Author: Doron

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With the 25th anniversary of Sir Fergie coming up many pundits are having their say on the great man and his reign. Alan Hansen has chosen to focus on his now infamous comment on Match of the Day in 1995, “You can’t win anything with kids”.

His column in the main is rather fair, full of praise and respect for the boss but one paragraph irked me:

“Alex has never said it but I think he might have agreed with me to a certain extent – and some people have told me he used to say “you’ll win nothing with kids” to his players to inspire them. So I suppose you could say I played my part in their success”.

Tongue-in-cheek it might have been but one gets the impression that Hansen probably does mean this on some level otherwise why include it?

It’s very possible that Fergie may have laughed at Hansen’s comment, maybe even used it in the odd team talk or team meeting to motivate his players but let’s face it, it had little impact on United’s success – the seeds to which were already sown.

Fergie’s decision to place his faith in youth was already made up and the likes of Beckham, Scholes, Giggs, Butt, Gary and Phil Neville were already making impressions in the A and B teams – their talent was already known about and they were already on the right path to having successful careers.

So Mr Hansen, a little joke it may have been but let’s be clear… no United fans will be thanking you when we celebrate 25 years of Fergie. Only one man and his loyal staff are responsible for 25 years of success and glory.

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: – Doron

This season United decided to send out on loan four of the talented younger players at the club who need regular games at a high level. Welbeck, Cleverley, Macheda and Diouf have had their respective futures speculated over by the press and fans but today Ferguson has sounded out his confidence in those players.

Danny Welbeck, still only 20 years old, is on loan at Sunderland this season. He’s played as a striker and wide in a front three. His form has been very good and appears to be helped by a suddenly bulging physique. He has 6 goals in 23 games and despite that not being overly special his all round play has had people talking about him with excitement. He’s carried his form into the U21 internationals with England and is a regular at that level now.

Tom Cleverley turns 22 this summer and despite being young still, he is considered a late developer. He suffered from a long-term injury as a youngster at the club and originally played as a deep midfielder or at right back. In 2009 he moved to Leicester on loan for 5 months and helped them to get promoted as champions. Last season Cleverley was on loan at Watford and scored 11 goals in 35 appearances. His loan was cut short by injury but he was regularly a top performer and was voted as Watford’s player of the year. After a good pre-season with United, Cleverley went to Wigan on loan this season and has not looked out of place in the Premier League. He has had a few small injuries but has still managed 4 goals in 17 games.

Kiko Macheda is still unbelievably only 19. He burst to the attention of Reds with a stunning debut goal against Aston Villa two years ago. Macheda is still growing and unlike Welbeck he’s yet to fill out. His campaign last year was disrupted by injury and whilst his game-time increased this season, he moved on loan to Sampdoria in January. He’s been in and out of the team there as the coach has changed and is yet to score in the league. However, like Welbeck and Cleverley he clearly has a lot of ability and an eye for goal as his cracking finish away at Villa showed this year.

Mame Diouf was a surprise signing last season. He’s only recently turned 23 and has been with Blackburn this year. He’s scored 6 goals in 26 games including a hat-trick in the league cup. He’s often been praised though for his work rate and the effort he puts in when he plays.

Sir Alex Ferguson has today been speaking to manutd.com about the future for these players:

“They will come back into the first-team squad and they will get plenty of games next season. They are part of the band of young players coming through at this club. They will all come back in. At that point, we will then review our squad because that’s the important thing. But we will always put players out on loan.

They’ve all done well. It proves we were right in putting them there in the first place. For them, it’s that experience of being exposed to regular football that really brings them on so that they are ready to play for Manchester United.”

Quote taken from the manutd.com

This comes as a big confidence boost for all four players. Sunderland have been linked with a permanent move for Welbeck whilst many Reds have speculated about whether Kiko will return at all. It’s also a sign of the times for United as there is a hand-over of responsibility from some of the older players onto the new generation of younger Man United players.

Personally I think all four deserve the chance to be a part of a Man United squad. I’d attempt to find a loan for Macheda in the Premier League next year as he is a bit younger than the others and I’d hope for similar success to Welbeck’s loan at Sunderland. The only one of the four I doubt long-term is Diouf but that’s purely as I feel I’ve not watched him enough at Blackburn this year to really judge him.

