Barclays Premier League 2011/12 Preview - Manchester United

Manchester United

Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson

Captain: Nemanja Vidic

Last Season: 1st

In:

David De Gea – Athletico Madrid – £17.6 million
Phil Jones – Blackburn – £17.6 million
Ashley Young – Aston Villa - £15.8 million

Out:

John O’Shea – Sunderland – £4 million
Wes Brown – Sunderland – £1.3 million
Bébé – Besiktas – £880,000
Paul Scholes – Retirement
Edwin Van Der Sar – Retirement
Owen Hargreaves – Free



This Season:

Manchester United was “weaker” last season, and it wasn’t one of Sir Alex Ferguson's “strongest sides” but they still won that coverted 19th league title, knocking Liverpool “off their perch”. That side who was led by the talismanic Wayne Rooney, who was abject before Christmas, but transformed his form at the turn of the year scoring vital times against noisy neighbours, as well as that elegant hat trick against West Ham were the stand out moment of his season. Defensive rock Nemanja Vidic also led the list of plaudits, and the vastly improving Nani, who hit 10 goals and got 15 assists last season, as well as the brilliant Edwin Van Der Sar all contributed to Manchester United claiming that symbolic 19th league title.

Javier Hernandez was another stand out name who had a fantastic season last year, and now with the addition of winger Ashley Young, who has already shown he's hungry for success, and United’s future defensive pairing of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling (the latter who has been filling in at right back and doing a great job) along with the returning Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverly from successful loan spells, not only do Manchester United have quality new additions, but have strength in depth to add to the abundance of youth at the club. De Gea, and Welbeck, 20, Smalling, Cleverly, Fabio and Rafael, all 21, Anderson, Hernandez, both 23, and Nani, aged just 24 shows that the future certainly is bright for Manchester United.

That blend of experience and youth, pace, power and ability will lead Manchester United to the front of the pack, leaving the others in their wake. A strong Champions League challenge has become the norm, while I’m sure Sir Alex Ferguson would like to get his hands on the FA Cup trophy. They are Real Talk Football’s favourites for the title, but will have a long tough season ahead.

Prediction: 1st

Best Starting XI



One to watch this season: Tom Cleverly

Is it more of the season for Manchester United this season? How will they fair against the new City challenge? Leave a comment below

Arsenal – Same Story, Different Season

Yes, Real Talk Football highlights yet another Arsenal related post, but over these past two weeks, the North London side have played in some career defining matches let alone season defining ones! They are the relevant topic at the moment, and unfortunately, it’s not in the manner most Arsenal fans had hoped for.

Arsenal last night tumbled out of the FA Cup, exiting their third cup competition in just 2 weeks, after Arsene Wenger was tactically outclassed by his old foe Sir Alex Ferguson, in a 2-0 defeat to Manchester United.

A goal from Brazilian full back Rafael, who was playing out of position in an unfamiliar right midfield role, as well as striker Wayne Rooney who doubled the lead (who evidently was scoring his 9th career goal against Arsenal) to help Manchester United to a well deserved win.


Some fans will try to claim solace in the fact that Goalkeeper and Dutch veteran Edwin Van Der Sar was voted Man of the man as Arsenal had a spell where they tested the 41 year old on a total of nine occasions. This however, would ultimately be clutching at straws, as the prospect of a domestic double is that which Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger and Arsenal fans would have craved, as just rewards for their stellar attacking performances this season.

Regrettably, the story was an all too familiar one for Arsenal fans. The North London side’s passing was superior to Manchester United’s, with a total of 88.4% passing success rate. They also had more attempts on goal, with 15 in total, and the away side even dominated possession, with 60% in total, yet they ended up on the losing side.

Manchester United on the other hand, played the perfect counter attacking game and are now unbeaten in their last eight meetings against Arsenal. The United formation allowed Wayne Rooney to drop into the midfield, and act as the outlet, as well as the link between the midfield and Javier Hernandez, who was playing as the sole striker.

Countless times Arsenal had the ball in the Manchester United final third, and lacked any sort of determination to get on the score sheet. They lacked the creativity of Cesc Fabregas, the pace of Theo Walcott, and dare I say it; the directness of Nicklas Bendtner.

