tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34244669370308979372024-03-14T13:20:40.611+05:30An MUFC fan blog from SriniFan of Manchester United Football Club since '90 FA Cup. If you liked any posts please bookmark, follow or add your reaction.SriniMUFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07782567884782414744noreply@blogger.comBlogger126125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3424466937030897937.post-76122085111134007902024-02-11T21:38:00.001+05:302024-02-12T12:52:05.032+05:30Garnacho, Hojlund, Mainoo<p>INEOS chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe not only met with all staff and players but also fans forum and community groups to stress the same message which was in their subsequent statement "determined to put football and performance on the pitch at the heart of everything we do". This clearly meant they want to do what they mean. Sir Jim also attended the <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2020/02/the-flowers-of-manchester.html" target="_blank">events to mark the 66th anniversary</a> of Munich air disaster on 6th February alongside Sir Alex Ferguson. This in itself has been a huge departure as Glazers never did attend the event the response to which defines what United are all about. This affirms INEOS understanding of what matters most to Manchester United fans.</p><p>The announcement of <a href="https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/man-utd-confirm-appointment-of-omar-berrada-as-new-ceo-20-january-2024" target="_blank">Omar Berrada as United's new CEO</a> took everyone by surprise. Industry experts agree it's a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqawtZGI3i8" target="_blank">great appointment</a> of someone thought very highly in the City group hierarchy and as a possible successor to Ferran Soriano. Prior to this United were all about leaks to press including the team-sheet but this operation was done discreetly and decision made very soon without wasting time. It is the most challenging job in world football right now. Berrada is expected to join United in the summer and might have a say in who becomes the director of football. Dan Ashworth, Julian Ward, Paul Mitchell, Dougie Freedman are thought to be considered. Meanwhile <a href="https://trainingground.guru/articles/ipswich-head-of-recruitment-returns-to-manchester-united" target="_blank">Sam Williams returns to United</a> as Lead Scout for 17s to 21s from Ipswich.</p><p>In calendar year 2024 United are unbeaten. Seen off minnows in Wigan and Newport County in FA Cup, drew with Tottenham, beat Wolves and West Ham in the process scoring 15 goals conceding 7. Unsurprisingly it coincided with the return of defensive lynchpin Licha Martinez from long term injury. But he again <a href="https://www.eurosport.com/football/premier-league/2023-2024/manchester-united-boss-erik-ten-hag-confirms-fears-over-lisandro-martinez-s-injury-it-doesn-t-look-g_sto10009788/story.shtml" target="_blank">sustained an injury</a> in the game versus West Ham and will be out for about 8 weeks. Not only did Licha return from long term absence but also Casemiro, Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo. That's four first team starters and the poor bench strength was clearly exposed for first half of the season. United aren't yet controlling games with specific patterns of play and haven't displayed enough intelligence to switch from one pattern to another by reading the opposition during the games like how Champion's do. Nor have they stopped conceding easy set pieces. </p><p>Silver-lining that fans were waiting for occurred in the match against West Ham after <a href="https://youtube.com/shorts/PebuJl9q7FU?si=5CMrzM2fIgVxD6ee" target="_blank">Garnacho</a> scored and raced toward the advertising board behind the goal post and sat, to be joined by Rasmus Hojlund and Kobbie Mainoo on either side. The image of young United players coming together to score and celebrate went viral eliciting eulogies from everyone. It lifted the mood and fill the hearts instantly. United could not make any signings in the January window owing to FFP rules, now called PSR. Their <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2023/09/decent-transfer-window-despite.html" target="">summer transfers</a> were made possible by a fire sale of academy graduates like Elanga, Kovar, Mengi, Zidane, Savage etc as their unwanted first team players did not evoke any response from even the lower leagues. Now the same academy players in Garnacho and Mainoo are saving the dire season.</p><p>Rasmus Hojlund by his sheer industry and skill managed to be top scorer in Europe in Champions' League qualifying rounds but found going tough in Premier League mainly due to lack of service from his team-mates. After 1027 minutes without a goal, he showed great awareness and generated enough pace to beat the Aston Villa keeper to clinch the winner. His tenacity reminds me of my favourite player Mark 'Sparky' Hughes. He has scored 4 goals and created 2 assists in last 4 games. He like Sir Jim Ratcliffe is a boyhood United fan and scoring at Stretford End would have made his dream come true.<br /></p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Lfw2pqtOw-4?si=pC8-O2mT2oQ-WSVM" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><p>One of the reasons for the change was that Erik ten Hag finally dropped Anthony after his goal and assist against Newport and moved Garnacho from left to right wing as Rashford was not enjoying playing there. Rashford has been fined for another transgression which made him to miss the game at Newport and was quickly integrated for Wolves game after he apologized. By including Omari Forson in the squad who got the assist for Kobbie Mainoo's winner at Wolves and plays at left wing was a clear signal from Erik ten Hag that Manchester United will march on regardless of anyone's reputation. In the immediate manging with Licha Martinez's absence will be crucial to maintain the momentum as United aim to reduce the 9-point deficit from final the Champions' League spot.</p>SriniMUFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07782567884782414744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3424466937030897937.post-65822782047121487072023-12-30T23:12:00.001+05:302024-01-05T10:27:05.400+05:30Grim midseason update as INEOS finally step in<p>INEOS group led by boyhood Manchester United fan, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has finally <a href="https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/man-utd-reaches-agreement-for-sir-jim-ratcliffe-to-acquire-25-per-cent-shareholding" target="_blank">reached agreement</a> with Glazer family to acquire 25% of the club and control the footballing operations. This protracted saga that began in November, 2022 will conclude finally when the Premier League approves of this transaction early next year. It will mean Sir Dave Brailsford and Jean-Claude Blanc overseeing the entire football structure including the much-maligned recruitment department. Brailsford the 'marginal gains' guru will coach the entire coaching staff on his CORE principles and Blanc will lead football operations with his previous experience at Juventus and PSG. C for commitment will probably mean fans won't have to hold 'play like you mean it' banner hereafter.</p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/THNBIQenywc?si=un7mIKwc0y70Q3m1" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><p><a href="https://populous.com/our-projects" target="_blank">Populous group</a> the global design agency who've developed Tottenham Hotspur stadium and Legends group have come out with a plan to build a new stadium next to the present iconic Old Trafford by utilizing the vast space surrounding it. This will mean United will not need to play their home games elsewhere but could continue playing their home games at Old Trafford while work on new stadium commences. Also Jean-Claude Blanc spearheaded the first club owned stadium in Italy by converting Stadio Delli Alpi to <a href="https://www.juventus.com/en/allianz-stadium/" target="_blank">Allianz Stadium</a>, a modern and sophisticated UEFA accredited level 4 arena. INEOS had promised $300 million investment into infrastructure on the deal getting ratified but Old Trafford redevelopment will need in excess of $1 billion! Will refurbishment and expansion of existing facilities be way to balance in view of global geopolitical turmoil and keep the heritage?</p><p>Manchester United's form has been utterly inconsistent to say the least. Erik ten Hag tries to blend his ideas and when struck goes back to counter-attacking style epitomised under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. This approach has meant United still do not have an identifiable style of play. Especially this season its more of the later that has made even fans question the tactics of the gaffer. Dismal loss away to West Ham, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/man-utd-slump-humiliating-3-0-home-loss-bournemouth-2023-12-09/" target="_blank">worst performance of the season</a> in 0-3 home loss to Bournemouth, losses to Newcastle, Man City, Crystal Palace, Brighton & Hove Albion, Arsenal and Tottenham that's a whopping 8 defeats in 19 games with negative goal difference of -4 and 11 points behind leaders. Bournemouth won for the first time in their history at Old Trafford, United have now lost 4 consecutive Premier League games to Brighton, lost 5 of opening 10 games, are some of the damning indictments of the performances this season.</p><p>United finished creditable third last season and qualified for the Champions' League. They were paired with favourites Bayern Munich, Galatasary and Copenhagen. Least expectation was to finish behind Bayern and fight for 2nd spot. Lost in Munich despite scoring 3 goals, lost at home to Galatasary, squandered the lead in Istanbul, blew up in Copenhagen to a partisan fantastic crowd supporting the home team vigorously to <a href="https://www.espn.in/football/story/_/id/39099528/man-uniteds-meek-exit-europe-comes-no-surprise" target="_blank">finish bottom of the group</a>! Incredibly sloppy and poor. Scoring 12 goals is no consolation while conceding 15. Harry Kane won Man of the Match awards in both games to remind United of composure they still lack in their play and scoring goals. Lindelof-Martinez combination started 1st match, Maguire-Varane started two matches while Lindelof-Varane 1, Lindelof-Maguire 1, Maguire-Evans 1 match each i.e., 5 pairings in 6 matches! Varane was absent from first team from September till Liverpool league game for which club captain Bruno Fernandes was suspended, an inexcusable mistake. In the group stage Rasmus Hojlund was the top scorer in Europe with 5 goals which bears testimony to his undoubted skills.<br /></p>Scott McTominay was reintroduced as an attacking midfielder and he grabbed two late goals against Brentford to win the match at Old Trafford. That put more stress of defense who had men in short numbers in front of them to protect. Amrabat who joined at the very end of transfer window had not been playing for Fiorentina while waiting for the move to his boyhood club. Major injury to Licha Martinez and Malacia, minor ones to Mainoo, Shaw, Mount, Casemiro, Rashford, Maguire, Martial, operation to Lindelof, Sancho out of the squad due to indiscipline have all meant United kept changing players. Add to those three major facts: main player of last year Casemiro's loss of form, 30-goals man Rashford hit a drought and new goal-keeper Onana taking time to settle down while conceding few errors.<div><br /></div><div>Belatedly Erik ten Hag might have realised that its better to bred youth instead of rotating the same squad with little improvement. That has led to more chances for Garnacho, Mainoo, Mejbri, Kambwala in the first team. Team that started that astonishing comeback game at home to Aston Villa was: Onana, Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Evans, Dalot, Mainoo, Eriksen, Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford, Hojlund. Erik ten Hag, Harry Maguire, Alejandro Garnacho have won the manager, player and goal of the month awards from Premier League. Best home game thus far was the 2-0 win over Chelsea. Given the players that the gaffer wanted clearly its old boy Johnny Evans has been the player of the season so far and Diogo Dalot put in most outfield minutes while captain Bruno Fernandes has crossed 100 mark for creating chances. Despite <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJbl3QOJBAk" target="_blank">media reports of Erik ten Hag losing the dressing room</a>, team battled to 0-0 draw at Anfield where they had lost 7-0 last season. Out of Europe and only FA Cup to contend with apart from the league, should give the manager ample time to improve the players individually and the team consequently. Happy new year!</div>SriniMUFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07782567884782414744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3424466937030897937.post-33107358550198582542023-10-29T03:02:00.002+05:302023-10-29T11:53:57.089+05:30Sir Bobby Charlton: Inspiration for Manchester United post Munich and England's greatest ever<p>I became a fan of Manchester United thanks to <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2019/10/happy-82nd-birthday-to-ultimate-english.html" target="_blank">Sir Bobby Charlton</a>. While recovering from typhoid and para-typhoid in the summer of 1990, being able to watch episodes on World Cup history and then matches itself beamed on Doordarshan was a welcome relief. Charlton became my favourite. His natural instinct to shoot from 20 yards those thunder shots from either feet and exude a sense of quiet determination set him apart. Another fact that he played for a club based in a city renowned for textiles, the same industry that my father worked sealed this relationship for my lifetime.</p><p>Wave after wave of success that came United's way during the time of Sir Alex Ferguson, who like Sir Matt Busby reposed faith in graduates from youth academy in 1996 the likes of Giggs, Butt, Beckham, Neville, Scholes et al and that incredible treble during which time would frequently get to see Charlton in the director's box. The most striking aspect of those years was the reflection by Ferguson in 'Managing my Life' about not only the support that Charlton extended to him during the difficult period in 1989-90 season but also played a pivotal role in joining the club in 1986 "if ever I decided to move to England, I should let him know." during the World Cup in Mexico where Charlton was a commentator.</p><p>During his school days Charlton heard the 1948 FA Cup final on radio where the commentator described the match as the greatest FA Cup final of all time. He made up his mind if ever he were to join a club it will be Manchester United. Chief scout Joe Armstrong ensured United were the first club to approach and the fact that club had the best coaching setup further convinced Charlton. While in Manchester as a school boy Charlton declined to continue in Grammar school as he was required to play for them on Saturdays and not allowed to miss school on weekdays, so instead he decided to train as an apprentice engineer. Charlton made his way from playing in 5th tier of youth team through to winning the FA Youth Cups and two Youth Championships in Zurich to the first team between 1953 to 1956.</p><p>"Jimmy made me a Professional." was the dedication by Sir Bobby to the man who helped him the most to get the basics right and at the same time retain his special talents, Jimmy Murphy. Fierce competition for places meant Charlton had to bide his time to get into first team. Even after his debut and winning a league championship his place was not secure and he only got to play if either Tommy Taylor or Dennis Viollet got injured. That all changed on 21st December, 1957 when Sir Matt Busby made major changes to drop Ray Wood, <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2021/02/at-long-last-recognition-for-forgotten.html" target="_blank">Johnny Berry</a>, Liam Whelan, David Pegg and pick <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2021/01/ode-to-lost-babes.html" target="_blank">Harry Gregg</a>, Ken Morgans, Bobby Charlton, Albert Scanlon for a game vs Leicester City, United went on a 7-match winning streak! Then Munich happened.</p><p>"This is what lies at the heart of my story, first I had to <b>go back to Munich</b>.Without doing that, I know I couldn't begin to <b>define my life</b>" Charlton recalls in the Prologue of his autobiography "My Manchester United Years". His brother Jack said "He stopped smiling, a trait which continues to this day." Charlton was particularly upset about losing Duncan Edwards a fortnight after the crash when he was still recovering at his family home 113, Beatrice Street in Ashington near Newcastle. Charlton returned to play for United on 1st March in an FA Cup tie against West Brom. In three seasons immediately after Munich between 1958 to 1960, he scored 29, 18 and 21 goals which is quite easily his best goal scoring period for United in his entire career. Incredibly United finished as runners-up in 1959 league championship which no one could predict after <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2020/02/the-flowers-of-manchester.html" target="_blank">losing 10 first players</a> including 8 who died and 2 who could never play again.<br /><br /><i>"When things looked their bleakest after the Munich accident and there were times when I felt great despair, I was enormously cheered to think that Bobby Charlton was there. His presence was a great source of inspiration to keep working for the restoration of Manchester United." <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2020/01/sir-matt-busby-rip.html" target="_blank">Sir Matt Busby</a></i> </p><p>Despite the personal differences formed a enthralling trinity with Denis Law and George Best from January, 1964 to October, 1971 that became the most anticipated team news attracting crowds wherever they played thus creating a legion of fans outside Manchester and worldwide that uniquely made Manchester United to be the best supported club in the world. Lifted the FA Cup in 1963, won two further league championships in '65 and '67, and ultimately the European Cup in '68 by scoring an unusual goal from a header in the final. Charlton collapsed on the pitch after the match and thinking of his lost pals stayed locked up in his room not joining rest of his team mates in celebration. </p><p>Charlton scored on his debut for England against Scotland in 1958 and also in his 2nd game against Portugal but was made a scapegoat for the heavy loss against Yugoslavia and missed out on playing in the World Cup in Sweden when the team was still being picked by a committee. These matches being played immediately after Munich, at Belgrade both teams paid thier respects with a minute's silence with Charlton the only player who had survived the ordeal while his United team mates played AC Milan in the 2nd leg of European Cup semi-final. His record appearances and goals scoring feat both for Manchester United and England stood for more than 40 years! In the 2nd match of 1966 World Cup campaign against Mexico, it was Charlton's burst from inside his own half to carry the ball through and unleash a beauty from 25 yards that instilled confidence in England team after a dull 0-0 draw in the opening game. In the final, Charlton's selfless running slowed down Beckenbauer considerably in the 2nd half giving England a decisive edge against Germany. Charlton and <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2021/01/ode-to-lost-babes.html" target="_blank">Nobby Stiles</a> are the only two Englishman to have won the World Cup and European Cup. Four years later despite leading 2-0 against Germany in quarter-finals, Alf Ramsey took Charlton off that instantly released Beckenbauer who scored and later they won the match in extra-time. 106th cap for England ended in anti-climax. Charlton is the lone Englishman to feature in Johan Cryuff's all-time favourite XI. </p><p>Sir Bobby Charlton coined the phrase to describe Old Trafford as "theatre of dreams" and it will be the fitting host to honour his monumental legacy for both club and country. Words aren't enough to thank him for being always there and inspiring generations of players and fans alike. </p>SriniMUFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07782567884782414744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3424466937030897937.post-65666640810916257642023-09-03T20:42:00.000+05:302023-09-03T20:42:48.625+05:30Decent transfer window despite restrcitions from FFP <p>Manchester United's greatest captain of 21st century, <a href="https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/manchester-united-keane-transfer-verdict-27012114">Roy Keane demanded they sign Harry Kane and Declan Rice</a>. Erik ten Hag and the club were very clear that they wanted more than that starting from <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2023/07/david-da-gea-next-in-line-for-ruthless.html">changing the goalkeeper</a>. United completed their major first team reinforcements by 1st week of August: Mason Mount, Andre Onana, Rasmus Hojlund. This was a major departure from the way they conducted their transfers before. Mount and Onana were part of pre-season tour of America where they lost majority of their games, and Hojlund carrying a minor back injury was a doubt to be fit for opening game of the new English Premier League season.</p><p>To balance the books due to Financial Fair Play rules United had to raise funds by selling players before they could make any further incoming transfers. Every club in Europe knew this desperate position of United, once mighty club reduced to accepting low bids from 3rd tier clubs in part due to their poor recruitment over the years. <a href="https://www.espn.in/football/story/_/id/38231831/ten-hag-cleaning-man-united-transfer-policy-mess">Mark Ogden</a> wrote a brilliant piece about this in ESPN "fact that he (Erik ten Hag) has written off 20 first-team players since taking charge just 15 months ago highlights how poor the club's squad had become". David de Gea, Donny van de Beek, Eric Bailly, Phil Jones, Axel Tuanzebe haven't found a club yet.