The £80m player - Cristiano Ronaldo.

Manchester United have sold Cristiano Ronaldo at the right time and at a fantastic price. United don't do 'galaticos' and we never will. Manchester United are a principled club that requires its players to behave and perform in a certain way. A way that is in keeping with ethos of this great club. Our history demands our players to perform for the club and not just for themselves. In my mind it became clear that the last two seasons saw Ronaldo do one too many stepovers against these principles for Ferguson to ignore. And with a world record offer of £80m on the table, the deal made sense for all concerned.

The tactic of playing Ronaldo upfront as the sole striker was rightly hailed as a footballing success. Yet it also served to single Ronaldo out as a person on his own, admist his team mates. A player whose demands to be center of attention was at the expense of others. Rooney was put on the wing by Ferguson for football reasons and yet it almost seemed like a signal to the world that a Manchester United team without Cristiano Ronaldo might be better, more balanced and more united.

Manchester United owe Cristiano Ronaldo a huge gratitude. He was one of the most excitement football talents to ever step onto the Old Trafford pitch. For me, one of the most gifted young players I have ever seen. He played great attacking football and developed tricks that mesmerised opposition players and drew gasps from the crowds and demanded the attention of the world stage. Love him or hate, you could never ignore him. Yet he was successful too and this stands him out as arguably one of the best players of modern football. Ferguson is right, Manchester United fans should feel fortunate to have seen him play at Old Trafford and should be pleased that club and player now go their separate ways before the memory of the player became ruined by his need to be more than a club player.

United trigger a cold dark winter for Mark Hughes' City

Manchester United dominated this match to the extent that I half expected the watching Ricky Hatton to throw in the towel at half time. The first 45 minutes were as good as I have seen United play this season and proved to be a painful reality check for Mark Hughes and Manchester City. A reality check served up by the excellent Wayne Rooney ended a mini drought for United and ended the hopes of the blue half of the Manchester.

Monday morning will bring a harsh reality for Mark Hughes. It will bring fresh concerns for the new owners and will probably bring earache for City fans. Christmas is known for people following the brightest star in the Sky but lets be clear, this is no historical moment here. Newsflash: Robinho is not Manchester City’s messiah. The truth underneath the glamour is: Manchester City now sit below recently promoted Hull and Stoke despite spending like a drunken sailor in a whore filled port.

Manchester City may have beaten Arsenal but they have lost as many as they have won at Eastlands (four games) and they have won only once on the road, whilst losing 4 times. To have lost 8 games out of 15 will not be considered acceptable. Mark Hughes will need to finish in the top 8 to save his job and right now that’s doesn’t look certain. So while the blue half of the City dreams of Kaka and transfer windows, the unrest will continue to build, particularly if players with the talent of Elano are considered to be behind players like Vassell. Hughes has two jobs to do. One in the dressing room and one on the pitch, and I don’t envy him.

As for the Kings of Manchester, you get the sense that this is the beginning of one of their runs. Purpose is being added to technical know-how. The recipe that has benefited the team for so many years under the unrelenting mastery of Sir Alex looks to be happening once again. That’s an ominous sign for others. United are beginning to go through the gears just as City realise that the Premier League allows no one to freewheel…

Ronaldo: Its business not personal.

The best summer of Manchester United’s recent history has been clouded by the continued speculation over Ronaldo, mostly emanating for Spain.

It is easy to rage against the Real Madrid machine but I have to say its hardly surprising that they are making such a concerted effort to buy one of the best young talents currently gracing football pitches in the world. Why wouldn’t you? To be honest I don’t blame them. I would. It’s business.

The player himself has also angered a lot of Manchester United fans. There is no getting away from it. Ronaldo, as a player, is a marmite player – you know. However, when I have questioned people about their stance it seems to have been based upon blind loyalty. I find this strange, although romantic. Let me explain.

If you work for an organisation and a rival says they are really keen to offer you a job and they will increase your wage by a considerable margin per week and relocate you from England to Spain then, in my book you would be an idiot not to consider it. And you would be an even bigger idiot not to use it as a way of improving your current situation , should you actually want to move or not.

In my opinion this is all that is happening with Ronaldo. He has someone who is happy to offer him a better deal and he is using that to improve his lot. Now before people bleat on about loyalty, they should stop and think about it…loyal to who? Your employer? The fans? Please.

Yes Manchester United have done a lot for Ronaldo but then Ronaldo has never said (ignore the Marca Reports) anything against United either. He has been very careful not to burn his bridges. Ultimately, he has done nothing wrong. People say he should have come out and said he wants to stay. Why? Because it makes us feel better. Yes, conduct is important but as far as I am concerned he has done nothing except look after his career. Ferguson agrees, otherwise there is no way in hell Ronaldo would be allowed to continue at Old Trafford.

So what is the future? Well, it is and always has been very simple. The most talented No 7 in the world will be back playing for Manchester United in 2008/2009. And I can’t wait…

The master looks set to compose another triumphant end of season campaign

The magnificence that is Paul Scholes was fully on show during United’s damning drubbing of Liverpool’s Premiership ambitions. The graceful composure and elegant execution of passing was as pretty as it was perfect. It may now be taken somewhat for granted by supporters and pundits alike but it should not be forgotten that this composer of football is at the heart of everything good of even this latest of United sides.

