Is £25 million Young the Best Man for United?

As a child, Ashley Young was a devoted Arsenal fan. That isn't the best introduction considering United's fierce rivalry with the Gunners, but don't worry, "They're just another team" now according to the 25 year old who has been recently linked to a big money move away from Aston Villa to clubs including Manchester United and Liverpool. 

Since joining Aston Villa in 2007, he has always been an attacking threat that is a nuisance for defenders to deal with. In his second season at Villa, Young managed 17 assists and nine goals, as well as every wingers' ambition - to leave the defenders dizzy. However, despite winning Player of the month twice in 2008, many performances have been shaky and ineffective. His pace and dribbling abilities are obviously his strong points, but his strength and sometimes effort have let him down. 

His recent performances for England have propelled him to a higher level however, and his impressive two games against Wales and Ghana have certainly changed my mind about him. In both international games he looked very bright, and one of England's main threats as he thrived in the 4-3-3 formation - being given a more free and roaming role against Ghana in the absence of Rooney.

His club may not be having the best time this season; currently wavering in the midst of a relegation battle which, considering the players they have, is hard to believe, but he has impressed. 8 goals, 8 assists and attempting a total of 64 shots is ambitious and not bad going, and he has the spark to be a great winger.

But is he good enough, do they need him and will he fit into the Manchester United side?

First of all, at that price, it's a no go. A £25 million transfer fee and apparently, £100,000 a week wages is way too much for a player who rarely shines against top opposition. Yes, he can perform well against sides with poor defences - four goals against Blackburn and one each against Bolton and Wigan this season. He did score 1 each against against United and Chelsea, but from the penalty spot. Whether he has turned a corner whilst in an England shirt remains to be seen, but when United play in Europe, all of the players have to perform to progress.

I don't think Nani will leave this summer, but if he does - which has been rumoured, Young wouldn't be a bad replacement. He hasn't had as good a season as Nani - who has been exceptional, but under Ferguson, he may be able to improve to United's level. Ryan Giggs has extended his contract at United for another year, but if Young were to arrive before the Welshman's departure, he could only benefit from a man who ruled the wings for about 20 years. 

Pace, dribbling ability and superb crossing were exactly what Giggs possessed in his early to late twenties, but as Young is used more of a central threat and further up the pitch, he may become a better player. Even if Sir Alex has been given £100 million, the price is still a stumbling block as well as the proposed wages. The money, I believe should be used for a Paul Scholes replacement primarily, and then after that, perhaps a winger. A player like Wesley Sneijder should be priority.   

A Passionate Rivalry Fuelled by Desire to Win

Ryan Giggs once said that the fixture between Liverpool and Manchester United is "probably the most famous fixture in English football". The veteran United player was speaking from experience - vast experience, and if anyone between the two sides still playing knows how deeply intense and important a game between the two sides is, it is Giggs. He has won 11 Premier League medals during his 21 years at Old Trafford, and under Sir Alex Ferguson, has equalled Liverpool's record for League titles.

18 titles each, and the end of the season is on the horizon. Neither side have relived their glory days this season, and, in Liverpool's case, have seen their quality dive to an unexpected and very unwelcome low under Roy Hodgson. Replaced by Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish, and their form picked up, but such was their deficit of the leaders, that they now have no chance of catching either United or Arsenal at the top of the table and preventing their North West rivals from taking that 19th title.

The record means "so much" according to Rooney. The young United striker may not have as deeply rooted loyalty to United than Ryan Giggs has possessed over the passed two decades, but his past with Everton has fuelled his contempt for the Reds. He said yesterday that winning the 19th title for United would mean not only so much to United fans, but Everton fans too, who love to see their rivals suffer. 

"I grew up an Everton fan so to be part of the team to overtake Liverpool's record would be brilliant. It would mean so much to us players as well as the fans.

"It is something I have been thinking about a lot. I know all the Everton fans want us to do it and hopefully we can. You look forward to every game at this stage and you've got to enjoy it, especially when you are in the running for a few trophies. It is exciting for the fans and it's exciting for the players knowing that you are just a few weeks away from possibly winning a major trophy or two."

Liverpool's modern team have, as it is well known, failed to win a Premier League title, and in the meantime, United have succeeded at the pinnacle of the League table time after time, even winning the title three times in a row from 06/07 to 08/09. Liverpool have only been able to watch United succeed with gritted teeth - only coming close in the 08/09 season when they achieved their highest points total of 86 which was still not enough to overcome United. 

