In theory Manchester United shouldn't have a problem brushing aside the challenge of newly promoted Newcastle United, but football is rarely easy to predict and so tonight's match could be closer than many pundits are predicting.
United need to win to keep level on points with Chelsea who thrashed West Brom 6-0 on the opening day of the Barclays Premier League. Whatever happens in tonight's clash at Old Trafford, we can expects goals from both teams.
The Red Devils will be without long-term injury stars, Rio Ferdinand, Owen Hargreaves and Anderson. Alan Smith will be desperate to make an impression against his former club providing he passes a late fitness test.
Recommended value bets:
Any time scorer odds:
Darron Gibson 6.00 (5/1) William Hill
Nemanja Vidic 9.00 (8/1) William Hill
Andrew Carroll 6.00 (5/1) William Hill
Kevin Nolan 7.00 (6/1) Bet365
Latest comparative odds Manchester United v Newcastle United
Free Bet deals
Quoted odds correct as of 16/08/2010.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Fergie and Wenger clash over home-grown rule...
The Premier League's new home-grown rule has certainly left fans and pundits alike confused over the last few weeks: for anyone who hasn't been paying attention, the new rule stipulates that eight of the 25 players selected have to be 'home-grown'.
It's interesting to note that Arsene Wenger is totally and utterly against the rule, which he's described as "ridiculous" . The Arsenal manager says as a result, the Premier League will no longer be the best league in the world - at least that is the gist of his argument, that and it has nothing to do with "top level sport" in this country.
The Arsenal manager also points out that this new rule is driving up the price and in some instances the financial demands of qualifying players: the case of Stephen Ireland has been cited. According to reports, Ireland's proposed move to Aston Villa has stalled due to the player's demands.
Wenger is without doubt one of the most respected coaches in world football and his voice should not be ignored, but seemingly it has been, or least the Premier League haven't taken notice of his views.
The Frenchman also made comparisons with Spain's, La Liga, when stating there's as many foreign players playing in that division. However, on this point Wenger is actually wrong because La Liga has already introduced a similar ruling. (I will be posting more on this subject at a later date).
While most sensible football supporters will take on board Wenger's comments - in contrast, the Manchester United manager appears to be in full support of the new rule: Ferguson says it's a "good thing" and that it "had to happen".
So the question is, who is right?
It's interesting to note that Arsene Wenger is totally and utterly against the rule, which he's described as "ridiculous" . The Arsenal manager says as a result, the Premier League will no longer be the best league in the world - at least that is the gist of his argument, that and it has nothing to do with "top level sport" in this country.
The Arsenal manager also points out that this new rule is driving up the price and in some instances the financial demands of qualifying players: the case of Stephen Ireland has been cited. According to reports, Ireland's proposed move to Aston Villa has stalled due to the player's demands.
Wenger is without doubt one of the most respected coaches in world football and his voice should not be ignored, but seemingly it has been, or least the Premier League haven't taken notice of his views.
The Frenchman also made comparisons with Spain's, La Liga, when stating there's as many foreign players playing in that division. However, on this point Wenger is actually wrong because La Liga has already introduced a similar ruling. (I will be posting more on this subject at a later date).
While most sensible football supporters will take on board Wenger's comments - in contrast, the Manchester United manager appears to be in full support of the new rule: Ferguson says it's a "good thing" and that it "had to happen".
So the question is, who is right?
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Eyebrows raised about Bebe signing fee....
With little money to spend on new players, news of United's latest signing has left pundits and supporters asking what is going on at Old Trafford, because the club has reportedly agreed to pay around £7.5m for an unproven Portuguese striker with no pedigree. 20 year-old Bebe is not an international and he's spent most of his time playing in the Portuguese third division. United have signed the 6ft 2" striker from Vitória de Guimarães.
Fergie signed Mame Biram Diouf in 2009 for an undisclosed fee and after recently telling the media that the Senegalese striker's future was assured at Old Trafford the club has subsequently sent the player out on loan to Blackburn; it remains to be seen what will happen to the former Molde striker. The jury is very much out on Diouf, but it's fair to suggest he hasn't done enough to impress United's backroom team otherwise he wouldn't now be a Blackburn player and chances are Bebe wouldn't have been signed.
