Video: The Goal That Ended United's Treble Bid

Manchester United fell at the one hurdle that they would have nightmares about falling at. They fell as their rivals, Manchester City rose to the occasion. United were missing their controversial talisman Wayne Rooney, and it showed. City were missing their injured striker Carlos Tevez, and very unusually, they seemed unaffected by his absence as they deployed their trouble making and arrogant. But it was Yaya Toure who got the all important goal to turn the tie in City's favour and drop United out of the FA Cup to end any hopes of a treble winning season.

VOTE: Who Is Your Player of the Year?

Much has been made of this years PFA Player of he Year short-list, with there being controversy, particularly among Manchester United fans over seeing certain players left out, in United's case, Luis Nani. Above is the official list, and to avoid naming every player who has had an above average season, there is an added selection in which you can choose a player who you believe has had a season worthy of praise.
Below, are the players profiles:

Nemanja Vidic


Vidic has been a massive part of Manchester United's title push this season, being a solid, imposing and aggressive figure in the back four. A reliable defender who is never afraid to put his body on the line for his team has won countless contests with strikers this season, helping his veteran goalkeeper Edwin van der sar to keep 12 clean sheets in the league as well as being a threat from set pieces, scoring four goals in an outstanding season for the Serbian.

He has coped exceedingly well in the absence of his partner Rio Ferdinand, which was helped by the introduction of an impressive Chris Smalling. Vidic was given the captain's armband at the start of the season and has shown throughout that it was no mistake. A born leader, a brave defender, and a real contender for the Player of the Year.

Carlos Tevez


Just as Vidic is vital to United's defence and team as a whole, Carlos Tevez is also a crucial figure at City with his all round team displays. He never stops running, and plays with an admirable passion to win that is somewhat questioned by his off-field behaviour towards his contract. He has however recovered from certain differences he had with staff at Manchester City and continues to be a threat up front, and has his attentions turned to overtaking Dimitar Berbatov as the Leagues leading scorer.

19 goals and 6 assists in 27 league games emphasize the importance the Argentine has at City, who often struggle for goals and general creativity without him.Despite his troubles with the club in December, and his written transfer request, he remains a player who torments the best defenders, leads from the front and another strong contender for the award.

Charlie Adam

The Blackpool midfielder was the catalyst in helping his side to promotion to the Premier League and has this season been the very same thing in the clubs attempts to stay there. He has had a fantastic season, with his passing range and set piece ability worthy of praise alone. Indeed, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said of his corners: "his corner kicks are worth £10m". His inspired performances for Blackpool attracted interest from Liverpool, but petty offers were rejected by Ian Holloway, who claimed Adam to be worth well over the £4 million offered. 


9 goals in the League from midfield and 5 assists are impressive for a promoted player, but do not tell the whole story of his contribution to his side. However, he has been criticized for too many "Hollywood" passes in games, often giving the ball away in dangerous areas when a simple pass is on but this only highlights the 25 year-old's ambition and confidence in his ability, which he does have in abundance.

Gareth Bale


The Tottenham left midfielder has been raiding the left flank all season, and as a result has been subject to a few injuries which have, unfortunately for Tottenham halted his outstanding progress from the beginning of the season. He played the biggest part in beating Inter Milan in the Champions League, as he tore one of the supposed best right backs in the world to shreds with his blistering pace. His Premier League partnership with the strikers of Tottenham has also worked a treat with his crossing ability helping to score important goals for Spurs as balls are headed down by Crouch to the awaiting Dutchman and fellow nominee Rafael van der Vaart.

He has been excellent going forward on the flanks, but also has the goalscoring touch, with 7 goals and an assist to his name. Certainly a dangerous player who has come into the spotlight this season and is rated by his optimistic manager as worth the same as Crisitano Ronaldo.

Scott Parker


Scott Parker is a player whose passion, commitment, and desire to do whatever it takes to win ooze from him on the pitch. It is a phrase that is used a lot, but he really has almost single handedly kept West Ham in the fight for Premier League survival. He is just outstanding. There is no flashy business about him, or hogging of the limelight, like United's Paul Scholes, he gets on with his business because he loves to do it and because he is great at it.

His team mates confirm he is inspirational in the dressing room, and everyone who watches him play can confirm he is inspirational on the pitch. 5 goals and 2 assists are good for him, but is not what he is about. He is my favourite.

