Teams over the years have subjugated the weakness of the opponents. Deals are made, not only based on the player’s skills and talents but also on the buyer’s needs and emergency.

The seller uses all possible means to sell and suck the last penny out of the buyers. Who will know it better than both the Spanish giants?

Be it buying a top talent or selling a surplus, the Spanish giants use the media to their advantage.

Recently, Jose Mourinho went public and spoke about Nuri Sahin. He was very smart in the way he talked about how he will be happy if Sahin stays and even happier if he leaves; given the number of midfielders he has.

So far it seems that only Arsenal have shown interest in Sahin but Real Madrid want to create a bidding war and have probably asked Marca to link him with all the possible top clubs.

Now Marca has linked Nuri Sahin to Manchster United stating that Sir Alex Ferguson will probably make a bid for the talented midfielder.

Whether Wenger gets anxious and increases his offer (if he has made any previous offers) for the prospect  remains to be seen. But one thing is for sure, Nuri Sahin is on his way out.

]]> http://www.sportskeeda.com/2012/08/05/nuri-sahin-to-manchester-united/feed/ 3 32330108 http://www.sportskeeda.com/2012/07/31/real-madrid-chasing-man-utd-target-lucas-moura/ http://www.sportskeeda.com/2012/07/31/real-madrid-chasing-man-utd-target-lucas-moura/#comments Tue, 31 Jul 2012 11:59:47 +0000 Shahnawaz Attari http://www.sportskeeda.com/?p=537118

Whenever a player turns into a top talent, big clubs circle around him like hungry sharks. One such club is Real Madrid.

After agreeing a fee for Luka Modric, Real Madrid are looking to move for Brazilian star Lucas Moura.

Manchester United have been trying really hard to sign one of the hottest property in world football: Lucas Moura.

Sir Alex Ferguson has openly declared his interest in bringing the talented youngster to Carrington. Lucas Moura has also mentioned how happy he was playing at Old Trafford.

However, El Confidencial says Real are on the verge of getting a fee agreed for the midfielder this week.

Real president Florentino Perez hosted Lucas’ parents at the Santiago Bernabeu last season and has a very good rapport with the midfielder’s agent, Wagner Ribeiro.

Manchester United are ready to test Celtic’s resolve with a bid for Kenyan National Victor Wanyama.

Victor Wanyama is a defensive midfielder who can play in defence too. He is robust and due to his consistency, quickly became a fan favorite.

United are interested in the player and have been monitoring his progress for quite some time. Sir Alex Ferguson has sent some scouts to check on the progress and has received amazing reports about Wanyama. If Manchester United come calling, it will be very difficult for any player to say no. Based on the popularity of EPL and media coverage of Man United, Victor Wanyama may wish to seal a move to England.

Celtic, however, will not want to sell a player who has carved a place in the fans’ hearts. He has quickly become a midfield maestro for them.

United want to sign a player who can pass the ball, hold up play with his strength, tackle and dominate the pace of the game. Victor ticks all the boxes and is an ideal candidate. Sir Alex will also not complain about “no value in the market”, as Celtic may reluctantly sell him for around £8million. Whether he plays for Celtic next year or becomes a part of Sir Alex’s teams is something we have to wait and watch.

Versatility is a gift that a very few are blessed with. There are some who are fixed at one position and there are few who can play any role and in any position when called upon. One such player – for Manchester United – is John O’Shea. O’Shea is a player who played as a Defender, Midfielder, Striker and Goalkeeper. Although he was valued by Sir Alex, he did not fulfill his expectations as he was always played out of position. Another similar player is Phil Jones.

Last season, Jones played as a defender and as a midfielder. Based on his performance, people started arguing which is his best position.

Harrison, Manchester United’s Former youth guru told one website; “It is very difficult when you have the adaptability to play in a number of positions.”

“I think if you want to have a long, established career at a club like United at the very top level and also have a long international career, it is vital you cement one particular position.

“I think it can hinder you if you don’t get that. I think Phil Neville, for instance, was hindered by it. I was Phil’s youth team manager and I always played him at right-back and he was superb there for me. But his path to first-team action was blocked by his brother Gary. Phil was versatile and so had to move around and he did a very good job.

“However, I believe if he’d tied down one role then he would still be a Manchester United player now. I am 100 per cent convinced he’d still be at the club now had he been able to do that.

