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.

David Beckham Should Be United's First Summer Signing

Forget about all the talented players that have been linked with a move to Old Trafford this year, One player Manchester United should seriously consider signing this summer who would prove to be pivotal and important, is David Beckham. 

No, I have not been making the most of the reasonably priced alcohol down at my local Weatherspoons, Reading the start to this will have had the word "Glazernomics" going through most supporters heads. I am not suggesting we bring him back as a player, Beckham is clearly passed it, but as an ambassador of the club who would assist in the signing of future talent in a transfer market that United are clearly struggling in, what do you think of my idea now then?

Since 2009 the transfer market has seen United fail to secure the signatures of Karim Benzema, Alexis Sanchez, Samir Nasri, Wesley Sneijder and most recently Eden Hazard. United officially identified all of these players through their scouting network, and placed bids to try and secure the services of the exciting talents of World football. 

Some supporters will feel that the Glazers are responsible for not capturing these future talents, but it seems to me that the creme da la creme of world footballers are no longer attracted to the name Manchester United, the teams history, it's global fan base, or playing in front of 76,000 spectators at the famous Old Trafford.

I Remember a time when players with the calibre of Roy Keane turned down increased personal terms from other clubs, simply because he said he "could not miss out on the opportunity to play for Manchester United", it seems that times are changing rapidly in football.

You hear of so many ex United players stating that they could not resist the chance of playing for the reds, but that seems to be changing, obviously not helped by Russian and Sheikh billionaires investing in football clubs, and football agents  advising players badly and trying to get the best deal for their client.

United also seem to be struggling to hang on to youngsters coming through the youth ranks these days. Although Ravel Morrison probably left for non footballing reasons, and was pushed towards the exit door in the end, Paul Pogba looks set to turn his back on the reds in favour of a lucrative offer from Italian side Juventus.

Sir Alex Ferguson mentioned a few months ago, that a contract proposal had been put to Pogba and his agent, and that United player Rio Ferdinand was also trying to persuade the Frenchman that Manchester United was the place for him to shine. Ferdinand was clearly involved because he is viewed as an experienced player in the squad who also has the respect of the younger players who look up to him. 

This is where I feel the addition of David Beckham working behind the scenes as Manchester United's club ambassador could give the reds an edge, in what has proved to be a difficult and competitive transfer market to acquire the rising stars of the game.

Other teams have ex players doing similar roles, Close to home Patrick Vieria does a similar role and played a part in bringing Samir Nasri to Manchester City, obviously the other part involved a lucrative contract and a brown envelope addressed to the players agent.

Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid was responsible for Karim Benzema choosing the Spanish side over the red of Manchester. Zidane is a legend of world football who had a highly successful  career, he made a call to Benzema in which he described his time at Real Madrid and told him that he should join them over United. So why don't United consider employing an ex player like Beckham to assist the club in its transfer dealings? Surly it would do no harm?

Most recently, if the social networking site twitter is to be believed, Eden Hazard has chosen to sign for Chelsea, a move that means he has snubbed United. Hazard is 21 years of age, trying to sign players now is almost pitching yourself to them. Although you will get supporters who say "if they don't want to sign for the club we don't want them" I agree with that to a certain extent, but let's imagine before Hazard choose Chelsea that David Beckham was working in the role that I have suggested at Old Trafford, a role that I am sure Beckham would be proud and honoured to carry out taking into account his love and passion for the Manchester club.

United in advance would have briefed Beckham on Eden Hazard and told him he was a future talent they did not want to let slip through their fingers. Beckham then makes the phone call, and in his soft cockney accent says "Eden? It's David Beckham, I am calling because my club Manchester United want to sign you, can we meet up so that I can discuss my time at United and why I think they are the club and platform for you to showcase your talent at?"

I honestly think that appointing such a charismatic and respected iconic figure like David Beckham, would give United that extra edge in a transfer market that has become very competitive. Beckham has great memories of his time at Old Trafford, the treble season in 1999 being the highlight. 

He also knows Sir Alex and has always stated that the Scots man was "like a father figure" during his illustrious time at United. All he would have to do is advise the transfer target of those great memories and experiences. Also the fact that Beckham is the most famous footballer in the world, and a powerful iconic figure that every player would be familiar with, would mean that any potential target would be highly motivated and inspired by listening to a player like Beckham.

