Arsenal a litmus test for Ole

Jose Mourinho's reign came to an end after a listless defeat to MUFC's arch rivals LFC at Anfield. However based on this year's fixtures the Manchester derby on 07-December could represent a pivotal fixture to ascertain if English Premier League's most successful club have indeed progressed or regressed overall, despite assurances of spending in January if the right players becomes available. By then Ole needs to ensure the off-field work in training, team bonding, coaching and recruitment re-alignment, promotion of youth to reflect on the pitch with positive results.

Liverpool come to Old Trafford immediately after the international break on 20-Oct which might reduce the impact of a loss unless its a very heavy one. This match against Arsenal therefore assumes more significance than normal given the legacy of title chasing Ferguson vs Wenger rivalry and the void of their subsequent departures. Arsenal represent an ideal match to secure at least a draw given their attacking threat and porous defense. A loss would ring alarm bells immediately and push MUFC to the bottom half of the table.

Martial performs well against top sides and if the Frenchman is unfit then Greenwood will lead the line as Rashford is out injured. James rested against Rochdale will be a sure starter. Lingard's good form against the Gunners earns him the right of front three slot and if he does not take his chance might not get it back easily. Pogba a doubt with a swollen ankle might force Ole to play Fred, McTominay and Mata which is very very predictable. Pereira had a good spell of games as first choice incl Chelsea win but might not start this game as Lingard gets the nod. Matic saved for European excursions. Young in for recovering Shaw. Garner having played on Thursday for U23 should have rightfully earned a spot on the bench after continuing his excellent form with a winner against Norwich U23's.

Ole needs to be mindful of two things: One to contain the score in a losing game, and Two to eke out a result against top 6 rivals if unable to beat them. The first of these suffered a blow with a 0-2 loss away at West Ham and begs a question as to the score in a predicted loss against the likes of Man City and Liverpool. MUFC have not yet replaced either Fellaini or Herrera which makes a new look defense vulnerable. The same under staffed midfield holds the key for the second point about the ability to hold out for a win or earn a point like the Leicester result. No attempt has been made thus far to play one of the Tuanzebe or Rojo as a holding midfielder to address this gap nor has the 4-3-3 system being changed. To play High Press on a weekly basis it requires good squad strength to proactively use substitutes and rotate the players. For an evolving team like MUFC game management becomes very important which given the young age of the squad will only improve from playing i.e., inevitably making mistakes due lack of experienced spine in the team, resulting in dropped points, short term frustration and long term gain.

The team bonding exercise initiated by De Gea and Mata had a good turnout with the exception of Pogba. Underscores the efforts to unite a disgruntled dressing room which has also leaked information in the recent past. MUFC have struggled away from home this season reversing a trend under Mourinho. Old Trafford faithful have always got behind a young team which was one of the criteria for Ole's clearout also. Injury may have forced Ole to finally give Greenwood a start which the fans have been calling for. Fans want Tuanzebe, Gomes and Garner to also start when fit and now rather than later. A word of caution for a fan driven team management can look no further than the mid-table woes of Everton. Ole understands this and thus has been patiently introducing the youth one at a time. Cohesion amongst the players does amount to holding out for a result despite the shortcomings like inability to score the second goal.

Ole has arrested the mistakes of signing wrong players, has retained the respected coach in Mike Phelan as his assistant, had a good pre-season which promoted scores of young players, put Nicky Butt in charge of youth promotion, got rid of six unwanted first team players to make way for youth, renewed the contract of MUFC's best player in post Ferguson era in David De Gea.... These are the right steps which might not bear fruit immediately but the traditions of the club have been reinstated for which Ole should earn the time he deserves.

Astana away presents best chance for watching MUFC live in a competitive game from India

For MUFC fans from India the 28-November away match in Europa League between Manchester United and FC Astana presents a great opportunity to watch the Reds live in a major competition by travelling from India. India is one of the countries whose citizens may be issued an electronic single entry tourist visa from their Visa and Migration portal from 01 January 2019 onwards. Few advantages are:

1. Very short travel time for a UEFA competition involving MUFC: Air Astana flights from Delhi to Almaty is only 3 hours 50 minutes duration and then take another flight from Almaty to Nur-Sultan of duration 1 hour 45 minutes.
2. Currency exchange rate of 1 INR is approximately equal 5 KZT which is great! 
3. Time difference is ideal with IST as its either -30 minutes in west (Astana) and +30 minutes in east (Almaty).

