A Trot in the park?

Breaking away from my usual weekly round-up of the Premier League’s Big Four (Five), I will give a personal and dedicated insight to Manchester United’s game against Bolton Wanderers this time around. I’m in the mood to write; and the inspiration to verbalize my thoughts give me a sudden surge of confidence. Premiership football returns with much anticipation this week after last week’s football deprivation (due to World Cup qualifiers).

Well, United versus Bolton games have historically been ‘interesting’. OK, my euphemism for 'difficult'. Bolton has always been resolute and I see them like a pesky dog that can’t stop gnawing at your foot. They nibble, like a teething pup, but seldom bite. And even if they do, they do not hurt much. And I don’t hope that they have the bite to hurt this Saturday.

Thankfully, United do not have serious injuries to the players (at this point in writing), except for some purported psychological ‘issues’ with Rio Ferdinand. I think the media has been on Rio’s back ever since his not-so-convincing performances of late, going back to the game against Manchester City. Will Sir Alex give him a rest and opt for Jonny Evans instead alongside Vidic?

While Berbatov has been in scorching form (with his scissor-kick against Sunderland and scoring a hattrick against Georgia for Bulgaria), I believe Rooney would want to rediscover his purple patch. It is indeed heartening to see your striking colleague in fine fettle, but with Wazza as we know, nothing would satisfy him most than banging in his share of goals and earning the plaudits. This game against The Trotters would be the perfect situation for Wazza to cement this belief.

On another note, look out for Bolton’s latest Korean sensation – Lee Chung Yong. His first few games for the boys in white have been outstanding and like Berba, made the difference for their countries respectively recently. This guy is a handful and would we employ our own Park Ji Sung to give him specific attention this Saturday? If I may say, Sir Alex is not too fond of placing a personnel to mark an opponent but it would be logical if the gaffer gives specific instructions to Fletcher to keep this Korean in check.

It is a tough game in all aspects and from which ever angle you look at; anyway, we can take to heart that at least, it is not being played at the Reebok Stadium.

A trot in the park for United then this weekend? I'd rather be a realist and welcome a 2-1 win for United.

(P)lucky Devils?

Patrice Evra

We had an off day against the Black Cats, as the gaffer said,

“We rescued a game in which we played so badly,” Sir Alex told MUTV. “Our passing was just not what I expect of the team, right throughout the game. We tried to change it round by bringing Anderson on for the second half. But we continued to give the ball away repeatedly.”

I thought we were bereft of ideas and bereft of confidence, even in the first few moments Ben Foster collected the ball after some hesitation with Vidic.

We looked like a team playing far away from Old Trafford; well, if not for the signboards looking suspiciously similar to our home, our performance would have suggested so.

We were at home; it’s just that the team that trooped out gave a home-away-from home performance in this match.

But then again, like the games against Arsenal and City, luck was on our side when the moments mattered most. Against Sunderland, we had looked jaded and I believe most of us had thought Steve Bruce had done us no favor this time.

We were wrong – the diminutive Evra just had to have the final say.

With Chelsea handing Liverpool their 3rd Premiership defeat in less than 10 games played so far, they are back on top of the standings.

I fret not, since we are usually at our best when we’re chasing the game or reeling the points in.

We’re best when we have our proverbial backs against the wall; and this season, I believe it is no different.

Lucky or just plain plucky?

Premiership Weekend (3rd & 4th Oct)

So it was a sensational September after all. All wins in all competitions; we are on a roll!

United versus Sunderland; definitely not a weekend blockbuster at first glance but massive three points to be earned.

I am immediately brought back to last season’s home game against the Black Cats where Nemanja Vidic scored the all-important goal to seal victory in the dying moments.
I was holidaying in Hong Kong then; and I remembered switching on the news eagerly to know the score. With the score still unannounced, the highlights were a torture; United were pounding Sunderland’s goal, attempts after attempts..

And then the defining moment came.

I was relieved and ecstatic. One-nil to United.

This weekend’s home game should again be an interesting one, with United on a winning momentum and Sunderland firing five goals past Wolverhampton Wanderers (Wolves) last weekend.
Darren Bent is back on fire and so is danger man Kenwyne Jones. Rio and co would need to be on the constant lookout to keep them both at bay.

On United:
It’s good to see Michael Carrick back in the team and scoring again. He has been nearly forgotten ever since Giggsy and Fletcher have been impressive. Carrick’s return to midfield would give us a better resolve and would be a wonderful option to call upon. Berbatov has been livelier than usual and credit to the man, I believe he shows more passion and commitment to his game now. He is more involved in the build up and would do the ‘dirty work’ of winning the ball instead of relying on the others to feed him. If Berba keeps up with his form and displays, I’m sure most United fans would start taking to him.

It’s quite a coincidence that both teams played against opposing teams with similar names and connotations – wolves! As the results show, both teams did well and did not fall prey to the even though the headlines would have possibly have been very different if results were to go the other way.

October has come and things are getting more exciting by the week!

The Air That I Breathe

Men of The Month: Ryan Giggs (top) and Darren Fletcher

Note: The Mancunian Connection would like to apologize for not being able to provide the weekly preview for last week’s Premiership Weekend due to workload and personal commitments. To all Muslim readers, Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri!

I can now breathe some sighs of relief.

Watching the United vs Manchester City game was like taking a ride on a roller-coaster; and I mean it in every sense, metaphorically and literally.
My heart jumped when United scored, and sank whenever City came back to bring the game to parity once more. I believe many United fans had thought Rio’s mistake would have cost us the three big points for his showboating antic which led to Bellamy’s equalizer at the final minute of normal time, but we were wrong..

On came Michael Owen to pop in the killer goal of that infamous ‘4 + 1.5 extra minutes’ of refereeing generosity. I leapt off my seat, arms raised and punched the air as though I had scored the goal. It was 2am plus in Malaysia and I think I did wake up some members of the household with my screams of delight. I couldn’t help it.

So, it’s good to be back penning my thoughts in this blog. And it’s good to be back in black as they say. Frankly speaking though, this season’s black away kit has not gone too well if we were to judge our team’s performances and results. We had struggled to put up some decent performances in some of the away games; the hardest to take was our away loss to newcomers Burnley in this particular kit. I was beginning to fear that this kit would be the kit to forget but thankfully, I have been proven wrong.

Against Stoke City (and clad in the mentioned black kit), we did almost everything right but just could not find a spark and a goal – the closest was Nani who missed a glorious chance early on in the game but wasted it instead. We pounded and battered The Potters for almost an hour before (Sir) Ryan Giggs came on to inspire the team to a two-nil victory over a very stubborn Stoke.

It’s towards the end of September now and barring any disruption / upset in the last game of the month in the form of a UCL game against Wolfsburg, it would be a sensational September for Manchester United. We were pushed all the way in the Premiership by Arsenal, Spurs, Manchester City and Stoke and came through with maximum points. Questions were asked and tactics were questioned but we came through with flying colors.

My men of the month? Without a shadow of a doubt, the honors must be shared between Ryan Giggs and Darren Fletcher. Great job!

We are top of the table now and like millions of United faithfuls, I hope we would still be in this position come the last week of May 2010.

