Fabregas Is The Perfect Replacement For Scholes

When Paul Scholes retired from Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson focused his attention on replacing the Old Trafford legend with a player who mirrored the same attributes.

Its no hidden secret that the reds made a serious and lucrative offer for Inter Milan midfield play maker Wesley Sneijder, the deal never happened and United suffered without that touch of calmness and class in the centre of the park.

A sensational derby day comeback in January from retirement by Paul Scholes proved that Sir Alex was regretting not adding a touch of class to his midfield department, sensing that maybe there was too much weight of expectation placed on United youngster Tom Cleverley's shoulders for him to be expected to take the baton from Scholes and hit the ground running.

Scholes could have another season left in his tank depending on how Sir Alex uses him, but one thing has certainly become clear, United will need to replace him when he finally brings down the curtain on his illustrious career for the second and final time!

I'm sure it has not gone unnoticed by Sir Alex that a certain Cesc Fabregas is currently struggling to register any playing time on his Barcelona staff key fob at the Camp Nou, a player the United manager knows all about from the Spaniards playing days at Arsenal.

Reports in the Spanish media have also recently indicated that the player is unhappy at his lack of first team opportunities, Fabregas was quick to deny these rumours this week claiming that he is happy at Barcelona and is prepared to work hard and fight his way back into the Barcelona team.

It was Pep Guardiola who signed Fabregas, Guardiola left his post with the Catalan team at the end of last season and it remains uncertain if new manager Tito Vilanova sees the player as part of his future plans.

Fabregas would be an interesting and realistic target for United and at 25 years old would definitely prove value for money as you know exactly what you would be getting from him, he is a proven Premier League player who provides and scores goals, he also knows how to play a pass, in many ways he is a similar player to Scholes.

We will have a clearer indication regarding Fabregas' future at the Camp Nou in January or next summer, by then he could be back in the first team frame at his boyhood club, but if there was the slightest hint he was unhappy and wanted first team football and a return to the Premier League I am sure United would launch a bid to land his services.

If Barcelona were happy to recoup the £25million fee they payed Arsenal for his services it would prove to be a shrewd bit of business when you consider the kind of transfer fees clubs pay for players in today's crazy transfer market, Jordan Henderson cost Liverpool £20million!

The recent signing of Robin van Persie could work in Uniteds favour and make a move to Old Trafford seem more appealing to Fabregas following their playing days at Arsenal where they were good friends and team mates, players are often instructed and encouraged by their club managers to put in a word with players they are interested in, van Persie could surly be used to contact Fabregas if the club were given the green light to start negotiations?

It remains to be seen if Fabregas would want a move away from his boyhood team after such a short spell, but one thing is for sure, if he ever become available he would be the ideal candidate who ticks all the boxes when Manchester United look to replace an iconic and legendary midfield player named Paul Scholes. 

Simply Vantastic !

It was the Robin van Persie show at St Mary's, as the £24million Dutchman displayed a masterclass in finishing to leave Southampton's players and supporters shell shocked.

Its games like this that are a great advertisement for the English Premier League, Manchester United twice fell behind in this match but responded the only way they know, to keep attacking until the final whistle.

After falling behind 1-0 to a Lambert header, United responded in the 23rd minute when a cross was beautifully brought down by van Persie on his chest which opened up the angle, everybody inside the stadium and watching knew what was coming next as the Dutchman sent the ball ferociously back across goal and into the bottom corner.

Into the second half and the reds again fell behind 2-1 after another free header from Schneiderlin found the bottom corner after Patrice Evra lost his footing on the St Mary's turf.

6 minutes later Sir Alex Ferguson changed things by bringing on Paul Scholes and Nani for Cleverley and Kagawa respectively, it was a change that totally changed the dynamics of the match as Scholes started to dictate Uniteds play in the middle, spraying positive passes in the attacking half of the field.

United were handed the opportunity to level the score when Jos Hooiveld scythed down Van Persie in the box, the Dutchman stepped up in front of the travelling away supporters and seemed to make a last second decision to try and gently guide the ball over the Saints keeper who read the spot kick well and at full stretch tip the ball around the post to a huge roar from the home supporters, it seemed it would just not be Uniteds day.

