4+5=9

From one bad boy to another. 

The news that Liverpool had signed Balotelli would have come as a surprise not only for the Liverpool fans themselves, but for the whole of the premier league. 

With the expected and obvious departure of Suarez, Liverpool had plenty of transfer funds available for a replacement. And they haven't been shy in the market so far with the signings of Lambert, Lallana, Lovren, Manquillo, Can, Markovic and Origi they cannot say they haven't been active. But there was always this need, this desire to sign a world class striker. There was rumours of Falcao or Cavani filling the big name slot missing in the changing room but that's all it was, rumours. 

But on Thursdays 21st August news broke that Liverpool had lodged a £16m bid for Balotelli. Really? Him? He is a top player, prolific, direct and can deliver but unfortunately comes with 'baggage'. Was this the 'name' they have been looking for?

The Premier League was introduced to Balotelli when he signed for Manchester City in 2010 and to say the least, was a colourful career. He arrived from Inter Milan (after being seen wearing an AC Milan shirt) for a fee of £24m. He was involved in numerous altercations both on and off the pitch, training grounds bust ups and the emergency services. As a neutral he was fun to watch but a nightmare at the same time. 

Now with his arrival confirmed he will continue to wear the number 45 shirt which he has always worn, and his talent will shine through. But there is that doubt that he is a ticking bomb and it won't be long before he will be in the headlines again, for the wrong reasons. 

£16m for this talent may be a bit of good business but with it comes a level of uncertainty. 

Paper over the cracks?

With a performance reflecting the moral of last season, United's game against Swansea will want to be forgotten quickly. In his words he has become 'the devil' and the squads confidence 'smashed'. It will though will be a small boost with the signing of Rojo mid weed and the strong rumours that Di Maria will be a United player this coming week. 

LVG has stuck with his 3-5-2 formation, and with a few changes has brought in Van Persie, Cleverly and Valencia. He will be looking for an improvement from the opening game from those who have kept their places. Ashley Young in particular. 

If Van Gaal's words were correct, United were lacking confidence. Their performance was, for such a dominant team of the last two decades, was embarrassing to watch. Whenever they were pressed or made to hurry, ball control was lacking. Mis-controlling, bad passing, it was missing. Something is wrong, deep within the core of United. The best way I can describe their performances is that you have select United in a football computer game and given the controller to your pet dog. 

Even though the lead was taken through Mata, Sunderland continued to be the dominant side and deservedly equalised. Yes they started to control possession but that was it. No one to grab the game and in a split second switch it up or inject pace to catch Sunderland off guard. Rooney and RVP were able to receive the ball but the midfield were very static. No over lapping, or options in movement. It inevitably resulted in the ball being passed back. And with that lack of creativity from the midfield the more worry creeps into the mindset of those players. 

I would comment on the second half but it was just as poor. As a United fan it's a hard watch. It's the second game of the season and there are players with an attitude of an over paid, over rated teenager. Young, none existent again, Cleverly's form rapidly decreasing. Sunderland weren't exactly top drawer. They stuck to their guns, defended in numbers and got the result they would be happy with. 

For LVG he must be wondering what happened to the squad that played so well in America? For they were a polar opposite of his team on UK soil. There was glimpses of a team that had quality in all departments and from senior players to youth. But now, he is watching players with no idea how to break their opponents down. He needs Mr Woodward to pull a rabbit or two out of a hat in their final week of the transfer window but even he may have to resort to his plan B of transfer targets. 

Maybe a win against MK Dons on Tuesday in the league cup may be what they need in order to get that confidence, to build from a win. The new signings may be that missing link or may just paper over the cracks. 

Time to change, and fast. 

 

Manchester United Transfer Targets

It has been an ongoing debate about the squad strength at Old Trafford and after the result on Saturday it confirmed the obvious with the fans. 

It's evident what LVG is looking to do. A fast, direct and strong approach to each game. Unfortunately for him, what he already knew was all to clear to see. He hasn't got the players. Now he did say that it takes him 3 months to get going, and I bet that he is glad he did say that as now he must be thinking he really needs that time. 

With the transfer deadline quickly approaching here is a list of the rumours that are doing the rounds and who United could do with/need if they are ever going to pose a threat. 

1) Angel Di Maria - there have been very strong rumours that a whopping £100m deal is being put together for the Argentine winger (£50m transfer and £50m wages) in order to tempt him over from the Galaticos. A quick, tricky player who is direct. With the under performing Ashley Young, Nani and Valencia. Di Maria would fit the attack play on the width. However, with the 3-5-2 formation he would have to up his defensive duties in order to support the back 3. 

2) Marcus Rojo - another Argentinian. This defender has caused a few arguments at his current club if reports are to believed in order to push a way through to join the Reds. As a defender he is desperately needed, and being young and have represented his country he has a wise head on his shoulders. If he was to join United he would have to adapt to the pace of the Premier League, quickly. This is a strong rumour of £16m plus a Nani season long loan has been agreed. 

