Fellaini's debut?

Will he of the wild hair make his debut this weekend?

All indications are that Fellaini will be in the starting line-up against newbies Crystal Palace at Old Trafford. He should be working alongside Carrick in the middle of the park, in place of Cleverley, who I thought did not have a good game against Liverpool.

With Palace having lost two and won one in their first season back in the top flight, I think this will be a good chance for Moyes to try out some of the other players. Players like Zaha, who could be a good one to have line up against his old club.

Before I go into the First 11 I hope to see, which I believe may just be the one Moyes uses, let's look at some team news.

Rooney is definitely out, though he is hoping to make his return in the derby next week. So is Rafael. Jones is likely out as well.

So, I believe Moyes will stick with De Gea in goal, Vidic and Ferdinand in the middle of defence, Evra at leftback. The rightback position, however, is a toss-up between Smalling and Valencia. Quite frankly, I would like to see Valencia in the game, but since I also want to see Zaha in it as well, I think my preferred line-up would be Valencia playing behind Zaha. That would be an awesome attacking force running down the right.

As I said earlier, Carrick and Fellaini should be calling the shots in the midfield. I'm hoping Nani will be out left as I think he did a decent job when he came on last time around. I think he will only get better.

That leaves the attack. Obviously RVP will be there as Moyes looks to catch the leading pack. He may have fired blanks in the last two matches, but you never, ever count him out. But who will be his strike partner?

The obvious choices will be either Welbeck or Hernandez. Frankly, I prefer Chicharito. Much better player, and has a better footballing brain. Harries the opposition a lot, too.

But for this game, I'm hoping Moyes will experiment a little and put Kagawa in the slot just behind RVP. No offence to Palace, but this is not top class opposition the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, Man City, Chelsea or even Spurs. So an experiment with Kagawa playing in the hole would be good, with both Chicharito and Welbeck on the bench ready to be called upon later in the game.

Oh, and I would also like to see Januzaj on the bench and making an appearance some time during the match as well.

Crystal ball says: MU 3-0 Palace

Remi Moses returns

I had forgotten all about Moses until a colleague posted the headline above on FB!

I had a good laugh about it, but I really have to say Moses looked bald compared to Fellaini's mop. The big Belgian is now with the Red Devils and all that hair comes with him. One post I saw on the Net was even funnier than my colleague's status update: "I hope he's hiding Coentrao in there".

I like Fellaini. He is strong, can shoot and is a good header of the ball. Not too sure about his passing ability but I still think he is an asset. If he can marshal the midfield, that would leave Carrick free to do what he does best, splay the ball around.

The biggest plus point has got to be his aerial strength. He will be a huge asset when it comes to set pieces. Get him the crosses and he will score.

I have to say I am a little disappointed with the transfer exercise this time around. But I still believe United can be up there.

So, I am looking forward to seeing the unmistakable figure that is Fellaini out on the pitch in MU colours. And though I can't stand his hair, he can keep it.

Who knows? Maybe he's like Samson.

Merdeka is about nation's struggles

TOMORROW (Sept 2) marks the anniversary of the signing of a very significant piece of paper in Malaysian history.

It took place thousands of kilometres away, yet it was as significant here as it was where it was signed. It was significant in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. It was significant in many parts of the world, especially in the Pacific.

Tomorrow marks the 68th anniversary of the surrender of Japan in World War 2, aboard the battleship USS Missouri, anchored in Tokyo Bay surrounded by more than 200 Allied vessels.

And while the main players on both the side of the Allies and that of Japan were the focal points of the ceremony, there were many among those seated on the sidelines who were of equal importance, having been prisoners of war under the Japanese. Among these was one Lt-Gen Arthur Percival, the man who surrendered Singapore in February, three years earlier, after the Imperial Japanese Army had swept down the Malayan Peninsular in double-quick time.

Whether he was the one to blame for the capitulation of Malaya or not, Percival was perhaps the most important "representative" of this country at a significant event, even though he most likely did not even begin to think so. At the hands of the Japanese, many Malayan heroes lost their lives, whether in combat or during 31/2 years of brutal occupation. Then there were those who had suffered in the hands of the dreaded Kempetai.

And there were many such souls, the most obvious being Lt Adnan Saidi, killed on Feb 14, 1942, while defending Singapore.

And while we forgive our once "masters", we should never forget those who sacrificed their lives in defence of our freedom. Nor should we forget those who lived on despite their struggles for the same goals, whether in times of war or times of peace.

Where would we be without those who fought on during the Japanese Occupation? Where would we be without those who resisted a war of terror conducted by Communist insurgents? Where would we be without those who defended our freedom during the Confrontation?

Most recently, this country suffered an armed intrusion. And while this was a localised affair which would never have grown to such a size that it would threaten the entire nation, the contribution of the country's security forces during this time is of no less import.

