SBNation.com User Blog: nolefansam

January 2013 Transfer Window Thread

nolefansam — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 17:54:32 -0000

* Editor's note: We do have a January transfer window storystream that contains individual reports of transfers, loans, or rumours that we feel are worth reporting on. Feel free, though, to continue to use this thread for general discussion for transfer targets or you can continue the conservation here for individual deals.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side enters the January transfer window with very little to address due to the return or imminent return of many key players.

Much has been discussed about the issues throughout the current campaign throughout the back four. As of the writing of this article, there are no injuries to any of the defenders and the need for an emergency Michael Carrick start at center back is thankfully dwindling. There doesn't appear to be a need for any immediate purchases but if a young prospect is available, Sir Alex has shown a desire to bring them in sooner rather than later.

In midfield the story is quite a bit different, however. Michael Carrick has played extensively in a holding role so far this term and has been in good form thus far. His partner in midfield, on the other hand, has been a constant rotation due to either poor form or injury. The desire to acquire a more combative force in the center of the pitch has consistently resonated from the fans but Sir Alex has been hesitant to bring one in and it may not be needed at this point. The big question mark during the summer market was the impact that Darren Fletcher would have on the squad and if he could return to the hard working style that he had prior to his bout with intestinal problems forced him off the pitch for a year. He appears to be coming along and if he ever achieves a return of form to anything approaching that of 2010, that need is tempered for at least the next couple years.

There may be some turnover in the wide players utilized at Old Trafford this window, however. As of now, expect the trio of Ashley Young, Antonio Valencia, and Nani to remain with the club and rotate as needed to ensure fitness. The rumours of a fallout between Nani and Ferguson have been rampant in the media for the past 2 months and combined with the transfer to Zenit St Petersburg that almost was for Nani, an exit from this Manchester United squad may actually be in the cards for the Portuguese winger. If this takes place, cover is available in the short-term in the form of Danny Welbeck but an out and out winger needs to be purchased to avoid an Andy Carroll-to-West-Ham-on-deadline-day-with-no-replacement-brought-in fiasco from happening here. Based on comments from the gaffer, Nani's departure is more likely this summer when there is additional time to find that replacement. If the price is right, however, expect him to be out the door.

Up top and at goalkeeper this United squad has exceptional depth and no new additions are expected...so enough with the Robert Lewandowski gossip.

Comment away on anything you may have heard out there in the interwebs below.

Needs/confirmed transfers:

* Central Midfielder(s)

* Any Young Prospects

Transfers in:

* Wilfried Zaha - Winger - Crystal Palace (£10m fee + £5 possible in add-ons | July 2013)

Rumored Targets:

* Robert Lewandowski- ST- Borussia Dortmund

* James Rodriguez- Winger- Porto

* Vegard Forren - CB - Molde

* Victor Wanyama - CM - Celtic

* Kurt Zouma - CB - St Etienne

* Asmir Begovic - GK - Stoke City

* Frank Lampard - CM - Chelsea

Transfers out:

* Angelo Henriquez- ST- Wigan(loan)

* Josh King- ST- Blackburn Rovers

* Bebe- Winger- Rio Ave (loan)

* Michael Keane - CB - Leicester City (loan)

* Robbie Brady- LW- Hull

* Davide Petrucci- CM- Peterborough (loan)

* Scott Wootton- CB- Peterborough (loan)

* Federico Macheda - ST - VfB Stuttgart (loan)

Possible transfers out:

* Nani- Winger

Potential loanees:

* Ryan Tunnicliffe- CM

* Sam Johnstone- GK

* Nick Powell - CAM

* Danny Welbeck - ST

Let me know if there are any errors, additions, or subtractions that I need to make.

Poll

Should Nani be sold in the January window?

Yes, I'm tired of his antics.

71 votes

No, he's a match winner on his day

111 votes

Who cares? All we need is RVP.

54 votes

236 votes | Poll has closed

Post-match Reaction Thread: Reading 3:4 Manchester United

nolefansam — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 19:26:37 -0000

In what has become a common theme for Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United squad this season, an early goal was conceded and the need to come from behind against an inferior opponent was necessary. Nothing Reading did came as a surprise to the Red Devils but they were still ruthlessly exposed in wide areas of the pitch and on corners. Jonny Evans of season's past decided to make the trip south to Reading and decide that defending was optional.

The game hadn't even settled when Reading were on the board in the 8th minute when Jobi McAnuff was able to cut inside of Rafael on the right and deliver a cross into a dangerous area. Patrice Evra was tucked inside marking the runner at the far post, thus allowing Jonny Evans' weak clearing header to fall to Hal Robson-Kanu. He still had a lot to do with a sideways half valley into the top corner that left goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard helpless.

United responded almost immediately with a beautiful piece of football combined with some absolutely shoddy defending by the Royals. Anderson used a brilliant touch to play the ball through to Ashley Young on the left about halfway into the Reading half and then continued his run into the box. Ashley Young intelligently waited for Anderson before playing in a perfectly weighted ball that the completely unmarked Anderson was able to fire first time past the keeper just inside the near post.

The Red Devils remained on the front foot and continued to push Reading back. Just as most viewers realized a second was destined to come, United were gifted a penalty by Jay Tabb with some absolutely awful defending. Jonney Evans did well to control following a corner and while posing no threat to goal and even facing the wrong direction, was bundled over by Tabb. It was a clear penalty and Mark Hawsley made the correct call immediately. Wayne Rooney stepped up and delivered from twelve yards by sending the keeper the wrong way.

At this point it was 2-1 and the route had just begun, or so one thought. Four minutes later Robson-Kanu did well to earn a corner and Adam Le Fondre was left completely unmarked on his run to the near post by Jonny Evans. Le Fondre left no doubt with his free header at the edge of the six yard box and back on level terms were the Red Devils.

The Royals weren't done with their dominance on corners yet, however. Just four minutes from the last goal, Reading took the lead on another corner with more horrible marking by this Manchester United squad. Sean Morrison was allowed to get a free run through the 18 yard box and head home emphatically just in front of Anders Lindegaard. Again the Dane was left with nothing to do but pick the ball out of the back of the net while Jonny Evans was left to contemplate how, yet again, the man he was responsible for on a corner was able to get away and score.

On the half hour the game was again level as Wayne Rooney was able to find the goal for the second time this Premier League term from 8 yards out. The goal came as a result of some brilliant play down the left by Ashley Young and Patrice Evra. Evra found Young near the touchline and continued his run through the center. Young then hit Evra perfectly in stride with a beautiful backheel that released the leftback to put in a cross for the unmarked Rooney.

Another piece of brilliance resulted in the goal that eventually won the game for Sir Alex and the rest of the squad. As United looked for an opening on the right, Wayne Rooney was able to get himself some space in the hole between the Reading defenders and midfielders. Michael Carrick's ball into Rooney was brilliantly flicked onto Robin van Persie two yards behind both centerbacks. The Dutchman made no mistake about the goal by coolly putting his right-footed finish into the bottom corner. RvP was just onside due to the positioning of Chris Smalling high up the pitch forcing Nicky Shorrey back just enough to play the Red Devil's number nine onside.

From here on out the game slowed and the second half was a much more typical United display as they continued to dominate possession. Reading never really mustered another good chance through the final 55 minutes.

There are some significant talking points following this game, however. What does the substitution of Rafael in the 31st minute and petulant reaction mean moving forward? How does Sir Alex Ferguson respond to the loss of Anderson, who has arguably been his best central midfielder over the past couple weeks? What needs to be done about the back four, and possibly holding midfielder role, before the derby next week?

Feel free to discuss all of these and anything else in the comments.

Poll

Who was the Man of the Match versus Reading

Wayne Rooney

53 votes

Robin van Persie

3 votes

Ashley Young

5 votes

Michael Carrick

10 votes

The final whistle

13 votes

84 votes | Poll has closed

Liverpool Q&A: Answers from our troll

nolefansam — Sat, 22 Sep 2012 18:02:13 -0000

Our resident Liverpool fan, Bromantic, joined us for a little Q&A action. The answers to their questions for us are available here.