I am not for one minute being totally naive and suggesting that we would have signed all the transfer targets we have missed out on if Beckham was involved in the negotiations, but you must surly agree to some extent, that he would have enhanced Manchester United's chances of signing some of the players that have slipped through the reds landing net over the last few years wouldn't he?

No Power Shift In The City Of Manchester

Manchester City have for so long been the comical club who have provided the Red side of the City with something to laugh at down the years, What was there not to laugh about?

A club who's celebrity fan is Curly Watts, the strange adopted terrace craze of the Inflatable Banana, the three stars above the club crest, signing Spencer Prior on deadline day, supposedly having the widest pitch, the greenest grass and tallest floodlights in the Football League, and lets not forget the words "Massive" and "Bitter".

This is the same club, who's manager once instructed his players to keep possession of the ball in the corner late on in a game when drawing 1-1, unaware his team needed a win to stay up!

On the final day of the 2011-2012 Premier League season at the Etihad, City finally laid that element of laughter to bed, but with three minutes of injury time left those long suffering supporters must have thought they were going to live up to their "Typical City" tag.

Sheikh Mansour's billion pound fortune has ensured that Manchester City are now a force in English football, two trophies in three years would suggest this. Sir Alex Ferguson labelled City the "noisy neighbours", their first title success since 1968 means that for the summer those who live next door will be very noisy indeed as they finally have something to be loud about.

Sir Alex has had to overcome some challenges in his time in charge at United, City's title win will represent another campaign in which he will look to put a stop to a team who some suggest could dominate the Barclay's Premier League for years to come.

Unlike the Arsenal "Invincible" team under the guidance of Arsene Wenger, and Jose Mourinho's Chelsea team, I don't fear or sense a shift in power, if you go off the season that has just finished. Manchester United simply threw away the league title this year. I am not taking anything away from City, I have always stated that the league table does not lie, but its the fact is come down to goal difference that suggests to me that there is not much between both Manchester Clubs.

United only have themselves to blame for their disappointment this year. Just over a moth ago they were eight points clear of City and they simply crumbled, like a biscuit would under intense pressure after being dipped in a hot cup of tea.

Labelled by many as the worst ever Manchester United team under the guidance of Sir Alex shows just how well United have done this season to be pipped on goal difference, to a team who have invested nearly £500million on world class and quality proven players.

The start of the 2013-2014 season will see the introduction of the Financial Fair Play regulation that will see some manners and thought into how City spend in the summer. Its a regulation that will ensure that no other team does a Chelsea or a Man City and effectively use financial power to go from being a mid table mediocre football team, to being crowned Premier League Champions.

This season following City's title success, there has not been a shift of power in the City of Manchester, but its the Blue side who have the trophy and bragging rights.

Fergie Loses Game Of Derby Black Jack

Picture the scene, an Italian man called Roberto enters a Manchester Casino and approaches the Black Jack table, the croupier is a Scottish man named Alex. The cards are turned over, the croupier's hand is not 21 but its a strong hand, the Italian knows its by no means unbeatable.

The croupier decides to stick, Roberto has already gone all in on his hand knowing he has nothing to lose, and decides to twist. The next card the Italian gets totals his cards at 21, its won him the hand and there is nothing the Scottish croupier can do about it, sound familiar?

It pretty much sums up how the eagerly anticipated Manchester derby ended up, one manager decided to stick, the other one twisted and was rewarded for his decision.

From the minute the starting elevens were confirmed, it was obvious that Sir Alex Ferguson was looking to protect Manchester Uniteds three point cushion at the top of the Barclay's Premier League. The words "caution" and "negative" leapt out as it became clear that United were visiting the Etihad looking to flood the midfield with bodies to try and barricade the threat of Manchester City's midfield creativity.

In stark contrast Roberto Mancini's team selection, suggested that City would not echo the same intentions of Sir Alex's team set up, it was very much the total opposite. By naming Nasri, Silva, Toure, Aguero and Tevez in the attacking third of the field, Mancini's team selection was positive in comparison to Ferguson's negative selection.

From the minute the whistle was blown to indicate the start of this gladiator like bout, United were obviously happy to try and keep possession without actually causing City and attacking threat. Wayne Rooney has never performed convincingly or with any great confidence as a lone front man, and his performance will go down as one of his least productive in a red shirt, and that's being polite!

