FALCAO & RAFAEL RESUME TRAINING PLUS A PREVIEW ON THE ARSENAL GAME.

Its not been a very good first 3 months for the Reds. Like Sir Alex said "One step forward, two backwards for Manchester United this season." But there is finally some good news for the Red Devils around the world. Our Right Back Rafael Da Silva has finally resumed training along with Radamel Falcao at the AON TRAINING COMPLEX.
This seems a blessing in disguise for the Reds' given the circumstances we lay in at the moment. Rafael's injury was a bit worrying because there is no other recognised right back in the squad apart from himself. His return would be a big boost for Manchester United especially when there is a mega heavyweight clash with Arsenal knocking on the door once the Premiership resumes after the international break. Jones too is expected to be back to full fitness for the Arsenal game while Smalling will be available for selection after serving his suspension against Crystal Palace.
Another good news is the availability of Radamel Falcao who is reported to be back in training. His availability surely is a boon for the Red Devils. Of late Louis Van Gaal has stuck to a lone striker spearheading his attack and its been Robin Van Persie. But his lack of form and lack of goals isn't really helping the case. In such a scenario it wouldn't be too tough a decision to pick Falcao ahead of Persie.
STAT ATTACK- Manchester United haven't lost a game in which Patrick McNair has started.
Looking at the international break and international fixture it would be worthwhile to rest Persie for a game and test Falcao against a quality opponent.
My playing XI against Arsenal would be as follows :
Formation- 4-1-4-1
David De Gea; Rafael Da Silva, Patrick McNair, Phil Jones, Luke Shaw; Daley Blind; Marouane Fellaini, Wayne Rooney; Robin Van Persie.
I would really like to see Patrick McNair getting games after all those impressive performances he has put it. Chris Smalling didn't do himself a favour after his dubious game against the Noisy Neighbours.
What do you think?

The Next Manager at OLD TRAFFORD??

With David Moyes sacked as the manager of the Manchester United football team , the united hierarchy thinks its time to appoint a proven and a successful manager at the helm of the club. Jurgen Klopp was the numero uno choice for the post of manager but that went away in fumes when he declared that his association with the BvB fans and team was unbreakable. Luis Van Gaal looks set to take over, with reports suggesting Carlo Ancelotti also a possible man to replace Moyes.

1) Jurgen Klopp - The most sought after manager in Europe at the moment with clubs like FC Barcelona linked with him. It looks highly unlikely that he will come to Old Trafford after he stated that he was happy at Borussia Dortmund and would like to honour the agreement he has with the club till 2018.

2) Louis Van Gaal - Probably the next manager that Manchester United will appoint. Louis Van Gaal has won all the trophies that is available in the elite european competition. Be in the Dutch Eredivise & the UEFA Champions League with Ajax or be it the La Liga and the Bundesliga with FC Barcelona and FC Bayern Munchen. Currently contracted with the dutch team , he will say goodbye to his international career once the World Cup in Brazil gets over. A delegation has already met him in his portugal villa, more so The Glazers admire him a lot and want to have him on board.
But again his autocratic style of management doesn't have much supporters amongst the United board management. Even the latest news where it is reported that he wants to have Roy Keane as his assistant if given the United job won't go down well for the United hierarchy. But with The Glazers and ED-Woodward set to have the final say ahead of Sir Alex, it may well be Louis Van Gaal's job. Latest news suggest Van Gaal has accepted an offer.

3) Carlo Ancelotti- Yet another strong candidate for the job at Old Trafford. Ancelotti has already won Two Champions League crowns. Apart from that he has won the Scudetto , Premier League and the Ligue 1. Presently contracted at Real Madrid he has already won the Copa Del Rey defeating Barcelona in the finals. Last night's 1-0 Champions League win at the Santiago Bernabeu against Bayern makes them overwhelming favourites to reach the Champions League finals to be played in Lisbon. If he wins the double , I don't see him leaving , neither do I see him being sacked. So if he were to be sacked , the only reason would be a failure of lifting any one between Champions League and La Liga.  As winning just the Copa Del Rey isn't sufficient for a club such as Real Madrid.

