Has Moyes Bitten Off More Than He Can Chew?

The media have been circling over Old Trafford like vulchers ever since Sir Alex Ferguson announced his retirement and departed Manchester United. Their prey is his successor David Moyes, who has the huge task of trying to stamp his own style and authority on a group of players who have become accustomed to winning honours every season at Old Trafford, but has David Moyes bitten off more than he can chew? Is he really up to the task?

It was always going to be tough replacing Sir Alex Ferguson, a manager who has left a huge legacy at Old Trafford, the manager who installed his own methods and winning mentality at the club, Sir Alex arrived at Manchester United already a winner, success at Aberdeen earned him a shot at the big time in Manchester, the chance to make a sleeping giant great again and attempt to knock rivals Liverpool off their perch.

David Moyes arrived at Old Trafford on the strength of his predecessor, Sir Alex choose him as the man to take the baton and continue his work at the club, Moyes arrived at Manchester United with no major trophies to his name, a manger who did a good job at mid table team Everton, but surly the club should've gone through the managerial job interview selection process before making such a huge decision? The strongest candidate for the job should've surly been appointed despite Sir Alex's recommendation?

Moyes' lack of a winning mentality has had a huge effect on the group of players he has inherited, some of the blame for United's faltering and lacklustre season has been placed with the players, claims that the players are under performing can be interpreted in many different ways, but it seems more likely that the current squad don't have trust and confidence in the new manager and his techniques, and like me, were probably very underwhelmed by the managerial appointment.

I always envisaged Sir Alex's successor to be in some ways a ready made replacement, a winning manager who has tasted success, who has charisma, someone who is comfortable with the media aspect of the job, who has a strong personality, not daunted by the task ahead, somebody who would stamp his own mark on Manchester United and bring new and fresh ideas to the squad.

There would've been no shortage of managers who would've fancied the Old Trafford hot seat, and I certainly don't blame David Moyes for accepting the job and trying to make the step up, but I think the job is bigger than he could've ever imagined, he often looks like a rabbit caught in the headlights.

The honeymoon period is over, I've seen little to convince me that David Moyes is the correct choice. Those who argue against this and beat the 'give him more time' drum must surly now see that Moyes has no style of play? He seems to have no tactical knowledge, there never seems to be a game plan and his 'Plan B' usually involves pushing Fellaini further forward and encouraging the team to knock the ball into him so that he can hold up play, something he regularly did at Everton, this is not the Manchester United style of play.

Moyes never looks comfortable with the media, I often cringe when watching his press conferences as he stutters through them trying to fit in all the right things to say as if its scripted. His after match assessment of Manchester United defeats this season has been nothing short of comical, it usually goes something like: "I thought we were unlucky today, we didn't deserve that, we'll do everything we can to turn things around".

Comments like that are fine if you genuinely were unlucky, but you make your own luck in football and it can't be used as an excuse every time your team suffers a defeat, Moyes' downfall has been his niceness, his willingness to tiptoe around the changing room without trying to be his own person, maybe he is in aura of the squad of talent he is now in charge of?

I hope David Moyes proves me wrong, suggesting a manager should be replaced after not even a season in charge will probably seem harsh to some, but my opinion is that David Moyes is not the manager to bring Manchester United forward.

I'm well aware that this goes against everything that Sir Alex Ferguson told us when he stood on the pitch after the Swansea match at Old Trafford last season, when he told us that our job now was to stand by our new manager, I would happily do that if I had seen something to give me hope that he was the correct choice, but Iv'e seen absolutely nothing to convince me in the slightest, its not like you can see a certain style of play developing, something that you know will click together in time.

David Moyes is a manager with very little Champions League experience, if he is given another season in charge that experience will not strengthen in any way, as the club look set to miss out on a top four position for the first time since the English Premier League was formed back in 1992, David Moyes is breaking records at Manchester United for all the wrong reasons, has he bitten off more than he can chew?


@KevinAshford7

Workers Fear Axe As "Popular Customer" Heads Abroad

Manchester Is Red was recently contacted by workers of a fast food chain (that we can't name for legal reasons) who are living in fear that they will lose their jobs very soon.

The fried chicken outlet are allegedly looking at making huge cut backs following the news that they are soon to lose a very popular customer who is responsible for a huge chunk of the company's massive annual profits.

Manchester Is Red spoke to workers of the Manchester based fast food chain, one source said: "We are really fearing the worse, this customer has kept our branch ticking over nicely, losing his custom is bound to hit the company very hard and we are all fearing the worst."

Another employee told us: "I'm scared, January is always a quite month, but losing this client will make things very hard for us to keep our jobs", he added: "our manager has pencilled in a staff meeting for tomorrow, my fear is that we will be told that we are being made redundant, so soon after Christmas".

Its not just the fried chicken store that are fearing the worst, over at a well known Brazilian restaurant in the city centre, a source told us they are "disappointed" to learn that their "best customer" was leaving Manchester and heading to Florence, she also said: "this will hit us hard, we've had to re-forecast our predicted turnover for 2014, and it makes for grim reading, I would be surprised if we were still actively operating as a business come March this year".

