Shinji Kagawa on Sir Alex Ferguson:
Daily Mail: Language is a problem, isn't it? How are you coping with Sir Alex Ferguson's team talks?
Kagawa: I can't tell a word he says! I am trying to learn English, but understanding the manager might take a little longer.
All I can say is, good luck Kagawa. I still have problems making out what he says!
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Back to winning ways
So normal service has been resumed. A nervy time for fans, I am told, but as they say, a win is a win is a win.
To tell the truth, I missed the game. But I did manage to catch the goals. The goal we let in at first was soft, it must be said. De Gea, to be fair, looked to be unsighted till the last, but I still feel he could have done a little bit better.
But there was everything else there, wasn't there. A brilliant goal from RvP, an easy goal for Kagawa, a rare goal from Rafael, and a freak own goal from Vidic.
Let's start with van Persie. That was sheer brilliance. Under pressure from a defender, the ball hit with some pace at him, flank to the goal and you would think a little out of position. But the shot was volleyed with such sweet precision. There's no denying it -- he's begun to pay back what United spent on him, and he will soon have paid back everything.
Fulham players had appealed against the other new boy's goal, but Shinji Kagawa was definitely onside when the shot came in and was spilled by the goalkeeper. So, again, there is no denying. It was a legitimate goal. Since the first time I saw Kagawa play for Dortmund, I have liked the boy. I definitely think that he, too, will soon repay what we paid for him.
What can I say about Rafael? He and twin brother Fabio are good investments too. Though both are a little rash, they are dilligent, tireless and fearless. It is good to see Rafael grab a goal.
And there really isn't much one can say about the own goal. That was as freaky as any own goal I've seen.
The only sad piece of news yesterday was the injury to Rooney. He will be out for about a month, which is a huge loss, no matter what some may think. But, with RvP in the squad, we may not feel it too much.
So, bring on the next opponents. I believe we're back on the road to another league title.
To tell the truth, I missed the game. But I did manage to catch the goals. The goal we let in at first was soft, it must be said. De Gea, to be fair, looked to be unsighted till the last, but I still feel he could have done a little bit better.
But there was everything else there, wasn't there. A brilliant goal from RvP, an easy goal for Kagawa, a rare goal from Rafael, and a freak own goal from Vidic.
Let's start with van Persie. That was sheer brilliance. Under pressure from a defender, the ball hit with some pace at him, flank to the goal and you would think a little out of position. But the shot was volleyed with such sweet precision. There's no denying it -- he's begun to pay back what United spent on him, and he will soon have paid back everything.
Fulham players had appealed against the other new boy's goal, but Shinji Kagawa was definitely onside when the shot came in and was spilled by the goalkeeper. So, again, there is no denying. It was a legitimate goal. Since the first time I saw Kagawa play for Dortmund, I have liked the boy. I definitely think that he, too, will soon repay what we paid for him.
What can I say about Rafael? He and twin brother Fabio are good investments too. Though both are a little rash, they are dilligent, tireless and fearless. It is good to see Rafael grab a goal.
And there really isn't much one can say about the own goal. That was as freaky as any own goal I've seen.
The only sad piece of news yesterday was the injury to Rooney. He will be out for about a month, which is a huge loss, no matter what some may think. But, with RvP in the squad, we may not feel it too much.
So, bring on the next opponents. I believe we're back on the road to another league title.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
What happened?
IT was a bad, bad start.
No, not the loss. The loss I can stomach. The way United played was a different story altogether. So what happened?
Apart from De Gea, I don't think any one of the players did well. Granted, the defence was a makeshift one. With Carrick and Valencia on the right, we had a terrible combination. I know Vidic is basically a left-sided player and Carrick is a right-sided one, but couldn't Sir Alex have moved Vidic to the right and Carrick to the left? That way, we would have one experienced defender on each side.
Fellaini was giving the defence all sorts of trouble, and this was largely due to the fact that it was Carrick who was the one, mostly, who had to mark him. Vidic would have done a better job, I feel. So troubled were we that we could have lost by a larger margin, if not for De Gea.
As for the midfield and attack, we were short of ideas. Yes, we managed to keep a little busy, but it was just not good enough. Nani was the worst performer on the field. Nani and Ronaldo have similar ways of going forward, but where the latter developed, the former has been stagnant. Ronaldo developed into a less selfish winger, Nani is still a little too selfish. And he couldn't even get the ball past the near post whenever he took a corner. His crosses, whether from corners or in open play, were so low that even a four-footer would have no problem heading them out of the danger area.
