Author: Doron

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Jonny Evans was subbed off at half time against Wigan, he was on a yellow card so precaution was my natural instinct; however news of a calf injury filtered through soon after the final whistle. With Vidic out for the season; Fabio injured; Rio suffering from a few niggles; Rafael not match fit; and Smalling/Jones ill; there’s a possibility some of the Reserves may have to be called up to play. United are already stretched with Carrick and Valencia having to play at the back, but like we did when Fletcher’s situation was announced, here’s an introduction to the defenders in the Reserves should they be needed.

Marnick Vermijl – he joined towards the end of the 2009/10 season from Standard Liege after a trial; aged 18 he was brought to cover gaps in the Reserve squad in the fullback areas. Quotes in Belgium said that United had been very impressed with him. Since joining he’s been a firm fixture in the Reserve side playing all across the back four and across the midfield. His versatility is clearly a big asset and he made the bench against Aldershot having been given squad number 36. For me, he was the unsung hero in the Reserve squad last year – he’s quick, surprisingly strong and very able on the ball. He turns 20 early in the new year and I imagine he the club will be looking to get him out on loan to a Championship side.

Alberto Massacci – signed from Empoli in the summer of 2009, his time has been riddled with injuries. He’s a right back in a classic Gary Neville style. When fit he looks a classy act, very attacking, calm in possession and convincing in defence. He’s fit again at the moment and looks to have done some good gym work over the past few months. A period of sustained fitness could see him make the right back spot his own in the Reserves.

Michael Keane – twin brother of striker William, Michael’s a right back who’s recently moved centrally due to a growth spurt. He made his first team debut at Aldershot wearing number 38 and has had an outstanding season so far. He was perceived to be the weak-link in the FA Youth Cup winning side last year but every aspect of his game has improved heaps this season. The club’s staff rate him very highly and he’s an ever present for the Reserves at the moment keeping specialist centre backs out of the side. Michael’s suddenly become one who could seriously have a very good career in the future.

Reece Brown – the younger brother of Wes Brown, he’s recently turned 20 and been capped by England at U20 level. He can play at centre back, right back and as a shielding midfielder. He’s currently injured but due back training soon. He spent a short spell on loan at Bradford last season and Doncaster this season, doing ok at both clubs. A tad clumsy, Reece has been overtaken at the back by younger, better defenders and was forced into midfield where he excelled as a very calm, ball-playing deep midfielder. Reece has a surprisingly special ability to smash a free kick in as well!

Michele Fornasier – he joined from Fiorentina at the same time as Massacci. He’s a centre back from the Vidic-school of defending – he’ll attack any ball and throw his body in front of anything. He was a key player in the FA Youth Cup success last year but has had a few niggling injuries this season. Due to depth in defence he’s even played in central midfield for the Reserves this year. He’s been capped at U19 level by Italy and is highly thought of in his home country.

Tom Thorpe – the captain of the FA Youth Cup winning side. Tom’s struggled with injuries this season and now fit, he can’t get regular games because other players are doing so well. He is a classy defender though, one of the best readers of a game in his age group and has been capped at various levels by England. He’s a bit short but strong, brave and really good on the ball. He’s managed to get some game-time in front of the back four but his best position is centre back. He and Fornasier complement each other very well. He has squad number 39 and despite not playing much, was on the bench for the trip to Leeds this season. He’s my favourite of the young defenders and I think one to keep an eye on.

Ezekiel Fryers – he’s shot to prominence this season making six first team appearances out of nowhere. Zeki missed most of last year through injury and has often been picked out as a future star by players and staff but few expected this kind of progress so soon. He’s naturally a left back but can play in the centre. He’s strong, quick and growing in confidence – one reason he’s been blooded ahead of others is down to his physique. I’m not sure that he’s ready to really challenge Evra yet but Zeki’s done well in his appearances so far. He’s top of the pecking order out of the Reserve defenders and proof that hard work can pay off.

Sean McGinty – a tall, rangy left back who can play centrally too. Sean was a bit-part player in last year’s FA Youth Cup team, profiting from Zeki’s injury and Tyler Blackett’s suspension. McGinty had been registered for the Champions League this season, given number 45, although he’s yet to make the bench for the first team. Sean’s aggressive and capable of putting in good crosses. He’s solid in most areas but potentially lacks a stand-out attribute. With Fryers promoted to the first team, McGinty has been a regular in the Reserves this season and done well.

Luke Giverin – I think many probably expected Luke to be released last summer but he was surprising kept on having only been part-time. He can play in either fullback position and got plenty of minutes in pre-season but since the competitive games have started he’s rarely played. I can’t see Luke being at United next season but he’s improved quite a bit in the past year and has shown he’s particularly good at taking set pieces.

