Utd Way #1

all this inside!

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united’s new identity •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Carrick: unsung hero •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

king eric’s top 5 moments •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

phil jones: what’s next?

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LOU MACARI 70s United hero speaks about his time as a Red

TQ’S WESTSIDE CONNECTION •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

PLAYER FOCUS: VAN PERSIE •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

UNITED’S ENGLISH SPINE •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

ISSUE #1 - JANUARY 2015

CONTENTS Januzaj: A special year Love of United Carrick: The unsung hero Can it happen?

Fergie & Rooney’s relationship Match Reviews Cantona’s Top 5 Moments Missing no. 11 Phil Jones: What next for the United defender?

TQ bleeds Red United’s New Identity United’s English Spine Key Player Focus: RVP Key Player Focus: Kevin Strootman Hipster Fan Lou Macari From Ajax to Manchester: Daley Blind Ronaldo: Love him or hate him Danny Welbeck: No big loss to United?

Where David Moyes went wrong Louis Van Gaal: Review so far

Special thanks to some of our writers...

Param Patel Adam Asma Ryan Johnson Mark Potter Miles Dunton Charlie Mills utdreport.com team And our editors...

Karam Adam Basey Disclaimer: Utd Way is an independent Manchester United fanzine that is not affiliated with Manchester United Football Club. This is a not-for-profit magazine. All proceeds made from this issue will be used for the maintenance and upkeep of the magazine. If it is felt that any copyright laws or ownership contracts have been breached and a complaint as such is received, we’ll try our best to remove the content immediately. All content belongs to Utd Way unless otherwise is stated. Utd Way is not responsible for services provided in advertisements. All images used have either been labeled for reuse or modified.

All stats used in articles are correct as of December 2014.

adnan januzaj: a special year

Labelled by many at Old Trafford as the next ‘big thing’, the 19-year-old star from Belgium has had quite an unforgettable year for both club and country.

After making his competitive debut for Manchester United in the Community Shield against Wigan Athletic on the 11th August 2013, Adnan Januzaj was then included in the first-team for their tour of Asia where he impressed manager at the time, David Moyes. The youngster was then given his first opportunity to showcase his talent in the Premier League after Moyes brought him on as a second-half substitute against Crystal Palace.

A few months later he made his full debut in the league against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Trailing 1-0 inside the opening five minutes, Adnan then started the Red Devils fight back in the 54th minute after a neat finish past Keiren Westwood to bring them back on level terms. Around six minutes later the travelling away supporters witnessed something rather extraordinary, the young Belgian showed superb technique to hit an exquisite volley into the bottom corner which put Manchester United into the lead.

The game as we all remembered

ended 2-1 to the reds, all thanks to a Regarding his new contract, Januzaj skinny lad from Brussels. went on to say; It was already evident that after the game against Sunderland, Adnan Januzaj had instantly become a fan favourite amongst the old Trafford faithful.

Since then Adnan didn’t look back, consistently performing at a high standard which brought in a great deal of interest from the bigger clubs which meant United had to act quickly. Just a couple of weeks after his MOTM performance against Sunderland, the Red devils signed the teenager to a five-year-contract which would keep him at Old Trafford until June 2018.

“It’s a great thrill to be able to sign for Manchester United.

Since arriving here I have always felt like this was the right club for me. It’s like a dream, I want to work hard now and establish myself as a Manchester United player.”

Personality of the Year, where at the time of selection he had only played in 10 games for the Reds.

United’s 2013/14 season was hampered by injuries to many key players which was why the introduction of Januzaj to the first-team was sooner than many around Old Trafford expected, his debut in the UEFA Champions League however came later than most people anticipated. After not being registered in time since he was originally left out of the squad, Adnan had to wait until the third group game against Real Sociedad to be available for selection. He didn’t however make his debut in the competition until the last group game against Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk. His superb 2013 was topped off by being nominated for the BBC Young Sports

Few months into 2014 and Adnan was still exciting the supporters, countless good performances week in week out left several fans wondering which country he’d choose to represent at International level.

Adnan at the time had numerous possibilities which included the likes of Turkey, Belgium and Albania.

The previous year Adnan had apparently refused to play for Belgium’s U18-19 side. After months of thinking he eventually did choose Marc Wilmots’ Belgium side towards the end of April. On the 13th of May Adnan received the news that he had been included in Marc Wilmots preliminary 24-man squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup that was being held in Brazil. Adnan played in a warm-up game prior to the World Cup, he then made his competitive debut for Belgium on the biggest stage of all against South Korea in their final group match. It was an experience that Adnan would never forget.

Adnan ended the season with a total of 4 goals as well as 3 assists, his stats were almost identical to a certain Portuguese winger who made his debut for Manchester United in 2003, Cristiano Ronaldo.

This is what started many comparisons between the two and whether Adnan was to become the ‘next Ronaldo’.

Before his 2014/15 season got underway, Adnan was handed the iconic number 11 shirt previously worn by the legend that is Ryan Giggs. It was a huge honour for Adnan as he mentioned weeks later in an interview:

‘I was really happy to get the number of such a legend and it was a really big deal for me’ Such an iconic shirt comes with enormous pressure since many of the Old Trafford supporters are expecting a lot more from Adnan after his terrific debut season. So far it hasn’t quite clicked for Adnan, new additions to the squad have limited his playing time under new boss Louis van Gaal. Adnan nevertheless has put in a few good performances for the reds this season, Chelsea being the stand out fixture where he had an excellent game. The game against West Bromwich Albion however was where Adnan received a tremendous amount of stick from the United supporters after his performance, mainly on social media.

Many fans after the game saying ‘he’s finished’ and ‘there’s no hope’, well let me tell you something.

Adnan is still only NINETEEN years of age and has plenty of time to improve his overall game and I’m positive he will. Every player has their bad games or goes on a terrible run of form, it’s just part of the beautiful game. However this period will only make Adnan learn and ultimately become a much better footballer. He certainly has the potential to become one of the best, his quality is clear to see as he’s shown on numerous occasions last season.

Don’t give up just yet, the best of Adnan Januzaj is still yet to come.

LOVE OF UNITED If you have ever watched old footage from the bygone days of ‘Association Football’ as it was called, you might wonder if those days have gone forever. On the black and white filmed terraces with cap, fag, rattle and scarf, would be thousands upon thousands, cheering on their boys, United or Derby, Bolton or Preston, or another, supporting their club, their team.

In the days when L S Lowry was painting his old satanic mill scenes, with boots and clogs marching in unison, these were the people who kept them going.

Historically, I remember it was said of Sir Matt Busby that when he talked to his team or his new United recruits, he would make the point that the 90 minutes on a Saturday was what the supporters lived and breathed for, Old Trafford was their cathedral. That might sound a bit over dramatic but Sir Matt was not blind to the fact that the majority of supporters had very difficult demanding jobs and this was their escape from the drudgery of daily, even weekly life.

singing all dancing’ footie world of today, and see similarities not governed by the signs of the times.

What then can we say about what for some might be the dystopian football world of the past, and the utopian football package of the modern game? What are the common football denominators which link the modern supporter to their bygone brothers and sisters?

First, most commonly, the football club you support is mostly ingrained Sir Matt and others of his generation in you at birth, in Latin (‘in vitro’), were very aware of what the game depending on the family you are Trying to marry up those football meant to the soul of the community born into, and the country you days with todays Sky/BT Sport and the soul of the individual. Bill call home. Although there are extravaganza, off merchandise, Shankly’s often quoted, “Some occasions which break this rule, players wages, and TV packages people believe football is a matter the “I supported Manchester is not all that easy, and if, as the of life and death, I am very United because my Dad supported sociologists argue, football was disappointed with that attitude. I can Manchester City” or similar, does back then the working class game, assure you it is much, much more happen, and must be recognised, surely the same could not be argued important than that” seems to sum but I do not believe it is overtly today. In the pre-Internet, YouTube, it up rather nicely. predominant.

Twitter, Smartphone world, the point could be made that there was As an old ‘Stretford Ender’ and Secondly, no matter which club very little else on offer back then lifelong Manchester United you finally end up supporting, you in the world of entertainment for supporter I believe certain take on a shared, almost symbiotic the working man or woman. In the fundamentals remain the same no identity. This symbiosis produces main that might be true, but only if matter what football era is under loyalty of a kind rarely matched your compass is set firmly in today’s the football microscope. That it is not only in other sports but also in world. possible to cut through the seeming life itself. The Old Trafford banner bleakness of the past and the ‘all frequently seen that reads ‘United,

Kids, Wife’, may for some have a touch of humour in it , and for others, a touch of truth.

Another overworked word, but surely one where football’s past and present are bonded together, is of course, passion; passion with a capital P. This passion for your team, your club, can send you to the next town or the next continent. It is all consuming, all engrossing and totally unpredictable. It is a little like the result of any particular football match, in that its outcome can be predicted but never defined.

The memorial and passionate words of Tommy Docherty on the day of the Southampton defeat, that, “United would be back in the FA Cup Final the following year”, echoed in the ears of all United fans that day, making the win against Liverpool even more special, if that indeed was at all possible for United supporters.

The highs and lows, season in, season out, the new players, the old worn out players, the promising players, the past it players, the old manager, the new manager, are all part and parcel of the club you United fans can compare, for support, they are family. Once a club example, the depression they felt is in your blood, thats it, and there when Manchester United lost to is not a lot you can do about it. I Southampton 1-0 in the 1976 F A believe this has ever been the case Cup Final. Then remember the and for the true supporter ever will absolute elation they felt only a year be. later when United beat Liverpool 2-1 in the FA Cup Final of 1977.

The modern invention of the ‘friendship scarfs’, even the recently When of all things, a mishit shot seen ‘friendship shirt’ is to be totally from ‘skip to the Lou’ Macari, went honest, commercial prostitution, of gloriously past goalkeeper Ray the worst kind. Modern words like Clemence in the Liverpool goal, off ‘customers’ and ‘project’ should be the beautiful red shirt of the lovely excised from the football lexicon as Jimmy Greenhoff. (See what I mean soon as possible, unfortunately, I about passion?) fear, they are here to stay.

Today’s football era is a far cry from the ghosts we see flickering in old footage on YouTube, and that of course is development and growth and in the main is mostly a good thing. I say ‘mostly’ here because there is also a side to modern football that is utterly commercialised, as in the two words I have just underlined, and probably as you know, none more so than at Manchester United, but that is a different story for a different day.