4) Jose Mourinho- Possibly the most outside of the lot, it will be a sort of a miracle if he snubs Chelsea to come to Manchester United. But believe it or not Manchester United is the biggest club in England and also one of the biggest in the World. Infact, with Sir Alex's decision to retire everyone thought it was Jose Mourinho who would replace him. But the United hierarchy made the mistake by appointing Moyes. If Jose wins the Champions League with Chelsea this year he might want to leave Stamford Bridge for Old Trafford. He then would have all the trophies with Chelsea , though this could be a difficult task for United officials and even for the man himself. But it is no doubt that he will be adored by the Old Trafford fans and also United fans worldwide. It is not a unknown fact that today all the top managers in football do want to be the one to replace someone like SAF. Jose himself wants to do so.

Sir Ryan Giggs has totally been put out of the reckoning because every individual board member believes time has come too early for him to be a manager.
Others include the likes of Diego Simeone, Laurent Blanc.

Who would you like as your next manager??

DAVID MOYES TO BE SACKED?

Man Utd officials are lining up the options of a possible replacement of David Moyes. This comes after United endured a miserable season in more than 2 decades after ruling English football. The Manchester United board is not optimistic about the fact that Moyes is the one at Old Trafford to turn things around. Though he has shown signs of improvement it is highly unlikely that the United hierarchy would believe in Moyes for a £200 million transfer kitty. They are reluctant to offer him the sum as he hasn't yet earned the trust. Things started to fall out of favour when United slumped to home defeats against Manchester City and Liverpool. Even the record signing of someone like Juan Mata couldn't affect the situation.
Manchester has been running helter skelter over the last 24 hours as the sacking of David Moyes gains wind. Although nothing official is yet to be reported most football pundits think his time at Old Trafford could be numbered and that he has been a dead man walking over the period of one month which included defeats to Liverpool and Manchester City at the Theatre Of Dreams. Nothing convincing came after that as United were eliminated by Bayern Munchen in the Champions League quarter finals. The recent loss against his former club Everton put the Glazers fretting over the dismal situation United lay under. Eleven losses in just 34 games in the Premier League leaving the dismal performances in FA Cup & The Carling Cup is unacceptable for someone who has seen United trying for treble everytime the season starts.
Pundits say Moyes deserved a chance , but Glazers don't think they can depend on a guy who couldn't even take United to Europa League places let alone Champions League places. With massive changes to take place in the squad next season , it seems the United hierarchy wants a more experienced man to take over and get players in the summer.
All the leading Newspapers , journalists , Sports enthusiast believe that Moyes will be sacked within the next 24 hours , and that the event is inevitable. Reports suggest that Sir Ryan Giggs and Nicky Butt will be the replacement till the end of the season only on a temporary basis with Luis Van Gaal or Jurgen Klopp taking over after the season ends.
In my last section I will potray my thoughts on David Moyes. He according to me is a graceful person full of integrity. When he was chosen by none other than Sir Alex most of us were optimistic , but no one absolutely no one would have thought that United will finish a dissapointing lowly 7th. No matter what the outcome was David Moyes did deserve other six months according to a fan's and Manchester United faithful's point of view, but we should also remember that United are not just about emotions, there is a lot of financial and monetary matters that need to be dealt with, if Manchester United want to be Manchester United. Reports that suggest an outflow of £200 million in acquisition of new players are not false. The board doesn't have much faith in the manager and thus that sum cannot be trusted with a person like Moyes. We all know that Fellaini was a panic buy, but probably the worst transfer of the season in the Premieship.
Again when Moyes was trusted, he should have been given time. He should have been trusted with the money so that new arrivals could have created a good impact.
Lets hope for the best. We will have to keep calm and support United, whether Moyes stays or departs.
Jurgen Klopp has been touted as a possible replacement and the numero uno choice by the United hierarchy.

SUMMER TRANSFERS '14 , How important is it??