What future do you see for all four players? Can they be a part of the Man United first team next year?

AUTHOR: – Doron

Chelsea defender David Luiz has stated that Chelsea can ‘do everything’ this season and are hot on the heels of league leaders Manchester United. Luiz scored in the 2-0 victory over Manchester City yesterday and believes that Chelsea can catch United in the league and knock them out of the European Cup (a tie that Luiz is ineligible for). The Brazilian defender has been a hit at Stamford Bridge since signing from Benfica (for £25million) in the January transfer window – although was very lucky to remain on the field following an altercation with Wayne Rooney when United lost 2-1 earlier in the month.

United face Chelsea three times in the space of a little over a month with the first leg of the Champions League quarter final tie on 6th April, with the second leg the following week on 12th April. Chelsea then travel to United on May 7th, in what could be a title deciding game. Luiz believes that there are still plenty of points to pay for and that Chelsea can still win the Premier League title:

“We want to do everything this season. We want to catch United in the Premier League and beat them in the Champions League. We have to believe – we can win the title. There are still many games and a lot of points to play for. I can’t play in the Champions League because I am cup-tied but I am very close to the team. The happiness of my team-mates will be my happiness if they do well.”

There is no doubt that with only eight games left (for United) anything can happen, however – United have destiny in their own hands and welcome Chelsea to Old Trafford in early May. United have lost the last three games against Chelsea in the league, and it is arguable that United deserved to get something out of at least two of them. The infamous Drogba offside goal is still clear in the memory and after the fallout following the 2-1 defeat early March means that United should be more than ready for the challenge over the next few weeks.

AUTHORS: - Stretford-End & Doron

Other than lining up in the playground and getting picked last behind Yuran, the Russian exchange student who prefers wrestling with his brothers, there is nothing more humiliating than coming on as a substitute and then being taken off later in the game. Yes, we all know someone (naming no names) who has been victim of such an embarrassment, however this actually happened to our £7million Portuguese forward Bebe, when he came darting off the bench to replace Owen Hargreaves against Wolves, only to find himself walking back towards the dugout a mere 64 minutes later. Ok, United were drawing and you could argue it was a tactical shift but the fact remains that one of Manchester United’s most unusual buys hasn’t yet hit the ground running.

Following the dire performance against non-league Crawley Town the weekend, I ask you, are Bebe and Obertan limiting the playing time of other players in games like this?

Gabriel Obertan

Gabriel Obertan clearly is unsettled at United, and obviously needs to understand how the transfer window works rather than putting in a request the day after it shuts. His performances have been erratic at best despite showing some nimble footwork and change of pace to beat defenders.

Last season, his assist away in Wolfsburg showed exactly why Sir Alex chose to part with £3million for the youngster. Skill, balance and tricky were all on show just before Michael Owen scored his third goal of the night. The Frenchman is yet to score in the Premier League this season, although has notched up a goal in the Champions League – away in Turkey. With the revelations that he handed in a transfer request, should Sir Alex Ferguson be playing him ahead of some promising youngsters?

It’s easy to forget where Obertan has come from though. Aged 17 he was one of the hottest prospects in European football. A pacey forward who had been capped at every youth level in the French national team. He racked up 50 first team appearances for Bordeaux when he was just 18. His problems started in the 2008/09 season when he complained of a back injury. Doctors found no problem and his dip in form slumped. His decline was completed with a disappointing loan to Lorient. Upon signing for United, the club doctors discovered his back problem and revealed he’d been playing with the issue for as long as 18 months – it was incredible that French doctors had missed it. His decline in the 18 months before his move to United coincided with the back injury and since then he’s never looked the same cocky confident player he was aged 17/18.

Sir Alex Ferguson has played Obertan as a wide player and just off the front man in a 4-4-1-1 formation. Obertan looks more at home in wide areas and sometimes looks a little lost when playing in the classic ‘number 10′ role. His main attributes are his dribbling and trickery, which is why I believe that if we are to see the best of Obertan it will surely be from a wide left or wide right area. I’m not convinced that his vision and anticipation are up to scratch to operate as a the link between midfield and attack, but that is just my view – what do you think?

