ever since. A true leader and natural manager, Ferguson has been able to save United from bad spells, make them even better during winning streaks, and bolster and improve the squad consistently, year after year.

The manager of a team is the uncontested leader (even dictator) of its players. He governs his club as he sees fit. He trains the players how he wants to, buys and sells the players he desires and no longer needs, and decides how the team will play any given game. Any Manchester United footballer should respect and fear Sir Alex Ferguson. This explains why any player who "acts up" can expect to be punished swiftly and severely. United's Portuguese winger, Nani, is not exempt.

Why is it, then, that Nani has been reportedly criticizing Ferguson and his managing style recently? The story can be found all over the web, including here. An excerpt from the article:

"He can go from complimenting you to just plain trashing you in a matter of minutes. Has it happened to me? Hell, yes. He'll say 'Nani, how could you miss this or this'?

"He shouts at players in front of everyone. No-one escapes, everybody is the same. (Ryan) Giggs and (Gary) Neville suffer most, because they have more experience."

Nani has not been living up to the high expectations that everyone has had for him this year, and this story may just be enough for Sir Alex Ferguson to want to be rid of him. Simply put, Manchester United is a top club, and it has no room for players who underperform and then complain. Obviously, this is just a prediction... but I don't expect to see Nani in a red shirt in the 2010/2011 season.

Never Count Out the Reds!

Mancester United faced off against CSKA Moscow once again, this time at Old Trafford in Manchester. With some key injuries keeping players out of the match, including the dynamic defensive duo of Ferdinand and Vidic, United did not look to be as strong of a side as they have been in recent ties. CSKA went ahead first after being fairly threatening in the 25th minute, but Moscow couldn't celebrate for too long, as Owen made it 1-1 in the 29th.

A mere two minutes after Owen's goal, CSKA responded and made it 1-2. The half ended with this score and the Red Devils went into the dressing room looking discouraged. When the second half begin, their discouragement only grew as the Russians scored again in the 47th. Milo Krasic, in particular, was a very dangerous player who managed to be involved in every goal, in some way.

United made some key changes around the 60 minute mark, bringing on Wayne Rooney and Patrice Evra. This brought some much needed creativity and speed for United. Things looked more threatening, but the goals were still not coming. In the 82nd, United's new Frenchman, Obertan, came on to make his mark. He must have been a good luck charm, because United started looking fast and furious. In the 84th, a ball found its way into the box and onto the head of Paul Scholes. The ball flew into the upper left corner and it was 2-3. Whispers of a United comeback began. It looked possible.

AND IT WAS! In the 90th minute, a shot from outside the box from the boot of Valencia deflected off of a CSKA defender and the ball found its way past the keeper. It was 3-3 with only seconds left, and CSKA had their brilliant victory snatched right at the death. The match ended as a draw and United marched off the pitch triumphantly. It takes a team of tremendous quality to play poorly for 80 minutes, and then be able to comeback from a 2 goal deficit, and United is a team like that.

A Late Victory in Moscow

Last night, United headed to Russia to face off against CSKA Moscow. With a pitch made of plastic, freezing temperatures, and very few supporters travelling, Manchester United had their work cut out for them. It didn’t help, either, that Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney, the two shining stars of the recent United squat were absent due to minor injuries.

Most of the match unfolded with little action. Scholes and Anderson were able to control the midfield for the Red Devils and the Moscow side looked uninspired. One bright spot for CSKA was their winger, Krasic. He was more than willing to take our defense on and infused some much needed creativity into the match.

Our wingers for the night were Nani and Valencia, two young, skilled Portugese players. Both have extremely high expectations to live up to but have largely failed to do so, thus far. On this night, though, they looked up to the task. Nani’s dribbling was impressive and Valencia sure knows how to cross.

Our Brazilian acquisiton from the summer, Fabio, started his first game for United at leftback. Fans looked on, anxious to see how he would perform. He’s got pace and an attacking mindset, perhaps too much for a defender, but he is certainly capable of causing problems.

Most of the match (86 minutes, actually) passed without incident. Sure, there were shots, chances, fouls, corners, offside calls, but neither side looked overly threatened. There was one moment of real magic where Nani and Valencia combined for not only a one-two, but a three-four as well. This display of passing right outside the CSKA box inspired football fans around the world and gave a glimpse of what is (hopefully) to come from the two Portugese.

