A successful season consigned to the history books, United won the biggest club double available, and thrilled the Old Trafford faithful with some magnificent games.

But which was your favourite? Beating Arsenal 4-0, crushing Liverpool 3-0, the total football in a 4-0 of Villa, the edgy and tense atmosphere second leg against Barcelona, or the pulsating all-English Champions League final.

Vote here for your Game of the Season

 The “United” way is an intrinsic correlation of football and fate, conspiring together to write the fairytale of the clubs history – winning their first European Cup 10 years after Munich, winning their first domestic double in the year Sir Matt Busby passed away, winning the European Cup to complete a historic treble on what would have been Sir Matt’s birthday.. and this season saw a plethora of additions to the list.

Are you a traditionalist who was proud of the entire city at the Munich memorial? Maybe destroying Arsenal in the Cup to pour scorn on the myth that they were the better footballing side was your favourite memory? Perhaps you have to flip a coin between Ryan Giggs scoring goals to effectively win the Premier League AND Champions League trophies on his record equalling and record setting appearances for the club?

Vote Here For Your Moment of the Season

No season review would be complete without the old favourite – goal of the season. Accompanied by videos for the selection (as are both of the above categories), you may think Paul Scholes’ Barcelona bullet is a run away winner, until you remember Ronaldo’s free kick against Portsmouth – and what about Nani, who scored only two goals, but both were 30 yard rockets. As a fan of the beautiful game you may be tempted to vote for Tevez’s goal against Boro that featured fantastic build up.

 Make your choice in our Goal of the Season thread.

The voting will close at the end of the month.

(As a note, a player of the season award has been running on the front page – Player of the Season award)

After Moscow, Cristiano Ronaldo’s first reaction when faced with the question was to dismiss any chance of him leaving – how could he leave? The players, the fans, the club. Hours later he made a partial retraction by stating he “didn’t promise” anything. Enter Real.

And so on. United fans are currently in the “middle” of Ronaldo’s 48 hour promise of a statement about his future. Hopeful fans are predicting that his agent was merely using this as a chance to bump up Ronny’s wages. Cynical fans are beginning to believe that after supporting Ronaldo following the World Cup – against their better judgement – he is now beginning to see himself as bigger than Manchester United.

The big question is should United and Fergie do everything they can to hold on to him, or just let him go?

Transfer fees for departing players have never been that spectacular. Fergie shot out Stam for around £15m when he was arguably the best centre half in the world, Beckham for £25m despite the rumour that Real recouped that in merchandising before he’d even kicked a ball, and Ruud for around £15m. Sheringham, Cantona, Hughes, Schmeichel, Bruce and Keane all left Old Trafford in recent times for free and (apart from Cantona) made useful contributions where they went.

So the money for a transfer fee for United isn’t an issue – nor is the wage element, United could match anything Real will offer.

However, the morale of the players is. Does Ronaldo really think that playing alongside Heinze and Ruud, two United rejects, is a step forward? Does he honestly think that moving to a club who hasn’t gone past the CL first knockout stage for 4 years is progression? Is he going starry eyed at the prospect of playing alongside Arjen Robben, Diarra, Higuain, Guti, Cannavaro, when surely the notion of playing alongside Nani, Hargreaves, Anderson, Carrick, and Ferdinand is more attractive? Is it the draw of playing alongside a legend like Raul – United have Giggs and Scholes.

The idea of playing with better players is the fantasy often connected with Real but at this moment in time it simply is just that – it is not a reality.

The heritage and tradition of both clubs is something that is difficult to contend with. As a United fan I would obviously prefer ours – Real have been bankrolled locally beyond their means for around half a century which gives an exaggerated trophy ratio.

Having already taken giant strides in immortalising himself at Old Trafford, and with the possibility of continental domination for a couple of years a real dream, Ronaldo has the opportunity to stamp his own mark as the best player of his generation. He has the team mates around him who actually support his frequent selfishness and petulant reactions. At Real, the likes of Robben and Robinho are not renowned for their cameraderie, and while they have won back to back titles, you just can’t see their side as serious perennial challengers for the European Cup.

