Show of faith in Anderson needs to be repaid by the Brazilian dynamo

Anderson Luis de Abreu Oliveira, or simply Anderson to the footballing world, is a player who first caught the eye during the 2005 under-17 World Cup in Peru, a tournament in which he was voted the Golden Ball ahead of Tottenham’s Giovani dos Santos. He provided some mesmerising performances for the Selecao, full of attacking verve and explosive acceleration. Despite the u17 level not being a great barometer for future success, this was a player earmarked for greatness. FC Porto, the most discerning acquirers of South American talent, swooped in and snapped him up on a pre-contract, where he officially joined in January 2006. Anderson only made a handful of appearances before suffering a broken leg in the Portuguese Classico, against bitter rivals Benfica, seriously putting the brakes on his fledgling career. He made a relatively successful return to Porto but there remained doubts on whether he would retain the explosive acceleration that made him such a star at youth level.

Anderson’s United career thus far has been a baffling one. Many a United fan will recall the moment in 2007 when former assistant, Carlos Queiroz, was shown in Portugal grinning uncontrollably after completing the signings of two of the brightest young stars in world football. Despite his tender age and inexperience, Anderson endured a baptism of fire that included being thrust into key matches against the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool. The most significant aspect of these matches was Anderson more than holding his own against Fabregas and Gerrard, with most observing that he had eclipsed both of these renowned midfielders. Ferguson had also seemingly pulled off a masterstroke in utilising Anderson in a much deeper role, more akin to an English box-to-box midfielder than a silky attacking midfielder from the continent. Tim Vickery, a South American journalist, remarked that the Brazilian media and coaches were amazed that Anderson could be deployed in such a role. Their concern, which has since been realised, was the negative effect that it would have on his attacking prowess and instincts. Despite his promising start in 07-08 and key contributions to the following year’s run to the Champion’s League final, Anderson has only flickered intermittently during his time at Old Trafford.

There have been several mitigating reasons for Anderson’s slow progress at the club, albeit some self inflicted. Many United fans observed after his first performance for the club (in a friendly against Doncaster) that the Brazilian looked overweight and a few yards short of pace. While he will always be a man of some girth, he has definitely struggled to keep his weight under control after returning from pre-season. Question marks have also been asked of his attitude, with pundits positing that Anderson needs to decide whether or not he is prepared to make the sacrifices necessary for a professional sportsperson, some of which have eluded some of his compatriots in the past. He also been the victim of an unsettled midfield that has been subjected to constant rotation, therefore not being able to build momentum and on the successes of his initial performances. The lack of a dedicated midfield destroyer, ala Mascherano, has resulted in Anderson having to expend more effort on the defensive side of the game, often eschewing his attacking prowess and instincts; the result is a midfielder who is often ineffectual due to this lack of direction.

As he commences his fifth season at the club, Anderson has never commanded such a lofty position in the midfield pecking order. Following on from the retirement of Paul Scholes and the release of Owen Hargreaves, any likely midfield acquisition has not materialised, despite daily news stories documenting the never-ending pursuit of Wesley Sneijder. The lack of fortification of the current midfield has perplexed many United fans but represents a strong show of faith in Anderson, as well as Tom Cleverley. Anderson is at a crossroads in his United career and this may be his final opportunity to prove that he can become a mainstay in the United side. He needs to become a more dynamic presence within the team, a midfielder who passes and moves in order to receive the ball again, something which Michael Carrick has been accused of eschewing. Reigniting the creative spark seen in his younger years is also key if he is to finally lay any doubts to rest, as he often chooses the simple option over shooting or taking on his opponent. Although the lack of a true defensive midfielder is still of concern, he has shown the necessary energy and dynamism which are conducive to a box-to-box midfield role. The concern is that playing with Cleverley, despite the creativity and finesse it produces, is a central pairing that may be overrun by a more robust and dominant midfield.

