Author: Stretford_End

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Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton has revealed that he is ‘stunned’ by United’s best start to a league campaign. United have picked up maximum points in their opening five games, scoring twenty one goals in the process. United have recorded victories over London clubs Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham – whilst beating Bolton and WBA on their travels. Sir Bobby admits that it is a fantastic, if unusual, start for the Champions. We’ve looked back at the previous twenty seasons and documented the number of points United have obtained within their first five games.

Below are Sir Bobby’s comments from earlier today, including praise for the Premier League’s top goal scorer Wayne Rooney:

You never know at the start what’s going to happen but United have got off to a flier. It’s a very unusual start for Manchester United but it’s fantastic. The fans are enjoying it and even those who are just general football fans because of the way we play. Even the goals we are scoring are dramatic. He is (Rooney) a marvellous player. You can tell he is very happy at the moment and he will score a lot more goals this season and beyond.

The following chart highlight United’s total point accumulation from the opening five fixtures in the league over the past twenty years (click to enlarge):

United’s amazing start has been reflected in Sir Bobby’s comments, however I believe the manner that the results were achieved has been most pleasing. United have swept aside a Tottenham side (who played Liverpool off the park at the weekend), humiliated a decimated Arsenal and beat last season’s runners up (Chelsea) 3-1, having missed a penalty and hit the post/bar in a thoroughly entertaining fixture. United’s ball retention and one touch passing has been exceptional at times, with Wayne Rooney being the obvious star performing, scoring nine goals in those five fixtures.

Looking at the history books, United’s worst start to a season was in the 2004/05 (in which United ended the season trophy less), losing to Chelsea on the opening day of the season. The second worst start of a season was in 92/93, when United lifted the league title for the first time since 1967. United lost the opening game to Sheffield United and then went down 3-0 at home to Everton. Many fans may also have forgotten the slow start United got off to in the 98/99 treble winning season , which included a 3-0 hammering at rivals Arsenal in the September (which saw Nicky Butt getting a red card).

Although no one should be complaining about United’s unbelievable start to the season, including the style of football United are playing at the moment, any levelled headed fan will appreciate that nothing is won in September – something that was reiterated by Sir Alex in his pre-match comments against Chelsea. United started the 1997/98 season with four wins and a draw, only to go and squander a the league title to Arsenal. In the two European Cup winning seasons of the past twelve years, United obtained eight points – seven less than this season. As I mentioned previously, the football has been first class and Ferguson’s men have stepped it up a notch from last term. The signings of Jones and Young look to be superb business, whilst the maturing of Anderson, Smalling, Welbeck and Cleverley have been pivotal in this fantastic start. United travel next to Stoke City, can the Champions make it six out of six?

AUTHOR: – The Mancunian Red (Guest Blogger)

In a recent debate with Lee Clayton, I called his decision to support Scott Parker for Football Writers’ Player Of The Year as a demonstration of bias rather than a meaningful reasoned and thought out decision. It is difficult to put over a reasoned argument over twitter so I would like to thank the excellent Stretford-End website for allowing me to put over my argument!

I have nothing against Scott Parker he has had a very good season, however I cannot see the arguments which support the case to demonstrate he is the best and most important premiership player of the season.

Firstly by its very nature the role of defensive midfield player is limited, he isn’t going to change or win WHU that many points. The truth is certain positions are not going to change games as much as others. I would want the winner of the best player award to be instrumental in effecting the outcome of numerous games, especially the important ones.

Secondly, when you play for a team challenging for as major trophy the pressure is on every game and when teams come to you it is like their cup final. Even poor sides suddenly become tigers, chasing every ball that is not the case when you play for a WHU side fighting relegation. Moreover you can get away with inconstancy because you are not expected to win every game. Parker has had a good season but there are plenty of Northern and Midland midfield players who have done just as well but do not have the publicity benefits of those that play for London clubs.

Has Parker really made as much impact as a Tevez, or 50 other players I could mention? Had Tevez had the impact he has had at City this season playing for WHU they would not be fighting relegation and he would have won the award and this coming from a red!

A winning mentality is something special, some players are big fish in small pools and until they can demonstrate they can cut it at the very top with the big boys and change games they shouldn’t win on a regular basis I wouldn’t put them forward as the best prem player. I’ve seen so called great players join big clubs like United and be expected to perform every week and fall apart.