The Angolan striker Manucho was another who recently came to Old Trafford and failed and he was subsequently sent packing on loan before being offloaded.
Reports claim United are said to be hopeful of signing Mesut Ozil and the transfer fee could be less than £12m. However, if United fail to land the Werder Bremen star due to lack of cash and Bebe fails to make the grade just like Manucho, then supporters will have every right to ask what the club are doing pursuing unproven players, especially when the club are paying relatively high amounts in some cases - that money could be put to better use...
If it came down to a choice between signing proven quality for reasonable transfer fees, or taking a chance on players like Bebe, then surely the sensible option would be to go for proven quality, but that isn't always the case right now at Old Trafford as the manager appears to be gambling with what little money he has at his disposal.
Bebe could of course prove to be a world-beater and no doubting that is why Ferguson is taking a gamble, but the United manager's strike record has been very patchy of late on the search for new talent with the exception of Chicharito who does look like excellent value.
The ones that got away from Fergie: Wesley Sneijder (15million Euros), Lucio (5million Euros), or Simon Kjaer for £11.5million.
Still available: Mesut Ozil (12 million Euros)
Fergie signed Mame Biram Diouf in 2009 for an undisclosed fee and after recently telling the media that the Senegalese striker's future was assured at Old Trafford the club has subsequently sent the player out on loan to Blackburn; it remains to be seen what will happen to the former Molde striker. The jury is very much out on Diouf, but it's fair to suggest he hasn't done enough to impress United's backroom team otherwise he wouldn't now be a Blackburn player and chances are Bebe wouldn't have been signed.
The Angolan striker Manucho was another who recently came to Old Trafford and failed and he was subsequently sent packing on loan before being offloaded.
Reports claim United are said to be hopeful of signing Mesut Ozil and the transfer fee could be less than £12m. However, if United fail to land the Werder Bremen star due to lack of cash and Bebe fails to make the grade just like Manucho, then supporters will have every right to ask what the club are doing pursuing unproven players, especially when the club are paying relatively high amounts in some cases - that money could be put to better use...
If it came down to a choice between signing proven quality for reasonable transfer fees, or taking a chance on players like Bebe, then surely the sensible option would be to go for proven quality, but that isn't always the case right now at Old Trafford as the manager appears to be gambling with what little money he has at his disposal.
Bebe could of course prove to be a world-beater and no doubting that is why Ferguson is taking a gamble, but the United manager's strike record has been very patchy of late on the search for new talent with the exception of Chicharito who does look like excellent value.
The ones that got away from Fergie: Wesley Sneijder (15million Euros), Lucio (5million Euros), or Simon Kjaer for £11.5million.
Still available: Mesut Ozil (12 million Euros)
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Rooney, Berbatov, Chicharito or Owen to finish top goal-scorer for United?
Okay, so you think you know your stuff, right? Then tell us who will be United's top-goal scorer in 2010/11. It should of course be Wayne Rooney or Dimitar Berbatov as they are likely to be Ferguson's preferred starting strikers - but do not rule out Chicharito, because as he showed against Chelsea last weekend in the Community Shield, the Mexican can score from any angle.
I'm tipping Chicharito to score at least five more goals than either Rooney or Berbatov. Until last season Wayne Rooney was not prolific in front of goal and so it will be very interesting to see how many he scores this time around. We have created a new poll which is located in the right sidebar, so let's have your votes on who you believe will be United's top goal-scorer in all competitions in 2010/11.
For anyone who fancies a bet on who will finish up top goal-scorer in the Premier League we will be keeping you up to date throughout the season with the latest comparative odds from http://www.freebetupdates.com. (See the latest comparative odds below).
VCBet are offering odds on Rooney finishing as Premier League top scorer of 7.00 (6/1).
Interestingly, since his goal against Chelsea last weekend Chicharito's odds have been shortening; but if you get on this quickly, Bet365 are still offering very generous looking odds of 34.00 (33/1)
United fans won't be that surprised to learn that PaddyPower are offering odds of 41.00 (40/1) on Berbatov to finish up top-goalscorer.
