10.08.10 Stretty Stories

Most days I just compile all of the day’s biggest United headlines and give a small bit of commentary. Today, however, I’m giving my full analysis on the pursuit of Mesut Ozil. It’s the rumor that refuses to go away this summer, and now I’m sharing my stance on our club’s interest in the the German playmaker. But, as always, we have plenty of stories. Patrice Evra responds to the French FA summoning him, Sir Alex urges Capello to call up Carrick, and The Daily Mail warns United to keep an eye on their neighbors.

United set to miss out on Ozil – The Daily Telegraph

Another day, another Mesut Ozil story. Yesterday it seemed Real Madrid and Barcelona were out of the running for the German playmaker, but today it seems he’s on the verge of making a move to the Camp Nou. I know on Twitter there has been some talk about my stance on Ozil, so I’m just going the clear it up once and for all on here. I think that Ozil would be a fantastic signing, but not a necessary one. I believe our current squad is perfectly capable of winning the Premier League, and Ozil would only make our squad stronger. Also, backing a move for Ozil does not mean I’ve turned my back on Anderson. There is no reason the two can’t coexist in the same squad. People seem to think we can only have one or the other, but I don’t think that’s the case. Giggs and Scholes won’t be around forever and Ozil is good value now; I just think it’d be a good move to add depth for the future. My one concern is Tom Cleverley. I think he’s a hugely promising young talent, and now that the gaffer has said he’ll be staying at Old Trafford this season I worry that another midfielder would hurt his chances. I’d much rather see a young midfielder from within our ranks, like Cleverley or Darron Gibson, thrive at Old Trafford than sign Ozil. To me, there’s much more satisfaction in producing stars than signing stars.

So to sum up quickly: I think Ozil would be a good signing, but not necessary. Anderson still has my full backing (along with all of Stretford-End). I worry what effect Ozil would have on Cleverley’s chances. And, finally, I’d much rather see a star emerge from within our ranks than sign an already-established star.

Update: Stretford-End.com has now given their EXCLUSIVE report that Manchester United will NOT sign Mesut Ozil this summer.

Fergie: FA must take Michael – The Sun

Say it ain’t so. Sir Alex is backing Michael Carrick to get an England call up in the wake of Paul Robinson and Wes Brown’s international retirements. He said Carrick was originally excluded from the squad because it was believed he’d be out a fortnight with injury; however, the midfielder played in the Community Shield on Sunday. Now the gaffer thinks he deserves to play for England on Wednesday. Personally, I’d be happier if he just stayed at Carrington. He was almost ruled out for two weeks in the wake of the Airtricity League XI friendly, let’s not push our luck by urging Capello to play him in a pointless international friendly just days before the Premier League gets underway.

Evra hauled before French FA – The Daily Mail

Patrice Evra has been summoned to meet with the French Football Federation for his part in the squad’s revolt during the World Cup. While I have no idea what happened in the French camp during the tournament, I was fairly disgusted by their refusal to practice. However, I hold nothing against Evra. He is still one of my most beloved United players. He did provide one of the most interesting quotes I’ve ever heard though in regards to Lillian Thuram: “Walking around with books on slavery in glasses and a hat does not turn you into Malcolm X.” Thuram has said that Evra should never be allowed to represent his country again. While Evra maintains the desire to play for France, I can’t say I’d be too upset if he no longer had the distraction of international football.

United and Chelsea look out, here come Mancini’s Galacticos – The Daily Mail

Another story about what a threat City will be this season. Joy… The season hasn’t even started yet and City are being hyped as a title contender. And that’s following a fairly unimpressive preseason. I’ll started being concerned by our noisy neighbors when they manage to finish above us in the league.

Martin O’Neil resigns as Villa manager – The Guardian

This was the big story yesterday, so I’m assuming by now you’ve already heard Martin O’Neil has left his post as manager at Aston Villa. While not directly a United story, Villa has been one of the more competitive teams in recent years. It is being reported that his inability to reinvest the funds from the imminent sale of James Milner to Manchester City was the final straw. If this is the case, I can’t say I blame him. In fact, I’m happy to see he stuck to his morals. He’s trying to build a team capable of qualifying for the Champions League, but the club keeps selling his star players (Gareth Barry last summer, now Milner) to City for silly money. I believe this is going to be a huge loss for the Villans. I’ve associated the club’s recent success with O’Neil since his arrival in 2006. In the wake of his departure, I don’t think it’s too bold to predict that Villa may not even qualify for Europa League next season. Aston Villa has lost a class manager, and I fear they will now pay a terrible price.

Reminder: The deadline for the first week of Fantasy Premier League is 14 August 11:30BST. Make sure you have your team submitted by that time in order to be eligible for our amazing prize! For more information on the contest, please check out our Fantasy Football PrizePlay page.

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