AUTHOR: – Stretford-end

Yes the title may leave me open for some criticism, however it is merely in response to a comment made by World Soccer editor Gavin Hamilton (a magazine that I do thoroughly enjoy reading) that the great Frenchman was a great player, but did not reach the heights of other great players.

I thought it was quite an interesting discussion, considering that I know some Reds that, although worship Cantona for what he did at Old Trafford, think that it was a kind of ‘right place right time right man’ situation.  Eric Cantona was made for Manchester United in 1992 and the club was made for him. He was the missing piece of the jigsaw in the search for Championship glory after 26 years, and in that year the Frenchman was free to display his sublime skill, flair and grace on the Old Trafford turf.

Any football fan, however blinkered, will clearly acknowledge the level of players such as Zidane, Maradona and Di Stefano – but there is no doubting that Cantona was inspirational to the ongoing success of Manchester United and the Premier League as a whole by helping to pave the way for the likes of Ronaldo, Henry and Zola as foreign stars gracing our league.

Eric was and always will be my hero.  When I was young, I thought he was the best in the world.  Romario? Baggio? Hagi? Maradona? No chance. His flair, rebellious attitude and goal scoring ability were three things that stood out for me. I remember trying to attempt his drive against QPR in 93/94 or his header at Maine Road the season before including subsequent head shaking celebration with Lee Sharpe (although the passing pensioner wasn’t as receptive as Sharpe was). He scored vital goals for United and his puffed out chest and skill was something that the crowd adored and his legacy, with chants of his name, can still be heard and seen at every game, nearly fourteen years after he walked away from it all.

However, as you get older you mature, you see things more pragmatically and express an opinion that only a few years ago would get you labelled a ‘gay lord’ in the playground.  Can Eric’s 0.31 goals per game in Europe for United stand up to the 0.61 goals per game of Lionel Messi, 0.67 goals per game of Ruud Van Nistelrooy or the insane 0.84 goals per game of Alfredo Di Stefano? On stats alone, of course not.

So Eric scored five goals in sixteen games for United in Europe, which isn’t anywhere near the level of some of United’s forwards of the past twenty years.  I would however argue that there were a number of obstacles that restricted Cantona from displaying some of his domestic performances on the continental stage.  Many have cited the ‘foreigner rule’ as one of the reasons for his apparent ‘poor performances’ in the European Cup, which of course didn’t impact him directly (for example Schmeichel was left out of the 4-0 hammering by Barcelona in 94) – however, the team as a whole suffered from not being able to field the exact same XI as the fixture on the previous Saturday.  Combine this with United trying to adapt to a more patient build up and controlled possession game, it wasn’t the greatest of recipes for success.  Eric’s first campaign was obviously cut short by United’s elimination from the tournament on away goals by Galatasary before fighting with a Turkish policeman with a dodgy moustache – which he subsequently got suspended for.

The following season he returned on match day five in the 3-1 defeat by IFK Gothenberg, which saw United eliminated from the competition – hardly enough time to judge a player on how successful his European venture is surely?  He played in the final group game against Galatasary, which United won 4-0 but he would have to wait until September 96 until he tasted the Champions League again.  United’s first game that season (96/97) was against Juventus, and if i’m honest I was in awe of the Old Lady.  Juventus were the Champions of Europe and as Fergie later stated were ‘the benchmark’ – again (at the time) there was no shame in being second best to such a side.  If I remember rightly, Boksic scored for Juventus in a 1-0 win.  As we all know, United reached the semi-final of the Champions League that season, losing to eventual winners Borussia Dortmund. Eric missed a few chances in the return leg, which many claimed was our skipper ‘bottling’ the big occasion.  I don’t know how true that is to be honest.  Like I said, United were evolving to the demands of European Football, and Eric was part of that evolution. Beating Porto 4-0 (in which Eric scored) was great and reaching the semi-final was an achievement – even though looking back it appears to have been an opportunity missed.

Eric’s association and high regard amongst United fans isn’t purely based upon ability and ‘performing on the highest stage’.  I still feel that Eric put in a number of noticeable performances (and goals) in big games that might not be as appreciated by non United fans.  His role as a number 10 or second striker meant that he could either heavily be involved in the game or the complete opposite and get limited touches of the football.  Many other players would have been subbed off, despite their superior footballing ability, due to the fact that they were deemed ‘invisible’ or ‘lazy’, however it is the responsibility of the team to try and find the playmaker high up the pitch – a responsibility that is shared by the player himself to find space to receive the ball.  Eric was different though, for the fact that he would pop up with important goals that would eventually result in trophies for the club.  Not to sound like Rafa Benitez, but it is a fact!  You could also argue that in the three 0-0 games in the 94/95 season, following Eric’s suspension, that the Frenchman may have scored or set up a chance for someone to score?

