A Common Fan’s Sports Diary

In happier times for the United midfield

Enough has been written about the forward line. We are just going to concentrate on the mid-field.

We are not considering the out and out wing players for this post and that leaves out Nani and Valencia.

Owen Hargreaves – Had been pursued relentlessly by Ferguson to fill the void left by Roy Keane’s departure – a weakness cruelly exposed by Gennaro Gattuso and AC Milan in the Champions League Semis in 2007. Repaid the faith and part of the massive transfer fee with a fine 2008-09 season and then went missing. It’s surprising that the absence of Ronaldo and Tevez was brought up all the time but no one seemed to be missing Hargreaves. His presence could be a huge boost for 2010-11 especially against the bigger clubs.

Anderson – He was the reason why many united fans weren’t overly worried about missing Hargreaves (at the start of the season). The Brazilian had made a fine impression and had often relegated Hargreaves to the substitute’s bench. With the former Bayern midfielder out, Anderson was expected to start most of the games. But in the season his manager needed him the most, the Brazilian simply went missing; not even offering a semblance of competition for the starting role.

Fletcher has been United's only reliable ball winner in midfield

Darren Fletcher the destroyer – With Hargreaves out and Anderson struggling with form, Darren Fletcher’s continued excellence from last season came to Fergie’s rescue. As United’s sole ball-winning midfielder, he was always a guaranteed selection in the playing eleven. He had another fine season and made crucial contributions in many key games but didn’t take the next big step in his development. He still isn’t in the same league as Owen Hargreaves, especially when it comes to big European nights.

Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes – Even on their last legs, they had a lot to offer. Scored important goals and did more than enough to justify another contract extension. But they had stretches of poor form and cannot be counted on to play for 90 minutes. More like ‘Impact making players off the bench’ to borrow a term from the NBA.

Michael Carrick – Regressed beyond imagination. So much so that he is a contender for the worst United player of the season. Devoid of his usual creativity and cultured passing, he was also guilty of giving up possession in dangerous positions. His nadir was the Champions League semi-final against Bayern. Is surprising that Berbatov’s form and possible departure from Old Trafford is constantly being discussed but nobody is speculating Carrick’s future.

Darren Fletcher the attacking force – Once again Darren Fletcher came to the rescue. Other than the duo of Giggs and Scholes, Fletcher was United’s only other goal scoring threat from midfield. Over the course of the season, he was United’s most consistent and effective attacking midfielder as well. And he managed to do so without significantly developing his attacking prowess. Quite simply, he was the only midfielder who was always available and always playing at an effective level.

Gibson can shoot but what else can he do?

Darren Gibson – Had a decent season with some fine long range strikes but showed nothing else. Didn’t raise any hope that he could be a regular in the United midfield of the future. Well, he could be if the likes of Anderson and Carrick continue to play at the same level. Otherwise, he could become the midfield version of Ole-Gunnar Solskjaer – sent on to nick a goal in the end.

This was a difficult season where the United midfield got little or no contribution from three vital members of their squad – Hargreaves, Anderson and Carrick. As a result, the midfield was significantly lacking in both flair and steel. And thanks to that a very average player like Darren Fletcher was their outstanding midfielder of the year – offensively as well as defensively. He didn’t have an exceptional year; barely improving from the standards he set last year.

The only other competitors for the best midfielder mantle were Giggs and Scholes and as a result the Irishman was a runaway winner – clearly indicative of how bad United’s midfield was last year – no offense meant but the tirelessly hardworking Fletcher is at best a homeless man’s Roy Keane.

United were fortunate that their wing players including the excellent Patrick Evra did well to shoulder a lot of the offensive load.

So, what is the outlook for next year? Does Fergie need any reinforcements?

The positive outlook is that Hargreaves will return and Anderson and Carrick have already hit their lowest ebbs; meaning they can only do better next year. Such a scenario will once again give a very healthy and flexible look to United’s midfield. Will give Ferguson the leeway to sparingly use the likes of Giggs and Scholes and thereby extend their United careers further. In such a situation, the transfer kitty can be spent on strikers and a goalkeeper.

But there is also the possibility that Hargreaves will never fully recover and therefore never be the player he once was and Carrick and Anderson will also struggle to recapture their best form. This will lead to a multitude of problems – United will lose ground in the title race (don’t expect Chelsea to keep faltering like last year); Fergie will be forced to make a distress purchase in the January transfer window (fewer players available, inflated prices and possibly the player will just be a short term fix) and the market value of Anderson and Carrick will nosedive after another poor season.

Fergie like always will trust Carrick and Anderson to bounce back. But a signing or two will be a good contingency measure. And sooner or later replacements have to be found for Scholes and Giggs. Signing them now will give the players time to ease into the United system. A signing could have been avoided but none of the talented youngsters looks to be closing in on a first team breakthrough.

I rarely disagree with Fergie’s decisions. But I will be hugely disappointed if there are no additions to the United midfield. I cannot bear the thought of another season with Darren Fletcher as our best midfielder!!!

Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben were deemed surplus to requirements at Real Madrid after the Spanish giants signed the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Xabi Alonso. They were sold to Inter Milan and Bayern Munich for 15 million and 25 million Euros respectively. The transfers fees were huge amounts but nothing compared to the kind of money that was splashed out last year.

And now after, Sneijder and Robben have both engineered huge turnarounds at their clubs, the money looks to be the best piece of business done in the whole of last season. Sneijder is the single biggest reason ( other than coach Jose Mourinho) that Inter are a force in the Champions league; now on the cusp of their first final since 1965 and securing a historic triumph over all-conquering Barcelona. His presence behind the strikers makes Mourinho’s 4-2-1-3 system work like a dream. He has injected the necessary attacking flair to transform a dour, defensive minded side into a dangerous counter-attacking unit.

Robben’s impact is just as dramatic. He came when Bayern were floundering and immediately kick-started a revival scoring twice in the opening game itself and has since been their biggest offensive weapon. His biggest contribution, however, is the three key Champions League goals he has scored in the last three ties – hitting match winners against Fiorentina, Man United and now against Lyon. The first two won the ties for Bayern and the third could result in the same.

Their sparkling performances have ensured that a lot of people around Europe are now eating their words for breakfast, lunch and dinner

Two sets of people deserve special mention

One set which gave them away and one set which didn’t grab them.

First the people at Real who let go of both of them.

Why in God’s name did Jorge Valdano (or Perez or whoever made that decision) sell Sneijder and hold on to the likes of Van der Vaart, Diarra and Gago. Selling the three would have generated much more cash for Real ( The club sold Sneijder for a pittance of 15 million Euros. The other three could have been sold for 10 million Euros each. Just do the math Mr Valdano) and Sneijder’s presence could have altered Real’s fortunes on the pitch as well. He had made an impressive debut for them and could have done a lot more had he not been injured for the rest of the season. His sale for 15 million Euros was the bargain of the season.

Robben’s sale was even more surprising. Atleast Real replaced Sneijder with Xabi Alonso. Robben was Real’s only world-class wide player. They never got a replacement for him and have suffered for lack of width all season long. Also unlike Sneijder, he had already proved his match winning credentials at Real. Unfortunately for the Spaniards, that reputation is now getting enhanced further at Bayern.

And now Real are trying to buy Ribery to replace the void created by Robben’s departure. Robben has been far more effective than the Frenchman at Bayern but Real could end up spending almost three times the money to replace the Dutchman with the Frenchman. That will surely be a coup for the Germans. Upgrade from Ribery to Robben ( atleast for them Robben has been the better player) and make a cool 50 million Euros in the process.

Massimo Moratti of Inter is also smiling away to glory. He gets Etoo and Sneijder plus a hefty 30 million in exchange for Ibrahimovic.

If Bayern and Inter make the Champions League final, they atleast need to send a thank you card to Real Madrid.

The other person who should twitch with regret is Sir Alex Ferguson.

Just consider this

Man United are soon going to lose the services of Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes.
Robben and Sneijder would have been tailor-made replacements for the two veterans.

Man United were handing over Cristiano Ronaldo to Real.
They could have surely negotiated the rights to Robben and Sneijder as part of that deal.

While Rooney is a great goal poacher, he cannot create goals out of nothing like Cristiano Ronaldo could.
Robben could have provided that spark of creative brilliance like he has time and again for Bayern.

Sneijder is better than any of United’s mid fielders
Robben is better than any of United’s wide players
Their addition could have overcome the subtraction of Ronaldo and Tevez.

In his defence, Sir Alex Ferguson had argued that he didn’t use the Ronaldo windfall because he thought the market was overpriced and he couldn’t have gotten value for his money.
But is 25 million Euros for Robben and 15 million for Sneijder a bad deal, when the same manager had splashed out the following amounts for other players.

Michael Carrick for 18.6 million pounds. A move which had left everyone stunned.
Antonio Valencia 16 million pounds.
Nani and Anderson for something in the region of 20 -25 million Euros each.

Therefore, Ferguson could have gotten both the Dutch players without adding significantly to the outlay he made last year. He could have just sold Carrick to Tottenham ( they are always ready to buy back their old players) to finance Sneijder and used the money he spent on Valencia to buy Robben.

And with both Robben and Sneijder being just 25 years old at the time of the transfer, Fergie couldn’t have argued that he was investing in players past their prime.

United’s lack of firepower let them down at crucial times in both the Champions League and the Premier League. We can only guess what it could have been with both Robben and Sneijder on board.

The transfer market is a beautiful thing. Even the smartest people are sometimes made to look like fools.

In the case of Robben and Sneijder, Real Madrid and Man United will have to bear that ignominy.

A player like Wesley Sneijder could really improve the United squad

Dale Johnson of ESPN Soccernet reckoned that Man United need the trio of Franck Ribery, Karim Benzema and Antonio Valencia to compensate for the creativity and goal-scoring that was earlier single-handedly provided by Cristiano Ronaldo. The 80 million pounds that United got from the Ronaldo sale wouldn’t have been enough to get all three, though. And, now with Benzema gone to Real and Bayern refusing to budge on Ribery, Johnson’s hypothesis is irrelevant.