The biggest question (for Ronaldo himself) is surely simple = where can I achieve more as a footballer? At the moment, leaving the Premier League and European Champions will be taking a step down. The main point is that with a chunky transfer fee of, say, £90m (or even £50m and Ramos, Robinho + AN Other as has been mooted), United CAN re-inforce and become stronger as a team even without the worlds best player.

Whether Ronaldo can individually spark a Real Madrid side – that, while good, is not the best in the history – to a level where United are at at present, let alone surpass it, is a real 50/50. As stated before, Ronaldo’s success is largely down to the unselfishness of the likes of Rooney, Giggs, Scholes, Tevez, Anderson and Carrick. He has a platform. At Real, he will not be afforded that kind of pedestal or indeed the service he enjoys.

The cost of Ronaldo going against either decision is as followed – leave United now and while revered for your 2 season performance as a number 7, you won’t go down as a true great alongside Best, Cantona, Robbo or even Becks. The fans will remember what you did to them after they supported you so well through what will prove to be the toughest times of your professional career. If he decides to stay, the cost regarding Real will be that they will simply just try again next summer. The Premier League is a tougher competition than La Liga – to depart at the competitions peak would speak volumes about Ronaldos ambition, his desire to play for Real, and his confidence to play at the highest level.

Do I think he will leave? If I’m honest, yes. He will leave and United probably won’t even cash in to the amount that the fans want.

Whether or not I want him to stay or go, the final thing I’ll say is – it will be a big shame for him (in terms of how he will be respected by his current teammates) if he ruins two years of brilliant work and shafts his supporting team mates by deciding to leave for supposed greater glory in a below-par Madrid team.

Sir Alex Ferguson has been in the top seat at Old Trafford for a good 21 years (22 this November) and has seen many things in his time as the gaffer. Price Andrew married another Ferguson in the summer of 1986 whilst England and France announced plans for a channel tunnel to enhance access and ease of travel between countries, how things have changed in those 22 years. Sir Alex has won numerous trophies, so many that every true red has each triumphed etched in memory but one thing that has stood out is the fact that Fergie has kept up with football evolution, with many other managers falling at the wayside.

If we have a look at a number of managers at other clubs at the same time we can see how hard Fergie’s job was to build three great sides and evolve with the demands of modern day football. Liverpool had Dalglish, who’s stint at Newcastle and Celtic eventually ended any managerial creditability he had. Arsenal had George Graham, who’s reputation was destroyed after the bung scandal involving John Jenson. Everton had Howard Kendall, who eneded up managing the mighty Ethnikos Piraeus in the Greek league. Now, this could go on for a while, citing all managers of all top clubs at that time – however as you can imagine that will take ages and they all refer to the same point. Yes, Graham, Dalglish and Kendall all won things with their respected clubs. Yes, they are remembered positively by their clubs fanbase (Well Graham would have been had he not moved to their north London rivals). But, one thing that Fergie has above all of them is that he has sustained the evolution of the game of football and stood tall to all the challenges that have faced him in his time at United. He has won honour after honour and still looked forward to the future. Gone are the days of the old school ‘push and run’ managers – Fergie has been a football manager for a hell of a long time and to sustain success over such a long period and adapt to every challenge that the football world throws at him is quite extraordinary. The other managers may have won things with their clubs but they can never match the gaffer with regards to success over the same period (some would also argue with the style of football that is played too).

