Authors: Doron, Nik, Bricki, Herzog’s Child, Stretford End and Rob

Follow Doron, Nik, Bricki, Herzog’s Child, Stretford End and Rob on Twitter

With the season nearly over (the Reserves will compete in the Manchester Senior Cup final at the Etihad tomorrow) we reflect on the highs and the lows. Each contributor to the blog shares their thoughts and hopes…

Nik

Thoughts on the season now it’s done:

Disappointing to end it with no silverware, and a woeful run in Europe (this, largely down to the tactical evolution we are seeing), but the season pretty much went according to plan: start slowly prior to Xmas (we always do), hit the New Year with aplomb and amass the points; watch City falter after initial adrenaline rush. Thus allowing City the two important wins from the four encounters was both demoralising and idiotic in equal measure. Draw the game at the Etihad and we win the league by a comfortable 6 points. It didn’t happen (they were better!), we move on, we strengthen… we go again.

Player of the season:

I’m really pleased for Carrick because he has had an immense season, but in terms of his productivity, it has only been a marginal improvement on last season where he adopted a more defensive role in the team. It’s got to be Jonny Evans, who has been imperious in Vidic’s absence from start to finish, re-kindling his early career form. Suffered dog’s abuse from the vast majority of fans and journalists, leading Fergie to vent his ire in the match-day programme, in what was a rare showing of public anger.

Goal of the season:

Scholes’ first goal since his comeback against Bolton was a moment to savour; not just the goal itself, but the movement off the ball, the historic exquisite timing, and the fact that he was ‘back’, and with gargantuan desire and his mojo re-discovered to boot.

Performance of the season (team):

The first half mauling of City in the FA Cup, showing us fans that the players had really hurt post ‘the 1-6’. Fergie instructed the team to press with intensity, went with Welbeck up top and Rooney dropping deep – a formula that worked quite well actually (ahem).

Breakthrough star:

Welbeck. Proved that his season at Sunderland was no fluke. Welcome home Danny.

Moment of the season:

Both Evra’s and de Gea’s second half of the season. Doffs hat to both chaps.

Biggest disappointment of the season:

Going with the unfit Park (who did well for half an hour on Toure!) ahead of Welbeck, who was re-discovering a bit of form at the time, was a decision that will haunt me forever. Fergie gambled on the draw, but it was definitely a strange and timid decision in hindsight.

Summer hopes/expectations:

With Gibson gone, Berbatov on his way, and Park, Anderson and Macheda likely to follow it is essential that we invest wisely this summer. A creative central midfielder was required last season (we were snubbed), and is our first priority this; Rooney can’t continue to perform a duel role. I’d also add a fullback/centre half and a forward in the mould of Benzema (I said the mould of Benzema!). A replacement for Fletcher would be necessary if the worst materialises.

Stretford End

Thoughts on the season now it’s done:

United should have had it wrapped up following City’s defeat to Arsenal. The defeat to Wigan (who were fighting for their lives and played extremely well) was disappointing, but there was a still a five point gap. Throwing away a two goal lead in the space of eight minutes is very unlike Manchester United – so although United fought back after it looked like City would win mid-season – United couldn’t last the pace. Having said that, drawing level on points with the best Manchester City side ever is nothing to be ashamed about! It’s just frustrating that it could – and probably should have – been twenty league titles for United.

The European Cup exit was extremely disappointing, considering United had done well to reach the final the previous May. However, I do think that this is still a developing side (that will need additions) and the likes of Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Danny Welbeck, David De Gea and Tom Cleverley will have an additional year experience going into the new campaign. On the field – the future is still bright, but the squad must be strengthened.

Player of the season:

Antonio Valencia for me. Very difficult when Wayne Rooney has 34 goals, Paul Scholes’ return to the fold made such an impact and Michael Carrick has had his best season in a United shirt. I’ve opted for Valencia as I think he is the best winger in the league. Pace, delivery and as he showed against Blackburn Rovers, he is capable of brilliance in front of goal. I blogged a couple of months ago about Antonio Valencia’s impact in the side and the obvious comparisons with Andrei Kanchelskis.

Goal of the season:

Danny Welbeck’s goal against Everton. I thought it showed fantastic technique and skill.

Performance of the season (team):

Might not seem the obvious choice, but I’ll go for Chelsea away – the 3-3 draw. To be three goals down against the European Cup finalists – should mean three points lost. But United fought back and were unlucky not to win the match. David De Gea also showed his quality with an unbelievable stop from Juan Mata’s freekick late on.

Breakthrough star:

Danny Welbeck. I think he has had a great season. I’d like to see Fergie challenge him to hit twenty goals next season (got 12 in all competitions this season – 9 in the league) as he did with Ronaldo as he was developing. I also remember that Fergie said of Ronaldo “We knew he’d develop his physique as he has done, but we didn’t know how deadly he’d be in front of goal” – if Welbeck can improve his goal return, he will be one of the best forwards in England. Great movement, closes fullbacks down so they rush their play – a good season.

Moment of the season:

Paul Scholes’ return to the playing squad. A player like that should only retire when he physically can’t walk anymore. The 8-2 victory over Arsenal was also pretty special.

Biggest disappointment of the season:

Other than the obvious final day madness, the 6-1 defeat to City and the European Cup exit in the group stages were particularly disappointing. But losing the league on goal difference, ironic considering the attacking philosophy and approach that United through the years have promoted, is the biggest disappointment.

Summer hopes/expectations:

United have tied up Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs for another year, but this doesn’t change the fact that United need to add a top class attacking midfielder to the ranks. Fergie went for Sneijder and Nasri last season, but opting to either stay where they were or move to another club – this time around I hope that Fergie will tie up a deal early, however – with Euro 2012 on the horizon – we might not see anything until after the tournament. I’d also like to see some of the younger players integrated within the first team squad as they look to push on and step up a level.

Bricki

Thoughts on the season now it’s done:

Not the disaster many have suggested – losing a title on goal difference with the highest points ever to not win isn’t failure. Plenty to build on.

Player of the season:

Michael Carrick – the calm in the storm of midfield.

Goal of the season:

Welbeck vs Everton – his coming of age goal.

Performance of the season (team):

Chelsea away – the last 30 minutes reignited our title race.

Breakthrough star:

Jonny Evans – cemented his place in the back four asking big questions of Rio and a returning Vidic long term. (Honorable mention to Carrick and Scholes – he’ll be a star in years to come…!)

Moment of the season:

The David De Gea save from Mata’s freekick – the moment he arrived as the United goalkeeper. Still convinced that no other keeper in the league has the movement or anticipation to make that save.

Biggest disappointment of the season:

The wasted chances to take the title and the injuries to Cleverley that restricted his chances after promising preseason.

Summer hopes/expectations:

A creative midfielder and some more strength in there too; a left back to challenge Evra and United to flex whatever muscles they have in the market to show we are not going to go away quietly.

Rob

Thoughts on the season now it’s done:

More ups and downs than a drug addict on a bungee cord. That we got 89 league points shouldn’t obscure major deficiencies in our team, our embarrassing dependence on Giggs and Scholes, and the genuine threat of City dominating for years. Our late-season bottle job shouldn’t make us forget a tremendous run from January to April, and the promise shown by our young players. With one or two adjustments, the starting XI from the 8-2 will be our starting XI in coming seasons. Forget the past 1.5 months and the future doesn’t look quite so bleak.

Player of the season:

Michael Carrick. Steadied the team after the 6-1, carried Giggsy on his back at times, and rekindled his great partnership with Scholesy. Seems to have won over a lot of skeptics, not an easy thing.

