Manchester United Dugout

Nemanja Vidic to return for United.

November 20, 2009

Nemanja Vidic looks almost certain to return to the Manchester United defence for Saturday's Premier League clash with Everton. The Serbian and Red Devils centre-half had been sidelined for the past three weeks with a calf injury.

Vidic was recently seen playing for his country against South Korea in a World Cup warm-up match. He lasted for a good 70 minutes and looked sharp. Even Sir Alex Ferguson had a talk with Serbian coach Raddy Antic about the fitness of Vidic and was given the green light.

It will be a big boost to Manchester United who are missing Rio Ferdinand and find themselves in third place, five points behind leaders Chelsea. I think Evans would partner Vidic in the center, while Wes Brown may be used as cover.

One strange thing that I have noticed this season is that Vidic has started just seven games for United so far. Also, we are seeing a lot of Johny Evans these days, either to fill Rio's place or Vida's place. Is this an indication that Vidic will leave Old Trafford to join Barcelona? I feel, Yes. Therefore, Fergie is trying out Evans in different situations so that he gets ready to become a regular for United.

Tomorrow's game against Everton would see Sir Alex Ferguson in the Manchester United dugout as his punishment would begin from next week. He was handed a two-game touchline ban for his comments about referee Alan Wiley. This will mean that Fergie will have to watch the game against Portsmouth and Tottenham (Carling Cup tie) from the stands.

Meanwhile, Fergie will enjoy watching tomorrow's game from close range as he will get a chance to see Everton's teenage midfielder Jack Rodwell. Everton have valued this teen at £20million and a move to United might be possible during the January transfer window.

Posted in: Alan Wiley, Jack Rodwell, Manchester United vs Everton, Nemanja Vidic, Raddy Antic, Sir Alex Ferguson | 0 comments | Links to this post |

Who will replace Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United?

November 17, 2009

Manchester United is one of the best football clubs in the world and Sir Alex Ferguson is the most decorated manager in England. It is very difficult to replace this man once he steps down. But that has to happen and happen soon. So who will replace Fergie?

I wish Sir Alex could continue forever at Old Trafford. But all good things come to an end and probably he might think of stepping down after the end of next season. Of course, there is ample amount of time for management to find his successor, but who will he be?

Manchester United CEO, David Gill and Sir Bobby Charlton have been asked to hire the successor to Sir Alex Ferguson. They have been considering lot of names and have even consulted Fergie about this matter. Its difficult to say who would be the next United manager, but there are some names being linked with the United hot seat.

First of all, Jose Mourinho - the Special One. He has time and again indicated his desire to return to England. There is no secret that Mourinho wants to manage Manchester United. In fact, he is optimistic that Sir Alex will recommend him as his successor when he retires.

Next in line is Carlos Queiroz who was the deputy of Sir Alex for more than 5 years. Queiroz left United when he was appointed as the new head coach of Portugal last year. I don't doubt his abilities but his managerial performance at Real Madrid and Portugal has not really been something which one could expect at Old Trafford.

Laurent Blanc has also been linked with Manchester United. This ex Red Devil is currently managing French club - Bordeaux. He has been instrumental in transforming the club from a being mere football team to becoming the French champions in a short span of time. A recent article on Mirror reported the Blanc has emerged to top the Manchester United short-list of managers to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson.

Though these 3 names are mostly discussed, I believe there are a few others who might be considered for this top job. Those include Mark Hughes, Sam Allardyce, Bryan Robson, Steve Bruce, Roy Keane (why not?) and David Moyes. Fergie has been a great admirer of Moyes (Scottish connection.. huh?) for his awesome work at Everton and might get a strong push.

But there's a clear message that replacing Sir Alex will be the toughest job since Matt Busby left the club. It isn’t just about winning at United. It’s about playing the game the right way and upholding the traditions. Fergie has done that for over 20 years and has nurtured and created legends at Old Trafford. It will indeed be a big day when he retires as the manager of Manchester United.

Who do you think is the best suited candidate for United job and why?

Posted in: carlos queiroz, David Gill, Jose Mourinho, Laurent Blanc, Manchester United new manager, Sir Alex Ferguson successor, Sir Bobby Charlton | 0 comments | Links to this post |

Nani on his way to Italy.

