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.

Refs Decision Has Not Handed United Title

Many people are voicing their opinion that a decision by referee Michael Oliver, not to award Fulham a penalty at Old Trafford when Danny Murphy went down in the penalty area in the final minute, following a challenge by Manchester United's Michael Carrick, as the main turning point in the title race, and the reason why United will turn 19 into 20 league title wins, Why ?

Will it not have anything to do with the fact United have taken six points off Tottenham and Arsenal, and four points off Chelsea and Liverpool? Will it not be United's ability to win when not playing well? Will it not be because of moments like the Ryan Giggs injury time winner against Norwich? Will fighting back from three goals down at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea to earn a valuable point, not be a contributing factor?

I suppose rival supporters who despise United with a passion, can use this incident as a kind of scapegoat, if the reds, as the bookmakers currently believe, go on to clinch the Premier League crown from under the noses of their Manchester rivals.

I am not totally blind to the fact, United seem to have had decision's at Old Trafford go their way that they might not have got at another stadium, but the decision against Fulham was not a conspiracy as many other supporters would like to believe. Its quite simply a decision that could not be made because the referee was not 100% sure about it. Could anybody hand on heart say that they were sure it was a penalty from the moment they seen it? When I first seen the incident in real time, I thought it looked a close call, but the fact the ball had changed direction, made me believe that Carrick had touched the ball and I therefore thought that Murphy had dived.

So when I then had the facility to watch the incident back in slow motion and from different angles, it became very clear that it should have actually been a penalty and a sending off for Carrick. The decision not to award the penalty basically strengthens the call for video technology in football. If teams had three calls a half each, to dispute a refereeing decision, or an incident, then Martin Jol could have disputed it, and with a quick glance at a pitch side monitor, could have clearly seen the incident again and acted upon it. Video technology is a debate for another day, but lets not forget the referee does have a linesman who could have flagged for a penalty, but he failed to do so strengthening the claim that in real time motion it was a tough call to be sure of.

So why has this incident handed the title to United? I am of the opinion that over the season the best team who deserves the trophy will lift it in May? The table does not lie does it? If the penalty had been given, there was no guarantee Fulham would have dispatched the resulting spot kick, but the odds would have been in their favour. If they had scored, and the match ended 1-1, United would be top by a point and probably missing Michael Carrick for three matches. Both teams would know winning their remaining fixtures would guarantee success.

Many will subscribe to the fact that what goes around, comes around. Its swings and roundabouts, and I agree. If you look back at a perfectly well timed and good challenge by Rio Ferdinand at Old Trafford this season against Newcastle, then the penalty claim the other night has evened itself out. United drew the match against Newcastle and lost two points due to an outrageous call be the referee, rival supporters seem to forget incidents like this.

The destiny of the Premier League trophy is still controlled by what both Manchester clubs do in their final games. The match at the Ethihad Stadium next month could go a long way to deciding which team will be crowned champions, whoever wins the title, will fully deserve it.

Singing Section Could Revive Old Trafford Atmosphere

Supporter clubs and fanzines of Manchester United, are currently in negotiations with the Old Trafford hierarchy to try and implement a singing section into the stadium to improve the match day atmosphere, that has sadly been on a worrying decline for the last ten years.

It's news that I am sure will be backed and welcomed by the majority of United supporters who want to try and help recapture the atmosphere that has at times, been disgracefully subdued over recent years, even in the so called "big games".

I am surprised it has taken so long for this proposal to be put forward to the club, but it seems that finally supporters of United have go together to voice their opinions on the matter, and have proceeded to put the wheels in motion. Singing sections have generally been introduced to clubs, that have in recent years moved to a new stadium like Manchester City. It doesn't really come as any surprise to me that United are open to the idea that supporter clubs are currently discussing with them.

Its a no brainier in my opinion and something that should have been looked at years ago. The proposal will see the singing section implemented into the East Lower – Blocks EL133, 134, 135, 136, 137 and 138. East Lower is currently one of the more vocal areas within Old Trafford, its the stand where the away supporters currently take up their ticket allocation. This would see away supporters moved into tier three of the Sir Alex Ferguson stand. This will be tested for the first time in United's Premier League home clash against Aston Villa on Sunday April the 15th.
 