Bebe

Bebe’s transfer was one of the most usual stories of all time. The young Portuguese was recommended to Sir Alex Ferguson by former assistant Carlos Queiroz, played in the homeless World Cup and cost a whopping £7.4million considering he signed for nothing for Vitória de Guimarães five weeks earlier. From what we’ve seen so far, Bebe has a long way to go before he can be considered a first team forward or winger. Of course we need to give him more time to settle in, find his feet and show why United parted with a similar fee to what Tottenham Hotspur paid for established International Rafael Van der Vaart.

It’s important to have some perspective when it comes to Bebe. He’s only 20 and arguably his meteoric rise from amateur football in Portugal to Manchester United can only be matched by Chris Smalling’s fairytale. Bebe only became a professional footballer aged 19, in the summer of 2009, approximately 18 months ago. This is a player who is still very much learning the game, particularly the tactical side and trying to understand the position he plays.

When Bebe was signed by United, he was immediately put on an intense fitness course so that he could reach a level whereby he could take part in training with the first team. It often gets forgotten that he had no pre-season and importantly, doesn’t speak the language yet. He needs 12-18 months at United, learning the game and the language. Only then will he have been given a fair crack at starting to forge a career at the club. It may well be that he shows no signs of progressing but at the moment, he’s been a United player for 6 months and taken part in just two league games.

Regular watcher view

We are lucky enough to have such great contributors to the website, and we’ve teamed up with Tony and Nick – who are regulars at United youth and reserves games – to get their thoughts on Bebe/Obertan and what the future holds for the pair:

Tony

Firstly, in terms of first team I have my doubts. When I look at players I look for three things dependent on their role.

1. Technical Capability (heading, shooting, tackling, passing etc)
2. Emotional Capability (dealing with pressure, handling the big stage, decision making, resilience, controlling a game)
3. Physical Capability (strength on the ball, stamina, mental strength)

Obertan: Technically I think he is very good with great pace and the ability to beat a man. Emotionally I think OT is too big for him. On Saturday he got dispossessed twice and then didn’t want the ball. I was confused whether or not we were playing 451 or 433 because he was so deep! His decision making is poor (when to pass and who to) but that might come with time. I have real question marks over whether he can be a ‘Manchester United Player’…..it takes a certain something. Birtles and Forlan amongst others couldn’t handle the pressure but were great players at other clubs. Physically he looked knackered after 30 minutes. I don’t know if that is because of lack of match practice or what.

Bebe: This boy is so raw. It is so obvious that he has not had a footballing education. I would put him in the reserves for 12 months and let him learn the game. Technically there are parts which are good but others which are really poor. His crossing was ok on Saturday as an example but his link up play very poor. It is very hard to assess his total Capability.

Holding back others: Both of these players are wide men so although Morrison and King can play out wide they are not wide men by nature. Morrison is a midfielder and King a forward. So I would be looking at Bebe/Obertan in this way. For me, Gibson and Anderson are holding the Youth players back.

Gibson has played 50+ first team games. Technically he is a good player although I don’t think he can tackle as he is scared of getting hurt. But Emotionally he is weak and Physically he can’t impose himself.

Anderson – 135 games and four goals with very few assists! What does he actually bring? Technically he is ok but can’t score! Emotionally is ok but rarely controls a game. When he does everyone raves about it! How many times has he controlled a game in his 135 appearances? Physically he is strong…but has no stamina and goes missing late in games.

I believe that Gibson and Anderson should be looking over their shoulder but Bebe and Obertan will be the scapegoats. Obertan is homesick and wants out so watch this space some summer.

Nick

Obertan: Gabby’s clearly got talent – quick, skilful and creative when on his game. He has odd games for the reserves where he looks a class act (his recent hattrick against Bury for example, or a vital win against Liverpool at the tail end of last season which all but clinched the reserve title), and we’ve seen the odd glimpse of that at first team level (Wolfsburg last season springs to mind). Trouble is – at all levels – he makes Nani in his first couple of seasons look like a model of consistency. Someone of his ability shouldn’t be as anonymous as he often is with the second string, or as entirely unconvincing as he was against a Conference full-back on Saturday.

You’re always going to get inconsistency from young wide players, not least when they don’t get regular games, but I’m not convinced Gabby has what it takes to gradually iron that out like Nani pretty much has (and Ronaldo did before him). I think the big issue for Gabby is the mental side of the game – he seems to really lack self-belief and the conviction that he has what it takes to make it at OT.

