Mid term report

Van der Saar: A very impressive campaign so far and has rightly been rewarded with an extension to his contract. 8.5/10

Kuszczak: Only a couple of appearances this season but has looked useful and must not be unhappy with learning from Van der Saar. 5/10

Neville: Committed captain, fantastic fullback. Has got the balance spot on this term between going forward and marking his man. His crossing has been excellent but injuries stop him from getting a higher mark. 8/10

Evra: Has looked a solid signing this season, particularly going forward where he has arguably been better than Heinze. 7/10

Heinze: Has just got back from injury but is nearly back to his best. Occasionally looks vulnerable when up against pace but rightly deserves a starting place 7/10

Vidic: What a season so far. Very committed, strong in the air, strong in the tackle and a danger from set pieces at the other end. 8.5/10

Ferdinand: Has been in impressive form this season. His reading of the game continues to make him look graceful even when under pressure. His partnership with Vida is the best I have seen for some years. 8.5/10

Silvestre: Who? The guy has done nothing wrong but doesn’t have a prayer of having a big impact on this side this season. Hopefully, he will be content to play cup games and a few league games as he still has experience to offer the team. 4/10

Brown: His future suddenly looks less certain but he is still 3rd choice centre back and with his injury record, that may just be as good as it will ever get at United. He is a very good defender and well worth having around. 5/10


Scholes: Majestic on the ball despite now playing a little deeper. He makes everything tick and is a huge loss when not playing. It would be nice to see him get forward a little more and score more. 8.5/10

Carrick: Has fitted in well. Has brought a calmness to our play and has ensured possession of the ball with clever, quick and incisive passing. Good at breaking down attacks with minimum fuss, as shown against Chelsea this season. Needs to move quicker to receive the ball in order to get more time on it. 7.5/10

Fletcher: He has won over more of the crowd with his combative and committed displays. No longer seen as a poor replacement. Instead he is being seen as the useful squad player he is. 6.5/10

Giggs: Had a wonderful start to the season with some magical displays for both club and country. He did so well the Brazilians even started talking about him. His form has dropped a little recently but you sense the number of games has caught up with him a bit. Will benefit from having Park around. 8/10

Ronaldo: Has been absolutely fantastic and my player of the season so far, despite Rooney making it close. He has played more games, had to deal with the events of the summer and has produced exhilarating and more mature displays than ever before. 9/10

Park: It has been largely a season on the treatment table so far but expect him to be starting sooner rather than later, in order to keep Giggs fresh. 4/10

Richardson: He has the talent but he has repeatedly failed to deliver. The pressure of playing for United seems to be getting to him. The crowd have been on his back and as a result of his poor performances he has been playing reserve football. He still needs time, but will he get it? 4/10

O’Shea: The ‘John’ of all trades has put United first and as a result must be commended. He is always good but never better than that. I still think his best position is at full back. With Hargreaves potentially on the way and with Neville in need of some competition we may see him revert to fullback next season. 6.5/10

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Rooney: The boy wonder has been back to his best in recent weeks. And even when he isn’t at his best he is still head and shoulders above most. It has just been a pleasure to watch him and Ronaldo in action. We are watching one of the best there has been. 9/10

Saha: The goal against Chelsea showed the maturity and ability of the player. After the penalty-miss against Celtic he was under pressure. He answered it. Firstly with his left foot and secondly with a Gaelic shrug. This is his best season. 8/10

Solskjaer: He is just back (again). His experience at stealing a goal at crucial times could be significant this season. The best substitute the club has ever had. 7/10

Smith: Breaking his leg was a significant injury, mainly because the picture has changed now he is back. He has looked too slow but with the speed training he is on he may just come back to help lead the line in the FA Cup. 4/10

West Ham 1 v United 0

We failed to do what was needed. It is a simple as that. We may have ‘deserved a point’ but football is all about taking your chances. Zamora missed a clear chance to put the Hammers ahead but was foiled by a brilliant block from Van der Saar. Ronaldo was later denied by a wonderful save when put through on goal, after a slick pass from Saha. Saha looked lively all game and had several smart shots saved by the impressive Robert Green.

United played some okay stuff but were constantly boxed in by a well-organised West Ham side. West Ham had only 27% possession when they scored, so we were right to be frustrated. Fergie got it spot on about taking our chances but there was also a great deal of carelessness in our approach play too. Too often simple passes went astray. Too often shots on goal were forced from outside the area rather than being good chances. When that happens the keeper always has a better chance.

The result was partly due to Carrick and Scholes failing to break the midfield line, which would have allowed the forward players to receive the ball in more dangerous areas. Giggs was too often careless in possession and wasted a great chance by blazing it high and over. Rooney was well marshalled and looked frustrated. In general, West Ham got their tactics spot on and had a nice balance

The result is a set back but nothing more. It is, like the defeat to Arsenal, all about how we respond. If we put together another run like the one we have just been on then Chelsea really do have some competition.

United v City - A preview

Seeing Joey Barton play at Manchester United is nothing new but I don’t think it will be all that long before the talk of him playing at OT more regularly begins to fill the back pages. This season has once again shown us that he is a quality player, a player still in development and a player that needs to be improved further. However, he is capable of playing Champions League football and that means a move to one of the top four clubs is on the cards despite a new contract with Man City. Stuart Pearce is doing a decent enough job with City but without wishing to be disrespectful Pearce does not have the experience in management to take Barton any further as a player than one that stands out in a Manchester City side. To reach that next level he needs a new challenge under new management. I would welcome him at Old Trafford. I think everyone would welcome him, as they would Micah Richards. Another player so obviously destined for bigger things, although there is no reason for him to rush down a Chelsea sized cul-de-sac like Wright-Phillips. Successor for Gary Neville anyone?

Looking to the game, this is a double opportunity for United. It represents a chance for United to put one over on their local rivals and also go 9 points clear off Chelsea in time for us all to sit back and watch Chelsea take on Arsenal on Sunday. However, City should not to be ignored. If United get past Benfica on Wednesday night, I expect a relatively full strength side to ensure United put in a performance. And as good as Nicky Weaver has been this season, I still think they miss David James when away from home.

Probable Team: Van der Saar, Neville, Ferdinand, Brown, Evra, Ronaldo, Carrick, Scholes, Giggs, Rooney, Saha

Subs from: Kuszczak, Heinze, O’Shea, Richardson, Solskjaer, Silvestre, Fletcher

Prediction: 3-1

United v Benfica

This is a massive fixture for United. The result is massively important to the players, the manager, the club and the moneymen. Being Manchester United demands Champions League football next year. It really is as simple as that. Too wretched results from United’s two last outings at Celtic and FC Copenhagen have meant this fixture becomes a nail-biter for fans. In many ways it is vintage United. The good news is that as opposed to this time last year, United play at Old Trafford where a sell out gate should help make the atmosphere another great European evening at the Theatre of Dreams.

United’s confidence is high and I am sure Fergie will have the dressing room ready. Benfica have a number of good players and must be not be given too much time to settle and set their own tempo. Simao must be watched, as he remains their main danger man.

Probable Team:
Van der Saar, Neville, Ferdinand, Vidic, Heinze, Ronaldo, Carrick, Scholes, Giggs, Rooney, Saha

Subs from: Kuszczak, Brown, Silvestre, Evra, Fletcher, Richardson, Smith

Prediction: 2-0

Middlesbrough 1 v United 2

The pressure on Manchester United is building. With every fixture from now on in, there is a requirement to get the three points to stay ahead of the rest of the league and send out a message to Chelsea. The response to the pressure will probably determine the destiny of the domestic title but will also determine certain player’s careers. So far the pressure is bringing out the best in the players.

Under the guidance of Fergie the side is looking well balanced and the necessary appetite appears to have returned. Last season, the humiliation of a 4-1 defeat at the Riverside led to Roy Keane famously playing the pundit. This season, after United’s deserved 2-1 victory at the Riverside there is to be no post mortem. Put simply it is not needed.

