In the build-up to Manchester United’s match against Swansea City last month, Sir Alex Ferguson said he had never heard of the Swans’ free-scoring Spaniard before he signed for them. But was that a rare admittance of scouting oversight or a cannily-timed fibbed? Michu was, after all, the top-scoring midfielder in La Liga last season. … Continue reading
Tag Archives: Sir Alex Ferguson
Gone Bébé Gone
Bébé, the player at the centre of Manchester United’s most baffling transfer, has left the club on loan for a second time. United have announced that the 22-year-old forward will spend the rest of the season at Portuguese club Rio Ave, a move that suggests his future is very much away from Old Trafford. Were … Continue reading
Why Roman Abramovich really sacks all those managers…
Suddenly it all makes sense. Roman Abramovich, the man with the itchy trigger finger and apparent inability to smile, is actually a football genius. His financial smarts have never been in question; at least not to a layman like me who sees £8.4billion as a reasonable retirement fund, regardless of the business behind it. But … Continue reading
The Importance of Being Vidić
Stories coming out of Old Trafford last weekend suggested Manchester United captain and defensive linchpin Nemanja Vidić would be back just in time for today’s derby match against neighbours and closest challengers Manchester City. But in Tuesday’s Champions League press conference, Sir Alex Ferguson dampened the fans’ hope that the ever-widening hole in their defence … Continue reading
A different kind of Fergie Time
It was inevitable that Darren Ferguson’s managerial career would be played out in the shadow of his father. After all, Sir Alex Ferguson is arguably the greatest manager in the history of the game. The moment he took over at Peterborough United, you can imagine the wondering and the hope. Was managerial ability innate? Was … Continue reading
Paul Pogba – Manchester United’s missing link
Four wins from Manchester United’s first four Champions League games meant a rest for some and a chance for others this week. After their early exit from the League Cup, United’s kids must have thought they’d be spending the rest of the season in the reserves or on loan. But with a last-16 place secured, … Continue reading
The Third Man – Ferguson’s natural successor
Apparently, at least so they say, there was a time when Sir Alex Ferguson wasn’t the manager of Manchester United. I’m not sure I believe it. Because while other clubs swap managers like I once swapped football stickers, Ferguson builds team after team and wins trophy after trophy. He sees off challenges from invincibles and … Continue reading
“I’ll have what they’re having” – Why Manchester United should keep a closer eye on Tottenham
Moussa Dembele’s transfer to Spurs confirms what I’ve thought for a while: Tottenham keep signing players perfect for Manchester United. By my count it’s four now. The latest being Dembele and before that, Kyle Walker, Gareth Bale and Luka Modric (before he left for Madrid). I’m not saying there aren’t better players in the league. … Continue reading
Eleven 11 