Kagawa was OK, but he still needs time to integrate into the team. The link-ups were not altogether there. And playing without a left winger was not too good an idea. Young should have been playing, with Kagawa and Scholes in the middle of the park. Cleverley, though I have a lot of respect for him, could have been on the bench and brought on later for a fresh pair of legs.
But even without Young on the left, the natural choice to drift wide should have been Rooney, and not young Welbeck. Welbeck was ineffective on the side. He is, after all, more of an out-and-out striker.
So the big question is, should Fergie have played van Persie from the start? I don't think so. I think he made the right choice in leaving the new boy on the bench, simply because he is the newest boy on the roster. Sir Alex is easing him into the team, although the way the team performed, van Persie may just start the next match. He showed some form of understanding last night, but not enough.
The fact of the matter is, the team played badly last night. No two ways about it. No cutting edge whatsoever, despite having nearly 70 per cent of possession, according to official statistics.
The other thing which irked me last night was the performance of the referee. Not that he handled the game badly. I think he did an alright job in that respect. But his positioning was awful. He was in the middle of the action, in the centre of the field, and in many cases, almost right at the top of the semi-circle outside the penalty box. He disrupted both teams whenever they came down the middle, and possibly stopped some of the players from taking shots. Pardon me, Mr Marriner, but shouldn't referees be off slightly to the side of things? Just slightly, of course, as you still need to be close to the action. As it was, there were many times when players from either side had to either turn for a pass to the wing, or you had to run out of the way. It's a wonder no ball hit you.
But all this shouldn't take anything away from the performance of the Merseysiders. Everton were clearly the better team and fully deserved the win. That big Belgian Fellaini seems to make it a habit of scoring against United, and "new" boy Pienaar, in his third spell at the club, was a constant thorn in the Devils' side as well. Their defence was marshalled well by Jagielka and Distin.
So, man of the match for Fellaini, though I think a close second would be De Gea. Perhaps if the match had ended scoreless, our lanky Spaniard would have clinched the award.
It's only the first match of a long season, of course. We can only get better from here. Come on you Red Devils!
No, not the loss. The loss I can stomach. The way United played was a different story altogether. So what happened?
Apart from De Gea, I don't think any one of the players did well. Granted, the defence was a makeshift one. With Carrick and Valencia on the right, we had a terrible combination. I know Vidic is basically a left-sided player and Carrick is a right-sided one, but couldn't Sir Alex have moved Vidic to the right and Carrick to the left? That way, we would have one experienced defender on each side.
Fellaini was giving the defence all sorts of trouble, and this was largely due to the fact that it was Carrick who was the one, mostly, who had to mark him. Vidic would have done a better job, I feel. So troubled were we that we could have lost by a larger margin, if not for De Gea.
As for the midfield and attack, we were short of ideas. Yes, we managed to keep a little busy, but it was just not good enough. Nani was the worst performer on the field. Nani and Ronaldo have similar ways of going forward, but where the latter developed, the former has been stagnant. Ronaldo developed into a less selfish winger, Nani is still a little too selfish. And he couldn't even get the ball past the near post whenever he took a corner. His crosses, whether from corners or in open play, were so low that even a four-footer would have no problem heading them out of the danger area.
Kagawa was OK, but he still needs time to integrate into the team. The link-ups were not altogether there. And playing without a left winger was not too good an idea. Young should have been playing, with Kagawa and Scholes in the middle of the park. Cleverley, though I have a lot of respect for him, could have been on the bench and brought on later for a fresh pair of legs.
But even without Young on the left, the natural choice to drift wide should have been Rooney, and not young Welbeck. Welbeck was ineffective on the side. He is, after all, more of an out-and-out striker.
So the big question is, should Fergie have played van Persie from the start? I don't think so. I think he made the right choice in leaving the new boy on the bench, simply because he is the newest boy on the roster. Sir Alex is easing him into the team, although the way the team performed, van Persie may just start the next match. He showed some form of understanding last night, but not enough.
The fact of the matter is, the team played badly last night. No two ways about it. No cutting edge whatsoever, despite having nearly 70 per cent of possession, according to official statistics.
