Posts Tagged ‘Man Utd’

On the subject of rich tradition in English Football, a small number clubs can compete with the record, fan base and classy elegance associated with Arsenal. Agreed they haven’t won an important trophy within the last several years or so, but Gunners’ fans believe their time has come. And why not? For the last few years under the expert guidance of their wily coach; Arsene Wenger, Arsenal have been building a team for the future.

 And Arsenal fans around the world believe this time they will lay their hands on the coveted English Premier League Title and trophy. And when the time comes they will be there to take pleasure from the success in Arsenal Football Shirts.

EPL is undoubtedly the most popular league in the world with massive fan following even in remote areas of America, Asia, Africa and Australia. Also, the credit goes to major league teams like Man utd, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool.

Arsenal especially has made a name for itself in relation to their brand of attractive football. And although that hasn’t materialized into trophies like Manchester United and Chelsea, in recent memory, it could all change soon.

Unlike there is a dearth of trophies in Arsenal’s cabinet, after winning over a dozen English league trophies and a lot of other cups. Their illustrious coach Arsene Wenger has taken a degree of sophistication to not just his team but the way football happens to be perceived. And it’s his attacking brand of football with the likes of Fabregas, Walcott and Arshavin at the helm that has made Arsenal the new destination in the Beautiful Game.

Wearing an Arsenal Shirt is a matter of pride not just for the team but its fans across the world. A trip to their hallowed football ground of Emirates Stadium may not be over unless you are dressed in the famous Arsenal Shirt. And also the same spirit takes over you at an away game, in the local pub or watching the action on tv wherever you are in the modern world.
In case you haven’t got an Arsenal home Football Shirt yet, it could be the moment to do it now.

You can find high expectations within the renowned London club this season with the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott maturing into World class players and ready to carry the torch.
Arsenal are perennial contenders for the Champions League and having qualified for the coming season, things aren’t going to be any different.

Much to the disappointment of Gunners’ fans, God forbid, if the team returns empty handed by the end of the season, you can wear Arsenal Shirt to express your passion for the team that never ceases to entertain on the pitch.
You could have the shirts with a team star’s names printed on the back of them as well as find some retro designs for nostalgia.

You can also make bulk buys for you and your mates, children and family. You can aquire these shirts in different sizes and may get different handsome discounts.

Wear your chosen team’s football shirt and say ‘Go Gunners’ with pride.
For more information on Arsenal shirts, check out the info available online; these will help you learn to find the arsenal football shirts!

After England left these shores for South Africa a few short weeks ago, there was much anticipation that at long last, the football team could very well bring the trophy home. However, that dream was destroyed in no uncertain terms by the old enemy Germany in Bloemfontein as England crashed out of the competition losing 4-1. How could such an experienced team who qualified so effortlessly fail to perform? Not surprisingly, the English media has produced no shortage of scape goats and causes for what was England’s worst defeat at a World Cup. There has been a good amount of talk about the Italian manager, formations and more but the problems are far deeper.

Since its formation in 1992, the Premiership has achieved superb success as a global brand. The cost of this success has been felt by English football. Increased TV income has forced wages higher and higher. Therefore this has meant there has been an expanding divide amongst club and country. Teams pay their players a large amount of money and are more and more reluctant to let their footballers turn out for their national teams.

In return, footballers get massively rewarded by Premiership clubs to the extent that success is recognised by getting money-spinning contracts as opposed to anything they accomplish on the field. Average footballers who rarely turn out for their clubs are still millionaires and the instant these players put money ahead of playing games at club level, there is little doubt they do not have the mental strength or hunger to play international football.

Typically, there was always a regional reserve league which ensured young footballers from lower league clubs could very well be guaranteed to play versus decent reserve sides from bigger clubs like Arsenal, Tottenham and Man Utd. Nevertheless, in recent years, the Premiership has changed therefore they will only play against other EPL reserve clubs. This means that Championship reserve teams no longer get to play versus EPL sides. For teams like Ipswich Town, it means their reserve team now plays versus Stevenage as an alternative to Tottenham and this drop in standard in opposition obviously has a negative effect on the learning curve of young footballers.