But then, in the 86^th, Anderson sent a cross into the box aimed at Berbatov. Berbs got his head to it and it fell near the far post, to Valencia who finished it smartly. He met the ball on the half volley and it shot past the keeper, Akinfeev, who looked impenetrable for most of the match. United had gotten yet another late goal, and held on for the win.

I <3 Beach Balls

LOLOLOL. Liverpool F.C, United's biggest and most hated rivals have been doing very poorly so far this season. They're failing to stay competitive in the league and may be written off as a threat very soon if they don't turn things around immediately. This is pleasing in its own right. What just tickles me pink, though... is when things go from bad to worse for them.

Liverpool played Sunderland this past Sunday. You may not know, but it's a tradition for fans to play with beach balls at English football matches. Well... WELL... a beach ball found its way onto the pitch early on. In the fifth minute...

HAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA

Liverpool were, for a lack of a better term, deflated (bada boom tsshhhhh) after that and Sunderland held on to win it.

Lackluster United Struggle Against Sunderland

Well, lads, Saturday was a rough one. Sunderland travelled to Old Trafford and the faced off against the Champions for a match they must have been dreading. No team in the world can feel completely confident against United, but a lesser side like Sunderland couldn't have been secure in any way, at all.

Fortunately for Sunderland, the United side that kicked off on Saturday didn't feature its usual frightening attack and venom. Pass after pass fell to the feet of Sunderland players and everyone looked very sub-par. After only seven minutes of sloppy football, Darren Bent continued his campaign for glory by scoring a cracker of a goal for Sunderland. 0-1.

One of two things happens after United falls behind in any given match. The first, and most common, is the fury of Hell being unleashed. The players wake up from whatever fog they were in, get angry at their failure, and then take their rage out on the other team. The other, more unfortunate thing that happens is that United loses any of the confidence they had and looks lost on the pitch. This is what happened against Sunderland.

The half finished with United looking listless and Sunderland not doing a whole lot, themselves.

The second half began and play resumed in the same way it did in the first. In other words, it was boring. Then, out of nowhere, in the 51st minute, Giggs sent in a pinpoint cross to Berbatov, who was acrobatic and skillful enough to bicycle kick it into the corner of the net, past the keeper. The bike was first touch and far out enough from the goal to be spectacular. Goal of the season contender, for sure. Berbatov, you're really showing your class now. I'm sorry I doubted you. 1-1.

United fans were still in ecstasy about the magic that Berbs had just produced and feeling hopeful for the future when the unthinkable happened. Sunderland found themselves in United's final third. A ball was sent into the box, Vidic was caught sleeping, and Jones finished smartly to deflate United again in the 58th. 2-2.

United were defeated. Completely, it seemed like. For the next 30 minutes, we attacked, but without any creativity. Things became more and more urgent, and we began moving faster, but there was still no spark, no chemistry. We're a late game type of team, though. Our players are some of the fittest in the world. We always have fantastic substitutes available. We can outrun and outlast anyone. That's why as the minutes ticked down and it got closer to the end of the match, Sunderland found themselves being threatened. We kept speeding up the pace, but still weren't doing enough.

The second half ended and all eyes fell on the third official who was signalling for four minutes of stoppage time. Four minutes! Sunderland and their fans let out a collective groan. Suddenly, United managed to get the ball into the box. It fell to Evra who struck it with power. It buzzed across into the path of the Sunderland defender, Anton Ferdinand, who broke one or two hearts as he clumsily hoofed the ball into the back of his own net. United haters everywhere shook their heads and asked themselves what else was new. It was 2-2, and it wasn't pretty, but I'll take it.

Pre-Match Discussion: Champions League

This Wednesday, United battle the reigning German champions, VfL Wolfsburg in the Champion's League MatchDay 2.

For the football illiterate, the Champions League is a cup competition, consisting of several stages. The first stages are group stages, where every team in the competition is placed into one group or another. These teams all play each other and the teams who end up with the most points advance to the next stage.

Things don't get really serious until the latter stages for Manchester United, as they are usually expected to sail through the group stages. However, Wolfsburg has emerged recently as a real power in European football and could pose a serious threat for the English champs. Luckily, the match is at Old Trafford, and United's supporters will be sure to outsing any travelling Germans.

