A Match For Each of SAF Seasons

 

FERGIE 26 YEARS

A Man For All Seasons & A Memorable Match From Every One Of Them

 

What better way to remember and celebrate all those seasons that Sir Alex Ferguson has managed Manchester United than to focus on a match from each one. I’ve taken a significant or memorable match from each season and described the main events and happenings in it. I hope that it will bring back some fond memories.

Manchester United- Mad Day, Sad Day and End of a Golden Era

 

Simply the maddest day of football regarding the media, it has been crazy. Manchester United fans have been in total meltdown and grief in equal measure. The announcement that Sir Alex Ferguson has stepped down as Manchester United manager came as a big shock. Especially with how he had recently been speaking and that he was so excited about this young team and wanted to see them progress. My reaction to hearing the news was nooo! Still can’t believe it. He is just a magnificent manager and has provided so many great memories over the years. There aren’t many teams who’ve done things and won things as excitingly as Manchester United has.


 

Favourite Players- Edwin van der Sar

Edwin van der Sar

 Christened the ice rabbit, Edwin van der Sar is one of Holland's most loved football men.  Undoubtedly one of the greatest keepers ever to have played the game and he is also one of the most important

Memorable European Nights- Manchester United

~Vs Juventus 99’~

 

 

It was one of the great United nights in Europe. United came into this match following a tricky match in the FA Cup and a league match too. Midweek the team secured their place in the final of the FA Cup, knocking out Arsenal in the process. Following that energy sapping encounter, it was Sheffield Wednesday in the league on the weekend. Four days later on the 21^st of April, United faced Juventus in the semi final (second leg) of the Champions League.

Football Sites

 

Red Cafe Manchester United Forum

 

http://www.redcafe.net/

 

A fantastic forum, just a browser on there- quite a regular one admittedly.  Though it is a Manchester United forum and that is the focus, there is a-lot more to it.  The Man United side is of course fantastic and since reading it, I don't bother checking news sides/media for football related news.  A-lot of very good posters on there.  Has a number of opposition team fans.  They add something different and it is interesting to hear about how their clubs are doing and also their take on United.  Great place to read about current football happenings, memories and always a number of interesting topics/debates going on.  The other sections on the board are good too, such as the entertainment forum.  Have managed to find some excellent music, television and films via recommendations from there.   Just hope that they always keep it accessible and viewable to all!

 

Memorable European Nights- Manchester United, Roma

~Roma 2006/ 07~

 

 

Another great night for United in Europe occurred in April 2007. It remains the biggest winning margin by any team at the quarter final stage in the Champions League. Roma under the tutelage of Luciano Spalletti played very attractive football. He had a great impact on the club, he guided them to a top five place, with them having been at lowly fifteenth at one stage. At the end of this 2006/07 season his team finished second and won the Coppa Italia. In the first leg of the fixture on April the 4^th United were beaten 2-1 on the night. It was an evening where there was trouble in the crowd and Paul Scholes was sent off (deservedly) early on for two customary late challenges. It left United down to ten for a good hour of the match. Roma took an early lead through Taddei’s deflected shot. United through Wayne Rooney brought the match back level, it was Rooney’s first goal in Europe for three years. Mirko Vucinic now of Juventus and a player United have been linked with struck to put Roma two ahead. The goal came from a rare error from Van der Sar where he failed to deal with Mancini’s shot properly, leaving the Montenegrin with an easy tap in. United in the end were quite lucky that the score stayed at 2-1 as a volley from Perrotta and shot from Totti were too close for comfort.

Favourite Footballing Compilation Video's

1. Zidane The Scientist- This is a fantastic video highlighting the elegant Frenchman in all his splendor.  From goals, touches and passes it fully encaptulates all he was as a player.  Slowed down and close ups of him and his fantastic feet.  The track by Coldplay is also a popular pick for me as I love their music.  The maker of the video perfectly times the music to the video itself, very well done.

Four Memorable Man Utd Matches vs Spurs

 

 

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. 

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.~

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. 