We, as supporters watch ‘Association Football’ because, for whatever reason we love it, and we in particular support Manchester United, like our fathers and mothers and their fathers and mothers before them. So the next time you see those old black and white images of football supporters with their cloth caps, fags, rattles and scarfs, remember the things that bind us all as football fans are as true today as ever they were and not the many years that separate us.

MICHAEL CARRICK THE UNSUNG HERO Now, you may be thinking that you’ve already seen an article on Michael Carrick, how underrated he is and so on. That’s probably correct. You’re also probably thinking that we’ve already established that he is a very vital player. Incorrect. So, what’s this article for?

It’s pretty straightforward. He’s still very much the underrated player he has been for the best part of the last 8 years.

It still remains to this day and age, that Michael Carrick is an unsung hero at Manchester United.

An incredibly underrated individual, which comes as a massive surprise, seeing he is an England international. Rewind back to the Sir Alex Ferguson era, the last year of his reign. Manchester United are set to be presented with the Premier League trophy – a day of celebration and goodbyes. Sir Alex Ferguson is bowing out to the Old Trafford faithful.

A tad unfamiliar chant rings around Old Trafford.

It goes, “It’s Carrick you know, hard to believe it’s not Scholes.” Perhaps it’s only 10 words, but in that moment and time, it spoke volumes. The fans had finally learnt to appreciate Michael Carrick, for who he was, for the player he was. And no, he wasn’t Paul Scholes, and neither is he now, and never was he at any point of his career. He was finally himself.

He wasn’t a goal-scorer. You’re not going to see him making a late run into the box and bang one in.

And as good as his passing is, he’s not going to control a game like a Paul Scholes in his latter days.

He’s not the best tackler of the ball you’re ever going to see. But the fact was he was finally allowed to be himself. Not Paul Scholes, not Xavi, not Pirlo. He had blossomed into the player we all expected him to be.

The job he does, on paper, is very simple. And it looks it too. He lets others shine and take the praise, while he himself quietly stands doing his job. It really is effortless. Carrick sits in front of the back four. He protects it. He spreads the ball out from left to right.

Simple, but effective. It’s one thing, doing something simple. But to do something simple and do it very well, is something that many on this planet find difficult. “Little things make perfection, but perfection

is not a small thing”, is perhaps the most fitting way to put it. And make no mistake, Carrick is far from perfect. But the simple things that Carrick does are ever so vital to this United side.

He was, arguably, our best player in the 2012/2013 season. We bought Van Persie who inevitably won us the league, and he was absolutely world class, but the work Carrick did mustn’t go unnoticed. In fact, he played the most forward passes in Europe that season. Now, you may think that the statistic is pretty irrelevant, but it really isn’t. It was the basis of most of our attacks. Carrick would pick up the ball from deep, and drill it into Van Persie (whose hold up play is brilliant) or ping a ball out wide and stretch the opposition’s defence. Once again, this is something that sounds extremely easy, but having the vision and the footballing knowledge to do what Michael Carrick does is outstanding.

There are some things that you can’t teach in football.

‘Instinct’, they call it. Michael Carrick is one of the most intelligent footballers you’re likely to see. He has a footballing brain. He intercepts and breaks up play. He’s composed, and is one of the best passers of the ball in the league. He’s loved by the players that play ahead of him, as he does his job of protecting the back four so, so well, that they have more space to roam, create, and score goals.

Michael Carrick’s contract comes to an end in the summer, although there is an option for an extra year. He faces stiff competition for a place in the starting eleven, and an injury suffered during pre-season certainly did no favours. However, he seems to be very much in Louis Van Gaal’s plans, and will be a vital figure for the rest of the season. He’d definitely be a valuable member for any side.

Written by Param Patel, for UtdReport.com

CAN IT HAPPEN? It’s been 6 Years since ‘Viva Ronaldo’ was the cry from the Manchester United faithful in Moscow, when this glorious club lifted the Champions League for the third time in 2008.

We had one of the best attacking sides in the world with Ronaldo, Rooney and Tevez, which was supported by one of the best defensive partnerships of all time with Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic not letting anything get past them.

However in 2014, currently Man United have another star-studded attack with Robin Van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao, you could argue that this attack is much more stronger than our previous one in 2008.

Every Manchester United fan knows how important it is to qualify for the Champions League this season and with the players we have, we stand a strong chance of doing this.

And with the fast flowing counter attacking football that Manchester United always possesses this shall make us a huge threat against the European sides.

However the main debate of my article is whether we can have an immediate effect on the tournament and can we challenge the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich and potentially be the winners of the tournament once again.

Don’t forget that Juan Mata has a point to prove in Europe as he hasn’t had the chance to show his ability on the European stage for Man United and perhaps with the way that the European teams play, the pace is much more suited to his game.

The answer is yes, should we qualify for the Champions League then there is definitely going to be more arrivals in terms of new signings because majority of the players these days are demanding Champions League football and also with the fact that the star names we currently have now will gel much more as a team and the progress as a whole is looking very encouraging.

Overall I would say that Manchester United are potentially a world class Centre Back and a world class Defensive Midfielder away from becoming the complete team that can win Europe’s most prestigious competition or succeed immediately such as reaching the last four.

FERGIE & ROONEY’S Wayne Rooney has come out and praised his former manager, Sir Alex Ferguson saying he will always be grateful for the faith shown in him by Ferguson when Rooney was signed from Everton ten years ago for £30m.

Rooney in an interview on MUTV described his former boss as an “incredible person and manager” who has had an important impact on his career.

Rooney told MUTV: “He has been vitally important.

I’m grateful to him for having the faith to bring me in from Everton. “I think that he’s an incredible person and manager, the way you see his desire for the game. He certainly helped me a lot and helped us all. “At the time, I was coming into the squad as a young lad and there were a few other young lads.

He brought all that together and made us world club champions. I’m very grateful for everything that he’s done.”

Forgive me for being cynical here but let us rewind a few years back to October 2010 when the love between Rooney and Sir Alex started to fade. Rooney out of the blue spectacularly came out and said he wanted to leave Old Trafford saying ‘I met with (chief executive) David Gill last week and he did not give me any of the assurances I was seeking about the future squad,’ I then told him that I would not be signing a new contract.’

It is understood that Rooney was seeking to double his £100,000 a week deal, but he insists that trophies – not cash – was behind his decision.

Rooney sighted United`s neighbours, City, spending cash on big name players and that United were not prepared to match City`s desire and therefore not his own.

Rooney went on to say in what appeared to be an ill advised statement “Despite recent difficulties, I know I will always owe Sir Alex Ferguson a huge debt. He is a great manager and mentor who has helped and supported me from the day he signed me from Everton when I was only 18.

“For Manchester United’s sake I wish he could go on forever because he’s a one off and a genius.”

After the initial shock of Rooney appearing to want out of Old Trafford and putting on a charm offensive with Fergie, praising him but still wanting out, Rooney signed another improved contract with United only a few days later. Clearly this was the start of the breakdown in relations between Rooney and Ferguson. This willingness to leave the club and challenge the hierarchy at Old Trafford would be the

RELATIONSHIP start of the love/hate relationship between player and manager.

During his ten years at United, Rooney has won five Premier League titles, One Champions League, playing in three finals, one Fifa world club title and Two League Cups. Individually, he has won young player of the year and player of the year awards and was voted fifth in the Ballon d`or award.

It has been a rocky road in the last ten years for Rooney, on and off the pitch. Sir Alex has bemoaned the players fitness levels on a number of occasions and had utilised Rooney in a number of different positions within the team, but throughout the on/off field issues like his marriage problems, his smoking, his foul mouthed rants in front of the cameras for England in the world cup and after scoring a hat trick for United at West Ham, Ferguson has stuck by his talisman.

Things came to what appeared breaking point in Ferguson`s last season when Rooney did not start against Real Madrid in the knockout stage of the Champions League. This was around the time he was being asked to play deeper and sometimes out wide. When United won the Premier League that season, Rooney clearly did not want to be at Old Trafford on the last home game of the season when United lifted the trophy. He sulked around the pitch when receiving his medal and did not take part in the celebrations like any of the other players.

So Rooney is still at Old Trafford, captain of the club now, one of the long established players, most probably going to be the clubs all time goalscorer, yet there is a strong feeling within the supporters that you either love him or hate him. Many do not like the fact he is still at the club and earning so much money after twice wanting out of the club, rumoured to want to join City the first time in 2010 and Chelsea the second time in 2013.

There is no doubting his talent, when he retires he will have won most domestic accolades there is to win. Yet there is always a feeling in people`s minds that he will jump ship at the first chance. How long before he wants to earn more money? How long before he has his nose pushed out by bigger more

high profile players like Di Maria and Falcao? Will he clash with his current manager Louis Van Gaal, who is another strong character like Ferguson? Or maybe, just maybe, he has grown up and appreciates what he has at United and will stay around to become one of our all time legends.

MATCH REVIEWs Manchester United match reviews from selected games in the first half of the 2014/15 season.

United vs qpr united vs chelsea united vs everton arsenal vs united yeovil vs united SO’TON VS UNITED

MATCH REVIEW UNITED 4 QPR 0 Di Maria (24), Herrera (36), Rooney (44), Mata (58)

There was a real buzz around Old Trafford on this September afternoon in Manchester. Rio Ferdinand was returning to the mecca he patrolled with such poise in a 12 year spell that was laced with silverware. This however was to be all about United’s new recruits with home debuts for Angel di Maria, Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind.

United started brightly as they were cheered on by an expectant Old Trafford crowd, dominating possession with Blind at the base of the diamond pulling the strings and feeding the ever available Di Maria.

It was United’s new number seven who opened the scoring when his wicked free kick evaded everyone and found the far corner of the net on twenty four minutes - United’s new hero had arrived.

United made it two in the thirty sixth minute when the explosive Di Maria ran the length of the pitch, and fed Rooney who set up Ander Herrera for his first United goal. The Spaniard finished with a low drive into the bottom corner.

The first half scoring wasn’t over as Herrera and Mata combined smartly just before half time and feeding captain Rooney on the edge

of the box, who finished clinically to effectively kill the game.

Angel di Maria’s cross-shot found Juan Mata, who made it four on fifty eight minutes. There was a half chance for Niko Kranjcar which David De Gea repelled smartly with his feet and further United chances for substitutes Adnan Januzaj and Falcao before the end.

