It seems slightly surreal to be writing an article like this, after what on the face of it seemed like one of the greatest seasons ever in the English game. A true three horse race up until April for the domestic title, Englands top four teams being the four favourites to win the European Cup – the final being the first ever to be contested by two English teams, the top two in the country. The domestic Cups won in fairytale fashion, first by a Spurs team beating their recently more successful local rivals along the way in Arsenal and Chelsea to win the League Cup, then Harry Redknapp creating a bit of FA Cup romance by taking unfancied Portsmouth all the way.

The league title and European Cup were both sealed with the left foot of the most decorated player in the history of the English game, in his record equalling and record setting appearance for the only club he’s played for in his 17 year career. A season for the purists, and for those who like to think football not only rewards the good guys but punishes the villains, there was plenty for them to chuckle about in the closing minutes of the season – Drogba being sent off, and Ronaldo, Terry and Anelka all missing penalties in the shoot out of the European Cup final.

So how did a season that was packed with so many highlights for any football purist get followed by a summer full of headlines that show todays top players as greedy, ruthless, despicable mercenaries?

Whether it’s the games “top dog” Blatter accusing the European Champions of dallying in slave trade by dishing out a paltry £120k a week, whether it’s Ronaldo’s public declaration of commitment, followed by a public non-commital, followed by a public agreement that he is a slave, whether it’s Lampard turning down a four year contract worth £140k a week because he wants, apparently, “more security for his future”, whether it’s Adebayor publicly stating he wants to stay then an hour later changing his mind, whether it’s Hleb whining that he hates London because he finds everything so intrusive, all the while angling for a move to the goldfish bowl of Barcelona – it’s enough to make fans of the top three clubs, previously so fevered in competition with each other, unite in dismay.

The baffling thing as a fan of just 27 years old is, that this isn’t even a generation thing. The players mentioned above spale in comparison to legends that still play the game – Scholes, Giggs, Maldini, Raul, for example. Can you even imagine one of todays prima donnas doing a “Bergkamp” and travelling by road or rail to play an away European game because they had a HUMAN fear of flying? Everyday professionals who started playing because they loved the game, and were fortunate to get caught in the financial whirlwind of the last 12 years. Fortunate, and aware of the fact.

How many of today’s players under the age of 24/25 are playing for the love of the game? Play with a natural desire to create on the ball, a freedom of expression? That looseness, the individuality that sets them apart from the system because they will break from a rigid system and do something unexpected? Play with their heart and not their mind? At Old Trafford I think we have two, Rooney and Anderson – others in world football can be counted almost on one hand. Fabregas (who I openly state regularly I think is incredibly over-rated, but I’ll admit plays with all the above criteria), Messi, Aguero..

11 years ago Eric Cantona fell out of love with the game and simply retired to pursue other passions. Winston Bogarde, who played football for Ajax and Barcelona, signed a mega-money deal for Chelsea and wasted away. Ronaldinho, a player who seems to have lost any romantic connection he once felt for the game, is being touted around for a last big pay packet at a club desperate for shirt sales regardless of the sorry state he’s in – footballs equivalent of a dog that has long since seen his day. And Frank Lampard is looking for a contract to guarantee him £140k at the age of 35 despite having a career that has been no better than that of, say, “Tricky” Trevor Francis, a player well loved in the game but with all due respect, never a legend.

This is football, kid, but it’s “Football 2008 (sponsored by Sky)”.

There’s a question that lingers, however.. is there any place in the modern game for the old fashioned fan?

By Yolkie 

With the inevitable sale of Louis Saha to whoever has good medical insurance the questions is asked as to who will inherit the number 9 shirt? Many people, including the footballing expert Mr Don Goodman, stated that “Rooney and Tevez are too similar to play together” and United are missing an ‘Old fashioned centre forward’ to ‘mix it up’. At the time I thought this was utter rubbish being stated and I still do. Firstly, Berbatov isn’t a player that you would describe as an ‘old fashioned’ centre forward. He has quite possibly the best touch in the Premiership, can hold the ball up and bring the midfield into play. The only reason people believe he can offer a different option is simply because of the size of the man rather than what he can offer with his superb talent. He is a scorer of one of my personal favourite Champions League goals of all time against Roma for Bayer Leverkusen:

So would Berbatov be a good signing for Manchester United next season? For £20Million, as some reports are suggesting, I think he would be a good signing and will allow both Tevez and Rooney to deploy deeper roles if playing in the Premier League, and when the inevitable move from Ronaldo to Madrid happens. Spurs are apparently holding out for £30Million for the player – which I think is too much. His goal scoring record is good but not outstanding by any means. I would much prefer Fergie to chase after Karim Benzema from Lyon (although Lyon are also asking for an astronomical fee of £48Million). Benzema, for me, was one of the best performers against United last season and would offer us a different option if required. Fast, strong, makes intelligent runs and is very similar to Ronaldo (Brazilian one) in his hayday. Benzema, at 20, has the world at his feet and Old Trafford would be a superb place for him to show this.