With such a lot of wealth at stake, everything is geared to Premier League survival. Teams spend large sums of money securing allegedly first-class foreign managers and players in a bid to maintain their Premiership status. The ambition of promoted clubs to the Premier League extends no further than finished 4th bottom. The EPL cash bonanza means that Premiership clubs can feature £1-2m for young footballers at lower division clubs. The players are eager to move and secure their financial futures but it might possibly also signal the conclude of their careers. The young Crystal Palace star signed for Spurs but scarcely played and was last seen on loan at Brentford, a division lower than when he was at Palace. From a football outlook, Bostock would have been best served staying at Palace and learning his trade. How many more young players careers are curtailed like this chasing the money rather than playing the match?  Its difficult to blame the young players for taking the money.

Addititionally there is the commonly used accusation that teams take part in too many games in England and an increasing number of managers want a winter break. Of course, footballers don’t look to be tired the moment asked to fly off to the United States or Far East on pre-season excursions. Or how about England’s friendly game next June away in Thailand?

There are far too numerous ready made excuses for failure that players are ready to accept. They live a life well away from the real world with their mansions, sports cars and trophy wives. In basic terms, there is not enough hunger or desire.

The game in Thailand also highlights another trouble. Together with the Premier League being a global brand, so are the England team. Fans want to watch the big EPL stars play for England and in friendly matches like this, those stars will be expected, if not contracted, to turn out.  However, it is not the case that the leading 11 players make the very best team. Too a large number of footballers are in the team based on standing rather than performances. Young players should be promoted into the senior squad sooner.

For the impending Euro 2012 campaign, England should do away with the services of all players aged 30 or over. None of them have played well in South Africa consequently why should England persevere with them. It would be much better to promote younger players who may still be hungry for success. All the same, while the worshiping of the EPL persists, things are not likely to improve anytime immediately.

Manchester Utd, definitely the biggest football club on this planet.  Hence, they have had a handful of rather respectable footballers run out onto the pitch for them over time. What role in a soccer team has a tendency to hog the headlines?  Well, like it or not, the front men frequently appear to take the limelight.

With that in mind, who have been the top strikers for Man United over the years?  For what they are worth, here are my thoughts on the top 5 strikers in the years prior to Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign at Manchester Utd. I have a strong suspicion that if you happen to be reading this your views may not align with mine, but I can live with that.

Let’s start in the past and work forward – seems to be fairly logical.  I’m going to claim that the first forward of real note is a certain Jack Rowley who was part of the team before and during the Busby Babes era.  Though not the whole story, naturally a striker is measured to some extent by his goal tally.  Rowley managed to net 211 times in 424 games for United before leaving the club in 1955.  His tally of 211 makes him one of only 3 players to break the 200 mark.

Stan Pearson is another forward of note who was at the club at the same time as Rowley.  He didn’t quite get to 200 goals but did manage a very healthy 148 in 343 appearances between 1937 and 1953.

There were tons of wonderful players at Man United that formed the Busby Babes.  Leading the line for 291 games during that period was Dennis Violet, my next selection.  The lightening quick centre forward scored 178 goals for United and was one of the survivors of the Munich air disaster.

Moving on we have non other than Bobby Charlton – now Sir Bobby Charlton of course. Another member of the Busby Babes who also survived the crash in Munich Bobby netted 249 times for Man United- the club record.  For a long time he also held the record for the most appearances for the club at 758, a figure that has since been surpassed by Ryan Giggs.

My final selection, and surely few will question this one, is a certain Dennis Law.  Playing for United up until 1973, having joined them in 1962 Dennis was a favorite with the fans.  Known as ‘The King’ and the ‘Lawman’ he always had a good following.  With 237 goals during 409 appearances he has an impressive record.  Law won European Footballer of the year in 1965, during a season in which he top-scored for United with 28 and helped them to win their first league title since Munich.

As you would expect you can buy plenty of football related goods including replica football shirtsto show your appreciation of your team.  Man United, having the draw that it does, naturally provides no shortage of Manchester United tops.