He tends to hide or keep things uber-simple when things aren’t going his way, whereas the likes of Ronaldo and Nani would keep demanding the ball and trying things. I was quite excited by Gabby’s signing – low risk, potential of high reward – but I fear it’s not going to pan out and he might ends up as one of those players who has to drop down to a lesser stage before he shines.

Bébé: Bébé’s not the talent Obertan is right now, and he’s had some absolute shockers for both first and second string so far, games where you wonder if there’s a footballer in there at all. There have been a few moments of real quality though (his first goal vs Wigan for the reserves was outstanding), enough to make me willing to wait a bit before judging him. This transfer must have been a total whirlwind for him – from Portuguese third tier to one of the biggest clubs in the world (via another club) in the space of a few weeks, coupled with moving country, not speaking the language, big transfer fee, major lifestyle change and so on.

It’s going to take any player a fair while to adapt and adjust, and it’s not like he’s had any sort of run of games at any level to really get into a rhythm and build some confidence. He was clearly bought as a really rough diamond with lots of raw potential, and you can see that in him – there’s pace, strength, a direct approach and occasional moments of inspiration. If he’d been snapped up on the cheap, he’d probably be getting a lot more leeway than he is. My gut feeling would be that he’s starting from too low a level to progress far enough, quickly enough to become a first-teamer at United, but I am quite intrigued to see how he fares over the next year or so, which he should be given before really being judged conclusively.

For more excellent insight on Manchester United’s youth and Reserve teams visit Nick’s Manchester United’s youth blog.

Who else is there?

This is important. We aren’t claiming that Bebe and Obertan will have good careers at United but in terms of young wide players at the club, there aren’t many alternatives at the moment. Cameron Stewart was sold to Hull and Nick Ajose (who is primarily a striker) is on loan at Bury and now injured. There is Robbie Brady, a determined left winger who has been given a squad number this season – arguably he deserves as much of a chance as Bebe and Obertan as he impresses regularly at reserve level. That’s the extent of wingers at reserve level at the club though.

It’s very normal to see Joshua King (a striker), Ravel Morrison (a central midfielder), Fabio (a left back) or Marnick Vermijl (a versatile fullback) play on the wings as there is no one else pushing for a place. Even down at U18 level there’s only really one recognised winger in the squad – Gyliano Van Velzen. The return of Tom Cleverley may see Obertan and Bebe fall further back in the pecking order – Cleverley, a central midfielder is versatile and able to play wide if required.

At many levels of the club, investment is needed in wide players but right now Bebe and Obertan both play an important role in attempting to push (arguably not very well) the first team wingers and at the same time, providing width in the Reserves is allowing other players to play in their correct positions as they too attempt to learn the game. It’s fair to say that bar Robbie Brady, Bebe and Obertan aren’t really holding anyone else back in terms of getting bits of first team action.

Conclusion

The title of piece may appear misleading. From the off, the aim of this post wasn’t to criticise Bebe and Obertan. I feel it is fair to ask the question, not based upon Saturday’s performance, but are they ready for the first team yet. In Obertan’s case, he has a season more under his belt than Bebe, but is clearly unsettled (hence the his transfer request at the end of January) and a loan move back to France may have benefited the player, rather than having a stop start season in the Premier League (Obertan has played in four fixture over the past three months).

With Bebe, it is far too early to judge a player that has come from nothing to such as big stage in such a short space of time. The price tag may seem a little steep considering how little first team action Bebe has seen in Portugal, however the player doesn’t dictate how much he is worth, he can only prove his worth on the pitch. In the games he has played Bebe appears to be strong and pacey, however he has been flung into an arena that has swallowed up talented players before, because they couldn’t rise to the occasion.

Sir Matt Busby once said the three most important characteristics of being a Manchester United player are “Skill, Flair and Character…and the most important one of those is character” – hopefully both Bebe and Obertan can prove doubters wrong and show their worth on the big stage, however it may not be for some time yet.

AUTHOR: – Stretford-end

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

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

Target Patrice Evra

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

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

André-Pierre Gignac out injured

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

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

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

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

AUTHOR: – Doron

Gary Neville has retired from football and ended his career with Manchester United. Widely regarded as the best right back there has been in the Premier League, Neville, the club captain will be fondly remembered by Reds forever. Only last Friday Sir Alex Ferguson said Neville would have a place at United for life. We can now look forward to his testimonial match in May where we can celebrate his career and give him the send off he deserves.