The Old Trafford faithful had been singing Falcao’s name all afternoon and nearly got what they wanted when Blind’s long-range shot was only pushed out as far as Falcao, but Rob Green recovered to smother the Colombian’s effort.

The home crowd were left delighted with the feeling Louis Van Gaal’s project was starting to take shape.

MUFC 18 9 3 69% 11 1 0

STATS SHOTS ON TARGET CORNERS possession FOULS YELLOWS REDS

QPR 9 2 1 31% 8 0 0

Attendance 75,355 Referee Phil Dowd

MATCH REVIEW UNITED 1 CHELSEA 1 Van Persie (90+3)

Drogba (52)

Cometh the moment cometh the man. That man being a certain Robin van Persie; a man that some quarters of Manchester United’s world wide fan base thought was past his sell by date, at the end of his time at Old Trafford.

Some were even saying that he should be dropped when Wayne Rooney returned from suspension or even off loaded in the January transfer window.

Well, in the 94th minute, against Chelsea, he answered those doubters with his sublime left foot finish to rescue a point and send the fans inside the Theatre of Dreams into raptures, and judging by van Persie’s team mates joyous reaction, they enjoyed it too. So relief all round that the mentor didn’t lose against his pupil.

Van Gaal and Mourinho hugged at the start and at the end of a match that quite frankly either team could have won. But I believe a point shared is a fair result. Before the match I think most of us would have been praying for a win but would have taken the point.

So Robin van Persie brought the house down but a very special mention should go to Marouane

Fellaini, who has not enjoyed the easiest of rides at United but after his goal at West Bromwich Albion he looks to have been given a new lease of life and played by far his best game for the Red Devils.

From Di Maria’s free kick it was Fellaini’s header towards goal that the Chelsea keeper could only clear into the path of van Persie who did the rest. Fellaini’s all round game in the heart of midfield was great to watch as his height was a key factor against the shorter opposition. I sincerely hope that he continues his fine form for the upcoming matches.

Overall, the match was a game of tactics that had no winner not only in the teams but also from the managers. There is obviously a mutual respect between van Gaal and Mourinho which was very clear to see.

Without both being able to pick their first choice strikers, Rooney and Falcao for United and Costa and Remy for Chelsea, striking tactics went out of the window. So there was never going to be a hat full of goals as most of the play was stuck in midfield. As a spectacle I think both teams did well to keep the watching millions happy.

MUFC 17 7 4 52% 13 3 0

STATS SHOTS ON TARGET CORNERS POSSESSION FOULS YELLOWS REDS

CFC 7 4 7 48% 14 5 1

Attendance 75,327 Referee Phil Dowd

Drogba did his best to keep up his record against United and Eden Hazard proved that he, like Di Maria, is a world class talent. Hazard would have scored when he was clean through on goal if it wasn’t for the brilliance once again of David De Gea. The resulting corner caught United napping and Drogba unfortunately benefitted from that with a header, which van Persie should have done better with on the line.

Generally, I thought United played well during the match as a unit, and the philosophy of van Gaal is slowly seeping through to the players, at last.

I predict after watching the other teams over the weekend that finishing in the Top Four, even the top three is going to happen, but as regards finishing as Champions, let’s judge after another three months. All credit to the United players for finally keeping going until the end and not letting themselves, the manager and most importantly the fans down. @milesdunton

MATCH REVIEW UNITED 2 EVERTON 1 Di Maria (27), Falcao (62)

Naismith (55)

‘Big Dave saves’ - Never have I heard something so fitting. David De Gea stole the show at Old Trafford in United’s first test against one of the ‘big team’s’ as he made 3 vital saves including a penalty stop and a last minute tip over the crossbar.

His saves, as well as Di Maria and Falcao’s goals saw Van Gaal’s team move into 4th place, for what seemed like the first time in ages, with a 2-1 victory.

Angel Di Maria had scored his 3rd goal in his first five matches before Baines saw his penalty stopped just before half-time, the first time he’s failed to convert a Premier League spot kick. Radamel Falcao scored his first goal in the Premier League in the 62nd minute, a quick response to Naismith’s headed equaliser just after the second half kicked off. De Gea denied Everton a point with 2 marvellous and acrobatic second half saves, guiding United to successive victories for the first time this season.

Wayne Rooney’s suspension resulted in a change of captain for Louis Van Gaal’s side and he picked Robin Van Perise, who captained Holland to 3rd in the World Cup under LVG. Juan Mata started in place of Rooney and found it difficult to get into the game despite an

assist. The same could be said for interim captain Van Persie who also had an average game. Another addition to the Manchester United starting XI was Antonio Valencia who replaced the injured Ander Herrera. Toni had a good game in midfield and defended well when needed but didn’t produce any kind of threat going forward; this is almost the opposite to Luke Shaw’s impact who was a constant threat down the left hand side but played Naismith onside for the leveller as well as giving away a cheap penalty.

Di Maria, continued his fine form since moving to Old Trafford from Real Madrid in the summer, put United ahead after a smart curling finish to Tim Howard’s left from

MUFC 15 4 11 48% 18 4 0

STATS SHOTS ON TARGET CORNERS POSSESSION FOULS YELLOWS REDS

eFC 10 6 6 52% 11 3 0

Attendance 75,294 Referee Kevin Friend

Mata’s cute pass. Howard was soon flinging himself to the left again, this time turning Di Maria’s deflected free-kick over the crossbar. Everton responded and began to get a foothold in the match. In the few seconds before half time, Luke Shaw hacked down Tony Hibbert to award Leighton Baines a gift on the stroke of half time. Leighton Baines stepped up to convert his 15th penalty in the Premier League but was denied by a super save from De Gea. Radamel Falcao both scored and saved a shot off of the line for Manchester United, scoring his first goal in English football. He got off the mark with a cheeky finish from Di Maria’s failed shot before running

to the corner flag to celebrate in front of the United faithful.

Louis Van Gaal: “It was a very good first half, like against West Ham. We created lots of chances but in the first half we only scored one goal from all those chances. Then we got a penalty given against us.

Everton hadn’t created any chances until the last minute of the half, but fortunately De Gea stops the penalty.

“David De Gea was fantastic today.

When there are a lot of players in front of you your view is not so good as a goalkeeper. When the shot comes in from outside the box it is always at the last moment that you see the ball, but his reflexes are very good.”

“Then the second half was easier to play against Everton because they wanted to equalise, so we had to keep the ball. But we couldn’t do that. I made substitutions to help our organisation but despite my changes it was not better because in the last 15 minutes they created three big chances.

“I have told the players, we are not playing well but we are fourth in the table. What is coming when we play well?”

MATCH REVIEW ARSENAL 1 UNITED 2 Giroud (90+4)

Gibbs OG (56), Rooney (85)

In a week that started so badly with United players falling like flies with injury after injury has ended on an incredible high with a victory over Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal in their own backyard. Before Louis van Gaal’s pre match press conference on Thursday, the concern was what team he would put out against Arsenal.

Louis van Gaal opted to pick three centre backs, in Chris Smalling, Tyler Blackett and Paddy McNair with Shaw and Valencia playing as wing backs alongside Carrick and Fellaini in the central midfield.

It was great to see Fellaini not react to Wilshere’s deliberate attempt to wind him up, in fact Wilshere should have at least been given a yellow for headbutting Fellaini’s chest. Di Maria, Rooney and van Persie were given the task of helping out defend and look for the chance on the counter attack.

As expected Arsenal, playing at home, spent the first half attacking, but like other opponents this season they couldn’t find a way past the ever impressive United keeper David De Gea. He is literally saving United’s season game after game and surely

AFC 23 9 11 58% 12 2 0

STATS SHOTS ON TARGET CORNERS POSSESSION FOULS YELLOWS REDS

MUFC 12 2 5 42% 8 1 0

Attendance 60,074 Referee Mike Dean

it’s time to squash the transfer rumours and tie him down to a new contract. Where would the team be without him?

endured a torrid time with the fans and critics this season, could hold his head up high. The discipline payed dividends in the second half.

Losing Shaw to an ankle injury was another blow, but following this United showed a discipline rarely seen this season, especially at the back, and stood tall and resolute against the Gunners.

Two goals, the first an own goal by Gibbs and the winner from Rooney, all but put Arsenal out of the match even though they managed a consolation strike at the end, De Gea did manage to get a hand to it.

Once again McNair impressed in defence. In the four games he has started United have won all four, and partnered with someone with more experience he will become a steadfast at the back. Blackett also played well if not a little nervous at times, and even Smalling, who has

As the match went on you could sense the growing frustration in the stadium with some home fans calling for Wenger to be sacked. Di Maria could and should have settled it before Arsenal scored, but fluffed his shot.

Di Maria and Rooney ran all day and created the few chances that fell to the team, in fact this was Di Maria’s best match for a while. Robin van Persie had a difficult time, booed by the home fans and starved of service he was substituted and replaced by James Wilson, who didn’t put a foot wrong.

It was a smash and grab raid type of match but 3 points at the end of the day is what’s important.

Wayne Rooney’s goal means that he is the highest scorer against Arsenal in the history of the Premier League, and he took his chance supremely well, something that Danny Welbeck couldn’t do for the Gunners, confirming what van Gaal has said repeatedly: that he was sold because he simply wasn’t good enough for Utd. To see an elated van Gaal in his post match interview was a sign that

he knows his philosophy is finally paying dividends. He chose a team out of necessity and they nullified the threat of Arsenal, especially their stand out player, Sanchez.

So a big well done to the team for giving the fans something to shout about, it’s still early days in the

van Gaal revolution, but the signs are there that they are starting to believe in the manager’s system.

So, this was at last United’s first away win of the season and the second win on the trot, it moved the team up into 4th place in the league.

MATCH REVIEW YEOVIL 0 UNITED 2 Herrera (64), Di Maria (90)

The last time Manchester United won the oldest cup competition in world football was back in 2004. On that day only one player from the present United squad collected a winners medal, Darren Fletcher.

So, for most of the players facing Yeovil Town today this was new territory. A walk around the museum at Old Trafford would enlighten the players as to how United hold this cup close to their hearts, sharing the record with Arsenal of 11 wins.

The romance of the competition continued this season as United were picked to play away at Yeovil Town from League 1. David versus Goliath. However, on this occasion David failed to defeat the giant that is Man United.