Up for grabs - Bragging Rights! Premiership Weekend

Darren Fletcher: A possible match winner for United

Saturday:

Arsenal vs Wigan, 10pm

TMC’s prediction: Home win

Super Sunday:

West Ham vs Liverpool, 12.30am

TMC’s prediction: Away win

Man United vs Man City, 8.30pm
TMC’s prediction: Home win

Chelsea vs Tottenham, 11pm
TMC’s prediction: Draw

It’s another week, and another testing game for Manchester United. If we earned our spurs at White Hart Lane last week, this week we would earn the highly-sought after bragging rights against City, should results flow our way. City is currently on scintillating form (winning all their games so far) and the climax of an in-form is none more evident than the ripping apart of Arsenal at the City of Manchester stadium.

The other finely-balanced tie will pit Carlo Ancelotti against Harry Redknapp where the winner will not only snatch all three points at stake but also bragging rights in London.
Should Chelsea lose (which is quite unlikely), Ancelloti’s men will be pegged from distancing themselves from the other big teams; should Spurs lose on the other hand, I’m afraid that would spark a losing streak that could possibly mean sowing seeds of doubts in their own capabilities. I can’t elaborate further on how important this game would be to Spurs since getting thumped by 10-men United last week.

On United:
No Adebayor, and most probably no Tevez (at this point in writing) – on paper, City would seem lightweight up front with Robinho and Roque Santa Cruz also missing this tie.

Make no mistake, however, City will be buoyed by their winning momentum and will be tough to break down. In Gareth Barry, they have a formidable personnel and it would be interesting to see how he fares against our very own Darren Fletcher in midfield.

Again, we will depend on Fletcher to snuff out their attacking threat and disrupt play as he did so effectively against the Gunners; and again, we will pin our hopes on Rooney to lead the line.
We are getting over-dependent on Wazza for goals (in my opinion) in recent games but seeing him react in disgust on his substitution against Besiktas in UCL game, I can only be pleased with his passion and commitment to the team.

We would need a lot of passion and fire when City come calling.

Adebayor

Adebayor celebrating in front of the Arsenal fans

I am incensed.

Nothing gets to me more than seeing a player scoring and celebrating against his former club; and it was not a usual celebration for Emmanuel Adebayor when he scored his goal against his former paymasters.

I had previously flipped through Arsenal’s official club magazine (June issue, if I’m not mistaken) and back then Adebayor had ‘pledged’ his future to the Londoners.
What a load of bull crap! How things change once ego and money set in. There was no turning back; well there was actually, literally speaking, when Adebayor ran across the pitch to the opposite direction of goal just to sling sh*t at the Gunners’ traveling supporters.

Despicable. Unimaginable. Unforgiveable.

He apologized immediately after realizing having his head stuck in his arse but the damage has been done.

To hear me rant about a player who has no connection to Manchester United in any way is something unusual. I’m a person who is more concerned about his own club than anything else.

And to think that Adebayor had once ‘considered’ coming to United before opting for City, I really thank our lucky stars that we do not have him in our side, no matter how ‘valuable’ he is to the team.I don’t respect these kind of players and never will I see them in a good light. Call me myopic, I don’t care.

Arsenal supporters, I’m sure most of you are seething not because of the goals conceded but because of this act of highest disrespect.

Give Adebayor hell when City goes to your ground, and bring back some respect to your club (and the game).

That’s the least you could do!

The Return: Premiership Weekend

AFTER nearly two weeks of largely uninspiring international and football friendlies (well, that’s what I always feel about these games), we welcome back the English Premier League and other club football around Europe. The transfer window came by and went with many mid table and ‘smaller’ clubs creating the most buzz and business. United, as expected, did not reinforce but have been engaged in deflecting accusations from other European clubs that we cradle-snatched some of their rising starlets illegally.

Well, it’s almost back to the beginning once again; and those teams who have started on a blistering pace (i.e. Chelsea, Man City) will find themselves having the extra spotlights on them.
As for Liverpool and Arsenal, I’m sure their fans would have been twiddling their thumbs for the past two weeks and hope that the resumption of matches would somehow reignite their flagging morale. The Scousers have already lost twice so far while Arsenal’s young guns have been firing in all places, and none so more pivotal (and comical) than the one fired by Abou Diaby towards the hapless Manuel Almunia, gifting Manchester United a victory. Maybe they should call him ‘A-Boo-Boo’ Diaby instead. Hah.

This is first class entertainment, if you’re a Manchester United fan, that is!

OK, so here is this week’s fixtures involving the top teams:

Saturday:
Liverpool vs Burnley, 10pm
TMC’s prediction: Home win

Man City vs Arsenal, 10pm
TMC’s prediction: Draw

Stoke City vs Chelsea, 10pm
TMC’s prediction: Away win

Super Sunday:
Spurs vs Manchester United, 12.15am
TMC’s prediction: Away win

On United:
United have enjoyed successes against Spurs in recent seasons and the clash between these two have never failed to produce top-notch excitement. Just look back at last season’s comeback win for United (after being 2 goal down) and you would know what I mean.

This is a game touted as one that would see whether Tottenham would be earning their spurs and ready to break into the Big Four’s domination or their incredible start to the season is just a flash in the pan. We will see how Spurs would cope without their creative instigator Luka Modric who has been injured. Nevertheless, Aaron Lennon’s brilliant showing against Croatia for the Three Lions a few days ago would make him the player to receive some ‘special’ treatment and attention from us.

It’s September, and it's good to be back!

Ssshhh!!!

Image courtesy: www.mirror.co.uk

AS WE KNOW, there will be no Premiership action this week due to international games and friendlies around the corner. If you're wondering, I'm no fan of the English football team, no thanks largely to the presence of Steven Gerard, Frank Lampard, John Terry..well, you get the idea (just to borrow a line from a very famous TV advert) :O)

It's been a week since I last posted; been pretty occupied with another passion of mine: photography. Do check out my other blog if you have the time at http://www.shutterspeed9.blogspot.com/

Some of my friends are quite surprised that I did not have a dedicated posting on this 'massive' win since we beat Arsenal at home last Sunday. In fact, I seldom mention about it in the workplace unless some footie buddies of mine bring up the issue.

I guess it is out of my respect for the Gunners or sympathy/empathy for Arsene Wenger. Rarely do I feel this way when we beat The Gunners but this time, it seems different.

With reports (prior to the game) suggesting a better relationship between Sir Alex and his counterpart, it seems a bit strange that the hostility among fans have somehow cooled down (well, over here in Penang at least) from my observation. I remember exchanging some heated words with a friend of mine over the United-Arsenal games many years ago. We are both passionate fans and things can get explosive especially when defending our pride and love.

And with that, out of respect for one of our most hated rivals, I will put a finger to my mouth, just like Asharvin does when he celebrates his goals. It is my fleeting moment of goodwill, if you will..

So...sshhhh!!! Silence is golden.

Premiership Review – 29 & 30 Aug ‘09

A job well done at the final whistle?

In action this week (all matches at Malaysian time):

Saturday, 29 Aug:
Chelsea vs Burnley (7.45pm)
TMC’s prediction: 2-0 Home win

Bolton vs Liverpool (10pm)
TMC’s prediction: 1-1 Draw

Sunday, 30 Aug:
Manchester United vs Arsenal (12.15am)
TMC's prediction: 1-1 Draw

Portsmouth vs Man. City (8.30pm)

TMC’s prediction: 0-2 Away win

On United:
Manchester United seems to be making headlines of supposed unrest (read Anderson and Michael Carrick) more than having beelines of new players lining up for acquisition these few days.
With just three days to go to the transfer window deadline, we would have thought the latter would be the more likely scenario.

