(Sport) Man United: Fabregas Off To Old Trafford?

In what has been a frustrating summer with Manchester United failing to land any major targets, the club looks to make it biggest coup of the summer yet with capture of former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas.

It’s needless to say that the capture of the Barcelona midfielder would represent good business as he will solve united long term problem of a distinct lack of creativity in the middle of the park and will link well with former Arsenal cohort Robin Van Persie. However, as always, there are obstacles in the way of that happening, the first being whether he wants to move in the first place.

While reports suggest that Fabregas has been less than happy with the fact that has struggled to find place in Barca manager Tito Vilanova’s first team plans, he has publicly stated his intention to stay at the clubs citing that talk of his departure as “completely absurd”[1]. If the fact that Fabregas has expressed his desire to stay at the Nou Camp wasn’t enough of an obstacle, the fact that Arsenal have “first refusal” should the Catalan giants decide to end the midfielders stay and sell him[2].

Barcelona have already rejected Man united £26m bid insisting that Fabregas “is not for sale” which could force Man United to up their offer or look elsewhere to boost their threadbare midfield options[3]. However, if Fabregas was to make some simple calculation of what might be better for his career considering that he is not likely to figure in Barca’s first team plans as much as he would like and with World Cup 2014 on the horizon, his chances of appearing on the first team sheet in game 1 of Spain’s World Cup 2014 Campaign are much better served being Man United playmaker in chief than Barcelona benchboy[4].

In sum, Man united may have other names they are looking to add to the squad but the signing of Cesc Fabregas, should it happen, may the most important signing of the next five years.    

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[1] The Telegraph, 2013,  Manchester United told Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas is ‘not available to buy’, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/10181738/Manchester-United-told-Barcelona-midfielder-Cesc-Fabregas-is-not-available-to-buy.html

[2] Ibid

[3] J.Boylan, 2013, Barcelona knock back Manchester United’s £26m for Cesc Fabregas, http://metro.co.uk/2013/07/15/manchester-united-target-cesc-fabregas-after-missing-out-on-thiago-alcantara-3882706/

[4] Ibid

(Sports) Football: Fergie’s Legacy at the Polls

   

With Sir Alex Ferguson announcing his intentions to retire when Manchester United’s successful 2012/2013 ends and his successor already named and in place to takeover, there has been much discussion over the legacy of the Scot’s incredible success over so many years and the praise for his service has been wide and unending.

It also appears in a YouGov/ The Sun poll on the legacy of the soon to be ex-United boss that his achievement have not gone unnoticed as Ferguson was voted as the greatest British football manger of all time securing nearly half of the vote beating revered  managerial legends such Bryan Clough, Bill Shankly,  Bobby Robson handily for the honor [1].

 While Man Utd fans would have like for him to go on forever as he has managed to orchestrate success with a squad many United fans and observers see as the weakest he has ever had at his disposal in his nearly three decade stay at Old Trafford, Nearly 80% though his retirement was the right decision[2]. They also thought that Ferguson replacement was the right one as soon to be United boss David Moyes was voted ahead of  Jose Mourinho  by a thirteen point margin when asked “who would you most like to see replace Alex Ferguson as manager of Manchester United”[3].

Eric Cantona (19%), Cristiano Ronaldo (14%) and Ryan Giggs (12%) were voted as Ferguson’s best signings as all three has played their part in the overarching arc that was Ferguson rule over one of the most successful periods in football history[4]. However, while Ferguson’s ability to spot and develop talent has been one of the cornerstones behind United’s sustained success, it occasionally did betray him with Eric Djemba-Djemba (9%), Michael Owen (8%) and Owen Hargreaves (8%)  topping the list of his worst signings[5].

However, while most Man Utd observers would put players such as Massimo Taibi, Kleberson, Juan Sebastian Veron  (whose stay at Old Trafford still disappoints me to this day)  much higher up the list  as  Ferguson’s  worst pieces of business in the transfer market, it can be argued that all three did not contribute much to the United cause, particularly Owen and Hargreaves.

The country largely agreed with the decision Ferguson made with regards to playing staff particularly his decision to sell David Beckham to Real Madrid as two-thirds of the public thought it he was right to sell Beckham[6]. While the British public thought Ferguson a great role in reducing “peoples respect for referees”, one would point out to this majority that the almost pathological and vociferous disrespect shown towards referees from fellow managers, players and fans has been around longer than Ferguson has and will be around long after him (trust me , disrespect towards referees will not ease because Ferguson decided to call it a day). Managers, justifiably at times,  constantly target  referees for perceived bad decisions, players and fans hurl abuse at referees louder, harder and more consistently on one Saturday afternoon than the 26 years’ worth of touchline  ear-bashings Ferguson dished out to referees.