Missing out on Champions League looks a reality. Under the circumstances it would actually be difficult to attract star players to the team. No world class players would want to play for a club that doesn't feature in Champions League. So what will Moyes do? Who he should go for?
There is little doubt that the team will be totally overhauled this summer. Club captain Nemanja Vidic has already signed a deal with Inter Milan. Patrice Evra and Rio Ferdinand will be out of contracts this summer and there is very little hope that Moyes would actually renew their contracts. So obviously United need a complete overhaul in the defence department.
Who should Moyes target and what are the chances?
Centre Backs

1) William Carvalho-Several news reporters have suggested that a deal has already been clinched. The centre back is one of the few good names which have caught the eye of several scouts from all over Europe. He comes with a price tag of 37 million pounds which I personally think is a hefty sum that Moyes should not spend. He is with Porto and is yet to prove himself. He lacks experience at the same time.
2) Eliquiam Mangala- Yet another strong rumour. He has been linked with the Red Devils since the month of September last year when the announcement of Vidic leaving the club was made. He is a good centre back and has established himself well, all remains to be seen is whether Moyes will be able to lure him to a club which doesn't have Champions League or not.
My choices are different from both these strong rumoured interests. United even after the retirement of Rio and Vidic leaving will still have the likes of Jones and Smalling along with Evans. Jones is a good centre back and is establishing himself well. United should go for someone like a Mats Hummels or a Carles Puyol to guide the ship at the back four. Puyol is leaving Barcelona and United can always do with him for a couple of seasons. His vast experience will definitely come in handy in Europa League.
Left Back- We do need a good left back, we don't know if Evra will still be there or not? Even if he does stay, he is past his prime. Luke Shaw has been linked with the devils but again United needs experienced campaigners. Not someone like Shaw who at the tender age of 18 doesn't even has any European exposure. United should go for Fabio Coentrao anyhow. He is just 25 and is a veteran of 45 European games with a club like Real Madrid and Benfica. This will solve the defensive problems.
Total cost-
Hummels 24 M pounds
Coentrao-15M pounds.
A combined 39 M pounds will be much more effective than 37 M pounds for someone like Carvalho.
MIDFIELDERS

The curious case of Tom Cleverley is interesting. Such a great talent tottaly wasted. He along with the likes of Anderson, Young are rumoured to be getting the axe. United did acquire Mata but he only is a CAM thus Moyes uses him as a winger. But United do have quality wingers. Mata,Valencia,Januzaj,Nani are all good wingers. United needs a good CM. Fellaini of late has been good as a CDM and he has forged a great partnership with Carrick. But United still need one central midfielder. Tony Kroos is rumoured to want a transfer to United. I believe it will be a very good addition. United then will have good midfielders in their squad. The names like Carrick, Fellaini, Cleverley, Kroos and Fletcher then will have a huge impact. Moyes is looking at an option of player plus money deal for Marco Reus. The player here concerned is Shinji Kagawa who is rated highly by Klopp. Reus can play in the wings then hence solving the problem of a good winger.
As far as attack is concerned I believe people have been to harsh on Van Persie. He has had a torrid time this season because of injuries. Still till now he has scored 12 times in the premier league and not to forget a brilliant hattrick in the pre quarters against Olympiacos. Hence Moyes should trust his attack.
Thus according to me United should buy Hummels (24M pounds) Puyol (Free) Coentrao(15M pounds) in the defence.
Kroos (25M pounds) Reus (25M pounds + Kagawa)
This should be enough. United doesn't need to shell out 150 million pounds on transfers instead they need to buy tactically. The above players won't cost more than 90 million pounds in total. About Marco Reus I think if we pay him in excess of 250,000 pounds weekly he will be interested just like Kroos. Apart from that Reus is on record to have said that Man Utd is my favourite club and that he loves Man Utd.
How I see my team after the transfers.
GK-David De Gea ( Obvious choice )
RB-Rafael ( Probably one of the best right backs, still young and learning well)
CB-Jones ( Another bright hardworking talent)
CB-Hummels/Puyol (Subjected)
LB-Fabio Coentrao
CDM-Carrick/Fellaini
CDM-Kroos
RM-Mata
LM-Reus/Januzaj
CAM-Reus/Rooney
ST-Van Persie/Rooney.
Subs. Lindegaard Smalling Evans Fletcher Valencia Welbeck
Reserves. Ben Amos, Buttner, Nick Powell, Cleverley, Nani , Lingaard.

MANCHESTER UNITED-WILLIAM CARVALHO DEAL:FEE OF 37 MILLION POUNDS AGREED

MANCHESTER UNITED HAVE WRAPPED UP THE SIGNING OF SPORTING LISBON STAR WILLIAM CARVALHO.