The reality of his impact is not measured by the frequency of mentions by television pundits. For they choose to concentrate on the most obvious sounds of young and ultimately talented musicians rather than the man behind the music. Forgivable as that stance is when the demand for immediate gratification and sensationalism has never been so apparent, it would be a travesty if this small flame haired master of football was not rated as one of the best, if not the best composed and creative midfielders Old Trafford has ever witnessed.

And do not be fooled. This is not an epitaph to an illustrious career, as Paul Scholes shows the signs of being able to continue at this level for at least one more season. However, should he be tempted to call it a day soon, I for one will have noticed that we have been watching one of the most god given talents of his generation. The public focus may be required to be about Ronaldo, Rooney, Anderson, Nani et al but for those of us who simply watch the game for its natural beauty will continue to observe - unless he attempts to tackle someone - that there would be no success without our most treasured number 18.

Ronaldo’s spot on

Everton came to Old Trafford boosted by an impressive unbeaten run and in spells, it showed. Without the brilliance of Ronaldo to call upon, the gap at the top may well have been more than a point. A wonderful acceleration of pace, a cut inside and left foot shot that swerved beyond Howard gave United the lead. United’s advantage was cancelled out by Cahill’s well-taken leap and header from Pienaar’s cross but it fell to the show pony turned showman to once again grab the headlines and points with an expertly placed penalty, that few doubted he would miss.

Ronaldo can be irresistible at times. His pace and trickery are well documented but it is his accuracy and end product that now stand him out as one of best players in the world. To be great in spells is doable. But to be consistently United’s best performer is something else. It must have helped learning alongside players of the dedication and quality of Ryan Giggs. Let us hope that same level of dedication in the pursuit of perfection is passed down to the likes of Anderson and Nani.

Credit for the three points must also go to United’s management. With the game seemingly heading for a draw, United took off both Carrick and Anderson and on went a third attacker in Saha together with the almost forgotten Fletcher. Such a decision could have left United vulnerable to the break. Yet, it is the United way to go all out to win games and attack until the final whistle for the three points. Such hunger for wins is the hallmark of the Fergie era. It was a gamble that paid off. More pressure was put on Everton’s defence and with United camped at the Stretford End, players like Pienaar were found defending in the penalty area. Somewhere I doubt he, Moyes or the Everton fans will want to see him again. To say his challenge on Giggs was rash is an understatement. A reverse sweep of the attackers legs is a move normally only witnessed in a Dojo. Moyes placed his head in his hands for good reason, a lesser manager may have cried.

United were missing Van der Saar, Ferdinand and Hargreaves. Speculation surrounds the injuries. It is hard to believe that these were not absences inflicted upon them by Manchester United. Van der Saar for his shocking display at Anfield and Ferdinand for his role in the Xmas Party. Time will tell. Either way, it provided an opportunity for Simpson, Carrick and Kuszczak. An opportunity that none took. Simpson was replaced at halftime, to the relief of most of us. Carrick made a couple of telling passes and a couple of sloppy ones and remains a source of mild frustration. He was replaced on 70 minutes. As for Kuszczak, he handled well but his kicking was abysmal and he remains unconvincing.
With Arsenal beating Spurs, this was an important three points. However, Manchester United must do more to ensure that Ronaldo is not overly relied on this season. More and more, my thoughts turn to Berbatov.

Fairness + Oppportunity = Success

As our world of football threatens to retreat into a corner of ‘Englishness’ and point an accusing but wonky finger at foreign players, it is a reminder that we should think with our minds and not our hearts.

Personally, I feel a restriction on Manchester United to buy or play the likes of Tevez, Pique, Ronaldo, Nani and Anderson would be a big loss and a giant step backwards in terms of culture, understanding, technique and entertainment. Am I pleased that Manchester United also employs players such as Neville, Simpson, Carrick, Rooney, Eagles, Brown and Ferdinand. Yes, but only because it suggests a link to the academy systems working in the UK. So should everyone be forced to have a quota of British based players in their first team squad? No.

Manchester United having English players does not automatically translate that England will be successful and it never did. Good organisation and management will decide that. The talent is there. The issue is about infrastructure. Clubs – through their academies - must be encouraged to do more to recruit from and work with their community, particularly disadvantaged communities.

I have an interest in United’s Reserves and the Academy set up. I agree that it is good to see when a young player comes through the ranks and makes it at Manchester United. It is even more pleasing when that young player comes all the way through the system - from academy to first team. It shows our academy system is working. It also demonstrates that it is a realistic but tough route towards the first team – as it should be. Obviously it is a success story when a player such as Danny Simpson, who has been at the club since the age of 9, started in front of a packed Old Trafford crowd against Wigan the other week. However, is it even better because he was born in Salford? Well, my answer is no. It is good he is playing for the club he supported as a boy and yes it may give hope to other young lads to follow his example. But such young lads may be born in Salford, Surrey, Salzburg or Sydney. Who are we to say they are less of a fan and that their dreams to play for one of the best clubs in the world should not be followed? Dreams are not reliant on physical location and nor should opportunity be.

The Simpson story may well encourage more young players to believe joining United’s academy can lead to the first team. That’s important. The rest of it is too caught up in emotion. Any conversation on ‘protecting home grown players’ (a term conveniently ignored when it comes to Owen Hargreaves by the way) all too often transcends common sense and moves us dangerously back to the days of tribal nationalism – rather than the more open, sensible, opportunistic and understanding approach laid down by the European Union.

