Real Talk Football News – 24/11/2010

Since so much has happened in the past week, here’s a little update of what had been happening in the Football World.

We start with Arsenal, who went on to lose to Sporting Braga last night after they collapsed against Tottenham at the weekend. However Arsenal like to make things difficult for themselves in the Champions League, but should qualify from the group. Also they are just one win off the top spot, so all this negativity surrounding Wenger needs to be eased. A few players need to pull their weight more, but it’s not the end of the World.

Onto everyone’s favourite trouble maker; Luis Suarez. The talented Uruguayan has received a seven match ban for biting opposition PSV Eindhoven midfielder Otman Bakkal. The video of which can be seen below.



Wayne Rooney made his long awaited return for Manchester United, in a dull 2-0 win against Wigan. The striker apparently returned a stone lighter. Interesting to see how the England striker performs from now on.

Also Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey played 45minutes for the reserves on Tuesday afternoon against Wolves. The 19 year old broke his leg against Stoke in February. The first big step on the road to recovery which is welcome sign from many football fans.



In relegation battle news, West Ham have mutually terminated (if you will) the contract of Avram Grant’s assistant Zeljko Petrovic after he was branded out of touch and arrogant. His influence on the squad must have been a negative one, and his role was ended following the 3-0 defeat this Sunday.

He came out today though, with some heavy criticism of his own stating that; "Everybody has great words for the Premier League but it is a myth. The Premier League is a c*** league, it is nothing.” He went on to add "In truth the level is shocking. Every team has just three good players. If you take those players out of the teams then there are only players left who would not be playing in the bottom team in Holland. The Bundesliga is far better."

To be honest, no one even really knew this guy was here so I don’t think anyone cares he left, or what his opinion is.

Finally, FIFA have posted their 10 nominees for “FIFA Puskas Award 2010” which celebrates the best goal from last season. There are ten wonder goals on the FIFA website, which can be viewed here; but this is my favourite. Take a bow son!

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

PFA Awards - Premier League

PFA PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARDS

The Professional Football Association has named their shortlist for both the Young Player of the Year, and most importantly the Player of the Year awards. Currently BBC have just solely concentrated on Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney, stating his is “among” the nominees. Affectively making him the favourite, and with nothing against Wayne Rooney or Man United, but why are the BBC acting as if they other players already don’t matter... a technique used in covering the 2010 World Cup so far, as if with Rooney, and Rooney alone, England will win the biggest trophy in football, while standing no chance without him... Anyways that another argument for another day, but for now let’s look at the candidates, in which you can cast your vote of who you think should win on the right hand side:

PFA Player of the Year

Didier Drogba

Age: 31
Club: Chelsea
Nationality: Ivorian



In case you missed my special on the star striker earlier this year, then click here. The stats speak for themselves; one of the best strikers in the World, and a vital cog in the Chelsea machine seemingly charging towards their third Premiership title. Drogba has led Chelsea to the FA Cup final; facing relegated Portsmouth, while the blues are currently sitting atop of the league, 6 points clear.

Here are his stats for this season:
Played: 28
Scored: 25
Assists: 8

Cesc Fabregas

Age: 22
Club: Arsenal
Nationality: Spanish



The Spanish midfielder has had his best season for the Gunners so far this year, and has finally progressed into the game changing player he needs in order to be considered World Class. He dragged Arsenal back from the death against Barcelona and was undoubtedly missed for the 2nd leg. He is currently the second highest scoring midfielder in the Premier League, behind Frank Lampard, and is one ahead of the Chelsea player in the Assist rankings. The Arsenal number four’s season came to an abrupt end after he fractured his leg against Barcelona, but still had a significant enough impact to lead the Gunners to a Champions League spot and a top 3 finish in the Premiership.

Here are his stats for this season:
Played: 27
Scored: 15
Assists: 13

Wayne Rooney

Age: 24
Club: Manchester United
Nationality: English



The England striker has had his best ever season so far as a player, scoring a total of 34 goals in 41 games, with 29 coming in the league. Even though Manchester United only look to be collecting the Carling Cup this season, it’s clear he’s filled Cristiano Ronaldo’s boots since his departure to Real Madrid, and is now the key man at Old Trafford.

Here are his stats for this season:
Played: 29
Scored: 26
Assists: 3

Carlos Tevez

Age: 26
Club: Manchester City
Nationality: Argentinean



What can be said about the temperamental Argentinean? Sparked up rivalries between himself and Ferguson, the two sides of Manchester, himself and Gary Neville, and then his Man City “Team Bridge” against John Terry’s Chelsea! The man has been involved in everything this season. However to the most important matter regarding Tevez, his performances on the pitch. Brought in by Mark Hughes, he flourished under Roberto Mancini, scoring 22 goals in 30 games, with 7 assists; carry Man City’s charge to 4th and final Champions League place.