</p><p>This gap in valuations of players from club like Manchester United and their worth as seen by clubs was always going to delay the agreement over transfer fee. This situation was compounded by clubs farcical handling of Mason Greenwood internal investigation. Countdown presenter and long term United fan <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/aug/17/rachel-riley-i-will-stop-supporting-manchester-united-if-mason-greenwood-stays" target="_blank">Rachel Riley</a> threatened to boycott the club. Entire club lacked focus and promptly lost to Spurs 0-2 with utterly dispirited performance. Thus far the biggest blunder of chief executive Richard Arnold.</p><p>In keeping with habit of Erik ten Hag to retain the same starting XI that surrendered to Spurs and make improvements in effectiveness of gameplay with same XI, United came-back from 0-2 down to win 3-2 at home in their next game against Wolves. Then deadline day loomed. United were kept waiting for 4-days by Crystal Palace to conclude the deal for Dean Henderson for 15 million initial fee with 5 million in add-ons. This led to a frantic day of dealings to complete the signing of Altay Bayindir, Sergio Reguilon, Johnny Evans and Sofiyan Amrabat. Due to this delay United were forced to not commit to Marc Cucurella from Chelsea who could have been an upgrade to Luke Shaw and instead had to opt for Reguilon. The one deal all United fans were crying out for was that of Sofyan Amrabat and it was completed not as a direct buy but on loan due to insufficient funds. Salute to Morrocan's patience to wait till last minute of transfer window after contacts were made with his team in June itself. Seven incomings in one transfer window is decent return overall.</p><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/sep/01/ten-years-on-marouane-fellaini-transfer-window-manchester-united-age-of-waste-goes-on-glazers" target="_blank">Barnay Roonay</a> criticised Manchester United transfer activity on the 10th anniversary of 1st transfer window of post Ferguson era when Fellaini was brought on deadline day as most players deserted United and without David Gill, United had no plan to tackle that. This window isn't the same and instead he could have highlighted the plight of Manchester United famed for promoting their academy players to be forced to sell them in record numbers to raise funds: Charlie Savage, Anthony Elanga, Zidane Iqbal, Ethan Laird, Di'Shon Bernard, Matej Kovar, Noam Emeran, Teden Mengi, Logan Pye. Listed are only the 9 of 15 academy players moved on. Sir Alex Ferguson would often introduce young players at full back positions late in 2nd half after contracting their midfield, United of 2023 chose to loan out Alvaro Fernandez and get Sergio Reguilon on loan after injury to two left-backs Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia. 23.5 million as per <a href="https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/manchester-united/rekordabgaenge/verein/985/saison_id/2023" target="_blank">transfermarkt</a> raised by selling Elanga, Kovar, Iqbal of total 55.24 million i.e., 42.54%. Inability to sell Harry Maguire was the only negative of transfer window as United needed a new partner to Lisandro Martinez since Varane is often injured and Lindelof like Henning Berg is effective but not convincing.</p><p>All focus will be on Rasmus Hojlund when he makes the much-awaited debut. Return of Cristiano Ronaldo disrupted the away record under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and it has got worse since then. Industry of Hojlund will be key to press from high up and be first line of defense. Ronaldo signing was necessitated to protect his legacy of his first stint with United and not let him join City. United have retained 19-year old striker Joe Hugill as backup option! United needed the numbers (7) to reinforce the squad after writing off close to 20 players. Second season is more difficult than first but <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2023/08/steady-progress-under-erik-ten-hag.html">Erik ten Hag has got his players</a> unlike Jose Mourinho so he should be able to slowly improvise team at his disposal to eke out good results eventually.</p>SriniMUFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07782567884782414744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3424466937030897937.post-42818073417311794532023-08-15T00:23:00.004+05:302023-08-15T00:23:49.724+05:30Steady progress under Erik ten Hag amidst uncertainity over club ownership<p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Erik ten Hag clearly over achieved in his first season as
manager of Manchester United by finishing third, <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2023/02/special-win-against-barcelona-sets-up.html" target="_blank">winning a trophy</a>, reaching
<a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2023/06/fa-cup-final-finally-gets-manchester.html" target="_blank">finals of the FA Cup</a> and an extended run in Europa League filled the club’s
coffers. United were also helped by the self-implosion of rivals Liverpool and
Chelsea last season, who in turn have spent big in the summer. While City were
imperious, Arsenal have spent big on Rice, Timber, Havertz, Raya. Competition
just got even difficult this season. <a href="https://www.espn.in/football/story/_/id/38149155/man-utds-raphael-varane-slams-english-fa-new-added-rules" target="_blank">New rule proposed by FA</a> to consider exact
time of ball being in play to calculate stoppage time will mean more lengthier
ending to both halves thus sapping up energy of players further, ultimately
resulting them in playing 3-5 more matches per season.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Erik ten Hag got his man in Andre Onana to replace United's
player of last decade <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2023/07/david-da-gea-next-in-line-for-ruthless.html" target="_blank">David de Gea</a>. Onana will be able to start attacks, come
forward lot more to be like sweeper keeper and this risk taking will inevitably
result in few errors leading to cede advantage. ten Hag has changed a very
reliable goalkeeper after just one season like Guardiola did at City with Joe
Hart. Like Guardiola, for ten Hag also this would be the <a href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/pep-guardiola-explains-axing-joe-13445300" target="_blank">hardest decision</a> he
has had to take. Beware Claudio Bravo the replacement of Joe Hart cost City the
title! Onana will need time to settle in to pacey Premier League but he has
already worked Erik ten Hag at Ajax will mean he knows what the gaffer wants.
Already in pre-season he conceded a goal when opposition team chipped the ball
over him to score. Schmeichel, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jul/18/former-manchester-united-goalkeeper-edwin-van-der-sar-out-of-intensive-care" target="_blank">van der Saar</a> and de Gea have been three
outstanding keepers for the club in last 30 years and will take enormous effort
to try to match their accomplishments.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">United stuck to their guns in negotiations with Chelsea for
Mason Mount and finally got their man on 4th bid. Mount will eventually replace
Eriksen who seemed off-pace after his return from injury last season. Also,
there is more goals in Mount which will reduce the burden on strikers. His
movement alongside right inside channel will mean new avenue of attack, leading
to creation of more chances. This is an excellent acquisition by United. To top
it Erik ten Hag decided to hand him the iconic #7 jersey, hoping this does not
weigh him down. United do need to have a backup for Casemiro as they have
looked most vulnerable in his absence. Sofiyan Amrabat is being mentioned as a
possible addition, will be a good boost.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">United did not pursue Harry Kane due to difficulties in
negotiations with Spurs and this transfer could have protracted all summer thus
disrupting the focus. Instead signed a potential in Rasmus Hojlund who just
turned 20 this February for a significant investment. This is a welcome change
from signing older forwards from Falcao to Weghorst. Last such signing was
Anthony Martial and Hojlund will not end up like him due the coach that Erik ten
Hag is. Hojlund has more physical presence, runs in the channels, holds the
ball better than Martial. These attributes bode well for him, thus the
expectation for him in initial years at United has to be lower. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Bruno Fernandes has officially become the new club captain and Marcus Rashford signed a new deal to extend his association with club he joined as a kid. United have done well to agree sale of Telles(€4m),
Elanga(€15m), <a href="https://www.kicker.de/kovar-kommt-aber-rueckkaufklausel-fuer-manunited-963484/artikel" target="_blank">Kovar</a>(€9m), Fred(€15m), Iqbal(€1m), undisclosed fee from Savage,
Bishop, earning from transfer of Chong(€1m) to Luton Town. Approximately €45m
with futures of few players yet to be decided like Maguire, van de Beek,
Henderson, McTominay, Martial etc is indeed good business. Would have liked
<a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2022/06/united-likely-to-promote-matej-kovar.html" target="_blank">Kovar to be number two keeper</a> with Heaton but United have got first right on
his next move and proceeds from sale to any other club. 'McFred' era is finally
over. Credit to Fred to have always put in 100% effort.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Following the strategic review of the club by Glazers last
November to initiate a potential sale, and conclusion of few rounds of bidding
no definitive response has come forth from Glazers. MUST and <a href="https://the1958.net/about/" target="_blank">1958 group</a> both
have planned protests for the season opener against Wolves. <a href="https://www.imust.org.uk/Blog/Entry/must-pre-season-bulletin---takeoverprotest-manifesto-ticketing----" target="_blank">MUST statement</a>
reads "The Club feels like it is being held hostage by the Glazer
family". Despite this uncertainty of takeover, backlash over Greenwood
future, FFP rules that limit spending, United have done two other positive
things: Agreeing a long term £900million deal to <a href="https://www.espn.in/football/story/_/id/38105860/man-united-sign-900m-10-year-deal-kit-supplier-adidas" target="_blank">extend the partnership with Adidas</a> two
years in advance which might help to infuse some more funds for this summer’s
transfer if contract duration can be prolonged, and created a <a href="https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/man-united-players-lounge-trafford-27466995" target="_blank">players lounge area to give instructions to players</a> before matches after similar requests from
van Gaal and Mourinho were declined earlier. Club under Richard Arnold, John
Murtough and Erik ten Hag have been working within the system to gain maximum
for the club which fans can relate to with appreciation. Having got a good
foundation last season here is hoping United to close the gap with City and
Arsenal even further.</p><p></p>SriniMUFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07782567884782414744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3424466937030897937.post-10674099512248250122023-07-05T23:29:00.003+05:302023-07-06T10:20:08.017+05:30David de Gea next in line for ruthless Erik ten Hag after seeing off Ronaldo and Maguire<p>When Sir Alex Ferguson wanted fans favourite Norman Whiteside and Paul McGrath out of Manchester United squad, none at the club were pleased. Injury had almost curtailed Whiteside's career by then while McGrath was reinvigorated after leaving United for Villa culminating in fantastic World Cup performances with Ireland in Italy and USA. Erik ten Hag has already <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2022/08/erik-ten-hag-cracks-whip.html">gotten rid of Cristiano Ronaldo and rarely uses club captain Harry Maguire</a>, next in line is legendary keeper with most number of games, clean sheets for Manchester United and last player to have won Premier League in 2013, David de Gea.</p><p>David de Gea has won <a href="https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/every-winner-of-the-sir-matt-busby-player-of-the-year-award-for-manchester-united">Sir Matt Busby player of the year award</a> 4 times and helped United to finish in top six with incredible saves despite being in a poor side. He has never been in headlines for wrong reasons and worked with all coaches from Ferguson to ten Hag. His performances in most of last 12 years can be compared with 'Captain Marvel' Bryan Robson's 12 year tenure as they both carried a floundering club single handedly. Robson won the Premier League twice, Cup Winners Cup, 3 FA Cup's and League Cup while de Gea has won the Premier League once, Europa League, 1 FA Cup, 2 League Cup's.</p><p>From last season unfortunately a montage can also be made of blunders of David de Gea. Most recently in the FA Cup final against City for both goals from Gundogan, first and third goal against Sevilla in Europa League quater-finals 2nd leg, messed up a speculative shot from Benrahma at West Ham to lose 0-1, got beaten at near post for 1st goal scored by Barcelona at Camp Nou, let the ball slip between his legs for Everton's only goal as United won 3-1 in FA Cup 3rd round, 1st goal in the 0-4 loss at Brentford where he let the ball pass through his hands while diving. <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12155721/Roy-Keane-blasts-David-Gea-insists-Man-United-need-new-goalkeeper.html">Roy Keane had this to say after the FA Cup final loss</a> "That’s the thing with top goalkeepers, they get you over the line in certain games and could have been the difference today. You expect your keeper to save that and he didn't and that’s why we’re seeing these celebrations. For Man United, they need a world class goalkeeper and he isn't". </p><p>These crucial mistakes apart from inherent deficiency in his game of not commanding his penalty area aerially, poor clearance from pressure situations during back pass, zero understanding between him and Maguire, not able to play out from the back a pre-requisite for the modern game make his future as United No 1 keeper vulnerable. <a href="https://theathletic.com/4643729/2023/06/27/david-de-gea-manchester-united-contract-offer/">The Athletic published a damning report of how Manchester United backed out of contract negotiations</a> by not signing the deal after agreeing lower terms with David de Gea. If true it's a very bad way to treat a club legend who has bailed the club in its worst times. Club have not responded to this report as yet but <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1674827874304507907">released a short statement</a> "De Gea's contract is due to run out but discussions remain open with the long-serving keeper".</p><p>Officially David de Gea is a free agent as of 1st July, 2023 and Dean Henderson their No 1 keeper who seems bent on joining Nottingham Forest who in return are yet to make an offer for him. With the club up for sale and ownsership status not yet decided the funds available for summer transfer are limited. With a centre-forward and midfielder already a priority adding a keeper to the list squeezes the funds even further. Options for United include buying a new No 1 keeper like Andre Onana from Inter who is valued at 50 million, make Dean Henderson the new No 1 keeper and buy a new backup keeper, give David de Gea a new contract and buy a new backup keeper to maintain pressure to perform. </p><p>Backup keeper option seems to be over after United did not pursue its interest in Bart Verbruggen who has since joined Brighton. It's a dead heat between signing Onana and retaining out-of-contract David de Gea. As per Fabrizio Romano the respected transfer specialist United wish to speak with de Gea after his marriage and ascertain his future plans if he has any offers on hand and then take a call. Press reports claim of <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/7/2/saudi-club-al-nassr-sets-sights-on-man-u-goalkeeper-david-de-gea">offer from Saudi club Al-Nassr FC</a> for whom Cristano Ronaldo also plays. To bolster funds for transfers United have put Fred and Elanga on the list. Futures of Harry Maguire, Anthony Martial, Dean Henderson, Eric Bailly, Alex Telles, Brandon Williams, Donny van de Beek that's 7 confirmed players for exit and an area where club is not good at namely getting a good value for its players and getting the deal done quickly. Despite the imminent arrival of Mason Mount, most problematic position has been that of No 6 when Casemiro is injured and United must get a backup without fail.</p><p>Two years back had done this <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2020/07/de-gea-is-undoubtedly-uniteds-player-of.html">tribute to David de Gea</a>, a bona fide Manchester United club legend and one of its greatest ever keepers. Club under Richard Arnold and John Murtough has backed Erik ten Hag over an icon like Ronaldo which is a welcome departure from Ed Woodward's social media preference to retain stars as in case of Pogba over Mourinho. Erik ten Hag needs to be backed to get his players in order to realise the style of play desired on the pitch for Manchester United to progress. In his first year he has clearly achieved his targets especially by ending the trophy drought and finishing in top three. Here is hoping he succeeds like how Ferguson did.</p>SriniMUFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07782567884782414744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3424466937030897937.post-80328328683899074502023-06-03T18:31:00.001+05:302023-06-03T18:53:18.506+05:30FA Cup final finally gets a Manchester derby<p>There has been a London derby and a Liverpool derby but never a Manchester derby in the final of the most prestigious cup competition in the world, the <a href="https://www.thefa.com/competitions/thefacup">FA Cup</a>. That changes on Saturday, 3rd June when United face City at Wembley. City have beaten tough opponents like Chelsea and Arsenal to reach the finals whereas United have played all matches at home and beat Brighton and Hove Albion on penalties in semi-finals. United <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2023/02/special-win-against-barcelona-sets-up.html">won the League Cup</a> in February and finished 3rd in the League whereas City won the Premier League for 3rd straight year, their 5th in last 6 years and are due to play Inter Milan in UEFA Champions' League finals. United will play with extra motivation to stop City matching their unique feat of winning the <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2020/05/21-years-to-treble-and-that-promise-to.html">Treble in 1999</a>. United had played City in FA Cup semi-finals twice in 1926 and 2011, losing on both occasions. First ever Manchester derby was played in 1st round qualifier of FA Cup on 3rd October, 1891 when Newton Heath beat Ardwick 5-1 at home on North Road. On 7th February 1931 Sir Matt Busby represented City in his only derby appearance to beat United 3-1!<br /><br />Manchester United has never won the domestic cup double. Lost in the League Cup finals while winning the FA Cup in 1983 and 1994. Only 4 clubs have won the domestic cup double 5 times Arsenal, Liverpool(2), Chelsea, Man City. United chase a record of their own. If United lose it will be their 9th loss in 21 finals, the most by any club in competition's history. While United remain the only club to have stopped Liverpool and Everton winning their treble in 1977 and 1985. Can United do it again? They are clearly the underdogs and missing their key defender Lisandro Martinez through injury. Erik ten Hag has beaten City 2-1 at Old Trafford by having Fred man-mark Kevin de Bruyne and Bruno Fernandes produced a moment of magic to beat the offside trap. </p><p>Manchester United will also miss Anthony Martial who suffered a late injury and casts a huge about his future. Anthony dos Santos is a doubt after picking up an injury in 4-1 win against Chelsea. <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/65785637">Pep Guardiola had this to say</a> about the progress United have made under Erik ten Hag "Manchester United are a different team to what we faced at the start of the season. They have improved and so has their quality." United starting XI is likely to be: de Gea(GK), Wan Bissaka, Varane, Lindelof, Shaw, Casemiro, Fred, Fernandes, Eriksen, Sancho, Rashford. City will continue with keeper Ortega who has played in all five FA Cup matches and not conceded a single goal! Guardiola had rested de Bruyne and Grealish in the last match of the season against Brentford which they lost 0-1.</p><p>Erling Haaland has already scored a hat-trick against United in his first derby match when City won 6-3. While Marcus Rashford scored 30 goals in all competitions - a first for a United player since Robin van Persie in 2013 but for Erling Haaland to score 52 goals this season is just staggering accomplishment by any standards and worth appreciating. This also highlights the major area that United need to improve in this summer - get a proper No 9. Bruno Fernandes has produced more chances than Kevin de Bruyne this season but with very low conversion rate due to absence of an elite striker. United covet the likes of Victor Osimhen, Harry Kane, Rasmus Hojlund, Goncalo Ramos, Randal-Kolo Muani, Benjamin Sesko. Anthony Martial oft injured scored 9 goals and Wout Weghorst 2 in all competions paints a clear picture of deficiency in forward unit. United need two strikers not just one as <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2023/01/larsson-like-striker-option-that-become.html">Wout Weghorst</a> has struggled to score despite putting in great effort to press. Club also need to clear the legal situation around Mason Greenwood.