Samir Nasri


Arsenal are still fighting for the Premier League crown, and it is thanks in no small part to Samir Nasri, whose contribution to the title chase has been very much worth of praise. He is capable of pretty much anything in attack, and is a formidable attacking option for Arsenal, with his unpredictability being key to his quality and scaring defenders. It is a joy to watch him weave effortlessly in and around players as if the ball is stuck to his feet, and there is no doubt his performances this season are worthy of recognition.

His Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger described the 23 year-old French play maker as "young, quick and technically outstanding player", and I'm not sure anyone can disagree. His passing and movement are outstanding, links up perfectly with his fellow mid fielders and has scored 9 goals this season in the league.


Rafael van der Vaart


The former Real Madrid midfielder made a blistering start to his Tottenham career with goals here there and everywhere. His buy proved an absolute bargain on Harry Redknapp's behalf, signing the player just before the deadline for a knock-down fee of £8 million. His passing ability has proven to be fantastic throughout the season, and like Nasri, is capable of creating something out of nothing with shots coming from his powerful left foot either just missing the target or bulging the back of the net.


An injury in December halted his progress really, and his form from the start of the season has not really been shown since, but the 28 year0old Dutchman remains a threat at Tottenham, with his tally for the season an impressive 10 goals and 6 assists. 

Chicharito on The "Monster" Rooney & Tevez Comparison

Javier Hernandez is living the dream. Playing regularly for Manchester United, scoring vital goals, getting on with your business and playing with some great players. Yet from all of his quotes and interviews, he seems so down to earth and grounded. The 22 year-old Mexican has been in sensational form in his first season in England, scoring a brilliant total of 16 goals so far and starting a very promising partnership with Wayne Rooney - pushing the Leagues top scorer, Dimitar Berbatov on the bench in the process.

'Chicharito', as he is known, spoke of Wayne Rooney, comparisons to the former United striker and current City player Carlos Tevez, and what his secret to success on the field is:

"Playing with Wayne is a dream. He's a monster to be alongside and I never believed I would get so many games and goals during my first season at United."

“'The Little Tevez'? I'm really proud that people are comparing me to him but I am Chicharito and am living my dreams at the moment.” 

 “I am very happy because I know there is much more to come. My secret is to study opposition defenders and work out their weak points."

 "I try to outwit them with my speed and anticipation in the area. So my goals are not down to luck."

Hernandez was bought by Sir Alex Ferguson for £6 million this summer and is probably the buy of the season. When you consider Chelsea's splurge of money on Torres and Manchester City's £30 buy of Edin Dzeko, Chicharito looks such a great buy for the club.

His impressive performances in last years World Cup saw him score a few vital goals including one against France and one against Argentina, and the former Guadalajara player believes that the physical aspect of the game in better in England:

“Perhaps the better physical preparation here in England is the key to my performances. This aspect of the game is better than in South America and I have profited.” 

Now Hernandez will be hoping United can push on after the international break and go on to cement their place at the top of the Premier League, and progress against City and Chelsea in the FA Cup and Champions League respectively.

Man United v Man City: Preview

Manchester United's unbeaten record may lay in tatters after the shock loss to Wolves last week, but they still have their unbeaten home record to cling hold of, not to mention being in pole position to win the Premier League title for a 19th time. They will host their fierce rivals Manchester City - a rivalry that has been burning ever more ferociously since the mass money injection that City have enjoyed, and their climb up the league table. United now recognise City as a threat. They don't like it.

A win for United will see them jump seven points clear at the top - a feat they could have achieved last week if it wasn't for Wolves, and if a win is achieved, it will strike another dent on City's hopes of winning their first League title in 43 years.

It has to be said, the omens look good for the men in red. City have won just one of their last 26 league visits to Old Trafford and have failed to score in four of their last five league encounters with their rivals. Consider then that United have the best home record by quite a distance this season, and the mountain that City have to climb is a daunting one.

City do have some of the statistics on their side however. As they travel to Old Trafford, they can remember that their away record is the second best in the League, having taken 22 points on the road behind Arsenals 25.

It must be emphasised though, that form counts for nothing in derby's. And in any case, whatever the form guide tells us about United this season, it can't hide the fact that the performances haven't been the strongest in some very lucky results.

Dimitar Berbatov, the Premier League top scorer is up against Carlos Tevez - a former United team mate, and current second in the top scorer list with 18 behind the Bulgarians 19. Both players will have their chances to build on those impressive tallies, and whats more, both could make themselves local heroes in what could be the game of the week-end.

