Yesterday they played FC Seoul and somehow managed to win the match after trailing twice. The match started with around 80,000 fans populating the Olympic Stadium in South Korea. And the shock came in the 24th minute when Dejan scored for the home team. Though Rooney equalized eight minutes later but it was not going to be enough as Dejan looked threatening. And he did cause another upset when he made it two, just before the half time.
Sir Alex was in complete shock to see his team concede two goals inside the first 45 minutes. Maybe Fergie lambasted his players during the half time team talk as Van de Sar came in for Kusczcak.
Wayne Rooney did get the equalizer soon after the restart to bring United back into the game. But the home team did threaten during the course of the game and United looked a bit desperate due to unavailability of possession. After the hour mark, United made lot of substitutions, especially that of local boy J.S. Park.
Dimitar Berbatov finally scored in the 66th minute and United somehow managed to hold on to the lead that they took for the first time in the game. After that goal, the game was all about J.S. Park as the stadium erupted in cheers, every time Park touched the ball. The final whistle signaled a respite for Fergie as he avoided the blushes of seeing his champion side lose during their preseason.I was anticipating that Ferguson would make further signings in addition to Owen, Antonio Valencia and Gabriel Obertan, who joined last week from Bordeaux. Samuel Eto was supposed to sign a deal with the Red Devils, but United have distanced themselves from any such deal.
After giving Michael Owen the number seven shirt (vacated by Ronaldo), Sir Alex reiterated that his current squad is good enough to challenge for an unprecedented fourth consecutive league title, even though Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez have left. He also stressed that Daniel Welbeck and Federico Macheda will be given a chance to prove themselves by starting on a regular basis.
I think that Fergie is spot on and knows his squad is definitely competent enough to pose a challenge in England as well as in Europe. But somewhere I feel that there has to be a star signing, especially after the massive earnings through Ronaldo's sale.
What's your take?
Barcelona striker Samuel Eto has been linked with a move to Manchester United. The News of World reported that he is considering a move to England and is ready to accept a lower pay.
The Barcelona striker who was thought to be discussing terms with Manchester City, and a move to Eastlands has suddenly turned towards the red part of Manchester. And the biggest surprise is that the Cameroon international is now willing to take a substantial pay cut in order to continue playing his football at the very highest level.
Eto believes playing only for the best teams, be it in Spain, England or anywhere. And therefore he is avoiding a move to a mid-table side in the Premier League and opting for United as he is confident that he will win more silverware at The Theater of Dreams. The fact that a world class player like Eto is ready to play on lower wages only to ensure that he plays football at the highest level must be taken as a positive factor by Sir Alex.
It is thought that United are set to offer Eto'o a deal worth some £150,000-a-week. And I hope Eto signs on the dotted lines ASAP. His addition will not only strengthen the squad but will also add some pressure on the otherwise lazy Berbatov, and may be he might play better football this season due to the risk of losing his first team place.
The pre-season period is full of rumors, anxiety and shocking news. And the latest shocking news comes from The Theater of Dreams.Manchester United are trying to hire the services of Michael Owen. The ex-Liverpool, Real Madrid and Newcastle striker has been a free agent since his contract with the Magpies expired last month. Having said good bye to Newcastle, Owen has been linked with teams in the lower half of the league.
His recent run with the injuries has made Owen's football a bit rusty. He is no longer the same Michael Owen who entertained everyone with his football when he was a 20 year rookie. His Liverpool days were the best days of his professional career and since his move to Madrid, he has been constantly delivering lackluster performances. And his frequent encounters with injuries keeps him out of the competitive football.
I don't know whether Owen will be able to produce the same form if he arrives at Old Trafford. But his linking to the English champions clearly indicates that Sir Alex is very anxious to get a quality striker soon. Having already missed on Benzema, who was hijacked by Real Madrid a few days ago; Sir Alex knows he has to act fast, very fast.
Will Michael Owen (just 28) be able to revive his glittering career if he moves to Manchester United? Have your say by sharing your views in the comments below.
A day after Cristiano Ronaldo completed his record transfer to Real Madrid, his ex-manager Sir Alex Ferguson has paid tribute to him. Sir Alex's love for CR7 was clearly evident during his United days, when he would be seen mentoring, coaching and even joking with the Portuguese winger.
The compliment comes after a statement on www.manutd.com stated that Real had paid the required transfer fee for Ronaldo. While Sir Alex was busy in making the deal for Antonio Valencia, he did have time to comment about Real's new player.
Sir Alex said
Cristiano has been a marvelous player for Manchester United. His six years at Old Trafford have seen him develop into the best footballer in the world. His contribution has been a major factor in the club's success in that time and his talent, his ability to entertain and his infectious personality have enthralled fans the world over. Everyone here wishes him well in his future career.Well, the debate about Ronaldo's class will last forever, I guess. While many people laud his skills, there are still some people who think he is a diver, a cheat and a shrewd guy. But, whosoever he is and however he plays, we gotta keep one thing in mind that he is the World Player and has done a lot for United. Both in terms of football, trophies, publicity, etc.
Good luck Ronaldo :)
Long time target of Manchester United - Antonia Valencia, was finally brought to the Theater of Dreams. Although United not specified a fee, it is believed they have spent around £16million of the world record £80million banked from the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo. Valencia has signed a four year contract and becomes the first summer signing of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Though people talk highly about his pace and ability, I personally feel that he is overpriced for £16million. With due respect to Valencia, I have serious doubts whether he will be able to fit in CR7s place as a winger. May be Sir Alex might be able to hone him as per his requirements.
Anyways, this is what Valencia said after becoming a Red Devil:
Joining Manchester United is a dream come true for me.
I have enjoyed my time at Wigan but I am thrilled to have the chance to challenge for the biggest honours in club football here.
Playing in front of 76,000 fans alongside players like Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs will be an amazing experience.
I can't wait to get started.