Quoted odds correct as of 10/08/2010.
I'm tipping Chicharito to score at least five more goals than either Rooney or Berbatov. Until last season Wayne Rooney was not prolific in front of goal and so it will be very interesting to see how many he scores this time around. We have created a new poll which is located in the right sidebar, so let's have your votes on who you believe will be United's top goal-scorer in all competitions in 2010/11.
For anyone who fancies a bet on who will finish up top goal-scorer in the Premier League we will be keeping you up to date throughout the season with the latest comparative odds from http://www.freebetupdates.com. (See the latest comparative odds below).
VCBet are offering odds on Rooney finishing as Premier League top scorer of 7.00 (6/1).
Interestingly, since his goal against Chelsea last weekend Chicharito's odds have been shortening; but if you get on this quickly, Bet365 are still offering very generous looking odds of 34.00 (33/1)
United fans won't be that surprised to learn that PaddyPower are offering odds of 41.00 (40/1) on Berbatov to finish up top-goalscorer.
Quoted odds correct as of 10/08/2010.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Ozil set for Barca: Lack of funds costs United again?
So then, it looks like Mesut Ozil is about to sign for Barcelona; it will be no great surprise if it actually happens. But, so much for the reports claiming United were keeping their powder dry until the player ran down his contract; that amounted to the same old tired media bullshit from the usual suspects.
It is inconceivable that the likes of Ferguson, Wenger, Ancelotti, Mourinho and Pep Guardiola wouldn't want a player of Ozil's undoubted talents within their respective squads.
Players of Ozil's ability do not come around that often and when they're available for knockdown prices, as a fan, you live in hope your club will sign the said player.
Ozil was one of the few genuine bright stars of the World Cup which makes United's apparent failure to even make any move to sign him even more damning.
Ferguson has little room to manoeuvre in the transfer market due to lack of funds and for that we have to blame the Glazer family.
It is inconceivable that the likes of Ferguson, Wenger, Ancelotti, Mourinho and Pep Guardiola wouldn't want a player of Ozil's undoubted talents within their respective squads.
Players of Ozil's ability do not come around that often and when they're available for knockdown prices, as a fan, you live in hope your club will sign the said player.
Ozil was one of the few genuine bright stars of the World Cup which makes United's apparent failure to even make any move to sign him even more damning.
Ferguson has little room to manoeuvre in the transfer market due to lack of funds and for that we have to blame the Glazer family.
Rival 'fans' booing Rooney will work for United...
The Johnny Englander boo-boy numpties were at it again at Wembley last Sunday, booing Wayne Rooney's every touch. We have been told the England players can expect to receive similar treatment during the first few weeks of the new season from rival supporters up and down the land. It is all so very tiresome and predictable - but like England's World Cup campaign it is an exercise in futility.
But let's get one thing straight: if you were one of those who believed the media hype surrounding the England team in the lead up to the World Cup then you're daft.
England had no chance of winning the World Cup, only a complete idiot would have expected that outcome; more likely, England would be on the first plane home and that's precisely what we predicted on this blog before a ball was kicked.
Yes, Rooney & Co fell way below expectations and so, yes, we can all understand the match going paying public being upset, but booing the players isn't going to change anything. The FA and Capello should be fair game though - they are the ones who should be on the receiving end. Vote with your feet is our advice.
As for booing Rooney, he's not going to be affected by that; not when rival fans have been calling him a fat bastard ever since he turned professional. Rooney has broad shoulders he will rise above the nonsense; he knows the best way to silence mouthy supporters is to put the ball in the onion bag. Bring on the Geordies.
As for Sunday's Community Shield, the outcome was very welcome, but the final score didn't tell the full story: Chelsea had United on the rack at times, but nonetheless let's take nothing away from the United team. Fergie baffled us all once again when selecting Owen as the second striker in his starting eleven - who would have predicted that? The United manager also started with Jonny Evans alongside Vidic and here again this was something of a surprise. Chicharito got his name on the scoresheet, but he'll no doubt want to forget his first effort on goal that went out for a throw-in. Sunday didn't tell us much that we didn't already know: United won't be that different from last season and neither will Chelsea.