“When you establish yourself in one position, you build up relationships with other players around you. Like, for instance, the way Gary Neville did with David Beckham down the right wing. You fill in for the other player if he goes forward. You know what each other is going to do. It’s the same if you are at centre-half or in the centre of midfield.

“But if you are only dipping in and out of those roles for short periods of time, it is so much harder.

“When you get a chance to play for United, you obviously take it no matter where you are played. It is what you dream about, playing for United, so you don’t complain. All the versatile players are really good lads who’ll stick their hand up for a job. The manager doesn’t mess them about. He has to do things for a reason and that reason is to help United. These kind of players wouldn’t go banging on his office door to demand a certain position either because they respect him too much.

“But, in the long term, it can have an effect and Phil Jones faces that danger. But I have a feeling he is going to end up in one role. I’m sure it will happen.”

Whether it turns out to be a blessing or a curse is something we will have to wait and see. But I hope he doesn’t turn out to be the next John O’Shea.

Footballers once were those men, who for their entire life, represented only one club. They were called as one man club. They were labeled as legends. Legends, who commanded respect on and off the pitch. They wore the jersey with pride. They knew that they are part of a history and legacy. They never had agents to negotiate their contracts because for them, playing for their beloved club was the prime motivation. They considered the club to be a FAMILY. But those type of footballers are on the verge of extinction.

Today, footballers have become mercenaries. The passion for the game amongst them seems to be dying. They don’t care about the club they play for. They don’t care about the history they belong to. The only thing that worries them is the amount that goes in their account every week. Some of us spend our life time trying to get what some of the footballers get in a week.

Footballers rarely show loyalty, honesty and the feeling of belongingness as we do towards our favorite club, may be that is why we are fans. They will kiss the badge on one day and then demand a transfer on the next day. Their favorite club keeps changing based on the money that can be offered. They will play in any corner of the world based on the money they can earn. For them, any league becomes The Best league if it increases their wages.

But we supporters are passionate about the clubs we support. For us The Club is important than any player. We all live in various corners of the world, some of us never see the club we support for our entire life yet we give our heart and soul for it.

They live our dream, a dream we would do anything to fulfill. They get paid to do something we would do for free.

Today, another footballer has come out and expressed his happiness for being part of a great club.

“I have joined such a great club and I want to achieve results here,” he told the official site. “I want to play football without forgetting that fact. United have so many fans and, because of that, I feel a big responsibility. That is in my mind each day. I was totally amazed by how many fans came out in South Africa and China, and how loud they were! It made me realize that United supporters are all over the world. It dawned on me how big a club United is and I feel very proud and lucky to be a part of this club.” Shinji Kagawa.

(Nowhere in article have mentioned or wanted to mention Shinji Kagawa as a mercenary.)

]]> http://www.sportskeeda.com/2012/07/29/football-mercenaries/feed/ 0 06274 http://www.sportskeeda.com/2012/07/24/lucas-not-needed-at-united/ http://www.sportskeeda.com/2012/07/24/lucas-not-needed-at-united/#comments Tue, 24 Jul 2012 15:00:18 +0000 Shahnawaz Attari http://www.sportskeeda.com/?p=508144

Almost every website today has an article linking Lucas Moura to Manchester United. They have been claiming as to how he is the answer to United’s mid-field problem.

History

For years, Sir Alex Ferguson has employed a 4-4-2 formation. His game play has revolved around tricky and pacey wingers; Ronaldo, Giggs, Beckham, Nani, Young, Valencia etc., and strong holding mid-fielders that control the game; Keane, Veron, Scholes, Carrick, Butt etc. This formation also requires two strikers complimenting each other; Rooney, Welbeck, Hernandez, Berbatov, and Kagawa (to some extent).

Lucas and 4-4-2

United already have bags of talent on the wings. Players like Young, Nani and Valencia provide plenty of firepower and competition.

Lucas Moura can play either on the right flank, or through the middle as an attacking midfielder. At Present, he plays as a striker for his current club.

If United were to retain the same formation, then where would he fit? The signing of Shinji Kagawa means that United already have an attacking midfielder to ease the burden off Wayne Rooney.

Sense or Non Sense

As even my Granny knows, Manchester United need to buy a top class central and/or defensive midfielder. Hence bringing in a player like Lucas Moura makes neither footballing nor financial sense.

Change in Formation

If Sir Alex Ferguson does sign Lucas Moura, it will mean that he will have to change the formation. The only formation that he can play in order to accommodate Lucas, and Kagawa is 4-2-3-1. However, by playing this formation, all the strikers, other than Rooney, will not get enough playing time and it will also hinder the growth of Danny.