That just about wraps it up.  My choice of the very best strikers to run out for Manchester Utd before Ferguson’s days.   Why did I make the distinction and only feature forwards who played for Man United before Alex Ferguson became manager in 1986?  Well, there have been a good many years since then so the Ferguson reign deserves particular attention.  There are a lot of remarkable forwards who have run onto the pitch for the red half of Manchester for Sir Alex Ferguson.  It’s possible this wont be my very last word on the subject matter.  A write-up on the front men who played for Sir Alex could be in the pipeline.

It is almost the same old….. same old…..in the Premier League this season, but with one notable exception missing from the top four so far. That team is obviously Liverpool, but they are hanging in there in fifth spot and have Spurs and Arsenal in 4th and 3rd respectively well in their sights.
That said many are saying that the Premier League has already been won this season with no team seemingly capable of catching Chelsea at the top of the table and that the main interest will lieu in the battle immediately behind them.
It has to be said that Chelsea have been ultra consistent so this season where it is becoming unimportant whether they will win or not but more so by how many. They have already netted 36 times this season and conceded a paltry 8, with only 1 goal conceded at Stamford Bridge in 7 matches played.
Much of this improvement has to be down to new boss, Carlos Ancelotti who has picked up the baton handed to him by Guus Hiddinck and has improved the side even more, without it has to be said spending any money this season. Chelsea’s latest results speaks volumes about the form that they are in and why it would be difficult not to back them to regain the Premier League title. It is more than a daunting run and it is why Chelsea get 10/10 for their performances so far this season.
Man Utd winners of the Premier League for the last three seasons and with eleven wins overall are leading the chasing pack, but even they have slipped five points behind with just over a third of the season gone where they have already lost one of their two matches against Chelsea.
Yes it is true that United have lost the invaluable services of the world’s most expensive player, Cristiano Ronaldo and they miss, Carlos Tevez more than they would care to admit to. Nonetheless, they have Wayne Rooney proving himself as one of the great players of modern times but it is his partnership with Dimitar Berbatov that just has not struck gold as yet and they could struggle on all fronts if it completely fails.
United get a 7/10 so far for their efforts this season.
We all know that Arsenal play the prettiest football these days, they have long since moved off their unwelcome nickname ‘Boring Arsenal’ of the past and produce some of the most talked about football anywhere in Europe. However, it is when they come up against the big boys when they are left wanting and their most recent game against Chelsea, where they were crushed 3-0 at home sums up their chances of winning the Premier League for the first time since the 2003/4 season.
Arsenal are also guilty of dropping points against teams that they really should not. The defeat at Sunderland was the latest of these, should they continue then it could be them and not Spurs who will have Liverpool climbing all over them by the end of the season.
Arsenal get 10/10 for entertainment but only 6/10 for the overall improvement.
Perhaps the biggest surprise so far is the progress of Spurs under Harry Redknapp. They have held out in the top four all season so far and will be beginning to think that they can make Champions League qualification for the first time next season.
The ‘Glory Glory’ days are not quite back at White Hart Lane, but they are showing huge improvement since Redknapp took them on. They have an excellent squad of players where very importantly contains several proven goals scorers at this level. They have scored 33 times so far this season, with Jermaine Defoe currently the League’s equal leading scorer so far with a third of them.
Spurs are worth 8/10 for their efforts so far this season.
Liverpool, have had a miserable time of it so far this season. They have struggled for consistency in the League and have already been eliminated from the Champions League. Their two star players, Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres have been in and out of the side due to niggling injuries which has cost the ‘Red’ the foundation for consistency.
Perhaps being knocked out of the Champions League will do them good, at least they can concentrate their efforts in one direction only. They only have two teams to catch to gain a coveted top four spot and we all know how good they can be when the whole team is firing.
They are only worthy of a mark of 5/10 for efforts so far this season.
If the second half of the 2009/10 Premier League season is anywhere near as exciting as the first half then football fans are in for an exciting five months.

