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There comes a time in every correspondent's life when he must place his hand in the fire. When he, or she!, feels the urge to go against everything he knows and make some predictions. For me, that time is now and with the way this season is shaping up I have very little chance of making accurate guesses. Anyway, here goes.
The Future
One thing that is undisputable this season is that the battle for the Champion’s League places will be even more bloodthirsty than usual. From my vantage point, there are seven teams with realistic aspirations of finishing up there (United, City, Arsenal, Everton, Liverpool, Villa and Spurs) and one set of fans who see it as their divine right (Newcastle).
Just quickly, I would like to say I am delighted to see the Geordies back in the top flight. It is easy to paint their supporters as delusional muppets (and I won’t do that) but my goodness they are loyal and they really do love their team. That is fine by me, and if you subscribe to the theory that football is entertainment, then Newcastle being around is a very good thing.
Every man and his dog and the dog’s vet will be predicting that this is City’s year to finish in the top four. I am not that man, nor his canine. This is not because of some misguided sense of civic pride. It is because I strongly expect the Bitters to change manager at some point during the season and place a large bullet hole in their own feet.
The Harry Redknapp management experience is in phase two at Tottenham. Phase one involves charming the fans and board and achieving moderate success. Phase two invariably tells a tale of overspending and sending the club to the brink of bankruptcy. I expect more money to be spent at White Hart Lane, Spurs to fail admirably in the Champion’s League and finish 6th this season. Then Harry can move straight on to phase three where he leaves via a back door as the club goes into administration and he starts the whole routine again with a new set of suckers.
Liverpool might just do something. Hodgson is an extremely good man manager, which is the exact opposite of Rafa Benitez, and with Joe Cole they now have three good players. Chances are that at any given time one of them won’t be injured and Roy will have the rest of the team playing out of their skins. Much as it hurts me to say it, Liverpool are a danger this year.
This Year's Top Four
So if all of these teams are going to be gunning for the top, who are the team that shall fall? I’m going to put my very fragile reputation on the line and guess Chelsea. Ancellotti’s Milan only one title and this year they will be going hell for leather to win the European Cup. I also don’t think their squad has been much improved by losing Cole, Ballack and possibly also Cashley. Outside the top four? I’m not sure, but not title contenders either.
Arsenal and Villa have both, in recent years, earned my respect through playing attacking football with a core of young players. Under Wenger’s stewardship you would expect them to be getting closer to winning the title rather further away. This could be their year. Alas for Villa, they keep being raided by bigger spending clubs and something may well crack, be it either Randy Lerner’s patience or Martin O’Neill’s temper. I have a feeling this will be the Ulsterman’s last year in Birmingham.
Where United sit in all of this is difficult to gauge. Where Fergie presides it is difficult to see United finishing outside of the top two. However, none of us can yet foresee the role injuries will play or how much the anti-Glazer stuff will play out this year. One thing is certain. They’ll put up a hell of a fight. Whether or not that’s enough to stop Newcastle winning the league though, I just couldn’t tell you.
Follow Mark on twitter and at thedevilinme.co.uk
Photography from Segozyme and Sailing "Footprints: Real to Reel" (Ronn ashore) at FlickrCcoms
Comments
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Posted by Matthew on 07/23/2010
I love United and I will always love United but I think that we need to get an attacking midfielder to make a run at the prem and the champions league title. We all know that the only reason we came close last season to pulling out the title was because Rooney played out of his mind, but he needs help and cannot do it all on his own..Again. I know we can win it this year and if we can stay healthy (especially our back 4) then we will have a legitimate shot at the Treble. Forever United
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Posted by Tony on 07/23/2010
Love the article. Think Chelsea will struggle unless they buy well again. United have some great youngsters like Nani, Smalling, Fabio, and others. Only question really is another striker and if van der sar stays fit. Arsenal look likely to lose Fabregas, Liverpool look far better with Cole, but he is only one player and Torres will not play all the games. Man City have integration issues with too many big heads who thing they are better than they actually are. So all said, top 4 will be the 4 usual subjects and Man City, Spurs, Villa and Everton will fit for 5 and 6.