Every time Samir Nasri, or Andrei Arshavin had the ball in the wide areas, they would ignore the overlapping fullbacks and play a ball square, while Manchester United simply pounced to break up possession and look for the direct ball into the channels, and up the pitch. With Arsenal’s shaky defence, United always looked the more likely to capitalize on their chances.


I understand that Arsene Wenger wants to win trophies the right way, his way, with his philosophy of building up a team from scratch, nurturing young potential into world class players. This is fair enough, but there is no shame in spending a bit of money on that final piece of the puzzle. Fans and pundits will still respect you, as you have established this great squad, but you still made the right strategic move by buying proven quality.

Ultimately, it was clear to see that there is still a distinct lack of leadership amongst the Arsenal team. None of the players play with their heart on their sleeves, take the game by the scruff of the neck when it’s required, nor do the players outside of the first eleven seem to deputise capably when the opportunity arises.


In the goalkeeper position, it is no secret the problems have had since German Jens Lehmann left in 2008. Current occupier of the Number One shirt; Manuel Almunia is a great shot stopper, I believe many football fans will agree on that, as on the rare occasions where Arsenal have been "under the kosh" he has made some fantastic saves. Nevertheless there is always an underlying belief that Almunia, or even Fabianski, is an accident is waiting to happen, and when this mistake occurs, it hardly comes as a bombshell.

Just Imagine if Arsenal had a world class consistent goalkeeper playing throughout the entire season? Where would they be? My guess is higher up the table and further in the cups then they are. Names such as Edwin Van Der Sar, Petr Cech or even a Joe Hart prove this statement.


Experienced individuals such as the Tomas Rosicky are clearly not worthy of their first team chances, with the Czech Republic international evidently a shadow of his former self. Another elder member of the squad; Sebastian Squillaci, has failed to impress during his first season in the Premiership, and already looks expendable.

Midfielder Abou Diaby has been very poor this season, both injury-wise and form-wise, and his performances still struggle to convince fans that he is the right man for the job.

Meanwhile fellow centre midfielder Denilson is a very frustrating player indeed, while he is comfortable on the ball, his passing and defensive responsibilities abandon him at critical occasions.


Finally, and for some the most disappointing performer this season; is Russian Andrei Arshavin. He has managed 11 assists this season, but that is the only thing he has produced. He is nowhere close to the form he first showed during his first year at the Emirates. He himself has admitted his form has been poor, but it seems every time the Russian is on the field, he’s more concerned whether he has left the iron on at home, rather than how to beat his opponent.

The biggest fall from grace this season, has been Moroccan striker Marouane Chamakh. The 26 year old scored 11 goals in his first 21 games for the club, until the beginning of December where he has appeared in 17 matches, and only managed 1 goal.

This is an amazing drop in form, with the striker himself blaming fatigue/tiredness. We are in March, and it begs the question if, and not when, the Moroccan will regain his form, and whether it will be too little too late for Arsenal.


Arsenal have a brilliant starting eleven, with an attacking prowess and technical ability other teams crave for, but the lack of character, and die hard attitude, which some would call “a winning mentality” is a frailty and a burden Arsenal need to eradicate if they are ever to get over this so called “allergy to silverware”.

Let me know what your thoughts on Arsenal are? What is the cure for Arsenal’s "allergies"?

Manchester United fans, how do you feel? Do you guys see Arsenal as serious contenders, or mandatory challenger? Leave a comment below, and let me know.

Real Talk Football

Who Should Be Manchester United's New Number One?

After much speculation this season, Manchester United’s Dutch international goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has confirmed he will retire at the end of this season, aged 40 years old.

He is arguably Manchester United’s best goalkeeper of the last decade, and their best and most reliable player to wear the number one shirt since the legendary Peter Schmeichel.

Van der Sar has made over 175 appearances for United, since joining from Fulham in 2005. He had previous spells at Juventus (which lasted two years, and was deemed unsuccessful, despite making 66 appearances for the Turin based club), and the place where he started it all; Ajax. His time with the Dutch club was the place where Van der Sar made his name in Europe, as he was part of the famous 1991-92 UEFA Cup and 1994-95 Champions League winning side, and he made over 200 appearances during his nine years at the club.