The game saw the familiar line-up, with the only change being Fletcher coming in for Carrick. Central midfield is Fletchers’ best position and his favoured position. He was industrious throughout and acted as a willing worker alongside the majestic Paul Scholes. Cristiano will be remembered for the drama in the penalty area that led to Saha giving United the lead from the spot. There was no contact from Schwarzer on Ronaldo but the winger knew the keeper had over-committed and that contact would result in a spot-kick. He was already off balance when Schwarzer removed his hand and went down as a result. In my view, the attacker has got his team the penalty. Rightly or wrongly he has done the keeper . He isn’t the first and he sure as hell won’t be the last. Middlesbrough were rightly aggrieved and if the decision had gone the other way, so would the United contingent.

The penalty was not the turning point of the game. United missed a number of opportunities to kill the game off. In a season that has seen United now score 18 goals away from home, it seems odd to say that chances must be taken, but as the pressure grows so does the need to be ruthless. It is at this time that United may just begin to miss the killer instinct of a Van Nistlerooy. However, Saha and Rooney are playing well and the goals continue to be shared around the team.

Middlesbrough found a way back into the game from some fine work from Stewart Downing. It was his intelligent cross that led to James Morrison finishing to give the home side the belief that they could once again take points from this fixture. Middlesbrough’s hopes were dashed when two minutes after their equaliser Fletcher connected well with Giggs’ cross to head United in front. Game over.

With an important game coming up against Benfica on Wednesday, United did well to concentrate on ensuring the three points from a fixture that has seen Chelsea, Liverpool and Everton all drop at least 2 points. Perhaps this is why Gary Neville celebrated by punching the air. However, with the pressure yet to reach truly examining levels this result for United was only another important step in a long race to be the best team in the Premiership.

Player ratings:

Van der Saar 6/10
Neville 6/10
Ferdinand 7/10
Vidic 8/10
Heinze 7/10
Ronaldo 7/10
Fletcher 7/10
Scholes 8/10
Giggs 7/10
Rooney 7/10
Saha 8/10

Man of the match – Paul Scholes

Middlesbrough v United - A preview

This season Middlesbrough have won 4, drawn 1 and lost 2 at the Riverside this season. They have beaten Chelsea, West Ham, Everton and Newcastle, drawn with Liverpool and lost to Blackburn and got battered by Portsmouth.

They face a United team that has won 6, drawn 1 but have not lost on its travels, has scored 16 goals and conceded only 4. The memory of Middlesbrough’s 4-1 victory over United last term is still yet to be erased. I expect it to be erased tomorrow evening.

We can expect Middlesbrough to be solid but United, at their best, should have too much in attack for them.

Fergie may continue to have one eye on Wednesday but I expect to see Scholes and Saha return at the very least. Vidic will need to be 100% for Fergie to throw him in, so we may see Silvestre keep his place. Heinze could come back in for Evra but it is hard to chose one over the other right now. He may decide to hold Giggs back again but I hope he doesn’t as Richardson once again failed to really convince.

Probable team: Van der Saar, Neville, Ferdinand, Vidic, Heinze, Ronaldo, Scholes, Carrick, Giggs, Rooney, Saha

Subs from: Kuszczak, Silvestre, Fletcher, Richardson, Evra

Prediction: 0-2

United 3 v Everton 0

You have to give credit to Sir Alex Ferguson for continuing to get it right on nights like this. Sensing that Everton were not at their strongest and knowing that the now vital game against Benfica is around the corner Fergie made 5 changes to the side that lined up against Chelsea. Out went Scholes, Heinze, Vidic, Giggs and Saha and in came, Richardson, Fletcher, O’Shea, Evra and Silvestre. With so many changes it was not surprising that the team failed to find its rhythm and relied on an inspirational finish from Ronaldo from 20 yards to give United the edge. Once the goal went you could sense United were comfortable, particularly as the defence never looked like conceding.

The game saw the in-form Patrice Evra score his first goal for the club with a clinical finish. A finish he has obviously always had since he started out in football career as a striker. United’s goal difference was improved further when John O’Shea, who had a steady game in the centre of midfield, steered the ball past Richard Wright with a clever finish from Evra’s cross.

The loudest cheer of the night came when Rooney, having been barracked all evening by the travelling Everton fans finally responded by kissing his badge in front of them. The roar from the Old Trafford faithful was instant as much as it was incredible, given Rooney’s long quoted statement of ‘once a blue, always a blue’. I suspect that his love of Everton is still very strong but he clearly dislikes being made a hate figure by the very fans that used to chant his name with such affection.

Rooney saved some of his energy for football. One very memorable moment coming when he nutmegged Carsley and then Stubbs only to ruin this sublime improvisation with a wild swing that swerved horribly wide of Richard Wright’s goal.

Phil Neville on his return certainly left his mark on a few United players, as if to demonstrate his commitment again to his new team. He was as committed and tenacious as ever and provoked a reaction from Rooney after one mistimed and hard challenge that left the England striker on the ground for some time. I suspect Fergie has witnessed it many times before at the Carrington Ground and he looked on like a man seeing two of his offspring having a spat.

It ended with three points for United after two years of draws in this fixture. Once again an improvement for United this term. Next up Middlesbrough away and the chance to open up a precious gap over Chelsea before returning to European football.

Player Ratings:
Van der Saar – 6/10
Neville – 6/10
Ferdinand – 6/10
Silvestre – 6/10
Evra – 7/10
Fletcher 6/10
Carrick 6/10
O’Shea 6/10
Richardson 5/10
Ronaldo 6/10
Rooney 7/10

United v Everton – A preview

For the last two seasons this game has ended in draws and Everton are more than capable of continuing that sequence tonight. Everton’s recent trip to Charlton was less than impressive and absence of Johnson, Cahill and Howard tonight is a big blow. But under Moyes you always know that Everton will give a good account of themselves. Indeed, their injuries and suspensions may actually galvanise them to produce a dogged performance that will test United over the 90 minutes. Even without Andrew Johnson they still pose a threat, particularly in McFadden, Arteta and Vaughan. United found out at Parkhead that a game can be turned on one freekick and must not allow Arteta to have a clear sight on goal. That boy can finish.

For United, the news is all about Saha and Ronaldo being doubts after picking up knocks against Chelsea. It is no secret that the lack of fitness and form of Smith, the injury to Solskjaer and the fact that Rossi is currently keeping Newcastle’s bench warm means United are seriously lacking alternatives for Saha, so hopefully he is okay to start. If not Giggs could be pushed up to support an eager Wayne Rooney. And with a knock to Ronaldo, the absence of Park is once again felt. If Ronaldo fails to start, I expect to see Darren Fletcher given the nod.

There is some good news in that both Solskjaer and Park are now back in training and should see some action over the festive period. I find it strange that Rossi has not been recalled given the issue with Smith. He is by no means the finished article but he provides a good option for United right now.

Lastly, Phil Neville will lead out Everton tonight and I hope he gets the warm welcome he genuinely deserves from Old Trafford.

Probable Team: Van der Saar, Neville; Ferdinand, Vidic, Heinze, Ronaldo, Scholes, Carrick, Giggs, Rooney, Saha.

Subs from: Kuszczak; O’Shea, Evra, Fletcher, Silvestre

Prediction: 1-0 (Scholes)

United 1 v Chelsea 1

When the dusts settles from this fixture it is clear to me that it is Manchester United that will be the happier. Yes there was an opportunity for United to make a statement and to extend the gap to six points but only those pushing for TV ratings would not see that this ‘opportunity’ actually exists with every fixture played. It is worth noting that Chelsea has arguably the tougher of the coming fixtures. They face a tough and examining fixture against Bolton tonight and then a mouth-watering tie against Arsenal. For me, United will only miss their chance if they do not follow up the result on Sunday by seeing off Everton and then Middlesbrough this week.

