It seems Manchester United’s very own ‘Marmite’ player Michael Carrick, may be set for another season of dividing opinion among Reds.
Sunday’s Community Shield first half was not the finest display the midfielder has produced in a United shirt, but it was by no means the worst. Other than seven minutes of somewhat lackadaisical defending United dominated the first 45 and were desperately unlucky not to be going in on at least level terms.
The second half was a different story altogether as with Phil Jones, Jonny Evans and Tom Cleverley replacing Rio Ferdinamd, Nemanja Vidic and Michael Carrick.
United turned on the style in the second half with a simply awesome display with Cleverley, Nani and Rooney combining for a second goal that was quite simply breathtaking.
Cleverley had as good a 45 minutes as I’ve ever seen him play and has already been rewarded with an England call up (although the game was subsequently called off).
[ad_pod id=’unruly-2′ align=’right’]
Most of the criticism for United was aimed at David De Gea who was at fault for Edin Dzeko’s long range strike, although at 20 years old in his first big game in a Red shirt, a few jitters can be forgiven.
Some criticism was reserved for a certain former Spurs midfielder who, despite carrying an injury which saw him sent home from the England camp, is still the preferred punching bag from many Reds looking at people to blame for Sunday’s anger inducing first half end.
“Shorn of the static Michael Carrick, United played their best football” “ponderous Carrick”; “typically anonymous”; “in one game we’ve seen why Cleverley and Ando should start ahead of Carrick”; “Cleverley merely underlined Carrick’s impotence”; “Cleverley >>>>>>>Carrick”; “maybe SAF will finally realise Carrick is completely pointless to United”.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
These are just some of the tweets, blog posts and reviews I’ve seen over the past week describing Carrick. I realise that doesn’t mean he’s public enemy number Tevez but it’s certainly shows the low level of regard many Reds still have for a player who’s won four titles in five years.
If Anderson had had a quiet first half – a player many would argue has a lot more to prove than Carrick – would we have seen the interweb awash with such vitriol? I for one doubt it. I may be wrong but I believe we may see more Carrick bashing this season, as United’s unsung hero, finds himself being blamed for not doing things he’s not supposed to do anyway.
Those who defend the August 31st deadline of the transfer window cite that it gives managers a chance to make some final adjustments to their squad, having seen their respective performances three games in.
While others believe it to be a total distraction and that is why AVB is travelling to Nyon this week to fight the case about bringing the deadline day forward before the season starts. Whether his pleas get heard remain the be seen, but in the meantime the circus that is the last few days of the transfer window will kick on in the next few days and there will undoubtedly be an array of comings and goings within the Premier League.
One club that has already spent quite well in the transfer market has been Manchester United and after an impressive start to the season it remains to be seen if Sir Alex Ferguson will partake in any last minute shopping before the Wednesday night deadline.
So will Fergie look to add some new faces – if so who would you like to see him bring to Old Trafford in the next 72hrs?
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer stands on the brink of managerial success. Having returned to manage in his native Norway, he is close to bringing the domestic championship to Molde FK for the first time. Given his immediate success in the game, and his previous stint at Manchester United, is he the man to eventually replace Sir Alex Ferguson?
After his playing days ended, Solskjaer spent his time cutting his teeth by coaching at Manchester United. He learnt a hell of a lot from his time spent under Sir Alex, and he has the foundations in place for a successful managerial career, like many of his Manchester United peers. He ended his 14 year stint at the club by heading back to his homeland to challenge himself further and test out his managerial skills.
He has taken Molde FK-the club which was a spring-board for his career as a promising youth-to the brink of the Norwegian league title for the first time in the clubs history. He has made a promising start to his managerial career, and has gone about it as his own man. He is learning his trade out of the harsh English spotlight, which is vital as young managers never seem to get a fair shot in this country, as they often succumb to the knee-jerk reactions of chairmen and the media.
Solskjaer is clearly suited to management, something not lost on Fergie, who suggested Solskjaer was the best watcher of the game he had ever seen. He always studied the game intently from the sidelines, a fact which Ferguson suggests is the reason behind why he had such success upon the field. He would watch every detail of the game and look for weaknesses to exploit and pounce upon. Such a great footballing brain and demeanour make him well suited to life in the managerial hot seat.
