United So Close, But Not Close Enough

United 1 - Barcelona 3

They say to be the best you have to beat the best. We couldn't tonight. Worthy winners Barcelona out-played, out-lasted, out- classed Manchester United. I am usually a very sore loser, but we lost to the best team of the last 10 years, who have now won 3 champions league trophies in the last 5 years. United started well, but when Pedro scored the first goal you could see that this story was not going to have a happy ending. Our defense which was so good in the last couple of games were left chasing Messi's shadow and whenever you do that, the team will pay the consequences. 

Now, to the scoreline, united's 1 came from the run of play and it really was a great goal by Rooney to make it 1-1, but it did not change the momentum, which goals like that usually do. United gave a much improved preformance to the one they gave 2 years ago in Rome, where we poor. The goal, Rooney & Vidic is the only positive thing I can take from the lose. Also, I applaud Barcelona they are the perfect team: all but 4 of the players were brought up in their youth teams, which means that Barcelona will be dominating for years to come. 

Oh, Messi. How I wish you were not from my home country, so I could say what I really think of you. No doubt he is the best player in the world, but without Iniesta or Xavi I do not believe he would be as good. What I like about messi is he is modest in winning, that an the smile on my face when he scores. ( not agianst united =P) The game was hugely respectful with very few fouls and hardly any yellow card and a lot of sportsmanship, rubbish! This is the champions league final! You have to want to win, Barcelona play nice- fine. The opposition have to play tough, but we didn't and we once again payed the consequences. 

  

Not the best way to say good-bye to Van Der Sar. And maybe Scholes? I have to admit I will be very worried if we only sign 1 player to replace Van Der Sar. Although we lost, Vidic has admitted that Barcelona were better. Argentina's captain Mascherano has said he is already ready for the Copa America in July. Barcelona Coach Pep Guaridiola had previously hinted that he might move to another team should they win the final, but he will now stay.  

             United next season

De Gea- The 20 year old replacement to Van Der Sar. ( literally half the age of van der sar). 

Sneijder- PERFECT! If we get him we will gave a great playmaker for Rooney.

Barcelona are the champions, but United won the league, got to the semi-final of the FA Cup and the runner up to Barcelona i nthe champions league.
GO UNITED! GREAT SEASON! WE WILL GET THEM NEXT SEASON!
Thanks for ready mt blog. Stay safe everyone, peace.

Francisco Roth!

Manchester United Up Agianst Bareclona In The Final

Manchester United vs Barcelona

One final push.One game to show that all the hard work this season meant something. The game of the year, no the game of the last 5 years is here. Why do I say it is the best game of the last 5 years? Well, firstly in 2009 this game was played Barcelona won. Secondly, over the last 5 years either United or Barcelona has made either the final or semi-final of the cup and finally they are the undisputed champions of the English and Spanish leagues.

I am not expecting a 5-4 win or 4-2 I am not expecting many goals, because it is the best defense in the cup against the best offense. I expect them to cancel each other out and the 2 or 3 goals in the game to be very scrappy. Xavi Hernandez ( Barcelona player) has hailed Manchester United, as had Messi and Pep Guirdiola ( coach) . I like it both teams have a lot of respect for one another, but it may be too much respect. I hope the game gets a hard tackle in the opening minutes so the players understand it is a cup final and not a kick-a-around.

I have 3 worries for Manchester United tomorrow: number 1) Is Hernandez strong enough to face Pique?  He believes he is ready, but at 22 years of age he is very young and little. the second problem is Giggs. HE IS AMAZING ! But, will this be one step too far for him? I hope not. If he is fully fit the game will favor united, if not......well I do not think Gibson is a good replacement. number 3) The lose in the final of 2009....... will that be a factor in this game? Evra has said he is " not allowed" to lose another final. If United can overcome these problems and Carrick can keep playing the way he was playing in the games against Chelsea and Schalke, United could win this game, but the problem when you play Barca is you switch off for a second and BANG you are chasing the back of Messi. Ask any defender, thats not good.

Coach Time

The Barceolna team pretty much chooses itself: Valdez, Dani Alves, Pique, Puyol, Abidal, Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta, Messi, Villa and Perdo. Over the last couple of Champions league games United have featured the same squad and the results show that it works, the only positions that have raised eye brows are the Right Back and Left Winger. The right back spot is between the two twins: Rafa and Fabio. Rafa has more experience, but Fabio has been playing more often, If you would have asked me 4 days ago I would have said Rafa, but now I want to see Fabio. The Left winger is interesting because we need a player who can attack and defend.- Park, but Nani was voted the best player........ What I want to do is start with Park and in the 60th minute regardless of the result, put Nani on to cause Abidal a whole lot of problems. 