Yolkie also mentioned that United are watching Sergio Aguero of Atletico Madrid, a player that I think can become one of the best in the world, which is backed up by Spanish football expert Guillem Balague. He comments on the fact that Aguero will be one of the top three forward in the world in three years time – although he believes that Atletico Madrid is the best place for him at present. I disagree with that as I think he has the ability, character and temperament to play in the Premier League and would be a perfect replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo. One other thing to add, I don’t understand how many new Maradona’s there are going to be? Messi, Tevez, Aimar, Saviola, D’Alessandro, Ortega, Latorre (Old school) and Marinelli (was at Boro). Have I missed any out? So anyone that is small and Argentinian is apparently the new Maradona. Have a look at some of these Aguero goals from his Argentina days:

So, that big signing that we’re all eagerly anticipating, should hopefully be reaching it’s climax as we’re nearly a month away from the season. If I could pick the striker that I would most want at United it would Benzema, followed by Aguero (Don Goodman would have field day if he played up top with Rooney and Tevez) and then Berbatov. I don’t dislike Berbatov as a player, but I think the other two would really benefit United when we operate with such a versatile forward line. Benzema would terrorise Premier League defenses and I just hope that we get him before Chelsea do, or for that matter Real Madrid.

So who would you sign out of the three of them and why?

Christ i’m tall…

It’s barely worth the cyberspace that it takes up – but the votes for the inaugural “Stretford-End” awards for the 2007/2008 season have been “counted and verified” (trust me, you didn’t need to be qualified in any mathematical standard to have calculated them) – in this case, perhaps it would be appropriate to label this the beta test. Nonetheless, the votes were cast, despite them being low in number, so the awards are legitimate.

FourFourTwo magazine are interviewing Le King himself in one of their forthcoming issues and are asking United fans what would they ask the man who helped Manchester United to first Championship title in 26 years? So, it’s been 11 years since his last game against West Ham United at Old Trafford, which was the final game of the 1996/97 season, a 2-0 victory that resulted in United winning another back to back title. Much has been made about his final season not being the finest, which resulted in his departure from United at the relatively young age of 30 (or 31 I can’t remember the actual day but I know his birthday is the 24th May). I was devastated at the time as the man was my idol and hero and everything he did on the football pitch inspired me. Looking back on it now, I believe it was the right thing for Eric to do, not simply because his performances were faltering but because that was the way the man is. I’ve never seen a player have that much influence on fans that Eric had. Sure he wasn’t the quickest but he had superb vision, was strong and his flair and creativity was sensational. He also had the knack of helping everyone else raise their game; a quality not many people have.

One question I would ask him would be ‘did the Barcelona trip over the winter of 96 have an influence on your decision to retire?’. Fergie mentions this in his book that ‘Eric was never the same after Barcelona’. I’m sure he’ll get the old favourite ‘What was your best goal?’ and ‘Who was the best player you played with?’, but what questions would you ask him if you did have the opportunity for a one on one interview with our former captain? Would you speak about the Crystal Palace incident? Would you ask him about the rumours surrounding his Leeds exit (like he’d admit to that!)? Or would you simply focus on that memorable 95/96 season when he went on a one man crusade in the second half of the season to overhaul the twelve point lead Newcastle United had established?

Eric Cantona will always remain in Manchester United fans hearts and thoughts. His goals against Wimbledon in the FA Cup, Sunderland in the Premier League and Liverpool in the FA Cup final will live long in the memory. He has recently vented his frustration at the attitude of Cristiano Ronaldo (probably overlooking the fact that he sued the club for exploiting his name and for taking a fee out of the Munich memorial fund) and suggested that he could be a worthy successor to Sir Alex Ferguson. Eric Cantona, a superb footballer that did a lot for football in England and most importantly for Manchester United.

What questions would you ask him? I will compile a list of the best questions and submit it to FourFourTwo on behalf of Stretford-end.com.

Ok, so not everyone, but when Darren Fletcher’s name is read out at Old Trafford I have heard on a number of occasion some very loud groans ring around the ground. I’ve always liked the lad although I would agree that he is no where near the technical level of Scholes or will have have the influence of Keane in the center of the Park, but to be honest – you’d have to be a pretty special player to have any of the attribute that those two players have/had. Fletcher is a good professional who played in 24 games this season for the Reds and chipping in with two goals – both coming against Arsenal in the FA Cup. I ask this question in response from today’s speculation that Everton are interested in signing the player.
Who could forget Fletcher’s mammoth performance against Roma in the 7-1 thrashing last season. This Roma side were no mugs, as shown in the 2-1 victory over United in the first leg. Fletcher played his heart out, giving Di Rossi and Pizarro no space in which to operate in. Then there was the last game at Highbury at the start of 2006. Even though the sides were involved in a surprisingly dire 0-0 draw, Fletcher was MOTM, out playing the maturing Fabregas in the process. His positional play and drive helped prolong the career of Roy Keane, who in the autumn of his career from 2003 onwards appreciated the three in midfield United played. You may argue that this formation was forced upon due to an injury to Ruud VanNistelrooy for a major part of the 2004/05 season and also the influence of Carlos Queiroz, but I generally felt that Fergie was really impressed with the young Scot.