The score remained 1-1 and in the 71st minute Danny Welbeck was replaced by Mexican Hernandez, this was the last throw of the dice for United who were now pouring forward at every opportunity, Southampton were struggling to cope with Uniteds wave of attacking football, they were ready to be knocked onto the ropes as Rio Ferdinands header hit the post and van Persie tapped the ball in to level the score 2-2 in the 87th minute, United sensed they could still land the knock out blow in this tie.

United continued to flood forward and you sensed that there was going to be one more chance created in this game, in the 91st minute United earned a corner and Nani swung the ball in, Southampton's zonal marking meant that van Persie was able to run into space and head home in front of the travelling fans who erupted in to wild rapturous celebrations.

It was by no means convincing as United looked shaky at the back, they will not get away with playing the kind of football they displayed at times in this match against stronger opposition, its only early days but the reds will be delighted with the 3 points.

van Persie was devastating in front of goal, we seen it so many times last season for Arsenal and he seems to have hit the ground running at Old Trafford which will delight the manager and supporters, the Dutchman was apparently purchased to take some of the expectation and responsibility off Wayne Rooney, at St Marys van Persie showed he is happy to lead the team and be the talisman figure he once was at the Emirates.

United Agree £24m van Persie Fee

Sir Alex Ferguson has finally landed Robin van Persie from Arsenal as both clubs have agreed on a transfer fee believed to be £24million. A statement on Manchester Uniteds official website earlier confirmed the news saying -

"Manchester United is pleased to announce it has reached agreement with Arsenal Football Club for the transfer of Robin Van Persie.

The deal is subject to a medical and the agreement of personal terms. A further announcement will be made in due course."

Its nearly 6 weeks ago since van Persie released a statement on his official website stating his intention not to sign a new contract with Arsenal, its a decision that put United, Manchester City and Juventus on red alert as the tabloids speculated that City were the early front runners for the Dutch mans signature.

As the weeks passed by it then seemed Italian side Juventus were in pole position, but it is the famous red shirt of Manchester United that van Persie will be wearing this season as it seems the attraction of Old Trafford was a chance he could not pass up.

The signing of van Persie is a huge statement from United as he breaks the trend of Sir Alex not signing big name players for big money over the age of 28 mainly due to the fact the player will have no resell value. 

It seems that Sir Alex simply could not ignore the chance to sign a player who was head and shoulders above any other footballer in the Premier League last season, a player who was crowned the leagues top goalscorer and also scooped the PFA and Football Writers player of the year. 

The prospect of van Persie lining up alongside Wayne Rooney for Uniteds opening game away at Everton is simply mouthwatering, its like a fantasy football strike force!

The team who lost the league on goal difference will now have last seasons leading goalscorer in their ranks, its obvious Manchester United are wounded by last seasons title disappointment, signing a player of van Persies calibre and talent will give the reds a major boost as they look at trying to win back the Barclay's Premier League trophy.

@kevinashford7

Man City And Chelsea Are Shopping At Harrods Whilst Man Utd Shop At Primark

An Abu Dhabi and Russian Billionaire are both in a swanky store named Harrods sipping champagne and looking to purchase the new Aguero and Hazard range respectively, whilst a Scottish man is searching frantically through the bargain basket of his local Primark establishment looking for value, he ends up purchasing a Kleberson suite complete with a Djemba-Djemba shirt and Bebe shoes.

Its a sign of how the financial power has changed in the top league of English football, the Scottish man once shopped at Harrods himself indulging in such well known labels as Rio, Veron and van Nistelrooy. Following a stop to the Scottish mans spending by his American owners he is now left to shop for a bargain, or something he sees potential in.

Dont get me wrong, the Scottish mans Cantona silk suite, Schmeichel shirt and Solskjear shoes, still look very impressive to this day, I doubt that they will ever go out of fashion.

Wealthy people prefer to spend their money on things that make them happy, if that means spending money on expensive high street designer labels like Silva, Mata or the latest pair of Yaya Toure shoes, then whats wrong with that? If you have got the money to buy top quality clobber you would buy it wouldn't you?

Why spend time shopping for bargains if you have the cash sat about to purchase the finished article? Manchester United as things stand will never be able to shop in Harrods along side Chelsea and Manchester City, they are at the stage where they are trying to out do their Manchester and London rivals by taking a chance on buying cheaper clothes and hoping they look better on the catwalk.