Finally… United have Ritchie de Laet on loan at Norwich and Scott Wootton on loan at Peterborough. Both have had recent injuries but are doing well at their clubs. Wootton in particular is impressing and receiving rave reviews. Below the Reserves, Tyler Blackett has played for the Reserves this year and was outstanding for much of last season at left back in the FA Youth Cup run. Luke McCullough has battled back from injuries and the U18 captain has been that side’s star man this year at the heart of the defence. Most of the other U18 defenders are first years. With a bit of luck, Jones, Smalling and Ferdinand will all return for Blackburn, but should they not, Zeki may be in line for his first league start with one of the others mentioned on the bench.

Author: Doron

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In light of the news that Darren Fletcher will be out for an unknown period of time to hopefully recover from his illness; I thought it was worth a look at the players who may have to be used from the Reserves, whether they are ready or not. The reality is that Carrick and Gibson are now the only fit central midfielders and despite Rooney, Giggs, Park and Jones all having covered there (and Valencia who Fergie has hinted can play there) the reality is we’re scarily short of in that area. Clearly, a signing (signings) is (are) needed but given the reluctance of our owners to make money available (note a low net spend in the past five years – imperative you read Daniel Taylor’s superb piece on this), it’s feasible we’ll have to find answers, even if just to make up numbers on the bench, from within.

Paul Pogba – the much hyped controversial 18 year old Frenchman has already made his first team debut in the Carling Cup. In fact, he’s got to three first team appearances at a younger age than any of Fletcher, Beckham, Gibson, Scholes or Butt managed to. Still, his contract expires in June and tabloid rumours (fuelled by his agent) suggest he’s holding out for a big money contract or he’ll leave.

Nevertheless, Pogba’s a talented kid. Compared to Vieira, he’s only similar to the legendary Gooner in ethnicity, nationality and position – their styles are pretty different. Pogba’s a ball-mover, a tempo-setter and someone capable of the extravagant. Having been a key cog in the FA Youth Cup success last year his development appears to have slowed a little with lots of focus going on his weak defensive part of his game. He’s been played out of position in the Reserves a lot and Warren Joyce can regularly be heard shouting helpful pointers about where he should be on the pitch. Fergie rightly has faith in Pogba and said in September, “we have to give him the opportunity to see how he can do in the first-team and he’s got great ability”. He’s not really ready for regular action yet but squad involvement and minutes off the bench here and there in games that are all but won can be of no harm to him.

Ravel Morrison – the most naturally gifted of the lot. Not really a central midfielder as such but a player who can play centrally behind a striker and likes to be given license to roam. Like Pogba, his contract situation seems to be a tad complicated at the moment but recently he continues to be singled out for praise from staff at the club.

Morrison may well be the most ready of the current youngsters. His game this season has seen added maturity, a welcome surprise given his off-field activities of 12 months ago. Unlike Rooney as a youngster, he seems more and more capable of tunnelling any frustrations on the pitch into how he plays – not long ago, Ravel would have kicked out at an opponent yet now he appears to be in control of himself – something he’s reportedly also now doing off the pitch too.

Having been in the first team squad for both a Champions League game and a couple of Premier League games recently, I’d suggest he’s edging closer and closer to making his league debut – something I fully endorse. Physically he needs to fill out and his stamina needs improving but it’s hard to argue against this kid being almost ready. With injuries in the middle and up the top, and with the side crying out for a spark, he’s exactly the sort of player who could lift those around him.

Larnell Cole – the one that Scholes loves. That should really be enough of an endorsement for anyone. After Morrison, I’d say that Larnell’s the best technical player outside the first team. His height would seemingly go against him and given the strength of the CMs in his age-group, at one point it would appear tough to work out how he’d progress. However, using his pace to his advantage, he carved out a spot on the right wing and hasn’t looked back since.

Larnell still operates best in the middle, it makes the most of his superb passing range and vision but his versatility will be an asset. A quiet, shy lad, it was a great moment to see him make his debut at Leeds in the Carling Cup this year. He is possibly the dark-horse of the young players at the moment and someone very much in the Scholes/Xavi/Iniesta bracket both in terms of physique and playing style. One of the other writers on the blog, Herzog’s Child, has written extensively about Cole before.

Davide Petrucci – when signed from back in the summer of 2008 he was dubbed ‘the next Totti’. It wouldn’t be over-exaggerating to suggest that the early signs were incredibly good. Davide is capable of playing high and more recently deep, almost as a quarterback. What followed for Davide was horrendous back luck though. A series of growth-related injuries saw him out of action for over a year and only in early 2011 did he return again, very much wrapped in cotton wool.

A good pre-season has seen him play regularly since September and he’s slowly started to creak back into impressive form. His ability to dictate the tempo of a game and see passes that few his age can is special; but what he lacks is the physique, consistency and arguably yard of pace that he once had – all knock-on effects of missing so much football that should come back over time. At 20 years old many might wonder what his future holds but United will be patient with him and having recently been given a squad number, his chance may come in a game before the season is up.

