Friday, 31 August 2012

Farewell Berbatov

What seemed inevitable has finally come occurred; Dimitar Berbatov has left Manchester United for Fulham...


An outstanding player who will always be remembered, Berbatov has touched many hearts at Manchester United, especially with his Golden Boot season in the 2010-11 season. That was the season that most United fans will remember him for, especially for his hat-trick against rivals Liverpool, in which his overhead goal was a contender for the Goal of the Season


In that season, he also had many other spectacular goals, including his five goal haul against Blackburn Rovers in the 7-1 rout, where he became the first non-Englishman and fourth player in the premier league to score 5 goals in a single game. That hat-trick, along with the one against Liverpool plus yet another one against Birmingham brought his total tally of hat-tricks to 3, becoming the first United player since Rudd van Nistelrooy to do so


Berbatov won the Golden Boot that season, but the next was certainly not going to be his. Berbatov being the calm and composed type, was not preferred by Ferguson, as he's always been one who's had a taste for explosive speed and energy. As a result, he fell out of favour with the boss, and became benched for may games. Though he did come on as a sub and scored sometimes, and also scored a couple of hat-tricks, the arrival of Robin van Persie made him realise that he may have no place in the club anymore, and yesterday, he signed for Fulham

Before leaving he said, "Nobody can take my smile, you know? Because I have played for the best club in the world"

Respect to a great player, who will be dearly missed

Farewell, Dimitar Berbatov

Tuesday, 21 August 2012

Abysmal start to the new season; Everton Prevails


The Reds have been defeated on the very first game, as the Toffees prevailed at Goodison Park. And I daresay they deserved to win. Showing great skill and determination, the home side virtually took control of every aspect of the game, apart from possession. On the other hand, United looked lethargic, and played terribly. However, being the optimist, I'd like to point out the good parts of the game.

Firstly, de Gea, was absolutely sensational. The young keeper's performance attracted attention, as even Van Der Saar tweeted about it. David de Gea is surely improving, both in terms of confidence and performance. It looks to be a tough competition for the post between the poles, and Lindergaard would have to give it his all to keep up with de Gea.

Secondly, our midfield duo of Kagawa and Cleverly was just amazing. Cleverly's performance is improving by the games, and he's turning out to be a great player for the future. On the other hand, Kagawa was just exceptional on the ball, making decisive passes and dribbling very well. If this is to continue, United will be in good shape soon

Lastly, Robin Van Persie made his debut for United, as he came on as a substitute. While he didn't have enough time to make an impact, the strike force of Rooney and RVP still first debuted today, and hopefully will soon be the best strike force in Europe.

To all the disheartened fans, don't lose faith. While I agree that it is a bad start, we'll comeback. We always do, it's in our DNA. 

In '93, we lost out opening game 3-0, and went on to win the season

Cheers

Thursday, 16 August 2012

Robin Van Persie: Really a good signing?


Yep, that's right,according to reports, we've pretty much signed van Persie from Arsenal. As quoted from the big boss himself, "It's great to have a player of the quality of Robin van Persie to come into the squad. We're very pleased.

"He should be available for Monday night."

So that's that. To those who still find this unbelievable, Arsenal's new signing Podolski has been given the number 10 shirt too, making it almost certain that Robin Van Persie has indeed done a medical and is set to becoming a Red Devil.

However, the question is, is he really such a great signing?

Many people would immediately say yes. Golden Boot winner of last season with 34 goals in the Premier League itself, van Persie's not one that someone would be hesitant to sign. Furthermore, he would add to the strike force that United possess, making it one of the best and most formidable of Europe, with Rooney, Kagawa, Scholes, Nani, Young, Valencia, Carrick, Cleverly, Welbeck, Chicharito and him, Robin Van Persie. The thought of such an attack is one that would excite any manager, and it's not difficult to see why. 

However, with an already existing powerful attack at United, is van Persie really necessary? Already this season we've seen Berbatov, the Golden Boot winner in the 2010-2011 season being pushed down Fergie's list of strikers with the emergence of Welbeck. Berbatov hardly featured, and it wasn't surprising to see his desire to leave. Even Chicharito, the fan favourite and exceptional performer in the 2010-2011 season didn't feature as much, as the striking duo of Rooney and Welbeck was chosen most of the time. With Robin Van Persie in, the possibly formidable partnership between two of the world's best players, Rooney and Van Persie, which is already being talked about, would certainly be explored, and if successful, then there's a chance that Welbeck and Chicharito wouldn't get to feature as much.

