The big news today is Manchester United’s victory last night over the Philadelphia Union. Also making headlines in tomorrow’s chip papers is United topping the sports rich list, Rooney’s planned return, Giggs suggesting Liverpool are a threat, Hernandez’s shirt details, and the ‘sinful’ new United shirt.
Obertan secures victory for Manchester United in Philadelphia – The Guardian
Despite an unconvincing performance, Gabriel Obertan persevered and scored the only goal of the match as United beat the Philadelphia Union 1-0. The game was much tighter than I expected it to be, but our form will obviously improve as the preseason continues and fitness levels increase. It was hard for me to pick a man of the match, but Danny Welbeck ultimately gets my vote. I was really impressed by his performance tonight, and it’s a shame he didn’t score a goal because he truly deserved one. His assist for Obertan’s goal was phenomenal. I originally thought Kiko would have the bigger role to play between the two promising strikers, but I’m not so sure anymore. Another notable event from the match was Corry Evans’ first team debut. United now have two wins in two matches in the preseason. I will be in the stands for their next match against the Kansas City Wizards on Sunday, so expect some exclusive pictures from the match for Monday’s blog.
Rooney to make return in Dublin next month – The Guardian
I thought I had heard that Wayne Rooney and the rest of the World Cup participants may not play until after the Community Shield, but it seems Rooney and co. will feature against the Airtricity League XI on 4 August. I’m certainly excited to see the players back in action, but I’m worried it may be a bit too soon. Players like Rooney and Evra were pushed to their limits last season and then were involved in the World Cup. I’d rather rest them just a little longer so they come back completely refreshed. I have a feeling we’ll need to rely on them a lot in the upcoming season as well.
Forbes rate Manchester United top of world sport’s rich list – The Guardian
With all the uncertainty around Manchester United’s current financial situation, it’s surprising to see them ranked as the richest sports club in the world. Though Forbes measures a team’s value rather than how much money it has. Despite all of the debt surrounding the Glazers, factors such as endorsements and television revenue still put United at the top of the rich list.
Giggs: Liverpool are title threats – The Daily Telegraph
Surely he just said this to be nice; maybe it was out of sympathy for a club that is a pathetic shadow of it’s former self. Putting all bias aside, Liverpool is not a title contender this season. Mascherano is surely on his way out the exit door. They have no depth beyond Gerrard, Torres, and Cole. The latter two are prone to injury and probably won’t be too reliable. Roy Hodgson is obviously a good manager and I think he’ll be able to turn things around at the club, but I think targeting Champions League qualification is much more realistic than winning the Premier League.
‘Sinful’ Manchester United shirts encourage devil worship – The Daily Mail
I wouldn’t touch this one with a thirty-nine-and-a-half-foot pole. I’m not going to comment on religious beliefs, even when they involve Manchester United. Still, it’s an interesting article. It also has some pictures of the new away shirt in case you’re curious. I’m suddenly dreading away matches this season…
Hernandez handed the dreaded No 14 shirt – The Daily Mail
Despite wearing “J.Hernandez” for Mexico in the World Cup, The Daily Mail is reporting that Hernandez will have “Chicharito” on his back for Manchester United. They are also reporting that he will wear the No. 14 for Manchester United, a rather unlucky number in recent history. Zoran Tosic and Alan Smith both wore 14 during their stints of the club, neither of which were particularly successful. Gabriel Heinze was also briefly assigned the No. 14 after Owen Hargreaves was given his No. 4 shirt; however, Heinze was sold to Real Madrid shortly thereafter. Something tells me Chicharito will be more successful at Old Trafford than his recent predecessors.
And now for a bit about our rivals…
Barry: Big Four is no more – The Daily Mail
Really? What gave you that idea? Was it that Liverpool finished outside of the top four last season? I agree that there’s no “Big Four” anymore, but I do think it’s become a “Big Three” of Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal. That fourth spot is up for grabs by Manchester City, Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Tottenham. Barry thinks that City is ready to break up the dominance of the “Big Four.” They certainly didn’t manage that last season, Tottenham was the team to take Liverpool’s spot. They’ve spent a lot this summer, but they proved last season that money doesn’t guarantee the desired results. Until Manchester City get into the title race they can’t be considered a top team. At this point their aspirations are a lot bigger than their actual accomplishments.
City’s Don(ovan) Deal – The Sun
I almost didn’t include this story, but since it involves my national team and a United rival, I decided to comment on it. As an American and supporter of Team USA, I’m hopeful that The Sun maintains its laughable record in terms of transfer speculation. I don’t want to develop a grudge against my national team’s biggest hero. I loathe the thought of Landon Donovan donning a Manchester City jersey. In terms of rivals I despise the most, City tops the list. Rivalry aside, I think it’s a bad career move. I don’t think Donovan would play as much at City as he would at another club. For instance, returning to Everton would be a much better move. I’m all for him playing in the Premier League, just not with City.
Also, I’m looking for your feedback. Would you prefer to just discuss the Stretty Stories in the comments or on the forum?
For today we will still have the discussion on the forum.
You can follow Kyle on Twitter at KDill_MUFC.