It seems that Anderson will finally be given the chance to prove that he can become an indispensable piece of the United midfield, as he has been played in every match this, albeit nascent, season. Unlike previous years, the expectation is that he will be given an extended run in the side, especially due to the injury to Fletcher and relative inexperience of Cleverley. He is also in a position to really stake a claim for a one the two midfield berth’s in the Brazil national team with Mano Menezes, the successor to Dunga, prefering a 4-2-3-1 formation. Due to the paucity of truly gifted central midfielders available to the Selecao, Anderson needs to contend with the likes of functional midfielders such as Lucas, Ramires and Sandro (who all incidentally play their trade in England). While these players offer different qualities, Anderson has the most natural talent out of all of them and is most comfortable with the ball at his feet. Unfortunately Brazil have no real competitive football until the 2014 World Cup and there will likely be a great deal of chopping and changing as Menezes searches for that winning formula; Anderson will need to make the most out of any playing time he gets. This season may be a watershed one for Anderson for both club and country and he is the master of his own destiny; with the likes of Ravel Morrison and Paul Pogba awaiting their opportunity and a renewed foray into the transfer market next year, the Brazilian is unlikely get many more chances to establish himself as a necessitous part of the United first team.


Nonedy

UEFA Champion’s League Group Stage Draw

UEFA Champion’s League Group Stage Draw 

The draw for the Champion’s league has taken place in Monaco today and United have been drawn in Group C alongside S.L. Benfica, FC Basel and FC Otelul Galati in what is according to many a favourable group. Of their opponents, this is ofcourse not the first time United have played Benfica in European competition, the two will square up once again in a repeat of the 1968 European cup final, where at Wembley United were able to emerge as England’s first club to lift the European cup against the legendary Eusebio and company. In this blog we look at United’s opponents more closely.

Benfica

Benfica were founded in 1904 and considered as one of the “big 3” in Portuguese football along with FC Porto and Sporting Clube de Portugal. Supporters of the Lisbon based club are termed “Benfiquistas”. Benfica are Portugal’s most successful club in terms of domestic titles with a record 32 league titles and in terms of fanbase they also lead the way ahead of FC Porto and Sporting.

Benfica have two European Cups to their name and play their home games at the Estádio da Luz which translates to the “Stadium of Light” The club motto is “E Pluribus unum” Latin for “Out of Many, One”. They boast a former Ballon D’or winner in the shape of Eusebio.

United have played Benfica 7 times the first being in 1966 where the Reds were able to run out victorious 3-2. Of the 7 times the two have played, United have won 6, drawn none and lost once. They have lost the likes of Angel Di Maria, David Luiz and Fabio Coentrao in recent seasons but will always present a good challenge at home in an intimidating atmosphere in Lisbon.

Players to watch: Pablo Aimar, Luisao, Nicolas Gaitan, Ezequiel Garay, Oscar Cardozo, Nolito, Axel Witsel

FC Basel

FC Basel were founded in 1893, they are the 3^rd most successful Swiss Football club having won the Swiss league 14 times. They are nicknamed “RotBlau” which translates to “RedBlue” due to the colours of their kit, their colours not only inspired Barcelona’s “Blaugrana” colours but the formation of the whole club, the Catalans actually being founded by former FC Basel captain Joan Gamper. FC Basel play their home games at St Jakob-Park which holds a capacity of 38,500 and has been given a 4 star rating by UEFA. The stadium also has the feature which allows it to illuminate on the outside at night much like Bayern Munich’s Allianz-Arena. Their period of dominance in Swiss football came in the late 1960s and 1970s, however they were relegated in 1987 but have returned right to the top in the 2000’s and are the reigning Swiss league champions.

