Too Big For His Boots

       In what has been a tumultuous week for all involved with Manchester United, fans have been left to contemplate what the future holds. In Wayne Rooney's eyes the future is definitely not bright. Sir Alex Ferguson publicly disagreed last night and seemed somewhat perplexed by the suggestion that the club had a lack of ambition. Frequent followers of both the Reserves and the Academy will testify that the current crop coming through the ranks is the best for some time with numerous youth internationals regularly playing to a high standard in the style expected of any Manchester United side. Yet Rooney's main bone of contention seemed to be the quality of the current first team squad, particularly recent additions. Although he is a fine player, Rooney is neither manager, chief executive or even captain (club or on-field, or vice, or...well you get the picture) and so for him to have the cheek to make demands as to future acquisitions is utterly ridiculous. What exactly did he expect David Gill to say to him? Does he want a list of targets and to be kept in the know regarding progress? I'm quite certain Gill would have stated that we are always tracking players and it was up to the manager when to make the move, after all last time I checked Fergie was the one in control of the team. The current situation reminds me of a less-explosive event during one of the club's most successful periods ever.
       When Roy Keane famously criticised the desire of the squad (no not the MUTV one) after being knocked out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich in 2001, many observers agreed that it was time for change. Despite three titles in a row, the side seemed to be stagnating with many players around their peak ages but not much youth to support them - and their hunger being openly questioned. Yet back then the squad was practically the same one which had won the Treble. Some new youngsters had been more involved, the likes of Jonathan Greening (an unused sub in Barcelona), Ronnie Wallwork and Luke Chadwick, but none of them were considered as highly as the youth in the current squad. Fergie knew that changes were necessary so he did the obvious thing and spent big. Ruud van Nistelrooy and Juan Seba Veron were brought in for a combined sum close to fifty million pounds. In spite of the transfer outlay the 2001/2002 season was a difficult one, with United finishing outside the top two for the first time in eleven years and being eliminated from both domestic cup competitions in the early stages. The strength of that side came in Europe where the side successfully negotiated the lengthy double group stage format before a convincing defeat of Deportivo in the quarters set up a semi-final with the surprise of the season Bayer Leverkusen who had already defeated Liverpool in the previous round in a thrilling tie, that after topping a group containing Deportivo, Arsenal and Juventus. It would be wrong to call United's performances complacent but sloppy play lead to Leverkusen netting two crucial goals at Old Trafford which helped them go through on the away goals rule. Looking back Leverkusen had many quality players, Hans Jorg-Butt, Lucio, Ze Roberto, Michael Ballack, Bernd Schneider, Oliver Neuville and of course Dimitar Berbatov.
      So what does that season prove? Well the new signings both impressed, obviously van Nistelrooy was the more spectacular with his incredible goalscoring but Veron's performances in Europe are often overlooked, his ability to dictate games was his main attribute but this didn't come out often enough in the rough and tumble of the league. A player who would fit perfectly into modern day Arsenal only seemed to disrupt the famous midfield four of Beckham, Scholes, Keane and Giggs which had been so dominant for so long.
       So spending big doesn't always work either, the key is to have a long term plan. Bringing players through the youth team, whether they be foreign imports or local lads is built into the fabric of Manchester United, as is the oft-used 'nobody is bigger than the club'- not Sir Matt, not Sir Alex and certainly not Wayne Rooney. Comparing Rooney's outburst to Keane's is good for an analogy but the fact is Keane stayed and although he eventually left in a cloud of acrimony, he is, and forever will be, a Manchester United legend. He put aside his misgivings for the good of the club and because he had faith in the manager. He criticised the team for living on past successes but he didn't criticise their ability. He never disrespected the fans or the manager and after all he was the captain and thus was entitled to be a little more outspoken than the rest. So without mentioning cows or fields, summing up the situation can be done without metaphors but with a simple phrase, 'You can't buy success.' Manchester City became the richest club in the world in August 2008. In the two seasons since they have a total of 0 trophies, they are on to their second manager and have failed to qualify for the Champions League. In that same period, their unambitious, pennyless neighbours have won one league title, two League Cups, been to a Champions League final and missed out on a record fourth title in a row by just one point. So Wayne, the grass isn't always greener.