Darren Fletcher- Man Utd, Get Well Soon

DARREN FLETCHER

It was December last year when the news came out that Darren Fletcher was suffering from debilitating condition ulcerative colitis.  It was clear and a bit of a puzzle why, in the previous season he did not look quite himself in some matches and lacked his usual energy.  Impressively he was still able to perform to an adequate level.  As time moved on it became clearer still, that he was indeed suffering, watching him you could see that he had lost a-lot of weight.  News from the club at that time was that he was suffering from a virus.  More time passed and after pokings and proddings into his private life including accusations of taking performance enchancing drugs/banned substances.  Darren Fletcher's hand was forced and he allowed the club to share what it was that was keeping him out of action.  The diagnosis of  ulcerative colitis a devastating one.  Very dangerous for him and a life altering condition.  Later reports emerged and it is a condition that he has been managing for 3 years.

Football- General/Humour

Football's Seven Dwarfs

 

 

 

Bit of a joke post which fuses fairy tales and football.   The characteristics of the seven dwarf's featuring in the popular Disney film are very well known.  Here is their footballer equivalents!

 

 

-RONALDINHO-

"1. Happy- Ever smiling, jolly with a bubbly personality"

Ronaldinho was the first player thought of for this character.  He always played with a smile on his face and gave such unbridled joy to watch him.  He was a real entertainer with ridiculous skills and tricks.  His personality really shone through on the football pitch, such a sunny player.  Off the field of play, he is said to be full of life, great fun and very bubbly.  He has a real Brazilian spirit, it is just a shame we never seen more of him at the very top. 

Ode To Sir Alex Ferguson- 26 Quotes For 26 Years

 

Sir Alex Ferguson is now in his twenty-sixth season of managing Manchester United.  It is an incredible feat, unlikely to be repeated.  Even if it was to be, nobody could do it quite like Fergie.  To mark the occasion and to celebrate all that he has done for United and indeed football; the club has commissioned a bronze statue to be made in his honour.  The unveiling of this will take place the day before the QPR match, (to be played at the end of the month).  An apt selection, as QPR were the opponents in his first match at Old Trafford.   This statue will stand pride of place in front of the Sir Alex Ferguson stand. 

Three Memorable Games Versus Arsenal (Of The Premier League Era)

　

　

　

　

1. FA Cup Semi-Final Replay, Highbury 1999

Location Villa Park, it was the treble season and the year previously Arsene Wengers side had pipped United to the league. Having played out a one all draw at Old Trafford the replay game was set to be played after Arsenal scored in the dying minutes to equalise. The return fixture had been stirred up in the papers with plenty of choice words from both sides. United scored first with a lovely 25 yard strike from David Beckham but Arsenal were right back in the game when Dennis Bergkamp’s shot deflected in off Stam and passed Schmeichel. United had dominated the first half but Arsenal provided more threat in the second, Bergkamp’s goal coming near the 70 minute mark. With Arsenal looking stronger it was a huge blow when Phil Neville fouled Ray Parlour awarding Arsenal a penalty. Miraculously it was saved by Schmeichel who didn’t have a great record with penalties. United were down to ten men after Roy Keane’s dismissal after just 74th minute, things were certainly looking nervous. Schmeichel‘s save served to galvanise the team and took the game into extra time. Ryan Giggs came on as substitute for Jesper Blomqvist, it had surprised many that the Welshman hadn’t started but with United’s schedule and a tight hamstring there was no need to risk him. However he came on and didn’t make much of an impact. But as the match wore on he caught onto a weak pass of Vieira’s intercepting it before the halfway line and went on a dazzling run. Arsenals back four were intact but he got passed every player, some more than once jinking in and out. Ferguson and Mclaren were yelling for him to take it to the corner flag. But Giggs rifled it straight into the top corner. It’s one of the best ever United goals and it won the game. It was very significant in the season as it gave the team a lift and that confidence they needed to go onto make history.

 

 



Football Writing- General

Eleven Brilliant Football Adverts

 

 

 

 

1. Nike's Park Life- From 1997 and featuring many of the english games then stars.  Song by Blur has become totally synonymous with football.

 

 

Cuatro Fantastico El Clasico's!!