I would argue that his record in the French national team was pretty good.  His goals per game ratio of 0.44 (20 in 45 for Les Blues) was only slightly lower than the 0.55 of Jean-Pierre Papin – Eric’s striking partner for the majority of the late 80s and early 90s.  The only tournament Eric played in (having narrowly missed qualification for the World Cup in the USA) was Euro 92 in a French squad that consisted of Rémi Garde and Franck Sauzée – hardly the calibre of players that the 1998 squad had.  France’s failure in this time wasn’t all due to Eric Cantona.  France had won the European Championships in 1984 with an extremely talented set of players and lack of impact on the World stage could be comparable to that of the 2002 and 2004 sides.  One of the quotes that Hamilton used (a Platini quote) is that Cantona was a ‘Small player in big games’.  I think that might be a tad disrespectful for some of the sides that United played over the years.  He may not have done it against a Real Madrid or Brazil in a major tournament, however United and France weren’t as strong as the sides we’ve seen over the past twelve years (with United’s experience on the European front a major factor).

One last point, it is all very well and easy to state reasons as to why players shouldn’t be considered the best ever.  For example, Pele and Garrincha can’t be considered the best ever as they stayed in South America rather than getting tested in Europe.  Maradona couldn’t cope with the pressure at Barcelona and failed to make the impact they thought he was going to have when they signed him from Boca. Or Alfredo Di Stefano didn’t play in the World Cup, so how can he be considered one of the World’s best?  Of course all of this is subjective, for everyone that points to Pele, you will of course get another that cites Maradona as the greatest player to have ever graced the earth.  Although Cantona may not be in the same league as Maradona, Zidane or Lionel Messi, there is no doubting his influence on Manchester United and in my opinion the domestic game in this country.  His suspension and heroic return is something of a fairy tale, a time that endured him to United fans even more so.

To conclude, Eric will always be for me an inspirational character that transformed United from runners up to league champions in the space of twelve months.  I don’t think you have to win a World Cup, or play in a World Cup even (George Best & Alfredo Di Stefano), to be considered the best the world has ever seen, nor do I think that everything is always clear cut when looking back at records (i.e. Eric’s ‘lack of impact’ on the European stage).

George Best left Manchester United having achieved it all at the age of 26, Eric Cantona had done quite the opposite when he joined Manchester United at the same age.  What he did in the next four and a half years left a lasting impact on all who saw him play and of course a number of youngsters that were emerging through the club at the time.  Eric Cantona – right place, right time and a great player.

AUTHOR: – Stretford-end

AUTHOR: – Stretford-end

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

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

Anderson can still succeed at United

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

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

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

AUTHOR: – Stretford-end

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

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

Target Patrice Evra

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

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

André-Pierre Gignac out injured

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

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

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

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

Manchester United’s #1, Edwin Van der Sar has confirmed he will retire at the end of this season. This ends speculation surrounding his future and is almost certain to mean United will now be linked with all the top goalkeepers around the world.

The news was first broken by goalkeeping coach Eric Steele who was speaking on BBC Red Wednesday yesterday early evening. After announcing that he would not carry on beyond the close of this season, Steele went on to praise Edwin:

“He has been a fantastic servant. I was very lucky. I worked alongside Peter Schmeichel at Villa and I worked with Edwin for two and a half years. That penalty save in Moscow has elevated Edwin alongside Peter.”

Steele first said back in October that this would be Edwin’s last year only for the player himself to strongly deny the claims that he had made up his mind yet. Before the Boxing Day game against Sunderland, Ferguson told the press, “We are planning for this being his last season. He is such a proud man and it’s going to be a big loss”. Despite saying that, there had been nothing official since then from the club or the player.

Edwin has today spoken for the first time about retiring. He released a statement via his management agency:

“It is now time to pay attention to my family. I cannot really identify a time when it happened, let’s just say that it was playing on my mind from the moment Annemarie had her stroke. She has fought back from it. We decided on another year in England and thus to stay at Manchester United. But, once engaged in the season, the thought of saying goodbye started to gnaw a bit more emphatically.”

