18.7.10 Stretty Stories

It’s been another quiet day on the news front. Seems the rumors have died down while United are across the pond on tour. Of course, even on the quiet days the press can’t stay away from Manchester United. The press seems to be posing a lot of questions. Is this group of youngsters the next wave of Fergie’s fledglings?  Could Hargreaves’ career be nearing the end? Is Patrice Evra on his way to Spain? And the question that seems to be popping up in multiple sources: Are United too old to win the Premier League?

Manchester United’s latest fledglings getting ready to fly? – The Guardian

Could it be? A new incarnation of Fergie’s fledglings? The Guardian certainly seems to think so, and I tend to agree. The likes of Kiko Macheda, Danny Welbeck, Darron Gibson, Tom Cleverly, Chris Smalling, Gabriel Obertan, Rafael, and Fabio have all already featured this preseason, which may be foreshadowing more involvement for some youngsters this season. While some are likely to go out on loan upon returning to England, some could have a chance to stake their claim for a place in the starting XI. They need look no further than the likes of Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, and Darren Fletcher to realize that if they take their chances at Old Trafford, they will be rewarded.

Can team of thirty somethings reclaim the title? – The Daily Mail

With Giggs, Scholes, Neville, and Edwin van der Sar approaching the end of their careers, there seems to be some doubt that they are still capable of winning trophies. Aside from possibly Neville, though, I believe all of these players still have a massive role to play. And while Neville has struggled on the pitch, he still contributes through his leadership and undying love for the club. Despite being on the bench, his excitement after beating Manchester City last season was inspirational. I don’t think there is any doubt van der Sar is still one of the best keepers in the world. Against Celtic, I think the squad struggled immediately after halftime when Giggs and Scholes had been substituted off. This is a testament to how much their experience brings to our squad. Three of Chelsea’s key players – Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, and Nicolas Anelka – are thirty somethings, yet still managed to win the Premier League last season. Don’t rule us out because some key players are old. Their age isn’t detrimental to our squad; the benefit of their experience is invaluable.

Hargreaves staying in America for more treatment – The Daily Mail

With each day that passes and each story that is printed, I become increasingly pessimistic about the chances of Hargreaves playing for us again. While the squad will return to England at the conclusion of the preseason tour, Hargreaves will remain in America under the care of knee surgeon Richard Steadman. There is hope that Hargreaves’ career-threatening injury can be cured. I’d love nothing more than to have him back in the team, but my optimism is fading fast. My only concern is that he’ll keep trying to come back and cause himself permanent damage. I’d rather see him retire than further damage his health.

Fergie hails man of the match Berbatov – The Daily Mirror

If you read my piece yesterday, you know I picked Berbatov as my man of the match. Nice to see Sir Alex himself agrees with me. It seems the gaffer was just as impressed by the Bulgarian’s performance as I was. Could it be the beginning of a new chapter in his Old Trafford career?

Mourinho receives Evra move boost – News of the World

Now a bit from the ever-trustworthy News of the World. The parasite known as Real Madrid is back for more. Having recently pried Ronaldo from Old Trafford and being linked with Nemanja Vidic, Real Madrid is now being linked with Patrice Evra as Jose Mourinho seeks to strengthen the left back position. It seems Ashley Cole would be the first choice, but if Chelsea refuse to sell, Mourinho may shift his focus to Evra. Apparently, News of the World believes Evra could be on the move after putting his house on the market last week.

Tosic upset that dream move turned sour

Also in the News of the World is a quick line about the now departed Zoran Tosic, who seems to be backtracking on recent comments after joining CSKA Moscow by now merely lamenting that he didn’t get an opportunity. The pain is raw for Tosic, who explained how he felt like it was “fate” joining the “club of his dreams”. You hear so many stories about players who sign for a club and say they were the “club of their dreams” with roughly 50% of those being Robbie Keane, so to hear someone be so disappointed after leaving the club… well, they say the only way after United is down, but judging by the way that Tosic is speaking, perhaps he never overcame the initial awe that he had when joining the club. Zoran had a great spell at Cologne on loan and we at Stretford-End.com wish him all the best and expect him to have a really bright future.

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