Manchester United: Title Favourites?

Manchester United, arguably Britain’s most loved, and at the same time revered, football team; who currently sit atop of the Premier League and are billed as the favourites to lift the title for a record 4th time in a row, as well as United’s 19th league title, which will make them the most successful club in English history.

Here’s why I feel so many people believe United are favourites

Players standing up and being counted

With the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, sorry to bring up old news but such a great player which took Man Utd to the Champions League title cannot be ignored, many thought the Red Devils would surrender their title without such a whimper, with to the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool waiting to pounce. How those people were wrong. Many of the so called “fringe players”, or unappreciated squad player finally stood up and helped Wayne Rooney fill the shoes of the former World Player of the Year. Antonio Valencia, whose form someone took a slump in the middle of the season, stepped up to the plate and put it some very good performances at the start of his United career, and more recently in the later stages of the Champions League, whereby the Columbian collected 7 assists, many of them finding the head of striker Rooney.

Underrated Midfielder Darren Fletcher has received many plaudits in this season, mainly for his excellent work rate and stamina. The Scotsman once branded “Fergie’s Son” just because he was in the squad has kept the likes of Carrick, Anderson and up and coming midfielder Darron Gibson on the bench, and himself becoming one of the most important clogs in United machine.

Experience

In Basketball, teams have the “6th man” who comes off the bench and changes the game, Man United 6th man is that of experience. The balance between youth and experience at Manchester United is just right, with players such as Paul Scholes (35yrs old), Gary Neville (35yrs old), and the evergreen and most decorated player in Premiership history, Ryan Giggs (36yrs old) all still proving valuable assets on and off the field.

The Back Five

Although not as strong as they were in previous season, with Nemanja Vidic having injury problems, along with off the field speculation regarding a summer transfer to Real Madrid, and England Captain Rio Ferdinand having back problems and disciplinary problems, the likes of Wes Brown and Johnny Evans have stood up to be counted when need (check the 3-1 win over Arsenal). At right back Gary Neville has been sloppy sometimes, but Rafael Da Silva has performed admirably, while that man again Wes Brown has filled in when and where needed. With Hargreaves and utility man John O’Shea spending most of the season injured, it’s clear that the key man defensively is that of the solid and arguably best left back in the world, Patrice Evra. The full back leads by experience, gives his all for the team, and is blessed with having all the qualities to be a top class player, and a future United captain.

Rooney factor

26 league goals in 29 appearances, 33 in all competitions. What more to say? Read my post here, but he has been a MAJOR factor for United.

Finally Sir Alex Ferguson, who has been the Manchester United manager for 24 years, has done and seen it all, and his experience is unlike any other. Time will only tell when he is content with winning and calls it a day, however for now, he wants to reach title number 19.

Do you think Manchester United can win the title? Do you agree with this article? or Do you believe another team will win the title? Click follow, sign up and then leave your comment

Who is the Greatest Free Kick Taker Ever?

In recent weeks I have witnessed a few arguments regarding who is indeed the best free kick taker in the world. This months new poll will give you the power to decide. Here's a few of the candidates:

Number 1 - Cristiano Ronaldo - No.9

Clubs: Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid
Why: Who doesn't know about the flamboyant winger from Portugal? In the early days, they use to fly over the bar... Now they fly in the back of the net! Technique based on that of Juninho Pernambucano's, its clear Ronaldo still stuns fans with his excellent swerving dipping free kicks. If he gets it right, 9 times out of 10, it works.

Number 2: Roberto Carlos - No.3

Clubs: Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Fenerbache
Why: The man with one of the most powerful left foots in football. Known for "that freekick" against France in 1997, Carlos has scored some great free kicks based on pure power, so much so he cannot be exempt from the list.

Number 3: Andrea Pirlo - No.20

Clubs: Brescia, Inter Milan, Reggina, AC Milan
Why: Not renowned for his goal scoring ability, the creative defensive midfield playmaker has established himself as one of the best set piece takers in the World. However ever opposition player takes a deep breath once the Italian maestro steps up to the plate. Pirlo has excellent accuracy and generates a lot of power and swerve on the ball causing all sorts of problems for goalkeepers.