Manchester United v West Brom Preview

       Predicting a team after an international break in the past was generally quite tough but nowadays there are a number of players who aren't involved with their countries and therefore can be expected to play a part tomorrow. The likes of Giggs, Scholes and Berbatov have retired whilst youngsters like Rafael, Obertan and Bebe aren't regulars at international level. United fans had been looking forward to seeing Owen Hargreaves make his first Old Trafford appearance since the goalless draw with Villarreal in September 2008, but Fergie dashed those hopes this morning by confirming that Hargreaves is currently out with a minor calf injury. That means that the main piece of intrigue on the teamsheet could be the selection of Bebe as a substitute, giving him the opportunity to make his home debut.
       West Brom have made a great start to the season with their shock victory at the Emirates causing a huge stir. Yet they may well be without star man and September Player of the Month Peter Odemwingie who has been struggling with a knee problem. That would leave the striking burden with Marc-Antoine Fortune who has yet to settle after returning to The Hawthorns from north of the border.

THE SQUAD

1.Van Der Sar 29.Kuszczak 40.Amos

2.Neville 3.Evra 5.Ferdinand 6.Brown 12.Smalling 15.Vidic 20.Fabio 21.Rafael 22.O'Shea 23.Evans

8.Anderson 11.Giggs 16.Carrick 17.Nani 18.Scholes 24.Fletcher 26.Obertan 28.Gibson 33.Bebe

7.Owen 9.Berbatov 10.Rooney 14.Chicharito 27.Macheda

LIKELY LINE UP

SUBS

29.KUSZCZAK

21.RAFAEL

23.EVANS

8.ANDERSON

33.BEBE

7.OWEN

14.CHICHARITO



Sunderland v Manchester United Preview

      The Stadium of Light is a traditionally tricky place to visit, yet United have a great record there having won the last four meetings. With Sunderland shorn of one of their most impressive performers in on-loan winger Danny Welbeck, United have a great chance to get a first away win in the league. Not that the Reds don't have their own injury problems. Giggs and Scholes are definite absentees whilst Fergie is playing his usual mind games with regards to the availability of Wayne Rooney. Although given his lack of form, perhaps this time it would be best to leave him out, especially given the recent performances of Chicharito, Macheda and Owen. The lack of options on the left wing mean that Park will probably start again, despite admitting this week that he has been poor this season.

THE SQUAD

1.Van Der Sar 29.Kuszczak 40.Amos

2.Neville 3.Evra 5.Ferdinand 6.Brown 12.Smalling 15.Vidic 21.Rafael 22.O'Shea 23.Evans

8.Anderson 13.Park 16.Carrick 17.Nani 24.Fletcher 26.Obertan 28.Gibson 33.Bebe

7.Owen 9.Berbatov 10.Rooney 14.Chicharito 27.Macheda

LIKELY LINE UP

SUBS

29.Kuszczak

21.Rafael

23.Evans

8.Anderson

28.Gibson

14.Chicharito

27.Macheda



Valencia v Manchester United Preview

       United head to the Mestalla on the back of another disappointing away draw at Bolton. Coupled with the scoreless first group game against Rangers, a win would be a great boost. Yet given the quality of the opposition and United's poor record in Spain (1 win in 18) a draw might not be such a bad result. Valencia currently sit top of the group aswell as being top domestically. They seem to be coping well with the loss of the two David's, Villa and Silva. The arrival of former Getafe hitman Roberto Soldado and Mallorca targetman Aritz Aduriz mean that the flow of goals hasn't halted. The service for the two new strikers is provided by young Spaniards in the form of Pablo Hernandez and Juan Mata, who has taken over as Valencia's most prodigious talent.
       In terms of the United lineup it appears that Fergie will revert to the tried and trusted 4-5-1/4-3-3 formation. This will leave the in-form Michael Owen having to settle for a place on the bench once more with Michael Carrick likely to make his first start since the Community Shield victory over Chelsea.