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Posted by BD on 07/23/2010
Lol @ Newcastle winning the league. Good one :)
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Posted by Valentine on 07/23/2010
found it funny you left chelsea off your list. LOL Seriously, dont hate man.
And City, well they have shown a lot of spine by keeping Mancini on. dont think they'll fire him but probably make conditions so bad it wont work.
United... i dont know man. Lets jus hope it works out
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Posted by MUFC_86 on 07/23/2010
Entertainment is seeing Manchester City finish a place shy of the champions league despite their All-star line up. (And losing the derbies of course). I do a have a feeling the youngsters will step up and do us proud. It sure is an interesting season to look forward to.
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Posted by Mark - in Canada on 07/23/2010
I have learned to temper my expectations over the years. I have also learned to temper my fears. That is...have faith.
But, it sure does seem like we are soft in the midfield from both a defensive and attacking standpoint. Gibson, Anderson, Fletcher could play a decent box to box defensive midfield position if not purely defensive. I don't know enough about Cleverley but I don't think we can hang our hats on Giggs and Scholes too much longer as our creative midfielders.
The club talks about having funds available and Sir Alex says he only wants value. What better value could there be than a 21 year old who just proved himself on the world's biggest stage, in the last year of his contract, and apparently won't sign a new one. It just boggles my mind that we have not signed Ozil. But we are allegedly showing interest in Defour.
Alternatively, if the youth are so good (Danny, Kiko, Cleverley) then play them not loan them.
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Posted by Mark - in Canada on 07/23/2010
one last thing having read a Man City post: "The Past is Red the Future is Blue" or some such excrement :)
That's what the Chelski folks said and still no UCL trophy for them and United won 3 EPLs on the trot.
It seems that the Present will always be Red (with perhaps some flashes of other colours every once in a while).
Caveat: subject to proper club ownership and management
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Posted by Rishi Dayal on 07/23/2010
Agreed with Mark - in Canada. I was so hoping that we would sign Mesut Ozil, as he has proved to be one dazzling young talent. It's true. Rooney can't do it all and he needs someone to help him out with the goalscoring (and I don't mean own goals...). Berbatov is looking good in the friendlies, let's hope he can recreate that form during the season. Hopefully, there's still a chance at getting Ozil, but since Sir Alex says he is happy with the squad..
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Posted by augustine ashio on 07/23/2010
cudos 2 sir Alex great & wanderfull. Sir i think we need an attacker 2 support Rooney someone aggressive & always hungry 4 goals,someone better not as lazy & slowgish as berbatov.Tevez is the right man with the likes of balloteli & aguero.I guess u could just imagine them been in the team how fantastic it would be.Thanks & stay calm.
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Posted by Mandeep on 07/24/2010
If we dont sign somebody to back up Rooney,I think our entire season depends on Ronney staying fit.
Its good that Vida is staying but my question is will Rio stay fit.
Definitely,its going to be a risky ride for Man Utd this season and i hope for the best.
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Posted by Shanth Shankar on 07/24/2010
Great article!!! If what you have predicted comes close to being true, we will have a real cracker of a year.... Newcastle... wow!!!
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Posted by keanooh on 07/24/2010
As a supporter / ST holder for over 40 years I am concerned over the lack of quality in the squad. Since Moscow we have been on a downward spiral despite winning the EPL in 08/09. Only SAF could have achieved runners up last year with the squad we have. I know this will be unpopular but without any further signings I think a top 4 finish would be an amazing achievement by SAF this year. We are to reliant on Rooney for goals, very little creativity without Scholes / Giggs, no natural ball winner, an injury prone defence and an ageing keeper. The squad is considerably weaker now than it was 2 years ago and there are question marks over the young fringe players Gibson / Wellbeck / Diouf etc. On paper there are at least 4 teams who are equal to or better than us, this is our weakest squad in the last 20 years, so it will be hard to achieve a top 4 finish. That said, the genius of SAF will get the very best out of the squad and he will most probably go and win it.
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Posted by Dr JJD on 07/24/2010
Absolutely agree with Mark - in Canada. Scholes replacement crucial
immediately and not in future. Why MU have not already secured Ozil is puzzling. Fergie likes youth, and Ozil fits the profile and would come at a reasonable price. Someone please convince SAF. Also if not buying, can't let young talent go on loan. Expose Kiko, welbeck, cleverly in MU colours and not loan them would be wiser. Without Ozil or some other attcking talent to support Rooney, and a thin squad, it will be another season of hope more tham expectation. MU Forever.