Sir Alex Ferguson could be without Javier Hernandez due to fatigue after the Mexican had to travel across the world and back for his countries friendly against Bosnia in the week. The United manager will be without Ferdinand and Evans who have a calf and ankle problem respectively, so the youn Chris Smalling will partner Nemanja Vidic in the centre of defence.

City will definatley be without England starlets Adam Johnson and Micah Richards, while Mario Balotelli is doubtful with a problematic knee injury and Nigel De Jong is struggling with ankle trouble.


Football fans will be hoping that the drab 0 - 0 draw which was witnessed between these two sides earlier in the season will not be repeated, but perhaps the Man City manager Roberto Mancini might accept that result now.
There will be top quality on show on Saturday, and anything could happen. Both sides should be eager to win, and as long as they are not too cautious as was previously witnessed, it could be an entertaining and enjoyable match of football. Much depends on whether the impressively good United or the poor United show up.

Watch: Manchester United 2 - 0 Sunderland

Manchester United stayed at the top of the Premier League table after doing just what they needed to to beat Steve Bruce's Sunderland side at Old Trafford.

A Berbatov brace takes his goal tally this season to a very healthy 13, with Carlos Tevez of rivals City just a goal behind after a double of his own in City's 3 - 1 win against Newcastle which took them second.

Tevez Withdraws his Transfer Request

The latest twist in the Tevez transfer tale is that the former Manchester United striker has withdrawn his request to leave City. A Manchester City statement read:

"Carlos expressed his absolute commitment to the Club and formally withdrew his transfer request. Carlos’ contract remains unchanged and both Carlos and the Football Club are keen to focus on the opportunities that lie ahead."   

So what has changed the Argentinians mind? Probably nothing at all. Earlier in the month he was absolutely certain he wanted to leave the club because he had fallen out with certain members of the club, and that there was no way he would re think his decision - thus handing in a transfer request. Clubs like Real Madrid and Chelsea were reportedly ready to swoop for the uncommitted player who was also apparently thinking of retirement.

Now, just before tonight's game against Everton - at Manchester City's ground, he withdraws his transfer request and praised by his manager:

 "Carlos is a world class player whose contribution since he joined the club has been invaluable"

He may have changed his mind because he knows that if City want to keep him at the club, they will. They are under no pressure to sell as they don't need the money, and they certainly won't want to sell to a title rival in England. Or is it simply an attempt to avoid a frosty reception from the home crowd tonight aimed at the disloyal former captain? Rooney didn't totally avoid a controversial reception after his contract ordeal at Manchester United and there will be certain members of tonight's crowd that take a disliking to the Tevez situation.

Can Carlos Tevez Learn From The History Of Player Power?

With all this talk about Carlos Tevez and his Rambo-like one man war against the powers that be at Manchester City, I thought it would be good idea to look back at past player v club disputes to see if the past can give us an idea of what the outcome of Mr Tevez's war will be.

William Gallas - Chelsea

We all know that William Gallas is a volatile character at the best of times, but his behaviour before leaving Chelsea was shocking even for his standards.

Gallas' contract was due to expire at the end of the season and when Chelsea offered him an extension it wasn't to the defenders liking. Following this he started working on finding his way out of Chelsea as quickly as possible.

He failed to turn up for pre-season training which Chelsea were holding in Los Angeles during a tour of the United States. This was after a transfer request he handed to the club was rejected as he was seen as too important to the club. His manager at the time Jose Mourinho responded to his behaviour by saying "It's not only me that is upset - we're all upset," said Mourinho. "Everybody is upset because we had a strong family and a strong group and this has shown a lack of respect to everybody and I don't like that." So he  alienated his teammates and managers which made his position untenable at the club and made a move away from the club a real possibility.

Following Gallas' move to Arsenal stories were emanating from Stamford Bridge that Gallas threatened to score own goals if he was in the starting line up for Chelsea's match against Manchester City for the first game of the 2006-2007 season. Gallas went on to deny he made these comments but I'm a believer that there's no smoke without fire...

In the end Chelsea did benefit from selling a player they were so hell bent on keeping. They brought in Ashley Cole as part of the deal for selling Gallas. Gallas has gone on to win nothing since he left Chelsea.

Pierre Van Hooijdonk - Nottingham Forest

He joined Nottingham Forest in 1997 when they were in relegation trouble and he was deemed by many as their saviour from relegation. The plan didn't work and they went down...