Outdated System

Teams now a day are bringing in new methodology, and new playing styles. May be this is where Manchester United missed Carlos Queiroz. But a change in system is a must now, as teams have adjusted to the outdated 4-4-2 system.

Hence, it is good to have someone like Kagawa that forces United to experiment with tactics.

Conclusion

The signing of Lucas Moura would have been ideal had United not signed a player like Shinji Kagawa. It doesn’t make any sense spending 30 million on a player who does the same job that the current players can.

So may be 30 million pounds should be spent on other areas which are of utmost importance.

Areas like the Centre of midfield, the wing backs, and on the development of youth.

KHARKOV, UKRAINE – JUNE 17: Robin van Persie of Netherlands runs with the ball during the UEFA EURO 2012 group B match between Portugal and Netherlands at Metalist Stadium on June 17, 2012 in Kharkov, Ukraine. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)

Sir Alex Ferguson, unlike his usual self, has come out and claimed that United have made an approach for Robin van Persie. Never in the past have we seen Sir Alex come out and claim that he has made an offer for a player. Then what made Sir Alex Ferguson do what he never does or has never done?

Let us look at some of the possibilities.

Over the past few years Manchester United have been battling to lure a big name signing. Players like Karim Benzema, Ronaldinho, Luka Modric and some may even say Eden Hazard, have preferred to join others like Barcelona, Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City. This has made United fans wonder if the club still has the power and money to compete with some of the top giants. By claiming that United have tried to sign van Persie, Sir Alex is trying to show that he still has the power and money to complete with some of the top clubs and attract some of the best names in the business.

Since the new season is about to begin and the tickets are at a premium, Sir Alex may be showing the carrot to the supporters by claiming that a new signing is probably on the way, hence leading to more tickets being potentially sold.

There is a possibility that Sir Alex is trying to take the Press’ attention away from a signing that is actually possible. He is once again trying to do what he does most often (buy quietly).

There is even a possibility that Sir Alex is genuinely confident of getting his man this time. Of course, Wenger will not to sell van Persie to City as he would not want to be labeled as The Feeder Club for Manchester City, but that does not mean United are the obvious destination.

Whatever be the reason, there is one thing for sure. Sir Alex is going to make at least one more signing.

Van Persie or Lucas? it is really getting interesting.

After unveiling Shinji Kagawa and Nick Powell to the media, Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed today that there will be one or two more signings to come.

The first signing of Sir Alex Ferguson was Shinji Kagawa from Borussia Dortmund for an estimated fee of £12 – 15 million. Shinji Kagawa is the first Japanese player to play for Manchester United, so the pressure and expectations are very high. Kagawa played a total of 71 league games for Dortmund, and scored a total of 29 goals. Kagawa is known for his vision, technique, movement and deft passing. Kagawa said that, “I’m a member of a great club at Manchester United, and I think I can handle the pressure and am pretty confident I can adapt to the style of the Premier League.”

Sir Alex also holds him in high regard, as he said that, “(Kagawa) could make a difference” and if “his goal-scoring record continues he could be a very good player for us.”

The second player that Sir Alex signed was Nick Powell, for an estimated fee of around 4 million pounds. Nick has plenty of confidence and bags of talent to perform for Manchester United. Sir Alex knows that United need a long term answer to the midfield problem and hence he has signed Powell. The fact that Sir Alex Ferguson and Mike Phelan made a personal check on the 18-year-old, speaks volume about the players talent and ability. People who know him say that he has a dead eye in front of the goal and he has an overwhelming sense of self. Apart from the ‘Wayne Rooney’ like goal he has not done anything amazing as yet.

Whether he gets the opportunity to play for the first team and set the world on fire, or he becomes a disaster signing is yet to be seen, but for the time being all eyes are set on Ferguson and United to see who their next signing will be!

Whenever England enter any tournament, they are touted as one of the major threats and potential winners, but they always end up trophy-less.

What has been the reason for a country to not win any tournament, when they are considered to have by far the best league in the world? They also possess some of the best technically gifted and tricky players on the planet.

The reason that comes to mind is that England have been weak in an area which is considered to be the most important on the football pitch. This year, I thought England had a better chance with Ashley Young, Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson and Scott Parker; a midfield that any country would envy. So what contributed to England’s downfall?