Jesse Lingard – like Larnell, Jesse is part of the ‘short brigade’. However, also like Larnell, he’s a clever footballer. He’s found games hard to come by on a regular basis in the U18s and wasn’t first choice in the FA Youth Cup run. However, this season since returning from injury he’s had games across the midfield for the Reserves and has shone. Technically he’s very good and he appears to have gotten quicker.

Considering his size, he has good core body strength and beautiful balance. Jesse was on the bench recently for the Crystal Palace game and had it panned out differently, he may well have gotten minutes – his form is consistently good now. One thing Jesse’s always had is the ability to score – regardless of whether he’s playing high up or in the middle, he’s always direct and keen to get shots away; something those above him in the first team have been criticised for not doing enough.

Matty James – Matty is worthy of inclusion because he’s still contracted to the club. He, like Davide has been ruined by injuries. A spell on loan at Preston two seasons ago highlighted all the promise he had. For those who’ve not seen him; he’s like Carrick of 2007 and has a special eye for a long-range goal. It’s sad that Matty is seemingly again injured after a brief comeback towards the end of last season. I fear his career will never take off and certainly it’ll never follow the path it really should have done.

Danny Drinkwater – there are three central midfielders out on loan, all of whom are scheduled to return to United at the beginning of January hence their inclusions. Danny had an excellent loan at Huddersfield two years ago but last year’s loans were less fruitful. He’s made an excellent impression at Barnsley this season and has been dubbed for a bright future by many. Long-term that may not be at United but he’s certainly more ready than some of the younger players if he’s needed to step in, simply because of his experience he’s had in the football league playing competitively.

Ryan Tunnicliffe – Ryan’s the first outfield member of the FA Youth cup winning squad to go out on loan. Despite not starting every game for Peterborough, they’re desperate to extend his loan. To be playing and making a positive impact in the Championship as a central midfielder aged just 18 is incredibly impressive. Ryan’s in the mould of an early Roy Keane – no nonsense box-to-box capable of scoring goals. His technique and passing is arguably his Achilles heel but he’s improving all the time. I’ve a lot of faith in Ryan and whilst he may not be ready for United’s first team yet, I think one day he will be and certainly someone of his style is something we could do with now.

Oliver Norwood – Oli Norwood is on loan at Scunthorpe with young goalkeeper Sam Johnstone (who I wrote about last week). As a young player, Norwood was compared with Beckham because of the similarity in free kick technique and general style which which he struck a ball even in open play. Norwood though is a central midfielder, a playmaker – he’s stood out across the age levels but for me isn’t a top talent. I think his future will lie elsewhere but he’s not a bad player by any means; certainly, like Danny Drinkwater, his experience at club and international level may be crucial if the squad needs filling out.

Finally… there are of course options in the U18s too but they are really too young for consideration. United have a plethora of talent waiting in Reserve to be called upon should they be needed. There is no rush though, time is on their side and their chances will come at the right moments. For those that don’t make it, Magnus Eikrem proves that they can still go on to great things – he’s just been a key player for Molde in their title success. The news regarding Fletcher and the injuries to Anderson and Cleverley (even though he should be back soonish) to just exacerbate how much the club need to dip into the transfer market. The pessimistic side of me doubts whether that’ll happen though so young Messrs Cole, Pogba, Morrison and the should prepare to be ready if called upon.

It is being reported that Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic has suffered a ruptured cruciate ligament, which will rule him out for the remainder of the 2011/12 season. The news will come as a massive blow to Sir Alex Ferguson who saw his Manchester United side dumped of the Champions League by Swiss side FC Basel. United have suffered a number of injuries to defenders this season, with Vidic and Ferdinand picking up injuries on the opening day of the season against WBA.

The comments about Vidic’s injury were released by his agent Silvano Martina, however Manchester United are yet to comment on these reports. Martina was speaking to an Italian football website (calciomercato.com) about a possible move to Juventus for the Serbian defender, however he quickly moved to defuse any discussion of a move – citing Vidic’s injury as the main reason:

“It seems inappropriate to talk about that because unfortunately he has suffered a ruptured cruciate ligament,”

He was then asked whether or not the injury would rule his client out for a long period, and replied:

“Unfortunately so, yes. So even if it was true [about Juventus], right now there would be no sense in talking about it.”

Nemanja Vidic fouled Marco Streller just on the stroke of half time, but fell awkwardly and his right leg got caught underneath the Basel frontman’s body. He was immediately stretchered off and replaced by Johny Evans. Sir Alex Ferguson had hoped that his skipper would be out potentially for only four months, however recovery time from a cruciate ligament injury is around nine months – meaning he will miss the rest of the season.