United clearly had the better of the first half. United suffocated Chelsea in key areas and looked the better team going forward, with Ronaldo v Cole the most intriguing match-up. The Portuguese flyer was well watched by Cole but most of the time he had at least two players trying to stop him. It was Ronaldo who put in the first clear effort on goal with a well-struck freekick that forced Cudicini to turn the ball over the bar. The crowd were lifted. But more was to follow, as Carrick’s sliding interception was soon at Giggsy’s feet. He looked up and made delivered a decisive pass to Rooney who span inside looked up and delivered an inch perfect pass to the feet of Saha, leaving Carvalhio to turn away and provide a foot of space that invited the shot. Saha coolly moved the ball onto his left foot, looked up and fired a bending shot along the floor in off the post past the diving Cudicini. United had their breakthrough and the goal they deserved. Lampard was not allowed to drop off and receive the ball and Makelele, normally so noticeable, was neither effective in preventing attacks or in building them for Chelsea. Chelsea were left to shoot from long range, with Geremi’s drive from right back being the only memorable shot on target. Ferdinand and Vidic manfully handled Drogba and Shevchenko.

Chelsea came out in the second half and began to assert them influence on the game. The substitution of Geremi for Robben stating their intent, although Robben’s influence on the game was arguably summed up by Mourinho berating him for a cross field ball that failed to meet its target by some distance. Instead it was the powerhouse that is Michael Essien playing now at right back that drove forward into the space created from Giggs moving more centrally that helped Chelsea get back into the game. His crossing, running and sheer determination resulting in a cross that was deflected out for a corner. Lampard curled the ball into the area and Carvalho rose an inch higher that Heinze to direct a powerful header goal-bound, which Saha tried to head clear. In doing so, the ball came off the underside of the bar and prevented Van der Saar from attempting to save the situation. In fairness, Chelsea’s possession against a flagging United deserved an equaliser. United continued to create chances that suggested a second goal. Heinze put in a great cross that was taken on the chest by Ronaldo but the ball ran just the wrong side of the waiting Saha. When the whistle finally came it was clear that the race for the title is still very much on for both clubs.

Ratings:
Van der Saar – 7/10
Neville – 7/10
Ferdinand – 8/10
Vidic - 8/10
Heinze – 7/10
Ronaldo – 8/10
Carrick – 8/10
Scholes – 7/10
Giggs – 7/10
Rooney – 7/10
Saha – 7/10

United v Chelsea

For me, Chelsea has the best squad in the league. They also have the very impressive midfield of Ballack, Lampard, Essien and Makelele. All quality players that as a collective represent a significant challenge for United. How those four players play will have a decisive say on the result.

Make no mistake about it though United can win this fixture. United must play to their strengths but also appreciate that they must make it hard for the opposition. This may mean sacrificing their attacking instincts somewhat. Something that the crowd will not like but something the management may decide to do anyway. Hopefully Giggs and Ronaldo will both play. I hope to God that Carrick will not be dropped for the ‘industry’ of Fletcher or O’Shea. United must play to their strengths. Their strength is in passing and movement.

United must trust in their instinct to play high tempo football, knowing that doing so will create chances to take all 3 points. United must set the tempo from the start and place doubts in Chelsea’s game plan. Whipping the ball in to areas just in front of Cudicini behind the back four is essential to upsetting Chelsea’s rhythm. The supply needs to come from the fullbacks more so than from the wingers, as the runs of Giggs and Ronaldo in the area could be the surprise factor that leads to a goal. When defending both Neville and Evra must snap at the heels of Chelsea’s wide men to force their play down the middle and into the path of Ferdinand and Vidic.

Probable team: Van der Saar; Neville; Ferdinand; Vidic; Evra, Ronaldo; Scholes; Carrick; Giggs; Rooney; Saha

Subs from: Kuszczak; Heinze; Silvestre; O’Shea; Fletcher; Richardson

Key man: Wayne Rooney

Prediction: 2-1 (Rooney, Vidic)

Celtic 1 v United 0

The game last night went off script for one brief moment, one important moment that now leaves United needing a result against Benfica at Old Trafford. The result was largely disappointing because United had carefully controlled long periods of the game, showing superior technique and speed of thought than their opposition. The platform for attack was provided by a strong backline but ultimately the attack never really turned into any constant goal threat.

United had chances, most notably the penalty in the final minutes which was squandered by Saha or well saved by Boruc, depending on how you care to look at it. Earlier on in the first half it was Ronaldo whose timely run resulted in his effort being blocked by Boruc who made a smart one handed save. Later on, Rooney met a delivery from a corner cleanly on the volley but it whistled inches past the post. Ryan Giggs was then left to smile at Celtic’s fortune when his expert free-kick looked to have caught Boruc flat footed as it seemed destined to curl into the corner of the net only for a last second deflection off the top of the wall to send the ball over the bar.

United’s midfield was clever without being either cruel or clinical in supporting or making attacks. Scholes and Carrick moved the ball around with composure and craft to ensure the tempo was at United’s liking. However, Carrick and Scholes never really pushed forward far enough to force the issue, perhaps knowing that a professional performance was enough to earn the result. Perhaps knowing that others would likely do the damage for them. Saha was a handful, turning players and linking his play well with Ronaldo and Giggs. Saha should not dwell on his penalty miss too long as it is his response on Sunday and beyond that will be the measure of the player, not one chance from spot last night.

Celtic failed to offer any real threat despite a bustling display and once the jubilation has subsided its arguably Gordon Strachan’s men that will need to find a way of making more of a game than they showed last night. Nakumara’s freekick was good enough to grace any Champions League match. His special skill though may not be enough to see them go much further. Without Miller they looked toothless. Gravesen worked hard as did Lennon but graft is no match for skill. Sno drifted out of the game and looked as flaky as his name suggests when up against Scholes.

From today, Strachan and Fergie both have work to do. Ultimately, United failed last night but looking at the teams United were better player for player in every position, with Ronaldo reminding everyone of his ability to carry the ball at pace past players at will. But performance is not enough. Against Benfica the chances must be taken. United are still developing as a team in my view and need a couple of better options on the bench to change things when necessary. Solskjaer and Park would likely have been sent on ahead of O’Shea and Evra if available, the fact that Smith wasn’t will further the debate about his future. You can’t help feel that Fergie would like more options in any case. January may well see Fergie dip into the transfer market for more players but there is no need for panic buys as despite the result last night, the foundations are clearly there.

Player Ratings:

Van der Saar 6/10 – Beaten by a wonderful strike, that when seen from behind the goal shows he really had no chance.
Neville – 6/10 – Few problems in defence and supported well down the right
Ferdinand – 7/10 – Very composed and also very strong in the tackle to ensure the upper hand was United’s.
Vidic – 7/10 – Unfortunate to be penalised for the challenge that led to the goal and generally looked strong and in control, all game.
Heinze – 6/10 His best performance since returning from injury but some of his passing showed that more games are still needed.
Ronaldo – 7/10 – He was on a different level in terms of carrying the ball at speed beating numerous men at ease
Scholes – 8/10 A calming and controlling presence all evening
Carrick – 7/10 – Tidy in defensive duties and his ability to play the intelligent quick pass to feet set United off on attacks.
Giggs – 6/10 – A normally assured first touch was slightly off as was his passing on occasions.
Rooney – 6/10 – Not as his influential last night, primarily due to playing the wide role but still managed to show moments of class and vision when he eventually came into the middle
Saha – 6/10 Linked play well but missed the penalty and was too slow to react when he thought he was offside from a clever Rooney pass

Away to Sheffield United

It’s difficult to see anything other than an away win here. It is important that United concentrate on maintaining the gap to Chelsea by putting in a convincing performance on Saturday against obstinate opponents. Liverpool already made the mistake of underestimating Neil Warnock’s team. The good thing is that United’s starting X1 is known to those looking to change it. That should mean the likes of Heinze, Silvestre, Fletcher and Richardson are fired up to impress.