Main limitation could be the seating capacity of only 30,244 to secure a ticket and its authenticity. Tickets are not yet opened for sale as per FootballTicketNet. Best to travel with trusted friends and apply for Visa & bookings at least 25 days before the date of journey. Weather in late Nov will be around -7 to -10 degrees Celsius.
Disclaimer: Have never traveled to Kazakhstan before.

About Kazakhstan recall two things from childhood, first the Baikonur cosmodrome famous for Russian space launches and its former capital Alma Ata when most of us had to update our knowledge of capital cities of the world after the fall of communism. Later from the movie "Dr Zhivago" came to know about the Ural mountains and recent news of renaming of its new capital Astana to Nur-Sultan.

Cynthia from Journal of Nomads has captured the varied landscapes and interesting stories of the 9th largest country in the world very beautifully. Do go through all the links on the page to support the richly detailed site with excellent photos and description.

53 years to the debut of Big Al

Alex Stepney made his Manchester United debut today(17 September) in 1966 in goal against Manchester City in a 1-0 win with Denis Law scoring the winner. Overall he made 539 appearances keeping 175 clean sheets. He was born on 18 September, 1942.

A snapshot of his career.

• Cockney lad who played for Milwall came via Chelsea where Tommy Docherty released him in Aug '66 for a record fee #55,000. Immediately became No 1 choice displacing David Gaskell and Pat Dunne who had shared the goal-keeping duties during the '65 League winning season.
• Sir Matt Busby credited him for Manchester United winning the First Division league title in '67: "The single most important factor behind our championship success in 1967 was signing Alex Stepney."
• In a Charity Shield game the traditional curtain raiser for a new season MUFC as league champions faced the FA Cup winners in Tottenham Hotspur on 12-Aug-1967. Their goal keeper Pat Jennings scored a goal from a kick which went past MUFC defenders and bounced off Alex Stepney who had come front.
• Alex Stepney stood his ground to not only withstand Eusebio's net bursting shot but held it firmly to keep MUFC in the European Cup final of '68 which played a major role in Reds finally realizing the dream of Sir Matt Busby of becoming Champions of Europe. Eusebio immediately applauded the save from Alex Stepney aware perhaps of its consequence. His only cap for England came against Sweden at Wembley only a week earlier than the European Cup final allowing Alex Stepney to get to know the turf better.
• His fumble cost '70 League Cup semi-final to Manchester City losing 3-4.
• Broke two fingers while making a save to help MUFC beat West Brom 2-1 and take an important step to avoid relegation in '73. Jimmy Rimmer kept goal in his absence.
• 89* consecutive appearances between 07-Apr-73 till 01-Feb-75.(* many claim its 92 not 89)
• Played in all the games of the 1973-74 season when MUFC were relegated and became the 1st MUFC Goalkeeper to play through all games in a season across the League, FA Cup and League Cup. A feat only achieved since by Gary Bailey in 79-80 and Jim Leighton in 88-89 season. The great Dane Peter Schmeichel played through all games of league season only once in 92-93 while Gary Walsh played a game each in League Cup and UEFA Cup that season! Big Al even stepped up to take penalties during the summer and Doc asked him to take the ones in First Division match against Leicester City and Birmingham both of which he duly scored. Was helpless to prevent the back-heel of Denis Law who scored the goal that led to eventual relegation for the Reds.
• Part of rebuild under Tommy Docherty to lift the Second Division title in '74. Tommy Docherty and Tommy Cavanagh changed the playing style to a simple possession based football with short passes and Alex Stepney was asked to throw the ball to nearest defender to play from the back rather than kicking the ball.
• Part of two FA Cup finals: losing to an offside goal from Bobby Stokes of Southampton in '76 whose shot had an unfortunate bounce that beat Alex Stepney and winning a year later in '77 to stop Liverpool winning the Treble, which MUFC finally won in '99.
• His testimonial match was against Benfica in March, 1977.
• Played his last competitive match for MUFC on 29, April 1978 in a 1-2 loss away at Molineux against Wolverhampton Wonderers. Left MUFC after Gary Bailey was promoted following the aborted transfer of Jimmy Blyth from Coventry due to a failed medical and Paddy Roche could not cement his place. Dave Sexton dropped Alex Stepney in a first significant change to the team of Tommy Docherty in November '77 to arrest the slide favouring Roche but to no avail. For '78 season Sexton started with Roche in goal whose confidence was shattered in 1-5 loss to Birmingham City and Bailey stepped up to face Ipswich in a 2-0 win. 
• Played in the Manchester United centenary game on 07, August 1978 against Real Madrid in a 4-0 win.
• His autobiography revealed how Wilf McGuinness once made Sir Bobby Charlton do 20 press-ups in a suit and how Denis Law came to know about the end of his illustrious MUFC career under Tommy Docherty.