After all, Sabah and her Bornean sister Sarawak are as much a part of Malaysia as any state in the peninsula, and an attack on either is an attack on the entire country.

With the intrusion by Sulu gunmen and the loss of 10 security forces personnel so recent in our memories, it is fitting that the government came up with the theme "Malaysiaku berdaulat: Tanah tumpahnya darahku" for the 56th Merdeka celebration.

Merdeka, after all, is not just about achieving freedom; it's not just about the people who peacefully negotiated our independence from our former colonial masters. It's about the struggles of a nation and its people in keeping that freedom.

It's about the soldiers in our army and the sacrifices they make. It's about the sacrifices of other members of our security forces, like the police, the Royal Malaysian Navy and the Royal Malaysian Air Force. It's about the sacrifices of Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency personnel.

It's about the sacrifices of the former members of the Home Guard. It's even about people like former police sergeant Arthur Albert Waters, a Briton who loved Malaysia so much he stayed on after serving in the police here, dying just days before Merdeka this year, at the age of 92.

It's about the sacrifices of civilians such as Gurchan Singh, the Lion of Malaya, who published communiques giving the true picture of the war during the Occupation at the risk of execution, or his many "agents" who helped him spread the news, some of whom were executed or tortured.

It's about people like Sybil Kathigasu, known as Malaya's Florence Nightingale, providing medical supplies during the Occupation, who also suffered torture, and those countless unnamed souls who helped prisoners of war on death marches.

From Merdeka Day to Malaysia Day this year, at the very least, remember these heroes, both known and faceless, and remember that we live in a peaceful country because of them. Remember that they loved this country.

 Perhaps then will we appreciate not only the sacrifices of those who have gone before us, but learn to appreciate and love, even more, this beautiful land we share.

Bad start

A win, a draw and a loss. Not the best of starts to the season!

The worst part is, the loss had to come against Liverpool. Been getting it non-stop from friends who are Liverpool supporters.

But there are some positives. First of all, it is no shame to lose to Liverpool. Still a good team. And at Anfield, so no shame there for sure. And it was only a 1-0 loss.

Liverpool definitely got off to a better start. And I'm not just talking about the early goal. They showed the greater urgency and didn't let MU settle in, harassing the Devils non-stop.

United came out with all guns blazing, however, in the second 45 and really turned on the pressure. But we still couldn't score, thanks to some great defending by Pool.

All-in-all, it was a good game. But we could have done better. If Rooney had been available, I think we may have done better.

I do have one wish though. Send Welbeck back to the bench!

What a bore!

Evra said it, didn't he? Mourinho went to Old Trafford looking for a draw.

How else would you explain the line-up, without a recognised striker? How else would you explain the way Chelsea played?

OK. So he may have been hoping to snatch a win from counterattacks. But, it was obvious that he didn't mind the draw, so he set his tactics that way.

I was looking forward to the game. It was the first big match-up this season. Two of the big boys going up against each other. The way Chelsea played took the joy out of the match for me.

It was sad that we couldn't break down the Chelsea defence though. But, overall, I think the team played well. The MU defence played well and were very disciplined. De Gea was hardly tested. Evra did well going forward as well, though Jones was average in this aspect.


Carrick and Cleverley played well too, as did Valencia, who is looking more like his old self this season, though still lacking a bit. On the opposite wing, however, Welbeck was a disappointment. I think he was the weakest link in the entire team.

Up front, RVP was having one of his off-days, by his spectacular standards. Rooney didn't have a fantastic first half, but really came into it in the second. United's best performer of the night, with some good shots and great passes, especially in the second 45.

Giggs and Young were OK, but didn't really have too much impact.

There has been some debate about whether MU should have had penalties. Some are saying they should have had one or two, some agree with referee Atkinson's decision not to award any. I think there should have been one, going by current standards of refereeing.

Let me explain. When the ball struck Lampard's hand, those who say Atkinson was right in not awarding a penalty say the Chelsea midfielder had no chance to avoid the shot. But, we have all seen penalties or free kicks given for less.

One thing people forget is that going by current standards, the foul should have been awarded as Lampard's hand was not by his side. It was stretched out. Yes, he had no chance of avoiding a ball struck with that amount of ferocity, at that short a distance. But, his hand/arm should not have been out there in the first place.

Atkinson's performance as a referee on the night was worth maybe an average three stars out of five. He did well in most areas, letting the game run and making several good calls, most notably the other penalty shout by the MU players and Old Trafford faithful when there was a handball earlier on in the match, which he waved away.

He started well, too, when he only gave a warning to Cole for the late tackle on Cleverley. So early on in the game, a yellow card would have spoiled it. But I think he made a mistake when he did not flash the card on Valencia for that studs up challenge (on I forget who) later on. He only gave Valencia a warning, and quite a few people vilified him for that.