United should be too strong defensively to offer hope to a team short on goal-scoring confidence. The form of United’s back 5 has been good with clean sheets resulting in goal action at the other end. If United’s football flows the chances will continue to fall to Saha and Rooney. And if that happens not only will United get the result, there is a very good chance of this fixture turning into a rout.

With the tasty clash with Celtic just around the corner Fergie may well select a slightly changed side. Latest news is that Giggs is a doubt after picking up a knock on duty for Wales. The good news is that Rooney, Vidic and Ronaldo all scored on International duty last night.

Probable Team: Van der Saar, O’Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Fletcher, Carrick, Scholes, Ronaldo, Saha, Rooney.

Subs from: Kuszczak, Brown, Heinze, Smith, Richardson, Giggs, Silvestre

Injured: Neville, Solskjaer, Park

Prediction: 0-4 (Scholes 2, Saha, Rooney)

Its goodbye David Jones but is it hello to Giles Barnes?

It seems only yesterday that I stated David Jones was under pressure to remain at United. Two unconvincing games later and it appears that the player is all set to agree personal terms on a move to Derby County. The one thing that people have not considered is that United may be using David Jones as a way of getting a deal for Giles Barnes (18). Giles Barnes has already attracted interest from Liverpool and Everton with the clubs willing to go up to over £2m for the signature of the Under 19 England player. I hope this saga is not about waving goodbye but about saying hello to a player with good potential. He's younger and I believe he is better.

Lets not forget David Jones is 22. He is being moved on because of what it takes to break through at United, nothing more. People can go on all they want about David Jones representing a failure of United to bring young players through in recent years but I would point to three things in response:

Firstly, David Jones is 22 and did okay on two loan spells but that’s it. He never was ‘the one’ that many United fans spoke about. I am sure he will carve out a career for himself and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that or anything new about a player not making it at United.

Secondly, becoming first-team at a club like Manchester United is not a simple task, and nor should it ever be. Many more talented players than David Jones have not been able to convince so there is no embarrassment for the player or more importantly anything wrong with the stance of the club. You want the bar to be as high as possible otherwise the club fails to progress. Rooney and Ronaldo are good examples of what it takes. They are two of the finest young players in the world game. As a United fan that is how it should be, the trick is to find the next and be ruthless about it.

Thirdly, no club in the Premiership is producing a steady flow of world-class young players from its local community. It just doesn’t happen like that. Many have opted now to source from abroad and rightly so. You do not run a world-class operation by limiting your resourcing options.

So for those of you worrying that David Jones’ imminent departure represents a failure is without foundation. It simply represents a reality. In fact, I argue that’s exactly the way it should be. Ignore the clichés and think more about the Clichy's. This is not about how many home-grown players a club has. It is about one simple question at a club like Manchester United. Does the player have what it takes to succeed at United? A question I trust Fergie to answer in the next few days. After-all can you think of one young player told to leave United that was a mistake? Quite.

As I said, my only real interest on this issue is to question whether behind the scenes there is deal to bring Giles Barnes to Old Trafford…

Blackburn 0 v United 1

This is not yet a renaissance but there are plenty of positives right now for United. The form is good, the results are there and the belief is growing each week. United’s first victory at Ewood Park for over 8 seasons says plenty. The most impressive aspect to be taken from Saturday was the manner of the victory. Not all games will result in the performance and score-line seen against Bolton and it is much to United’s credit that they found away to get the 3 points on Saturday after some clear cut chances had been squandered despite good possession in poor weather conditions. Giggs’ pass to provide for Saha’s 8th goal of the season typified the single-mindedness and will to win that has seemingly returned to United’s game.

The front 6 are playing with a panache not seen so consistently for sometime. The width and pace provided by Giggs and Ronaldo is a joy to watch. Their approach play compliments the games of Rooney and Saha very effectively. With the latter doing all that is required of him this season. It was arguably the biggest ask of the player to date at club level, or, his best opportunity to show what he can do. Either way he is relishing playing each week.

Saturday’s game also showed the strengths United have in defence. Ferdinand and Vidic were commanding when called upon, with their two different styles promising a solid partnership that will do little to give Wes Brown hope of a return to the first team anytime soon – not that he has done much wrong at all. Neville and Evra also did well. Proving once again how able they are to push forward to good effect. The loss of Neville to injury was unfortunate but the good news was that O’Shea quietly took over from where Neville left off. Indeed it was O’Shea’s cross that led to the goal. It is good to see him being used as a fullback, a position he looks more comfortable in and a position where he adds value to the team rather than in midfield, where it can be argued he weakened the team. United’s backline has also been given enormous confidence from Van der Saar, who continues to perform to the standard demanded.

Looking beyond the limitations of a small squad United deserve considerable praise for their start to the season. Fergie must also take credit for his man-management of Cristiano Ronaldo. Everything good about him was on show on Saturday. Time and time again he made Lucas Neil look unsure of his own ability. But what impressed most was the wingers’ acceptance of the inevitable punishment dished out. The challenge from Tugay was a disgrace. Clearly beaten for pace he made a deliberate foul on Ronaldo’s thigh with his studs in front of an incensed Ferguson. To see Ronaldo get up and carry on was as pleasurable as seeing his wonderful low cross into the six yard box which begged for a finish from Rooney, only for the chance to be strangely squandered.

The must now is for United to take all three points against Sheffield United before facing Chelsea. Today, Fergie is able to talk of United having a chance of the title. Strengthening the squad in January with one or possibly two signing should ensure that chance becomes a better one as the games move into the business end of the season.

Player Ratings:

Van der Saar – Brave and commanding when called upon. 7/10
Neville – Failed to make it for the second half due to injury. 6/10
Ferdinand – Composed at the back and was able to read some smart turns with ease. 7/10
Vidic – Another no nonsense display with some well-timed challenges. 7/10
Evra – Got forward well and also stuck to his defensive duties well 7/10
Ronaldo – Carried the ball excellently down the wing and caused Blackburn problems all evening. 8/10
Carrick – Ticked things over effectively and is getting forward more to link attacks too. 7/10
Scholes – Clever in possession as always 7/10
Giggs – Wonderful assist and good overall play 8/10
Rooney – Wasted two glorious chances but his overall play was good. 6/10
Saha – Was a handful all night and had good earlier chances on target before finding the winner. 8/10

Man of the match:
Arguably Ronaldo, but I am going to give it to Louis Saha for a good goal and very good individual performance.

Always Coca-Cola

As Alan Smith mulls over the taste of Coca-Cola, United supporters up and down the land are questioning the logic of such a move. There is clearly two ways to interpret this news.

Firstly, Fergie wants his player to get game-time and knows that with United out of the Carling Cup such an opportunity could help a player get back to his best.

Secondly, Fergie wants to begin to distance the player from the club in a way that takes supporters minds out of their emotive state, stimulated by his injury, to begin to question the players ability in a way that makes an impending departure easier to accept.

You can’t ignore the fact that Smith has recently come back ahead of schedule from a nasty injury and that he needs first team action. It can also be argued that competitive football is the answer for his ongoing rehabilitation particularly as reserve football is too far removed from the ‘real thing’.

However, one could point to the fact that Solskjaer battled back from a two-year injury without going on loan and came back to play reserve football and then to play and score for the first team in Premiership and Champions League matches, albeit to pick up another injury recently. Some might also point out to Smith that Liam Miller also went out on loan to the same division to only then leave the club.

People keep banging on about the attitude of Alan Smith but for me that just being nice. It’s a bit like describing an ugly chick as having a nice personality. We all know what it means. Smith isn’t good enough. When I was first told he was linked to the club I said he was crap and there has been little to date to change my mind. You can’t help but be shocked that he comes at a cost of £1m per premiership goal since joining United.

