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!