These are the statements that have been made on the club website:

Neville:

“I have been a Manchester United fan all my life and fulfilled every dream I’ve ever had. Obviously I am disappointed that my playing days are at an end, however it comes to us all, and it’s knowing when that time is and for me that time is now. I have played in the most incredible football teams, playing with some of the best players in the world as well as against them and I have been lucky to have been part of the team’s achievements and the club’s great success.

I am looking forward to new experiences and the club will always be a part of my life going forward. However, the most important thing now is for the club to continue with the success that is synonymous with Manchester United and I will be supporting them all the way, as a fan.”

Sir Alex Ferguson:

“Gary was the best English right back of his generation. He is an example to any young professional; hard-working, loyal and intelligent. As a United fan born and bred, his fantastic career at Old Trafford has cemented his place in the affection of the club’s supporters everywhere.

As a young boy he had the will and determination to succeed as a footballer and that character remained with him throughout his career. That’s the legacy he leaves every young player at Manchester United.”

David Gill:

“Gary has been a great servant to the club and we thank him for his loyalty and his contribution to the tremendous success we have enjoyed in his playing time here. I know from my many dealings with him over the years that he’s always had the club’s best interests at heart. So, while this illustrious chapter in his career has finished, his experience, commitment and energy will ensure he will continue to play a part in the life of the club, whether on the coaching or the commercial side.”

You can share with us your initial reactions on our forum; and discuss issues such as: was this the right time to retire? How will he be remembered? What’s your favourite memory? What will he do now? Was he the best right back the club/Premier League/England has had?

AUTHOR: – Doron

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.

The last time the two sides met in the top flight was way back in the 1970/71 season, when the score finished 1-1. Denis Law was the scorer that day, in what turned out to be the penultimate match of the season, which didn’t really mean much to either side. Blackpool were already doomed to relegation and United finished in 8th spot, trailing league champions Arsenal by 22 points. Fast forward forty years and you will have witnessed one of the most entertaining matches of the whole season. Blackpool took a two goal lead before Manchester United fought back in typical Ferguson style to rescue all three points. As usual we assess the talking points below.

Talking Points

United’s poor start

Manchester United lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, which mirrored the same setup as Ian Holloway’s outfit. Wayne Rooney was operating from the left, with Nani operating on the right and a midfield trio of Fletcher, Gibson and the deep lying Scholes. The tempo of United’s play was extremely slow and United found it difficult to carve open any clear cut chances due to Blackpool high intensity closing down. United’s only two chances were a long range effort by Gibson and a header by Rafael – which went straight into the keepers arms.

Blackpool took full advantage of the two corners they hard, both delivered by the impressive left foot of Charlie Adams, and converted by former United centre half Craig Cathcart on fifteen minutes and DJ Campbell in the forty third minute. United had changed shape way before the second goal was scored, moving Rooney up top and Darron Gibson out on to the left, however United lacked any natural width on that side – which resulted in a frustrating half for the Irishman. Gibson was inevitably replaced by Ryan Giggs, who had an extremely impressive second half (more on the substitutions later on) and was a lot more effective than Gibson, higher up the pitch as these heat maps show:

Darron Gibson passing heat map:

Ryan Giggs passing heat map:

The inclusion of Ryan Giggs provided United with more balance and width on the left hand side, whilst Blackpool began to tire as the game went on. So, was the starting formation the problem for the slow start? Or was it a combination of Blackpool’s high energy levels and United’s slow moving of the ball? Whatever the reason, the stats show that United’s passing improved in the second half whilst ramping up double the amount of attempted shots in the first half:

Sir Alex Ferguson spoke after the game of how he saw better things in the second half:

“We have come from two goals down and, apart from anything, it shows everyone what can be achieved by producing our best. In the second half, there was some great stuff. That team can achieve a lot.”

Super Subs

The introduction of Ryan Giggs and Javier Hernandez did change the game for Manchester United as Giggs offered more natural width on the left hand side, whilst Javier Hernandez is a natural at playing on the shoulder of a defender and running into the space behind. He took full advantage of Blackpool’s high line and found himself yet again on the scoresheet after coming on as a substitute. The similarities to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer are quite frightening, considering that both don’t look old enough to buy a drink in a pub, both have a knack of scoring goals as a impact player from the bench and both have built up a rapport with the United faithful.