But let's get one thing straight: if you were one of those who believed the media hype surrounding the England team in the lead up to the World Cup then you're daft.
England had no chance of winning the World Cup, only a complete idiot would have expected that outcome; more likely, England would be on the first plane home and that's precisely what we predicted on this blog before a ball was kicked.
Yes, Rooney & Co fell way below expectations and so, yes, we can all understand the match going paying public being upset, but booing the players isn't going to change anything. The FA and Capello should be fair game though - they are the ones who should be on the receiving end. Vote with your feet is our advice.
As for booing Rooney, he's not going to be affected by that; not when rival fans have been calling him a fat bastard ever since he turned professional. Rooney has broad shoulders he will rise above the nonsense; he knows the best way to silence mouthy supporters is to put the ball in the onion bag. Bring on the Geordies.
As for Sunday's Community Shield, the outcome was very welcome, but the final score didn't tell the full story: Chelsea had United on the rack at times, but nonetheless let's take nothing away from the United team. Fergie baffled us all once again when selecting Owen as the second striker in his starting eleven - who would have predicted that? The United manager also started with Jonny Evans alongside Vidic and here again this was something of a surprise. Chicharito got his name on the scoresheet, but he'll no doubt want to forget his first effort on goal that went out for a throw-in. Sunday didn't tell us much that we didn't already know: United won't be that different from last season and neither will Chelsea.
Saturday, August 07, 2010
The Shield: Fergie must be bold against Chelsea...
United take on Chelsea this weekend in the Community Shield at Wembley, the United manager knows full well the eyes of the world will be focused on the curtain raiser to the new Premier League season that kicks-off next weekend.
The west London club have not been that busy in the transfer market and so we pretty know what to expect from Chelsea - they are powerful in all departments, especially in midfield - and it's here where United could be vulnerable on Sunday. This could well be Paul Scholes last season; the 35 year-old cannot carry on forever and ahead of the big game Ferguson has stated his most creative force cannot be relied upon to play week-in week-out.
United have been strongly linked to Germany's world cup star, Mesut Ozil, but sadly it doesn't look like any deal will happen this summer and so Ferguson will have to make do with what his lot. There will be no Michael Carrick due to injury and reports suggest he's available for transfer should the club receive an acceptable offer. Darren Fletcher is a willing work-horse but he cannot expected to do it all on his own.
Contrary to press speculation Tom Cleverley will not be going out on loan this season - that is he won't unless Ferguson signs a proven midfield player before the transfer window closes at the end of August.
So how will Ferguson approach the Shield clash with Chelsea and can we expect fireworks from United? The answer to those questions will be answered on Sunday, but for now here's our predictions.
Ferguson will probably start with his most experienced players. United will line up with a four-four-two formation with Berbatov and Rooney up front. Rooney needs more game time and Berbatov could yet find himself warming the bench this season with competition for places hotting up - the pressure is on the Bulgarian from the first kick, but Ferguson is likely to give Berbatov a few chances to prove his worth, before demoting him back down the pecking order. Owen will all most certainly be introduced at half-time as a replacement for Rooney and Hernandez will replace Berbatov at some point.
In midfield, we think Fergie will start with Scholes and Fletcher in central midfield and on the flanks it will be Park and Nani (or Valencia).
The make-up of United's back four is less certain due to injuries; the right-back slot could be filled by John O'Shea or Rafael if the Brazilian is fit. Evans will be probably start at left-back with Smalling and Vidic in the centre.
Ferguson will more than likely start with Van der Sar, but he might rotate his 'keepers at some point.
If United are going to take first blood and lay down a marker ahead of the new season, then Ferguson must be bold and he must introduce Cleverley at some point to see how he fares against the best. Ferguson is unlikely to win on Sunday if he starts with anything other than a four-four-two formation because Rooney isn't yet fit enough to lead the line on his own as he often did, almost single-handedly, when carrying United last season.