Nevertheless, our five nil win over Wigan a week ago seems to be the perfect tonic for this Sunday’s showdown against Arsenal and we go into this game with a better state of heart and mind.

Having played Arsenal at The Emirates last season, we would be keen to make up for our performances against them in the Premier League. We just managed a point then (although a championship-sealing one in May) and I am keener than ever to wipe off the memories of Samir Nasri reeling away in delight when he netted a brace against us on 8th Nov ‘08.

This time though, The Goonies are no longer bereft of the services of Eduardo, van Persie and some of their other so-called lynchpins. If recent form and games were to be a yardstick, we could be in for a rough ride despite being home in Old Trafford. A draw would be considered a minor achievement in this game, at this point in time.

I’m just being realistic, but of course, all three points to United would be received gladly.

On a quick peep:
Apart from the United-Arsenal game, the only other match that could possibly be evenly-contested would be between Bolton vs Liverpool. Liverpool has been slightly out-of-sorts and their over-dependence on Gerard-Torres is beginning to thwart their chances. I expect Bolton to produce a dogged performance at the Reebok Stadium with Liverpool doing just enough for a (lucky) draw.

Chelsea, meanwhile, will face an in-form Burnley side who will want to add their The Blues in their list of scalps this season. It would be tough to carry on the momentum after their impressive wins against Man. United and Everton last week. Chelsea should see them off quite comfortably but I have a strong feeling that something will happen and The Clarets would leave Stamford Bridge with smiles on their faces.

It’s strange, and it’s possible.

The afterthought:
With all of United’s three main strikers banging in the goals last week, things are looking brighter and more optimistic upfront.

It is our midfield and central defence that I’m most concerned about.

I don’t have to elaborate or reiterate. United fans would know what I mean.

Raining rumors

It has been raining cats, dogs, kittens and puppies here in Penang (Malaysia) for the past one week.

Meanwhile, in and around the world of Manchester United, it has been raining rumors and we have been pelted almost on a daily basis since the last few days.

Well, the ‘rain’ started with Nemanja Vidic being linked to a move to Barcelona and then poured with the supposed ‘fall-out’ between midfield men Anderson and Michael Carrick with Sir Alex Ferguson.

Vida aside, I think it would not be much of a shock should Ando and Carrick seek greener pastures elsewhere. Ever since the Champions League Final in Rome, the inadequacies of these two players stuck out like a sore thumb (and toe), even eclipsing some of the better highlights of our 2008/09 season. It’s strange how soon we forget the good things players (and people) have done and we tend to harp on things that have/had a negative impact on us. We are fickle, and we are definitely hard to please creatures.

I admit I am like that too; I would be one of the first to raise both my hands.

Only a few seasons ago, Ando looks to be a real find in Sir Alex’s long list of success stories. He was hard-tackling and winning midfield battles against the likes of Steven Gerard, Cesc Fabregas and Frank Lampard. I recall him marshalling our midfield with such finesse and fortitude that even Gerard was made to look like a lost boy in his own yard several seasons ago.
That game and THAT performance by Ando will always be one of my favorite matches against Liverpool. I made a personal vow that if United were to beat the Scousers that day, I would buy the black away kit. My ‘Scholes’ black away kit is my testament.

Now Arjen Robben has been brought into the picture, and I do hope Sir Alex will sign someone soon before the transfer window shuts.

It could be Robben; or it could be a player by the name of Rubben or Ribbon. It would not matter much as long as that someone has art (heart) and soul since we are currently lacking these in midfield.

I guess the rain will be stopping soon, and so too the rumors; at least for now, before another storm brews in the teacup and before the winds of discontentment make its way to the red men in Manchester.

And then, the rain and rumors would rage again, with a thunderclap for added effect.

Holy Schmeikey!

From 'keeper to TV host

With a water hose in his large hand, he scrubs the fountain, and sometimes his eye brows too, at intervals.

He then looks up and breaks into a grin, with a big shiny red nose that looks as though it had some brushing as well. Ladies and gentlemen..

It's our Manchester United legend, Peter Schmeichel!

I was just about to switch to another TV channel when I caught a glimpse of that famous white-blond hair of his. This time, our big man was in Venice, Italy to help clean the city in an episode of *‘Dirty Jobs With Peter Schmeichel’.

If you had been accustomed to seeing Schmikes in football gloves and boots previously, do get used to the sight of him swapping them for garden gloves and plumber’s boots in his role as the show’s host in Discovery Channel. Although I managed to catch the show with only 20 minutes to spare, I’m sure to be catching the next episode from now onwards, since it’s good to be re-acquainted with a United legend via a reality TV program.

Reflecting on the program, when I’m sitting alone and enjoying the beautiful silence, I sometimes cannot help but let my mind wander to who or what I would be next in the weeks or months (or even years) to come.

“Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?”

That’s one of the most clichéd interview questions I always come across whenever I’ve been offered a chance to attend job interviews. Hmmm..In case you’re hoping, I’m not telling you how I answered them (hint: you need to be original!) or how I snaked my way out. No, no, no…

I don’t actually belief we can plan where or how we end up; anyway, I subscribe to the belief of ‘here and now’. It’s like ‘living in the moment’, if you will.

Let’s take Manchester United for example.

Sir Alex famously said he was once keen to bring samba boy Ronaldinho to Old Trafford but instead landed a player by the name of Ronaldo. For a fleeting moment, I had thought it was the Brazilian forward, Ronaldo, but no, it was a kid with some fancy hairdo and a bucket-load of talent (well, talent-wise, we found that out pretty soon).

Some things are meant to be; some not. If we had gotten buck-tooth Ronnie instead of Cristiano Ronaldo, I could not imagine how United would have turned out for the past few seasons. Unbelievable, but you can't fight fate or destiny.

So, where do YOU see yourself in the next five years? (I can’t help being nosy, sorry!)

Well, I/you/we could be milking cows in New Zealand or travel across continents with nothing but a backpack, fueled by a desire to live life without any lofty expectations.

Or we could be giving ourselves a shot at being an amateur wrestler regardless of our body shape or size.

Or we could be ending up in the film industry (like Eric Cantona)…

Or we could even be 'ending up' as a prawn sandwich seller around Old Trafford. Be warned though, Roy Keane might just beat us to it, should he decide to get a little adventurous like his former Old Trafford colleagues, and IF the Tractor Boys (Ipswich Town FC) get flattened in the new Football League Championship season. No disrespect to the boys in blue, though.

I won’t be surprised if that does happen (Keano and his sandwiches), ever since seeing our Great Dane in his new ‘reincarnation’.

And I am always contemplating new adventures, but never a new football club :O)

*I'm not exactly sure if the European version of 'Dirty Jobs' is still actively running; I hope you can excuse me if there are some minor information discrepancies in this article.

Secondhalf Serenade

The Virtuosos

www.manutd.com

For all the music and Manchester United aficionados around the world, our second half serenade sounds the sweetest against Wigan Athletic over the weekend. Five nil in 45 minutes, would you ever envision the outcome to be that?

Match Highlights:

Well, it’s true The Red ensemble did miss quite a few notes here and there in the first half.
It’s true The Red ensemble was without a notable conductor in midfield.