The other thing which irked me last night was the performance of the referee. Not that he handled the game badly. I think he did an alright job in that respect. But his positioning was awful. He was in the middle of the action, in the centre of the field, and in many cases, almost right at the top of the semi-circle outside the penalty box. He disrupted both teams whenever they came down the middle, and possibly stopped some of the players from taking shots. Pardon me, Mr Marriner, but shouldn't referees be off slightly to the side of things? Just slightly, of course, as you still need to be close to the action. As it was, there were many times when players from either side had to either turn for a pass to the wing, or you had to run out of the way. It's a wonder no ball hit you.
But all this shouldn't take anything away from the performance of the Merseysiders. Everton were clearly the better team and fully deserved the win. That big Belgian Fellaini seems to make it a habit of scoring against United, and "new" boy Pienaar, in his third spell at the club, was a constant thorn in the Devils' side as well. Their defence was marshalled well by Jagielka and Distin.
So, man of the match for Fellaini, though I think a close second would be De Gea. Perhaps if the match had ended scoreless, our lanky Spaniard would have clinched the award.
It's only the first match of a long season, of course. We can only get better from here. Come on you Red Devils!
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Happy days are here again, finally!
Finally, the season has kicked off!
So we've had to wait an extra day, but at least we had the benefit of an awesome Community Shield match to warm us up.
So who is going to make the cut for the starting 11 this time around? I don't think there's any doubt about a certain Mr Rooney starting the course. The question is, will he have a strike partner? I think he will this time. Hernandez is still being rested, so Berbatov, last season's top scorer, will surely be on the pitch. I don't think young Wellbeck or Owen will be starting.
Sir Alex will want to start with a win, especially with both Liverpool and Arsenal starting with a whimper and a point each, Man City set to play only on Monday and Spurs' opening match postponed. So, expect the really in-form Nani to start as well. On the opposite wing will likely be Young, who I thought was an excellent buy, if a little overpriced.
In keeping with wanting to collect all three points and beginning the title defence with a bang, Fergie will likely opt for an experienced midfield, so young Cleverley, who has so far impressed in pre-season, and last season playing on loan, will likely be warming the bench. So expect to see in central midfield a pairing comprising two of these three players: Ando, Giggs and Carrick.
Evra is still nursing an injury so either Fabio or Evans will be at leftback while the opposite side should see either Rafael or Smalling, who has proven he can play there as well.
Young Jones, it is most likely, will not be starting the match as the experienced pairing of Vidic and Ferdinand should keep the boss' faith.
As for the goalkeeper, expect to see De Gea keep his spot even though he was not too impressive between the sticks in the Shield match.
Outcome? Two goals for the Red Devils, without reply.
So we've had to wait an extra day, but at least we had the benefit of an awesome Community Shield match to warm us up.
So who is going to make the cut for the starting 11 this time around? I don't think there's any doubt about a certain Mr Rooney starting the course. The question is, will he have a strike partner? I think he will this time. Hernandez is still being rested, so Berbatov, last season's top scorer, will surely be on the pitch. I don't think young Wellbeck or Owen will be starting.
Sir Alex will want to start with a win, especially with both Liverpool and Arsenal starting with a whimper and a point each, Man City set to play only on Monday and Spurs' opening match postponed. So, expect the really in-form Nani to start as well. On the opposite wing will likely be Young, who I thought was an excellent buy, if a little overpriced.
In keeping with wanting to collect all three points and beginning the title defence with a bang, Fergie will likely opt for an experienced midfield, so young Cleverley, who has so far impressed in pre-season, and last season playing on loan, will likely be warming the bench. So expect to see in central midfield a pairing comprising two of these three players: Ando, Giggs and Carrick.
Evra is still nursing an injury so either Fabio or Evans will be at leftback while the opposite side should see either Rafael or Smalling, who has proven he can play there as well.
Young Jones, it is most likely, will not be starting the match as the experienced pairing of Vidic and Ferdinand should keep the boss' faith.
As for the goalkeeper, expect to see De Gea keep his spot even though he was not too impressive between the sticks in the Shield match.
Outcome? Two goals for the Red Devils, without reply.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Here we go again!
So the Community Shield is upon us and we take on Man City in what should be a cracker, even for a charity match.
No clash between the Manchester teams has ever been anything but, so expect both sides to come out firing. With City strengthening their side, especially with the purchase of Aguero, it should be a tight match.
United has also strengthened their side, notably the purchases of Young and De Gea. The only thing missing is a midfielder the likes of Sneijder. I think he's the best midfielder of the sort United need, so I hope he does come.