So what should Man United do?

Man United should not lose sight of their other squad requirements in trying to find a suitable replacement for the Portuguese. There will definitely be a downgrade at his position – something which will adversely affect the over-all composition of the side and its performance on the pitch. After all we are talking of the most expensive player in the world here. But his loss can be compensated handsomely by upgrading a number of other positions which need attention. United need to upgrade at the right-back position where Rafael da Silva is promising but not fully equipped for the big games; atleast not yet. They also need to find suitable replacements for Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, who made huge contributions last season but might not able to deliver at the same level for too long.

Man United are quite capable of attracting top talent having both the money and the pedigree to do so. Real Madrid are mostly done with their signings and save for Man City, which few players want to join, nobody has the cash to dole out.

There is a fire sale happening at Real Madrid with a truckload of Dutch internationals being made available by the club which happens to have 10 squad players too many.

Amongst the lot, Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben and Klas Jan Huntelaar make a lot of sense for United. Sneijder is the goal scoring, powerful driving midfielder that Paul Scholes was and Michael Carrick will never be. Robben is injury prone but has proven to be devastatingly effective in the premiership with Chelsea. Huntelaar has been coveted by United previously and will be a long term solution.

And then there are others. Brazilian Maicon is a world class right-back whose overlapping forays will seamlessly blend into the United attack. He is looking out but doesn’t seem to have a lot of suitors.

Even if United fail to get these players, there are others who Fergie can go after and who will still be a substantial improvement over the current lot.

The argument is simple.

The downgrade at one key position is inevitable but if that happens in tandem with improvements in other areas of the pitch, than it should ensure that the sum of United’s squad will continue to be as whole as before.

This article was written immediately after the tragic death of young Spanish defender Antonio Puerta. But it as relevant today as it was then.

We have been recently shaken by the sudden demise of Sevilla and Spain defender Antonio Puerta. The young man was a regular feature in the glorious Sevilla side and a recent inclusion in the national team – his death at the young age of 22, leaves dreams unrealized and promises unfulfilled. His young family will miss a father, a son and a husband. For the rest of sporting world, the loss will be of a wonderfully gifted athlete- still coming into his best. They will forever marvel at how good he could have been – a torturing exercise for every sports fan who truly appreciates a wonderful talent. May his soul rest in peace and may god give strength to his near and dear ones.

Talented sportspersons are such a rare breed. They bring great pleasure to a large audience and hence, their loss is also felt by the masses. The pain is even greater when the flower is plucked away at a tender age, as in the case of Puerta. A peek into history and I’ am intrigued by god’s ways. He bestows individuals with so much talent but gives them so little time to use them.

I think the world of music has easily been the worst hit in this regard – with a long list of suicides, drug-related deaths and murders. The world of Sports also, has had its own fair share. Individuals, who could have laid a claim to being the best in their chosen sport, have been taken away before the world could be fully illuminated by their brilliance. Almost in every case the impact of their departure was huge. They left behind a major void, which took a while to fill. In a few cases, their teams have yet to recover from their loss.

Let’s spend some time remembering these wonderful individuals, who, while dear to us were dearer to god.

I will start off with the Munich air crash of 1958, which is probably unmatched in terms of sheer collective loss. The wonderfully gifted Manchester United side- known as the ‘Busby Babes’ for their collection of precociously talented youngsters lost 8 of their very best. The youngsters lived the ‘attack is the best form of defence’ ideology of their manager- Matt Busby and knew no fear- meeting death with similar fearlessness. The team was expected to be the main rivals for Real Madrid in the newly-started European Cup. Instead, they spent the next decade overcoming their sorrows and re-building. Redemption came in the form of European Cup glory in 1968. The likes of George Best and Dennis Law starred in ‘Busby Babes’ part II.

We will never know what he could have become

I will make special mention of the biggest loss in the crash- Duncan Edwards (who was heroic even in death fighting on for 3 weeks before finally succumbing). To quote the great Bobby Charlton himself, “The only player who made me feel inferior was Duncan Edwards. If I had to play for my life and could take one man with me, it would be him.” Terry Venables and Tommy Docherty called him the greatest player they had ever seen – above the likes of Best, Pele and Maradona. A complete player with no weaknesses, he made his international debut at 16 and if not for the tragedy, he would have held aloft the Jules Rimet Trophy in 1966.

The Superga air crash of 1949 (which killed the entire AC Torino side) and the 1993 Gabon air crash (which killed the entire Zambian national side) fall into the same category. Torino were the toast of Italy – winners of 5 consecutive Scudettos and contributing ten members to the Italian national side. Similarly, Zambia had a high-flying side well on their way to a first appearance in the World Cup. The accidents completely derailed the two sides and they are yet to achieve even a semblance of their former glory. Torino are an also-ran in Italy and Zambia’s World Cup aspirations got buried with their deceased players.