Would I pick Fletcher over Anderson, Carrick or Hargreaves? No, I wouldn’t, but that doesn’t mean that Fletcher cannot play a part in next season as a squad rotation player – without getting the criticism that he does at times. My first choice midfield would be (from right to left) Ronaldo, Scholes, Carrick, Giggs. Now looking at that midfield – Ronaldo’s future is uncertain and will miss the start of the season due to his recovery from ankle surgery. Scholes will not play every game and on evidence of his recent injury record it wouldn’t surprise me if he did miss a number of games due to this. Carrick, although I believe is a top class footballer, does suffer from bouts of confidence loss – which can get the crowd on his back. He is maturing into a brilliant midfielder who, with a little bit more self belief, can really start to dominate football matches with his passing and composure. However, Carrick’s sublime passing will be enhanced by the terrier like running and shutting down Fletcher does, which was so evident in the 5-1 demolishing of Newcastle last season. Lastly, the most decorated player in the club’s history – Giggsy. Who at the age of 34 (35 in November) is approaching the winter of his career and as the gaffer showed this season, will use Giggs sparingly – or when it rains, as he quoted, last term like the Welsh man was a race horse. Combine this with Anderson on international duty at the Olympics and Ji-Sung Park still maybe lacking that match sharpness from injury (although I think he’s been brilliant since back). This leaves Owen Hargreaves, Nani and John O’shea – so you can see how Fletcher is needed in the side as a squad player. As mentioned many times since 1999 – a big squad of quality is essential to succeed both domestically and in Europe. Darren Fletcher is a good footballer and is a valuable part of United’s team. Although not a first team starter for me, he is a valuable substitute and confident performer when called upon to play in any game, including the big guns.

So do you think United should sell Darren Fletcher? If so why do you not think he is good to be part of the United squad? Am I too defensive over a mediocre player? Lastly, if he did leave how well do you think he would do for Everton and what type of transfer fee would he command? Looking forward to your comments.

Don’t forget to vote in our online poll regarding Fletcher.

The following blog is quite long and I had to stagger delivery due to the fact that I do actually have a job and don’t ramble on a blog all day long. If you spot any facts that are incorrect or have seen any mistakes – don’t forget to highlight them in the comments or you may wish to comment in the rivals watch thread on the forum.

Winning the first Premier League title back in 1993 was hard enough, but retaining it was some feat in 1994 – along with the clubs first ever double. Fast forward 15 years and United are the proud winners of back to back titles and another European Cup to add to the two previously won in 1968 and 1999. Obviously this red wants to win it all; the Community shield, league cup, FA Cup, Super Cup, Club World Cup and retain the Premier League and Champions League trophies. The 2007/08 team achieved the perfect formula for success; scoring lots of goals whilst conceding very few. United built this formula using four very intricate versatile footballers in attack (Rooney, Ronaldo, Tevez and Park/Nani/Giggs) whilst finding the perfect center back pairing of Vidic and Ferdinand. Previous blog entries have looked at who United might bring in for the new season – this entry will take a look at our rivals and mark out their main strengths and weaknesses. Any comments from Reds or from other fans of those clubs in question will be most welcomed as we welcome the new season:

Arsenal - Expect the Gunners to be stronger than last year but to retain their pass and move fluency that impressed at Old Trafford last term. Losing Adebayor would be a big loss due to the impressive form of the Togo front man and being the leading goal scorer at Arsenal. However, most Arsenal fans would welcome a £32 Million bid for a player that cost 10% of that fee. If Arsenal can strengthen their right side of midfield (either with an impressive season from Walcott or from potential signing Nasri) and get some center back cover (Senderos cost them at important times last season) then expect a big challenge from them. Although Wenger and Sir Alex tend not to participate in many mind games nowadays the rivalry is still very strong and will want to out do one another by playing an attacking, fluent brand of football.

United play Arsenal on: 8th November 2008 (a), 16th May 2009 (h)

Star man: Cesc Fabregas

Aston Villa – Not won at Old Trafford in years (since 1983) and last beat United at Villa Park in 1995 (the famous ‘You’ll never win it with kids game’) and I don’t expect that to change this season. The inevitable sale of Gareth Barry to Liverpool will be a massive loss although if O’Neill manages to secure the £18Million he is after then expect a number of decent players coming in over the summer. Will most likely play a 4-5-1 against us with Young and Agbonlahor providing pace down the flanks with Carew the lone front man. Potential signings for Villa are Steve Sidwell and Paul Robinson.

United play Aston Villa on: 22nd November 2009 (a), 4th April 2009 (h)

Star man: Ashley Young

Blackburn Rovers - Paul Ince can expect a ‘warm’ reception back at Old Trafford for the first time as a manager after impressing at MK Dons this season. Ince has inherited a good squad from Mark Hughes and will want to keep hold of Roque Santa Cruz, who was an instant hit at Ewood Park last season. David Bently has expressed a desire to leave and play in the Champions League – with Liverpool being the only real destination for the talented young Englishman. Ince will again want to keep Bently, who although has impressed in the past two seasons, is a way off yet being the player that the press often make him out to be (mainly due to the fact that they want him to replace Beckham in the England setup). United got four points off Blackburn last season and expect an equally tricky time next season at Ewood park – that is if Friedel is in goal.

