Appointment of Carrick as United captain highlights lack of leaders at the club...

Social media is awash with fans wishing Michael Carrick well after being appointed as United's new captain, it's all very nice and he's well liked by many Manchester United fans. However, like his predecessor Wayne Rooney, Carrick will more than likely find himself sat on the bench next season, and therefore of no value in the red hot heat of battle. It doesn't seem that long ago that Roy Keane was chivvying his team-mates along and snarling at opponents in the tunnel before a ball was kicked, as well as inspiring the team to epic comebacks like he did with that towering header in the Champions League semi-final against Juventus in 1999.

Roy Keane was a player who led by example, like Bryan Robson another great United captain, his finest 90 minutes came against Barcelona in 1984 the second leg of Cup Winners Cup. United were two-nil down from the first leg, the return leg at Old Trafford will never be forgotten for those like myself who were lucky enough to be there.

Leading by example is what the great captains do. Sadly, but truthfully, the role of United captain (like at many clubs) has been reduced to a largely ceremonial role. The fact that it has come to this isn't by choice of course, it is because true leaders of the desired quality are in very short supply. There is another theory that clubs on the continent view the role of club captain as a ceremonial role and a none playing captain is deemed acceptable.

Once your team crosses the touchline the manager is helpless to affect events directly on the pitch where leadership is concerned. Jose Mourinho needs to find a player who is a leader in the best traditions of former great Manchester United club captains. Easier said that done of course...but one hopes it's on Jose's to do list.

Keane walked before he was pushed.....

Roy Keane has without doubt done the right thing in resigning as Sunderland manager, because if he hadn't gone soon, then the Black Cats would in all probability have fired him.

Keane's ghost-writer Eamon Dunphy came out earlier in the week and said that the Sunderland manager had 'lost the plot', which pretty much sums up the situation having bought so many players.

In resigning now and at this stage of the season at least it gives Sunderland a chance to appoint a new manager who will have time to turn things around.

On Roy Keane's future, as Dunphy said it's another case of a great player failing on the managerial scene.

In many ways it's a sad state of affairs given how much experience the Irishman has as a player at the very highest level, because in England chances are that Keane will be written-off as a potential managerial candidate in the future, at least at any of the big clubs.

In sharp contrast, on the continent when a manager fails in a country like Italy, the reaction to managerial failure is looked upon differently, the general view is that the project and not the manager has failed.

Ironically, Dunphy was totally wrong about one thing which is that he didn't expect Keane to quit...

United take on Sunderland this weekend, you wonder if the prospect of another hammering for the Black Cats was simply too much for Keane to take.


Listen to Dunphy's damning verdict on Keane

IF Keane walks out on Sunderland, could he cope with the United job?

According to reports, second from bottom Sunderland could soon be looking for a new manager amidst reports that Roy Keane could be set to walk out on the Black Cats. Bookmaker, Paddy Power has suspended all betting on Keane and the Sunderland job following a deluge of betting on the manager to go.

Roy Keane cannot complain about the lack of backing from the Sunderland board since he took charge of the club, but the Irishman has found it hard to attract top quality players to the North East. An inside source has denied there's any truth in the rumours, but the bookmakers are often the first to know about these managerial shake-ups.

From the outside looking in, Keane would be crazy to quit the club and in doing so not only blemishing his short managerial career, but it could also potentially wreck any chance of landing the United job in the future. If Keane does walk out on the Black Cats, questions will be asked about his ability to stand the pressure-cooker heat of the managerial hot-seat.

What's more, with the exception of their trip to Old Trafford in December, the Black Cats have a run of games from which they should be confident about their chances of moving out of the drop zone:

Today:
Blackburn v Sunderland, 15:00

Sunday, 23 November 2008
Sunderland v West Ham, 16:00

Saturday, 29 November 2008
Sunderland v Bolton, 15:00

Saturday, 06 December 2008
Man Utd v Sunderland, 17:30

Saturday, 13 December 2008
Sunderland v West Brom, 15:00

Saturday, 20 December 2008
Hull v Sunderland, 15:00

Friday, 26 December 2008
Sunderland v Blackburn, 15:00

Keane tips Chelsea to win title: Has the Wearside smog affected his vision?

