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.

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.