His time at Manchester United was undoubtedly the most successful spell in his career. Despite joining at the age of 34, he established himself as the number one goalkeeper at the club, and forged his name as one of the top three goalkeepers in the Premiership over the past five years.

Manchester United manager explained stated his admiration for the Dutchman, stating:

"Fantastic – a magnificent person, professional goalkeeper, an absolute marvellous career he’s had, He’s an example to anyone who wants to become a goalkeeper."

"Edwin sails through life without any changes in it, he never changes, (and) he has a consistent nature. He’s unflappable. "He’s calm, he doesn’t look to search for press for himself, he’s happy with what he’s achieved in life and he’s not searching for anything, he’s such a good man."

During his time at Manchester United, he won three back to back Premiership titles (2006/07, 2007/08, 2008/09), a League Cup (2006), three FA Community Shield’s (2007, 2008, 2009), a UEFA Champions League (2007/08) and the FIFA Club World Cup (2008).

Individual accolades he achieved at Manchester United included being named ‘Best European Goalkeeper’ in 2009, the ‘Barclays Golden Gloves’ in 2009, as well as being named in the PFA Team of the Year on numerous occasions.

As we are mid way through the 2010/11 Premiership season, Manchester United are still in three competitions, so Van der Sar still has the opportunity to add to his medal haul.

Goalkeeping History: Replacements for Peter Schmeichel


Now with such a key player leaving at the end of the season, Sir Alex Ferguson needs to make sure he gets in the right replacement. Rivals Arsenal struggled to replace Jens Lehmann when he left the club and it took Ferguson six years to select Van der Sar as the perfect replacement for Schmeichel at Old Trafford.

During that time he signed a few good goalkeepers, who just struggled to deal with the weight of expectation, but he has signed some really average individuals.

Raimond van der Gouw 1996 – 2002

This Dutchman was second fiddle to Schmeichel for three years, and never really got his chance in the first team ever when Schmeichel left. He played a few big Champions League games, but only managed to make 37 appearances.


Mark Bosnich 1989-1992/1999-2001

He spent two spells at Manchester United, but made his name in the Premiership at Aston Villa (where he spent 7 years). His spell at Manchester United was the beginning of the end for him. He failed to gain a first team place, and struggled to prove his value to the time.

Aged 29 he joined Chelsea from Manchester United, and his career spiralled out of control. One of the best goalkeepers to play in the Premiership, his career faltered and he picked up a drug problem and failed to ever play at the highest level again.


Massimo Taibi 1999 - 2000

A legend in English football... But for all the wrong reasons! He was seen as direct replacement for Peter Schmeichel, and played just four times.

He was known for this shocking blunder in a match against Southampton, as well as playing in a 5-0 defeat to Chelsea. He cost Ferguson £4.5 million, and was shipped back to Italy after just one season.


Fabien Barthez 2000 – 2004

A very good goalkeeper, the eccentric Frenchman established himself in Ligue 1 in France, before crossing the waters and testing himself at Manchester United. He cost Ferguson just under £8million, and he made 92 appearances in four years.

The reason for his demise, which included being sent to Marseille on a season long loan, was his tendency to make big errors in key matches, while his attitude sometimes angered Sir Alex Ferguson. He left for Marseille in 2004.



Andy Goram 2001

Scottish goalkeeping legend joined Manchester United aged 36 years old. He was seen as a short term option, he only played 2 games. It was seen as a waste of time, and pointless acquisition.

Roy Carroll 2001 – 2005

The Northern Irishman made his name in the lower divisions, before moving to Manchester United for a fee of £2.5million. He was seen as another understudy, and couldn’t force his way to the undisputed number one. He managed to make 49 appearances in four years, but is another player who will be remembered for a massive blunder. Think Pedro Mendes, 2005, a shot from the halfway line, the goal that never was. He left for West Ham in 2005 on a free transfer.


Ricardo 2002 - 2005

Another waste of money, a £1.5million signing, the Spaniard only made one appearance in three years.