Looking back over his 52 league appearances (15 as sub) I can only remember games he failed to shine rather than those where he did. He had a decent pre-season in the States a year ago but hey, so what. I remember a game he played upfront for United against Norwich, which we lost. He was about as mobile then as he was when he broke his leg. It truly was shocking. The play passed him by too easily.

Smith is very much still United’s player and perhaps Fergie sees something I don’t despite me trying to concentrate on the positives. Perhaps if I say really committed three times whilst looking in the mirror he may suddenly become Mark Hughes 2. However, in my mind he is destined to play football away from the club, arguably Middlesbrough (exchange for Yakubu?!) or Newcastle (Come back Rossi?) It’s clear that at United he lacks too much. Next to Rooney and Saha his lack of pace, ability, movement and skill are made to be glaringly obvious. It might just be Cardiff or Leeds for a reason.

Anyway, as he battles back from injury I fear he may now realise that football is a tough sport but it is an even tougher business, particularly at Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that Freddie Adu will have a trial at Old Trafford. It is unclear whether Nike or Fergie is behind this. Meanwhile, another player Chinedu ‘Edu’ Ogbuke has been strongly linked with a move to the Premiership. Apparently, Lyn, his club have confirmed a major offer for the player. Edu’s agent is John Shittu, the man at the centre of Obi Mikel saga, which makes you wonder whether United would be prepared to even consider such an approach. Edu is also very strongly linked to Arsenal and with a number of Nigerian young players having trialled at Chelsea, with an agreement rumoured to have been put in place, they can’t be ignored.

Blackburn v United - A preview

It would surprise me if United failed to respond to their Carling Cup defeat. SAF will demand a performance and it’s impossible to see anything other than Saha, Scholes, Carrick, Giggs and Van der Saar all back in the starting X1.

Blackburn did the double over United last season, incredibly putting 4 goals past United in the same fixture last season. And although United got a measure of revenge by knocking Blackburn out of the Carling Cup last season, the two defeats in the premiership still remain sore points.

Blackburn last won in the Premiership on the 1st October. Since that win over Wigan they have lost to Bolton, drawn with Liverpool, lost to West Ham and Aston Villa despite winning in Europe. With a number of injuries Mark Hughes appears to be facing the problem of getting results domestically when the lure of Europe is around his dressing room.

The key to United getting all 3 points will come from Carrick and Scholes pulling the strings in the middle. I have a strange feeling Carrick may just score too….

Probable team: Van der Saar, Neville, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Ronaldo, Scholes, Carrick, Giggs, Rooney, Saha

Subs: Kuszczak, Fletcher, Smith, Heinze, Brown, Silvestre, Richardson, D Jones

Prediction: 0-2 (Saha, Carrick)

Southend 1 v United 0

Southend 1 v United 0

United were dumped out of the Carling Cup at Roots Hall. Memories of thrashing Wigan last summer were ended by a freekick of quality. For most United fans I suspect that this was more than just a cup shock. For me, it was a reminder of the warning sign that lies beneath the surface. Despite the good results and good form shown so far this season the warning reappears, getting stronger each time. From Arsenal to FC Copenhagen to Southend. What next? A pub team? Some journalists decided to point out that United have lost each of the 3 defeats by a 0-1 scoreline. Although you can’t argue against the stat there appears little point to it, i.e. there is no obvious correlation. You can’t bracket all three teams as being ‘too-good for United’ as each are very different and when you consider Arsenal to Southend they are miles apart in terms of quality. Nor is it a lack of confidence in front of goal, as United have been scoring at will so far this season from many different sources and again had enough shots on goal last night to get a result. And it isn’t systems either. So the question remains, is United’s first team squad too small and too short of quality? And if the answer is yes, should we panic?

Fergie himself pushed the ‘calm’ button on the back of last nights result claiming that there will be no ‘mass suicides or sackings’ despite the humbling result. He also stated that maybe a few of the players will be ‘a little bit embarrassed’. Somehow I doubt those were anywhere near the words he used when he reportedly locked the players in the dressing room. Personally, I always believe some good comes out of defeats. They are (without seeking to be too dramatic) the making of players, and in the managers eyes the end of players, not now but maybe in the summer.

I would have loved to know what Roy Keane would have said if asked to play the pundit on last night's result. However, tearing the team apart is sometimes less useful than allowing the result to do the damage. Yes the riot act should be read out. However, United need to keep the players together and push on for the remainder of the season.

United’s small squad must re-group and focus – but it does need to be strengthened in key areas. United are still in need of two central midfielders, a winger and a centre forward. Owen Hargreaves is on most Untied fans Christmas list but I believe another player of midfield quality is required. It must be a player that has a real presence in the centre of the park, who is good enough to fight for their right to play and good enough to represent United when called on. The test is always in the away dressing room, i.e. do they fear the team sheet enough to know they are facing United.

Currently, David Jones and Richie Jones are both falling short of the requirement. They are both purposeful rather than special. Darron Gibson has obvious potential but I believe there is a big gap between him and the likes of Carrick and Scholes than needs filling now. Fletcher does it for Scotland and is a good first team squad player but I would still add, even if we get Hargreaves. Reo-Coker would add some forward drive but more on him and others in the future.

United also need more options on the wings. Ronaldo, Giggs and Park are all very good options. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to defend Richardson as good enough for United, let alone call for his inclusion to the first team. Talk of his potential is no longer acceptable. I sense Fergie may agree in the summer. Lee Martin looks an exciting option but again we need someone for now. Lennon is the talk of the town right now and rightly so. He would certainly have United fans up on their feet during games should he be looking a new home, rather than just improved terms. Pedersen remains a decent player for Blackburn and Downing would no doubt improve at United and although neither has the 'wow' factor they should not over-looked. Bastian Schweinsteiger is also useful, but again more on individuals in the future.

Lastly, United need another striker. Rossi has potential but training grounds and reserve matches are a long way off from the real thing. His time at Newcastle is useful and will improve him, particularly as he is outside the comfort zone of compliments paid to him from within the United squad. However, United need another player that will add something the current quartet lacks. Solsksjaer is an excellent finisher but sadly cannot be deemed to be the future anymore. Other answers must be found. Next up, Alan Smith. A clear crowd favourite for his no-nonsense displays and ‘give all to the cause’ attitude but I question (and I appreciate he is still coming back from injury) how long fans will continue to cheer when goals and something extra is needed upfront to turn games United's way. Smith could prove me wrong and could prove to be the 'new Mark Hughes for United', something I would welcome. Smith is also a good person to have at the club but let us not forget that United will always rise above such sentiments in order to ensure success.

So while the Cup tells us something we already knew and hoped was wrong, it is clear that Sir Alex has plenty to do at the club to keep him motivated beyond his 20 years, and that is still very much worth celebrating.

United 3 v Portsmouth 0

Fergie was able to take his new seat at Old Trafford with some ease on Saturday. Able to field arguably his best current X1, he had the look of a man that only had to sit back, press play and watch his favourite show in his Theatre of Dreams.

The fact that the media had concentrated so much on Fergie’s 20 years at Old Trafford was perhaps fortunate, as it took the media’s usually predatory eyes away from Rooney’s dive to win a penalty. You can dress it up as going down easily under a challenge if it helps you keep faith, but it was a dive, pure and simple.

Saha stepped up to bury the chance from 12 yards with confidence and duly dispatched his effort past the diving David James.

United continued to play decent flowing football without hitting the heights shown at Bolton a week earlier. Gary Neville took every opportunity to show just how good he is at getting forward and just how bad he is at finishing. It is not a criticism. It isn’t his job. It did however provide an amusing sub-plot to the game with David James continuously provide the saves needed to remind his of his fullback status.

James, who did well throughout, was undone by a freekick from Ronaldo, who managed to connect with the ball in a way that ensures both speed and accuracy are maximised. It truly was a great effort and went some way to answering the question over his status as United’s main freekick taker. I am sure Fergie will be on at him to repeat it more often.