Now, while I agree Valencia should have been carded, I don't think Atkinson should be taken to task for not doing it. I believe Atkinson merely thought that since he had only given Cole a warning, Valencia should be given the same consideration. A mistake, I believe, but not one he should be vilified for.

I also believe he made a mistake in not giving Cole a card when he went down in the penalty area looking for a penalty. That was a clear dive. If there was any contact, it occurred well before that. The England defender definitely should have been booked for that.

Anyway, what's done is done. Let's just bring on Super Sunday at Anfield and show the Reds that the Red Devils are better. YNWA? Sure. Cause you'll be walking with the other 18 losers!

Added importance

It's only MU's second game, but Man City's loss to Cardiff last night means there's added significance tonight.

Chelsea winning their Villa game, which was brought forward to mid last week, made it somewhat important for United to win their first home game of the season, even if it is still so very early on. But Man City losing means United have the chance to pull away from the other pretenders to the throne -- the noisy neighbours.

Having said that though, a draw or even a loss would not be the end of the world. Like I said, it is still so very early in the season.

The biggest question right now is whether Rooney will feature for United against the team he supposedly wants to join. Quite frankly, I don't believe the rumours. I think Rooney just wants an assurance that he will play in his favoured forward position and not be subjected to playing in the midfield.

So, I have the feeling that Moyes will play him, either sacrificing Welbeck or pushing the speedy striker to the wing.

Most pundits are going for a draw, with some saying Mourinho's lads will nick it. I have a feeling, though, that the Red Devils will prevail.

My prediction for the starting line-up: De Gea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Jones/Smalling, Carrick, Cleverley, Kagawa, Valencia/Zaha, Rooney, RVP.

The crystal ball says: MU 2-1 Chelsea

Banish 'it won't happen to me' mindset

Another round of Op Warta may be on the horizon, according to Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar. If you don't know what Op Warta is, well, it's when the cops go knocking on the doors of traffic offenders who have not settled their summonses. Previous Ops Warta have worked, to a certain extent.

The mere embarrassment of having people see policemen knocking on your door is sometimes enough to make people pay up. Many will actually run off to settle their summonses as soon as an Op Warta is announced, just so they don't find the men and women in blue or white turn up at their door.
But there are even more who don't do anything about it. And, this is because they are not even living at the addresses listed in the records.

This time around, though, if the police force does hold an Op Warta, there will be a slight difference. Whereas in the past, operations were held because there were too many unsettled summonses piling up, this time, it will be because the nation's top cop is unhappy with the initial report of Op Selamat.

Again, for the uninitiated, Ops Selamat is the integrated operation aimed at reducing road crashes and deaths, as well as crime, while Malaysians go about celebrating a major festive season.

Khalid was unhappy with one particular aspect of Op Selamat -- the traffic aspect. While not releasing the figures just yet, Khalid said there had been a slight decrease in the number of crashes, but an increase in the number of deaths during this season's Op Selamat.

He said tougher measures needed to be taken to bring down the number of road accidents and deaths, and to change people's mindsets. One aspect would be to hit people where it hurts the most -- their wallets. Hence, Op Warta.

But Khalid also needs to tell his men that they have to strictly enforce road rules. How many times have you seen someone breaking traffic laws in front of policemen and getting away with it?

Take, for instance, the Federal Highway. There are dedicated motorcycle lanes, but every so often, you will see a few silly daredevils speeding down the highway, weaving in and out of traffic, sometimes doing the "superman". A number of times, these motorcyclists even speed past police patrol cars, but none of them are stopped.

Hitting the culprits in their wallets, so to speak, seems like a good idea. But ultimately, it is their mindset which needs to be changed, and the only way such a change can be effected is for them to want to change.

The biggest problem is surely the "it won't happen to me" attitude. It's an attitude that can be argued as being part of human nature. Most, if not all, of us are affected by this attitude.

Read about a fatal crash? It won't happen to me. See a fatal crash right in front of your eyes? It won't happen to me.

And it's the same for anything and everything.

Boy loses fingers while playing with firecrackers? It won't happen to me. Man struck by lightning while playing football in the middle of a thunderstorm? It won't happen to me.

Do a quick survey and you're more than likely to find that the vast majority of the people you ask will tell you that.

"It won't happen to me... I'm a good driver."

Newsflash people: You may not be as good a driver as you think you are, or the other person on the road isn't a good driver. Then, there are all the other factors that play a part in road crashes -- weather, road conditions and the occasional cow, tapir, dog, elephant, human or, worse, non-human crossing the road.

So, yes, what is most needed is a change in mindset. Only then will we be able to bring down those horrible statistics, which, at present, shows that more than 7,000 people lose their lives on our roads every single year.

