Everton Reunion in Old Trafford??

Manchester United had their £15m bid rejected for Everton's finest left back, Leighton Baines and they are coming back with a larger bid - £20m! My word....£20m for a 29 year old left back? Isn't there any younger players out there?? The U-20s World Championship & Confederation Cup are just over, I'm sure there are more than one who outshines the rest....SCOUT & SIGN THEM INSTEAD! What's wrong these clubs nowadays?! I've seen better potential, cheaper and younger players from the lower leagues crying out loud, trying to reach the big clubs to sign them.

Wouldn't it better if a rich club from the Premier League pay the lower leagues more money for their players and provide support, and encourage home grown players to perform better? This way England will always have an eclectic pool of young talents for the national squad hence making them a strong England team ahead! Although I have been living in Singapore for 35 years, I have always wanted England to lift the World Cup or at least the Euro Cup. The Premier League has an excellent range of foreign talents but I always believe that the Three Lions have the potential to be European Champions & World Champions!

 

Patrice Evra is rumored to leave Manchester United for Monaco AS and that could be the reason for the signing of Baines. Whatever it is, I hope Moyes is able to rotate his left future left backs, likes of Fabio and Buttner, should Baines arrives to Old Trafford. Or they'll be 2 very unhappy left backs.

Recently, there were reports of Argentinian defender Ezequiel Garay from Benfica went house hunting in Manchester. Some reliable source report that Garay could be on the verge of signing for United with growing injury worries over Vidic, Ferdinand, Smalling last season. United have failed to keep clean sheets many times throughout the season with the absence of their quality defenders. Look at the last season's last game against West Brom, what a terrible score line...5-5! It is really unfair for those who have bought the home season tickets, just to watch them play badly after winning the Premier League title.

On The Way To Old Trafford...

Barcelona young starlet Thiago Alcantara could be on his way to Old Trafford after an agreement has been reached between his father and the Manchester United. Transfer looks almost set.

However Barca is not letting go one of their priciest young starlet easy. Better contracts were tabled as persuasion but the hat-trick hero from the Under-20s final insists more games which apparently Barca were unable to give, with Xavi & Aniesta as their preferred choice for the first team squad. Thiago wants first team football badly and moving to Manchester United not only guarantees him first team football but also Champions League football. And with United in need of strength in the midfield department, he'll definitely get his chance.

He's in need of games as he wants to break into the ranks of Spain Senior Team for the upcoming World Cup 2014 in Brazil. The only question, is Thiago Alcantara for sure coming to United? Or will there be another great U-turn or a silly detour. I hope he signs for United soon!

Lucky Number 7

The great number 7 jersey of Manchester United Football Club, worn by some of the greatest footballers in the world throughout the decades and has never failed to deliver whenever they are on field. I believed there were older player who wore number 7 jersey and played outstandingly but was not recognised. Back then, our forefathers were mainly focused and enjoyed pure madness of football. In a modern world like today, with all the current technology and social network everyone wants to get a piece of everything from literally everywhere. It is really convenient nowadays. Football players get connected with fans much easier and most of them actually share their personal daily life of activity with everyone who choose to follow them. Most sports athletes today are introduce into the world glamorously, to the extend of becoming celebrity. Some even are as popular as a movie star. So long as the players are comfortable, no one else should really matter.

Number 7 jersey, all began during the years of the late legend George Best. Born in the year 1946, the Northern Irish winger played most of his professional career in Manchester United during 1963 to 1974 before scattering himself into numerous clubs. Some were comparing him to the current evergreen Ryan Giggs. He must really be that good. However I was not born during his era of football with Manchester United therefore I would not dare to write much about him but one thing for sure he is in the list of the legends.

The number 7 jersey was then passed to Bryan Robson. Yet another sad story, I was only 3 years old when he played for The Red Devils. He was already in his ripe aged when I first witnessed him in a United shirt. Soon after he was transferred to Middlesbrough to become player-manager for about 3 seasons.

The legacy continued and left a huge boot for the next one to fit in. It was none other than Eric Cantona. This fellow needs no introduction when he was on the field. Big flamboyant French definitely proudly wore his shirt and ruled the field like he owns it. He shocked the world when he retired at an early age, leaving with a statement that he wanted to leave the game while his name was at the top. Sad for United fans but after some time I think he really made a wise choice.

Leaving under the shadows of Eric Cantona was young David Beckham. Beckham was wearing number 28 then. He worked his rank up and became United's very own grown prodigy. I can't explain why he was sold to Real Madrid. He had a bust up with Ferguson for some ridiculous personal reasons which I thought Ferguson shouldn't be too involved in. Well that was history, now both of them have retired.

