Good-bye, and Good Luck

It is time for me to stop writing in this blog after three long years. During the past 3 years, I shared my emotions, my anger, my ecstasy, and my disappointments through this blog. Now, I have reached the stage in my life where education takes center-stage, again. It will be extremely difficult, nigh impossible, to continue writing frequently as I have done over the years.

At a moment when loyalty is hard to find (see, Flamini, Hleb, Ronaldo, etc.), football is suffering due to the mercenary nature of footballers, who reckon they are slaves of football clubs, when in reality, it is the other way around. Although an arch-rival of the Gunners, I empathize with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, when he says suggests there is lack of respect among clubs. After building a good team, he finds his players leaving in search of more money this summer.

And then, there is Ronaldo, who believes he is God himself in disguise. At 23, his worst career move would be to move to Real Madrid, when he could achieve greater things at United, with the wily Old Scot to look after him. Moving to Real at his age would be a terrible dampener to his growing football career.

Although I am a bit emotional about not writing again, I will forever remain a fan of Manchester United. I am extremely happy to finish this blog on the highest note, when ManUtd are the reigning English and European Champions!

Transfer Talk - Manchester United and Chelsea

Manchester United

After an incredible season in which Manchester Unitedd completed the double of Premier League and Champions League, one wonders whether there is a need to strengthen the squad. But, there is.

Right Back

United need a right back in the mold of left back Patrice Evra - capable going forward and supplying the crosses. They were chasing Jose Bosingwa of Porto but Chelsea beat them to his signature.

Striker:

A striker is also a top priority since Saha will be sold to the highest bidder. Wanted - a tall striker with a good physical presence and excellent finishing capabilities!

Meanwhile, there is daily speculation about Ronaldo leaving and the latest rumor is that a bid for 64 million pounds along with Robinho would make Man Utd sell their most valuable asset and the likely European and World Player of the Year.

Possible Ins

In: Dani Alves (Sevilla), Micah Richards (Man City), Philip Lahm (Bayern Munich), Miguel Veloso (Sporting Lisbon), Miguel (Valencia), Huntelaar (Ajax), Benzema (Lyon), Luis Fabiano (Sevilla), Ashton (West Ham), Berbatov (Tottenham), Aaron Ramsey (Cardiff), Valencia and Palacios (Wigan)

Possible Outs: Pique (to Barca), Silvestre (to Bordeaux), Ronaldo (to Real), Fletcher, Kuszack, and Saha

Manchester United Utd have reportedly made bids for French teen sensations Jeremy Helan and Darnel Situ. It would be great to get Richards and Benzema, but the possiblity of getting Richards is extremely remote. Aaron Ramsey looks promising and could be one for the future. Ferguson must be looking at offloading two of Fletcher, Saha, and Silvestre. If Ronaldo were to leave, I would splash the cash and buy Ribery from Bayern.


Chelsea

For Chelsea, the season began and ended in disappointment. One expects Roman Abramovich to splash the cash and get some of the best but 500 million pounds in investment, it remains to be seen how much further he wants to go.

The manager:

Avram Grant is likely to be sacked and replaced by either ex-Barca manager Frank Rijkaard, Roberto Mancini (Inter Milan), or Guus Hiddink (Russia). I expect wholesale changes to the squad that failed to win a trophy this season, after losing out to Manchester United in the Premiership and the Champions League and to Tottenham in the Carling Cup.

Frank Lampard is being linked with Inter Milan but I am sure Lamps is just holding out for a huge bumper deal. Chelsea will give him that deal as it plans to build a team around Terry and Lampard.

Didier Drogba looks certain to leave after whining through the season about how much he misses Jose Mourinho. Milan should be his likely decision but whether its Inter or AC remains to be seen. Whats going to be the fate of Andrei Shevchenko? Will Shaun Wright Phillips finally leave? Its going to be an interesting summer at Stamford Bridge.