United play Blackburn on: 4th October 2008 (a), 21st February 2009 (h)

Star man: Roque Santa Cruz

Bolton Wanderers - Gary Megson’s side beat the drop last season after a victory over Roy Keane’s Sunderland and the manager will be pleased that he proved a number of doubters wrong. Bolton turned over a weakened United side at the Reebok after a Nickolas Anelka strike, which was a result of a missed header from Pique. Ronaldo scored twice at home to secure the three points. Bolton have spent earlier in the summer bringing in the battling midfielder Fabrice Muamba and the once teenage prodigy Johan Elmander. Both are physical players that will aid their victory for survival. Both games next season will be a battle for United however six points is expected.

United play Bolton on: 27th September 2008 (h), 17th January 2009 (h)

Star man: Kevin Nolan

Chelsea - The beaten finalists in the Champions league and runners up in the Premier League race, Chelsea will come back stronger than ever next season. Having purchased both Bosingwa and Deco either side of the appointment of ‘big Phil’ Scolari, Chelsea will mean business this season and be a major threat to United’s challenge to retain both trophies. Scolari has also been touting after Brazilian forward Robinho, who was linked to a move a number of years ago prior to his Real Madrid move. Chelsea’s formation will be unknown until Drogba and Lampard’s future has been decided. Expect a 4-2-3-1 if both stay, which will accomidate both the impressive Ballack and Lampard. Essien must play in the center of the park, which will cause a selection problem with Makelele.

United play Chelsea on: 20th September 2008 (a), 10th January 2009 (h)

Star man: Didier Drogba

Everton- United beat Everton on both occasions last season with a 1-0 victory at Goodison through a Vidic header and a Ronaldo brace back at Old Trafford. Everton have come on leaps and bounds under David Moyes and do play some nice football at times. Yakabu needs to find some more consistency with Andrew Johnson and get Tim Cahill back to full fitness who scores some vital goals from midfield. Expect both Liverpool sides to be challenging for fourth place. Everton are the most likely side to break into the ‘top four’. Lescott can also add to the goals and had a superb season last term and broke into the England setup. Expect a 4-5-1 against United with Pinenaar, Arteta and Cahill breaking from midfield.

United play Everton on: 25th October 2008 (a), 31st January 2009 (h)

Star man: Tim Cahill

Fulham - Lost both games against United last season with Ronaldo scoring (another) brace and 3-0 at Craven Cottage with Park and Scholes impressing. Roy Hodgson did an unbelievable job last season in keeping the cottagers up, but will expect much of the same this season unless they spend big. Expect a 4-5-1 in both matches next season against United with Danny Murphy and Jimmy Bullard attempting to pull the strings from midfield. Again, United should win both matches.
United play Fulham on: 30th August 2008 (h), 21st March 2009 (a)

Star man: Jimmy Bullard

Hull City - Hull’s first appearances in the Premier League will be a touch one and are favourites to be relegated. Phil Brown has done a superb job and is already looking to strengthen his squad with Stelios from Bolton. Nick Barmby has already reiterated that Hull will be ‘no push over’ but United will be bitterly disappointed not to get six points from both meetings next term. United have never played a top flight match against Hull City. The last league meeting came in the February of 1975 when United beat Hull 2-0 at Old Trafford in the old Division 2. The last meeting between the teams came in 1987 with a 6-0 League cup win over the tigers.

United play Hull on: 1st November 2008 (h), 24th May 2009 (a)

Star man: Frazer Campbell

Liverpool - Forever the bridesmaids (or more accurate a friend of the bride), Liverpool have now gone 18 years without the league title and have found keeping up with United to be a real challenge as Manchester United thrived on the harder domestic campaign. Rafa Benitez has rode his luck since ‘winning’ the Champions League three years ago in what can only be described as a freak match. Liverpool may expect a better return from Fernando Torres against the top four teams domestically next season. The impressive Spaniard only managed to find the net once (against Chelsea) last season in six games against the top sides (although i’m sure i’ll be reminded he was half fit against Arsenal at Anfield and came on as a late sub in the return fixture). Compare this to Ronaldo who scored three in six. Benitez has brought in a number of players who really just do not have the quality to match that of Manchester United. The workhorse Kuyt, the overrated Pennant and Benayoun do have their qualities but more is needed in order to compete both in Europe and domestically. Expect Liverpool to take up a 4-2-3-1 formation against United – with Mascherano patrolling the space in front of the back four. United have played Liverpool 32 times in the Premier League, winning 18, losing 7 and drawing he remaining 7. United are expected to beat Liverpool at home but will be pleased with a point away. Although after the success of the past two seasons – a win at Anfield should not be ruled out.

United play Liverpool on: 13th September 2008 (a), 14th March 2009 (h)

Star man: Steven Gerrard

Manchester City - City did the double over United for the first time since since 1969/70 in two complete opposite games. At Eastlands City held on to a 1-0 victory after being bombarded by United’s attack. However the return fixture at Old Trafford, they ran out deservingly 2-1 winners. Every red will want to beat City this season and as usual they will want to spoil the party. Last season was a bit of a fantasy football season for City, but without any trophies. A whole host of players were brought into the setup including Benjani and Elano – who impressed at times but could not save Sven Goran Ericksson his job. Expect Mark Hughes to get them to play a high tempo counter attack game. City’s last game in the league was an 8-1 drumming at Middlesbrough – something that they will want to put right next season; although the Ronaldinho link is a tad far fetched.