TBB: How goes Rodgers’ implementation of his pass-and-move and pressing 4-3-3 system? Lucas Leiva (when healthy) and Joe Allen seem to be theoretically ideal fits at the base of the midfield, as does Nuri Sahin when and if he gets acclimated, but does Steven Gerrard style of play (more direct) hinder this system? We all know Gerrard is Liverpool’s heart right now but is he undroppable? What of the attacking line? Raheem Sterling looks like a bright prospect and Fabio Borini seems versatile enough to play anywhere along and he’s willing to work hard and press… Furthermore, Luiz Suarez is versatile as well. But, are there enough goals from Liverpool’s strike force?

AA: A lot of Q's so I'll try to be brief on each. Obviously losing Lucas was a huge blow to the system. It has forced Gerrard to play much deeper which is definitely not his strongest position and it shows. He has been extremely sloppy this year with possession. However, I like what I see so far and I personally am willing to be patient for a while no matter how frustrating it is.
-Joe Allen has been unreal and looks like the buy of the century given that he is so young. To be so young yet clearly have a developed football mind gives me hope for the future. Hopefully he doesn't get worn out though as I don't see a way to leave him out of the line up right now and still be competitive. He is probably the most indispensable player along with Suarez.
-Sterling has been a fantastic player so far and really has come into his own. He not only has the speed, but also the feet to beat players to the line. I think you are seeing why so many Liverpool fans were frustrated by Kenny's refusal to give him more than 5 minutes at a time on the pitch.
-As for the front line, yikes. They have really just been horribly inaccurate. The last game against Sunderland, Suarez only had 1 of 6 shots on target. This is obviously Liverpool's biggest issue and why the transfer deadline day was so frustrating (as has been the season so far). So no, there are not enough goals in this line up and if one of them gets hurt, we are screwed.

Check out Bromantic's thoughts on Andy Carroll, Being Liverpool, and a score prediction after the jump:

TBB: Thoughts on the back four? Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger were very solid last season but how have they adapted to playing higher up the pitch? What the hell happened to Jose Enrique? The Spaniard seemingly started off so well last season and now he’s terrible whenever he steps onto the pitch?

AA: Well some of this is on Reina. He has been extremely shaky so far this year, like a young DeGea. As for the back four, much of what they have conceded have been on quick counterattacks from poor giveaways while the team is pressing (Gerrard is responsible for two of those already). The pressing style is really leaving Liverpool vulnerable right now. I think it will just take a bit of time to figure it out. As for Enrique, I have no idea what happened. He played a lot last year so I could see why he might start to fade a bit, but he is really struggling right now. Hopefully the rotation of Johnson at LB with Kelly at RB from time to time will allow him to find his form and stay healthy.

TBB: I’m sure this varies depending on which Liverpool fans you ask, but how much patience will the supporters give Rodgers?

AA: Yes, this definitely varies. The fans are already getting involved with the Spirit of Shankly supporters club demanding a CEO type who lives local be appointed to run the team. I think it is a bit premature. I can't really say that any of Liverpool's performances have been poor this year, it really is a lack of finishing. If we had RVP we'd be top of the league right now. I'll give him this season and next. After that, results are a must. I don't want to prematurely dump yet another manager

TBB: Do you see a way back for Andy Carrol, or is this the start of the L’pool end? Will he ever fit into Brendan Rodgers’ plan A?

AA: For me, Not at all. I never liked him as is well documented on AA. He is a very polarizing figure amongst Liverpool fans. I hated the way Liverpool played when he was on the pitch. Everytime he played, it was just long ball after long ball and it just didn't work. Sure he won many of them, but "winning" was just a flick into space that no one but Usain Bolt could get to. His runs were horribly predicatable. I don't think I ever saw a near post run which is why he rarely found al those crosses that Downing was brought in to supply. Almost every run was exactly perpendicular to the goal line.

TBB: Do you think Rodgers can play ‘his’ style of Football (a la Swansea) or do you see this, even at its end, being an evolving project that is a passing game not quite Swansalona?

AA: I think it can be done and Liverpool's passing this year has been much more in quantity and much better in quality so it appears as if he has done well. The problem is the final part of the pitch where finishing has been awful and there really is no solution at this point.

TBB: Who are the rumored targets for Forward in the January transfer window? Who do you think best fits the needs and/or budget? Do you need just one, or two?

AA: I haven't seen a ton of rumors, but two I have seen are Huntelaar and Fernando Llorente. If they can put the ball inside the frame, then I hope to get either or both. They should be cheaper as their contracts are up at the end of the year I believe. It's a shame the Kenny wasted so much money and now we have little to spend.

TBB: Are you okay with Sahin being a loan without an locked in option to buy if he has a strong year?

AA: Well if he settles, then yes it will be frustrating. It would always be nice to have the option to buy, but if he can help us stay within the top 6 this year, then he will still have been a success even if he heads back to Spain after.

TBB: Does Liverpool have the talent around Suarez to compliment what he brings to the table? Does it seem clear they they are going to try to get that talent?

AA: This is a frustrating one for me and is what makes me hate Torres even more. Suarez was bought to play with Torres, then Torres stabbed us in the back and we ended up with an already injured Andy Carroll. Suarez and Torres would have been a nightmare and I have no doubts if Torres would have stayed Liverpool would not be in such turmoil. Rumor has it that Comolli was working on bring Torres back when he got fired. That said, there really isn't a poacher that we need to capitalize on all his chances that he creates. We need a Chicarito like player who just pounces on loose balls inside the box.

TBB: Charlie Adam is already gone, and Andy Carroll appears to just be awaiting a team he wants to play for making a sufficiently non-embarrassing bid. Which of Kenny’s other busts which may not fit into Rodgers plans are out the door next: Jordan Henderson or Stewart Downing?

AA: I would say neither. Right now, the squad is so thin that I don't think we could afford to part with either. I am glad to see Henderson given a more peripheral role as I think he was played way too often last season. I am not as down on Downing as other Liverpool fans. I think he percieved ineffectiveness goes back to Liverpool's poor finishing and the fact that they rarely gett bodies in numbers into the box to latch onto chances. I saw a stat tweeted from @OptaJoe that said Downing created over 140 chances last year (5th in the league) yet had zero assists. Is he a world beater, no. Is he as useless as many would like to say, I would say no.

TBB: How many games do you think you will get from Sterling this year? (PL and then all competitions). What are your thoughts on Reina? I think for the last year or so he has been…. Shaky?

AA: I hope a lot for Sterling, but it is obviously a delicate balance. He has made himself a no brainer first choice player so far. I can't really think of a poor game he has had yet. I am hoping to see him get around 30 games from all competitions with the majority being PL games. He will be needed to make sure we don't slip further down the table.

As for Reina, I have been one of his biggest defenders, but I don't know how much longer I can keep that up. He has really been poor so far this year. I don't know that there is much better out there on the market, so I don't see how we can get rid of him, but I wouldn't mind seeing Rodgers sit him for a game or two to let him know he is not indespensible.

TBB: How many years does Carra have left? Could this be his last one before he inevatably takes up a coaching role?

AA: I hope this is his last year. He has been hanging on way too long and is now a complete liability in the back. He never had pace, and now he has lost a step which means he resorts to dumb fouls. It is definitely time for him to move on.

TBB: Why does it look like you guys don't have a Plan B?

AA: Umm...it's because we don't. No Andy Carroll and no replacement means the striking options are thin at best. I think it is just going to take time and another transfer window for Rodgers to have the personnel for a Plan B.

TBB: When will Henderson ever play in the CM role? Does Rodgers rate him at all?

AA: That is a good question. He did play last night against Young Boys (the Swiss team, not actual young boys) and did ok. He got lost for a while, but came up big in the end with a very intelligent assist. However, I still don't see the development that I would have expected from playing all but one premier league game last year. I think that might be a big reason he has been relegated to the bench. Perhaps eventually he will play CM regularly, but I think it will be a few years until it happens now.

TBB: What the hell do you guys make of Borini save the fact he runs around a lot?

AA: Haha, yes he does run a lot. It is like we traded in our Dirk Kuyt for a newer model. He has had a rough start with some horribly missed shots. Rodgers finally moved him into the center of the 4-3-3 and it worked better last game, but the jury is definitely still out on him.

TBB: Thoughts on Being:Liverpool?

AA: I am still not 100% sure how I feel about it. I guess it'll take a few more episodes. However, it should help promote Liverpool and the game within the US so that is always a positive. I am just not sure yet how embarrasing it will be, especially given that they shot all the way through transfer deadline day apparently. I am dreading that last episode.