Money makes a huge difference in football as Blackburn, Chelsea and Manchester City have proved. They have all been crowned king of the catwalk in the Premier League era helped hugely by financial power, but in previous years Manchester United were too.

Recently Eden Hazard chose to join Chelsea for £34million after Manchester United showed an interest in him, Sir Alex commented on the transfer by saying "There is a borderline in terms of what you would think is a good signing for United", that borderline unfortunately for United supporters is a family named the Glazers, who purchased the historic Manchester club with money they did not have.

Sir Alex followed up by saying, "It's all about what you think is value for a player. I am not envious of those deals at all. We placed a value on Hazard which was well below what they were talking about." Which again can be interpreted into saying, "If I had the financial backing from my American bosses I would have been able to compete with Chelsea for the transfer of Eden Hazard"

Manchester Uniteds biggest summer capture has been Shinji Kagawa, what fee did they pay for his services? Its hard to confirm the exact fee as most websites say it was an "undisclosed fee", its a running trend with a lot of players United have signed, which basically means they have purchased the player but his previous club will be rewarded if the Japanese lad is successful at United, by that I mean trophies. This means United are not taking a big risk on signing the player as they only have to pay instalments if the reds are successful.

Is is something that is happening a lot at Old Trafford now with new players arriving, they sign for an "undisclosed fee", but their previous club will be rewarded if the player is part of a successful team, or it could be on a personal level, based on appearances or goals.

This sadly, is the pond that Manchester United are now swimming in, there are other fish in the water with them who are powerful, but it remains unclear if they can continue to overlook investing in established talent rather than shopping for value and a bargain.

Anderson Is Sir Alex's Biggest Ever Transfer Flop

Many debates go on regarding football and maybe the biggest one when talking about Manchester United would be who is the reds best player of all time? Equally as interesting is trying to come to a conclusion on who is the worst player ever to play for the club.

Since I started following United I have not seen any other manager in charge of the club other than Sir Alex Ferguson who has been at the helm for 25 years, so I thought I would try and come to a conclusion on who I think has been his biggest ever transfer flop during his time in charge at Old Trafford.

Most supporters will already be reeling names off the top of their heads now, names such as Ralph Milne, Liam Miller, David Bellion, Eric Djemba-Djemba, Kleberson, Massimo Taibi, Diego Forlan, Juan Sebastian Veron & Bebe, one name I surprisingly never hear in that list is Uniteds Brazilian midfielder Anderson, surly he tops the list if you look at the bigger picture?

Financially most supporters would probably agree that Juan Sebastian Veron is Sir Alex's biggest ever transfer flop. The Argentinian arrived at Old Trafford for a fee of £28.1million back in the summer of 2001 which was a British transfer record at that time. It never really happened for Veron at United, so much was expected of him but he struggled to stamp his authority in a midfield that already had United legends Paul Scholes and Roy Keane in that central position.

There is also the theory that back in 2001 when United signed Veron they didn't actually require his services at that time, although it is believed Sir Alex signed him to try and take them to another level in European football.

The thing about Veron was that every supporter knew he was a special talent who unfortunately joined the club at the wrong time, eleven years after he signed we are now crying out for that exact same type of player.

Most supporters will base Veron being the worst signing because of the transfer fee, but if you are going off the financial aspect of a players career with the club why would you not consider Anderson as the worst? If you try to research the fee United paid Porto for Anderson it proves a difficult task as most websites have contradicting fees, United announced that he joined the club for an "undisclosed fee", the transfer fee Porto announced was €30 million, which was equivalent to around £25.6 million in May 2007, if that information is correct it means that Anderson cost only £2.5million less than Veron and the Brazilian has been a constant disappointment at United.

Veron could pick a pass, tackle, dictate the pace of a game, he had the odd goal in him, Anderson is the complete opposite of all them attributes I just mentioned, what is Anderson actually good at? Putting on weight? Pulling daft faces at goalkeepers when United have set pieces to try and put them off? Seriously though, what are Anderson's stand out attributes? Passing? Tackling? Scoring goals? Creating chances for others? Heading? Crossing? Defending? Attacking? Could any supporter confidently say yes to him being competent at any of them parts of a midfielders game I have just mentioned? I cant.

