As the squad prepares for tomorrow’s match against Chivas, the press has come to near standstill for United news. We do have on big piece of news, though; that being that a young duo will remain with the club to serve as backup to Wayne Rooney. Also, Antonio Valencia is set to be fit by the start of the season and a former United star declines a move back to the Premier League.

Kiko and Chicharito to ease Rooney’s burden – The Guardian

Exactly the kind of news I had been hoping to read. For months we’ve heard Kiko’s agent insist the Italian striker was going nowhere, but now Sir Alex has confirmed it. New-signing Javier Hernandez will also be involved in plans this season with the gaffer planning to use the young strikers as relief for Wayne Rooney. There is no hiding our over-reliance on Rooney last season, but Kiko and Chicharito have shown a lethal eye for goal and I think they could relieve some of that pressure. Sir Alex also confirmed the Gabriel Obertan will be sidelined for a few weeks with an injury he picked up against the MLS All-Stars.

Valencia is a fit of alright – The Sun

If this wasn’t such a slow night for news, I wouldn’t have even included this. We reported in an earlier edition of Stretty Stories that Valencia had resumed practice, and The Sun is just now confirming his fitness. Way to be on top of things…

Becks confirms he is not joining West Ham – The Daily Mirror

I’m a huge fan of David Beckham; he’s the reason I fell in love with United. He continues to impress me by showing his loyalty to the club and refusing to join any rival Premier League club. I’ve never had too much of a problem with former players lining up against us. It’s mostly either hatred (Carlos Tevez) or indifference that I feel for these players, but in Beckham’s case I’d be truly heartbroken to see him play against United in the Premier League. It was weird enough when he played against us for AC Milan, so let’s not make it a more common occurrence.

Discuss all today’s news and rumors in the forum.

You can follow Kyle on Twitter at KDill_MUFC.

Tweet This Post

For those of your were who busy sleeping last night, you missed a fantastic match. Manchester United beat the MLS All-Stars, with Chicharito netting his debut goal. All other news involves Sir Alex; he’s defended the Glazers, once again backed the youth, and given some advice to his future successor.

For those of you who did stay up to watch the match, we have an obvious poll question today…

Manchester United cruise to 5-2 victory against MLS All-Stars

If you didn’t stay up to watch the match, seriously go find highlights immediately. Cleverly’s goal alone is worth it. The young midfielder scored an absolutely beautiful goal, and his overall performance should give Sir Alex a dilemma as to whether or not he should send him on loan. And, of course, Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez scored a beautiful chip in his debut. He looked as if he may have been offsides, but we won’t hold that against him. Coming off a disappointing performance in Kansas City, this was exactly the type of showing I was looking for. They were full of energy and their passing looked much better. The finest players in Major League Soccer never once looked like they were on the same level. Definitely a promising performance as the Premier League season draws closers.

Sir Alex hits out at fans’ criticism of Glazers – The Guardian

It’s no secret that United fans despise the Glazers, and now Sir Alex has stepped up to defend the club’s owners. He insisted he’s always had the owners’ support and they’ve never refused him when he’s wanted to pursue a player. I’m going to suggest a rather controversial idea – maybe Sir Alex really does have funds available and he sincerely believes in this squad’s ability to be successful. I don’t know how much money is available to him, to be honest no one does. It’s all speculation, although I will admit it’s educated speculation for the most part. I’m no fan of the Glazers, but maybe Sir Alex really does have the necessary funds. I was certainly impressed with how the youngsters performed last night against the MLS’ finest. Maybe their really is potential from within our ranks already that there is no need to enter the market.

Fergie: The kids will be my legacy when I quit United – The Daily Mirror

Some people are hoping for a big signing this summer (and I’ll admit a new signing would excite me), but I really like the faith Sir Alex has shown in the club’s youth. Despite all the success he has had at the club, he believes the youth will prove to be his legacy. When he retires, Sir Alex believes that with today’s youth he will be leaving the club in good hands. Speaking of when Sir Alex decides to call it a day, he also said that his successor cannot afford to be intimidated by the club’s accomplishments. Just as playing for United must be incredibly daunting, I can’t imagine being the man who takes over at Old Trafford following Sir Alex’s departure. The gaffer has been around since before I was born and won an unbelievable amount of trophies in his tenure. Whoever replaces him will have some big shoes to fill; let’s hope he isn’t to shaken by the success of his predecessor.

Discuss all today’s news and rumors in the forum.

You can follow Kyle on Twitter at KDill_MUFC.