FC Basel are known for having a set of passionate fans, perhaps the most passionate in all of Switzerland with one of their most famous fans being Swiss Tennis legend Roger Federer. The club retains a rivalry with FC Zurich and Grasshopper. FC Basel are widely considered to have the best youth system of all the Swiss clubs, famous graduates from their youth system include Ivan Rakitic, Felipe Caicedo, Eren Derdiyok, Xerdan Shaqiri, Alexander Frei, Gokhan Inler and Hakan Yakin.

This will be the second time the two are drawn together in a group. The first time the two played each other was in 2002 where United were able to win 3-1 away at St. Jakob-Park, one of the highlights of the game being this outstanding goal scored by Ruud Van Nistelrooy.

The subsequent return game at Old Trafford ended in a 1-1 draw.

Players to watch: Xerdan Shaqiri, Alexander Frei, Marco Streller, Yapo Gilles Yapi

FC Otelul Galati 

FC Otelul Galati is a Romanian club based in Galati, founded in 1964, they are currently the Romanian League Champions their one and only league title, but this will be their first foray into the Champion’s League. They play their home games in a 13,500 capacity stadium.

Very much the unknowns in Group C, this will be the first encounter between the two clubs at any level either competitive or non-competitive.

The 6 group stage fixtures have been released and are as shown below:

Wed 14-09 Benfica A

Tue 27-09 Basel H

Tue 18-10 Otelul A

Wed 2-11 Otelul H

Tue 22-11 Benfica H

Wed 7-12 Basel A

The rest of the Champion’s League groups were drawn as follows, one would have to say Groups A, E and F look rather interesting for the neutral.

2011/12 UEFA Champions League group stage

Group A

FC Bayern München (GER)

Villarreal CF (ESP)

Manchester City FC (ENG)

SSC Napoli (ITA)

Group B

FC Internazionale Milano (ITA)

PFC CSKA Moskva (RUS)

LOSC Lille Métropole (FRA)

Trabzonspor AŞ (TUR)

Group C

Manchester United FC (ENG)

SL Benfica (POR)

FC Basel 1893 (SUI)

FC Oţelul Galaţi (ROU)

Group D

Real Madrid CF (ESP)

Olympique Lyonnais (FRA)

AFC Ajax (NED)

GNK Dinamo Zagreb (CRO)

Group E

Chelsea FC (ENG)

Valencia CF (ESP)

Bayer 04 Leverkusen (GER)

KRC Genk (BEL)

Group F

Arsenal FC (ENG)

Olympique de Marseille (FRA)

Olympiacos FC (GRE)

Borussia Dortmund (GER)

Group G

FC Porto (POR)

FC Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR)

FC Zenit St Petersburg (RUS)

APOEL FC (CYP)

Group H

FC Barcelona (ESP)

AC Milan (ITA)

FC BATE Borisov (BLR)

FC Viktoria Plzeň (CZE)   

UNITED 3-0 Spurs

UNITED 3-0 Spurs

Welbeck 61, Anderson 76, Rooney 87

United in their first home of the 2011/2012 season were able to see off a Spurs side without Luka Modric as their impressive record against Spurs continued. Sir Alex Ferguson opted to persist with youth once again, naming an unchanged midfield and strikeforce from the one that started against West Brom in a 4-4-2 formation. Due to defensive injuries to captain Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand in came Phil Jones and Jonny Evans with Evra being named as captain. David De Gea retained his place in goal.

It was an evenly contested first half as United did well with possession but created few in the way of clear cut chances, Tom Cleverley one of the few who was able to test Brad Friedel’s reflexes at the age of 40 with the American more than up to the task saving a shot at full stretch from just outside the box. The Anderson and Cleverley midfield partnership did however at times look vulnerable on the defensive side to Spurs’ counter attacks but Spurs were unable to capitalise as poor decision making cost them in the final 3^rd. It would prove the same case for Spurs in the second half when Aaron Lennon got the better of Patrice Evra after the Frenchman’s failed shoulder barge, with acres of space and plenty of time the English winger was however unable to find a team mate as his cross was blocked by Jonny Evans much to the frustration of Rafael Van Der Vaart who was unmarked.