Goal of the season:

Rooney and Welbeck’s impression of Yorke and Cole against Everton. We’ve had a lot of excellent team goals this season.

Performance of the season (team):

Can’t see past the 8-2. Arsenal put out a young side, but so did we. A display of unforgettable verve and beauty.

Breakthrough star:

Danny Welbeck. I love everything about him, down to his ludicrous haircuts. He improved so much at Sunderland, and has come on even more this season at United. So exciting.

Moment of the season:

Valencia’s goal at Blackburn. It settled a tense and extremely difficult game, and it genuinely felt like a ‘Macheda moment.’ It’s a shame that we threw the league away after it, but the pure, visceral joy that goal evoked – that was Manchester United at its very best. Giggsy’s winner at Norwich runs a close second, for similar reasons.

Biggest disappointment of the season:

Losing the league wasn’t a huge disappointment, but the way it happened was utterly devastating. The final 10 minutes against Everton will haunt me all summer. City’s comeback against QPR will haunt me for the rest of my life. Hope is poison.

Summer hopes/expectations:

See above. I hope none of our players get injured at the Euros, we bid farewell to Park and Owen, find a good home for Berba, and settle the Pogba situation. Most of all, I hope Darren Fletcher makes a full recovery from his illness, regardless of what it means for his playing career. Expectations, you say? I expect Malcolm Glazer’s children to continue making me regret studying economics.

Herzog’s Child

Thoughts on the season now it’s done:

I couldn’t possibly put my discontent into words. I think I’ll leave it to ‘Museum girl’ in Woody Allen’s Play It Again Sam – who, when surveying a Jackson Pollock painting, offers an insight that mirrors every red’s end of season thoughts: ‘It restates the negativeness of the universe. The hideous lonely emptiness of existence. Nothingness. The predicament of Man forced to live in a barren, Godless eternity like a tiny flame flickering in an immense void with nothing but waste, horror and degradation, forming a useless bleak straitjacket in a black absurd cosmos.’ That’ll do…

Player of the season:

Michael Carrick.

Goal of the season:

Nani’s first in the Community shield.

Performance of the season (team):

That I had to think long and hard about this tells its own story. I could giddily choose the early-season Arsenal slaughter-spree, but that was merely a freak day. 0-5 away to Fulham, a place where we tend to struggle, was probably the most convincing performance of a largely turgid campaign. Sealed wonderfully by what was probably Berbatov’s last moment of genius in the red of United.

Breakthrough star:

Danny Welbeck. I said early in the season that whatever happened between then and May, this campaign heralded at least one success: the arrival of a local, and potentially outstanding, striker. His rise has been a shaft of light in an otherwise dark season.

Moment of the season:

The blitzing of Arsenal offered much hilarity. Giggs popping up at the death at Norwich ignited hope, but it was Valencia’s thunderous opener at Blackburn that had the heart scurrying up the throat. A brilliant moment from an exceptional man.

Biggest disappointment of the season:

Away from the obvious off-field cancer, the loss of the United way, the necessity of Paul Scholes’ return and the reversion to negative tactics when the title was within reach were highly lamentable moments. I could go on, but I’ll stop there…

Summer hopes/expectations:

Ideally, for the majority of our fickle support to finally realise the horrors of the Glazer model. On the pitch: some character, some quality. A return to the United of old, where fluidity, not functionality, prevailed and we had a go at every team.

Doron

Thoughts on the season now it’s done:

The most un-United of campaigns in that we had it and we threw it away. Our inability and City’s ability to fight marked a role reversal; and yet despite that, our injury depleted troops lost a league on goal difference alone. A really hard one to fathom and accept but on the whole we were probably rarely consistently good enough so there are few complaints from my end.

Player of the season:

Carrick. United’s quiet man has been immense – whether it was shielding the back four and helping to stem the leak of goals or his exquisite and incisive use of the ball high up the pitch, he was the consistently good player. It’s also worth point out that his form helped Scholes to settle on his return rather than the other way around as many journalists like to think.

Goal of the season:

Nani’s first in the Charity Shield.

Performance of the season (team):

Fulham away. Traditionally we’ve not always played well there but from front to back United were outstanding and the quality of some of the goals scored was excellent.

Breakthrough star:

Welbeck. At long last, we’ve nearly produced another Mancunian striking star. Special mention to Michael Keane who won Reserves player of the year too – made his first team debut and has been outstanding at centre back for the second string.

Moment of the season:

So many to choose from: De Gea’s save at Chelsea; Giggs at Norwich; Carrick’s goal at QPR… the two I’d pick are Welbeck moments – his winner at Arsenal felt big at the time; and his goal at home to Spurs – the Cleverley-Welbeck link-up that so many hoped would become the fulcrum for our season.

Biggest disappointment of the season:

Europe; losing Morrison (although it seemed inevitable) and maybe Pogba; the start of Evra’s decline as a defender; but most galling of all, the lack of fight and sheer un-Unitedness of the end of season capitulation.

Summer hopes/expectations:

That the money we do have is spent wisely. I expect and I’d accept United not to win the league next year in the hope that a young squad continues to develop and learn – have faith in our youth but add a star on top. Will be interesting to see what the Glazers do, talk of a flotation in the Far East may produce cash – where that goes and how it’s used will be hugely important.

Author: Doron

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Naturally, fans tend to think about the players or a manager when either praising or criticising a club – rarely are the other members of staff considered. At United in the past 10 years, there is one member of staff in particular who deserves to be singled out above others, Rene Meulensteen.

It’s understandable that coaches and other backroom members of staff don’t necessarily get the attention they should – they’re referred to as ‘backroom’ for a reason. What they do and how they impact the club is somewhat unknown and unclear to a lot of fans – that’s not a criticism; their intricate workings are kept private and away from prying eyes.

Rene joined United in 2001 as Ferguson looked to expand his staff following the move to the Trafford Training Centre (Carrington) from The Cliff. His specific role was to work on both technique and skills with the various youth sides. United’s policy had always been to produce players who were capable on the ball, with a focus on quick passing football that entertains. Ferguson though was ready to take it to the next level and increase specialisation at the roots of the club.

You may have seen videos on YouTube recently, featuring a very young Danny Welbeck and Larnell Cole amongst others. The clips, whilst amusing, serve to highlight Rene’s long-term role in the development of ‘talent’. As boys joined the Academy aged 11 their footballing education began with lessons based on control, touch and the simple but effective skills that all players should have.

I’d have considered some of the skills to be more ‘street football’ – the kind of things I used to try all the time with friends in the road or on the playground. Traditionally though, coaching in England has always had more of a focus on other areas, things that do need to be coached into young players. Rene had a slightly different view, choosing to implement something he’d learnt under one of the unsung masters of footballing coaching, Wiel Coerver.

Having heard about Coerver’s methods, Rene spent much of the 90s in the Middle East learning about them and working alongside Wiel (who by then was already 70). Rene learnt that coaches should analyse what made players great in the past – skills that were previously effective shouldn’t be ignored and can be taught to a new generation. The entire method and theory centres on the fact that at a young age, the players know no better than to respond to the environment they’re put in. If they’re encouraged to practice their skills from that age then it’ll become natural for them to still be doing them and be good at them by the time they’re 17 and hopefully turning pro.

Implementing the Coerver Method at United became Rene’s challenge. The new generation of United players would be taught differently. Not that size has ever gone against a player coming through but the smaller players would be encouraged to be technically excellent so what they physically lacked they had elsewhere. A core part of what Coerver believed in was about a mixture of confidence and versatility. He suggested there was little wrong with playing a player with younger boys so he could physically compete but also believed that appreciating other positions was important. Skills can be used anywhere on the pitch regardless of where you play and so he encouraged the use of players in unfamiliar roles – we’ve seen that lately with Tom Thorpe in midfield and even Larnell Cole as a full back.