 

Prediction: My final prediction of the season ;( I can only see United winning. If United play there way and pressure Barcelona high up the pitch, we could win! As Sir Alex has said. We are the underdogs, but how often do underdogs win? I would say 70 % of the time =P

COME ON UNITED, THIS IS OUR SEASON!

United Finish On A High Note

United 4- 2 Blackpool



The Celebrations start

United are champions and have the trophy to prove it. The Game itself was a great game for all the United fans. United put a very strong starting line up, which included: Vidic, Nani and Park. United took the lead in the 25th minute with a goal from Ji-Sung Park. Blackpool then hit back with a Charlie Adam goal, and then took the lead! But after a Anderson goal, A own-goal by Ivvat, and a cool finish by Micheal Owen - United won the game and Blackpool were relegated to the Championship.



Ryan Giggs with tittle number 12






The United captain, Vidic, did not want United to have a massive celebration so they could focus on the Champions League final against Barcelona on Saturday. (I AM REALLY EXICTED FOR THAT GAME! ) but, there was a lot of things drank, it was a party. I really did not Blackpool to be relegated because they played very nice football and played with their hearts, I have to admit when Blackpool were winning, I kind of wanted them to hold on to their lead, but when I saw Owen warming up and when Vidic came off for Rooney, it was obvious what was going to happen.  

  

Thank You Ferguson

I do not enjoy writing about other games, but the last game of the season was epic, in terms of the bottom half of the table. I will try to tell the story as easy as I can. The day started with Wigan and Blackpool being relegated, that changed when Tottenham scored and put Birmingham in the Relegation zone. At half time blackburn were winning 3-0 which meant Wolves were in the relegation zone with Wigan. But then Wolves scored twice. Tottenham scored again. Manchester United Beat Blackpool and Wigan scored in the last couple of minutes. Blackpool and Birmingham were relegated. I do not mean to be disrespectful, but I have nothing else to say. United are the best team in England - for a record 19th time, and the season is over. Oh well just 2 months before the league starts again, and the Copa America will kept me entertained. BUT before that there is a MASSIVE MATCH AGAINST BARELONA!          

Thank you for a great season.





United Hope To Finish On A High

Adam - Captain and Heart of Blackpool

Manchester United Vs Blackpool

Although we are already champions this game is extremely important. United will rest their top players for the Champions League final, so will field a "weak" squad for this game ( our " weak squad" beat Schalke 4-1), but the problem is that if we lose or draw Blackpool will escape relegation and we would be sued by the primer league. 

Owen- Will get the chance to shine

 United have played with their top players in the last 2 months so it would be fair to give them a break. I believe even our reserves can beat Blackpool. This is the last game for Van Der Sar. Who say it will be the saddest moment of his career. Fergusson said he will give a couple of first team players chances to prove they can play against Barcelona next week.

Coach Time

United will rest: Rooney, Fans player of the year Hernandez, Players player of the season Nani, And Primer League player of the season Vidic. Although our top players will not play, I expect United to attack, attack & attack some more. I am hoping we can keep all their forwards quiet throughout the game and hit them on the counter because with the likes of: Anderson, Bebe And Obertan we will be the faster team.I hope Fletcher will be available for the final, so I wish he could play only for an hour or so.

 Predicted Result 

Not expecting a great game. 1-0 win to United Berbatov to score. Hopefully Blackpool wont be relegated because it will be a sad day to celebrate

Manchester United Win Record 19th Title!

Blackburn Rovers 1- 1 Manchester United



United celebrate without the trophy.

 ¨"Drink it in. Soak it up. Bellow it from the rooftops. Manchester United are the champions of England, now more than anyone. More than ever, United rule all others in the land." - Words from Manutd.com. United played out a boring 1-1 draw against a defensive Blackburn side, to become champions of England. The game was far from easy, the United faithful was quieted in the 20th minute when Brett Emerson volleyed home from 5 yards out past a unrealiable goailie Tomas Kuscack, but when Hernandez was brought down by Robinson in the box, Rooney stepped up and scored a goal that means United are now the most succesful club in England.