Its a match that suddenly started to remind me of the Champions League final in Rome 2009 against Barcelona. I am not for a minute comparing Manchester City with Barcelona, but that final was a match that Sir Alex tried playing defensively in, the supporters turned up, but the players didn't, it was exactly the same at the Etihad for this huge Manchester derby.

Uniteds game plan looked to be going well until on the stroke of half time, City captain Vincent Kompany leapt above Chris Smalling to power the ball past a helpless David De Gea. City did not really deserve their lead, but in terms of how they set up, they had asked more questions and were more positive than United pressing forward.

The introduction of Danny Welbeck in the second half seen United adopt a preferred formation of 4-4-2 rather than the 4-5-1 they had started the match with. The 4-5-1 formation is something United never look comfortable playing, its not the United way. From the early management days of Matt Busby the philosophy has always been to attack, United have always used it as their best form of defence. Uniteds negative approach reflected in the shots on target tally at the end of the match, not a single shot tested Joe Hart.

The destiny of the Premier League trophy is now not controlled by Manchester United, its Manchester City who will dictate which colour ribbons and which trophy cabinet it will take pride of place in.

Will The Red Flag Fly Or The Blue Moon Rise?

The sun will set and the skies will turn dark over Manchester on Monday evening as the atmosphere and anticipation finally hits boiling point. Two Mancunian football teams will emerge from the Ethihad tunnel entering a cauldron of noise and hatred.

The time will have finally stopped for the talking and mind games, as Manchester City go into battle against rivals Manchester United to give us a clearer indication as to what colour ribbons will be attached to the Premier League trophy in a couple of weeks time.

 It could be reminiscent of a gladiator style bout in the Colosseum, minus the claret and fatality's.Both sets of players and supporters will know fully how huge a victory would be for their team and the statement it would represent. Will the red flag be flying high? Or will it be eclipsed by the blue moon that is evidently rising?

Its a clash of huge importance at the Etihad Stadium on Monday evening, its worthy of the title "the biggest derby ever" because quite simply, it is. Its a situation that has only become possible and made a reality,by the injection of Sheikh Mansour's billion pound war chest. Who's to know where City would be without their billionaire saviour? Certainly not challenging Manchester United for the league title.

The implications of a victory for either Manchester side are simple to understand. If City win, the title is then theirs to lose, a win for United will virtually, but not mathematically, guarantee that it will be the red side of Manchester who will be crowned Premier League champions for a record 20th time. A draw would be of more significance for the current champions rather than City as the gap would stay at three points with only two games remaining.

In the past, a fixture for City against United at this late stage of the season, would have represented nothing more than a chance for them to derail the reds title charge. Tomorrow that scenario is no different, City are still looking to put a spanner in works, but have the added incentive that for the first time in over 40 years, they have something to play for themselves, a shot at taking control of the chase for the Premier League title, and knowing that if they win their remaining fixtures they will be champions.

United reluctance to land the fatal blow and end this title race has seen a significant turn around at the top. The eight point advantage the reds had earned, has been cut to only three points following surprising results against Wigan and Everton that resulted in five points being surrendered. City have been playing with little pressure on them as Mancini claimed the race for the title was over, a comment the Italian still stands by but who is he trying to kid? If City win this fixture, the destiny of the Premier League crown will be controlled by his team. 

Its a must win game for City if they are serious about their title dream, United however will be looking to avoid defeat to strengthen their stranglehold on a trophy they are only too familiar with. What better way to win the league than to win it in your neighbours backyard, on their turf, in front of their supporters? United supporters on the other hand will certainly not want to see a certain individual from Argentina teeing off in front of them or stood with his ears cupped. Hopefully it lives up to the hype that has surrounded it for the last week.

Recent form: Man City – DDLWWW; Man Utd – WWWLWD

My Top 3 United Players For The Season

With remaining fixtures still to play in the Barclay's Premier League, I have decided to choose my top three Manchester United performers of the season regardless of what happens in the next couple of weeks. Its been a tough choice to make as I have chopped and changed my top three performers over the last few days, cutting it down from a strong five, to my top three.

In reverse order .........

