Earlier this week United lost out to Barcelona in the Champions League final, and deservedly so. In the wake of that defeat, at least if we are to believe the mainstream media, anyone would think that United have all of a sudden "been found out" as it has been put by some "neutrals" and or that the champions of England are a poor team.
As is so often the case when our rivals set about trying to rewrite history they tend to focus on the negative in a bid to force home their point; the problem is there's always a danger of conveniently forgetting some of the facts. In this particular instance, it's worth remembering that United beat the very same Barcelona last season, a team that included Messi, Henry and Eto'o et al.
Not surprisingly, the revisionists are currently in full-flow as they try to find fault with the current United team - and the Premier League, in the case of Daily Telegraph
United fans are probably sick and tired of hearing about the Champions League Final, but I'm sick and tired of reading the same old claptrap from so called "experts" in the media and rival fans who do not really understand the game.
Somewhat ironically, and unusually the introspection that has followed United's defeat to Barcelona has NOT emanated from our own fans, that will be because (a) we are not bitter (b) our club has actually won the Premier League for the third time on the bounce.
United fans also know (as do our rivals) that if United had scored in the opening minutes of the final in Rome, then in all probability the club would still be the champions of Europe. The outcome of any big game can hinge on an early goal, as was proven in the Champions League semi-final at the Emirates, that tie was effectively over after a blistering opening fourteen minute spell by the then holders.
According the experts, Ferguson has to take a long hard look at the current United; I seriously doubt he pays much attention to the media, but I will agree with one point of view concerning the future of Berbatov. As much as I appreciate his goals, he simply hasn't fitted into the United machine. For me, and for many supporters, he doesn't do enough to justify his starting place every week at the expense of Carlos Tevez.
I do have some serious concerns about the future of several players, namely Tevez and Ronaldo (Fergie won't agree to sell him - but the Glazers might). I'd like to see Nani sold ASAP and I'd take whatever Spurs or City were willing to offer for Berbatov. I honestly be quite happy to give Macheda his big chance next season. Whatever happens I'm confident Fergie will sort it out - the revisionists can go **** themselves.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Tiresome media persist with Ronaldo exit claims ...
It has been a bad few days for United supporters following the team's defeat in the Champions League final on Wednesday in Rome. It is bad enough losing, but now we are going to have to put up with another summer of transfer speculation surrounding Ronaldo.
In the wake of what was a bad night for the champions, it comes as no surprise that United's many enemies in the mainstream media have been attempting to destabilise the club by stirring up tensions between Fergie and Ronaldo.
In his post-match interview that followed the defeat in Rome, Ronaldo was honest in his assessment that United had played poorly and they'd made mistakes, he was also gracious in defeat when admitting Barcelona deserved to win. However, the media have been spinning for all their questionable worth by trying to create friction between manager and star player.
On the subject of next season, the Portuguese forward has on several occasions recently, stated categorically that his immediate future lies with Manchester United, despite this, the media have continued to speculate that Ronaldo will join Real Madrid this summer.
The latest news.... if that is a good word for it... surrounding the world player of the year, comes to us courtesy of the Guardian, the basis of this laughingly labelled "exclusive" is that as yet un-elected president Florentino Pérez will this summer launch a "spectacular project" that will include the signings of Ronaldo, Kaka and Franck Ribery.
Real Madrid have an amazing record where big name signings are concerned and they are still probably the biggest club in the world, despite what we United fans may think, so we cannot totally rule out that Ronaldo could join Madrid, but it is question of when that might be, next season seems highly unlikely given Ronaldo's recent comments on this subject.
The Guardian has also republished claims that there exists what has been described as "a legally binding document" for Ronaldo to sign for Madrid. The agreement in question was supposedly agreed between the disgraced former president Ramon Calderon and the Jorge Mendes, Ronaldo's agent. This particular story goes back to last summer and of course Calderon was eventually forced to quit over an alleged election rigging scandal.
Personally, I don't see how any document could ever be legally binding when Ronaldo remains under contract to Manchester United. Calderon and Mendes could well have agreed to do business, but that would have been on the understanding that United agreed to a transfer of the player, and while Fergie is in charge I honestly do not see that happening.
This so called legally binding agreement argument holds little water, it has if anything only served to cloud the issue because United hold all the aces. What's more, neither Calderon or Real Madrid were never going to sue Mendes and risk potentially losing out on signing Ronaldo at some point in the future.
In the wake of what was a bad night for the champions, it comes as no surprise that United's many enemies in the mainstream media have been attempting to destabilise the club by stirring up tensions between Fergie and Ronaldo.