Van Hooijdonk promised he would stay at the club and help them back the Premier League. He did this by scoring 34 goals and forming a formidable partnership with Kevin Campbell (remember him?).

After promotion is where it started going wrong for PVH at Forest. The club sold strike partner Campbell, Club Captain Colin Cooper and refused to play key midfielder Scott Gemmil after he refused to sign a new contract. Enough was enough, PVH felt the club had gone back on promises made to him about allowing him to leave the club after promotion or about making new signings to help the club stay up (those are the two main reasons given), he decided to go on strike.

This was a time when clubs generally had power over their players unlike the current climate where player power reigns supreme. He missed the first 11 games of the season during which he refused to play and spent most of his time in Holland. The Club didn't give in to his demands and refused to sell him during the season, PVH did in the end give up and played a few games for Forest, but this didn't help much...

Nottingham Forest ended up relegated and PVH managed to jump ship and moved to Dutch outfit Vitesse Arnhem. But this curious tale didn't end there PVH did return to the club... To sue it for unpaid bonuses, the clubs response to this was to release a statement saying, "The club intends a counter-claim based on the damage the player inflicted on his own transfer value by taking strike action and his inability to perform during his final season at the City Ground." This case ended up in an out of court settlement for PVH...

In the end Forest did manage to keep the player even after he went on strike. But the question is was it worth it? If they had sold him at the time of his strike he would've brought in a handsome fee because they didn't he left for a cut price and came back to haunt the club in the courts.

Nicolas Anelka - Arsenal

This is the man who became know as "Le Sulk" after his and his agent (who is also his brother) antics in order to engineer a move to Real Madrid.

It all started in May 1999, the President of French Club Olympique de Marseille complained publicly that Anelka was continuously calling his club asking for them to sign him. Seven days later Anelka's agents were in talks with Real Madrid's...

With his brothers touting him across Europe to clubs which included Juventus, Lazio and Real Madrid. Arsenal tried to retain his services but only to hear Anelka come our publicly and say "My priority is to join Real Madrid but if that does not work out why not Lazio? I prefer that than to return to Arsenal," Just in case anyone is still wondering, He wanted to leave...Just in case the Arsenal Board missed this he went on to accuse the of making an illegal approach from him while he was at Paris St Germain.

Following this to ensure he is allowed to move Anelka threatens to strike, releasing a statement through his agent saying "Arsenal must hurry if they want to conclude a deal - if not Nicolas will stay a year without playing. That's no problem," This isn't exactly the most civil way of handing in a transfer request.

In the end Anelka and his agents managed to arrange a transfer to Real Madrid which cost the Spanish giants 23.5 million pounds and Anelka a decent career as he went on to move between numerous clubs around Europe.

Goran Pandev & Cristian Ledesma - Lazio

Well this is a strange one, these two players were key players at Lazio at the time. Problems arose when both players were running down. With Pandev the problem was that he declared he wanted to leave the club and with Ledesma it was over the financial aspects of a new contract. Both refused to refused to sign new contracts.

Both players were frozen out of the first team by the clubs owner Claudio Lotito. He branded both of them rebels and refused to sell either, he even rejected a €13,000,000 bid for Pandev from Zenit St Petersburg. Now what the difference between the two players was, was the difference in their responses to the situation.

Pandev who was attracting interest from various European clubs stuck to his guns and went to the footballing courts in Italy. He felt that he was unfairly treated and that Lazio had breached the contract he has signed with them. He also went further and requested that Lazio terminate his contract. In the end the courts ruled in Pandev's favour and ordered Lazio to release him and on top of that pay him €170,000 for emotional distress. After this he went on to join rivals Inter Milan and win the European Cup the following season.

With Ledesma it was a different story, he had a successful first season at Lazio but no-one really showed much interest in him leaving him with no way out. Once this was obvious he back tracked on his refusal to sign a new contract, which was rejected by Lotito who withdrew the contract offer he had originally put forward. When his case went to court, the club said that due to his willingness to accept a new contract Ledesma was making himself available for first team duties but the coach didn't pick him for "tactical reasons".

In the end Ledesma was put in position where he had to sign a new contract and Pandev was allowed to leave the club. I feel this example at Lazio shows that player power without direction can be controlled.