United play Manchester City on: 29th November 2008 (a), 9th May 2009 (h)

Star man: Micah Richards

Middlesbrough - Gareth Southgate and co will be pleased to see the back of Ronaldo if he does move to Real Madrid; although i’m not sure as to what his post match interview will be about. Southgate has proceeded to moan about Ronaldo ever since he took over from England failure Steve McLaren two seasons ago. Whether it be showboating or diving – Southgate will be talking about it. Middlesbrough finished 13th last season, a place behind fellow north east rivals Newcastle. The introduction of Alfonso Alves was a great lift to the team – and he scored two good goals against United last term. They are a physical side that can offer good width in Downing and Tuncay. They also have a very impressive center half in David Wheater, who will want to follow up on last season’s England call up.

United play Middlesbrough on: 28th December 2008 (h), 2nd May 2009 (a)

Star man: Stuart Downing

Newcastle United - Newcastle fans endured a circus of a season last term, which resulted in the sacking of Sam Allardyce and the hiring of Toon army favourite, Kevin Keegan. United absolutely hammered Newcastle on both occasions with Ronaldo scoring a hatrick at Old Trafford along with a memorable strike by Rio Ferdinand and a 5-1 victory at St James Park. Newcastle United fans are renowned for demanding success and open attacking football – one of the reasons that Allardyce was dismissed, although for me rather too hastily. Newcastle United should be competing for a UEFA cup spot – nothing higher at the moment. Michael Owen needs to retain full fitness and the club needs to concentrate on the pitch rather than allow the Joey Barton show to take over. Expect two tougher games against Newcastle next season, but to be honest – they can’t be much easier.

United play Newcastle on: 16th August 2008 (h), 4th March 2009 (a)

Star man: Obafemi Martins

Portsmouth – FA Cup winners Portsmouth put up a good fight against United last season – getting a point from the 1-1 draw at Fratton Park and also knocking out United in the FA Cup on the way to their victory. The 2-0 victory at home included that freekick from Ronaldo – which was simply stunning. Portsmouth have recently announced the signing of young Chelsea forward Sahar on loan for the season and the contract extension of Nigerian forward Kanu. Redknapp has done wonders on the South coast and in Lassana Diarra, they have a real gem of a midfielder. Strong, quick, reads the game well and is a very good passer. The backline is also very impressive with, although in the autumn of his career, Sol Campbell leading the backline. Glenn Johnson has also been impressive this terms with attacking runs from right full back. Will be interesting to see if Pompey are successful in their bid for Peter Crouch.

United play Portsmouth on: 23rd August 2008 (a), 28th February 2009 (a)

Star man: Lasanna Diarra

Stoke City - Newly promoted Stoke City last played United in the league cup back in 1993, when United won 3-2 on aggregate (after having lost the first leg, 2-1, at the Victoria Ground) – in the league you have to go further back to the 1984/85 season when United hammered Stoke 5-0 at Old Trafford (Hughes twice, Olsen twice and Whiteside the scores on the day). Stoke have been criticised for their direct play approach, however it is unlikely Tony Pulis will change. Dave Bassett has defended Pulis stating that the criticism only comes from managers who can’t defend against that style. Well, to be honest, they’re not going to find all the space they found in the Championship between the backline and the goalkeeper, so they will need to defend deep and hit on the counter as much as they can due to the lack of quality they have in the side. Along with Hull, Stoke City are favourites to go straight back down and United should expect six points next term.

United play Stoke City on: 15th November 2009 (h), 26th December 2008 (a)

Star man: Liam Lawrence

Sunderland - United favourite Keane has done a good job at Sunderland last season, although a number of fans will point at the amount of money he has spent on player to take to the north east. Craig Godon for £9Million, Richardson for £5.5Million and Kenwyne Jones for £6Million (who actually looks value for money now). Sunderland did what they had to do last season and avoid the drop, however a thrashing at Everton around questions has morale very low. Sunderland put up a good fight against United at Old Trafford with Saha scoring the only goal of the game, although the return fixture was a little more one sided with United running out 4-0 winners.

United play Sunderland on: 6th December 2009 (h), 11th April 2009 (a)

Star man: Kenwyne Jones

Tottenham Hotspurs - Tottenham had a quite remarkable season last year that started out with optimism that they could overcome their North London rivals and finish higher in the table for the first time since 1994/95 – however what they witnessed was quite extraordinary with a very weak defense – Martin Jol finally got the sack and Ramos replaced him. Ramos is a manager that I like and the changes he brought in was evident in the victory over Tottenham in the FA Cup last season. Although United ran out 3-1 winners, before Dawson was sent off United struggled to break down Tottenham with a short passing game in the final third, with Spurs defending excellently. Carlos Tevez rescued a point at White Hart Lane for United and Nani scored the winner in the narrow 1-0 victory over Spurs at home. They have signed the excellent Luka Modric who i’m sure will be a star next season – I like the way this lad plays and can operate as a deep playmaker who can break forward or can operate at the top of a midfield diamond. Spurs have also added Giovani Dos Santos to their squad – a player that the jury is still out on. Scored an excellent hat trick towards the end of last season but was eclipsed by the excellent Bojan in a troubled Catalan season. He does have ability although I don’t believe Barca would have sold him for such a small amount (considering the hype that surrounded him when he first broke into the side) if they felt he could develop further – although United did sell Rossi for a cut rate price. Will be also interesting to see if Berbatov does come to Old Trafford (which I doubt) and if Keane joins Liverpool – which have both been reported in recent weeks.