Lacking the decisive second goal

Barring the opening day win over Chelsea, MUFC have failed to score more than 1 goal in 4 of the 5 matches played in the English Premier League. One of the familiar problems still haunting the club more than 6 years after Sir Alex Ferguson left. Scott McTominay has earned the right to be the mainstay ahead of Matic, while his partners in the engine room have constantly changed. Paul Pogba when fit is the first pick. The 3rd slot has been up for grabs and Fred against Leicester when he came on as a substitute might have done enough to keep it in the short term. Fred missed majority of the pre-season to be considered for the first team selection. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer retaining the Brazilian speaks about the faith in which he is held by the coaching staff. Unless McTominay-Pogba-Fred tick Ole will have to re-consider his preferred 4-3-3 formation with the players he has at his disposal.

Andreas Pereira hit a good free kick and got into good positions but his final touch lacked composure. Consistent run of games might help Pereira to sort it out. Juan Mata by his own standards was disappointing and the removal of Nemanja Matic lifted the handle on the brakes to attack. Fans have been screaming for Angel Gomes to be involved in the first team following his great form with the reserves. The Europa Cup mid-week game against Astana and League Cup against Rochdale later this month provides Ole with the opportunity. Ole will have to manage the young Daniel James and not wear him out. Right of the front three is a concern as Martial, Rashford and James having a preference for the left.

Injury to Pogba and Martial the defense stood out to sustain the early one goal lead into a victory. De Gea made a fantastic save and MUFC have the 2nd clean sheet at home already this season which equals the tally for whole of last season. Those two clean sheets last season were in a draw while the ones this time around are in victories! That's another turnaround.

James Maddison linked with a possible move in footsteps of Harry Maguire had a decent game. His shot saved by David De Gea after he got the better of Victor Lindelof. How he handles the limelight of being linked with MUFC and drafted into the England team setup will be crucial. Bruno Fernandes might come into reckoning finally as continues to impress with excellent stats in the new season if he holds the ball better and improves his pass percentage. Playing well for Portugal against top sides might decide his fate, esp that win against Netherlands to lift the inaugural Nations League in June. Portugal face leaders Ukraine in the next round of qualifiers for Euro 2020. If MUFC do sign a player in January it might be either and not both. With Wolves struggling this season there might be an possibility to tempt Ruben Neves, while Aston Villa might only agree to sell John McGinn if he stays on for rest of this season at Villa Park. Very early for January transfer speculation.

After Leicester City its the turn of another challenger for top 6 in West Ham who under Manuel Pellegrini have transformed the team with shrewd transfers. Almost a year ago at the London Stadium witnessed the unraveling of Jose Mourinho reign with a horrific 1-3 loss. That team was in complete disarray while for Ole this game against Leicester brought the best 'team performance'. MUFC are yet to win on the road this season and West Ham will offer a stiff challenge with Issa Diop for whom a bid was made will try to justify his undoubted talent, Manuel Lanzini is revitalized after injury and Sebastien Haller has had a great start after his move from Eintracht Frankfurt.

Incidentally its the U23 teams of Manchester United and West Ham who are vying for the top spot in the Professional Development League standings.