</p><p>1999 Man Utd vs 2023 Man City<br />It is very difficult to compare teams from two different era's. Latest one's will seem more evolved due to progress in overall development of the game of football globally. Nonetheless the figures of Peter Schmeichel, Dennis Irwin, Jaap Stam, Roy Keane, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs will tower above anyone else from the Premier League. Tactical changes of Pep Guardiola will make John Stones, Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva, Kevin de Bruyne, Erling Haaland stand out. While Guardiola has managed great clubs across Europe and won silverware with big budgets and help from sporting directors, Sir Alex Ferguson awakened a giant in United to break monopoly not just in England but also in Scotland with Aberdeen and at the same rekindled the youth setup of <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2020/01/sir-matt-busby-rip.html">Sir Matt Busby</a> to win trophies with kids. Thus Ferguson is clearly way ahead of Spaniard in managerial stakes. By the way both United and City are yet to firm up as clubs to organise an annual <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2020/01/manchester-clubs-should-have-mangnall.html">Magnall Cup</a> as initially mooted in January, 2020 and Magnall remains the only person to manage both sides of Manchester yet guiding them to success with trophies!<br /><br />All in all it promises to be a great encounter irrespective of the result. History will definitely be made on the hallow turf of Wembley by sides from Manchester taking the centre-stage in 142nd edition of FA Cup. Manchester United are the only English club to have won the ultimate European Treble while Manchester City are the only English club to have won the domestic treble. After winning their first double in '94 United released a song "Come on you, Reds" with Status Quo and it went on to reach <a href="https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/come-on-you-reds/">#1 in the official charts</a>. Enjoy! If United can avoid being hit for a six and score momentous goal likes of Wayne Rooney overhead kick, Bruno Fernandes beating offside trap, Micheal Owen winning in injury time, Paul Scholes fantastic header, Roy Keane's diving header, Chris Smalling completing a 2-3 comeback win... in for a treat.<br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QKNFhYTgI7I" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>SriniMUFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07782567884782414744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3424466937030897937.post-64479392051505615862023-05-09T15:30:00.000+05:302023-05-09T15:30:48.055+05:30Fatigue catches up with the best United midfield in a decade<p>At the London stadium, Manchester United team consisting of <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2022/10/united-dominate-opposition-after-years.html" target="_blank">midfield trio Casemiro, Eriksen and Fernandes</a> tasted its first defeat to West Ham due to an howler from keeper David de Gea in the first half. Bruno Fernandes ranks the best in Europe in terms of <a href="https://fbref.com/en/comps/Big5/Big-5-European-Leagues-Stats" target="_blank">xAG, key passes and shot creating actions</a>. Despite starting well and creating a host of chances the forwards Weghorst, Rashford and Anthony failed to convert any. United lost their 4th away match in last five a staggeringly poor set of results that included a club record 0-7 drubbing at the hands of fiercesest rivals Liverpool at Anfield. Its Liverpool who are chasing down United for the crucial 4th spot for qualification to next season's Champions' League. United are only 1 point ahead with a game in hand and most crucially 3 of the remaining 4 matches are at home to Wolves, Chelsea and Fulham.</p><p>Fernandes(54), de Gea(53), Rashford(52), Fred(51), Casemiro(46), Martinez(45), Shaw(43), Dalot(40), Eriksen (39) have been part of United's squad that has played the most games of any club in the top 5 leagues across Europe. Also the age profile of players in their supposed peak around 30's has 9 players: de Gea, Casemiro, Varane, Maguire, Eriksen, Fred, Fernandes, Lindelof, Shaw, Martial. West Ham literally out ran United in the second half and were easily making a run with a shot at goal. It was a terrible sight. Substitutions were needed to be made around 60th minute or earlier to have been effective. This dip in second half performance clearly lays out the problem of fatigue. United need to muster all energy to push for 3 wins now else the season will unravel. Repercussions will include a lower budget for squad overhaul and importantly top players like Osimhen will again snub United for European glory.</p><p>United have been playing two games per week on Thursday's and Sunday's since Christmas and thanks to their exploit's in FA Cup and <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2023/02/special-win-against-barcelona-sets-up.html" target="_blank">League Cup</a> have played 52 games thus far. Bulk of their scoring has come from Rashford alone. <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2023/01/larsson-like-striker-option-that-become.html" target="_blank">Weghorst</a> for all his effort in pressing hasn't been able to score enough goals while Martial has been injured or lacklustre. Since the last international break Fred has had a reduced participation and Casemiro a dip in form. Erik ten Hag picked Lindelof and Shaw in central defense and benched Maguire, who gracefully came on as a substitute whenever called upon. David de Gea discussing his new contract with United and committing blunders at the same time does not auger well for both parties involved despite public backing from the manager with a claim of most clean sheets in the Premier League this season.</p><p>United raised their game to beat Brighton on penalties and reach the FA Cup final. Despite being second best, they were able to contain the seagulls and constantly search for answers with timely substitutes which took to penalties. David de Gea miss read all spot kicks and then came Weghorst to cheekily disturb the next taker who missed the target thereby saving the Spaniard's blushes. Erik ten Hag has been able to bench under-performing players in defence, midfield and not in forward or goal keeping positions due to lack of squad depth. Dean Henderson rebelled against the club to be sent on loan, Heaton and Butland have not featured in any of Cup games either tells a stark tale of United living dangerously, after Newcastle recalled Martin Dubravka who had played in League Cup game. United might have to stop City winning the treble in the final.</p><p>Maguire, Martial, Henderson, Telles, Bailly, Tuanzebe, Williams, Jones potentially represent a third of squad that needs to be replaced and fill the empty slots in forward positions. Huge task lies ahead for Murtough and team in the summer. All major deals are held up due to takeover saga which has not concluded except that of Shaw and Garnacho. Likes of Rashford, Dalot who may want even bigger pay check if Qatar become the new owners. This will push the renewals to the summer and add work on top of recruitment. News of Glazers who may yet opt to stay either as majority shareholders in partnership with US Hedge Fund companies or in minority with Ineos bid was a big dampener. Supporters have put their weight behind the Ineos bid to remain apolitical.</p><p>Jimmy Murphy statue was unveiled in Old Trafford which finally recognises his crucial role in not allowing the club to fold in the immediate aftermath of Munich air disaster of 1958. <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2020/01/sir-matt-busby-rip.html" target="_blank">Sir Matt Busby</a> used to frequently say his best signing was his assistant Jimmy Murphy. Wayne Barton has written a definitive book aptly titled '<a href="https://www.amazon.in/Man-Who-Kept-Flag-Flying-ebook/dp/B079T56VGV#:~:text=As%20legendary%20Manchester%20United%20manager,Jimmy%2C'%20he%20told%20him%E2%80%A6" target="_blank">The Man Who Kept The Flag Flying</a>' and recently shared the sad news of legendary United fan Tom Clare's passing. #RIPTomClare This comes after the loss of <a href="https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/03/theres-only-one-ian-stirling/">Ian Stirling</a>, the founding member of clubs Fan Advisory Board and liaison officer for Manchester United Supporters Trust. #RIPIanStirling<br /></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Terrible news. Followed him since the days he shared his memories of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BusbyBabes?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BusbyBabes</a> in the 50s at bbc 606 and his subsequent book is one of my fav. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIPTomClare?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RIPTomClare</a> Legendary <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MUFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MUFC</a> fan. Condolences to his family and you. Om Shanti 🙏 <a href="https://t.co/X78Svd6s3D">pic.twitter.com/X78Svd6s3D</a></p>— Srinivas Rao (@srinivasjrao) <a href="https://twitter.com/srinivasjrao/status/1655276674458746881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br /><p></p>SriniMUFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07782567884782414744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3424466937030897937.post-81583727994318185612023-04-20T23:56:00.001+05:302023-04-20T23:56:36.767+05:30United can win their first match against Sevilla<p>In order to reach the semi-finals of Europa League, Manchester United need to make history by recording their first ever victory against Sevilla and in their stadium 43,883 seater Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan. United have drawn and lost two games each against them thus far which is also the record of Sevilla under their latest manager Jose Luis Mendilibar with four games in charge. And one of those duels between the two clubs was in <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2020/08/united-should-make-their-experience.html">2020 Europa League semi-final</a> when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was the manager at a neutral venue. This is easily a more daunting prospect for Erik ten Hag.</p><p>Manchester United are having a poor away record in English Premier League losing three of last five games. While in Europe this season United have faced three Spanish opponents already in Sociedad winning 1-0 away, losing 0-1 at Betis and drawing 2-2 in Nou Camp against Barcelona. This has made fans to mock the draws against four Spanish teams as if United were playing in Copa del Rey!<br /><br />First leg of the match which ended 2-2 at Old Trafford had United cruising 2-0 till the 62nd minute and Erik ten Hag made three substitutions removing Fernandes, Sancho, Martial that turned the match around. Later Anthony was taken-off at 81st minute to protect him from getting a second yellow. United lost their best defender in Lisandro Martinez for rest of the season through broken metatarsal. At half-time Raphael Varane had to come off. Varane-Martinez have been United's best centre back pairing this season. Both are out of the squad for this game along with suspended Bruno Fernandes and another injured duo Garnacho and McTominay.</p><p>Harry Maguire will most likely be paired with Luke Shaw replacing the injured Varane-Martinez. Maguire though getting limited playing time under the Dutchman would have rued the fact as to why he wasn't paired with Shaw earlier, the duo enjoy a good rapport with England national team also. Maguire-Shaw braved a 2-0 away win at hostile Elland Road in February and today's atmosphere would be no different. Diogo Dalot and Aaron wan-Bissaka would be two full-backs taking the heat off young Tyrell Malacia. Similarly Marcel Sabitzer who had a slow start to life at United with respect to number of games played has started to prove himself by scoring those two goals in the first leg. He would be replacing the big void of Bruno Fernandes in midfield and play alongside Casemiro and Eriksen.</p><p>For such a crucial match Marcus Rashford will want to play some role and contribute to injury ravaged team's cause. He might even start with United clearly needing to win this match. Rashford alone has scored 1/3rd of United's goals this season and without him United were cruising till 62nd minute at Old Trafford last week is a testament to Erik ten Hag's work. Sevilla will be tipped to target Anthony dos Santos and will the Brazilian who got a goal and an assist for the first time in the same match for United in Sunday's win over Nottingham Forest rise to avoid confrontation and enable another victory? Can Martial score in a crucial match under pressure? Fred's best scoring season at United will be a factor to have him involved at some stage.<br /><br />To fathom the scale of task facing United, last time Sevilla lost at home in Europa League was in 2016 quarter finals against Athletic Bilbao in extra time and the Spanish national team are unbeaten in 26 matches there! At the same time this season the club are struggling in 13th position in the league table having lost 0-3 to Barcelona and 1-6 to Athletico Madrid recently while they let in unusual 4 goals in two of their group games in Champions' League against Man City and Dortmund. Their current coach Mendilibar, aged 62 isn't as storied in stature as Julen Lopetegui nor Unai Emery.</p><p>Starting XI: de Gea, Dalot, Shaw, Maguire, wan Bissaka, Casemiro, Eriksen, Sabitzer, Rashford, Martial, Anthony<br />Bench: Butland, Vitek, Lindelof, Malacia, Fred, Zidane, Elanga, Pellistri, Sancho, Weghorst</p>SriniMUFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07782567884782414744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3424466937030897937.post-35482379360437207352023-02-26T17:17:00.002+05:302023-03-03T11:17:09.650+05:30Special win against Barcelona sets up first Cup final<p>Victory against Barcelona has always been special for Manchester United. Bryan Robson got the better of <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2020/11/diego-maradona-rip.html">Diego Maradona</a> to reverse a two goal deficit to win 3-0 at Old Trafford in 1984 Cup Winners Cup, later in 1991 beat Barcelona to win Cup Winners Cup courtesy two goals from Mark Hughes, and a Paul Scholes strike edged United to a Champions' League final in 2008. Erik ten Hag had called for fans to play their part and Public Announcement systems were off 15 minutes before kick-off to allow fans voice to be heard. It worked wonders despite United having a poor first half. To come from a goal behind and beat Barcelona, who are 8-points clear at the top of La Liga is no easy achievement. Pair of Brazilians did the scoring in Fred who kept Frenkie de Jong in-check and substitute <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2022/09/glazers-break-ceiling-after-glazersout.html">Anthony</a> who got the winner answering his doubters in best possible way. Marcus Rashford had to be subbed after being shrugged off the ball in 81st minute.</p><p>In the end United had 12 shots on target to Barcelona's 6. Turnaround completed not only in the match by Erik ten Hag but also at the club who are still fighting in all 4 competitions: Carabao Cup, FA Cup, Europa League, and English Premier League. ETH lost opening two games to Brighton and Brentford, Ronaldo ran away before the World Cup, unavailability of Jadon Sancho, injury to influential Christian Eriksen late in January. None of these <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2022/10/united-dominate-opposition-after-years.html">challenges</a> fazed the gaffer who has improved most of the players in the team and none more so than a certain Marcus Rashford has been so exceptional that he can achieve the 30 goals landmark last achieved by Robin van Persie in 2012-13 if he remains injury free. ETH met Sir Alex Ferguson for lunch last week just about sums up the fantastic job that he is doing at United. Earlier <a href="https://www.imust.org.uk/Blog/Entry/must-comment-after-bids-received">Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) issued a statement</a> on takeover process “Any prospective bidder needs to explicitly commit to backing Erik and his plans to restore United to glory."<br /><br />Takeover process being conducted by Raine group reached a milestone when deadline to submit bids closed with four parties reported to have been interested. Only two of those have come out publicly. First bid is from Qatar by <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/2/18/qatar-based-bid-for-manchester-united-confirmed-on-deadline-day">Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani</a> for a full takeover which could break <a href="https://www.ifre.com/story/3658632/ma-deal-425bn-acquisition-of-chelsea-football-club-w0kqcfk6vy">Chelsea's record sale of 4.25 billion pounds</a> and second by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the founder of chemicals giant Ineos for a majority stake but not a full takeover. Two other bids are supposed to be from Saudi Arabia and a group of US investors. Qatari bid is seen as the one which can invest massively to re-develop Old Trafford despite <a href="https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/man-utd-takeover-qatar-bid-amnesty-international-b1061684.html">concerns from Amnesty International</a>, while Ratcliffe being a lifelong United fan who had previously bid for Chelsea can usher in reform in English football club ownership with the advent of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/feb/22/english-football-regulator-plan-confirmed-but-financial-battles-loom">government's official regulator</a> "We also recognise that football governance in this country is at a crossroads. We would want to help lead this next chapter, deepening the culture of English football by making the club a beacon for a modern, progressive, fan-centred approach to ownership." Hope the Glazers do not make a U-turn seeing the success on the pitch.</p><p>United face another united in Newcastle on Sunday in <a href="https://www.efl.com/news/2023/february/all-you-need-to-know-ahead-of-the-carabao-cup-final-2023/">Carabao Cup final</a>. Both clubs have improved tremendously this season being in top five in Premier League. With Guimares, Botman, Isak in their ranks Newcastle can challenge the very best while Eddie Howe their manager can conjure innumerable ways to score is a potent combination thats driving the Geordie's club that was recently taken over by Saudi Arabia's PIF group. United beat Newcatle in 1999 FA Cup final to clinch their 3rd double in six years before completing the treble in that historic year. Casemiro versus Guimares is a key battle that can decide the outcome of the game. United might have more winners in their squad but in sport the majority always support the underdogs. Newcatle's first domestic cup final since 1999 and its been 68 years since they last won a domestic trophy.</p><p>Newcastle's last trophy was Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1969 and en-route they beat Glasgow Rangers in semi-finals when a certain striker Alex Ferguson was kept out of the squad. Newcastle were also one of first clubs to be interested in signing the same Scottish youth international when he was an apprentice with Queen's Park. United had tough time in their unsuccessful pursuit of rare talents from Newcastle such as Peter Beardsley, Paul Gascoigne, Alan Shearer while the great Andy Cole turned out to be an outstanding success who is still placed 4th in Premier League overall goals tally with 187! Manchester United have their own Gerodie legends most notably in Bryan Robson, Steve Bruce and Michael Carrick. Sir Alex Ferguson the master of mind-games rightly questioned Leeds United who would lift their game while playing against United rather than others and cited this as one of the main reasons for their struggles near bottom of the table under Howard Wilkinson, who incidentally sat next to Ferguson during their recent win at home to Barcelona. Leeds were to play Newcastle next who were leading United at the top of the table and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTNf3LQnEx4">Kevin Keegan</a> took offence to explode emotionally after beating Leeds "..I'll tell him now if he's watching it. We're still fighting for this title... And I'll tell you something - I will love it if we beat them, love it."</p><p>Erik ten Hag seems to have picked a few hints from meeting Ferguson midweek by terming Newcastle as 'annoying' for a lowly 52.3% effective match time and explained it further "For instance, referees want to play effective time. They have the lowest in the league and they are quite successful with it. So it's up to us that we get speed in the game, but also we are then dependent on the refereeing as well". This puts referees on the spot. In '99 FA Cup final Gary Speed tackled captain Roy Keane out of the match in 8th minute itself that forced Ferguson to bring Sheringham and switch Solskjaer to right wing. Sheringham set the tempo of intricate passing with Scholes and Beckham to give a man of the match performance with a goal and an assist. This just shades Cantona's triumphful return from suspension to beat Newcastle 1-0 and Rooney's thunderbolt volley. United did not embrace English Football's newest trophy the League Cup which debuted in 1960-61 and won their first of five trophies only in 1992 beating Nottingham Forest 1-0 which had young Roy Keane and Teddy Sheringham. Its time to make history again! <br /></p><p>Wembley,<br />Wembley,<br />We're the famous Man United and we're off to Wembley,.