Last year’s campaign was one of the most enthralling and competitive seasons for a few years. Man Utd eventually won the title by 6 points with Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal making up the top quartet. Will this year be as interesting? My guess is without a doubt, yes. Teams have strengthened again this year but with some real quality signings, not just cheap foreign imports but players with pedigree and potential such as Liverpool’s Fernando Torres and Chelsea’s Florent Malouda. This piece will run you through the major players for the coveted title (with a few surprise inclusions) and the teams who may have to fight tooth and nail to stay up.

Manchester United – 5/4

Where better to start than with last seasons Champions. Sir Alex has been relatively busy in the transfer window this year with England midfielder Owen Hargreaves being the major signing. He is a player who will do all the leg work in the team, tracking back and protecting his defenders. This will allow Scholes, Carrick and the more centrally located Giggs to maraud forward and to add to an already impressive attack. Two fairly unknown quantities are the youngsters from Sporting and Porto, Nani and Anderson. These have cost Utd a combined fee somewhere in the region of £25m-£35m, so they must have a lot of potential. Utd assistant Carlos Quiroz will have no doubt watched these players on many occasions to splash out the sorts of figures that have been banded around. They are both attacking midfielders and although they may not be an instant hit, they may warm up to the Premierships fast pace and then take the league by storm ala Cristiano Ronaldo. Overall Man Utd have a huge chance of retaining their title, providing the main two players Rooney and Ronaldo have another relatively injury free campaign. This for me is my main concern. They are by no means a one man band but lets face it, the two R’s made all the difference for Utd last season.

Liverpool – 6/1

It is probably best to start with saying that Liverpool are one of my strong fancies for a good title challenge this season, although 6/1 isn’t massive – it is still a bet that I will be placing. Liverpool have made plenty of signings so far and quality ones at that. We all know Torres’ pedigree and is potentially a special player. He literally carried Althletico Madrid for several seasons, taking the captains armband aged just 19. Ryan Babel is another quality signing. Anyone who saw this lad in the U21’s European Championship knows what he can do, we mustn’t forget that he also has 14 full international caps, netting 4 times. Benayoun and Ukrainian Vornin seem to have settled in well too, especially the latter, he has been named LFC man of the match twice out of his three pre season friendly appearances scoring twice. I think what is more important than the signings is the hunger shown by all of the players. They have been quoted as saying how important the opening weeks of the season are. This is where Liverpool have slipped up recently. The Premiership cannot be won in the first 10 fixtures but it can be lost. In summary – Liverpool are a good bet at better odds than Man Utd and Chelsea, with for me – similar potential.

Chelsea – 13/8

Jose Mourinho is never one to shy away from the media spotlight, even when the team is in L.A on their pre season tour he still manages to put his two penneth in. He recently said that all of the pressure is on Man Utd and Liverpool this season as they have been the “spending clubs”. While this may be true I do not whole heartedly agree. Chelsea have the reputation of being up there with the “world’s elite” and rightly so – after winning back to back League titles, but last season they lost their title and got knocked out of the Champions League at the semi-final stage yet again. Make no mistake they are under pressure too. The addition of Frenchman Florent Malouda will certainly help their cause, especially if Robben does leave “the bridge”. Ex Reading midfielder Steve Sidwell has also been added to the squad, although I fail to see where he will fit in with Lampard, Ballack, Essien and Makele. Chelsea will be chomping at the bit to regain their title and this is what makes them so dangerous. Obviously they too have an excellent chance of regaining it and it will be up to the rest to stop them.

Arsenal – 9/1

Not many peoples fancy this season, but this can be such a huge advantage for the Gunners. After losing Henry and Ljungberg, many people have written of their chances of winning the league – this can be dangerous. Arsenal will be playing with little pressure this season, they have been quoted as being in a “transitional period” which will only push them on to be stronger and pressure free. Croatian International new boy Da Silva may or may not work out, but one man who will step up and be counted for is Van Persie. He was missing for a lot of the season last year and will be looking to make amends. He will be first choice up front in my opinion and is one for your Fantasy Football teams. The young players at Arsenal had a good shot in the first team last year with all of the injuries – this too is an advantage for the Gunners. Whilst they do have a chance at winning the league, I feel they MAY fall short. The squad is very thin with not too many new signings, an injury to Gilberto or Fabregas could be detrimental to their challenge.