Ole the smiling assassin

First thing Ole sensed when took over as the Manager was that Marouane Fellaini's style of play has nothing in common with the traditions of MUFC and promptly he was packed off to China. Fair play to the Belgian who saved the poor team's blushes on many occasions. Then Antonio Valencia's contract was not renewed in March and it was too late to salvage the one with Ander Herrera. In the summer Ole has sent Romelu Lukaku, Matteo Darmian off and loaned Alexis Sanchez, Chris Smalling. That's SEVEN players off the first team squad which is massive.

Questions about Ole unable to handle big name personalities sound premature giving the apparent mismatch in the style of play warranted by the Gaffer and the unsuitability of those players. Only Ander Herrera can be counted as a loss while Romelu Lukaku's guaranteed goals against non-top 4 sides will be definitely missed. These two should have been replaced no doubt.

On the pre-season tour many academy grads have been initiated, can Ole match the records of Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson now by handing debuts to 9 or 10 of them? Certainly as he has left himself with no choice but the number might not as high. This will earn the support of traditional fans and buy him time for the squad rebuild to eventually challenge for the title in 3 years time.

The two penalty misses in two games costing MUFC 4 points have exposed the known flaws very early in the season undoing the pre-season form. Marcus Rashford's penalty was very well taken and beat the goal keeper who went the wrong way. MUFC need to persist with him as first choice. With a weak spine, only Pogba as a player of repute in midfield and no options on the bench other than Mata, results will not be predictable like early 60's of Busby and late 80's of Ferguson era. That calls for Patience from fans which will be regularly tested especially in social media where everyone seems to vent their anger or react instantly than construct a balanced thought.

Poorly taken free kicks and corner kicks in the last game will nudge Ole to pick Andreas Pereira more frequently. However playing Pereira on the right wing is not the answer as he is not a natural winger nor picking a deadball specialist if he does not offer anything else. Pereira though is still in his formative years. Ole has settled on the 4-2-3-1 formation yet the midfield composition needs to be worked out. If the results do not improve Matic will be back in the equation as a damage control exercise. Daniel James might be eventually entrusted with spot kick duties in the long run.

It's a make or break season for 26 year old die-hard MUFC fan in Jesse Lingard. His social media immaturity in the summer rightfully earned him a censure from Ole. He is no longer an academy grad but having played in 170 games and not having cemented his position in the squad. Lingard needs to be selfish to match his instincts to deliver when the team needs it. He has done that against mid-table teams in away fixtures for Jose Mourinho in 2017-18 season. He did not start against top 4 rivals Chelsea the only win of MUFC thus far perhaps highlights his eventual fate.

David de Gea will again be in the spotlight as he has a recent tendency to go for the spectacular save instead of basic keeper tactics. His contract renewal hasn't been sorted adds to the indecision despite MUFC duly naming his as Captain in the absence of Ashley Young. The new #130 million defensive unit had its first jolt and how it responds to defeat will be keenly watched against Southampton. If they do not sort themselves Chris Smalling enhanced with Italian experience might be in the reckoning next season.

Ashley Young for injured Luke Shaw seems a direct swap but considering the urgency to avoid 3 games without a win scenario Ole might bring in Nemanja Matic for Scott McTominay and Juan Mata or Andreas Pereira for injured Anthony Martial. Mason Greenwood on the bench. Angel Gomes played in the U23 match on Friday means he will not feature in this match.

With the international break coming up Ole will know the result best suited for this Saturday lunch time kick-off.

Initiative at Molineux turns a new chapter

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer did not match the opponents formation last week who had won all 3 encounters the previous season. Rather he played to United's strength from the start with pace in James, Martial and Rashford. Knowing that Wolves play better in the 2nd half United came back after the scores were level and could have still won the game but for the penalty. Yet apart from the penalty miss there were loads of positives.

Paul Pogba was immense and eager to extend the MUFC tally of 5 goals in first two games of a new season. Against Crystal Palace today Ole might play the diminutive Angel Gomes ahead of Jesse Lingard, who offered a lot of effort and movement but no end product thus continuing his barren run in 2019 calendar year. Behind the closed door fixture last Monday against Sheffield United the team consisted of rest of squad who did not feature on last match day generating a healthy competition at every position. Matic has been on the bench like a safety valve ready to step in if required. The back room staff certainly seem to be preparing for Plan B and C. The youth team have again won their match with a difference of 4 goals. No doubt Manchester United has continued to buzz starting from that emphatic opening day victory.