Last November, Rene spoke to United’s website about what he’s been doing: “It’s all about quick feet and a quick brain” – whilst Barcelona have been benefitting from this attitude and belief lately, United have to continue to be patient. The fruits of Rene and the other coaches’ hard work is only just starting to be felt. Welbeck and Cleverley represent the first more technically gifted players to have come through our Academy for some time. Whilst still raw, it’s obvious to see how they’ve benefitted – Welbeck in particular has fabulous control and skill for such a lanky player.

Since joining, Rene’s role has of course changed as he became more involved with the Reserves before eventually becoming a first team coach (he did manage Brøndy briefly for a spell in between it all too). The system he’s successfully managed to implement is a stock part of training for United players from the U11s up to the first team. It means that when players do breakthrough and train with the first team that they’re already familiar with the exercises and routines that they’re set to practice. It’s also allowed players to know each other inside out – it’s often been said that Cleverley and Welbeck; and Cole and Lingard are forever on the same wavelength, instinctively knowing each other’s movement and where to play the passes. It even prompted Welbeck to comment: “Sometimes I train against Larnell and Jesse and think I’m playing against a little Iniesta and Xavi.”

Whilst it might be wrong to single one coach out above others (Paul McGuinness in particular has been doing superb work with our U18s), it seems fitting that in Rene’s tenth season at United, so many of his first pupils have either made the breakthrough or made their debuts: Welbeck, Cleverley, Morrison, Fryers, W Keane, M Keane, Cole and although he’s not played for the first team, Lingard. In terms of United’s long term production of their own players, particularly given financial restrictions, Rene’s role should never be overlooked – a key member of staff whose impact on the club in the 21st century has already been unquestionably superb.

Authors: Doron and Phil

Follow Doron, Phil and BTP on Twitter

Beyond The Pitch and Stretford-End.com have come together once again to record another podcast, the seventh in the series. We assess the club’s ownership and discuss various transfer rumours; round up the Reserves and Academy news; and answer a whole host of listener questions.

To listen to the podcast, click on this link. It is available to listen to or download on iTunes at this link.

Topics covered:

Swansea and the penultimate weekend

Last weekend was an odd one with City winning before United played – at Old Trafford, the players and crowd were a bit flat. Can City hold their nerve going into the final game?

The Fergie cull

Can Rafael survive long term having been dropped in the past few games? Berbatov is likely to leave the club but can we see anyone else leaving?

Signings and the midfield

What type of midfielder should we sign? Having decided that we look at who United are linked to and how realistic any rumours are. In particular, we discuss Kwadwo Asamoah from Udinese. Do we think Scholes will sign for another season and should he?

Hernandez’s second season

Why has he struggled this season and is his future at United in any doubt?

The Glazers

Is it realistic to think that we could spend big this summer? Phil alludes to Fergie’s buying habits in the past when giving his response and points out how signings should work. It’s important to remember that even in success, the Glazers are still in charge – anger towards them can’t be isolated to just when United aren’t winning trophies. We also point out that United don’t even need a cash-rich owner, just someone who can run the club. When talking about City’s finances, Phil uses this quote: “there’s a big difference between buying success and having success bought for you”.

Reserves and Academy

One listener wanted to know if we thought that United have handled the Pogba situation badly – we give our opinions on that. The Academy season is over and in their last two league games there was a big boost: the return of Tom Lawrence.
We have a few questions including which players should be moving up to the Reserves and which players from the Reserves should go out on loan or be sold? Another question answered is why aren’t we bringing more players through to the first team?

Your questions

We’ve answered a lot of your questions from Facebook and Twitter on a whole variety of topics – keep them coming in for next week so we can give you a shout-out and answer a few more.

Once again, to listen to the podcast, click on this link. It is available to listen to or download on iTunes at this link.

To listen to the first six podcasts, click here.

Author: Doron

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Coming to terms with United’s finish to the season and ultimately, the capitulation that’ll almost certainly see the title move across the city has been difficult. It’s also thrown up various theories as to why United have managed to mess up a relatively straight forward situation. Here, I asses a few of them and attempt to give a realistic stance on our situation.

The players and their injuries

The idea of ‘quality’ has cropped up numerous times this season, particularly when referring to the heart of the side – central midfield. On paper, United might seem well stocked in that area with Fletcher, Cleverley, Anderson, Carrick, Giggs, and at one time or another Gibson, Scholes and Pogba. However, as the saying goes, it’s quality not quantity – well, actually it’s a mix of the two if you’re a top football club.

Identifying what it actually is that United lack in the middle is down to the individual. Some believe the club lacks an enforcer and leader, and has done ever since Keane left. Others will suggest that United need more creativity, a player who can unlock even the most stubborn of defences. Some, the greedy bunch(!), believe that actually United need both.

However, when looking back upon this season one will inevitably have to look at the squad and the injuries. It’s not an excuse to highlight that United have had more injuries than any other club this season whilst their main rivals, Man City, have had the fewest number of injuries (REF: Physioroom and injury league). Injuries are inevitable part of football but that kind of polar difference is lucky in Man City’s favour. For most of this season, United have been without their captain, Vidic, and a key influential midfielder, Fletcher. Other players have had a series of knocks which have forced Fergie to use Zeki Fryers, a young Reserve player as well as start with Rafael and Park in central midfield at home to Blackburn.

Now, you have to ask yourself: how, given the injuries that United and City have had, are United level on points and likely to lose the league on goal difference only?

There isn’t one correct answer but I’d like to think that on some level, a lot of our squad is good enough. After all, Fergie knows best that it’s as much your ‘second XI’ that wins you the league as opposed to the first choice players. In that respect, the signings the past few years have been fine – Fergie’s been adding to the squad and those players have been positively contributing: Smalling, Valencia, Young, Jones, Hernandez etc. It’s the gloss on top that’s required now, a star player or two who can not only boost the morale amongst the players and fans, but importantly, scare opponents.

The Manager and the mind games

Criticising Fergie tends to be something that splits fans – there are plenty who are uncomfortable with the idea of suggesting that the grand old master can do anything wrong; others treat him like any other manager and point out his errors only too happily.

As far as I’m concerned, he’s made his errors this season, particularly, and bizarrely, in the past month. Dare I say it, (this won’t go down well with everyone) but the old man is starting to go a tiny bit senile. One tweeter nailed it: “Only Fergie could have put that team out last Monday (City), but only Fergie could have brought this squad so close to winning the league” – the incredible thing is only a few years ago, there’s no way Fergie would have got the team selection against City so utterly wrong; nor would he have failed to protect a 4-2 lead with ten minutes to spare.

Sadly, tactical ineptness and odd team selections are a common sight now. The past few years, Fergie has often got it wrong in big games against managers who tactically like to try something different. More to the point, Fergie’s tactics are all too predictable now and other managers are able to comfortably work out how to play against United. Fergie has in the past been very good at keeping ahead of footballing trends but United are one of the last clubs to revert to a 4-2-3-1 with a fluid front four. That’s not necessarily a bad thing presuming you have the players to play a different system well, but if you don’t a 4-2-3-1 will cause a 4-4-2 problems every time.

It’s often argued that tactics aren’t all that important in football, it’s the players that count. The players, as good as they may be are only human and are affected by non-footballing issues. One tactic used to disrupt their mental state is mind games, something that upon reflection, Fergie has been beaten at by Mancini.