Players feel this rivalry, as Rooney showed in the quote above. Gary Neville, recently retired from United had a stunning passion for beating Liverpool, and as a result became a massive hate figure for Liverpool fans. This kind of fiery, hot-blooded conflict between players and opposing fans create that fantastic atmosphere in games. Much like Roy Keane's hatred for both Arsenal, and losing moulded the way in which the United - Arsenal games were played.

Steven Gerrard too, a talismanic figure for Liverpool who has often carried the team when many of the team dragged their heels with laziness is involved in this fight of the North West. The captain of Liverpool inspires his side at times admirably, but his main ambition to win a Premier League title has so far failed, and as he gets older, this achievement looks more and more unlikely. Gerrards banning of any Manchester United shirts in his house really sums up this burning rivalry.

Just as it means "so much" to Wayne Rooney and indeed I am sure, Ryan Giggs, it means a great deal to fans of both sides who live to see their respective teams succeed, and defeating their rivalry along the way. Whether there ferocious tackles, dubious decisions, last gasp goals or referee criticism, this is a rivalry that will continue with the same burning passion and interest for a long time. 

Manchester United Winger Not Leaving

Rumours that a transfer request had been handed in to Manchester United by their French winger Gabriel Obertan were rubbished by his agent today, who insisted that Obertan is happy at Manchester United and no transfer request had been handed in at any time.

Obertan, who was brought in by Sir Alex Ferguson in July 2009 - a £3 million buy from French club Bordeaux, was rumoured to have come to the conclusion that he is not good enough to make the grade at Old Trafford. He has not had a lot of pitch time in his short stay at the club, but this is to be expected from a player that was relatively unknown in the English Premier League at the time of his aquisition.
Obertan's representative, Karim Djaziri, claimed the Frenchman has not handed in a transfer request and is happy to stay at Old Trafford:

"I have read that Gabriel has handed in a transfer request, but no he has not done this. He is very happy at Manchester United and he doesn't want to leave.

Obertan was signed and unveiled along with Antonio Valencia, who came from Wigan, and although Valencia is currently out injured (but soon to return), the Ecuadorian winger is one of a few players whom fight for a place on the wings. Obertan should be taking tips from players such as Nani, Ryan Giggs and Antonia Valencia, in the hope that he can learn how to become an accomplished wing man. It seems his representative acknowledges this:

"He is still learning and he knows he is not ready to be a regular starter in the team, but he is working hard to be a member of the first team."

It is true that Obertan hasn't set United alight, and his career in Manchester hasn't really taken off yet, but at the young age of 21, and still quite inexperienced in English football, the Frenchman has much to learn, and has plenty of time to learn it. Who and where better to learn his trade than under the wing of Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs, who knows what it is like to be coming up through the United ranks?

Obertan has scored only one goal in the first team for United, which was in a Champions League game against Bursaspor, but he has been impressive in the reserves, scoring a handful of quality goals which must have impressed Ferguson. Young players like this need a chance, and therefore must be patient and prepared to work hard to prove that he is good enough to make the grade at United, because at United, only the best will do.

B'pool 2 - 3 United: This Is What Champions are Made Of.

An abysmal first half for Manchester United and quite the opposite for the brilliantly hard working, passionate, dedicated Blackpool. The Tangerines walked off at half time to jubilant cheers from their home fans as their excellent performance featured two well deserved goals, one for former United player Cathcart, and DJ Campbell. Manchester United's unbeaten record was in serious threat.

United were wearing the white strip that saw them lose their first game of the season against West Ham in the Carling Cup quarter finals, in which they lost 4 - 0. The way they were playing tonight, there would be no surprise if a repeat of that scoreline was on the cards. The first half performance simply was not good enough, and reflected United's away record this season. Questions of Sir Alex Ferguson's formation were raised along with the dedication of United players, including Wayne Rooney - on around £250,000 a week, and not showing any of the quality expected. Overall, the United team, specifically the midfield, were n absolute shambles.

Everything was perfectly placed for a typical Manchester United comeback. The performance had to be one hundred times better if United were to complete it, and substitutions had to be used to shake some sense and really just a level balance in the midfield. Ryan Giggs was first on the menu therefore. He had been in this situation countless times in his wonderfully successful career with United, and if anyone could come on and instill the calmness and togetherness that he has experienced throughout his career, it was Giggs.

