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Manchester United: An apology to Darren Fletcher...our next captain

I am not too ashamed to admit that in the not too distant past, I winced every time Darren Fletcher’s name found its way in to the United squad, let alone team. I treated him with the contempt many United fans support Ji- Sung Park, Nani and now Berbatov with. Now though, on behalf of far too many United fans, I offer an apology to Darren Fletcher.

That’s right, the Darren Fletcher who was roundly criticised for being a weak, over-rated, crap passer who got picked because he was Scottish. The Darren Fletcher who, after an almost miraculous improvement, would be a fair shout for next United captain.

Manchester United: hoping to rub salt into Liverpool's wounds

It is more than likely that the fully deserved 4-1 victory Liverpool enjoyed at Old Trafford last year was the highlight of a dismal season which had been preceded by 19 years of panic, disappointment and title starved seasons. Much like City, Liverpool have suffered in United's shadow for more than either set of fans care to remember and, without a Premier League title to speak of, beating United is precious.

This weekend we will go to Anfield sat on top of the league facing a team who have lost their best player from last year and are without a single point from their past four games. If that ticks over to five defeats on the spin, would it be too early to write of Liverpool's title hopes?

Manchester United: Well done Sunderland

 

Oli Winton

I have to admit to being extremely confident before kick off yesterday. But at half time Sunderland more than deserved their lead and after ninety minutes (plus the well debated stoppage time) it was a point gained for us rather than two dropped.

Manchester United: stoppage time drivel

It has now been eight days since United beat City 4-3, handing them two goals on a plate and seeing them create very little else. City's best player was their keeper, a brilliantly inspired Shay Given, whilst Foster had very little to do other than picking the ball out the net (and handing a goal to the opposition). However, eight days on and still the dull, bitter blue ramblings over stoppage time continue. I want to get this off my chest so we can all move on. 

Manchester United: fantastic derby, same old City

The ‘big games’ don’t always live up to the pre-match hype do they? Teams often cancel one another out by either parking the bus or packing the midfield. Other times, both teams are far too happy to settle for a point and keep their pride intact. Yesterday’s derby was a classic though and, for once, the build up didn’t do the game justice.

For United fans, the result was three league points gained and, just as importantly, one massive point made.

Manchester United: City have us worried

For the first time in years, I am genuinely worried about playing City. Funnily enough, it’s also the first derby I have properly been looking forward to in years. This Sunday, City have everything to gain and nothing to lose.

Usually, United fans look forward to the games against the other ‘Big 4’ and the big European nights. Beating City is always nice, but, don’t be fooled by the hype, it’s not the be-all-and-end-all at work the Monday after.

Man United: Besiktas give visiting fans scant respect

 
I am heading out to Turkey shortly to see United take on Besiktas. We have an allocation of 1400 tickets that have all been sold, but as usual our experience will not be the same as the one the Turkish fans coming to Old Trafford will receive. Whilst they will be given a great view of the pitch, numerous refreshment facilities and toilets, we will have exactly the opposite.

United's advice to travelling supporters reads: "The seats allocated to United fans are in a corner of the stadium and many of the seats suffer severe sight-line restrictions due to Perspex sheeting running from the top to the bottom of the sector. It is also fair to say that the seats themselves are not what United fans are used to. There is one male and one female toilet at the top corner of the sector. The toilets are clean but the WCs do not contain a porcelain bowl and are more of a traditional Turkish style."

Manchester United: Ferguson needs to find the new Paul Scholes

August is drawing to a close and Manchester United are lurking near the top of the table after notching up three wins from four games. We are three points clear of our nearest challengers from last year and we still have some key players to return.

On the face of it, United haven't started too badly. A victory over one of the big four, a 5-goal rout against Wigan, a business-like performance against Birmingham and a 'slip up' against Burnley. Throw in the fact that Wayne Rooney has hit the ground running and a neutral could be forgiven for suggesting that all is well at Old Trafford.

Despite this, I am pretty sure that many United fans would support my plea: Fergie; Show me the money!!!!

Manchester United: any ideas, Fergie?

 

Since Barcelona ripped us to pieces in May, I have written on the fanzine fanzone about as frequently as Ferguson has put his hand in his pocket. Last night though, I was stirred in to writing about my team…. Manchester United. Champions of England for the past three years apparently. Yes, that’s right, the team who couldn’t create a chance against a side playing their first top flight game for 33 years. Suddenly, the break of football in the close season doesn’t seem so boring after all.

Burnley 1 – Manchester United 0. Only one Ronaldo or only one game?

Manchester United: what can we read into opening performance?

After a few very heavy seasons and numerous foreign ventures, this summer was a well earned rest both for players and supporters. I was glad to have a stretch without football, but that is not to say the opening day was not extremely exciting and welcomed. I have seen the reserves play at Luton and the first team in the Community Shield already this season, but with terrible atmospheres and with nothing really at stake they don’t really count. It was the game against Birmingham that announced ‘football is back’ for us Reds.

It was noticeable how many regulars were not there at Old Trafford yesterday - perhaps money has finally taken its toll and they have not renewed, or perhaps they were just on holiday. The experience was summed up by an idiot in a new away replica shirt with Owen on the back, dear oh dear. Owen got a half-hearted applause when he came on the pitch but most were clapping others off rather than his arrival - he will really have to turn on the style and the goals before he will be accepted in the No 7 shirt.