England have tried various combinations in the midfield to try and win a major, or minor tournament for that matter. But England missed a trick by not picking Michael Carrick in the squad when he had by far had the best season. All teams across the globe want a midfielder who can hold on to the ball when required, and make tackles when necessary. England have attacking midfielders but always lack a midfield engine. A role that perfectly suits Carrick.

It is quite funny to see that the world’s best manager believes Carrick to have all the potentials to be his main man, and yet he is not considered good enough for England. Sir Alex has always trusted Michael Carrick to be his main midfielder, and has relied on him time and time again.

All this speaks volumes about a player who has managed to achieve so much success for his club, and is yet deemed as surplus to requirement for his country.

Over the years, he has been sacrificed for the likes of Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Gareth Barry and recently Scott Parker. But were these players better than Michael Carrick and did they justify their selection? Let’s see.

The only answer or excuse Hodgson had for not selecting Carrick was “I wouldn’t dream of putting Michael Carrick on a standby list after he’s made it clear in the past he doesn’t want to be involved like that.” “I’d have to be convinced he was better than the four [central midfielders] I’ve selected, and that he’d be happy to come out of retirement.” However, the FA did confirm exactly after this quote that Carrick had not retired, and is available for selection.

So why is he overlooked? The answer is, either England don’t want to win any tournament or the stats are wrong. But neither is true.

Perhaps he is not selected because he not as big a brand as the above mentioned players. Probably he should retire!

There is, however, a shade of uncertainty on whether Nani would be offered a renewed contract, in which case, he could be sold to a club that matches our asking price.

People have often criticized Nani for his inconsistency and his decision making but they also know that Nani is a player who can change any game for us with his pace trickery and shooting. The prime example is the last minute goal he scored against Manchester City.

At United, Nani was playing under the shadow of Cristiano Ronaldo and was not getting the right opportunity to showcase his talent and ability. Our game plan and strategy always revolved around Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani was often used as a substitute. But that changed when Ronaldo was sold to Real Madrid. Now Nani is one of the main men for United.

Although Nani is weak in defense and does not track back as much as probably Valencia, his attacking flair is second to none. Along with Berbatov, Nani is a player who understands and values his contract at Manchester United. His comments suggest that he too wants to stay at United and win more trophies.

Recently in an interview, when asked about his future, Nani said

I for one want him to be offered a new contract at Manchester United. Not because of his ability or talent but because of his attitude and his willingness to stay at Manchester United.

]]> http://www.sportskeeda.com/2012/07/09/nani-to-leave-or-not-to-leave/feed/ 19 19122114 http://www.sportskeeda.com/2012/07/08/moutinho-to-united-and-other-transfer-updates/ http://www.sportskeeda.com/2012/07/08/moutinho-to-united-and-other-transfer-updates/#comments Sun, 08 Jul 2012 16:14:37 +0000 Shahnawaz Attari http://www.sportskeeda.com/?p=449585 When the Euros started, it was very obvious that lot of players will be linked to United, especially those who will outperform others.

The latest of all is Porto playmaker and Portuguese midfielder Joao Moutinho.

Joao Moutinho was signed by Porto for fee supposed to be around £8.5million. The Porto playmaker is considered as one of the best midfielders in the world and he really lived up to the expectations during the Euro.

Several reporters have gone on to suggest that United have tabled a bid of £20 million and Porto may well, reluctantly though, agree to sell Moutinho as they are desperately in need of money.

But there are several other teams who want the services of the Porto Playmaker, one of them is Tottenham.

Rumors suggest that Luka Modric has agreed terms with Real Madrid and may well be a Madrid player before the transfer window ends.

Sir Alex Ferguson has long been an admirer of Modric and one thought that Modric may well end up in Manchester United’s Jersey come August, but with Spurs asking price around £40 million for the Croatian star, a move to Old Trafford became very unlikely.

Manchester United desperately need a midfield enforcer. Someone who can take the game by the scruff of the neck, someone who can dominate the game day in and day out.

Tom Cleverly has shown some signs but last season proved that he is a little injury prone and may not be able to last for the entire season.

United have signed Shinji Kagawa to strengthen the midfield however, how he suits United style and system is yet to be seen.

With AVB taking over the Harry Redknapp at Tottenham, United must act fast if they really want to sign Moutinho.

Whether United are really interested in him and have made any kind of offer is really to be seen. But Joao Moutinho is at the right age and has the right attitude to succeed at United.

