Three Thoughts Post Man Utd's Loss To Real Madrid

Tuesday night saw a much anticipated Champions League second leg match-up between Man Utd and Real Madrid end in drama. United were dumped out of the competition after a controversial refereeing decision losing the leg 2-1 and the tie 3-2.

Three days after the drama, the dust has settled, but the effects are still being felt. Here are three thoughts on the story lines that have sprung up in the aftermath of one of the most dramatic results in football this season.

How Does Sir Alex Ferguson Get Away With It?

Ferguson is one of the greats of the game. The 71-year old was appointed as the manager at Old Trafford in November 1986. Since then he has made Manchester United into the most successful football club in the modern both nationally and internationally. During his tenure, Man Utd have won 12 Premier League titles, five FA Cups and two Champions League successes.

However, time and time again, Ferguson has shown a disrespect to the media and his duties as a statesman of the game and has been given a free pass. This isn't referring to punishments in terms of fines or FA slaps on the wrist. This is reference to moral condemnation that most characters in professional sports undergo.

Personal differences between him and the BBC meant that Ferguson did not speak on Match of the Day or on any of the BBC's coverage between 2004 and 2011 with no repercussions. This is Ferguson's responsibility as an ambassador and leader of the sport.

Once again on Tuesday night, he ignored that responsibility favoring his own frustration over offering proper media representation for his football club.

Time and time again it seems like both in terms of fan reaction, media support and FA sanctions; Ferguson has been given a free pass. Time and time again over the past 26 years Sir Alex has unleashed a rant upon a referee and been allowed to get away with it. Few people could argue that the red card for Nani on Tuesday was controversial to say the least. However, that doesn't give Ferguson the right to completely disrespect the system and boycott the media because of his frustration. In fact, it is his responsibility to answer questions in some sort of measured way.

Perhaps the answer is that Ferguson has been doing this for a long time, he may not be a Premier League manager for that much longer, he may just keep getting away with it for the rest of his career.

Will Wayne Rooney Leave Man United?

The Premier League title is wrapped up, the FA cup isn't as important in comparison with the Champions League. There's little doubt that the game on Tuesday was the biggest game in Man Utd's season so far and yet Rooney was left out of the line-up in favor of Danny Welbeck and Nani.

Robin Van Persie has scored 19 goals in EPL play and has been an instant star for United. He has captured the hearts and minds of the Old Trafford fan base and with a deep group of attacking players including Welbeck, Nani and Javier Hernandez, there have been questions raised about Rooney's future in Manchester.

There are a couple of sticking points in this case. Rooney is costing Man Utd a lot of money and he is currently unfit and seemingly being outplayed by his fellow strikers. He won't be content not featuring in the team's regular first 11; it seems that a parting of the ways is becoming inevitable. 

The fact is though that selling Rooney won't be easy. The financial climate is changing in European football and Rooney's wage is huge. Ferguson won't be interested in sending Rooney to a rival Premier League club, but it's hard to find a fit financially and in terms of 'a team' that would invest in signing Rooney for a reported £20 million fee and then pay his £250,000 per week wages.

Will Jose Mourinho Win A Third Champions League Title?

Lost in the controversy of Nani's red card and even Rooney's omission from the starting line-up was that Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has positioned yet another team in a very winnable Champions League draw. Mourinho is chasing down a third Champions League title in three different countries as a manager, an achievement that may never be repeated.

The potential quarter-finals for the Champions League looks very winnable. Barcelona are in serious trouble against AC Milan already 2-0 entering the second leg. Meanwhile, the likes of Juventus, PSG and Dortmund possess only a questionable level of threat. There's a definite opportunity for Mourinho's star-studded line-up to add the Champions League title that he was ultimately expected to bring.

(sports) sport 2013: The editor’s five predictions for the sporting year of 2013

I claim to be no Nostradamus but here are my five predictions for the sporting year of 2013.

1          Man Utd to win the league

While some may say this is an easy prediction to make, Manchester United is not immune to losing leads. Man Utd lost the title on the last day of last season despite holding a substantial lead for some time. However this year, Manchester City appears really shaky and have been run close or beaten convincingly in matches they would breezed through last season. Some may see a late run by Chelsea but I believe it’s not wise to look past united as they when they dominate, they usually win, and when, tellingly, they start badly, they know how to stay in the game long enough to take their chances.

2      Mancini out, Guardiola in

I know the first part of this prediction is a no brainer but the second has some risk of being way off. Mancini will leave at the season as he has failed to improve Man City’s fortunes in the Champions League and the increasing number of lacklustre performances in the league. While most of us don’t have an inside track to the Man City dressing room, it is clear to say that Mancini’s management and press skill have dazzled no one as the Tevez debacle and on-going Balotelli circus have shown.

The appointment of Txiki Begiristain shows City’s intention to acquire the services to the trophy laden former Barcelona coach as  Begiristain recommended Guardiola to takeover from frank Rijkaard over Jose Mourinho back in 2008. Guardiola has not revealed his plan for the future with regards to which club he plan to join in 2013 but the man city does look an attractive position with financial backing and a large and talented squad.

3    Amir Khan to win light-welterweight title

This prediction is risky as the often cited but irrefutable fact of boxing is that reputations are built and destroyed by one punch. 2012 was a year to forget for Amir Khan as he lost his WBA and IBF belts to a controversial points loss to Lamont Peterson and suffered a devastating defeat at the hands of Danny Garcia. However, 2013 will be a kinder year to Khan as under the tutelage of the wise and impressive Virgil Hunter, khan is set to make his way to the top.

Under Virgil Hunter, Khan has worked on his defensive skills that cost him his belts and his pride in brutal fashion. However, the Molina fight at the back end of 2012 showed that training sessions with Hunter are paying off as he used his quick hand speed, reach and footwork to see off Molina as Khan dominated all rounds. While the competition is hotting up in his weight class, Amir Khan reach and speed is arguably the best in the division and adding a defensive component to his game is only going to help him win honours this year.    

4    Aston Villa Going Down

This is the easiest prediction I’ve made so far as Aston Villa look like a team doomed to play in the championship next season. They lack quality and experience in key areas (defence and midfield especially), get outclassed by teams they should beat (last match against Wigan a case in point).

One of the problem that see them go down is that the manager doesn’t seem to have any idea in how to halt the slide as Aston Villa take one beating after the next. Aston Villa Manger Paul Lambert has made some poor signings across the board with the only success being striker Christian Benteke.  Messrs Lowton, Holman and El Ahmadi have not covered themselves but neither has the manager whose policy of buying young energetic players has failed badly.

5      Andy Murray to win a grand slam

This prediction is based pretty simply on the fact that Andy Murray now knows that he can win a major title rather than just believe it as he did before. While his competition is still stiff with Federer, Djokovic and Nadal all gunning for major honours this year, Murray can take of the fact that he can beat all three mentioned as he has in the past. Whether he will win the grand slam that matters the most (Wimbledon) remains to be seen but be sure to watch Murray this year as he goes into the major competition knowing he can best the best.

Agree or disagree with these predictions or have some of your own?  Share your thoughts below and comment.