Tweet This Post

We’ve done the squad introspective; we’ve done the group prediction; one of us had to put our particulars on the line and really risk their reputation. It’ll be no surprise for regular readers to know it’s Yolkie analysing the tactical expectations and predictions for the 2010/11 season. There’s no Eric Cantona style heralding of a new formation I’ve created, but expect to find plenty of things to disagree with..

A tactical analysis for a full season turned out to be a far more complicated task to structure than I first imagined as I wanted to cover all bases. If you’re here for a light read I advise you look away now; if you’re wanting to have a meaty discussion to whet your appetite ahead of the season then fill your boots.

Goalkeepers:

For next season, at least, we’re well stocked in this department. Yes, Edwin’s on his last legs, but he is Mr Dependable – he lacks the eccentricity that Schmeichel had for sure and that was in the Danes’ favour in terms of the amazing saves he used to make but game for game Edwin is less error prone than our greatest ever keeper was. His last major “blunder” was in the mix up with Rio Ferdinand over 3 years ago at Fratton Park – a couple of missed crosses in that time are nothing in the greater scheme of things. I would fully expect him to have a comfortable, steady season. In terms of his rest, in Tomasz Kuszczak we have a more than able deputy. The jury is out on his long term ability as a replacement for Edwin but his performances in covering for our number 1 last winter were nothing short of brilliant – in particular, a couple of saves at Fratton Park. Tomasz has proved his worth as a number 2 and we have no concern on that. Ben Amos, by default, will be our number 3 keeper and will probably spend some bench time this coming season. Amos has looked composed in pre-season and no blame could be attached to him to the goals he conceded (or goals he didn’t concede, as the case was). All in all, compared to other sides – particularly around us – we are pretty blessed in this department with two stoppers confident in their own ability as our first choice.

Defence:

Injuries are a constant concern – but fitness permitting, most United supporters first choice would be Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic and Evra. Evra’s place in the team is assured, while Vidic’s impending paper to pen moment will provoke a sigh of relief all around the red side of Manchester. Ferdinand’s return is not expected until after the September international break while at right back we are nicely placed – after our young Brazilian talent (who just won his first national call up) we have club captain Gary Neville, Champions League winning right back Wes Brown and our 2009 first choice John O’Shea. In that case it’s reasonable to presume that the three senior players to Rafael will still see plenty of game time – as well they should, having only respectively been removed from the side chronologically due to injuries. Health has been kind to Evra but odds are he will get a knock this season; next in line would probably be O’Shea but Fabio is also in the reckoning – at centre half, the new signing of Smalling raised eyebrows with the fee but it will probably be Jonny Evans at centre half alongside Nemanja starting the season. That’s no big blow; as talented as Ferdinand is, Evans proved himself more than a capable deputy in 2008/9 – setting records, no less – and aside from a few dodgy days at the back end of last winter came on leaps and bounds against last season. His commanding display at the Emirates in January was the highlight of his career so far and I was of the belief that even in the chance Vidic would leave, I would prefer Evans as first choice rather than a new signing. That the feeling was shared among many United fans says much about the progress of our youngster over the last 2 years.

It would be painfully naïve of me to scribe as if everything is rosy – Rafael’s youthful exuberance and over confidence sometimes means he is absent minded and that inexperience catches him out – as it did against Bayern Munich despite his impressing handling of Ribery. Ferdinand’s fitness concerns are very real and his once lightning quick pace was brutally exposed by Craig Bellamy at Old Trafford last year. He may never regain that yard of pace which set him apart and that means he will have to be at highest concentration at all times. Fabio has little to no experience (no fault of his own) while Smalling will have to overcome what looks like initial nerves. Evans, meanwhile, will have to focus on his game and his teammates and not pay any attention to the media focus that will inevitably try and highlight every misplaced pass as a sign he is useless in early season. It’s a bigger ask than you would imagine.

The slow pace of our central midfield puts huge impetus on Evra and the chosen right back to get forward. This is a tradition for United anyway, but one would have concerns in the early weeks of the season as neither Evans or Vidic is especially quick and “protected” by said midfield, we could have a few problems.

Midfield:

Undoubtedly the area of our team that sparks most debate among supporters. Antonio Valencia and Nani will start the season as first choice wingers but even that has not been enough to stop some fans demanding unrealistic signings of unproven players to replace them. I even read one account demanding 20 assists from Nani next season – twenty! Frank Lampard’s 14 last season was the most in the league last year. The fact is that we have two of the best wingers in the league who create shedloads of chances. My own plea is simply “more of the same” please. Perhaps a little more greed or self confidence from Valencia. And maybe a smile.