THE SQUAD

1.Van Der Sar 29.Kuszczak 40.Amos

3.Evra 5.Ferdinand 6.Brown 12.Smalling 15.Vidic 21.Rafael 22.O'Shea 23.Evans

8.Anderson 13.Park 16.Carrick 17.Nani 24.Fletcher 28.Gibson 33.Bebe

7.Owen 9.Berbatov 14.Chicharito 27.Macheda

LIKELY LINE UP

SUBS

29.Kuszczak

12.Smalling

21.Rafael

28.Gibson

33.Bebe

14.Chicharito

7.Owen



Right Back Where We Started

       Despite the fact that the season is still in its embryonic state, the United eleven is pretty much set in stone. The front two of Wayne Rooney and the in-form Dimitar Berbatov seems unlikely to be broken apart although Michael Owen gave Fergie a nudge with his two goals at Glanford Park last night. In central midfield Darren Fletcher's energetic running has complimented the majestic passing of Paul Scholes. The wingers were set to be Nani and Antonio Valencia for the foreseeable future but the latter's run in the side was curtailed by his freak injury against Rangers. This has enabled Nani to transfer to his preferred right wing berth with Ryan Giggs bringing his guile and experience to the left side. The defence is slightly more unsettled but three positions in the back five are still nailed down with Edwin Van Der Sar, Patrice Evra and newly appointed captain Nemanja Vidic all certain starters. Vidic's partner at the heart of the defence has been Jonny Evans although it appears likely that Rio Ferdinand will return once he gets back to full match fitness. Chris Smalling's impressive outings against Rangers and Scunthorpe will undoubtedly put pressure on those ahead of him in the pecking order but he will probably have to settle for appearances in the cup competitions for now. Now we come to the one position which has caused the most debate already this campaign with various fans championing each of the four candidates for the right-back slot.
       So far John O'Shea has started four of the five league games, with club captain Gary Neville replacing him after the international break for the trip to Goodison. For the two cup games Wes Brown has slotted in nicely with typically robust performances. That leaves one contender with zero starts in his favoured position this season, and that person is the candidate most popular amongst the fans, Rafael da Silva. Whilst twin brother Fabio had already played two matches at left back this season, last night was Rafael's first start since the 3-1 win over Tottenham at the back end of last season and only his second since his ill-fated outing against Bayern. Even last night, with the majority of first teamers given the night off, Rafael still wasn't at right back, having to fill in at left back for his injured brother Fabio. It begs the question whether a fit Fabio would have once again left Rafael sitting on the bench and what the future holds for the precocious Brazilian. It seems that his nightmare at the hands of Franck Ribery is still fresh in the mind of Fergie and his coaching staff, the naivety shown that night stunting his progress. Yet fans around the world still clamour for him to play, feeling that his vast talents far outweigh his occasional immaturity.
       The solidity of O'Shea and Brown doesn't excite the fans. Both are given a slightly rough ride by some fans who seem to forget past successes. After all Brown was first choice right back during the 07/08 campaign, making 52 appearances, more than any other player. He was also preferred to Glen Johnson by Fabio Capello at the beginning of his tenure as England manager before his injury curse struck again. As for O'Shea he has long been derided by fans who don't see the benefits of his jack of all trades nature. Yet he too played right-back on the road to a Champions League final and was one of the standout performers, taming Thierry Henry for large portions of the games, on that miserable night in Rome.
       Gary Neville is probably the second most selected option when favourite 11's are published. Until March of 2007, a United side without Neville at full-back seemed unthinkable, but one Gary Speed tackle put his career in to a downward spiral. The injury seemed to cause multiple niggles to a player who had been so consistent for so long in terms of fitness, the 2002 metatrsal injury aside. He came back strongly enough in the second half of last season to earn himself a new contract though. He started six consecutive games between March and April before he was left out in favour of Rafael for the second leg against Bayern. A decision which seemed correct in the first half (needless swipe at Van Bommel aside) as he helped Antonio Valencia to tear apart Holger Badstuber as United blitzed the Germans. Yet he let himself down with an impulsive foul on Ribery to earn himself a second yellow card and tip the balance of the tie in Bayern's favour. Many fans (my uncle included) still state that that night demonstrates that he's not ready for the big time.
       His foul on Craig Bellamy in the Carling Cup semi at Eastlands is another example of his immaturity, of the fact that he can't control himself when a winger beats him. Whilst the other three would get themselves back into position and trust in their fellow defenders, Rafael still sees it as a personal battle. He plays the game like a winger in a positive manner but he has the mentality of a winger too. When a wideman attempts to beat his fullback and loses out, all too often they retaliate with a wild tackle and earn themselves a yellow card. Rafael is the same but in his position he can't afford such recklessness. But fans still love him. They still long to see his mazy runs down the wing and still react to his flying tackles in the same way as they do a Scholes special, with a laugh and a joke and an audible murmur. It is his youthful exuberance which the majority love but which also fuels the fires of his detractors. One thing is certain and that is he needs to learn. And to learn, he needs games. Yet he is left out because he needs to learn. In effect it is a vicious circle which can only be broken with a run in the side. For a player who has been in both Brazil squads since the World Cup to be constantly out of the squad is beggars belief. For Rafael to become our Dani Alves he needs to play week in week out. Otherwise we'll have Neville on the right with a bit of Brown and a bit of O'Shea. And then we'll be stuck. Because we'll be right back where we started. 