United play Tottenham on: 13th December 2009 (a), 25th April 2009 (h)

Star man: Robbie Keane

West Bromwich Albion - WBA, the Champions from the Championship, will be expected to fare better than the other promoted teams due to the quality of the side and from past Premier League experience. Kevin Phillips, the FourFourTwo player of the season, was in good form last season and help the Baggies reach the FA Cup semi final. Tony Mowbray has vowed that he won’t panic and be forced into bringing in new players as he is satisfied with his current squad. Expect a relegation dog fight but with WBA the most likely to survive out the new boys.

United play WBA on: 18th October 2008 (a), 27th January 2009 (h)

Star man: Kevin Phillips

West Ham United - United beat West Ham 4-1 on the second last day of the season to get one hand on the title – a very sweet victory, especially after the last couple of games against the Hammers. In the past twenty years, United have failed at West Ham when needing victory in the fight for the Championship. United lost 1-0 in the 1991/92 season and drew 1-1 in the 1994/95 season, when a victory was needed. Ludek Mikloško played out of his skin in both games and the title went to Leeds in 92 and Blackburn in 95. Some people have picked West Ham as a bit of a bogey team for United in the Premier League – something that is actually surprising. In the 26 games United have played West Ham, they have beaten us 4 times with United winning 15 of them. The victories for West Ham came in the season just gone at Upton Park, the double over us the season before and a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford from a goal by Jermaine Defoe (2001/02 season). West Ham have been very unlucky with injuries this season and will expect to do better with a fully fit squad next season. They do play some nice football at times and have produced some fine player over the years – we’ll see if Fred Sears adds to this list over the next season.

United play West Ham United on: 28th October 2008 (h), 7th February 2009 (a)

Star man: Dean Ashton

Wigan Athletic - The scene of United’s glorious title victory in the rain will live long in the memories of United fans for a long time. Fergie’s jumping jig like an excited uncle at a wedding never gets tiresome and United will hope some of the same against the Latics this season. United beat Wigan twice last season with a 4-0 victory at Old Trafford and as mentioned in the opening of this piece, a 2-0 victory at the JJB Stadium in May. Steve Bruce did a wonderful job in keeping Wigan up and he has two fabulous players in Antonio Valencia and Wilson Palacios, both of whom were linked with a move to Old Trafford. Combined with the attacking flair of Jason Koumas and the confident displays in defence from Paul Scharner, Wigan fans should expect to avoid the drop next term.

United play Wigan on: 20th December 2008 (h)*, 18th April 2009 (a)

Star man: Paul Scharner

* Subject to change due to the FIFA Club World Cup tie.

And there you have it, Stretford-end.com’s domestic rival guide. Expect a European rival watch over the next few weeks when transfers emerge from our rivals from across the waters. So back to this blog, what are your thoughts on the current season in terms of rivals? Will Chelsea be even stronger with Scolari in charge and the purchase of Deco? Does this mean Lampard will go to Internazionale? Can Arsenal improve of last season impressive display? Or will the probable departure of Adebayor hinder Arsenal as they yet again search for a front man? And lastly, will Liverpool ever get close to winning a league title?? Or will it be another year to forget adding to the 18 past domestically already?

Tomorrow, July 1st, marks the official start of the transfer window.This time last year United fans were pinching themselves to hope that the moves for Anderson, Nani and Hargreaves were all completed and official after an early pre-season swoop.

This pre-season we’ve not had David Gill looking very pleased with himself walking through an airport, instead subjected to constant media speculation over a certain number 7′s future.

Indeed, even the most ardent United fan could be forgiven for forgetting that it was less than 6 weeks ago that we won the European Cup. The European Cup, for christ’s sake!

With the European Championships over (congrats to Spain, easily the best side in the competition), and Fergie due to start back at work today, you would expect some activity on the transfer front (at least on the arrivals side of things). Pique has left, 5 kids were officially released last week, while Saha and Silvestre look certain to have played their last game for the club – if we can find any takers, that is.

Speaking at the Great Scots Cup golf tournament for charity, Sir Alex said, “Managers are back at their clubs and you can get some dialogue now if they are interested, but I wouldn’t think (we would buy) any more than one player… We are looking at one or two things.” Worrying for fans such as myself who had concerns that our lack of depth in defence (full back areas, at least), a need for another striker, and surely a need for extra creativity given how we struggled when Rooney was absent last season, despite the heroics of Ronaldo.Fergie could of course be holding his cards close to his chest but when looking at his comments we should at least examine how we are stocked if they are true. One signing, would surely mean a defender coming in – the development of Anderson and Nani, the addition of Manucho to the first team squad, a fully fit Hargreaves, and a full pre-season from Tevez may be enough to persuade the gaffer that we need no back up going forward. The sale of Pique and the likely sale of Silvestre is accompanied by the fact that aside from Simpson, we have no defenders to come in with any kind of first team experience. Neville should return, but at left back we would be horribly exposed should Evra get a knock. And, for all the speculation, there has not been one left back seriously linked with the club – Veloso of Sporting appears to have his heart set on a move to Milan, while Lahm recently signed a new contract at Bayern, and I don’t expect either of the Brazilian twins to be ready for the first team on arrival.