We also caught up with the branch manager of a bakery chain in Manchester, he was downbeat on hearing the news: "Its a real sucker punch, we are fully stocked up in anticipation of the Brazilian customer purchasing it, we are going to be stuck with stock we can't sell, we will lose out big time".

On a positive note, owners of fast food chains and restaurants in Florence were said to be delighted on hearing the news that Fiorentina had agreed a loan deal with Manchester United for Anderson, "it will give the economy a huge boost in Florence" said the owner of a small fast food shop.

There was pandemonium and scenes of madness in the city centre just seconds after the Florence based football team announced that Anderson was on his was over, as locals began panic buying from fast foods chains in fear that supplies would plummet after his arrival, a spokesman for one of the company's said: "There is no need to panic, we have upped our order accordingly after a meeting with our Manchester based area manager".


@KevinAshford7

Come On Fergie's Boys, Play For David Moyes

The Old Trafford faithful continue to passionately sing 'Come On David Moyes, Play Like Fergie's Boys, We'll go Wild Wild Wild' to the tune of Slades 1973 hit 'Cum On Feel the Noize', I think it's time that Fergie's boys starting playing for David Moyes.

It's not been the smooth transition at Old Trafford that some had imagined following Sir Alex Ferguson's decision to call time on his incredible management career at Old Trafford, David Moyes was the chosen one, but only 6 months into his Manchester United managerial stint, the media and some supporters are already calling for his head, is David Moyes entirely to blame?

Moyes inherited a team of champions, a squad that won last seasons Barclays Premier League title with ease, now that exact same squad with the addition of Adnan Januzaj and Marouane Fellaini, find themselves struggling in the league and knocked out of the FA Cup.

Losing a manager like Sir Alex Ferguson was always going to be tough, he was responsible for greeting that extra performance out of players, he was probably worth an extra 10 to 15 points a season, Moyes is not getting the same from this squad, you certainly have to question the players in the current situation, he's getting mixed performances from players who are paid astronomical amounts of money to perform for Manchester United.

As Manchester United manager, David Moyes is taking all the criticism for the teams current problems, but let's not forget how that disastrous and embarrassing summer transfer window has shaped the clubs season.

Ed Woodward took over from David Gill as Executive Vice-Chairman, Woodwards job is to work closely with Moyes in acquiring new players in the transfer market, and whilst he was attaching numerous ridiculous bids to the legs of his carrier pigeons, time slipped away and with time ticking away on the last day of the window, United uncharacteristically involved themselves in the transfer deadline day madness, signing Marouane Fellaini, a player that they could have signed for around £7m less the week before, when his set fee buyout clause expired at Everton

Then we were told that the bushy haired Belgian was 'always the first choice target'? Yes, course he was, that's why United left it to the last 10 minutes of the window to sign him! This was a panic buy, Woodward had a series of embarrassing transfer knock backs during his summer world tour, feared a backlash if he failed to acquire a signing, Fellaini was the easy option as he'd previously played under Moyes at Everton.

Manchester United started the 2013/14 season with a good squad, a squad of champions, the real problem was their failure to strengthen when all the top teams around them did, this meant that their rivals were always going to steal a march on them once the fixtures started coming thick and fast.

What has been surprising, is that those same players who won the league last season, have worryingly showed little fight or desire in the majority of games this season, maybe now that the Fergie fear factor has gone, they've fallen into the comfort and relaxation zone?

It's David Moyes who has to address the media after these defeats whilst the players head off to the changing room, they then head home to their mansions with their fleet of super cars that us, the supporters, have contributed towards, in return we expect entertainment, desire, fight and passion, sadly we have been denied of that too often this season, the players need to stand up and be counted, they have a responsibility when representing our club.

The strong majority of supporters are firmly behind David Moyes, and although I will admit I was stunned by the news he had been installed as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor, mainly because he won nothing at Everton and lacked Champions League managerial experience, like most who heard his predecessors speech on that final day last season in the rain against Swansea, it was always going to be a case of standing by the new manager, this was the man chosen by Sir Alex Ferguson, he is going to need time to adjust to his new surroundings.

My main criticism of David Moyes in these first 6 months, is that he has not totally got to grips with the squad rotation policy at the club, this is something he's clearly never had a problem with managing a small squad at Everton where he had a strong first team, but not a strong squad of players, this will come with time.

Moyes continues to be let down by the players he selects, yes, he's had some injuries to key players that have not helped his start in the Old Trafford hot seat.

Although we are told Moyes will be given time, it does make you wonder at what stage the American owners will hit the panic button, at the start of this season they would never have envisaged a scenario that the club would fail to make Champions League qualification, if that was to happen, it would have huge repercussions financially, the last thing the Glazers would want, is to be refinancing the already mind boggling debt and loan deals that they took out to purchase the club in the first place.