Roy Hodgson has astutely led Palace to beat City and Arsenal last season and did the double over Leicester. Having drawn the game last season at Old Trafford, can Roy take them one step further to their first Premier League win against MUFC? In their captain, top scorer Luka Milivojević and ex-United winger Wilfred Zaha they certainly have the capability. Eagles have won 5 of their 6 away matches to end 2018 season strongly in 12th position. They are yet to score in this new season which is not an unusual start for them.

The new-look MUFC defense needs to make Old Trafford into a fortress by not conceding goals. This, apart from high wages in the new contract might finally convince David De Gea to sign a contract extension and become the full-time deserving Captain of MUFC given he's been our best player in the post Ferguson era. Apart from Angel Gomes who is a week away from his 19th birthday, Mason Greenwood might get more game time. Angel Gomes made his MUFC debut against Crystal Palace in 2016-17 season making him the 2nd youngest player ever behind the late Duncan Edwards to play for Manchester United. Today Ole might play him from the start i.e., full debut continuing on from last week where Daniel James was given a full debut. Ole gave nothing away in the press briefing if Alexis Sanchez might stay or leave. At least Sanchez has played in the practice match last Monday unlike want-away Lukaku.

Hope for a 2-0 home win with goals from Anthony Martial and Harry Maguire. Juan Mata is one goal away from eclipsing his league tally at Valencia and equaling his overall.

Four goal opening match win sets up MUFC for Top 4 finish

Manchester United beat their main Premier League rivals in terms of trophy's won 4-0 in the opening match of the new season 2019. Last four occasions when they have defeated any opponent by four goals MUFC have at least finished in the top 4 right from the post war years.

In 1985 under Ron Atkinson, United beat Aston Villa 4-0 with goals from Mark Hughes(2), Norman Whiteside and Jesper Olsen. Eventually ended the season in 4th place after such a promising start when they remained unbeaten till November.

In 2003 under Sir Alex Ferguson, United beat Bolton Wanderers 4-0 with goals from Ryan Giggs(2), Paul Scholes, Ruud van Nistelrooy. Finished the season in 3rd place.

In 2006 and still under Sir Alex Ferguson, United beat Fulham 5-1 with goals from Louis Saha, Wayne Rooney(2), Cristiano Ronaldo and an Own Goal. Finished the season as Champions.

In 2017 under Jose Mourinho, United beat West Ham 4-0 with goals from Romelu Lukaku(2), Anthony Martial, Paul Pogba. Finished 2nd which Mourinho considered his greatest achievement.

All of the above huge opening days victories were achieved at Old Trafford. In sports records are meant to be broken but here is hoping for a great season from MUFC.

Chelsea opening day fixtures:
MUFC did beat Chelsea 5-2 in 1958 where Sir Bobby Charlton scored a hat trick and Alex Dawson got two more. Finished runners up famously by drawing upon their indomitable spirit post Munich disaster.

In 1952, United beat them 2-0 with goals from the two Johnny's Berry and Downie.

In 1953, United drew with them 1-1 with goal from Stan Pearson.

New kids on the block from MUFC - Its not '55 nor '95 will it work

MUFC head into the new 2019 English Premier League season with only 3 signings and net spend of approx 65 million which might still come down if Darmian, Rojo and Sanchez are sold before end of European transfer deadline. Considering that the club had not bought anyone in January nor spent heavily last summer meant the expectations of fans were raised given how well Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had turned around the fortunes between December and February, and social media pressure of the #GlazersOut movement.

Beneath the surface there seems to be a method employed by the coaching staff all of whose positions have been filled for the first time in a decade. They have not only sought young and hungry players who consider joining this illustrious trophy laden club as a step-up but also have picked out defense as an area requiring urgent repair.

In Harry Maguire they have got a leader apart from being England's best centre-half. Mourinho was furious with the club last summer for not recruiting one although he broke the record for the same position twice in Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof. Clearly the missing element was leadership. United have not made their best player as Captain in recent seasons but senior-most who might not play every match. Fans hope that after David de Gea signs his contract extension he will wear the arm band, last worn by Goal Keeper in 1919 - Jack Mew. Another area where no one since Gary Neville's retirement made his own seems to have been finally filled in Aaron Wan-Bissaka at right-back and he comes with EPL experience unlike Matteo Darmian. Luke Shaw the left-back was voted the clubs player of the season last year while Victor Lindelof had a steady season after a slow start to his United career. For the first time since United last won the league in '13 under Ferguson, they now have a formidable defense.