Playing the media is an important skill for any manager to have these days and Fergie has usually been able to manipulate them in one way or another to his and United’s advantage. However, with United storming into a lead in the league this season, Mancini played a wild-card and declared the title race over. Since then, his side played care-free as if they had nothing to lose and won games with ease. United meanwhile stiffened up, got nervous and took four points from five games. The pendulum swung back in City’s favour. Deny it if you will but Mancini’s words got to Fergie, United’s players and importantly positively impacted his own players. I thought Mancini was a fool at the time but actually, he’s a bit of a genius.

The Owners and the finances

As has been common practice recently, any non-success is blamed on the Glazers and their ownership of the club. How convenient! Their leeching of our club exists and impacts our club even when we’re successful so any sudden outcry against them is somewhat fickle unless you are a regular criticiser of theirs. On this topic, I strongly recommend reading @herzogschild’s piece for The Huffington Post (only after reading this of course!)

If we’re talking about owners and finances though, it’s worth pointing out that United have had £500m drained out of the club by their American owners (who’ve not put a penny in). City meanwhile have had £930m pumped in by their Arab owners. I’ve no complaints with that, it’s true that to compete at the top you have to spend big – the frustrating thing is that United would at least have the option to compete if the Glazers weren’t there. The club make enough money themselves to be self sufficient without a wealthy owner.

One could argue that the effects of ‘Glazernomics’ are now being felt for the first time. Many fans believe that our failure to buy a good central midfielder in the past few years is because we’re unable to compete on transfer fee and wages in particular. If this is true, then suffering this season because of a lack of quality in the middle can be somewhat loosely tied to the inability to compete and sign the best players. However, the issue of the owners and our finances is not a new problem and shouldn’t just rear its head when the team fails – do read the piece I recommended, it contains everything that I’m not putting in here.

The life sucked out of the club

This for me is the most galling aspect of the title run-in and ultimately will be what I remember this season for whether we win the title or not.

For no obvious reason and apparent reason, United seem to have lost their fight, their spirit, and their ruthlessness. In the last six weeks of a season, something you wouldn’t really associate with the Fergie reign is complacency; and yet a 4-2 lead was thrown away at home to Everton. All the errors earlier in the season that had gone before became irrelevant as the inexplicable collapse took place and fortress Old Trafford became nothing more than a bouncy castle for away fans.

When not being complacent, United aren’t being ruthless. Beating QPR 2-0 at home is a prime example – they had ten men for a lot of the game and to just put two past them was incredibly generous. It was a similar story for Fulham at home and other games. In fact, United have been more than adequate away from home this season, it’s in front of their own fans that there have been very non-United issues.

It’s even visible amongst the fans too. The cleansing of supporters via high pricing and more corporate seats has created eerie and flat atmospheres; it’s now even being felt away from home with club sponsors being given away allocations ahead of fans. It’s probably not just a United thing to be honest, football in general continues to be globalised for the worst.

City

Realistically, they shouldn’t slip up at home to QPR and will deserve the title – whoever finishes first always deserves to be there. I find it hard to agree that City have been that much better than United though. They have played some fancy football but they’ve also had their slip ups and considering the cost of their squad and their lack of injuries, there’s something quite odd about only being able to win a league on goal difference (presuming United beat Sunderland).

The real difference between United and City though is that ruthlessness referred to before – City have gone and smashed teams when they’ve had the chance, including us, and that will be the exact reason why they are likely to win this title.

What next?

Even if United somehow win the league on the final weekend, there cannot be any papering over our cracks. The first XI needs strengthening, not the squad – the players and the fans need a star signing, a spark to rejuvenate everyone. As ever, it’s encouraging that we have talented younger players who are forcing their way into squads but it would be naive to think we can rely solely on them.

City will strengthen again and raise the bar; every club will need to respond to them, not just United. However, that challenge, and its challenges that Fergie relishes, could well provide the Scot with his last hurrah. His spell as United manager is edging ever closer to a finale and just like he was able to rebuild and respond to Chelsea, reacting and attempting to gazump City, win or lose this title, will probably be his final act.

So, believe the doom and don’t hide away from or try to make excuses for our deficiencies. As someone who is usually an optimist, facing up to the reality of this season is tough. A high points total and a lot of goals scored almost contradict the fact that it makes no sense to be criticising United given what’s gone against us. Even more so given that we had no right to challenge City’s lead and then overtake them; but that failure to hold on and the subsequent wobble and crash is a stark reminder that sometimes you have to look beyond the numbers and the competitors, and realise that a lot of United this season, on and off the pitch, from the owners to the fans, has been uncharacteristically (or not in the case of the owners) poor.

Authors: Doron and Phil

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Beyond The Pitch and Stretford-End.com have come together once again to record another podcast, the sixh in the series. We look back at the disappointing result against City; discuss where the club needs to go from here; round up the Reserves and Academy news; as well wonder whether Newcastle will do us any favours.

To listen to the podcast, click on this link. It is available to listen to or download on iTunes at this link.

Topics covered:

Looking back at City

Where did it all go wrong? The starting team arguably wasn’t right and it was met by the cautiousness of Sir Alex Ferguson. The failure to defend a simple set piece near halftime was disappointingly the difference despite how both sides set up. Perhaps Mancini got it right though, most reflected in the fact that United have only recorded four points in the last four matches whilst City have been playing carefree.

Where to now?

Questions from Facebook and Twitter all asked roughly the same thing – what should the club do now? Clearly United have been somewhat restricted by the Glazer ownership but surely the gaping midfield hole will need some attention this summer, albeit a few summers too late. As a fan, if you oppose the Glazer ownership and want to protest, what can you do?

Reserves and Academy

There’s a strong chance the Reserves could pick up four pieces of silverware this calendar year – find out which final is the latest one they’ve reached. Meanwhile, at Academy level, Andreas Pereira’s work permit has finally come through and he was able to make his debut away at Everton.

The last couple of weeks

With just two rounds of fixtures left in the league, will City hold out or might they slip up at Newcastle? There’s no doubt about the fact that relying on another team to potentially give you a chance of winning the league is a somewhat flat feeling.

Your questions

We’ve answered some of your questions from Facebook and Twitter – keep them coming in for next week so we can give you a shout-out and answer a few more.

Once again, to listen to the podcast, click on this link. It is available to listen to or download on iTunes at this link.

To listen to the first five podcasts, click here.

Author: Doron

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United travelled across Manchester to face rivals, Man City in a potentially title-deciding game. A draw or win would be enough for United but a solitary goal from City captain, Vincent Kompany ensured that it would be a blue Monday. Quite incredibly, it was the first game in three years that United failed to have a shot on target whilst City only managed three in what wasn’t quite the all-action game that many had hoped for.

Here we discuss the talking points of the game and invite Man City fans to join in the discussion below.

The system

There’s little question that lining up in a 4-5-1 was the correct decision. Matching city was important, playing two men in the middle would have seen us overrun, especially given who was available. It would be both naive to think we could go and attack – other sides who’ve played well against City have played in a 4-5-1 or a variation of it; the reality is, their personnel are too strong to try and play anything else against.

Of course, lining up cautiously in big games is nothing new for United recently. Most of our rivals play a variation of a one striker system which begs two questions: 1. Why have United not conformed to current trends in having a 4-5-1 type formation as our primary set-up? 2. Why does Fergie not have faith in our 4-4-2 nor been able to sign the right players to make it work in the big games?

The dilemma, and it’s something of a null point, is that if United lose, Fergie and the formation can’t win. Set up cautiously from the start and the criticism is United are too negative; go too attacking and United have badly misjudged their opposition. That said, I’d prefer the latter – attacking football is, after all, the United way.