He has said in the past he wouldn’t be averse to taking on the Manchester United job, and as a United hero he would certainly be welcome in the job when Fergie decides it is time to call it a day. He was a fantastic servant to United, and would have the respect of fans and the dressing room, should he be the option that they decide upon. Not only that, but he knows the club, the people and the surroundings inside out, so it would be a benefit for the club if he was to take charge. Solskjaer has the potential, personality and intelligence to be a success at the club. He is a great role model for young players and a shining example of what you can achieve with a good attitude and hard work.
[ad_pod id=’unruly-2′ align=’left’]
Other United greats have been linked with the managers role in the past, the likes of Bryan Robson and Mark Hughes have been suggested, as well as glamorous outside links like Jose Mourinho, or Pep Guardiola. Over the years many have been linked to the job, but we are yet to even reach the point where Fergie might consider stepping down. He could be around for another five or ten years, and no-one knows what the future holds for any manager.
Sure Solskjaer at 38 is still a managerial novice, but he is making all the right waves. He still has minimal managerial success in England, and will undoubtedly move back to this country to further his career at some point. There is never any guarantee that a great player will make any impact as a manager, however Solskjaer is heading in the right direction, and when the day comes that Sir Alex finally steps down at United, Ole must be considered as a legitimate contender to be his replacement.
It is going to be almost impossible for anyone to follow in Ferguson’s footsteps, but if Ole shows the dedication and commitment he showed as a player, then there is no doubt that he will be a huge success at the club as a future manager.
Do you think Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is the Manchester United manager in waiting? Let me know your thoughts by commenting below or following me on Twitter @LaurenRutter
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
West Brom have confirmed that they will be without striker Shane Long for up to six weeks, as the attacker picked up a knee injury against Aston Villa at the weekend.
The Republic of Ireland international had to leave the field of play early in the first half after a reckless challenge by Villa defender Alan Hutton in The Baggies’ 2-1 victory.
The Hawthorns club have revealed that the former Reading man has suffered severe bruising and a bone chip in his right knee, and will now be unavailable for most of the rest of the year.
The news will be a blow for Giovanni Trapattoni and the Ireland team, who are set to face Estonia on November 11th and 15th in the Euro 2012 playoffs.
West Brom boss Roy Hodgson has attacked Hutton after the challenge, as he will now have to make do without his main attacking player.
“I don’t think it will be good news when the scan comes through because it was such a vicious challenge,” he told Sky Sports.
“I suppose he has got to consider himself lucky he hasn’t got two broken bones in his leg but I would think it is a serious knee injury. I was disappointed with that challenge by Hutton and not only saddened by it, but angered by it.
“I don’t think there is any room in football for those type of challenges on the field and overall the game wasn’t like that,” he concluded.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
West Brom moved up to 12th place after the win, and take on Liverpool at home this Saturday.
Despite Harry Redknapp’s absence on the touchline his Tottenham side made it 7 wins out of 8 to keep themselves in and around the top four with a game in hand. The North Londoners have developed a steely determination of late, with many suggesting that they could be outside bets for the title.
At FFC this week there’s been much talk about what the future has in store for Spurs, with blogs about their future stars, possible arrivals and their title credentials. Enjoy.
There is also a selection of the best blogs from around the web:
No guarantees despite the huge financial outlays
Do Tottenham represent a genuine threat?
‘The boys are a bit special’ – Tottenham
Its been A long time coming for Scott Parker
The heartbeat of Tottenham’s progression
Harry’s ‘nuisance’ starting to prove anything but for Tottenham
Tottenham to be considered the favourites in the race?
The ideal next move for David Beckham?
Right to be worried about the likes of Bale and Ramsey playing?
Spurs set for transfer battle with Arsenal for duo
Tottenham deal mooted as Juve look to cut their losses
Best of WEB
Spurs during the war years – Dear Mr Levy
You lucky people! – Spurs Musings From JimmyG2
The Chick King Arena – Harry Hotspur
Choose Your Own Match Report! – Tottenham On My Mind
How to survive 90 minutes of football and win by Tottenham Hotspur – Dear Mr Levy
[divider]
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Click on Miss Yespica below to see her in all her glory
Steve Kean has signed a new contract at Blackburn Rovers despite the club’s terrible start to the season, according to Mirror Football.
The Scottish coach has been the subject of Ewood Park fans’ annoyance, with large groups of supporters leading demonstrations for the Lancashire club to sack the manager.