They would go on to be punished, and in the 60^th minute Danny Welbeck who had done little of note in the game up till then met Tom Cleverley’s first time cross from the right to power a header into the corner of Friedel’s right hand post. The two academy graduates once again rewarding Sir Alex for his faith in youth. From then on Welbeck would play like a man possessed, dribbling past players and firing in overhead kicks as United took a stranglehold of the game. It was Welbeck who was once again involved in United’s second, the best goal of the night, applying a cheeky backheel in the 73^rd  minute just inside the box, after receiving a pass from Anderson leaving him unmarked as the Brazillian got his first goal of the season.

Spurs looking beaten, were surprisingly almost let back into the game as Jermain Defoe cracked a shot against the post after David De Gea was unable to collect a cross from the right. Despite the setback, it was job done as Sir Alex made a triple substitution taking off Welbeck, Young and Cleverley for crowd favourite Javier Hernandez, Park Ji-Sung and Ryan Giggs. And it was the Welshman who would set up Rooney for United’s 3^rd and final goal of the night with a cross from the right, for Rooney’s 2^nd goal in 2 games.

United would finish with 60% Possession and 21 attempts on target to Tottenham’s 12 and can now look forward to a week in which they will find out their Champion’s league group opponents and a clash against troubled Arsenal.  

Les Sealey's 10 Year Anniversary

Today marks the 10 year anniversary of Les Sealeys passing.


I for one am proud that a person like Les Sealey is associated with my club, he was a selfless gent, a great man.  Today's professional footballers could learn a thing or two from his passion, his love for the game and his attitude.

I didn't get to see him play too often, and my fondest memory of him is not even of him playing, but even as a kid this memory made a lasting impression on me.

Back when I was a boy I was taken to OT to watch the players train (for some reason they didn't use the cliff on this occasion). I stood outside the stadium with hundreds of other kids waiting to get autographs. You had players like Ince and Giggs who ran to their cars so they didn't have to sign autographs, some players that would sign a couple as they were climbing into their cars....and then there was Les Sealey, who gladly stayed behind to sign every single last autograph book, and pose for pictures with anybody that wanted one. He didn't leave until everybody was happy.

This is a man who voluntarily gave his FA Cup winners medal to Jim Leighton, who was dropped for Sealey but had played in the every game running up to the final replay, which goes to show my experience of Sealey was not a fluke, I didn't happen catch him on a good day. This was a good man, a cult hero, who appreciated the gift he was given, and always gave back to the fans who loved him. The world could use a few more Les Sealeys, RIP.

What are your favourite memories of the big man? Do you have any personal experiences with him? I'd love to hear them

Boovy

Glazers set for partial float of Manchester United on Singapore stock exchange

After a few months of speculation, the much despised owners of Manchester United look finally set for a $1 billion dollar float (approximately £600 million) of the club with an IPO of around 25-30% on the Singapore Stock Exchange (the “SGX”). It was initially expected the partial share sale of United by the Glazers would be done in Hong Kong (the “HKEX”) after the Glazers were impressed by the floats of western brands such as luggage firm Samsonite in Hong Kong which were oversubscribed but now it is understood by the BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-14574131) that the club has indeed lodged a listing application to float the club in the far east not in Hong Kong but Singapore. It is believed the whole process could be completed some time around November.

United was the subject of heavy speculation in late 2010 and early 2011 of a rumoured takeover by the wealthy Qatar Holdings who were believed to be very keen on acquiring the club and thus further intensifying the United-City rivalry through a battle of Middle Eastern sheikh oil money, the takeover failed to materialise and looks unlikely to do so in the future with Qatar Holdings now holding investments in Paris Saint-Germain and Spanish side Malaga C.F. Indeed the former have already made headlines this summer completing the expensive acquisition of Javier Pastore, in addition to Jeremy Menez among others. Malaga too are flexing their muscles with purchases of the likes of Jeremy Toulalan and currently have former United hero Ruud Van Nistelrooy in their ranks.