Archie Jackson

‘The best batsman of all time’. This is probably one of the few undebated topics in sport. Donald Bradman towers above everybody. Well, at least everybody who has had a full playing career. There was little to choose between the Don and Archie Jackson, while the latter was alive – which was for a very short time. He died at 23 (the second youngest cricketer to die), giving only glimpses of what might have been. All articles on great batsmen have a mandatory mention of ‘had Archie Jackson lived’ and there are knowledgeable people, who still think he would have matched Bradman as the greatest batsman of all time, had he lived longer. I think god had pity on the hapless English and summoned Jackson to play for his side against the devil’s eleven instead.

Pride of the Yankees

I now move onto the American equivalent of cricket – baseball. Even though Lou Gehrig had a long legendary career in Major League Baseball, he deserves a mention here for three reasons. The class manner in which he lived and died as well, the fact that he was still ripe for many more successful seasons and for his enduring impact on the sport and popularity among the masses. A physical specimen known as the ‘Iron Horse’ for his durability, he was ravaged by a disease so rare (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) that it is now named after him. He was given a tearful farewell in Yankee stadium (even the conceited Babe Ruth was in tears that day). Had he lived, he would have sealed his place as the greatest player of all time. The league bent its rules to include him in the Hall of Fame as its youngest ever inductee. The nice ones seem to be taken early.

Len was supposed to carry the Celtic dynasty forward. Without him the dynasty collapsed

My next player also comes from the US. Basketballer Len Bias joins this list without ever having stepped on court as a professional. He represents the greatest ‘what-if’ in the history of the sport. He drew comparisons with all the great ones (including Michael Jordan) while still in college and his unbridled potential had the fans and players licking their chops in anticipation. He died of cocaine overdose two days after the legendry Boston Celtics selected him in the 1986 draft (a selection process through which new players enter the NBA). His death seems to have cursed the team and they have gone from best to worst; suffering further tragedy in 1993. (Their best player, Reggie Lewis collapsed and died on court). Len’s younger brother Jay, a promising player himself, was shot to death in 1990. The Bias family is surely the sporting equivalent of the Kennedys.

There will never be another driver like Senna

Ayrton Senna makes a case similar to that of Lou Gehrig. Three drivers’ championships and still an incomplete feeling. Michael Schumacher’s achievements dwarf those of Senna, but the Brazilian remains the most-loved and revered of all. Having struggled with an inferior car in 1993 (still good enough to finish second), his move to Team Williams was supposed to herald a period of absolute dominance. Sadly, the car became his pall bearer to heaven.

Snooker is a sport where you mature with age like fine wine. Unfortunately, Paul Hunter was not destined to become fine wine. Ranked in the top-5 by his early-twenties, he had all the makings of a future World Champion. Called the ‘Beckham of the Baize’, he brought glamour to the staid game he played. He had everything – talent, money, good looks, fame, and a wonderful family – but little time to enjoy any of it. He lost a two year struggle with cancer in 2006, leaving for his heavenly abode at 27.

My last name is not a human but an animal – Barbaro the racehorse. He has to be included because few human beings have evoked the kind of emotional following as this colt. He won the first leg of the biggest racing event in America (on debut) and was a heavy favourite to win all three. Sadly, he broke his leg in the second race leading to serious medical complications. He fought on grimly, aided by his army of well-wishers. Sadly, their prayers were not enough and the horse was euthanized after a long battle with his injuries.

As a last thought – In death, we realize the importance of life. So, let’s have greater appreciation for the wonderful sporting feats we get to witness but take for granted.

The article was originally published on Isport.in in September 2007

To be a BIG Club Man City first need a BIG Manager. Like one of these guys

When Jose Mourinho went to Inter, the likes of Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard were ready to go join him.

When Luis Felipe Scolari came to Stamford Bridge, Deco and Bosingwa followed

As soon as Carlo Ancelotti became manager of Chelsea, rumours of Kaka and Pirlo joining the Blues started doing the rounds

In Mark Hughes’ reign at Man City, the only player willing to come to Eastlands purely because of the manager has been Roque Santa Cruz.

See the difference.

Forget tactical acumen and man management skills, Mark Hughes is light years away from the likes of Mourinho, Scolari and Ancelotti, when it comes to having the persona and the resume to attract big name players to come and play for them.

In the case of Man City this becomes an even bigger handicap because they are a second rung club – not big enough in their own right for the big names – a club which for all its riches has managed to sign just a single world-class player; and that guy supposedly thought he was joining Man United and often appears to be disenchanted at the club. The club has suffered the humiliation of having its overtures for the likes of Kaka and Buffon turned down in spite of tabling bids which would have dwarfed previous transfer records. And that too in today’s recessionary times.

You can argue that Mourinho, Scolari and Ancelotti can attract these players only because they have coached them previously and the superstars are very comfortable playing for them again. But that is exactly the point that we are trying to make.

