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 :)