Possibe Ins

Ribery (Bayern), Ramos (Real Madrid), Ronaldinho (Barca), Van der Vaart (Hamburg), Mario Gomez (Stuttgart), Dos Santos (Barca), Huntelaar (Ajax), Richards (Man City)

Possibe Outs

Drogba, Malouda, Bridge, SWPhillips, Belletti, Shevchenko, Kalou, Sidwell, Pizzaro, Ben Haim, Cudicini

The Spirits of Busby Babes Make United Euro Champs

The spirits of Busby Babes who were lost in the tragic Munich crash 50 years ago, certainly helped as Chelsea's John Terry missed from the penalty spot when he could have won his team the Cup. But it was left to Van der Saar to atone for Ronaldo's missed penalty as he saved Anelka's kick, bringing home the European Cup after 9 long years.

ManUtd 1 - Chelsea 1
Ronaldo '26 Lampard '45

The greatest night for Man Utd fans all over the world...Rejoice !

One Cup to Rule'em All!

CHAMP10NS

ManUtd retained their Premier League title after beating Wigan 2-0 away at the JJB Stadium. There were tears in my eyes, tears of joy, as Giggsy scored the 2nd goal in the 81st minute to make sure the Premiership trophy remained with the Red Devils. Fergie and Giggs take their Premier League titles to a record 10, and ManUtd close in on Liverpool's all-time record of 18 League titles, with just one behind. A thoroughly deserved title for the best English team! Now to conquer Europe, with the Champions League final against Chelsea to look forward to in about 10 days. Here's to the Red Devils!

Scholes Strike Sets up Moscow Date with Chelsea

Ginger Ninja takes ManUtd to the final

ManUtd overcame Barcelona 1-0 at Old Trafford to set up an intriguing all-English final against Chelsea at Moscow on 21st May. After a 0-0 first leg draw at the Nou Camp, where Ronaldo missed a penalty in the 2nd minute, ManUtd were resolute in their defending, and totally deserved their victory over the Catalans. Messi put up a one-man show for Barca but that wasn't enough. While Rio and Brown were terrific in defence, Tevez and Park were full of energy and covered as much ground as a marathon runner would.

ManUtd now have the chance to gain revenge over Chelsea, who beat them at Stamford Bridge last weekend after a controversial penalty. ManUtd and Chelsea have 81 points each with 2 games to go, but with ManUtd's superior goal difference, they just have to win the next 2 games (home to West Ham and away to Wigan) to retain the league title.

A Dream Match

Clash of the Titans

A long cherished dream has finally come true. Yes! ManUtd will play Barca in the semi-finals of the Champions League. As a fan of both clubs, I have been waiting for the day when I can get to watch the great players of these 2 great clubs play against each other. Now, the moment has finally arrived. ManUtd despatched Roma in the quarters after a 1-0 home win resulted in a 3-0 aggregate victory. Ronaldo and Rooney, the scorers in the away leg were relegated to the bench in the home leg to keep them fresh for this weekend home clash against Arsenal.

Barca, meanwhile struggled and were unconvincing in their 1-0 victories in the home and away legs over Schalke. Rijkaard is under tremendous pressure to quit after a particularly disappointing season, where they are placed 2nd in La Liga, about 7 points behind Real Madrid. Ronaldinho and Deco look to have played their last game for the Catalan club, and Henry seems to struggle on the left wing, and the supporters are voicing their displeasure at the way the team has labored to just 1 win in their last 7 La Liga games.

But the clash between the Red Devils and the mighty Catalans looks set to be an entertaining affair, with both teams intent on playing attacking football. Ronaldo and Messi will be the driving forces for their respective teams and it should be a great spectacle, watching them battle to get their team to the final in Moscow.

In the other semifinal, Chelsea meet Liverpool again for the 3rd time in 4 years. But this time, the 2nd leg will be played at Stamford Bridge and that should work out in Chelsea's favor. Grant will want to prove his worth to his doubters by achieving what Mourinho failed to do in his time at Chelsea - get Chelsea to the Champions League final.

Great Action Weekend

Ronaldo takes his season tally to 29

Ronaldo and Rooney scored a brace as ManUtd destroyed Newcastle 5-1 at St.James' Park. Wonder what the Geordies now think of their 'Messiah'? The Red Devils are now just 3 points behind Arsenal who were held to a 2-2 draw at Birmingham. Eduardo Silva suffered a horrific injury and is now out for the season and the Euro Championships. Arsene Wenger, who we all know has selective blindness, surprisingly saw the tackle from Birmingham's Martin Taylor that caused Eduardo's injury!