In his post-match interview that followed the defeat in Rome, Ronaldo was honest in his assessment that United had played poorly and they'd made mistakes, he was also gracious in defeat when admitting Barcelona deserved to win. However, the media have been spinning for all their questionable worth by trying to create friction between manager and star player.
On the subject of next season, the Portuguese forward has on several occasions recently, stated categorically that his immediate future lies with Manchester United, despite this, the media have continued to speculate that Ronaldo will join Real Madrid this summer.
The latest news.... if that is a good word for it... surrounding the world player of the year, comes to us courtesy of the Guardian, the basis of this laughingly labelled "exclusive" is that as yet un-elected president Florentino Pérez will this summer launch a "spectacular project" that will include the signings of Ronaldo, Kaka and Franck Ribery.
Real Madrid have an amazing record where big name signings are concerned and they are still probably the biggest club in the world, despite what we United fans may think, so we cannot totally rule out that Ronaldo could join Madrid, but it is question of when that might be, next season seems highly unlikely given Ronaldo's recent comments on this subject.
The Guardian has also republished claims that there exists what has been described as "a legally binding document" for Ronaldo to sign for Madrid. The agreement in question was supposedly agreed between the disgraced former president Ramon Calderon and the Jorge Mendes, Ronaldo's agent. This particular story goes back to last summer and of course Calderon was eventually forced to quit over an alleged election rigging scandal.
Personally, I don't see how any document could ever be legally binding when Ronaldo remains under contract to Manchester United. Calderon and Mendes could well have agreed to do business, but that would have been on the understanding that United agreed to a transfer of the player, and while Fergie is in charge I honestly do not see that happening.
This so called legally binding agreement argument holds little water, it has if anything only served to cloud the issue because United hold all the aces. What's more, neither Calderon or Real Madrid were never going to sue Mendes and risk potentially losing out on signing Ronaldo at some point in the future.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
United players let themselves and the fans down, but congratulations to Barcelona.......
There's an adage in football that says you can only play as well as you're allowed to play and after the opening ten minutes of the Champions League Final last night in Rome it looked like Barcelona were going to allow United to dominate them. That was until United's midfield parted like the Red Sea as Andres Iniesta's strode through unchallenged to pick out Samuel Eto'o who turned Vidic inside out before toe-poking home a fine goal that beat Van der Sarr at his near post. United's Dutch 'keeper has been criticised for not dealing with the Cameroon striker's effort, but in fairness it was a snap-shot effort that flew beyond Van der Sarr at speed.
United never recovered from the opening goal even though it was completely against the run of play, but questions have to be asked as to why it was allowed to happen. Possession of the ball was fairly even for the remainder of the opening period, but the Catalans' were clearly given a major confidence boost by the early goal - sadly United's midfield did not rise to the occasion.
Barcelona went on to hammer the final nail in United's Champions League Final coffin, when Messi of all players, was allowed the freedom of the United penalty area to head home the well deserved second-half killer goal.
In the wake of what was bad night for United, not unexpectedly, the critics and enemies of the club in the media have enjoyed a field day. The BBC sport website used the headline "United outclassed", which is stretching the facts somewhat. United were not outclassed at all, yes they lost the game and mistakes were made, but the champions of England were NOT given a football lesson.
Apart from going over the mistakes at the back, the biggest single failure behind United's defeat was a catastrophic failure in midfield and it's here that Fergie needs to shoulder some of the blame. Ahead of the final, Fergie said that the side that does its best work on and off the ball would probably win the game; as far as United's midfield was concerned they were collectively awful in both respects and it has be said they missed the industry of suspended Darren Fletcher.
Ryan Giggs came into the starting eleven and early on it seemed that he'd been given the job of supporting Ronaldo through the middle, however, he was nowhere to be seen when Barcelona were in control of midfield and here again questions need to be asked about United's tactics. Fergie only served to confuse the nature of his own tactical plan when hinting that Giggs had been asked to do more of a defensive job a la Darren Fletcher; so was it a case of the Welshman failing to follow instructions or was the midfield just a complete muddle? To further compound matters, Anderson failed to take any measure of control in the engine room and so it came as no surprise that he was replaced by an out of sorts looking Carlos Tevez at the interval.