The personnel

Having settled on the 4-5-1 system, it needed to be populated with a team that could get a result, a draw being the minimum. Somewhat predictable, Fergie plumped for a combination of experience and tactical discipline. Evans missed out through injury and both Jones and Smalling were selected ahead of Rafael to add a physical presence at the back. The midfield missed Young and Valencia whilst Park was selected to man-mark Yaya Toure with Giggs drifting in from the left. Nani, was used as an out-ball and he’d tirelessly carry the ball into spaces to find minimal support.

It’s easy to be critical of the selection but United were 90 seconds from pulling it off. Kompany’s goal on the stroke of half time forced Fergie into having to change it but for much of that first half, United had been good for a draw – containing pressure. The problem came when in possession – United were just not good enough. Giggs, for all his experience had a passing accuracy of just 74%; Park’s was higher but what he has in accuracy he lacks in creativity; Rooney’s was lower than Giggs’ – a reflection of his isolation and thereby inability to bring others into play well enough. Of the players who started the game on either side, Scholes and Carrick had the best passing accuracy rates but that’s all well as long as there options ahead.

Upon reflection, Fergie was probably too cautious in selecting both Park and Giggs. Valencia or Welbeck should have been starting in place of one of them with potentially Rooney dropping deeper. One can forget all too quickly that Rooney is often one of our most creative players and therefore dropping him deeper and getting him on the ball more is in the interests of the side.

If forced to single out some of the better individual performers, Carrick and Ferdinand would probably be the two. Carrick as ever was reliable, forward thinking and won more tackles than any other player on the pitch – he was United’s best player on a dull night. The overriding issue though is why Fergie moved away from a consistent selection and picked players who’ve not played in so long – Park for example had his last PL start three months ago!

City all too comfy

Defeats, and defeats against City can be accepted as long as United put up a fight. Last night, United lost without fighting, there was so little of the battling spirit that United have shown in the past. Fergie was maybe the only one getting into it as he got irate and into a bust-up with Mancini on the touchline but on the pitch it was all a bit soft.

Failing to have a single shot on target is completely unacceptable – it was way too easy for Man City to be able to sit back and defend having scored. In truth, they hardly tested United either but even so, on the break, the attacked with pace, with numbers and in a direct manner. It’s difficult to pinpoint why there’s been such a lack of fight in the side lately – whether it’s complacency, morale, or just the mentality around the club at the moment, it’s not the United of old.

Mind games and form

It is truly pathetic to look at United’s form in the last four games… just four points won. In a title run-in, that’s a bottle-job. The Wigan result was fair enough – they’re fighting relegation and we were poor; it’s the Everton result that’ll stick out though. Conceding twice late on, throwing away a lead at home is unthinkable. The poor form though coincides with something else too – mind games.

It’s debatable how much mind games really matter, they make the headlines and whether players take note of them or not is somewhat unknown. However, since Mancini’s been claiming that United will win the league his team have been playing a care-free brand of football, as if the pressure was off them – four wins in a row, thirteen goals scored with one goal conceded. By comparison, over the same period, United have just one win, have scored eight, failed to score twice, conceded six with just one clean sheet. Coincidence or not, it would seem that on one hand, the pressure has got to United whilst on the other, it’s taken it off City. Maybe Mr Mancini isn’t quite as foolish as we once thought – that said, even after last night he claims United will win the league bizarrely.

Title gone?

With just two games left to play, one has to wonder if the title is over. Admittedly, United’s points total given the injuries is impressive but having been behind and then not only clawed it back but gone ahead of City on both points and goal difference, it’s sickening to see the hard work thrown away. United’s attitude this season can be summed up by the side’s happiness to accept a win rather than push for more goals – QPR at home for example – goal difference is now seemingly going to be important.

As for what’s to come, United host Swansea and travel to Sunderland – two sides with nothing to play for so it’s feasible to presume maximum points will be taken. City meanwhile travel to Newcastle who are chasing a Champions League spot and host QPR who are battling against relegation. Whilst it would be great to think that one of Newcastle or QPR could take points off City, that seems unlikely – they have momentum now and seem on course to win a first Premier League title. More to the point, relying on another team to slip up in order to win a title seems flawed.

Summary

City regained the lead at the top of the table, albeit on goal difference as a Kompany header on half time was enough for a 1-0 win. Somewhat strangely, it came from a corner – a set piece. Whether the system or the personnel were wrong becomes irrelevant really when a goal is conceded in such a manner.

United’s failure to test Joe Hart will be what most United fans remember – a lack of fight and seemingly, spirit, summed up the past few months and to some extent the past few years even. The United way is to attack and go down trying but Fergie did probably set up in the right way yesterday just with the wrong personnel. He was too conservative in that respect and the players who were selected were only good enough to contain – when United needed a goal City were able to sit back and defend with ease.

All isn’t quite lost yet, with two games to go there could yet be another twist although that seems unlikely. A first trophyless season in eight years is likely to be around the corner – hopefully it’ll be followed by a summer of rebuilding and a couple of signings. City meanwhile have a good team and will no doubt strengthen and further set the pace for other sides to match. The manner of defeat yesterday and recent performances will linger long in the minds of United fans as they wonder what could have been.

Authors: Doron, Nik and Rob

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For United the situation is simple. Avoid defeat (i.e. they have two potential chances, draw or win the match), and the prospect of a 20^th title is looking very tasty indeed. By default, City must chase the game (and seek to control it) in search of the three points required to re-position themselves at the top of the league before a tricky trip to Newcastle. The key question for both managers on Monday seems to be whether to play two or three central midfielders.

City approach

Barry and Toure seem certain to start, and a rejuvenated De Jong is back in favour after a period of isolation. The Dutchman then is fighting it out with Nasri and the seemingly ever-present (against United), James Milner, for a place in the starting line-up. A three-man centre would allow Toure to take the initiative further up the field, and also allow Barry to drift laterally; Milner could be used to track Valencia, and support City’s wide attacks; the option of Nasri would add a creative flair which has often been the sole duty of Silva this term (with fatigue as a consequence), and also pose United a threat from a central-left position, perhaps targeting the often, ever so slightly, erratic Rafael (don’t remind him of the penalty decision given by Dean two seasons ago).

United approach

Looking back at the last few seasons, United have actually played 4-5-1 very often against City. Since mid-2009, the only times we haven’t started with a 4-5-1 were in the 2010 4-3 and the 1-6 last November. Using 4-5-1 with Dimitar Berbatov as the forward didn’t quite work – he was the lone striker in the dour 2010 league game (0-0) and the following year’s FA Cup semi (0-1). But it works emphatically with Rooney there – the 2010 Carling Cup semi (1-2, 3-1), 2010 away in the league (1-0) and 2011 at home in the league (2-1).

Of course, playing a third central midfielder would mean a shift from the 4-4-1-1 that’s been our default formation since last February. And playing 4-4-1-1 in each Manchester derby this season, we’ve conceded 2, 6 and 2 goals.  It is a tough call for Ferguson, because ultimately it goes against his nature to not seek to win the game. Taking away the doubts that surround Nani’s and Evans’ inclusion, the key decision seems to be whether to start Welbeck or Giggs, with the Welshman able to sit adjacent to Carrick in a fairly rigid central role akin to that he purveyed in last season’s Champions League tie with Chelsea.

Giggs offers more experience in crucial games such as these, and can often pop up with a fantastic bit of skill to sway the game – his assists for Hernandez on the last two occasions at the Bridge spring to mind. Welbeck on the other hand, despite the occasional lax finishing, offers a burst of youthful exuberance; a wily attacking brain; superb link-up play between the lines and the ability to drop deep and form a bank of five. Below we look at what United must consider ahead of the game.

