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Post by Deleted on Oct 29, 2014 14:25:32 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 29, 2014 14:44:49 GMT
www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/players/robin-van-persie/11195024/Robin-van-Persies-Manchester-United-career-is-in-decline-right-Wrong-his-recent-scoring-rate-is-better-than-ever.htmlOn the face of it, Robin van Persie's Manchester United career could be defined by Sven-Goran Eriksson’s legendary summation of another uninspiring England performance. ‘First half good, second half not so good,’ perfectly encapsulated Eriksson’s reign as England manager and it also seems a good fit to describe Van Persie’s time at Old Trafford. We have all witnessed Van Persie’s decline from the prolific striker who almost single-handedly delivered the club’s 20th league title during his first season at the club. The grey flecks have increased, the injuries have started to mount up and the goals just don’t come along as regularly, or spectacularly, as they did in his early days at United. Right? Well, no. Actually, the opposite is true. The relief displayed by Van Persie as he celebrated his injury-time equaliser against Chelsea on Sunday masked a surprising reality about the Dutch forward’s contribution as a United player. The truth about Robin van Persie is that, statistically, his United career should really be described as ‘first half good, second half even better.’ By scoring against Chelsea on Sunday, Van Persie broke into the top fifty of United’s all-time leading goalscorers chart. With 51 goals, and at the age of 31, he can forget about overhauling Sir Bobby Charlton’s 249 goals to claim top spot, but Van Persie’s goals-per-game ratio is better than each of the top three -- Charlton, Denis Law and Wayne Rooney -- on United’s goalscoring list. Only Tommy Taylor (0.69 goals per game), Ruud van Nistelrooy (0.68) and Dennis Viollet (0.61) can better Van Persie’s rate of a goal every 0.60 games for United. Law, second to Charlton in the scoring charts with 237 goals, sits just behind Van Persie with a strike-rate of a goal of every 0.58 goals per game. Those statistics could be misleading, with many supporters suggesting that Van Persie’s ratio would be a result of his incredible start at United following his 2012 transfer from Arsenal. But as impressive as Van Persie was in his first few months at Old Trafford, his output since -- and David Moyes may rub his eyes in disbelief at this -- has been even better. Van Persie’s first 25 goals, during his outstanding first season at United, took 43 games to amass. His second 25, despite the injuries and loss of form experienced under Moyes, and in a team shorn of confidence, came within 38 games. Van Persie made just 28 appearances for United last season, but scored eighteen goals, including a Champions League hat-trick against Olympiakos. This season, the goal against Chelsea was his third in eight games -- a period which manager Louis van Gaal admitted has been a frustrating one for the centre-forward. But against Chelsea, Van Persie’s all-round performance hinted at a return to the form many believe he has not displayed since his early days at United. Van Persie, playing as a lone striker, led the line well, engaged in a physical battle with Chelsea John Terry and was rewarded with his late, late equaliser. The last time United had scored a point-saving or point-winning goal in stoppage time was Van Persie’s free-kick against Manchester City in December 2012. Perhaps Sunday’s performance proved that Van Persie performs best as a lone forward -- the role he played in the title-winning season -- but the goal numbers, at least, suggest that there really isn’t too much wrong with the player’s form. During the 2012-13 season, Van Persie’s performance data -- runs, sprints, ground covered -- were regarded as off the scale by United, with last season resulting in an inevitable dip. But under Van Gaal, the tide may be set to turn for Van Persie, with performances ready to match the goals that has been surprisingly consistent. And rather than fear for his place, Van Persie can point to a strike-rate which proves he is delivering the goods, even when it appears as though he isn’t.
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Post by grandpaTJ on Oct 29, 2014 18:58:17 GMT
I think we need to cut our losses with Jones, even if he turns out to be a superstar in 5 years time at another club, nobody could say we fucked up getting rid as we need players that can perform now, not hopefully once every 5 games before getting nobbled again Ought to keep him and run a pool on: How long will he be out How long will he be back before being injured again What will the injury be this time Charge a couple quid for each entry, and use profits from the pool to buy7 some more players  There are always several "reasons" people can cite for not playing younger players in every match, injuries is right up there. An it is not about "physical growth" it is about mental growth. Seasoned pros know how to pace themselves over a whole match, and they also know how to give and take a hit. Seems to me more kids hurt themselves than are hurt by an opponent. |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 30, 2014 13:02:49 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 31, 2014 12:29:32 GMT
Paul Scholes' Column from the Indy
The comeback game after my original retirement was a Manchester derby, an FA Cup third-round tie at the Etihad in January 2012, and I can still remember the words that Mike Phelan muttered to me as I walked towards the touchline to come on for Nani after an hour.
“Well, Paul,” Mike said. “This is what you wanted.” Mike had a wicked sense of humour, and he could detect a certain concern on my part. I was 37 years old. I had last played at the top-level eight months previously. This was City against United, in an era when City were actually competitive. What was I doing?