A first half that lacked conviction from Man United. Again performing poorly away from home and making the bottom of the League 1 side look better than they are. Careless passing from the midfielders mixed with poor concentration, and again no confidence in the defence. At no point did United force the Yeovil keeper, Steer, into a save.

This was an embarrassing 45 minutes in which United looked

more intimidated than the home side.

YTFC 9 18 6 32% 13 1 0

STATS SHOTS ON TARGET CORNERS POSSESSION FOULS YELLOWS REDS

MUFC 4 5 4 68% 6 1 0

Attendance 9,264 Referee Craig Pawson

area, with his back to goal he turned and hit a delightful shot into the top corner from 20 yards, a brilliant strike and exactly what United needed to relax. The away fans went mad, with Herrera getting booked for his celebrations.

Changes would have to be made at half time by van Gaal or it could turn out to be another MK Dons nightmare. The substitutions were made at the beginning of the second half, not for tactical reasons, but as Angel di Maria finally settled the we would find out after the match tie in injury time, The Argentinian due to even more injuries. added the second as he raced onto a through ball and gave the Then in the 64th minute Herrera keeper no chance when one on scored a wonderful goal. Rooney one by chipping a shot into the net, started the move by squaring the breaking brave Yeovil hearts. ball to Fletcher, who in turn nearly lost possession, but the ball came to @milesdunton Herrera prowling on the edge of the

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Eric’s Top 5 moments It’s not easy to decide which moments to choose when we are talking about a player who’s been voted Man United’s best ever and arguably the Premier League’s most controversial character. A man whose madness at times matched his magic, yet this insatiable combination compelled a generation to stay forever obsessed with man known by many as King Eric. “66 was a great year for English football… Eric was born” was displayed on Nike billboards across the country in the nineties.

Although, slightly ‘tongue in cheek’ not many would disagree with the sentiment.

5

The Sunderland Chip (Dec ‘96) During a rare and short time when the headline writers were starting to suggest Cantona was out of form and under pressure, United faced Sunderland at Old Trafford during the traditionally difficult to navigate Christmas period. After two goals from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, one from Nicky Butt and an earlier Cantona penalty, United we’re out of sight leading 4-0. In the 79th minute Cantona received a firm pass from David May, he controlled the ball on the halfway line and swiveled passed two Sunderland players.

The mercurial Frenchman had his head up and was driving at goal, whilst evaluating his options at lightning speed. He played a neat one-two with Brian McClair to take another two opposing defenders out of the game. Then with seemingly nothing on, United’s number seven produced the most magnificent chip to beat Sunderland goalkeeper Lionel Perez and make it five, clipping the top of the left post on the way in. He turned around slowly as if to say “there is my answer” as he planted his feet and raised his arms in celebration.

4

FA Cup Final volley to sink the Scousers (May ‘96) After orchestrating United’s Premier League title with a relentless run of vital goals in the games that mattered, Cantona’s United had the chance for yet another Alex Ferguson league and cup double - a chance they would not pass up. Cantona had been the best player on the pitch, but the game seemed destined for extra time. When a David Beckham corner was punched clear in the 84th minute, it dropped to Cantona who from the edge of the box and off balance, was able to control his volley and fire it through a crowded area into the net. It was the icing on the cake for the football writer’s footballer of the year, who had now secured another double for his famous club.

3

The Comeback Celebration (Oct ‘95) After being banned from all football for nine months the stage was set for Cantona’s comeback. It was fitting that it would be on a Sunday afternoon at Old Trafford against Liverpool in front of the Sky TV cameras. Cantona had earlier set up Nicky Butt to give United an early lead but had been hit back by two Robbie Fowler goals. In the 68th minute Cantona raced onto a Nicky Butt tackle and fed Giggs who was bearing down on goal at some pace. United’s flying winger was derailed by a push in the box and a penalty was awarded. “Cometh the hour, cometh the man” said Martin Tyler as Cantona’s opportunity for immediate redemption was here. He stepped and calmly sent David James the wrong way to make it 2-2.

He then ran behind the goal and swung around the net pole in front of the United faithful to send them into a state of ecstasy and delivery a moment that would live long in the memory.

2

Seagulls. Sardines. Trawler. (Feb ‘95) When the FA threw the proverbial book at Cantona and handed him a nine month ban from all football activity, Cantona faced the world’s media to release a statement. Many expected an apology and a vow to curb his volatile temper. What they got was something very different. Cantona’s statement read the following: “When the seagulls follow the trawler, it is because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea, thank you very much.”

What was Cantona’s point? Well nobody will knows for certain, but it was aimed to provoke more questions than deliver answers. The enigmatic Frenchman had the room in the palm of his hand and produced another moment of poetry, only this time it was off the pitch.

1

Kung-Fu Kick (Jan ‘95) United needed to keep the pressure on Blackburn on a cold and windy January night at Selhurst Park. A ground shared with ‘The Crazy Gang’ was no bowling green. United wearing their revolutionary famous all black strip, were stuttering and finding it hard to find a way through against a resilient Crystal Palace. With the score goalless, two minutes into the second half Cantona and Palace defender Richard Shaw got into a tangle when chasing a long Peter Schmeichel kick. Cantona lost his cool and kicked out at Shaw right in front of the linesman who was flagging frantically. Referee Alan Wilkie was left with no choice but to send the Frenchman for an early bath. Cantona headed towards the tunnel past the home supporters, when all of a sudden, launched himself into a flying kick at one supporter who was stood in the crowd. Cantona’s right boot connected with a man wearing a leather jacket.

He then followed up with a right hook to the guy who was now in retreat mode and was then pulled away by United’s kit man Norman Davies, before being escorted down the tunnel. Cantona later said the protagonist insulted his family and an unprecedented lengthy ban duly followed for United’s talisman.

THE MISSING NUMBER 11

“I asked why it had changed as it wasn’t my decision and, because I’m a striker, the gaffer wanted me to have a nine in my number. So he has moved me up to 49. I could have been 99 in theory, but 49 was the closest one.” - James Wilson, explaining the mid-season switch in his shirt number.

So, apparently, the Dutch have a thing for “pure” football. Who knew, eh?

Anyway, if Louis van Gaal is so particular about shirt numbers and such, why not turn his attention to another young Red? And this chap is wearing arguably the secondmost iconic of Manchester United jerseys.

Step forth, number 11, Adnan Januzaj.

The young Belgian’s rise to fame can only be described as meteoric, one of arguably the only two bright lights (the other being a reinvigorated David de Gea) to emerge from David Moyes’ short, error-strewn reign at Old Trafford.

His pace, trickery, and, of course, goals, endeared him to a faithful enduring the pain of seeing the life - energy and swagger - being sucked out of their football and the hallowed portals of their Old Trafford being soiled.

His two goals against Sunderland gave us a win, and someone to look forward to for the rest of the season. Around a sea of mediocrity,

where even the talismanic Robin van Persie seemed to have succumbed to the negativity being preached, this kid took defenders on, was fearless.

However, much like everything David Moyes, it seems those days are forgotten at United.

Now before you jump at me for criticising a teenager, a footballer The media soon started speculating only in the nascent stages of about the country he would his career, hear me out. I am, represent, eager that he join the au contraire, making a case for battalion of promising youngsters him. Or at least trying to. In fact, I who’ve wasted their talent in waited until after the derby to even English colours. With Moyes complete this piece. sacked, Giggs (Giggs!) instated as the interim manager, and his form, That we have an exceptionally things were looking a hint rosy. talented youngster is visible to all.

We’ve been waiting a long time for That we must ensure that he stays, the next Roy Keane - it seemed that the 5-year contract aside, and plays we wouldn’t have to wait as long regularly is understood by all. The for someone similar to Cristiano scars of Paul Pogba will probably Ronaldo. ensure that he will too. But where on the pitch must that game time come? When Giggs retired after last season, his jersey was inherited by Januzaj. Shouldn’t his position as a winger too?

In the games that he has featured in, the player has looked nothing like prodigy of last season. His runs with the ball have been rare, and his hoodwinking defenders even rarer. Many tempting positions and passes have been lost to the needless stepover. And, trust me (and Squawka) on this, he has completed just 2 crosses this season. 2! And goals? Ha! (For those curious: in 8 league appearances so far, he made 14 crosses in three games, completing 1 each against West Brom and Chelsea!)

But then, here’s the thing: ignore how is he playing, and look at where instead. More often than not, we’ve found him receiving the ball by the touchline, and trying to cut in to play. With Herrera (or Fellaini), di Maria, Rooney (or Mata), and RvP usually somewhere in the centre themselves, it serves no real purpose.

Teams that are accustomed to playing narrow and with short passes - Barcelona, the twenty teams trying to play like them, or the twenty managers trying to emulate Guardiola - may find that approach effective. We don’t. Opposition defenders and midfielders crowd things out, make a hard tackle or two, take possession, and hit us on the counter. On the wings! The lack of a genuine, in-form enforcer in the middle only adds misery - just watch the highlights of West Brom for proof.

Last season, all his cutting-in and trickery worked because one, our senior players seemed neither to have any idea what they were supposed to, nor willing to do anything for Moyes. It gave the youngster a chance to channel his enthusiasm and make something for himself.

And boy did he do it well!

His form ensured that Kagawa - the one bought for that number 10 slot - made do with any slot that remained on the team sheet. Secondly, there was no alternative to his talents - pace, trickery, and a good shot. Therefore, when Mata arrived, it was Kagawa

and not Januzaj pushed down the pecking order.

The Japanese might have left, but boy did we buy talent this summer!

Now, the pace, trickery, and magic department belongs to Angel di Maria. RvP is a starter because we need a striker, and Falcao isn’t fully fit. Wayne Rooney is captain, so he will start.

And when he does something foolish - like against the Hammers - Mata is waiting.

Now Januzaj, obviously, can’t play in the centre - the experiment notwithstanding - so he must on the wing. It is imperative that he returns to the wings, taking on defenders, and get this idea about being the next number ten out of his head for a bit. Cristiano Ronaldo started on the wings, and when he reached that stature that the team be built around him, Sir Alex was pragmatic enough to do that.

Januzaj is miles from such a feat.

And, as is obvious to everyone and their uncle, we have more number tens than we can fit.

What I would hope Louis van Gaal would do, once he has managed to either get some defenders fit or some midfielders playing like defenders, is to explain the kid precisely his role in the team.