United’s third goal came shortly after a good spell from the visitors, who rather curiously left Kanu on the bench, a move which almost suggested they knew it was not their day to claim. With Neville turning provider, Vidic climbed unchallenged in the area to head past James to secure any doubts that this was United’s day.

Good performances from every United player meant United went 3 points clear at the top of the table. Over to you Chelsea.

Ratings: Van der Saar 7, Neville 8, Ferdinand 7, Vidic 8, Evra 7. Ronaldo 7, Carrick 7, Scholes 7, Giggs 8, Saha 8, Rooney 7.

Southend v United - A preview

It is difficult to get too excited about this match. Yes it’s a cup game by the seaside but I doubt a sandstorm will be blowing for United’s visit. No doubt, Southend will give it a go tomorrow but I can’t seem them providing any real threat to United. They are currently rooted to the bottom of the Coca-Cola league and morale is, fittingly for a seaside team, rock bottom. People will spit out the line that cup games are different but that’s just nonsense in my view. United will only struggle if the players selected don’t respond to the task in hand, something sadly evident against Crewe. I don’t expect a repeat and I doubt the Coach journey will be as relaxed on the way to the game. Fergie will be determined to keep United’s winning run and form going, despite the team changing around a bit. We are unlikely to witness too many young players tonight, as too many of the first team squad players need a game. And with a lot of players (Rossi, Bardsley, Martin, Evans etc) out on loan it will mean another chance for Richardson et al to prove they can conjure up a fitting reminder to the first X1. Personally, I doubt Giggs will worry….

Giggs, Neville, Scholes and Van der Saar look set to be rested. I would rest Saha too. Rumours are that Rooney and Ronaldo will be on the bench. The loss of Solskjaer is a blow but it will give Smith another game, which he badly needs and could, if Fergie is bold enough, offer the chance to unveil Fabian Brandy to those that don’t him.

Probable team: Kuszczak, Gray, Brown, Silvestre, Heinze, Fletcher, O’Shea, D Jones, Richardson, Smith, Saha

Subs from: Heaton, Lee, Carrick, Rooney, Ronaldo, Shawcross, Evra, Barnes, Burns, Brandy

Score: 0-3 (Heinze, Richardson, Jones)

FC Copenhagen 1 v United 0

Listening to Fergie try and explain the defeat last night I was reminded of the Radiohead lyric: He buzzes like a fridge, he’s like a detuned radio. To be fair it is an awful thing to have to try and explain a performance like that, particularly without any serious time permitted for reflection or preparation, but his defence of the team was as unconvincing as the marking that led to goal.

Congratulations must also go to FC Copenhagen, who after all played on the same pitch in the same temperature (has Manchester relocated to South America?) as United. However, the temperature and the pitch are reasons for defeat. They are factors but factors that must be overcome to win.

I also fail to see the logic of continuing to use John O’Shea as anything other than an emergency midfielder. There was no emergency last night. O’Shea is a good defender with an ability to play in midfield but not the ability needed for United. What I don’t get is this. Paul Scholes was fit. Carrick was fit. Fletcher was fit. David Jones was fit. So you have 4 central midfielders available. Why even consider O’Shea?

I may now myself be in danger of being arrested by the Karma Police, so to balance things out let us look at some positives. Solskjaer’s injury is nothing more serious than a hamstring. Anything more is pushing it….

FC Copenhagen v United – A preview

United travel without Giggs, Saha and Neville thus opening up the opportunity for Wayne Rooney to take the captain’s armband. A proud Wayne Rooney will lead out a changed line-up to face a side that showed glimpses of talent at Old Trafford that should not go ignored.

Wes Brown has been tipped to start at right back, with Heinze coming in for Evra, Solskjaer coming in for Saha and possibly O’Shea coming into midfield. The Guardian predicts a 4-3-3 formation. Strange when you consider how outspoken they have been about the failings of that system for United. I expect 4-4-2.

One of the strong calls has been for Fergie to give Smith more game time – judging for the Carling Cup game he clearly does need it. However, I don’t think he needs more than a subs performance right now and Solskjaer’s form means he deserves to start. The other talk has been of O’Shea coming into midfield to rest Scholes, which begs the question: How should United start this game? Do you go into it with those available from the impressive result against Bolton or do you ring the changes more widely to provide game-time for those waiting their chance. On the issue of whether to play or rest Scholes, I would play Scholes. United will need to turn in a professional and assured performance tonight. Key to that will be controlling the game. If United can do that and get on top then changes can be made and legs can be rested.

As an outside bet, I just wonder whether Fergie will offer Kuszczak a taste of away games in the Champions League. Long odds but these chances are few and far between in this competition.

Probable line-up: Van der Saar, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Heinze, Fletcher, Scholes, Carrick, Ronaldo, Solskjaer, Rooney.

Subs from: Kuszczak, Evra, Silvestre, Lee, Smith, Richardson, O’Shea

Prediction: 0-2 (Rooney, Solskjaer)

Bolton 0 v United 4

Watching Bolton try and contain United on Saturday reminded me of the line, ‘you can’t hit what your eyes don’t see’. It was the movement, pace and skill of United’s attacking play that simply left Bolton exposed as a bare-knuckle fighter trying to land one of a professional heavyweight who was light on his feet with a punch too quick to know its origins let alone block it.

This blog previously called for United to play with both Giggs and Ronadlo alongside Scholes and Carrick. Thankfully it happened on Saturday and boy did it pay dividends. United excelled. The opening 20 minutes was an exhibition of football not seen for some time. Even Alan Hansen was purring on Saturday night.

Yes the papers were full of praise for Rooney. Yes he scored 3 good goals but there were more positives than that on show, afterall the form of Rooney was never a question worth posing. Giggs is relishing each game and still giving fullbacks days to forget. Scholes and Carrick are both supplying passes that penetrate or retain possession in a way that compliments our style of play and keeps the tempo up. Ronaldo's speed and movement adds so much to our attacks and Saha, now free of injury, is excelling as a result of playing each game. He always had the ability, now he has the stage every-week.

Van der Saar was commanding, and the back four was very strong defensively, with both Neville and Evra able to support attacking moves in a way that helped lay continuous siege on Bolton’s goal. All in all this was an excellent display, it’s just a shame it was wasted on Bolton…

Bolton v Man United - A preview

The first game of the season saw Bolton lose 2-0 away at Charlton. Since then Sam’s men have climbed the table with wins over Watford, Liverpool, Portsmouth Newcastle and Blackburn and a draw against Middlesbrough. This constitutes Bolton’s best ever start to a premiership season. Presently sitting 3rd also means this is a top 3 encounter. Yes, really.

Bolton owe their current good run mainly to the excellent form of Jussi Jaaskalainen, a quality keeper that will no doubt prove hard to beat. Bolton do not average that many shots on goal per game, in contrast to United. Their supply to the front men will also be weakened by the absence of Kevin Nolan, who is suspended. In contrast, United are delighting in Paul Scholes’ form. In fact I expect there to be a few match-ups that will swing the result United’s way. I expect Ronaldo to come back in to the starting X1, with Giggs possibly rested for the trip to Denmark, although the brave option would be to deploy both Ronaldo and Giggs on the wings. I expect to see the very best of Ronaldo tomorrow, he debuted against Bolton with an amazing display of trickery, craft and pace and he seems to enjoy playing against them. He should be hungry after missing out on against Liverpool. I also expect Saha’s powerful runs to open gaps for Rooney to exploit.

Last season saw United pick up all 3 points with goals in this fixture from Saha and Van Nistelrooy. In fact, United have not lost to Bolton at the Reebok in the Premiership and I don’t see anything other than an away win on Saturday.