Then came Cristiano Ronaldo from Sporting Clube de Portugal which is also known as Sporting Lisbon, signed for £12m pounds. In no time, he shone very brightly in the field with dazzling feet. His immediate impact soon made his manager played him often. One defender after another, he split open them. Suddenly all the direct free kicks were assigned to him. His rocket speed free kicks almost tore the goal net and often kept goalkeeper rooted to the ground. He was loved by Sir Alex Ferguson with his manager saying Ronaldo was of a son figure to him. Even before signing for United, it had always been his dream to play for Real Madrid. Real Madrid signed Ronaldo for a record breaking fee of £80m. After the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldo were sorely missed by his Manchester United fans but not too long after United came back with a bang and overcame his absence.

The latest player to wear the famous number 7 shirt is Antonia Valencia. He was given the honour after his brilliant display in season 2011/12. Complete winger with old fashion style of play running through the defence with no flair but he was really good. Sir Alex often made him a right back whenever Rafael's injured and he made a great replacement. However in 2012/13 season, his lacklustre performance has made fans wonder if he deserve to wear the number 7 jersey.

In my opinion, shouldn't a jersey just be a jersey? Numbers on jersey should not be treated as a superstition beliefs. Some players chose their beloved preferred numbers on the back of their jersey probably because it signifies certain important memories to them. Most importantly for all football players, managers and fans, the quality of each and every players capability to produce is the main factor rather than the numbers on their back of jersey matters!

The New Kit

Initially when I first looked at Manchester United Home Kit during the launch at its official website, I thought I would left as disappointed as last season home kit cum table/picnic cloth. I even asked myself why was Manchester United Official website displaying kits for match officials until I saw United's logo. Honestly after having a second look, the new kit really look good. I will most definitely get a piece for myself. I am still waiting for the away kit. I hope that it will as good as last season away kit.

Now that the Under-21 European Championship are over. Will United still get their guy Thiago Alcantara knowing that his price will definitely soar after scoring hat-trick? Will David Moyes also get the other Barca guy Cesc Fabregas? Transfer market has been slow recently. Probably, it will become active once after the transfer window opens. Sometimes I just don't understand these club manager. Why don't they just make agreement with their respective targeted player and once the transfer window re-opens, sign them officially. Why are the managers from different clubs need to wait till other clubs beginning to probe first for a player and others will try to outsmart?

Meanwhile in the United dressing room, Bebe is looking for Sporting move. I guess this guy must have given up on his chance to actually play for United after all. Kevin Strootman has his sights in the Premier League even though there were report interests from Russia and Italy clubs. However his agents has clearly states that it won't be cheap to bring him over. If he's really good, why bother about the transfer fee? But if he's an ordinary player with ordinary talent, PSV can keep his player. This is a fact! 

Nani has remain calm over his future at Old Trafford, even though he has a year left in his contract remaining. Also at the moment, there are no rich club are showing any interest in him but if there were, he would definitely be flying over in lightning flash! Seriously many of us know how good he can be and hope he's able to capture his driving form and keep himself away from the nursing room. I am sure Moyes will want him in his first eleven squad. All the best Nani!

My Fantasy, My Theater of Dreams...

It has always been my childhood dream to go to London because of the London Bridge nursery rhyme, and till today I still can't get the song right. Whatever it is, ever since I knew Manchester United Football Club during my school days, I don't really want to know if the London bridge is falling down or not. I just want to go to Sir Matt Busby Way, Old Trafford, Manchester. Attend the Manchester United tour, visit the official merchandise shop and watch the guys train or a live match. I know I have to save up big time as flight ticket prices here in my country will not only burn ones pocket but can burn oneself! Dead serious it's bloody costly. My only option as an ordinary guy is only save up. I wish I could have won an all expense-paid to my dream destination...I wish...and yup, for now the picture below is the closest I can get!

Anyway, Spain has again dominated in the world of football. This time it's the under-21 squad. With Manchester United target Barcelona attacking midfielder, bagging a hat-trick and United no.1 man between the goalpost, to lift the Under-21 Championships Cup beating Italy Under-21 with the score 4-2. I can't watch due to no televised here but seriously are there any other country that can run them over? Or these guys just won't stop bullying anyone who come across them? At the moment, it looks like it's not going to happen even their rising stars are playing really well.

During my younger years, there were Brasil with the likes of Romario, Bebeto, Dunga, Leonardo, Ronaldo, Cafu, Roberto Carlos, Denilson, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho and many more. It looked like as if it was always going to Brasil for life but look where they are now. They are just like any other ordinary team with no stars. I have been supporting Brasil even before I knew Manchester United Football Club. It's really sad seeing them lost their Samba as years passes by. I wish them all the best and I hope the junior of the above-mentioned players will eventually rule the football world again.

Right after Brasil's domination, there was France. Zinadine Zidane is as popular as Michael Jackson in the football world. Everyone wanted to either be like or played with Zidane. His infamous head-butt during the final game with Italy has somehow dimmed his limelight as the former 3 times World Player of the Year, hung his boots for good. Together with Didier Deschamps, Bixente Lizarazu, Emmanuel Petit, Youri Djorkaeff, they too looked unstoppable back then. Until nature took it's own cause, they aged!