Probable teams/ formations

Pressing Issues and learning the lessons from ‘1-6’

Despite all City’s talent, our main danger against them in this derby isn’t one single player, they have too many dangermen to isolate just one. It’s actually a collective tactic: pressing. When intensely applied, pressing has been our undoing against Barcelona (2009, 2011), Athletic Bilbao, Chelsea (2^nd half of the league game at Stamford Bridge, 2011), and against City in the 2^nd half of the 2011 FA Cup semi. Even against less fancied sides – Wolves 2011, Wigan 2012 – we’ve looked very uncomfortable maintaining the ball when the opponent has got in our faces to harass and try to win the ball back.

Pressing certainly was not how City won in November – that day, they defended deep and hit us swiftly and incisively on the break. But with a midfield that will have powerful operators like Yaya, Milner and (maybe) de Jong, they’re certainly capable of playing that way if they’re on the front foot. As Rob wrote in late 2010, Carrick occasionally has a problem against teams that press intensely – although the occasional wastefulness of Giggs and Sir Alex’s insistence on 4-4-1-1 are often to blame as well. Further, Fergie will want to ensure Silva isn’t given time on the ball in his usual playmaking role from a left side starting position, and this is where Rafael’s tenacity and Valencia’s defensive acumen should come to the fore. United were far too swashbuckling at Old Trafford, often forgetting defensive duties entirely.

Focus on the United way

Calm possession of the football, direct wing-play, ambitious fullbacks – everything United need on Monday, and more.  Carrick and Scholes look certain to start. Carrick’s metronome will have to be in working order, and hopefully a week of rest and training will allow Scholesy to recover his fitness after he looked exhausted against Everton. They will try to get on the ball and dictate the tempo – with quick, direct passing out to the wide areas when City look vulnerable, and slower, more intricate interchanges among themselves to cool it down when City seek to be the aggressors. If they can manage both tasks successfully, we’ll be in with a big shout.

Carrick has been getting forward more these days, but I think we’ll see him curtail that instinct and sit much deeper in the midfield, monitoring the runs of Yaya Touré through the middle and Agüero or Tevez when they come deep. He’s done a great job of this before – the 0-0 at the Etihad in late 2010 was one of his finest games defensively, especially in the second half.

Open up the centre

City have played somewhat of a 4-2-2-2 system this season, which essentially means that they have yet to find the desired application in the attacking third, as discussed earlier on in the season. This system offers City a lot of control, and certainly the centre of the park will be a key area with Toure, De Jong/Milner and Barry likely to see a lot of the ball on the night. What this does mean however is that United will have little option but to use the wings to their advantage. By sitting deep, inviting the pressure then ensuring quick transitions from the defence to midfield, (Scholes and Carrick crucial here), United should be able to use the flanks to great effect, giving Valencia and Young (or Nani) the chance to get in behind the fullbacks. City’s congested middle actually requires Clichy and Richards to be a tad more adventurous, and although their link play with Toure and Tevez in particular will be something United will have to watch, this does offer the perfect opportunity to exploit the vacated space.

There is of course a real opportunity for United to stifle City here. Scholes and Carrick in the middle aren’t just reliable but are good at following orders. If they get the ball out wide as quickly as possible they can disrupt City’s own plan – dragging players such as Aguero and Tevez out wide when they’d much prefer to remain centrally. Should possession change hands with Aguero and/or Tevez wide, the chances are that United will be in a much comfier position to repel any City attack.

Take advantage of fluid front four approach

The variety and quality of play we get from our wide men is on par with any other team in the world, and no matter who City put out as their fullbacks, our wingers will fancy their chances. Clichy and Richards did very well against our wide players in November, but couldn’t deal with them in January’s FA Cup tie (a pivotal moment for Fergie’s men). It is essential that United use the ball well once in possession out wide. City will be aware of the danger United pose when Rooney is attacking from deep and the wide players are inverting their approach close to the penalty area. With Rafael and Evra are two of the finest exponents of attacking fullback play, and the prospect of Welbeck drifting laterally, United should seek to gain the numerical advantage on the counter. The ‘fluid front four’ was something we pre-empted Fergie might try this season as early as the Community Shield, and at times, the results have been devastating.

Despite a recent blip (and the fact that opposing teams are taking extra care to double up on him) Valencia should start on the right, and he can give Clichy nightmares with his directness. The Ecuadorian has become more dangerous in the final third this season, often choosing the narrower route to goal, providing a great many of his assists from closer to the penalty area, despite his excellent crossing ability. He is better able to link the play between the midfield and forward lines, and works tremendously hard in defensive transitions, which could be key with Silva likely to drift inside from a left starting position.

On the left-hand side, Young doesn’t have the unpredictable genius of Nani, but he offers better defensive protection – which is important when City might try to overload that flank. In addition, his link-up play with Evra is remarkably good, combining fantastically with the United captain at every opportunity. Evra’s bursts from the halfway line, (and high interceptions) are crucial to United’s attacks in that zone, and often, at the very least, act as a decoy for Young’s movement and creativity inside. If Richards plays ahead of the more positionally aware Zabaleta, expect this duel to be key.

The prospect of Nani coming off the bench to add verve to our attack is a big positive wth tired legs after 60-65 minutes. Last season Nani hit double figures for both goals and assists, but his output has been disrupted by injury this time around. Nani seems sharp and fresh of late, and it will be a pity if he has picked up a knock in training; he can be a real threat coming inside on either foot, and he has added a greater finesse to his play from a central position.

The most fascinating aspect of all of United’s attacking movement is what it might mean for City. Rooney and Welbeck’s interchanging of positions will mean that Lescott and Kompany have to be wary about not getting dragged out of position – a lot of emphasis will have to be placed on Barry most likely to sit even deeper. Meanwhile, both fullbacks will have to have done their homework – Valencia has been creating more overlapping opportunities for Rafael than ever before whilst on the other side, both Nani and Young can go both in or out. However, arguably the most important players to watch are Scholes and Carrick, both of whom have started to make more late runs into the penalty area (City won’t have forgotten Scholes’ late unmarked run in April ’10!). It’s feasible to imagine and believe that United can seriously unsettle a usually untested City defence.

Any room for a United selection surprise?

In short, no, probably not. However, if Fergie fancies a surprise it’s likely to come in the middle. Yes, there are unresolved issues in terms of Nani or Young; Smalling or Rafael but they’re not necessarily game-changers. If United want to go defensive and try to keep the game tight until an hour’s gone then Fergie may go for a 4-5-1, sacrificing most likely Welbeck in favour of another midfielder. Jones is an option, playing in front of Carrick and Scholes as something of a box-to-box physical destroyer – yet, his lack of form, dodgy ball control and passing should surely make this unlikely in a game where possession is paramount. Cleverley and Giggs are somewhat safer options although the former may not be fit enough and the latter has been wasteful lately. The final option is Park. He’s hardly been used lately and may well leave this summer but in the big games, he’s often been picked. His tactical discipline, work-rate, and ability to pop up in the right places to score are all factors that could see him selected. The flip-side would be that United would lose a bit of quality in attack. Don’t expect a surprise but the options for Fergie are certainly there.

Conclusion

It is likely that United will play a familiar blend of 4-4-1-1 and 4-2-3-1, meaning that Rooney is asked to adopt the ‘number 10’ (or advanced ‘8’) role, and dropping deeper than would be expected in order to stifle City’s attacks from deep. Far from being a negative tactic however, 4-5-1 has allowed us to control the midfield and attack City in every game we’ve used it in. Played in its strictest sense (with a three-man centre), it brings the best out of Rooney: He scores lots of goals from the lone striker or “false nine” position, while managing as always to get involved in attacking approach work as well as the defensive side of play. With so much space in front of him – and no strike partners to crowd the space ahead – it’s the best outlet for his high-energy style.