Big time players want to move to a club primarily for two reasons – either because of the club’s name or because of the star power of the other players playing for the club. Man City have neither. They are the poor cousins of Man United, have never won anything and I don’t know any super stars who are dying to rub shoulders with the likes of Stephen Ireland and Richard Dunne.

They cannot change their history or their stature overnight. And they don’t even have European football to offer.

As for raising the quality of their players, that is exactly what City are trying to do in the first place -they are caught in a classic catch-22 situation. Until, they get the first lot of quality players, other big names are not going to join.

That brings us back to our original argument now that we have exhausted all the other options.

The most sure shot way of getting the first lot of superstars is to target the ones who are willing to move with their manager. And the easiest way of doing that is by getting a manager who has managed a clutch of big name players. Once City have their manager and their first set of big names, the others will automatically follow. They will be assured in the knowledge that this club is now on the move in the right direction.

Additionally having a big name manager helps in keeping the inflated egos of the superstars in check. Do we have any evidence to believe that Mark Hughes can handle the tantrums and mood swings of players like Didier Drogba or Cristiano Ronaldo or Zlatan Ibrahimovic? Especially after having seen Robinho toy with him on a regular basis.

That leaves us with one last question.

How hard will it be to get a world class manager?

Not too hard at all.

There are scores of great managers around. In addition to big bucks, which is quite an incentive in itself, City also offer any manager a fresh challenge, a complete free hand to run things and an opportunity to build a world beating club. Great managers have fallen for far less.

It is difficult to understand the reluctance of the Abu Dhabi Sheikhs in parting with Mark Hughes. Even from a purely footballing standpoint, he has fared worse than his predecessor Sven – Goran Eriksson and that too with a far bigger budget.

Time is running out fast. Ideally City should have moved into the top 6 in the 2008-09 premiership season and put on a good show in the Europa League to establish their credentials as a club growing in stature. That would have helped in attracting big time talent. Now they are hopelessly running from one agent to another, chequebook in hand. They will end up signing a bunch of mediocre names or some talented malcontents, much like their efforts in the January transfer window. With Florentino Perez back at Real Madrid and Chelsea looking to start afresh under Ancelotti, the bidding war for big names is going to be hotly contested.

Man City with Mark Hughes doesn’t have a chance to compete with these big boys.

That is unless they decide to get a big boy of their own.

Time to look at all the sup-plots from the 2009 Champions League final

It’s a little late to be doing this and it hurts as I remember the match but I needed to write this. So let’s quickly get this over with.

The White Jerseys

I am not implying that United lost because they played in white and not in their traditional red. But I can’t remember United winning a major final playing in white. There had been a lot of talk of United never having lost a major final but someone forgot to mention that they had actually dressed as the ‘Red’ Devils for all those finals they won. I didn’t have a good feeling as I saw them come out of the tunnel in white. I think it’s unfair to let only one side wear their home colours. If the jerseys clash then ask both to wear some other colour.

Memories of the 1994 Final

Barcelona were missing most of their defensive stalwarts and were expected to be vulnerable at the back. And then when United started in whirlwind fashion it looked as if a repeat of the 1994 final was on the cards. That was when another Barcelona side dubbed the ‘Dream Team’ had been played off the park 4-0 by AC Milan. Suddenly, the white jerseys looked like a good omen –Milan had also played in white ‘away’ jerseys on that night in 1994. Sadly, all such hopes vanished when Eto’o scored.

Memories of the 1999 Final

Even the commentators kept mentioning this. First there was an early goal like in 1999. Then United failed to mount a strong comeback finding no rhythm whatsoever. Van Der Saar, like Schmeichel in 1999, kept his side in the game preventing Barca from scoring again. And then it looked eerily similar when Xavi hit the post, just like Mehmet Scholl had done ten years ago. Then Messi scored to ensure that there were no more similarities.

A story of two tackles

United’s defensive lapse in the first goal has received less attention than it should have. First they allowed Iniesta to go on a long surging run with no one making an attempt to close him down or tackle him. The diminutive midfielder managed to thread the perfect pass to Eto’o who easily beat Vidic’s wild tackle and scored. A little while earlier, having been beaten by Ronaldo, Pique body checked the Portuguese to stop him from entering the Barca box unattended. United were supposedly the stronger defensive side but on this night Barca made the more important tackle.

Pique – from not good enough to too damn good

Unable to give him regular first team football, United let Gerard Pique go to Barcelona for almost nothing. The Catalan has since established himself as the defensive mainstay of Barca. And on this night he marshalled the makeshift defence superbly and single-handedly outshone the pair of Vidic and Ferdinand. Apart from the body check, he made a crucial block and was there to snuffle out every single one of United’s attacks. When United loan out players, they stipulate that the player cannot play against the Red Devils. If only they had made a similar agrrement then they let Pique go to Barcelona