Last season, when Paul Scholes retired, Ashley Young was handed over the number 18 which previously belonged to the Ginger Prince. Everyone, including me, thought that we may have seen the last of  Scholes but few months later the Prince returned. This time, he was handed the 22 number jersey which he had worn before.

As the new season arrived, I expected Scholsey to get the number he had for 15 years back but nothing like that happened.

Retiring a number

Retiring a number for the legends of club or country has been done by many others before. But I guess this practice is not followed at United.

In my opinion, numbers 11 and 18 should be retired just to serve as a token of appreciation for two legends: Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes. The lads who not only  were honest and loyal servants but also amazing ambassadors for club and country. However I doubt if that will happen. You can’t retire a number like 7 or 10 because it carries a Legacy but one can always create an exception for the less fancy numbers like 18.

In English football, the numbers aren’t retired that easily but there are examples where numbers have been retired: Baggio (10), Maldini (3), Moore (6), Baresi (6), Cryuff (14), Larson (17), Pele (10) etc. are the best examples of retiring a number as a token of appreciation by the club or country to the respective player.

Responsibility 

No matter how much I want those numbers to be retired, I believe that a number also brings along with it an added responsibility and it is that responsibility which makes a player perform.

After seeing the stats I too started believing that may the players too understand the weight and expectation they have on their shoulders. May be it is the number that changes an ordinary into an extraordinary. That is why I have convinced myself by believing that A Legendary Number is something that turns a boy into a man!

]]> http://www.sportskeeda.com/2012/07/08/the-myth-of-numbers/feed/ 0 081512 http://www.sportskeeda.com/2012/07/07/ji-sung-park-agrees-deal-with-qpr/ http://www.sportskeeda.com/2012/07/07/ji-sung-park-agrees-deal-with-qpr/#comments Sat, 07 Jul 2012 14:12:23 +0000 Shahnawaz Attari http://www.sportskeeda.com/?p=445568  

Ji Sung Park has agreed a deal to join Loftus Road on Permanent basis. QPR have agreed a deal with United to sign Park. The deal is reported to be around £2 – 5million.

This news does not come as a surprise to any Manchester United fan as Ji Sung Park was not getting used as often as he was in the previous sessions. He will become QPR’s latest acquisition.

Park becomes the second United player to arrive at Loftus Road in the space of a week, after Fabio joined them on loan.

Park who spent seven years at United, became a hugely popular figure because of his work rate, efforts and attitude. Park played over 200 games for Manchester United after joining from PSV Eindhoven and scored some very crucial goals.

But Park was perhaps one of the most undervalued and least appreciated players.

Ben Amos has joined Hull on a season-long loan. He is set to join them on their pre-season trip to Portugal.

Bruce, at first, wanted to sign Tomasz Kuszczak but he joined Brighton instead.

Amos signed a three-year deal in May at United, and showed some promise whenever he got an opportunity. He is set for his third loan period, and I hope this loan spell will do wonders for him as it did for Welbeck and Cleverly, as Amos will reportedly be their first choice.

However, the only concern here is over who exactly is going to be on the bench, as the goalkeeper, for the season’s opening games.

If Spain go all the way to the Olympics final, De Gea will not be available as he will be their goal keeper.

Who will Man United have as a sub goalkeeper if Lindegaard gets injured?

For ages Manchester United were blessed with the best Midfielders on the planet. The kind of players who could not only break the play but also score loads and loads of goals when required.

The midfielders would have costed millions of pounds in today’s inflated transfer market. The strength on the bench and the competition was such that it kept all the players on their toes. Because of this talent, work rate and performance, we depended heavily on our midfielders to win the game. The likes of Cantona, Giggs, Beckham, Scholes, Butt, Neville, Veron, Carrick made passing and game play look ridiculously easy. Sir Alex, for ages, designed our game play based on the midfield play.

Last season, Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick both put in extraordinary performances to produce a level of football in the centre of the park that reminded us of the United of past. However, with Scholes on the brink of retirement (considering he almost retired last season), and Carrick also beginning to slowly approach the end of his United career, the younger players have to take the responsibility and step up to the plate.

This season, all eyes will be on how we perform in the middle of the park and who takes the flag in his hands and marches forward towards another silverware.

We have the likes of Tom Cleverly, Anderson, Lingard & Cole to take the onus and show us what kind of talent they posses. They either need to show us what they are capable of or just get off the ship.

People may say that we have just signed Shinji Kagawa and HE may be the answer,

Well, let’s not build expectations as I don’t want a Veron situation again.