November 15, 2009

2 days. That's the time Fergie took to seal the fate of Nani. Recently, Nani had a stupid public outburst against Sir Alex Ferguson and it is rumoured that the Portuguese may be on his way to Italy.

The Portuguese winger did not mince his words in an interview with a newspaper and that has probably left Ferguson furious. The United boss is already facing some serious issues that include

a). Losing the top spot with defeats at Liverpool & Chelsea

b). Injuries to center backs - Vidic & Ferdinand

c). Touchline ban following the Alan Wiley episode.

Nani had expressed his displeasure at the situation in Old Trafford due to his lack of chances and even went on to say that Sir Alex Ferguson has destroyed his career. He said,

Ferguson is a very complicated man. He's tough. If things are all right, then they are all right. But when he thinks something is wrong, everything is screwed. 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. Giggs and Neville suffer most, because they have more experience. It is 'F**k' here and 'F**k' there.

In spite of knowing this was not the right time, Nani let out his frustration in public and criticized the most decorated football manager. Duh. I think Nani was insane. He could have talked with Fergie in private. Was he trying to emulate Carlos Tevez?

Well, if that was the case, then just like Tevez was shipped to City, Nani might be on his way to Italy. Juventus and AC Milan have allegedly shown interest in the winger and a transfer may be on the cards when the January window opens.

Nobody has ever escaped unhurt after messing with Fergie. Jaap Stam, David Beckham, Fabian Barthez and Roy Keane are some famous examples who were shown the exit doors at Old Trafford after their bust up with Fergie.

And to be honest, Nani has not really lived up to the hype when he arrived. If we leave aside his somersaults, Nani has struggled with his performances. Even after the departure of CR7, he has not been able to command a regular place in the starting eleven, scoring just one goal against his name this season.

Good Bye Nani. You don't deserve to play for United. Maybe you should skip the flight and use your somersaults while moving from England to Italy because that's the only thing you are good at.

Posted in: Alan Wiley, David Beckham, Fabian Barthez, Jaap Stam, Nani, roy keane, Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Alex Ferguson and Nani | 0 comments | Links to this post |

Transfer Rumors: 3 top players linked with United.

November 11, 2009

Manchester United just can't stop from being linked with numerous high profile players. The recent rumors link Yaya Touré, Franck Ribéry and Marouane Chamakh with the Red Devils.

Yaya Touré

Age: 26

Current Club: Barcelona

Position: Defensive Midfielder

Skills: Physical power and great passing technique

Previously linked with: Man City, Arsenal

Franck Ribéry

Age: 26

Current Club: Bayern Munich

Position: Winger

Skills: Pace, energy and precise passing

Previously linked with: Chelsea, Man City, Real Madrid

Marouane Chamakh

Age: 25

Current Club: Bordeaux

Position: Striker

Skills: Pace and goal scoring skills

Previously linked with: Arsenal, Sunderland, West Ham Utd.

Posted in: Franck Ribéry, Manchester United transfer rumors, Marouane Chamakh, Yaya Touré | 0 comments | Links to this post |

Manchester United sign a 5 year sponsorship deal with Globacom.

November 07, 2009

Manchester United have signed a 5 year sponsorship deal with Pan-African telephone company Globacom. The partnership was unveiled yesterday at Old Trafford. The amount involved in the deal is not yet known.

As part of this deal young players from Nigeria, Ghana and Benin will train at the Manchester United Football Academy. It will also involve promotional packages for Manchester United fans in Nigeria, Ghana and Benin to watch 14 live matches involving the English champions. These matches will be from the Premiership, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League.

Globacom is one of the biggest telecommunication companies in Africa and reputed as Africa’s biggest supporter of football. Their interest in football has inspired them to provide a unique chance for West African cadets to have an international exposure to top of the range training facilities at the Manchester United Football Academy.

Last year Budweiser renewed their sponsorship agreement until 2010 with the Red Devils.

Manchester United is one of the most popular football clubs in the world. It has a massive fan following in the African continent and Globacom is trying its best to nurture some local talent under the watchful eyes of the best professionals at Old Trafford.

I hope we get our next Manucho from this group of kids.

Posted in: Budweiser, Globacom, manchester United, Manucho | 1 comments | Links to this post |