Meanwhile, Tottenham won their first trophy in nine years, beating Chelsea 2-1 in the Carling Cup. After dominating Chelsea in an exciting match, Tottenham needed to come back from a goal behind and win the match in extra time, Woodgate's header proving to be the winner. It's actually good to see a team outside the top four finally winning something!

Start of Ramos Revolution?

Liga Fight!

Barca too closed the gap on Real to just 2 points after they beat Levante 5-1 thanks to Eto's hat-trick and Real's home defeat against Getafe, in comic circumstances. Robben thought he had scored and as Real players gathered to celebrate, little did they know that it was actually ruled offside. Getafe took a quick free kick and scored from the counter-attack.

United thrash the Gunners

Manchester United put the derby defeat to City behind them as they crushed Arsenal 4-0 in the FA Cup fifth round. After an insipid performance against City on the week United were bogged down by the memories of Munich, they produced an inspired masterclass display against the team that sits at the top of the Premier League table.

ManUtd started the game without a number of first team players including Ronaldo, Giggs, and Scholes, and Tevez. Although Tevez and Scholes were on the bench, ManUtd ensured they remained fresh for the midweek Champions League trip to Lyon, thanks to a dominant display that saw them lead 3-0 at half-time. Rooney was magnificent as the single striker, and was supported well by Nani, Anderson, and Fletcher. Nani supplied the crosses for Fletcher's 2 headed goals, and scored one himself.

The scoreline actually flattered Arsenal since ManUtd had the chance to score many more goals. Although Rooney performed incredibly with his high work-rate, he has to learn to finish better. Nani was accused for showboating but with the score already at 4-0, why shouldn't he entertain the crowd?

The surprise of the weekend was Liverpool getting knocked out after losing at home 1-2 to Barnsley. Looks like they have only the CL to play for this season, and it should be an interesting encounter against Inter this week, the Italian champions are yet to lose a game this year in Serie A and lead the table by a mammoth 11 points.

La Liga
Barca closed the gap on Real Madrid to 5 points after beating Real Zaragoza 2-1, thanks to a Henry goal and a Ronaldinho penalty, while Real lost at Real Betis by the same score. I think Barca are gradually recovering while Real are beginning to stutter. This season should see a close battle once again.

The Legend of the Busby Babes

February 6, 1958 - On that fateful winter’s day exactly 50 years ago, the plane carrying Manchester United players back from a victorious European match at Belgrade, crashed after a failed attempt to take off after a refueling stop in Munich. The club lost 8 players in that tragedy and this became a moment of profound significance not just in ManUtd’s history but also in English football’s.

Sir Matt Busby, the ManUtd manager, had envisioned a golden age for ManUtd after being crowned English champions in 1956 and 1957, with a team of young starlets including Duncan Edwards, the then golden boy of football and the youngest international in England’s history. Busby had dreams of European domination, but those dreams lay in tatters while he lay critically injured in a hospital, but more painful was the excruciating news that he had lost most of his squad.

Apart from Duncan Edwards, ManUtd lost their captain Roger Byrne, David Pegg, Eddie Colman, Tommy Taylor, Billy Whelan, Mark Jones and Geoff Bent. Eight journalists, 3 United staff, one crew member, the co-pilot, and two other passengers lost their lives.

Busby recovered from his injuries and so did a few other players including Bobby Charlton, Dennis Viollet, and Bill Foulkes, among others. Amazingly, ManUtd made it to the FA Cup final, where they lost to Bolton Wanderers. But then, the club stumbled into the wilderness for a few years but who would have thought that Sir Matt Busby would build another great ManUtd side, a team that played some of the finest football in Europe.

At a time when football was moving towards conservatism and tactical organization, Busby's refusal not to compromise on the club’s attacking style of football led to the club winning its first European title in 1968, the first English club to do so.

It is not the Munich tragedy that propelled United into a club with a worldwide fan base but it is the way they regrouped under their manager Sir Matt Busby, deriving strength from adversity, building a great side that consisted of Bobby Charlton, Denis Law, and George Best, and winning the European Cup on the 10th anniversary of the Munich tragedy.