Conclusion

Well after those examples I hope that Carlitos sees that throwing the toys out of the pram works in the short term but it isn't always the best thing to do. I mean so far the hierarchy have been understanding with regards to his homesickness by giving him leave so he can see his children in Argentina. But if it comes down to it with the wealth City have at their disposal, it would be a drop in the ocean to allow him to rot in the reserves until his contract expires (a bit like the Lazio incident). But I feel that in the end this might just be a bit of Rooney-like posturing for a new contract. If this isn't the case I feel Tevez may have bitten of more than he can chew.

Carlos Tevez Hands Man City Transfer Request

Tevez has proved over his footballing career that he isn't exactly the most loyal of players. He left struggling West Ham for success at Manchester United. He became a fan favourite at Old Trafford, and seemed to have a good connection with the club. Alas, he moved to arc rivals Manchester City - rubbing salt in the Red Devils wounds. He is now a key player for City, as well as a good tool for City fan to tease their local rivals with. However, he has now handed in a transfer request to Manchester City - a move which will rock the club and it's fans as they prepare to say a bitter goodbye to their key, influential and best player.

As the club captain, you would expect him to be the perfect example of a mature, calming - and good influence in general to his surrounding players. A good influence is what he is (or can be) as his skill, movement, finishing, work rate and desire highlights to his colleagues what it means to win. But he showed a complete lack of respect last week when his manager, Roberto Mancini substituted him. Shaking his head, clearly muttering disapprovingly under his breath, walking off in anger and contempt.

His manager tried to explain his decision - something a manager shouldn't have to do, as their decision are final - they are in charge. But as I wrote on the 24th July on this blog, Mancini has, and is having a tough time managing all of these big, overpaid egos at City. Balotelli emphasised this today as he received a yellow card for dissent before storming past Mancini, shaking his head when he was substituted.

You might say that the substitution incidents simply show a players passion for wanting to play, but they are effectively ridiculing and showing total disrespect for the manager and managerial staff by throwing tantrums in front of their colleagues and fans. What kind of example does this set? Not a good one.

The fact is, Tevez has put Manchester City in an uncomfortable position with this transfer request. He is not only the captain of the cub, but he is also their best players and City have often been criticized for their over-reliance on the Argentinian.

City can paint over the cracks with all of their money to spend on a new striker, but the example that Tevez has set with his rebellious behaviour - already being repeated by Balotelli this week, is something that can only weaken the team spirit and have a detrimental effect on the team. They have gone second in the League due to their win against West Ham without him, but is the absence of Tevez something that they will have to get used to quite soon?

Man City's Shay Given and Adam Johnson Want Out

Money doesn't buy happiness apparently - even if you are a footballer. It has emerged that both Shay Given and Adam Johnson of Manchester City are becoming more and more frustrated by the lack of starts that they are handed, and have both threatened to leave the club if the situation doesn't change.

Johnson moved to Manchester City from Middlesbrough on 1 February 2010, and has since announced himself as one of the biggest English attacking forces from his position in the country. He was called up to the England first team and scored 2 goals against Bulgaria and Switzerland. Yet these achievements have not nailed him down a first team spot at Eastlands.

When asked if he would leave City in search of first team football, the 23 year old had this to say:

"Every footballer has to think about it when the time comes. It is still early but I definitely would consider it."

The City number 11 also described how bitterly disappointed he was to be left out against club rivals Manchester United:

"It is disappointing when you are not playing from the start in games like that. I was itching to get on. I was dying to play from the start not just come on. The manager has to make decisions but I was gutted to be left out."

Mancini is starting to choose Milner and David Silva ahead of Johnson in a 5-man midfield which supports the lone striker - usually Carlos Tevez. Many think that the young man deserves first team football as he has proved his brilliant technical ability as well as the great ability to create goals from nothing. His pace can also tear defences apart. However, Roberto Mancini is a far more defensive man than many City fans would like, and prefers to play with less emphasis on the attack, and more on defence. His 3 man defensive midfield of Barry, De Jong and Yaya Toure highlights this.

 

Shay Given knows how the left winger feels too, as the Irish goalkeeper said:

"My own personal situation isn't ideal as everyone knows and I have spoken about it in the past, so we will see what happens over the next couple of months in that respect."

"I want to be playing football and I have always said that, so hopefully something will happen in the New Year."

Arsenal may still be looking for a reliable goalkeeper and could make a move in January, despite the current good form of Lukas Fabianski, and Manchester United are still looking for an Edwin van der sar replacement, so his options are far from limited.