With bookmakers shortening odds that Kean would be the first Premier League manager of the season to receive the axe, news has been leaked that his current deal has been extended.
Mirror Football indicate that Venkys, the Indian-based owners of the club, have improved Kean’s terms and extended his contract past 2013.
The move is sure to further frustrate Blackburn fans, as their side sit in 19th place in the standings, with only one win from their first 11 games of the season.
Venkys have been vocal in their support of Kean, and a new contract would buck the trend of modern day football, in which loyalty to managers comes and goes in a heartbeat.
The club’s owners dispatched of former boss Sam Allardyce in acrimonious fashion, so their unwavering support of an under-performing and inexperienced manager like Kean will come as quite a surprise to the footballing community.
Rovers fans will watch the media outlets on Thursday for confirmation or denial of the rumour.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
As January comes closer with each week, marked by the door slamming shut on the emergency loan window for the Football League, it is only natural for every Tom, Dick and Harry to get linked with every United, Rovers and Athletic. It has been no different this year. Even though he is 30 next year, World Cup winner Kaka is being linked with Chelsea for a bizarre £30m. Manchester City are slowly being linked with every player that gets the better of them; and as predicted by The Guardian’s football blog, The Fiver, Mancini is allegedly lining up Edinson Cavani as he oversaw Napoli get the better of City. More prolonged transfer gossip include; Willie McKay’s Doncaster dynasty continuing to plunder small fortunes into African has beens in the hope that they can lift them off the Championship floor, Beckham deciding where he will cash in his final paycheck and who Arsenal won’t buy because they never spend much but we will link them with a £20m move anyway.
However, a smaller, if not for much longer, team have slowly progressed up the Premier League to where they sit now at 9th. Having joked that he would take, “7 points from 9; easy,” against Chelsea, Tottenham and Man City, his team took three and pushed Man City all the way. Q.P.R have come some way from their opening day drubbing at the hands of Bolton. The unquestionable financial platform provided by the new owner Tony Fernandes, helped Q.P.R kick start their season. The Malaysian tycoon put his money where Warnock ’s mouth was and five signings were made immediately, at the end of the summer transfer window. His impressive performance at the helm of the Loftus Road club, including a win over Chelsea, looks set to earn Warnock his second transfer kitty for January.
“We are on the lookout for four or five,” proclaimed Sheffield born Warnock, “”I’m not saying they’re all going to be big-name signings but we need numbers in the squad.” For me, as hopeful as I was of David Beckham returning to the Premier league, this draws a big red cross through the idea if Warnock’s comments, “I personally can’t see where Beckham is going to get in the team at the moment,” didn’t.
Warnock sent out a ringing endorsement for his current hit man too, when hinting at what Rangers fans can expect, “You could spend £10million on a striker and he will not play as well as Heidar ” stated the QPR boss. That paired with his exclamation that “big-name signings,” aren’t guaranteed, can provide fans with a small window of opportunity to second guess who they may sign.
[ad_pod id=’unruly-2′ align=’left’]
So far, unlike most of the Premier League, rumours for players into Loftus Road have been fairly muted but not entirely non-existent. The Daily Mail audaciously claimed that QPR were putting together £10m bid for an “out-of-favour” Jermain Defoe , which is unlikely for two reasons; firstly Warnock indirectly claimed that a £10m striker couldn’t match his Heidar and secondly, Joe Jordan, Redknapp’s right hand man stated that Defoe can play his way into the England Euro squad, “”I wouldn’t say Darren Bent has got to go to the Euros because I think that between now and then you still have to prove that you are a good player. And Jermain Defoe can do that.”
As well as Defoe, fellow Spurs man Bassong has been linked with a London switch and as aforementioned, “Beckham”, “Warnock” and “QPR” has resulted in numerous Google results ever since the MLS began to draw to a close.
As is normally the case, however, the signings made in January will probably be players no one has mentioned; hints were given though, “If we sign a few players from Asia it will definitely help QPR develop as a brand,” said the manager when it emerged he had traveled to the continent in mention to watch South Korea do battle with U.A.E. It is likely that Warnock is on the trail of countrymen of the former rather than the latter and the omens are good for any potential signing.
