Back in the 1990′s, flamboyant France and Manchester United star Eric Cantona derisively labelled Didier Deschamps, the captain of the 1998 World Cup winning French team, a ‘water carrier’. The current Les Bleus coach, who used to play as a central defensive midfielder, did not for sure have the skill and panache of a Zinedine […]
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Having no central midfielder is holding United back
In one sense, Manchester United are not short in central midfield. They have 12 players in the first-team squad who have played in that position; even Rio Ferdinand has been tried there in the past. In this case, however, more is emphatically less. The strength of Sir Alex Ferguson’s will is such that United can […]
The Toure Role?
Every so often a player comes along who redefines English football to the extent a position is named in his honour and Yaya Toure is threatening to join the list. These individuals may not be the most skilled but their style revolutionises tactical thinking. … Teams up and down the land sought to emulate Chelsea’s […]
Gary Neville – TV Pundit
Presumably now those people who threatened to cancel their subscriptions when Gary Neville was appointed as Sky Sports’s main pundit have come to realise, whether they like to admit it or not, that if they can just detach themselves from the endless slog of club allegiances for a few moments and listen, without prejudice, there […]
Is Rio past it?
As Gareth Bale brushed aside Rio Ferdinand to score Tottenham’s second goal during their famous win at Old Trafford, most football fans were beginning to understand why Roy Hodgson continues to ignore Rio for national team selection. The England boss is due to announce his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, and might have […]
Analysis – Man United vs Spurs
Tottenham put in a solid performance to defeat Manchester United 2-3 at Old Trafford, scoring their first goal within 90 seconds and ending the first half 0-2 up. The hosts depleted defense were in shambles and even with a resilent effort in the second half, United were unable to pull off one of their famous […]
Poachers – the best finishers in the EPL
Goal scoring is a skill. Players who can create something from nothing, providing a timely tally for their side, are frequently the difference between one and three points. Players like Robin van Persie — 92 chances created in 2011-12 season — can provide a spark with the ball at their feet and a lethal final […]
Preview: Man United vs Tottenham
The last time Spurs won as visitors, it was in December 1989 with Gary Lineker as the scorer. Tottenham have lost 22 of the next 26 games since then at Old Trafford, including the last 9 in a row. The statistics look bleak but they also hide some of the electrifying results of these fixtures […]
Germany leads England in football’s recovery
Secrets of the Bundesliga’s success range from cheaper tickets to standing room in stadiums and supporters on club boards. David Conn looks at the Bundesliga and how it differs from England. ” At their first home Premier League match this season, Chelsea, owned by the Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, beat Reading 4-2 in front of […]
Succession plans at Old Trafford
It is something most United fans would rather not discuss or ignore when asked. Since November 1986, there have been few occasions that anyone would ever have to consider a need to replace Sir Alex Ferguson. His run at United has made him the UK’s most successful manager and amongst the best in world and after their Treble season […]
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