Tottenham – 100/1

Spurs will not win the Premiership this season, BUT they are a cracking bet for “without the big 4” at 11/8. They have a very youthful and skilful squad, the addition of Darren Bent and Gareth Bale will be huge. Spurs’ weakest position for quite a while has been left back. Bale who has gone to Spurs with a big reputation will make this position his own and do very well. Dimitar Berbatov was awesome last year, his first season at Spurs and in the Premiership and he scored 25 goals in all competitions. That is truly outstanding, now he is in his second season you would expect him to be even better. For me, worth a good punt for 5th place betting and if they do make 4th or 3rd which is likely – you will still win.

The relegation battle is often more exciting than the actual title race, we’ve seen plenty of last day survival games recently. Wigan were very lucky not to be relegated to the Championship last season, instead the plucky Sheffield Utd took the drop. It may be different this year, Paul Jewell has now left the JJB and he will be missed more so than if Heskey, Baines and Scharner were all to leave. He has proven in the past he is an excellent manager and you have to wonder whether Chris Hutchings can keep them up. At 5/4 to be relegated you’d have to be mad not to back it. Derby have to be an obvious choice to go back down, I can not see them having the ability or the squad to stay up, however 1/2 is hardly a price to be jumped upon. The final relegation place isn’t so simple. It would have to be a toss up between Fulham (2/1) and Birmingham (5/6), only a minor preference for the former

Signed Photo: Liverpool 2 Man Utd 0
Personally signed by Fernando Torres
This photograph shows Fernando Torres celebrating after scoring Liverpool’s first goal against Manchester United on October 25, 2009. The Merseysiders beat Utd 2-0 as once again El Nino ran United’s defence ragged, leading to a red card for Nemanja Vidic for the second successive game between the two clubs.

Thissuperb shot is 16 inches by 12 inches in size and was personally signed by Torres at an exclusive signing session organised and carried out by Icons with the Spanish striker in Liverpool on December 1, 2009.

The photograph is one of only 50 that were signed by Torres and comes with an official certificate of authenticity featuring an image of Torres signing the photograph. It would make an incredible Christmas present for any Liverpool fan.
Buy the Fernando Torres Signed Liverpool Photograph Now.

Fernando Torres Signed Liverpool Home Shirt

£199.99


This Liverpool home shirt was personally signed by Fernando Torres in an exclusive signing session organised and carried out by Icons with the Liverpool and Spain striker in Liverpool on March 4, 2010.After two seasons as Liverpool's number nine, El Nino has established himself as a world-class striker and has already become a firm Kop favourite. His understanding with Steven Gerrard is almost telepathic, and many believe that without his injuries last season the Merseysiders would have... More

Fernando Torres Signed Photo: First Goal For Liverpool

£79.99


This photograph shows Fernando Torres, Liverpool's number nine, celebrating after scoring his first ever goal for the club. This strike was the first of 33 goals that Torres scored during his debut season at Anfield and came against fierce rivals Chelsea in the Premiership clash on August 19, 2007.This highly collectable piece of sports memorabilia, which has quickly become a classic image, is 16 inches by 12 inches in size and was personally signed by Torres at an exclusive signing session... More

Fernando Torres Signed Photo - Euro 2008 Goal

£79.99


This superb photograph shows Fernando Torres celebrating after scoring the winner in the Euro 2008 final against Germany. El Nino scored the only goal of the game as a skilful Spain side brushed aside the physical threat of a typically robust German team.The photograph is 16 inches by 12 inches in size and was personally signed by Torres at an exclusive signing session organised and carried out by Icons with the Spanish striker in Liverpool on August 7, 2009.The photograph is one of only 25 that... More

Signed Manchester United home shirt: 2009-10
Personally signed by Ryan Giggs
This Manchester United home shirt was personally signed by Ryan Giggs in an exclusive signing session organised and carried out by Icons with the Man Utd and Wales winger in Manchester on November 19, 2009.