Since 2001 Sir Alex has had his fair share of criticism. A number of reds felt that the quick selling of Jaap Stam to be replaced by an aging Laurent Blanc was bad business – and to be fair I think the gaffer may have had second thoughts after that move. Blanc was a fantastic defender in his day for Barcelona and Montpellier (where he made his name) but at 36 was far too old to play in the Premier League, especially for a player who would not consider pace as his best attribute. United regained the title from Arsenal in 2003 having fought back to overtake the Gunners in the latter months of the season – a great triumphs epitomised by Fergie dancing around on the Highbury turf. The following season had some United fans and the press raising eyebrows. Fergie signed David Bellion, Eric Djemba Djemba, Diego Forlan, Liam Miller and a certain Cristiano Ronaldo. With the exception of the great Portuguese winger; none of those signings were a success. Combine this with a 3rd place finish, the knives were being sharpened. Fergie had apparently ‘lost the plot’ and was going the same way as Brian Clough – advise at the time was that he should get out now why he still had respect. At the time I couldn’t believe the nonsense that was coming out of a number of journos mouths along with a number of fans. In order to succeed in football you need to have faith and belief in your ability. This is also needed by the chairman and fans of a club. You need to give time for a manager to sort his side out. The summer of 2003 brought Cristiano ‘showpony’ Ronaldo to the club. Anyone could, that understands football, clearly see that Ronaldo had an exceptional talent that was head and shoulders above any other player at that age in terms of technique. But young footballers take time to adapt to certain brand of football and Ronaldo needed time to adapt to the physicality and tempo of the English game. Of course he was never the finished article in 2003/04 but many fans wrote him of as a one trick wonder (which I never understood as i’ve never seen anyone perform so many stepovers, backheels, flicks and dribbles) when they should have seen the potential of a player that would eventually term into an amazing footballer. Fergie saw this raw talent and molded him into the footballer he is today. Combine this with the addition of Wayne Rooney, Nemanja Vidic and the outstanding Patrice Evra – Fergie has built a third great side that some consider to be the best United side out of the three. Fergie believed in the creativity, imagination and sheer brilliance of the boy Ronaldo, a characteristic that sums up the philosophy of Manchester United.

So, the point of the post? To reflect on the last 5/6 years and really highlights the vision, ambition and drive of Sir Alex Ferguson to build this great team that stands two wins away from true greatness. The like of Anderson, Nani, Hargreaves and likable character that is Carlos Tevez can be written into United folk law having only spent a season under the watchful eye of the old master. Anderson and Nani are going to get even better having really impressed in a number of games this season; Anderson especially. Fergie has a number of years left in him yet to win even more trophies, buy and mold even more players to turn into world beaters, drive the side forward with a strong team work ethic and most importantly throw back everything that the football world throws at him and his team.

As contributor to this site in somewhat of a game anaylst capacity, I see it as my duty to write reviews and reports as straight and fair as possible with the expected hint of bias.

Fortunately this webpage allows me the blog to put across my personal opinion – and in the wake of a 0-0 draw at the Nou Camp, I have a few thoughts to air.

Wednesday nights game was the classic starter for the main course that will be served over the next two games – ultimately, the game was underwhelming, failed to live up to the hype, but strangely made you desire the next two games even more. Fergie’s team selection was leaked a few hours before the game and seemed so strange that it almost felt like a red herring, except that you sort of knew it was true. Knowing it was practically impossible for anything other than a 4-4-2, more surprises were afoot when it was clear Rooney was playing on the right hand side to counter the strength of Abidal.

Fair enough, we’re playing a great European side. Away. In an arena fit to grace any of the highest level games. By all means, start with the intention to shackle their strengths. If that’s all last night’s game was ever meant to provide Sir Alex with,then he played the game perfectly. Barcelona seemed toothless, I forgot Messi and Eto’o were playing, such was our commanding defence.

But surely I’m not the only United fan feeling that same sense of emptiness – we did the same containment job 8 years ago, as holders, in Madrid, only to capitulate at Old Trafford. And that’s the worst feeling – if we’d shown a little more adventure, stuck with the strategy that saw us score in Lyon and win at a canter in Rome, played Anderson, moved Rooney out to the left, imposed ourselves a little better – the game on Wednesday was there for the taking. Even if you forget the missed penalty and the two we weren’t awarded (we’re now at the stage where these ridiculous decisions are costing us, big time), we rode the “storm” of the first half and should have realised that we had a massive chance to take a lead in the tie. Even score with adventure, risking a goal on the counter.

A goal on Wednesday would have changed the entire complexion, even a goal in defeat.

