http://blogs.soccernet.com/manchesterunited/ Mark Payne also found at www.thedevilinme.co.uk en Copyright 2012 Sun, 19 Aug 2012 09:00:09 +0000 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss The atmosphere at Old Trafford has been one of enthusiasm and excitement since Robin Van Persie signed on Friday. Fans will be hoping that translates onto the pitch. However, the chances of Everton rolling over to give United an easy victory are zero. The Toffees share all of the grit and determination of their manager David Moyes and have previous when it comes to making United hurt. http://blogs.soccernet.com/manchesterunited/archives/2012/08/everton_vs_united_preview.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/manchesterunited/archives/2012/08/everton_vs_united_preview.php Sun, 19 Aug 2012 09:00:09 +0000 The signing of Robin Van Persie from Arsenal has sent a ripple effect through the rest of the league and, before a ball has even been kicked, Fergie has struck the first blow in this season’s title race. Whether or not the Dutchman proves as prolific as he did last season, his impact on Manchester United’s squad can already be felt. http://blogs.soccernet.com/manchesterunited/archives/2012/08/shaking_up_the_team.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/manchesterunited/archives/2012/08/shaking_up_the_team.php Thu, 16 Aug 2012 23:08:22 +0000 Robin Van Persie’s transfer to United has been confirmed by a reluctant Arsenal, as Fergie finally gets his man. Reports put the final fee at £23m, less than the London club had hoped for but still a healthy figure considering Van Persie was keen to leave and out of contract in 12 months. http://blogs.soccernet.com/manchesterunited/archives/2012/08/fergie_gets_his_man.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/manchesterunited/archives/2012/08/fergie_gets_his_man.php Wed, 15 Aug 2012 20:35:51 +0000 The start of any season brings out the doom-mongers and the shameless optimists in equal force. In some ways, last season could not have ended more horribly. All of the major trophies ended up at the truly despicable clubs and our heroic effort in the league was left unrewarded. http://blogs.soccernet.com/manchesterunited/archives/2012/08/season_preview.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/manchesterunited/archives/2012/08/season_preview.php Mon, 13 Aug 2012 03:24:24 +0000 The Olympics has been an extremely satisfying experience so far. Unless you are a fan of Team GB’s football contingent of course, or Australian. It is unlikely Sir Alex Ferguson shed any tears as the British Isles’ Frankenstein 11 fell to South Korea on penalties this week, thankfully without injuring any United players. http://blogs.soccernet.com/manchesterunited/archives/2012/08/the_dotted_line.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/manchesterunited/archives/2012/08/the_dotted_line.php Tue, 07 Aug 2012 05:23:10 +0000 As has been widely reported, Manchester United are on the brink of offering hugely overpriced shares through the New York stock exchange. For the past seven years United fans have learned more about the nature of hedge funds and aggressive takeovers than we ever thought necessary. These past few weeks, it seems as if a new low has been reached. http://blogs.soccernet.com/manchesterunited/archives/2012/08/flotation.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/manchesterunited/archives/2012/08/flotation.php Fri, 03 Aug 2012 00:45:15 +0000 It is not often we have two summer tournaments for English fans to take an interest in. It is a situation that highlights the popularity of the game on our fair shores. Popularity, unfortunately, does not equate to health and events off the field this past month have brought that to the surface. http://blogs.soccernet.com/manchesterunited/archives/2012/07/sour_grapes.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/manchesterunited/archives/2012/07/sour_grapes.php Mon, 16 Jul 2012 14:29:59 +0000 Years after his retirement, Roy Keane has established himself as the most entertaining thing at Euro 2012 already. England’s performances thus far are fairly unmentionable. Here is part 2 of the player-by-player reviews for United’s season. http://blogs.soccernet.com/manchesterunited/archives/2012/06/20112012_player_by_player_part_1.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/manchesterunited/archives/2012/06/20112012_player_by_player_part_1.php Fri, 15 Jun 2012 00:35:25 +0000 David de Gea 8/10 In some ways a baptism of fire for the young Spaniard, but it was never going to be any other way. I have great confidence in his ability and he may be more naturally talented than even Van Der Sar was. There is no doubt that with backing and experience he will get better and better. ]]> http://blogs.soccernet.com/manchesterunited/archives/2012/06/20112012_player_by_player_part.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/manchesterunited/archives/2012/06/20112012_player_by_player_part.php Mon, 04 Jun 2012 00:55:53 +0000 This column has completed its fifth year and here are my End of Season Awards. In many ways, this has been the most heartbreaking campaign during my time at the keyboard. Nevertheless, there was still a fair amount to cheer about, even if the trophies ended up with the evil clubs this time out. http://blogs.soccernet.com/manchesterunited/archives/2012/05/end_of_season_awards_2.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/manchesterunited/archives/2012/05/end_of_season_awards_2.php Tue, 29 May 2012 04:10:32 +0000 One of those poor souls who was held hostage in the Middle East for several years was asked upon his release, “How did you cope?” To which he replied: “After five years in a British public school, it really wasn’t all that bad.” This is the kind of stoic attitude I will need to adopt over the coming months. To be sure, there can be no crueller way to lose a championship than the manner fate cooked up for us on Sunday. Nonetheless, after a couple of decades of Liverpool dominance at the end of the last century, we should be able to survive this. http://blogs.soccernet.com/manchesterunited/archives/2012/05/united_are_the_team_for_me.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/manchesterunited/archives/2012/05/united_are_the_team_for_me.php Mon, 14 May 2012 03:05:35 +0000 Certain members of my inner circle have an irrational fear of City winning the title. The planet has witnessed tough times of late, there has been a global recession, adverse weather conditions and the continued success of Simon Cowell to endure. Truly these are troubling times. Yet despite this, some of my pals think the rise of a blue moon is beyond the pale. It is simply not the case. http://blogs.soccernet.com/manchesterunited/archives/2012/05/the_fear.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/manchesterunited/archives/2012/05/the_fear.php Mon, 07 May 2012 04:42:12 +0000 This was a rather apologetic performance from Manchester United and we got what we deserved from Eastlands. A championship team would have swashbuckled their way into East Manchester, rather than building ramparts around the goalmouth. Despite a bright start and a bright finish for United, City bossed large periods of this match and were worthy victors. They are in the driving seat now. http://blogs.soccernet.com/manchesterunited/archives/2012/05/to_the_victor_go_the_spoils.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/manchesterunited/archives/2012/05/to_the_victor_go_the_spoils.php Tue, 01 May 2012 04:02:42 +0000 It is easy to oscillate between extremes. Depending on who you read, and when, the title will definitely be won by Manchester City/United [delete where appropriate] this season. Nevertheless, this was not a great time to drop points at home. http://blogs.soccernet.com/manchesterunited/archives/2012/04/el_fiasco.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/manchesterunited/archives/2012/04/el_fiasco.php Mon, 23 Apr 2012 04:22:39 +0000 It seemed as though the forces of darkness were at work this weekend. Not only did Manchester City crush plucky Norwich, but both Liverpool and Chelsea progressed to the FA Cup Final - thereby ensuring that at least one of the truly evil clubs will finish the season with a trophy. At least, by winning convincingly late on Sunday afternoon, United gave us light at the end of the tunnel. http://blogs.soccernet.com/manchesterunited/archives/2012/04/the_dark_arts.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/manchesterunited/archives/2012/04/the_dark_arts.php Mon, 16 Apr 2012 09:52:54 +0000