United legend Roy Keane has tipped rivals Chelsea to win the title, when saying that they have a new manager and there's no African Cup of Nations distraction to worry about. It was probably a throwaway line, but it was one that will have bemused United supporters on the eve of another Premier League season.

Keane says that if United sign Berbatov they will have a chance, he could well be proved right because it's doubtful that Ronaldo will score anywhere near as many goals this coming season. Rooney has vowed to improve in front of goal and of course United have Tevez, Campbell and maybe Manucho to call upon too. The widely expected addition of Dimitar Berbatov will do United's chances of retaining the title no harm at all.

While Chelsea will undoubtedly be a threat they didn't look anything like as potent sans the "special one", so it remains to be seen how they will perform under Big Phil Scolari. Chelsea haven't made any really significant signings this summer and so a lot will depend on Scolari's ability to get the very best from what is arguably still the strongest squad in the league.

As for the other title contenders, Arsenal could prove to be the biggest threat to United and Chelsea providing they steer clear of the awful injuries that plagued them last time out, but without Hleb and Flamini in midfield there's bound to be some question marks about the Gunners ability to go the distance. Hleb was one of the most underrated players in the League during his relatively short stint in England and his industry was at the heart of much that was good about Arsenal's play, he will take some replacing.

For their part and going off their midweek Champions League qualifier with Standard Liege, the Merseyside Reds looked terrible and are lucky to be still in the competition. Going off that performance Liverpool will be lucky to finish in the top five. If Liverpool lose Gerrard to injury for any length of time, then the wheels will fall off in short order.

Manchester City supporters were feeling pretty good about their prospects of finishing in the "top six" after beating a rapidly ageing AC Milan, but against FC Midtjylland they were simply outclassed by the Danes. I have already heard Man City fans making comparisons with the appointment of another United legend Steve Coppell who only last 33 days as manager of the Citizens, Hughes has already gone beyond that particular milestone but should City go out of Europe with a whimper and start the season badly then Sparky could soon be looking at the situations vacant columns.

I'm wondering if Aston Villa could be one of the surprise teams of the season, they have a decent manager and there's a degree of stability at the club, it wouldn't surprise me if they finished above Liverpool.

I hope Keano has a good season up at Sunderland, they were a bit unlucky in some games last season. I'm also wishing Steve Bruce well at Wigan. Let the battle commence.

Keane in search of wise men as his team fail to close stable door...

The Reds heaped yet more pressure onto the shoulders of rookie manager and United hero Roy Keane on Boxing Day as Fergie's side took full advantage of the Black Cats generosity to make it a very happy Christmas for all followers of the Red Devils as the visitors ran out comfortable four-nil winners.

The Sunderland defence once again left open the proverbial stable door for Wayne Rooney, Louis Saha and then Ronaldo to score first-half goals in a game that in the end amounted to little more than a training exercise for United.

The manner of the first goal will give Roy Keane and his defenders nightmares, as Rooney was allowed the freedom of the Stadium of Light to score too easily. It was a goal that was fully in keeping with the Panto season and the home fans would no doubt have been shouting 'he's behind you' as Rooney found himself in acres of space which gave him enough time to place his drilled effort beyond Gordon. In point of fact the £9m 'keeper got nowhere near saving any of United's goals, so clinical was the Reds finishing.

United were all easy on the eye as they picked-off Sunderland at will with their swift counter-attacking football. It came as no surprise that thirty minutes into the game Louis Saha doubled the Reds lead after another passage of slick first-time passing, as once again the Sunderland back-four were opened-up in a move which ended with the Frenchman skillfully prodding home his first time effort leaving Gordon stranded on his line.

While it was good to watch for Reds fans it was another very uncomfortable afternoon for the home supporters and their manager who must now surely be feeling the heat after his team sunk to second from last in the table. Of the bottom eight sides in the Premier League only Boro and Sunderland have yet to sacrifice their manager...

Just before the break, Ronaldo added to Sunderland's miserable Christmas with a picture-book goal from fully 25 yards when he crashed home arguably his free-kick to date for United. All too often the Portuguese winger opts for power alone with his arrow like straight drives, but this time he went for finesse over brute-force when he curled his drive around and over the Black Cats wall. Fantastico.