In trying to get the deadwood to leave, the newer players to gel, and everyone to play with their minds, the Dutchman obviously hasn’t had much time available. Now that we seem to be showing some of the spirit that was our identity for quarter of a century under Sir Alex, the time perhaps has come for us to show the style and swagger too.

Old Trafford, for the better part of the last century, was all about fast, attacking and counterattacking football. Our wingers were players of skill and flair, and our last number 11 was famous for leaving defenders with “twisted blood”.

It is time for van Gaal to pay attention to the present one, because Heaven knows we don’t need another winger-cutting-in-atevery-turn Ashley Young.

what next for Phil jones?

The name Phil Jones has become a household name recently, as the England international is seen as the Reds’ most senior defender. Jones has produced several impressive performances this season alone, and with the departures of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, he has been left to stand up and lead the United back line. Players like Vidic aren’t easy to replace, but Jones has the capability to replicate the success of the Serbian. But the question is: Is Phil Jones the next Nemanja Vidic?

defender also bagged himself 3 goals last season, which is more than he’d previously scored in his entire career. His perception of the game is flawless at times, twinned with his ability to hold onto the ball and his ability to beat a man for strength. So what does Phil Jones have to do to replicate the success of ex-Red Nemanja Vidic?

As a result of the never-ending injury list, United fans are pleading to sign a centre-back in January. I can’t help but agree with these fans, but not because we lack in defence, it’s because of the endless injuries our players seem to pick up every week.

We don’t lack talent in defence. We lack depth and consistency. United have already employed six different Well, he’ll need to stop getting centre-back pairings this season injured first. Unfortunately for alone, with Jones being selected United fans, that’s not exactly in half of them. When played, the something that he can control. His Englishman has demonstrated a recklessness and desire to win certain confidence and power in the United signed the 22-year-old back the ball can sometimes cause him heart of defence, making him stand in 2011 from Blackburn for a fee in to exit a challenge second best, out from the rest. In my opinion, he’s the region of £16.5m, and the centre- forcing him to spend some time our best defender by a long way. back is increasingly proving his away from the pitch. It’s been a He gets the job done one way or worth after every season passes. recurring problem this season for another, whether that’s outmuscling The Englishman has played 73 van Gaal’s men, and it seems as his opponent or booting the ball to times in a Red shirt, and has also if United pick up an injury or two safety, he gets the job done. With earned 13 caps for his country. every game. Jonny Evans, Marcos Jones in defence this season (4 United legend Paddy Crerand once Rojo, Luke Shaw and Jones have games), United haven’t lost a game, stated, “If you talk to Bobby Charlton, all been injured at one point this and it’s the same with England (2 Phil Jones reminds him of Duncan season, and goalkeeper David de Edwards with his power and build”. Gea was the only Red to start every games). May I remind you that he picked up the MOTM in two of his The defender is always gaining game in the first ten fixtures of the valuable experience and has been season. This alone demonstrates the United appearances this season, employed in other positions such increasing difficulty of trying to gain and has been a catalyst to some solidarity in the back line. Hopefully as right-back and even defensiveconsistency, which is definitely a midfield over the past 3 seasons. factor for United’s depressing form I’ve persuaded you that Jones is fit to wear red, and is often a silent hero so far. for the side.

Over the past two seasons there were several negatives to the If Jones can somehow prevent player’s game, but the defender an injury, he’ll need to start seems to have eradicated them this every game in order to fulfil his season. For example, his passion potential, and he’ll also need to could often leave him making a late create a partnership with one of his tackle or two last year; however, colleagues at United. Marcos Rojo the defender hasn’t picked up a has made an impressive start to single card so far this season and is his career at Old Trafford, and he averaging only 1.3 fouls per game. shares similar characteristics to the Jones has also received two manEngland defender, and neither lack of-the-match awards this season, in passion or relentlessness. If LVG which is impressive when you think can get these two working together of the time he’s spent injured on over a longer period of time, it could the sidelines. Jones also has more be exactly what United are lacking at impressive statistics to his name, the moment. such as an average of 6.8 clearances and 5 interceptions per game. The

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TQ BLEEDS RED Compton-born singer TQ tells us about his allegiances and his trips to Old Trafford...

Most people wanna know how this happened. An American guy who grew up in Compton California, religiously setting his alarm clock to wake up at 4am on Saturday or Sunday to watch the greatest team in English football history. See I’m a Red Devil and I will be a Red Devil until I die. The same bug that bit me as a Cali kid with the Lakers, Raiders, Dodgers, 49ers and Giants, bit me again as a well travelled, successful adult. When it’s SHOWTIME Real men wear Black, THINKBLUE, and bleed Manchester RED. Nobody has it better than us.

1998 or 99 was my first real football experience. I don’t remember exactly... lotta shit going on in my life at the time... And a lotta Mary Jane. I was in London in a pub drinking. It filled up fast and it seemed like this game that was happening that night was the biggest thing since sliced bread. I wanted to stay and check it out. My boys were treated to free beer so they didn’t mind. I had just met David Beckham a couple days before at a club and he was cool... He had all the chicks, including the one I was in the pub with! I was eager to see if he was really the man...

He answered that pretty quickly. They boo’d him every time he touched the ball but he didn’t care. He was balling!

I also remember this “Yorke” shirt that seemed to be everywhere at once... I swear it looked like there were 3 of him.

Anyway, the biggest thing I took from

that day was that Arsenal fans are some of the worst people on earth. We lost. I don’t remember the score. When they saw me quietly rooting for United they began to give me the blues... If that was the spark, then Old Trafford in person was Napalm.

I tried to keep up as much as I could when I left England but man my Lakers and Raiders really had it going at the time and over the holidays I kinda fell off.

When I returned to England, my man Prince Nasseem gave me tickets to his match in Manchester and told me I should come to the game the next day cos’ United were playing his favorite team. I had to get back to London but I watched the game. We killed Sheffield Wedensday. I saw on the marquis as I was leaving Manchester that Arsenal were coming early the next year when I’d be back in England. I wanted to go. So I did! The girl from the pub got some tickets and I finally entered the Theatre of Dreams. Since that day I’ve been a different dude. I’d gone to the Superbowl, National Championship, Final Four, and the NBA Finals by this time but NOTHING came close to the sound and fury of Old Trafford with the season on the line. The place shook. The songs... The way they jeered Anelka that day I’m sure he STILL hates us. I’d never seen anything like it... Still haven’t. The game was a 1-1 draw. I still hate Arsenal more than Liverpool and City combined... We went on to win pretty much everything that year and I’ve been the consummate shit talking Manc ever since... At least until the Moyes issue...

From which we are still trying to recover. It ain’t easy but I’ll tell you this...

It’s Friday, November 21st, 2014 as I’m typing this.

No less than 7 injuries after the Int’l break and we’re struggling to field an XI... The football world is using us as their punching bag. Much like my Lakers and Raiders... But 2 days ago the Lakers won only their 2nd game of the season. The Raiders got their 1st win of the season... It’s hard times in my sports life right now but my alarm is set. 9:30 am PST on NBC...

WE BEAT ARSENAL. Glory Glory, TQ.

United’s new identity

The stats would suggest that it’s quite worrying that out of our previous games against Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City we have only taken six points from a possible thirty [as of 5th November].

obvious that things aren’t going to happen as swiftly as first thought but the difference between the Moyes era and the van Gaal era is that there now seems to be direction. I heard a pundit over the weekend say that United now have an identity to their style of play.

Something that was always missing under Moyes.

has been something of the United of old. Attacking football. Running at defenders. Creating plenty of chances. Opportunities were plentiful against Man City to have salvaged something from the game against all the odds. Nobody likes to lose a derby, but despite the loss, the feeling on coming away from the Etihad having only marginally been defeated was in stark contrast to our 4-1 drubbing last year.

The talk of balance in the team has been discussed profusely over the last few months and it is evident that we are crying out for defenders Results might have gone against us since the international break but the but we can see that things are manner in which we have played heading in the right direction. It is There is an air of optimism

around the fans. We can see that improvements are being made but also that it is going to take time.

There has been plenty of discussion about how Di Maria has been used over recent matches in comparison to the first four or five games he played for United. It seems apparent that his most effective position is in the centre of the park rather than out on the wings, but his diversity is one of the reasons van Gaal will have signed him.

putting pieces of a puzzle together and getting the right pieces in the right place. The signings we make in January and next summer will inevitably be the time in which the puzzle becomes complete.

There remain so many positives to take out of the last few weeks, though. De Gea’s fine form has seen him identified as one of the world’s best. McNair and Blackett have certainly looked very capable of making the step up to Premier We have seen the marked League football. Our attacking flair improvement in Marouane Fellaini’s is showing signs of returning. displays in the last three matches showing signs of why David Moyes There are so many things van splashed out all that money on Gaal will feel needs improving him. He is finally discovering some but he will work tirelessly over of the form that he enjoyed at Everton. Like Balotelli at Liverpool this season, Fellaini was made the scapegoat last term. No doubt he didn’t look interested. He didn’t look sharp. He didn’t look bothered in that final home game against Hull City. His body language told a story.

But there were another twenty players last season who could all be accused of the same things. This season he looks rejuvenated. Van Gaal has instilled some belief into a player that was so effective when playing for Everton. He should’ve done a whole lot better with his miscued header from close range at the Etihad but the point is he was in that position to create the chance.

His reaction on missing it showed he cared. the coming weeks, months, and years until he perfects it. He will It isn’t nice losing so many big be given time. He has the fans, games to our biggest rivals. I owners and players behind him. remain though, a firm believer He is a huge personality who feels that van Gaal will get it right. Such he is in the job where he belongs. is the way of the modern game Moyes never looked comfortable in that we need to chuck money at the Old Trafford hot seat and this the situation but hopefully we can was projected in his interviews conduct some business in January and his body language throughout to see us through until the end of his nine months of turmoil. This the season. Next summer is where is without doubt why he never had I believe we will see the signings the full backing of those within that will make or break van Gaal’s Old Trafford. No doubt the fans reign at Old Trafford. It is an supported him, but there was never overused analogy but it really is like that belief or trust that seems to

follow van Gaal. Van Gaal’s results have been much worse than Moyes’ despite what appeared to be a much easier start.

The difference in the atmosphere around Old Trafford and within the fans I speak to are worlds apart though. Van Gaal was made for Manchester United and Manchester United were made for van Gaal.