The accusation that foreign players are hindering the England team also ignores some interesting evidence to the contrary. Consider for a moment the young talent already playing in the Premiership that has and will benefit the national team. Micah Richards (City), Ashley Young (Villa), Wayne Rooney (United), Theo Walcott (Arsenal), M Johnson (City), Agbonlahor (Villa), Davies (Villa), Gardener (Villa), and Vaughan (Everton) to name but a few. Let alone emerging players like Smith, Sinclair, Mancienne and Bostock playing outside the Premiership…for the moment.

So if the talent is actually out there, what’s stopping us? Perhaps we should ask the FA?

Is more money needed to invest in academies? Absolutely. Is more to be done to ensure kids from different socio/economic backgrounds have the opportunity to join academies? Yes, but some good and important work is already being done.

In my view all Premiership clubs should be actively encouraged by the FA to scout and source local talent and forge closer relations with their communities, for example through schools and charities. This will help provide opportunities and make an important difference locally. However, the talked of quota system is illegal, a false economy, and an arbitrary line drawn and driven by politics and not by fairness. If politics wants to play a role then it should find the funds and strategy to establish more UK wide football centres of excellence and academies to harness talent for young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds living in the UK. Please note, not necessarily young people born in the UK.

Long may local talent be encouraged but let us focus on ensuring opportunity is provided for fairly and appropriately, regardless of location. I for one am as keen for Magnus Eikrem & Evandro Brandao to make Manchester United’s first-team as I am Danny Welbeck or Danny Drinkwater. As long as the opportunity is fairly there for all young people, I think we should let talent do the rest.

Manchester United 1 v Roma 0

We had been warned that the game would not see another 7-1 thriller and so it proved. United will be happy with the three points and another clean sheet against a talented, if not revengeful, Roma team. The game lacked tempo and excitement but was actually interesting to watch. A few Roma players caught my eye. Totti was again the composer of most of Roma's best moves but it was Di Rossi that shone. Juan also looked useful and the pace of Cicinho was there to be seen but defensively he looked a bit shakey. Cicinho caught my eye purely because, once again, Neville was missing and given he is now on the wrong side of thirty United may well be in the hunt for a new right back. I don't expect us to be calling Roma anytime soon though. And what's with Mancini? The guy clearly has some talent but gives up way too easily.

For United, there were good performances in defence from Ferdinand, Vidic and Evra. And Kuszczak deserves a mention for keeping a clean sheet and his concentration on his Champions League debut. Nani looked really lively. He again showed his good pace, touch and crossing ability but his decision making is understanably not quite there yet but he has great promise and deserved to start again. Saha will benefit from starting but Tevez impressed with his boundless energy, strength and ability to retain possession when he came on. Rooney looked frustrated all evening until he got his goal and it was some strike. I expect him to hit the goal trail now. Look out Wigan!

In summary, I guess it is easy to dismiss this victory as we have become accustomed to big nights at Old Trafford but the key is not to just have memorable evenings like last years 7-1 but to ensure we build a reputation as favourites to win the competition. Perhaps we were fortunate to take all three points but you have to take your chances when they are presented and for too long it has been the Italian teams teaching us that lesson. If United are to win the Champions League we will need to steal victories like this and not go from winning semi-finals 3-2 to losing 0-3. We must keep things tight and this result sent a more useful if not as dramatic a message as last season to the rest of Europe that Manchester United are right to be considered one of the favourites for the competition.

Man of the match: Rio Ferdinand.

Birmingham 0 vs Manchester United 1

We continue to look good in patches but ahead of our more mouth watering tie with Roma, things don't look quite right across the pitch. Full credit to Birmingham, they were a real handful. But much of their good stuff came from our inability to retain possession in the first half. There was too many unforced errors from players that should know better. Ryan Giggs was sloppy in possession, Scholes and Carrick were muted and again failed to consistently break the game line often enough to join in on attacks. Tevez and Rooney bustled around the pitch to good effect but both too often were forced to do too much from too far out. And at the back, even Van der Saar had a rare off day this season - most notably when he kicked an easy clearance straight to a Birmingham player. He was saved by Vidic who managed to stretch out a leg to stop the shot on target from going in. Ferdinand came to United's resuce with an excellent clearance of the line when Van der Saar was beaten by a McSheffrey header. It was an awful first half performance and the interval was needed to regroup and refocus on getting three points.

No sooner had the restart happened than United were able to celebrate from Birmingham's misfortune. With Quedrue indecisive Ronaldo stole the ball, rounded Taylor and finished well. It was a good goal and one this disjointed performance bearly merited. However, as per last season our ability to get 3 points from such games is all important. With Chelsea dropping more points at home to Fulham, and with Arsenal and Liverpool both winning, three points were a must.

The selection for the Roma tie looks more difficult than you might otherwise expect. Once again Saha played a brief cameo role from the bench - he appears to be being given the cotton wool treatment by Sir Alex. But with Giggs largely disappointing, and the return of Hargreaves a distinct possibility - we may see some changes. We can ill afford injury to Van der Saar. Kuszczak did well and pulled off a maginificent save to deny McSheffrey after his goalbound effort took a mean deflection off of Ferdinand. However, he doesn't look commanding, despite being a fine shot stopper. And we can't afford to have our central defensive partnership broken either as without Vidic and Ferdinand we won't be able to steal three points like this for much longer.