Tim Howard 2003 – 2007

Howard, a United States international, wasn’t a bad signing or a bad player, but he just struggled to deal with the weight of expectations put on him at Old Trafford. After all the above stated names, he just became another Manchester United flop, making vital errors in many key matches. He fought with Roy Carroll for the number one shirt, but never succeeded in claiming the role. Eventually Ferguson signed Edwin van der Sar, and Howard would play second fiddle from then on. He was subsequently loaned out to Everton, who went on to sign him permanently in 2007.


Possible replacements for Edwin van der Sar

With the vast amount of time, and money spent on players during these six years period, Sir Alex Ferguson knows it cannot take that long this time around. Competition is too vast at the top of the Premier League, and on the continent for Manchester United to fall behind.

Here’s a look at the number of names being linked to the number one shirt:

David de Gea – Athletico Madrid – 20 years old – 7/11/1990

A player featured on this blog before, he was thrown in at the deep end at his club, making his professional debut aged 19. He is still the number one goalie, keeping the former regular first choice Sergio Asenjo on the bench.

He has played down a link to Manchester United insisting he is happy in Spain, and isn’t ready to make the move abroad just yet. He has been likened to Iker Casillas, and for our look at him from earlier in the season, click here.

He may not see himself as ready to make the move, but if Manchester United come calling, it’s very difficult to turn it down. If Manchester United attempt to sign a keeper now, they may spend big, as the will expect him to be there for the long run, so de Gea could miss out on his only opportunity.


Manuel Neuer – Schalke 04 – 24 years old – 27/03/1986

A name that has been linked with all the big clubs in Europe, he was the German number one at the 2010 World Cup, and impressed on the World’s grandest stage. He plays in the Bundesliga with Schalke 04, and has made over 140 appearances since making his professional debut as an 18 year old.

He is an excellent shot-stopper, with great agility and distribution. He commands his box very well and can be pretty much described as typical solid German goalkeeper.


Maarten Stekelenburg – Ajax – 28 years old – 22/09/1982

Another quality Ajax goalkeeper, he could be influenced by Van der Sar and take his opportunity to move to England. The new Holland number one was instrumental in helping his side reach the World Cup final. He has been at Ajax for 10 years, making over 160 appearances since becoming first choice in 2005.

Stekelenburg is another great shot stopper, but his best attribute are his excellent reflexes. He commands his area very well, and is a well rounded top international quality goalkeeper.


Igor Akinfeev – CSKA Moscow – 24 years old – 8/04/1986

The young Russian is just 24 years old, but he is one of the best goalkeepers in Europe and has a vast amount of experience at such a young age. He started his career at CSKA Moscow aged just 17 years old, and has since played almost 200 matches. He is the club captain, first choice for Russia, and has 46 international caps.

Great reflexes, excellent in one on ones, good anticipation and distribution are just some of the highlights of his array of talents. He really is a top top goalkeeper, who if my club forked out a large sum for, I would be more than satisfied.


Replacements from within

Sir Alex Ferguson may believe he could use one of the current second choice goalkeepers at the club, if the funds are not available to spend in the summer. Some Manchester United fans will probably not be too best please with this; however the faith will have to be kept in manager’s decision.

Tomasz Kuszczak – 28 years old – 20/03/1982

The former West Brom goalkeeper is experienced at watching the Premier League from the bench, but not very experienced in playing in it. He has been a back up goalkeeper for both West Brom and Manchester United since coming to England in 2004. He has made 26 appearances in five years at the club, and seems as if he doesn’t get his chance now, he never will.


Anders Lindegaard – 26 years old – 12/04/1984

Signed this month from Danish side Aalesund, he has been scouted as a player with an abundance of potential. Not too much beyond that is known about Lindegaard beyond that, but he is:

“Lindegaard is also very strong as a shot-stopper. He is able to call upon excellent reflexes to protect his goal from shots inside the box. He can also use his big frame to make up ground and get across goal, especially from long-range efforts on target.”

He has made 4 international appearances for Denmark, and if he impresses Ferguson sufficiently enough, he could possibly be the replacement he has had in mind all along.