The Premier League already has the Korean trio of Arsenal ’s Park , Manchester United ’s Park and Sunderland ’s Ji Dong-Wong and the United midfielder has enjoyed illustrious success under Ferguson with a reputation of determination, commitment and a regular in Fergie’s big game teams. His contemporaries have had less time to settle in to the Premier League, but both have shown promise: “Park is a quality player, we see that in training, and he is a very intelligent player, believe you will see more and more of Park,” said Wenger having seen his new recruit net on his 2nd appearance last month. As for Ji, Bruce has told fans that, ““Ji plays up front with the lad from Arsenal, but in his country Ji is the rising star – he’s the new Park Ji-sung .”
Warnock was supposedly watching three players in particular, but there is more than just footballing ability at play, “it will definitely help QPR develop as a brand,” explained Warnock, ”By owning a Premier League club Tony has shot up in profile over there. This is the start of something and I feel the club can develop a global presence because of the owners and the contacts they have.” However fans worried that money will be ill-spent on players purely to flagship an Asian QPR can be assured that players will be bough to strengthen, “By all means we want to improve the squad long-term, as well immediate.”
Dipping into the Asian market may well be a move taken up by many soon and Warnock’s quick move to start scouting firsthand now, may give him the first pick of the Korean class of the future. “Two aspects of the development of the game; one will come from the States, the second big part I’m convinced will be Asia,” said Arsene Wenger, who has managed in Japan. “In these two countries and continents they have an aptitude to have a team attitude and hard-working attitude and I think once they get the education they will produce good players.”
Who could QPR expect though; Koo Ja-Cheol, Nam Tae-Hee or Son Heung-Min?
Have your say…
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Written by Jordan Florit for www.maycauseoffence.com/ For more articles visit my website or my Twitter @JordanFlorit
Frank Lampard scored at the death to secure Chelsea’s their first win in five games as they rose back into the top four after beating Wolves at Molineux.
After a torrid Christmas the Blues started the New Year off in style in the Midlands with Lampard’s last gasp winner proving to be a welcome relief for manager Andre Villas-Boas. Defeat against Aston Villa 48 hours prior saw the level of pressure on the shoulders young Portuguese coach get considerably heavier as their hopes of a title challenge in 2012 evaporated before the year had even begun. They responded in style at Molineux with Ramires giving them the lead after a goalless first half before Stephen Ward equalised with six minutes remaining with the game looking destined to end level. But Lampard popped up with just a minute of normal time remaining to put the Blues back into contention for a top four finish.
December had proved a fruitless month for Chelsea taking six points from a possible 18 and that run looked like continuing as Jose Boswinga almost gifted Mick McCarthy’s side the lead. His sloppy back pass was seized upon by David Jones but the midfielder couldn’t connect properly with his effort before the visitors started to get on top. Fernando Torres was their standout player on his return to the starting line up and almost set up goals for Lampard and Juan Mata in the early stages. Firstly the Spaniard released Mata only for the playmaker to be thwarted by Wayne Hennessey before Richard Stearman did enough to cut out another quality through ball from Torres as tried to play in Lampard. The striker then attempted to lob Hennessey from 60-yards as his confidence grew in an impressive first half with Ramires also shoot wide. The game sparked into life just before the break with Lampard finding himself lucky to still be on the field after a studs up challenge on winger Adam Hamill.
Wanderers enjoyed their best period of the game after that with Roger Johnson and Ward heading wide after two quality deliveries from Hamill as the hosts ended the half on top. It was the visitors who started the brighter after the break and they took the lead in the 54th minute with Ramires hammering the ball into the top corner from Mata’s corner. The Brazilian almost doubled the lead soon after testing Hennessey from the right after powerful burst from midfield before Wolves equalised with just six minutes to go. Ward was the man on hand to beat Petr Cech after Matt Jarvis’ cross had been headed back into the penalty area by Steven Fletcher for the midfielder who made no mistake from close range. With the game heading towards an even conclusion there was one last twist in the tale as Lampard connected with Ashley Coles excellent cross to steer the ball past Hennessey and give Chelsea a much needed win.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
When Tottenham found themselves on the end of the two heavy defeats against Manchester United and Manchester City right back at the start of the Premier League season, few would have foreseen the monumental turnaround that has seen them shoot up the league and into third place. But now as Spurs look to gather themselves and prepare for the second half of their unlikely title challenge, they would do well to take a look over the European leagues and find inspiration from two of last years domestic champions: Lille and Borussia Dortmund.