The Carling Cup

Losing to Coventry was annoying and acutely embarrassing. The Carling Cup was a good opportunity for us to give games to the likes of Pique, Simpson, Evans, Martin and Fangzhou. It was also another opportunity for Anderson and Nani to demonstrate why Manchester United paid so much for them. None of the players took their opportunity. There was some okay performances from Simpson, Pique and Anderson. Anderson's range of passing is impressive as is his vision, as demonstrated in his wonderful lay off to Frasier Campbell, who fluffed his lines.

Others must take a long hard look at themselves and wonder what the future holds for them. Manchester United doesn't accept average and players such as Bardsley, Martin, Fangzhou and Campbell were just that. These players have already been on loan spells and it is difficult to envisage them breaking into the United first team any time soon. So they will have to be patient and wait for more chances or move on. The question is, how long will Sir Alex maintain his patience? The FA Cup may see one or two players get a reprieve, and if that happens, they must impress. However, when you consider the talented Rossi had to leave to get his chance you can't see many of this lot being able to carve out careers at Old Trafford. These types of nights are opportunities to make a name for yourself. These players may just live to regret the fact they didn't take it.

Manchester United 2 v Chelsea 0

The departure of Jose Mourinho stunned most. To end the tenure of your clubs most successful manager is more than just a brave decision, it is a defining moment in a clubs history. It is too early to tell what this will mean for Chelsea FC in the long term. But questions will now surface about the new manager, about how committed the Chelsea players really are to the club, which most of them joined because of the manager and the enormous wages on offer. Who knows. But we are left to wonder if the wheeels now fall off completely, whether players now leave and if this London club will once again revert to being in Arsenal's shadow. Certainly, everyone (particularly the media) will miss Jose Mourinho but no one more than Chelsea. Without Mourinho Chelsea lack aura. They will continue to lack invention and style but more worryingly for their supporters, they look like they now lack direction and that incredible determination not to lose too.

In truth, Manchester United failed to sparkle in long periods. There were good displays from Tevez, who looked strong in the holding the ball up and played a delightful back heel to Scholes, who incidentally was fouled in the area. Rooney is clearly on his way back and, like Ronaldo, put in a strong performance, as did Carrick. However, it is the pairing of Vidic and Ferdinand that really caught the eye.

As for Chelsea, it might be flippant to say that they looked like Bolton without Anelka but they were not far off. The sending off of John Obi Mikel (it couldn't happen to a nicer bloke) was harsh but he needs to learn how to tackle without going in showing studs. You can blame the referee to an extent but players know the rules and put themselves at risk with such challenges. In my view, it was a stupid challenge that deserved to be punished. It did have a detrimental effect on the game as it meant Chelsea sat back and United were less able to attack on the break. However, Chelsea's decision to play Mikel, Essien and Makelele looked a poor one. All our good individual players but when all three play, Chelsea have power but no panache. Never before have I seen Essien play so badly.

Chelsea were finally opened up by a wonderful pass from Giggs that was met by the diving head of Tevez, leaving Cech with no chance and leaving John Terry to once again question his positioning. Click here to see the goal. And for all those whinging Chelsea fans who said the referee allowed the game to play on when time was up, they might want to remember that the number of minutes is a minimum amount of time that gets played.

United's advantage was doubled late on. The late penalty decision may have seen Saha make the most of the contact but it was a clumsy tackle by Ben Haim, who continues to look the average defender most of us thought he was at Bolton. Saha cooly dispatched the penalty to leave Chelsea and Avram Grant facing the music. It was a penalty, as was the one Saha never got at Anfield last season. And as was the one in the first half that saw Joe Cole bring down Patrice Evra. Cole not only got away with the penalty claim but also a booking, which considering his dangerous and deliberate challenge on Ronaldo, should have seen him join Mikel in the dressing room.

Grant may have not had long to stamp his mark on the team but then on this performance and the attitude of some of Chelsea's players, I can't seem him lasting the distance. Furthermore, I don't see Chelsea winning the league.

Everton 0 vs Manchester United 1

We did it again! It is now three games in a row that have ended with one goal scored and all three points. While some strange looks are being cast at the forwards, not enough plaudits are being given to our defence. The performances of Ferdinand and Vidic were excellent on Saturday. Vidic was commanding in the air and the timings of Rio’s tackles are awesome. The manner in which he stopped Anichebe from scoring, after Van der Saar parried a fierce shot from Scotland’s hero McFadden, was very impressive. The loss of Silvestre may not rock the club in terms of future fixtures and results but it is very sad to lose a good servant of the club for the entire season that has just started. Particularly after he had just returned from a bad shoulder injury last season. I wish him a full recovery.

In summary, this game was rather like watching England play England at rugby. The speed of passing and quality of play wasn’t there. Both teams failed to sparkle. It seemed that both teams were concerned about making that one slip that would cost them the match, and perhaps players had half an eye on European fixtures this week. Fans say the early starts are no good and on this evidence, one is left to ponder other options. How about Friday nights down the pub with your mates to watch the Premiership? Count me in.

I would have preferred to start Nani or Giggs on the left to really attack Everton’s Achilles heel, aka Hibbert. I can only assume that Saha is not ready to start games after his latest setback because the likes of Tevez, Giggs, Ronaldo and Nani all prosper from his inclusion in the team. United did create chances, some quick interchanging from Giggs and Tevez suggested that if United could go through the gears clear chances would arrive. When they chance did arrive to an unmarked Scholes he slashed wide of the upright to the disbelief of everyone including the debutant Everton keeper.