And it’s true that when The Red ensemble is on song, the park’s a stage, and it happens to be the DW Stadium yesterday afternoon in Wigan.

Positives:
1. Wayne Rooney
Two goals to bring his goal-tally to 101. Excellent header from Valencia's cross to set United up for a fruitful afternoon.

2. Dimitar Berbatov
Definitely one of his better games as a Red Devil. Berba was involved throughout and seemed more willing to run for United’s cause lately. Deft flicks and tricks; the culmination of his performance brilliantly capped with a goal from, what else, a flick over Chris Kirkland. Nice!

3. Michael Owen

Most of us had feared for another dismal outing from Owen but he proved his doubters wrong. As soon as he connected with the ball, the waves of expectancy (and hope) were for it to end at the back of the net. This time, Owen did not disappoint with a clever clip.

Negatives:
1. United missing a string of chances to put the game beyond Wigan’s reach as early as the opening ten minutes. Fletcher saw his shot blocked after a dazzling move and Scholes did not do justice to the wonderful tee-up by Berba, blasting the shot wide. We are over-reliant on Rooney to get the goals.

2. It took the team almost 55 minutes to get into the scoring act. With due respects to Wigan, we would need to start and end strong against the big teams; we do not have the luxury to kick into gear for only a half while the other is spent on finding our rhythm.

The Verdict:
Whatever the results are for Chelsea (and Liverpool who have yet to play at this moment in writing), the weekend clearly belongs to Manchester United. It was as though the emotional anvil had been lifted and everyone associated with United can now breathe some sighs of relief.

There's an air of optimism going to next week's game after our quite brilliant performance in the second half against Wigan. We have found our ruthlessness once again but in all honesty, the true tests will be in the weeks to come starting from the next game against Arsenal. The Gunners are firing on all cylinders but let's see if we can stop them in their tracks.

In the meantime, let's not get too carried away but savor the sweet serenade, shall we?

Premiership Review - 22 & 23 Aug '09

In action this week (all matches at Malaysian time):

Saturday, 22 Aug:
Arsenal vs Portsmouth (10pm)
TMC’s prediction: 2-0 Home win

Wigan vs Manchester United (10pm)
TMC’s prediction: 0-1 Away win

Man. City vs Wolves (10pm)
TMC's prediction: 2-0 Home win

Sunday, 23 Aug:

Fulham vs Chelsea (11pm)
TMC’s prediction: 2-3 Away win

Tuesday, 25 Aug:

Liverpool vs Aston Villa (3am)

TMC’s prediction: 2-1 Home win

This weekend’s matches should see the ‘Big Four’ (or should I say Five now?) notching victories with no actual ‘blockbuster’ like the showdown between Spurs and Liverpool last week.
However, as Burnley has proven against United, some scripts are meant to be read and then torn apart. You sometimes don’t need the external hype; just create one when you have the chance.

On United:
Barely three days after our night of nerves at Turf Moor, the game against Wigan appear to have its importance magnified. With Rio and Vida still missing (while I’m writing this), it would be quite a game for O’Shea and Jonny Evans if they are paired again in central defense. In midfield, Sir Alex would probably make his (wholesale?) changes to bring more aggression and grit into our game after our insipid performance against Burnley.

Antonio Valencia should bolt down his wing position in the starting eleven and perhaps continue bolting along the flanks like he has done in the last few games. He should have all the motivations in the world to do well at the place where he started to earn his stripes, literally.
Meanwhile, Sir Alex would most likely pair Rooney with Berbatov, with Owen waiting to make up for missing the chances he had against Birmingham and Burnley.

On a quick peep:
Arsenal, Man. City and Chelsea will be tested at times this week, but I feel the momentum is currently with them. The West London derby between Fulham and Chelsea should be interesting with both teams in fine form. The Blues have been a goal down at each of their last two games and if they find themselves in a similar situation against The Cottagers this Sunday, I’d expect Chelsea to bounce back, although I hope their luck runs out! Also, Chelsea old-boy Damien Duff should be making his Fulham debut in this match.

Liverpool would only play Aston Villa on 25 Aug (in the wee hours of Tuesday) and by then, they could find themselves looking up at the rest of the big teams.
Their 4-0 win against Stoke City may have stoked some flame and passion into their game but The Villans should prove to be stronger opponents this time.

The afterthought:
Whatever formation and personnel Sir Alex deploy at Dave Whelan (DW) Stadium, the weight of expectations is clear:

We have to WIN, especially since Arsene Wenger and Co. will be visiting next week.

If we are baying for the Gunners’ blood, we need to rediscover our ruthlessness starting from this week.

Burnt-ley

OK.

Alright.

We lost to Burnley (yes, Burnley, the newly-promoted club) in only the second game of the new Premier League season.I know the Anything But United Supporters Club (ABUSC) and its members are having a field day, just like the rest of the sports journalist vultures who have been waiting for something of this magnitude to happen.

The game was not shown live on Astro (our local cable TV) this morning, although I did wake up before 4am and stayed up until 4.30am to see if there was a glimpse of the Premiership Midweek results.

Nevertheless, not a hint of results, no matter how many times I flipped the remote control.

As soon as I stepped into my work place this morning, some Arsenal and Liverpool fans have been giving me the ‘utter shock’ and ‘disbelief’ look and mindless rhetorical questions like: “I heard MU lost, really??”

“Against Burnley, are you sure?” Added another, while trying to maintain the (sym)pathetic look, “ Bernn-leeee..you know??!”

Come on, guys…I know supposed stupidity and naivety come in your sarcasm package, but I don’t think you should be revealing all at once, ok?
It makes you look, well..stupid.

Yes, we have been burnt and you can go gloat about it. I’m sure it makes you happy.
Heck, this could even mean making your day.

Well, congratulations to The Clarets. I think you guys played well and most probably deserved the 3 points too. Having seen the match highlights, that goal was a cracker!

Just make sure you give the same 200% commitment when Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea (and maybe Man City?) pay a visit to Turf Moor in the coming weeks and months.

I would then have the license to feign sympathy and shock (should results go in favor of United), just like what I am being subjected to today.

Until then, my fellow Manchester United fans, we have the away game against Wigan to look forward to this weekend.

Let's ride on and move along :)

'V' for Vendetta?

IMAGINE wearing a Manchester United jersey with the ‘SHARP’ logo still on instead of ‘AIG’.
That would make some footie heads turn, I believe, especially if that person has a ‘Cantona’ or ‘Beckham’ emblazoned across his or her back.

And if you’re a lady, you’ll score extra points with the guys; your ‘babe-licious’ level would shoot up a few notches if you happen to have the looks to boot at the same time!
Well, I’m not being a sexist, should you accuse me of being one since I’m just quoting from my experiences.

Now I just came across this article in The Star yesterday and Malaysia’s Manchester United Supporters’ Club (MUSC) will be having a sale at the end of this month at its club house in Petaling Jaya. Looking at the picture above, one of my all-time favorite classic jerseys is the white away strip when SHARP and UMBRO were still the main sponsors. Giggsy had floated like a butterfly and stung the entire Arsenal defence like a bee in THAT FA Cup game when the team was decked in the white and black kit combo. I don’t even have to describe the scenes when Giggsy planted that goal. It was indescribable; if you asked me how I felt watching the goal sail in.