Author: Bricki

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The difficult second album followed by the ‘concept’ album, every band/singer seems to go through this process. Promoted clubs tend to suffer from ‘second season’ syndrome, notable examples are Hull, Sunderland and West Brom.

So it is that players seem to have the same problems when establishing themselves in a squad. One player who has just been through his difficult ‘second season’ is Jonny Evans. Whilst not officially his second season, it has been the inevitable ‘dip’ that players have once they burst onto the scene.

As the club looks to invest in youth and create the next generation of team what can we expect from Jonny Evans?

After arriving into the squad and looking composed and reliable its been a difficult last 18 months for Evans. The arrival of Chris Smalling and the emergence of the Da Silva twins has coincided with a loss of form that seemed to hamper his confidence.

Sections of the fans getting on the back of Evans as he struggled at times meant its been a difficult period of development for the young Irishman. Faced with the dominant pairing of Ferdinand and Vidic in front of him, coupled with O’Shea, Brown and Smalling competing for a place he found chances hard to come by. The best way for a player to find form and confidence is through playing regularly, this is something that evaded Evans for long periods last season.

When Evans was given a chance he tended to look rusty and his decision making in the centre of defence appeared to be rushed, leading to poor passes and losing the ball. With Smalling appearing to settle into the back four with remarkable ease in place of the injured Ferdinand and then Rafael at full back it was Evans who missed out on the playing time. A couple of minor knocks also hindered his opportunities to play his way back into form.

As we approached the end of the season Evans got his chance and started to show the abilities that had gone missing from his play. Operating at left back in place of Patrice Evra he offered a composed and calm style of play, that whilst lacking in genuine threat going forward, was more than solid enough at the back.

The sales of John O’Shea and Wes Brown suggested that Evans would now step up into a new role in the squad. Inheriting the number 6 shirt suggests that Evans has a bigger role to play this season but what sort of role will that be?

With the sale of O’Shea to Sunderland the only genuine back up to Evra at full back would appear to be Fabio and Evans. The ability of Fabio to operate on both sides of the back four as well as potentially in midfield (as shown in last seasons FA Cup tie with Arsenal) suggests that long term Evans is viewed as the 2nd option at left back. Evra has struggled for form and succumbed to injury in the last 12 months so the ability of a sturdy and dependable understudy in Evans makes perfect sense.

As the first weekend of the new season has shown us with injuries to Evra, Rafael, Vidic and Ferdinand. The ability to step up and be flexible in the shape and positions players play in will be vital this season. Its likely that come the Tottenham game on Monday night we could be looking at a back four of Rb-Fabio Cb-Smalling/Jones Lb-Evans.

The understanding of Jones and Smalling in the centre of the defence, as shown on England Under 21s duty in the summer makes for a logical link up in the middle. With only Fabio and Smalling having 12 months experience in the United first team however, it would require the experience and maturity of Evans to keep the defence organised and working as a unit. Its often forgotten that Evans has made just short of 30 appearences at International Level for a side in Northern Ireland who have at times punched above their weight.

That experience will be extremely important when Evans looks across the line and sees 3 players yet to fully break their full international sides.

Long term people have speculated that Jones could make a move forward into the midfield and its highly unlikely to see a player such as Evans make a left back spot his own, as his attributes do not fit with the style of full back United play with.

The first choice full backs if they continue to develop should be the Da Silvas but it would be likely that Jones, Smalling and Evans become the main three to battle it out in the centre. Short term its expected that due to Rios’ injury concerns and not wanting to burn Vidic out we will see all three players get playing time in the team. It was interesting to note though that against West Brom when Jones and Evans replaced Ferdinand and Vidic it was Evans placed in the centre alongside Jones.

This would suggest that Evans experience in the United team is viewed as important in helping players such as Jones adapt to playing in a bigger team. If you then include a goalkeeper in De Gea that is clearly still adjusting to the English league and likely to have concentration issues going forward, the knowledge and calm play of Evans becomes even more vital.

Its been a difficult 12 months for Evans, loss of form, injuries and the impressive performances of Smalling. A new season though brings new hope and the loss of veterans in Neville, O’Shea and Brown requires new players to step up.

If anyone has reason to be optimistic at redemption and a new lease of life in the United team it’s Jonny Evans.

A ‘concept’ album after the difficult second album usually makes or breaks a group, with Jonny Evans the ‘concept’ album could cement his place in the new United defensive dynasty.

AUTHOR: – Doron

The somewhat inevitable news that Manchester United won’t be offering Owen Hargreaves a new contract has been announced by the Daily Mail. His four year stay at the club will come to an end when his contract expires next month and he’ll have to find a new club to try and resurrect his career.