Michael Carrick’s future was under question when Sunderland were rumoured to put in an £8m bid recently but his stock actually rose after the World Cup where he wasn’t used. The excellent Zonal Marking website made clear their own case for his inclusion in the tournament and it is easy to forget that among his dramatic loss of confidence in the late part of last season, his performance at Arsenal was probably his best since he rattled those two screamers in nearly 3 years previous against Roma. It was probably the paltry sums on offer for him that will almost certainly give him a second chance this season – his precarious standing in the squad at the end of the last season saw Darron Gibson being selected in front of him. Gibson, by default, finds himself in the running. With injury and poor form removing competition he enjoyed some games in the first team at the back end of the season – Fergie’s faith in him is easy to see but if the newspaper reviews are to be believed, he would be the 4th and final midfielder in our 25 registered Premier League players. By my estimations we could still include Anderson and still have a space.

Anderson’s injury has been debated on this site as has our constantly re-stated faith in him, so I need not go through all that again. Just to say that my thoughts that he wouldn’t make the squad have been countered by my above rationale. The biggest thing will be a) whether he gets the games and b) if he gets them in a settled, defined position. That responsibility is as much on him to make one his own as it is Fergusons. With Scholes; the player himself acknowledges he won’t play every week, putting so much pressure on the likes of Carrick to be an imposing creative influence. Scholes himself, at times, last season struggled. That is to be expected because we can’t demand the same constant brilliance we have been accustomed to but he’s also too long in the tooth to be re-defined for a long term shift such as the one at the Emirates which really helped us swing the game. It may well be an effective short term measure to play Scholes deeper in some games but it won’t last over the course of a season.

Darren Fletcher will be – in Anderson’s absence – our main energetic source but I did concur to some level with an observation made by Football365.com last season, that Fletcher’s levels were drained so much that he was unable to really perform to that standard week in, week out in big games. With no arrivals likely – the flat out denial from club officials that we are interested in Sneijder (one top name) or Ozil (at £10m, value in the market) suggests Fergie is happy with what he has or simply can’t buy – a huge burden expectancy is on both Carrick and Gibson to perform early season.

Hargreaves and Anderson are two players whose very presence in the 25 man squad was under discussion by Ferguson himself; if you discount Giggs in a midfield three purely because he would be a last resort because he’s not “natural” that becomes 4 players competing for 2 places and three of those players play at two paces – pedestrian and simply “no”, and the one with energy, Fletcher, is hardly the quickest. It could be argued 8 or 9 games before the turn of the year will see us go with 4-3-3 – that choice of 4 includes Gibson. Even his biggest fan would acknowledge he does not yet seem mature enough in his game to be playing that number of big games (despite his cracking goal against Bayern), so the three almost picks itself, and instantly becomes far easier to predict against. The beauty of the large numbers last season was that our 3 could be any from 5 or 6 and as such gave us a little unpredictability. The good thing is when thinking of the squad limits that they don’t effect players 21 or under at the end of the registration deadline in August. That means that the two most likely – or, to be pedantic, seem most ready – to step up from lower levels internally would be Rodrigo Possebon and Magnus Eikrem. Possebon is a name you will know; he had his leg snapped in half by Pogatetz of Middlesbrough in 2008 and has shown remarkable progress to return to the level he was at – technically comfortable on the ball, he could well be a surprise name in squads early on in the campaign. Eikrem is less likely given he has had no involvement with the first team but if an injury were to strike someone then he will come into reckoning.. it’s not ideal, but we would probably be more likely to see O’Shea or Fabio used in midfield before it got to that stage.

Maybe it’s bias to the player but I would still use Giggs in a three; that would largely depend on having the energy of both Anderson and Fletcher in the same set up as that is the trio that would most complement each other. In a possession game against Arsenal or Chelsea, Scholes comes in for Giggs.

Attack:

United have been linked with the likes of Karim Benzema & Luis Fabiano among others but after the signing of Hernandez late last season and no-one willing to stump up a fee to take Dimitar Berbatov off our hands it was always going to be unlikely that we could justify a big name signing in this department. Rooney will be first choice and Berbatov backing up – after that, the numbers are plenty even if the order of preference will be unclear in the early months.

Scoring a last minute winner against Manchester City in front of the Stretford End, a Champions League hat-trick and then scoring in a Cup Final may not have completely won over every Red for Michael Owen after he picked up an injury but it did prove his undoubted finishing ability when fit and will at least have earned him a second chance from the supporters.