The point I’m trying to make is that when all is said and done, the hard graft of 50-odd games leading up to this point gives you the reward of occasions such as the one in the Nou Camp – and while of course it is necessary to respect the opponents strengths, I can’t help but feel that there was an opportunity for our players to shine their own lights, an opportunity now gone and an opportunity that may come back to haunt United – let’s face it, it did when we played Monaco, and it did when we played Real. The result the other night has the same mental effect as a 1-0 defeat – well, at least, that is the mentality the players need to be in on Tuesday if we are to progress

United have to score twice at home and while you would back us to do it once, the problem is Barcelona’s plan is the same at home or away – it’s a counter attacking team, much like ours, and we will have the same threat to deal with as we had last night. Maybe that’s one leaf we should have taken from their book. Only time will tell – what it means for the second leg is that Old Trafford needs to be as hot as it was against Roma last year, as hot as that magnificent night in 1984 against our Catalan rivals. Moscow is tantalisingly close – United have some good omens, 11 straight home wins in Europe, no goals conceded in the knock out stages at Old Trafford, no goals conceded in 4 games consecutively in Europe – you would expect the last two records to be erased from existance in our next game, but as long as we keep the first one intact, we’ll be in the final.

It seems bizarre to be writing about this as a footnote, but Manchester United could all but seal the Premier League title with a win at Stamford Bridge tomorrow. A win will mean that any result against West Ham sees us lift the trophy at Old Trafford. Chelsea’s home record is incredible but their displays have been less than convincing – we have every chance to win tomorrow, I just hope the team selection reflects that.

Finally, on behalf of Stretford-End.com, I’d like to wish the Lampard family all the best through this awful time. Pat Lampard reportedly went to every match she could to watch Frank Jr play, and it is simply one of life’s incredible ironies that he will probably be missing for compassionate reasons in what would have been one of the biggest games of his career tomorrow. There will probably be a minutes silence and I implore any reds travelling who read this to observe it immaculately.

By Yolkie 

So here we are at the business end of the season, with just a handful of games remaining – 7 as things stand, hopefully 8, 7 or 8 games that will determine whether United can win a historic double, or retain the Premier League while suffering European heartbreak, or let the league slip though winning the European Cup, or even (God Forbid) faltering completely in the last stretch and having no shiny new toys to polish and display over the summer.

For fans of a football team, as you get older, you realise that these other teams competing with you have invested just as heavily in time, effort, finance and emotion to get to the same stage – yet why do we regress to the child like emotion of feeling like we’re the “goodies” defeating the “baddies”? He-Man to Skeletor, Teenage Mutant Hero (or Ninja?! What’s all that about) Turtles to Krang, Batman to Joker/Penguin/Riddler, etc, the list goes on. In essence, you know that the baddies are not as good or as strong as you, but you know if you show one flinch, one little weakness and they can get you momentarily.

I don’t know, maybe it’s just me that feels that way, maybe it’s a result of pre-conditioning in this all consuming media era – maybe having lived through such a cynical age, where success breeds contempt, where such beauty in the game is met with jealousy while inferior products are lavished with praise in a blatantly transparent attempt to undermine superiority, maybe it’s that feeling that despite several attempts at being knocked down (and god knows, we’ve been on our knees a few times) a last minute winner, or a comprehensive 3 or 4 nil battering (read, football masterclass) of your closest rivals still feels like a triumph of good over evil, especially as a Manchester United fan.

Was I alone in feeling a sense of justification when Ryan Giggs tore Arsenal’s defence in 1999, the football equivalent of a man deciding not to climb a mountain, but barge through it waving a victory flag and planting it? Was I alone in feeling the same defiant justification when David Beckham slotted in a FA Cup semi final winner in 1996 at Villa Park, the same ground we were defeated 8 months previous to prompt certain sections of the media to signal the death knell of Fergie’s domination? Was I alone in living the football dream in 1999 as movie-storyline games against Liverpool, Arsenal, Juventus, Barcelona and Bayern Munich gave us the comic book scenarios while the rest of the country were willing us to defeat? Was I alone in feeling that our title win last season was akin to David slaying the Goliath of Chelsea despite all the odds, and still with a bunch of local lads supplying the vital infratstructure? No. And I’m pretty sure I’m not alone in feeling that this season, the likes of Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes are doing their Rocky Balboa “one more round, don’t know when they’re beaten” act, supplying class and experience to show the likes of Ronaldo and Rooney the way – scratch that, the Manchester United way.