Scunthorpe v Manchester United Preview

       Predicting a Carling Cup line-up is always a difficult one given the lack of a press conference and the generally mixed nature of the squads. In the last two seasons Fergie has gone with a blend of youth (Da Silvas,Macheda,Welbeck) and experience (Neville,Brown,Kuszczak) and the strategy has worked well with United having won the competition in the past two seasons. This match has potential to be tricky in the tight surroundings of Glanford Park but United's class should overpower the Scunthorpe side. It appears that none of the starting 11 from Sunday's 3-2 win over Liverpool will be involved but experience will be provided by Park, Gary Neville and potentially the returning Rio Ferdinand if he has recovered from illness.

THE SQUAD

1.Van Der Sar 29.Kuszczak

2.Neville 5.Ferdinand 6.Brown 12.Smalling 20.Fabio 21.Rafael 30.De Laet

8.Anderson 13.Park 26.Obertan 28.Gibson 31.C.Evans 33.Bebe 42.Eikrem

7.Owen 14.Chicharito 27.Macheda 38.Ajose

LIKELY LINE UP

SUBS

1.Van Der Sar

2.Neville

30.De Laet

31.C.Evans

33.Bebe

38.Ajose

14.Chicharito



Manchester United v Liverpool Preview

       Two disappointing results in a row means there is added pressure on United to get a result over arch-rivals Liverpool. Although only Darren Fletcher started both matches, the disappointment will have been felt throughout the squad. On the other hand Liverpool head down the East Lancs Road in a much more positive state of mind. Since their humbling at the hands of Manchester City, they have won three and drawn one. Admittedly two of those were in the Europa League but they have a chance to build momentum with a positive outcome on Sunday.
       United still go in to the game as favourites and the squad is strong again, with Antonio Valencia the only new absentee after his shocking midweek injury. Rafael returns from suspension whilst Vidic, Nani, Scholes and Evra will be back after a night off on Tuesday.

THE SQUAD

1.Van Der Sar 29.Kuszczak 40.Amos

2.Neville 3.Evra 5.Ferdinand 6.Brown 12.Smalling 15.Vidic 20.Fabio 21.Rafael 22.O'Shea 23.Evans

8.Anderson 11.Giggs 13.Park 17.Nani 18.Scholes 24.Fletcher 28.Gibson

7.Owen 9.Berbatov 10.Rooney 14.Chicharito 27.Macheda

LIKELY LINE UP

SUBS

29.Kuszczak

22.O'Shea

21.Rafael

13.Park

8.Anderson

7.Owen

14.Chicharito