Football Managers - Dead Men Walking

ManUtd emerged from the festive period with the maximum points, winning all but one. The 2-1 loss against West Ham hurt especially since ManUtd missed the chance to go 2-0 up due to a missed penalty from Ronaldo. And, giving away 2 goals to set-pieces! But since the loss, they have redeemed themselves with some good victories over Birmingham, Villa (FA Cup) and the 6-0 drubbing of Newcastle.

Just past the half-way mark of the season and Ronaldo has already passed 20 goals. His first hat-trick for ManUtd came at OT against manager-less Newcastle, who despite their claims of being a big club, continues to plunge deep into a quagmire of desperation. Sam Allardyce was the 8th manager to get the boot this season, and despite the fact that they played terrible football, it wasn't fair to judge Big Sam after just 8 months.

The St. James' Park stadium of Newcastle has the 3rd highest capacity in England after ManUtd's Old Trafford stadium and Arsenal's Emirates Stadium. Newcastle have a large fan base and that the fans are very dedicated to their club in spite of poor results in recent times, can be seen from the fact that most home games are almost always full. But the fans have far too much expectations and they seem to forget the fact that they last won a major trophy almost 40 years ago.

The Newcastle manager job has always been a poisoned chalice. Just look at the list of great personalities who have been unsuccessful in the past decade - Kevin Keegan, Kenny Dalglish, Ruud Gullit, Sir Bobby Robson, Graeme Souness. I wouldn't blame Harry Redknapp for his decision to stick with Portsmouth. Who in their right mind will take up this job? And, it doesn't help when foreigners takeover the club, splash money, and then expect returns immediately. Well, not every club can turn into a Chelsea. Until then, Newcastle will keep looking for their Messiah.

One just has to take a look at ManUtd and Arsenal, which have gained due to the stability provided by their respective boards. Sir Alex has been at ManUtd for 21 years while Wenger is entering his 12th year at Arsenal. The trigger-happy football chairmen of today would do well to remember that Sir Alex did not deliver his first trophy until the fifth year of his reign. And, we all know what ManUtd has achieved in the past decade and a half under the regal Scot.

Rafa Benitez seems to be the next on the list of managers most likely to get the sack. This is the guy who won the Champions League for Liverpool in his first year. And, when the club owner accepts that he had talks with Jurgen Klinsmann about taking over Liverpool, it clearly undermines Rafa's position at the club.

At present, it is difficult for managers to operate against a background of constant criticism and incessant speculation about their future. It is important for club chairmen and supporters to realize that the success of the football club on and off the pitch depends on a long-term strategy replete with the right foundations. As Sir Alex would say "Stability and consistency is the basis of success at any club."

List of sacked managers in 2007-2008 season:
Jose Mourinho (Chelsea)
Chris Hutchings (Wigan)
Sammy Lee (Bolton)
Martin Jol (Tottenham)
Steve Bruce (Birmingham)
Billy Davies (Derby)
Lawrie Sanchez (Fulham)
Sam Allardyce (Newcastle)

Classic Ron and Un-Classico Ronnie

As I watched Manchester United's last weekend match against Everton, followed by the el classico between Barcelona and Real Madrid, I could not help but marvel at Ronaldo's brilliance at United and lament the fall of Ronaldinho at Barcelona. As a fan of both United and Barcelona, I want both my clubs to perform well. When Barcelona was winning trophies until just more than a year back, I was hoping United would follow suit.

When United was setting the Premiership on fire last season, I also had to witness the demise of the Catalan club. Will I ever see these two majestic clubs of Europe win their domestic titles in the same season? I guess not, considering the way the Catalan club is witnessing a downturn in its fortunes.

Ronaldo has already scored 17 times this season for United, while Ronnie has hardly made a significant contribution for Barca. I was aghast to say the least, seeing the latter's abject performance in Barca's home loss against Real Madrid.

Just more than 2 years back, Ronnie was given a standing ovation by Real fans for his virtuoso performance at the Santiago Bernabeau. Even last season, he scored about 21 goals for the club. But, what happened to that old Ronnie?