They have both found each other at the perfect time. I hope we can claim a top four spot by the end of this season but if we don’t I still believe that the progress that we will have made come the end of the season will give us great belief going into the 2015/2016 season.

United’s english spine Manchester United Legend Phil Neville said earlier in September that Manchester United need to sort the centre-back position in the team.

“There are still key positions in the team that need filling. I think the centre-back position is obviously the key area” Neville said, as reported by the Daily Mail.

“There were no world-class center backs out there (this summer). I think that’s why in the next two transfer windows, United might still be looking for that world-class defender.

He also expressed his certainty that Smalling and Jones will come good eventually. “I am certain Chris Smalling will come good and I have full faith in Phil Jones as well. They’ve bought a lot of foreign players, you don’t get rid of your English spine,” Phil said as reported by the BBC. I know Phil Neville want Jones and Smalling to be part of the English

spine in the United squad, but he shouldn’t expect United to spend huge money on defenders and still have English men around – unless the player bought is English, and we know good English players are hard to find.

It is obvious that the number of English players in the United squad is diminishing, and it will continue to diminish if the current English players don’t perform well.

Phil should pray that the available English defenders put a performance that will not make Van Gaal look at getting defenders from other countries in the coming transfer windows.

The likes of Blackett, Jones and Smalling have to make sure the ‘English spine’ is there in these changing times by holding the defence.

Manchester United is owned by businessmen who want success, no matter the nationality that brings it, and I believe Van Gaal knows that.

Looking at the current united squad, Wayne Rooney is the only English striker that is assured of playing time after the sale of Welbeck. James Wilson has the potential to succeed, but he can’t dislodge Van Persie or Falcao at the moment. This is an area where England has lost out to foreigners in the United squad.

United can also boast, if they can, of one English winger in Ashley Young after loaning Zaha.

In the midfield, Michael Carrick is the only English midfielder and whether he gets ahead of Blind or Herrera remains to be seen.

English players should get ready to leave United if they are not performing because van Gaal may In modern football, few people care not have the sentiment to play about the nationality of their players English players. when they know the player can perform for them.

KEY PLAYER FOCUS ROBIN VAN PERSIE

At what point does a world-class talent decline to the point where they can no longer be considered so? That is the question mark hanging above the player that fired Manchester United to the 2012/13 Premier League title.

The statistics are damning, Van Persie has played more than all of these rivals for the attacking positions at United yet has been outdone by all of them. Accusations of favouritism have been thrown at Louis Van Gaal and Van Persie, it is no secret that the two are very There is no doubt that Manchester close. Van Persie was chosen to United’s 20th title win owes much to be the Dutch captain and after the prolific Dutch striker. However, scoring the flying header against Robin Van Persie has been beset Spain immediately sprinted to by that which claims every great the touchline to give Van Gaal the player: time. Van Persie is 31 and mother of all high fives. injury prone, he still looks to be suffering the effects of difficult hip These accusations have less and leg injuries he sustained last weight while Falcao struggles to season. Despite starting brightly at get full match fitness and Rooney the World Cup, legitimately flying has served his suspension but the through the air for his dramatic clamour for young James Wilson to first goal, he soon looked worn out start a game is growing. The true and has seemed off the pace since vindication of these rumours returning to United. will come if Van Persie continues to play without His goalscoring record this season any improvement isn’t ideal either. Despite playing in form, even ten of Manchester United’s eleven when Premier League games and finishing the full 90 minutes in seven of those games, Van Persie has only scored three times. This Van Gaal puts him on par with teammates has the full roster of Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata and strikers fit and ready.

Angel Di Maria, all of whom have played fewer minutes in the league. Van Persie has also Van Persie has also registered complained about no assists, it is not a part of his his teammates game he is known for being the “playing in main striker but Di Maria has five, my space”, Rooney has two and Mata has one. this Even Radamel Falcao, who has comment only played 250 minutes of Premier came in League football, has got two January assists. Falcao’s goal also means this year he has a better strike rate than Van and was Persie, whose rate is a goal every repeated 281 minutes in the recently League. that Van Persie

is unhappy about other United forwards getting in his way. When he first made these comments it seemed like part of a rift between Van Persie and then manager David Moyes. Van Persie’s poor form was not just limited to this season, under Moyes he also struggled to repeat the performances of his wonderful first season and the team looked much more dangerous when Juan Mata and Wayne Rooney were the forwards. The comment has come again as Van Persie struggles for goals and looks like the elephant in the room.

It’s not all bad though, Van Persie has scored when it mattered. His goal against West Ham contributed to United’s 2-1 victory and his late equaliser against Chelsea rescued a point against the league leaders. Sadly, accumulated injuries and advancing age means the all-time top scorer for the Dutch

national team may soon find his role reduced to that of an impact sub, brought on for his undoubted ability when United need him most.

It would certainly lead to a fresher player that could continue to influence the league for a few more years. Otherwise, I fear the constant games will wear him down until he becomes a shadow of his former self and hampers the team.

PLAYER WATCH KEVIN STROOTMAN

The player known as “The Dutch Roy Keane” has just relight transfer rumours linking him to Manchester United. Kevin Strootman spoke of his ‘obligation’ to Louis Van Gaal, saying that when his former international boss is watching him play he has to have the ball, as he understands how Van Gaal likes his teams to play.

It is no secret that the Dutch squad loves Louis Van Gaal, during his time managing the national side they never lost a match that didn’t go to penalties. Several of the players spoke of their positive relationship with him as they powered their way to third place at the World Cup.

Originally, Van Gaal had played a 4-3-3 built around Strootman, his tough tackling and accurate passing controlled games and put the Dutch through the qualifiers before his serious knee injury. From then on Van Gaal switched to the 3-5-2 he initially introduced to Manchester United. Despite being a success in pre-season the specialist formation struggled to produce results in the Premier League and several have been used since then, all using the traditional back four setup.

That Van Gaal changed his formation after the loss of one player says a lot about his quality.

That Roma are fearful to lose him says even more. Strootman was a

complete steal when they signed him from PSV for £14.5m in 2013, Manchester United were interested in him then but a sluggish first transfer window under David Moyes sank a lot of potential deals.

If Strootman moved to United, he would most likely become first choice central midfielder and a long term replacement for Michael

Carrick, who is in his final years of playing. Strootman has played extremely well as a box to box player but his quality long passing and tough tackling make him an ideal defensive midfielder in a central trio. If Strootman was at United his presence would free up the midfield to be more creative, allowing players such as Mata, Di Maria, Januzaj and Herrera to

freedom to go forward and attack.

He would also serve as a shield for United’s rickety defence. Even if a top class centre back is bought it will take some time to settle in and having a skilled midfielder shielding the back four would alleviate some pressure.

Strootman’s defending style is very different to that of his countryman, Daley Blind. While Blind uses his intelligence and technical ability to shut down attacks and screen the defence, Strootman is more uncompromising and physically tough. The comparisons with Roy Keane are well deserved and United are currently lacking in large and physical presences in the team. Marouane Fellaini offers size but his defensive abilities are suspect, having often been deployed deep under Moyes and failing to impress. Fellaini is better at surging forward and disrupting defenders with his size or man marking the teams playmaker to remove them from the game as he did so successfully against Fabregas.

So, Ed Woodward, go to Roma and offer them a very large sum of money for Strootman. Tell him Van Gaal is looking forward to working with him again and hopefully he’ll push through the transfer. Then feel good that you’re still on track to rebuild the squad for long-term success.

how to be a

Hipster Football Fan Over the last few years, ‘Hipster Football’ fans have blossomed in terms of numbers. You might be reading this wondering what a ‘Hipster Football Fan’ is, but I can assure you that once you’ve read this, you’ll get the idea of the typical Hipster fan. It’s believed that 9 in 10 people, (well, not quite), who hold an interest in football, have come across a ‘Hipster fan,’ whether it’s on the Internet or in person.

Have an unnatural obsession with Andrea Pirlo and beards Being obsessive with beards is a MUST for all Hipster Football fans, whether you genuinely like them or not. Your admiration for Andrea Pirlo’s beard in particular has to be heard by the people you interact with at least once a week. Additionally, you must think Andrea Pirlo is the greatest man to ever grace Planet Earth, and you must worship him like a God even if you are an atheist.

ASPIRE TO BE A JOURNALIST AND CLAIM TO BE UNBIASED An essential part of being a typical Hipster fan is aspiring to be a journalist. If you don’t want to be a sports journalist, you might as well stop reading this page right now. It is vital that you have your own website and/or you write for another football blog. Another aspect of being the perfect Hipster football fan is claiming to be unbiased. If you’re biased, there’s no way on Earth you’ll be considered as a Hipster fan.

LOVE MARCO REUS AND BORRUSIA DORTMUND Marco Reus must be godlike in your eyes, and you must make that clear to every person you ever talk to. Your love for Jurgen Klopp & Borrusia Dortmund must also be clearly expressed. However, Dormund can’t be your first team unless you’re German, it doesn’t work like that. In your Twitter bio, ‘Borrusia Dortmund Enthusiast’ or something alike has to be included otherwise you’re a disappointment to the Hipster Community.

SKIP SKIP SKIP TO MY LOU SKIP TO MY...

LOU MACARI

I have lost count of the number of times I’ve been asked if I regret choosing Manchester United over Liverpool when I moved from Celtic in 1973. My answer is always as predictable as it is consistent. Not for one moment do I believe that I made the wrong decision because I had eleven fabulous years at Old Trafford and I have no reason to have any regrets.

two-goal lead with goals from Clyde Best and ‘Pop’ Robson inside half an hour. Charlton pulled one back, from the penalty-spot, for United before half-time and then with ten minutes remaining I marked my debut by claiming the equaliser at the Stretford End.