</p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6cPDKYIL_tk" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>SriniMUFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07782567884782414744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3424466937030897937.post-22372983919305642292023-01-10T17:42:00.005+05:302023-01-28T19:05:37.408+05:30Larsson like striker option that can be the new Sheringham<p>Olivier Giroud or Thomas Muller are the only profiles who can match that of Henrik Larsson and both of them are not a possibility. Its clear the type of player Erik ten Hag wants and he has already demonstrated he can implement a style of play to get the best out of a player. Next best options available are Youssef En-Nesyri, Wissam Ben Yeddar, Wout Weghorst and Vedat Muriqi. <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2020/01/options-for-squad-desperate-for-players.html">As outlined previously</a> (January 2020) United in recent past had not reached out to fellow big European clubs for signings. This changed when United got Raphael Varane and Casemiro. Earlier Zlatan Ibrahimovic (who is injured now) had joined United on insistence of Jose Mourinho six years ago. United might strike a deal within 10million for loan or exchange <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2022/10/united-dominate-opposition-after-years.html">due to excess spent on Martinez and Anthony</a>.</p><p>Reviewing possible targets:<br /></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Depay - Barcelona - huge salary and contract as he is looking to exit so loan won't work - X</li><li>Mehdi Taremi - great stats, proud Asian option, but Porto won't prefer to loan but sell - X</li><li>Youssef En-Nesyri - 25 age, Sevilla - great header at World Cup for Morocco - Y</li><li>Moussa Dembele - Lyon - tough negotiators - not a good season - not great at holding the ball - X</li><li>Wissam Ben Yedder - Monaco Captain so difficult, <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2019/12/grealish-jumps-atop-united-queue-as.html">prev target</a>, great stats - Y</li><li>Wout Weghorst - Burnley loan to Besiktas so unlike Blackburn striker will NOT impact their promotion attempt so possible, also he is Dutch and scored at World Cup - Y</li><li>Vincent Janssen - Royal Antwerp - exSpurs flop in Premier League - X</li><li>Vedat Muriqi - Mallorca - 10m fee as per <a href="https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/schnellsuche/ergebnis/schnellsuche?query=muriqi">transfermarkt.co.uk</a> - great stats at <a href="https://1xbet.whoscored.com/Players/254352/Show/Vedat-Muriqi">whoscored.com</a>, club might prefer to sell than loan but won't be stiff like Porto - Y</li></ol>Ruled-out:<br /><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Ivan Toney - Brentford - under investigation</li><li>Asensio - Real Madrid - not natural 9</li><li>Olivier Giroud - AC Milan - ruled out due to Zlatan injury</li><li>Thomas Muller - Neur injury, Muller becomes Captain instead - Bayern Munich</li><li>Joao Felix - not number 9</li></ol>Other Possibilities:<br /><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Marcus Thuram - B Mgldbch 40m fee - new star from world cup</li><li>Ben Brereton Diaz - MUFC academy graduate - Blackburn chasing promotion so not likely</li><li>Vitinha - Braga forward just 22 - inexperience</li><li>Youssoufa Moukoko - need to buy now or agree a free transfer for summer with difficult Dotmund</li></ol>Else will have to include Harry Maguire (eg Ollie Watkins at Villa), Aaron Wan Bissaka, Donny van de Beek et al as part of deal for loan or exchange. Most recent high profile swap deal involved Alexis Sanchez - Henrikh Mkhitaryan which was a purely financial deal and a footballing disaster. Had made this draft in late December but not published until the news broken by <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1612406552908173312">Fabrizio Romano about Manchester United's interest in Wout Weghorst</a>. Weghorst has scored all types of goals, is great in penalty box, holds up the ball to link with his team-mates. Made good impresssion in 2nd half of last season with Burnley not with goals but his play that included an assist against Manchester United in a 1-1 draw.<p></p><p>Ever since <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2020/05/21-years-to-treble-and-that-promise-to.html">Teddy Sheringham experienced the pinnacle of his career at United</a> the urge to sign an experienced striker has always been felt. He scored 46 gems in 153 games across 4 years. <a href="https://www.amazon.in/Managing-Life-Autobiography-legendary-Manchester/dp/147365761X">Sir Alex Ferguson described his acquisition</a> thus "He was a good finisher, especially in the air, and had the tactical perception and passing skills to release other attackers into scoring positions." which fits the bill now for an attacker needed by Erik ten Hag. Trend was further strengthened by Henrik Larsson's successful three month loan when he was a cult figure amongst players and invested fully in every training session and matches esp at Middlesborough playing in midfield! </p><p>Michael Owen did score in that famous derby win but his Liverpool link and <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2020/03/famous-number-7-jersey-that-has-become.html">failure of number 7 jersey</a> successors since has mixed responses from fans. Falcao was mostly injured and Louis van Gaal dropped him for a young James Wilson saying "he couldn't play 20 minutes". Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored on his United debut in Community Shield, Premier League and FA Cup; and had a stellar 1st season despite injury in March which ruled out of starting XI in United's last trophy the <a href="https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/0269-1251c585a201-32f5a2f4baaa-1000--snap-shot-united-s-2017-uefa-europa-league-winners/">2017 UEFA Cup with Jose Mourinho</a>. Club were generous to reward him an extension despite knowing he will not be available soon due to serious ligament injury. Edinson Cavani had a good first season under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but missed most of the second season due to injury denting his impact.</p><p>Sheringham for 2-4 year tenure and Larsson for short term loan has since become benchmark for minimum requirements. Prior to joining United, Sheringham had played 521 games scoring 232 goals at the age of 31 without winning any major trophy. 30 year old Weghorst (470 club games, 171 goals) has a chance to sign for United like Larsson but can end like new Sheringham!</p>SriniMUFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07782567884782414744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3424466937030897937.post-10251833258119956372022-12-22T02:29:00.006+05:302022-12-28T13:28:16.616+05:30United heading in the right direction<p>15 Manchester United players were involved in the <a href="https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/qatar2022" target="_blank">FIFA World Cup</a> that just concluded in Qatar with an exceptional final which was decided on penalties with Argentina edging France. United with 15 of its players were just behind neighbours City who had 16 and German giants Bayern Munich with 17. Most heartening statistic was that two of United's best centre-backs Raphael Varane (521") and Lisandro Martinez (301") featured prominently while Facundo Pellistri still not capped by Erik ten Hag got 182" game time in the tournament. Harry Maguire (430") will be the biggest positive having had a great tournament while Marcus Rashford (137") despite being top-scorer for England was underutilized by Gareth Southgate. Most destabilizing facet remains the state of mind of Jadon Sancho who could not make it to the squad and hasn't yet recovered from the psychological shock and is training by himself in Amstredam. Erik ten Hag said he is not sure about a date by when Sancho will be back. 5 of 15 players were signed by Erik ten Hag in the summer: Malacia, Eriksen, Martinez, Casemiro, Anthony!<br /><br />United failed to top their group in UEFA League which means playing two extra fixtures against mighty Barcelona in February. Erik ten Hag got team selection wrong at Anoeta Stadium and later was desparate with route #1 football for the all elusive second goal. They lost to Aston Villa in the league for the first time since 1996 when Sir Alex Ferguson fielded his fledglings which made Alan Hansen to say 'you can't win anything with kids'. Influential on-field captain Bruno Fernandes missed the match due to suspension and Erik ten Hag gave World Cup hopefuls like Donny van de Beek a decent run in the first team. United won the next immediate fixture most convincingly against Villa in the Carabao Cup 4-2 and won against Fulham in the league with an injury time goal by Alejandro Garnacho. 'A star is born'. Garnacho clearly overshadowed a once great but sulking Portguese superstar who was forced to leave the club which further enhanced the rising pedigree of Erik ten Hag.<br /><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xkvlhwqNPNY" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><br /><br />Owners of Manchester United, the Galzer family <a href="https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/man-utd-announces-process-to-explore-strategic-alternatives-to-enhance-club-growth" target="_blank">released a statement on 23rd November</a> "the Board will consider all strategic alternatives, including new investment into the club, a sale, or other transactions" specifically targetting the elephant in the room "to strengthen the club, including stadium and infrastructure redevelopment". Redevelopment of clubs home Old Trafford either by constructing a completely new facility or modifying existing structure needs huge funds and detailed planning. Since Sir Alex Ferguson retired the club has not majorly invested in either Old Trafford nor its training ground at Carrington. Glazers who put the club in debt in order to buy it and that debt has soared rather than being pared-down. This profligacy and present economic outlook has finally forced the Glazers to consider selling the club. It's a welcome move but if new owners are from consortium of Amercian NFL teams the situation might become from bad to worse. Glazers wanting a big profit from their sale will rule out many genuine buyers like <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/oct/11/sir-jim-ratcliffe-damps-down-hopes-of-manchester-united-takeover" target="_blank">Sir Jim Ratcliffe</a> who rightly wants to treat the club as a community asset and not a financial one. Tread with caution. United's share price rallied to a four year high of $22.84.</p><p>Cody Gapko is bookmakers favourite to arrive in January as a forward signing to replace the departed Portuguese. Gapko had a great World Cup for Netherlands scoring 3 goals which might make him <a href="https://twitter.com/JacobsBen/status/1605551843014086656" target="_blank">even more expensive</a> acquisition unlike City's shrewd signing of Julian Alvarez. Behind him is the Portuguese Goncalo Ramos who scored a hat-trick in a single match. Former United player Memphis Depay presents a cheaper option in transfer fee while Dusan Vlahovic is at club in turmoil whose <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/adamdigby/2022/11/29/entire-juventus-board-resigns-what-is-happening-at-italys-biggest-club/?sh=496871f7767d">entire board resigned enmasse</a>. United played two games in Spain as practise when the World Cup was going on with remaining players and gave a host of youngsters a chance. As yet unused players Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Brandon Williams started both matches where Teden Mengi partnered Victor Lindelof in defense. Zidane Iqbal got the nod in midfield in both games. Club also announced triggering an extra year in contracts of four players: Marcus Rashford, Diogo Dalot, Luke Shaw and Fred. This will give club time till end of season to agree new deals with these players while they try to negotiate with David de Gea who can agree terms to join another European club in January.<br /><br />Best news was indeed <a href="https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/man-utd-to-unveil-jimmy-murphy-statue-at-old-trafford-in-may-2023" target="_blank">the date of unveiling of statue to the late Jimmy Murphy</a>. The Welshman kept the flag flying in the darkest days of clubs history after the Munich tragedy and remarkably led the depleted team to the FA Cup finals. Apart from being the perfect foil for <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2020/01/sir-matt-busby-rip.html" target="_blank">Sir Matt Busby</a> as his assistant, he helped nurture the Busby Babes including Duncan Edwards, <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2019/10/happy-82nd-birthday-to-ultimate-english.html">Sir Bobby Charlton</a> and George Best. He even led Wales to quarter-finals of the 1958 World Cup as their manager and rejected offers from Brazil, Arsenal to remain loyal to both club and Busby. If not for Murphy the club would have folded. Sir Bobby Charlton credited Murphy entirely for his development "He was a brilliant teacher. The greatest influence on my career." Kudos to Patrick Burns of <a href="https://mmmf.co.uk/" target="_blank">Manchester Munich Memorial Fund</a> to form a consortium of Manchester United fan groups and approach the club to finally give Jimmy Murphy the importance he deserves. Statue will come up near Stretford End where he used train the Busby Babes.<br /><br />Erik ten Hag has put in place a modern possession based football which was <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2022/01/reality-check-for-rangnick.html">expected from Ralf Rangnick and coaches under him</a> earlier. More importantly he has worked with most of first team players and improved them. Rejuvenation of Marcus Rashford is the main highlight; in just 15 matches he has overtaken the goals and assists tally of entire last season when he looked lost while battling injury. Main exception was the <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2021/09/return-of-cristiano-ronaldo.html">Portuguese superstar</a> who despite preferrential treatment ultimately lashed at the very club who made him a star. Luckily the new <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2022/09/glazers-break-ceiling-after-glazersout.html">United board under Richard Arnold</a> and advisories like Sir Alex Ferguson, David Gill stood by the manager thankfully, and did not repeat the mistake of backing the player against Jose Mourinho. This is a football club again! Other exceptions to player progress are mainly due to injuries to Anthony Martial, Donny van de Beek, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Brandon Williams. Hopeful to see Facundo Pellistri in the 2nd half of season if he is not loaned out. A new star emerges to replace an icon, more control to Erik ten Hag, under-fire owners evaluating all options including a sale, sizeable world cup participation, finally a long overdue recognition to Jimmy Murphy - right direction indeed.</p>SriniMUFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07782567884782414744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3424466937030897937.post-39208827396701450632022-10-24T00:39:00.003+05:302022-10-24T18:04:25.343+05:30United dominate opposition after years in doldrums<p>Manchester United totally bossed the game with 28 shots 10 on-target against 3rd placed Antonio Conte's Tottenham Hotspur who were also 6-points ahead. Casemiro, Eriksen or Fred, and Fernandes have given United the impetus to dictate the game and set the tempo. Brazilian duo Casemiro and Fred battled against Spurs while Eriksen was brought back in to partner Casemiro after being unwell to totally outclass Chelsea in the first half at Stamford Bridge yesterday to draw 1-1. United for their dominance should have at least scored one goal in 1st half from three clear cut chances created. Casemiro's imperious header sealed a point in 3rd minute of injury time after going behind in 87th minute through a penalty clumsily given away by McTominay. Scotsman's strike in injury time was enough to beat Omonia Nicosia 1-0 in Europa League. It was United's first injury time winner in European competition since <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2020/05/21-years-to-treble-and-that-promise-to.html">Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's stunning goal to win the 1999 Champions' League</a> over Bayern Munich. Fergie time is back in the reckoning!</p><p>Erik ten Hag has clearly brought back team spirit and sense of purpose with a clear vision of how to play. He has now demonstrated the complete 'control' of footballing side of the club, a trait as outlined by Sir Alex Ferguson as the most important inorder to restore the club back to its glory days. David de Gea has started to come off the blocks to stop opponents from creating a chance while Luke Shaw is re-energised creating a healthy competition with Tyrell Malacia. Diogo Dalot is a constant presense with his keen footballing brain while Lisandro Martinez adds street-fighter mentality missing since Steve Bruce, Jaap Stam and Nemanja Vidic days. Raphaeal Varane is able to balance the unit by organising it to face the threats like a leader by accelerating at key stages to clear the danger that Harry Maguire has not been able to in recent past. Defense has provided a strong foundation and now midfield is starting to dominate and create chances but the Forward line has yet to click to convert the dominance into easy victories.</p><p>Four games in nine days: 1-0 over Nicosia at home, 0-0 vs Newcastle at home, 2-0 at home to Tottenham and 1-1 away at Chelsea. Cristiano Ronaldo started in first two games, <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11337313/Cristiano-Ronaldo-REFUSED-come-late-substitute-win-Tottenham.html">refused to come on as a sub in the game against Spurs</a> in a clear case of misjudjement on his part, and <a href="https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/man-utd-club-statement-on-cristiano-ronaldo-following-tottenham-match">was rightly suspended by the club for the match against Chelsea</a>. This explosive incident did not disturb the cohesion in the dressing room and the togetherness of the squad was on display in the reaction to scoring the equaliser in injury time. Ronaldo unsettled, Martial often injured, <a href="https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/man-utd-club-statement-regarding-mason-greenwood-15-october-2022">Greenwood remains suspended</a>; this leaves Marcus Rashford as the only fit and proper centre-forward. Anthony Elanga was preferred by Rangnick came on as a sub against Chelsea while Alejandro Garnacho was on the bench but unused as his contract talks have not progressed. United need to play three more games before the World Cup and a further 24 games in English Premier League has to be played after the event in Qatar. United should not be in such a precarious position in the forward department.</p><p>United board are constrained by the excess spent of £20 million each on the Ajax duo Martinez and Anthony that will hamper efforts to buy a top striker in January like Victor Osimhen. Osimhen will not leave Napoli in the middle of the season especially when they are on top of Serie A and top of their group in Champions' League including Ajax against whom they scored 10 goals in two games! Joao Felix at Atletico Madrid is not getting enough game time this season due to presence of Greizemann and Morata but Felix is more of a second striker than an out and out striker with a price north of £65 million. <a href="https://somtosport.com/i-think-he-is-the-toughest-i-have-faced-rafael-leao-makes-confession-following-ucl-night/?fbclid=IwAR3yr66QVaqJ8E9YtCgRyw5B2IRB4PUBFIOlCBudhF79NBbDOhOs5qtbyyA">Rafael Leao of AC Milan</a> has to be ruled out as he predominantly plays off the left of front three or on left wing. <a href="https://twitter.com/david_ornstein/status/1576828663986724864">Christopher Nkunku of RB Leipzig</a> appears to have agreed to join Chelsea next summer. Benjamin Sesko of RB Salzburg remains a promising option aged only 19 which rules him out from being a first team starter in case of injury to Rashford. <a href="https://www.ligue1.com/Articles/NEWS/2022/10/21/losc-s-jonathan-david-pushing-haaland-mbappe">Jonathan David of Lille</a> is on an upward steady trajectory in last three seasons and carries major goal scoring responsibility for his team. Part of the squad that qualified for World Cup with Canada as winners of their group and scored 9 goals. Approx £40 million is the valuation for both Jonathan David and Ivan Toney; the former looks slightly better prospect than Ivan Toney, 26 of Brentford who already plays in Premier League with a call up for England National team recently.</p><p>United must sign either Jonathan David or Ivan Toney in January transfer window else risk losing top four and repeat last season's mistake when Ralf Rangnick was not allowed to sign a striker as Greenwood was initally suspended late in the window and wantaway Anthony Martial was loaned to Sevilla. Rangnick alerted United to availability of Dusan Vlahovic, Christopher Nkunku, Darwin Nunez, Julian Alvarez. United lost last six away matches to finish 13 points adrift of 4th place scoring only two goals. As Rashford emerged under Louis van Gaal, <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2020/07/cliffhanger-end-to-season-of-great.html">Mason Greenwood under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer</a> and <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2022/01/rangnick-of-time.html">Anthony Elanga under Ralf Rangnick</a>, the fans were expecting to see Alejandro Garnacho promoted. The Argentinian was part of 33-man squad in March, 2022 but has not yet played for the senior squad. Erik ten Hag has been consistently picking him in the first team squad but not given game time. Forward line of Rashford, Osimhen, David and Elanga or Garnacho would be the expectation for next season.