Number 4: Juninho Pernambucano - No.8

Clubs: Sport Recife, Vasco da Gama, Lyon, Al-Gharafa
Why: In my opinion the best freekick taker in the history of the game. The Brazilian has the best free kicks I've ever seen. Period. He can shot from any angle, while generating excellent power, finesse and curl on the ball. The attacking midfielder has scored stunners against the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and even at International level. Juninho hits the ball directly in the center and generates the "swerve" which the likes of Ronaldo and Drogba use today and gave goalkeepers nightmares. Let the video do the talking!

Here is the URL for the best video available, however these two video's definately do the star justice:

Number 5: David Beckham - No.23

Clubs: Manchester United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan
Why: Why? a silly question really! The former England captain has played at the highest level all throughout his career, and scored a number of excellent goals. The midfielders free kicks are known for his winding up motion and generation amazing curl and accuracy. Whether it be in Italy, England, Spain or even America, Beckham delivers.

Let me know who you think is the greatest. Also let me know if you agree with the list by voting on the poll on the right hand side

Gonzalo Higuain: The Main Man in Madrid

Currently Real Madrid boast some of the biggest Football names in the World, including the likes of players such as Kaka, Karim Benzema, Sergio Ramos, club captain Raul, Xabi Alonso and of course the unforgettable Cristiano Ronaldo, aptly named the "Galactico's". However despite these Superstars, one playing has seemingly slipped under the radar, despite in my opinion being one the brightest and best players in Europe, Real Madrid's Gonzalo Higuain.

Some would say, how could a Real Madrid player slip under the radar? or be one of the brightest players in Europe and not be noticed? Well simple, because of the big money singings named above!

Higuain joined Real Madrid in 2006, for a fee of just €13 million, from Argentine Primera Division side River Plate, billed as having a "enormous future" and being "destined for stardom" by than manager (and Argentina legend) Daniel Passarella. He has been knicknamed in and around Spain as "El Pipita", in honour of his footballing Father, Jorge Higuain.

Here's all you need to know:

Name: Gonzalo Higuain
DOB: 22/12/1987 Age: 22
Height: 6ft
Nationality: Argentine
Position: Striker
Previous Clubs: River Plate Current Club: Real Madrid
Shirt Number: 20

In Europe, the names of Torres, Messi, Rooney, Drogba and fellow team mate Ronaldo all come up in arguments when vying for the accolade of "Best Striker in the World". Although Higuain may not be amongst those ranks right now, he looks as if he has all the attributes to point him in the right direction, and put him amongst the mix in the near future.

Playing amongst some of the biggest names in World Football, it's clear that despite the undoubted pressure cooker that is; playing every week at the Santiago Bernabeu, he boasts a commendable record of 54 goals, in 98 appearances, along with an addition 19 assists. A record that is as good as any other in Europe, and if continued, can put him amongst the best to wear the White shirt of Real, along with two La Liga titles to boot.

The Argentine established himself as the focal point of the Real attack, heading up the 4-2-3-1 formation, keeping the likes of Karim Benzema and Real Madrid icon Raul out of the side. He has displayed a knack for beating defenders combined with an injection of pace in the final third. The 22 year old poses excellent dribbling skills, as good as any other attacker, and of course an eye for goal. Tied with great awareness in and around the 18 yard area, he established himself in the hearts of Madrid fans at the end of his 1st season in Spain; scoring a vital goal against Espanyol, leading Real to take the La Liga crown from bitter rivals Barcelona.

Currently he has guided Real Madrid to the top of La Liga, and is battling it out with the likes of Valencia's David Villa and the 2009 World Player of the Year; FC Barcelona's Lionel Messi, in the race for the Pichichi (Spain's Golden Boot Award). He has score 16 goals in in just 19 appearances, establishing himself as the number one striker at the club, but question were raised about his performances away from La Liga, especially in the the Champions League whereby his displays and ability at this level have indeed been called into question, whereby the Striker has brushed off the criticism. It now seems it will be sooner rather than later before he adapts to Europe's top club competition, scoring important goals. Whatever the case, it seems that whoever's in charge at the Bernabeu in the future, and what may come from now on, it's clear Higuain is a true Madridista now, and for years to come.

Goal's of the Month: January?

Goals of the month? Check them out and let me know, if you agree...

Marc-Antoine Fortune against St Johnstone



Cristiano Ronaldo against Mallorca