Many supporters will argue that Wayne Rooney should probably be top of this

list when you consider his goal return this season for the reds, but I think Rooney's form has not been as consistent as in previous seasons by his personal extraordinary high standards.

Rooney has partnered Hernandez, Berbatov and Welbeck upfront this season and has been deverstating in front of goal showing versatility and maturity in his game.

He has scored important goals this season, his work rate and ability to showcase his talent in the big games make him one of the Premier League best players of all time, and he is still at the age where he is yet to hit his full potential and peak form. The majority of United supporters would include him in their top ten greatest United players of all time, me included.

Rooney is Uniteds talisman figure in the side since Cristiano Ronaldo left for Real Madrid, a player others look too for inspiration and leadership, he will have a strong case for being Uniteds next full time club captain when the role next becomes available.

Number 3: Wayne Rooney

What can you say about Paul Scholes that has not already been said before? He is simply one of the greatest players to ever grace the Old Trafford pitch, or any football pitch for that matter, and he has the glowing catalogue of references from people within the game to back it up.

Scholes retired from United at the end of last season after helping the reds claim a historic 19th English League title. Four months into this season United stunned supporters by announcing that he had made a dramatic U-turn and returned to

the club to start on the bench in the FA Cup meeting with rivals Manchester City.

His impact on his return to the team was instant, it was almost like he had not been away from the club. At a time when United were struggling in the midfield department, Scholes quickly re-stamped his authority and ability to change the tempo of games. Add to that his extraordinary range of passing and experience, and it is no surprise that since his return Scholes has not been on the losing side of a game that he has started, that has seen United overtake neighbours City at the top of the league.

Scholes looks set to stay on another year at Old Trafford, that will only enhance his legendary status with supporters at the club.

Number 2: Paul Scholes 

The player I have chosen as my Manchester United player of the season was not a tough choice to make, and I believe he fully deserves all the credit and praise he has received this season.

Jonny Evans has been fighting for a place in the starting eleven at United since his return from a successful loan period at Sunderland. He was viewed by many supporters as a squad player, a  player that you could rely on when called upon to do a job. Evans himself admitted that he tough his chance of regular first team action at United would never become a reality.

When central defender and club captain Nemanja Vidic suffered knee ligament damage that ended his season, Evans was handed the chance by Sir Alex to step up and fill the void left by the injured Serbian international, and what a sensational impact he has had on the first team since.

Filling in for Vidic was a daunting task for the young Irish man, but he has stepped up to the plate, and its testament to Evans that United don't really seem to have missed losing Vidic.

Evans is currently one of the first names on the United team sheet, Vidic will have a fight on his hands to win back his place in the team if Evans continues his impressive, consistent, solid form.

Number 1: Jonny Evans

Love United Merchandise, Hate Glazer?

In 2005 Malcolm Glazer completed his take over of Manchester United by buying out shareholders, It was a deal that give the American tycoon a controlling stake at the Old Trafford club. The move was fiercely opposed by supporters of the club because it saddled the club with a massive debt and huge annual interest payments.

Some supporters were so outraged and angered by the Glazer take over of the Manchester club, that it resulted in them refusing to renew their season tickets for the following season under the Americans ownership.

It was a big statement of intent by a certain section of supporters, who disillusioned with the way the club was being run, decided to set up and follow another club named FC United of Manchester, a club that still to this day averages attendances of 2,000.

To give up your season ticket in demonstration of the take over, was considered quite an extreme decision to make. To refuse the opportunity of renewing your season ticket, just meant that somebody on the waiting list would be happy to inherit it and pay the rising annual season ticket fees that the new owners put in place.

So the next statement to make, without giving up going to watch United, was to keep your season ticket, but boycott purchasing any products or sponsors products associated with the club. The most blatant of sins being purchasing official Manchester United merchandise.

Shortly after the take over the "green and gold" campaign was launched. This was an opportunity for supporters who had decided to keep their season tickets, the chance to publicly and visibly, vent their anger and hatred towards the Glazer take over. This was achieved by purchasing a green and gold scarf, the original colours that Manchester United played in when formally known under the name of Newton Heath.

The slogans stitched on the scarfs had the initials "LUHG" (Love United Hate Glazer), and "Green and Gold Until The Club is Sold". To purchase and wear one of these scarfs was a statement, you were basically saying that you love united, but are opposed to the owners. It was a campaign that gained much media attention and hostility towards the Glazer family. Supporters launched demonstrations before, during, and after games, that were televised and seen worldwide.