 

Favourite Players, Alessandro del Piero

Alessandro del Piero 

The 2011/12 season was Del Piero's last for his beloved Bianconeri.  In a career that spanned 19 seasons at Juventus, he will forever hold legendary status.  One of footballs good guys and the classiest player I have ever had the fortune to follow.  Del Piero was brought up in the rural North of Italy in San Vendemiano in the province of Treviso.  As a child he regularly played football with friends and often as a goalkeeper.  He was coached by his local side until the age of thirteen, when he was spotted by scouts of club Padova.  He remained there for two years and moved to Juventus in 1993.  He made his debut for Juventus that same year against Foggia.  He made an immidiate impact and his goal versus Fiorentina in 1994 was when he truly announced his arrival in world football.  It came in a game that Juventus were drawning 2-2.  In the final minutes of the game a 50 yard pass was played over the top.  Del Piero first time volleyed it with the side of his foot right into the top corner of the goal.  An utterly fantastic goal that demonstrated the technique of the diminutive striker.  His impact on Juventus was very telling and he inspired them to win their first Scudetto in nine years.  Parallels had been drawn with Baggio due to the players styles being similar.  Many Juventus fans feared that when Baggio left the club it would be difficult for a player to fill that void, del Piero did that and more.  He made his debut for Italy in 1995 and scored his first goal for his national side in  1996 against Lithuania in a qualifying match for Euro 96.

Player Watch 2012/13

In general I've tended to be more of a player follower than a team one.  But in more recent years it has also extended into following specific teams due to the style of football they play.  In this post I will probably waffle a-lot about the players I shall be watching out for over the course of the season.  The transfer window is still open and more deals are rumoured to be competed before it closes.  Going by the transfers that have happened, am looking forward to seeing how reigning German footballer of the year Marco Reus does for Dortmund.  Enjoyed Mönchengladbach's football last season and the man really stood out.  Be sure to follow Gladbach this season also and was very impressed by their young keeper Ter Stegen.  For Dortmund, getting Mario Gotze back to full fitness and in action will be akin to a new signing considering the year he has just had with injury. Hummels is a player that makes defending look easy, very much like his style.  Staving off interest from the Premier League, Pole Lewandowski is set to have a strong season.  Staying in Germany, Bayern Munich have also made a number of signings.  Dante the highly rated Brazillian centre back has joined and looks a good prospect.  Claudio Pizarro is a good addition to their squad and it will be interesting to see how Shaqiri does.  Mandžukić, outstanding in the Euro's will do very well at Bayern and add some urgency to their attack.  Biggest of all is the capture of highly rated Javi Martinez.  What a midfield they'll have with him and Schweinsteiger.  Be some force with that.  Martinez is a player had hoped Manchester United would make a move for.  It is a big fee but worth it in the long run considering his  age.  Team to watch for, for sure and their signings could prove to be the biggest difference maker in Europe.  So close they have come on occassions, to winning the big trophy.  A club some miles away from Munich have been equally as busy in the transfer market.  Juventus have stregnthened an already strong team.  It is the names already there, I am most eager to watch including Vidal, Marchisio, Pirlo, Buffon, Bazagli and Chiellini.  Giovinco has returned to the club, have watched a fair amount of him hope to see him continue to play as he has and to also improve.  In Serie A there are a number of teams I'll watch: Napoli, Fiorentina, Udinese and maybe even some Milan.  Players such as de Rossi, Montolivo, Inler, di Natale, Jovetic and Maggio are ones I will pay particular attention to!

Five Premier League Opening Weekend Beauties!

 

The Premier League will be back this weekend.  The summer has been one of sport, however it is good to have the real competitive and club stuff back.  Here are a selection of goals scored on the leagues opening weekend. 

1. One of the best Premiership goals of all time, outrageous!  From then on there would be no forgetting that name nor the audacity of the strike.

Italian & German Super-Cups & Other Summer Football

Supercoppa

The Olympics football and pre-season matches have satisfied my football needs whilst waiting for the season to start.  Many fans look forward to the summer for persuing the exploits of the transfer market and seeing which players will end up where.  Have never been one to follow it closely and find the whole thing a bit boring.  Know a-few people who'll stay glued to sky sports and count down the days to deadline day; on which they will spend the day charting it from start to finish.