This was a tight game that failed to light up because neither team’s midfield supported their strike force with conviction. Ronaldo continued to waste freekicks and was upset not to see a decision go his way when seemingly tripped on the edge of the box. Scholes continues to approach tackles like a blind farmer going at someone else’s cornfield with a scythe and was lucky not to see his yellow card turn into a red. Forgiveness because it is Scholes appears to a rule in referee’s notebooks – and thank-goodness for that as it was Scholes who cleared a goal bound header off the line from Johnson.

It was left to Vidic to bring cheer to United’s day. A thumping header from Nani’s corner leaving Everton cursing their near post defending and United reflecting on their good fortune at getting another three points at Goodison. In fact, Everton must be sick of the sight of Fergie coming to Goodison Park and taking three points, regardless of performances. If this ‘bogey team’ status carries over to Everton’s new ground, Fergie may be considered a clubcard holder - as he always leaves with the points!

Coming to the boil...

Too much has been made of Manchester United's start to the season. In truth, there hasn't been a great deal wrong with the performances. The defence has been strong and our midfield has been controlling games. Yes our attacking play has lacked a directness and penetration but that was to be expected when you lose Rooney (to injury), Saha (to injury), Ronaldo (to suspension), Solksjaer (to retirement). And don't forget we have also lost our captain who, despite being a defender, is probably one of the best crossers in the game.

The key was to get a good start and keep the confidence high in the squad. I think that has generally been achieved. The result against Spurs was important. Not because of the title race, but because it allowed the new signings to demonstrate their ability to contribute. A spectacular shot from Nani (deflected or not) went someone way to ensure the OT faithful are thinking 'new Ronaldo' rather than 'another Richardson'. The power and energy of Hargreaves next to the skill and guile of Scholes is a fine mix. And with Carrick and Fletcher as options too, there is no longer a combination that concerns me in central midfield. A far cry from the days of Miller and Djemba Djemba.

What excites me most is the challenge of selecting a starting X1 when everyone is fit. Does Saha start ahead of Tevez? Does Nani start ahead of Giggs? Does Carrick begin to start more than Scholes? Only an idiot would right of Giggs and Scholes completely but at long last you feel some worthy challengers are in place to at least give food for thought. The truth is that the course of the season will demand everyone plays their part. And with the Carling Cup coming up, the likes of Kuszsack, Silvestre, O'Shea, Evans, Pique, Simpson, Anderson, Fletcher, Gibson and Campbell should also get their chance to start.

So ignore those that seek to suggest that United have gifted Chelsea too much of a lead. As no sooner had John Terry said such a thing than he was left to reflect on Chelsea's loss to Aston Villa. Sometimes it is best to judge in May. Afterall, United were written off last season too...

Deal or no deal? £6.7m for Rossi? I shout deal.

We have to congratulate our club. Selling Rossi for £6.7m is a brilliant bit of business.

Lets own up, we took the bait. Rossi was dangled on a line to us and we bit down hard on it, as we hoped to boast of another young talent coming through from the reserves to the first team. Now that he has gone, it seems strange that only a handful of people were prepared to question why this prolific scorer in the reserves failed to secure first team appearances more regularly at Old Trafford. Only a few scratched the surface on why he went unused at Newcastle and why he was returned (albeit) on loan to Parma, where he was first found. It also escaped most people’s attention that at 20 he was still only representing his country on a few occasions and then only at Under 21 level. An achievement not to be totally knocked but when you compare him to Rooney, Ronaldo, O’Shea and Fletcher – all of whom received call ups to their respective senior squad by 20 despite good competition for places. People will say its Italy not Scotland and that’s fair comment to an extent but lets be clear, age is no barrier when you are good enough. Rooney and Ronaldo are obvious United examples. For me, Rossi was only 'world class' in the minds of those that were swayed by a careful run campaign by United that resulted in the club taking near £7m for a player that did little in the Premiership, nothing to note in any cup competition but scored a few for Parma during a very short second stint of around a dozen games at the club. People forget this money is the same amount Arsenal paid for a certain Tomas Rosicky last summer…that's incredible.

I wish Rossi the best but I take my hat off to those who manufactured the hype, as rarely can a player who has done so little go for so much. Breathtaking...

Richardson sold to Sunderland

It has been clear to may United faithful that Kieran Richardson was just not good enough to cut it as a first team player at Old Trafford. I for one hope he goes onto find his feet at Sunderland. This guy has plenty of potential but was unable to translate that on the pitch at Old Trafford. The question of daunted or dud has yet to be answered in my view but whether it was a niggling self-doubt or lack of real talent his departure was the only way forward.

This transfer is a good bit of business for everyone involved. Despite scoring a few goals this season and putting in some better performances there was always discreet but tell tale signs from other players and from the manager that he was not accepted as one for the future. Whether it was the look from Rooney to Ronaldo when he seemed almost apologetic for his decision to pass to Richardson – who went onto run into a cul-de-sac and give possession away, or whether it was the telling look from Sir Alex when he again failed to control a ball on his chest at Fratton Park, which set up Portsmouth’s opening goal, the writing has been on the wall for some time. And with the arrival of Nani to add to the mix this transfer makes plenty of sense…

Selling Heinze is no bad thing

The departure of Gabriel Heinze took a step closer today. Despite some blogs taking the news rather personally, I fail to see the problem. Let me be clear, Heinze was an excellent find for Manchester United. He excelled in his first season and was rightly rewarded with Player of the Season. This was mainly due to winning the crowd over with his tenacious attitude, his commitment and overall contribution. In my view, it was also partly down to a sense of relief at finally having a decent left back – which he most certainly was. However, just because he manfully provided reassurance in a position, not truly felt since Dennis Irwin, it does not mean we shouldn't sell.