It all makes for an interesting summer when Moyes will be expected to really stamp his mark on Manchester United, a clear our is needed, new players are desperately required to freshen things up, some players at Old Trafford have put on their slippers and pulled out the pipe, and as always, you'll find Anderson doing what he does best, eating fast food and continuing to baffle us all as to how he ever blagged his way into the world of professional football as a footballer.

So come on Fergie's boys, play for David Moyes.



@KevinAshford7

Outfought, Outplayed, Outclassed, A Harsh Lesson For Moyes

It's a horrible feeling losing a Manchester derby, much more so at this current time, because this fixture has more importance and significance when the curtain is brought down to signal the end of the Premier League season.

Also living in Manchester, means you can expect a little bit of stick from a few City supporters who you are friends with or work alongside , it's part and parcel of a local derby, local bragging rights are at stake.

As the ink started to dry on the freshly printed Premier League fixture list, we knew that after a quick glimpse at the first 5 games, that this was going to be a difficult start.

Manchester United are traditionally a bit slow out of the traps, so many of their past title triumphs under Sir Alex Ferguson involved the team putting in incredible runs around and after the Christmas period, there would be no easy start for David Moyes as he set about the toughest job in world football, the impossible dream.

At the Etihad on Sunday, David Moyes took charge of his first Manchester Derby game, it's a game he will want to erase from his memory, but one that realistically, he will never forget.

To be brutally honest, United were outfought, outplayed and outclassed on every single blade of the Etihad grass in this match, it was heartbreaking as a Manchester United supporter, this was a game we were never in, as a contest it was more or less over as Howard Webb blew into his whistle to signal the half time interval.

It was a huge blow to lose Robin van Persie to injury prior to the match, but United should have the strength and depth in their squad to deal with it, but as I drowned my sorrows at half time at the Etihad with a pint, I got the feeling there was more to come from City, they were a team with the bit between their teeth.

It was clear Moyes needed to change something, but you just had the feeling that City were more up for this, they were winning the battle all over the pitch, it's not often I would question commitment, but City certainly seemed to want it more, YaYa Toure took the game by the scruff of the neck, bossing the centre of the park, leaving recent United signing Fellaini chasing shadows.

Things went from bad to worse as 2 goals in the first 5 minutes of the second half, left United with an impossible task, 4-0 with 40 minutes of the game left was disastrous, it could've been worse in the end, a late Wayne Rooney proved little consolation, this was an embarrassment, too many players simply didn't turn up for this game.

Probably the saddest image of the day, as a United supporter, was David Moyes, head slumped in his hands, looking like a man who had been well and truly beaten, some would try convincing you that it was the look of a man totally out of his depth, I don't subscribe to that opinion, he is only 5 games into his managerial career at Old Trafford.

This was a harsh lesson for Moyes, tactically he was completely outwitted by Manuel Pellegrini, it won't get any easier for the Scotsman, the media are gathering like vultures, waiting, hoping for him to fail at Manchester United, it's how he responds from this that will be an interesting spectacle.

United have some winnable fixtures in the pipeline, its been a very difficult start for David Moyes, he will learn from this lesson, and looking at the bigger picture, United are currently 3 points behind the 2 teams that I would've expected to be challenging for the title come the start of May 2014.

Moyes, during his time at Everton, never had the luxury of having such a strong pool of players to choose from, one of Sir Alex Ferguson's strengths as a manger was rotating his squad and keeping players fresh and happy, this is something that his successor quickly needs to get to grips with, it's part of modern day football.

United have already played Chelsea at Old Trafford, and Liverpool and Manchester City away, the disappointment, that they have only claimed a single point from those fixtures, these are fixtures that prove to be most important, there is a long way to go in this Premier League season.

It's only just got started, lets put this down to a very bad day at the office, a lesson that David Moyes will learn quickly from, this could be the wake up call Manchester United need to kick-start their season, next up, it's the small matter of Liverpool in the Capital One Cup at Old Trafford.


@KevinAshford7

When Mourinho Parks The Bus It's Tactical Genius

"Tottenham might as well have put the team bus in front of their goal. Sometimes when you are a big club, a very small club comes to your stadium. Tottenham got a point they shouldn't. 

We wanted to play. They didn't. We wanted to score. They didn't. Every time they just kicked the ball away.

It is frustrating for me, my players, for every Chelsea supporter and for every football supporter.

Because people don't pay to see one team play and the other team falling down, demanding to see the medical department. We finished with all our strikers on - Kezman, Duff, Drogba and Gudjohnsen. You don't finish with so many attackers on if the other team are also trying to win it." 

Those are the words spoken by media darling Jose Mourinho back in 2004 following a home draw against London rivals Tottenham at Stamford Bridge. Mourinho was angered that the team from White Hart Lane, departed with a point, claiming that they "parked the team bus" in front of the Chelsea goal, a sarcastic and bitter jibe at Tottenham.

Fast forward to 2013, and Jose Mourinho now in charge of Chelsea for the second time in his managerial career, named a team at Old Trafford that did not have a striker in it, deciding to go with a 6 man midfield, the word hypocrite comes to mind. 