Did all that adulation get to his head? It is rumored that he missed more than 50 percent of the club's training session last season and that he was given preferential treatment by everyone at the club. No doubt, Ronnie was instrumental for Barca's revival but it is far more difficult to keep your act together at the highest level and in that aspect, he would do well to take cue from United legends such as Giggs and Scholes, who continue to perform at the highest level even after several Premiership titles.

On the other hand, Ronaldo is a star on the rise. However, he just has to take one look at the path taken by Ronnie and avoid that path at all costs. He is at a terrific club, surrounded by legends such as Giggs, Neville, and Scholes.

If Ronnie's arrogance was his downfall, Ron's might be his attraction to glamour and a constant craving for attention, reasons why he might quit United in a couple of seasons and head toward Real Madrid.

United would loathe to lose Ron when that time comes, but then no player is greater than the club, a fact being demonstrated by Ronnie at Barcelona.

Champions League - Knockout Stages Draw

CL Draw

ManUtd has got a rather tough draw for the knockout stages of the Champions League. The English Champions will travel to Lyon to meet the French Champions. The pick of the clashes however has to be Arsenal's meeting with reigning Champions AC Milan. Liverpool too have an Italian job at hand, and will play Inter Milan. It's too early to predict since the chances of the teams progressing depends on how their form is, come February. We all know what happened to initial favorites Barca who were on the decline after the new year and ended up exiting the CL in the 2nd round itself.

Anyway, this has got to be one of the most interesting and exciting 2nd round group of clashes in the past few years.

Kaka - World Footballer of the Year

Kaka - Footballer of the Year

As expected, Kaka beat Messi and Ronaldo to this year's title of World Footballer of the Year. Kaka, already proclaimed the European player of the Year, played an important role in AC Milan's Champions League triumph, scoring 10 goals. He has been a significant player for Brazil as well. Here is a footballer who is a devout Christian, does not revel in night outs or parties, and is a true idol for aspiring footballers throughout the world. Also, he was terrific for AC Milan and inspired them to the World Club Cup win over Boca Juniors, scoring one goal and providing 2 assists in their 4-2 victory.

AC Milan - World Club Champions

I am sure we would see more of Messi and Ronaldo in the coming years. The Champions League and the Euro Championships provides a great platform for Ronaldo, who is determined to win one of the major awards next season. What better way to achieve that than helping ManUtd win this season's CL and EPL title?

Red Devils - At Home at Anfield

Tevez Scores at 'Home' Anfield

Anfield is turning out to be another home ground for ManUtd who have not been beaten here since 2001 in the Premier League. Tevez scored the winner for ManUtd last night just before half-time, for a 1-0 win for the Red Devils.

It was a scrappy affair with Liverpool having the majority of the possession but hardly creating any chances. The couple of chances to score were from Van der Saar's blunders. Thankfully, Anderson and Evra were at hand to stuff out the danger.

It was a solid performance from ManUtd. Particularly, the midfield was superb with Anderson overshadowing Gerrard, and Hargreaves as always, a rock in front of the defence. Rio too had a great game and never gave an inch of space to Torres. My men-of-the match would definitely be Anderson and Hargreaves.

Anderson overshadowed StevieG

ManUtd are second in the league, a point behind Arsenal, who won an exciting but violent encounter with Chelsea. Gallas put one over his old team and scored the only goal of the match, thanks to a Cech mistake at a corner.

Meanwhile in La Liga, the stage is all set for a pulsating encounter at the Nou Camp between Barcelona and Real Madrid next weekend. Barca are 4 points behind Real but are in good form thanks to Eto'o's return from injury. Messi's injury means he will be out for 4 weeks but I think Ronaldinho will make it to the starting eleven for the El Classico, after being left out on the bench numerous times this season.

Btw, there is a rumour that Fergie might see this as an opportunity to bring Ronnie to ManUtd, after failing to complete the deal in 2003. But the question is do we really need fat Ronnie at ManUtd?

The Best to the Greatest

Two for Tevez against Derby

A few weeks back, Sir Alex said that the current ManUtd squad may be the best in his time at Old Trafford and seeing the displays of this team, not many people will doubt his statement. However, it will take trophies to prove his squad is not just the best but the greatest as well. Any ManUtd squad has to measure up to the achievements of the 1999 treble winners.