Since joining Manchester United Heinze’s reputation went through an arguably rapid rise but again arguably it risks a rather rapid decline. Firstly, this 29 year old recognises the threat provided by Patrice Evra and the decision by Sir Alex to retain the younger players such as Evans, previously sent on loan. Secondly, this is arguably his last chance to secure a big contract elsewhere. I truly believe that Sir Alex Ferguson’s knows that despite his commitment his lack of pace – so cruelly exposed at times this season – can not be risked during a title defence. The Premiership is quicker and more and more we are seeing players reaching their 30s that seek the slower, steadier pace found it Italy or Spain.

Some will lay the blame at having to balance the books – and its hard to ignore the market sense in selling a player at 29 that will command a decent sum - but I also sense his departure is in the best interests of the club. This player is not the player he was, is 29 and is being outpaced by the fast and furious style of the Premiership. If we can get £6m for him – I say do it.

Like so many departures before this one, many may not yet realise its the right thing to do – because they like the player’s style, attitude and commitment etc. But this is not the business of sentiment. And, I am prepared to sit in the minority and say that right here right now, I believe allowing Heinze to leave is the right thing to do.

Our best signing of the summer so far is...

The signings of Nani and Anderson have caught the eye and imagination of most Manchester United fans. I have already read numerous posts on how Anderson will fit in to the new system, how he is the new Ronaldinho and how Nani is Ronaldo mark two. Firstly, let me say this. I hope all of that is true. Secondly, let me say this. The most important signing United have made this summer is Owen Hargreaves.

Owen Hargreaves has been a top player for over 6 years for one of Europe’s biggest teams. And now is he is a Manchester United player. Yes, his transfer saga was protracted. Yes, he doesn’t capture the imagination of a flair player but in my view he is a tremendous signing.

We have needed to add some more quality to our central midfield for a few seasons now. Paul Scholes remains the heartbeat of our side and our most talented and important midfielder on our books. Michael Carrick has progressed as expected and his range of passing and ability to retain possession played a big part in our success last season. Without wishing to criticise Darren Fletcher, whose spells in the centre of midfield were at times impressive last season, Owen Hargreaves is the missing piece to the midfield. For me, Paul Scholes is the master and Michael Carrick is his apprentice. Equally, Owen Hargreaves will be first choice and Darren Fletcher his understudy. These options now give us the blend of qualities needed to take on the demands of defending our Premiership Title and have a real go at the CL and FA Cup, without worrying so much about injuries, tiredness or suspensions.

Over the years we have been blessed with quality players in central midfield. The greatness of Bobby Charlton is still the benchmark for many fans, others point to the passing of Ray Wilkins, the engine of Bryan Robson and more recently, the grit and termination of Paul Ince and Roy Keane.

Like any partnership, I believe a midfield duo needs understanding and different styles that complement each other. And I believe the partnership of Carrick and Hargreaves can be a key part of the future for United over the next 4-5 years. I liken them to the partnership of Cambiasso and Riquelme of Argentina without fear of being too bold. Of course, other players will emerge (Darron Gibson is apparently one to keep an eye on) and others will be bought and sold. But right now we have two players on our books that will be the fulcrum of the side. From this important platform we will be able to spring the attacking exploits of Rooney, Ronaldo, Anderson, Nani, Park and (I hope) Rossi and Saha. I am not overlooking the contribution Paul Scholes has on this side. Genius should never be ignored. But the satisfaction I now have is this: when Scholes makes the mistake of tripping up Totti in the future to get himself sent off, all our hopes of controlling the midfield are not ruined by gamesmanship or poor tackling.

And sitting behind this complementary shield of vision (Carrick) and vehemence (Hargreaves) will be Vidic and Ferdinand. Impressive isn’t it? This formidable four will also allow our fullbacks to attack with real purpose. So when the attacking play begins to excite you once again next season, spare a thought for those that allow it to happen. Don’t get me wrong, I am more than happy for the talk to be about Nani, Anderson and who we should sign as another striker but I feel it important to point it out now, that the reason we chased Hargreaves for so long will soon become very obvious to 76,000 excited fans…

On top of the world

We are champions of the best league in the world and we owe it all to Sir Alex Ferguson. He just doesn’t seem to know when to stop surpassing people’s expectations. He is a master of his work and his record in the Premiership is quite simply breathtaking.

Manchester United won the first Premiership title in 1992 and fifteen seasons on we have lifted our ninth title. During that 92 season, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool came 11th, 10th and 6th respectively. All three came behind Queens Park Rangers, Norwich, Blackburn and Aston Villa. If I tell you that Arsenal finished behind Spurs you will begin to see just how the picture has changed except for one common trend: Alex Ferguson = success.

Since 1992 Manchester United have gone on to win another eight premiership titles, numerous cups and of course the Treble in 99. Nine premiership titles is a staggering statistic on its own and one that gives some credence to the chant of ‘we’ve got our trophy back’. On the six occasions Manchester United failed to win the title we finished runners-up three times and third place three times. Manchester United have never finished 4th in the last 15 seasons - a record that has no equal. For the record, Arsenal lifted the title three times, Chelsea twice and Blackburn once. For any Liverpool fan this list of honours must make for painful reading. Yes there is some comfort in the Champions League but to not have won a Premiership title must hurt badly and to have only finished runners-up once in 15 years is pathetic.