Hernandez is an unknown quantity but looks like he has a true goalscorers instinct; while Danny Welbeck – a player who I would love to see get game time – is being pushed for a loan time to get exactly that elsewhere. Sir Alex had previously championed the lanky Longsight born forward for the 2010 World Cup Squad and while a mixture of injury and lack of opportunity at United curtailed that he remains technically streets ahead of most of his peers. His finishing for goals scored in the 2009/10 season was impressive; his impudent chip for Preston on loan last season had, dare I say it, echoes of a certain Mr Cantona. Obviously not at that level yet but certainly ready for the first team on a rotational basis – no homegrown striker can say they have broke through under Sir Alex and Welbeck is the player who has the biggest chance of all (long term) in my eyes.

Kiko Macheda was, according to his agent, told he would not be sold this summer. His is a name not often seen linked to a loan switch so you would come to the conclusion that he will be in the squad – he has proven his goalscoring instinct so now is probably, like Hernandez, waiting impatiently for the season to begin to show what he can do. Like Welbeck, we at Stretford-End.com have huge faith in Macheda and with the English forward ready for a short term departure, Kiko has a real shot to make an impact in the early months of 2010/11.

All things considered I would plump with momentum and try Hernandez up front with Rooney in the early games. Ferguson has talked him up – as well he would, with no-one else likely to come up and illuminate supporters imaginations – and although it is generally considered he would be brought in gradually I would go with the momentum and fresh element that the Mexican will bring to the side. It would send a message to Berbatov that he has to fight just to be considered and it might be a good result all around.

System:

This is where we really get to the juicy topic. 4-4-2 or 4-3-3? I outlined in the opening paragraph that I will barely surprise some people but had we run this blog 12 months ago, even 24 months ago, as a prediction I’m sure we would have caused mass disagreement. I appreciate that 4-3-3 is not a traditional “United” system in historical terms and I also concur to a certain extent that if you have good enough players, they dictate the system rather than the other way around.

However, this is a lazy copout for those on the “Ferguson is a tactical dinosaur” bandwagon, who try and insist that he had the system forced upon him by the departure of Ronaldo and Tevez and his subsequent refusal/inability to spend. Most already know that the Champions League was won adopting this formation and was heralded and criticised in equal parts for our shut out of Barcelona in the semi-finals. The inability of Ferguson to do that the following season in the final in Rome was not a failing on his part but more the absence of Hargreaves, the enforced absence of Fletcher and the unfair burden of responsibility on Anderson in a midfield lacking in natural energy.

The 4-3-3 system was originally viewed as a negative approach with focus on negating the strength of the opposition rather than focus on our own. It was an accusation with a good logic behind it but with natural progression the team has evolved to play sensational football within that formation. The first and most obvious example is our semi final second leg win at the Emirates in 2009 with Fletcher and Anderson in tandem and dominant. When Ferguson lined up 4-4-2 against a dreadfully out of form Liverpool side we foresaw that they would flood the midfield and hoped we would do the same in the knowledge we had too much quality. We didn’t, and lost. Following this we campaigned for the same system to be employed against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge – we lost this time but were widely acknowledged to be the better team and more than that had some brilliant individual performances.

The system then easily picked off Arsenal at the Emirates again and Ferguson slightly adapted it in the San Siro, switching Fletcher left and Park more central to cope with the more naturally talented Pirlo. The football displayed in the games in London and Milan should have been more than enough proof that the 433 not only allows our players to express themselves, but that in the modern game, it’s a vital quality to have.

It’ll be no surprise after all this talk that I advocate the 4-3-3 system for the major games this season both home and away; United tried 4-4-2 at home initially in the bigger games but found any visitors uncompromising in their belief that a point would always be a good result. In the knowledge that this would ruffle no feathers I thought I would go a step further and try and indicate a preference for personnel. The goalkeeper and defence pick themselves when fit (having already explained my choice for a more experienced and more natural defender than Rafael depending on the situation) but it is in that midfield 3 that we have to make a decisive choice. It depends on the opposition. Against Arsenal or Liverpool, I’d be confident home and away that Fletcher, Scholes and Anderson would be more than enough. I’d also be okay with Giggs over Scholes in such a line-up given that Nani and Valencia should be flanking Rooney. Against a team with a more physically capable midfield I would choose Carrick over Giggs or Scholes and slightly withdraw Anderson so that Carrick would have time to pick a pass.

The front three in that formation picks itself; though having Giggs or Park (or Fletcher, even, if we’re tinkering) on one of the flanks would not be such a huge setback. All of these players know their role and responsibility and not only do they not shirk it; they understand it and play for the badge. Such determination has been just as responsible for our success in recent years as the goals scored single-handedly by a Rooney or Ronaldo and is arguably far more important to the overall attitude of the team. The system also affords the likes of Giggs and Scholes a little extra space from time to time and is probably helping to prolong their careers at the highest level. It could equally be convincingly argued that it is their inherent ability to play football that is doing that and that they deserve as much credit for “evolving” as Fergie does.