Manucho, at 25, could only have been signed with a view to have an instant impact after his acclimatisation period in Greece. Whether he will get games or whether he will make a good impact is open to debate – whether he is the player fans would identify as the man they want leading the line in the absence of Rooney or Tevez surely isn’t.

In the wake of Fergie’s comments, there must be a good few fans concerned that the club will do as it did in 1999 – no progress, no statement of intent, instead just replacing what is lost in the squad.

What do you think? Is Fergie playing a poker face with the intention of quietly pulling off major coups? Or do you believe his comments, and think just one player will be signed – if so, who?

Leave a comment or post in our forum.

By Yolkie 

Ramón Calderón says that “There is no case for Ronaldo” in an amazing U-turn by that Spanish gospel, Marca.

He went on to state that Real Madrid would not pay 100 million euros for “any player”, further distancing himself from a move that seemed increasingly likely over the weekend. 

“There is no case for Ronaldo as Manchester United don’t want to sell him.. in any case, Real Madrid will not pay €100m for any player”, Marca reports Calderón as saying.

United released a statement on Friday refuting any possibility of an agreement to sell Ronaldo, and the winger’s ego must have been dealt a bodyblow at the Real Madrid president’s public distancing given previous declarations of a lavish salary and declaring that money would be no object in his pursuit of Ronaldo.

With a stay at Old Trafford looking increasingly on the cards, Ronaldo finds himself in a situation where he may have to placate fans that he previously seemed to have no problem in upsetting. The fact that he has made no clear statement lays in his favour, but nonetheless, many United fans have been unsettled by the star’s reluctance to make a public declaration of an intent to stay.

The Portuguese FA have issued a statement on behalf of the new Chelski boss steadfastly refusing that he has made any comments attriubuted to him by the media concerning Ronaldo’s future.

“Luiz Felipe Scolari denies having made any of the declarations printed concerning the future of Cristiano Ronaldo.

“Furthermore, the national team coach has not made any contact with the media since the end of the match between Portugal and Germany when he spoke about the quarter-finals of Euro 2008.

The statement concludes :

“Luiz Felipe Scolari regrets that his name is being used in connection with speculation and lies, and takes this opportunity to deny in advance any alleged declarations used by the media without their authenticity being thoroughly confirmed.”

While I do believe Big Phil has been bending Ronnie’s ear a bit it’s actually good of the Portuguese FA to do this – all official news over the last week has been settling for United fans who actually want Ronaldo to stay, and though the man himself is rumoured to announce in the next couple of days his official desire to join Real Madrid, it could now be that he will wait at least until after being assessed by United’s medical staff back at the club – meaning that any direct comment may wait until he’s spoken to Sir Alex, who is due back from holiday over the weekend.

Stretford-end.com moderator Yolkie contacted the Sun over the weekend with regards to Steven Howards piece on Saturday. What do you think of Yolkie’s e-mail and should we be refreshing our mailbox every minute waiting for a response?

Hello,

I’m writing in response to Steven Howard’s piece on Saturday 21st June regarding Ronaldo.

Manchester United fans who read the Sun have had to tolerate your evident disregard for our club for some time. I, myself, stopped reading in April after a game at Chelsea when you inexplicably attacked Sir Alex and his assistant in your column – a column in which you declared Ferguson had made a “tactical and selection blunder” in the game at the Nou Camp, and dismissed the penalty appeal at Stamford Bridge in the incident involving Ronaldo/Ballack, while at the same time stating the decision against Carrick was “perfectly correct” – comparing it to Gallas’ clear handball at Old Trafford.

Of course, you don’t need to be told that you got it horribly wrong when criticising Ferguson’s tactics, but the sheer hypocrisy in the same article was what initially turned me away – coupled with the undeniable fact that you have had major trouble accepting that Arsenal did not play the best football over the season.

I was alerted to your column in Saturday 21st June’s edition by a friend who thought it would make me laugh – but all in all, I found it compelling to read. It’s pre-season, United have just won the double, have done nothing of note in the transfer window and have denied the talk of the sale of Ronaldo. But you cannot resist having a swipe at United fans, with no real evidence to support your insults. Your first two paragraphs are presumably some kind of bold statement – when in actual fact, it has been rival fans calling him a “cheating, devious, underhand” individual and are crowing about him being the best in the world now that there are strong links attaching him to Real Madrid.

You go on to state that “even rabid Reds should realise the hypocrisy”, stating we “cherry picked” the best players, naming as examples, Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, and Carlos Tevez. As a journalist you will know Newcastle were negotiating for Rooney, Man Utd simply came in with an offer, that was negotiated higher to almost extortionate levels, just because it was us. Of course we can never be sure of how much Everton invested in him, but something of which I’m certain is that they were handsomely rewarded. Leeds demanded £29m for Ferdinand – I suppose, again, it comes down to what you define “nicking” as. Personally, I don’t believe that term really applies to paying over the odds just because of the club you are. I wouldn’t exactly call it law of the jungle, Mr Howard, but you are very naive – clubs don’t sell players under contract that they don’t want to sell, it’s a little thing called “the transfer market” and has been part of the game of football since it’s conception. United aren’t the only club to buy a player when he had a contract, that’s why the fee is called “a transfer fee”.