There are many detractors out there that like to have a shot at United whenever possible. Many also wrote us off because of our signings, mocking us for buying Vidic, Evra and particularly Carrick. Many said that players such as Giggs, Solskjaer and Scholes were finished and that selling Van Nistelrooy was effectively nailing our own coffin. Some even to dare that Carlos Queiroz was effectively running the club. No wonder every journalist is hailing this as United’s biggest achievement to date. They have to because they got it so badly wrong! Fergie is obviously happy to use this to his advantage and shower his squad in praise. Remember, every clever schoolteacher says the same thing about their latest class on parent’s day: This is the best class I have had.

For me the reasons for United’s success were as follows:

1) The dressing room was in order. The departure of Van Nistelrooy was not about his ability as a player but about ensuring the club went forward in the manager’s direction. The Fergie way.

2) The balance between good defence and attack was there. For every trick from Ronaldo was a strong challenge from Vidic. For every killer pass from Giggs was a timely interception from Carrick. For every special shot from Rooney was a solid stop from Van der Saar.

3) Self-belief and selflessness. This season was a real team effort that drew on togetherness as much as it did individual brilliance. When Manchester United lost Ferdinand, Wes Brown stepped in. When Evra was lost, Heinze stepped up. When Saha was injured, Larsson, Smith or Solskjaer stepped up. Every player in the squad was prepared to do what was necessary for the team. Arguably, none more so than John O’Shea, who played centre midfield, right back, left back, centre back and goalkeeper!

4) Individual brilliance – This was the Ronaldo show – albeit with an incredible supporting performance from Paul Scholes – a player so gifted that God made him ginger just to restore a balance to things. But it is Ronaldo that has made football fun again. He has made it exciting. Love him or hate him this season no one can argue about his contribution to the title. There are very few players that can make you go WOW. The league is full of Scot Parkers, Kevin Nolans etc but only now and again does a real gem come along. Recently, the darling of the beautiful game has been Henry, particularly when playing almost telepathically alongside the magnificent Bergkamp and Pires. Chelsea had the impish delight that was Zola. And of course United had the audacity of Cantona. I hope this summer people begin to realise what they are witnessing in this league.

This victory, coupled with the wonderful football on display, has made us very marketable, very attractive and in turn breathed life in to the Premiership 2007/08 season…I can’t wait!

Rooney is the one to watch

It is difficult to understand how a footballer must feel when his mate receives so many plaudits in one season when you yourself have outstripped previous seasons with a better scoring record (22 and counting), including goals like this

Rooney has had a very good season. He has done everything asked of him, when more has been asked of him, particularly in the big games. And he has delivered. Fergie calls this past of growing up and feels we are seeing a more mature Rooney this season. Who am I to argue with that? United were robbed of Rooney at Stamford Bridge last season and were robbed of his influence as he got too distracted by incidents in games. I think having Ronaldo in such fine form has made Rooney better. He is part of a team that continues to push their limits and he is relishing the positive approach of Ronaldo Scholes, Carrick and Giggs in particular. Quite simply, I reckon he is having fun. It shows in his body language, his movement and his goals.

While we all marvelled at the art that was Paul Scholes’ chip against AC Milan, only one person reacted differently, only one person anticipated it, collected it and gave that pass the finish it deserved. And if you watch the end of the clip you will see him go back to the centre circle and you will see what it means to him and you will also see him call to his team mates to make it their night - something David Beckham used to do time and time again at Old Trafford. Then, after great work from Giggs, Rooney took it upon himself to win the game for United. Look at the burst of pace and the movement to get in behind his marker and look at that finish.

Rooney is obviously special but now right now he is lethal too. I have a feeling he can't wait for the games. And next up for Rooney is a trip to Everton…

ROY KEANE: A PREMIERSHIP MANAGER

For those of you that have been keeping an eye on the race to the Premiership or been reading any well written newspapers recently, you too will no doubt be thinking about...

ROY KEANE: A PREMIERSHIP MANAGER

When any new manager enters the Premiership, you can’t help but rank them against those there already. When Watford went up Boothroyd was billed as one England’s most promising young managers. In truth, he ultimately proved to be entertaining but limited. Yes he didn’t have the resources available to him in comparison to others but you only have to look at Reading to question whether that is really a mitigating factor or not. He has some promise but he is more of a character than a serious candidate for a bigger job in the future. He certainly provided good copy but now faces a real test next season, when he will be expected to repeat the success of before.
With Watford came Sheffield United and Reading. Both managers have a great deal of experience and have tasted the ‘big time’ before. Neil Warnock ensures his team give as good as they get and are always a difficult team to beat, particularly at Bramall Lane. Steve Coppell is an experienced manager who has already made Reading look at home in the Premiership, rather like Curbishley did with Charlton for so many seasons. However, neither Coppell nor Warnock have the aura of Keane. So where will Keane rank?

You have to say that Fergie, Mourinho, Benitez and Wenger are at the top of the order. Then I would argue you have Mark Hughes, David Moyes, Martin O’Neil and Sam Allardyce. Moyes doesn’t enjoy the best of win averages at Everton (38.6%) but like Hughes has lifted Everton from being relegation contenders to European challengers, which when you consider the finances at their disposal is very impressive. Particularly Mark Hughes, when you think he got McCarthy for £2m and Ryan Nelson for free, showing a cuteness in the transfer market and perhaps demonstrating what such players think of him by signing. Both Hughes and Moyes have the gravitas that makes you wonder what they will go on to achieve later on in their careers.