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Posted by Abayomi on 07/24/2010
chelsea can still lift English premiership if they can more players.
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Posted by k.kumaran on 07/25/2010
english football is interesting but no quality look at world cup 2010 after 1966 no major trophy.Just spend money to clubs but country quality go to drain.Look at Germany,Spain,Itay,even Portugal 2004 euro,2006 world cup semi finalist.England even no semi final after 1990.
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Posted by Biggusdoggus on 07/25/2010
Forgot one person...a fully fit and fired up Micheal Owen who desperately wants to be in the next Euro Finals with England. 20 goals from him and Man Utd will lift one maybe 2 MAJOR trophies!! He was doing ok in the UCL last season until that Wembly Turf screwed his dodgy hammy!! I predict (hopefully Paul will agree) he will do justice to Number 7 shirt this season.
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Posted by Mandeep on 07/25/2010
We hear from Sir Alex & David that funds are available. I trust them but looking at the spending these few years, the situation really worries me. We desperately need an attacking midfield to help Rooney and replace Scholes. I wonder if it is going to happen this summer.I hopefully await...
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Posted by Abdiqani on 07/25/2010
if you want to predict safely its easy for me to say united will triumph in the title race, chelsea will be second, third will come arsenal.
its only going to be difficult to predict the fourth, but i will go for city to fill that spot.
cause totaham will be busy in chm league.
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Posted by Umar M Alkali on 07/25/2010
I appreciate ur enthusiasm, but i know deep down all of us ManU fans know this is our weakest squad for a long time. Quality in the midfield is lacking more than ever before, the defence, suspect, ageing, and injury prone, with a one man attack.
No, we won't be champs this season, however, this is the time to blood the new "fledglings" instead of wasting them on loan outside, then hopefully, by next season the boys will be the MEN.
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Posted by Meado on 07/25/2010
I'm so worried about next season. We have our weakest side in a long time, and still no signings. We need Ozil, we need a defender, we need a goalkeeper, and a defensive midfielder.
My main fear is that this not just a transition period. It's a downward spiral. I just hope the youngsters start growing up, and fast.
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Posted by VeryRed on 07/25/2010
I say it again get LASANA DIARRA. PLEEEEASE!!!!!
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Posted by VeryRed on 07/25/2010
Lest I forget Please sell Mrs. Carrick!!!
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Posted by Terry Robinson on 07/25/2010
Wow!!! what a predictor, a five year old (or the simpleton Gen Haig of WW1), could have done the same but talking about City not a chance they are a team of Prima Donna's each playing their own game, it won't work. Liverpool have an English manager, sorry English manager sorrieee, same with Spurs and Villa. Man U, Fergie has proved himself so he gets a pass for the EPL though not for Euro. Arsenal and Chelsea will be in the scramble for that is what it is going to be a scramble of teams, that won't stand a chance in Euro, The English have to learn that the number one man of any team is not any player but the manager, and it is not how good a player is but how good he will fit into a team playing the game plan of a good manager.
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Posted by obafemi on 07/26/2010
man u 4 life we keep d flame burning watch out for d red devils , i av confidence in my coach an d team as a whole many critics are jus braggin.
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Posted by BA$HIR on 07/26/2010
I am a huge Man Utd fan! I agree with lot of the comments regarding Man Utd. We all agree that they need to sign players. My list as follows:
Area of need-left forward.
Perfect player: Mesut Ozil from german team.
Area of need: centre forward/attacking midfielder
Perfect player: Thomas muller/Bastian Schweinsteiger( center back who plays like an attacking midfielder.
Area of defensE:
Perfect player: Boateng( also from german team and world class on ball defender.
Area of want/ perhaps need: Set play
Perfect Player: Diego Forlan ( from uraguay team)
I want to hear from all my united fans....Lets go REDSSSSSSSSSSSSS.