Hargreaves time at United has been rocked by awful knee injuries and attempted returns to the team. Back in September we were able to report on the good news that Hargreaves was progressing well and that he had returned to training. He was a surprise starter against Wolves in November but was subbed off after 6 minutes with a hamstring injury.

When he was seemingly close to playing again in March, he suffered another set-back. This time an unfortunate shoulder injury suffered in training. Today, the Daily Mail report that he won’t be offered a new contract and will subsequently be released on a free. The story carries this quote from Sir Alex Ferguson:

“This has been a difficult decision knowing how hard the lad has worked to win back his fitness. But we have made it in the hope he will be able to resurrect his career elsewhere.”

He joined in the summer of 2007 and played a key role in the club’s league and European double with an infamous free kick against Arsenal and a penalty scored in Moscow. However knee problems he’d suffered at Bayern Munich deteriorated badly and he’s missed almost a full three seasons of football now. In his four seasons he’s managed only 39 appearances and question marks will now appear about whether he will return and play again for any team at all.

United fans have long since adopted Hargreaves as some kind of cult hero and despite not offering a contribution for the past three years, many will still miss him being at the club. Only four months ago this blog took a look at Hargreaves as our ‘forgotten man’. We considered whether he’d ever be able to return, sadly any hope is now seemingly lost. How big a loss has he been for United? Do you think he will ever play again? Do you believe this was the right decision not to renew his contract?

AUTHOR: – Doron

AUTHOR: – Doron

There was positive news delivered by Sir Alex Ferguson recently – Owen Hargreaves had returned from the specialist in Germany and was deemed fit to start training again. Two weeks on from that and the Daily Mail are reporting a fresh injury for our forgotten man.

Back in September we were able to report on the good news that Hargreaves was progressing well from his long-standing knee injury and that he had returned to training. Hargreaves was a surprise starter against Wolves in November but was subbed off after 6 minutes with a hamstring injury.

Only recently has he recovered from the injury to return to training, however the Daily Mail are reporting that he has suffered a fresh injury. It would be terrible luck for Hargreaves as this reported injury is unrelated to his long-standing knee problem and the more recent hamstring problem:

“The injury plagued England midfielder had put himself in contention for a return, only for his shoulder to pop out as he challenged for a header.

The 30-year-old had X-rays and initial fears are that he has ligament damage and could be out for at least four weeks.”

Quote taken from the Daily Mail

The positive news is that this injury is unrelated to previous problems and the early suggestion is four weeks out. Hargreaves has missed a lot of football since joining in 2007, playing only 39 times for the club. In his first year he played 34 times and was an important part of the Champions League winning side. This year however he has just the one appearance to his name.

His contract runs out this summer – would you offer him a new contract? There have been suggestions he may get a pay-as-you-play deal but can the club afford to give up a squad place to someone who may not even be fit? Only two months ago this blog took a look at Hargreaves as our ‘forgotten man’. Do you think this fresh set-back will be the end for Owen Hargreaves at Man United and/or as a professional football? Could he surprise everyone and play again for the club?

AUTHOR: – Doron

AUTHOR: – Stretford-end

Manchester United’s Brazilian midfield Anderson is reportedly out for up to two months following conflicting reports that the midfield has picked up either a knee or hamstring injury in the 1-0 victory over Crawley Town at the weekend. Anderson suffered a serious injury at the start of 2010, when he damaged his cruciate ligaments in a league cup match against West Ham United at Old Trafford. United’s number eight has made 21 appearances for the club this season, scoring one goal against Valencia in the Champions League.

Anderson was substituted at half time against Crawley and it looks almost certain that the industrious Brazilian will be out until the end of April – a real blow for a player who missed so much of last season and, reportedly, fell out with the manager. Anderson’s performances are split between most Reds. Some see him as a skillful, competitive midfielder who can operate deep and burst forward with great acceleration. On the other hand, Anderson has only notched up two goals in his time at Old Trafford, although the most hardened of supporters will also point to a crucial penalty in the 2008 European Cup final. Rio Ferdinand and Ji Sung Park are also set to miss the match on Wednesday against Marseilles.

Anderson can still succeed at United

I still believe Anderson can make it as a top player at Manchester United, although he needs to start dominating games and being a little more clinical in front of goal. Of course being a midfielder isn’t all about scoring goals, however with Anderson’s movement – you would think he should be getting on the score sheet more often.

Since his return to the first team against Valencia away (did play a few minutes against Liverpool and also played in the League Cup against Scunthorpe United) he has looked extremely promising in some games and demonstrated why Sir Alex Ferguson parted with a reported £17million to secure him from Porto in 2007. This lead to him being awarded a new long-term contract with the club. With the absence of Anderson, United will inevitably turn to Michael Carrick to provide a bit of craft in the middle of the park, with Darron Gibson waiting in reserve. It may also force Ferguson to play a 4-4-2 much more than he’d like with Scholes who is unlikely to be able to play every game. I still believe Anderson has a lot to offer at United, despite is lack of goals and assist this term. Don’t ask me why, I just do.

