The Power of a Number.

Has there ever been a number, for which one club holds so much expectation? Following the footsteps of greats? For Manchester United, it’s number 7…

Ask anyone about this shirt number and you will be given a list of names that, in any generation, have seen some of the greatest players to ever grace the field; Best, Robson, Cantona, Beckham, Ronaldo… Let’s be honest those are some impressive names.

 

George Best – arguably the best player to ever wear the number 7 shirt. With pure natural ability, he was able to produce wonderful skill, technique, ability (even on ‘those’ pitches) with such ease that fans loved to watch him, whilst being targeted by the well-known ‘hard men’ of the game. George helped Manchester United win their first European Championship in 1968 and spent 11 seasons at The Red Devils and was extremely popular on and off the pitch.


Eric Cantona – Known as the King, Eric Cantona is another fan’s favourite. Though his Manchester United career was short, he quickly established himself in the famous red shirt and cemented his status as a club legend.  Not only did he have the ability on the field; he also brought with him a fiery personality which oozed arrogance. Reacting during games was a frequent occurrence and Eric’s Kung-Fu kick at Crystal Palace will always be remembered for the wrong reasons.


Beckham – Beckham was part of the ‘Class of 92’ squad which has become famous for producing some of the best youth talent through the academy. Like most youngsters Beckham was loaned out but was quickly recalled after a short but successful spell at Preston. He became known for having phenomenal accuracy and his half-way goal against Wimbledon is still classed as one of the greatest goals in Premier League history.



Ronaldo – Of modern generation, Ronaldo is another player that fans will claim to be the best number 7 ever for Manchester United. Whilst playing for Sporting Lisbon he was quickly identified as being a very talented youngster and was signed to the Reds as a teenager full of ambition. Cristiano knew the significance of being given the number 7 shirt and this only motivated him more. His pure determination and dedication has shaped him into the player he is today. Since moving to Real Madrid he still holds Manchester United very close to his heart and has been greeted back to Old Trafford with the respect he deserves.

 

There have been a number of players to wear this famous United number, some have succeeded, some have not. But the fact that a ‘number’ can hold such prominence, can only be testament to the club that has produced some of the world’s greatest players and to this day, is still revered worldwide. 


 

 

The Manchester Derby

Man City 1 - 0 Man United

The first Manchester derby for LVG in his role as Man United manager. 

It was a derby that had no real clear cut favourite to win. Manchester City on the back of back to back defeats against other United's in West Ham and Newcastle (who knocked them out of the Carling Cup) and looking very nervous and not really having that killer instinct that made them champions the season before, and a Manchester United squad that had a good result against a strong Chelsea team, building in confidence, but have yet to win away this season, still struggling with key injuries (especially in defence) and their worst start to a season since 1990. If you had to pick though, the majority of answers would be a result for the blues. 

The game was an interesting spectacle and started well. United were controlling the possession and were passing the ball well. The return of Rooney who had been placed in the middle of the park was causing a few issues for the likes of Toure and Fernando as the absence of Silva was evident. He and Fellani was able to fire intricate passing around the middle of the park. What was noticeable as that the defence of United were looking comfortable in dealing with any attack that came their way. Yes City had a few chances that caused De Gea to make saves but that was all. His opposite number Hart was mere a spectator. 

In big games such as these they usually take a turn with either a stroke of genius or stupidity. This game was the latter. Chris Smalling had picked up an early yellow card by standing in front of Hart as he tried to kick the ball from his hands to release a counter attack. This, in today's games is a yellow card and stupid one to pick up. He now had to be careful in his decision making when making a challenge. This though wasn't the case. 30 minutes into the game he mistimed a lunge which gave the ref no hesitation in giving Smalling his marching orders. 

This was not what LVG had in mind as prior to today's game he had said that they must not go to 10 men as they had a plan, unfortunately that plan was ruined. 

United fans must now be worried that they were now in for another thumping. With the sending off a tactical change saw the return of Carrick. Maybe a wise head would settle the nerves that were rapidly increasing. 

City had 3 good penalty shouts turned away. The ref may have been unsighted but they all were penalties. The one way traffic continued from the blue have of the city and the goal came from the inform Aguero who netted his 10th of the season. Given the chance he will score. 