Now the Spanish team both senior and junior squad, look like the formidable forces in all competitions. To me they are like the European Samba boys, very skillful with flair.

Old Is Not Gold For Some Cases...

Wesley Sneijder has been given the green light to leave Galatasaray after spending only one season at the Turkish club. It is either Galatasaray refuse to renew his contract and wants to make money out of him while they still can. Or he's becoming a lousy player that they had to get of him as soon as possible. If a player is really good, any club would want to extend their best crop of players. Unless you're Alex Ferguson; reject and refuse to sign Carlos Tevez on permanent contract. Only the board of chairman from Galatasaray know the real truth. Well Good Luck, Chelsea!!

Still in Turkey, Galatasaray have had their bid turned down by Manchester United for their winger Luis Nani. I'm not too sure about the reason behind the rejection. I guess Galatasaray is offering a price of a shrimp for a price of a luxurious condo. Nani was also reported to remain uncertain about his future at Old Trafford and prefers to move to La Liga rather than moving back to his native country, Portugal. I hope Moyes gets it sorted out as soon as possible with this guy. If the new boss thinks selling Nani and get his replacement is the best option. I'm behind him 100%!!!

While I was browsing the web recently, I wanted to laugh my balls off so badly when I got to know Jose Mourinho quote that he will only return to Chelsea if he returns to the Premier League. Ya right! Does he think we're kids who know nothing?! As far as I remember, he was the only manager in the world who was insisting to be Alex Ferguson successor and the new manager for the club. Now he's going back against his own words just because Alex Ferguson chose him over David Moyes. In my opinion, that's the quote of a sore loser!

Meanwhile Portugal & UK media has reported that Manchester United are on the verge on their second signing, Benfica's defender Argentinian Ezequiel Garay. I have always thought that United need to reshuffle their defenders and try to have new set of defenders as most of the regular back four injure easily. Now it's not the time to see the loyality of a player towards a club. It is about the commitment and dedication towards daily life at the club. United are still waiting over the possibility for Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo was said to have demand his current club £32m-a-year contract. If this ridiculous deal doesn't pull through, I hope he is coming back to United and retires there as well.

Football Transfer Do Come Cheap Afterall...

While the giants are sleeping during pre-transfer window in the summer, Numancia midfielder Cedrick Mabwati has signed for Real Betis for a fee of 1.2 euros (approx. SGD$2.01) What can we get here in my country with an amount of $2 nowadays?! Also, Mabwati is tipped to be a hot prospect for future. Hands down, to date this is really a mother of all bargains. So damn lucky, Betis!

Robert Lewandowski has been told by his parent club that he would not be sold to their rival, Bayern Munich. Such drama and intensity in the German league. However Lewi is determined that he will play for Bayern Munich next season. With this piece of news, I doubt he is coming to Manchester United. Anyway I don’t think United would be needing another striker. RVP is still hot favourite to start first eleven for all United upcoming season matches. Like it or not by United fans, Wayne Rooney is still a Manchester United player. I don’t care what others negatives think about Rooney but I hope he’ll stay a United player till he hangs his boots. There are also the likes of the reborn baby-faced assassin from Mexico. Danny Welbeck, this lad is cracking Real Madrid defence like no one have done during the Champions League last season, only to be outdone by a referee’s horrific decision. Well, money speaks in all languages and anything can happen in football. I am not surprise if within weeks R. Lewandowski ends up in Bayern Munich soon..!

Let’s make our way back to Old Trafford (as if….) and we welcome the newest member of Manchester United- Guillermo Varela. A young 20 year old Uruguayan right full back from Penarol. I have never seen him played before but I hope is really good but he will definitely have to compete with Rafael and also his other twin Fabio who has coming back a season long. Isn’t this guy was on trial when Sir Alex Ferguson was still Man United’s boss? As much as I hate to admit it but I seriously think that Ferguson is still overshadowing players purchase and not David Moyes. C’mon Sir Alex, move on already! Let the new boss do his work!!!

Cesc Fabregas would be an excellent addition to any European club. However this particular United target…it won’t happen. Even Fabregas himself has spoken that he will not be joining Manchester United. He has the chance to reunite with his partner RVP. Imagine the formidable force it will become. Still as I have mentioned numerous times before, it has been season in, season out, United midfield looked absolutely vulnerable. Easily exposed and often terrorised by most opponents. The last game of the season against West Bromwich is a perfect example. No matter how well United capitalised the game, West Brom managed to claw back and level the game to 5-5. Even if United were already declared championship with games in hand, they should have played as per normal. Pity those who bought season tickets and those who travel across the world only to watch their favourite team played like that.