The 4-3-3 may have a blueprint to write itself but the more traditional 4-4-2 doesn’t. If we go on conventional logic that Valencia and Nani will be wingers then that’s Scholes, Giggs, Fletcher, Carrick, Anderson, Gibson and Hargreaves (when fit) for two spaces on a senior level. There’s squad rotation and alternating but you would always envisage two as first choice; Carrick and Fletcher may get the nod but I would not be totally convinced by their invention. All it takes is the decision of Fergie to play 4-4-2 and that first choice with Gibson on the bench and you’re set for a long 90 minutes of little through the middle, without wanting to be unkind. This is the year for 2 players to identify themselves as United’s future in our traditional set-up; doing so will secure their squad status in the long term.

Up top of a 4-4-2 the inclination would be to pair Rooney with Berbatov. Over two years, it’s barely worked. Rooney has drifted back to his pre-secondary school ways to be a player to plunder goals on a huge scale – unlike some other fans, I don’t doubt his creative ability, but he has re-discovered a golden touch in front of goal so Fergie should at least persist with that. Berbatov has shown little sign of improving in pre-season when you look at his attitude but the season is there for him to win fans over; of the other contenders, Kiko is raw and is a poacher in the role that Rooney is currently occupying.

In either formation the weakness in numbers in midfield puts huge pressure on other areas of the team. The full backs become even more integral to creation, more responsibility is placed in the magic boots of Ryan Giggs and it will mean no respite for Valencia or Nani.

Away from the analysis of the systems is the aesthetic importance but one that needs far less debate. 4-4-2 is considered the typical United formation. Two flying wingers, a strong forward and a flair player. A ball playing defender alongside an uncompromising one. But Sir Matt Busby’s United did not play 4-4-2 by any stretch of the imagination; and far from being unattractive, when we have played 4-3-3 in the last 18 months we have by and large played our best football, and, importantly, found a formation that suits our players and negates the opposition too.

The “forgotten” formation is the 4-2-3-1 that was used to batter Roma and may have a place with the personnel in this squad – though it would probably mean using Giggs wide left and Nani in a floating role behind Rooney. Not that it’s a terrible third choice formation, though. The fact that Ferguson tinkered with the personnel in the 4-3-3 rather than line up 4-2-3-1 at the back end of last season, however, would push someone to think that’s what he would go with again. To be fair, it worked, by and large. It also raises the question about how much formations matter; or whether the clarity of each players individual role on the pitch is more far more important than the area of grass he is expected to cover.

Football evolves and Ferguson deserves credit for not only moving with the times but doing so successfully; managing to do so and keeping the team in net profit last season was a greater achievement than he is given credit for. After all of the debate; if he manages to take United to a historic 19th title next season it will be a sensational achievement. However, beyond any system, the responsibility ultimately lies with the players and the effort they put in.

A little more Rooney; a little less Berbatov is an admittedly lazy but nonetheless worthwhile analogy. With the pressure on a number of players and the Bulgarian at the top of that list, it’s upto them to make sure the analogy will be redundant by May.

Here are my two first choices of line up next season (assuming all but Hargreaves will be fit and available) – it is the first time in my life (well, writing and consciously thinking about football in terms of analysis) that I envisage two different XI’s and Ryan Giggs only just squeaks into one (on a technicality – it was a flip choice between Scholes and him in the 4-3-3 and I couldn’t bring myself to exclude him). This is the player who created as many chances for his teammates as any other player in the Premier League per minute on the pitch last season.

Not the easiest selection nor the most controversial; what would yours be?

Tweet This Post

Tweet This Post

The big news today is Javier Hernandez’s impending debut in Houston tonight. Also, David Gill continues to insists funds are available, Blackpool is set to miss out on Cleverly, and Sir Alex has his sights set on the “new Schmeichel.”

I know for some people, such as myself, the match tonight is on at a fairly reasonable time. However, those of you in Europe and other parts of the world where kickoff is at an unreasonable time, I want to see how many will stay up to see United’s newest player.

Javier Hernandez set for lift-off in Houston – The Guardian

Our newest signing, Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez will make his debut tonight against the MLS All-Stars in Houston. There is a large Mexican population in the Houston area, which has made Chicharito’s debut tonight big news. I’m certainly excited for Chicharito’s debut. From the glimpses we got of him at the World Cup I think he has lethal pace and a great eye for goal. I don’t think a debut goal would be out of the question for him tonight.