It couldn’t really be described as the perfect start to my career with United, Don’t get me wrong, I was happy but I enjoyed every minute and I felt and content at Celtic having already that I had certainly got off on the right amassed quite a collection of league foot with the club’s supporters. The and cup winners’ medals, but it would following season we suffered ignominy be wrong to say that I wasn’t flattered of relegation to the Second Division, but that two of England’s mega clubs, thankfully we bounced straight back Liverpool and Manchester United, were twelve months later with an exciting showing an interest in me. Liverpool and attacking team. were on the crest of a wave at the time, while United, to be painfully honest, In 1976 against all the odds we lost the were struggling to keep their heads FA Cup final against Southampton at above water and plunged into the Wembley. We approached the game as Second Division barely a year later. one of the hottest favourites of all-time, but a single goal from the late Bobby When it came down to it the choice Stokes was enough for the Saints was obvious, or so it appeared to most to lift the cup. It was a disappointing observers. To me it wasn’t that easy outcome, but I nevertheless savoured and after having spoken to the clubs’ every minute of the experience, respective representatives I decided which in my day was looked on as the – to widespread shock – to sign on the pinnacle of any player’s ambitions. We dotted line at Old Trafford. Despite the used to leave on the Tuesday ahead fact that the club were going through of the final to be based at a hotel and a sticky patch the lure of a playing begin our preparations for the big staff that included Bobby Charlton, day. It really was the highlight of the Denis Law and George Best proved too season. strong to resist.

These days the FA Cup has fallen well If I had harboured any lingering doubts down the list of priorities, at least – which I didn’t – they would have been where the big clubs are concerned, completely dispelled following the but I recently worked it out that barely terrific experience of my debut against 3,000 players have appeared in the West Ham United. There was a crowd FA Cup final since it’s inauguration in of more than 50,000 packed inside Old the mid-1800s. That alone in my view Trafford and I couldn’t have felt more singles the competition as being really at home as there were no fewer than special and it means a lot to me that I seven other Scots lining up for United. was fortunate enough to play in three finals.

Alex Forsyth, Denis Law, Jim Holton, Martin Buchan, Willie Morgan, Ted And I still recall being in Hyde Park, MacDougall, George Graham and London back in May 1977, with the me easily outnumbered the three rest of the lads throwing the FA Cup English-born players, (Alex Stepney, from man-to-man like a rugby ball the Tony Young and Bobby Charlton) that day after we had beaten Liverpool at faced the Hammers on that January Wembley. Can you imagine an FA Cup afternoon. And it proved to be quite winning side doing that these days? a game with West Ham racing into a

It isn’t, of course, only the FA Cup that has changed from the days when I was a player. It is a completely different world from those days that I can remember when we sit and have a drink and exchange opinions with the fans in a local pub after the game.

Could that possibly happen these days?

And we would walk out of the players’ entrance at the end of the match ready to be surrounded by dozens of fans clutching autograph books and photographs to be signed. In modern times the players emerge from the ground into corralled area that keeps the players and supporters separated.

I know that the world has changed and things are done differently these days but it just seems sad that the links and affinity we used to have with the fans aren’t quite as strong as they once were.

One of my greatest memories was the sheer volume of support that we saw at away games. The noise that the Stretford End generated at Old Trafford was quite sensational and we knew that wherever we went that awesome support would be there when we took the field. I can honestly say that my eleven years as a player at Manchester United gave me an experience that I would not have missed for anything.

We had three managers, (Tommy Docherty, Dave Sexton and Ron Atkinson), whilst I was there and they were completely different in personality and the way they approached the game. Don’t they say that variety is the spice of life?

Okay, I admit, I didn’t collect the number of medals that I might have done at Anfield but that isn’t something that haunts me.

There have been many more strands to my career in the game, but I still look back with enormous and warm affection to the exceptional times I spent as a player with Manchester United, one of the greatest football clubs of them all.

From Ajax to Manchester Louis Van Gaal’s Signing of Daley Blind Has Been Huge

The summer saw two possible departures that may not have rocked the world, but certainly rocked the boat a little. Danny Welbeck, boyhood Mancunian and homegrown product from the age of nine left United for Arsenal.

Daley Blind, who’d been at the club

since the age of 10, left Ajax to join Manchester United.

Perhaps the latter transfer may not have come as the bigger of the two surprises. After all, Blind had played an instrumental part in Louis Van Gaal’s early summer

plans with Netherlands at Brazil in the World Cup. Consequently, he’d be in the 63 year old’s plans for late summer as well, when he officially made the move from Ajax to Manchester on deadline day for £14 million, proving to be United’s cheapest permanent transfer of the

summer. Cheapest perhaps, but with time could be the most prized asset of the lot.

“He started as a full-back but I think now he prefers to be a controlling midfielder,” said Frank De Boer speaking in September.

As his manager at Ajax, De Boer proved to become a big fan of Blind, reinventing the player who had been primarily been playing his trade at left back to be moved into the ‘number 6’ role that the Dutch see as the holding midfielder of the team. The football education from a very young age teaches a philosophy that roots from ‘total voetbal’, coincidentally reinvented

by Louis Van Gaal and now carried forward by De Boer in Holland, that has players in the team that are capable of playing in a variety of positions. Therefore, the transition from left back to holding midfielder in the system would not have been a great surprise to Blind in 12/13, which can now be reflected upon as a solid tactical judgment by De Boer which seemingly invented Blind, son of legendary Danny, as an important player and utilised a variety of his strengths.

Blind may not have been created from the same mould as Roy Keane was, but United fans have learnt and adapted to that as Carrick previously wasn’t and still isn’t – rather, the brains and the organisation of the team is heavily decided by how well the player in this position plays.

“I think I am a player who keeps the ball and helps the rest of the team. I’m somebody who tries to play the easy pass instead of the difficult option,” said Blind, 24, when speaking in a club interview earlier this month. Whilst his role in the Van Gaal system primarily “He’ll have two or three options relies in circulating the ball around [at United], - either at wing back the pitch as well as protecting or on the left in a central midfield “Everything has gone well. I had a the defence, staying compact and pairing,” De Boer says. Of course, good week of training and everyone organised whilst also manoeuvring this had come at a time where has been really nice and open, and when the attacks for the team start United has still been playing the given me a great welcome. I felt in possession more often than 1-3-5-2 system where Blind, at home straight away,” said Blind not, Blind has aggressively come amongst other summer signings, after the game. Generally so far forward at the right times having were yet to make their debuts this season, there isn’t much that a pop at goal when the times suits against QPR. Not only the players, Blind has done wrong that suggests during possessional play that suits but a new 1-4-1-2-1-2 formation that he isn’t one of United’s long Van Gaal’s high defensive lines. debuted in the 4-0 win at home, term answer to their huge midfield where Blind was playing as His late driving equaliser against ‘number 6’ in behind Angel Di Maria problems over the last few years.

West Brom will hopefully prove and Ander Herrera. The Dutchman He’s acclimatised to the Premier League better than most may have to be the first of many. Few in has been orchestrating well, and expected, given his apparent lack of numbers perhaps, but the more much like Carrick has been doing so quietly whilst the headlines were physical presence that the Premier special they may become and the more special that he becomes to focused on the ‘Van Gaalacticos’ for League seems to demand more than any other league in the world. Manchester United over time. the first time.

cristiano Ronaldo

love him or hate him?

Consider this situation. Your club hasn’t won a Champions League for more than a decade despite being touted as a European powerhouse.

You face your bitter rival in the final, which hasn’t been the case in the history of European football and go a goal down in the first half.

You battle it out and with equalizer

in 93rd minute takes it to extra time. Now all you need is just a goal. Imagine wild euphoria and jubilation when that goal is scored.

It has to be the greatest feeling in the world.

Maybe not for everyone. There was one guy who wasn’t exactly excited with Gareth Bale’s winner in Lisbon

and no prizes for guessing who that was. Lisbon’s own prodigal son, Cristiano Ronaldo. When Bale and co were going fucking mental, it wasn’t good enough for Ronaldo. Reserving his emotions for something else maybe? Yes. For a pointless penalty in last minutes.

To be honest, nobody was surprised because that incident was not a one off. He would rather gloat about his assist on the touchline than joining the celebrating lot. Right from his United days. He’s little self obsessed. Or as Roy Keane said he likes himself too much. Nothing wrong with that either.

You might feel that I hate Ronaldo but I don’t. I am fond of him. He is model professional who works tirelessly to get better and fitter.

An incredible player who helped us in winning many trophies. Gary Neville always says people like Eric Cantona could get away with things other players won’t because he was capable of producing that magical moment out of nowhere when the chips are down. Ronaldo falls into that category. He is a special player.

One of the very best in the world.

Even after going to Madrid, he still talks fondly about his time at United which is something fans will always cherish.

But you have to be a United fan in the summer of 2008 to know what I’m talking about. He was making us fans crazy over his possible move to sunny Spain. We couldn’t get straight answers from him. He made it even awful by agreeing to Blatter’s ‘slave’ comments and that was when we thought enough

was enough. Can you believe it? A slave who earns 180k per week?

United fans cheered his every touch when he was being booed on every ground. We backed him when he was accused of cheating. The manager backed him and so did every other player including Wayne Rooney (one keyword – winking!).

Moving to other club is fine but playing media games with fans who stood by you through thick and thin is unacceptable.

But everything is forgiven and forgotten now. At least with majority of fans. Now Ronnie talks more about Manchester and during his time at United, he spoke more about Madrid. But now every punk and his dog reports he wants to come back to Manchester. He’s done everything with Real and now wants to come back to the club he loves.

Maybe that’s true but not entirely.

Big Daddy Jorge Mendes is not happy. Mr Real Madrid Perez doesn’t do it for him anymore. He is more seduced by Ed Woodward if reports are to be believed and the pair share even their family photos with each other. It’s time for Mendes to assess his authority over Perez and moving Ronaldo elsewhere would be a good move.

But will it be a good move for United?

Ronaldo is scoring in Spain for fun.

Last season, the guy crushed every team in Europe and found back of the net 17 times in just 11 games scoring 51 goals overall. He is at peak of his career. But how long can he keep doing that? His terrific fitness fools us in thinking he is not growing old but he will be 30 this year.

He relied on his blistering pace and tricks so much but he has never been a great passer. We have players like Di Maria, Falcao and Mata in the squad who are world class and much younger. Now

consider the money we might have to pay for bringing Ronnie back and think, will it be logical to build your team around Ronaldo who might have past his peak instead of world class talent we have at the moment who still have their best years to come?

Make no mistake. Ronaldo will still be a top player and has great 2-3 years left in him but is splashing crazy money for him worth it? How would he react to being dropped to a different type of player?

(Something which has never been the case in his entire career) Over the years, Sir Alex made it look far more easier than it actually was. But Moyes brought us back to

the reality. Though Louis Van Gaal is a world class manager, he is just a short term solution. Mistakes we make now are going to hamper us for the next decade and with Glazers ripping us off we can’t let it happen, can we?