TBB: What do you think the result will be on Sunday?

AA: 10-0 Liverpool. Ok, real prediction 2-1 United. Liverpool are just too impotent impotent in front of goal to predict much more than one goal and RvP has been a thorn in our side for the last three years. Now I have to go vomit.

Liverpool Q&A: Post your questions

nolefansam — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 00:20:49 -0000

Next Sunday sees Sir Alex Ferguson and his Manchester United squad travel down the M62 to visit Liverpool in yet another northwest derby. Liverpool come into this match above the relegation by only goal differential in what has been a difficult start to the Brendan Rodgers era. The same issues from last year appear to still be causing problems for Liverpool this term, the most glaring of which is an inconsistency in front of goal (or is it consistency to never put the ball in the back of the net?). A lack of high profile signings also marked a significant departure from the Kenny Dalglish era and left Brendan Rodgers without many players to that could slot right into his system.

These issues and any other on the current state of Manchester United's ~~biggest~~ oldest rival can be asked here. Anfield Asylum author and Busby Babe commenter, Bromantic/Adam, will answer all of the questions you can throw at him. Feel free to ask him anything from the soap opera that is Suarez v Evra (he had an excellent post on that last term), the recent Hillsborough revelations (let's try to carry ourselves a little better than the fans at Old Trafford were on Saturday), or why this man was thought to be a replacement for Fernando Torres.

I'll be sending over the questions on Thursday so please have them all in by then.

What would Lucas Moura's arrival mean for Manchester United?

nolefansam — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 17:00:55 -0000

Numerous news outlets in the UK, including SkySports and ESPN Soccernet, are reporting that a deal with Sao Paulo has been reached for Lucas Moura. The fee being reported is in the neighborhood of £30 million. Reports are also circulating that Sir Alex Ferguson did not make the trip to Norway for today's friendly to hold contract talks with Moura. There may be some truth to this as Lucas' Olympic Brazilian squad prepares to play their next game at Old Trafford in the coming days. As exciting a player as Lucas Moura is, that is a lot of funds to spend on a player that plays a position with plenty of options currently.

On that note, what does this potential transfer say about the feelings of Sir Alex on his wide options? Ashley Young has been at the club for only a year and showed definite promise on the left flank until an injury around the New Year forced him out of extended action. With a transfer fee in the region of £16 million last summer, he will be at Old Trafford for the forseeable future. Antonio Valencia was brought in as a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo 3 seasons ago and has preformed exceptionally well as an old fashioned winger. Last campaign he started slowly due to required recovery time from his severely broken ankle suffered in Champions League play the previous term, but once fully fit he was completely unplayable.

Read after the jump for United's other winger.

That leaves Nani. There have been rumors that contract negotiations between the Portuguese winger and the club have stalled as of late. Additionally, there have been consistent reports of bids from a handful of European clubs for the services of Nani over the past 12 months. Another point to consider is the on-field chemistry Nani has with the rest of the squad. Throughout a game featuring both Wayne Rooney and Nani, it becomes nearly impossible to count the number of times the former will either glare or yell at the latter for continued selfish play.

This leads into the similarities between Nani and Lucas Moura, which are actually quite startling when you watch Moura's highlights. World-class dribbling skills combined with a penchant for selfishness run rampant when watching both players. Many on The Busby Babe have voiced their opinion that Nani is "unplayable when he's on". The same can certainly be said for Lucas Moura as well, but in a younger, more powerful body.

Based on the apparent shoot-first mentality of both of these players, it presents the important question, would they be able to coexist on the pitch together? That question may be answered in the next few weeks but this writer thinks the arrival of Lucas Moura means the imminent departure of another young winger.

Summer Transfer Thread #3

nolefansam — Sat, 28 Jul 2012 15:56:37 -0000

This looks to be a transfer window of change and uncertainty for Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United squad. There are obvious holes to fill in the first 11 and it starts in the engine room. Despite the impact his return had on the second half of the season and commitment to stay on for another year, Paul Scholes isn't getting any younger and there are constant worries that his 37 (soon to be 38) year old legs will begin to show their age, like they did during the '10-'11 campaign.

Additionally, the health concerns involving Darren Fletcher are possibily the most important piece to the moves that will be made this off-season. Fletcher brought something to the squad that no other player on the roster does with his high work-rate and box to box movement. This midfield aspect was missing throughout the season after his departure and was illustrated here by Gene in an article. If the training room staff feel that he can be fit longterm, I see the need for an instant impact CM dimish slightly.

The season long injury battles of Tom Cleverley and Anderson are also worth mentioning due their brilliance in attack at the start of the season. Assuming one of them is able to return to full time action and become a dependable player, health-wise, the squad would be much better positioned going into next year, thus eliminating the type of desperation spending that some teams are want to do.

With the potential for a Fabio loan, the injury concerns of Rafael, and poor form/extensive use of Patrice Evra, cover at both fullback positions appears to be another priority for this summer. Right back is in much better position with the ability to move either Phil Jones or Chris Smalling to there, but left back will be a one man show with the loss of Fabio, as has been rumored. This is a position that many have called for reinforcments as long ago as 2010 and is a real problem if not addressed in this window.

The final position that Alex Ferguson may seek to strengthen is in attack. With the confirmed departure of Michael Owen and the highly likely move by Dmitar Berbatov, there will only be 3 first team strikers on Manchester United's squad. A striker, however, might not be the position in which Ferguson decides to move, unless a high profile striker enters the market. While watching new United signee Shinji Kagawa, it is apparent that he plays as a midfielder positioned much higher up the pitch than any player in the current rotation. This would fit the style that Ferguson has preferred to play during previous, and more successful, European campaigns and may be a move to return to this strategy. With that said, the signing of a young striker with high potential, a la Chicharito, is definitely a possibility.

After the jump is a table with possible moves in and out of the club.....

Needs/confirmed transfers:

* Central Midfielder(s)

* Full Back cover

* Striker cover

* Shinji Kagawa- AM- Borussia Dortmund- ~£15M- video highlights

* Nick Powell- AM- Crewe Alexandra- ~£5M- video highlights

Rumored Targets:

* ~~Eden Hazard- RW/LW- Lille~~ Chelsea

* Nicolas Gaitan- LW- Benfica

* Robert Lewandowski- ST- Borussia Dortmund

* Luka Modric- CM- Tottenham Hotspur

* Lucas Moura- RW/LW- Sao Paulo

* Robin van Persie- ST- Arsenal

Transfers out:

* Michael Owen- ST- released

* Paul Pogba- CM- Juventus

* Tomasz Kuszczak- GK- released

* Oliver Norwood- CM- Huddersfield Town

* Ji-Sung Park- RW/LW/CM- QPR

* Fabio- LB/RB- QPR(Loan)

Possible transfers out:

* Dimitar Berbatov- ST

* Bebe- RW

* Kiko Macheda- ST

* Zeki Fryers- LB/CB

Potential loanees:

* Ben Amos- GK

* Robert Brady- LW

* Josh King- ST

* Ryan Tunnecliffe- CM

* Michael Keane- ST

* Sam Johnstone- GK

* ~~Will Keane- ST~~ injured

Let me know if there are any errors, additions, or subtractions that I need to make.

Feel free to discuss.

Link to thread #1

Link to thread #2

Summer Transfer Thread #2

nolefansam — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 18:35:05 -0000

The final position that Alex Ferguson may seek to strengthen is in attack. With the confirmed departure ofMichael Owen and the highly likely move by Dmitar Berbatov, there will only be 3 first team strikers onManchester United's squad. A striker, however, might not be the position in which Ferguson decides to move. While watching rumored United target Shinji Kagawa, it is apparent that he plays as a midfielder positioned much higher up the pitch than any player in the current rotation. This would fit the style that Ferguson has preferred to play during previous, and more successful, European campaigns and may be a move to return to this strategy. With that said, the signing of a young striker with high potential, a la Chicharito, is definitely a possibility.

After the jump is a table with possible moves in and out of the club.....