As a supporter of the club that has provided more Roy of the Rovers style storylines than even a writer could dream up, it completely amazes me how we are constantly overshadowed for any real recognition, but in actual fact, that lack of recognition makes every such victory all the more sweeter. The fear of failure is a real one – the price you pay as a United fan is you don’t get the pat on the backs from supporters of other clubs no matter how great the achievement, but in defeat, they are all vultures – it is a situation exclusive to United – Chelsea came close but were still receiving kudos for their financially fuelled domination by the time the Red Devils reclaimed their spot at the top of the tree.

But then, I’m sure every supporter feels this way..!

On Sunday we play Arsenal, baddies because of the 1990 brawl, baddies because Cantona was inexplicably sent off there in 94, baddies because they have not once accepted defeat against us with dignity, baddies because of Keown, Vieira et al in the 2003 brawl rematch, baddies because of Pizzagate, baddies because being outclassed in such a style that they are “renowned” for, they resort to kicking then moan when others do it to them. Baddies primarily because in all of the above situations, Arsenal, their players and management, were the antagonizers.

Add, of course, the sizeable sprinkling of media fawning they get for achievements that place them nowhere but firmly in the shadow of ours, then of course there is a little resentment – just not in the way that L’Arse fans think. The biggest pain of all is listening to them with their Andy Gray / Martin Tyler commissioned beliefs, Sky Sports supplied nicknames, armed with a defence that because the ex-Arsenal / Liverpool pundit board on Sky or BBC say nothing but good about Arsenal, it must be true, and weaned on a diet of drivel given by their manager, who clearly lives in a world where Arsenal have never done any wrong – they will always take the righteous “we’re no angels” yet vehemontly defend the undefendable with the most inane, incredulous patter you are likely to hear – failing that, of course, there’s always myopia.

If – and it’s a big if – our goodies can triumph against these media created “whizkids” (they are a good team, don’t get me wrong, but so are Liverpool..) on Sunday we will have taken a giant step psychologically towards the title, until our next “baddies” contest, at Stamford Bridge, a fortress they haven’t been defeated at in the league for a million years – as things stand, United could potentially write their own story by winning the league there. What sweeter way, in this of all years?

By Yolkie 

The art of goalkeeping is an art lost on some people, most noticeably the chap in the clip below. After the calamity antics and circus routine of Pepe Reina in last weeks 3-0 victory over Liverpool, this clip reminds me of all the great goalkeepers Liverpool have had over the years. This is perhaps one of the funniest goal keeping clips i’ve seen due to the sheer panic on the lad’s face as he comically runs around in circle losing complete understanding of where he is and what he is suppose to be doing!

Now the furore of Sunday’s headline grabbing exploits by Mascherano have somewhat calmed, let’s take a minute to observe the “side issue” – the fact that Manchester United crushed Liverpool 3-0. In fact, extending the study a little more individual will show us that for the second time this season, Anderson performed while Gerrard was anonymous.

Back in October, everyone was forced to sit up and take notice of the young Brazilian when his performance at the Emirates put Cesc Fabregas firmly in the shadow – particularly considering that in the build up to the fixture, Fabregas was being hailed as “the best player in the world”. In December, Anderson was entrusted with shackling Steven Gerrard, but as before, the job description didn’t entirely reflect the actual performance, as it was Gerrard struggling to compete with the dominant ex-Porto star.

The stabilisers were off and when Fabregas travelled with Arsenal for an FA Cup tie in February, he was thoroughly outplayed and embarrassed by Anderson, to the point where Wenger had to take off the young Spaniard. Fast forward to last Sunday, and it was no longer a question of whether Anderson had to “contain” Gerrard.

No longer a question – a statement of the rapid development from arrival to dominant force – but this only serves to illustrate the major contrast of the perceived failure of South Americans at Old Trafford in the preceding generation. Seba Veron, Kleberson and Diego Forlan are all prime examples of quality footballers who never really settled in Manchester, the reason unclear, but the resultant message very clear – Fergie should not sign footballers from this continent. Excitement surrounding the possibility of the arrival of Ronaldinho from PSG in 2003 was met with anxiety considering the track record.

