Author: Doron
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When a player leaves a club, you’re never quite sure exactly what to do. Is it wrong to still have an interest in him or should one be solely focussed on those who represent your team? The circumstances surrounding a departure often dictate which route is followed as does the status of the player. There’s no right or wrong way but many United fans have gone down the route of continuing to idolise Cristiano Ronaldo.
Author: Doron
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It’s hard to know where to begin with England. Euro 2012 really showed up our national team’s limited ability. Various factors effected this but a couple stood out more so than others – injuries and formations. Oddly, Roy Hodgson should have looked at United as a case study and now he, like Alex Ferguson, needs to ensure that his team change their tactical approach.
Author: Doron
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One of the most fascinating changes in football lately has been the shifting requirements of players in specific roles. There’s been a focus on increasing specialisation within the game leading to fewer all-rounded players. It begs the question – which position requires the most all-rounded, complete footballers today?
Author: Doron
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It’s been just over a month since the last season ended but today is the day that the new one starts to really creep up on us – the premier league fixtures are announced!
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Beyond The Pitch and Stretford-End.com have come together once again to record another podcast, the tenth in the series. We have another interview this week with special guest, Andy Mitten. We chat about the culture of United as well as looking at what’s in the news with the signing of Kagawa and some thoughts on Euro 2012.
Author: Doron
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The signing of Nick Powell from Crewe Alexandra secured a much sought after young talent for the club. Having only recently turned 18, Powell’s already racked up an impressive 64 competitive appearances and stands at over 6ft tall. In what’s a very global market, United are still looking close to home when it comes to signing players. The capture of Powell confirms United’s commitment to trying to buy English.
Author: Doron
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Oddly enough, watching Euro 2012 has provided a stark lesson for United and Alex Ferguson in how the team should be playing. It’s also emphasised that there’s been a huge change in style of central midfielders over the last 10 years, with sides focussing their football on a different part of the pitch. Should the Kagawa transfer go through successfully (work permit/medical), it’ll be the first real sign that United too, are to change the way they play.
Author: Sleepy Nik
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Euro 2012 will surely throw up a surprise. By common consensus the Euro is saturated with greater quality than the World Cup – lesser teams, a greater spread of expertise across the continent etc – however, it doesn’t always hold true that the favourite wins, and every now and then the tournament (mainly due to its size) elucidates a hidden gem – Greece 2004 comes immediately to mind; a functional system, an articulate coach and a collective will to match. Could we see a dramatically underwhelming Italy progress to the final? Or could the Russian side that beat them comfortably just two weeks ago go all the way? Who knows? Perhaps even Greece herself, with an organised defence but a paltry attack, will shock us once again having had a ‘rest’ in 2008! Our betting tips then should really be taken lightly for that reason. But hey, take a peak.
Author: Stretford-End
According to The Sun and BBC, Shinji Kagawa has signed a £12m deal with Manchester United from German champions Borussia Dortmund. Manutd.com has also confirmed the transfer in the last few hours. It is being reported that the Japanese playmaker will complete the move at the end of the month once all the formalities of a work permit have been finalised.