I would put Anderson at the top of the list as Sir Alex's worst ever signing in front of Ralph Milne, Liam Miller, David Bellion, Eric Djemba-Djemba, Kleberson, Massimo Taibi, Diego Forlan, and Bebe. My reason being that all the others I mentioned joined the club when we knew relatively little about them, so we did not expect big thing from them, Anderson on the other hand was touted as the "new Ronaldinho" and watching clips of the player in his Porto days it was easy to see why supporters set their expectations for him so high.

United legend Paul Scholes trained with Veron everyday when he was at the club and said the Argentine was one of the best players he ever played with, Sir Alex also defended any criticism of Veron from the media claiming the player was world class, has a player or the manager ever said similar things about Anderson?

Anderson had a fantastic first season with the club, but the seasons that have followed that have been hugely disappointing. Five years on from when the Brazilian first joined the club and you will still hear some supporters keeping the faith and producing comments like "this will be Anderson's year" or "give the lad time". Personally I just cant see him ever establishing himself at United and that is why when you look at the Anderson transfer as a whole against that of Verons, its a no-brainer that the Brazilian is the worst signing that Sir Alex has ever made.

Do you agree with @kevinashford7 that Anderson has been Sir Alex's biggest transfer flop?

Please leave us your comments and thoughts on who you think is the biggest flop below.

Could Van Persie Sign For Man Utd?

So the worst kept secret in current football transfer speculation has finally come to boiling point as Arsenal captain Robin van Persie released an official statement on his personal website confirming that he will not be signing a new contract with Arsenal.

The players decision leaves Arsenal in a weak position as they are now not in a strong bargaining position when it comes to clubs approaching them with an offer for the player, they could dig their heels in and keep the Dutchman but would then risk losing him for free next summer, surly it makes financial sense to sell him immediately and move on?

So with one of the hottest strikers now putting himself in the shop window, who will be interested in taking van Persie? Stupid question really, who wouldn't want him?

Following a sensational season last year which seen van Persie claim the two big individual honours, he has now stated his desire to win trophies and feels that Arsenal are not the club to help him fulfil his ambition at the age of 28.

Over the years following knock backs by some superstar names, Manchester United supporters take any transfer speculation as exactly what it is, speculation.

As I ride me flying Unicorn whilst eating my way through the Candy-floss clouds please allow me to dream for one minute, van Persie in a Manchester United shirt next season? Please don't roll your eyes or tut or groan, why not?

Granted, I can hear the argument against this saying we need to strengthen in other areas like central midfield and left back, but players like Van Persie do not come along very often, and if United can convince the Dutchman that Old Trafford is the place for him to win silverware, then they could probably pick him up for around £15million as Arsenal will not be able to command a fee for him.

Sir Alex will surly be an admirer of a player of the calibre of van Persie, and with Michael Owen released, Dimitar Berbatov's future still uncertain, Javier Hernandez having a disappointing second season with the club, it leaves Wayne Rooney who is the first name on the team sheet and Danny Welbeck who United cannot put too much pressure on at his age as the clubs recognised strikers.

van Persie and Rooney would have probably been the most common fantasy football strike force last year, pairing the two up at Manchester United could be truly devastating for teams playing against them, don't totally dismiss the idea that van Persie could actually see Old Trafford as the place for him to end his career.

Obviously as I step off my flying unicorn with a belly full of candy-floss, the reality soon dawns on me that them spoilt kids in the blue neighbourhood will also be ready to declare an interest in van Persie and will be able to offer him riches beyond his wildest dreams to secure his services, throw into the mix the fact Real Madrid have also been mentioned as a possible destination and it seems that I was happier when sat on my unicorn thinking about the Dutchman in the red of Manchester United.

van Persie and Arsenal both have big decisions to make in the next few weeks, I fully expect Uniteds name to be mentioned along side that of the blue side of Manchester and Real Madrid's, I just hope that if Sir Alex does want him, he can convince van Persie that Old Trafford is the place to be for football reasons as we will not be able to compete financially in a transfer market that Manchester City and Chelsea dominate and boss.

Valencia Rewarded With Iconic No.7 Shirt As Sir Alex Hints At More New Arrivals

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has rewarded Antonio Valencia for his superb performances last season when he won the players and fans player of the season, by handing him the iconic no.7 shirt previously worn by United legends George Best, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo.