If United were playing a tougher side than Sunderland this weekend, I would advocate resting some key starting players against Wolfsburg and being fairly conservative. However, it's important that this win is picked up, and Wolfsburg should not be taken lightly. I propose the following eleven players start on Wednesday:

----------Foster-----------
Neville-Ferdinand-Vidic-Evra
Valencia-Carrick-Fletcher-Nani
----------Rooney------------
---------Berbatov------------

I have not started Giggs because even though he has been superb, he is an aging player and will need his rest to start against Sunderland. Although Nani and Valencia have been a bit shaky in recent matches, they should be able to handle the fullbacks of Wolfsburg. I've started Rooney in his natural role, right behind the front striker. If Rooney and Berbatov are allowed to work off of passes from Carrick and Fletcher, they should be able to penetrate the German side easily.

Glorious Giggs Wreaks Havok on Stoke

Saturday, September 16th - As United lines up against Stoke, an unspoken, yet collective thought dwells in the minds of every Manchester United fan watching on: "We got this." The rationale behind this confidence is simple. Manchester United has been performing fantastically, all of our starting players are fit, and Stoke isn't one of the tougher teams in the league. The reason that this thought remains unstated is also simple. In football nothing is certain. Any team can beat any other team on any day. Also, we're away from home! Let's not get ahead of ourselves!

As was expected, United dominated possession for most of the first half. Manchester's defense looked impenetrable and its attack formidable. Our passing was fluid and the creativity was there, but the final ball was simply lacking. And that is what's most important in football... I've watched far, far too many games where the "undeserving" team won. It's completely possible (and also commonplace) for a team to sit back and defend the whole match, never looking threatening, and then without notice score a goal out of nowhere that knocks the wind out of the other team for good. I pondered this frightening scenario as the first 45 minutes came to a close and the scoreline read 0-0.

The second half began and play resumed very similarly. United looked far better than Stoke, but at the same time, stagnant. Then, in the 56th minute, Sir Alex Ferguson made a tough decision to take Nani, the Portuguese winger out of the game and replace him with the seasoned veteran, Ryan Giggs. Giggs has been in this game for a long time. A very long time. At 35, he is by far the oldest player who is still considered dangerous in the premiership. In fact, Giggs has been criticized in recent months for being too old. They say he's over the hill and that he's just not physical enough for the modern game. Quite simply, they're wrong.

As soon as he came on, Giggs made an immediate impact on the match. His surging runs, expert crosses, and beautiful dribbling served to completely unsettle Stoke and really open the match up. The Red Devils' attack instantly became more potent and soon, it seemed that a goal was all but inevitable. In the 62nd minute, it was inevitable. Paul Scholes played a perfect, dissecting ball down the wing and into the box to Ryan Giggs, who showed his experience by slotting the ball to Berbatov with just one touch. Berbatov did all he needed to do: tapped the ball in and celebrated. 0-1.

Then, in the 77th minute, a Stoke foul gave us a free kick about 40 yards from goal. It was too far to have a shot, but not too far to try a cross into the box. Once again, the Welsch Wizard, Ryan Giggs, crafted the perfect pass to John O'Shea who headed it home. 0-2.

With a two goal lead against Stoke in the 77th minute, the game was United's. Reds all around the globe let out a sigh of relief and watched on in ecstasy, knowing that in just over ten minutes, they would be top of the table. The rest of the match played itself out and in the end it was 0-2 to United and three points were gained. And the Reds go marching ON ON ON!

I have something to confess...

I am a completely heterosexual male. I like women. BUT... there is one man capable of igniting something in me that I just can't ignore. His name is... WAYNE ROONEY.

Wayne Rooney joined Manchester United five years ago when he was only eighteen. On his debut in United colors, he scored a hat-trick. Ever since, he has delighted and inspired football fans all over the world with his unique and powerful approach to the game. Simply put, he is a football prodigy.

One of Rooney's finest goals...

Footballers often identify with those who play their position, their style. When I kick the ball around with my mates, I always love to be the striker. I love to launch the ball into the net and finish with passion. This is exactly what Wayne Rooney does. To be honest, Rooney is the reason I am a United fan. When I first got into the game, I did some research to decide who I would support. I discovered Rooney and chose United because he was the centerpiece of the team.

His first touch is sublime. His passing is genius. His finishing is brilliant. He's been fantastic throughout his whole career, but "with great power comes great responsibility." He is also one of the most criticized footballers around. Everyone seems to expect him to save England. He has always had a gigantic influence on every game he's been in, but this season... I honestly expect him to become one of the top 5 undisputed footballers on Planet Earth. You heard it here... WAYNE ROONEY!!!