In the meantime, dear Tan Sri, do get these people where it hurts. Do whatever you can to change their mindsets. And, make sure your men enforce road rules all year round and not just during festive seasons.

Great start

So I was a little off in my predictions for starting line-up and score.

Quite frankly, after predicting a scoreline of 1-3 in MU's favour, I had second thoughts. I have a lot of respect for Swansea and Laudrup in particular. Plus, they were playing at home. But it was a feeling I had that it would be a big scoreline, so I dismissed those second thoughts.

But the no BS evaluation of the game was that United were lucky to have that big a scoreline in their first match. Just before the first goal, the stats flashed on the screen showed that the Swans had 60 per cent of possession. That's an incredible bit of statistics.

After the goal though, MU grew stronger. All four United goals were brilliant, though Welbeck's first was brilliant more for the pass. So, let's look at the goals in detail.

RVP's first took me by surprise. I had thought it was another attempt gone wanting when the ball popped up at such a height, with a defender closing in. It was truly something else, a fantastic bit of acrobatic skill, which saw van Persie burying that ball in the back of the net.

Valencia should take most of the credit for the second. He could have taken the shot, but decided to square it for Welbeck instead. Kudos for that footballing brain and unselfish bit of behaviour. Credit also to Welbeck for moving into position for that pass.

The third goal was really well struck, though there was a huge element of defensive error there, considering the Swansea defence didn't put any pressure on RVP when he was on the ball. But credit should also go to Rooney and, I believe it was Welbeck, for drawing a couple of defenders away with their runs.

The final goal was, for me, Welbeck's finest since he began playing for the first team. It took the replay for me to realise just how good the goal was, as I initially thought his shot was deflected over the keeper. But no. It was a clean lob over the keeper and into goal. Extremely well taken and shows the improvement in his thinking abilities.

Last season, Welbeck scored only one league goal, meaning he has already doubled his tally this season. I think the pressure to score in the league last season caused the young lad to be a little hurried when trying to score last season. This led to some bad decisions while on the ball. I believe he now has a cooler head on his shoulders. Kudos to the lad.

More on that last goal. The through ball from Rooney was perfectly weighted and the supposed wantaway striker did really well. sadly, the Sunday Times of London chose to slag Rooney off saying that his decision not to celebrate the goal showed that he is still set on leaving United. The journo who wrote that should get the facts right. After playing the defence-splitting pass that led to Welbeck's second goal, Rooney was fouled from behind. It left the striker on the ground for a while, and limping for a bit after. Can you blame him for not joining in the celebrations?

All in all, it was a great start, but not the best performance. Now, let's see how we perform against Chelsea and Man City soon.

And so it begins

Finally! Let the games begin!

United kick off the season at Swansea in DM's first league game as manager of one of the greatest clubs in the world. It promises to be a tough match, but I am pretty sure they will start on the right foot.

Rafael, Hernandez, Nani and Young are all expected to be sidelined for the match. With the latter two out of business for the moment, we can expect exciting new kid on the block Zaha to step up for his first EPL match.

The biggest question, however, will be whether Rooney starts the match, having played almost 70 minutes in the England-Scotland friendly at Wembley. Somehow, though, I don't think he will. My guess is Welbeck will be given the task of partnering RVP up front, but Rooney will be brought in later in the match.

My guess for the starting line-up: De Gea, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra, Smalling, Carrick, Cleverley, Kagawa, Zaha/Valencia, RVP and Welbeck.

And the crystal ball says: Swansea 1-3 Man United

A sign of things to come?

So David Moyes has collected the first trophy of his Manchester United reign.

And, of course, you hear the detractors and United haters saying that it's just the Community Shield. It's nothing to shout about.

Sure. No doubt. It's just the Community Shield.

But what would have happened if United had lost the match? You know they will be saying things like: "United have no hope in the league this year. They can't even win the Community Shield!"

Do not doubt it, people. It may have just been the Community Shield, but it will be a confidence booster. Let's just hope it's not the one and only thing Moyes wins with MU.

A football website I follow, teamtalk.com, has posted its predictions for the coming season. The writer, Matt Stead, believes United will struggle this season. In fact, in listing his top six, Stead predicts United will finish fourth, behind Chelsea, Man City and Spurs, in that order. For the fifth and sixth slots, he named Liverpool and Arsenal, respectively.

Stead also predicts that MU will win the FA Cup, however.

As far as I am concerned, I am not expecting much from Moyes. After all, it is his first season in charge and even SAF took a while before getting in a winning side. I do agree with Stead's assessment that Chelsea and Man City will be up there. But I see United challenging for it with the two clubs.

All said and done, I am really looking forward to the start of the new season. The weekend can't come any sooner.