Ole's mentor Sir Alex Ferguson also signed a right-back in Viv Anderson and centre-half in Steve Bruce as two of his first three signings. Comparisons do not end there. Like in '95 where Ferguson famously let Hughes, Ince and Kanchelsks go and replaced them with 'Class of 92' prompting Alan Hansen to say "You can't win anything with kids", Ole has let Fellaini, Herrera and Lukaku off without replacements. Ole retracted Pereira after the FA Cup 3rd round game and made him ready by February when the change was there for everyone to see, esp the goal against Southampton. Fred had a great night in Paris against PSG. McTominay ran riot against Barcelona in the first leg of Champions' League quarter-finals and has persisted with the Scot ceding the fact that his positional sense will naturally improve with age. Only player yet to respond to Ole has been Alexis Sanchez and one gets a feeling its only a matter of time before the Chilean starts to produce the magic his earnings so demand.

Apart from these Ole has promoted youth and bought a sensation of the championship last season in Daniel James. Tuanzebe (back from two excellent campaigns on loan at Villa) in defense, Angel Gomes and James Garner in midfield, Mason Greenwood in attack, Tahit Chong on the wing. All of them had a great pre-season tour of Far East, restoring the belief in Ole that "If they are good enough, they are old enough." a famous Matt Busby quote. This has prompted comparisons with Busby Babes of '55 and  Fergie's Fledglings of '95.

Busby introduced the Babes from '51 onwards after their debut against arch rivals Liverpool ("United's Babes were cool and confidant", Tom Jackson). They had won the League in '51 after a gap of 41 years with Carey, Chilton, Pearson, Cockburn, Aston Sr, Rowley forming the backbone of the squad who also played in '48 FA Cup triumph. This coupled with United winning the first six FA Youth Cups from '52 gave Busby plenty of options to think about. '53 would prove even more significant with record signing Tommy Taylor and debut to Duncan Edwards, both of whom dominated the '55 and '56 league winning teams.

Ferguson re-focused the emphasis on youth under an impressive coach Eric Harrison that bore results by winning the FA Youth Cup in '92. And later became mainstay of the senior squad from '95 while Giggs was already part of the first team since '91. That team had a spine of Schmeichel, Bruce, Pallister, Irwin, Keane, Cantona. On that foundation United went on to win the League and FA Cup double with kids in Neville brothers, Butt and Scholes.

Ole meanwhile has just got his defense together and are yet to know each others strengths and weakness. While apart from De Gea and Pogba, United have lacked a spine capable of holding the team against tough opponents and guide the upstarts in the fast, pacey and physical demands of the league. Ole has broken from the recent mistakes of using just the cheque-book to fill the gaps, choosing instead to form a structure with a high-press style that requires lot of stamina which was the focus of the pre-season training. This has certainly excited the long serving die-hard fans with eager anticipation of the new campaign. But doubts remain if United would do any better than finishing 6th given the absence of a proven spine, lack of depth in other positions and loss of their talisman Lukaku.

Lot rides on young Rashford and Martial to not only make up for loss of Lukaku but start proving their credentials of becoming a lead marksmen for the team on a consistent basis. The right midfield was bereft of creating ideas in recent seasons and introducing James or Chong on the wing with consistent run of games for Pereira might yield better results. Sanchez might occupy the left attacking role where he had clashed with Pogba in the past for possession. McTominay and Fred have to support the slowing Matic, whose positional sense is still great to thwart and create chances. Attack and midfield areas still need sorting out in later transfer windows requiring patience from fans and MUFC Board. From Busby, Ferguson analogy and the spine of the team that needs strengthening in a methodical way, Ole has created a 3 year blueprint to challenge for the top which is better than quick fixes that have not solved the root cause.

At long last the defense is sorted and new kids are raring to go as per the great traditions of this famous club, can't wait to get behind the team. #OlesAtTheWheel #OurManOfDestiny #GGMU