Gill: funds available for signings – The Daily Telegraph

It’s not like we haven’t heard this one before. Once again, David Gill is assuring fans that the club does have the financial resources to make a big-name signing should they see the need to. Sir Alex has already said he was happy with the current squad and hinted that he wouldn’t be making any signings this summer, so I don’t understand why Gill feels the need keep forcing this issue. If the club has the funds, then when they have a player in mind, they can prove it by signing him. Until then there is really no reason to discuss this.

Ferguson plans to swoop for new Schmeichel – Manchester Evening News

I suppose with Anders Lindegaard being from Denmark the comparisons to the former Manchester United great were inevitable. The Manchester Evening News is linking Sir Alex with a move for Lindegaard as a long-term replacement for Edwin van der Sar. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of “the new” or “the next” titles. That’s a lot of expectation to put on the 26-year-old shot stopper. I doubt a move will be done this summer as we already have three goalkeepers, but I suppose it’s possible in the future.

Blackpool aren’t Clever enough – The Sun

We already knew Sir Alex was looking to send Tom Cleverly out on loan to a Premier League club, but it seems new-boys Blackpool don’t meet the gaffer’s standards. The Sun believes Sunderland and Newcastle are both interested in the young midfielder and are a more likely destination than Blackpool.

Raul joins Schalke after leaving Real Madrid – The Daily Mail

This isn’t really a United story, although we were apparently linked with making a move for him. Honestly, what player aren’t we linked with nowadays? I think the biggest shock is that Real Madrid told a living legend he was now surplus. I honestly can’t imagine United ever telling Giggs, Neville, or Scholes that they were no longer wanted.

Social Networking: In today’s technology-driven world, we are no long limited to newspapers, television, and websites for getting the news. Social networks such as Twitter have aided the spread of news and rumors. Yesterday there was a whirlwind of rumors about Mesut Ozil possibly transferring to United. However, James Ducker of The Times, who is with United on the tour, posted this on Twitter last night: “To those asking, senior sources at #MUFC saying the club DO NOT want to sign mesut ozil”

Special Announcement: You can now join us on Facebook! We just launched our Facebook page today, however, it is still under a bit of construction. It should be fully up and running in a day or two. If you’re on Facebook I encourage you to join our new page.

Discuss all today’s news and rumors in the forum.

You can follow Kyle on Twitter at KDill_MUFC.

Tweet This Post

His fourth reason to hate Manchester United was that they have snobby fans. What exactly does this article make him? He turns his nose up at one of the world’s biggest clubs and spends an entire article giving reasons for why you should hate them. And if he’s going to encourage people to hate United, the least he could do is get some of his facts straight.

A little research may have prevented him from looking like such a fool…

• “Take David Beckham for example, he was hated in England after he was sent off in the 2002 World Cup.” – David Beckham was sent off in the 1998 World Cup, not the 2002 World Cup. Even just quickly glancing at wikipedia would’ve confirmed this.
• “The squad coming to town this Wednesday has some likeable veterans; players such as Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, and Rio Ferdinand.” – Neither Gary Neville nor Rio Ferdinand are on the tour as they stayed in Manchester to recover from injuries. Also, why is there no mention of Ryan Giggs, easily one of the most likable figures in the game.
• “At least the Red Army can say they got their asses kicked by Elijah Wood and the Inter City Firm.” – This one is small, but worth mentioning. While Inter City Firm is the name of West Ham’s hooligan firm, if he’s going to reference the movie Green Street Hooligans, he should stick to the film. Elijah Wood was a member of the Green Street Elite in the film, which is the film’s version of Inter City Firm.

Along with his incorrect facts, the writer also talk a stab at Old Trafford claiming it wasn’t as “luxurious” as Houston’s Reliant Stadium. Apparently the historical value of Old Trafford was completely lost upon him. Sorry that Manchester United hasn’t spent millions to build a new stadium was a corporate sponsor’s name on it. At United, the history of Old Trafford is meaningful to the club. And while it may not be new, obviously many renovations have been done over the years. I thought the stadium was incredible when I visited in 2008.

He also complained that ESPNsoccernet provides more coverage to Manchester United than the Houston Dynamo. Really?! I would’ve never guessed. It’s not like that makes sense or anything. Of course the bigger club is going to get more coverage! Is that even a question? I really want to know where this guy got his journalism degree from, because not only does he not check facts, he apparently doesn’t understand the concept of what should be considered the “newsworthy” and how certain stories are bigger than others.