With Silva, Barry and Toure all certainties to start, Mancini will have to select one from De Jong, Milner and Nasri, with Agüero and Tevez likely to be the preferred partnership up front once again (with Balotelli from the bench). Both Argentines like to drop off from forward positions, and United will have to be extra vigilant in between defence and midfield. With Milner, it is arguably City’s best mix of passing, energy and trickery, and the midfield battle is probably the key battle of the game.

Key questions:

Can Rooney perform in a deeper role as he did the last time at Eastlands?

Will United be able to cope with the high press?

Can United take advantage in wide scenarios?

Will Fergie stick to his principles and start the effervescent Welbeck in a 4-4-1-1 or will he call upon his trusty talisman Giggs, who has not started three consecutive games from the bench since August?

Will Mancini choose industry over invention?

Will either Nasri or Balotelli feature?

What type of game will we see? An adventurous approach from both managers and a thriller like the 4-3? Or a tight affair and 4-5-1? (Scholesy header, 0-1 anyone?)

Predictions:

Nik: 0-1 (Nani 78)

Rob: 1-2 (Nani 26, Agüero 45+1, Rooney 90+4)

Doron: 2-2 (Welbeck 17, Aguero 56, Tevez 61, Giggs 84)

Man in the middle: Andre Marriner

Marriner has a calm and methodical approach, with excellent application of law and control of a game. One of a number of referees who (rightly) gives penalties as a last resort (clear and obvious infringement). Suffered a minor embarrassment earlier in the season when he failed to spot an infringement from a Blackburn Rovers corner routine, but has since responded in kind with some excellent performances at home and in Europe. Left Pulis perplexed, and Neville grinning, by failing to show a second yellow card to Sky’s best pundit at the Britannia Stadium last season.

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Authors: Rob and Chris

Hey folks, here’s the ninth edition of the Things column. We’ll be catching up with this week’s European (well, Champions League) action, and I’m lucky to be joined by a guest writer - Chris from the excellent Can They Score blog and podcast. Be sure to check it out.

PS. Nik and Doron are off this week, because they’re working on something super top-secret and awesome. All will be revealed soon.

The yellow-card rule is a travesty (by Chris)

Ruthlessly exposed by the agility and guile of Barcelona’s attacking prowess, Chelsea’ Ramires petulantly picked up a caution in the 43^rd minute of their semi-final which, we thought, would trivially relieve him of his duties in a Europa League match. Instead, the Brazilian’s fearless response to Iniesta & Co’s relentless attacks has relegated him to the stands in the biggest match of his life.

Undoubtedly, the moment which got Chelsea past the reigning European Champions was their away goal which unexpectedly gave their defiant ten men something to hang on to. Driving forward from right back, having started the game on the left wing, Ramires raced past Puyol, nonchalantly elevated his shot over Valdes and instantly evoked memories of Turn ’99 (or Ballack in ’02 WC, if you are so inclined). Few could deny that the Brazilian “seemed to redouble his efforts to get the team there” (Sir Alex on Keane) in one moment of mesmeric athleticism and skill.

Considering the strictness of UEFA’s disciplinary system (suspensions after 3, 5, 7 cautions), it is always likely that a player will miss the showpiece event. Many have suggested they should introduce a semi-final amnesty (to avoid disproportionately punishing successful sides) or shifting the bar to 4, 6 and 8 cautions (and risk group stage disobedience). In spite of this, Ramires doesn’t quite evoke the same sympathy as Costacurta, who unfairly missed the ’94 Final after Klinsmann’s dramatics, or Fletcher, who even got sympathy from Arsene Wenger after his dismissal in ’09. Instead, there is only disappointment that such a fine display won’t be rewarded.

Emotionally, it seems a travesty that these heroes, the galvanising forces in their respective teams, have been or will be robbed of the finest moments of their careers. Indeed, the ’03 Final was crying out for Pavel Nedved and it was horrible to see Blanc, the finest French defender of his generation, miss the ‘98 World Cup Final. But unlike these disenchanted souls, at 25, Ramires has the time to return to the summit of club football, a luxury only afforded to Paul Scholes (’99 then ’09) and Dani Alves (’09 then  ’11) in recent history. Maybe next year.

Real Madrid v. Bayern: Bullet point time! (by Rob)

• As a philandering Swedish coach once said: “First half good, second half (and extra time and penalties) not so good.” More than anything, fatigue seemed to be the reason for this, especially on Real’s part. As a friend of mine cleverly pointed out, the intensity of last Sunday’s clásico made it almost impossible for there to be a clásico in the Champions League final.
• Not for the first time, Cristiano Ronaldo showed up for a big late-stage Champions League game. He scored (twice). And then he ruined it with a crucial miss in the shootout. Unlike the 2008 semis and final, he didn’t get away with it this time.
• Toni Kroos is a superstar in the making. He was tremendously mature and composed throughout the tie. I think he’ll be a key player, not just in the final, but at Euro 2012 as well.
• I sort of feel sorry for Gonzalo Higuain. First off, he denied what could’ve been one of the great Champions League goals of all time, simply by existing. Then to make things worse, Sergio Ramos* was ahead of him in the penalty pecking order. This sounds like hindsight, but I thought this before Ramos skied the ball over Gomez’s Hamburger and into the Triangulum Galaxy, approximately 50,000 light-years away*. Higuain didn’t look too amused. He looked even less amused when the ball finally returned to Earth and crashed into the window of his new Ferrari. Which is parked in his garage in Buenos Aires.
• As I’ve bleated and tweeted before, penalties are not a lottery. Every Real Madrid player should be put into a Ludovico machine like Malcolm McDowell in A Clockwork Orange and forced to watch the excellent shootout from this year’s African Cup of Nations final. You should too. Well, apart from the Ludovico machine, because it’s fictional.
• Penalties are also a hell of a lot of fun – once United aren’t involved.
• Sergio Ramos said yesterday that “if I had to take another penalty in the same situation tomorrow I would,” to the consternation of astronauts everywhere.

The press responses to Chelsea’s surprise win over Barcelona have varied wildly. English media houses were quick to praise the brave, lionhearted, *insert imperial/military adjective* performance on Tuesday. Gary Neville has to spend three months cleaning his knuckle-children off the Sky cameras after Torres’ goal. Conversely, the Spanish – and more specifically Catalan – press were keen to lament Barça’s “Unjust, cruel, horrible, unmerited” defeat.

Both reactions are tinged with nationalism and emotion, and they both seem to miss the point, namely this: the “anti-football ” way does have a strange habit of being very, very effective against Barcelona, at least in the Champions League. To put it another way, every team that’s tried to play them at their own beautiful game has been swatted aside with ease – most notably Bayern in 2009, and United in our last two final appearances. At the micro level (within a game), trying to attack Barcelona is more or less a suicide mission. The one time in the first half on Tuesday that Chelsea tried going forward with any sustained interest, Barça quickly swarmed them in midfield, won the ball and Iniesta duly scored from a quick and incisive passing move. You’re not going to out-Barça this still-great Barcelona team. Don’t listen to the purists.