“Nicking” may however apply to your beloved Arsene Wenger, who offers sky-high wages to mid-teens considered the best in the world in their age bracket to lure them away from their clubs, though I suppose that is exempt from your criticsm.

Concentrating on Ronaldo again, you make the point that Ferguson didn’t make him the player he is. You highlight the fact that not every single player has become the best player in the world under Ferguson’s tutelage as proof that he didn’t. Maybe he isn’t solely responsible, but is the fact that he resolutely refused to sell him after the World Cup not the biggest defining chapter in Ronaldo’s career – to return, in adversity, to develop the character to play without fear in any arena. Much as Beckham had to in 1998. Much as he shielded Giggs from the spotlight, as Giggs became the most decorated player in the history of the English game. Much as Eric Cantona resisted the temptation to quit as he was being hounded out of the country in 1995, and returned to inspire United to a double, and much as Roy Keane became the on pitch personification of his gaffer.

As I said, you make a good point, but it is surely only salient if you can identify a manager who has created a higher concentration of home-grown or acquired players into world class players with a greater success rate. People fail in every job, Mr Howard, it is not Sir Alex’s fault some don’t hit the heights. You conveniently neglect to mention that of those players that don’t succeed at United, a great number go on to earn a living as a professional footballer. I would even like to gamble that there are more ex-United players playing at a good professional level in the lower leagues than there are from any other club.

Further on, you comment that he is bored of the defenders in England, nod to Real Madrid’s greater trophy count, and the fact that he will line up alongside “Robben and Van Nistelrooy” as three big factors that make a move attractive to him.

It is on these three points that I have grave doubts over your pedigree as a football journalist.

As a professional writer of the sport, do you honestly believe that the defenders in the Villareal or Real Madrid teams pose a sterner test to him than those of Chelsea or Liverpool? That Racing Santander, Athletico Madrid and Mallorca provide a substantial leap in terms of gulf in class over Arsenal, Aston Villa, or Everton?

The English league has four fully professional divisions and as a country has possibly the greatest concentration of professional clubs fighting for trophies. Real Madrid do have a greater trophy haul but with fewer strong opponents is that really any different than using the argument to prove that either Glasgow club are far bigger than either Real or United? Five of Real’s European Cup wins came in the era where the Busby babes were tipped to be the dominant force, as Munich ended those dreams. Another followed before United won their first one – it’s very well using their history as a reason, and it is a very proud history, but your argument holds no more water than it would if you were arguing that he should move to Liverpool. Preston North End were proud unbeaten champions of the first league championship, why isn’t everyone lining up to play for them?

Which nicely leads in to the quality of teammates he could prospectively play alongside. Are the likes of van Nistelrooy and Robben favourable when compared to Tevez and Rooney, and friends Nani and Anderson? I appreciate that the point would be made but surely, again, it’s only a worthwhile argument if the point you are attempting to make is overwhelmingly conclusive. Furthermore, you use in inverted commas the term ‘the great players at Old Trafford’ as if it is somehow derisory – but how is a move from the current European Champions anything but a step to a lower calibre of player? Old Trafford boasts players who have a far greater success rate than those at Real. In Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, and Paul Scholes, we have legends that even the great Raul hasn’t matched in terms of success, bar one more European Cup.

You state that “it’s becoming too easy for him, like it did Henry”. I am aware that you are either a huge fan of Arsenal or another side that will not conflict your love-in with the Gunners, but surely you cannot be serious? Henry moved in 2006 after 2 years of decline at Arsenal, which was mirrored by the teams performances, and he moved at the last chance that Barcelona would make a move that didn’t look like just an easy way to end his career. Ronaldo is at the peak of his game, despite your protestations, because of the effort, quality and selflessness of his teammates. He has just won the European Cup and Premier League, and has already achieved arguably more in 5 years at Old Trafford than Henry ever did at Arsenal. Ronaldo may move, but using it as a chance to somehow elevate Henry to his status considering his decline (something, which, tellingly, has accelerated incredibly despite playing against these supposed magnificent opponents) is poor journalism.

A final, telling point, is your insistence that Ronaldo should be allowed to “pursue a move to his dream club which is Real Madrid”. As you will.. or I should say, should, be aware, Ronaldo’s “dream club” is Benfica. I’m aware that the situation as it stands may be a repeat, and Ronaldo could join great rivals in the name of the almighty dollar/pound/euro, but to somehow explain the situation in terms of United standing in the way of a players dream and suggesting they are guilty of doing worse than Real in the past is ridiculous.

As a journalist your role should be to at least evaluate the facts and present them in a considered way, but you have neglected to do this, and instead have once again abused your position to slate United.

I do not expect you to respond to this email or even read it, but it enabled me to get the chance to get things off my chest. If you do read it, I hope that you at least take on board that perhaps it is time to stop such shameless and clear disregard for Man Utd – what you are currently doing is not journalism, it is just a soapbox.

Regards