This latest move by the Glazers is seen by a few market experts as a long term strategy for an eventual Glazer exit nevertheless the risk of a leveraged buy out once again resurfaces and as of yet it is unclear how they plan to use the proceeds of the partial sale. The obvious move would be to pay off some of the clubs debts taken on as a result of the bond issue in 2010 which replaced the original bank debts. The club is required to pay £45 million to the bondholders annually. Additionally scepticism remains on just how the Americans were to able to pay off the high interest £220 million PIK’s which were crippling the club and the source of the funds. Such secrecy will be much more difficult for the Glazers after this float where they will come under much greater scrutiny, and United fans must welcome the forthcoming transparency. Thankfully the question should be answered once the Glazers issue a prospectus similar to the one required during the bond issue process. This will outline exactly what they plan to do with the proceeds, it remains doubtful they will declare their intention to pocket the funds as this is unlikely to be an attraction to any investor. What is clear however, at this point in time is that ultimately the Glazers will retain control even with the minority sale but will also be required to pay dividends to investors.

So is this a golden chance once again for United fans to own part of United and finally force out the Glazers? It seems difficult for individuals alone if the listing is in Singapore, but a vehicle such as MUST makes it possible certainly even if I remain doubtful they will amass a large stake.

United’s financial situation can be discussed over on our forum here:

http://www.soccer24-7.com/forum/showthread.php?t=172809

Match Preview: Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur

Nani scores controversial goal against Spurs last season

Monday 22nd August
KO 8pm GMT

Only our second game of the season but already a big test for us.

This fixture last season saw one of the weirdest ever goals scored in the Premier League. Nani handled the ball in the area but the freekick wasn't given, as Gomes put the ball down to take the freekick, Nani played on and slot the ball home. Spurs players weren't happy, United players went off to celebrate.

Spurs have a very good squad, IMO they are three players away from having a great squad. They probably need a central defender and two strikers, can't see them getting all three though. They always provide a tough test for us, one of the best games I can remember of the last few years was 5-2 after being 2-0 down.

No doubt Friedel will start in goal for them and have his usual superhero performance like previous years when at Villa. Bale and Lennon will be tough tests for Fabio and Evra, Lennon always seems to get the better of Evra too. Modric, Huddlestone and VDV in the middle is a tough three, just hope they don't control the game with those three against what we put out - being at home, you would hope we would control the play.

As for us, I would definitely not go with Anderson and Cleverley as a two in the middle for this one. We need protection at the back, especially with Rio and Vidic out. Put Carrick just in front of the back four with Anderson next to him and Cleverley pushed a bit further on.

Until Hernandez is back, I would put Rooney up top with Young and Nani either side of him. The interchanging of those three could be lethal just like we saw few years back with Ronaldo, Rooney and Tevez.

My line up: De Gea, Fabio, Smalling, Jones, Evra, Carrick, Anderson, Cleverley, Nani, Young, Rooney

Line up I think we'll see: De Gea, Fabio, Smalling, Evans, Evra, Nani, Carrick, Anderson, Young, Berbatov, Rooney

Injuries: Ferdinand (hamstring), Vidic (calf), Rafael (shoulder), Hernandez (concussion), Owen (back), Fletcher and Valencia (both fitness).

Sparky

You can find the match thread here:

http://www.soccer24-7.com/forum/showthread.php?t=191210

David De Gea - Welcome to England

David De Gea - Under pressure already

At the end of the game yesterday, Sir Alex gave De Gea a pat on the head and said "Welcome to England".

It won't get any easier for De Gea from here, fans will get on his back every game, managers will be urging their players to shoot on sight and places like Stoke where we visit in a few weeks will be hell for him.

At 20 years of age he has left his homeland, come to a new country and having to learn a new language. Those are three things people seem to be already forgetting.