It's the shirt that Valencia was reluctant to accept back in 2009 when he joined United the same summer legend Cristiano Ronaldo left for Real Madrid in a world record £80million transfer.

“I take the shirt with pride, but also with humility,” said Valencia. “The number 7 is very special. In recent years, few players have worn it. When I received the call [to wear no.7] I did not hesitate to say yes, I wanted the shirt. I just want to keep playing and keep giving joy to the people of Ecuador and Manchester.”

Valencia also took to twitter to confirm the news by tweeting: “I humbly accept the historic #7. Will do my best. Thanks to God, my family, ManUtd and all the fans for believing in me!”

The no.7 shirt had been left vacant by the departed Michael Owen who's contract was not renewed by the reds this summer following a spell at the club constantly interrupted by injuries.

Japanese midfielder Kagawa, who was signed from Borussia Dortmund for £17m, will wear the vacant 26 shirt, while teenage play maker Powell, who was brought in from Crewe, has taken Valencia’s former number 25 jersey.

When speaking about Uniteds work in the transfer market this summer Sir Alex hinted at more new arrivals this summer saying:

“There’s a possibility (there could be more signings). We’re working on one or two things,” revealed Sir Alex.

“We always try to get our work done at the end of the season – we spent a good deal of time sorting the deal with Shinji and we’d agreed a deal with Nick Powell before the play-offs, which was a good move by us because the boy had an outstanding final at Wembley.

“When you don’t get deals done immediately and you’re negotiating with a club over a long period then you can’t expect to just snap your fingers and get it done.

“It’s a matter of gradually getting to a point where both clubs are satisfied and then having the opportunity, hopefully, to speak to the player.”

It would appear that Sir Alex is currently casting his eye over possible transfer targets to add to his squad, but only expect further arrivals if the club sees "value in the market"

Some Bloggers Need To Climb Down Off Their High Horse

It's easy to do and does not cost anything to set up, everybody probably knows somebody who has set up a blog on the Internet. Blog's can be about any subject, the majority that I come across on twitter are by football supporters.

It's only recently that I have discovered that some people seem to think that setting up a blog about the team they support, gives them some kind of status and sense of importance.

Some Manchester United bloggers suddenly believe they are actually working for that football club and have inside information on the club they follow, they are so far up on their high horse that there views become distorted and I actually believe that some of them think they have a chance of being the next manager of the club they support.

Most worrying to me is the fact that some of these so called bloggers are quick to climb above their high horse where they are content to look down and challenge other supporters about their views and opinions.

Being a blogger gives you no divine right to think you are better than anybody else. It should also not make you think that you support and care for the team you support more than any other supporter.

Football is all about opinions and it's what makes the sport so interesting, we have so many things to discuss and not everybody agrees with your point of view all the time.

Certain bloggers seem to think that their opinions are unquestionable or unchallengeable and this is where the problem arises.

I have no problem with anybody making a point, if I don't agree I will simply argue the point, but some bloggers seem to think that questioning their options is offencive and will go as far as blocking you on twitter or deleting your comments from their blog?

I run my own blog and I can say 100% that any criticism of what I write is looked on as constructive criticism, I would never dismiss some body's point of view without fully hearing that person out first, if I didn't agree I would not condemn that person for their views.

I am sure to some football supporters this will sound familiar, only recently I was blocked on twitter by two, shall we say "top reds" on twitter, my crime was to question and debate the points of view they were expressing, seems petty to block me considering I was not abusive in any way and never would be when discussing football sensibly.

I am not taring all bloggers with the same brush, the majority that I follow are run by people who I communicate with through twitter and are polite and willing to listen to your point of view, but it seems that there are some who need to climb down off their high horse and realise that not everbody will agree with the points you make, we all have our own opinions that should be respected.

Will Nani Be A Victim Of Glazernomics?

Speculation regarding the future of Manchester United winger Nani has gathered momentum over the last few weeks, with some tabloids suggesting that Sir Alex Ferguson is prepared to consider any serious offers made for the Portuguese play maker.