Somewhat predictably United eased-off the gas in the second half after Fergie no doubt called off the dogs in a bid to save Sunderland and Keano further embarrassment. However, the Reds weren't done with as Louis Saha converted a second half penalty after Nani had been felled the box.

United had arrived at Sunderland looking for three points that would see them go top of the league table. Keane for his part, must now surely go in search of at least three wise men in a bid to stem the flow of goals which if not checked could see the Black Cats relegated again. It is not looking good for Keane or Sunderland.

For United, they head into the New Year in the number one spot and top of the tree after Arsenal failed to win at Portsmouth and contrary to Fergie's recently expressed view, it looks like it's going to be a two-horse-race between the Red Devils and the Gunners.

It's all set-up for a Boxing Day cracker as United look to put more pressure on Arsenal...

Of the top three United have what looks, at least on paper, to be the easier of the Boxing Day fixtures with a visit to relegation threatened Sunderland for a game that kicks-off at 3pm, while league leader's Arsenal face Portsmouth later that evening. There is of course no such thing as an easy game in the Premier League and Roy Keane's team will be chomping at the bit for their manager who will in turn be looking to put one over on his former boss and ex-team-mates.

During the Old Trafford meeting between the two teams in September, Keane who until that point had been more Father Ted on the touchline rather than the raging mad-axeman like warrior of his old United playing days lost it when decisions went against Sunderland. It was the first time this season that the latent aggression which lurks just beneath surface had manifested itself, but few will have been surprised. Nor should they have been given the man demands that every player gives 100% on and off the pitch in the cause of winning.

Since that Old Trafford meeting which United won one-nil courtesy of a late goal by Saha, Keane's Sunderland have really struggled and in some games like on Saturday against Reading they have not had the rub of the green on the big decisions. Keane was rightly furious with the officials at Reading who saw fit to rule that the ball had crossed the line, yet after umpteen replays no one can be sure of that, but in awarding the goal Steve Coppell's team took the spoils and once again Keane had the pained look on his face of a man who'd just had his wisdom teeth extracted with no anaesthetic.

United fans will be hoping that Keane can keep the Black Cats up this season so while a win for the Reds is vital there will no doubt be mixed feelings for the club's former captain. For his part, the Sunderland manager will be no doubt be banking on a some good fortune against his old club in the belief that lady-luck has to smile upon him and his players sooner or later. Whatever happens on Boxing Day, Keane has cemented his place among the true Old Trafford legends.

Meanwhile, Arsenal who were not at their collective best in Saturday's win over North London rivals Spurs travel to Portsmouth who were on the wrong end of a 4-1 tonking at Anfield on Saturday. However, Pompey were not as bad as the scoreline suggested and they will give Wenger's side a tough game. In many ways, it might actually suit Ferguson if both United and Arsenal go on to win their respective Boxing Day fixtures as the pressure will mount on the Gunners as the weeks go on with the Red Devils breathing down their necks in second place.

Could Keystone Cops defending cost Keane his job?

Premier League rubbing rags Derby County became the latest club to dispense with the services of their manager as Billy Davis received his marching orders (though officially Derby claim it was by mutual consent - whatever that means) after a pitiful return to the Premier League.

Derby County have the look of a ship that has been holed by an iceberg, no doubting the Rams board have moved before it's too late. Time will tell whether or not this latest sacking turns out to be akin to rearranging the deck-chairs on HMS Titanic. What odds on Steve "loads of money" McClaren returning to his former club?

Davis was of course a rookie Premier League manager, as is United legend Roy Keane whose Sunderland side defended like the Keystone Cops against Everton on Saturday when losing 7-1 at Goodison Park.

It wasn't so much that Everton played well, as they rightly did, but the Black Cats back four couldn't even stand up at key times, which led directly to at least two of the Toffees goals.

How difficult can it be for the players - aided by a small army of back-room staff to select the correct boots and studs for the conditions on the pitch? It's bad enough that players these days play in boots that resemble clown shoes without them performing like stars of the big-top.