What was so different from what Tottenham did back in 2004 at Stamford Bridge? That day they defended heroically, against a solid Chelsea side, but at least they had Jermaine Defoe upfront as an attacking option. 

This is the same Mourinho who nullified the attacking flair of Barcelona with all-out-defence tactics on his way to winning the Champions League with Inter Milan in 2010.

The English media's love affair with Jose Mourinho is pathetic, cringe worthy, it seems that the egotistical Portugese, self proclaimed 'Special One' can do no wrong.

Mourinho says that he feels at home in England, probably because our country's press are happy to constantly massage his ego whilst gazing at him seductively, they hang on his every word, feeding that huge ego by laughing at comments that aren't even that humorous.

It was a completely different story during spells at Inter Milan and Real Madrid, the Italian and Spanish press never subscribed to the Mourinho love affair, clearly, their media see Jose Mourinho for exactly what he is, a circus act, it does make you wonder why the English press adore him so much.

It seems Mourinho can do no wrong, he seems immune from media criticism. The morning after setting up a hugely negative side at Old Trafford in a 0-0 draw, the media have concluded that this was some sort of Mourinho tactical master class? Flooding the midfield with 6 players and not naming a striker is surly parking the bus isn't it?

In 2009 Mourinho apologised to the Inter Milan supporters who witnessed a goaless draw in a Champions League knock out game against Manchester United at the San Siro, saying - "It is a shame for the fans who have come here and seen a 0-0".

The Daily Mail praised Mourinho the following morning claiming his tactics were 'cautious', not a single mention of the word negativity, which just goes to show that the media find it difficult to pick fault or criticise the Portuguese eye gouger.

Can you imagine if this was the other way around, and David Moyes had fielded a Manchester United side at Stamford Bridge with a 6 man midfield and no upfront outlet? The media would have come down on Moyes like a ton bricks, suggesting that the he is killing football, playing negatively. 

At Old Trafford, David Moyes named Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck in his starting XI, yet the Independent print a headline that reads - 'Jury still out on David Moyes whose selections hint at industry over art', not a single mention of the negative team selection that Mourinho put out at Old Trafford.

It was clear from the first whistle that the Mourinho circus set up his team for a point at Old Trafford, it's just a sad shame that our Jose obsessed media are portraying David Moyes as the clown following this negative act at Old Trafford, pathetically, when Jose Mourinho parks the bus, the English press report it as tactical genius.


@KevinAshford7

Success On The Field, Breeds Arrogance Off It

The start of the much anticipated 2013/14 Barclay's Premier League campaign is fast approaching, and it's been an eye opener as far as negativity and arrogance are concerned when it comes to discussing new Manchester United manager David Moyes and the clubs transfer activity, or shall we say lack of it.

Social media has intensified and fuelled transfer rumours, it seems that some people simply can't get enough of it, it makes it very difficult to identify what is true and what is simply fabricated to help the sale of newspapers from our local convenience store.

This season, is the beginning of a new era at Old Trafford following Sir Alex Ferguson's decision to bring down the curtain on his astonishingly successful 26 year spell at the club. Supporters always knew that this day would come, when it did, and David Moyes was installed as his successor, some were a little underwhelmed by his appointment, these supporters simply don't understand Manchester United's values, the tradition, the history, David Moyes is the man who Sir Alex himself, decided would succeed him, who are we as supporters to question that?

The sceptics were out in full force, "David Moyes?", "Why didn't we go for Jose Mourinho instead?". The appointment of David Moyes is typical of a club like Manchester United, they are looking at the bigger picture, looking at the long term project, there will be no quick fix, no Mourinho circus arriving and pitching up at Old Trafford for a few years to enhance the so called "Special Ones" CV and ego, Moyes will also carry on the tradition of promoting youth from within the club, something Mourinho has never really seemed to be interested in.

Another big change at the club this summer, was also the announcement that Chief Executive David Gill would also be stepping down from his post after 10 years with the club, his replacement was Ed Woodward, a man who has been missing since the 17th of July when he returned from Manchester United's per season tour in Australia to take care of "urgent transfer business".

The new regime at Old Trafford, has seen United making transfer activity public, announcing bids for players, something that never happened in the Ferguson era. Chasing high profile players was always kept on the quite until recently, some sceptics believe it is being used as an advertisement to sell the remaining season tickets at United, I don't believe that for one minute, I actually think its quite refreshing to know what players the club are chasing and are showing an interested in. So what if the deal doesn't happen? Nothing ventured, nothing gained right?

This has been highlighted by United's well publicised pursuit of Barcelona player Cesc Fabregas, with 2 bids already batted back into the Old Trafford court, the media believe United are considering playing a forehand final offer back to the Catalan giants, but why? Most supporters have already come to the conclusion that Fabregas doesn't want to come to United, they don't see the point in the club getting another knock back, they fear the rejection, fear that supporters of other clubs will gain a laugh from it, so what? Rise above it, get over it, the club will move on.