I can't see many supporters looking at this negatively. Away supporters have always taken up what I consider to be one of the best views at Old Trafford. Think about how other away teams treat United with regards to ticket allocations and prices, the away supporters section at Newcastle United's stadium springs to mind, stuck up in the gods where you can't be heard and the home support can drown you out easily. The current away support at Old Trafford can generate a lot of noise as they are pitch side, they can have the effect of an extra man and lift their team.

My only concern, if you could call it a concern, would be that moving the away supporters so far away from the home crowd, would almost instantly kill the banter that fans have had being sat so close to each other. Supporters who I know that sit near the away fans are a bit apprehensive and sceptical of the proposal because they enjoy the banter so much on match days.

The match day atmosphere at Old Trafford has been killed by the corporate seats, and the day-trippers reluctance to sing and join in with people who want to create an atmosphere. By offering supporters the chance to switch seats to a singing section will ensure they can sing, and not be told to sit down by the person behind them at times of attacking play or flash points in the game. I have even heard stories of United fans, being told to sit down by fellow supporters sat behind them, so that they can see the players celebrating the goal that has just been scored!

The singing section is an interesting idea and proposal that I hope to see implemented so that we can see if it can function and be a Sucess. I imagine that demand for seats in it will be high, as die hard reds will be able to almost experience an away day atmosphere at Old Trafford, at every home match.

Further information and updates regarding the news of this proposal, including the actual proposal itself, can be found at www.stretfordendflags.com .

Rooney Considering Man City Move Is Unforgivable

In October 2010 Wayne Rooney stunned Manchester United and it's supporters by officially handing in a written transfer request. Within a few days Rooney made a spectacular U-turn on his decision to leave Old Trafford and signed a new contract with the reds that put speculation regarding his future to bed.

Just over a year ago since that transfer request and I find myself asking United supporters, have you forgiven and forgotten about what Wayne Rooney was actually preparing to do when he tried to engineer a move away from the club and swap the red of Manchester United for the Blue of Manchester City?

His transfer request rocked the foundations that Manchester United was built upon, more so because we all know the team that he was preparing to join. Look at it this way, it would be like your wife or partner sitting you down and telling you that she is leaving you for your noisy next door neighbour who has recently won the lottery.

This is the neighbour that you have never really seen eye to eye with, but your other half is ready to throw everything away that she has with you to be with him, because she thinks the grass is greener on the other side. Then a couple of days later she tells you she wants to stay with you. Would you ever look at her or trust her the same as you did before?

Any United supporter who believes that Rooney was not considering a move to the blue half of Manchester is deluded and clearly trying to distance themselves from entertaining the thought. A deal was in place with his agent to take him to Manchester City which would have made him the worlds highest paid player.

Many supporters and manager Sir Alex Ferguson pointed the finger at Rooney's agent Paul Stretford for his sudden bombshell request to leave United, but lets not forget that it takes two to tango. Rooney carefully choose his parting words in a statement that was read out to the worlds media which indicated his reasons for wanting to leave arguably the worlds biggest football club.

As Rooney's statement was read out, Sir Alex Ferguson must have felt like a son of his was piercing a dagger through his heart. Rooney stated that his reasons for leaving were that the squad at the time was not strong enough to be challenging for honours, which was basically questioning the managers squad of players that he had assembled. After the comments he made at the time, I never imagined I would see Rooney pull on the red shirt again and represent the club.

Many will say that a lot of water has passed under the bridge since then, and that everybody deserves a second chance. The thing that worries me about Rooney is that this could easily be a situation that occurs again in the not so distant future if he decides to climb up onto his high horse again.

Rooney was quick to walk away from Everton who he claims to be his "boyhood team". He once even revealed a t-shirt with the slogan "once a blue always a blue" when celebrating a goal while playing for them. I know since that move the Everton supporters have given him stick, but Rooney has responded to his fellow Evertonian's by kissing the United badge in front of them. Its something I have never quite fully understood about Rooney.