The Moment the pentaly was won



  United have won the season with the WORST away record of the preimer league with only 25 points won out of a possible 57. ( 5 wins, 10 draws and four loses) . But the reason we won is our home form. Winning all our games, expect one against West Brom. In my opnion we were worthy winners because we were the most consistent team: Chelsea started very brightly, but lost 7 games in a row near Chirstmas, and same old Arsenal losing key games and never really looking a real threat. Interesting thing about Arsenal: They were second for so long, but then they lost 2 in a row,  they were then third, but then this weekend they lost their last home game against Aston Villa, now if Manchester City win, Arsenal, favourites to win in March will finish the season fourth!


Above: Key players in tittle succes



  I read a very interesting Article yesterday, it was about the key reasons we won the tittle. I was suprised at some of the entries, but agreed with them all. Here is my list of top 5 moments of the season:

1) Never Say Never Attitude - losing 2-0 at West Ham, Aston Villa and Blackpool. We beat West Ham and Blackpool and got a massive draw against Villa.

2) Rooney vs City - The Overhead kick was amazing, and it meant so much.

3)Signing Hernandez - He was amazing this whole season.

4) Keeping Van Der Sar Fit

5) The Defense and the wins against Arsenal and Chelsea. Huge wins at home.

Next Week Blackpool, then the week after a small matter: CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL AGAINST A Small team - Barcelona

CONGRATULATIONS MANCHESTER UNITED CHAMPIONS 2010/2011!!



One Point Away From Tittle

MANCHESTER UNITED VS BLACKBURN

Will be rested for this game.

Manchester United could become champions if we draw at Blackburn. Clearly we are favorites to win because when we played them October we won 7-1, with Berbatov scoring 5 goals. The Manager has already said he will place a strong team, so all the top players can be rested for the next game. This game would have been great for Manchester's striker Macheda, who is on loan in Italy, it would have been great because Macheda always plays very well at important times in the season. Blackburn are in a completely different position as they are only 3 points ahead of Blackpool with 2 games to go. I always liked Blackburn as a team, and I hope they do not get relegated, but that doesn't mean we should what Barcelona did, which was draw 1-1 on purpose so Levante could not get relegated. 

* In a completely different topic. Barcelona's holding midfielder Sergio Busquets could miss the final against United after calling Marcelo a "monkey".

Key Player for Blackburn

Blackburn played against West Ham last weekend. In a pivotal game for the relegation battle. A game that finished 1-1 a result that favors Blackburn more than West Ham. The has been talked about this week because Blackburn defender - Chris Samba - played one of the best defensive performances of the season. Unfortunately, I cannot comment too much because I did not see the game, but I watched the previous Blackburn game, and Samba's physical strength could be a problem for our strikers. So I am not expecting a 5-0 win with 5 headers. 

* Blackburn's last game of the season is against Wolves. A game being labeled " the most important in recent weeks". If Blackburn lose both games they could be relegated for the first time since the premier league started in the 1991/1992 season where they won.

* If United win, they will win their record 19th tittle.

 Coach Time

“We must approach the game the right way and play our strongest team. It’s always a difficult game and Blackburn are fighting [to stay up]." - Sir Alex. Clearly it will be a strong team. The three main changes I expect are: Van Der Sar being rested for the champions league final. Fletcher making his comeback, and Berbatov playing so Samba has a challenge. 

Blackburn need a draw. They will celebrate if they draw, because they will not be relegated. They will defend, defend with all they have. Putting all eleven players behind the ball and hope to hit us on the counter. We should play along. ATTACK, ATTACK, ATTACK. Leaving only Vidic, Carrick and Ferdinand in defense. In addition if we are winning by more than 3 goals we should take off Rooney, Valencia and Carrick to give them a well deserved rest. 

PREDICTED RESULT- All we need is a draw, but I believe the players are very focused and we should have too much class for a weak Blackburn team. 2-0. Which means we will be CHAMPIONS! * Goals from Rooney and Carrick. 

*Important to note. If we win, we will not celebrate with the trophy. That only happens on the last game of the season. 

 

Manchester United Put One Hand On The Trophy

 Manchester United 2- Chelsea 1

Hernandez scores fastest goal this season.