Probable line-up:
Van der Saar: Neville, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra: Fletcher, Carrick, Scholes, Ronaldo, Saha, Rooney

Subs from: Kuszczak, Brown, Giggs, Solskjaer, Heinze, Smith, Richardson, Silvestre, O’Shea

Injured: Park

Prediction: 0-2
Rooney, Ronaldo

Crewe 1 v United 2 (aet)

Crewe’s attacking style gave United one hell of a game, which as it happens is the best thing that could have happened. For those in the United side needing competitive football or those trying to make their names it was exactly the type of game to see who has the character as well as the ability to succeed. You can’t make a final decision based on one game but you couldn’t help but notice that too many players for United failed to sparkle. Those guilty of not taking their chance were D Jones, R Jones, Gray, Marsh and Barnes. You don’t get too many chances at this club so you need to do something to stand out. Lee did exactly that by coming on and making a name for himself. Shawcross also did well and Kuszazck was again impressive. The question for the others is have they done enough to earn a starting spot against Southend?

Kuszczak is a very good goalkeeper that has both the ability and hunger to succeed at United. He pulled off a number of good quality saves when his defence were doing a good impression of the Maginot line. 7/10

Gray: A reasonable performance but Bardsley is some way ahead of him in the queue of right backs. 6/10

Brown: Should have led by example and was given the run around too often for a player of his experience and ability 5/10

Silvestre: Back 3 weeks early and it told. 5/10

Heinze: Reasonable and great to see him back. 6/10

Marsh: Didn’t do enough to start against Southend. 5/10

D Jones: Okay first half but not the performance expected. May just have done enough to start in the next round. 6/10

R Jones: Determination took him through to set up Solksjaer for the opening goal but otherwise it was not a memorable night. 5/10

Richardson: Some good runs and nice turn of pace but should have finished the game off for United when through on goal. Needs to do more in a game over 90 minutes to progress 5/10

Smith: Good pass to set up Lee’s winner. However, he is a long way short of having an impact in the Premiership. 5/10

Solksjaer: Nicely taken goal and looked sharp. In truth he was let down by others around him. 7/10

Subs:
Lee: Great goal and rightfully earned the praise of his manager. 7/10
Shawcross: Assured under pressure. 6/10
Barnes: No impact, except for his injury and got the hair-dryer treatment. 4/10

Loan Players – The good, the bad and the pointless

I was interested to read the recent comments of Sylvan Ebankes-Blake, now playing for Plymouth Argyle. When talking about his time at United he let slip that the players joked that a player’s time was up once they came back from loan from Belgium. Although this was true in his case and was obviously an in-house joke it made me wonder about the merits and futures of those players we have been sending out on loan. Recent United gossip columns have been saying that Fergie is unsure over the future of David Jones. He’s back at United, but there clearly is an issue now on how best to use him. He has been on loan to Preston and abroad. So what next??

But is it only David Jones? And how does Sir Alex juggle the pressure being applied by young players in the squad. A cynic might point out that it wasn’t a problem for Ronaldo and Rooney to find a space in the first X1. So is it really a question of loan spells and maturity or is just a simple ‘they’re not good enough”?

Players probably do develop at different rates and different times – it stands to reason, as individuals are just that. And yes, Rooney and Ronaldo are exceptionally gifted as players, although there is no guarantee that they will be as good as they are now when they reach 30. They should be, but there is no guarantee.

So who are the younger players (21 and under) on loan and what chance do they have of making into United’s first team? Again, I can provide no guarantee and in many ways wish to be proved wrong.

Name: C Eagles
Age: 20
At: NEC Nijmegen
Yes or No: No
Comment: I doubt his time at Watford will have helped his CV. He has talent but has yet to stand out as a vital player.

Name: L Martin
Age: 19
At: Rangers
Yes or No:Yes
Comment: I believe this guy has real promise and being sent to Rangers (he’s currently injured) will do him the world of good.

Name: P Bardsley
Age: 20
At: Rangers
Yes or No: Yes
Comment: I believe he could play as Neville’s understudy now.

Name: G Pique
Age: 19
At: Real Zaragoza
Yes or no: No
Comment: The option to buy on his loan spell may be telling. However, the guy could be a regular but will those Spanish skies become too enticing?

Name: J Evans
Age: 18
At: R Antwerp
Yes or No: Yes
Comment: No question here. Probably the best bet to make a back-four position his-own in due course

Name: G Rossi
Age: 19
At: Newcastle
Yes or No: Yes
Comment: His instinct to find the back of the net is a precious commodity. I believe he should get more chances this season in the English Cups.

Name: D Gibson
Age: 19
At: R Antwerp
Yes or No: Yes
Comment: He is highly thought of but central midfield is one of the hardest positions to fill. It will take time.

Name: D Simpson
Age: 19
At: R Antwerp
Yes or No: Yes
Comment: Fullbacks need aggression, pace and good control. He has all that and we are not blessed with natural fullbacks so expect him to get a few chances next season in cup games.

Name: F Campbell
Age: 19
At: R Antwerp
Yes or No: No
Comment: Scores plenty and has pace but reports are he may just fall short of the grade

Name: D Fangzhou
Age: 21
At: Royal Antwerp
Yes or No: No
Comment: His pace and movement are pleasing but his work permit vs country issue may mean another year passes him by.

Name: M Soulyemane
Age: 19
At: Royal Antwerp
Yes or No: No

Comment: Reports are okay but he could do with a spell on loan in the UK to appreciate the different challenge faced in the Premiership and English football.

Crewe v United – A preview

Tonight will see United take on Crewe in the 3rd round of the Carling Cup. As the holders it is important that United field a decent side, with one eye on giving some players some first team action. Of interest tonight will be the form of David Jones. Yes Alan Smith will make his long awaited start tonight upfront and yes, there are a number of others, particularly Aaron Burns who could make a name for themselves if used from the bench. However, it’s David Jones that has promised to break-through from the Reserves for a while now.

This summer the player himself pleaded for his chance at OT. Words that obviously were heard by Fergie, who himself has hinted at more of a role for the want to be United midfielder. We know from both Jones’ loans spells that he is a good player. The question is, is he United good? To find out he needs take his chance by putting in a performance that makes him stand out. It is that simple. Get the fans on your side and impress the boss.

Both domestic cups offer the perfect opportunity to demonstrate that he can make it. With his 22nd birthday just around the corner it is arguably make or break for him at OT. Lets put him into perspective. He is a year older than Rooney, six months older than Ronaldo, a couple of weeks younger than Kieran Richardson and eight months younger than Darren Fletcher. And lets not forget behind him in the ranks are Ritchie Jones, Darron Gibson and Floribert Ngalula. So its clear, he must take his chance this season. With United’s central midfield ripe for competition he will never have a better chance.

Recent games have seen O’Shea deployed as a right back again. Smith has gone back up front and Fletcher continues to toil away at right midfield. All this means that there is definitely a place up for grabs now, especially as buying Hargreaves in January remains a want rather than a done deal.

So tonight will give him the chance he asked for this summer. So it’s over to you David….

Probable side: Kuszczak; O’Shea; Brown; Silvestre; Heinze; D Jones; Fletcher; R Jones; Richardson; Solskjaer; Smith

Subs from: Heaton; Shawcross; Burns; Gray; Marsh

United 2 vs Liverpool 0

Liverpool’s challenge lasted only slightly longer than the time spent by Paul Scholes at his pre-match ceremony. People, led by the press, are now pointing out the failings of Liverpool but few are concentrating on the quiet efficiency with which United re-took top spot on Sunday. No matter, as United talked too much last season and achieved too little. This season the quiet approach is the right approach. Many will point to the deficiencies of the Liverpool performance and some will go down the road of attacking Benitez’s rotation policy. Personally, I don’t care. I care that United did a number of things well on Sunday.