Won't be commenting too much about the match, as I just want to sit back and relax for now. All I want to do today is predict the end result as well as put in my top six placings for the season.
Community Shield result: Man United 2 Man City 1
Top six placings: Man United, Man City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Spurs
No clash between the Manchester teams has ever been anything but, so expect both sides to come out firing. With City strengthening their side, especially with the purchase of Aguero, it should be a tight match.
United has also strengthened their side, notably the purchases of Young and De Gea. The only thing missing is a midfielder the likes of Sneijder. I think he's the best midfielder of the sort United need, so I hope he does come.
Won't be commenting too much about the match, as I just want to sit back and relax for now. All I want to do today is predict the end result as well as put in my top six placings for the season.
Community Shield result: Man United 2 Man City 1
Top six placings: Man United, Man City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Spurs
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Sunday's Column (March 20, 2011)
Japan will rise again
IN an emotionally-charged press conference earlier this week, Japanese ambassador to Malaysia Masahiko Horie almost burst into tears as he talked about the devastation that has been visited upon parts of his country.
If newspaper reports are to be believed -- and there's no reason not to -- the affable diplomat struggled to keep his emotions in check as he spoke about how Japan was not ready to accept volunteers.
No, it was not because Japan was too proud. It was because things were still uncertain on the ground.
Horie also thanked Malaysians for the outpouring of concern and the many messages of condolences and sympathy for the disaster which swept certain parts of Japan when a "great" earthquake measuring 9.0 on the Richter scale hit 150km off the coast, resulting in a tsunami that caused even worse chaos and destruction. As if that wasn't enough, the country is also facing a nuclear crisis.
Malaysia, in fact, has been very supportive of the Japanese people and government in their time of need. We have offered assistance in the form of emergency and medical personnel -- the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (Smart) and Malaysian Red Crescent Society. Mercy Malaysia, a non-governmental organisation, has already sent people to Japan.
It is only right. These are, after all, people like us. What does it matter that they live in another country?
Even more so that it is the Japanese. Japan and its people have always been one of the first, to send help whenever anyone faces such calamities. The recent floods our country experienced is a good example.
Long before Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad instituted the Look East policy, Japan and Malaysia have been good friends.
Japan has played big brother to us more times than we can imagine. It has helped train our men and women in guarding one of the world's most important waterways -- the Straits of Malacca.
In fact, on Thursday, Horie took time off from what must be a very busy schedule to donate RM10 million worth of equipment to the police Marine Operation Force. Sure, it was a date which would have been planned quite some time ago. But would anybody, the Malaysian police included, fault him if he had decided to ask for a postponement of the event?
Now that Japan is in trouble, Malaysia finds itself in a position to help. The world, in fact, has responded well to what the Japanese people are facing.
Just go to YouTube and click on the clips showing the earthquake, tsunami or resulting problems at the nuclear plants and you will see messages left by people offering their condolences and expressing concern and hope for the people of the Land of the Rising Sun.
Sadly, however, there are the few who can't seem to bring their humanity to the fore. These same YouTube videos may have one or two messages left by people who seem to be still caught up in what happened during World War 2.
Most of them mention Pearl Harbour, saying the Japanese deserve such a disaster for that attack and for everything else the Japanese Imperial Army and Navy did between 1941 and 1945.
How sad that some people can't seem to forgive and forget. Come Dec 7 this year, it would be 70 years since that fateful day when the attack on the United States Navy base caught America napping and plunged it into World War 2. Most, if not all, of those involved that day have already gone.
Japan, though said to be an aging society, is now being led by subsequent generations. Are the sins of the father to be placed on the shoulders of the son, or in this case perhaps grandson or great-grandson?
Come Dec 8 this year, Malaysia "celebrates" the 70th anniversary of the invasion of Malaya. An invasion, in fact, which took place 45 minutes before Pearl Harbour.
And unlike America, we suffered under the harsh military rule of the Japanese for almost four years. Yet there are few Malaysians, if any, who would begrudge the Japanese aid at this point in time.
Thankfully, these few people who left messages full of vitriol found themselves being bashed black and blue by others.
Getting back to that press conference, racked with sadness as he was, Horie also showed a determination that reflects the stoicism of his people when he said Japan would rise again.
lesliea@nst.com.my
IN an emotionally-charged press conference earlier this week, Japanese ambassador to Malaysia Masahiko Horie almost burst into tears as he talked about the devastation that has been visited upon parts of his country.