William Carvalho is set to become Manchester United’s first big summer signing, writes Steve Bates of the Sunday People.

The Sporting Lisbon player's agent was given a tour of the club’s Carrington training ground last week and Portuguese international Carvalho will sign for United for £37million before the World Cup finals in Brazil.

United boss David Moyes is also confident he can land Bayern Munich midfielder Toni Kroos, who is keen to move to Old Trafford even though United will miss out on Champions League football next season.

United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has been working hard to put deals in place and Sporting’s highly-rated youngster Carvalho looks like being the first of at least FIVE major signings.

The Angolan-born 21-year-old has a £37m release clause in his contract which United are prepared to trigger before the World Cup begins on June 12.

A host of top clubs are keen on Carvalho – including Chelsea – and having missed out on targets like Barcelona’s Cesc Fabregas and Athletic Bilbao’s Ander Herrera last summer Woodward and Moyes have vowed not to be caught out again this year.

Moyes will also offer Southampton £26m for England left-back Luke Shaw (above) and is targeting Real Madrid star Fabio Coentrao.

PAUL SCHOLES IS BACK

SCHOLES LINED UP FOR MANCHESTER UNITED RETURN

Paul Scholes could be set for an emotional return to Old Trafford this summer.
The Manchester United legend decided to take a breather after hanging his boots up for a second time last year and, although Scholes was offered a coaching role within the Carrington set-up he wanted to spend more time with his family.
But the former England midfielder was spotted last Saturday evening in talks with David Gill and Sir Alex Ferguson at the Alderley Edge hotel.
Sources have indicated United are keen to discover what he wants to do next and want to bring him back into the fold as they look to bolster David Moyes's coaching team.
Scholes, unlike some of his former colleagues, was full of support for United's under-pressure manager earlier this week, insisting: "With all the injuries he’s had, I feel quite sorry for him really. 
"He's never been able to put out the same back four. You see all the top teams, they have the same back four every week, especially with the centre-backs, they need to get an understanding and rhythm together. 
"Michael Carrick’s been injured, Robin van Persie’s been injured, key players have been injured [but] he's not made any excuses and tried to get on with it and hopefully next year will be better."

THE COMEBACK KINGS-REDS ARE BACK TO THEIR VINTAGE PERFORMANCE

THE REDS GO MARCHING ON AND ON

Last night was a memorable night for the Red Devils in a season of despair and anxiety, a luxury of getting good sleep for David Moyes and his men has been rare and would have been so had United suffered a loss to Olympiacos and bowed out of the Champions League. Remember The Champions League is the only silverware that United can hope to get realistically, but pundits believe that reaching the semi finals would be a herculean task forget about winning it.

It really was a vintage display by the Reds and all the players performed really well. The team played as a unit. The scoreline of 3-0 in favour of the Reds could have been easily 4-0 or 5-0 had luck been on United's side. Rooney's header deflected of the post, Welbeck missed a sitter. Moyes knew that he had to go all out attack in order to get those 3 goals and thus named Welbeck in the starting XI alongside Rooney and Van Persie. The midfield comprised of Carrick the Evergreen Giggsy and Valencia. United dominated on all fronts and looked superior than Olympiacos on the night.

There were a lot of positives for United as they prepare to face Manchester City in a week's time at the Old Trafford. The Hat-trick by Robin Van Persie would prove to be vital morale booster for him. Jones as a centre back proved why pundits call him the future captain of Manchester United. He defended like a warrior. Welbeck also played well for 90 minutes and thus could see himself playing in the Manchester Derby ahead of Adnan Januzaj.

But many would also say that despite the win United were far from convincing. Olympiacos is not a very good team compared to Europe's elite. More so they sold their prolific striker Mitrogolou to Fulham in the January transfer window. Once again the concern was the defensive midfield and the full back positions to be exact. Carrick did play well but Giggs who is already 40 wasn't being able to mark players once the game entered the final stages. Well it will be unfair to say anything against him because he already has aged so much but still played better than the other CDM'S in fray with the United squad. Evra did attack well but forgot that his main objective is defending and as a result United were left napping in the defence. Once Evra moved forward and lost possession Olympiacos had acres of free space to run and create openings. These things need to be adjusted if United dream of winning the next stage, because from here on it will be business and no joking around. Evra will miss the next game and thus it will be interesting as to who takes his position in LB position.