You can discuss how much of a blow this is on the forum

AUTHOR: – Stretford-end

Manchester United left back Patrice Evra is all set for a stormy encounter when he lines up against Marseilles on Wednesday evening due to his part in the France’s implosive at the World Cup last summer. United fans are eager to find out whether or not the Frenchman has signed a new deal at Old Trafford as conflicting reports emerged last week stating that he had agreed terms. However, it is expected that Manchester United will reveal later today that Evra has indeed signed a new deal to keep him at the club for five more seasons.

Marseilles will be without their big summer signing André-Pierre Gignac, who has suffered an abductor strain in last night’s Ligue 1 match against St Etienne. Gignac has scored three goals in four appearances (one as a sub) in the Champions League for the French Champions so far this season.

Target Patrice Evra

Former Marseilles coach and player, Jean Fernandez, believes that World Cup winning captain Didier Deschamps (and current manager) should target United’s left back, considering it is his first game back in France since the World Cup fall out:

“It will be his first match in France since the 2010 World Cup, so people are certainly going to boo him. Deschamps can play on that and tell whoever’s directly up against Patrice to wind him up as much as he can until he snaps and eventually is booked. If that happens, Evra won’t be able to defend effectively. That could be key in the end because his aggression is a big part in winning the ball back and you can’t lose control. If you win (the tackles against him), you can move forward. If you lose them, you retreat.”

André-Pierre Gignac out injured

Marseilles have been handed a massive blow with the news that André-Pierre Gignac will miss the first leg of the last 16 clash with an abductor strain. Gignac struggled at the start of the season for Marseilles, but since Deschamps switched the French international from centre forward to the left side of three man attack – he scored five goals in five games prior to the match against St Etienne on Saturday. Sporting director Jose Anigo revealed the extent of the injury after the game:

“There was some tissue tear for Gignac. It’s not very serious but, unless there is a miracle, there is little chance of seeing him against Manchester.”

Loïc Rémy, another summer signing, also limped off injured, but is expected to be fit to face United on Wednesday. French International Mathieu Valbuena has already been ruled out of the match. Didier Deschamps spoke about his injury concerns following United’s dire performance against Crawly Town at the weekend, but doesn’t believe the match revealed anything as to how United will line up on Wednesday:

“They (the injuries) are all the more costly because the Manchester United players sat at home with their feet up. I watched their match (against Crawley) but Alex Ferguson rotated so much that there was very little to see.”

AUTHOR: – Doron

United were delivered some bitter-sweet news today as Ferguson confirmed that Antonio Valencia’s recovery is going well but Park Ji-Sung is out for a month.

Speaking to ManUtd.com, Ferguson said:

“We got a blow on Saturday morning with the news that Ji-sung Park did his hamstring on Friday afternoon in training. It was very unfortunate because it was his last kick of the ball in training as well. We were really looking forward to having him back after being away for a month at the Asian Cup. He’ll be out for up to a month, which is a blow to us.”

“The good news is that Valencia started training with the Reserves on Saturday. So he’s on his way back and that will be a real boost to have him available for the run-in.”

Park had only been back from the Asian Cup for two weeks and having been given a week off he’d trained all week in the build-up to the derby match against Man City. The news on Valencia is positive and in line with an expected return at the end of this month. It has been suggested that he’s been pencilled in to play for the Reserves next week.

You can discuss how good/bad the news is on our forum, where we are asking the question: Is it more of a blow than anything given how much of a role Park has played this year and his versatility; especially because it’ll no doubt take Valencia some time to hit top form after so long out?

AUTHOR: – Doron

As the transfer window draws towards a close, United have only made minor moves in brining in a new back-up goalkeeper. This summer is likely to bring a fair few changes to the squad personnel at the club. We’ve invited Herzog’s Child to share his thoughts on why this is a good time for the club to move on and welcome a new era; starting with the likely departure of Owen Hargreaves…

Owen Hargreaves – insert nauseous ‘who?’ gag here – turned 30 this week; an age which, the common consensus regularly churns out, is just a little after a footballer’s prime. He was 27 when he last completed a full 90 minutes in a first-team game. A promising stroll in the reserves a few months back, and that cruel – albeit somewhat predictable – tease against Wolves shortly after are all that have amounted in a prolonged hiatus, that now, reports suggest, will soon be rendered permanent. The decision to resist a renewal of his contract will pain all associated with the club – not solely for the reason they will have lost a player who should have been integral to an underwhelming United midfield, but also for the man himself, who has tried but failed to resurrect a career plagued by continuous plight. Hargreaves’s knees have failed him. Injuries can be absolute in their inflictions. Just ask Dean Ashton – 3 years Hargreaves’s junior – another victim prematurely forced to bow out in agony due to a recurrent ankle injury suffered whilst training with England.