I had been training with Warren Joyce’s Under-21s squad for three weeks before then but my return to the side was kept a secret. The day before the game, Sir Alex Ferguson told me that I was in the squad and would be on the bench – but not to tell anyone. Even to the extent that when I joined the squad at the hotel the night before, I was told by him to sit on the staff table rather than with the players.
When I came on, we were 3-1 up at the time against 10 men, although I gave the ball away for City’s second goal. We won 3-2. The Manchester derby was always a huge occasion for me, as a Manchester boy, even when City were an afterthought for some United fans. One of the very best moments of my career was scoring in the last minute against City at the Etihad to win the game in April 2010, as we chased Chelsea in the title race.
City are the defending champions and, although they had a bad result last weekend, they are a very tough test for any side, especially at home. Players like David Silva and Sergio Aguero are very important, but for me Pablo Zabaleta is a crucial part of the way City play. He has been the best full-back in the Premier League for the past two seasons.
As far as United are concerned, on Sunday a lot will rest on how Luke Shaw handles Zabaleta down that left side. There is no full-back better at bombing on than Zabaleta. If United are to be successful, Shaw needs to stop him – and push back the other way.
I have always rated Zabaleta highly. From a more personal point of view, it was telling that he never made a meal of the challenge that got me sent off in the 2011 FA Cup semi-final at Wembley (a challenge that looked a lot worse on television than it really was). He is one of those tough Argentinian players. In the last derby I played in, which City won 1-0 in April 2012, Zabaleta was excellent. He kept getting in behind us and causing problems. As a team it was a poor United performance that night.
It will be interesting to see who Manuel Pellegrini plays down the right side of midfield. If it is Zabaleta and James Milner, that will put a lot of pressure on Angel Di Maria to support Shaw when United don’t have the ball. If United are not alive to the threat, Milner – or whoever plays on the left side – could push on to Shaw, while Zabaleta makes runs off Di Maria.
Silva is a brilliant creative player. Aguero can score a goal in a yard of space. Above all, Zabaleta epitomises City when they are at their best. He is relentless getting forward and a great defender too. For Shaw it will be one of the major tests of his first season at United, and one that he will wish to come through strongly.
My view of City overall has not changed. After a week which has brought defeats to West Ham and Newcastle there is something about them – you might even call it a touch of arrogance – that they do not have to take their opposition into consideration.
I realise that it is a point I have made before, but I don’t think the central midfield is right, and that they are getting the best out of Yaya Touré. He still looks laboured to me, you might even say he looks a bit bored. He has the ability to step it up when he wants to, and that could be the case on Sunday.
My view is that the better midfield partner for him is Fernandinho rather than Fernando. Fernandinho just seems to have more to his game. Equally, in defence I think that United will see the position next to Vincent Kompany as a weakness.
As for United, my key change would be Wayne Rooney back in for Juan Mata. I cannot see Louis van Gaal doing any different. The Chelsea game just seemed to pass Mata by on Sunday and that is what will count against him. He seemed to be overpowered. Rooney has a great record against City and he just has to play.
Lastly, from United’s point of view, they will be concerned with Radamel Falcao. He has not been able to get that run of games together to get match-fit and start scoring goals consistently. He scored against Everton, was taken off and did not start against West Bromwich Albion. Then he was injured for the Chelsea game. It has been a stop-start beginning to his career at United. He needs that run in the team to build his confidence, his performance levels and his fitness.
These are the kind of games that get remembered for a long time by supporters, on either side of the city’s divide. For players like Shaw, Falcao and Di Maria, it is their first taste of playing against their local rivals. From my experience, it is not a game you want to lose.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 31, 2014 12:35:19 GMT
sport.bt.com/sportfootball/news/united-in-friendly-talks-with-milan-S11363940628607?AC Milan have confirmed they are in talks with Manchester United about playing a prestige friendly in the new year. Neither club is in the Champions League nor Europa League this season and they are exploring the options of playing each other in a lucrative one-off game, almost certainly in the Middle East. United boss Louis van Gaal's plans for the teams had been a potential sticking point but he confirmed earlier this month that he backed the idea of meeting top-class opposition midweek. AC Milan's director Umberto Gandini confirmed a friendly with United was on the agenda. Gandini told Press Association Sport: "This is something we have been talking about for a few weeks and we have a committed interest to do something together. "It's just a question to find the right date and then to find the right place." One possible date would be around Wednesday January 28, which does not clash with any European matches nor any Italian Cup games. There are Capital One Cup semi-finals taking place but that would not impact on United playing a friendly. In 2008 a full-strength United squad played a testimonial game in Riyahd, Saudi Arabia, in front of sell-out 69,000 crowd on a Monday night and then had a spell at a warm-weather training camp before returning for an FA Cup match. Van Gaal said earlier this month that he wanted his team to play top teams in midweek and had spoken about it to United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and managing director Richard Arnold. Van Gaal said: "I like to play midweek games against high-level opponents." Both United and Milan could expect to earn more than £1million from the match. United expect a drop in income of up to £48million as a result of failing to qualify for the Champions League under David Moyes.