What a preformance and what a result! Manchester United now have a firm hand on the premier league trophy after their convincing 2-1 win against Chelsea.  The game could not have started better with Javier Hernandez scoring with just 37 seconds on the clock. United dominated possession all through the game, but in the first 25 minutes they made Chelsea look like a poor team. In the 23 minute the scorline started to reflect what was going on in the game; with Vidic scoring a header from Giggs's cross. Chelsea got their undeserved consolation goal in the 65th minute with Lampard scoring from close range.

United Legend salutes fans

 I have now run out of superlatives to describe Ryan Giggs; he was the best player by a mile. I believe United could be in trouble if Giggs is not 100% for the Champions League final. Giggs has acknowledged that United are overwhelming favorites to win the league, but he knows it is not over yet.
On a different note, Ferguson has hailed the team after outplaying Chelsea. United's record at home is now 16 wins, one draw and no losses this season.  Another fact is that United have not received a goal at home since losing 2-1 to chelsea 13 months ago.

United celebrate.

The Papers have already called United "the best English team". But all the players are very concentrated on finishing the job off at Balckburn next week. " A draw would be enough, but at United we play to win" Vidic said. 

According to the table we are not champions, yet. But according to everyone else we are.

Pretty much done.

Winner Takes All

MANCHESTER UNITED VS CHELSEA

Fernando Torres - Key Player For Chelsea

If United win they are 1 point away from becoming champions for a record 19th time but, of course, there is something standing in the way - Chelsea. Chelsea have been close to perfect in the league winning 6 of their last 6 games ( losing to United twice in the Champions league). The have fit top form, but Manchester's home record speaks for itself ( 16 wins, 1 draw, 0 losses ). If we lose this game we move into second on goal difference, which is not the position I would like to be in because we should be able to rest key players for the game against Barca in 3 weeks. I am expecting a dull closed game because thats the way Manchester need to play, but ex- captain Gary Neveille believes this could be a cracking match

Giggs will be pivotal for this game

The United Legend Ryan Giggs doesn't age. in 2008 he said he will no longer play on the left wing as he is getting tired, but he has moved into the center midfeild position and has become United's most important player. He and Carrick will have to break down Chelsea's counter-attacks and stop Lampard from getting in the game. I also hope our two wins in the champions league will give us a physiological boost. So as mentioned previously if our center midfeilders can clost their midfielders down quickly our winger can get down the winger quickly and supply the ball for Rooney or Hernandez. In midweek we crushed Schalke comprehensively which brought up the question: why change a winning team? The answer is simple : Chelsea are better than Schalke. Gibson and Anderson cannot play in this game.

Coach Time

This is the same team that beat Chelsea in the champions league expect that Rafeal and Nani replace Fabio and Park. This team is good, but may not be good enough unless Rooney drops back into midfield and leave Hernandez alone by himself. Truth be told, if we win this game, we are champions and our top players get the rest they so greatly deserve. The way we need to play is simple counter attacking football because Chelsea will come forward, that much is obvious, so if we can get the ball over to Nani or Valencia supported by Evra and Silva we could win the game while actually playing worse. 

Predicted Score: I do not want to jinx it, but I really do not see us losing this game. We have been 1st place since December and to lose that in the last couple of games would be unfair. 2-0 united Rooney and Valencia the scores.

Manchester Will Play The Final vs Barca

A Picture Says 1000 Words

 

 

 

 

Our "B" Team

What a birthday present this squad gave me. What a spectacular preformance from what was quoted a "weak team" by a commentator. The game was great we out-played them all over the pitch and fully deserved all the goals and maybe even more. A massive confidence boost ahead of the Chelsea game. Anderson doubled the amount of goals he had for Manchester United scoring twice in the second half, before Gibson and Valencia both scored. In my opinion if you replace: Scholes, Berbatov, O'shea and Van Der Sar with: Rooney, Fabio, Cleverly and Amos. The teams average age would have been: 23 years. The future looks bright in Manchester.  

Anderson and Gibson dominate the midfield

The game started boring. It really looked like we were happy with a 0-0, but, someone told Ferguson that it was my birthday and they started playing much more offensively ( well at least I think that's what happened). The first goal came courtesy of a great pass from Gibson to Valencia who slotted past Neuer; who was rubbish. The next goal was an a blooper as Gibson's shot was fumbled by Neuer and ended up in the goal. The next two goals were tap-in from Anderson ( assists from Nani and Berbatov). Anderson's preformance may have been enough to win him a spot in the squad against Chelsea. Everything went according to plan, and in the 60th minute we subbed O'shea and Berbatov off so they will be available for the Chelsea game. The 4-5-1 tactic is really working in the Champions League. Maybe we could use it in the Premier League? Captain for day admitted the preformance was top-class.