United fans will no doubt recall that the very same thing happened last season in the semi-final of the Champions League in the San Siro against AC Milan. On the night it was tippling down with rain, but it was only the United players who were falling over - which again led to the home team taking the lead early on in the game after a passage of slip-ups and cock-ups. AC Milan had no problem playing attacking football on a rain sodden pitch. Our clowns couldn't even stand up.

If Keane isn't to become the seventh manager to part company with his Premier League employers this season, then things will have to change and quickly. There comes a point in troubled times when results are going against you, when all of the shouting and instructions from the manager starts to have little effect as everyone loses confidence from the board down to the players. This is clearly what happened at Bolton, Wigan, and Derby when Sammy Lee, Chris Hutchins and today Billy Davis walked out of the seemingly ever turning managers revolving door.

Football is in part an emotional business, but businessmen will only plough so much of their own money into supporting managers like Keane before hard headed decisions are made. There's no easy games in the Premier League, as United found at Bolton on Saturday, save for perhaps against Derby County who, ironically, face Sunderland this weekend.

Keane wont be panicking just yet, but he will know it is absolutely vital that his team takes all three points from the Rams game, as following that fixture they have some really difficult matches on the horizon with an away trip to Chelsea, home games with Villa and then the Red Devils on Boxing Day, in between those two massive games Sunderland travel to Reading.

Sunderland could easily be in the bottom two by the end of the year and if that happens I wouldn't bet against Roy Keane becoming the next managerial casualty early in the new year.

As a postscript to that scenario United's Jonny Evans might well have second thoughts about joining a sinking ship.

Jonny Evans set for Sunderland?

With only a few weeks to go until the January transfer window opens, reports claim that Roy Keane could be set to make a fresh attempt to re-sign United's Jonny Evans. The Red Devils were knocked out of the Carling Cup by Coventry City in September and following that defeat Ferguson said most of his young stars would go out on loan as they had the previous season. The one exception was likely to be Gerard Pique who has impressed when given his chances.

The defeat against Coventry left the manager "flabbergasted" and he made it clear that he was not impressed by his young team that night. However, at one stage last season United were left without all of their choice back four due to injuries and with Evans, Pique and Simpson all out on loan it left the Red Devils short of cover. You might have expected that Ferguson would have learnt from the mistake, but seemingly not given his comments following that defeat at the hands of the Sky Blues.

Ferguson may well allow Evans to rejoin Sunderland but will the manager sell the player or will it be another loan deal? The manager hasn't made that many mistakes when allowing youngsters to permanently leave the club, but in the case of Evans it could well turn out be one that haunts him if the player fulfils his potential. The word is that Keane is preparing to spend big in January and it might well be the case that money talks - United are not selling club (unless they want to get rid of a player), I for one will be hoping that Fergie doesn't forget that should Niall Quinn come knocking with his chequebook.

Kenwyne Jones to save Keano's bacon...

Rookie Sunderland manager and Reds legend Roy Keane eventually went on to spend an eye-watering £32m in the summer transfer window and until he pinched Trinidadian star Kenwyne Jones from Southampton, it looked for all the world that the Black Cats were going to be pretty much down among the Premier League dead-men as the season went on.

You wouldn't normally use the term 'pinched' given that Keane had spent £6m on a striker from the Championship, but the impact Jones has made in short order has been nothing short of spectacular and comparisons with Didier Drogba are now being made. It is a fair comparison too.

Jones is big, strong, immense in the air and he looks like the real deal. So much so that when and not if, Sunderland are asked about his availability the asking price will be at least triple what the Black Cats shelled out to buy him. Providing Jones avoids injury, he alone will virtually guarantee Sunderland's place in the big league this season - because without him, they will struggle in front of goal.

Questions about Keane's apparent transformation from the player that was at times the Devil incarnate to Father Ted are being asked - exactly what has brought about this transformation? On Sunday against the Hammers we were given a rather large clue. Keane's team didn't get what they deserved against West Ham, they ended up on the wrong end of a 3-1 scoreline, all the while the Irishman remained a picture of calmness apart from the roll of his shark-like dead eyes when the home team scored after his back four didn't clear their lines. But on the upside Keano knows that he's unearthed a real gem in Jones who once again scored a majestic goal and that is why he can knowingly take defeat on his grey chin. Sunderland will be ok this season, they will stay up largely, thanks to the big man up front.