Spurs fans will no doubt be crying out that Martin Jol should be further up my list than now but I have to say, he hasn’t progressed Spurs as much as he should and at times seems a little out of his depth tactically. Under Jol, Spurs have finished 9th, 5th and are currently 9th again this season. And despite being a big spender in the transfer windows over the last few seasons they have failed to sort out their defence and currently have a goal difference of minus 1, which is ridiculous when you consider they have the talent of Berbatov, Keane, Defoe and Lennon. Yes Jol has taken Spurs to the semi final of the Carling Cup and the quarter finals of the UEFA Cup but these flirtations with success have really been just that. For me, Spurs all to often give the impression of a pig in make-up, flattering to deceive.

It is worth noting that Allardyce, Hughes and Jol all have a win average of just over 40%, Moyes just under and O’Neil’s at Villa is 28% (although at Celtic it was at an impressive 75%). You can read what you like in to such statistics and we can’t ignore the context, such as how long they have been at the club, how much money they have had to spend, the players they inherited etc. However, the bottom line is always about whether you win, lose or draw. Roy Keane’s win average is currently a very impressive 61.53%.

Worth noting that Benitez’s win average at Liverpool is 57.47%, Ferguson’s 57.63, Mourinho’s 69.59% and Wenger’s 52.2%

Okay Fergie has been at Old Trafford for 20 years now, Wenger 10 years at Arsenal, Benitez 3 years at Liverpool and Mourinho nearly 3 years at Chelsea. But do you really doubt Keane’s will ever be anything else than impressive? I don’t. And when you compare him to Roeder, Sanchez, Pardew, Curbishley, Southgate, Jewell and Pearce well as the character English Bob once said, it is a bit like comparing a King to a President…
“If you were to try to assassinate a king, sir, the…how shall I say it? The aura of royalty would cause you to miss. But the president…I mean, why not shoot the president?”

Why the quote. Well if you haven’t worked it out for yourselves, consider this. Roy Keane – the manager of Sunderland further enhances his reputation and CV with a decent opening season in the Premiership and you are the owners of a Premiership club such as Man City, Middlesbrough or Newcastle etc and were to compare Roy Keane to your manager, well I think you may view your incumbent manager rather like a President…

Sette punti a cielo

Was it just me, or, did you pinch yourself this morning too? Part of me still finds the score line from last night’s game difficult to comprehend. After all, aren’t English teams supposed to huff and puff their way to a result against the technically superior teams from the continent? Aren’t English clubs generally meant to live up to the reputation for falling short in Europe? Even in the wonder that was 1999, Manchester United arguably stole the trophy right at the death in that oh so memorable final. They did not dictate the game against Bayern and cannot claim to have outclassed their opponents in the manner that took place last night.

Lets get this straight, Roma were serious opponents and having already knocked out the formidable Lyon no doubt fancied themselves to win last night. They started the game at Old Trafford with intent in the first 10 minutes, taking shots and building play in a way that for a brief moment suggested United would find the night difficult. In Totti and De Rossi they have two players of the highest quality in key positions. We knew from the start these two would prove a handful for our changed midfield and defence. Without Scholes and without Vidic could Fletcher and Brown cope? And what of the decision to start Alan Smith and use Rooney out left? Could O’Shea cope with the trickery of Mancini? Could Carrick control things without Scholes? Would Ronaldo be shackled by good old Italian defending?

Well all doubt, all concern and all caution was cast aside last night in a way that had all the hallmarks of a great performance. In Rooney, Ronaldo and Giggs United have a holy trinity worthy of praise from Best, Charlton and Law. In Carrick we have the closest thing I have seen to an English Riquelme and finally he was rewarded in the media for his role in the team. Even the Guardian gave him a 9/10 – my god, what a night it was!

And the man the Stretford End normally refers to as the ‘Scottish’ player (a jocular take on saying his true name, like that “Scottish” play) revelled in the responsibility placed on him. For me it was his best game since the FA Cup final against Millwall and is a sign of what we can get from him when used in central midfield. He will hopefully now been taken more seriously as a dependable and useful squad player.

Wes Brown was composed and strong when called upon, getting turned once or twice early on but threw himself in front of shots and was strong in the tackle against Totti. And then there was Alan Smith….

Now, I have been critical of Alan Smith in the past and still feel there are better strikers out there. However, I have to hold my hand up and say that last night Alan Smith was fantastic. He was so every inch the player that helped Leeds get to the semi-finals of the Champions League. His physical presence and ability to link play was top drawer. Rooney, Carrick, Giggs and Ronaldo didn’t think twice about passing to him. His speed is there now and as a result he looked every part a trusted player in the team. His performance and finish was vintage Hughes. More must follow but I am beginning to rethink my logic about selling him in the summer.

Finally, I would like to pay homage to Sir Alex Ferguson and to Carlos Queiroz for having the strength of mind and tenacity to push through the changes in recent times – both in terms of personnel and formations. For to score 7 goals in the Champions League without seeing the name Van Nistelrooy flash up on the screen is nothing short of incredible. And to see Manchester United set up as 4-2-3-1 in the QF of the Champions League and be that fluent and ruthless in attack just goes to show Fergie was spot on when he said, “tactics don’t win games, men do”.

Whatever happens now, this season has already surpassed expectations – not just because of results but also because of the football on display. Last night was breathtaking, bold and beautiful – it was vintage Manchester United.