Star bets:
Anytime scorer: William Hill are offering odds on Vidic of 13.00 (13/1) while Eurobet have Chris Smalling at 13.00 (13/1)
First scorer or last scorer: VCBet.com are offering both Vidic or Smalling at 41.00 (40/1)
If you enjoy a value bet then check out all the latest odds from Freebetupdates.com.
The west London club have not been that busy in the transfer market and so we pretty know what to expect from Chelsea - they are powerful in all departments, especially in midfield - and it's here where United could be vulnerable on Sunday. This could well be Paul Scholes last season; the 35 year-old cannot carry on forever and ahead of the big game Ferguson has stated his most creative force cannot be relied upon to play week-in week-out.
United have been strongly linked to Germany's world cup star, Mesut Ozil, but sadly it doesn't look like any deal will happen this summer and so Ferguson will have to make do with what his lot. There will be no Michael Carrick due to injury and reports suggest he's available for transfer should the club receive an acceptable offer. Darren Fletcher is a willing work-horse but he cannot expected to do it all on his own.
Contrary to press speculation Tom Cleverley will not be going out on loan this season - that is he won't unless Ferguson signs a proven midfield player before the transfer window closes at the end of August.
So how will Ferguson approach the Shield clash with Chelsea and can we expect fireworks from United? The answer to those questions will be answered on Sunday, but for now here's our predictions.
Ferguson will probably start with his most experienced players. United will line up with a four-four-two formation with Berbatov and Rooney up front. Rooney needs more game time and Berbatov could yet find himself warming the bench this season with competition for places hotting up - the pressure is on the Bulgarian from the first kick, but Ferguson is likely to give Berbatov a few chances to prove his worth, before demoting him back down the pecking order. Owen will all most certainly be introduced at half-time as a replacement for Rooney and Hernandez will replace Berbatov at some point.
In midfield, we think Fergie will start with Scholes and Fletcher in central midfield and on the flanks it will be Park and Nani (or Valencia).
The make-up of United's back four is less certain due to injuries; the right-back slot could be filled by John O'Shea or Rafael if the Brazilian is fit. Evans will be probably start at left-back with Smalling and Vidic in the centre.
Ferguson will more than likely start with Van der Sar, but he might rotate his 'keepers at some point.
If United are going to take first blood and lay down a marker ahead of the new season, then Ferguson must be bold and he must introduce Cleverley at some point to see how he fares against the best. Ferguson is unlikely to win on Sunday if he starts with anything other than a four-four-two formation because Rooney isn't yet fit enough to lead the line on his own as he often did, almost single-handedly, when carrying United last season.
Star bets:
Anytime scorer: William Hill are offering odds on Vidic of 13.00 (13/1) while Eurobet have Chris Smalling at 13.00 (13/1)
First scorer or last scorer: VCBet.com are offering both Vidic or Smalling at 41.00 (40/1)
If you enjoy a value bet then check out all the latest odds from Freebetupdates.com.
Thursday, August 05, 2010
Dublin walk in the park amounts to little as United stroll to easy victory...
The Red Devils were in action last night, this time in Dublin where the opponents were a select XI from the Airtricity League of Ireland.
Following an indifferent US tour where results are concerned, United turned on the style winning 7-1 in front of a near full-house at the impressive Aviva Stadium.
Ahead of the game, the fans had been promised both Rooney and Vidic would play some part and the supporters were not disappointed. Rooney didn't manage to get his name on the score-sheet-but he looked to be in reasonable condition following what was a disappointing season end and a World Cup to forget.
The Sun published photos of Rooney revelling into the early hours in Manchester last weekend and according to reports Ferguson was not best pleased. In the wake of what amounted to a Dublin walk in the park, comes the much stiffer challenge of Chelsea this Sunday in the Community Shield at Wembley. The United manager has promised to give Rooney more playing time in a bid to regain his sharpness, but it might take a few games before we see last season's top goal-scorer back to anywhere near his lethal best.
Vidic looked to be in good nick in Dublin, this time alongside Chris Smalling and it looks as though this will be Ferguson's preferred central defensive partnership, especially if Rio Ferdinand does not regain full fitness.
Ferdinand has been plagued by a succession of injuries and so chances are, from now on, we can expect to see him in cameo roles. The 'England captain' is likely to be a member of the supporting cast rather than one of the stars of the show from now on.