Ahead of the final, Graeme Souness rightly pointed out that Chelsea had done United a huge favour, because they very nearly beat the Catalans' and in so doing had put the fear of god into them; the point being Barca would be wary of playing another English club. At half-time when clearly it was going very badly wrong, Ruud Gullit opined that United had learnt nothing from the Chelsea performance in the semi-final; the point here was that the champions had failed to pick up on how to deny Barca space in front of the back four where defending was concerned.
Ultimately, United were not good enough on the night, the players let themselves, the club and the supporters down. The United fans in the stadium could barely be heard during the game, which is probably why one supporter later said the team and the fans didn't turn up.
While it was hugely disappointing for United, much credit has to go to Barcelona who have been the best team in the competition this season. On a personal note I wasn't happy about some of the unjustified hype surrounding this current United side with some pundits saying "this could be the best ever English side". For heaven's sake, it isn't the best United side that Fergie has produced, even though the man himself has only served to add weight to that myth.
The supporters would have been over the moon if United had won last night, but just perhaps this current team isn't quite what it has been cracked up to be, and so it is to be hoped that the defeat will serve to strengthen Fergie's resolve to reach the final again because where the manager has been totally correct is his assertion is that United have under-achieved in Europe.
United showed diginity and respect in defeat, both on and off the pitch and despite not playing well there was no sour notes to report on, or complaints about the result. There was no crying in the stands and the United fans who'd made the costly trip to Rome didn't let the club down by causing trouble after the match had ended. The final didn't quite live up to expectations, but that was largely down to United's poor performance on the night; it is hoped at least some of the players who tasted defeat last night will in time make up for what was a bad night for Manchester United and its supporters.
United's man of the match: Ronaldo - the only one who looked capable of doing anything on the ball all night long.
United never recovered from the opening goal even though it was completely against the run of play, but questions have to be asked as to why it was allowed to happen. Possession of the ball was fairly even for the remainder of the opening period, but the Catalans' were clearly given a major confidence boost by the early goal - sadly United's midfield did not rise to the occasion.
Barcelona went on to hammer the final nail in United's Champions League Final coffin, when Messi of all players, was allowed the freedom of the United penalty area to head home the well deserved second-half killer goal.
In the wake of what was bad night for United, not unexpectedly, the critics and enemies of the club in the media have enjoyed a field day. The BBC sport website used the headline "United outclassed", which is stretching the facts somewhat. United were not outclassed at all, yes they lost the game and mistakes were made, but the champions of England were NOT given a football lesson.
Apart from going over the mistakes at the back, the biggest single failure behind United's defeat was a catastrophic failure in midfield and it's here that Fergie needs to shoulder some of the blame. Ahead of the final, Fergie said that the side that does its best work on and off the ball would probably win the game; as far as United's midfield was concerned they were collectively awful in both respects and it has be said they missed the industry of suspended Darren Fletcher.
Ryan Giggs came into the starting eleven and early on it seemed that he'd been given the job of supporting Ronaldo through the middle, however, he was nowhere to be seen when Barcelona were in control of midfield and here again questions need to be asked about United's tactics. Fergie only served to confuse the nature of his own tactical plan when hinting that Giggs had been asked to do more of a defensive job a la Darren Fletcher; so was it a case of the Welshman failing to follow instructions or was the midfield just a complete muddle? To further compound matters, Anderson failed to take any measure of control in the engine room and so it came as no surprise that he was replaced by an out of sorts looking Carlos Tevez at the interval.
Ahead of the final, Graeme Souness rightly pointed out that Chelsea had done United a huge favour, because they very nearly beat the Catalans' and in so doing had put the fear of god into them; the point being Barca would be wary of playing another English club. At half-time when clearly it was going very badly wrong, Ruud Gullit opined that United had learnt nothing from the Chelsea performance in the semi-final; the point here was that the champions had failed to pick up on how to deny Barca space in front of the back four where defending was concerned.
Ultimately, United were not good enough on the night, the players let themselves, the club and the supporters down. The United fans in the stadium could barely be heard during the game, which is probably why one supporter later said the team and the fans didn't turn up.
While it was hugely disappointing for United, much credit has to go to Barcelona who have been the best team in the competition this season. On a personal note I wasn't happy about some of the unjustified hype surrounding this current United side with some pundits saying "this could be the best ever English side". For heaven's sake, it isn't the best United side that Fergie has produced, even though the man himself has only served to add weight to that myth.
The supporters would have been over the moon if United had won last night, but just perhaps this current team isn't quite what it has been cracked up to be, and so it is to be hoped that the defeat will serve to strengthen Fergie's resolve to reach the final again because where the manager has been totally correct is his assertion is that United have under-achieved in Europe.