I'd like to see Jones end up at United where once we had the pleasure of watching another star from Trinidad, one Dwight Yorke. Happy days.

When the sun goes down on our Empire...

Sir Alex Ferguson arguably the greatest football manager in the history of the game. He has brought consistently good football to the club, he has made legends and ultimately brought lots of silverware.

If you think about how short careers are in football and compared them to dog years, his time at Old Trafford has probably been around 80 years, a long time in the beautiful game. However, we all know that nothing lasts forever not even Sir Alex’s glorious reign and at some point it will end. I suspect that another Champions league trophy will bring a rather more abrupt end to his time as manager. This leads me to hope that someone with a shrewd eye is giving careful thought to his, hopefully, successful successor.

There have been calls for Fergie to go in the past, admittedly quiet calls from isolated corners. I for one have not been one of them. My opinion is based on loyalty and appreciation. For he has earned my respect, I will wait until he decides to go. It is not for me to turn against someone who has done so much to make me happy and frustrated.

Never the less plans must be made in preparation for that sad day. Who will be the successor to the throne? Well off the top of my head I can think of four possible runners.

I think the fans choice would have to be Roy Keane. However, Keano is a relative baby in the managerial world and although he has had a fantastic start to his career still needs to prove himself in the top flight.

I would like to see him stay in the premiership for a couple of seasons with Sunderland avoiding any relegation battles and preferably end up in the top half of the table. There is no doubt that he has some talent, how many could have took over the mantle at a struggling Sunderland with a points handicap and still gone on to get promotion in their first season as manager? He is definitely a vote from the heart.

Next on my list is probably the favourite and sensible choice, Mark Hughes. Another former legend at United but with a more experienced managerial pedigree than Keano. He has had a glittering and experienced football career to date both at home and abroad. He has experience at managing his country Wales and whilst doing so brought them right up through the football rankings.

The most important point to note is that he is doing a good job at Rovers and appears prepared to stay with the club and work at it. I want success at United to come from the foundations, from team building, over a period of time, so that it will last. I do not wish to see a quick fix solution like at Chelsea which is just a house of cards. So with this in mind Hughes has to be the thinking fans choice and is surely ahead in the polls.

My next choice and indeed my personal preference is probably a little controversial for some die-hard Reds however if Ferguson was to go unexpectedly tomorrow I think that there is one man who could fill the void immediately and with great success. The problem lies in the fact that he would probably never come. Nonetheless I think he deserves a mention.

Arsene Wenger. A man with a proven track record and with many of the desired characteristics mentioned so far. Loyal to his club, successful, his teams play great football, which is something that we at United expect and most importantly he has a fantastic eye for talent. Talent spotting is an area where I think he tops Fergy. Wenger in my opinion could walk into the Old Trafford job tomorrow and our success would continue unbroken.

The fourth candidate is a bit of a wild card and is only mentioned really due to the current state of play in club football. Jose Mourinho. Currently available and if I am honest I would enjoy the “up yours” to Chelsea his arrival would bring. But that is just the child in me and if I’m honest I have reservations about his longevity. As discussed we need someone who we can rely on through thick and thin. Someone who can guide us through bad times as well as good. I have no doubt that “the special one” has special talent but is he too temperamental for United? His style of football would be another concern, the fans at United expect football with flare. Would Jose just turn United into a Chelsea in Red? I also never quite forgave him for the way he talked about taking the Chelsea job just after the champions league final with Porto. Still in place at Chelsea was the manager at the time Ranieri, a good manager and a gentleman who deserved to be treated with more respect by both Chelsea and Mourinho.

One things for sure whoever the “heir apparent” is will depend as much on timing as anything. I would expect whoever lands the job to be around for a few years so not leaving opportunity for a queue to form. So will Keanos career just be ripening nicely say in two years if Sir Alex decides to go or will Hughes be having a bit of a relegation nightmare at Rovers?

Whoever it may be I hope that we the fans will be able to look forward to many more sunrises at the Theatre of Dreams. Long live the King!

Sunderland try rough stuff but come up short...