Berbatov, who had been non existent in the first half, began the almost inevitable breakthrough and comeback with a typical poachers tap-in. Wayne Rooney, who had another poor game, was brought off for the "Little Pea" Chicharito. The little predator duly equalised two minutes later with a slick finish, and, with all of the momentum on their side, Berbatov grabbed yet another goal to win the game, to take all three invaluable points back to Old Trafford while counting their lucky stars that the hosts crumbled under the second half pressure.

Conceding late goals has been an unwelcome feature for the Red Devils this season, and they had 10 minutes of stoppage time to concede a late one. Sir Alex didn't prematurely persuade the fourth official (Mark Clattenburg) to add on a colossal amount for United to grab a winner just in case they hadn't already though. Poor Rafael was hurt in a collision with Marlon Harewood, and was stretchered off with concussion. His concerned twin brother followed him through the tunnel, and to the hospital. Hopefully all is okay there for Rafael, who although he didn't have the best of games, has had an excellent season so far.

Nevertheless, United held on to the end, and showed all of their title rivals just how to complete a comeback against such an inspirational, passionate and resilient side in Blackpool who played in the first half as if their lives depended on it. United once again played terribly at times and got away with it with a complete contrast performance in the second period. It is quite brilliant, but crushing for teams around them watching, as Manchester United move five points clear and still - yes still undefeated.

Manchester United 5 - 0 Birmingham

Ben Foster suffered a miserable return to Old Trafford, conceding five goals to the ever potent attack of Dimitar Berbatov with his third hat-tick of the season, Ryan Giggs with a wonder goal and a Nani strike that is becoming a familiar feature at Old Trafford. 

The Premier League's top scorer opened the scoring in the second minute. Some supporters may have been just settling into their seats, preparing for a tough game against resilient opposition, but no sooner had they sat, they were back on their feat celebrating Dimitar Berbatov heading in from a yard out thanks to a Ryan Giggs corner which was headed on from O'Shea at the near post to the Bulgarians awaiting forehead.

Less than thirty minutes later, and Berbatov had grabbed another goal, but this time with his feet. An attacked stared from the middle of the park and red shirts bursted forward in numbers, but only Rooney and his strike partner were needed. Rooney was given the ball, ran and passed it to Berbatov on the edge of the box, and after getting it out of his feet, struck it passed the helpless Foster.

The third goal Sir Alex Ferguson called "very, very exciting". In a reversal of roles, Berbatov tackled a Birmingham defender in the final third, and fed it to Rooney. Rooney then clipped it back to the Bulgarian, and ran down the right wing and waited for the return ball. He got it, and smashed it across the face of the goal for the waiting Ryan Giggs on the corner of the six yard box to blast into the roof of the Birmingham net.

United were on the attack again and again, but there was no goal for Rooney. He missed a golden opportunity too, as a Nani cross flew into the box, and as Rooney did so many times last year, he made his deadly run to smash it into the net. Unfortunately for him and United, the ball didn't quite make contact, and another chance for Rooney was gone. He was, and has been throughout the season, a creator of goals and not the scorer, and is still hugely valuable to United in this sense, but a few more goals would be welcome.

The fourth began from veteran keeper van der sar in the United goal. He hoofed it up field, and waiting on the left wing was Rooney to bring it down beautifully, and slot it through to Giggs in the box. The Welsh winger then hit it into the box for the brilliant hat-trick to be completed.

There was a little mix up in the United defence, a rare Nemanja Vidic mistake, as he was unable to get a cross out of his feet. The ball was taken off of him in the box, and it was crossed into flashing right past Edwin van der sar in the goal, only for it to be missed by Keith Fahey at the far post. It was an open goal, and all that was needed was a simple tap in, but the pace of the ball was too much to control from a yard or so out. Maybe this was what Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger meant when he said United were "a bit" lucky to still be unbeaten.

The final goal came from Nani; his eighth of the season, and he did it somewhat familiar fashion. On the right, he cut inside, and from outside the box, cut inside on his left and smashed it into the bottom left corner to seal the win for United, and cap a miserable day for Birmingham and Foster in goal.

When asked about the Bulgarian's display, who took his tally for the season to 17 in the Premier League, he admitted:

 "It was marvellous.

"He could have scored more and we were a bit wasteful at times with our finishing, but you can't complain at that performance.

"I think it helps when you score an early goal. When we scored they had to open up and I think we capitalised on that.

"It was a good scoreline at half-time, I was able to take Patrice Evra off to give him a break and bring young Fabio on. And then I was able to take Ryan off because we've got a big game on Tuesday."