United showed diginity and respect in defeat, both on and off the pitch and despite not playing well there was no sour notes to report on, or complaints about the result. There was no crying in the stands and the United fans who'd made the costly trip to Rome didn't let the club down by causing trouble after the match had ended. The final didn't quite live up to expectations, but that was largely down to United's poor performance on the night; it is hoped at least some of the players who tasted defeat last night will in time make up for what was a bad night for Manchester United and its supporters.
United's man of the match: Ronaldo - the only one who looked capable of doing anything on the ball all night long.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Cowardly Italian knife wielding scum attack United supporter...
The atmosphere in Rome has in general been one of a celebration of football with both sets of supporters mingling without any problems, sadly fears that Italian Ultras could cause trouble have come to fruition with news that a United supporter was slashed last night outside his hotel close to the Vatican, the injuries were not serious and after spending a few hours in hospital the fan was released. In a second attack an American was knifed across the buttocks, reports claim it was a case of mistaken identity, the theory being the cowardly Ultras believed the person in question was a Manchester United supporter.
Fergie can rule in Rome ...but only if United defend like champions
Manchester United go into tonight's Champions League Final as slight favourites due to Barcelona's injury problems, even though it is expected that both Thierry Henry and Iniesta will both start the game after recovering from injuries. In the case of the former Arsenal striker, it remains to be seen if the Frenchman is 100% match fit. Going into the final many pundits are rightly talking about Messi who is arguably the world's number one, the Argentine can destroy any team because at times he is unplayable. Henry and Eto'o can be equally as devastating, both are blessed with electric pace, it is therefore vital that the United defend properly, and as a team from front to back for the whole game and especially in the opening period.
Ahead of the big game, Fergie talked about the need for United to retain possession of the ball, he said that the team who does this best could be key to victory. The United manager knows that Barcelona can retain the ball well; it is one of their strongest attributes. However, Ferguson did not talk about the weaknesses in the Barcelona back four - even if the Catalans' had been a full strength United would have fancied their chances, the fact that they will face the holders with a patched-up defence should give United confidence about their collective ability to find a way through.
Earlier this week I posted that United could win the final from set-pieces because they have the greater aerial threat, or least that should be the case providing Edwin van der Sarr doesn't have an aberration at the other end. In the days that followed it was interesting to read Jose Mourinho echo my thoughts on this aspect of the game, in that the Inter manager also highlighted what is a perceived weakness in the Barcelona defence.
United definitely have the ability to win the final providing they do not throw it away in the opening 30 minutes, because if the champions can fend off Barca's early probing attacks I for one fully believe they can and will hopefully retain the trophy. The big danger for both finalists is allowing their opponents to set the tone if either concedes an early goal or two, because as we saw in the semi-final against Arsenal, the game was all but over after just 14 minutes following United's opening brace.
Ahead of the big game, Fergie talked about the need for United to retain possession of the ball, he said that the team who does this best could be key to victory. The United manager knows that Barcelona can retain the ball well; it is one of their strongest attributes. However, Ferguson did not talk about the weaknesses in the Barcelona back four - even if the Catalans' had been a full strength United would have fancied their chances, the fact that they will face the holders with a patched-up defence should give United confidence about their collective ability to find a way through.
Earlier this week I posted that United could win the final from set-pieces because they have the greater aerial threat, or least that should be the case providing Edwin van der Sarr doesn't have an aberration at the other end. In the days that followed it was interesting to read Jose Mourinho echo my thoughts on this aspect of the game, in that the Inter manager also highlighted what is a perceived weakness in the Barcelona defence.
United definitely have the ability to win the final providing they do not throw it away in the opening 30 minutes, because if the champions can fend off Barca's early probing attacks I for one fully believe they can and will hopefully retain the trophy. The big danger for both finalists is allowing their opponents to set the tone if either concedes an early goal or two, because as we saw in the semi-final against Arsenal, the game was all but over after just 14 minutes following United's opening brace.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Worst transfer rumour of the week: Real seek Ronaldo "escape clause"...
Here go again, summer is just around the corner and so we must now prepare ourselves for the usual collection of half-truths and downright lies, otherwise known as transfer rumours. I must admit, I nearly fell off my chair when I read this one which comes to us courtesy of guillembalague.com because after spending the last couple of seasons trying to sign Ronaldo, according to the aforementioned rumour spreading website, we are now being told that Real Madrid are exploring ways in which to escape from an agreement with Ronaldo's agent, Jorge Mendes.