My last segment is devoted to the heroes of the match.

• THE OLD TRAFFORD FANS
• LEGENDARY RYAN GIGGS
• RED DEVIL ANTONIO VALENCIA (Played 75 minutes with one eye after getting hit in the eye)
• THE HAT-TRICK HERO ROBIN Van Persie

But one stand out performance for me was David De Gea. He is one of the positives for United this season. He saved two clear goals and the rest is history. No Doubt he was named the Man Of The Match by the fans. 

Thus it was one good memorable come from behind win for us.

Can we turn it around?

MATCH PREVIEW : THE RIVALRY RESUMES

Come this Sunday and we will see a hell of a game when the merseyside team LIVERPOOL FC come to THE OLD TRAFFORD for the ROUND 29 fixtures at the Barclays Premier League. Well I wouldn't say that the stage is set only because Liverpool are far ahead of us this season. 11 points to be exact and our only hope to fall down the TOP 4.

No doubt this game means a hell lot to all the RED DEVILS around the world. Not only that it is a crucial tie for United given the circumstances we are in. A win and we will be able to cut the difference to 8 points and hope Liverpool drop some in the coming months. Sounds unrealistic that we will have to fight for the TOP 4 places. But this is what separates us from all the other fans round the world. We have the belief in our team no matter what happens. These games hardly have a relevance on the playing XI as each and every individual will be fighting for glory. 

United will definitely have an upper hand going into the match. More so because it will be played in front of their home crowd. Add to that the two consecutive victories which haven't been a regularity. So consistency will play an important role given Liverpool didn't have any fixtures to play this week.

The fixture in Anfield this season ended in the favour of Liverpool winning it 1-0 but United took revenge when they beat them 1-0 in the League Cup this season. The last five meetings also support United where they have won 4 times and lost just 1. So history has been with United the past couple of years.

But we really don't know if David Moyes would want to send in a perfect playing XI or will he choose a team keeping in mind the Champions League home fixture against Olympiacos at the Old Trafford. I think Moyes will play an unchanged XI which I think will be best suited given any player wouldn't want to rest before a crunch game. What is certain is that Juan Mata will play because he will be unavailable for the Champions League fixture. David Moyes was quoted as saying that Shinji Kagawa will be given more match time. So does that mean Januzaj will be rested and Kagawa might play.

PREDICTED LINE UP:

David De Gea; Patrice Evra , Phil Jones, Chris Smalling , Rafael; Michael Carrick and Moruanne Fellaini , Juan Mata , Adnan Januzaj; Wayne Rooney; Robin Van Persie.

Mark Clattenburg will be the Refree for the game.

I think this line up to face Liverpool will be ideal. The centre Backs need to forge a partnership together given Vidic is going out and Rio about to retire. This team looks solid and looks formidable to get 3 points required against Liverpool. The biggest challenge will be to keep the Suarez and Sturridge partnership in check. So if Vidic and Ferdinand start United will automatically fall behind given the fact that the S$S partnership has pace,agility,power,stamina and goal scoring ability. Thus it is important that Jones and Smalling start. But I think either Vidic or Ferdinand will start given their vast experience and the hint Moyes threw by stating that they ( Vidic and Ferdinand , on the eve of WBA game) were being kept fresh for some massive games coming in future days.

In other news Manchester United signed a 10 year 600 million pound deal with shirt manufacturers NIKE. This will come as boost for the REDS who are looking at motivation.

More so many people believe that it is impossible for us to get into the TOP 4. Keeping in mind Liverpool's fixture I think we can. Liverpool have games like Chelsea Manchester City and obviously next week's 6 pointer to deal with. Most probably I think there is a lot at stake if United win the fixture. Hence it is massive for United. 

Just keep calm and wait for Sunday. Hues and Cries are in store for sure.

MANCHESTER UNITED SEAL WORLD-RECORD 600 million NIKE SPONSORSHIP DEAL

Manchester United are set to announce a world-record kit deal worth more than £600million.