“I thought about stopping, maybe a year ago. It is a difficult process. After a defeat, I thought differently than after playing a few good games in a row. My age played no role. I am 40 years old but I still feel fit. And then the decision came suddenly. Do not ask me how or why, but suddenly you know. That was sufficient. The time has come to devote greater attention to my family – although they have never complained. Everyone in the family has indeed always had to focus on me, but we have also had a lot in return.”

After releasing that statement, Edwin spoke to MUTV:

“You can’t play Superman into your 40s. It’s a mutual decision that this season was the last. When I first came here I was just happy to sign a two-year contract. I wanted to win the league before I retired. I was lucky to achieve a little bit more than that. I spoke with the manager about that last week, he admitted it also. I’ve enjoyed it here and it would have been nice to have a few years longer here. You can say, ‘you could stay a couple more years’. But that’s life – you don’t always get what you want at the right time. I am just happy that at least we got to come together and experience a good few years.”

“I’m not finished yet. I’ve still got a few months yet. I’m still aiming for something more. It’s been nice and a great experience, even at my age, to be at a club like United. It’s been a joy.”

Eric Steele hinted that the club are very likely to find Edwin’s replacement from outside the club:

“We’re naturally looking at potential suitors ready for the summer. Come the end of the season, the whole thing will be re-assessed by the management.”

Edwin has currently played 245 games for United and in his six seasons he’s so far won 9 trophies. It would be fitting if Edwin could sign off just as another great United goalkeeper did…

You can discuss Edwin’s retirement and who should replace him in the forum.

It was my last days of winter break from university, so please forgive me for my Stretty Stories absence over the weekend. Rafael has been charge with improper conduct, Patrice Evra claims unbeaten isn’t the goal, Dimitar Berbatov targets the Golden Boot, and Danny Welbeck is set to undergo an operation.

FA Charges Rafael – Sky Sports

So Rafael got an absolutely absurd second yellow card, and now he’s being charged with improper conduct by the FA? I’m at a complete loss for words. He has accepted the charge as well.

Evra: Matching Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’ is not our focus – Guardian

Good. I’ve always said that going unbeaten should just be a bonus. League title No. 19 should always be the biggest priority.

Dimitar Berbatov sets sights on Golden Boot – Guardian

As Manchester United targets a record 19th league title, Dimitar Berbatov is targeting the Premier League Golden Boot as he helps push United toward infamy. That would certainly go a long way in justify the price tag that his doubters so often point to.

Sunderland send Welbeck for op – Sky Sports

Danny Welbeck will undergo exploratory surgery on his knee after suffering some problems in recent weeks. We’d like to wish him a speedy recovery.

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Follow Kyle on Twitter at KDill_MUFC

Stretty Stories is featured daily on False10.com

In today’s Manchester United news, Rooney and Vidic are expected to play against Tottenham, two youngsters have gone out on loan, Ryan Giggs has ruled out a return for Wales, and we have an interesting look at fan ownership.

Rooney back to boost Fergie – Sky Sports

Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed today that Wayne Rooney and Nemanja Vidic should both be available for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur. Edwin van der Sar, who has missed the past three matches is also in contention for Sunday. This is a certainly a massive boost for the club ahead of what should be a tough away fixture.

Pompey pounce for De Laet – Sky Sports

Ritchie De Laet will join Portsmouth on loan for the remainder of the season. This will be the Belgian defender’s third loan of the season after stints with Sheffield United and Preston North End. Best of luck to him as he looks to gain first-team experience.

Evans joins Tigers on loan deal – BBC

Some have suggested a loan might do Jonny Evans some good, but it will instead be his younger brother who departs from Old Trafford on loan. Manchester United have agreed to deal with Hull City to send Corry Evans there for the remainder of the season. BBC suggests the deal was done with a view to a permanent move, but this has not been confirmed by the club yet. Evans has amassed six international appearances for Northern Ireland, but has still struggled to break into the United first team.

Ryan Giggs rules out return for Wales – Guardian

New Wales boss Gary Speed had opened the door for Ryan Giggs to return from international retirement, but Giggs has confirmed that he has played his last game for Wales. There really is not a whole lot to say about this other than it is a good thing. At the age of 37, it’s impressive that Giggs is even playing at all. The rigours of international football would not do him any good in prolonging his career at Manchester United.