Firstly, United’s midfield operated as a well-balanced 4-4-2. Lets not forget the more recent fixtures against Liverpool have often seen Rooney deployed on the left of a 4-5-1 system that also used Keane as a holding midfielder. That system seemed to be chosen due to a lack of faith in United’s central midfield. Enter, Giggs, Scholes, Carrick and Fletcher. The selection of Fletcher worried me (but not for the reason it worries most United fans). In my pre-match talk I had talked about the need to dominate the wings. However, on form the selection of Fletcher was justified. Ronaldo was creative, exciting but ultimately wasteful against FC Copenhagen whereas Fletcher has been displaying more of the qualities he has as well showing more maturity. He has obviously benefited from the guidance of Fergie but also more recently from Craig Brown when playing for Scotland.

United took time to settle against Liverpool but once they did they seized the initiative. Fletcher was more combative than creative but he set the tone for a series of strong tackles on Liverpool that seemed to shake their confidence and lifted the home crowd. His combative approach was ably supported by the fluency and guile provided by Carrick and Scholes. On the wing, Giggs carried the danger to Liverpool with some fine runs that were less speedy and more sensible in approach.

Upfront Rooney was purposeful and proved a handful all game without really providing a direct goal threat. He almost took a wonderful lifted pass from Carrick in his stride but a difficult opportunity to take was not taken and Liverpool cleared the danger. Fletcher muscled his way down the right side, rebounding of challenges to find himself hunting down a 50/50 with Reina. His eagerness told, as the ball came loose and found its way towards Liverpool’s goal only for some fortuitous defending to result in the score staying 0-0.

The breakthrough came from the wing as predicted. And as predicted it was Scholes that appeared in acres of space from a well placed cross from Giggs to hit the back of Liverpool’s net. Reina’s save from Scholes’ side-footed effort merely slowed down the inevitable, as Scholes extended his leg to finish off the move.

Saha spent most of the first half showing a mixture of strength and skill by collecting and then turning his markers on a number of occasions. He was only stopped by a foul from Sissoko. Yet, he managed to find some space later in the first half to test the abilities of Reina with a powerful low shot that was destined to result in celebration until the hand of Reina intervened. It was a great save.

The second half was more surprising as most expected to witness Liverpool really attack, after all they needed the win. However, what we witnessed was a rather flat performance from both sides which was only really lifted by a very memorable goal from Rio Ferdinand. A clever right footed cross from Giggs was well taken by the big defender who turned inside on to his left foot, leaving Riise too stretched to intervene, and unleashed a cracking drive into the top corner of the net beyond Reina. It was a goal for the cameras and one that meant the 3 points were United’s.

3 pleasing points: The attacking ability of Evra; the continued good form of Fletcher; and 3 points needed and taken to restore our position at the top of the table.

3 concerns: The occasional slip and space afforded to a sole striker; the speed of and accuracy of our passing needed to last for longer spells; and, knowing Scholes can’t play another 500 games!

Man United v Liverpool – A preview

Last season saw all three points go to United courtesy of a dramatic and well-taken header from Rio Ferdinand. Lets be honest, the last few encounters have been tense rather than top drawer.

United will go into this game in confident mood. With 17 goals scored already should provide the platform for a good attacking performance. A straight 4-4-2 must be used to ensure United attack down the wings, with the fullbacks pushing on to Liverpool’s wide men to prevent crosses. If United can control the flanks they will win the game.

If Giggs and Ronaldo supply, Saha and Rooney will do the rest. Oh and watch out for a certain Paul Scholes, as without the departed Hamman and the injured Sissoko Liverpool will provide less cover in that important space that both Rooney and Scholes are lethal at exploiting.

Probable line up:
Van der saar, Neville, Evra, Ferdinand, Vidic, Ronaldo, Carrick, Scholes, Giggs, Rooney, Saha.

Subs from: Fletcher, Smith, Solskjaer, Heinze, Kuszczak, Brown, O’Shea, D Jones

Injured: Park Ji Sung, Silvestre

Prediction:
United 2 vs Liverpool 0
ScholesGiggs

One to watch
Paul Scholes (500 games and counting)

Champions League: United 3 vs FC Copenhagen 0

This game was not the game to make too many conclusions on the overall form and future of this United squad. It was however an opportunity for fans and critics to cast an eye over the team without Rio, Giggs, Neville, Silvestre and Heinze against a team that surprised Ajax. Unsurprisingly the majority of pre-match punditry centred on Wayne Rooney. This obsessive past-time was more tiresome than telling. The fact that Rooney was made captain was no surprise and to be honest, not really an issue either. No one doubts the selection and no one should doubt the man himself.

It was a pleasing victory and winning three games in a row in the Champions League should not be under-estimated. Fergie, his team and the players have done well. This is a significant improvement on last season.

Carrick and Scholes are an improvement on the pairings of last season too. For all of the calls for Carrick to dominate proceedings from those who presumably see Carrick as a different player to the one I know, I would urge them to acknowledge the impressive passing and composure he brings to the centre of midfield, particularly when placed alongside Paul Scholes. In a time where the slightest touch draws a foul and the threat of yellow or red, is it not useful to have a player who breaks up play without violent conduct at the forefront of his game? His passing is simply excellent and effective. Had Fletch not actually intercepted a ball for Rooney in the second half, the boy wonder may have actually got the goal he craved. For all the talk of Rooney’s ‘miss’ when he brought down the ball to then lob the keeper only to be thwarted by a last ditch headed clearance, there was no mention of the immaculate ball provided by Carrick. Oh and the deft touch that set up Paul Scholes to round the keeper, only to be fouled in the penalty area by the keeper was provided by, guess who, Carrick. This is said not to overstate Carrick. We still need Hargreaves. But I want to tip the balance away from those that seem solely intent on pointing out he is not Roy Keane. Congratulations. He isn’t, so let it go.

Below are my player ratings:

Van der Saar: 7/10. You don’t need to be used every minute to earn praise. His ability to concentrate for the whole 90 minutes already makes the memories of the Great Dane’s departure a lot less painful.

O’Shea: 6/10: Passing was at times sloppy but he moves around team positions more often than any other player, so it will take a run of games to judge him as a right back.

Evra: 7/10. His movement, engine, enthusiasm and pace are all crowd-pleasing. His touch is a good one for a defender too. This guy is starting to look the part.

Vidic: 6/10. Is Steve Bruce back with us? Hard tackling performance mixed in with a few moments of hesitation but generally sound.

Brown: 6/10. He is better than this game showed. No real concerns but Rio brings calmness to the centre that either Brown or Vidic complement. The two together are less assured.

Fletcher: 6/10. Always willing, never wonderful. He isn’t a winger but he is responsible enough to do a job there. He does it well but at times you long for more pace and guile. I sense Fergie will use him as a central midfielder as he gets older.

Paul Scholes: 8/10. He was as inventive as he was intelligent. Good performance and the goal was very timely given Sunday’s game.

Michael Carrick: 7/10. An impressive display of clever and quick passing mixed in with a range of sensible short passes that ensure possession was maintained at a tempo that encouraged attacking football.

Ronaldo: 6/10. End product! His final ball was too poor too often last night. When it works its unstoppable though. Lets hope it works on Sunday.

Rooney: 8/10. Took the responsibility of the armband in his stride. Wonderful passes to Saha showed his all round game is best when unleashed in the centre.

Saha: 6/10. If that first chance had been taken he would have had a different game. His movement and pace remain the best option to complement Rooney. However, it wasn’t his best performance.

Subs:

Smith: 5/10. Looked a bit too off the pace and wasted a gilt edged chance but game time is the only solution.

Richardson: 5/10. Looks bright and full of running as usual. Add to that a CL goal and we should be quietly satisfied he remains a young and gifted, if raw option at United.

Solskjaer: 7/10. For me this guy just oozes class and cunning every time he is on the pitch. He can’t do the defensive work of Fletcher or the out and out speed game of Ronaldo or Giggs but his intelligence and calmness that creates chances for others.