This is Man United’s current jersey and the one in which Ryan continues to add to his record number of appearances for the club. Ryan is a legend at United having won a record 11 Premiership titles and two Champions League winners medals. He is the ultimate one-club man, and a real fans’ favourite.

 The signed United shirt would make a perfect gift for any Man U fan. But now the Ryan Giggs Signed Manchester United Shirt&lt

Ryan Giggs Signed Photo: In Action for Wales

£64.99


This signed Ryan Giggs photograph shows Giggs in action for Wales. After winning 64 caps and scoring 12 goals for Wales, Giggs is regarded as the greatest Welsh footballer of all time.The print is 16 by 12 inches in size and is one of a limited number that were signed by Ryan in an exclusive signing session organised and carried out by Icons in Manchester on April 29, 2010.The photo comes with an official certificate of authenticity featuring an image of Giggs signing the photo. More

Ryan Giggs Signed Reebok Sprintfit Pro: The Champions League Boot

£229.99


 This Reebok Sprintfit Pro is the style of boot that Ryan Giggs wore during the Champions League final victory over Chelsea in May 2008 and was hand signed by Ryan in Manchester on April 29.Just moments after John Terry had missed his penalty Ryan slotted home Man Utd's final spot kick, before Edwin van der Sar saved Nicolas Anelka's effort to make the Red Devils champions of Europe for the third time.This highly collectable piece of sports memorabilia comes with an official... More

Ryan Giggs Signed Manchester United Shirt

£199.99


This Manchester United home shirt was personally signed by Ryan Giggs in an exclusive signing session organised and carried out by Icons with the Man Utd and Wales winger in Manchester on April 29, 2010.This is Man United's current jersey and the one in which Ryan continues to add to his record number of appearances for the club. Ryan is a legend at United having won a record 11 Premiership titles and two Champions League winners medals. He is the ultimate one-club man, and a real fans'... More

Ryan Giggs Signed Reebok Giggs Pro Limited Edition Boot

£249.99


This Reebok Giggs Pro boot is a limited edition brought out by Reebok to salute the genius that is Ryan Giggs. Ryan hand-signed 40 of the boots exclusively for icons.com on April 29, 2010 in Manchester.Ryan is Manchester United's most-decorated player and a true legend both at Old Trafford and in WalesThis highly collectable piece of sports memorabilia comes with an official certificate of authenticity featuring an image of Ryan signing and would make an incredible gift for any United or... More

Ryan Giggs Signed Man Utd Photo: Greatest FA Cup Goal

£64.99


This classic print celebrates the moment when Ryan Giggs scored his breathtaking solo goal against Arsenal in the 1999 FA Cup Semi-Final at Villa Park. After a mazy run, Giggs left Arsenal captain Tony Adams reeling as he hammered the ball past England's number one David Seaman.The print is 16 inches by 12 inches in size and is one of only 50 that were hand signed by Giggs in an exclusive signing session in Manchester organised and carried out by Icons with the wing wizard on April 29, 2010... More

Ryan Giggs Signed Man Utd Photo: Record Eleventh Premiership

£64.99


This superb print shows Ryan Giggs lifting the Premiership trophy on May 16, 2009, for a record 11th time. Manchester United saw off strong challenges from Chelsea and Liverpool, finally securing the trophy at Old Trafford against Arsenal. In doing so, United won the league title for the 18th time, equalling Liverpool's long-held record.Giggs played a vital role throughout the season, and many observers felt he was the outstanding player in the Premiership over the course of the... More

Ryan Giggs Signed Man Utd Photo: Champions Of Europe

£64.99


This superb print shows Ryan Giggs lifting the Champions League trophy in May 2008, after Manchester United beat Chelsea 6-5 on penalties on an incredible night in Moscow.Just moments after John Terry had missed his penalty Ryan slotted home Man Utd's final spot kick, before Edwin van der Sar saved Nicolas Anelka's effort to make the Red Devils champions of Europe for the third time.The print is 16 inches by 12 inches in size and is one of only 30 that were hand signed by Giggs in an... More