This story goes back to last summer when rumour had it that Ronaldo was about to join Real Madrid - a deal that would have been subject to the small matter of Fergie allowing the player to leave. However, the original agreement was supposedly struck with Real Madrid's former president Ramon Calderon, who could soon be replaced by Florentino Perez and the latest spin on this particular story suggests that the Spanish club do not want Ronaldo because basically the deal would be too expensive.
So then we are being told that Madrid are talking to their lawyers in a bid to find a get out clause; well here's one for them, assuming for one moment that the document actually exists (which I personally seriously doubt) .... "The original deal would not have been legally binding because Ronaldo was still a United player and under contract".
The problem is sections of the media know full well they can create speculation without fear of any comeback, because from time to time the clubs will use the media to unsettle big star names. Real Madrid are world renowned for this typ of underhand scheming.
United fans are fully aware of Ronaldo's desire to join Real Madrid at some point, but as far as this summer goes it looks increasingly unlikely.
Over the next few weeks I will do my best to bring you the latest news on transfer speculation surrounding Manchester United, the worst rumour of the week will be well and truly slated as is the case with this latest effort from guillembalague.com.
This story goes back to last summer when rumour had it that Ronaldo was about to join Real Madrid - a deal that would have been subject to the small matter of Fergie allowing the player to leave. However, the original agreement was supposedly struck with Real Madrid's former president Ramon Calderon, who could soon be replaced by Florentino Perez and the latest spin on this particular story suggests that the Spanish club do not want Ronaldo because basically the deal would be too expensive.
So then we are being told that Madrid are talking to their lawyers in a bid to find a get out clause; well here's one for them, assuming for one moment that the document actually exists (which I personally seriously doubt) .... "The original deal would not have been legally binding because Ronaldo was still a United player and under contract".
The problem is sections of the media know full well they can create speculation without fear of any comeback, because from time to time the clubs will use the media to unsettle big star names. Real Madrid are world renowned for this typ of underhand scheming.
United fans are fully aware of Ronaldo's desire to join Real Madrid at some point, but as far as this summer goes it looks increasingly unlikely.
Over the next few weeks I will do my best to bring you the latest news on transfer speculation surrounding Manchester United, the worst rumour of the week will be well and truly slated as is the case with this latest effort from guillembalague.com.
King Eric keen to succeed Fergie
The smart money might be on Jose Mourinho to eventually step into Sir Alex Ferguson’s shoes at Old Trafford, but Eric Cantona has thrown his hat into the ring. The United legend who rammed in 82 goals in 185 appearances between 1992 and 1997 has revealed his desire to take up the United hot-seat.
"I will guide probably the strongest team in the world," said Cantona."I don't know how many years will go by before that happens but on the Manchester United bench my name is already written down. I'm not saying (Sir Alex) Ferguson will leave. I hope he will have eternal life with the Reds, I truly hope so. But for me the only alternative (to that of Manchester United) is guiding the England national team.
I like (England coach) Fabio Capello as a man and as a motivator. He transmits positive values. He is tough, precise and puts a lot of emphasis on attention to details. It's what was needed. But I can assure you that sooner or later you will see me guiding England because I have made history at Manchester United and I am number one."
The 43-year-old is currently coach of the French beach soccer side, but he seems keen to step up through the grades and put his legendary status as a player on the line. After collecting four league titles and two FA Cups in his time in the North-West, Cantona believes he is destined to return in the top job, but great players don’t always make good managers.
Just look at Bryan Robson. Captain Marvel was inspirational for United, and like Cantona, a cult hero, but his managerial career has been rather less successful. Indifferent spells at Middlesbrough, Bradford and West Brom have now seen Robson pack in the management game and take up the role of United's ambassador.
Robson's failings certainly might be something for Cantona to consider before he gets his feet under Fergie’s desk as it would almost certainly sour the memories of Cantona if he flopped in the hot-seat at Old Trafford.
"I will guide probably the strongest team in the world," said Cantona."I don't know how many years will go by before that happens but on the Manchester United bench my name is already written down. I'm not saying (Sir Alex) Ferguson will leave. I hope he will have eternal life with the Reds, I truly hope so. But for me the only alternative (to that of Manchester United) is guiding the England national team.
I like (England coach) Fabio Capello as a man and as a motivator. He transmits positive values. He is tough, precise and puts a lot of emphasis on attention to details. It's what was needed. But I can assure you that sooner or later you will see me guiding England because I have made history at Manchester United and I am number one."