The next section may seem a tad unfair on Wayne Rooney, considering I felt he was excellent against Birmingham City and possibly returning to his best, however these stats really highlight the impact Hernandez had on the game when he came on a substitute midway through the second half:

Statistics do not always tell the full picture. We all know how well Rooney has played in some victories at Old Trafford this season – without finding the back of the net himself. But credit where credit is due for the young Mexican, who continues to deliver each time he is called upon. Important goals against Stoke City (home and away), West Bromwich Albion and now at Blackpool have turned United draws/defeats into wins.

He should have scored when he was clean through on goal, having just come on the pitch, but the ball was parried by Kingston. He only had to wait another four minutes to get another chance and this time he didn’t miss. Do you think it is about time Javier Hernandez started more games or is he better as an impact sub?

Blackpool Penalty Claim

Stonewall penalty if you ask me. Very easy to say that when the result is safe and sound, however if i’m honest my heart was in my mouth when I saw the challenge from Rafael. We all know that the young Brazilian (who we all hope is now recovering from the clash of heads) can jump in at times and I do believe he sent Varney flying with his challenge, What do you think? Ian Holloway couldn’t understand why the penalty wasn’t given:

“How disappointed am I that my lads have given that effort, absolutely flat out, pedal to the metal? How can he not see that’s a penalty? “He got the penalty wrong. Who knows what happens if we score a third? And it would not have been undeserved.”

Match Conclusion

Blackpool were excellent in the first half, whilst United were slow and sluggish and rarely threaten. Blackpool looked comfortable, defending deep whilst pressing whenever Scholes or Fletcher got onto the ball. The introduction of Giggs allowed United to play their usual 442 formation, which stretched the game a little more than in the first half (with Gibson on the left). Wayne Rooney had a frustrating night and was replaced by Javier Hernandez who scored the equalising goal, after Berbatov had clawed one back. Berbatov snatched the winner in the 88th minute after receiving a pass from Paul Scholes.

United managed to turn around a game that looked beyond them, especially after DJ Campbell scored just before half time. A change of personnel and a ‘talking to’ from the manager at half time saw United double the amount of shots on the Blackpool goal, where as the hosts began to tire. United were lucky not to concede a penalty after Rafael’s clumsy challenge, but were well worth their victory after a very impressive comeback. United now travel to Southampton in the 4th round of the FA Cup on Saturday.

Former Southampton, Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer has revealed in an interview with FourFourTwo that United took too long to sign him, which is why he opted to sign for Blackburn Rovers. United ended up signing Eric Cantona in the November of 1992 and went on to lift the Premier League title, with Blackburn finishing in 4th spot.

Shearer did pick up a league title in 1994/95 after his side beat United by a point to the crown. The England striker enjoyed a four-year stay at Ewood Park, scoring 112 goals in 138 league appearances – however, could he have gone on to win more trophies had he waited a little?

The interview with Shearer is featured in the latest issue, which marks the 200th edition of the magazine (and also includes a Giggsy interview). Shearer was quoted as saying:

“There was interest from Manchester United, but I was told I had to wait three or four weeks for them to get the money together. I felt if they really wanted me then they would come and get me immediately. I had already spoken to Blackburn and told Kenny Dalglish, Ray Harford and Jack Walker that I would give them an answer in three of four days – and my answer was yes.”

Shearer again turned down the opportunity to sign for Manchester United in the summer of 1996, opting for hometown club Newcastle United instead. Former United captain Bryan Robson wrote in his autobiography that he couldn’t understand, even as a fellow Geordie, why Shearer choose to turn down United for a second time.

Shearer’s goal scoring record speaks for itself, whilst he also finished top goalscorer at Euro 96 with five goals – so was obviously in high demand, with rumours that Italian clubs were also keen to sign England’s top marksman. He eventually move for a world record fee (previously held by Gianluigi Lentini of Milan following his move from Torino to AC Milan in 1992) of £15million to his home town club. United went onto lift the 96/97 crown, whilst Shearer never really eclipsed the trophy winning season of 1995.