Now even at this stage where the Premier League has taken shape and clubs can begin to get a better idea of where they’re likely finish come May, there will still be many fans at White Hart Lane who are just waiting for that slight knock that could derail their ambitions for first place. Taking into consideration their extremely healthy position in comparison to other top four rivals Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool—and perhaps even Newcastle—it is almost a certainty that Harry Redknapp has guided them into the Champions League for a second time.
But against the financial muscle of Manchester City, the wealth of experience of Manchester United, and the highly unlikely, yet, still possible resurgence of Chelsea, Tottenham could still pull off a miracle and win the Premier League and emulate the fantastic job Rudi Garcia and Jurgen Klopp did at Lille and Dortmund last season.
There are a number of similarities that can be made for Spurs’ current squad—quietly assembled in the background as Man City, Man United and Chelsea have taken the headlines—and those of the current French and German champions. All three sides firstly have taken to heart the tremendous belief their coaches have given them and relayed that through a great work ethic on the pitch. The star players
are given license to produce in the final third, with all the confidence that someone like Scott Parker is behind them acting as a safety net; much like Sven Bender at Dortmund and Rio Mavuba at Lille.
What is also interesting is the manner in which each of the three teams line-up: each using a variation of the 4-3-3, but with Spurs’ Rafael van der Vaart pushing further up the field to support the solitary striker, as Shinji Kagawa did at Dortmund prior to his injury. It allows the teams to see much of the ball and counter attack at pace with the especially quick wide players.
[ad_pod id=’unruly-2′ align=’left’]
However, were both the French and German champions faced with such ruthless aggression and the financial power of Man City? It’s well noted that Bayern Munich only spend heavily every other summer in recent years; luckily for Dortmund, the summer prior to their title success was one of relative quiet for Bayern. They eventually finished third behind runners-up Bayer Leverkusen. While in France, PSG were not the superpower they are now, finishing in 4th place; and Lyon had a particularly disappointing season as Yoann Gourcuff struggled to find that form that saw him with the title with Bordeaux.
Therefore it could be a fair assessment that Tottenham face a far bigger hurdle to overcome. And yet, despite the disappointing result on the weekend to Wolves, the wind is still very much in the sails of Harry Redknapp’s side. Manchester City, like Tottenham, aren’t equipped with the experience of going through an entire Premier League campaign with a clear head. There could be promising signs for Spurs’ fans that Roberto Mancini is beginning to feel the pressure, and through the loss of a certain key players, there is every reason to believe a slip-up could be on the cards.
What the French and German champions—and Especially Klopp’s Borussia Dortmond—did so spectacularly last season was get results against the big teams. Dortmund beat Bayern Munich in both league games and at one stage managed to open up a 12pt lead over nearest rivals Bayer Leverkusen. While Lille managed to clinch the title with a 2-2- draw against PSG and a 1-0 win against the Paris side in the cup final.
There will certainly be an element of luck in Spurs’ challenge for an almost unthinkable league title, but there is enough evidence to suggest that it can be done with an inexperienced, yet totally committed squad.
[divider]
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Everton manager David Moyes has admitted that winning the FA Cup would be a dream for the club, after seeing his side qualify for the quarter finals.
The Toffees beat Blackpool 2-0 on Saturday to set up a date with Sunderland in the last eight of the competition, and the Scottish coach is talking up his team’s chances.
“You never know – you just have to see what comes along,” he told Mirror Football.
“We are desperately trying to get to the final and win it, but everybody else is saying the same.
“From my first day here, I’ve always wanted to get to the finals of cup competitions,” he stated.
Moyes also praised on-loan attacker Royston Drenthe, who he feels is getting to grips with English football.
“I thought he played well and had one of his better games. Bits of his play were very good and he finished a good move with a great finish.
“I think he is learning and adapting. There is another side to the game over here – you have to do your work on the defensive side and he is getting better and beginning to understand it a little bit better.
“But really and truthfully, what you want is for him to get on the ball as often as he can out wide, near the front line, hoping that he creates or scores a goal. That’s why you have him and that is why we brought him here.
“We have found the use of Royston better at home sometimes than away from home. But he is the sort of player where, if you are a supporter, you think ‘good, I’m going to see a dribbler, someone who takes people on’.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
“In years gone by, that is what people have enjoyed,” Moyes concluded.