Another quiet day in the news. Seems like I started my daily review just as the press was slowing down, but we’ve still got some great topics today. Ryan Giggs shares his thoughts on Manchester City and the kids, Rooney takes more blame for England, Ozil may be for sale, Brown backs technology, and Joe Cole falls from grace. We have also have the debate on whether Fergie is playing youth by choice or because of lack of funds to buy big names.
United not worried by City’s spending – The Guardian
Thankfully not everyone is buying into City’s astronomical spending. In fact, Ryan Giggs thinks the pressure is on for our noisy neighbors. After spending extravagantly this summer, City will need to a have a very successful season to avoid being classified failures. Look no further than Real Madrid to see that spending doesn’t guarantee trophies. I think City is going to run into the same problem this season. There is so much emphasis on how much they’ve spent and that they should win, but they aren’t even spending wisely. They make average players appear great by paying more than they’re worth. Money has the power to generate undeserved hype. I’ll start being worried about City when they finish ahead of us in the table. Personally, I love the mindset Giggs shared with The Guardian: “Until we play them I don’t take any notice of what City are doing…” Well said Giggsy, well said.
Are youngsters only playing out of necessity? – The Daily Mail
It’s as if promoting players from the academy and reserves is an unheard of practice for Manchester United. The Daily Mail suggests that, while Sir Alex is full of praise for the youngsters, he’s only playing them because the Glazer’s debt prevents him from making big moves in the transfer market. This is the same club that won the Treble with a squad made up of Fergie’s Fledglings, correct? It may have nothing to do with finances; maybe we haven’t signed anybody because we don’t need anybody. I actually get more excited about promising youth than a big name transfer. With the likes of Kiko Macheda, Danny Welbeck, Jonny Evans, Rafael, and Fabio in our squad we are already blessed with an incredible collection of potential world-class footballers.
Werder Bremen listening to offers for Mesut Ozil – The Daily Telegraph
A star from the World Cup linked with Manchester United?! Unheard of! Ozil’s performances in South Africa earned him a nomination for the Golden Ball, and now it’s getting him linked with all of the world’s big clubs. According to The Daily Telegraph, Werder Bremen is now listening to offers for the attacking midfielder. Ozil’s contract expires at the end of this season, so the club may be looking to sell him now rather than let him leave for free. While I certainly think Ozil would be an exciting signing, we already have a young, promising attacking midfielder in Anderson.
Houllier blames Rooney for England woes – The Daily Telegraph
Yet another story placing the blame on Wayne Rooney for England’s poor World Cup campaign. I almost didn’t even post this because this story has been run into the ground, but United news is United news, like it or not. So instead I’m just not going to give it much of my time. Rooney does not deserve any of the blame for England’s World Cup woes. A striker is only as good as the service he gets and England’s midfield certainly didn’t give him much. You can only score if you have the ball, and Gerrard and Lampard did a poor job at getting Rooney possession. If the blame needs to be placed on someone, look toward Anfield.
Brown calls for goal line technology – The Sun
One of the biggest debates in the game is whether to introduce technology. Our very own Wes Brown has now voiced his opinion in favor of goal line technology. My own stance on technology and football is pretty simple. Technology should be used as little as possible and avoid disrupting the flow of the game. I don’t want this to turn into American football, which allows almost every play to be reviewed. If technology is to be introduced it should only be used for goals. All we need to know is if the ball crossed the line. The last thing the game needs is for every yellow or red card offense to require a video review.
You CAN win with kids – The Daily Mirror
Ryan Giggs believes Manchester United can win with all the youth in their squad. He would know, about 20 years ago he was in their shoes. Giggs was around in 1995 for the famous “you’ll win nothing with kids” quote. Of course, they won the double that season. Now Giggs suggest they can do it again. In my eight years as a fan, I’ve never seen a such a promising group of players come through the ranks. It makes me very positive that this could be a second coming of Fergie’s Fledglings. I firmly believe that Manchester United can win the Premier League this season, and I think the youth will have a lot to contribute.
And now for a bit about our Premier League rivals…
Joe Cole to Liverpool? – The Guardian*
A few weeks ago Cole was linked with chasing trophies at Manchester United, but club officials quickly put an end to that rumor. Now, despite rumored interest from Champions League-contenders Arsenal and Tottenham, it seems Cole’s likely destination is Liverpool. How quickly he has fallen. In May he won the Premier League with Chelsea, in June he was linked with Manchester United, and in July it seems he will sign for lowly Liverpool. All top players strive to represent a club which qualified for the Europa League qualifiers. Playing against either Macedonian or Armenian minnows to secure a place in European competition must be a dream come true…
*This is no longer a rumor. Joe Cole has signed a four-year deal with Liverpool.
Discuss all today’s news and rumors in the forum.
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