The final position that Alex Ferguson may seek to strengthen is in attack. With the confirmed departure ofMichael Owen and the highly likely move by Dmitar Berbatov, there will only be 3 first team strikers onManchester United's squad. A striker, however, might not be the position in which Ferguson decides to move. While watching rumored United target Shinji Kagawa, it is apparent that he plays as a midfielder positioned much higher up the pitch than any player in the current rotation. This would fit the style that Ferguson has preferred to play during previous, and more successful, European campaigns and may be a move to return to this strategy. With that said, the signing of a young striker with high potential, a la Chicharito, is definitely a possibility.

After the jump is a table with possible moves in and out of the club.....

Needs/confirmed transfers:

* Central Midfielder(s)

* Full Back cover

* Striker

* Shinji Kagawa- AM- Borussia Dortmund- ~£15M- video highlights

* Nick Powell- AM- Crewe Alexandra- ~£5M- video highlights

Rumored Targets:

* ~~Eden Hazard- RW/LW- Lille~~ Chelsea

* Nicolas Gaitan- LW- Benfica

* Robert Lewandowski- ST- Borussia Dortmund

* Luka Modric- CM- Tottenham Hotspur

* Lucas Moura- RW/LW- Sao Paulo

* Robin van Persie- ST- Arsenal

Transfers out:

* Michael Owen- ST- released

* Paul Pogba- CM- Juventus

* Tomasz Kuszczak- GK- released

* Oliver Norwood- CM- Huddersfield Town

* Ji-Sung Park- RW/LW/CM- QPR

* Fabio- LB/RB- QPR(Loan)

Possible transfers out:

* Dimitar Berbatov- ST

* Bebe- RW

* Kiko Macheda- ST

* Zeki Fryers- LB/CB

Potential loanees:

* Ben Amos- GK

* Robert Brady- LW

* Josh King- ST

* Ryan Tunnecliffe- CM

* Michael Keane- ST

* Sam Johnstone- GK

* ~~Will Keane- ST~~ injured

Let me know if there are any errors, additions, or subtractions that I need to make.

Feel free to discuss.

Link to thread #1

Paul Scholes and Ben Amos sign extensions.

nolefansam — Wed, 30 May 2012 14:26:34 -0000

Manchester United have confirmed the signings of both Paul Scholes and Ben Amos to stay with the club. As expected, Scholes accepted the offer to continue with Sir Alex Ferguson's side for an additional year following his return from a short-lived retirement last fall. As mentioned in the Summer Transfer Thread fanpost, this is important because it reduces the urgency of the squad to find a replacement for the Ginger Ninja (best nickname in sports? I vote yes.). There was a concern that transfer fees would be increased by teams knowing the Red Devils needed immediate help in the center of the pitch, much the way that Arsenal were forced to pay more for the likes of Mikel Arteta and Per Mertersacker following the 8-2 defeat in August.

Additionally, Ben Amos penned a three year extension to continue with the club through the 2015 season. While getting only a single Premier League match this year, it is believed Amos will continue to develop and become a legitimate conteder for time as the United number 1 in the future. The more likely scenario is he will go out on loan to a Championship side this coming year and a lower level Premier League squad the next in hopes of continued development and maturation. With the relative youth of Sir Alex's current number 1 and 2 keepers, it may be difficult for Amos to find minutes at Old Trafford, however.

For more transfer window discussion and news, check out the transfer threads throughout the summer.

Summer transfer thread #1

nolefansam — Wed, 23 May 2012 14:54:29 -0000

The final position that Alex Ferguson may seek to strengthen is in attack. With the confirmed departure of Michael Owen and the highly likely move by Dmitar Berbatov, there will only be 3 first team strikers on Manchester United's squad. A striker, however, might not be the position in which Ferguson decides to move. While watching rumored United target Shinji Kagawa, it is apparent that he plays as a midfielder positioned much higher up the pitch than any player in the current rotation. This would fit the style that Ferguson has preferred to play during previous, and more successful, European campaigns and may be a move to return to this strategy. With that said, the signing of a young striker with high potential, a la Chicharito, is definitely a possibility.

After the jump is a table with possible moves in and out of the club.....

The final position that Alex Ferguson may seek to strengthen is in attack. With the confirmed departure of Michael Owen and the highly likely move by Dmitar Berbatov, there will only be 3 first team strikers on Manchester United's squad. A striker, however, might not be the position in which Ferguson decides to move. While watching rumored United target Shinji Kagawa, it is apparent that he plays as a midfielder positioned much higher up the pitch than any player in the current rotation. This would fit the style that Ferguson has preferred to play during previous, and more successful, European campaigns and may be a move to return to this strategy. With that said, the signing of a young striker with high potential, a la Chicharito, is definitely a possibility.

After the jump is a table with possible moves in and out of the club.....

Needs/confirmed transfers:

* Central Midfielder(s)

* Full Back cover

* Striker

* Shinji Kagawa- AM- Borussia Dortmund- ~£15M- video highlights

* Nick Powell- AM- Crewe Alexandra- ~£5M- video highlights

Rumored Targets:

* ~~Eden Hazard- RW/LW- Lille~~ Chelsea

* Nicolas Gaitan- LW- Benfica

* Robert Lewandowski- ST- Borussia Dortmund

* Luka Modric- CM- Tottenham Hotspur

Transfers out:

* Michael Owen- ST- released

* Paul Pogba- CM- Juventus(not confirmed)

* Tomasz Kuszczak- GK- released

* Oliver Norwood- CM- transfer request

Possible transfers out:

* Dimitar Berbatov- ST

* Bebe- RW

* Kiko Macheda- ST

* Ji-Sung Park- RW/LW/CM

Potential loanees:

* Fabio- LB/RB

* Zeki Fryers- LB/CB

* Ben Amos- GK

* Robert Brady- LW

* Josh King- ST

* Ryan Tunnecliffe- CM

* Michael Keane- ST

* Sam Johnstone- GK

* ~~Will Keane- ST~~ injured

Let me know if there are any errors, additions, or subtractions that I need to make.

Feel free to discuss.

Manchester United still most valuable team in the world

nolefansam — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 14:19:38 -0000

According to Forbes, Manchester United tops the list of both most valuable football club in the world. Is this good news though? Its always nice to head a list and show that your brand is known worldwide but as the estimated value of the club goes up, I fear so does the resolve of the Glazer family to hold out for that magical $2 billion that they have been rumoured to be seeking.

The article throws out numbers like $192 million in TV broadcast revenue and $80 million from the run to the final in the UEFA Champion's League last year. That's alot of money and could easily buy the Red Devils at least two Andy Carroll's this summer. With the amount of debt currently over the head of the club, will even 50% of that money make into the transfer coffers? Sadly, I think not. This was a valuation of the club based on 2011 and we have seen from previous reports that United's bank account has no where near this amount of money in it.

I hope I am wrong and the money has some how made its way to Sir Alex Ferguson but I think not. Sadly, as the valuation on the club continues to rise, it becomes that much harder for the Glazers to walk away with what they perceive as "a good deal."

Nicolas Gaitan to Manchester United as part of Fabio loan move?

nolefansam — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 12:13:14 -0000

Nicolas Gaitan to Manchester United as part of Fabio loan move?

Interesting article and sounds like a real possibility. £20M seems like a lot considering Federico Macheda may be going to Portugal on a permanent basis.
I like the opportunity to bring a talent like Gaitan to Old Trafford as well as getting Fabio regular minutes in a solid league and good team.
Thoughts?

Eden Hazard a serious summer target?

nolefansam — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 14:42:37 -0000

Eden Hazard a serious summer target?

It would appear so based on quotes from Rene Muelensteen in this story. I'm unsure how he would fit in the squad as United already have numerous options for wide attackers, and that's where he typically plays I believe.
Hopefully Gene has seen more of him and can give a better write-up.
Here are Rory's thoughts from last month.

Post-match Reaction Thread: Wigan 1:0 Manchester United

nolefansam — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 21:51:56 -0000

In Manchester United's second game in three days, Sir Alex Ferguson's side featured only 3 changes from the one that defeated QPR on the weekend. The Red Devils played as if they expected a game Wigan squad to roll over and capitulate. However, Roberto Martinez's men dictated the opening 10 minutes and kept United pinned in their defensive third throughout the stretch.

Eventually, United appeared to grab hold of the game and create some half chances. The best of these chances fell to Javier Hernandez on the right side of the box who took a touch onto his left foot and was dispossessed by a last ditch challenge just as he squared to shoot. This would prove to be the only real opportunity for the Red Devils in the half as Wigan got back on the front foot for the rest of the half.