That doesn’t mean Ronaldo’s 2nd coming will be a bad thing. I’m just trying to look at the other side. If he comes back, good to us. I will sing his song and cheer his every touch.

But even if doesn’t, I’m not going to lose my sleep over it. He is a great player who gave us fantastic years but will fans put him in the same bracket as Giggsy, Scholsey, Gazza or King Eric? I know I won’t.

DANNY WELBECK NO BIG LOSS TO UNITED? Isn’t it galling when you sell a player and they go onto greatness without you? Providing another club with exactly what you need while knowing you could have kept them is crushing in football.

Fans can watch another’s skill and wish their team still had that. But Danny Welbeck leaving Manchester United for Arsenal is not some great tragedy; it made sense for all parties.

To start off with, Welbeck never set the Premier League alight at United, scoring 20 goals in 92 league appearances. He did play many games out on the wing but he also had plenty of opportunities as a striker to make his mark. He might also have thrived as the lone striker, as he is played at Arsenal, but his skill did not make a case for dropping Wayne Rooney, Robin Van Persie, Javier Hernandez or Dimitar Berbatov just so Welbeck could play in his favoured position.

In addition, there were several moments where he was called upon to perform and failed badly.

Last season United played Bayern Munich in the

Champions League and Welbeck had ample opportunity to score. One goal was perhaps unfairly ruled out for a high leg but on another occasion Welbeck found himself one on one with Manuel Neuer.

Having studied Neuer’s saving style then manager David Moyes had noticed that the German keeper often moved his entire body off the ground, even when making low saves. Therefore he had instructed his players to shoot as low as possible and slip the ball under Neuer. Welbeck instead took too long and attempted an awkward chip, Neuer easily saved it and the Manchester United fans groaned in dismay as such a fantastic chance fizzled out in an embarrassing manner.

Welbeck’s first touch and ball control was also in doubt, often he failed to control the ball properly when receiving it. He was widely mocked for shielding the ball at the opposition corner before accidentally knocking it out behind himself for a goal kick.

He also hasn’t quite made the impact Arsenal fans think he has. Welbeck has scored five goals in twelve

games, a respectable tally, but only two of those come in the Premier League and from eight games. At that scoring rate he would score around ten goals a season, hardly the superstar striker Arsenal need.

It would be unfair to simply list Welbeck’s flaws, the boy had bags of pace, being able to outrun almost any player on the pitch helped him massively and caused endless headaches for defenders. He also has a great instinct for goal, despite making mistakes when given too much time to make a decision, Welbeck is able to make the right decision when given no time and under pressure. He is useful when he only has a slim window of time to score as his instincts take over and do the job.

Welbeck was also held up as an example of United using their youth academy to grow players. When he left some criticised United for ripping out the core of their team and replacing it with expensive players such as Falcao. However, United have promoted several youth players other than Welbeck, the emergence of James Wilson being one of the reasons he was sold.

That Paddy McNair, Tyler Blackett,

Jesse Lingard, Wilson and Tom Thorpe are all fighting for places in the first team demonstrates that United’s youth core wasn’t thrown away with Welbeck; it was simply time for a new crop of players to come through.

Even though the £16m paid by Arsenal was quite low, Danny Welbeck leaving Manchester United was not some tragedy. Even if he scores the winner this weekend, it won’t be a tragedy, because there are plenty of young players breaking into the team that hold greater potential.

Where David Moyes Went Wrong

Following Sir Alex Ferguson was never going to be an easy job for any man, let alone David Moyes.

During his reign at United, Moyes made many errors that began to make fans doubtful over whether ‘The Chosen One’ was chosen correctly. Sir Alex has to take part of the blame for ‘that’ woeful season as he didn’t really consider many candidates for his successor, and it turns out that his rushed decision would turn out to be a poor one, as Moyes struggled on and off the pitch.

in showed good intent from Moyes, but ultimately it turned out that it was the wrong decision. If Moyes had allowed Mike Phelan and Rene Meulensteen to remain as coaches, they would’ve guided him and helped him as he got to grips with the club. David did show that he wanted to put his own stamp on the club, which is understandable, but they, [Moyes’ companions], were new to the experience as well, and there was nobody to really help Moyes get used to his new surroundings.

If Moyes didn’t show the boot to After Ferguson’s departure, we Fergie’s men, as Sir Alex suggested were desperate for a lift in terms of to him, he would’ve gotten familiar new signings. Yes, we had won the with the club, and perhaps the team league the previous season, but as would’ve benefited better from a fierce rivals were improving their number of poor results earlier on in squads like there was no tomorrow, the season. we needed to quickly add to our squad to help us compete for the Tactics league title. Many of us expected Since taking over as Manchester there to be a great haul of new United manager, Moyes was summer signings, but that didn’t very disappointing in terms of prove to be the case. tactics. He used an outdated 4-4-2 formation, and even worse than Unfortunately for us, we had Ed that, a style of play that involved Woodward in charge of our transfer a massive amount of crossing. dealings. If Moyes had given Although crossing is traditional to Woodward a list of players we Manchester United’s style of play, NEEDED and not wanted, perhaps it is very easy to defend against in Woodward would have captured a this day and age. few more players that would have drastically improved us. Appointing During ‘that’ horrendous Fulham Woodward as the new chief game, we attempted 81 crosses executive also didn’t turn out to be in a single game; Moyes’ opposite a good choice made by the club at number, Rene Meulensteen said the time; his inexperience clearly after the game that we were showed, and his inability to capture predictable and easy to defend players was ridiculous. against. No opposing manager should ever be saying that about I’m not blaming all of this on Moyes, Manchester United. Moyes needed but I think he could have handled to find a new style of play thick and the transfer window a bit better fast. than what he did despite him not being totally responsible for The signing of Juan Mata did transfer negotiations. change the manner in which we played, but unfortunately for Juan, Backroom Staff Clear Out and like many other players he was In my opinion, this was by far the played out of his preferred position biggest error that David made in on numerous occasions.

M16. Clearing out the back-room staff and adding his familiar faces

Summer Shambles

Handling The Media & Losing The Dressing Room

To be well and truly honest, I think Moyes handled the media very poorly. He also lost control of the dressing room, allowing players like Zaha and Javier Hernandez having cheeky digs at him on Instagram.

Under Ferguson, that would never have happened, and if it did the player would be leaving the club as soon as possible.

The players didn’t fear Moyes and behaved in ways that wouldn’t be tolerated under Ferguson. I think Moyes needed to show the players who was boss.

As well as this, Moyes handled the media in a disappointing fashion.

He was over protective in postmatch interviews, and you almost knew what he was going to say after a bad result; it usually lied between ‘We were unlucky’ or ‘It was undeserved.’ Moyes needed to start showing some charisma that he lacked and be a bit more direct in his press conferences. As well as this, he needed to admit defeat and try not to avoid part of the blame that he is responsible for in games.

He also needed to have the right mentality if he wanted to be successful at United. ‘We will try’/‘we tried’ should have turned into ‘We WILL’ if Moyes really wanted to show the media how confident he was going into games.

‘Aspiring’ to be your City rivals is another reason for fans to hold a grudge against Moyes. Even Steve Round wouldn’t have said that, and he’s Steve Round. My word.

My Thoughts on Moyes

David Moyes seems like a wonderful guy, and a decent manager, just not decent enough for a club like United. He didn’t have the right mind set for a title-winning side, with a very defensive style of play at times.

LOUIS VAN GAAL REVIEW SO FAR At a club like Manchester United, there’s never a ‘honeymoon’ phase for the manager. Louis van Gaal learnt this after a shock home 2-1 defeat at Swansea on the opening day of the league season. Van Gaal has endured a difficult few months at Old Trafford, but there have been signs of excellence from the Dutchman and his new-look United team.

not to finish in the Top 4 places, especially if key players remain fit for a majority of the rest of the season.

to get better and better and we want to hit form going into those matches.’

Understandably van Gaal, at the start of his United reign, asked Manchester United fans to be patient. He inherited a lackluster group of players, who under Moyes showed nothing but uninspiring performances except De Gea; the squad lacked balance.

On a positive note, problems in United definitely have the attacking the squad faced by van Gaal have options to threat any team now, been resolved. This time a year but the defence is a huge let down. ago United were desperate for a Injuries have struck United severely; defensive shield and an injection MUFC ended the Manchester of pace in midfield. With Marouane Derby with a back four of: Valencia, Fellaini finally finding his feet at McNair, Carrick, Shaw. Additionally, M16, van Gaal will have a midfield there hasn’t been many standout selection headache. Àngel Di Maria individual performances from shouldn’t be wasted on the wing; the United’s defenders when they concept of a player like Di Maria is have had the chance to play. LvG to increase the tempo of play from has taken some responsibility for deep positions: something United United’s woeful defending, but says obviously lacked under Moyes. The that the guilt should lie with the Argentinian in my opinion, should players too. play in the middle of the park.

So far, United have been inconsistent with results and performances. Wins against West Ham and Everton could’ve easily ended differently. Since the start of the season there has been an improvement in the style of play. It is clear to see van Gaal’s ‘philosophy’ is starting to be implemented into the team’s style of play.

As time will pass, the shocking injury crisis should fade away. Van Gaal hasn’t eased players back into action from injury; instead he’s rushed them back into the starting XI, because of a lack of options in that specific position. The West Bromwich Albion game saw Phil Jones and Ander Herrera start when they both didn’t fully recover from their injuries.

Pushing for the title this season may be unachievable for The Red Devils; 1st and 2nd place look set to belong to Manchester City and Chelsea respectively. United have the firepower to cruise into the Top 4, with rivals Tottenham, Everton, Liverpool and Arsenal all encountering difficulties of their own. There’s no excuse for United

I’m convinced Louis van Gaal is the right man for Manchester United.

The football being played by the Old Trafford Club has definitely been enhanced. Unlike Moyes, van Gaal has handled the media sensibly - he doesn’t reveal anything he doesn’t want to. Bar the defence, the squad has been upgraded in each and every position since van Gaal’s takeover. So far, so good for Louis van Gaal; he just needs to deal with Assistant manager Ryan Giggs said: defensive problems and ensure the ‘We’ve shown glimpses over the team are performing consistently, last few weeks and hopefully we’ll week in, week out. have a lot of players coming back for these next games. We want to be up there testing ourselves against Chelsea and City. We feel that we do belong up there but we perhaps haven’t shown it consistently this season. The form has slowly begun

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