The public view of United future without Ferguson is less than complimentary to Moyes as 55% of respondents thought that United “will do less well without Alex Ferguson” and a measly 3% think that United “will do better with Alex Ferguson”[7]. This skepticism towards Man United maintaining its dominance of British football is clearly the motivation behind large majority of respondents favoring Ferguson’s future involvement at the club as respondents think that “Ferguson should continue to involve himself in the club’s future, offering his advice and experience to his successor”[8].

While it would be suffocating and ego crushing for Moyes to have Ferguson over his shoulder, watching his every move and questioning his decisions especially after Ferguson ruled and ruled absolutely for most of his stay (mostly because of his continued success), Moyes is not foolish enough to let his ego get in the way of taking advice or using the experience of the most successful manager in the history of the sport. Moyes is not stupid enough to shun Ferguson just as much as a boxer wouldn’t dream of shunning jab and footwork advice from Ali nor a tennis player neglecting tips on backhand returns from Federer.   

In sum, the game will not feel the same without watching Ferguson on the touchline , chewing a pack Wrigley’s and a fourth official head  at the same time, but the show must go on and a new Scotsman will take the helm and hopefully replicate the success that has spoiled United fans rotten. Alex Ferguson will never be forgotten at United and football in general and his legacy is now to be what fellow manager will find easy to envy and  impossible to match.

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[1] YouGov, 2013, YouGov/The Sun Survey Results,  http://d25d2506sfb94s.cloudfront.net/cumulus_uploads/document/oe20e4v63p/YG-Archive-Pol-Sun-results-090513-Alex-Ferguson.pdf

[2] Ibid.

[3] Ibid

[4] Ibid

[5] Ibid

[6] Ibid

[7] Ibid

[8] Ibid

Manchester United Or Everton - Who Has The Bigger Void To Fill?

The longest tenured and third longest tenured managers both left their respective English Premier League teams this week when Alex Ferguson announced his retirement as manager of Manchester United and fellow Scot David Moyes left Everton to take up Ferguson's mantle.

Ferguson will remain on United's board of directors and hand-picked his successor, but which of these two teams, who have bucked the trend of high manager turnover and enjoyed success as a result will suffer more after losing a figure who has become synonymous with their identity.

Life After Sir Alex For Man Utd

26 years is an awful long time by any person's measure. Alex Ferguson became manager of Man Utd in November 1986. He brought 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League titles to a club that for now has established itself as the most successful in English football history. Ferguson has secured his place in the history books as arguably the greatest football manager ever.

During 26 seasons Ferguson showed himself to be tremendously adaptable both in terms of the style of football his teams played, the systems that they ran and on the financial side of the game. He presided over a team that became the biggest franchise worldwide in professional sports and managed through an era when tremendous amounts of money was piled into the English Premier League. 

The continuity for Ferguson and United has been success. That success will be an extremely hard act to follow. In a world that is now dominated by very highly paid players, Ferguson was able to assert himself because of his own legendary status. Moyes will not have that same benefit. Ferguson only went without a league title for more than two seasons on one occasion. Moyes will have to compete with that in a league with some big spenders led by Chelsea (possibly led by Jose Mourinho) and Manchester City. 

Ferguson's hold on this team and on the city of Manchester is over, at least as a manager and front line figure at Man Utd. Moyes will have more resources than ever before to sign just about any players he want and rotate a fantastically deep squad. However, he will have tremendous expectations to deal with and he will be following a brilliant manager. If Man Utd have hit the gold mine with Moyes, then they might not miss Fergsuon, but there's a good chance that the importance of Ferguson holding this team together might just be felt by United.

Replacing Moyes At Everton

Moyes may or may not be as good of a manager as Ferguson, but that will not make the task of replacing him at Everton any easier. He arrived in Merseyside in 2002. That makes him the third longest tenured manager in the English Premier League only less than Ferguson and Arsenal's Arsene Wenger. That's nearly double the next longest tenured manager, Stoke City's Tony Pulis. No other managers have spent even four years at a Premier League football club.

Moyes has made the most of meagre resources. During Moyes' tenure Everton have finished eight out of 10 seasons eighth place or higher and they are expected to make it nine out of 11 seasons with a strong finish again in 2012-13. 

The now experienced manager transformed a team that regularly competed against relegation and finished in the bottom half into a team that regularly finishes near the battle for UEFA/Europa Cup places. 

It won't be easy for any manager to step in maintain that level of achievement. Moyes has had to chase down talent at bargain prices and he has had to set up a dogged system that allows his team just enough creative freedom to win some games as well.