What about Cristiano Ronaldo

How does this performance affect his plans to go to Madrid? He conclusively lost his ‘best player in the world’ battle with Messi. Going to Real Madrid gives him two guaranteed shots at renewing the rivalry every year. He might not get a chance to do that United in the near future. On the other hand, United have a good young nucleus which will return to many more finals and Ronaldo will always be the centre of their attack and of media attention. He is the crown prince of premiership football. He will have to challenge Messi for that title in Spain. And with Raul still around, he will not even be the numero uno star at Real Madrid. Alex Ferguson always learns from his defeats and will do everything possible to ensure that Ronaldo and United are not humiliated like this again. There is a very good case for him to stay back at Old Trafford

A depressing night for United

United have been embarrassed in Europe before, most recently by AC Milan in the second leg of the2007 semi-final. But this was worse. This was the biggest stage of them all – the final between two champion sides – two sides who take pride in playing attacking football of the highest quality. Other than losing the title of European Champions, United were also embarrassingly rendered as toothless and impotent as they failed to even make a match out of it.

And as Red Devils, who have been feed on a diet of beautiful one touch passing, you couldn’t even hate Barcelona for displaying something that you have long admired. And that made the experience even more frustrating – you couldn’t even vent your disappointment at your opponent. Hats off to Barcelona for having managed to do that

What were United missing?

Last year, I did an analysis of United’s European defeats and they showed some common traits, most notably an absence of mid-field toughness and lack of leadership on the pitch. The currently injured Owen Hargreaves had been signed to give steel to the mid-field and protect the back four. Anderson has been a suitable replacement on most occasions but on this night his inexperience clearly showed. As for their leader, Rio Ferdinand, he wasn’t even a patch on the likes of Roy Keane and Gary Neville.

And finally

The defeat takes nothing away from the fact that United had another fantastic European campaign with some memorable wins and have the side to be back in many more finals. Alex Ferguson has built a wonderful side which on most nights can compete with any side in Europe. Thanks to Fergie and his men for giving us another season full of great European nights.

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Man United are champions but Chelsea are winners too – 2008 Champions League final

What match-up do you want to see in the Champions League final

This year's final is bound to have a mouth watering match-up

The Draw for the Champions League Semis; Chelsea- Barcelona and Man United – Arsenal, while mouth-watering in itself, sets up the possibility of a very interesting finals match-up. Each of the four possibilities is extremely fascinating; both in terms of the action on and off the field, the history between the two sides and the other associated story lines.

The football fans are really spoilt for choice here.

So let’s look at each of the 4 potential show downs and identify the reasons why we would want to see a final featuring these two sides.

Chelsea – Man United – These two sides gave us 120 minutes of attacking football in last year’s final – a rarity in ECL finals and therefore, this match-up would be the first choice for those who are bored of the safety first defensive approaches which are the staple of such occasions. This would also pit two of the greatest managers of the last 20 years, Guus Hiddink and Alex Ferguson, and that would be a real battle of wits. And finally, there is the revenge and redemption angle as well, a chance for John Terry to exorcise his worst nightmare. Man United’s successes over Chelsea in the last two Premier league races, in the last ECL final and in their last encounter has resulted in the sacking of Mourinho, Avram Grant and Phil Scolari respectively. Another triumph could bust all the euphoria over Hiddink and herald the arrival of yet another new manager at Stamford Bridge.

The battle Royale

Man United –Barcelona – This final would determine a lot of things. The battle between two of the most dominant and attack-minded teams in Europe would settle the debate, about who are the real Kings of the continent. As the leaders of their respective leagues, this clash will also be billed as the showdown between the Primera Liga and the Premier League. The two best players in world football, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo would come together for a long –awaited duel which will give one set of supporters the bragging rights as the fans of the best player in football. In addition, hostilities will be resumed between United and their old foe, Thierry Henry.

This final could prove one man right

Barcelona – Arsenal – As the rematch of another final, the 2006 one, this match will also re-kindle passions of revenge and deliverance. A much greater twist will be added by the presence of Thierry Henry. Losing the 2006 final forced Henry to leave Arsenal in pursuit of trophies. A win would justify his decision, although it will be ironic to see one of the greatest Gunners ever, denying the club, their long awaited place in the annals of the European greats. A loss would make the Frenchman a massive loser – the only person to end up on the losing side in both Barcelona – Arsenal finals. An Arsenal win will be doubly sweet for Arsene Wenger as the triumph will vindicate his decision to let Henry leave rather than compromise on his youth policy. It will shut up his critics once and for all.

Arsenal – Chelsea – Thanks to their lack of European pedigree, these two clubs are the second class citizens of the Premiership Big 4. After this final, there will be only one set of supporters suffering from an inferiority complex. It will also be a contest of two contrasting philosophies – the most frugal big name club in Europe with an unwavering belief in the power of youth and the biggest spenders in the history of the game with a penchant to throw obscene money at established superstars. Liverpool and United have foiled Abramovich’s European ambitions in the past and Arsenal could become the third English club to do so, also becoming the third Premiership side to win the title, the Russian craves the most, since the time he heralded the Russian revolution at Chelsea. It could well be the final straw that breaks the camel’s back.

Personally, I want to see United play Barcelona. You tell us which final match-up you want to watch.

