Showing posts with label mufc.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mufc.. Show all posts

Friday, 8 July 2016

Summer Lovin' At Man United.

The weather in Manchester may not be hot, but the activity around Old Trafford certainly is and if the rumours are true it could get even hotter.

So far new manager Jose Mourinho has given back the Manchester United fans that happy feeling again in his short time at the helm and has gone a long way to erase the memories of the last few seasons.

Mourinho didn't waste time implementing his United revolution by signing a quality defender in Ivory Coast international Eric Bailly from Villareal then plucked superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic on a free transfer from PSG. He followed that up with the news that the first Armenian to ply his trade in England had been secured when he tied up the transfer of highly-rated Henrikh Mkhitaryan, or simply Micki, from Borussia Dortmund.

A press conference to unveil the new Red Devil manager was one that exuded confidence, which is no more than you would expect from Mourinho, as he laid out his agenda to bring back the good times in front of the world's press and watching fans.

The last few weeks have been buzzing with the transfer activity surrounding United which could reach a whole new level if the rumours surrounding a world record bid for Paul Pogba become a reality.

Figures approaching £100m have been thrown around like confetti in the press for a player who left United on a free transfer after a huge fallout with then manager Alex Ferguson.

Fergie later admitted that Pogba's agent orchestrated the move to Juventus for the then 19-year-old midfielder in his own interests rather than the players and he was disgusted by the manner in which the whole messy situation was resolved.

There are two sides to every argument and it can be said that bygones should be bygones and a club as big as United should always try and sign the big name players. On the other hand, it could be put over why are the club willing to pay so much money for a player who turned his back on them for the lure of money.

Of course, other world class players have been linked with a big-money move to United in the past and nothing materialised as their agents only used the club to up the price to lure other more lucrative moves to rival clubs. This could turn out to be the case with Pogba as Real Madrid are also reported to be interested.

However, there is one important factor to consider and that is players do want to play for Jose Mourinho. Consider this, if van Gaal or indeed Moyes had still been at the helm would the likes of Zlatan have joined or even Pogba be considering a move to United? The answer has to be a resounding no especially with no Champions League football. But Mourinho has that pulling power not seen at United since Ferguson.

Whatever happens in the Pogba saga the future of the club looks to be in very safe hands with Mourinho and the upcoming season should see United return to the days of when they were challenging for the biggest honours.

Thanks for reading.

Miles Dunton.

Sunday, 18 January 2015

The transformation of Fellaini.


His bush like hair is the same if not a little shorter, he still possesses the same lanky run with his elbows turning like the sails of a windmill. However, there is one distinct difference about Marouane Fellaini and that is the boy can actually play football.

Brought to United from Everton by David Moyes on transfer deadline day in 2013 for far too much money. He was paraded in front of the media, and from the start the Belgium midfielder did not look comfortable if anything a little sheepish in his new surroundings.

In his first season at Old Trafford, he played as if he wanted to be somewhere else, most likely back at Everton, where the demands on his talents were lower. He was probably happy when he was sidelined with a wrist injury as it kept him away from the critical eyes of the fans and media.

When Louis van Gaal marched into the hot seat at United it seemed that Fellaini's days were numbered. Poor form and low confidence combined with the departure of his ally Moyes, it was obvious to all that he would depart for pastures new.

But surprise, surprise that did not happen. Fast forward 6 months and here we have a completely new player at United. A midfielder whose all round game and team contribution has changed a thousand fold. Not only more tactically astute and aware of what's happening in the game, but also contributing with goals.

The biggest question has to be how did this transformation happen? The answer is clear, Louis van Gaal and his coaches must have taken Fellaini aside and informed him that he has a talent that they can use to maximum effect and a future in the new systems being implemented. How else can the change be explained?

Is it really that simple? Yes, because in the modern game the players are too spoilt and sometimes they just need to be told how good and needed they are. The arm around the shoulder philosophy does actually work. There is no other possible explanation to the new found confidence and performance levels in Fellaini's game.

His all round contribution has made it a little difficult for him to be left out of the side, and he seems to be higher up the pecking order than the likes of let's say, Ander Herrera. Also, his more artistic teammates seem to relish it when he's on the park as he does most of the leg work. He has more importantly won the respect of the faithful fans.

It said a lot about his new found self-belief when he scored the opener at Loftus Road on Saturday and immediately ran straight over to the bench to celebrate with his compatriot Adnan Januzaj. He explained that it was because they are best friends in the squad, but I'd like to think it had a deeper message. I believe Fellaini was displaying an empathy for Januzaj due to his lack of chances in the side and telling him 'If I can turn it around so can you.' I would like to think that was the real reason.

I have a simple message for Mr.van Gaal. Whatever you have said or done to Fellaini to produce a completely different player from last season could you please do the same with Evans, Jones and Smalling. That would be just great.

Thanks to all as always.

Miles Dunton.