A quick browse of a host of United-related message-boards secures an accurate outlook on how Hargreaves is now viewed through the eyes of those who once adored him. Giggly wishing of curly locks are no more, and – presumably – the line of proffered wives put forward by appreciative reds has trickled down into a ghostly nothing. Empathy has been replaced with apathy. In some reaches, the mention, or sight, of Hargreaves is met with hilarity. His displacement from the bowels of United’s playing-squad has ebbed from disharmony to being the butt-end of quips that have already grown old. The reaction, admittedly cruel, is without malice – laughing aids the recovery from a pivotal loss. The advent of apathy amongst reds is also a natural response to the reality of the combative midfielder’s decline; like all good players, his movements, – or, in this case, lack thereof – are scrutinised closely. Through online chatter he has been morphed into a parody for one reason alone: we miss him. We miss him because we need him, especially now as we attempt to stride towards a perch-knocking 19th.

His unavailability has always been galling, but it’s highlighted even more strenuously now. United’s place atop an undeniably mediocre pile has been an admirable feat, but clear worries persist. Fletcher’s inability to retain his form of previous years, combined with Carrick and Anderson’s erratic displays, have borne light upon the need to strengthen one of the few areas of the field where we are lacking. Scholes, ever masterful, still spreads the ball with the devastating precision of a sharking torpedo, but he cannot keep pace with the unrelenting nature of the campaign’s hectic fixture-list anymore. Ferguson’s persistence in ‘freshening things up’ is fine, but only the fuzzy-eyed will challenge the notion that our performances have suffered due to lack of a consistent midfield twosome. If the money is ‘there’ – Where?! One begs to ask – why isn’t it being used? Placing faith in a second-coming for Hargreaves would be naive, and is not – presumably – the reason. The emergence of a promising threesome of midfielders via the youth setup could, perhaps, be the outstanding factor in Ferguson’s reluctance to spend, but they’re still some way off yet. One, indeed, who – one isn’t reluctant to propose – would/could (?) have been Scholes’ natural replacement, may even already be gone beyond the point of return. Or perhaps, most realistically, there is no money.

It was Owen Hargreaves who first sprinted to embrace Edwin Van der Sar on that magical night in rain-drenched Moscow. The Dutchman, who only today confirmed suspicions he’s to retire come the season’s end, will close his career at the highly commendable age of 40, a scary decade beyond Hargreaves’ ravaged spell. Commenting on a career’s demise may appear premature, but the reality of a 2 and a half year confinement to the physio-room offers little hope long-term. Whispers from decent sources have suggested Owen’s psyche has turned fragile due to his recurring setbacks, and that, coupled with being physically unfit, the psychological trauma borne out of not recovering has inspired a new hesitancy. Such a reaction is natural, of course, and does not bode well. Any hopes of a miraculous resurrection appear the stuff of a giddy fantasist; even if he restored some semblance of fitness, he’d be returning 3 years older, to a pace terrifically frenetic. It’s looking like an increasingly insurmountable task, and one very, very few footballers have ever achieved.

The manner of sound-bites recently espoused by Ferguson would also suggest things have not worked out. He recently stated the club’s priority was to ensure the player returned to the stage where he could still play football. His lack of relating a resurgence to United specifically told its own pitiful tale; back-room staff have also expressed their concern for Hargreaves’ lack of progression. With his contract coming to an end this summer, and several key United players reaching their twilight, the most sensible option for the club would be to sever their association with the player. Critiques of the terminally injured can appear unfair at times, but, whether rightly or wrongly, many will point to the amassed wealth of wages Hargreaves has garnered during his spell out of the game. The burden of United’s crippling debt will, one can only presume, be factored into the equation. United need to spend their money more wisely than ever before; and, crucially, they need to spend it on players who’ll be available to play.

When the time, as it is expected to, finally arrives, the gossip columns, internet message-boards, radio-phone ins, and -sickeningly- Sky Sports News happy-tappers, will become inundated with possible solutions to United’s vacuous midfield. Uncertainty over Scholes’ prolongation for the moment still prevails. The future below the first-team excites, but cannot for now be depended upon. United will need to buy, and, importantly, will need to ensure they get it right. The usual names will crop up. An insufferable uprising of wind-up-merchants, supposedly in the know, will regularly disgorge a litany of dull tit-bits. Everyone will have some idea, and – if United’s transfer policy is anything to go by – everyone will get it wrong. The more regular stories state we will buy English. What is a certainty is that we’ll buy young. The advent of buying young, nurturing talent, and thus ensuring a hefty future sell on fee, is a bleak, yet ultimately evident reality. Following Berbatov’s signing, a belief formed that United shelling out large sums on players in the late 20’s bracket was to be put to bed. The notion has been further strengthened by the purchases of Bebe, Obertan, Smalling and Hernandez. -all young, relatively unproven prospects. The latter two, to their credit, look increasingly like sterling snips. The former, however, are struggling.