If newspaper reports are to be believed -- and there's no reason not to -- the affable diplomat struggled to keep his emotions in check as he spoke about how Japan was not ready to accept volunteers.
No, it was not because Japan was too proud. It was because things were still uncertain on the ground.
Horie also thanked Malaysians for the outpouring of concern and the many messages of condolences and sympathy for the disaster which swept certain parts of Japan when a "great" earthquake measuring 9.0 on the Richter scale hit 150km off the coast, resulting in a tsunami that caused even worse chaos and destruction. As if that wasn't enough, the country is also facing a nuclear crisis.
Malaysia, in fact, has been very supportive of the Japanese people and government in their time of need. We have offered assistance in the form of emergency and medical personnel -- the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (Smart) and Malaysian Red Crescent Society. Mercy Malaysia, a non-governmental organisation, has already sent people to Japan.
It is only right. These are, after all, people like us. What does it matter that they live in another country?
Even more so that it is the Japanese. Japan and its people have always been one of the first, to send help whenever anyone faces such calamities. The recent floods our country experienced is a good example.
Long before Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad instituted the Look East policy, Japan and Malaysia have been good friends.
Japan has played big brother to us more times than we can imagine. It has helped train our men and women in guarding one of the world's most important waterways -- the Straits of Malacca.
In fact, on Thursday, Horie took time off from what must be a very busy schedule to donate RM10 million worth of equipment to the police Marine Operation Force. Sure, it was a date which would have been planned quite some time ago. But would anybody, the Malaysian police included, fault him if he had decided to ask for a postponement of the event?
Now that Japan is in trouble, Malaysia finds itself in a position to help. The world, in fact, has responded well to what the Japanese people are facing.
Just go to YouTube and click on the clips showing the earthquake, tsunami or resulting problems at the nuclear plants and you will see messages left by people offering their condolences and expressing concern and hope for the people of the Land of the Rising Sun.
Sadly, however, there are the few who can't seem to bring their humanity to the fore. These same YouTube videos may have one or two messages left by people who seem to be still caught up in what happened during World War 2.
Most of them mention Pearl Harbour, saying the Japanese deserve such a disaster for that attack and for everything else the Japanese Imperial Army and Navy did between 1941 and 1945.
How sad that some people can't seem to forgive and forget. Come Dec 7 this year, it would be 70 years since that fateful day when the attack on the United States Navy base caught America napping and plunged it into World War 2. Most, if not all, of those involved that day have already gone.
Japan, though said to be an aging society, is now being led by subsequent generations. Are the sins of the father to be placed on the shoulders of the son, or in this case perhaps grandson or great-grandson?
Come Dec 8 this year, Malaysia "celebrates" the 70th anniversary of the invasion of Malaya. An invasion, in fact, which took place 45 minutes before Pearl Harbour.
And unlike America, we suffered under the harsh military rule of the Japanese for almost four years. Yet there are few Malaysians, if any, who would begrudge the Japanese aid at this point in time.
Thankfully, these few people who left messages full of vitriol found themselves being bashed black and blue by others.
Getting back to that press conference, racked with sadness as he was, Horie also showed a determination that reflects the stoicism of his people when he said Japan would rise again.
lesliea@nst.com.my
Sunday, March 20, 2011
10-man MU down gritty Bolton
It was a scrappy win, but I'll take the three points any way they come!
Well done lads for showing just how determined you are. In fact, after Evans got sent off, you showed even more determination.
To be fair, it wasn't a bad performance all-round. Bolton showed great determination as well, and played a really tight game, especially when they didn't have the ball.
In fact, they were unlucky not to go ahead after Evans was given his marching orders, with Taylor sending a free header straight at VDS. Either side of the big Dutchman and it would have been a goal for sure.
The commentator's statement that Bolton might just rue that miss proved prophetic as Berba scored his 21st goal of the season, reacting first to Jaaskelainen's blunder -- spilling Nani's shot right into the advancing Bulgarian's path. And if Berba hadn't been there, Fabio would have gotten it.
The game could have been different, however, if referee Mariner had given a penalty in the first half. Hernandez's shot hit Cahill in the arm, and although it can be argued that it was unintentional, the fact that Cahill's arm was away from his body should mean a penalty. But Mariner didn't think so.
Actually, most of these controversies would be nullified if FIFA should bring back the indirect free kick rule for unintentional handball in the penalty area. Maybe the world governing body should look into that.