The questions I am asking myself now are, seven years on from the Glazers take over of the club, has the green and gold scarf lost its sense of statement and importance? Do the supporters buying them now realise what it symbolises? Or did David Beckham make it a fashion accessory, by draping one around his neck after a champions league clash with AC Milan at Old Trafford in 2010?

Any supporter would have noticed that over recent years the campaign has visibly deteriorated from what it was when it was at its strongest. The Stretford End would have been awash with the green and gold colours in the prime of the anti Glazer protest. Today, supporters are no nearer warming to the Americans, but supporters choose to make their statement by wearing plain clothes.

In 2010 following a Champions League clash with AC Milan, David Beckham picked up a green and gold scarf thrown from the Stretford End and wore it around his neck, sparking controversy as the media claimed he was making a statement against the owners. Beckham was quick to talk down the tabloids take on it, but it does make you wonder if he actually made it lose it's sense importance as overseas supporters suddenly viewed it as the next must have Beckham fashion accessory.

My problem with certain supporters today, are the ones who wear the green and gold scarf around their neck, with a United shirt proudly hanging off their shoulders. Or the ones that come marching out of the official megastore with bags in both hands, and a anti Glazer scarf on. Can anybody tell me exactly what point or statement these people are trying to make?

The picture above is a picture I took at Old Trafford on a match day of a supporter in a United shirt and a anti Glazer scarf. Without actually speaking to the man in question, I somehow doubt that he was an anti Glazer extremist, and entered the ground proceeding to sing about how he would cut Malcolm Glazer up from head to toe.

The scarf they wear states that they are opposed to the current owners, it could even say they "hate" the owners on it, but yet they are happy to line their pockets by purchasing official merchandise? In theory It is hypocrisy, they are wearing something that symbolises their allegiance to one cause, and at the same time, financing something that they are opposed too?

The sad thing is that the anti Glazer scarf seems to have lost its sense of importance,status and meaning. Instead of being a symbol of how strongly you feel against the Americans take over of United, it has almost become a fashion accessory for tourists and day trippers who visit Old Trafford on match days. To wear a green and gold scarf with official Mancheter United merchandise shows you have a sense of confusion and conflict of allegiance.

@KevinAshford7

One Hand On The Trophy

The red side of Manchester has one hand firmly gripped on the Premier League trophy, after a hard fought win against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood park, put the current English champions five points ahead of rivals Manchester City in the race for the title.

Its a scenario that seemed very unlikely a month ago when City were five points ahead of United. In typical fashion, Sir Alex's men have found another gear in their pursuit of the league title in the second half of the season, something that they have almost become accustomed too over the years.

United's ability to grind out results when not playing particularly well, and being able to string an impressive number of wins in a row together, shows that experience in a title run in is unfortunately for Manchester City, something that money cannot buy.

In January the return of Paul Scholes prompted rival supporters to poke fun at United and taunt them about bringing back a player who was supposedly past it. They claimed United had no money to bring in a midfielder and that the move had a hint of desperation about it. Scholes has been instrumental in Uniteds current run of form, his calming effect in the middle of the park, and his experience have seen the reds stamp their authority in midfield.

Its been a strange season so far, without being disrespectful to the current crop of players, I think this is not the strongest squad or starting eleven that Sir Alex has had at his disposal in his time at Old Trafford. It's a team critics believe have not even hit top gear and have not performed particularly impressively. This is a team with no ego's and apart from Wayne Rooney, no real superstars. Its a team that functions and knows how to get results when it matters, a team who play for each other and are willing to fight whenever the going gets tough.

It would be a little premature to suggest that the title race is over, but a win against QPR on Sunday at Old Trafford, could trigger bookmakers to start paying out on punters who put money on United retaining the trophy. A win would put United eight points ahead in the early kick off, leaving City with a tricky looking fixture at the Emirates against Arsenal, who are still fighting to wrap up a Champions League spot.

Its all "ifs" and "buts", but one thing is for sure, Antonio Valencia's exquisite finish against Blackburn with ten minutes of the match remaining, could be looked back on at the end of the season as the goal that basically clinched a record 20th League title.