Anyway, I had wanted to get that jersey but didn’t have the chance to; perhaps there would still be one at the ‘sale’ at the clubhouse come this month end?

While on being retro, I have the UEFA Champions League Winners’ home jersey when we won in ’99. I think it’s one of the most distinct jerseys that we’ve had over the years with its special flash badge, the kind where it ‘flashes’ when you take a photo with the flash on. Flashes of brilliance (and there were many!), just like how the team was in that season. How fitting.

The present home and away jerseys look good to me, although some might say it resembles Mexico’s national football jersey a few years ago. Some lament the lack of inspiration or imagination for a better looking design with just a dark ‘V’ across the chest as the most ‘prominent’ difference. But I’m not complaining.

‘V’ for Victory? ‘V’ for Vintage?
Or ‘V’ for Vendetta?

Would the ‘V’ signify all of the above, especially since we have a score to settle with the Scousers (and the Gunners) for what they did to us last season?

A vintage Manchester United team will not lack inspiration or imagination when we meet them again this time.

I hope so.

Wear When You're Winning (only??)

The first of many, hopefully

YOU JUST KNOW when a result goes a particular team's way.

Out of the blue, their so-called ‘die-hard’ fans would be seen walking around shopping malls, eateries and other public places in their team’s jerseys, sometimes with a ‘Fabregas 4’ or ‘Lampard 8’ or even a 'Torres 9' across their backs.

Well, I don’t wish to take a direct dig at our rival supporters but it really is amusing to me. If it is ‘sing when you’re winning’ from the terraces in England, it’s most likely to be ‘wear when you’re winning’ mindset for them over here. Hmmm..I guess it’s better for them to savor the moment before they dissipate again. Who knows what will happen, right?

So the weekend belonged to Arsenal with their 6-1 thumping of Everton. Chelsea had a scare and was on the verge of losing ground in their opening match before Drogba rescued them again with a freak goal in injury time. You certainly have to feel for Hull City. Elsewhere in White Hart Lane, Spurs started their season in fine sparkle when they beat Liverpool 2-1. Life (or rather, death?) begins with the departure of Xavi Alonso for the Scousers. Well done, Spurs!

Man City, meanwhile, joined the early pace-setters’ club with a 2-0 win at Ewood Park against Rovers.

For my dear United, a slightly less than convincing win over Birmingham City, thanks to a solitary goal from Wayne Rooney. Owen could have gotten on the score sheet too at the death but was denied by the ‘keeper in a one-on-one situation.. I had spoken earlier about United’s traditional slow start to the season and I was proven half-right, I believe. Nevertheless, Fletcher was driving the midfield with Scholes; Valencia looks to be the new speed connoisseur down the flanks and Rooney in some fine form. Sure there was no taking-off of jersey euphoric moments like Drogba had but with Rio and Vida missing from the line-up, it was a good result for United.

Oh yea, just in case you’re wondering, I’m not in my usual United jersey today. No ‘Keane 16’ or ‘Scholes 18’ emblazoned over the back of my shoulders. Just an ordinary red Polo Manchester United T-shirt and the only inkling of my association with the club is the devil on the left side of my chest. Nothing too 'in your face', unless you're a Liverpool fan, of course! Can't really blame them if they were that sensitive though, especially after Sunday's (failed) exploits :O)

I could have walked the path taken by the other group of supporters and have a jersey on me.

Well, I don’t need to. And Manchester United die-hards, we certainly don’t have to.

We sing (and wear) with pride whenever we feel like it! :)

Here We Go!

THREE months deprivation of bona fide football matches is about to end in less than 24 hours, thank goodness. I confess I’m a Premiership footie junkie; most of you are too I believe.
I had survived on measly molecules of footballing oxygen (in the form of friendlies and pre-season warm-ups); and now as our withdrawal syndrome is about to be a thing of the past, let us welcome the start of the new Premiership season!

Note: With the start of the 2009/10 Premiership season, The Mancunian Connection (TMC) will also cast a keen eye on the other three ‘Big Four’ clubs and their exploits (Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea, in that particular HATE order).

In action this week (all matches at Malaysian time):

Saturday, 15 Aug:
Chelsea vs Hull City (7.45pm)
TMC’s prediction: Chelsea 3 Hull 0

Sunday, 16 Aug:
Everton vs Arsenal (12.30am)
TMC’s prediction: 2-2 draw (Go Toffees!)

Man Utd vs Birmingham City (8.30pm)
TMC’s prediction: United 3 City 1

Spurs vs Liverpool (11pm)
TMC’s prediction: 3-2 home win (Go Spurs!)

Since Man City has been hogging the headlines in recent months, we need to keep tabs on the team from ‘Waste’lands too:

Blackburn Rovers vs Man City (Sat, 10pm)
TMC's prediction: 2-2 draw (come on you Rovers!)

Who will be the biggest winner this week? Will the Scousers and the Gooners drop points in their potential ‘banana skin’ matches?
Will City’s rich boys be humbled (and humiliated?!) by Mark Hughes’ previous employers at Rovers?

Or will United ‘hit the ground running’ and put on an enthralling overture at the Theatre Of Dreams?
I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

So here we are and there we go!

The Strikers

EXCITING times ahead, these are.

However, this season will be one of the most daunting of seasons in United’s history, I believe. We will be looking to do something unprecedented by winning the 4th consecutive Premiership title and in the process, eclipsing Liverpool as the most successful club in England in terms of English Premier League titles. We're talking about 19 league titles, our Holy Grail.

A season’s making that would hinge largely on the likes of Rooney, Berba, Carrick, Fletcher, Rio and Vida, just to name a few.

Even though the season has yet to officially start, I must admit that United has some problems in terms of ‘right personnel’ for different departments. Let me kick-off this series with a focus on our goal-getters.

Our Strikers:

In our Treble-winning year in '99, we had 4 equally excellent strikers in the Soul Brothers (Cole & Yorkie) and Sheringham & Ole. Today, we 'only' have Berba and Rooney who are our most recognized (and proven) strikers. Let’s not bring Owen into the picture yet as we have yet to see him get a full game under his belt. Thus, Sir Alex needs to buy another top-class striker when the transfer window opens again to provide cover for our senior strikers (Rooney, Berba and Owen).

Kiko Macheda & Danny Welbeck:
Terrific as they are (especially last season’s exploits), Sir Alex is taking a huge risk and gamble on the duo. Great squad players, but to ask them to perform at the most demanding level every week, I think that is pushing it a bit too far, at least for now. This season, the opposing defenders would have learned to contain the duo; I’d be slightly surprised if they don’t.

For Carling Cup and the ‘lesser’ opponents in the FA Cup matches, by all means, give Kiko and Welbeck the chance they deserve. But for the Premier League and Champions League, I think we are still light up front. Pray hard that Rooney and Berba stay injury-free throughout the season; I cannot imagine one of them being out for weeks. We may call upon Kiko or Welbeck but just don’t expect them to conjure miracles each time.

For they are, after all, fledglings who still need time to take flight. Let’s not haste their growth, but rather, allow them to sufficiently develop their feathers and wing muscles for flight.

If they do take flight and improve on last season’s showing, I am confident we would have a good chance of making history this season.

p/s: Stay tuned for reviews on the other departments in the next installments.

Foy Foils United

Two days after the Community Shield match ended and I am still GUTTED!!