Roberto Martinez and Michael Laudrup are being linked to the Everton job. Those are some pretty big names. Because of Moyes, Everton feels like a big job, but perhaps both of those managers would be better off steering clear of what would be a tough task to say the least.

Written by Sebastian Egerton-Read - you can follow Seb on twitter @SebEread

Sir Alex Ferguson: A Great Manager and A Great Adapter

Football fans all around the world are still getting over Wednesday morning's stunning news that Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson is retiring at the end of the 2012-13 season. There are varying opinions on Ferguson as a person. The fact is that winning breeds dislike and envy. However, no-one would argue with Ferguson's legacy. He is unquestionably one of the best managers that the game of football has ever seen.

Ferguson's record is impeccable. Since the 1991-92 season, Manchester United have never finished lower than third in the English Premier League. He has won 13 EPL titles, two Champions League titles, five FA Cups, four League Cups, one Cup Winners' Cup, one European Super Cup, one Club World Cup and one Intercontinental Cup.

Man Utd won the treble (League, FA Cup and Champions League) in 1998/99, another League and Champions League double and three League and FA Cup doubles.

Ferguson has shown fantastic managerial and coaching ability during a remarkable 26-year career with United. He has coached teams based on a stingy defensive set up, he has coached teams with dynamic attacking play and he has coached teams with just about every combination in-between. He has shown the ability to make good big name signings and make them a part of the squad and he has also brought younger players through Man Utd's academy ranks on a regular basis.

The real quality that sets Ferguson apart from just about every other manager in the history of football? Adaptability. It's hard to think of a manager who has adapted to so much on and off the field during a managerial tenure. Man Utd is now a big worldwide brand, one of the biggest in the entire world. Ferguson managed this team before that happened and while it was happening.

Ferguson adapted to the culture change in Premier League football from a fast flowing attacking league to one that embraced a more defensive outlook. He adapted to a league that has received tremendous amounts of investment and has become by far the biggest spender in the world of football.

He has adapted to the introduction and loss of several big name players and marquee players in the club's history. He has become synonymous with Man Utd and synonymous with success.

It's very difficult to describe and discuss the legacy of Ferguson. His name is in the history books, but he will forever be remembered for so much more than what has been recorded on paper. He may well be the last manager of his breed. We may never see anyone quite like him again.

United fans should cherish his farewell to Old Trafford this weekend against Swansea City, while football fans should do the same against West Brom the following weekend. The game is losing one of its greats this summer. Ferguson changed the game forever. It will never be the same without him.

Alex Ferguson Masterminds Another Manchester United Title

The English Premier League was formed ahead of the 1992-93 season. In the final year of the first division Alex Ferguson's Manchester United finished in second place. Since the change of name, branding, legal status and sponsorship, that combination has dominated English football's top league.

The 2012-13 season is the 21st season in the history of the Premier League. During that period Man Utd have never failed to finish in the top three. Ferguson won his first league title in that 1992-93 season and United have secured 13 titles during his tenure in total.

Recent seasons have seen new clubs emerge as serious league title contenders back by money from wealthy investors. Chelsea and Manchester City have both been boosted by healthy investment. Man Utd's in-city rivals benefited from that financial backing last season when they won the 2011-12 title. It was obvious to all involved right then and there that Ferguson and his team would be back and back with a vengeance.

It's very dangerous to bet against one of the finest managers English football has ever seen and it was a mistake for whoever did so on this occasion. The now 71-year old quickly re-tooled his squad adding one of the world's biggest targets last summer in Robin Van Persie.

Van Persie cost a healthy £24 million and a more than healthy sum in wages as well. It seems like he was worth every penny as his energy, game breaking ability and clinical finishing proved absolutely vital as United kept finding ways to win football games. Van Persie scored a fantastic hat-trick in the title sealing victory against Aston Villa stretching his league leading total to 30 goals.

There's more to Man Utd's success than Van Persie though. This was a team that frequently looked fragile defensively, especially early in the season. They were inferior defensively compared with their biggest rivals Manchester City. However, time and time again they found the ruthless edge. They found a way to outscore their opponents and produced their best defensive efforts against stronger opposition.

Ferguson's will and determination was clearly behind this team. It was clear from the moment of heartbreak on the final day of the 11/12 that the Scot wanted this year's title almost as much as he wanted his first one. He wasn't interested in allowing a new Manchester dynasty to emerge down the road from Old Trafford. He wasn't interested in his club's 20th top flight title being delayed one season longer.

Ferguson was only interested in one thing. This may not have been the most balanced or best United side during his historic reign, but just like 12 others during Ferguson's tenure, it will enjoy the taste of summer as English Premier League champions. That's nothing to be sniffed at.

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.