Ryan Giggs Signed Reebok Sprintfit Pro Black Boot

£199.99


This Reebok Sprintfit Pro Boot was signed by Ryan Giggs in Manchester on April 29, 2010. in an exclusive private signing session organised and carried out by icons.com.Ryan is a legend at Manchester United and the club's most decorated player.This highly collectable piece of sports memorabilia comes with an official certificate of authenticity featuring an image of Ryan signing and would make an incredible gift for any United or Wales fan.(Please note: each boot is sold separately). More

Once again there are three English Clubs in the semi finals of the Champions League and all three have arrived playing some of the best football of their respective seasons. Under normal circumstances, bookmakers would make an English Club winning the Trophy an ‘odds on’ bet, but such is the talent of the Barcelona team, that they are finding it difficult to take them on, therefore, it is the Spaniards who are currently favourites to win the most prestigious trophy in European football.
Barcelona under coach, Josep Guardiola, have been breaking record after record this season. They have become a goal machine, scoring five times or more in nine matches and have broken the La Liga scoring record in the process with stillseveral games remaining in the season. If Guardiola is the inspiration off the pitch, then it is surely the brilliant Argentinian, Lionel Messi, who is the inspiration on it.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United might well be officially the best player in the world, but Messi is for many the unofficial version and will undoubtedly claim the crown from Ronaldo later in the year. Messi controls the tempo of the team and it appears that everything he touches turns to gold, whether it be shooting, passing, dribbling or just space making. There has not been one team this season who has found the answer to controlling him and if one is not found soon, then Barcelona may as well be given the trophy now and none of the remaining English sides will fancy facing him or his team mates, particularly Chelsea who face barca in the Semi Finals.
Chelsea will be the first of the English teams to take on them in the forthcoming semi final. They play the first leg at Nou Camp and Barcelona have already been installed as odds on favourites to win the leg. Chelsea however, under coach Gus Hiddink are a rejuvenated outfit, with a defence that on its day is second to none. They have players of the calibre of Michael Essien, who they will place on Messi in the same way as he was placed to great affect against Steven Gerard of Liverpool in the quarter final first leg at Anfield where they won convincingly 3-1.
If Essien can negate the threat of Messi then Chelsea will be in with a great chance to shock the footballing world, particularly as their key striker, Didier Drogba and key midfielder, Frank Lampard are back to their scoring best.
In the other tie, Manchester United will take on old rivals Arsenal in a two leg all English tie that quite frankly could go either way. United, barring a little glitch last month have been the most consistent and efficient team in the Premier League this season, while Arsenal, who have been injury hit have now got back most of their key players and are on a long run of 19 unbeaten games.
Whatever the outcomes of both matches, it is fair to say that the best four teams in Europe have all justified their presence and all are extremely capable. However, it looks like Barcelona will justify the faith of the Bookmakers and win the trophy for the third time in their history. However, with five fascinating games to go, including the final in Rome on 27th May their are sure to be plenty or twists and turns and excitement for the fans.

After the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo by signing winger Gabriel Obertan on a 4-year contract from French champion Bordeaux, Manchester United continued to revamp its attacking options.
Alex Ferguson, united manager had been watching the 20 year old french winger’s development. The words of Alex Ferguson with club’s website – betrepublic are foregrounded:
“We are delighted to get him now as he is an exciting prospect. We like to get young players and develop them, and we will see that in Gabriel over the next two years.”

The words of Gabriel Obertan:
“I am very happy to join Manchester United. This is a big opportunity for me to play at such a great club. I am very excited to be here and I look forward to proving what I can do.”
Obertan, who has played for France’s under-21 team, spent the 2nd part of last season on loan to Lorient as he did not figure in Bordeaux coach Laurent Blanc’s plans.
Obertan has scored 3 league goals in 55 games for Bordeaux, and 1 goal in 15 appearances for Lorient, although he is considered more of a provider than a scorer and can play on either flank.
For 80 million pounds ($141 million), Ferguson lately sold world player of the year Ronaldo to Real Madrid. Also, as part of his rebuilding, he has signed two wingers namely Obertan and Antonio Valencia from Wigan for 17 million pounds ($30 million).
The most surprising transfer so far this summer is: Alex Ferguson also signed former Liverpool striker Michael Owen from Newcastle United on a free transfer.