As for the other so-called controversial decision -- Evans' red card -- I don't see any controversy at all. Yes, he is not known as a dirty player. Yes, it was a 50-50 challenge. Yes, he got the ball first. But the fact of the matter is that he left the ground and lunged, with studs baring, and the follow-through gashed Holden's leg pretty badly. That was why he was sent off. And I think it was warranted.
Evans did not have a good game, actually. His lack of match practice showed. Smalling played better, but even he too didn't have a fantastic game.
Carrick, too, came under fire from fans in online sports sites. I have to say he didn't have a decent game, but did make up for it with some decent defending when he was forced into the back line after Evans was sent off.
All in, it was a good day for MU though, what with winning while a man down and Arsenal getting held.
So, now it's five points clear at the top, having played a game more than the Gunners. Let's hope we end it that way.
Well done lads for showing just how determined you are. In fact, after Evans got sent off, you showed even more determination.
To be fair, it wasn't a bad performance all-round. Bolton showed great determination as well, and played a really tight game, especially when they didn't have the ball.
In fact, they were unlucky not to go ahead after Evans was given his marching orders, with Taylor sending a free header straight at VDS. Either side of the big Dutchman and it would have been a goal for sure.
The commentator's statement that Bolton might just rue that miss proved prophetic as Berba scored his 21st goal of the season, reacting first to Jaaskelainen's blunder -- spilling Nani's shot right into the advancing Bulgarian's path. And if Berba hadn't been there, Fabio would have gotten it.
The game could have been different, however, if referee Mariner had given a penalty in the first half. Hernandez's shot hit Cahill in the arm, and although it can be argued that it was unintentional, the fact that Cahill's arm was away from his body should mean a penalty. But Mariner didn't think so.
Actually, most of these controversies would be nullified if FIFA should bring back the indirect free kick rule for unintentional handball in the penalty area. Maybe the world governing body should look into that.
As for the other so-called controversial decision -- Evans' red card -- I don't see any controversy at all. Yes, he is not known as a dirty player. Yes, it was a 50-50 challenge. Yes, he got the ball first. But the fact of the matter is that he left the ground and lunged, with studs baring, and the follow-through gashed Holden's leg pretty badly. That was why he was sent off. And I think it was warranted.
Evans did not have a good game, actually. His lack of match practice showed. Smalling played better, but even he too didn't have a fantastic game.
Carrick, too, came under fire from fans in online sports sites. I have to say he didn't have a decent game, but did make up for it with some decent defending when he was forced into the back line after Evans was sent off.
All in, it was a good day for MU though, what with winning while a man down and Arsenal getting held.
So, now it's five points clear at the top, having played a game more than the Gunners. Let's hope we end it that way.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Another three points
It's another league tie at Old Trafford, and you should expect another win.
Bolton is always a tough side, but United are terribly strong at home and should have no problem getting through this tie unscathed, at least in terms of points.
The player to watch in the Bolton side, however, will be on-loan striker Daniel Sturridge, who has scored four goals in five games since coming over from Chelsea.
Jonny Evans and Park Ji-Sung return to the United side and I expect the former to slot into Vidic's spot as the United captain is still out injured. Smalling will remain in the side as Ferdinand is still out as well. Reports have it that he may be out for the rest of the season because of the troublesome calf injury.
With Rafael out, we may see Brown taking over the rightback spot. But don't be surprised to find Fabio keeping the slot after a pretty convincing stab at it in Europe. Evra should be back at leftback.
It remains to be seen whether Park will be taking any part in the side, although with the injuries that we have, it may be so.
I expect Carrick to be in the middle of the field, and perhaps a start for Gibson. Nani and Valencia on the flanks, perhaps, with Rooney and Berba up front.
A relatively comfortable 2-0 win for MU, I figure.
European mess
No. I'm not talking about both Liverpool and Man City crashing out of the Europa League.
Sad to see, though that was, it wasn't a mess. Things like that happen, after all. The ball is round and games can go either way.
What I'm talking about is Spurs coach Joe Jordan being banned a game by UEFA. What was that about?
When Gattuso attacked him, he did nothing but stand his ground. Later, AC Milan officials claimed Gattuso said Jordan had sent racial slurs his way. If that is why UEFA banned him, then I hope they have proof. If they don't, and are just taking the word of Milan and Gattuso, then the entire disciplinary board should resign.