3) Daley Blind - with LVG aware of Blind's talents with an excellent performance for Holland in the World Cup, this player would be the ideal for his formation. Already aware of what is required for the wing-back role he is powerful, talented and physically fit to get forward and back. With Luke Shaw busting a gut to get fit this transfer may not transpire but recently reports have suggested talks have progressed well. Time will tell. 

4) Arturo Vidal - the tough tackling defensive midfielder is a must and is urgently needed at the club. Manchester United are desperate to have a player who will protect the defence, but also have the ability to get forward and be creative in attack. With a deal on, then off, then on and then back off again no one is sure where this is deal is at. Juventus not willing to let him go on the cheap (£47m) and United unsure of his fitness (knee), until 31st August the public will have no idea if this will ever happen. 

5) Matts Hummels - another strong, defensive and experienced player who is hot on United's radar. He has just been named club captain at Dortmund so a deal may not happen. Though it's never too late until the fat lady sings. His strong performances for his country in the World Cup he is another player who would fit into the defensive straight away and could even be the captain for his new club. A £29m bid is beating prepared and United will not calm their interested. 

6) Medhi Benatia - the in form defender has rocketed in popularity with a number of top European clubs showing an interest in the Moroccan defender. He helped Roma to their defensive record last season and if he continues with his form he will no doubt be one for the future. He has been seen as Vidic's replacement, and with this hole to fill, Benatia would restore a weak defence. But there United are also looking to raid Roma with a double swoop...

7) Kevin Strootman - LVG is looking at a double deal to bring Benatia and Strootman to Old Trafford. This midfielder is a dynamic player who is cod ident on the ball. Can pass well and very quick to turn defence into attack with one ball. There is nothing wrong with quick passing that United are trying to adapt to, but they haven't got all the players to cut through strong defences. So with Strootmans ability mix it up he would be a welcomed addition. 

Possible line up;

De Gea

Jones

Rojo

Benetia

Blind

Di Maria

Vidal

Strootman 

Herrera

Mata

Rooney

These players would instantly strengthen any team. And LVG should pull no punches in getting Woodward to get that cheque book out. 

Liverpool V Southampton

The opening game at Anfield as Liverpool host Southampton. Or as some are saying Southampton vs Southampton as Liverpool have acquired some of the Saints' best players last season in Lallana, Lovren and Lambert. 

It was a summer that the Southampton fans want to get over as quickly as possible as when their previous manager Pochettino left, it seemed to have rocked their ship as it opened the doors to a player exodus with a number a first team players leaving shortly afterwards. So this season they are wanting results to come in quickly to give their fans reassurance that all is still well at the club. 

Liverpool on the other hand are hoping to build from their successful, yet trophy-less season with their place back in the champions league secure and new additions to their squad. Is this year 'their year'? A saying that is starting to sound like a never ending echo. They have though lost their player of the season  in Suarez, who had finally got his wish in a move to Barcelona. With this they are wanting to prove that they are not a one man team. 

The game wasn't what we all had expected. We were all presuming that this would be a walk in the park for Liverpool but their performance was a little limp. It had started with promise in the opening 30 minutes which was rewarded with an opening goal. From their though it became stale. Plus it wasn't helped by a quick evolving Southampton side who were growing in confidence with every minute played. It was clear to see that if Liverpool could not find another goal then the second half could possibly end up with another surprising result. 

There was an uncertainty about how Liverpool approached the second half and as they entered the final third there was a lack of ideas. Surely they were not reliant on one man? That's not what they want us, or their fans to believe. But their lack of 'a target man', that someone pull something out the bag was missing. Southampton though were contributing to this frustration. They pressed, turned more attack minded and became the more dominant team of the two. A confident build up led to their equaliser and very nearly the lead shortly afterwards. 

Liverpool finished the game as winners, less than convincing it had to be said. But it is these result that all teams want, need. Play bad, still win. Southampton will feel hard done by. They put in a confident shift, but that glorious chance for Davies would have given this game a completely different outcome. Time will tell, for both teams. Southampton looking to cement their premier league status, Liverpool back in Champions League, can they still be a title contender?

Opening Day - Premier League

Day 1 of the Premier League and we have been given in insight to what this season may bring. 

Today's fixtures;

Manchester United 1 -2 Swansea 

Leicester 2 - 2 Everton

West Ham 0 - 1 Tottenham 

QPR 0 - 1 Hull

Stoke 0 - 1 Aston Villa

West Brom 2 - 2 Sunderland

Arsenal 2 - 1 Crystal Palace

The surprise of the day was the result at Old Trafford as Swansea spoilt the welcoming party for Van Gaal. The problems are still evident but you can see what Van Gaal is wanting to do. But that shouldn't take away how well Swansea played. 

Tomorrow on Super Sunday Liverpool take on Southampton and Newcastle against Manchester City. Will there be another upset or just the usual routine?