In what has been the story of the last week, the referees had a major influence on precedings at the DW Stadium around the 30 mion mark. Wigan won a corner on the left that was whipped in right at the edge of the six yard box. Victor Moses slipped Patrice Evra and coolly finished completely unmarked. The linesman, however, flagged for a foul on the goal line for obstructing David de Gea. Replays showed definite contact but in my opinion de Gea should have been able to get through the Wigan player. Instead he chose to absorb the contact without making the effort to get to the ball. This illustrates the one part of de Gea's game that needs some serious work.

Manchester United will have felt relieved to get to the locker room still square at 0-0 despite allowing 9 shots and conceding 55% of possession in the first half.

The second half started just as the first, with Wigan completely overrunning the midfield and bossing the game despite Sir Alex hauling off Ashley Young for Tom Cleverley. This was the first in a string of substitutions that many fans will the need to question. With United obviously going to a 4-3-3, why remove the fluid Young and leave Valencia on the pitch when he is so limited in that formation?

The breakthrough came just five after the break and was due to mental lapses by three different players. Wigan's man of the match, Shaun Maloney, received the ball from a short corner and strolled past Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick, and Jonny Evans(I believe) on the edge of the box before firing in a shot far post that David de Gea had no chance at.

Following the goal Manchester United upped the pressure and began playing with the urgency that had missing all game. Danny Welbeck came on for Chicharito and provided another option willing to drop deep and pick up the ball. Antonio Valencia and Phil Jones started to find the space that had been lacking on the right all game. Jonny Evans pushed forward until he was occupying the space normally taken up by Carrick or Paul Scholes. Wigan's shape continued to hold, however, and no real chances were created.

Then in the 65th minute, Fergie made his final substitution that really had supporters scratching their head. Nani on for Wayne Rooney, vice the logical removal of an awful Ryan Giggs. Although Rooney hadn't been great by any stretch of the imagination, he still provides the goal threat that was needed at that point in the game. Giggs on the other hand, had been wasteful all game and really lacked the bite required of a central midfielder.

For the last half hour, the Red Devils continued to push for the breakthrough but really didn't muster any real threats. The best fell to Danny Welbeck around the 85th minute but even that was while he was heading away from goal at a sharp angle. He did well to hit it with pace but Alli Al Habsi did well to get a hand on it.

A very disappointing day to be a Red Devil and combined with Manchester City's 4-0 win over West Brom, keeps the title race far from decided.

Feel free to discuss today's event ad nauseum, now I'm going to have some Scotch with Sweet Science.

Post-match Reaction Thread: Manchester United 2-0 WBA

nolefansam — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 16:48:54 -0000

Honestly, could anything have gone better for Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United side today? Probably not. The Red Devils thoroughly outplayed their opponent and unlike last week, completely deserved to collect the three points. Just as important for United is the shocking result that Swansea City got at home versus Manchester City in rather controversial fashion. Nonetheless, the City loss and Manchester United win means the Devils are a point clear at the top.

As has been customary of late, Manchester United allowed West Bromwich Albion to start well and for the first 10 mins it looked to be a tense affair throughout the match. However, United soon began to dictate play and provide attack upon attack through the unplayable Ashley Young down the left side. Whether this tactic was due to the form of Young or the inclusion of striker Danny Welbeck as the wide right player is debatable. Regardless of the reasoning, Sir Alex's side was able to provide some brilliant buildup play with one touch passing that all originated down the left. The play of Welbeck down the right was very reminiscent of the way Man City play David Silva as he continually drifted inside between the lines to link up play with Rooney, Hernandez, and Young. This movement by Welbeck lead to the passage of play in which United got their opener. The Red Devils had a lopsided shape with the lack of a wide right player, as a result Hernandex began to drift out there in search of the ball. On the goal he got the ball 1 v 1 with the WBA defender at the edge of the box, cut left and took a hard shot to the far corner. Rooney made an intelligent and well timed run to deflect the shot past an out stretched Ben Foster in the 35th minute. United had another opportunity immediately following the goal when Phil Jones headed wide after more outstanding wing play by Ashley Young found Jones unmarked at the far post. The final 10 minutes of the half was more domination by Manchester United by the second would not come. The halftime possession stats tell the story as Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick kept possession in search of unlocking the WBA back 4 to the tune of a 3 to 1 advantage.

After the interval, United continued to dictate play but may have deserved to be level after Peter Obemwingie cut inside of Patrice Evra and was cut down inside the box with the slightest of touches. If it had been given, it would have been soft but difficult to argue. The Red Devils wasted no time in responding by taking the ball immediately downfield in a typical United counterattack that resulted in a beatiful strike from Javier Hernandez that went off the left post. The pressure continued and the second should have come from a beautiful ball over the top by Scholes that could have gone to either Hernandez or Welbeck behind the defense. It landed at Welbeck's feet but he played the half just wide of an open goal. Six minutes later, the game was all but decided when WBA's Jonas Olsson was sent off for a second yellow. The Red Devil's had the majority of possession to that point and now 10 man WBA couldn't prevent the chances to pile up. United were unlucky not to have their second during a wild scramble in front of goal in which Welbeck, Hernandez, and Evra had chances. Moments later, however, Ashley Young again beat his marker and was taken down inside the box. This penalty was given and Wayne Rooney coolly finished his brace. Almost immediately, Sir Alex Ferguson made the substitution that Old Trafford was clamoring for. On came surprise bench inclusion, Paul Pogba. The Old Trafford faithful cheered his every touch and speculation abounded that maybe the youngster has changed his mind to stay. I'm sure Gene will provide more following the post game presser.

I honestly can't give much on Pogba's performance or the last 15 mins, in general, as I was preoccupied with watching Manchester City fall to Swansea City.

All in all, a great day to be a Red Devil and here's to hoping the Blue side of Manchester continues to feel the pressure of squeaky bum time.

Liverpool Q&A with Anfield Asylum

nolefansam — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 01:50:03 -0000

Ahead of this Saturday's Premier League match-up between Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez, and the rest of Manchester United and a Liverpool squad led by a finally fit Steven Gerrard and just returned Luis Suarez, we took your questions to our sister site, Anfield Asylum. Adam/Bromantic did an excellent job of answering them yet again. In case you missed it the first two times it was posted, check out his answers from January here. Hopefully Alex Ferguson has the lads ready to play and we see some football like the last 30 mins versus Chelsea.

Also, check out Rory's answers to their questions on the Liverpool blog. They include some thought provoking questions like, "How old does a Man U player have to be to get a "y" at the end of their name like Giggsy, Scholesy or Cleverley?" I can't make stuff like that up. Rory did his best but we have to be fair, its not like they gave him filet mignon to cook with.

How confident are you of getting a result at OT?
I guess it depends on what you consider a result. To me, a point away in a game like this is a fantastic result. The games are always so dicey and unpredictable that I would nearly always take that if offered before the game. I think we could nick a point. Taking three seems a bit more unlikely though, especially if Carroll starts as this changes the whole approach Liverpool take to the game.

How do you think Kenny will set out his side? It is believed he set out his side with three CB's, but changed when we only used Danny Welbeck up top on his lonesome?
I think he will be more traditional this time since I fully expect Rooney to feature this go around. The line up we used against Tottenham proved fairly effective. It was essentially a 4-3-3 and it did very well at keeping Spurs pinned deep.

How much money will you put on Andy Carroll to score? (Considering how much you put on will be how much you lose? :D)
It depends, is it your money or my money? If it is my money, I would bet against it. If it is yours, then I'd bet the farm and we can split the profits if it comes good.

What are your impressions of your Coates, your young south American defender?
Coates has looked good in the few starts he has had. He did well in the air, as a man of his size should, and looked a relatively calm defender most of the time. I should temper that a bit because he has also made a few rash challenges, but overall he filled in quite nicely. I guess it is typical young inexperience stuff. Considering how young he is, he looks to be a good buy as Liverpool look to the future. He should be maturing right about the time Skrtel and Agger go on the decline. I wouldn't want him to play in this game though, I don't think he is quite ready for that, but I am optimistic for his future.