</p><p>United this season have <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2022/08/erik-ten-hag-cracks-whip.html">beaten Liverpool</a>, Arsenal and Tottenham at home, losing to City away and drawing to Chelsea away. Good home record is the essential base for a solid finish and eventual title challenge in a few seasons given the high standards of City. Erik ten Hag has handled the situation around Cristiano Ronaldo firmly yet respectfully. United finally have a midfield in Casemiro, Eriksen, Fernandes and Fred to play on their strengths and not take counter-attacking route which was used too often in recent past especially under Solskjaer. Eriksen has no backup as yet and thus the interest in Frenkie de Jong while Donny van de Beek has missed most of the season through injury. Erik ten Hag has seen out a tough set of fixtures in first eleven games, while 20 points and 5th position is the same as David Moyes at this stage of the seaon, the Dutchman has evolved a clear playing style that dictates the player selection and a much better squad to chose from. United are back... but here is the World Cup in the middle of the season and risk of injuries to players that can yet derail the season!</p>SriniMUFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07782567884782414744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3424466937030897937.post-55513754813347609412022-10-02T18:08:00.006+05:302022-10-10T22:24:47.805+05:30Can Erik ten Hag break the losing jinx of post-Ferguson managers against City?<p>188th Manchester derby arrives with the red half at a major disadvantage of not having played a league game since 3-1 win over Arsenal on 4th September, which was their fourth consecutive victory after two disastrous defeats at the start of 2022-23 English Premier League campaign. While City are in-form winning five and drawing two with target man Erling Haaland scoring 11 of their 23 goals and Kevin de Bruyne already notched up six assists this early in the season. Reds have only scored eight goals and conceeded similar number. This highlights a massive gulf between the two sides despite United turning things around, lot of work lies ahead to close the gap.</p><p>David Moyes lost 1-4 in his first league match against City, Louis van Gaal lost 0-1, Jose Mourinho lost 1-2 at home, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer lost 0-2 at home as interim manager but won both home and away fixtures next season as permanent manager, Ralf Rangnick also lost 1-4. Another grim reminder of United falling behind their local rivals who have won the Premier League in four of last five seasons. Sir Alex Ferguson <a href="https://www.manutd.com/en/videos/detail/goal-of-the-day-robson-v-man-city">triumphed 2-0 over City in March, 1987</a> when United finished 11th and City were relegated in the old First Division with 22 teams. First derby match for Ferguson was in fact the FA Cup 3rd Round which United won in January by a single goal scored by Norman Whiteside. </p><p>Overall United still edge the derby stats with 77 wins to 57 with 53 games being draws and will take at the minimum 10 years to eclipse if City win all home and away games. Erik ten Hag has already shown glimpses of <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2022/08/erik-ten-hag-cracks-whip.html">turning things around</a> and if he remains in-charge United will not need 10 years to win the Premier League again. After Sir Matt Busby it took United 26 excruciating years and now after Sir Alex Ferguson it already has been 9 seasons. Erik ten Hag has managed to lose just one of eight 'Der Klassieker' derby in Dutch league against rivals Feyenoord. In is short span he has managed to out-wit Jurgen Kloop to win 2-1 vs Liverpool and won less convincingly against Arsenal 3-1. He knows what this fixture means for local fans and to continue the momentum of last four games.</p><p>Erik ten Hag won 'Manager of the month' award and Marcus Rashford won the '<a href="https://www.premierleague.com/news/2801341">Player of the month</a>' awards simultaneously for the September. International break saw the best of Diogo Dalot, Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes for Portugal, Casemiro and Fred for Brazil (Anthony came on as sub in both games), Lisandro Martinez for Argentina, Luke Shaw for England, Tyrell Malacia for Netherlands, Christian Eriksen for Denmark, Raphael Varane for France who won with him 2-0 and lost without 0-2 vs Denmark. Harry Maguire the United captain drew the biggest criticism for the penalty conceded against Germany. While England boss Gareth Southgate backed his man as expected, his injury rules him out of the derby.</p><p>Jadon Sancho can be the star of this match. Not being named in the squad for England during the International break should have given him more time to prepare and get himself back in the squad for the World Cup. He has played with Haaland while at Dortmund and can share his first-hand tips to stop the Premier League top goalscorer. Sancho who also came from the City academy and will cherish to score against them in order to firmly be entrenched as United folk hero. A certain parallel with Ryan Giggs cannot escape attention. Anthony Martial returns from injury and will be on subs bench.</p><p>Two most important players will be the fullbacks Diogo Dalot and Tyrell Malacia, both just 23 with the task of stopping crosses meant for Erling Haaland. Scott McTominay based on his excellent form continues to displace the Brazilian Casemiro from the first team. Lisandro Martinez has not allowed Haaland to score in three games the duo have played head-to-head in their Ajax vs Dortmund stints bodes well for the Argentinian who came under scathing examination for his short stature in the English media. Shrewd signing of Akanji by City shows the <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2022/07/uniteds-transfer-woes-and-wins.html">leaps United need to make to catch up in recruitment</a>. Defeat against Real Sociedad in the very first game of Europa League at home highlighted a stark reality i.e., changing habits takes time and persistent effort. A solid performance against the best team in the country sans the result will still soothe the fans.</p>SriniMUFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07782567884782414744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3424466937030897937.post-68468703630363347142022-09-04T00:32:00.001+05:302022-09-04T00:34:33.275+05:30Glazers break the ceiling after #GlazersOut reaches a crescendo<p>Every new manager of Manchester United barring David Moyes was handed about 140 million to spend on new players. Louis van Gaal brougth Angel Di Maria, Luke Shaw, Ander Herrera, Marcos Rojo, Daley Blind. Jose Mourinho used it on Paul Pogba, Henrik Mkhitaryan, Eric Bailly, Zlatan Ibrahimovic(free). Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had Harry Maguire, Aaron wan Bissaka, Daniel James. Same was the expected outlay for Erik ten Hag except for two factors. First was footballing one where six players who came to the end of their contracts left although that freed up the wage bill enourmously. Second reason needs examination of chain of events that unfolded.</p><p>During a visit to a local pub chief executive Richard Arnold engaged with fans and answered all questions forthrightly where he disclosed the summer transfer budget to be about 200 million. Having parted ways with outspoken Ralf Rangnick the club decided to discard his suggestions of needing upto ten new players after the loss to Liverpool and ended their interest in targets that belonged to the Red Bull group whom the German had been associated in the past.</p><p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2nuT7tzltq8" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p><p>United and Erik ten Hag started the window by targetting the Barcelona and Dutch international Frenkie de Jong. Barcelona were in financial turmoil and needed to raise cash to revamp their squad and register them with La Liga who follow more stricter guidelines of UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules. This interest was sustained through out the transfer window despite the player repeatedly stressing his desire to stay with the Catalans. Arnold and director of football John Murtough visited Barcelona and increased their offer from 65 to 75 million to cover the deferred wages the player had been owed in order to complete the transfer. de Jong represents the Barcelona identity in Johan Cruyff mould and from the same Ajax acedemy where he honed his skills. Selling him would have betrayed the ethos of the club and the player was never wanting to leave unless forced. Barcelona meanwhile sold percentage of media rights to raise sufficient cash to not force the sale. United did not get their target.</p><p>United had <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2022/07/uniteds-transfer-woes-and-wins.html">only one new player for pre-season</a> Tyrell Malacia and another two new before the season started in Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez. Having comprehensively lost the opening game of English Premier League to Brighton with superstar Cristiano Ronaldo angling to leave, the club were in disarray. United hierarchy responded by chasing Bologna striker Marko Arnautovic for 7 million and Adrien Rabiot for 15 million! You cannot be serious!! <a href="https://twitter.com/R_o_M/status/1556800007210258433">Scott Patterson</a> and other fans wrote to Richard Arnold questioning why the club were on the verge of signing a rascist? United backed off. Rabiot demands were excessive, thank god. Back to the drawing board. Brentford gave United a massive shock with a 4-0 thrashing in just 35 minutes of first half. Fans group '<a href="https://mobile.twitter.com/the__1958">The__1958</a>' had organised protests against the Glazer ownership of the greatest English footballing institution before the match against arch rivals Liverpool. This time there was lot of media scrutiny into Glazers taking dividends out, not putting their money into the club, increasing debt, lack of investment into Old Trafford and Carrington etc. Something big had to be done to reclaim the focus on football which is a 'results driven business'.</p><p>United agreed a fee of 70 million with Real Madrid for their Brazilian central defensive midfielder Casemiro with the player present in the stands during the match against Liverpool. Reputed Spanish football expert <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Al-gT-dTMsw">Graham Hunter speaking to Off The Ball</a> said this might result in Real not winning La Liga such is the importance of Casemiro to that squad. <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2022/08/erik-ten-hag-cracks-whip.html">Following the win against Liverpool</a>, United went back to Ajax to persuade them to sell Anthony whom Erik ten Hag had coached to become a full Brazil international. 84.5 million fee was accepted by United which shows the degree to which the manager believes in the player and the club backed it up. <a href="https://mobile.twitter.com/srinivasjrao/status/1564586439781715969">Worlds best wingers have mainly come from</a> Manchester United with Geroge Best, Ryan Giggs, Cristiano Ronaldo or Brazil with Garrincha, Jairzinho, Rivellino. Sir Alex Ferguson chased Ronaldinho. Anthony becomes United's first Brazilian winger finally. United ended the window with spend of 226 million second only to Chelsea under new ownership and signed keeper Martin Dubravka on loan from Newcastle United to provide competition for David de Gea. </p><p>United had lost seven consecutove away games a feat which had not occured since mid 1930's and now managed to win two back to back away gaimes against Southampton and Leicester by a single goal with same starting XI that does not include Ronaldo, Maguire, Shaw. Arsenal the only team with 100% winning record to top the table presents a real test for Erik ten Hag's team. Casemiro and Ronaldo came on as substitues in last two games and could start against the Gunners. Anthony would eventually start on the right wing while Jadon Sancho switches to the left; either of these would be vying to wear the coveted #7 shirt after the tenure of Ronaldo ends. Goal scoring record and adaptability of Ronaldo will also result in him being included in the starting XI which looks like: de Gea(GK), Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Malacia, Casemiro, Eriksen, Fernandes, Anthony, Ronaldo, Sancho<br /><br />Five of starting XI have been changed in first transfer window itself of Erik ten Hag, massive. Lisandro Martinez has already won United's player of the month award, Malacia had Salah in his pocket in his first game for United, Eriksen spraying the passes from the deep to push Fernandes into goal scoring positions, over to Casemiro and Anthony now for 'o jogo bonito'. Without head of recruitment United under Richard Arnold seem to have come to grips with the situation by changing their response by accepting feedback and listening to genuine fans. From van Gaal, Mourinho to Solskjaer it was the second summer transfer window which deeply dissapointed. Win always gives a breather to correct and Arnold has time till next summer to prepare and learn from past mistakes.</p>SriniMUFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07782567884782414744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3424466937030897937.post-67682413424707219522022-08-27T08:52:00.000+05:302022-08-27T08:52:03.886+05:30Erik ten Hag cracks the whip<p>Erik ten Hag stamped his authority by dropping Ronaldo, captain Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw for the crucial <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2022/08/do-or-die-against-our-biggest-rivals-as.html">do or die match against Liverpool</a> at Old Trafford. He clearly stated the reason to drop Maguire and Shaw was to "<a href="https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/man-utd-boss-ten-hag-191943791.html">want mobility and agility</a>" in defense. Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez as the latest centre-back pairing combined well with full-backs Diogo Dalot and Tyrell Malacia to produce one of the best defensive displays in recent memory despite giving a goal away. Arrivals of Ibrahimovic, Lukaku, Cavani, Ronaldo had stunted the game time of Martial in particular and Rashford but the duo were given their chance on Monday night to combine for the second goal. Entire team were proactive and took the game to Liverpool in stark contrast to previous two games as revealed by the <a href="https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/stats-highlight-man-utd-dominance-of-liverpool-in-first-erik-ten-hag-win#:~:text=Stats%20revealed%20that%20United%20covered,during%20the%20last%20few%20years.">distance covered of 114km</a> vs just 95km in earlier matches.</p><p>Scott McTominay covered the pitch with thought and restraint while Christian Eriksen sprayed the passes. Elanga had a wonderful chance to open the score but hit the post. Not to be detered Jadon Sancho received the ball in crowded penalty area and reversed his movement to out do the marker and slot in a direction pointed by Captain for the day, Bruno Fernandes to score. Old Trafford erupted in joy. Liverpool then upped their game and domintaed the rest of first half. After restart Anthony Martial replaced Elanga on the left and his weighted pass found Marcus Rashford who might have been just off-side and beat the keeper to make it 2-0. Liverpool scored with 9 minutes left to setup a finale but United's high spirit tended to that and even enabled a triple substitution of Ronaldo, van de Beek, wan Bissaka for Rashford, Eriksen, Dalot in 86th minute.</p><p>Before the kick-off #GlazersOut protests started from Media centre towards Old Trafford through the Munich tunnel and chants continued throughout the game. <a href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/hugh-mcilvanney-hard-truth-for-united-martyrs-m2lphhbxzsd">Hugh McIlvanney of the Times</a> lamented in 2005 about "supporters are cannon fodder in football’s money wars, virtually guaranteed victimhood." while <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2021/06/glazers-engage-with-fans-after-16-years.html">Brian Glanville</a> took direct aim at the Glazers "Utterly ignorant of soccer, owner of Tampa Bay Buccaneers American gridiron club, obsessed by the urge to make money from childhood,.. he is the very incarnation of capitalism red in tooth and claw." After the disastrous touting of European Super League by the Glazers who reached out to fans in order to appease them 16 years after their massively leveraged take over, the English media in general have finally woken up. </p><p><a href="https://twitter.com/skykaveh/status/1385171236238630912">Kaveh Solhekol</a> of Sky Sports started pointing out the reasons for United's downfall despite United being on a 5-game winning streak in last full season under Solskjaer while senior United and ex-Telegraph reporter Mark Ogden said '<a href="https://www.espn.in/football/manchester-united-engman_utd/story/4505657/man-united-mediocrity-is-down-to-glazers-as-apathy-and-low-standards-take-hold">diminished status and expectancy is down to the owners</a>' after the humiliating 0-5 loss to Liverpool last October. Failure to conclude the transfer business not just before the pre-season but even after English Premier League has started just highlights the constraints under which Erik ten Hag has to operate. This repeated failure of Glazers is no longer hidden from most of the media nor are they enamoured by lavish signings and wages on last choice players who end up at Old Trafford instead. For once Fans and media are in sync.</p><p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E5A0YCg6ce0" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p><p>Before the match <a href="https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/man-utd-women-star-for-england-as-lionesses-win-euro-2022-final-at-wembley">fans paid tribute to players who were part of England's Euro 2022 winning squad</a> Ella Toone, Alessia Russo, Mary Earps and unveiled their latest signing Casemiro. The Brazilian despite his age might be one of the most influential signings United have ever made. He was the lynchpin of the most successful era in Real Madrid's recent history and allowed rest of the team to thrive and elongate their careers. <a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12670074/real-madrid-2-0-eintracht-frankfurt-champions-league-winners-seal-uefa-super-cup-glory-for-joint-record-fifth-time">Casemiro was man of the match</a> when Madrid won the UEFA Super Cup and is match fit. Diego Simeone called him out “For the balance of the team, he is without a doubt their most important player.” while Zinedine Zidane brought him into the first team by noticing qualities similar to Claude Makelele with whom he played and won handsome laurels. Murtough and Arnold must be congratulated for having pulled out a coup of a transfer. Martinez and Casemiro fill the void of steely resolve and tenacity to the squad. Casemiro will wear shirt #18 of Paul Scholes.</p><p>United did not bow down to super agents in their quest to sign quality players. Ajax holding United to ransome over Anthony and 90 million is too much when their own fans claim 60 million is sufficient. This is especially true as club looks at back-up goal keeper, right back, striker and another midfielder. Erik ten Hag not only made the <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/19508587/erik-ten-hag-man-utd-brentford-extra-miles-training/">team run 13.8km which they lagged against Brentford</a> team in their 0-4 humiliating loss but he himself ran with them to demonstrate he is with the team while helping them recover and not merely passing instructions. ETH exploited United's pace againts Liverpool to secure a memorable win and showed remarkable flexibility to change tactics. This is one of the key reasons why fans preferred him over Pochettino. Key now is to string up a winning run of games that includes Southampton and Leicester City.</p>SriniMUFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07782567884782414744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3424466937030897937.post-2871414297124145732022-08-22T02:16:00.003+05:302022-08-22T23:37:50.012+05:30Do or die against our biggest rivals as #GlazersOut gathers pace<p>New manager Erik ten Hag lost opening two games comprehensively against Brighton & Hove Albion (home) and Brentford (away) by scoreline 1-2 and 0-4. Team as a whole nor players individually did not demostrate any fight whatsoever. Ronaldo was introduced at half-time in the first match while three substitutions were made in the second where David de Gea was unusally responsible for two of the goals and apoligized for the same. Liverpool with two draws are 15th in the table meet United who are 19th on Monday in the biggest rivalry of English football. Last season United lost 0-9 on aggregate. Last time Manchester United lost their opening three matches it resulted in the change of manager before Christmas, first in 1972 with Frank O'Farrel and then in 1986 with Ron Atkinson!</p><p><a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2022/07/uniteds-transfer-woes-and-wins.html">Disastrous summer of rebuild</a> without a head of recruitment caused this nightmare start with a new manager in tow. Richard Arnold and John Murtough concentrated all their energies on Frenkie de Jong who loves Barcelona not Manchester. Since the departure of Ander Herrera the club does not have a defensive midfielder of repute. Nemanja Matic was inefffective due to his age and Scott McTominay thrust into the cauldron like a youth parachuting over Normandy with only hope to his aid. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who was backed to the hilt never filled this crucial gap having played with Roy Keane and Micheal Carrick. Erik ten Hag started both the games with McTominay and Fred in continuation of previous regime despite signing Lisandro Martinez who could have played in that role to limit the damage. Erik ten Hag has also retained Harry Maguire as captain, David de Gea as goal keeper and wants to retain Ronaldo who scored 24 goals for the club last season. If results do not improve either of these might have to give way.