The reason for the transformation is not totally clear, but it is certain that Carlos Querioz has played a major part in it – Cristiano Ronaldo settling and now bursting through the stratosphere (indeed, Ronaldo’s presence is probably a key factor to the ease Nani and Anderson have settled) set a new blueprint and culture for Portuguese speaking footballers at Old Trafford.

Aside from Anderson, Carlos Tevez, too, has quickly taken to his new club – critics will say how he has looked jaded of late, but those same critics neglect to mention the fact he has played football without a break for almost a year, being thrust into this season from the off after injuries to Rooney and Saha. At the peak of his form in the Autumn, he was simply sensational, and though we still expect him to perform, it will be next season we should really expect him at his best again.

Nani has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in the big games – his elevation is such that inclusion in the first XI in a big game would not be a surprise or a disappointment.

Rodrigo Possebon, a low key January signing, played the recent reserve fixture against Liverpool and Xavi Alonso like he was auditioning for a role of “Anderson v Fabregas, FA Cup” – (anyone thinking “Possebon..” Carlsberg style t-shirts? Copyright!), and at that sort of development pace he should be knocking on the door of the first team for at least a chance in pre-season.

Everyone had a chuckle when it was announced United had signed a pair of Brazilian twins, but in Fabio and Rafael we really have stolen a march on our rivals – Fabio was the much heralded U17 captain but plays at left back (strictly speaking, although watching him, you get the impression he can play at ease in most positions) so may not get a chance as quick as his brother, although both are right footed. Both were magnificent in the U17 World Cup last year, and play with the traditional Brazilian full-back saunter.

The good news gets better – none of this seems to be at the expense of our English core – Ben Foster is just about ready for the first team, Ferdinand and Brown are at their peaks, Hargreaves and Carrick will jostle for midfield positions for the next 4 or 5 years, and Wayne Rooney will hopefully have another generation leading the line. And better still, rather than the style of play changing, it feels like a 21st century makeover, but still stamped with the Manchester United trademark – dazzling wing play, flamboyancy and showmanship, all out attack, even defenders with a swagger and arrogance.

The “upgrade”, if you like, is the addition of the South American and Portuguese samba style – previously ineffectual but presently, slowly but surely, transforming (hopefully) this current United side into one that dominates for its second generation underneath Sir Alex, possibly and hopefully providing us with some of the best football ever seen in Britain.
The resolve of the side in recent weeks to get a last minute draw at Spurs and persist to get a win at Derby draw comparisons from the 99 side – and in Nani, Anderson, Ronaldo, we have an audacity that not even that all conquering side could match, save for some Ryan Giggs European night specials from 1997-2002. The kind of arrogance that the Theatre of Dreams became renowned for – think Best taking off his boot, think Eric either sticking his chest out or juggling the ball past City’s defence, think Giggs bewildering the Juventus defence, and now, think Ronaldo’s stepovers, think Anderson kicking dust in Gerrards face for 70 yards, think the sheer outrageous talent of Nani flicking the ball up, needing three Arsenal defenders to hack and kick at him just to stop the embarrassment. It’s the speed and flair of the 1994 team married (potentially) with the guts and resilience of the 1999 side.

It’s a tall order but it is the poser that has often been asked this season – indeed, even on this site – could this United side be the best ever? Well, maybe it could, but rather than that, maybe it’s just the natural transition of “the United way”.

The next 8 weeks will provide some answers to the above.

What an eventful week with Foster being flung into the first xi with the injury to Van Der sar and the suspension to Kuszack, it was meant to be an easy game for the 24 year old. Not so as Derby raised their game against United by 100% compared to the humiliating defeat against Chelsea in mid week. Foster played superb and although he has been quoted that he still expects a loan move, he really will have given Fergie a good problem with the title run in reaching its conclusion. To have the confidence, shot stopping ability and positioning as he did on Saturday for someone who has been out for eight months is top class and I’d like to think that he might be given a chance over the next few games.