It was a great effort to qualify top of their Champions League group with one more game yet to be played against Roma away. This gives the opportunity for Sir Alex to rest some of his players ahead of the crucial away match at Anfield next week. Liverpool's loss against Reading this week means that Arsenal are the only unbeaten team in EPL now (update: the Gunners lost at Boro!)

ManUtd are a point behind Arsenal and would have overtaken them if it had not been for the loss at Bolton. However, ManUtd has not been lucky with injuries this season, with Rooney just returning back from ankle sprain and Hargreaves pulling out of the team just before the home match against Derby. Gary Neville has suffered a setback in his injury comeback and other players who remain on the sidelines include Park, Silvestre, Scholes, and Foster.

The newcomers this season - Anderson, Hargreaves, Tevez, and Nani have been very impressive and played some crucial parts in ManUtd's fine form this season. For me, Tevez and Anderson have been the most important players. Tevez has started to combine well with Rooney and Anderson looks like he might dislodge Scholes from the starting lineup earlier then expected.

December is crucial for ManUtd's title aspirations and the players need to put in their best performance in each of the remaining matches this month. And if things do not go as planned sometimes, you can always rely on Ronaldo to save the day.

Ron scores against Fulham

Sir Alex - 21 Glorious Years at Manchester United

November 6th 1986 is a Red-letter day in the history of Manchester United. That was the day when a fiery Scot named Alex Ferguson left Aberdeen to take charge of one of the most popular clubs in England. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Sir Alex’s spell as ManU manager has seen him secure nine Premier League titles, a Champions League title, five FA Cups, a League Cup, and a knighthood. Even at 65, he does not show any sign of slowing down and his enthusiasm for the game is still intact.

It is rumored that Fergie narrowly avoided the sack in 1990 after winning away at a 4th round Cup tie at Nottingham Forest. ManU went on to win the FA Cup that season, kick-starting the golden years. A Cup-Winners’ Cup in 1991 after beating Barcelona in 1991 was followed by the disappointment of losing the league title narrowly to Leeds in 1992. The inspired signing of Eric Cantona in the same year propelled ManU to the inaugural Premier League title in 1993 and a League and Cup double in 1994.

In 1996, ManU overcame Newcastle, thanks to Fergie’s mindgames over Kevin Keegan and achieved a second League and Cup double. ManU clinched the treble in 1999 in a sensational manner, winning a dramatic Champions League final, beating Bayern Munich 2-1, the League title, and the FA Cup. In 2001, Fergie accomplished a hat-trick of Premier League titles, becoming the only manager to achieve this feat with the same team.

One more league title followed in 2003 and when calls for Fergie’s head increased after a few trophy-less years, he masterminded yet another league triumph in 2006/2007. Fergie always stated ‘his greatest challenge was knocking Liverpool right off their fucking perch’. I guess he has also knocked Chelsea off their fucking perch when it looked like Chelsea would dominate for a long time thanks to Roman’s riches.

No fan who has watched ManU play in the past couple of seasons would have any reason not to believe in Fergie’s belief that ManU can continue to remain a force in European football for years to come. Fergie is certainly one of the greatest ever managers to have been involved with the game. One more Champions League title for this living legend, and he will gladly fade into the sunset.

Did I Miss Something?

After an entertaining game of football, it was disappointing for me, the match ended in a draw. It was funny to see Arsenal players, after the game, huddled at the centre of the pitch and celebrating. Did I miss something here? It was an Arsenal home game, at the Emirates Stadium and Arsenal lost 2 points! I would never see ManU players or Fergie so happy after gaining just a point at Old Trafford.

Anyway, it was great to see ManU perform really well. Anderson seems destined for stardom...he can pass, he can tackle, he can run box-to-box, there's nothing he can't do, including a bit of gamesmanship. I am sure Fergie/Carlos will have a private word with him.