Why would a club like Manchester United be bidding for Cesc Fabregas if they had not had some kind of encouragement from the Spaniards camp, that if a transfer fee could be agreed between the 2 clubs, then Fabregas would be willing to make the move to Manchester? Why also have we heard from every other player and manager on Fabregas' future, but we've heard nothing from the player himself?

It's the media who are hyping up transfer activity, top names will always be linked with Manchester United, it's annoying that supporters show such cringe worthy arrogance suggesting that its unthinkable that a player would turn down the chance of playing at Old Trafford on a regular basis, football has changed dramatically, money has played a huge part.

David Moyes has come in for some unfair criticism in the medial and on social networking sites, these are obviously the supporters who don't attend Old Trafford but seem to have the most ridiculous opinions. Last May for the Swansea match, Sir Alex Ferguson's last game at Old Trafford, Sir Alex passionately spoke into the PA system after the game and told the United faithful "Your job now, is to stand by your new manager", a huge cheer went up, I stood teary eyed in the Stretford End as I threw a fist into the air like most did, yet with only a few "friendly" games under his belt, Moyes is already being criticised?

If Ed Woodward can successfully navigate his way out of the Bermuda Triangle, I'm confident that a big name will arrive at United. Transfer activity is usually kick started by a player leaving, Wayne Rooney's departure could be the spark that gets the transfer fire burning. United would be stupid to let a star player leave without ensuring they have a replacement, that's what could be holding up the club announcing David Moyes' first signing as Manchester United manager.

Success on the field, breeds arrogance off it, maybe some Manchester United supporters have just simply been spoilt over the last 20 years, dont write off David Moyes before he has even managed a competitive game. 

@KevinAshford7

United Hold All The Aces In Rooney Card Game

Sir Alex Ferguson announced his retirement, David Moyes was named as his successor, Paul Scholes also brought down the curtain on his Manchester United career for the second and final time, and in other football news a certain Scouse lad who goes by the name of Wayne Rooney, once again stated his desire to leave the club, proving that lightening can strike twice in the same place, it's groundhog day.

We've been here before haven't we? Its a case of déjà vu. In October 2010 Rooney issued a statement in which he questioned the club's ability to attract top players and indicated he wanted to leave because he didn't feel that United could match his ambitions, Just over 2 years since that first written transfer request, why has Rooney once again stated his desire to leave United? Has he lost his desire and fight to try and regain his title as the clubs talisman?

Rooney admitted in his autobiography that handing in a transfer request to Sir Alex Ferguson was one of the biggest regrets of his life, 2 days after that 2010 transfer request Rooney performed a dramatic U-turn and signed a new five-year contract at Old Trafford, its now Manchester United that hold the strongest hand in this card game, they will dictate Rooney's future, not the other way around.

Let's be honest, the majority of United supporters have probably let the Rooney 2010 transfer request pass them by under the bridge, some buried their head in the sand, we all have different ways of dealing with situations like this, but at the end of the day, nobody put a gun to Rooney's head and forced him to ask for a transfer did they?

The Manchester United supporters who buried their head in the sand, are the ones who took the "Wayne Rooney was badly advised by his agent" bait, hook, line, and sinker. Lets not forget that Rooney would have had the final say on any decision to go public with his first transfer request, Rooney would have had to give his agent the thumbs up after reading the statement that us United supporters would have to painfully sit and listen to, they do say it takes two to tango don't they?

Rooney's 2010 transfer request could not have come at a worse time for Sir Alex Ferguson. Rooney was the talisman at United back then, and following the departure of fans favourite and club legend Cristiano Ronaldo the season before, the loss of Rooney that season would have sent out mixed message's to supporters, as it would have portrayed a club who were cashing in on their best players and taking a backwards step.

What was more worrying at that time, was that Rooney was considering a move across to the blue side of Manchester, it was reported that he liked the project, and the money on offer at City and was preparing to team up with former United player Carlos Tevez, a move that would have sent shock waves across, not just Manchester, but the world, it would have been a huge statement by Manchester City at that time to acquire the services of Rooney, who was Uniteds's star player and main attraction, he was considering joining a blue moon that was evidently on the rise at that time.

Some people subscribe to the theory, that a visit from a group of United supporters dressed in black clothing, to Rooney's Prestbury mansion in Cheshire, was a huge contributing factor when Rooney performed his transfer u-turn in 2010, does anybody seriously believe that? Rooney is a grown man who is capable of handling himself, he also has 24 hour security at his house, so fingers have to point in the direction of the improved contract he was offered as the main reason, money talks.

A sign of how Rooney's importance and popularity has changed amongst United supporters are clearly evident, when you consider that the 30 strong mob that previously payed Rooney a visit to his home address to ask him why he wanted to leave, do not feel it's necessary to the same this time around.

Is that your dummy on the floor Wayne next to your Shrek teddy bear? It does seem that you are throwing your toys out of the pram, what is ironic about this latest transfer request, is that the reason is supposedly because of his lack of first team action in the second half of the season, well unfortunately Wayne, this is a club that is struggling to find a place in the starting eleven for you because of something that you wished for in 2010 when you questioned the players Manchester United could attract, whatever happened to trying to fight for your place in the team? Or do you think you are bigger than the club now?