I say it week after week, but I have no choice: United remain unbeaten. Some performances this season have been poor, and the Red Devils have come out very lucky to still have that unbeaten record, but this performance was certainly not one of them. Birmingham were totally outplayed and United sit proudly at the top of the table.

Arsenal beat Wigan convincingly too, and now sit second, 2 points behind United, while Manchester City lost to Aston Villa which sees them drop to third. It was certainly a good day for United, despite the Arsenal win. Maybe now United can sort out their away form and cruise to a Premier League unbeaten season with an improved away record.

Marek Hamsik Move to Manchester United a "possibility"

Marek Hamsik has drawn attention from clubs around the world, including a few in the Premier League. Manchester United in particular are the club that are reportedly interested as Ferguson is trying to find a replacement for Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs in his aging midfield. The Belgian midfielder Steven Defour has been heavily linked to Manchester United, and seems like an inevitable move in the future, but hints from Hamsik's representatives as well as himself have caused speculation as to where Hamsik will be playing next season.

His agent said:

“I don't like speaking about transfers, but I have heard there are many teams thinking of Hamsik.

“I have not heard from anyone, every step would have to go through Napoli who own the player's rights"

“However, if a club that satisfies the needs of Napoli and Hamsik presents an offer, then there could be a division. It's early to talk, but it is a possibility.”

Hamsik himself praised the English League before a game against Liverpool and said:

"I am pleased people want to see me, I want to perform well on this stage against a team like Liverpool at Anfield. I know the English league is a great league with a wonderful atmosphere and great stadia."

"There are rumours but no-one has contacted me or the club. I am calm and relaxed and just want to play well for Napoli.

While early in November the 23 year old said:

"I have to admit, it would be difficult to say no to Manchester United."

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is unlikely to move for Hamsik until the summer transfer window after claiming his side will be adding no new players to the squad in January. However, with the future of Owen Hargeaves and Michael Carrick in doubt due to persistent injuries and on/off form respectively, Ferguson is likely to be looking for a quality young midfielder in the summer.

When Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes are gone, they will leave a gaping hole in the Manchester United team and Ferguson knows that this hole must be filled somehow, with the United fans' preference being good, strong playmakers of Manchester United quality.

Manchester United have Defensive Problems, Crossing inability and are Off form

Beaten to it: Evans

Manchester United, along with Fulham remain the only two teams in the Premier League who are unbeaten. Not only that, but United have scored at least two goals in each of the six games that they have played, and have scored 16 goals in the League. "So what is the problem?" you ask. "Where do I start?" is my reply.

United, in their opening six games have conceded nine goals. This simply isn't good enough for a team challenging for the title. Two clean-sheets in six games is poor, especially considering none of the teams United have played so far finished in the top four last season. The defence of Manchester United is going through a very shaky and unstable time at the moment.

Who will start alongside Vidic in the centre? Ferdinand or Evans? Will Ferdinand be fit? Will Evans handle the pressure? Will Vidic slip up and give away a penalty? All are questions that most United fans will have asked before and during every game so far this season - the answer, they found hasn't always been good.

Evans hasn't had a strong start to the season. He was targeted by Everton as a weak spot in the 3 - 3 draw, and again today, Zat Knight rose above him to give Bolton the lead. Ferdinand may have done better jobs, but with his inconsistency and often reliance on Vidic, who knows?

Another cause for concern is the inability to get good crosses into the box. Last season, Valencia was brilliant in his deliveries - with Rooney profiting greatly from them with a bucket full of goals. But now, with Valencia out for a while injured, only Nani and Giggs are on the touchlines ready to cross. Unfortunately for the strikers, the crosses are often disappointing.

Needs work on crossing: Nani

Nani is unbelievably frustrating. There are so many examples of when he could get the ball in a dangerous area and create a goal - a winning goal, but lets everyone down. Then there are those times when he does something absolutely brilliant. However, with Nani, the bad decisions outweigh the good.

And Giggs!. Once a marvelous source of crosses with Beckham on the other wing, he is now starting to wither. His passes are often poor, and his crosses are not the best. He can no longer take on a couple of players on the wing, and finds it hard to keep up with the pace of the game. United need a winger who can cross the ball and create chances. Wesley Sneijder perhaps? (See my next article) http://bit.ly/9H7XcL

In general, United are off-form. The good news is, United are often off-form at the start of the season, and only get into gear later on. But they really do need to improve. They travel to Valencia on Wednesday, and come back to face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on the second. They need to be ready. They need to win.