Even the talismen of Liverpool will find it difficult to overcome this crushing debacle

A high-flying side chasing multiple titles takes on a hated adversary in a high-profile clash at home. Gets an early goal and it looks as if they will coast to victory. Their opponents slowly claw back into the game and then literally blow them away, tearing their defence to smithereens. A historic win for the opposition and a morale crushing defeat for the high-flyers – one which brings them crashing down to earth.

Liverpool did this to Man Utd last month and look what’s happened to the Champions ever since – there is no confidence in the side, no rhythm in attack and tentative is a euphemism for their defence.
Liverpool were dealt an almost identical blow last night by their hated ECL rivals, Chelsea. The Old Trafford triumph gave a massive boost to the Merseysiders and turned the EPL title race back into a two horse one. Chelsea will get a similar lift from their conquest of Liverpool and the possibility of the race turning into a three –way chase cannot be ruled out.

Crash-landings like these are crushing and it is difficult to see Liverpool escaping without any scars.

Finally Roman could have found his man

The Legend of Guus

Another chapter was added to the storied career of Guus Hiddink. The same Chelsea side were beaten by both Man Utd and Liverpool, not too long ago. And look what they have done now. It was easily the most convincing performance by either side in the five year history of Liverpool-Chelsea clashes in the Champions League. The English FA were undecided on whether to hire the Dutchman when he was available and their dithering and indecisiveness pissed him off. Luckily for them, they managed to hire Capello. What are odds of Hiddink signing a long-term contract at Stamford Bridge?

Another European night at Old Trafford where United's defense collapsed against an unfancied opponent

Déjà Vu for United

While Liverpool were getting a taste of their own medicine, Man Utd relived the horrors of one of their worst European nights. And I am not talking of the defeat to Porto in 2004. I am referring instead to the 2-2 draw they suffered at Old Trafford against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League semis in 2002. That year also, Utd had got the luck of the draw, facing an unfancied Bayer side in the semis.

Unfortunately for them, the Germans passed the ball around beautifully and almost played United off the park. United were horrible in defence and had no answers to the trio of Ballack, Basturk and Bernd Schneider, just about escaping with a draw. And if they need any more bad tidings, they drew 1-1 in the return leg and crashed out of the competition, after conceding another late goal.

A silver lining in the dark cloud

Liverpool have a near impossible task of overturning the first leg deficit. They have a far better chance of challenging for the League title. One can argue that the return leg clash is now less important than the remaining premiership fixtures. So how about resting their big guns and saving them for the more important games instead. I am sure the Anfield faithful will not mind as long as it improves their chances of winning the league. Man Utd on the other hand have a realistic chance of making the semis and cannot afford their players any such luxury. The premiership race could come down to how much hunger and energy the players of the two teams have in the final stretch. Thanks to the defeat Liverpool are actually better placed on that front than United. The crushing defeat could well be a blessing in disguise.

So who are the favourites?

As we have seen, form in the ECL can change from one round to the other. So it is still too early to predict the champion. But which was the most impressive side in the first leg games?

Barcelona enhanced their reputation as favourites with a brilliant attacking display at the Nou Camp. But in spite of that virtuoso performance, the laurel of the best side rests with Chelsea; for the sheer tenacity and mental fortitude that they displayed. Anfield is an intimidating fortress on European nights and it requires supreme self belief for a visiting side to not just recover from an early but totally impose their dominance on the game. Attacking firepower is great to have but it is the self belief and mental strength which will count for more in the final reckoning. And that is why Chelsea look best equipped to go all the way

As a United fan, one of my favourite mental exercises is speculating, who the next United manager will be. I don’t want Fergie to step down or anything. On the contrary I have all the respect and admiration in the world for him – for all that he has done for the Club. It’s just that he is already 67 and someday soon he will have to go.

The speculation also stems from the reality that I have never seen a change of guard at Old Trafford in my football-watching life. United sides have always been such an embodiment of Sir Alex’s own personality and without him the club would probably be completely different from the one I dearly love. Therefore, the fact that something which I have never witnessed in my life is about happen and that the change will have far-reaching implications forces me to think about it very frequently.

How will life be without him

I and many others, I am sure, have often assumed that the next guy will be someone who has been associated with United as well as Fergie in the past. How can an outsider ever understand what it means and takes to be a Red Devil? After all, United are one of those rare big clubs which have maintained their old world spirit and identity in spite of all the corporatization of sport. And why not attempt some kind of continuity by bringing in someone who’s well indoctrinated in the ‘Ferguson way’

I want a Red Devil to take over

That the person should also have excellent managerial credentials is quite obviously an unconditional pre-requisite

There has been no shortage of suitable candidates – at least ones who have seemed suitable.

The list and the conjecturing started with ‘Captain Marvel’ – Bryan Robson – one of United’s greatest players as well as a legendary captain. He made a great start to his managerial life with Middlesbrough and I remember, once, how in spite of Boro beating United 3-2 in , I hadn’t felt bad – I had thought that the future United manager was coming along well. Sadly, save for some great Cup runs with Boro and later a relegation survival with West Brom, Robson has been a failure as a manager. And he’s had enough opportunities at various clubs to eliminate any elements of bad-luck. He clearly isn’t up to it.