I was very happy when we were first linked with him, he is a quality young goalkeeper and has already played in some big games (Under 21 Championship Final and Europa League Final - winning both). He's also come up against some of the best players in the world whilst in Spain.

As said above, I believe the language barrier is the main issue at the moment. There were times yesterday where the ball came through and I thought 'That should be the keepers ball' but he didn't come for it, where as with van der Sar last season he would have come to make that ball his. Over time he will improve but for now I expect him to get more stick every week - even from our own fans which won't help.

Another issue people seem to have with him, is his build. Sir Alex mentioned he will be put on a special diet program to build him up and get suited to the Premier League but I don't think it is a major issue. The only thing that will be different between here and Spain is challenging the goalkeeper which we saw yesterday a couple of times. He'll have to get used to that, and quickly. If not when he goes to places like Stoke and comes across Delap's throws, he'll have nightmares for weeks.

I've got full faith in David. I believe he was the right singing to replace the great van der Sar and over time he'll prove that. I definitely wouldn't drop him any time soon, that would send out the wrong message and do nothing for his confidence.

Patience is key.

Sparky.

To discuss David De Gea, take a look at his dedicated thread in the Man Utd forum here: http://www.soccer24-7.com/forum/showthread.php?t=184432

West Brom 1 - 2 UNITED

West Brom 1 - 2 UNITED

 Rooney 13, Long 37, Reid (og) 81
 

United are up and running on the opening day of the season with a 2-1 win away to West Brom and no one will be more relieved than David De Gea as the young Spaniard once again came under the spotlight for a softly conceded goal. United fielded an almost identical team that performed so impressively in the second half vs Manchester City in the Community shield with the exceptions of Ferdinand, Vidic and Fabio starting. Infact the team Sir Alex Ferguson started with was the youngest lineup of any team in the premier league this weekend.

United got off to a bright start, as West Brom were unable to cope with the movement and one touch passing  of United's front four. Young particularly looked hungry and it was his pass that led to United's opening goal,  picking up the ball up on the left wing, he cut inside, threatened to cross but instead laid on a pass to Wayne Rooney on the edge of West Brom's penalty box who was allowed to take a touch and shot low across Ben Foster's. United continued to threaten, and looked dangerous on the break with the pace of Nani but failed to capitalise and add to their lead as the Portuguese international spurned two good chances. As it was West Brom grew into the game and were beginning to threaten De Gea, the Spaniard forced to make a save but continued to look uneasy from set piece deliveries. West Brom then equalised as Shane Long shot from just  inside the area from the left hand side and De Gea was unable to get down quickly enough.

Going into the second half there were a few wondering if United's terrible away form would be a regular feature this season as well and things were not made easier as Jonny Evans was brought on to replace Nemanja Vidic, the big Serb picked up a knock in the first half and continued to look uncomfortable, he is excpected to be out for a further two weeks. Looking to his bench for options to shake up the attacking side of things, Sir Alex was unable to call upon the services of Javier Hernandez, United's sharp shooting Mexican still sidelined with a concussion, instead it was Dimitar Berbatov last season's joint top scorer served with the task of attempting to win the game for United. Off came Danny Welbeck perhaps a surprise starter, but United still created few in the way of clear cut chances. The defensive side of things got worse again when Rio Ferdinand picked up an injury which left him unable to move and was subsequently substituted for the new highly rated young summer signing from Blackburn Rovers Phil Jones. De Gea meanwhile continued to be bombarded with aerial balls and more than once found himself on the ground after collisions with the West Brom forwards as he found out first hand of the true physical nature of the English game.

With United on the back foot and no winner in sight, it was left to United debutant Young to win the game. Popping up on the left in the 81st minute, he threw a body feint to go on the outside and drill in a cross which took two deflections before eventually being directed in by Steven Reid with Ben Foster only able to watch and sending United's travelling support into pandemonium.

Scholesy18