Following the three-nil drubbing by Wigan Athletic last week it came as no surprise that Sunderland came out all guns blazing against Liverpool in the early kick-off at the Stadium of Light. But as early as the first minute the home side nearly conceded when Halford's back pass fell short and Voronin was only denied by the excellent Gordon in the Black Cats goal, but for the Sunderland keeper the final score-line of two-nil would have been much, much wider.

Sami Hyypia had to leave the field of play on 20 minutes after what he claimed was elbow in the face by winger Murphy, the Liverpool back-room team worked on the defender's bloody nose, but they could not stem the flow of blood and eventually Agger replaced the Finn.

Eventually the visitors class started to tell as Ryan Babel, Voronin and Torres started to click and it came as no surprise when Liverpool broke the deadlock just before half-time with a class goal which was somewhat surprisingly finished off by Sissoko from 20 yards.

The pattern of the second half was much the same as the first with the home team huffing and puffing, but with no end product and in truth Liverpool's keeper didn't have a shot to make all game long. Meanwhile at the other end Sunderland were kept in the game by the excellent Gordon who had to make a string of fine saves. However eventually Liverpool got the killer goal when they scored another well crafted effort that was finished in some style by new boy Voronin.

Verdict: Liverpool will push Chelsea hard for the title. Sunderland will be in trouble unless Keane can find a creative midfield player. Against Liverpool the Irishman started with a negative 4-5-1 and when the home side went one down Keane was unable to change the pattern of the game. That is the problem when you start with a negative line-up, once you go behind it can be difficult to change to a more attacking formation and that is precisely what happened today.

New season brings new hope to Premier League new boys...

The Premier League new season started with a bang on Saturday with Sven Goran Eriksson's Man City sharing the headlines with Roy Keane and Sunderland in what turned out to be a very interesting day for neutrals and die-hards alike. With the big-boys (Liverpool excepted) taking centre-stage on Sunday, it was a chance for the lesser lights to showcase their collective new talents.

Having spent over £40m so far this summer, much will be expected of Man City, but even the most loyal Blues fans couldn't have anticipated what happened at Upton Park. Premier League rookie manager Sven Goran Eriksson had given himself much to ponder regarding selection issues, having signed so many overseas stars. Added to which the former England manager hasn't had that much time to work with his new charges - there's some debate as to whether or not he'd even seen some of them play before signing them.

Nonetheless, City, by all accounts, put on a fantastic 90 minute performance and the two-nil scoreline was a fair reflection of the game. City's star man was Blumer Elano, the Brazilian plays in a similar role to United's Paul Scholes and he was key to the Blues victory. West Ham for their part could not break down a well organised City team and here again Eriksson must take a great deal of credit, because few could have expected the former England manager to create such a well balanced side in such short order. Many Man City fans have been saying 'the derby with United will be too soon for us'... now it cannot come soon enough one suspects.

One Saturday does not maketh a season, but on the evidence of the win over the Hammers, maybe this is the season when City will finally have a decent chance of winning a pot? Let the giddyness begin...Predictions: Man City mid table finish, West Ham bottom eight.


Sunderland and Roy Keane made their Premier League debuts when facing Spurs in the day's early kick-off and opening league fixture at the Stadium of Light. The game while not being a snoozfest, lacked goal-mouth action at both ends throughout the ninety minutes.

Former United starlet Paul McShane looks to be a very shrewd signing, the young central defender won just about every header and but for Michael Chopra's late injury time winner for Sunderland the Irishman would have no doubt been the man-of-the-match.

McShane reminds me a lot of Barcelona's Pugol, both have distinctive hairstyles, both charge up and down the park making superbly timed tackles. Keane will be delighted with the one nil win over Spurs, but the Black Cats boss is going to have a very difficult season based on the evidence of the opening game. Sunderland lack genuine star quality up front and in midfield. Richardson, one of Keane's big summer signings did not impress at all and it came as no surprise when he was replaced late on.

Keane and his chairman will be delighted with their opening victory, but they will also realise the size of the task ahead of them, and with money still left in the bank to spend on new players, I for one expect another signing or two. Nyron Noseworthy and Paul McShane were rock solid against a lacklutre Spurs, though once again Martin Jol the Spurs manager did the opposition a huge favour by taking off Berbatov. My prediction for Sunderland and the rest of the season is expect them to be in the bottom six once the season is under way proper. As for Spurs, they have injuries to key players, but as ever they will take points off the big boys. Predictions: Spurs top six finish, Sunderland possible relegation candidates.