If they do have proof, then they have every right to ban him. Let's hope the truth comes out, and soon
Bolton is always a tough side, but United are terribly strong at home and should have no problem getting through this tie unscathed, at least in terms of points.
The player to watch in the Bolton side, however, will be on-loan striker Daniel Sturridge, who has scored four goals in five games since coming over from Chelsea.
Jonny Evans and Park Ji-Sung return to the United side and I expect the former to slot into Vidic's spot as the United captain is still out injured. Smalling will remain in the side as Ferdinand is still out as well. Reports have it that he may be out for the rest of the season because of the troublesome calf injury.
With Rafael out, we may see Brown taking over the rightback spot. But don't be surprised to find Fabio keeping the slot after a pretty convincing stab at it in Europe. Evra should be back at leftback.
It remains to be seen whether Park will be taking any part in the side, although with the injuries that we have, it may be so.
I expect Carrick to be in the middle of the field, and perhaps a start for Gibson. Nani and Valencia on the flanks, perhaps, with Rooney and Berba up front.
A relatively comfortable 2-0 win for MU, I figure.
European mess
No. I'm not talking about both Liverpool and Man City crashing out of the Europa League.
Sad to see, though that was, it wasn't a mess. Things like that happen, after all. The ball is round and games can go either way.
What I'm talking about is Spurs coach Joe Jordan being banned a game by UEFA. What was that about?
When Gattuso attacked him, he did nothing but stand his ground. Later, AC Milan officials claimed Gattuso said Jordan had sent racial slurs his way. If that is why UEFA banned him, then I hope they have proof. If they don't, and are just taking the word of Milan and Gattuso, then the entire disciplinary board should resign.
If they do have proof, then they have every right to ban him. Let's hope the truth comes out, and soon
Friday, March 18, 2011
It's Chelsea!
The draw for the quarterfinals of the Champions League has just been made. Chelsea host the Red Devils at Stamford Bridge in the first leg on April 5 or 6, with the return leg at Old Trafford on April 12 or 13.
The winner -- which will be Man United, of course -- will meet either Inter Milan or Schalke 04 with the first leg of the semis being played on April 26 or 27, and the second on May 3 or 4.
The other quarterfinals will be Real Madrid v Spurs and Barcelona v Shaktar Donetsk.
The final this year, if you do not already know, is being played at Wembley on May 28. And, there's still a possibility of an all-English final.
The winner -- which will be Man United, of course -- will meet either Inter Milan or Schalke 04 with the first leg of the semis being played on April 26 or 27, and the second on May 3 or 4.
The other quarterfinals will be Real Madrid v Spurs and Barcelona v Shaktar Donetsk.
The final this year, if you do not already know, is being played at Wembley on May 28. And, there's still a possibility of an all-English final.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Should have been more
It was a pretty good display last night. And the score could have been more than 2-1, or at least 2-0.
It was just unfortunate that Brown scored that own goal, but what can we say? All in, it was a pretty good performance, although I think we're going to rue losing O'Shea and Rafael to injuries. That really sucked!
So Chicharito scored two goals. I've said it before and I'll say it again... what a buy he's turning out to be! But Hernandez was still outshone by one Wayne Rooney. Roo was all over the place and looking real sharp. His passes were phenomenal.
Smalling did pretty well, and so did Brown, for the most part. The latter did slip up a couple of times, including that own goal, but all in all he did better than he did against Liverpool.
So let's see who we get in the next round. Barcelona? Bring them on. We can beat any team on our day! Can't wait for the draw on Friday.
Robbo under the knife
United Legend Brian Robson has undergone surgery to remove a lump in his throat. Our thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family.
Speedy recovery Robbo!
It was just unfortunate that Brown scored that own goal, but what can we say? All in, it was a pretty good performance, although I think we're going to rue losing O'Shea and Rafael to injuries. That really sucked!
So Chicharito scored two goals. I've said it before and I'll say it again... what a buy he's turning out to be! But Hernandez was still outshone by one Wayne Rooney. Roo was all over the place and looking real sharp. His passes were phenomenal.
Smalling did pretty well, and so did Brown, for the most part. The latter did slip up a couple of times, including that own goal, but all in all he did better than he did against Liverpool.
So let's see who we get in the next round. Barcelona? Bring them on. We can beat any team on our day! Can't wait for the draw on Friday.
Robbo under the knife
United Legend Brian Robson has undergone surgery to remove a lump in his throat. Our thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family.
Speedy recovery Robbo!
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