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Posted by Butcher on 07/26/2010
The reason why United have not bought Ozil or any other big name is simply lack of money, so i am surprised actually that people find it surprising. We sold Ronaldo last year for 80M and although Fergie says the money was available i am reluctant to believe that. The same thing this year again and Fergie saying "He's happy with the squad" which translates to "we have no money so that's pretty much what we will be working with for this season". As mentioned by others, Wayne dragged United last season and we were lost when he was not playing. Hopefully the situation will change this year and we play well all the time and not when a specific player is on the pitch. I am generally pessimistic and i would expect similar results to last year. If we are lucky and we can get a trophy it will probably be the F.A Cup or Carling Cup. For the PL i expect 2nd or 3rd and for the CL we will probably get knocked out in the knockout stages Hopefully i will be proven wrong but my hopes are not that high
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Posted by Justin on 07/26/2010
While its perfectly reasonable to say that Chelsea might not repeat as winners, I think its a little bold to not count them in your list of potential Champions League Contenders. I think you're overstating the loss of Cole and Ballack. Ballack was somewhat of a disappointment all of last year and Cole was pretty much out of commission for vast portion of the year. (I am a Blues fan. . .full disclosure).
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Posted by Brian on 07/27/2010
From another admitted Blues fan I can agree that the team has gotten weaker so far in the offseason however they still time and Roman's wallet. They might not repeat but they will make the top 4 again. As for the rest, Arsenal at #1 Man U at #3 and Maybe Newcastle sneaks in at #4.
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Posted by Valentine on 07/27/2010
I think your top four prediction is actually very safe and not as daring as you would want us to belive. (nice daring pic tho)Lets be honest, Villa and Everton have no chance of a top four finish- they might be in the race but depth is lacking in both (Villa is even selling players)
I agree that UTD has the weakest squad in years and Only HOPE not EXPECTATION for the coming season. However, i strongly believe its a transition because the number of registered "young" players is quite impressive.
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Posted by Wandikuza on 07/27/2010
I still think the outsiders i.e Villa, Everton, and Spurs can claim fourth spot. Newcastle will not even qualify for Europa so I dont want to talk about them. However no-one is talking about surprises in the form of Birmingham, Sunderland and probably Fulham. There is no money at OT and this is time for Nani, Macheda, Valencia to prove themselves.
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Posted by Athenkosi ndlovu on 07/27/2010
i reckon that this season chelsea will go all the way again and win the f.a prem despite losing ballack and cole.As long as Drogba,Terry,Lampard and Cech are still there... these guys are the core of the chelsea team. On the other hand i feel that Ancelloti needs to bolster his squad with a couple of new signings...Benayoun was a good start but we need more so that we can be able to challenge for the champions league and other domestic competitions.GO CHELSEA!!!!
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Posted by Anup Bajracharya on 07/27/2010
I thinK this Year is the Year for Red Devils. We all agree that we need to sign great players:
GK
Rafael,Ferdinand,Vidic,Smalling,Evra,Fabio,O'shea
Valencia,Anderson,Nani,Diouf,Oberaton,Carrick,Fletcher,Park
Rooney,Hernandez,Berbatov,Owen,Macheda
We are hearing some big-starplayers like Fabiano,Ozil,Suarez etc etc are linked as transfer rumours but we really should focus on our Goalkeeper.
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Posted by paul ajetomobi on 07/27/2010
i want to get the detailed report of manchester united latest signings
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Posted by Bueno on 07/27/2010
Mark Payne must be a Portsmouth supporter. COYS!
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Posted by Tim Clements on 07/28/2010
What an "IDIOT" I you think Chelsea won't finish in the top 7 in the premiership, you clearly have know idea about football. I can't believe they wasted the ink for your article.
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Posted by Tim Clements on 07/28/2010
FOLLOW UP - I also just Watched a "10 man" Kansas City WHIP Man United with EASE ..... There go your delusional ramblings. United couldn't even win the MLS never mind the premiership.
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Posted by stevez on 07/28/2010
As long as we have Ferguson we will always finish in the top four. No other manager knows how to get the best out of their squad than our man. He combines youth and experience in a way every other team in the league dreams of. MC may make the champions league this season, but I highly doubt it. They have no clue how to acquire the right players, they simply buy to buy. All these other squads need to look at MU as their model if they want anything to do with long term success. Giving managers time to establish themselves is the way to go and establish clout. So long as teams want instant success they will ultimately fail in the long term. United Forever!!