The 43-year-old is currently coach of the French beach soccer side, but he seems keen to step up through the grades and put his legendary status as a player on the line. After collecting four league titles and two FA Cups in his time in the North-West, Cantona believes he is destined to return in the top job, but great players don’t always make good managers.
Just look at Bryan Robson. Captain Marvel was inspirational for United, and like Cantona, a cult hero, but his managerial career has been rather less successful. Indifferent spells at Middlesbrough, Bradford and West Brom have now seen Robson pack in the management game and take up the role of United's ambassador.
Robson's failings certainly might be something for Cantona to consider before he gets his feet under Fergie’s desk as it would almost certainly sour the memories of Cantona if he flopped in the hot-seat at Old Trafford.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Rio injury fears as United enjoy stroll in the sun: Newcastle fans should sue Magpies...
So then, as expected, Newcastle and 'Boro have been relegated, few will have been that surprised at the outcome. In the wake of yet another truly awful performance the Messiah, aka Alan Shearer, said "we weren't good enough this season", how true.
Personally, I actually have some sympathy for the Newcastle fans - yes, many of them were guilty of forcing the club to part company with Sam Allardyce and so it could be argued they've in part brought relegation upon themselves. However, if our beloved Manchester United appointed a manager whose tactics included consistently lumping the ball down the park, we'd soon be demanding change. Every fan in the land wants to see their club playing "sexy football", but it isn't always possible for very obvious reasons, one being not every club can afford to buy Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Going into the final weekend of the season there were some who advocated suing Manchester United if the manager selected a "weakened team" against Hull City, but as expected that is precisely what happened. Ahead of United's biggest game of the season, Ferguson rested the players expected to start against Barcelona in the Champions League final - it was the right thing to do for Manchester United and frankly nothing else mattered.
The fact that the champions went on to beat Hull City, courtesy of Darron Gibson's first-half pile-driver left those looking for retribution with no avenue but to turn their guns on their own relegated clubs. Perhaps the disgruntled supporters of Newcastle should consider suing the players who so badly let themselves the club down. Newcastle's second-half performance against Aston Villa was pitiful, the accused were guilty of failing to comply with the "trades description act" because there was no pride or passion.
Manchester United can now concentrate of the big game in Rome, but worryingly there was no Rio Ferdinand at the heart of the champions defence against Hull City, clearly that omission suggests that Rio will not start against Barcelona. If Ferdinand fails to recover in time to face Barcelona it could well tip the balance of the final in favour of the Catalans’, because while Jonny Evans has done well, he doesn't have Rio's pace. Ferdinand is arguably the finest interceptor in the game; his biggest asset is that he cuts out danger before it turns into disaster for United. Whatever team Fergie selects, United fans will be hoping they put on a show and bring the trophy back to Manchester again. Bring it on.
Personally, I actually have some sympathy for the Newcastle fans - yes, many of them were guilty of forcing the club to part company with Sam Allardyce and so it could be argued they've in part brought relegation upon themselves. However, if our beloved Manchester United appointed a manager whose tactics included consistently lumping the ball down the park, we'd soon be demanding change. Every fan in the land wants to see their club playing "sexy football", but it isn't always possible for very obvious reasons, one being not every club can afford to buy Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Going into the final weekend of the season there were some who advocated suing Manchester United if the manager selected a "weakened team" against Hull City, but as expected that is precisely what happened. Ahead of United's biggest game of the season, Ferguson rested the players expected to start against Barcelona in the Champions League final - it was the right thing to do for Manchester United and frankly nothing else mattered.
The fact that the champions went on to beat Hull City, courtesy of Darron Gibson's first-half pile-driver left those looking for retribution with no avenue but to turn their guns on their own relegated clubs. Perhaps the disgruntled supporters of Newcastle should consider suing the players who so badly let themselves the club down. Newcastle's second-half performance against Aston Villa was pitiful, the accused were guilty of failing to comply with the "trades description act" because there was no pride or passion.
Manchester United can now concentrate of the big game in Rome, but worryingly there was no Rio Ferdinand at the heart of the champions defence against Hull City, clearly that omission suggests that Rio will not start against Barcelona. If Ferdinand fails to recover in time to face Barcelona it could well tip the balance of the final in favour of the Catalans’, because while Jonny Evans has done well, he doesn't have Rio's pace. Ferdinand is arguably the finest interceptor in the game; his biggest asset is that he cuts out danger before it turns into disaster for United. Whatever team Fergie selects, United fans will be hoping they put on a show and bring the trophy back to Manchester again. Bring it on.
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