Football Ownership: The Dos and Don’ts – Glazer Out Blog

A fantastic blog by Andrew Simpson about the issue of ownership in football. This is a response to some rather foolish comments made by Louise Taylor of the Guardian. With ownership one of the hot topics among Manchester United fans during the Glazer regime, Andrew goes into detail with what people should expect from fan ownership. This is a fantastic, informative blog, and I cannot emphasize enough that it is a must read. Follow Andrew on Twitter @WEWANTGLAZEROUT.

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Follow Kyle on Twitter at KDill_MUFC

Stretty Stories is featured daily on False10.com

I raised an eyebrow when I read the Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was voted coach of the decade ahead of Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho. This doesn’t come from a person who doesn’t respect what Arsene Wenger has done for the North London club, but a sheer observation at how trophy shy the Emirates cabinet is compared to that of Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge and the San Siro.

Wenger has helped improve English football and Arsenal massively whilst incorporating an impressive brand of football – but can a manager who hasn’t won anything since 2005 be considered manager of the decade?

I think if there was an outright vote right now, Wenger would probably be placed behind Mourinho and Fergie, however the award was given on the basis of totaling up all of the votes from the past ten years – meaning that Wenger has been the most consistently placed manager since 2000. In this time Wenger has notched up the following trophies in comparison to Mourinho and Ferguson:

Wenger: 2002 Premier League, 2002 FA Cup, 2003 FA Cup, 2004 Premier League, 2005 FA Cup

Mourinho:2003 Portuguese Liga, 2003 Portuguese Cup, 2003 UEFA Cup, 2003 Portuguese Super Cup ,2004 Portugese Liga, 2004 Champions League, 2005 Premier League 2005 League Cup, 2006 Premier League, 2007 League Cup, 2007 FA Cup, 2009 Serie A, 2010 Serie A, 2010 Coppa Italia, 2010 Champions League

Ferguson: 2000 Premier League, 2001 Premier League, 2003 Premier League, 2004 FA Cup, 2006 League Cup, 2007 Premier League, 2008 Premier League, 2008 Champions League, 2009 League Cup, 2009 Premier League, 2010 League Cup

For all Wenger’s qualities as a coach and what he has done for Arsenal, in terms of trophies – both Ferguson and Mourinho have bettered the Frenchman. But is it all about trophies? Arsenal fans often speak of their net spend in comparison to United’s and Chelsea’s, which is far lower:

Source

I’m sure you’ve seen the graphic doing the rounds on the forums/blogs (RoM had a similar graph on there, although slightly inflated without the Ronaldo sale!), so I thought I would replicate it in this piece. United have spent, since the start of the Premier League £107million more than Arsenal, whilst Chelsea have spent £334million more than (stats up to 2010) Arsenal. It is something that UEFA president Michel Platini has spoken about in the past (talking about English clubs in 2008):

‘You can’t be buying players on credit and simply running up huge debts. Clubs are not competing on a level playing field and that is not right.’

Wenger has obviously had an impressive ROI on a number of players (including trophies) he bought for a fraction of the price (Anelka, Toure and Adebayor) and since moving to their new stadium has been quite cautious (although not as ‘tight’ as some might think with Vermaelen and Arshavin).

Now, in the past decade there have been some (as Danny Dyer may put it) some ‘right tear ups’ between United and Arsenal, with it coming to a head in the 2003/04 game at Old Trafford. The managers weren’t much better at times, which included a monumental row between the pair following the 2004/05 game at Old Trafford (where United ended Arsenal’s 49 game unbeaten domestic run). I do realise from doing blogs in the past (that mention Arsenal) that relations ‘aren’t too friendly’ – to put it mildly – but this honestly isn’t a dig at Wenger as a coach or his Arsenal team. He has developed a number of youngsters into superb players, whilst maintaining his footballing ethos. ‘Wenger is a gracious winner, but an awfully bad loser – which rubs off on some of his players at times’. I actually read that quote from physiologist (who works at Arsenal) who was talking to Champions magazine. I would generally agree with that and again that isn’t a criticism because if you think about it, who likes losing?

However, lets get to the real debate – is Wenger the coach of the decade? I think he has done a wonderful job at Arsenal (and couldn’t understand the fans calling for his head) on a tight budget and has overseen their move from Highbury to the Emirates. Having said that, football – at the end of the day – is about winning trophies. In terms of the big trophies, Ferguson has won one European Cup and six League Championships (in ten years) whilst Mourinho has won two Champions League trophies and won the League Championship in three different countries. Wenger has built an empire at Arsenal (and I do put the development of the new stadium down to his vision and ambition) and continues to promote good football – but does his two League Championships compare to that of Ferguson and Mourinho?