La Liga Story

Looks like it's gonna be a roller-coaster season at La Liga. Real Madrid kept winning, then drew, then won, and then lost this weekend. Meanwhile, Barca drew, won, lost, drew and won. Sevilla kept losing and then suddenly started winning and beat Real this weekend. Villareal is going great guns without Riquelme and it is good to see ex-ManU player Rossi doing great there. And, Valencia have got a new manager in Ronald Koeman and looks to turn around its season both in La Liga and the Champions League.

Messiah

ManU was back among the goals at the weekend at home against Wigan. After a difficult first half when O'Shea and Vidic were lost to injuries, ManU came out guns blazing in the second. The attacking trio of Tevez, Ronaldo and Rooney all scored and finally ManU fans could see the some real action after a difficult start to the season. Also, ManU was lucky to escape with all 3 points in the midweek CL match at home against Roma as a result of the latter's profligacy in front of goal.

Meanwhile, Barca has been rather impressive lately, with Messi being proclaimed as the their 'Messiah'. Henry managed a hat-trick last weekend at Levante but Messi has been the more dominant performer for Barca. However, Barca, like ManU, has been struggling with injuries. Their injury list seems to be growing by the day as Puyol, Marquez, Zambrotta, Toure, Edmilson all join Eto'o on the sidelines. Barca take on a revitalized Athletico today at the Camp Nou and this should be an exciting clash. Finally, Barca doesn't need to depend completely on Ronaldinho.

Another European Night

The goals that were flowing last season appears to trickle down this season. In spite of the lack of goals, ManU has managed to hold their own and come up with spirited wins home and away, including the crucial home win against Jose-less Chelsea. ManU youngsters lost a great opportunity to get some playing time in the first team after their Carling Cup exit at the hands of Coventry. To put things into perspective, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool all won.

And tonight, Roma visit Old Trafford, revenge on their minds, after their humiliating 7-1 loss to the Red Devils in April. This should be a pretty exciting game. Although I like Roma Captain Totti very much for his loyalty to his club, he has been shooting his mouth way too often. He should have learnt his lesson after the 7-1 drubbing last season but looks like he hasn't. Another good win for ManU should put him in his place.

Owen Hargreaves is still recovering from his injury, although there is a possibility he might start. Carrick has been woefully out of form this season and I hope he improves soon, for he was one of the most underrated performers for ManU last season. Pique might get his chance in defence since Vida and Brown are struggling with injuries. I hope Pique plays and puts in a terrific performance.

My first choice XI for today...

Kuszczak
O'Shea Rio Pique Evra
Ronaldo Owen Scholes Giggs
Tevez Rooney

Man, is it U?

Week 6 of EPL and the usual suspects make the top 4 in the Premiership table. Arsenal has been in great form, Liverpool still has away blues, Chelsea seems to stutter and ManU has forgotten they are the reigning Champs. ManU's recent displays against Sunderland and Everton have been inept, to say the least. For a team that was playing great attacking football until a few months back, this is clearly unexpected.

Ever since Saha succumbed to injuries, ManU has looked terrible up front. With Rooney and Ronaldo out, Giggs was paired up front with Tevez and the latter, not being an out-and-out striker clearly struggled with his new role. Ronaldo is back now but was not at his best against Everton. And, can someone please tell Ron he sucks at free-kicks!

Champions League starts mid-week and ManU plays away at Sporting Lisbon. This is a tricky encounter, given the form ManU is in but then I expect Sporting's old boys Ron and Nani to play a huge role at their former stadium.

A few random thoughts...

1. What has happened to Giggs this season? He doesn't look good but then he has been playing up front, rather than in the wings.
2. Silvestre at LB and Evra at left wing? What is Fergie/Carlos thinking? But one consolation...looks like Egghead is out for a long time with an injury he suffered at Everton.
3. Tevez struggles up front but seems an entirely different (much better) player with Saha for company. Hope Saha, the Brittle' stays clear of any more injuries this season.
4. Too early to say this but with Hargreaves in CM, ManU look so different. They are much better at defending but far from the attacking force they were last season. Personally, I would prefer Owen only for games against top clubs and in Europe.
5. Martin Jol's days at Tottenham are numbered now. 40 million+ pounds later, they lose the London derby at home against Arsenal!? Wondering whether we will see Lippi, Koeman or Ramos?