What is the consensus on Daglish's future? Obviously there was a honeymoon period at the end of last season where they played quite well to finish the season. But this season has been very up and down (although that's not the first time

for 'pool), with success so far in the FA and League cups, but poor results in the league and some questionable purchases and tactics. Does he have your support into next season no matter what, or does he need to bring home a trophy or turn things around and reach fourth place?
Good question. For me, I am satisfied with what he has done. A piece of silverware will go along way to solidifying his future, even if it is only the Carling Cup. I think that a lot of it is simply that the Prem is just completely different and all around tougher this year. His purchases haven't been 100% stellar, but then again, who's are? He hit homeruns with Enrique and Bellamy, Henderson looks ok for the future, Adam is hit or miss and Carroll...well needs no explanation. I also blame some of that on Comolli as it appears he has a lot of say in the transfers.
I don't think he needs a trophy, but he does need European Football badly. Liverpool need to attract top talent in order to round out the roster to finally make a title run. I don't see that happening if we can't get CL footy. A trophy will do for me this year, but if that is all we get, then he will have immense pressure next year.

Do you anticipate Luis Suarez starting? There's the issue of his fitness and there's the obvious issue of exposing him in front on a likely vitriol Old Trafford crowd? Could Andy Carroll's recent improved form allow for Suarez to still come off the bench with

Steven Gerrard playing in ‘the hole'?
His fitness is an issue I suppose, but I think the month off was fantastic for him. He had been going full tilt for over a year and I am sure his body needed the break. He claims the boos and jeers will only spur him on, but that is easy to say until you hit the pitch. I would love to see Gerrard in the hole like he played with Torres during his most successful year playing with Suarez. Tactically, I think that would be Liverpool's best attacking formation, especially if Kenny could afford to put Bellamy up top as well. As for Carroll's recent run of form, well it is a very short run so far, about 2.1 games and the last game he was only average (which is a huge step up from before). I don't think it would be best to play him up top though against Uni

ted. I would rather see Suarez get 60' and Carroll come on until the end instead of the opposite. Obviously you guys know what Suarez can do, even if he isn't scoring since you guys were on the receiving end of it last year with Kuyt's hatrick.

What is the health status of Jose Enrique? If he's out, is Glen Johnson at left-back and Martin Kelly at right-back for sure selection choices?
The latest I have heard is that he is going to be in team that travels to OT. If he doesn't start, then I expect Kelly at RB and Johnson on the left. Johnson had a terrific game against Tottenham on Monday while playing on the left. Hopefully he can build on it. Kelly was pretty good as well, although I hope he worked on his crossing a bit in training. For me, Kelly is nearly as good a Johnson. I think you'll see him starting for England at RB in a few years if he keeps going the way he is. I am pretty sure his preferred position is actually in the center of the backline, but he plays very well out right so I'd keep him there.

How is Jamie Carragher - when healthy - handling the issue of being second-choice these days behind Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger? I'd sure love to see him in a holding-role again on Saturday in trying to track Wayne Rooney :)
So far he seems to be handling it professionally. He had to know it was coming and I am glad Kenny isn't pulling a Rafa by tinkering with lineups that are clearly working. I am very glad that Spearing will be available this weekend too. I am sure you'd love for Scholes to try to show Carra how to play a holding mid role again, but i think Spearing will do quite well if he can keep calm and play with his head and not his heart. He is great cover for Lucas and I have been really impressed with him both this year and last year. It should make the midfield battle much more interesting this time around.

What is your prediction for selection choices in midfield and attack? - there seems to be a plethora of difficult choices between Jay Spearing, Charlie Adam, Gerrard, Jordan Henderson, Suarez, Dirk Kuyt, Maxi Rodriguez, Craig Bellamy, Stewart Downing, Suarez, and Carroll. Speaking (or writing) of Bellamay, since he started on Monday, do you a

nticipate him being rested for Saturday's match or will he start? He seems to have a good understanding with Carroll. Finally, what is your preferred starting XI at Old Trafford?
This is a tough prediction, but unfortunately I think that Kenny will start Carroll, maybe with Bellamy. Bringing Suarez in off the bench will only mean he will get an insanely loud booing at his introduction, but I still think Kenny may hold him back a bit. I think you'll see Kuyt on the right, mainly for his workrate in tracking back which is important in games against the top sides and Downing on the left if Bellamy plays up top. Bellamy will have had nearly a weeks rest so his knees should be ok. What I don't want to see is Carroll as a lone striker. That seems to change the style of Liverpool's play to the "hoof and hope." It hasn't worked well all season.
My preferred XI are in a 4-1-2-3:
Johnson-Skrtel-Agger-Enrique
Spearing
Gerrard-Downing
Kuyt-Suarez-Bellamy
For me it is defensive enough to deal with threats, should clog the midfield and still offer ample attacking threat. Kuyt, Stevie and

Bellamy work very hard at tracking back so I don't think it would leave us too vulnerable and Downing is significantly better when played on the left. I suppose you could call it a straight 4-3-3, but I would want Gerrard and Downing applying pressure on the United defense, especially Evra given his recent form.

Give us your questions ahead of Saturday's clash between Manchester United and Liverpool

nolefansam — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:16:32 -0000

Saturday brings another round of the biggest rivalry in the Barclay's Premier League. Manchester United vs Liverpool at Old Trafford. This matchup comes on the heels of the 4th round FA Cup tie at the end of January and figures to be just as exciting as that affair. Hopefully for us United fans, Sir Alex Ferguson, Wayne Rooney, and the rest of the Red Devils can leave victorious this time.

The editor/authors here put together an impromptu Q&A with our sister site, Anfield Asylum, at that time. For this fixture we are hoping for your input as well. Please feel free to ask whatever question comes to mind but keep it in good taste. Obviously Luis Suarez is a lightning rod for debate but good questions are more than welcome on the subject. If you would like to hear why Andy Carroll looks like a meth head more and more by the day, ask. To get to the bottom of how its possible that Kenny Dalglish hasn't realized that Stewart Downing is left-footed, throw that in the comments as well.

The Busby Babe member and Anfield Asylum author, Bromantic(Adam), will be our guest for this exchange. Please read his comments from two weeks ago here. He provided some in-depth answers then, and I'm sure he will do the same this round.

Dmitar Berbatov wants more games.

nolefansam — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 01:06:49 -0000

Dmitar Berbatov wants more games.

I'm surprised a statement from Berba in regards to time on the pitch has taken this long. Sadly, I see him as nothing more than a squad player if he stays at Old Trafford. Whether he stays or moves on this summer, I wish him the best.

Liverpool Q&A

nolefansam — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 01:21:02 -0000

Rory and Gene got some questions together for our resident Liverpool supporter, Bromantic, before tomorrow's FA Cup tie between Manchester United and Liverpool. Adam was kind enough to provide us with some in-depth responses. I get the impression he likes us much more than his Liverpool brethren so feel free to post any further questions for him in the comments.

* How important is reaching the Carling Cup final for you and other supporters? Is there more significance to it since Liverpool has not won a trophy since 2006 (I think) and also because this would be your 1st appearance at the new Wembley?
I think the idea of silverware is very enticing for the supporters after what is a long drought. I think just getting something, if we get past Cardiff City, will be a huge boost to a frustrated squad and fanbase who have endured a few years of turmoil. It will be the first sign that there might be a little stability at Anfield. Very few of the current players have won a trophy for Liverpool; that includes the likes of Dirk Kuyt and it feels like he has been here forever. It is indeed our first appearance at the new Wembley, but people forget we also closed out the Millenium Stadium's stint as host while Wembley was finishing construction with the "Stevie G Final" in 2006. It was just an amazing goal he had past Shaka Hislop and overall an emotional rollercoaster ride of a final. So from that perspective being back at Wembley is purely sentimental for me so I really couldn't care less. Then again, I'm not English so that might be part of it as well.