Some of the more credible sources have continuously earmarked a trio that fit the aforementioned criteria. Jack Rodwell of Everton, Jordan Henderson of Sunderland, and Aston Villa’s Ashley Young are all thought to be under United’s radar. Critically, they’re all relatively Premiership-experienced, British, and, most importantly, young. Doubts will encircle any deal, though; about quality, and the nature of their fees. Rodwell – who, as yet, remains an Everton squad player – would cost circa £20m. Ditto Henderson, a superior talent. Young is inconsistent; a right-footed left-midfielder. The former two are good prospects, but – again – would be significant risks. Young, who doesn’t produce regularly enough, is simply not good enough. United’s midfield is aching for dynamism; someone who can manipulate the ball well, who can shift it quickly, and link the play to our strikers. We need a player of Modric’s calibre. One who doesn’t go missing, – who is clever and supplies a threat. There is not a plethora of players who fit the bill, but United, who invest heavily in a world-wide scouting system, are going to have to source a number of options out. Potentially they need a Sneijder; a single player who can take control and dominate a game. The player must also be a goalscorer, finding the net is something our central area fail to do far too often these days. Our collapse in Rome horridly showcased the levels of ineptitude we can recede into when up against the levels we need to aim for. Regardless of what May brings, be it success or a just as likely petering out, the summer should herald major change.

If the summer is to herald change, it would be naive not to expect further names – along with Hargreaves – to bow out. Van der Sar’s departure, as noted, has been confirmed. Michael Owen may follow, too, to little dismay. Save for that glorious finish that blew apart City hearts, his impact, bar the odd goal here and there, has been minimal. United’s support have naturally struggled to warm to him. His leaving will see the return of Danny Welbeck, who has excelled on his loan stint at Sunderland. Wes Brown, who, like Owen, has not featured regularly this season, may leave too, in similar vein to Phil Neville’s jaunt across to the murkiness of Merseyside. Now 31, Wes deserves a consistent shift elsewhere. The progression of Rafael – Gary Neville’s very able successor – will secure the right-back position for years to come. The centre back spaces are as well covered as they’ve ever been. His opportunities have grown slack. Others should be shifted but won’t. Another year will be wrongly, in my opinion, granted to Gibson, when Tom Cleverley’s return should, by right, signal a move for the shambling Irishman. Paul Scholes, an artist rather than a footballer, has yet to decide his status for next season. Fergie will once again have to unleash his persuasive powers.

The game is an eternally uncertain one. Past concerns have before dissolved with happenings which can only be rendered miracles. Last year, when Edwin’s familial concerns took him away for a spell, many commentators proclaimed it would signal the end of his illustrious career. It didn’t. He signed on for another year, and has – to date – been the league’s most consistent ‘keeper once more. A number of years ago, you’d be hard pressed to find a red not irate with the sight of Darren Fletcher in our starting 11. He is now – despite his current dip – an integral part of the team. Early expletives towards Nani have quietened; though still capable of infuriating, it appears he now understands. His rate of production, in goals and assists, is one of the most consistent in world football. There are many thrilling things about our current set-up, but they need to be reinforced by a few – just a few – changes. City’s steady charge – hideously absurd as it is – should be enough to motivate the need to not fall behind. We have a manager and players who are settled, they do not.

Whatever the future releases, the harrowing probability of it not stumping a modicum of luck for Owen Hagreaves seems likely. The announcement, if it does come, will arrive in the summer. Already the forgotten man of Manchester United, it would be a desperately saddening end to a career – one of success – to end as football’s forgotten man. The next 5 months will tell all. United are unlikely to take the risk, not again, after the past 2 and a half years, but a club elsewhere may take it. It should have been so much more, for him and us. Regardless of wealth, to be permanently unable to participate in the things we love would shatter us all – it’s the same for him, and will be forever. He could, of course, wipe his boot over all of the above in the coming months, and make the sort of recovery Lazarus would bow down and weep to, and nothing would please us more. But both the club and he will know that endgame is approaching soon. We forget he’s appeared just 39 times for us. We don’t forget what he brought: stealth, steel and – often overlooked – a vast amount of quality. All of which are dearly missed. His style ignited a sense of fire within the side that has remained extinguished since. His career, though overshadowed, provided moments 99% of footballers will never attain. Though we’ve already adjusted to his departure, the official word will be a poignant reminder, and will make us remember once more the player we’ve missed for what seems so long.