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Posted by Gavin on 07/28/2010
I really believe that within the first 10 games, Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez will be playing alongside rooney for the season. He is an unbelievable, talented edition to the attack. Just wait and see is all that there is left to do.
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Posted by kevi n on 07/29/2010
here's the finals
1st manutd
2nd chelsea
3rd man city
4th arsenal
5th aston villa
6th villa
rememember that order
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Posted by R.Hoo on 07/29/2010
Its a shame that we have to see b.Foster out of the team, or we would have sufficient cover for GK, agree with everyone that we need a new keeper, Neuer or Akinfeev is perfect.
IMO we desperately need a quality midfield as Giggs and Scholes is getting old and I dont know about you guys but Carrick and Fletcher aren't improving their games from the first time I saw em playing for MU
Anyway im wondering why didnt SAF sign David Silva, hes young, cost not that "expensive", hes perfect as for Giggs's replacement and he's left footed too.
Oh well, still no matter what, Glory Glory Man United
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Posted by raymond on 07/29/2010
I am a die-heart Liverpool. I strongly feel and beleive that Liverpool are a serious title contender to win the premier league title this year. With Torres committing his future at Anfield and the signing of Joe Cole, I can't wait for this two world class footballer to play along side with Steven Gerrard whom I rate the best all rounder footballer in the world.
"YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE"
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Posted by Valentine on 07/29/2010
@kevi- thts a pretty realistic list as long as you change the 1st Villa to Tottenham Hotspur
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Posted by Warren on 07/29/2010
To all you MUFC fans out there have faith in the ability of SAF, he’s still running strong, and albeit we lack a forward/middle fielder & defenseman, we pulled through last year to only shut those Scouser/Gonner fans up!
It’s not all about trophies cause we got plenty ;) we need the youth the step up and shine for the years to come.
The inflated player prices are a simple math – keep debts low while other clubs spend big i.e. Manchester City to be precise. Don’t be fooled as these other clubs just hide their debt well, we make it know. One thing’s for sure we will NEVER fold, as we are the world’s number one FOOTBALL club, not soccer to those Americans!
We will march on, fight and draw RED…..One Luv United!
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Posted by MU Fan. on 07/29/2010
The only way to win the League with this current squad. Let Tom Cleverly, Macheda, Welbeck play in the team, not loaning them out .
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Posted by Anthony Muli on 07/29/2010
I really see ManU on trebble this season because of the young talented players with the likes of Nani, Annerdez, Fabio, Rooney, almost a full squad. Sir Alex Fuguson, thx 4 your great job done. Forever ManU
From UGANDA-Kampala
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Posted by Twahirwa Anthony on 07/29/2010
Iam a stoch ManU fan and i believe this season they are goin to well than last season. ManU forever
From UGANDA-Kampala
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Posted by Adewale, Abuja Nigeria on 07/30/2010
well, it is clear from all indications that you are biased in your prediction, what quality do those teams have to make you rate them above the Undisputabe Chelsea, besides, What concrete role did J cole and Balack play in Chelsea success last season? It was cards Upon Cards for Balack and regular bench for Cole. dont be stupid!!
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Posted by promise on 07/30/2010
The predictor must be an anti-Chelsea, not just a joker for believing in his wide dream that Chelsea will not finish among the top 4
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Posted by promise on 07/30/2010
The writer is not just a joker, but also kidding for for believing in his widest dream that Chelsea will not make the top 4 this season
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Posted by david on 07/30/2010
lets be reasonable guyz..the current manu squad is slim,exposed and weak..to make matters worse we have many injury prone players in the squad..i always trust in saf but we pretty well know that there is no money to spend at oldtrafford...city will course us problems in the derby,the epl will be hard to attain and the champions league is out of our reach..my prediction..a top 3 finish accompanied by either the caling or fa cup..chmpions league..second round exit after a hard time qualifying from the group!!