</p><p>Attention and blame was rightly pointed to the Florida based owners of the club, the Glazer family whose leveraged buyout has saddled a profitable club with debt that now stands at 590 million. They have thrown money since Sir Alex Ferguson left but without a clear vision. Mainstream media has finally got the guts to state these facts. But what took them so long? Was it their nationality or amount of money being thrown at the problem. Few of the grievances are listed below:<br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>capped spending under Sir Alex Ferguson to 20 million even when rivals were spending more.</li><li>sold Ronaldo for world record 80 million but replaced them with Owen(free), Obertan, Valencia</li><li>have not upgraded the facility at Old Trafford since takeover</li><li>backed OGS, LVG without oversight even SAF esp by not having replaced Scholes and Giggs</li><li>backed the cult of Pogba over the manager Mourinho and destroyed the culture</li><li>united reserves relegated in 2018 under their watch</li><li>failed Moyes and Mourinho in the transfer window</li><li>commented that club can sustain without Champions' League football</li><li>earnings call always referenced social media frenzy the club generates but not sound football structures</li><li>only club owners in EPL to take dividends without putting their own money into the club</li><li><a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2021/06/glazers-engage-with-fans-after-16-years.html">no fan interaction</a> until the protest by fans over super league fiasco</li><li>backed the disastrous European Super League</li><li>not sacked Ed Woodward sooner. To be fair Richard Arnold from his interview appears more frank and sincere.</li></ul><p></p><p>What was the initial reaction to the loss? United had apparently 75 million of Frenkie de Jong deal to spend and guess who they were approaching to sign - Marko Arnautovic and Adrien Rabiot! Arguement was that de Jong still signs before deadline day and additionals funds of 7 and 17 million coughed up to fill the gaps. <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2022/05/paul-mitchell-or-relegation-battle-next.html">Abject lack of big picture</a> is brazenly evident in the decision making echelons of the club. Finally the #GlazersOut movement that got trending forced the club to make an approach for Brazilian midefielder Casemiro who like Raphael Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo has won five Champions' League titles at Real Madrid. Madrid were able to break perhaps their greatest midfield trio of Modric-Kroos-Casemiro due to marquee young talent they've signed up in Tchouameni and Camavinga. 60 million pounds with 10 million in add-ons for a 30 year old is still expensive considering that Varane was signed for 34 million pounds at 28 years of age last season.</p><p>British billionaire <a href="https://www.forbes.com/profile/james-ratcliffe/?sh=673353285443">Jim Ratcliffe</a> a boyhood United fan who had even made a late bid to buy Chelsea earlier has <a href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/i-want-to-buy-manchester-united-says-jim-ratcliffe-bjqk2bfrx">expressed a firm interest to buy the club</a> from the Glazers. The NFL affiliated owners who are at the forefront of commercializing sport are not likely to sell their English Premier League assets easily though. United would definitely match and exceed the price Chelsea got i.e., 2.5 billion pounds. What can force the Glazers to sell? Sustained fan protests in the immediate phase or pressure from the independent regulator when its fully functionaing later on. Change of ownership will be bumpy but if they do not take money off the club and invest instead will win over the goodwill of fans slowly apart from having a clear football vision. </p><p>Madrid trio Varane, Casemiro, Ronaldo with ten Hag's signings Martinez, Eriksen all starting will mean captain Harry Maguire may not be first choice starter. His positional sense is suspect and is not adept at playing the high line makes him suseptible to errors that lead to goals. Ronaldo had to be assuaged by the United hierarchy especially given that there was no Champions' League football this season from the opening of the transfer window by signings like Casemiro and still need to add a backup striker, right back, midfielder, leftwinger, goal keeper if possible. Bid for another of ten Hag's favourites Anthony was increased from 60 to 80 million which is huge in itself but to raise it further to 100 million would be insane. Instead would a young and hungry Declan Rice make more sense? Or combination of PSV winger Cody Gapko and Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkov-Savic who both offer physicality that is lacking in United presently. Without Casemiro, United will need to manage Liverpool for now at Old Trafford. #MUNLIV This one match can turn the season around and save Murtough not Erik ten Hag from the sack.</p>SriniMUFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07782567884782414744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3424466937030897937.post-43236641192905620882022-08-07T18:09:00.003+05:302022-08-08T07:09:25.852+05:30New era dawns at Old Trafford<p>Erik ten Hag ushers in new begining on the field while Richard Arnold the former head of commercial operations who took charge as CEO (from embattled Ed Woodward) in February does the same off field. Not just six players who came to the end of their contracts but also director of football negotiations, chief scout, global head of scouting, etc and appointed a deputy director of football in a club wide restructuring. In a positive development the <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11062605/Sir-Alex-Ferguson-Manchester-United-order-help-Erik-ten-Hags-rebuild.html">new CEO has created an advisory group</a> that includes Sir Alex Ferguson, David Gill and 'Captain Marvel' Bryan Robson along with John Murthough. Club has even moved ahead with its plans for 'Fan Advisory Group' and 'Fan Share Scheme' that it initally announced in June, 2021 to win the fans back after the disastrous courting of European Super league. One crucial appointment missed was the head of recruitment which has severely impacted the most anticipated transfer window into a damp squib.</p><p>Despite Cristiano Ronaldo's return the club chose to write-off last season by appointing an interim manager Ralf Rangnick to replace the sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. This is the main reason why fans have sympathy with the Portuguese star. To make up for that mess and loss of so many players on a free transfer, fans were anticipating both quality and quantity of incoming players. Erik ten Hag's voice on the field at Ajax the Argentine Lisandro Martinez, Christian Eriksen on a free transfer and young left-back Tyrell Malacia are the only three new recruits. Club remain in pursuit of Frenkie de Jong presently of Barcelona after agreeing on a 75 million deal but the player is refusing to accept as he is owed deferred wages of around 17 million. A striker, right back and another midfielder are three area's club are yet to firm up an offer. Although striker appears to the most glaring gap due to unavailability of Mason Greenwood and <a href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/cristiano-ronaldo-tells-manchester-united-its-time-for-me-to-leave-6nm9smz6d">Ronaldo's eagerness to play in Champions' League</a> the lack of midfield options might deter the club from finishing off teams especially in away destinations. </p><p>Erik ten Hag preparations for the new seaon began with a bang, a 4-0 win over Liverpool in Bangkok and followed by 4-1 win over Melbourne Victory, a 3-1 win over Crystal Palace and 2-2 draw with Aston Villa. However in the more serious matches United lost 0-1 to Atletico Madrid in Oslo and drew 1-1 with Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford last week. Aside from these results several changes to the playing style was observed. Erik ten Hag was repeatedly heard shouting at players if they did any mistakes, five a sides were punished physically for letting a goal, all players are now required to eat together, more sessions on one-touch passes under tight spaces, Sancho and Dalot appear to develop an understanding on the right wing, Zidane Iqbal, Charlie Savage, Ethan Laird, Alejandro Garnacho all played well on tour. ETH has added Kevin Keij from Ajax as performance analyst and Benni McCarthy only South African to have won Champions' League while at Porto under Jose Mourinho to the coaching staff. ETH has retained Harry Maquire as captain dispelling all rumours about squad unrest. Phil Jones is by the way still registered as a player with Manchester United!</p><p>With net spend of 70 million on Martinez and Malacia it is the lowest after appointing a new manager at United except that of David Moyes who was given just one signing of Fellaini. How have Arnold and Murtough prepared to handle the hicupps especially after transfer window closes? Ferguson used to famously say that its a crisis if Manchester United loses two matches in a row. How will online fan trolls, media scutiny be managed by the new management team? Murtough, Arnold and Ferguson might talk to media after 3rd, 6th and 9th defeat of the season while ETH only talks about winning the next match. 16 matches to be played before first winter World Cup in Qatar including tough October against City, Spurs, Chelsea and 22 matches after. Blooding of FA Youth Cup winning players might induce patience from fans longing for silverwere since Stockholm, 2017 against Ajax side led by Erik ten Hag!</p><p>First signs of issues ETH has to handle aside from coaching occured in friendly game against Rayo when Ronaldo and few others left the stadium after being substituted at half-time. ETH later spoke with Dutch media outlet <a href="https://twitter.com/viaplaysportnl/status/1554735909383331841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1554735909383331841%7Ctwgr%5Effd3d4e876514972baa2d501ca256d9cf34e2678%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.telegraaf.nl%2Fsport%2F1220586745%2Ferik-ten-hag-niet-blij-met-actie-cristiano-ronaldo-onacceptabel">Viaplay describing this behaviour as "unacceptable"</a>. Earlier Ronaldo who had skipped the Asia-Australia-Norway tour for family reasons had posted on social media that he would be playing against Rayo "Sunday, the king plays". ETH might be forced to play Ronaldo for the 1st game of the season against Brighton as in-form striker Anthony Martial suffered a recurring hamstring injury. Fans though have already earmarked Alejandro Garnacho as the breakout player of the season. But who would United replace Ronaldo with at such late notice? Rashford to score more than 20 goals, yes. First the team needs to ensure 0-4 humiliation in last game against Brighton will not be repeated.</p><p>Manchester United exceeded the target yet again for commercial operations by two-fold before the start of the new season thanks to Ronaldo wanting out and being involved in fund raising of Barcelona for interest in Frenkie de Jong. Guessed it right the social media hype. Are United being played by Barcelona to garner investors as they seek to come out of economic collapse which made them sell Messi last season? ETH has identified FDJ as his main summer target as per reports from many credible journalists who track Manchester United. Chelsea who offer Champions' League football enter the fray for both Ronaldo and FDJ. Implications if United were to lose out, disastrous to be in this position in the first place. Due to lack of recruitment specialist the last word is yet to be written on this one. Till then its going to McFred in midfield. Unpardonable!</p><p><a href="https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/erik-ten-hag-sets-out-his-vision-for-brave-proactive-adventurous-man-utd-team">Erik ten Hag recently</a> said "to win in a certain way, being proactive, brave and with adventure. This is also what belongs to the culture of Man United." Aye. Aye.</p><p><a href="https://store.manutd.com/en/?_s=bm-fi-psc-mufc-shopnav">New United kit</a> is smashing by the way, credit where its due.</p>SriniMUFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07782567884782414744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3424466937030897937.post-9293643127533065792022-07-16T02:33:00.002+05:302022-07-16T11:57:33.459+05:30United's transfer woes and wins<p>Manchester United not only secured early <a href="https://theathletic.com/news/manchester-united-appoint-erik-ten-hag-as-new-manager/LzbjqkIW1hYO/">appointment of Erik ten Hag on 22nd April</a> before the final league match of Eredivisie on 15th May but the Dutchman started work immediately thereafter by watching the final league game of Reds against Crystal Palace on 22nd May. This was primarily due to the good officies of Edwin van der Sar and Ajax Amstredam. United secured the services of his assistant coach Mitchell van der Gaag to be his deputy at Old Trafford. It is quite natural for managers to have known and trusted backroom staff but also to get one player especially if he transmits the ideas and instructions of the manager on the pitch like Lisandro Martinez. United had done this in the past when Ron Atkinson signed Bryan Robson for a record British transfer fee to follow him from West Bromwich Albion.</p><p>Although officially this might be the business concluded with Ajax Amstredam but what transpired in the month of June during and after the Nations League was ungracious from United. It started with courting of 21 year old breakthrough centre-half for both Ajax and Dutch National team in Jurrien Timber. Ex-United manager and present manager of Dutch National Team <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kL7JW2q16zE">Louis van Gaal termed his potential move as "not wise"</a> arguing that he wants his players to get maximum game time ahead of first ever winter World Cup 2022 in Qatar. Timber decided against following his coach who progressed him from reserve team through to first team and helping him win the Marco van Basten Ajax Talent of the Year award for 2021-22 season.</p><p>While United were busy with Timber, Arsenal had an initial bid of 30 million Euro's submitted for his partner Lisandro Martinez in the heart of Ajax defense that had won two successive league titles. Martinez can play also play as defensive midfielder to keep in check the main opposing threat and win the ball back. He was Ajax's Player of the Year. United banged in to try to snatch what seemed like a bargain but Ajax stood firm. <a href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/erik-ten-hag-wants-manchester-united-to-increase-offers-for-lisandro-martinez-and-antony-w5stmqxdd">United then reportedly bid ~110 million for both</a> Argentine Martinez and Brazilian winger Anthony together as per the Times. Ajax meanwhile as planned let Noussair Mazraoui (on free), Ryan Gravenberch (last year of contract) and Sebastien Haller (big fee of 31 million) leave. This raid from United would have ripped the team apart. Ajax indicated the price of the duo that United were not about to match thus Anthony was dropped.</p><p><br /><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KAEREyKpP_w" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p><p>Hounding did not stop there. Next was young <a href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/erik-ten-hag-holds-phone-call-with-dutch-striker-brian-brobbey-over-13m-move-to-manchester-united-gkvd7wvnh">striker Brian Brobbey</a> an ex-Ajax academy graduate who had been transferred to RB Leipzig but brought back last January to play an important role with 7 goals. Usually employees sign Non-Disclosure Agreements on joining a company and stick to Non-Compete clause while leaving, this clearly was about to be breached and also tarnish the great legacy of Erik ten Hag at Ajax. Another Ajax target Sasa Kalajdzic was scouted. Clearly neither Brobbey nor Kalajdzic has the record nor consistency to lead the 20 times English Premier League champion's attacking front line but are players still developing their potential. </p><p>As none of the Ajax targets fructified United pounched in the deal of young left-back from Eredivisie <a href="https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/tyrell-malacia-completes-move-to-manchester-united">Tyrell Malacia</a> after Olympique Lyon had agreed a fee of 13 million with PSV Eindhoven. United did not seem to mind to pay 2 million extra to get their first summer signing and first signing of Erik ten Hag era. This is the second deal where United have muscled in and clearly exposing their lack of transfer specialist among their midst while hiring another corporate manager to be assistant to Director of Football John Murtough. This was highlighted by United's recent <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1541315398376767488">pursuit of Brentford's head of recruitment Lee Dykes</a> in vain.</p><p>Malacia (15 million), Eriksen (free) and Martinez (55 million) done the next focus will be on protracted saga of Frenkie de Jong. United have as per reports increased their initial fee from 65 to 75 million to cover for the deffered wages owed by Barcelona to the player while the total fee remains 85 million. If concluded it will take the total spending to 155 million. If Frenkie de Jong deal does not get done than ETH can be confident that United are fully behind him to secure the type of players he demands. United might be forced to make the best out of Anthony Martial for one more season while promoting Alejandro Garnacho. Free agents Dries Mertens, Andrea Belotti or Jamie Vardy (last year of contract) can be last gasp attempt to cover for absence of Mason Greenwood. United have earned 10 million from the sale of Andreas Pereira to Fulham and departure of six players has drastically reduced the wage bill. United remain hopeful of further offloading Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Phil Jones, Eric Bailly, Axel Tuanzebe, Alex Telles or Brandon Williams.</p><p>Erik ten Hag's debut match was a 4-0 thumping victory over our greatest rivals Liverpool in Bangkok, Thailand, Asia. Here is hoping Dutch Revolution mark-II gets the chance to be completed unlike mark-I under Louis van Gaal which was abruptly disbanded just as Rashford, Lingard, Martial after initial struggle settled nicely and were starting to turn things around. Trust the process.</p>SriniMUFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07782567884782414744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3424466937030897937.post-5020104487329826142022-06-08T21:39:00.005+05:302022-06-14T10:44:59.619+05:30United likely to promote Matej Kovar<p>With the likely impending move of Dean Henderson away from Old Trafford for next season, a position becomes vacant in the first team to back David de Gea and Tom Heaton. While <a href="https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/spain-enrique-de-gea-snub-24147973">omitting de Gea from the Spanish squad for the Nations League coach Luis Enrique</a> reasoned "A goalkeeper should start the play and generate the first superiority, they must dominate the aerial play... I need a goalkeeper that transmits peace and calmness to me, that doesn’t mean they won’t make mistakes, errors are part of football. What they generate I like a lot." Despite this snub, and due to his excellent form for Manchester United in 2021-22 campaign <a href="https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/david-de-gea-named-man-utd-players-player-of-the-year-for-2021-22-03-june-2022">David de Gea won his fourth Player's Player of the Year award</a>, he is likely to remain the first choice keeper of the <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2022/06/erik-ten-hag-presentation.html">new manager Erik ten Hag</a> next season. While the purists would argue de Gea is not ETH type of keeper and Henderson should instead get the nod but the practicality is that Spaniard's astronomical wages are unaffordable by most other clubs. </p><p>Ex-United youth goal keeper Tom Heaton returned to the club last summer and has <a href="https://www.premierleague.com/players/2933/Tom-Heaton/overview">over a 100 English Premier League appearances</a> mainly for Burnley with 3 England caps, making him a competent backup to the Spaniard. The squad usually needs three goal keepers for the entire season. Instead of looking in the transfer market the club might promote from within. Clearly the choice has to be Matej Kovar as Nathan Bishop has not got sufficient exposure yet signed in January, 2021 from Southend. To address this lacuna the club had Bishop loaned out for one full season at Mansfield Town playing over 50 matches and gaining valuable match experience including the high-pressure play-offs eventually losing 0-3 to Port Vale.</p><p>Kovar meanwhile in his 4.5 years at United has more game time at both academy level and away at two clubs for two half-seasons. The 22-year old Czech goal keeper Kovar got his first senior call last September after keeping two clean sheets in U21 games having represented his country more than 20 times from U18's onwards. He was later in January <a href="https://1xbet.whoscored.com/Players/388668/History/Matej-Kov%C3%A1r">loaned out to Burton Albion in EFL League One where in 6 matches he collected 2 'Man of the Match' awards with whoscored rating of 7.35</a>. Last year he helped Manchester United gain promotion to top tier in Premier League 2. Club official biography highlights one of his key traits as <a href="https://www.manutd.com/en/players-and-staff/detail/matej-kovar">saving penalties</a>.