Smalling likes to get forward and it will be interesting to see how he fares against Chelsea this weekend - first and foremost he needs to be a solid defender and if he can forge a good understanding with Vidic at the back, it might well prove to be shrewd business by Ferguson, but, the former Fulham player will be judged on his defending and not what he does in United's opponent's half of the pitch.
Vidic spoke to the media after the game in Dublin and everyone connected with United will have been especially relieved to hear the Serbian defender confirm he's going nowhere this summer following weeks of speculation about his future.
While the Airticity friendly was a typical pre-season workout, it was another opportunity to improve fitness and to give the new boys more time on the pitch with their new team-mates.
It was somewhat surprising to see Michael Owen start, given he didn't go on tour to the US, but the manner in which took United's scond goal suggested he's regaining his sharpness in front of goal and that must bode well for what lies ahead.
Owen was replaced at half-time by the player who could go on to give Rooney a run for his money by eventually becoming the new fans' favourite and Chicharito wasted no time in adding United's third goal of the night with more or less his first touch following another good ball in from the right by Valencia. Chicharito has quick feet and as well as a goal-scorers instinct and from the brief glimpses we've seen so far he could go on to do very well this season.
Valencia stretched United's margin to four with a simple goal and then Park added his second of the night after he'd opened the scoring with a fluke in the opening minutes. The South Korean's second effort was an altogether more impressive goal as it was expertly curled into the top corner giving Rogers no chance.
Jonny Evans, who was playing left-back made it six-nil with a well directed header, but the biggest cheer of the night was reserved for Dave Mulcahy who converted a late consolation goal - however, according MUTV match summariser and United legend, Paddy Crerand, it was offside...
Nani ended the scoring from the penalty spot after Chicharito had been fouled.
Ferguson will be absolutely delighted with United's progress this summer thus far and the new players appear to be bedding in well. The one glaring weakness in the United squad is the lack of genuine proven quality in central midfield. United need to find a replacement for Paul Scholes and failure to do so could yet prove to be costly.
Reports claim United are hoping to sign Gremany's star of the world cup, Mesut Ozil, on a free next summer; if true, this looks like a gamble given Jose Mourinho is known admirer - many United fans would surely agree it's better to snap up the Werder Bremen star now rather than risk losing him.
It will be interesting to measure United against Chelsea at Wembley especially in midfield, because the West London club are the bookies favourites to be champions again. It is difficult to argue with the bookmakers looking at the two squads, but with Vidic staying, United will be in a shout providing the engine room can cope and supply the likes of Rooney and Chicharito.
Match Facts:
Airtricity League XI 1-7 Manchester United
Dave Mulcahy 79 Ji Sung Park 13, 63 Michael Owen 25
Chicharito 47, Antonio Valencia 60
Johnny Evans 69, Nani 82
Following an indifferent US tour where results are concerned, United turned on the style winning 7-1 in front of a near full-house at the impressive Aviva Stadium.
Ahead of the game, the fans had been promised both Rooney and Vidic would play some part and the supporters were not disappointed. Rooney didn't manage to get his name on the score-sheet-but he looked to be in reasonable condition following what was a disappointing season end and a World Cup to forget.
The Sun published photos of Rooney revelling into the early hours in Manchester last weekend and according to reports Ferguson was not best pleased. In the wake of what amounted to a Dublin walk in the park, comes the much stiffer challenge of Chelsea this Sunday in the Community Shield at Wembley. The United manager has promised to give Rooney more playing time in a bid to regain his sharpness, but it might take a few games before we see last season's top goal-scorer back to anywhere near his lethal best.
Vidic looked to be in good nick in Dublin, this time alongside Chris Smalling and it looks as though this will be Ferguson's preferred central defensive partnership, especially if Rio Ferdinand does not regain full fitness.
Ferdinand has been plagued by a succession of injuries and so chances are, from now on, we can expect to see him in cameo roles. The 'England captain' is likely to be a member of the supporting cast rather than one of the stars of the show from now on.