The rise of England number 1 Joe Hart has caused Given to feel isolated, and unable to get a fair run in the team, and having played over 350 games for Newcastle over a 12 year spell, he is not used to it.

Mancini needs to sit down with players such as Johnson and Given and make them feel wanted by the club. It is his job to do so, as it is these hard working, willing players that a team overcrowded with ludicrously over-paid players happy to take their pay cheques and sit on the bench, need.

Disappointing Derby Day - City 0 - 0 United

After all of the build up, all of the talk, and all of the excitement churning in Manchester for the Manchester derby, it turned out to be the only goal-less game in the Premier League of the day.

"Tevez can win it on his own!" roared Joe Hart, "All talk!" cried Evra, "Chelsea will win the title!" screamed Roberto Mancini. If the build up was anything to go by, this game should have been one to remember, but unfortunately, it was the opposite to that.

The match fell victim of all of the hype. Much was expected of the clash of the Manchester clubs in what was expected to be a ferocious, controversy filled night - the closest we got to that was Rafael squaring up to Carlos Tevez - entertaining for a minute, but it is good football and goals we wanted to see.

Overall, United had the most possession of the ball, 53.4% to be precise, but could do very little with it. Likewise with City, when they had the ball, the United defence were too compact, and City players were not committed forward enough to mount to any real attacking threat.

Both teams had good periods where they pressurised the opposing defence, and kept the ball for long periods, but the stats don't lie, and with United having only 3 shots on target, while City had 2, you really didn't miss much if you did happen to skip the game.

United remain unbeaten this season, but manager Sir Alex Ferguson was disappointed with the draw

"City are very difficult to beat on their own ground and obviously they set their stall out," he told Sky Sports.

"I think there was too much tension for it to be kind of match people thought it would be. They set their stall out in the second half and made it very difficult for us.

"It's a decent result but we don't count draws away from home as the target before the game. Our target is to win the game and I think we had enough possession to do that

"Some of our football was good, we were good on the ball but we needed to create openings to win the match and we only really made two which was difficult."

Roberto Mancini on the other had was just happy his team improved on last seasons result.

"I think it was a difficult game for both teams. I think the result is correct but we improved from last year because we didn't concede a goal in the last minute.

"I wanted to win this game but sometimes it is better to draw than lose. We played the game to win, though."

Manchester United and Manchester City fans' heart rate would have been ever so slightly higher watching this game, but it was nothing compared to the 4 - 3 classic at Old Trafford last season, and the tense 0 - 1 win at City last year too. However for the neutral viewer, well, it wasn't great.

Manchester City Striker wants to leave in January

Frustrated Figure: Santa Cruz

Competition for first team places are tough to come by nowadays at Manchester City, as Roberto Mancini, backed by the billionaire owners, has always got his sights on new, top quality players to add to the already talented team.

This competition however, is proving too tough for Roque Santa Cruz, as he told a radio station that his intention is to leave Manchester City in January because of the lack of first team opportunities.
The South American striker said:

"Unfortunately I'm not playing as I'd like. The club has invested heavily, competition for places is great and I'm working every day to try and convince the coach ... but I'm still not getting picked. The situation is very complicated, I wanted to think well of it, but I'm not getting the playing time to convince anybody and my priority is to leave in the January transfer market.

"The coach has opted for certain players and on top of that his system plays with just the one striker, so I have even fewer options.

"I'm 29 years old and still hope to fulfill my dream of playing in Spain. It is the dream of most South American players, so let's see, hopefully it will happen. I wanted to play again because I'm not getting playing time here. My intention is to leave City in the January transfer window and I hope that it could be for the Spanish League."

Since joining the club in 2009 for a fee of around £17.5 million from Blackburn, the former Bayern Munich star hasn't really been able to hold on to a first team place, and his form has suffered, thanks in no small part to injuries.

At 29 years of age he won't fetch much money in the transfer window. His lack of form has reduced the asking price considerably, and it doesn't seem likely that City will make a profit from him.
With billions of pounds to spend on a new replacement, and with strikers like Tevez, Adebayor, Balotelli and Jo still at the club, it also doesn't seem likely that the Eastlands club will miss him.

Carlos Tevez New Style

Tevez Training [Click To Enlarge]

After becoming so used to seeing Carlos Tevez with his caveman like hair, it came as a bit of a shock that he has had his trademark hair and hairband banished for a new style. 