Whoever Sir Alex does decide to select, i'm sure he has remembered the trouble he had in the late 90's/00's trying to replace such an important area of the first team. Whoever takes the number one shirt, will have big boots to fill, and that is a testiment to how good Edwin van der Sar truely is.


So that’s my take on the current goalkeeping situation at Manchester United. What do you think of the article? Who do you think Manchester United should sign as a replacement? Leave your comment below.

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Dimitar Berbatov: Finally Comes Good

The Bulgarian striker joined Manchester United after a summer of speculation and tabloid rumours regarding his desire to move to a the Red Devils, claiming it would be his “Dream Move”. Berbatov, then aged 27 years old, cost Manchester United £30.75 million, signing a four year deal.

Since this move, the jury has definitely been out on the striker. There is no doubt he is an exceptionally gifted player, with sublime technique and ability, but questions regarding his attitude, commitment and enthusiasm is something which has surrounded him his whole career at Old Trafford.

Undoubtedly he dreamed of playing for Manchester United; evidently clear in him forcing the move from Tottenham. However it seems the £30million price tag is something which had hindered his performances in the red shirt. That is up until now.



I remember I went to an FA Cup game between Fulham and Tottenham in 2007, and I remember Berbatov coming on with 20 minutes to go. Spurs were 2-0 up, and Berbatov, who had been rested for this game, came on and I was so impressed at how good of a player he really is.

Two minutes after he came on as a substitute from Mido (yes, Mido) he scored the first of his two goals he got on that afternoon. It was a relatively simple goal, scoring after hitting the post with his original effort, collecting the rebound and slotting it home. His second goal was what really displayed his audacity and brilliance of the Bulgarian. A flicked through ball from Robbie Keane, played into Berbatov who beat the offside trap, and he then lofted the ball over the Fulham goalkeeper.

The desire and hunger expressed from Berbatov in order to score these two goals, while the game was already won, is that which has been rekindle this season, after two and a half tricky seasons at Manchester United.



So what has made him become such a force this year?

When he joined Manchester United, he came with this huge price tag, which sometimes can psychologically affect player. We have seen this with players and big transfer fees before, as it adds another level of expectation on top of an individual who already plays for one of the biggest clubs in the world, and whose main impact will ultimately be defined by how many goals he scores.

Also when Berbatov joined United, he was already in a squad consisting of many world class attackers, let alone individuals. They already had Cristiano Ronaldo, who during his spell at Manchester United would be crowned European and World Player of the Year. There was also Carlos Tevez, who had built up a cult following for extraordinary workrate and ability. Also of course at the club is Manchester United’s “golden boy” Wayne Rooney, who scored 72 goals in 138 games since Berbatov signed for the club. So there were plenty of other players taking the limelight, when Berbatov struggled to make an impact.


The reason I feel Berbatov has been flourishing this season, is because he has become the vocal point of the Manchester United attack. Last season, it was Rooney, but injuries and off the field the problems, have stalled Man United’s number 10’s progress, Berbatov has taken on the responsibility of finding the back of the net.

He started his professional career as a 17 year old at Bulgarian side CSKA Sofia, he made his first debut aged 18 where he went on to spend two seasons at the club, where he made a name for himself scoring 26 goals in 49 appearances. The only blight on this spell at the club was that he was unbelievably kidnapped by members of the Bulgarian Mafia, who attempted to force him into signing for FC Levski Kjustendil.

The ordeal was resolved, and Berbatov moved abroad to German high fliers Bayern Leverkusen, where he truly made his mark as one of the most promising and technically gifted individuals in Europe. During his time at Leverkusen, he scored 69 times in 154 appearances, and played in the Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid.



Berbatov’s prowess and ability, earned him a £10.9million move to Tottenham, and an opportunity to play in the Premiership. During his time at Spurs, he became a fans favourite, and was instrumental in Spurs challenge for Champions League football. He scored 27 times in 70 appearances for Tottenham, before making his “Dream Move” to Manchester United.

With two average seasons at Manchester United, where he has produced few moments of brilliance, the pressure and expectation has been lifted off the Bulgarian. Manchester United fans I have spoken to, agree that they don’t expect 20 goals from Berbatov, but seem content with the odd overhead kick here and there.