So we get Roma again – admit Internet and pub rumours of the draw being rigged – and miss out on playing an English side. To be honest, i’m not too bothered as to who we play – I come from the school of thought that if you’re good enough you want to play the best. Sure you can get lucky, but then there is always the flip side of that you can become unlucky (1997 and 2002 spring to mind). Roma is a good draw but they are a good team – make not illusions this is a tough match and United will have to be on top gear to beat a side who disposed of Milan 2-1 on Sunday.

Lastly, we look forward to Liverpool who have been in a good run of form lately. Their last five results show a massive improvement on the side that were dumped out of the FA Cup by Barnsley:

Liverpool 2-1 Reading

Inter Milan 0-1 Liverpool (& the referee)

Liverpool 3-0 Newcastle

Liverpool 4-0 West Ham

Bolton 1-3 Liverpool

It makes for impressive reading and United will have to be cautious against a side who have obviously been lifted by having the pressure of competing in a number of competitions taken away from them. They have had good results recently but so have United and in Ronaldo, Tevez, Rooney and Anderson they have the four brightest young talents in Europe. Sure Torres is brilliant – we tried to sign him around seven times if you believe what you read – but Ferdinand tends to have his better games against fast quick strikers than he would do against a strong aggressive centre forward. He had the upper hand at Anfield and hopefully he will do at Old Trafford.

Massive game Sunday (obviously not forgetting the vitally important game against Bolton on Wednesday) and United will want a good win before watching Arsenal take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, a game in which, if United beat Liverpool, could be quite enjoyable for United supporters.

At the end of the 90 minutes, Sir Alex Ferguson was left fuming at the performance of Martin Atkinson then proceeded to have a pop at the refereeing hierarchy in England. Now, the first thing people will do is have a go at Fergie for being ‘unprofessional’ and disrespectful to the officials and the opposition. If anyone, who wants to have a go at United or at Ferguson himself, should really analyse the facts and the game itself before assuming ‘arrogant United’.

United were far the better team on Saturday. Yes, of course a side can lose a game of football to an inferior team but then manner in which United did lose surely can’t measure the level of criticism the side has received for going out of the competition. United had 64% of the ball over the course of the 90 minutes and had 20 shots on goal. These shots came in the form of Carlos Tevez’s smashed drive cleared off the line by Johnson, Patrice Evra brushing the fingers tips of James and flies off the post or the inability of Carrick to convert the ball from a yard out (to be fair to him I don’t think it’s as bad as some fans made out). But United could not break down a Portsmouth side that played extremely well defensively.

However, had Martin Atkinson given the penalty to United in the first half after Distin’s bodycheck on Ronaldo, Portsmouth would have had to attack and inevitably would have played into United’s hands. Some rivals fans have mocked Fergie – trying to portray him as an raving lunatic to even question the decision. Atkinson got it wrong. There is no two ways about it, the ref got it wrong and should receive criticism from the manager who was affected by his actions. Why shouldn’t he be? Just because it is Fergie having a go? Nonsense! The referee was diabolical and if I made those types of decisions at my job I would be disciplined, right in the same way Atkinson should be.

This backs up Fergie comments, which have come under harsh abuse from respectable journalists, Henry Winter being one. Now Henry Winter is a superb journalist, articulate, creative, intelligent and above all interesting. Winter attacks Ferguson for criticising the official regardless of the fact that Fergie is 100% correct, instead focusing on the lunge by Wayne Rooney. This is the problem that occurs when an official doesn’t do his job correctly, players get frustrated and try to take the matter into their own hands. Thus Rooney jumping in like a maniac on Kranjcar.

So to conclude, fair play to Pompey, they defended well and all the best to them in the semi-finals, but to turn the game on its head and focus on Fergie is wrong. Some fans and writers were blaming Fergie for double standards, stating that he wouldn’t have said those things had it been for the other side or had United won the game….Of course he wouldn’t! What do you take him for!? I can see Fergie questioning the officials (maybe not as emotionally as Saturday) if we had won the game, but not for the other side – who in their right mind would? The FA Cup is over for another season, but United can take this as a positive and they can now concentrate on the Champions League and the League – A bitter blow to be out, but still not the same as the forced upon siege mentality of Liverpool as blogged previously!