Maybe he feels it will be good luck for him and a fresh start, or maybe he was just copying Robero Mancini as his manager also had a trim at the start of the season. But to be fair it doesn't look bad on the City captain.

                                          

Premier League Transfer News

It's the start of August, and clubs have less than a month to haul their cheque book out of their designer suit pockets and splash the cash on the players that they believe will improve their squad and help them to win back some of the millions they spent and win some trophies along the way. It is also a time for newspapers to spew out ridiculous rumours which get every fans hopes up, only for us to be let down. So lets spoil ourselves and have an engaging but cautious look at the rumours that are circulating today.

Guiseppe Rossi is involved in an interesting rumour today. Apparently, Rossi could be on his way out of Villarreal, with a few clubs interested. However, those few clubs could be irrelevant because the player has a clause in his contract which allows Manchester United, his former club to have first choice as to whether they want to sign him or not. The price that United will be quoted however is £12 million. If United offer this, it would be even more perplexing than the players first name, as Ozil is also going for £12 million, and I would rather Ozil than Rossi.

Next, and former Arsenal midfielder, Mathieu Flamini, a man with an equally confusing first name, is interesting Premier League new boys Newcastle and the team still asking for a ridiculous £30 million for James Milner, Aston Villa. The Frenchman is currently playing for AC Milan, but after only starting 14 times last season, and often in defence, he feels unwanted, unloved, and wants to play more, so he sees a return to England as the perfect place to restore his career.

Arsenal are still trying to find some more defenders so they can play a 7-2-1 formation to protect Manuel Almunias goal. Oh, whats that? A new goalkeeper? Yes, Arsenal are interested in bringing German pair, Derdar Tasci (centre back) and Rene Adler (goalkeeper) to London to beef up their defence which is in dire need of beefing up as William Gallas and Sol Campbell have left - taking a lot of the beef with them. Many believe that Arsenals problem is that their defence is so poor, their goalkeepers make way to many mistakes, and those reasons are why Arsenal have had a poor trophy drought. So a new goalkeeper who isn't prone to mistakes and a solid defender added to the mix will do Arsenals title challenge the world of good.

Aiden McGeady seems sure to leave Celtic this summer, and Aston Villa could be his destination. The flying winger could be the perfect replacement for James "£30Million" Milner as Manchester City continue to struggle to prise Martin O'Neills firm grasping hand off of the amazingly overrated Milner. There is no doubt that if City finally do cough up the money for Milner, then Villa will have money to spend, and £10-12 million may be enough to see McGeady say goodbye to Scotland.

As Manchester City try and sell a few player, Olympiacos, Marseille and Fenerbache are the three clubs trying to buy Roque Santa Cruz, with no other reason than... he used to be quite good. Might as well throw in a completley stupid Manchester City rumor as well, but this time City aren't buying. I have no idea where this came from, but apparently Tevez is "depressed" in Manchester and Jose Mourinho wants to comfort him by offering him the chance to re-join Ronaldo at Real Madrid. Thats sure to cheer him up.

City's Brats Will be Hard to Control

Last season, an overwhelming amount of lies swept through the blue side of Manchester as City's new signings tried to fool us that they had joined Manchester City for it's bright and successful future and that alone. They tried very hard to persuade us that money had very little to do with their decision to join a club that had recently been taken over by Arab billionaires. These lies are set to continue, as Yaya Toure racked his brains for excuses and reasons why he should choose Manchester City over Barcelona and Manchester United.

I think we can all answer that question for you Yaya. £200k a week sounds pretty good. The simple fact is, Yaya Toure chose the desire for more money over the desire for guaranteed success with either Barcelona or Manchester United. He turned down Champions League football for money (and the Europa League of course!). He explained that:

"Manchester United is a big club, one of the biggest in the world, but I chose Manchester City because they had not won anything."

Read that again.

But to be fair, he goes on to say that it is a good feeling to go to a club that hasn't won anything and then see everything change for the better around you. I imagine it would probably feel even better if you were getting paid almost a quarter of a million pounds every week!

With all this money being paid to players at City, Roberto Mancini will have a tough job keeping all of their ego's in check. If things start going badly for the team and if a few players don't support the manager I can see a repeat of the the French horror at the World Cup. Players going on strike against the manager and refusing to follow the managers tactics. There was even a small hint of it last season when Carlos Tevez publicly stated that he didn't like the way Mancini had the team train. Don't be suprised if the City brats do something similar this season.