Sammy Lee, the new Bolton manager was on the wrong end of a 3-1 scoreline as Big Sam returned to the Reebok stadium with his new club Newcastle United. However, both of Martins goals looked suspiciously like hand-ball. Apparently, the talk coming out of the Bolton Wanderers camp is that this season they will play more football. Dodgy goals aside, losing at home 3-1 to Newcastle doesn't bode well for the new season. Expect a return to 'route one' football in the not too distant future. Predictions: Bolton possible relegation candidates, Newcastle to finish in top eight.

Before a ball was kicked, many pundits had been predicting that Derby County were racing certainties for a quick return to the Champhionship, so the 2-2 scoreline with Portsmouth will give their supporters and manager cause for optimism in what will be a very difficult season. Predictions: Derby possible relegation candidates. Pompey top eight finish.

The new look Liverpool were in action as they travelled to Villa Park for a game that ended in much controversy after visitors ran out 2-1 winners. The media have been going overboard about Steven Gerrard's winning free-kick. It was a stunning effort that much is true. However, if United's Cristiano Ronaldo had 'won' the free-kick in similar cirumstances our loveable and all too often agenda setting media would have surely focused on the disgraceful cheating. Referee Mike Riley was conned big time by Gerrard. It was an appalling decision and one that won the game for the Merseyside Reds. Predictions: Merseyside Reds top four finish. Villa top eight.

Keane linked to Forlan - a bad omen for Sunderland?

Reports continue to suggest that United legend Roy Keane might be trying to sign Diego Forlan for Sunderland. United fans have very mixed memories of Diego, sometimes he was great, but he also had the propensity to be absolutely awful.

He scored some very important goals for United and we shouldn't forget that, but he also missed some absolute sitters. I recall him coming on as a second half substitute against Newcastle United on the day we beat them 6-2 at St James Park, Diego was presented with two near open goals but neither effort hit the target - it was easier to score than miss the goal, but then I also recall him scoring the winner against Chelsea in the dying moments of the game and who will forget him scoring against Liverpool?

Whether or not Keane could get him scoring for the Black Cats remains to be seen, first he's got to sign the player, but I for one remain unconviced about Diego, I'm sure that I'm not the only Red who has that view. However, perhaps the best comment that sums him up is this 'he's neither as good or as bad as he's been made out to be'.

Interesting times ahead for Keane and Sunderland.

United's proliferation of Premiership managers...

Try saying that when you're pissed... Next season, United will have four old boys managing clubs in the Premiership: Keane at Sunderland, Bruce at Birmingham, Hughes at Blackburn and Coppell at Reading. They were all great players in their own right and all were winners with lion sized hearts.

However, the thorny issue of who exactly will eventually replace Fergie was brought up again yesterday as Sir Alex was asked when he's likely to retire. The manager says he's invigorated when he sees Giggs, Scholes and the young players coming in to work every day, but he doesn't know how much longer he will be around. I suspect if the Red's had won the Champions League again, he might have gone this summer. He could still retire this summer, as he'd go out as a winner like Cantona did a few seasons ago.

Of the United old boys Hughes or Keane would be most fans tips to replace Fergie and the latter will now be the bookies favourite. For me however, Keane is still unproven in the Premiership as a manager. There's been countless managers who've been able to get clubs promoted out of the old first division, but not many who've been deemed good enough to cut the mustard at the very biggest clubs. I'm thinking of the likes of Harry Bassett and Joe Royle.

Keane will keep Sunderland up next season, how he deals with the inevitable defeats along the way will form apart of his managerial learning experience. His recent comment that Sunderland would have beaten Chelsea was either tongue in cheek or naive. On a different tack, I seriously doubt Mourinho will be taking liberties with the Irishman on the touchline next season, if nothing else as far as the Black Cats are concerned, that is something we can all look forward to next season should Jose still be in charge at the Bridge.

Back to Fergie and his future, I think the big clubs are fearful of appointing a manager who lacks European managerial experience, this would rule out all of the United old boys. But who would back against Keane pulling it off given the chance?