Smalling likes to get forward and it will be interesting to see how he fares against Chelsea this weekend - first and foremost he needs to be a solid defender and if he can forge a good understanding with Vidic at the back, it might well prove to be shrewd business by Ferguson, but, the former Fulham player will be judged on his defending and not what he does in United's opponent's half of the pitch.
Vidic spoke to the media after the game in Dublin and everyone connected with United will have been especially relieved to hear the Serbian defender confirm he's going nowhere this summer following weeks of speculation about his future.
While the Airticity friendly was a typical pre-season workout, it was another opportunity to improve fitness and to give the new boys more time on the pitch with their new team-mates.
It was somewhat surprising to see Michael Owen start, given he didn't go on tour to the US, but the manner in which took United's scond goal suggested he's regaining his sharpness in front of goal and that must bode well for what lies ahead.
Owen was replaced at half-time by the player who could go on to give Rooney a run for his money by eventually becoming the new fans' favourite and Chicharito wasted no time in adding United's third goal of the night with more or less his first touch following another good ball in from the right by Valencia. Chicharito has quick feet and as well as a goal-scorers instinct and from the brief glimpses we've seen so far he could go on to do very well this season.
Valencia stretched United's margin to four with a simple goal and then Park added his second of the night after he'd opened the scoring with a fluke in the opening minutes. The South Korean's second effort was an altogether more impressive goal as it was expertly curled into the top corner giving Rogers no chance.
Jonny Evans, who was playing left-back made it six-nil with a well directed header, but the biggest cheer of the night was reserved for Dave Mulcahy who converted a late consolation goal - however, according MUTV match summariser and United legend, Paddy Crerand, it was offside...
Nani ended the scoring from the penalty spot after Chicharito had been fouled.
Ferguson will be absolutely delighted with United's progress this summer thus far and the new players appear to be bedding in well. The one glaring weakness in the United squad is the lack of genuine proven quality in central midfield. United need to find a replacement for Paul Scholes and failure to do so could yet prove to be costly.
Reports claim United are hoping to sign Gremany's star of the world cup, Mesut Ozil, on a free next summer; if true, this looks like a gamble given Jose Mourinho is known admirer - many United fans would surely agree it's better to snap up the Werder Bremen star now rather than risk losing him.
It will be interesting to measure United against Chelsea at Wembley especially in midfield, because the West London club are the bookies favourites to be champions again. It is difficult to argue with the bookmakers looking at the two squads, but with Vidic staying, United will be in a shout providing the engine room can cope and supply the likes of Rooney and Chicharito.
Match Facts:
Airtricity League XI 1-7 Manchester United
Dave Mulcahy 79 Ji Sung Park 13, 63 Michael Owen 25
Chicharito 47, Antonio Valencia 60
Johnny Evans 69, Nani 82
Airtricity League XI: Gary Rogers (St Patrick's Athletic); Brian Shelley (Bohemians), Gavin Peers (Sligo Rovers), Ken Oman (Bohemians) Conor Powell (Bohemians); Ryan Guy (St Patrick's Athletic), Paul Keegan (Bohemians), Shaun Williams (Sporting Fingal), Killian Brennan (Bohemians); Joseph Ndo (Sligo Rovers), Paddy Madden (Bohemians).
Subs: Alan Kirby (Sporting Fingal) for Brennan (h/t), Conor Kenna (St. Patrick's Athletic) for Peers (54), Karl Sheppard (Galway United) for Madden (64), Richie Ryan (Sligo Rovers) for Williams (64), Ger O'Brien (Sporting Fingal) for Guy (70) Dave Mulcahy (St. Patrick's Athletic) for Ndo (70) Ger Doherty (Derry City) for Rogers (70).
Manchester United: Tomasz Kuszczak (Ben Amos 65); John O'Shea, Nemanja Vidic, Chris Smalling, Jonny Evans; Antonio Valencia, Michael Carrick (Darren Fletcher 37), Darron Gibson, Ji Sung Park (Nani 65); Michael Owen (Javier Hernandez h/t), Wayne Rooney (Dimitar Berbatov h/t).
Referee: Alan Kelly (Cork).
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Attendance: 49, 861.
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