Well, I’m not in the mood to talk long about the game but just wish to get a few things off my chest:

1. Referee Chris Foy should have stopped the game when Evra was down on the ground. With Evra injured, 3 Chelsea players versus 2 backpedalling United players can only mean an outcome. Well, we know what the outcome was. The referee should have stopped the game when Evra was on the ground.

2. Ben Foster needs to buck up fast; his kicking was incredibly woeful.

3. Rooney was quiet throughout the game by his standards. However, you can’t contain class for good and his finishing was worthy of a winning goal, if only Chelsea’s second goal was not awarded.

4. Evra would really have to think hard on taking penalties from now onwards after his recent exploits. I couldn’t believe it when I saw him ‘passing’ the ball to Cech. A definite nightmare if you’re a Red Devil, especially for those who were seated just behind the goal in Wembley.

On a positive note, Nani had a good game and scored a marvelous goal. It was reported in the local radio station (yesterday morning) that he dislocated his shoulder. Ouch! Should be missing a few weeks. What a bummer! Here’s wishing Nani a speedy recovery.

All in all, we have many positives to look forward to. Berba seems to be getting into his stride and is beginning to track back to defend.

p/s: I still can't string my words and sentences as well as I want them to.

I can’t wait for this Sunday.

Wherefore art thou, Eric? (Why do you exist as Eric?)

Movie poster courtesy of: http://flipside.theiet.org/blog/eric-competition-20-06-09.cfm

"He who is afraid to throw the dice will never throw a six."

THE KING is at it again. He just can’t seem to shake off the philosophical thinking, both in reel and real life.

Well, I am referring to Eric Cantona’s latest movie ‘Looking for Eric’. If you have heard about it but have been looking for the synopsis, here it goes:

The plot revolves around a football fanatic postman (Steve Evets) whose life is descending into crisis. Looking after his granddaughter is bringing him into contact with his ex-wife, and his stepson is hoarding a gun for a local gangster. At his weakest moments, when he considers suicide, his hallucinations bring forth visits from his footballing hero, the famously philosophical Eric Cantona.

Excerpt from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Looking_for_Eric
For more info on the movie, go to http://www.lookingforericmovie.co.uk/

Although I have not watched the movie yet, I think there are some things that we can take to heart from this film. In many ways, I can say with a quiet confidence that we have been ‘looking for Eric’ ever since he quit the game in 1997. If the protagonist in the movie is looking for Eric Cantona, I think, in the real world, we are looking for a certain Eric who can 'do a Cantona'.

“Do a Cantona?”

Yes!

One who could inspire and bring success to generations of Manchester United players and fans.

One who could pull off one of the most of philosophical statements like:

"When the seagulls follow the trawler, it's because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea.”
Hind, John (2009-05-03). "Did I Say That?: Eric Cantona" (print). The Observer Magazine.

And one who could make such a profound comeback that has never been so celebrated before, after his moment of madness (in the infamous Selhurst Park incident).

The King recently said in an interview in MUTV that he “did not have the passion (for the game) anymore” and that was the reason to end his professional playing days. It was a sad moment to see the man at his height of powers retiring which sent shockwaves to the footballing world, especially Manchester United.

On a personal note, I could almost swear I heard him say ‘patient’ although I am 99% certain he meant ‘passion’ in his drawl. At times, his French accent was so thick you could just scoop the air with your finger and use it as French dressing or mustard for your salad.

Well, I am hallucinating, perhaps a little reflection of Eric Bishop in the movie! :O)

Whichever it was (the passing of passion or patient [patience]), The King left the game too early. While his passion flickered out and fanned again in the form of other endeavors, we can only be reminded of a living legend, complete with a certain swagger and charisma that remain unchallenged even until today.

Finding home

It started with me looking for things to watch on the telly after a long day on the outside.

It ended with me feeling I have found home, although I was already physically home.

I think, at the briefest of moments, I have found Eric and his seagulls.


I am home.

Electrically Eccentric

Happy days!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/00788/united_110pa_788730c.jpg

Will August augur well for us?

MY mind has been racing and weaving with excitement since we welcomed the month of August a few days ago; I hope you’re giddying with anticipation too!

It’s still a good one and a half weeks away to the first Premiership game (against Birmingham City on 16th Aug), but I’m already thinking of the twists and turns that will have me on the edge of my seat.

I’m one who is not very superstitious in life, generally speaking. However, when it comes to United, I have my quirks of dos & don’ts or pantang larang (superstitions, in local Malay language). Just to give you an example, I will try my utmost best not to look at the actual time remaining (especially the last few minutes) of the match on the TV screen but the body language (and facial expressions) of the players and fans are always giveaways. Well, if that is not enough, the camera would pan towards Sir Alex and the United bench; he goes wine red while my heart pounds so fast as though I had downed a few glasses of hard liquor.

You may have experienced something similar as well.

Well, traditionally speaking, the first few months (especially August) would see United struggling to find our usual rhythm and footing, judging from United’s ‘trend’ over the seasons. I don’t have any fetish for statistics but the recent seasons have reminded me that we have found it difficult to ‘hit the ground running’, despite Captain Red Nev’s battle cry to the team. Remember last season’s opening game against Newcastle Utd. and the previous season’s first two games (against Reading and Portsmouth)? They all ended in draws. Not an ideal way to start the season definitely.

So, again, the superstitious side of me is starting to surface again. I’m hoping the team will prove me wrong in terms of the traditionally notorious slow start, beginning from this Sunday’s (9 Aug) rendezvous with Chelsea in the Community Shield. If it goes to the ‘lottery’ again like the last two seasons, expect more eccentricities from me, even though it’s ‘just’ the customary curtain-raiser for the new season.

Well, time to get eccentric; it sure feels electric when results go United’s way!

Dare You To Move

Expect similar scenes to happen

this season if Vieira makes a return to Arsenal.

The Return?

Patrick Vieira, once captain of The Gooners, is rumoured to make a sensational comeback with the club despite leaving Arsenal for Juventus in 2005.

The Arsenal fans, I’m sure, would be pleased as hell. I believe United fans would be somewhat caught between two minds – Vieira could somehow conjure some captain’s performances or his possible re-signing could offer us another opportunity to kick Arsenal’s arse all over the park again despite them having him back in the squad. The latter would have United fans rubbing our hands in glee.

Nevertheless, Vieira will add more bite and steel to Arsenal’s midfield that has been over-reliant on Cesc Fabregas, without much doubt. Arsenal’s past few seasons had hinged on Fabregas’ form; if he was on song, the Premier League rivals would be in for some tough time. Thankfully though, we have managed to shackle Cesc and kept his influence at bay when the two teams met since the post-Vieira days.

*Audere est Facere (lit: "To Dare Is to Do")
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tottenham_Hotspur_Football_Club

It was reported in The Independent that Tottenham Hotspur, Birmingham and Paris St-Germain (PSG) have expressed interest in signing Vieira with Spurs’ manager Harry Redknapp eager to bring the player to White Hart Lane. At this moment in writing, Vieira could possibly be on his way to The Gunners’ most-hated rivals, Tottenham Hotspur. Given some surprise turn of events in the last few weeks, nothing is done and dusted until the player signs on the dotted line. The flirtation with Spurs, however, is a deadly act; so much so that he would be labeled a Judas (if he slips on the white jersey of Spurs) by the Arsenal faithfuls. *To dare is to do, but should Vieira literally take Spurs’ club motto to heart (and sign for them), we would be witnessing one of the biggest football controversies in our lifetime. This is akin to Paul Ince signing for the Scousers back in his playing days. I know some United faithfuls have never gotten over this act of ‘betrayal’; I was still a bit too young to fully comprehend the magnitude of this event but I can’t really blame those who still harbour negative sentiments towards the self-proclaimed ‘Guv’nor’.