The faltering Premier League champions will make a major statement that proves they are still the biggest name in world football by renewing an arrangement with Shirt manufacturers NIKE.

It will bank United more than £60million-a-year over the course of a decade-long agreement.

That is almost double the current best kit manufacturing deal, which sees Real Madrid earn £31million from their arrangement with adidas.

United currently have a deal with Nike worth £23.5million-a-season - less than Real, Arsenal, Barcelona and Liverpool.

But that 13-year agreement expires next year and, while the figures being demanded by the Old Trafford club were exceptional, there was no shortage of interest. Puma, Warrior and adidas all emerged to challenge Nike, but the Amercan giants were determined that United would not escape from their portfolio.

With a £35million-a-year short sponsorship deal with CHEVROLET set to kick in next season , it is clear that United can ride out the financial problems caused by a failure to finish in the top four this season.

The two new cash streams will provide David Moyes with significant funds to challenge for the top players with sheer financial muscle, even if United drop out of the European elite.

A REVIEW. Wayne Rooney's Contract extension and Van Persie's exit.

Its been 10 months since David Moyes took over the most sought after and one of the hardest challenges of his life, managing Manchester United. Arguably one of the most difficult top post to succeed at any level in the world. Time was given to him. Patience was the key. Stability was much talked about. Where do we really stand?
Fans say. In Doldrums. My Opinion? Not quite so. Manchester United at the moment are languishing at the seventh spot 3 points behind Everton and a whooping 14 behind Liverpool and Arsenal for a spot in the Champions league. The league table for United is dismal. Given that having played 27 times in the Premier League they have just won 13 games , drawn 6 and lost a whooping 8 things seem out of hands for David Moyes and his boys to try and be among the Top 4 for this season so that they can atleast be eligible for UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE qualifying rounds. So what would they be hoping for? At least get to Top 5 and play in Europa League next season. Things really are out of hands at the moment. Even breaking the bank for someone like Juan Mata didn't help the cause. Even after getting him on board didn't impact on the results. Now the latest addition to that was the Champions League Round Of 16 away leg match to Olympiakos which the visitors lost 2-0 making it almost impossible for them to get into the quarters , let alone thinking about winning the competition. Thus Moyes has lost faith amongst the Old Trafford faithfuls.

But actually I think it is harsh on David Moyes. He came in as a manager of this squad and wasn't helped by Ed Woodward and the scouting team to get his desired targets. How could he get the desired results with a team that hasn't seen anyone else than Sir Alex Ferguson in the dressing room? To adapt to the situations was always going to be difficult. It is evident. The likes of Nemanja Vidic , Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra, Micheal Carrick, Luis Nani are the ones who were the back bones of United squad when Sir Alex was at helm. But the Top 2 Centre Backs have fallen out of favour. Nani remains injured and Carrick is also finding life difficult. In these circumstances Moyes should have been given the authority to land his primary targets like the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Leighton Baines, Fabio Coentrao and Luke Shaw at any cost. To play with this team was always difficult and I look forward to the summer transfer window.

The Wayne Rooney contract situation I guess is again a good sign for United and I don't think that the 300,000 pounds weekly wage is something big for Rooney. He is a guiding force and Moyes has done a remarkable job by asking him to commit for the team for the rest of his life. That is something massive given that he is a fan favourite at Old Trafford.
Missing out on Champions League for a season won't matter much. Players would still want to come to United I guess. There are a number of players who are going to go out at the summer window. Thus I guess the squad is there for a complete overhaul. The likes of Anderson, Kagawa, Vidic, Young and Cleverley are rumoured to be getting the axe. The players who Moyes has said to be his Top transfer Targets are Tony Kroos, IIlkay Gundogan as the two CM'S. Mangala as a CB and Luke Shaw as a LB. Edinson Cavani is also rumoured to be a transfer target along with Mario Mandzukic for the striker positions given that Van Persie is certain to be leaving the squad next summer. Thus it will be worth to wait for the season to end and the transfer Window to start.
But if David does get the sack at the moment very few people are there to actually take over from him. Luis Van Gaal is the top target given United even fail to qualify for Europa League. The Netherlands manager wants to exit the team after the WC14 in Brazil. Another target that the United officials have drawn up is the present German Manager Joachim Low. They are the top 2 targets for the Glazers and Ed Woodward along with the other officials. Thus we can expect a sacking but not before the season ends.