If I left the club I was brought up and supported all my life, I would not disrespect that club by kissing another club crest when playing against them. I know football is a fickle and the majority of the people who support football clubs are, but if Rooney had of made the switch to Manchester City, I guarantee he would have responded to the taunts from furious United supporters by doing the same thing, kissing the badge.

I know quite a few people who support United, but not Wayne Rooney because of the way he disrespected the club, the manager and the supporters. I know that still to this day they find it difficult to chant and sing his name on the terraces, like me they think that Rooney even considering a switch to Manchester City is unforgivable.

Rooney remains the talismanic figure at Old Trafford that he was the day he stunned United with his request to leave the club. It still remains though, that some supporters including myself have not forgiven him or forgotten what he was trying to instigate in October 2010.


@KevinAshford7

The Curious Case of Phil Jones

All aboard the Phil Jones bandwagon. The fare is free and its easy to climb aboard, good luck trying to locate a seat. Once aboard you will happily engage in conversation with other Manchester United supporters about how Phil Jones is the new Duncan Edwards, or the new Bryan Robson. Somebody will even go as far as to say that Jones is without doubt the future England and United captain,

Before long, you too will be a fully subscribed member to the most hyped up footballer in years.

Does any of this sound familiar to you ?

This is the curious case of Phil Jones, a player who is supposedly "that good" Sir Alex Ferguson does not even know where to play him, because apparently he can play anywhere! There is no doubting that he has potential, and at only 20 could develop into a good player, but I found the hype surrounding his switch to Old Trafford pretty baffling to be honest.

I am not comfortable with so many United fans agreeing with the media's perception of him, that he is the new Duncan Edwards or the new Bryan Robson. It's uncertain what the player makes of the comparisons that are being made, I imagine he is quietly flattered by them and maybe even embarrassed.

I don't think it's fair to create so much hype and put huge expectation on a young player who before signing for United, had actually only made 35 professional first team appearances for his previous club Blackburn Rovers. I must admit I had not heard much about Jones before he moved to United, but after signing him for a fee believed to be around £16million, and reading the kind and encouraging words the English press had to say about him, like many supporters I was excited.

Any player that is talked about and speculated as being a mixture of Duncan Edwards and Bryan Robson must be an amazing talent right?

The comparisons with the two United greats can only be compared with a few attributes Phil Jones has in my opinion. He has the physical presence and strength of a Duncan Edwards, and we have seen him make a few powerful, driving runs with the ball from deep inside his own half, something that Bryan Robson did so often for the reds, but I am afraid that they are the only things I have witnessed that would cause somebody to compare him to the two.

Jones has been tried and tested in a few positions already in his United career, and like many including Sir Alex Ferguson who brought him to the club, I am actually unsure and confused as to what  his best and strongest position in the side is.

He has looked shaky and lacking in confidence when playing in central defence, which is supposedly his preferred position, not very convincing at right back, and I do not see his long term place in the team being in the centre of midfield. So suddenly the best young English talent this country has to offer, does not actually have a position that he and the manager are confident of him excelling in.

We have all heard of players being hyped up in the past, and it seems to be predominately English players. Why? Because English players carry the weight and expectation for the national side who have continually failed at international level.

Not since Wayne Rooney have I heard of an English player being hyped up and speculated about so much. I remember the English press once labelled Joe Cole "The new Paul Gascoigne", Cole is currently playing in France on loan trying to revive his career after a disastrous spell at Liverpool, following the decision by Chelsea to let the player leave Stamford Bridge on a free transfer. This is a clear example of the English media putting too much pressure on a young player, this can stifle a players promise and potential especially if that individual starts to believe his own hype. 

It's impossible to predict if Phil Jones will live up to all the hype that currently surrounds him. If he becomes anything like the players he has been compared to, he will retire a Manchester United legend.

I still believe that Edwards plus Robson does not equal Phil Jones, he carries the weight of expectation for both his club and his country on his shoulders and seems like a big enough personality to carry it. For the time being though, I remain apprehensive and slightly sceptical about a player who's best position in the team remains uncertain, and for that reason I will not be joining the large number of supporters who are already on the Phil Jones bandwagon.

@KevinAshford7