Get football betting tips and information on football betting.

Amid the financial insanity taking place on the east side of Manchester (have you seen the wages these people are getting?), a 29 year-old signed for Manchester United on July 3rd. A 29 year-old Englishman…

A 29 year-old Englishman called Michael Owen.

Did you see that one coming? I definitely didn’t. 8 years ago, as he single-handedly robbed Arsenal of FA Cup glory and helped Liverpool to a cup treble, the thought of him ever joining his Northwest rivals seemed as likely as Prince Harry serving you in McDonalds. Yet, here we are in pre-season and Owen has scored on his debut wearing the number 7 of Manchester United. I’m going to try and delve into the thinking of Sir Alex Ferguson and look at the potential for the ‘Boy Wonder’ in the current United set-up.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s sale £80m sale to Real Madrid should have automatically put United onto the frontline in the summer transfer war – especially when you consider that the money was paid in one lump sum up front. However, United seem to be playing a different game this summer, possibly bitten by the poor form of Berbatov after his £30M move last august. Ferguson knows better than anyone that big money doesn’t guarantee success (Is it too cruel to mention Juan Sebastian Veron? Oh dear, too late….) and also knows the benefit of purchasing elder statesman (Cantona, Sheringham, and Larsson). But ‘injury prone’ Michael Owen? Surely a team of United’s stature should be looking above and beyond this type of capture. Surely Owen was destined to join Hull City or perhaps Everton. Surely United would swoop to capture Ribery or Benzema. Evidently not. Scratch at the surface though and it this bizarre piece of business has the potential to be a masterstroke…

It’s no secret that United have built their entire side around Ronaldo for the past three seasons and incredibly for a winger-cum-striker he was never injured. As a result, the rest of the team lived to serve him. His responsibility was huge; Penalties and free kicks were all under his control and he was the ‘go to’ man whenever United needed a winner. Its success was huge, Ronaldo scored 66 league goals as United were crowned Premier League champions 3 seasons running. Away from Ronaldo though, goals were not as plentiful as the Old Trafford faithful have come to expect and a lot of their success was down to their defensive strength and the emergence of Vidic as one of the best centre-backs in the world. However, it was always a case of when, not if, Ronaldo would up-sticks and make the move to Madrid.

Ferguson knows that it is now time for other players to shoulder the responsibility relinquished by Ronaldo and for Owen to benefit from the end product. The fluid formation used to get the best from Ronaldo (it can be argued that Man Utd have played without a striker for at least 2 years) would need to be discarded. Avid Spurs fans will tell you that Berbatov was in his element dropping deep and looking for runners ahead of him. The problem at United last season was that when he dropped deep, he often had the company of his team mates around or behind him – not ahead. The mere presence of Owen on the field suddenly makes Berbatov a more dangerous proposition and gives Owen the type of service he craved at Newcastle United.

Ronaldo’s departure also gives Wayne Rooney the opportunity to step up too. Ronaldo’s stellar form has undoubtedly pushed the great talent of English football to the periphery of the newspaper headlines in the past couple of years, yet seasoned viewers at Old Trafford will tell you of a player who has matured but yet still has that incredibly aggressive spark and a huge talent for the game. It seems Ferguson’s lack of transfer activity could be because he believes he already has the replacements bedded in at Old Trafford and that Michael Owen is there to apply the finishing touch.

So will Owen be a success? Only time will tell, but as a piece of business it looks risk-free and Ferguson knows that at the very least he has players around him desperate to prove themselves good enough. I’m predicting goals galore at Old Trafford this season and fully expect them to be the league’s top scorers in May 2010.

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