In closing, I’ll leave you with the comment I left for this writer:

Who the hell gave this guy a job? As a journalism student, we are constantly told to check our facts, something the writer of this clearly had no intention of doing. Beckham was sent of the in the 1998 World Cup, not the 2002 World Cup. Also, neither Gary Neville nor Rio Ferdinand are on the tour. Both stayed in Manchester to recover from injuries. And while this may be nitpicky, Inter City Firm is the hooligan firm associated with West Ham in real life, for the movie Elijah Wood was a member of Green Street Elite.

This is no way to welcome a world class team to your city. Their presence is likely the sole reason for a record crowd, you should at least appreciate the financial benefits they’ve brought through ticket sales for the MLS All-Star game. Not to mention the local businesses that will benefit from fans traveling to Houston to see United.

I’m a dedicated Manchester United fan who was born and raised in the United States. Crap journalism like this is part of the reason we’re given a bad name. You clearly know nothing about the sport, and had no intention of doing any research. For the sake of all soccer fans in America, please never write on the sport again. You sir, are an idiot.

You can follow Kyle on Twitter at KDill_MUFC.

Tweet This Post

David Gill’s been talking again; saying Sir Alex Ferguson could yet dip into the transfer market before the August deadline if he so wishes. Manchester Evening News are interpreting it as one possible “world class” signing, but claim Fergie is monitoring the situations of both Mezut Ozil and Karim Benzema.

With the earlier news that Sir Alex is deliberating over whether to add Owen Hargreaves and / or Anderson in the 25 man squad for the Premier League next season, the midfield suddenly looks very light and incredibly pedestrian – four names (Fletcher, Carrick, Scholes and Gibson) with little room for rotation.

It looks as if Werder have started to put the feelers out for potential suitors for their talented young playmaker Ozil – the German international doesn’t want to sign a new contract in the knowlege that he could instantly pocket a very handsome signing on fee next year. Ozil has the added bonus of being able to operate wide of a front three and while I believed the rumours of a £25m price tag last week were way over the top for someone so close to the end of his existing deal, at £12-15m he probably represents good value.

Benzema is a curious case. My initial thoughts back in 2008 when we were linked with him were ones of excitement. Exactly the forward we were looking for. By last summer I had changed my mind and though we did lodge a bid only to usurped by Real Madrid at the last minute, I had already made clear I didn’t want the player at Old Trafford.

12 months down the line and Benzema was left in the shade by Higuain and Ronaldo at the Bernabeu last season and has seen his reputation blown to smithereens after his alleged dalliance into carnal activity. Ferguson’s reputation of taking a troubled player and getting the best out of them is impressive; with such admiration over the Algerian born frontman unlikely to have completely diminished over the last 12 months it’s probably fair to say that at least the Fergie of old would have been eager to put an arm around the young man and not only help him rediscover his true form but become a cult hero at the club. Much would depend on his potential legal punishment and the consequences that would have on his status at Real Madrid, but Ferguson is nothing if not canny. Whether or not he has the inclination for such a task at this stage of his own career is another issue entirely and United are pretty well stocked up front, even if Dimitar Berbatov is looking like (in pre-season, at least) not improving or showing any indication of changing his game.

I think we’re pretty well balanced as we are though the absence of Anderson from our 25 man squad would instantly make me think a creative midfielder; up front, even though I’m not entirely comfortable with Berbatov, I’m happy to stick by my beliefs posted on this page earlier in the summer that we should give those a chance who we currently have. My stance on Benzema has softened somewhat; he got the move he wanted, fair play to him. If he wanted to “rediscover himself” and was available at a bargain price then fair enough; at £25m I wouldn’t go near him at this moment in time.

This is of course going along with the debatable validity of Gill’s comments. According to him, of course, we should still have £80m from last year burning a hole in Fergie’s pocket..

Tweet This Post

I’m back from Kansas City, which means I’m back to work on Stretty Stories. Today we have Sir Alex’s praising his scouts, Hargreaves facing exclusion from the squad, Defour possibly moving to United this summer, and a “snub” from a soon-to-be City player.

Ferguson: United saved millions on Javier Hernandez – The Guardian

Sir Alex has paid due credit to the scouting team that unearthed Javier Hernandez before the World Cup. The gaffer reckons that after Chicharito’s showing at the World Cup a lot of clubs would’ve been interested and the striker may have cost three times more. I couldn’t agree more. Hernandez had a fantastic World Cup and now it appears United have done a sly bit of a business by getting him for has little as they did. Sir Alex confirmed that he would like to give Chicharito a run out against the MLS All-Stars, while also saying the striker would play one half with each team against his former club Chivas.