The signing of Robin van Persie last season, was a huge statement of intent from United following the huge disappointment of losing the Barclays Premier League on the final day, on goal difference. van Persie hit the ground running at United, instantly installing him as the first name on the team sheet, something Rooney was once used to, not anymore.

The second half to this season, was a case of trying to fit Wayne Rooney into the team, that was until the manager realised that he did not have to try and create a role for him, United no longer need Rooney in the team to make them tick. This was clearly evident in Champions League games against Real Madrid this season, when in the second leg at Old Trafford, Sir Alex dropped Rooney. What is sad, is that Rooney seems to have lost that hunger, that fight, that desire, hes not prepared to try and get into the team off merit.

Rooney is not, and never will be a player in the world class bracket, you simply can't mention him in the same breath as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. World class players are unplayable, they produce moments of breathtaking magic on a regular basis, after watching United this season, it's proved that Rooney is no longer a vital component at the club, It does look like we have had the best out of him during his 9 years at the club.

How many United supporters have you heard say "I can see Rooney dropping in and playing that midfield role like Scholsey"? Well I've heard a few, and one thing I know from watching Rooney play that role is that he is not, and will never be a central midfield player at Manchester United. He's done a job in that central role against a few teams this season, but not top opposition, he would get torn to pieces against a decent midfield in the Premier League or Champions League. Imagine Wayne Rooney in a midfield battle against the likes of Bayern Munich midfield general Bastian Schweinsteiger? Scary thought indeed.

What is strange about this transfer request, is that Sir Alex used his last ever Old Trafford post match interview as manger of Manchester United, to inform the world that Wayne Rooney had handed in a transfer request that the club had declined. Sir Alex could have kept this within the club, choosing to publicly highlight Rooney's request was surly a parting shot? Maybe Sir Alex's wounds have not fully healed since 2010, when he sat and addressed the media looking like a broken man, confirming that Rooney wanted to jump ship.

Sir Alex was asked by Sky Sports in his last Old Trafford interview as manager, if he thinks Rooney will still be at Manchester United next season, Ferguson laughed and said "Its not my decision now", obviously suggesting that its now David Moyes' call to make.

The day following United's last home game, when they lifted a historic 20th league title, the players left Old Trafford parading the Premier League trophy on a open top bus, as it left the stadium and turned into Chester Road where I was stood, I could see Rooney, he didn't look in the party mood like the rest of the squad, he looked a little distant and distracted. 

I later found out off a friend, that just previous to me catching a glimpse of him, some abuse had been fired in his direction from supporters venting their anger at his transfer request, apparently it didn't get any better for Rooney as the bus went down Deansgate and approached the centre of Manchester, but what did you expect Wayne? You brought this on yourself, it's the second time supporters have had to deal with this transfer request, this time, the majority seem to have lost all patience and want a quick end to the negativity you spread throughout our club.

It's up to Manchester United to decide if they want to keep Rooney this time, we as United supporters have always been told that no player is bigger than the club. United refusing the transfer is a simple reaction, they don't want to agree to it, as it will lower Rooney's stock, clubs will think they can get him on the cheap because it will give the impression that he's unsettled.

There can be no transfer u-turn this time around, its now time that Manchester United offloaded Wayne Rooney, use the money to bring in someone who is willing to fight for his position in the squad, and realise the honour of representing and playing for such a historic club.

United cant be tiptoeing around a player in fear of them handing in a transfer request, thanks for the memories Wayne, but its time to say goodbye, we only want players at Manchester United who have the desire and fight when wearing that famous red shirt, it seems that sadly you no longer have either of them attributes.

It's now Manchester United who hold all the aces in this Rooney card game, you lost the power to dictate Wayne, when you last held the club to Ransom. I don't expect to see Wane Rooney at Old Trafford next season, well, maybe once, as an opposition player, he will probably kiss the badge of his new club after scoring against us, once a blue always a red Wayne? Don't make me laugh.

I've witnessed you kiss 2 different club crests, one of those gestures was aimed in the direction of the supporters who's club, presented you with the chance to showcase your talent to the world, the team you supported as a child.

@KevinAshford7

Half And Half Scarves, A Sad Symbolisation Of Modern Day Football



Half and half scarf seller at the Manchester derby

 Astonished, ashamed and disappointed, these are just a few clean words I can conjure up to decribe my feelings about the growing popularity of the Premier League half and half scarf, it's a sad symbolisation of how football, and supporters in general, have changed over the last twenty years or so.

Half and half scarf sellers are now reaping the rewards of travelling supporters who attend their teams home fixtures, the scarf is purchased as some kind of medal of honour to symbolise their day out, I'm sure the words 'Day-Tripper' will sound very familiar to any supporter who attends home games of the elite clubs in the Premier League.