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Posted by Jeff on 07/31/2010
All i have to say is.... DARRON GIBSON. united would be better off if they started him more often
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Posted by MUFC_86 on 07/31/2010
After watching United's young stars play their pre-season tour, I think those comments about getting Ozil are rubbish. United have talented youngsters. They don't need to sign anyone. Ozil, Sneijder... Nonsense. I don't see a lot of people talking about Chicharito eh? Why can't United fans trust Fergie's judgement? If we buy Ozil just so we can win titles, we aren't any better than Chelski or Sand CIty. They are just playthings of rich tycoons, United are different. We are more than a club. We are an institution. Aw man. C'mon lads....
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Posted by Dike on 07/31/2010
How is it that these articles continue to be published? Mark Payne writes some of the most disjointed, illogical, and nonsensical articles and soccernet continues to publish them! Madness. I could write a better piece blindfolded at 3:36am. Sign me up as the united correspondent PLEASE.
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Posted by Kid Xero on 08/01/2010
While I do agree that the reds have been struggling for form lately, I still noticed that Chelsea have had to play their best season in a decade to beat ManU by one point. I trust that Fergie knows what he's doing in putting faith in the younger players and allowing them to develop within the club, not on loan. Winning the league would be fantastic, but growth and team cohesion at the heart of the mid-field is what I want to see in the coming season. Keeping hope alive and really, let's just enjoy the beautiful game one day at a time.
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Posted by prince on 08/01/2010
I'm a united fan 4 real bt this tyme around, we really hv 2 put things together 4 the progress, upliftment nd movement of this very club, well we need an attacking midfielder, somebody like sneidjer nd d rest, paul scholes, is doing d work bt stil need help with carrick 2 put the midfield together.
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Posted by Don Tuck on 08/01/2010
Here in Florida I'm getting ready for a GREAT season and battle Royal between City and United. I should support United as they are a Florida Team (LOL!!) BUT I'm an old-timer and love City because of Frank Swift and Burt Trautman - and if you remember them you are up there!!!! Oh! The Winner this year: Arsenal of course!!
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Posted by Monir on 08/02/2010
I am a big fan of Man U from Bangladesh and I think we should sign Neumar(Gr) or Loris(Fr) for GK, Sneidjer(Ho)as replacement of Scholes and Ozil(Gr) for Carrick. Our forward are so good- new Chicharito has done well in practice match, I hope he and Macheda will be a great pair with Rooney this year.If Gibson and Oberton show some good strong and skills ability that will be good for Man U in this year. And as a fan I am not happy to see Man U at top 4, I wish to be champion in EPL and CL because we are the best of the best.......cheers for Man U
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Posted by Valentine on 08/02/2010
@MUFC_86 1 day
Do you even know which position Ozil and Chicharito play?!! Ozil is a creative midfielder and Javier an all out striker (Rooney-like). Yes, Gibson plays the same position and Cleaverly (i think) but Ozil would be amazing in tht position
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Posted by Fredrick Yewa on 08/02/2010
My candid prayer is that our attacking midfielder H. Owen to recover just in time then the big problem is solved. United as long as I live.
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Posted by MUFC_86 on 08/03/2010
@Valentine
I watched the World Cup matches, so yes. Do you know the formation Fergie plays? How did Juan Veron fare sitting deeper than his preferred role?
No doubt Ozil would be great. But with United? His attacking style is great but would he fit into Fergie's plans? The last I checked he hasn't signed a creative midfielder for years.
And its Cleverly, Tom Cleverly.
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Posted by rioblanc on 08/03/2010
we need oezil
if hargreaves can play all season long, we will win treble
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Posted by luvthegamez on 08/03/2010
Anelka, Evra and probably Rooney and also others stars who had horrible WC, seemed to struggle to find their best at the beginning of the season.
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Posted by Huzefa on 08/03/2010
I dont even know why every1 is understimating the current squad we have...we lost to bayern in the champs leage coz we were down to 10 men...11 v 11 bayern didnt stand a chance...hernandez is looking good...owen is back...n berba looking sharper than ever...i can only see one prediction...The EPL title is coming back HOME!