New squad rules to keep Hargreaves sidelined? – The Daily Mail

With the Premier League’s new squad rules taking effect this season, players like Owen Hargreaves may find themselves sidelined even once healthy. It’s not sure when or if Hargreaves will play again, and that could have a lot of meaning for the midfielder. In past seasons he would’ve been cleared to play once he was fit, but now the boss will need to consider whether or not to include a player with a potential long-term injury in his squad of 25. The Daily Mail reported that Jonathan Woodgate would be left out of Redknapp’s plans due to the rule, and Hargreaves may become another high-profile casualty. If he is fit in time for the January transfer window, Hargreaves could be included in the squad. Hargreaves is obviously a concern and surely the manager will be concerned about including a player in his squad who may not be fit.

Defo is now a maybe for Utd – The Sun

You have to love The Sun’s clever titles. This story first came out last week, although we’ve been linked with Steven Defour for awhile now. Like I said last week, I’ve always expected Defour would one day play for United, I just wasn’t sure when. I certainly didn’t expect it this summer, but a summer move is beginning to seem more likely. The 22-year-old midfielder is currently with Standard Liege in Belgium and recovering from a broken foot. The injury doesn’t seem to stop the rumors though. Defour’s agent, Paul Stefani, says that if the two clubs can agree to a fee Defour may join United as early as this summer.

Balotelli snubs United to join City- The Daily Mirror

I doubt we were ever interested in Balotelli to begin with, but this headline was always an inevitability. Also, Balotelli hasn’t even officially joined City yet. I’m sure he will, most likely this week, but it’s still not a done deal. Nevertheless, ever since City began their spending spree last summer, it seems like everything is a competition between the two sides of Manchester. I’d bet money that United never ever made an offer, so Balotelli likely never had the opportunity to snub United. Including that he “snubs United” makes the story bigger than it truly is; seems like another case of the press embellishing to sell more newspapers.

Discuss all today’s news and rumors in the forum.

You can follow Kyle on Twitter at KDill_MUFC.

Tweet This Post

I was fortunate to get to see Manchester United play the Kansas City Wizards last night, and now I’m excited to share my photos with you. It was a really fun trip and amazing to finally see all my heroes play in person rather than on a television or computer screen. Unfortunately they lost to the Wizards, but that’s hardly worrying to lose a preseason match. Matches like these are all about getting fitness and letting some of a fringe players get some minutes on the field. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and hope you’ll enjoy the pictures.

And yes, I will be back tomorrow for Stretty Stories.

As always, you can discuss the match in the forum.

You can follow Kyle on Twitter at KDill_MUFC.

Tweet This Post

I’m leaving home at about 6:30am my time to drive to Kansas City in order to see the Manchester United match, but not before I compile all of today’s United news. Sadly, it’s actually a pretty slow day for news and there is only one story I can find worth reporting. Sir Alex confirmed Rio Ferdinand will be sidelined for six more weeks while also providing the status of other injured players. And for today’s fun fact, SkyBet has United has the favorites to sign Mesut Ozil.

Depending on the internet situation at my hotel, there may or may not be a Stretty Stories for Monday. If there isn’t one tomorrow, I promise I’ll make up for it with exclusive pictures from the match!

Rio ruled out for six weeks – The Daily Telegraph

Rio Ferdinand will remain on the sidelines for six weeks as he continues to recover from the injury that ruled him out of the World Cup. This really comes as neither good news nor bad news. It’s a shame he’ll miss the opening few matches, but with his history of injuries we should count ourselves lucky that he’ll only be out six weeks. Sir Alex also provide updates on the progress of other injured players, which was reported on the official site. Antonio Valencia and Gary Neville are back in training, while Michael Owen will likely miss the beginning of the season due to the Hamstring injury he suffered during the Carling Cup final. Long-term injuries include Anderson and Owen Hargreaves. Anderson is expected back by the end of September, while Hargreaves will remain in America until his knee problems are resolved.

Debut Lookout: While not yet confirmed, The Daily Mail believes Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez will make his debut against the MLS All-Stars on Thursday. If you’re excited to see United’s newest addition, you’ll be in for a late night; kickoff is at 01:30am BST.

Fun Fact: A few days ago I shared that Manchester United were 3/1 joint-favorites to sign Mesut Ozil. Yesterday, United became the leaders in the race for Ozil’s signature at evens according to SkyBet.

Discuss all today’s news and rumors in the forum.

You can follow Kyle on Twitter at KDill_MUFC.

Tweet This Post