* Can you briefly describe Liverpool's recent tactics? Can Charlie Adam and Steven Gerrard coexist in a two-man midfield? -- they seemed to be overrun by Bolton's midfield. If not, does Adam need to be dropped or should Kenny Dalglish simply turn to a three-man central midfield? What do you believe are the biggest strengths and weaknesses of the squad?
Liverpool's recent tactics have been simply to put one striker up top, recently Carroll for obvious reasons, and hoof the ball to him. It usually plays out in a 4-5-1 kind of formation. The problem is Carroll just can't hack it up there alone, neither the work rate nor ability is there. As for Gerrard and Adam, I think they can co-exist, but it will take time. They both had superb games against City to reach the Carling Cup finals. I think it is partly a product of them not having played together due to Stevie's groin which is clearlt made of wet cardboard and apparently he also has a compromised immune system. They were definitely overrun by Bolton, but I think throughout the game they seemed to be occupying each other's space which has happened a number of games this season with Henderson and Adam as well. Carroll's inability to hold up the ball certainly doesn't help the situation. I would rather see the 4-2-2-2 that worked well towards the beginning of the season as well. I should also make mention of Kenny's recent use of the 6-3-1 at City in the first leg of the Carling Cup. That is how you park a bus in front of net; an Airbus, A380.
As for the biggest strengths, that has to be Stevie G. He is Liverpool through and through and that has been evident by the performances he has put in since his return. There is just something about his presence on the pitch the lifts his teammates. He also has fantastic vision and ability and it has been a real help to the team in stretching the field and link up play that was lacking early on. After the performance against City, I would like to see him play in the hole behind Bellamy just as he did with Torres in one of his more successful campaigns in the past. In addition, our back four have been fantastic. It would only take a few more goals or a little more luck off the woodwork (which Liverpool have struck I believe 19 times this season) to be in third right now.

* Andy Carroll has obviously been a massive disappointment while Craig Bellamy has been a pleasant surprise. Do you have a further opinion on these two players? -- more than has been typically covered by the general media? What other players have disappointed or pleased you this season in relation to their expectations at season's beginning?
I don't know what to say about Carroll other than I have given up on him. Even Pepe Reina didn't hesitate to name Carroll when asked who the worst trainer on the team was in a media interview. It says a lot to me about a man when he is out of form and is a lazy trainer. For me it definitely shows on the pitch which is why I thrown in the towel on him. I get a lot of stick from some people about that opinion, but I think even those people are coming around.
As for Bellamy, I can't argue with the numbers. For a free transfer, he couldn't be doing better. I was very hesitent and I feel like he was the recent my favorite ginger, John Arne Riise, was shown the door by Rafa. Bellamy showed he still has a lot left to give during the second leg of the Carling Cup semi final. He ran his arse off and constantly harrassed the City backline. This caused them to make a number of errors. It is sad when a little neck-less hobbit can hold the front line alone better than a giant like Carroll.
As for players who have pleased or disappointed, Enrique has clearly been the buy of the season. He had one off game this season where he was poor and that was the recent defeat at Bolton which shall not be mentioned again. Other than that blip, I would say he has been the most consistent performer on the the team. Downing has definitely disappointing. I had high hopes for him because he started the season very well. However, part of that I blame on King Kenny for playing him on the right. He has much better games when he is employed out wide on the left flank. It is almost night and day, the difference.
The other big surprise has been that the back four have played so well together that Jaime Carragher can't get a sniff of action. I thought that wouldn't happen for a few more years, but at least Kenny isn't trying to fix something that is clearly working.

* What do you believe to be the goals for Liverpool Football Club this season? While the general media seem to be critical of Liverpool because of their current standing in the table, are supporters actually fine with the results and the more pleasing to the eye football Dalglish brings in comparison to 'Woy Hodgson? Was a Top 4 finish a necessity in the fan's eyes or would a Top 6 finish be acceptable again for this current season?
The goal is clearly a top four finish. Anything else will be a let down. I think supporters are frustrated by the draws which have really been the hallmark of Liverpool Football Club for the past five years and have actually cost us the title. In the year we finished four points back, I think we lost twice but drew 11 times to United's 5 or 6. Even though United lost twice as many games, we still lost the title due to all of those draws, seven of which were at home. For some reason, that curse hasn't gone away. Drawing to every lowly side at home is extraordinarily frustrating. This team haven't yet learned the art of eeking out a win or winning games they don't deserve like United clearly have. I think everyone is happy that "Woy' is gone, but to answer the last question, I don't think top 6 is good enough. Liverpool expect to be challenging for the title next year and for that to happen we must have Champions League football. The reason I say that is we all know these days it is essential to have Champions League football to attract the top talent that Liverpool need to finally round out their squad.

*Thoughts on Henderson's season so far? And also Stewart Downing. To me the England winger always seems invloved in some good build up play, but fails with either shooting or crossing accuratly. Is your patience wearing thin?

Oh boy, good question. I am not as down on Downing (took me 45 minutes to come up with that) as a lot of people. As I said in a previous question, I think a lot of it has been the way in which he has been employed. Kenny has been playing him on the right and it just doesn't work for Downing. He usually has a decent game when he plays on the left. He started the season looking like he was worth every cent that was paid, but that didn't last long. However, he did have a solid performance at City. A lot has been made of his lack of crosses connecting with Carroll, but Liverpool have been poor at getting numbers in the box for crosses so I don't blame him entirely. In addition, Carroll seems to have trouble judging crosses and his runs are very ordinary, meaning he always is blanketed. Again, not Downing's fault.
Henderson has stunk. However, he is getting better every game so I am really hoping that he will grow like Lucas did. The main difference between Henderson and Carroll iss that every game I see a little more improvement which gives me hope for the future. I definitely do not see anything like that with Carroll. Henderson is far from the finished product, so time will tell. I'm not sure he'll ever be worth 20m though.

* Prediction? I feel we may have too much for you, if not tomorow, certainly in a replay (I don't think we will lose). I also believe that the winner of this tie will win the cup. Do you share my confidence in both are teams ability to succeed in the FA Cup?
My heart says 2-1 to the Reds (not the Red Devils, the real Reds), but my head tells me 2-0 to you guys. The team put forth a ton of effort just three days ago, and if Bellamy can't play due to his knees, then I don't like our chances since I just don't see where the goals would come from. I also wouldn't have a ton of confidence in Liverpool for a replay. It is now or never for us, and yes, it would be a fairly easy road the rest of the way for whom ever won. But, we all know these games against bitter rivals can go either way so it should be a great game. I am just hoping that both sets of fans behave and like Stevie G said, the game is remembered for being a cracking game and not for any extracurricular stuff.

Thanks to Adam for taking the time to get back to us and feel free to comment on his responses.

MATCH THREAD: Arsenal vs Manchester United

nolefansam — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 15:18:09 -0000

SCORECENTRE: Soccernet

MATCH PREVIEW: The Busby Babe

SB NATION ARSENAL: The Short Fuse | Pre-Match Q&A

WEATHER: Emirates Stadium

MANCHESTER UNITED LINEUP: Lindegaard; Smalling, Jones, Evans, Evra; Valencia, Carrick, Giggs, Nani; Rooney, Welbeck.

Subs: De Gea, Rafael, Fabio, Scholes, Park, Berbatov, Hernandez.

ARSENAL LINEUP: Szczesny, Djourou, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Ramsey, Song, Rosicky, Walcott, Van Persie, Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Subs: Almunia, Park, Squillaci, Arshavin, Benayoun, Miquel, Yennaris.

Anders Lindegaard determined to stay number 1.

nolefansam — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 07:00:34 -0000

Anders Lindegaard determined to stay number 1.

Good story, by Kevin McCarra of The Guardian, on the drive of Lindegaard to not accept his role as backup to David de Gea.

Darron Gibson to Everton is official

nolefansam — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:04:17 -0000

Darron Gibson to Everton is official

Gene wrote about it yesterday and today Gibson's move is official. If this starts to become the norm, I have some other ideas for Gene to discuss.

January transfer thread

nolefansam — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 21:17:20 -0000

This looks to be an interesting January window. With the injuries to the Manchester United squad, I look forward to seeing if Sir Alex Ferguson will look for a solution or decide to wait it out for the return to fitness of all the casualties. It is a similar situation to 2009(I believe) when Ferguson decided not to spend when there was a dearth of defending options due to injury.

The one place I, and I'm sure everyone else, pray a replacement is pursued is central midfield. The ~~loss~~ return of Paul Scholes is still being felt and the long term illness of Darren Fletcher just adds to the lack of options. The sight of Rafael in central midfield is something I hope to never witness again. Let's all hope a quality addition is found in this window to help for the run-in.

More after the jump.....

