So, Tottenham away next up for United after a bit of a dull cup tie midweek. Neverthelss, through to the next round and it was mesmerising seeing Ryan Giggs roll back the years. The team has enjoyed a very good record vs Spurs and in the table, United are in an excellent position. Tottenham are in hot form and it is going to be a difficult game. Spurs have already beaten United this season, at Old Trafford for the first time in yonks- 11 games to be precise. Anyway, with United in good form, not too many injuries to contend with and getting results they are cetainly on a good run. Robin van Persie's goals have been instrumental and the attacking play pretty good, can even argue that the team needs to be less careless and more clinical infront of goal. The game earlier in the season was approached the wrong way, it was annoying points dropped, as when United changed things accordingly they were a-lot better- alas the changes came too late. Encouraged that they had Spurs on the ropes at times in the second half. Hoping that this time it is an energetic combination in midfield to match that of Spurs. Evra has had trouble on occasion dealing with Aaron Lennon, however the Frenchman has improved of late and looks much more like his old self- as long as he concentrates on defending he'll be fine. Rafael, whom is having a good season has always come out on top in contests vs Bale so no worries there. The Welshman is having a good season and therefore will be a danger. Spurs have a good deal of pace in their side, which will need to be nullified. Vidic and Ferdinand are the likely duo at centre back, both performed very well vs Liverpool.
Friday, 18 January 2013
Monday, 14 January 2013
Reds in Europe- The Early Manchester United Story
~With Manchester United through to the knock out round of the Champions League, they are set to play a highly anticipated tie vs Real Madrid next month. It is with great expectation, trepedation and excitement that this match is met- it has been too long since the sides last met. A time ago, I wrote up a piece that looked at the background of how United really got started on the European scene. As well as the important role they and their forward thinking manager, Sir Matt Busby played in opening the door of continental, club football. This changed the face of football in England and opened up new challenges, adventures and experiences for fans and players alike. I very much enjoy learning about the history of the club, particularly through an author and Manchester United fan named Tom Clare who has seen, first hand a huge portion of the clubs history. His most recent publication (The Men Who Were The Busby Babes) was released just last year and is a magnificent read- very insightful and he writes so well.~
Tuesday, 8 January 2013
2012/13 Stand Out Matches(Aug-Dec)
So that is the lovely festive period over for another year, sigh. Little more than a week into 2013, which will hopefully be a good one and wish it to be for you all out there.
Haven't watched nearly as much football as usual. Have caught most of Manchester Uniteds matches but even those have been restricted at times, as I've had my Mum staying during the week as she is on secondment here. Nevertheless, there have been some very good matches to keep me occupied. Quite predictably it is mostly Juventus, Napoli, Borussia Dortmund that I've caught.
Undoubtedly the biggest highlight, well for me anyway was seeing Celtic getting both those results against the mighty Barcelona. A Barcelona that is in super form, yet to lose a match in La Liga. Unfortunately for Celtic the draw does not favour the brave as they have resurgent Juventus up next. Fantastic achievement, especially when the holders and other moneybags clubs in Europe failed to make it out of their group.
Labels:
2012/13 Season,
Borussia Dortmund,
Bundesliga,
Cagliari,
Champions League,
Football,
Football Writing,
Juventus,
La Liga,
Manchester United,
Matches,
Napoli,
Real Madrid,
Serie A
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