The next really big hope was Roy Keane – another commanding mid-field general in the mould of Robson. His successes with Sunderland and his clear-talking and honest ways seemed like a fairy-tale. Just that he lacked the eye for talent and tactical nous so important for a manager. He has exited Sunderland with his head held high but his managerial pedigree in tatters. I expect him to give it another shot. But it will take a lot of success over a considerable period of time to exorcise the ghosts of his first stint and be considered again.

Another United legend and former captain in the fray is Steve Bruce. He’s had decent success with various clubs. But the problem is that he’s had too many clubs – he’s on his sixth one in ten years of managerial life – the exact antithesis of Fergie and United. Also in spite of such a long career he is still stuck with the smaller clubs – hasn’t even moved up a notch to the second rung of the premiership. It is more likely that he will end up becoming the next Harry Redknapp and not the next Fergie.

A candidate with a less glorified United connection but better managerial record is Celtic’s Gordan Strachan. A Red Devil from 1984-89, he has managed at a top British club for more than three years now. And remember, Sir Alex also came from a successful Scottish club. But then again, times are different now. How big is Scotland’s biggest club in today’s world – possibly smaller than even the likes of Man City and Tottenham. Also his association with Fergie was long ago and I doubt if he’s a true United disciple. And he is too much of a strict disciplinarian and there are doubts about his ability to handle big name players. Will rule him out as well.

Next in consideration is Mark Hughes – another crowd favourite at Old Trafford. As a manager he got the Welsh national side to overachieve and then had a solid stint with Blackburn. He’s bought smartly in the transfer market and has handled some massive egos pretty well. His appointment as Man City boss was another sign of his growing reputation. But the Man City job with a massive war-chest to boost could be the reason why he will probably never end up as United manager. He will either use the funds well and go onto achieve greater glory with City – in which case there will be no reason to leave for United if the opportunity came , or he will be a failure – in which case his stock as manager will fall and he won’t be considered at Old Trafford. That he manages United’s bitter rivals will be just a secondary point. Mark Hughes had all the right credentials and before his appointment as City manager he was probably way out in front in this race. Sadly he has discontinued running it.

Hughes’ successor in the Blackburn job, Paul Ince is another contender. He’s had a miserable stint in the premiership after success in the lower leagues. He still has an outside chance if he can revive Blackburn and have solid run for 4-5 years. Anything else and his chances are zilch.

There is another guy with a United connections who had a shot once upon a time but he is completely out of it now.

Steve McLaren never played for United but was an assistant to Sir Alex in the treble winning side of 1999. But we all know what happened when he became manager of England and now his stock has fallen so low that he coaches a nondescript Dutch side. I would kill myself if he ever became United manager.

That sadly is the end of the list. Amongst the currently active lot, I would rate Gary Neville as the best manager material. But he’s still playing. And it will take a long time for him to establish his managerial credentials. I don’t think Sir Alex can wait that long.

That leaves us with the hard truth that a Red Devil will not be replacing Sir Alex Ferguson whenever he decides to retire.

So much for continuity and finding someone who knows the ways of United.

By the way I just remembered about Joe Paterno. He’s 82 years old and has been coaching the football team at Penn State University for the last 42 years – and quite successfully too – he won the conference championships this year. Fergie’s just 67, right. So he could be in the job for another 15 years. Now, that will give me enough time to draw up another list of managerial hopefuls from the Red Devils community.

At United we never give up.

Are they as formidable defensively as they were last year?

In addition to being the champions in 2007-08, Man United were also the best team in the league, both, offensively and defensively. The scored the maximum goals and conceded the fewest – also ending up with the maximum number of clean sheets as well. The following table gives the goal scoring and conceding details of the top four. Man United led on all counts

2007-08 EPL Season

And now here’s the same table for the 2008-09 season so far. Numbers in brackets show the expected number had the clubs maintained last years averages. We are only 11 games into the season and the averages will change, but there is enough of an early trend to worry United fans and bring a cheer to their Chelsea counterparts

2008-09 EPL Season so far

United are still as good as last year in banging in the goals but their defense seems to be slipping. The numbers point to a clear fall in their defensive standards from last year. Their performances against Liverpool and Chelsea where they couldn’t defend one-goal leads corroborate what the numbers have to say. Last year, United were winning these games, holding on to one goal leads splendidly. Not so this year.

The other interesting thing shown by the numbers is the huge leap taken by Chelsea – both offensively and defensively. Liverpool have the same number of points, but Chelsea under Scolari have started doing what Abramovich always wanted – decimate the opposition with their attacking prowess. And at the same time they seem to have improved on their defense – supposed to be the highlight of Jose’s reign. Wonder what the great one has to say now

But more importantly, are we seeing a worrying trend for United?

What do you think?

This article was originally published on www.soccerlens.com