Match Preview-Rene Muelensteen returns, Man Utd vs Fulham, Old Trafford

Rene Muelensteen returns to Old Trafford once again but this time with Fulham. Both the teams have a battle in hand for sure. Fulham is fighting to avoid relegation and on the other hand Man Utd's pride is at stake. Manchester United are lying 7th in the premier league table 10 points adrift of the Champions league places but do have a game in hand. Last week the trinity of Rooney Mata and RVP started the fixture at Stoke but lost 2-1. Thus piling more pressure on David Moyes.
In these circumstances this game would prove crucial for the Red Devils as they cannot afford any more slip ups. With the announcement by Nemanja Vidic that he is not going to be in United for the next season has piled on more misery. Fulham game looks easy but United will go into the fixture keeping in mind mid week fixture against Arsenal at the Emirates. Thus we don't expect a full strength line up today. But Fulham alongside United had a great transfer window. They acquired the services of Mitrogolou and Holtby along with Clint Dempsey. Thus it is not going to be easy three points for United. With due respect to all the players I think David Moyes has tried different formations like the 4-4-2 and the 4-2-3-1 none of which has really flourished. It is so because the wingers haven't lived up to their expectations. Antonio Valencia has not been consistent. He has just played in patches. Same has been the case with Ashley Young. Nani hasn't yet got chance to show his quality and class because of injuries this season. Thus it is better to go with a formation of 4-3-3 and go all out attack because we have to win most of the matches from here on. With wingers not providing much help 4-3-3 will be liberating experience for the Reds which will give them the liberty to go all out attack.

My Predicted line up for United keeping in mind the mid week fixture against Arsenal.
Formation 4-3-3
GK-David De Gea
RB-Rafael Da Silva
CB-Phil Jones
CB-Chris Smalling
LB-Patrice Evra
RCM-Antonio Valencia
CM-Darren Fletcher
LCM-Shinji Kagawa
RS-RVP
ST-Wayne Rooney
LS-Danny Welbeck

Subs-Anders Lindegaard , Adnan Januzaj, Javier Hernandez, Michael Carrick, Juan Mata, Nemanja Vidic, Alex Buttner

The Big Week. Kroosing and Matas with Stoke City.

The signing of Juan Mata from Chelsea has turned out to be a boon for the Reds as he assisted one goal and had a passing percentage of 85% against Cardiff. But,even though he started the fixture along with Van Persie this was far from a vintage display that Man Utd were known for. The problem of lack of world class central midfielders has been a problem. With Michael Carrick out for a month it looks quite difficult for the gaffer to field players in that position.
Man Utd have been linked with Ilkay Gundogan and Tony Kroos for the past few days. Yesterday things became in favour of Man Utd as Kroos was clearly dissapointed after being subbed off in Bayern Munich's 2-1 win at Sttutgart. With just 18 months remaining in his contract he was given a contract extension yesterday which he rejected. This is a good sign for a team like United who want midfielders in their squad for a top 4 finish. Many reporters closed sources have said that Kroos wants to play for a team like United. No wonder David Moyes was present to watch him play at Mönchengladbach. Lets hope we have good news at the end of the transfer deadline date. Even Guardiola didin't rule out a possibility of him moving to Man Utd , he was quoted as saying "He is an important player but things can move fast in football. Here today, gone tomorrow."
United play Stoke at The Britannia Stadium on Saturday and going by this seasons record united should win the game. They won against them in the first half of the season and also in the capital one cup.
Red devils should we get Kroos or not?? Air your views..

Juan Mata- The Answer to Manchester United's woes??

Is it another rumour? Another shitty Mourinho tactics or a face saver for Mr. Moyes and Ed Woodward after crashing out of the Capital One Cup courtesy missed penalty kicks and a rare goalkeeping blunder by David De Gea?

No fellow readers it is not those things which people are thinking. The deal is almost complete with both the parties accepting the terms and as you read news may get flashed all over the news channels stating Mata is no longer a Chelsea player. Will it be a pro decision for United or turn out to be a con decision? Let us have a look at all the aspects one by one.