Look up the definition of 'Day-Tripper' in the dictionary and it will tell you that: 'A day-tripper is a person who visits a tourist destination or visitor attraction from his/her home and returns home on the same day', sound familiar?

Attending Manchester United home games over the last 18 years, I have spotted my fare share of these characters, not surprisingly it's something that has become more popular as the club have become more successful. 

The Hillsborough disaster in 1989 changed our match day football experience as a supporter, the introduction of all seater stadiums had a knock on effect, some will argue for the better, some will say for the worse, the argument for safe standing sections has recently gathered momentum with many voting in favour of the idea that has proved successful and popular in Germany. 



"Get your half United half Liverpool scarf"

All seater stadiums limited how many supporters teams could have in a stadium, this affected the price of tickets that has gradually risen each year pricing your average local man, woman, or family, out of attending games on a regular basis.



The top teams in the Premier League, in particular Manchester United, also tapped into the corporate market, making certain areas in the stadium business meeting areas where company's wine and dine clients hoping to clinch or maintain business deals and contracts, this has had a huge effect on the Old Trafford atmosphere. 


Success on the field will always attract new support from people in other country's, Manchester United's success over the last 20 years has attracted support from all over the world, Manchester United is no longer a football club, it is a brand that has tapped into a global market making it the most profitable sports team in the world. Forbes estimates Manchester United is now worth $2.23 billion, 19% more than No. 2 Real Madrid, which is worth $1.88 billion.

Football has changed incredibly over the years, there are lots of factors that have contributed to a change in our overall home match day atmosphere, 10 or 20 years ago, half and half scarf sellers would have been laughed at and probably kicked off the forecourt outside Old Trafford! It's the sellers of these repulsive items that are laughing all the way to the bank, as travelling day trippers snap them up.

Half and half scarves have always been a popular item on the continent, in particular when your team is playing in a European competition, I can certainly except a person buying a scarf that is half, for arguments sake, Barcelona and half Manchester United, it's something to look back on in years to come, but a Premier League one is wrong in my opinion.

At Old Trafford this season, I've witnessed people purchasing half and half United/Liverpool scarves, and half and half United/Manchester City scarves, something I consider to be a crime as passionate Mancunian United supporter, why would you want a rival teams name and crest around your neck?

It's simple really isn't it? The clientele that the half and half scarf sellers have exploited, are the thousands of supporters who attend Old Trafford for a day out, supporters who turn up expecting to be entertained, they view football as some kind of show, they're probably attracted by the Old Trafford 'Theatre of Dreams' slogan!


Man City day-trippers photograph Rooney celebration

I can hear the laughter of Manchester City supporters who will probably think this is hilarious, you're not immune from the half and half scarf debate! My sources tell me that there is an ever growing army of overseas support attending the Etihad these days, and they love the half and half scarf accessory too!



This was probably most evident in this seasons Manchester Derby when Wayne Rooney scored and slid on his knees to celebrate in front of the City home supporters, the proper hardcore support were suggesting via a visual wrist action that one masturbates, a few v-signs were also aimed in Rooney's direction too, but the far eastern men on the front row with half and half scarves on scrambled for their cameras to take a picture of the Manchester United players goal celebration! These supporters were clearly not regulars at the Etihad, this was a day out for them.

As much as the majority of us detest Premier League half and half scarves, we can only painfully accept that they are a sad symbolisation of how football has changed, this is our modern day game of football, we adore our team and worship the players, but don't you just hate certain elements of our match day experience?

@KevinAshford7

(Whats six foot long and keeps a dick warm?   ........................................... A half and half scarf!!)

City Take Pride From Old Trafford Battle

It was Frankie Goes To Hollywood who famously sang the lyrics 'When Two Tribes Go To War', on Monday evening, that's exactly what happened under the famous floodlights at Old Trafford as the Red and Blue tribe went head to head in the Manchester derby.

The media, and obviously in particular Sky Sports, tried their best to hype this game up as much as possible prior to kick off, but this match was never going to be as great a spectacle as last seasons meeting at the Etihad, many viewed it as one team looking to wrap up a record 20th league title, and the other playing for pride.

The Etihad is plastered with the motto 'Pride In Battle', and after this display they can certainly take pride and physiological confidence from the fact that they lived up to that saying at Old Trafford.

United did have spells in this game but failed to really test City keeper Joe Hart, and as the minutes ticked away it was City who grew in confidence knowing that nothing more than a win would ultimately end their chances of retaining the Barclays Premier League trophy.

With the scores level at 1-1 following goals from James Milner and a Vincent Kompany own goal, the match was finally poised for the last half an hour. It seemed United were content with sitting back which invited a wave of City attacks, the introduction of Sergio Aguero on 71 minutes signalled Mancini's intentions as they looked for the goal that would keep their slim chances of being crowned champions again alive.

In the 78th minute Mancini was rewarded for his positive formation change and substitution, as Aguero drove through the United defence before unleashing a shot into the roof of the net that left United keeper David De Gea with no chance of saving.