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Post by gdmm on Nov 2, 2014 8:49:56 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Nov 3, 2014 11:56:48 GMT
Manchester United @manutd 49m49 minutes ago
U21s: United play Leicester tonight at Leigh Sports Village (free entry). Kick-off is 19:00 GMT & it's live on #MUTV
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Post by ratbag on Nov 4, 2014 11:11:59 GMT
Manchester United @manutd 49m49 minutes ago U21s: United play Leicester tonight at Leigh Sports Village (free entry). Kick-off is 19:00 GMT & it's live on #MUTV James Wilson scored again and generally had a good game...we lost 2-3 and Jack Barmby scored the winner! Wilson must start against Palace... |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 4, 2014 12:02:03 GMT
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Post by Stew on Nov 4, 2014 14:36:58 GMT
Good man. It'll help his development. |
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Post by Stew on Nov 4, 2014 14:38:12 GMT
sport.bt.com/sportfootball/news/united-in-friendly-talks-with-milan-S11363940628607?AC Milan have confirmed they are in talks with Manchester United about playing a prestige friendly in the new year. Neither club is in the Champions League nor Europa League this season and they are exploring the options of playing each other in a lucrative one-off game, almost certainly in the Middle East. United boss Louis van Gaal's plans for the teams had been a potential sticking point but he confirmed earlier this month that he backed the idea of meeting top-class opposition midweek. AC Milan's director Umberto Gandini confirmed a friendly with United was on the agenda. Gandini told Press Association Sport: "This is something we have been talking about for a few weeks and we have a committed interest to do something together. "It's just a question to find the right date and then to find the right place." One possible date would be around Wednesday January 28, which does not clash with any European matches nor any Italian Cup games. There are Capital One Cup semi-finals taking place but that would not impact on United playing a friendly. In 2008 a full-strength United squad played a testimonial game in Riyahd, Saudi Arabia, in front of sell-out 69,000 crowd on a Monday night and then had a spell at a warm-weather training camp before returning for an FA Cup match. Van Gaal said earlier this month that he wanted his team to play top teams in midweek and had spoken about it to United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and managing director Richard Arnold. Van Gaal said: "I like to play midweek games against high-level opponents." Both United and Milan could expect to earn more than £1million from the match. United expect a drop in income of up to £48million as a result of failing to qualify for the Champions League under David Moyes. One of these games isn't really an issue. I think there was concern when there was lots of games mentioned (by the papers) but can't see the harm in one. |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2014 14:14:31 GMT
Good. sportwitness.ning.com/forum/topics/manager-will-not-count-on-radamel-falcao-for-upcoming-matchesManchester United's injury woes so far this season have been as bad as they have been predictable. The Premier League side have struggled, especially in defence. However, Wayne Rooney's suspension for three games meant that injury to Radamel Falcao was a more serious issue than perhaps it would have been... not to mention the poor form of Robin van Persie. The situation surrounding Manchester United's Falcao remains somewhat confusing. At first there were claims his injury was knee related, those were quickly dismissed by the Colombian media. Then the reports in Colombia, with information from Falcao's camp, said the Manchester United player had suffered a severe bruise and swelling and there was worry about slight muscle damage... which needed a scan. Then there were claims Falcao would be out until just after the Manchester City match, and then further claims on Friday from Colombia that he was actually fit and just being kept of that as a precaution. Keeping up?! The latest from Colombia is that Falcao needs more rest and even if he turns out for Manchester United at the weekend, it's unlikely he will be selected by Colombia for their upcoming friendly matches. That's a big blow, the first match is in London and was being marketed all around the Manchester United star. El Universal say Colombia manager Jose Pekerman 'will not count on' Falcao for the upcoming friendlies. In Colombia they reckon he could be left out of the squad but the player himself will surely be incredibly keen to join up with his compatriots on Sunday in London. |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2014 14:31:13 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Nov 6, 2014 14:07:28 GMT
Rooney backs Ronaldo for Ballon d'Or
Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney believes Cristiano Ronaldo is rightly the favourite to win the Ballon d'Or award because he has usurped Lionel Messi as the best player in the world.
The Reds skipper has seen his former team-mate play a key role as Real Madrid won the Champions League and he was instrumental in ensuring Portugal qualified for the World Cup finals with a virtuoso display in the play-off against Sweden.
Ronaldo maintained his superb run of form by helping the European champions defeat Liverpool 1-0 at the Bernabeu on Tuesday after scoring in the first match at Anfield.
When asked by MUTV if he felt Ronaldo would retain the trophy, Rooney replied: "I think so. He’s had an incredible two or three years and I think he has certainly overtaken Lionel Messi now as the best player in the world. I’m sure it’ll be difficult to give it to anyone else."
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