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Posted by joey neils on 08/03/2010
1. ARSENAL
2. MANCHESTER CITY
3. CHELSEA
4. MANCHESTER UNITED
5. TOTTENHAM
6. EVERTON
7. WEST HAM
8. VILLA
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Posted by DC on 08/03/2010
CHICA CHICA CHICA RITO!!!!! Man uniteds young guns could probably still top any team out there next to the like of chelsea with drogba up front or maybe man city this year. I expect tots to keep excelling and will put up some serious points. I think the top four will remain next season with maybe a switch of city and spurs. but at the end of the day, MAN UNITED will take the cup home. Finishing 1 point behind the leaders with all our injuries, including one game where our 4 backs were evra carrick flethcher and VALENCIA, so many young guns are ready to fight for the top spots, and make united win it again!!
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Posted by valentine on 08/04/2010
Been watching united (consistently tht is) for only two seasons. But what i did notice is he is very much into a "five-man midfield" and a sole striker. Correct?! then try line up five midfielders with the current squad.
I have to agree that my comments about Ozil and Cleverly are due to a lack of "behind the scenes" soccer such as reserves and mexican leagues but from first team action.... another midfielder is definatly needed
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Posted by james on 08/05/2010
I agree with all, the youth talents in the team are good, however, we are heavily relying on an old keeper, a slower Rio, older giggs and scholes and the only goal scorer in wayne. Glad that hernades joined us and he looks really fast and with good finishing.
SAF is right about the quality of the team, if evans, samlling, fabio and rafael all develop the way he expects then the defince line will be fine. If Hargraves stays out of injury, he will probably be one of the best defensive midfielder in the game, hope Carrick pick up his game like the first year he joined, good that fletcher is now turning into a very important player, Gibson needs to keep imrpoving, he has the quality. Nani was good last year, valencia too, but lack of varieties in his game. Anderson could be crucial, he has the pace, the skill, but some how cannot quite fit in, but i am sure SAF can do something. Maceda needs improvements , Berbatov needs to keep up his pace with the team and Owen to stay fit and sharp
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Posted by slexy on 08/05/2010
even octopus paul would dare not vouch for newcastle winnin the league.
should your predictions come thru, what should we call you?
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Posted by art on 08/08/2010
i am happy with the present team except Berbaflop. i don't want to see any "ready made wizards" being brought in at the expense of youth i want to see effort and enthusism not wimping and whining millionaires
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Posted by PRATAP NADIG on 08/11/2010
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!!!!! GET READY FOR YOUR RIDE OF YOUR LIFE TIME AS MANCHESTER UNITED IS GOING TO ROCK THE FOOTBALL WORLD WITH THE MAGICIAN FERGUSON IN THE LEADERSHIP.
NO MONEY SPENT,NO YOUTH TALENT, NO ITALIAN CAN STOP THIS SCOTT FROM THE TREBLE. MANU ROCKS .
GO GO MAN UTD!!!!!!!!!!! :)
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Posted by Numie on 08/13/2010
One thing is certain relating to United's future.
When Sir Alex finally hangs his sword up there are thirty to forty wannabee managers / advisers
experts who have clearly shown above that they know what ails the club.
C'MON YOU REDS
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Posted by Anthony on 09/11/2010
Rooney close your ears from the public and the everton fans and consetrate on todays match. You know our target this season, please.Thank you. ManU fans oyeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
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Posted by Vickz on 09/24/2010
Man Utd is the best team in the world. The recent form of Dimitar remind me of one man, The King, Cantona. What a great goal against Liverpool(2nd GOAL). If only he could score only one GOAL in all the match he plays. He would be the best scorer in the world. The fans are behind you, may this season be yours. Good Luck and enjoy all the match.
Posted by john odada on 06/07/2011
still top any team out there next to the like of chelsea with drogba up front or maybe man city this year. I expect tots to keep excelling and will put up some serious points. I think the top four will remain next season with maybe a switch of city and spurs. but at the end of the day, MAN UNITED will take the cup home. Finishing 1 point behind the leaders with all our injuries, including one game where our 4 backs were evra carrick flethcher and VALENCIA, so many young guns are
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About
Mark Payne writes about football for a variety of media outlets. He reported on the 2010 World Cup for Australia’s ABC network and worked at one of the FIFA fan sites. He has been ESPN’s Manchester United correspondent for four years. His writing attracts a worldwide following and in 2011 this blog was nominated for an award. To contact Mark for football discussion e-mail him on markpayne.editor@hotmail.com at any time. He wears lucky socks on match days.
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