To be fair to United they didn't back down or cave in. In fact they had more glorious chances themselves to score but a good save from Hart, and mis-timed header ensured that Manchester City kept their lead. There was more injury concerns for United as Rojo, who has been showing improvement in each of his games slid into a tackle and his body position as he slid resulted in him dislocating his shoulder. He required urgent treatment and looked to be in pain was rolled onto the stretcher and was given oxygen and received an ovation from both sets of fans.  The last 20 minutes of the game were a nervous 20 minutes for City. They looked rushed, panicked in their passing, and the Reds were trying to get that equaliser. It never came and City take the 3 points off their neighbours. 

A result was that wasn't as straight forward as it suggested. Manchester City having a man advantage, couldn't break United down. They panicked in the closing parts of the game and showed a vulnerability that when pushed can allow teams in through on goal. They may not have been so lucky in another occasion. United, again showed that they are building in confidence and put in a performance that their fans would be happy with considering that they were a man light, had more injuries and an inexperienced defence. If they had a full strength squad and 11 men than this result may have been completely different. 

LVG has had a torrid start to his Manchester United career, but you can see what he is trying to install. With Blind and Di Maria settling in very quickly and the improving signs of Rojo he must be impressed and is sure to know that the result will start coming. One thing is for sure he is trying to work out how to stop his players from picking up injuries in training. 

Manchester United vs Chelsea

Man United 1-1 Chelsea. 

The first 'real' test for Man Utd this season as they face Chelsea, who are still undefeated in the league. Chelsea have been playing some great football and are looking more the likely to be the premier league winners (and it's only October). Man Utd have had the easier of the games so far this season but unfortunately the issues that were so evident last season appeal to have carried over to this season. If they can get a win at Old Trafford them that surely is the boost they would need to go on to better results. 

Louis Van Gaal still has defence concerns as there was another new defence partnership in this crunch game. Smalling with Rojo. Another inexperienced pairing, were they able to keep out a formidable strike force in Drogba, Hazard and Oscar? Yes Chelsea didn't have Costa, but the strength and experience of Drogba is as good as any replacement for the in form Brazilian. Rojo has played every game since his arrival and there are signs of an improving player. With more games he surely will cement his place in the Utd defence. Smalling is a player that produces inconsistent performances and the Utd faithful are praying that he has what it takes. 

There were also more injury concerns for Man Utd as Phil Jones and Falcao both picked up injuries in training and a suspended Rooney, with Chelsea without Costa and Remy meant that tonights game may not have been as explosive as one would expect. 

The first half started in a predictable fashion. Chelsea applied pressure from the off and they ended up with domination number of corners. And from these corners straight away it was clear to see that there was a mismatch in who Man Utd were going to mark. Chelsea have a towering team and this cause problems in the Utd box. One incident questioned the officials in the game as both John Terry and Ivanovic were bundled to the ground in some fashion but no decision was given. Shawcross who plays for Stoke surely would have had something to say as he was penalised for a similar offence. Utd though started to control the half and they even could have take the lead a couple of time but for the new Chelsea number 1 Courtois keeping the score level. 

Second half was the opposite with good chances following mainly for Chelsea. What's seems to be happening this season at Old Trafford, and at away games in that Man Utd seem to retract into their shell and allow the pressure on themselves. The blue wave continued to push and they would have got their lead but for a superb save from De Gea which thwarted Hazard, however, from resulting corner the poor marking that was clearly easy to to see let Drogba head in a powerful header in at the near post. From there Chelsea's tactics changed and they then looked to see the game out. 

It's was looking as Mourinho had his tactics carried out the way he wanted but an unfortunate red card for Ivanovic in 93rd minute cost them the win. It was unfortunate in the sense that it may have not been malicious but in today's game, when an attacker has the advantage and cuts I corny of the defender, and form of contact will result in a card. In Ivanovic's card it was his second yellow.  From the free kick, another good save from Courtois fell kindly to Robin Van Persie who smashed in the equaliser. He celebrated in the fashion of player and team that were desperate in the the results to fall their way by taking his shirt off, only to be deemed stupid by Van Gaal. 

It was a game that United needed, to test the philosophy the LVG is trying to implement and against a good Chelsea squad this was definitely the  result they needed. 

Chelsea under Mourinho are dangerous, tactics are spot on, but sometimes pushing too hard has cost them games. Chelsea have been to Manchester twice and only managed a draw on both times.   

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.