Here are his stats for this season:
Played: 30
Scored: 22
Assists: 7

PFA Young Player of the Year

Joe Hart

Age: 23
Club: Birmingham City (On loan from Manchester City)
Nationality: English



The third Englishman on the list, and currently one of the best goalkeepers in the league. According to ESPN.com Hart has played 32 Premier League games this season, making 118 saves and keeping 9 clean sheets. He already has one full international cap for England and is expected to compete for the number one spot in the near future.

Here are his stats for this season:
Played: 32
Clean Sheets: 9

James Milner

Age: 24
Club: Aston Villa
Nationality: English



Milner has been excellent for Aston Villa, helping his side reach the FA Cup semi final and the Carling Cup final. Also Villa were fighting a Champions league spot, but a Europa League spot looks a lot more realistic. Milner is also expected to be in the 23 man squad heading to South Africa later this year.

Here are his stats for this season:
Played: 31
Scored: 5
Assists: 12

Cesc Fabregas

Age: 22
Club: Arsenal
Nationality: Spanish



See above for more, but the 22 year old Arsenal Captain has been excellent for the Gunners this season.

Wayne Rooney

Age: 24
Club: Manchester United
Nationality: English



See above for more, but at the age of 24 can he still be considered young? Either or, he is up for both and deservedly so.

Who do you feel should win the awards? Click to vote on the right or leave a comment below

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

Wayne Rooney: The King of Manchester

With the Didier Drogba post earlier this week, many fans were unhappy at the Chelsea star being proclaimed as the best striker in the world. So in response to those fans; here is Real Talk Football’s tribute to the King of Manchester Wayne Rooney.

Born in Liverpool, the youngster joined the Everton youth team at the age of 10 and made his way through the youth ranks until bursting onto the scene in 2002 scoring a wonder strike against then champions Arsenal, in a game that saw break the record for the youngest player ever to score in the Premier League (later surpassed by James Milner then by Everton’s James Vaughan). During his impressive cameo appearances, Rooney rarely gave interviews citing his aim to stay out of the media spotlight.

He then continued to be impressive for Everton, earning him an International call up that saw him become England’s youngest ever player (surpassed by Arsenal’s Theo Walcott) and England’s youngest ever goal scorer, as well as lighting up the Euro 2004 Championships.



After two seasons with his boyhood club Everton, making 67 appearances and scoring 15 goals, at the age of 18, Rooney turned down a three year contract offer from the Toffee’s as well as a transfer to Newcastle United by opting to sign with Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United. The fee was a modest £25.6million, making it the highest transfer fee ever paid for a player under the age of 20. He scored at Hat trick on his debut in the Champions League match against Turkish side Fenerbahce in September 2004. He finished his first season with the PFA Young Player of the Year award.


In his second season he won the 2006 League cup, scoring 2 goals in a 4-0 win over Wigan, in which Rooney was named man of the match. He and Manchester United finished runners-up in the league, scoring 19 goals in 48 appearances.

In the 2006/07 season, was Rooney’s best so far, netting 23 times in 50 appearances helping Manchester United win the Premier League title, his first, and help United to the Champions League Semi-Final.


Season 2007/08 was a injury impacted season for the youngster, whose progression into a real star player, saw him switch to the Number 10 shirt from number 8. He broke his metatarsal in his right foot, same as which saw him drop out of the Euro 2004 Quarter-Final match against Portugal. However this did not deter the player who went on to win the Premiership and Champions League to complete an emphatic double, scoring 18 goals in 42 appearances.


In the 08/09 season, Rooney started by helping the Red Devils win the FIFA World Club Cup and went on to take his tally to 20 goals in 49 appearances, continuing his excellent form and helping Manchester United retain the Premiership title.

With the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, the 2009/10 season was expected to be difficult for Manchester United however Wayne Rooney has performed superbly so far this season. Highlights include scoring all 4 goals in the 4-0 win over Hull, scoring winners against Arsenal, as well as scoring a vital last minute winner against bitter rivals Man City in the Carling Cup semi-final, taking United to Wembley. At the age of 24, Rooney has scored 23 times in 31 appearances so far this season and receiving plaudits from Managers all over Europe.



Rooney, a fan favourite, blessed with power and strength, along with excellent shooting ability and a great team work ethic, the Manchester United star is a future captain at Old Trafford and will definitely collect many honours for years to come. Expect the England star to maintain his title as the King of Manchester, and progress to take the title as the King of Europe, maybe even King of the World.

This is Real Talk Football’s Tribute to Wayne Rooney

Three Classic Goals

Gerrard...




ROOOOOOOONEY!!!!




Robin Van Persie... Greatest Premiership Goal Ever?