It is nearly exactly five years ago since Nani made the switch to Manchester from Sporting Clube de Portugal for a £17million pound transfer fee. Since that move Nani has grown in stature and has become an integral and important player for the reds, showing consistent signs in his development and improvement in his play over the years.

So it comes as no surprise to me that the story about United considering selling one of their star assets has been publicised, it would be a move that would make total Glazernomic sense when you think about it.

United, due to their American owners, quite literally do not have a pot to urinate in when it comes to trying to flex their financial muscle when competing in the transfer market, due to the crippling interest payments they must keep up to date with, something that the Glazers have saddled the club with.

Its no secret that United are currently crying out for a creative central midfield player, but the calibre of the player they require will not come cheap. United do not have time on their side, teams around them are getting stronger and the noisy neighbours will also look at adding strong additions to their ranks, so Sir Alex does not have time to sign up and try out another Djemba-Djemba or Kleberson.

There are a few names being thrown about that fit the shoe's United are looking to fill, Tottenhams Luka Modric is a serious and realistic target but he would cost somewhere close to £30million, does anybody actually believe United have that kind of money lying about? If it was available, the Glazers would have probably paid off a small piece of the clubs debt with it.

United would have to sell before competing for the signature of a top class midfield player, and behind Wayne Rooney who without doubt is the clubs biggest asset financially, is the Portuguese winger Nani who's contract clock is also ticking away with no sign of an improved deal being offered.

The Manchester club would probably be realistically be looking at recouping a fee of around £25million for Nani, a fee that would then enable then to compete for the quality creative midfield player they have been craving since the 2011 Champions League final against Barcelona at Wembley highlighted their weakness in that area.

Although personally I would not want to see a player leave who I believe has not fulfilled his full potential at Old Trafford, United have Ashley Young as a replacement, he is a natural left sided player depending on whether he can step up and become a consistent threat, The legend that is Ryan Giggs will also be available to fill in on that side, so Nani would not leave the reds short on that side.

I said a few weeks before the end of the season I feared Nani could be a victim of Uniteds financial problem's and its still something I can see happening this summer, will Nani become a victim of Glazernomics? Expect the rumours to resurface shortly when Portugal are packing their Euro 2012 suitcases and Nani is reporting back to Manchester.

Why Can't England Supporters Put Aside Club Rivalry?



Beckham giving a one-finger salute to fans who hurled taunts at him

As Manchester United's Danny Welbeck delicately back heeled the ball into the Sweden goal to confirm England's 3-2 win, it proved to me that I made the correct decision to drop all interest in our national side.

It's a decision I made in the year 2000 based on the England supporters obsession and hatred towards the Manchester United based players who represent their country, and the tedious and bitter crowd chants of "stand up if you hate Man U". England supporters burned effigies of David Beckham after his dismissal in World Cup 1998, but then hailed him as their hero and saviour when he scored that free kick against Greece to earn England automatic qualification to the 2002 tournament, fans can be so fickle sometimes, especially those who follow England.

Being a Manchester United supporter I was obviously delighted for Danny Welbeck scoring the winner, he's a Mancunian and a product of United's youth academy, but this is where the problem seems to be when it comes to England supporters, they are unable to unite and put club rivalry aside.

During and following the match, Social networking site twitter was displaying all the evidence of England supporters who despise rival club players who play for their country. One tweet from a England Liverpool supporter read "Get Young and Welbeck off and bring on Downing and Henderson", this was shortly before Welbeck scored the winning goal, I wonder if this supporter celebrated the Mancunian's match winning goal? Other supporters tweeted "Manc scum" after the match winning goal.

Liverpool supporters were not the only ones criticising rival club team players, Manchester United's England supporters were also tweeting negative comments about Johnson, Gerrard and Carroll. I even seen a comment from an Arsenal supporter slagging off Scott Parker.

How do England ever expect to achieve Success in an International tournament if the country's supporters can't even unite and put club rivalry to one side? England seem to be the only country who can't fully get behind their national team, I can't imagine that a Spanish supporter who's supporters Real Madrid would have been the slightest bit bothered that it was Barcelona's Andres Iniesta who scored the goal that secured the World Cup for his country.

I am not putting all England supporters into the same category, I know that there are supporters who fully get behind the national team, but the supporters who constantly go on about rival club team players entertain me and confirm that I made the correct decision to choose my club over my country.