Above all, it is indeed a big moment for both the player and fans, but instinct tells me that Vieira would want to end his career with a club that had made him what he is today. Why risk the wrath of your fans in your swan song as a professional player at 33 years of age?

Too bad we are not able to witness the classic confrontations again between Keano and his long-time midfield nemesis since Keano has traded his boots now for a managerial role. Perhaps Keano would contemplate coming out of retirement just to put Vieira at his place; this purely is the stuff of fantasy, one which will never happen again however much I want it to. The much-publicized scenes of Keano confronting Vieira (for attempting to intimidate Gary Neville) at the players’ tunnel several seasons ago make a beautiful reminder and have never been swept away from my memory until today.

Whichever way you look at it, the United versus Arsenal games would now have more spark and hostility should Vieira be back with the Gooners once again. The possibility of Giggsy or Rio getting head-to-head with Vieira makes an exciting thought, one which Keane would certainly be keen to sit up and watch with interest.

We dare you to move (to Spurs), Mr. Vieira!

Champions Again! DVD

The DVD cover

My eyes sparkled when I saw this DVD since I had been waiting for months for the 2008/09 season review to be released. I grabbed my copy yesterday and to put it simply, it was an afternoon well-spent!

It's surely a good walk down memory lane for United faithfuls and a definite must-have for all serious Red Devil fans. A season of highs and lows to rival any roller coaster ride the world has to offer; from Kiko Macheda's last-minute heroics against Villa to our romp to Rome (which did not end as planned), you will be glad to have this in your collection of United DVDs and CDs. If that is not enough, relive the tribute to our almost-impenetrable record-breaking defence; van Der Sar, Rio, Vidic, Sheasy, J. Evans, Evra & and our very own Rafa - here's to you.

Manchester United, Champions for the 18th time…AND THAT’S A FACT!

A stunner and a starter!

The duck is broken: Ando is mobbed by fellow Devils

In what seemed to be the ‘never to happen’ conundrum, Anderson finally got his name on the score sheet against Boca Juniors in the Audi Cup friendly tournament at the Allianz Arena, Germany. A stunning curling freekick to break his duck.

Brilliant.

Though having a perfect record in converting penalties (none more important than the one against Chelsea in Moscow ), I think quite a number of us fans had been on the verge of thinking that maybe, just maybe, Ando does a better job at braiding his hair than scoring goals in open play. Don’t get me wrong, though; he is our midfield asset and has almost everything we need in a combative midfielder except for putting the ball in the net. Well, Wednesday’s game could signal the arrival of a new Anderson that includes scoring in his repertoire of tricks, hopefully.

On another note, Valencia had a dream debut that most footballers would dream of by banging in the other goal. I reckon Sir Alex will start Valencia in the final against a seemingly strong Bayern Munich team that saw off AC Milan 4-1 in another match. We will have to be extra cautious throughout the match given Bayern’s 3 goals against Milan were at the last 10 minutes of the game.

The final will be played on:
Date: 30 July 2009
Time: 20:45

*Updates: Bayern Munich won 7-6 on penalties after it ended 0-0

*It was also great to note that John O'Shea was given the captain's armband, possibly in recognition to Mr. Versatililty's all-round contribution over the years. Good one, Sheasy!

Someday, Jose`

The Master and his would-be apprentice?

“I would consider going to Manchester United but United have to consider if they want me to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson or not. If they do, then of course.”
Source: The Daily Mirror

The ‘Special’ and controversial one is keen on United, hmmm…Would you welcome him to United, or would you want him to be at any other club but United?

On Sir Alex Ferguson:

While the idea has been bandied around recently, we United fans have to face the ultimate truth: Sir Alexander Chapman Ferguson will not be here forever. In fact, we would have ‘lost’ him early on when it was announced that the 2001/2002 season was to have been Sir Alex’s last as Manchester United manager. However, in February 2002, he agreed to stay in charge for at least another three years and thank God, the three years continued on until today.

I was born in the eighties and like people of my generation, we only know one United manager in our growing up years and early adult life. At almost 23 years of bringing United to unparallel heights, Sir Alex has been the driving force (despite the early hiccups) and instrumental during United’s nascent years in the early 90s. Of all the player and management signings that the United boardroom has been involved in, the appointment of Sir Alex on 6 November 1986 has been an utter masterstroke. He is where and what we are today, as a club and institution.

On Jose Mourinho and how the ‘Special One’ was born:

In a press conference upon joining the English side, Mourinho said,
"Please don't call me arrogant, but I'm European champion and I think I'm a special one", which resulted in the media dubbing him "The Special One".
Source: "What Mourinho said". BBC Sport. 2004-06-02. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/3769431.stm.

During his time with Chelsea , I believe most of us found him irritatingly charismatic (like a certain Portuguese countryman who has defected to Los Blancos) and mind-bogglingly cocky. Mourinho delivered, say what you want and will, for the boys in Stamford Bridge . He also has a way of getting on people’s nerves and I admit, he gives a good read to the sometimes mundane news in the Premiership. One thing’s for sure though, should the gung-ho Mourinho succeed Sir Alex, he would definitely have Rafa ruffled and Wenger whining, and renew his attack on Ancelotti (if Carlo would stay or last that long). Most importantly, United would still be lifting silverwares at the end of each season.

So, Mr. Mourinho, you would be welcomed at United (for me), but let’s hope it is somewhere in the distant future. For now, our ‘hair-dryer’ is still working great despite the age. Oh well, it’s on a lifetime warranty.

O que sera` (Que Sera Sera..whatever will be, will be..)

Going Great Greens!

Michael Owen

Zoran Tosic

A brief geographical background:

* The capital of Zhejiang province, Hangzhou is a sub-provincial city located in the Yangtze River Delta in the People’s Republic of China.
It is renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty and had been ranked as one of the ten most scenic cities in China.

*Source: Wikipedia

Green:
I’m not sure about you but one of the first few things that caught my attention was the ‘green-ness’ of the Dragon Stadium’s pitch. It was as though the pitch had its green saturation level ‘turned up a few notches’ from the normal colour. Or it could be that Astro (satellite TV) did some visual experiment or enhancement, or it could be that the Plasma TV I was watching had its dispersion levels bumped up. It could be a little bit of everything listed above, for all we know.

Whatever it was, the United team that trooped onto the field against Hangzhou Greentown FC, turned up the heat and bumped up the goals ratio with an 8-2 rout of the mid-table Chinese club in the Chinese Super League (CSL). This was United’s biggest win in the Asia Tour ’09 and a clear reminder of the gulf in class between the two teams. Just 48 hours earlier, United had been given a good work out by FC Seoul on Friday (with United prevailing 3-2) and had looked to be chasing the game in Hangzhou in the first 20 minutes. True to their name, the team in green was very lush and lively with plenty of ball possession and gave a spirited display in midfield. However, as soon as Michael Owen opened the scoring on the 23rd minute, that was the start of the hint that United would be in cruise control. The unavoidable ‘red tide’ was coming, and came it did with such critical consequences to Greentown FC.