Another thing is that RVP's 29. Ferguson isn't one that usually buys older players. This seems like the unusual quick buys by Ferguson, that may end up in disaster

Therefore, while I admire RVP's style of play, I really don't think he fits in at United. But still, Ferguson has yet to show me a bad mistake, and hence I trust him. 

Wednesday, 11 July 2012

We bid you Adieu

As players make their way to the Theatre of Dreams every year, there are also people who leave the club. And this year is no exception. The Red Devils have lost a player that has remained loyal to the club for seven years. A man of great energy and high work rate, also known as the Asian tiger.


Yes, Park Ji-Sung has left the club, and has gone on to Queens Park Rangers.


Signed from PSV Eindhoven for 4 million pounds, Park as proven himself as a prolific player, gaining acclaim especially for his work ethic. A phenomenal player, Park never showed the type of money-making attitude shown by most footballers nowadays. In fact, he's been faithful to the club since, even stating that he never wanted to quit the club


Unfortunately, Sir Alex Ferguson was not able to promise him regular first-team football. The boss, however,   has mentioned that he has regretted losing such an amazing player. As he said, Park was the ultimate professional, and praised him especially for his loyalty at the club.


And so, we all wish you the very best at Queens Park Rangers, especially with your captaincy there.


Meanwhile, Fabio da Silva has also joined Queens Park Rangers on a season-long loan. Initially speculated to be sent to Benfica, the decision was changed as he would be too far away from his twin. Instead, he's been posted to QPR for the rest of the season

We wish you all the best too, and hope you can come back a greater player!

Monday, 25 June 2012

Our new signings :D

Hey guys!


First of all, I'd like to apologise on the delay between the last post and this; I was overseas, and it was my last week of the holidays, meaning I had to do my homework :P


Anyway, back to business


We've made our first two official signings of the summer :D


The first one is Nick Powell. As mentioned in one of the previous posts, Nick Powell had been linked to Manchester United several times, and the Crewe star finally joined United on the 12th of June


He was a hot prospect, with big clubs likes Arsenal chasing him too. Signed for a reported 4 million pounds from Crewe, the attacking midfielder certainly has a bright future at United. While he will currently be in United's famous youth ranks, I'm willing to put my money in the fact that Sir Alex will give him playing time in the top flight


Second of all, is our second new signing, the man whom almost every ardent United follower has been expecting.







Yes, we have signed Shinji Kagawa!


The Japanese star did a medical last week and this picture is proof that he is our first signing into the first team


Kagawa's proficiency is not something I need to talk about. The guy's just badass and lethal, and it is indeed a huge signing for the team. I can't wait to see him in action, and hopefully rip other teams apart!


So that's about it for now! Until next time, GGMU!




Saturday, 9 June 2012

The Euros Begin!



The Euros begin, and what an exciting opening day it was! The two games played were fascinating in their own right- one in terms of goals, the other in drama!


The Euros were kicked off by hosts Poland, as they took on Greece. An estimated half a million people went to the capital. The electrifying atmosphere was something Poland ever seen. The Polish were roaring from kickoff, and they got their reward in simply 17 minutes- Borussia Dortmund player Jakub “Kuba” Blaszczykowski torched Jose Holebas to serve an inch-perfect cross that keeper Kostas Chalkias could only flap at. Robert Lewandowski made no mistake, heading the ball firmly into the turf and into the net.


The Greek were in further trouble as Sokratis Papastathopoulos was ejected in the first half after collecting two marginal yellow cards.The villain was the referee, who seemed to be in no hesitation to swoop into his pocket. 


But things changed after the break, as the Greek coach introduced Dimitris Salpingidis. The Polish were overwhelmed. Within 6 minutes, the substitute had scored. The game was in the balance, and both sides were looking to give it all they had, before the shocking moment took place.


It was the 69th minute, when Polish and Arsenal keeper Scezeny Wojciech SzczÄ™sny saw red, after a foul on Salpingdis, leaving the Greeks with a penalty. Audible gasps amongst the Polish fans, the victim of the foul went on to take the spot kick. 


And then what was to happen? That's right, he missed...


And so, the first game of the season ended in a 1-1 stalemate.


The next match, Russia vs Czech Republic was far from close, as Petr Cech had no bus parked in front of him. He'd apparently forgotten that he only had four defenders instead of the usual ten. 


The Czechs were routed 4-1. Nothing to do there.
So that's about it from the first day of the Euros!