" WE CAN WIN IT" - Sir. Alex Ferguson

I think I speak on behalf of all Manchester United fans when I say that Barcelona will not be as easy as Schalke. Just thinking of the game gives me goosebumps. Van Der Sar says we can beat Barca. I love the optimism from the United fans, but I will not bet anything on this game, It will go down to whoever wants it more and if we can keep Messi off the ball. But, that is not what we should be focusing on now because if we don't focus we could finish the season empty handed if we lose the Chelsea on Sunday.

Schalke Visit Old Trafford

MANCHESTER UNITED VS SCHALKE



Rooney may miss the Schalke game



Manchester are in a commanding position ahead of their game against Schalke. They will go into the game with a 2-0 advantage, but deflated after their loss against Arsenal. Schalke will come out attacking now they have to score a minimum of three goals to go through ( against the best defense in europe). It won´t be easy though for United as Sir Alex will have one eye on the crucial fixture against Chelsea on Sunday. Rooney and Fabio are doubts after they sat out of the monday training section. Everyone else is fit, but the key players may not play because they seemed tired against Arsenal.



Manuel Neuer will once again be a key figure



Schalke are the best attacking side in the competion ( better than Real and Barca) with 16 goals. Ferguson has admitted he may play counter-attacking football, which indicates he will rotate the squad giving the "B" team a chance to play. He also adimited because of their lose against Arsenal, the next two games are "massive" Although United are deflated, Schalke are absolutley CRUSHED after losing 4-1 against Bayern Munich and Captain Manuel Neuer saying he will leave the club at the end of the season.


Coach Time

Schalke need to score, which mean Man U need to defend. We need to play on the counter attack, which is why I have put two fast wingers who can bring the ball from the defense to the opposition's box. I have rested Vidic, Rooney and Carrick because they will be critical against Chelsea on Sunday. My forwards are Owen and Berbatov because they are both Strikers who like to stay in and around the box. If Schalke play the formation they played in Germany our midfielders ( Giggs and Scholes) will be in for a treat because they will have a lot of freedom to get forward.  I would love if Manchester get a lead early on because that way we can rest Valencia and Giggs for the game against Chelsea.


PREDICTED RESULT
Many pundits are saying this game will be a walkover for United, but I completely disagree because Schalke are a good side. The only thing I wish is that United focus on this game, not on the Chelsea game, if they focus we should win 2-0
 

United Outplayed By Arsenal

Arsenal  1 - 0 Manchester United

Rooney clearly dejected after being out-classed in London

I cannot even put to words how frustrated I am to have lost to Arsenal! This keeps happening it is almost a trend in United's history; every time the players seem to be playing well and enjoying their football, we encounter a "big" team who are in poor form or have a huge disadvantage and we lose! (Manchester City) Arghhh. Van Der Sar shares my frustration. Aaron Ramsey's goal was enough to give Arsenal a deserved win. Although this defeat brings Chelsea very much into the tittle race, it does NOT bring Arsenal back into the race. Well what we have to do now is forget the game and concentrate on, what has now become a must-win game, against Chelsea next Sunday. Vidic is a key figure this week as he has to step up and get the players's morale up. The players must understand that we are 1st and the championship is ours to lose.

Wilshere got the better of Carrick

I have watched the game twice and the match analysis three times and even after watching almost 5 hours of the Arsenal games. I still cannot find a precise reason of why we lost this game. Evra believes we were too " nice"  I agree. But, to be more accurate our midfield was too lenient and let the Arsenal players play their football. I also think the team that was selected was not the correct team that should have been selected as we only had ONE holding/ defending midfielder ( Carrick) all the other midfielders wanted to attack, which is fine, but they were too tired ( As I thought they would be, but not this game ) to get back in their defending duties and thats why Arsenal's goal came from a counter attack. Ferguson has seen this too and will now " freshen up his team for the Schalke game. Giving our key players a deserved rest for the Chelsea game.

I really have nothing else to say other than..... No nothing. I just cannot think of anything to say regarding the match. HEAD UP LADS. Ohhh yeah, The papers are finally saying that Manchester United need to sign a midfielder ( I have said this for months now) O well, one day i'll work for Skysports and then i'll get things done my way =)

The Goal that could man a lot