With only one addition to the squad during the summer transfer window things looked very bleak for the Red Devils. Even Sir Alex knew that he didn't have a very strong team. Barring Antonio Valencia the other two wingers didn't have the same potentials to match a world class line up. So was the case in the Central Midfield where only Micheal Carrick played for probably both the CM'S alone and in process covering ground , Passing and shooting at the same time. Thus big reinforcements were needed no doubt. But Moyes could only land Fellaini and that till now has backfired. Last season the reality was the fact that RvP and Rooney alone in most cases took the game away from the opponents. They were the mainstays of the team but with both of them out injured this season the loophole has been exposed and thus the statement "Man Utd a One Man Team" was proved to be right. In such a situation the January transfer window started and Man Utd fans were eagerly waiting for a signing. Indeed a signing of a STAR and not someone like Fellaini. Unlike Fellaini Juan Mata is a versatile player who can play in the wings and indeed as an Attacking Midfielder and also at times can be deployed as a striker. Thus making him perfect for signing at a stage where United are stuttering to find form and win games.
This automatically would be a morale booster for the players who look forward to big name signings each season. Something similar to what RvP did the last season. MATA definitely can be a face saver for United.
This automatically can be something good indeed with Kagawa being released for a swap deal with IILKAY GUNDOGAN . No wonder Klopp rates him highly and this deal would definitely be worth before 1st of February. Thus this deal can also signal the start of MOYES ERA.

At 25 Juan Mata is definitely going to be a good buy for United given he already has played 2 and a half season for Chelsea and named Player Of The Year on two occasions.
All I can say for now!
Welcome to Manchester United Juan Mata.
Reds what do you think of this signing? Share your views.

The Big Day-Can we rewrite history?

Jose Mourinho and Stamford Bridge have a great understanding between them , why do I say this?
The only reason is the fact that Mr. Jose Mourinho hasn't yet lost a game at Stamford Bridge with Chelsea, a run of 70 unbeaten games. To go there and get three points is definitely going to be a herculean task for the reds. Not to forget that our talisman striker Robin Van Persie who notched up a record 30 goals in all competitions last season is out injured and the saviour this season so far has been Wayne Rooney in van Persie's absence won't be fit for tonight's fixture. In this scenario the only limited options that David Moyes has is of either playing Welbeck or Chicharito upfront. Both of them definitely have the talent in them but lack consistency.

Mourinho's tactics against top teams has been interesting. He is going for draws and it was evident when Chelsea drew at Old Trafford and also against Arsenal. Both being goalless. So this fixture might prove to be dull , but without RvP and Rooney Mourinho will fancy his chances.

It will be interesting to see how the gaffer selects his playing XI for this immense fixture against the blues. Manchester United go into the fixture standing a lowly 7th in the premier league standings which makes the game a must win for the Reds. The fans do seem optimistic before the start of the game as they think they have what it takes to topple Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and rewrite history. In order to get the 3 points at The Bridge United will have to be at their best. Moyes needs to think twice on whom he should send in as a striker. Welbeck or Javier Hernandez?
In my opinion it should be Chicharito without any second thoughts. He has scored 7 times against the blues which is the most by a red against them. This stat might prove to be a boost for the team as they will have confidence going into the game.
The biggest news that can be said is the fact that both RvP and Rooney have traveled to London with the team. Thus this can be something that will be great for the Reds in case they start. The blues will be caught offside for sure and Mourinho finally finding his competition in Moyes in mind games!

It definitely will be a very big day for both the teams for sure. United are looking to close in on the Top-4 whereas Chelsea is looking to close the gap with league leaders and pace setters Arsenal. Hence it looks an exciting day in offer for the neutral as well as the supporters but definitely a mouth watering contest is waiting.
Somewhere or the other the pressure is relatively less on United because they know that without the likes of Rooney,Persie and Jones getting a win is difficult so they may go for a kill and rewrite history at THE STAMFORD BRIDGE.
Well Mourinho, be scared cause we have a baby assassin in Adnan Januzaj who can kill you off single-handedly. Only time will tell.

Red Devils, what do you think? Do we stand a chance today?
Express your thoughts.