</p><p>Loaned to Swindon Town who play in EFL League Two where he had 'baptism by fire' in Wiltshire <a href="https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/sport/18990241.manchester-united-recall-goalkeeper-matej-kovar-swindon-town/">conceding 41goals in 20 games before his deal was cut short</a> in Jan 2021. Kovar signed a new contract this February that expires in June 2023 with option to extend for one more year before agreeing a loan move to the Brewers. Perhaps the short span of new contract suggests lack of confidence in the player but since then there has been progress based on 2 'MotM' awards and the video below. This is a welcome change at United where contract situation has positively impacted players performance. Hopefully the sign of things to come under Richard Arnold and John Murtough. In this recent match highights below for Burton Albion against Accrington Stanley one can clearly see his superb shot stopping skills too. Looks promising and ready for first team participation.</p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FhGEfIYHMG4" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><br /><p>Kovar already has experience of being in the first team having been an unused substitute on the bench when <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2019/11/start-of-something-special.html">Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took a young side to play Astana</a> away in the Europa League in Nov, 2019 as United had already qualified from the group. In the recent <a href="https://www.uefa.com/under21/match/2031876--czech-republic-vs-england/">Euro U21 championship Group G match</a> the top two sides Engalnd and Czech Republic played each other on 3rd June. Matej Kovar played full 90 minutes for Czech Republic while James Garner played for England who won the match 2-1. Draw for the U21 playoffs will be announced on 21st June. United signed another young Czech keeper Radek Vitek in summer of 2020.</p><p>Sir Alex Ferguson was on a look out for potential signings to replace Roy Keane when he went to watch Eric Djemba Djemba play for Nantes vs Rennes. Czech legendary keeper Petr Cech was only 18 or 19 playing for Rennes and Fersguson deemed him "too young". Based on Cech's sucees at an early age at Chelsea later prompted Ferguson to go for David de Gea at just 21.</p>SriniMUFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07782567884782414744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3424466937030897937.post-10070411145997157912022-06-02T00:26:00.001+05:302022-06-02T00:34:16.634+05:30Erik ten Hag presentation<p>Manchester United suffered their 12th loss in the last match of 2021-22 English Premier League season 0-1 to Crystal Palace and finished with lowest points tally in EPL history with just 58 points that is 35 points adrift of the champions City. Goal difference was a perfect naught with only 57 goals scored thanks mainly to Cristiano Ronaldo's 18 and conceded as high as 57 goals placing the club 12th in goals against. United lost 5 of their last 8 matches ceding 16 goals as Ralf Rangnick era quaked to a meltdown due to player's apathy. Sensing the urgency of the situation <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2022/04/erik-ten-hag-it-is.html">Erik ten Hag</a> rightly decided to advance his joining date, got his two assistants on board - Mitchell van der Gaag and Steve McClaren, and even attended the Palace game in London. The Dutchman formally took charge the very next day on 23rd May after the final matchday and was presented to the media.</p><p><a href="https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/erik-ten-hag-press-conference-full-transcript-23-may-2022">Erik ten Hag sounded confident</a> and methodical in his explanation having won his 3rd Eredivisie title in 4 years with Ajax Amstredam. On next steps he said "What we are now doing is first constructing the staff, constructing the squad and constructing a good plan. First it's the pre-season plan that we are now working on." His remit from the club was clear "They have to set conditions and I have to work with my squad to achieve success." and demands from a big club like Manchester United "We want to win every game, so we go from game to game and then we will see." with some big name players "But it is always players who dictate the way of play. I have the ideal, I will line up my best team, and I will line up my players like that to get the best out of them."</p><p>He simply had to sound ebullient when asked if the dominance of Klopp-Guardiola can come to an end before they leave? "I think, yes." After the worst season in 30 years the fans hope the only way is up and he echoed that "Although it is a fantastic history, the reason is there is a high potential for the future. That's why I am here." Most stinging criticism came from the first Dutch manager of Manchester United <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/mar/28/van-gaal-warns-ten-hag-against-joining-commercial-club-manchester-united">Louis van Gaal when he branded it as "commercial club"</a> and hoped ETH will not join them. ETH naturally rejected that "I draw my own line and I’m convinced that is not the case. I spoke to the directors about it and football is one, two, three these days. Every club these days is commercial. Every club needs it. To be successful you need to do what is necessary, but football is one, two three in this club.”</p><p>Most important information that came out was his sharp dismissal of Ralf Rangnick's consultancy role and he simply cut the answer short "That is on the club." and refused to elaborate any further. Days later first it was <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/rangnick-confirms-he-will-not-stay-on-at-man-utd-as-consultant/blt9595e8f07fdf77b7">Rangnick after being unveiled as Austria manager announced</a> that he will end his role at United. "We have come to the conclusion that it is better for me and the club to concentrate fully on the Austrian national team. I cancelled the consultancy contract." Rangnick didn't salvage the situation at United rather added fuel to the fire with claims of board not backing him to recruit a striker in January after Mason Greenwood was ruled out. Fans do thank him for exposing the club but that situation cannot continue for long without becoming untenable. </p><p>ETH distanced himself from Rangnick's conclusion of the club needing upto 10 new players after 0-9 thrashing over two legs by their biggest domestic rivals Liverpool, by harking back to era under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer "I am still in the process of analysing...The season before, this squad was second in the league, so there is huge potential." This perhaps gives a clue that despite United losing 6 experienced players whose contract expire this summer and central midfield positions still vacant that there will not be any wholesale changes but rather a evolution in squad. This dampened the spirits of many leading broadsheets who gave a pessimistic reading of ETH presentation. <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2022/05/24/new-manchester-united-manager-must-prove-wont-remembered-erik/">The Telegraph opined</a> "New Manchester United manager deserves time to prove he won't be remembered as Erik Ten Months" while <a href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/straight-talking-erik-ten-hag-will-take-no-nonsense-at-manchester-united-93pmr33jz">The Times</a> were more considerate "Straight-talking Erik ten Hag will take no nonsense at Manchester United."</p><p>ETH has started work 5-weeks early compared to David Moyes who consequently failed to add any significant players to the ageing squad that had won the league in previous season. ETH is bringing in a known hand in Steve McClaren while Moyes failed to persuade Rene Muelensteen to stay while disbanding rest of Sir Alex Ferguson's formidable backroom staff. Richard Arnold and John Murtough have a <a href="https://theathletic.com/news/manchester-uniteds-head-of-corporate-finance-leaves-as-behind-the-scenes-changes-continue/aLj20oxpQh4K/">new setup taking shape after a string of departures</a> in Jim Lawlor the chief scout, Marcel Bout head of global scouting, Matt Judge director of football negotiations, Hemen Tseayo chief strategy officer and Ed Woodward the chief executive. This can be a boon for ETH to push through his requests or a bane if the new hierarchy cannot deliver the transfers in time for the pre-season - a deadline crucial for the new manager. Manchester United <a href="https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/andy-oboyle-appointed-as-man-utd-deputy-football-director">appointed Andy O'Boyle as Deputy Director of Football</a> reporting to John Murtough, and like Murtough himself O'Boyle joins from Premier League's head of elite performance. This puts an end to the rumours of links with <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2022/05/paul-mitchell-or-relegation-battle-next.html">Paul Mitchell</a> who has signed on for another season at AS Monaco or Luis Campos who has joined Paris St Germain.</p><p>Best piece of advise came from the gaffer Sir Alex Ferguson "Well, I hope he does well because the club needs someone to get in control. I hope he does well, yeah." No Dutch manager has won the English Premier League title yet(Guus Hiddink, Louis van Gaal, Dick Advocaat, Martin Jol, Ruud Gulit, Ronald Koeman, Rene Muelensteen, Frank de Boer) and that's a stiff challenge for ETH in itself. David Moyes flew to Thailand for pre-season so will ETH in July but hope history does not repeat itself any further.</p>SriniMUFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07782567884782414744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3424466937030897937.post-57858223592940537092022-05-07T21:55:00.003+05:302022-05-24T19:33:21.220+05:30Paul Mitchell or relegation battle next season<p>With upto six players coming to end of their contracts at Manchester United who already have an unfilled vacancy in central midfield since departures of Ander Herrera and Marouanne Fellaini three years ago, the club has a monumental task ahead in the summer transfer window as <a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11667/12593322/ralf-rangnick-warns-man-utd-need-up-to-10-new-players-in-rebuild-after-liverpool-thrashing-at-anfield">Ralf Rangnick put it</a> "for me, it is clear there will be six, seven, eight, maybe ten new players" following a 0-9 aggregate thrashing at the hands of their biggest rivals Liverpool. With the scale of the rebuild and a limited funding of about 150 million nett the task of getting the right players is difficult as it is; it is further compounded by the fact that United have a duboius record under Ed Woodward and Matt Judge to take forever to conclude negotiations while paying over the odds for the wrong players!</p><p>Richard Arnold will want to demonstrate how he tends to operate differently than his beleaguered predecessor and thus the <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2022/04/erik-ten-hag-it-is.html">appointment of Erik ten Hag</a>, an upcoming manager who has steadily won laurels at Ajax. A new position was also created under John Murtough for Deputy Director of Football. Ralf Rangnick worked closely with Paul Mitchell at the Red Bull group and <a href="https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/paul-mitchell-ralf-rangnick-friendship-23446301">both were spotted at FA Youth Cup match in February</a>. The <a href="https://uk.linkedin.com/in/paul-mitchell-4ba4b267">Manchester born recruitment specialist</a> would be an ideal candidate based on his brilliant eye for talent while at Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, Red Bull group and now AS Monaco. Mitchell was also synonymous with the rise of Mauricio Pochettino at Southampton and Tottenham but reportedly fell off with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy and had to leave. With AS Monaco losing to Braga in round of 16 in Europa Cup and presently in 4th place in Ligue 1 six points off 2nd place amid managerial churn, time is perhaps right for Mitchell to move to new destination after a two year stint at the principality.</p><p>United have lost four straight away matches to Man City, Everton, Liverpool and Arsenal. Last time this happened was in <a href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/man-utd-arsenal-reaction-records-26780401">1980-81 when United finished eight</a>. United have lost 10 matches this season and conceded 51 goals already. Loss to Liverpool was the worst match in Premier League history. If it were not for <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2021/11/ronaldo-de-gea-fc.html">Cristiano Ronaldo and David de Gea</a>, United would be battling relegation. Board having sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and appointing an interim manager thus writing off the whole season, demolished the morale of the squad. With impending player exodus the chances of '<a href="https://www.amazon.in/Too-Good-Down-Manchester-Relegation/dp/1909360627">Too good to go down</a>' might repeat in 2022-23 just a year before the golden jubilee of last relegation in 1973-74. <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/60435071">Reports of conflict between British and Iberian/South American players</a> must be firmly dealth with. Everton part of original top 4 clubs of league football in England are now facing relegation, United must wake-up now. Not only have City and Liverpool marched on while Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham are re-grouping but likes of Wolves, West Ham, Leicester, Brighton, Brentford, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace have sound structures to enable high performance. </p><p>More than anything the character of the players will be paramount. Sir Alex Ferguson brought Viv Anderson, Brian McClair and Steve Bruce and fixed the centre-back issue to build a firm foundation that got better after <a href="https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/gary-pallister-reflects-on-his-transfer-to-man-utd-on-podcast-episode">Gary Pallister</a> added pace to handle counter-attacks. United must rally around a new captain in Bruno Fernandes ably guided by veterans Cristiano Ronaldo and David de Gea as the current skipper Harry Maguire has had a torrid time while being unispiring. Mason Greenwood is likely to miss another season, Edinson Cavani is leaving, Martial and Rashford are not number 9's which makes an emergency signing of a forward mandatory. If team takes time to adapt to different type of gameplay under Erik ten Hag, they must have an option to switch to more direct form in the last 20-30 minutes to salvage crucial points. United were relegated due to lack fit and proper strikers in 1973-74 campaign! Return of James Garner from an excellent spell at Forest has raised expectations. United cannot introduce young players from the team that has reached the FA Youth Cup final without proper protection from senior players like how <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/7782847/bryan-robson-manchester-united-maverick-monday/">'Captain Marvel' Bryan Robson switched to left wing</a> to take care of opposing right-back who was giving young Ryan Giggs a tough time.</p><p>United certainly cannot spend 150 million on one player like <a href="https://www.football.london/west-ham-united-fc/players/west-ham-declan-rice-price-23571350">Declan Rice</a> or proven leaders like <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2022/02/15/harry-kane-right-man-sort-mess-manchester-united/">Harry Kane</a> and Conor Coady as it seems very difficult to raise significant funds from selling players. United need two defensive midfielders, one centre-forward, one centre-back for a start. Hypothetically it is likely to be 40m for Ruben Neves, 50m for Yves Bissouma, 75m for Darwin Nunez, 35m for <a href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/man-utd-erik-tenhag-ajax-26898943">Jurrien Timber</a> will top 200m. But an expert like Paul Mitchell can tweak this from his extensive contacts especially from Red Bull group players like Amadou Haidara(ligament injury), Konrad Laimer, Josko Gvardiol, Willi Orban, Marcel Halstenberg, Christopher Nkunku, Rasmus Kristensen et al and from his existing employers AS Monaco the likes of Aurelian Tchouameni, Benoit Badiashile, and others throughout Europe to transform the squad in couple of seasons itself. Getting Paul Mitchell will strengthen Ralf Rangnick's stature who is to become a consultant after this season and the board must not bring politics into play to handicap the club instead of being an enabler. Mitchell is likely to weigh up the takeover scenario at Chelsea who will play in the Champions' League next season unlike United before deciding.</p><p>United have been poor at letting players go and the plan of Ed Woodward to load non-starting players at high salary to extract good transfer fee has backfired spectacularly. Club will have to generate minimum of 50m by selling Dean Henderson, Eric Bailly, Anthoy Martial. Instead of Phil Jones club can groom Axle Tuanzebe or Teden Mengi. Luis Campos who is not associated with any club since leaving Lille in late 2020 is an formidable alternative to Paul Mitchell as are <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9877699/How-Brentfords-directors-Phil-Giles-Rasmus-Ankersen-taken-Bees-Premier-League.html">Brentford duo Phil Giles and Rasmus Ankersen</a>. Campos performed the ultimate miracle by helping AS Monaco and Lille to win the French Ligue 1 as underdogs against oil rich Paris Saint-Germain. United were beaten by another United in Newcastle to the signing of technical director <a href="https://www.brightonandhovealbion.com/news/2474068/ashworth-to-leave-albion">Dan Ashworth who has left Brighton and Hove Albion</a>. What if United had football people at decision making levels to back Jose Moruinho over players with social media power, hired Luis Campos and signed one quality centre-back in summer of 2018. This summer is another such momentus occasion where fans want Manchester United to be run as a football club and not just a commercial brand.</p><p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dtfzKEm9NMY" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>SriniMUFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07782567884782414744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3424466937030897937.post-91928834407417041262022-04-16T19:34:00.003+05:302022-04-22T10:02:25.191+05:30Erik ten Hag it is!<p><a href="https://theathletic.com/news/erik-ten-hag-manchester-united/0WSSGs76Nilr/">David Ornstein of the Athletic</a> broke the news of Manchester United having reached a verbal agreement with Erik ten Hag to become their next permanent manager. United had considered a four man shortlist for the job that included Mauricio Pochettino of PSG, Julien Lopetegui of Sevilla and Luis Enrique the Spanish national team coach. It was a dead heat between ten Hag and Pochettino after the other two ruled themselves out and in the <a href="https://twitter.com/GNev2/status/1506521009914097670">online twitter poll that Gary Neville conducted</a> the Dutchman was the overwhelming fans favourite by 82:18 margin while most of ex-United players backed the Argentine. Pochettino was strongly rumoured to take over from Louis van Gaal <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/manchester-united-news-mauricio-pochettino-tottenham-sir-alex-ferguson-meeting-a7025306.html">after meeting Sir Alex Ferguson in May, 2016</a> and has been linked with United job ever since. Erik ten Hag is seen as more steady with his stock on the rise while Pochettino had a difficult season at PSG with superstar players.</p><p>Erik ten Hag will be the second Dutch manager at United after Louis van Gaal, and</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>at 52 years of age would be around the same age as when Jose Mourinho took over in 2016</li><li>with a 4-years contract is the second lengthiest after Moyes' 6-years in post Ferguson era</li><li>he was assistant to former Sir Alex Ferguson assistant Steve McClaren at FC Twente in 2008 and McClaren could return to United if ten Hag wants</li><li>perhaps the first defender in his playing days to manage United since 1946 and played for FC Twente in 3 stints winning the Dutch Cup in 2001. All other previous United managers were either wing halfs or forwards as players.</li><li>None of the previous managers after Ferguson have even last 3 years. Gaffer used to say it takes 4 years to have all XI starting players of ones choice.</li></ul><p></p><p>His best moment came in 2018-19 season in Champions' League when Ajax <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBrxvvFzIz8">defeated Real Madrid who were attempting to win 4th straight trophy</a>, by 4-1 and at Santiago Bernabeu with Dusan Tadic getting a perfect 10 score for his performance in that match! Ajax then beat Juventus in quater-finals but lost to Tottenham managed by Pochettino in semis in 96th minute. That season Ajax won Eredivisie for the first time in 5 years! United have not won the league since 2013. Both clubs have good academies and Erik ten Hag is known to bring players through. Despite losing most of his brightest young players he not only created a new winning team and won Eredivisie again in 2020-21 but changed the style, from false 9 and inverted wingers to out-an-out number 9 with wingers. In this seasons Champions' League Ajax won all 6 of their group stage matches against Borussia Dotmund, Sporting Lisbon and Besiktas but lost in the knock-out phase to Benfica with Darwin Nunez, a target for United to replace Edinson Cavani scoring the winner. In the knock-out phases ten Hag has had more favourable results away than at home at the Amstredam Arena.