In contrast, we have the cases of United in 2008*, Chelsea (almost) in 2009, Inter in 2010, and Chelsea in 2012. At the time, all were criticised for playing too “negatively” – but all beat Barça or ran them close over 2 legs. Each of those successful sides either had a world-beating defence – United 2008, Inter 2010 – or saw flabbergastingly good defensive performances from unexpected places – Bosingwa at centre-back? Come on!** And you know what? For all the self-righteous complaints about “anti-football,” was anyone actually bored by this game? I think not! The contrast of styles, philosophies, dress senses and cartoon lookalikes is precisely why we enjoy the late stages of the Champions League – and the two teams’ styles on Tuesday couldn’t have been more opposed. Games of “total football” v. “anti-football” are great for football.

* Admittedly the 2008 victory came against Riijkard’s team, which wasn’t as good as Pep’s outfit. But they shared similar attacking principles and a very similar team to that which beat us the following year.

** Seeing Bosingwa put in a competent defensive performance at right-back can be described as flabbergasting. Seeing him do what he did on Tuesday, in an unfamiliar position, against the greatest attacking force we’ve seen in decades… well, as Frankie Howerd once said: “my ghast has never been so flabby.”

Author: Doron

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As the football season approaches its finale, another one approaches: ‘silly season’. A time for tabloids, agents, rumour men and wound-down car windows to come to the fore. United have already been linked to plenty of players who no doubt won’t join. Here though, are a few thoughts on those linked with moves away from the club and a prediction of how likely a transfer away could be. (NB I don’t necessarily advocate getting rid of any of the players listed, the scores are based on what I think rather than what I want.)

Anderson

One of the most frustrating United players in recent years – glimpses of quality are cancelled out by periods of inexplicable averageness and injuries. United fans thought they were signing ‘the next Ronaldinho’ but instead have witnessed the stalled progress of an often overweight box-to-box player. The thing with Anderson though is every time he does get a run of games you remember why you were once excited by him. It’s been suggested he might move on this summer as the club get fed up by his injuries – he’s still highly thought of in Portugal. That said, Fergie’s a fan of his and likely to want to stick by a player he invested a lot in for one more year at least.

Chance of leaving: 3/10

Dimitar Berbatov

Everyone’s favourite lothario. The genius of a man has never quite ‘worked’ at United, his style and United’s seem to more often than not clash rather than compliment. He’s been close to frozen out this season with very few league starts and has been reduced to league cup outings against minnows. To his credit, he’s never once complained and has acted like the professional many already knew he is. His one year contract extension is surely just to ensure he goes for a fee rather than for free this summer. Even Fergie has hinted/admitted he’s likely to leave in search of first team football.

Chance of leaving: 9/10

Ritchie De Laet

Never signed with the first team truly in mind, De Laet has arguably performed better than expected since joining the club. Injuries and inconsistent performances saw a loan at Norwich cut short this season, confirming that he’s not of the ilk required to be a United player. He’s done ok in the Reserves, particularly as a make-shift striker (a position he used to play growing up) but hasn’t pushed anyone in the first team. He does have one particular quality Fergie would love though, versatility. However that may not be enough to keep him at the club beyond the summer.

Chance of leaving: 7/10

Rio Ferdinand

It seems crazy to include Rio on this list but rumours of a move to America or further abroad for big money have been circulating for a while. In his testimonial season and in some of the best form of his career, a move would seem unlikely. Evans has stepped up in Vidic’s absence and shown that long-term he is one answer but whilst Smalling and Jones are still somewhat immature as defenders, Rio’s experience and know-how will be vital for at least another season.

Chance of leaving: 1/10

Darren Fletcher

He may have pinpointed pre-season as the time to attempt a return after his long-term illness was confirmed publicly but Fletcher’s chances of coming back will very much depend on his health. I’m not medical expert so don’t know how likely it is that he could reach the fitness levels required to play in the Premier League but it wouldn’t surprise me if Darren tries and finds he’s unable to hit the standard required. His health must come first and a potential retirement from football into coaching could well happen.

Chance of leaving: 4/10

Tomasz Kuszczak

The Polish international keeper has fallen down the pecking order and is now fourth choice at the club. His goalkeeper qualities tend not to suit those required at United – good distribution and being comfortable with the ball at his feet. His loan move to Watford has indeed been a success for him and he’s had very positive reviews in the Championship. Plenty of clubs are already interested in him and with his contract expiring this summer he’ll leave on a free transfer.

Chance of leaving: 10/10

Federico Macheda

The young Italian has seen this season go a similar way to the last. A loan move to QPR looked good until the manager was changed and Hughes was given money to buy proven players. As Kiko struggled to get minutes, an ankle injury ruled him out for a month and United took the decision to have it operated on, ending his season. Fergie though is a big fan of his and still believes that he has a future at the club. A good loan next season seems the best move in what could be a make-or-break season. That said, should a sizeable offer come in or a club want him in a part-exchange deal, United may decide to move him on. Personally, I hope he’s given a loan where he plays regularly, he has the potential to be better than a fringe Premier League player.

Chance of leaving: 4/10

Michael Owen

Injured. Again. In reality Owen shouldn’t be at United but his lack of complaining and love for horse racing has seen him last three seasons. His contract expires this summer and he may still get a new one for various reasons. United don’t really need him though so he could be sacrificed for younger, hungrier, better, blood.

Chance of leaving: 5/10

Park Ji-Sung

Big-game-Park has this season become small-game-Park. As the team’s style has changed, Park’s found himself on the fringes of the squad, often used in a ‘rotated’ team in the smaller games. Work-rate, energy, and tactical discipline are still required but in different ways. Fergie likes his professionalism though and the owners no doubt like the revenue he brings in. Yet, Park retired from international football to focus on club football and now may decide he needs regular minutes – they’re unlikely to be found at United.

Chance of leaving: 6/10

Paul Scholes

The genius has returned and has, well, been a genius. He’s around until the summer and talk of a new deal has been knocked back with the club publicly suggesting that contract talks will wait until the summer. Given the form he’s in and the importance he has to the side, it seems likely that another year will suit both parties. Another year of the Ginger Prince, please.

Chance of leaving: 2/10

Authors: Doron and Phil

Follow Doron, Phil and BTP on Twitter

Beyond The Pitch and Stretford-End.com have come together once again to record another podcast, the fifth in the series. We look back at the Everton result; ahead to City; and debate what might happen up with the strikers this summer. You can also hear Fergie’s thoughts on the Everton collapse.

To listen to the podcast, click on this link. It is available to listen to or download on iTunes at this link.

Topics covered:

Looking back at Everton

What went on against Everton?! In terms of offensive football, it was good but have Everton proved to opposition teams that there’s most definitely a way to play against United at Old Trafford. Fellaini was important for Everton but were any United defenders guilty of playing below par? On the flip-side, our strikers and Nani in particular appear to be hitting form at the perfect time. As hinted in our post-match talking points, did Fergie get some subs wrong?

City next week

The biggest derby match. How should we approach it and with what team? City’s inexperience at being in a title race at this point of the season may be important, or will it?

Rafael & Fabio

Despite Rafael making some errors, we make a case for him being the long-term first choice right back. Meanwhile, Fabio’s been linked with a loan move abroad – what might the future hold for him? Could we have twins at both full back spot by the start of the 2013/14 season?

Strikers

Arguably a club needs three and a half strikers(!) so what might United do this summer with Berbatov going? Could Owen even stay or might one of the younger players step up to the first team squad?

Midfield transfer rumour round-up

As the heading suggests…!

Reserves and Academy

A very quick look back at the Academy’s exit from the Youth Cup and the Reserves league success; as well as potential new deals for two young players.

Player of the year

Both Phil and I name our United player of the year! (Although we may well revisit this next week.)

Once again, to listen to the podcast, click on this link. It is available to listen to or download on iTunes at this link.

To listen to the first four podcasts, click here.