These lowered expectations have boosted his confidence, and giving him a greater sense of freedom. Twinned with Manchester United’s tactics which allow Berbatov and Rooney to switch between who plays the second striker, and a main striker, has allowed him to hit the ground running this season.



The numbers don’t lie, and his improvement this season is evident for all to see. Before this season he scored just 21 goals in 64 appearances, while this campaign he has hit 19 goals in 19 games. The sort of return you’d expect from a striker with his ability. He scored five goals in one game in Blackburn, and scored three hat-tricks this season, against Liverpool, Blackburn (as part of the five) and against Birmingham City.

The jury is still out on whether Berbatov can keep up this consistency, and whether is a match winner, as this season he hasn’t scored against any of the top 6 teams. However this season will be defining for him.

He is the leading goal scorer in the Premiership this season, and has taken Manchester United to the summit of the table, and has become one of the most vital players, and now appreciated players at Old Trafford, and will be vital in Man United’s challenge for three trophies.


Real Talk Football

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Rooney to leave Manchester United?

Real Talk Football takes a break from is "Most Promising Players" list, to look at one of the biggest sagas to hit the Premiership in recent years, a somewhat familiar story surrounding Manchester United, a star player, and crossing the somewhat ruthless Sir Alex Ferguson.

The definitive actions and timeline of this Wayne Rooney and Sir Alex saga is well documented, but if you are unaware, click here.



Nothing in football, as in life, is guaranteed, but the manner in which Wayne Rooney is looking to leave Manchester United is somewhat disturbing.

An apparent bust up behind doors, has crept into the public limelight, after it seems Rooney's misdemeanors in his private life, caused a free fall in form.

When asked, a public acknowledgement from Ferguson that Rooney was "injured", was seen as an opportunity for Rooney to rest, gather his thoughts, repair his private life, all with the objective in mind to rediscover his form from last season, being the objective for both him, and Sir Alex.




But his blatant and quite frank denial of the ankle injury, especially to the UK press, has subsequently damaged the relationship between the two, rendering it irreconcilable. The latest quotes from Sir Alex Ferguson's pre-match press conference are as follows:

"His agent has intimated he won't sign a contract and he wants away. It's a shock.... (I'm) terribly disappointed by news because we can't understand it... There's an offer, if he's prepared to discuss. I know David Gill prepared to offer contract difficult to better elsewhere." Ferguson went on to add "I've never had an argument with Wayne at any time - he did have an injury and he confirmed it himself in interview with Sky. I feel we have to keep door open, simply because such a good player, and we've done nothing but help him in private life. We're bemused because we can't understand why he would want to leave a club this successful. We don't understand it"

Quotes, as live, streamed on twitter, which can be found here.


With this in mind; it seems Rooney has his sights set on another destination. its also apparent that the door is open for Rooney to change his mind, he will not be covering himself in glory at this current time, and Man Utd will undoubtedly be forced to sell him.

If he does sell Rooney, he will join the long list of World Class players, who left the club in unceremonious circumstances. Jaap Stam was arguably the first, who was sold to Lazio in 2001 after making allegations about Ferguson in 2001.

Next was David Beckham, who had fallen out of favour with Ferguson after an infamous spat at full time during a post match meeting after an FA Cup defeat to Arsenal.

The next three players to be cast aside by Ferguson were; Ruud Van Nistelrooy, who was one of the deadliest finishers in football, fell out of favour and after finding himself on the bench for a large part of the 2006 season, he left for Real Madrid.

Carlos Tevez, who is one of the World's top forwards, in 2009 left for Man City, after his loan deal with United had ended, and he felt he had been offered an inadequate contract. He also felt he was unfairly treated, and that his form warranted a start in the side, ahead of Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo. who had been given the limelight ahead of the Argentinean.

The final player to leave, was Crisitano Ronaldo. A player who undoubted was the best to perform under Sir Alex, as in his time at Manchester United, he earnt the World Player of the Year accolade. After six years at the club, winning three Premier League titles, a Champions League, an FA Cup, two League Cups, a Community Shield and FIFA World Club Cup respectively. As well as a shed load of individual awards, he subsequently left for a world record fee of £80million, joining Real Madrid.