</p><p>At United the Glazers love big name players like Paul Pogba, Cristiano Ronaldo who generate lot of social media buzz. Hope Joel Glazer, Richard Arnold and John Murtough understand that they would need to stand by their manager in any event of a contest with those big name players. If they repeat the stance they took against Jose Mourinho they will help repeat the chaos of last 9 years not rectify it. Having understood the setup first-hand Ralf Rangnick can play a crucial role to ease Erik ten Hag who has thrived under director of football at Ajax but the structure at United is still vague with most decisions deferred to Glazers. <a href="https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/man-utd-appoints-masterplanners-for-old-trafford-stadium-redevelopment">Stadium re-development plans having been initiated</a> the board must ensure that does not drain the resources for investment in the first team. Board must act quickly to get the transfers done early in order for Erik ten Hag to have a <a href="https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/tour-2022-details-announced-by-man-utd-for-bangkok-and-melbourne">full pre-season</a>(Thailand and Australia) to mould the squad that failed previously to adapt to Rangnick's 4-2-2-2 itself. He often stresses on a particular trait "creating space for others with off-the ball runs" which United players can only embrace in training. Incidentally lack of standard 'training' was one of the major issues pointed out by players about the regime of <a href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/hardly-involved-in-training-taking-players-backwards-and-squad-doubting-his-tactics-how-ole-gunnar-solskjaers-reign-unravelled-hk8w397xn">Solskjaer</a> and <a href="https://www.espn.in/football/manchester-united-engman_utd/story/4590418/hes-ted-lasso-man-united-stars-frustrated-with-rangnickarmas-training">Rangnick</a>, with ten Hag that will be firmly resolved.</p><p>After an underwhelming season a host of United players are nearing their end of contracts(6) which will clear the squad for a rebuild - exit of Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nemanjamatic/?hl=en">Nemanja Matic</a>, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, Lee Grant should free up the wage bill enomously. Under utilized players(3) like Dean Henderson, Eric Bailly, Phil Jones and decide the futures of players returning from loan(7) like Donny van de Beek, Anthony Martial, Axel Tuanzebe, Andeas Pereira, Tahith Chong, Amad, Facundo Pellistri. Thats easily about 12 players as Amad and Pellistri are highly rated youngsters! One player most thrilled by this appointment will be Donny van de Beek. Crucial will be to bring in 4 to 5 young and hungry players to spruce up the squad and not repeat the mistake made under Moyes where only Fellaini and Mata were brought in. Availability of <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2022/03/five-elangas.html">Anthony Elanga</a> and James Garner will be of tremendous help. While the biggest question is not the future of Cristiano Ronaldo but of Mason Greenwood and especially if he cannot play regularly next season United will have to prioritize the signing of a forward like Darwin Nunez urgently.</p><p>Based on available resource Erik ten Hag has modified the team's style of play at Ajax. At United will Harry Maguire be able to play a high defensive line? Will the handicap of McTominay and Fred be finally over? Luke Shaw's defensive liability be tolerated? Over reliance on Bruno Fernandes be reduced? Struggling Marcus Rashford regain his form? Chose between David de Gea or Dean Henderson? Problems of plenty but lacking the ability to control the game from midfield. A single high profile signing of Declan Rice or combination of Reuben Neves, Aurelien Tchouameni, Amadou Haidara, Yves Bissouma or Kalvin Phillips. On a positive note Erik tan Hag can in the future look to pick from players who have reached the FA Youth Cup finals in Alejandro Garnacho, Charlie McNeil, Kobbie Mainoo, Daniel Gore, Marc Juardo, Rhys Bennett et al, an option and quality in such numbers unavailable to most of his predecessors as United's previous final was in 2011.</p><p>United move from having the guru of Jurgen Klopp in Ralf Rangnick as interim manager to former assistant to Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich where he trained the players to be ready for the first team while playing in the same style. Tottenham's ascent to 4th spot with the best manager available then in Antonio Conte proves yet again that it is the singlemost important appointment at a football club. Guardiola, Klopp, Tuchel and Conte all but fortifying the top 4 the best that can be expected of ten Hag is 5th place finish next season but importantly a clear style of play with Manchester United DNA.</p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6WiCtSgfVnU" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>SriniMUFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07782567884782414744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3424466937030897937.post-11383660818056536862022-03-08T23:13:00.005+05:302022-04-01T11:38:42.173+05:30Five Elanga's<p>Anthony Elanga is perhaps the lone bright spark in a dismal season thus far for Manchester United. To cap his <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2022/01/rangnick-of-time.html">fantastic run</a> he scored against Athletico Madrid in the knock out phase of the Champions' League to keep the tie level at 1-1 after a tepid first half. This problem of slow start which was the bane of Solskjaer regime has reared its head again. Crucially for the interim boss Ralf Rangick his substitutions have been generally well timed with the right personnel enabling him to save face. Loss to championship side Middlesbrough in fourth round of the FA Cup ended all hopes of winning any trophy this season, and another season became a write-off.</p><p><a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2021/11/manchester-united-make-right-call.html">Ralf Rangnick</a> was the last appointment of Ed Woodward who is now gone, and it increasingly sounds like the new CEO Richard Arnold wants to stamp his authority by getting the summer appointment of Manchester United's permanent manager correct. This will mean United might not get the maximum out of the German guru and further depriving the morale of coaching staff and players wrt targets for this on-going season. This is especially hard on the players and <a href="https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/man-united-rangnick-fred-news-23178729">Fred who has improved under Rangnick lamented</a> "I think it's a little bit bad for us not to have one(permanent manager), at the moment it's all about the short-term goals. We don't know how it's going to be after the end of this season." </p><p>United have tried big name managers in Louis van Gaal and <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2019/12/mourinho-can-emulate-dave-sexton-and-do.html">Jose Mourinho</a> who to their credit won trophies justifying the decision but the success was not lasting. Big spending on players not only continued surprisingly under <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2021/09/solskjaer-invites-pressure.html">Ole Gunnar Solskjaer</a> but increased drastically - Maguire, wan-Bissaka, James, Fernandes, van de Beek, Amad, Cavani, Sancho, Varane. Without pre-season training to embed the ideas of the football guru Ralf Rangnick, the players are markedly struggling to implement the tactics during matches. Rangnick shelved 4-2-2-2 to quasi Solskjaer 4-1-2-3 formation which is slightly different than 4-2-3-1. This highlights the importance of recruitment which has to be consistent in line with United's identity. Moyes should have been backed by 3 to 4 young and hungry players to add energy into that old team which won the last Premier League title under Sir Alex Ferguson. Take heed.</p><p>In the interim capacity Ralf Rangnick has stopped the leakage of goals from the previous regime and exponentially increased the shots on target to be the best in English Premier League since his tenure started yet the conversion rate with Ronaldo, Rashford, Cavani, Sancho is very poor. Mason Greenwood who is suspended and still has the 3rd best goal stats just behind Ronaldo and Fernandes. Suspension coming near the end of the January transfer window and the club chose not to replace the striker perhaps not sure about the gravity of the case. Rangnick has since explicitly said that United need new striker in the summer as "<a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/60353591">obvious</a>". Without Greenwood, United drew at Burnley, Southampton and Watford which might well deny United the top four finish with tougher matches against Man City, Tottenham and Liverpool lined back to back. Anthony Elanga who needs to be managed to not be burnt-out started one and came on as a sub in two of these drawn games.</p><p>This player hesitency to grasp newer ideas and Elanga's application has clearly demonstrated the way forward for Manchester United yet again. Promote youth from within or buy young players to give the next manager the best chance of being a success. Roy Keane rightly said the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKGPrOLIt7M">players will throw the manager under the bus</a> after Mourinho was sacked and the loss to Middlesbrough highlighted the fact when United missed not just chances but even a penalty from perhaps the <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2021/09/return-of-cristiano-ronaldo.html">greatest player of all time</a>! As a fan I wanted to stop watching football for rest of the season. The answer is for United to have five Elanga's in the same starting XI. Jadon Sancho is finally thriving proving this point further and also <a href="https://www.nottinghamforest.news/2022/03/01/nottingham-forest-man-james-garner-receives-monthly-recognition/">James Garner</a> excelling at Nottingham Forest will help the club to trim the requirement down to 2 or 3. Fans would have loved to see <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-10387217/Manchester-United-Axel-Tuanzebe-agent-blasts-club-treatment-young-players-Napoli-move.html">Axel Tuanzebe</a> or Teden Mengi get the attention from Rangnick and be ahead of Eric Bailly and Phil Jones. Elanga, Sancho and Garner all set who could be other two and which part of the pitch specifically for next season?</p><p>Central defensive midfield and centre-forward. <a href="https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/sport/football/dundee-united/3002418/dundee-united-star-kevin-mcdonald-backs-manchester-united-loanee-dylan-levitt-to-thrive-on-the-big-stage/">Dylan Levitt</a> already with 10 caps for Wales and Ethan Galbraith the former teammates of Garner will get a shot. While Garner has done well at Forest, Galbraith has got good playing time at Doncaster who are fighting to avoid relegation and Levitt has been hampered with injury at Dundee United which suggests the duo might need another season of regular football elsewhere before being in a position to succeed at United. Below them in the pecking order are this season's debutants <a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11667/12523761/zidane-iqbal-manchester-united-youngster-set-to-make-iraq-debut-in-iran-after-international-call-up">Zidane Iqbal</a>, the first British South Asian to represent United and Charlie Savage, the son of ex-United player Robbie Savage while <a href="https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/hannibal-mejbri-man-united-dream-22986499">Hannibal Mejbri</a> has been fast tracked to the first team after his debut in the last game of last season. Clearly these are not immediate solutions for next season. With developments at Chelsea where the Roman Abramovich era is coming to an end, United could find themselves in pole position to sign Declan Rice, 23 given the huge transfer fee or be wise to opt for Aurélien Tchouaméni, 22 and for above mentioned profile of players should be in the hunt for forwards Darwin Nunez, 22 or Victor Osimhen, 23 or Alexander Isak, 22.</p><p>Meanwhile <a href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/man-utd-news-argentina-garnacho-26401715">Alejandro Garnacho</a>, 17 year old who has been the main goal threat in FA Youth Cup where the club has reached the semi-final stage for the <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2019/10/wrong-to-compare-chelsea-and-mufc-youth.html">first time since 2012</a> semi-final loss to Chelsea. Garnacho has been included in the provisional 44-man squad for World Cup qualifiers by Argentinian National team who have already qualified. United and Wolves competed for the first two FA Youth Cup finals in '53 and '54. If United progress they are likely to meet Chelsea or Forest in the finals. United have invested heavily since the summer of 2020 on U18 players like Willy Kambwala, Charlie McNeil, Joe Hugill, Logan Pye, Marc Jurado, Alvaro Fernandes, Radek Vitek, Isak Hansen-Aaroen, Alejandro Garnacho, Manni Norkett and Ethan Ennis. Strategically this could be United most important competition for the rest of this season. Garnacho is guaranteed a first team debut if he stays injury free.<br /><br />"If you’re good enough, you’re old enough." <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/search/label/Matt%20Busby%20Quotes">Busby's clarion call</a> to introduce the Babes in 1950's and four decades later Fergie's Fledglings.<br /><br />PS: RIP Frank O'Farrell and Xmas of 71 being top of the league with George Best banging in the goals after Sir Matt Busby had retired! Injuries and lack of signings into the 1968 European Cup winning team turned the tide. Tommy Docherty took the lessons from his predecessor, and United must listen to Jose Mourinho warning to end this vicious repeatitive cycle plaguing the present team.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">A special <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FAYouthCup?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FAYouthCup</a> strike by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MUAcademy?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MUAcademy</a> U18s forward Alejandro Garnacho 🙌🔴<br /><br />Vote for February's Goal of the Month in our app now 📱⬇️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MUFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MUFC</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/play_eFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Play_eFootball</a></p>— Manchester United (@ManUtd) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManUtd/status/1499254239817867265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>SriniMUFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07782567884782414744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3424466937030897937.post-82549895257162166312022-01-25T17:10:00.004+05:302022-01-25T18:11:48.176+05:30(Rang)Nick of time<p>Two wins against differing tactical sides in Brentford and West Ham United brought much needed optimism about the remainder of this season and dispelled doubts about <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2021/11/manchester-united-make-right-call.html">Ralf 'the professor' Rangnick</a>'s mettle being out of day-to-day coaching for majority of last decade. His tactical switch to 4-3-3 but with one holding number 6 and two number 8's in these games, and getting the result brought cheer to fans who were a bit depressed after he fell back to Solskjaer's 4-2-3-1 at Villa and Wolves to salvage those two games. Big question now is how will Rangnick integrate Paul Pogba into that system after the Frenchman returns from injury in time for the FA Cup fourth round clash against Middlesbrough.</p><p>After suffering his first loss to Wolves and scraping through Villa in FA Cup, Rangnick picked Anthony Elanga to start in the next three games drawing one and winning two. The young Swedish international's energy galvanised the left of front three as had when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer introduced Mason Greenwood(right) and Louis van Gaal put his faith in record youth signing Anthony Martial. Elanga is starting ahead of much fancied Jadon Sancho and Amad Diallo says a lot about the effort the lad has put in to get noticed in training and then perform on the big stage when given that opportunity. His composure to score his first goal of this season from a tight pass from Fred while showing awareness about goalkeeper's position was simply awesome. United fans responded in kind by having a new song based on a fav song from my childhood SNAP!'s '<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYIaWeVL1JM&list=RDJYIaWeVL1JM&start_radio=1">Rhythm is a dancer</a>'. German band is having a revival of this classic song in its 30th year of release, and under a German boss at United.</p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;">Rhythm is a dancer, Anthony Elanga</div><div style="text-align: center;">Try to stop him if you dare</div><div style="text-align: center;">He came from Scandinavia</div><div style="text-align: center;">To be United's saviour</div><div style="text-align: center;">Scoring goals from everywhere</div><div style="text-align: center;">Wooooah its Elanga</div><div style="text-align: center;">Wooooah you can feel it in the air</div><div style="text-align: center;">Wooooah its Elanga</div><p></p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SChxqtQv7mw" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><p>Futher goals by Greenwood and then Rashford coming off the bench sealed a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajQisHsQlgM">memorable 3-1 away win</a> at perhaps the best atmosphere in this season's Premier League at newly promoted Brentford. Manchester United last played them in the first season after the war in 1946-47 winning the home fixture 4-1 with Jack 'Gunner' Rowley hat-trick and drawing the away match 0-0. <a href="https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/man-utd-brentford-thomas-frank-22810023">Brentford under Thomas Frank outplayed and outpressed United</a> in the first half who only survived thanks to yet another masterclass from David de Gea in goal and rightly proclaimed "We destroyed them in the first half, they didn't have a sniff, three huge chances and there could only have been one winner of this game. They are unbelievably lucky. I know all the stuff about taking chances. They changed the system against little Brentford."</p><p>In the closing stages after United led 2-0 Rangnick substituted Cristiano Ronaldo in 71st minute for Harry Maguire to play three at the back. This was in direct response to late second half capitulation against Aston Villa after being 2-0 up to draw 2-2. <a href="https://strettynews.com/2022/01/19/video-ronaldo-furious-with-key-in-game-decision-made-by-rangnick/">Ronaldo was furious and Rangnick was seen explaining</a> to perhaps the greatest player of all time. Media latched on to this and Anthony Martial's comments to press Rangnick who was calm to douse any flames and handled both episodes well.</p><p>Marcus Rashford regaining his form to score his first goal since October and then score the matchwinner in the last minute against West Ham will give a big boost to United's chase for the top four. That last minute <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ByWw5Xyvpo">goal involved United's all three substitutes Martial, Cavani and Rashford</a>. Such an attacking change to go all out for a result against a quality side like West Ham is reminiscent of United under Sir Alex Ferguson. Harry Maguire battling for his position got a start ahead of Victor Lindelof who had a breakin at his home when United were playing Brentford and rightfully chose to be with his family. Maguire had a great start to the game and dominated aerially to fight for his place in the starting XI despite being the captain. Thats the scale of transformation done by Rangnick in short time.</p><p>David de Gea had a clean sheet at last to show for his tremdous saves to move ahead of Gary Bailey to become <a href="https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/david-de-gea-moves-above-gary-bailey-in-man-utd-all-time-clean-sheets-list">Manchester United's third best</a> keeper in terms of clean sheets; David de Gea's tally is now 162 just shy of Alex Stepney at 175 and Peter Schmeichel at 180. David de Gea was part of Sir Alex Ferguson's last Premier League trophy win, won the FA Cup under Louis van Gaal, and won League Cup and UEFA Cup under Jose Mourinho to easily be the <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2020/07/de-gea-is-undoubtedly-uniteds-player-of.html">best player at United of the last decade</a>.</p><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/jan/24/anthony-martial-manchester-united-loan-sevilla">Anthony Martial has just agreed a loan move to Sevilla</a>; good luck to him and hope he fulfills his potential on a consistent basis. Amad Diallo has yet to confirm his option of loan move, Jesse Lingard is being approached by Newcastle, Eric Bailly had an enquiry by AC Milan... Outgoings raise expectations for a defensive midfield cover for Scott McTominay as cut-price deals for secondary targets like <a href="https://fbref.com/en/players/384d58d9/Denis-Zakaria">Denis Zakaria</a> and <a href="https://www.unitedinfocus.com/news/united-transfer-target-boubacar-kamara-picks-right-moment-to-shine/">Boubacar Kamara</a> are available. While both primary targets Declan Rice and Reuben Neves had nice things to say about Old Trafford recently after their games against United, the club is unlikely to sanction a purchase of a player out of uncertainity over its manager in the summer. Club under new CEO Richard Arnold is now likely to start the process to appoint a permanent successor to interim Ralf Rangnick ostensibly to avoid Brian Glanville's favourite quote of Karl Marx "<a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2019/10/wish-ole-heard-shanklys-words-about-lfc.html">History repeats itself</a>, <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2021/09/">first as tragedy</a>, <a href="https://www.srinimufcblog.com/2021/11/manchester-united-make-right-call.html">second as farce</a>."</p>SriniMUFChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07782567884782414744noreply@blogger.com0