I’d like to think this is a balanced article that is generally offering an opportunity for a good old debate and I welcome all comments. Some of you may think that Mourinho and Ferguson have ‘bought’ their trophies, whereas some of you may claim that Wenger’s reluctance to spend is a mere excuse at the fact that his side hasn’t won anything since the 2005 FA Cup final. Tell you what, I reckon all comments should start with ‘[manager] is the coach of the decade because…..’ – I’ll go first.

Just for reference, here is the final result:

1. Arsene Wenger France 156
2. Sir Alex Ferguson Scotland 148
3. Jose Mourinho Portugal 135
4. Fabio Capello Italy 120
5. Guus Hiddink Holland 112
6. Carlo Ancelotti Italy 108
7. Luiz Scolari Brazil 101
Marcelo Bielsa Argentina 101
9. Rafael Benitez Spain 97
10. Marcello Lippi Italy 88

I have returned from a weekend getaway, which means Stretty Stories is back for another week. While Manchester United was busy getting a fantastic result against Liverpool over the weekend, there was still plenty of news surrounding Old Trafford. Today’s Stretty Stories will include today’s news plus some of the top stories from the weekend.

Rooney expected to face Spurs – Sky Sports

Wayne Rooney has missed the last two matches following an injury at West Brom, but Sir Alex Ferguson believes the striker will be fit in time for the away trip to Tottenham on Sunday. The gaffer confirmed that Rooney would have been available for the bench against Liverpool in the FA Cup, but he chose not to risk him. Captain Nemanja Vidic is also likely to return after missing the FA Cup clash due to injury.

Evans goes back to basics – Sky Sports

After a very disappointing first half of the season, Jonny Evans had a solid performance in Manchester United’s 1-0 win over Liverpool. Evans suffered a nightmare in United’s Carling Cup exit at the hands of West Ham, and in the wake of that loss the young centre back had to focus on the basics to rediscover his form. I thought Evans looked much improved on Sunday; a lot like the player we knew from the past two seasons. Evans has also made clear his desire to win the FA Cup this season.

United to make £15m bid for Adler – Telegraph

The past few matches have provided us with a sneak peak of life without Edwin van der Sar. Tomasz Kuszczak has deputized in the Dutchman’s absence, and has taken his chances well. Anders Lindegaard has officially been registered with the club now, but the future of goalkeepers at Manchester United remains unclear. The Telegraph is reporting that Rene Alder is on United’s radar to replace Van der Sar. The German goalkeeper is a United fan, and he has confirmed the existence of a special clause in his contract which will allow him to leave for Old Trafford. I’m not sure what the value of the clause is, but I have read it is in the area of £15m. Alder cites United great Peter Schmeichel as his hero growing up, and has expressed his desire to emulate him at Old Trafford. He was the German No.1 in the build up to the 2010 World Cup, but missed out due to injury. With his positive credentials and clear love for the club, I think Adler would be an exciting signing.

Kuszczak wants No.1 spot – Sky Sports

While talk continues of who will replace Edwin van der Sar, Tomasz Kuszczak has stated his desire to be the Dutchman’s heir. Kuszczak has been in goal the past few games during Van der Sar’s absence, and I believe he’s showing signs of improvement. It is important tht he continues taking his chances, and he remains determined to be No.1 despite being mostly overlooked by the press. While Kuszczak has looked good in recent games, I’m not convinced he can be first choice. If he’s looking to play regularly I’m afraid he may need to leave Old Trafford this summer.

FA Youth Cup… Manchester United defeated Portsmouth 3-2 in their opening FA Youth Cup fixture. The club’s last success in the FA Youth Cup was 2003. While on the topic of youngsters, another notable result yesterday was the Aston Villa reserves 10-1 win over the Arsenal reserves. For a club that prides themselves on developing youth, this is hardly an impressive result…

Beyond the Stretford-End… While we pride ourselves on the content of Stretford-End, we also like to share the quality work of our fellow Manchester United bloggers. I would like to recommend A Week in Football: What’s the frequency Kenneth? by John Young. A weekly feature on the new United blog 7 Cantonas, John mixes the week’s football news with a clever brand of satire.

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