In other news, the goalscorer of Poland, Robert Lewandowski looks like he would follow the footsteps of former Borussia Dortmund star Shinji Kagawa by joining United. It was the Polish coach who said it first, though that was not up to him to decide. But, today his agent has said that he is certain to join United, which is practically almost the final verdict!


Also, Angelo Henriquez and Nick Powell, whom I talked about the previous game have apparently signed for United already, though it isn't official.


So that's about it, you'll be hearing from me soon though, it's the Euros, and today's games promise to be fascinating, with Germany facing Portugal in what promises to be a thriller

Friday, 8 June 2012

Overwhelming Signings

Clearly, in the few days that I haven't posted, a lot has been going on that would be of interest to a United fan. Firstly, we've practically made our first signing of the summer, Shinji Kagawa! 

The Japanese and Borussia Dortmund star has yet to do a medical, and there is still the minor issue of his work permit, but the deal is pretty much done, with the signing being announced on the official website too. 


The winner of the Bundesliga player of the year will be a huge boost to the Red Devils' side. Criticised for their lack of a midfield that can get the team from defense to attack, Shinji Kagawa is just the man to do the trick A prolific player on the ball and would fit in beautifully in United's game. He would be the one to watch out, and inevitably, comparisons will be drawn between him and Eden Hazard, to see who would be the signing of the transfer window.


The Japanese star would be welcomed heartily by fans and players alike, and would, as I hope, be a star at the Theater of Dreams.




Next up, is Chilean wonder boy Angelo Henriquez, Reports are that the striker will be swooped by the boss this summer. An exciting prospect, Henrquez attracted attention of the footballing world by scoring by scoring 8 goals in just ten appearances for Universidad de Chile. He would probably be in the youth squad, but still, he seems like one for the future, and has indeed been well scouted.


Apparently, the deal has been agreed for 3 million pounds. The loophole is that he has not yet had an international cap. Because of this, he must either secure a "special talent" visa for him, or bring him on loan till he can bag an appearance for his country.








And next is a really big name. Tottenham Hotspurs star Luka Modric looks set to join Manchester United, as reported in plenty of newpapers. 


The Croatian star may be one of the few stars that Tottenham are going to lose this summer, after missing out on a Champions' League spot for the second season running. 


United are apparently putting in a 25million bid for him, and an additional 5 million based on appearances and success. The playmaker would certainly seem as an interesting and well-appreciated signing. The Croatian certainly wants to make the exit, after handing in a transfer request last season too, a time during which Harry Redknapp fighting hard to keep Chelsea from signing him. 


However, some are questioning the need of yet another playmaker and attacking midfielder after the signing of Kagawa. All I can say is that when Paul Scholes retires again, it's going to be a huge hole left behind, and Sir Alex certainly seems to be preparing for the exit of Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes as they're poised to leave after next season, after years of faithful service to the club.


And then there's the next speculated entrance to United's world-class youth ranks - Nick Powell.


While there are a number of reports that suggest that the Crewe midfielder has been snapped up for around 5 million in total, there are still reports that say that he still isn't a Red yet, though United still look to be obvious favourites, pushing off competition from Arsenal and Liverpool. 


The 18-year old was the top scorer of Crewe in the 2011-2012 season, with 16 goals in 45 appearances in all competitions. He sure looks like the kind of player that the Manchester United youth academy can make world-class. 


Meanwhile, there are reports that suggest that Sir Alex Ferguson is finding a replacement for one of the da Silva twins who may leave on loan this season, or also possibly someone who could replace Patrice Evra in the future. So far, two players have been strongly linked to the club. ]


First up, there's Leighton Baines.


The Everton star has been linked with Napoli too, but he and Luka Modric have been on the top list of United. 


The da Silva twins or Ji-Sung Park could be additional temporary sweeteners for him, along with a 12-15 million bid.


Secondly, there's Jordi Alba of Valencia CF. 


However, chances of signing him look bleak, as reports suggest that Barcelona have United to snapping him up.





And last but not least, Paul Pogba looks set to leave United for Juventus. The Manchester United star was in Italy discussing a deal, that looks to be almost done. While he does have exceptional talent, I've always felt that he's a tad bit too arrogant, and in a sense, this may be blessing in disguise. Nevertheless, farewell, and best wishes.



Last but not least, I'd like to to pay my respects to Manolo Preciado, the Villarael coach who was to be unveiled today, but passed away after suffering from a fatal heart attack. R.I.P