City must have been expecting the usual last 10 minute onslaught towards the Stretford End from United, knowing that a draw would be of more use to the Red side of Manchester, but that threat never materialised and it was the blues who inflicted United's first defeat in 18 league games.

Some United supporters will view this result as a set back, maybe even delaying the inevitable, but don't completely dismiss the threat from the Noisy Neighbours, we all know what happened last season when United surrendered an 8 point advantage with only 5 games left to play.

If United were to drop points against Stoke and West Ham away, which look like tricky fixtures respectively, a win for City in their next couple of matches would see the gap cut in City's favour, add to that the fact United still have to face Arsenal at the Emirates & Chelsea at Old Trafford, who knows what could happen then as memories of last season start to creep into the United players minds?


@KevinAshford7

Rio Owes England And The FA Nothing

Patriotic, idiotic England supporters, have got their knickers in a twist regarding Rio Ferdinand's decision to make himself unavailable for representing England in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro, following a recent call up by manager Roy Hodgson.

Rio Ferdinand owes England and the FA nothing, but all week pundits and ex professionals have been having their say on the Rio matter, the majority of them condemning Ferdinand for his decision to turn down the opportunity to join up with the England squad claiming that its unforgivable to turn down your country's invitation, but why?

Ferdinand and the FA have previous when it comes to being treated unfairly, so why should Rio be bullied into representing his country just because some people think its unforgivable and unthinkable to turn down the opportunity?

The circumstances regarding the way Rio pulled out of the squad were a bit strange, I'm sure Roy Hodgson would have had some kind of assurances from the Ferdinand camp, that if he called up the player, he would be ready to answer the call and help out his country in their time of need.

So when the news broke that Hodgson had called Ferdinand back up into the England squad last week, it must have been a huge slap in the face when he discovered that Ferdinand was in fact, unavailable to play due to his strict and intense training regime at Manchester United.

So where did Ferdinand's decision to turn his back on England come from? My guess is that his club manager, who has had a personal agenda against the FA that stretches back years, put a fatherly arm around Ferdinand and began to explain just how unfairly the association have treated the player over the years.

The first personal battle between the FA and Ferdinand kicked off when the player missed that drugs test back in 2004, England were due to play Turkey in a Euro 2004 qualifier. The FA made the decision to drop Ferdinand from the England squad on the strength of it, without Ferdinand having a fair hearing or trial, they basically judged the player before a verdict had been concluded.

It's a decision that divided the England squad at the time, Gary Neville was so angered by it he considered going on strike and not playing for England. Neville said "This was never a case of trying to get Rio off the hook. He was wrong to miss the drugs test. At the very least he was daft and forgetful. He was going to get punished for it. My point was that the FA must wait until the hearing to punish him. For me, it was a clear case of judging before the evidence had been heard".

It was Ferdinand's fault entirely for missing the drugs test, but dropping him from the squad reflected badly on the player. Imagine for a moment that the recent race row between Rio's brother Anton and John Terry, had a similar punishment by the FA and Terry was dropped from the squad immediately following the race allegations and the television evidence, that we all clearly seen, it would instantly suggest that the FA were handing Terry a guilty charge.

John Terry was not dropped by the England squad, and although a race row and a missed drugs test are entirely different issues, the seriousness of the John Terry allegations were much stronger  compared with Ferdinand's, and what did the FA do? They stood by John Terry, or 'Mr England' as some of us know him by.

As the Anton Ferdinand and John Terry race row heated up, what happened to Rio Ferdinand? He was dropped from the England squad for "Football Reasons". Rio was dropped from the squad to shield John Terry, it was an unbelievable statement by the FA, but they acted quickly to put out the flames by getting their 'Yes Man' Roy Hodgson to explain to the media that it was his choice to drop Rio and not the FA's.

In 2012 Roy Hodgson travelled on a London tube train and was asked a few questions by England supporters, on the matter of Rio Ferdinand returning to the squad he replied "It has got to be the end of the road. He is pushing 34 and hasn’t played for England for a long, long time." 

Rio's call up has desperation written all over it, why call up a player that you claimed had reached the end of the road? Why call up a player who is clearly not in your plans to be in the squad that will travel to Brazil next year for the World Cup?

So why call him up now Roy? Yes, that's right, you're down to the bare bones in central defence and after all the water that has flowed under the bridge, you thought a phone call to one of the best centre backs this country has ever produced, who is still doing it at the highest level for his club side, would be enough to tempt him back into your squad to help you out, help out an association that has treated him unfairly in the past?

I personally believe Ferdinand would have answered England's SOS call, he must have given Hodgson some assurance that he wanted to again be involved in the team. It's just unlucky for England that Sir Alex Ferguson managed to have a few words in Ferdinand's lug hole and make him see sense in this situation.

Rio Ferdinand owes England and the hypocritical FA kretins absolutely nothing, England's loss has, and will continue to be Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United's gain, I'm just disappointed that Rio Ferdinand didn't speak his mind and tell us all the truth regarding his England u-turn. I wonder if the powers at the FA will sit up, take notice and learn anything from this situation? Probably not.


@KevinAshford7