Final score: Hangzhou Greentown FC (2) - United (8)

Reenergize, revitalize, rejuvenate:

Somehow, there is still something about ‘green’ and its connotations that occupy my thoughts at the moment. Mention ‘green’ and there would be a host of images in our mind. From the organically grown vegetables to ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ campaign– the universally accepted tagline for the preservation of Mother Earth. In United’s context, however, the ‘green effect’ somehow managed to reenergize, revitalize and rejuvenate certain players who had seen their influences on the team to be on the wane. I must say I was pleased with Berbatov and Nani’s display on the whole. They were, arguably, the Men of the Match. Nani made full use of the ball and was lively with his runs and crosses. On the other hand, Berba gave a reminder to some quarters of United fans (your truly included) of why he is worth the 30 million pounds. He dropped deep, and at times, played off his striking colleagues and linked them with his fancy flicks and footwork. Owen’s second goal was the personification of not one but two moments of genius; started by Berba and ended with aplomb by Owen.

If you had seen THAT goal, you would know why!


TOSIC-ology:
I need to mention and credit Zoran ‘Toxic’ Tosic for his all-round distributions and contributions as well. Our new number 14 played an almost flawless game with his clever runs and ability to put in decent crosses from the left wing. Like an antithesis to a clean and green environment, Mr. ‘Toxic’ had so much going for him in the game and looked as though he had been playing in United’s red shirt for years. If it meant anything, his brilliant solo goal gives us confidence that there are more potent and poisonous substances in his chemical waste tank to dissolve the challenges of the other Premiership title pretenders. I foresee that Tosic will be the player to watch for United in the new season, if he does get the craved-for minutes on the pitch.

Now, if only we still had Jonathan Greening in the ranks, it would make this article seem complete. Well, almost.

Changing Colours

From Red...

Picture sourced from www.guardian.co.uk

...to Sky Blue: With Mark Hughes as City's new signing

"In my opinion, I don't think he was worth 25 million pounds," so says Sir Alex Ferguson, as reported by Agence France-Presse (AFP), updated on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 1:30 AM

It is quite hard to know what actually transpired between Sir Alex, Carlos Tevez and his agent, Kia Joorabchian. Some reports mentioned that certain parts of Tevez’s comments have been misinterpreted and misquoted. Lost in translation, or is Tevez lost in the giddy world of City's newfound riches? Nevertheless, the writings have been on the wall with Tevez’s heart set on leaving United since the blame game was tossed around from player to management. The saga reached its tipping point as soon as Tevez claimed that our gaffer did not make any attempt to communicate with him specifically in the past few months to clear the air.

So, is Tevez worth 25 million pounds that Man. City splashed out for him? I am very tempted to say yes but his recent outburst on Fergie make me hold back. It was as though Tevez was goading Sir Alex and the United faithful when he ‘threatened’ to sign for Liverpool a few weeks ago. In my mind, he realizes the deep animosity between the two clubs and tried to squeeze the United management into offering him a permanent contract with the Red Devils at his asking price or if all other attempts fail, engineer his own move away from United.

Then the inevitable happened when City tabled a bid and was accepted, much to the chagrin of many United supporters.

I am sure the United players are well aware of getting into Fergie’s good books; he is, after all, the MAN in Manchester United. We have ‘The Holy Trinity’ comprising Sir Bobby Charlton, George Best and Denis Law, Le King in Eric Cantona and if I’m not being too dramatic, 'The God' in the red half of Manchester in the form of Sir Alex Ferguson. Many have experienced the full force of his wrath; Jaap Stam, David Beckham and Ruud van Nistelrooy would attest to that. Like a song by the late Michael Jackson, they had gone too soon, in regards to their playing days in United’s red shirt. Theoretically speaking, those who left United whether on a good note or otherwise, arguably did not achieve the same stellar success which they had had during their United days. Strange but true, unless Cristiano Ronaldo tears this theory apart in the new La Liga season.

On being the new Citizen:
Will Tevez achieve genuine cult hero success (like he did at United) across the city or will he turn out to be just one of the many attacking options to be rotated by Mark Hughes? Just looking at the wealth of talent at City’s disposal, I cannot help but think how Tevez will play week in and week out like how he longed for during his time with United. With the likes of Robinho, Roque Santa Cruz, Benjani, Craig Bellamy and the recent purchase of Emmanuel Adebayor in the pecking order, you would feel that Tevez still has much to do in order to guarantee himself a place in City’s starting line-up.

On missing Tevez:
For one, Tevez's tenacity and tireless running will be missed as the bolt in red flickers out, only to reappear as the new bolt in blue that further divides the city of Manchester. We will most probably reflect on his knack for scoring crucial goals and miss him ‘getting us out of jail’, in pure football expression. There will probably be moments in the new season that the chants would still belong to Tevez on certain sections of Old Trafford. Only time will tell if Michael Owen would be the perfect cog to fill the void. At the rate Owen is going, he appears to be on the right track with two goals in two consecutive matches against the Malaysian national side recently.

Come September ’09, a mouth-watering Manchester derby awaits all in Old Trafford. Throw in some personal scores to settle and simmer a few nerves, we will have all the ingredients for an explosive game.

Will the bolt in blue be struck down by the red lightning? We shall see.

Red Tide

Passionate Red Devils

Picture taken from http://www.thestar.com.my/

Wow! Who would have thought (or predicted) our Malaysian boys scoring two goals against the men from the red half of Manchester?
That was what happened; and Mohd. Amri Yahyah would be forgiven if he was still on cloud nine since last Saturday evening. To score against not one but two top class Premiership goalkeepers in one match does not happen often, to say the least. A dipping volley from yards out to leave Edwin van Der Sar stranded and punishing Ben Foster for his mistake were not part of the script but this has been a classic example of not being overawed by the opposition.

A great match for our 'young tigers' and I believe MU supporters watching the match on telly would be heartened by our fellow Malaysians' display and felt fuzzy at the sight of the ‘Red Tide’ blanketing the stadium. The match had started at 5.30pm Malaysian time and caught quite a number of football fans by surprise, yours truly included. If not for my mother’s phone calls to inform me of the time (yes, she’s also a passionate fan), I would have slept through the evening and would have waited for the match to start at the usual 8.45pm kick-off time for live Malaysian football matches.

So, Michael Owen had a warm reception when he came on as a second half substitute. I’m sure the ladies (and many guys?) had almost screamed their lungs out when he was introduced into the match. There is no Stretford End or Kop End in Bukit Jalil but I believe as soon as Owen scored in the last 5 minutes of the match, the end at the back of the goal unofficially became ‘Owen’s End’; well, at least momentarily. To be honest, I was happy to see him scoring his first goal in a United shirt despite my earlier thoughts on Owen. Hopefully, this is the start of many great things to come United and Owen, in particular, but as they say, these are still early days.
Let’s keep our fingers crossed.

p/s: It seems that Indonesia’s loss is Malaysia’s gain. With the cancelation of the Indonesian tour, Malaysian fans were given an added bonus when United played the Malaysian side again in the space of 3 days on Monday night. This time, United comfortably won 2-0, thanks to goals from Federico Macheda and Michael Owen (again!).