With this somewhat shocking news, what are your opinions on this situation? Who do you think Man United should get to replace the Englishman? Leave a comment below, or head to Facebook for more.

Real Talk Football

Premier League Preview - Manchester United

Manchester United

Its looks as if it could be another season at the top for Sir Alex Ferguson’s men. Despite losing star player Crisitano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez at the beginning of last season Manchester United only finished one point behind eventual champions Chelsea.

Last season; Wayne Rooney was the star and had an outstanding season, scoring 34 goals in 44 appearances in total, while evergreen players Ryan Giggs, Edwin Van Der Sar and Paul Scholes still continued to impress with their professionalism and ability. Also the likes of Parki Ji-Sung, Patrice Evra, Darren Fletcher and Namanja Vidic all impressed last campaign and are expected for big roles this season.



This summer no major signings have been made, how the Red Devils have added young promising star Javier Hernandez, young centre back Chris Smalling and unknown Brazilian known as Bebe, to the squad as they look to the future.

Expect them to push Chelsea all the way this year.

Key Player: Wayne Rooney

The Englishman had a torrid World Cup and looked disinterested to be in South Africa. Now he’s back in Manchester and looks to build on the 26 league goals he scored last year. Everyone knows the quality and importance of Wayne Rooney to Man United, and at the age of just 24 years old, expect him to continue on the road of becoming one of the greatest players of all time.



Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson

Key Signing: Javier Hernandez

A player we preview on Real Talk Football four months ago, click to read, looks like being one of the most promising young strikers to touch down on these shores for some time. Signed a reported £7million impressed at the world cup and in Manchester United’s preseason, and is expected to cause stiff competition for Dimitar Berbatov when the Premier League starts.



Aims: Challenge for all four trophies this year

Prediction: 2nd

Manchester United are still one of the best and most experienced sides in the World, and will certainly push Chelsea all the way in the title race once again, while fending off the challenge from Arsenal and Manchester City.

First Five Fixtures: Newcastle (H), Fulham (A), West Ham (H), Everton (A), Liverpool (H)

Best 11

Fergie's First Move

After Manchester United’s defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League Quarter Final on Wednesday night, they have made the first move of all the Premiership clubs, making the 1st signing ahead of the 2010/11 season. Step forward Mexico’s young striker, Javier Hernandez.

The 21 year old has signed from well known Mexico side Chivas Guadalahara for an undisclosed fee (reportedly worth up to £10million) and will join the club June 1st 2010. Admittedly I didn’t really know too much about the young striker, but after speaking to a few of my confidants, and conducting my own research, I’m quite impressed with the ability of the striker. Although United don’t have a great history with young strikers, think Manucho, Danny Wellbeck, David Bellion and so on, however the Mexican nicknamed “Chicharito” could be different. He posses very good raw finishing ability, acceleration and movement (similar to that of Arsenal’s Carlos Vela).

However he is definitely one for the future, but in the mean time, here’s all you need to know:

Name: Javier Hernandez
Age: 21
Nationality: Mexican
Int Apps: 4 Int Goals: 4
Previous Club: Chivas Guadalahara
Club Apps: 64 Club Goals: 28

Watch the video below for more, and let me know what you think our the youngster.



Real Talk Football

Jose Mourinho: The Special One

The Man

Arguments again have arisen amongst football fans regarding the best 3 managers in the world, while I’m hearing names such as Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and Pep Guardiola, I believe Jose Mourinho should be in place of the Spaniard, although I respect Guardiola’s excellence with Barcelona, Mourinho’s ethics and impact on the game as a whole cannot be discounted.

The man with a degree in physical education, specialising in football methodology, worked many minor jobs before working his way to becoming the late great Bobby Robson’s apprentice, and subsequent assistant manager, at both FC Porto and FC Barcelona respectively in the mid 90’s. Motivational skills from Robson, and the added influence of Dutch tactician Louis van Gaal’s defensive mentality, preparation techniques and strategy, helped drive Mourinho’s appetite for management. In the year 2000, he got his first management job at Portuguese giants Benfica, but only lasted 9 months, before leaving to joining mid-table team Uniao de Leiria.



