Dec 07 2011
Manchester United failed to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League for the first time since the 2005-06 season, after losing 2-1 in Basel on a disappointing night.
Last year’s finalist paid the price for making a mess of what was widely regarded to be the easiest group in the competition and stumbled to a defeat, when a draw would have been enough to progress.
Dec 07 2011
When you think of Manchester United and crucial Champions League games, you normally think of the knockout rounds, right? That is indeed usually the case, but tonight, United are in Switzerland to face Basel, with the knowledge that defeat will send them crashing out of the competition and into the Europa League. There’s no pressure there, no pressure at all…
Dec 07 2011
After reaffirming he won’t be taking the opportunity to bring any additional squad members in during January’s transfer window, Sir Alex Ferguson appears to be the only person on the planet who doesn’t think Manchester United have an urgent need for reinforcements in order to challenge for any major honours this season.
You have to question his stance as only last week he confirmed that if a young Bryan Robson or Roy Keane were available then Manchester United would be the first in the queue. So why is he ruling a January transfer out despite admitting the need for a new central midfielder?
But is it only central midfield where United need a new face?
Dec 05 2011
Welcome to the 17th – Can They Score – Manchester United podcast.
If you’re listening on a Mobile Device, use this link – Episode 17
After two miserable results over the last few days, this week’s episode features Nik, Steven and I as we discuss United’s wasteful draw against Newcastle, surprising loss to Palace and our impending trip to Villa Park this weekend.
Dec 05 2011
Another Premier League game, another 1-0 win. For the 7th consecutive Premier League game, United scored only one goal against their opposition. But following our horrendous defensive performances at the start of the season, who would have thought that the single goal would be enough to win 4 of those games? Never mind City scoring 6 goals on us, but until the Liverpool game in October we had conceded most shots of all the teams in the Premier League. From being a goalscoring machine without mercy at the start of the season, we have returned to become the defensive force we have been renown for since 2008. As people say, digging out 1-0 wins are what makes a Championship winning team, but the transition this team has gone through since our win against Chelsea is very surprising. We have not scored 3 goals in a game since then, and that was back in September.
Why is that? Is it bad luck, poor tactics, or lack of attacking determination? Against Villa, we got some well needed answers…
Dec 03 2011
Three days since Sir Alex Ferguson’s midweek remorse, Phil Jones opened his account for Manchester United scoring the only goal in a 1-0 victory at Villa Park, much to the delight of the boss himself.
Ater the shocking display against Palace on wednesday night and with City putting 5 past Norwich earlier in the day, United knew that a positive result was a must against the Villains.
Dec 03 2011
Wednesday’s Carling Cup defeat to Crystal Palace was both embarrassing and disappointing for Manchester United, as even with an under-strength side, United were expected to take care of business at home against the Championship side. But with a couple of exceptions, that under-strength side put in a poor performance, and credit to Palace, they came in with no fear, maintained that attitude for the 120 minutes, and fully deserved their reward.
Dec 03 2011
This team is rapidly becoming one of the most technically gifted youth teams the club has ever seen.
Under the spotlights at Moss Lane on a cold rainy night, United’s young hopefuls made light work of a determined Torquay United side that set up, at times, with 7 men at the back.
Goals from van Velzen, Barmby and a magnificent opener from Lawrence eased United into the 4th round.
Dec 02 2011
It’s difficult not to dwell on last years tremendous journey through the stages of the competition as this years FA Youth Cup gets under-way in earnest. It’s tempting to compare this team with last years but as we know, every academy team, every year has varying levels of skill, experience and expectations; this seasons is no different.
The beauty of the youth cup is the challenge it lays down. The Premier Academy League is where the players develop and learn their skills throughout the season, the youth cup is where they’re tested and challenged to show their progression. It’s the competition where results really do matter because the further they get, the more experience they gain and the harder the challenges become.
Tonight sees the visit of Torquay United at Moss Lane (home of Altrincham FC) in the third round.
Opti (541)
RedDevilEddy (459) 
Stephen (454) 
Craig Mc (344)
Moscow is my heaven (272)