Needs/confirmed transfers:

* Paul Scholes- CM for the rest of the season

* Central Midfielder

* Full Back cover

Transfers out:

* Darron Gibson- CM- Everton- £2M

Possible transfers out:

* ~~Darren Gibson- CM~~

* Dimitar Berbatov- ST

* Tomasz Kuszczak- GK

Potential loanees:

* Mame Biram Diouf- ST

* Paul Pogba- CM

* Ravel Morrison- RW/LW/CM/ST

Out on loan:

* Ritchie de Laet- Norwich City- CB

* Bebe- Besiktas/injured- RW

* Federico Macheda- Queen Park Rangers- ST

If there is a mistake up here, I forgot a player, or you disagree, please let me know.

This will give everyone a forum to voice their opinions on potential transfers and a place to bring all the rumors that run rampant throughout the interwebs. Feel free to comment on any of the happenings throughout football and not just United.

Summary of the 115 page Evra v Suarez FA report

nolefansam — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 21:04:12 -0000

Summary of the 115 page Evra v Suarez FA report

This is incredibly well done by TBB member and Anfield Asylum author, Bromantic. He does an excellent job of remaining impartial and breaks down the highlights of the report. I agree with everything he concludes in this story.

Disclaimer: He did this in two parts and comments came PRIOR to him updating the story after his own read-through of the report.

POST MATCH REACTION THREAD: Fulham 0-5 Manchester United

nolefansam — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 21:55:53 -0000

Well that was nice on a Wednesday afternoon (evening for you Brits). Manchester United started the scoring early with Danny Welbeck's opener in the 4th minute and continued right through to the end with Wayne Rooney's 30 yard swerving effort, and Dmitar Berbatov's cheeky backheel. The only downside was the possible additions of Phil Jones and Ashley Young to the list of broken and/or hobbled that United appear to be accumulating. Jones's injury appears to be a concussion/head injury that he played through for an additional 15 mins before substituting. Young went down awkwardly around the hour mark. Both went off on their own and more info will be provided after the post-match presser.

In the first half United's attack focused on the wings and was lethal when the ball was played wide. Welbeck's opener was a direct product of a brilliant piece of skill from Nani in his position wide left. He was able to beat two Fulham defenders to the touchline and cut the ball back to a completely unmarked Danny Welbeck. That was just a sign of things to come as Nani was able to get the slightest of touches to a Ryan Giggs cross that found the back of the net in the 28th minute and Giggs was able to get on the scoresheet, for the 20th Premier League season in a row, with the assistance of a heavy deflection, after a nice counterattack by the Red Devils in the 43rd.

The second half opened with Fulham pressing to get a foothold in the match and had a handful of half-chances that they couldn't convert. As the clock wound past the 85th minute and the United faithful resigned themselves to another uneventful second half, Rooney popped up with a wonder strike that few in the world could execute any better. With plenty of time and space to turn and face goal from midfield, Wazza took 2 touches and unleashed a cracker that had Fulham keeper David Stockdale rooted to his line in the center of goal as the ball went in off the right post. United weren't done yet, however, as the ball was worked wide through Nani to Antonio Valencia who put in a cross at the edge of the six yard box that Dmitar Berbatov was able to backheel into the goal while holding off his defender.

This is easily the brightest Manchester United attack I have seen since September. The front four attackers were a threat to score with every move into the final third. The midfield pairing of Giggs and Carrick also worked well with the amount of time United maintained possession and the tilt of the game really favored the selection of the more attack minded Giggs over a more conservative Phil Jones. Defensively, there were 15 shots conceded, which is too many, but only one was a legitimate chance that Danny Murphy hit wide at the end. Very encouraging stuff today as Manchester United transition to the second half of the season.

Poll

Who was the Man of the Match versus Fulham?

Wayne Rooney

14 votes

Antonio Valencia

2 votes

Danny Welbeck

4 votes

Nani

40 votes

Ryan Giggs

7 votes

Chris Smalling

1 votes

Other (specify in comments)

1 votes

69 votes | Poll has closed

Darren Fletcher out indefinitely

nolefansam — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:34:09 -0000

Darren Fletcher out indefinitely

This explains the "mystery illness" and his failure to return to form. I wish him well in his recovery.

Relatedly, what does this mean for the January transfer window or Phil Jones as a full-time midfielder?

POST-MATCH REACTION THREAD: Aston Villa 0-1 Manchester United.

nolefansam — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 19:43:44 -0000

Was it as bad for you as it was for me? For what means like the 15th time this month, United beat an inferior opponent 1-0. In all actuality it is the 4th time in 5 Premier League matches, but you get the point.

United dominated possession for the first 45 minutes and deserved the goal that came after 20 minutes. Nani delivered a nice cross from the left to a completely unmarked midfield playing Phil Jones in the center of the box. He calmly finished with a volley that Shay Given had no chance of saving. United continued to dominate possession and totaled 7 shots on goal through the first period but couldn't find a second, and didn't really even come close. The first half also saw Javier Hernandez stretchered off with an apparently serious ankle injury after only 6 minutes. More from Alex Ferguson in the presser.

The second half can simply be summed up as awful. United lost the possession advantage they had in the first half and let Aston Villa begin to create chances, while the Red Devils never really threatened. I'm sure Gene will have more on this in the review but there was minimal movement from the United front 4 and no creativity through the midfield.

At the end of the day let's all be happy Manchester United got 3 points. The rest of the table is catching up and Spurs only sit 2 points back with a game in hand. The runaway of the Manchester clubs in the premier league isn't taking shape, as expected.

Release of Hillsborough documents by MPs

nolefansam — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 10:43:48 -0000

Release of Hillsborough documents by MPs

Hopefully its not censored in any way but I find that hard to believe.

Busby's Bits: International Break Time Again?

nolefansam — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 23:41:20 -0000

The international break comes at both a good time for Manchester United, as well as this blog. We here apologize for the lack of content on the blog as two of us had some serious family issues the last couple of weeks. For United, it allows the club to get healthy from longer term injuries and refocus after a couple of admittedly mediocre performances.

Among those Sir Alex Ferguson is hopefully of returning to full fitness are Tom Cleverley, Chris Smalling, and Nemanja Vidic. Combined with the recent return of Danny Welbeck to the United, and possibly England, lineups, United appears to be close to full fitness throughout the first team. If all are able to regain fitness, the only injury concern would be the dislocated shoulder suffered by Rafael that required surgery.
The news of the day throughout England has has centered on Wayne Rooney. Surprisingly, it hasn't been about the pending Euro 2012 qualifier, but rather Wayne Rooney's father and uncle linked with a Scottish Premier League match fixing scandal. Fabio Capello doesn't see this as a distraction for Rooney vs Montenegro, and most likely means he will be completely focused when United goes to Anfield in two Saturdays time.
Before the previously mentioned betting scandal, the big news involving Manchester United was a rumored interest in Rio Ferdinand from MLS side Chicago Fire. There has been some discussion about Phil Jones marginalizing Ferdinand in a FanPost by Sweet Science recently. The interest has not been mutual, as Rio has denied any interest.

Manchester United vs FC Basel Post Match Reaction Thread

nolefansam — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 20:38:51 -0000

After gaining an early 2-0 lead through Danny Welbeck's brace, Manchester United was unable to hold the lead and eventually went down 3-2. As Basel put 11 men behind the ball in an attempt to preserve the win, United threw wave after wave forward in hopes of equalizing. It eventually happened after a sublime cross from Nani found an unmarked Ashley Young for the equalizer.

Throughout the match Manchester United's defense gave up numerous scoring opportunities to Basel and really should have been behind by numerous goals after the first five minutes. Basel had 14 shots on goal in a match where United dominated possession. That's too easy in a competition where teams will only get more clinical in their finishing as/if United progresses.

LIVE THREAD: Manchester United vs FC Basel

nolefansam — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 13:35:31 -0000

Manchester United hosts FC Basel in the second match of the Champions League group stages today. Despite their blistering form to start the campaign, United have drawn their last match in both the Champions League and domestically. In addition, Sir Alex Ferguson is dealing with numerous injury issues heading into this match, including a hamstring concern for Wayne Rooney. As many as 8 regulars will be out of action for today's tie, which should make the match more intriguing than it initially looked on paper.

Kickoff is 2:45 ET on Fox Soccer Channel.