Portugal

After one year with Uniao de Leiria, which saw him take the side to their best ever finish in the Portuguese top flight history, finishing in 5th place at the end of the 2000-2001 season, caught the eye of the biggest side in Portugal, FC Porto. Near enough everyone in World football knows the success he had at the club, but here’s what truly showcased his abilities. When he joined in 2002, in his 1st full season he took the club to a Portuguese Liga Title with a record 86 points, along with collecting the Portuguese Cup to complete a domestic double. In addition, Porto conquered the Europe, winning the UEFA Cup, beating Celtic 3-2 in the final, after extra time; achieving the “treble” in his first season with the club.



In his second season in Portugal, he continued his brilliant success, regaining the Portuguese Liga title, while ending as runners-up in both the European Super Cup, losing to Andriy Shevchenko’s AC Milan, and Portuguese Cup, losing to rivals Benfica. But the truly amazing performance came in the Champions League, whereby the much unfancied Porto won the trophy, destroying AS Monaco in the final 3-0. On route to the final, Mourinho’s side beat the likes of Deportivo, Lyon and Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United.



Players become synonymous with teams, for example Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is known for players such as Thierry Henry and Cesc Fabregas, Alex Ferguson with Ryan Giggs and David Beckham, but it is dually noticed that Mourinho’s Porto side consisted of some of the best and relatively unknown players in Europe, with the likes of Benni McCarthy, Deco, Vitor Baia, Ricardo Carvalho, Derlei, Carlos Alberto, Maniche, Costinha all going on to play for many different successful clubs.



West London

After the final victory, it seemed the lure of the big European clubs was too much and English money machine Chelsea were the club of choice the coach who had took FC Porto to back to back league and European titles in just two seasons. Joining Chelsea in the summer of 2004, he aptly named himself “the special one”, the media followed, and the rest as they say; was history.

He immediately transferred Chelsea into a World Class side, taking them to their 1st ever Premiership title and 1st league title in 50 years, breaking all sorts of records in the process. The side collected the record of most Premiership points of 95, fewest number of goals conceded, 15, highest number of league wins, 29, and most clean sheets in a season with 25. In his second season at the club, as if a form of Marmite; people either hated him or loved him! he regained the Premiership, making it Chelsea’s 2nd title. He also helped Chelsea maintain an unbeaten home record (at 60 games when he left the club) that ended in 2008 with an astonishing 86 games.



In his time at the club he finalized the successful signings of the likes of Ricardo Carvalho, Michael Essien, Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou, Ashley Cole and Michael Ballack. The relatively average signings of Paulo Ferreira, Arjen Robben, and Shaun Wright-Phillips, and the poor signings of Tiago Mendes, Scott Parker, Mateja Kezman and of course Andriy Shevchenko. However Chelsea collected the 2005 Carling Cup, 2007 Carling Cup and 2007 FA Cup, while Mourinho left the club by mutual consent 2 months into the 2007/08 season.



New Beginnings

After a year away from the game, in the summer of 2008, Mourinho returned to football replacing Roberto Mancini as manager of Serie A Champions Inter Milan. He signed the likes of Sulley Muntari, Samuel Eto’o, Diego Milito and Wesley Sneijder, getting rid of Adriano, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Hernan Crespo and Julio Cruz, while losing Luis Figo to retirement. He guided them to the Serie A title for the 17th time, tying in second with rival AC Milan in the history books, and they also picked up the Super cup. This season they look on course for another title and a Champion’s League semi-final, as they knocked out former side Chelsea on route.



Should he be considered as one of the best managers in the World? Unquestionable. He has revolutionised the game with his methods, and ability. Known for his confidence (sometimes regarded as arrogance), attention to detail, psychological influence and winning mentality, he has amassed one of the best records in Europe. With his unforgettable quotes, and success he has been touted as a future Real Madrid, Manchester United or even Arsenal manager in the near future. No matter what the case he is definitely a manager, who is respected throughout the game, in which fellow professionals will look to emulate, and is one of the most sought after managers in the World.