THE MANCHESTER DERBY

WHAT A BATTLE!!! This past Sunday a potential game of the season took place at Old Trafford. The two teams of Manchester, United and City, gave each other Hell for ninety minutes. Now, Manchester United and Manchester City have always been fierce rivals. Manchester simply isn't big enough for the both of them. However, it's worth noting that until this season, City has been a team worthy of writing off. Sure, they're a mid-table team, and they could always give you trouble... but United have always been too strong for them. THIS season, though, they have a billionaire owner who seems up to the task of taking them to the top. After spending hundreds of millions this summer, City emerged with new talent looking to be world-beaters.

Coming into the match, both teams were in good form. Manchester United brought a record of four wins and one losses while City showed up undefeated after four matches. This time, no one was writing City off. Tensions were high before the match began at the sold out Old Trafford. The supporters of both clubs tried to out-sing each other as the teams took their places on the field. BUT THOSE TENSIONS WERE EASED AFTER ONLY TWO MINUTES WHEN THE WONDERBOY WAYYYYYYNE ROONEY FOUND THE BACK OF THE NET!!! 1-0.

The match continued and City looked wounded yet determined. United held the lion's share of possession for the first fifteen minutes until the unthinkable happened. Ben Foster, United's starting keeper due to the impenetrable Van Der Saar being injured, has looked good for the most part, but also shaky at times this season. He has made mistakes previously this season, but the biggest one he's made in a Premiership match ever occurred in the 16th minute of the first half. An awkward ball was played into United's 16 yard box and Foster charged for it. The ex-United-now-City Tevez chased like a bulldog after the ball, as well. Foster was flustered and Tevez managed to expertly steal the ball from him and slot it over to Barry who finished emphatically. 1-1.

After another half hour of chess-like football, the first half was finished. Both teams retired to their dressing rooms. Now, I wasn't in either of these rooms, but I can imagine what transpired. I see a furious Sir Alex Ferguson shouting at United, telling them that they're good enough to destroy City but not disciplined enough to take the match into their own hands. I also see Mark Hughes, hungry for a deep title run this season, encouraging his lads to play on, to take it to the Champions and give it all that they've got. After 15 minutes of whatever was said, the match continued...

United flew out of the traps as the second half began and it wasn't long before DARREN FLETCHER HEADED ONE HOME!!! In the 49th minute a pin-point cross from Nani found Fletcher and it was 2-1 in an instant.

Now listen... I'm a diehard United fan and City can go fuck themselves as far as I'm concerned. But even I can admit that Craig Bellamy produced a bit of magic in the 52nd minute. I'm not a talented enough writer to describe exactly what happened, but trust me, it was glorious. He received the ball in the final third, dribbled past a defender, and struck a thunderbolt right into the top right corner of Foster's net. 2-2.

The match continued and the two clubs continued to display their brilliant football. Both clubs have extremely talented offenses and defenses, so the likes of Rooney and Berbatov were denied as were the likes of Tevez and Bellamy. Finally, after 20 more minutes of struggle, FLETCHER STRUCK AGAIN. Fletcher's second was almost identical to his third, with the midfielder once again heading home a cross from the far post. 3-2.

With only 10 minutes left in the match, City knew it was time to step up. The ten minutes after Fletcher's goal were complete fury and fire and the final few minutes of the original 90 were complete chaos with end to end attacks. Defense was an after-thought. In the NINETYth minute, the unspeakable happened. Bellamy beautifully took a long ball past a defender and past Foster for another goal. 3-3.

As the sign went up signalling that there were four minutes of stoppage time to be added on, the controversy began. The four minutes allotted were due to substitutions, injuries, and other complications. However, Bellamy scored JUST before the 90 minutes were over, and obviously, there was a celebration. How would these minutes be added? We found out when in the 94th minute, the whistle had not yet blown. BUT IN THE 95th MINUTE... MICHAEL OWEN, THE HERO, MADE IT 4-3. 4-3. 4-3. 4-3.... 4-3!!!!!!!!!!!!!! In the last possible moments of the match, Giggs threaded a beautiful ball to Michael Owen who finished clinically.

So, in the end lads, we won it. We always deserved to win it. Possession was 60-40 us. We had 24 shots, they had 11. 8 of ours were on target while only 4 of theirs were. But, as you know, football is never decided on who deserved to win it. It's all about the scoreline. Even there, though, we won it. MICHAEL OWEN. WAYNE ROONEY. DAAARRRRREN FLETCHER!!! Well done, lads. GLORY, GLORY, MAN UNITED!!!!!!!