There is a very different feeling around Old Trafford. The gloom of last season has lifted and been replaced with a wave of optimism and a feeling that the empire is about to strike back. That change is all down to the arrival of one man – Louis van Gaal. The Dutchman has swept into [...]
Football
Van Gaal is master craftsman who will be let down by his tools
LIVE – Championship Play-Off Final 2013-14
Manchester United physio scoops Fabrice Muamba Award
Long-serving Manchester United head physiotherapist Rob Swire has won the Fabrice Muamba Award at the North West Football Awards. The ceremony was held at The Point at Emirates Old Trafford, home of Lancashire County Cricket Club, on Monday night. Swire is the second winner of the ‘Fabrice Muamba Award for Medical and Sports Science Professional’, [...]
Community Shield 2013 Preview
Manchester United vs. Wigan Manchester United and Wigan Athletic will contest the 91st Community Shield (formerly Charity Shield) at Wembley Stadium this Sunday. It will be the first time since 1980 that a side from outside the top division has featured in the shield match, with FA Cup winning Championship side Wigan, taking on [...]
Opinion: Fellaini is the last resort United just don’t need
According to various reports, Manchester United have turned their attention to Everton’s Marouane Fellaini as their search for a central midfielder goes on. After twice failing with bids for Cesc Fabregas and seemingly failing to identify any other big name targets, David Moyes looks set to raid his old club for the 25-year-old Belgian. [...]
Jose Mourinho was not “special” at Chelsea
There seems to be a myth about Jose Mourinho’s first spell as Chelsea manager. That myth seems to be that Mourinho did the impossible, the implausible and the unexpected. In truth Mourinho did exactly what was expected and achieved nothing out of the ordinary at Chelsea. The fact is that Mourinho arrived at Chelsea [...]
Premier League like the Bundesliga? No Thanks
When two German teams reached the Champions League Final, and not one English club made the quarterfinals, the reaction was inevitable. “We should be more like them”. “The German model is perfect”. “We are so far behind them”. Actually that’s all rubbish. It’s an over exaggeration and overlooks the strengths of the Premier League and [...]
PREMIER LEAGUE 2012/13 AWARDS
Player of the Season Winner: Gareth Bale Runner Up: Robin Van Persie This was a straightforward choice in the end. While Bale did not start the season brilliantly he has found incredible form since Christmas and has essentially carried Tottenham all season long. Without Bale, Spurs would have been nowhere near the top [...]
Paul Scholes: The Greatest Midfielder of the Premier League Era
As retirements go, Paul Scholes rather allowed his to slip under the radar, hidden behind the attention that Sir Alex Fergusons own retirement received. That sums up Paul Scholes the man really. Unflashy, uncomplicated and reliable to the end. As a player however Scholes was something unique, special, and a man who stood out from [...]
David Beckham: A Career Unfulfilled
David Beckham has announced his retirement from football. In truth, David Beckham the footballer was lost a while ago. This retirement marks the end of the brand appearing on a football field. David Beckham is a football icon, a global superstar, recognised the world over. But did he really achieve enough as a footballer and [...]