"Louis Van Gaal has recaptured the spirit within Manchester United"

This season has well and truly been reminiscent of another roller-coaster ride for Manchester United. After a stuttering start and only managing 10 points from 13 games, aligned with a very average Christmas period, this resulted in some uncertain questions in the direction of Louis Van Gaal, and specifically the idea that not a lot has really changed since the arrival of the Dutchman. However as the season came to a close, Louis Van Gaal has proved he is more than capable of getting United back to the top. With fantastic, enthralling displays against Liverpool, Spurs and Manchester City, Manchester Untied were able to grab a well needed  position within the top 4 and with relative ease. Is this Mission Accomplished For Louis Van Gaal?

Louis Van Gaal leading United out at Anfield. 

Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville recently described the charismatic speech by Louis Van Gaal at Manchester United's player of the year speech as the "best and funniest 20 minutes". The speech really was entertaining, almost mirroring some of the great speeches and interviews done by the great Sir Alex Ferguson, I feel the magic is back at Manchester United. Not just within the playing side, the squad looks more United and together than ever, and more determined to get right back at the top of English and European football. For Louis Van Gaal, his success it is all about respect of his philosophy, hard work, and team work. This has been well transcended within the squad as they all seem to be embedded with the belief that the possibility of a record 21st league title is close. Wayne Rooney was recently quoted as to saying "the team feels close, we are not to far off mounting a serious challenge for the title". 

It would take a very brave soul to disagree with the fact that United are close to competing for the Premier League title. However Jamie Carragher was quoted saying that United were conversely actually ."far from the title".

Celebrations lead by captain, Wayne Rooney in United's 4-2 victory over neighbors Manchester City. 

To seriously mount a challenge for a title you must be able to take as many points off the top 4-6 teams. As we have seen in previous years teams like Arsenal, Southampton, and spurs have played some great football, arguably some of the best football in the league, but their essence of failure when playing the teams around them is there for everyone to see and has stunted their abilities to be able to mount a serious challenge for the title. This is the primary reason that United are closer than people think to another title, their record this season against the top 6 teams has been pretty admirable, considering factors such as a devastating amount of injuries to first team players, and of course it being Louis Van Gaal's debut season. If you look at Manchester United's record against teams in the top 6 this season, out of a possible 30 points from 10 games, they have taken 18 points from the top 6 clubs (BBC Sport) which is a very impressive total. Arsenal have only taken 11 points of the top 6 and interestingly only 6 points off the top 4, with Manchester United managing to take 8 points from the top 4 clubs. However in contrast United have been rather poor against the bottom 10 sides this season, and this is the reason they have fallen well short of the title. The deficit was only 18 points (4 wins & 3 draws) and the title could have been very much theirs. You look to the double over United completed by Swansea, and poor losses to Leicester, West Brom and Southampton at, these are all games you must win to become champions. So United are close, this is obvious to see, but next season how much damage are they capable of conflicting on Chelsea's attempt to retain their Premier League title?

Experts are saying that United need 6 or 5 world class players in order to compete for the title next season, I disagree, they only need 3, even if De Gea does leave. Valdes for me is a good keeper, in his game against Hull he make some truly world class saves, his shot stopping in second to none, and I put the couple of mistakes he made down to nervousness. I expect business will be done early by Louis Van Gaal and Manchester United, and this is in order to allow the players time to integrate into the managers philosophy and the tactics of the team. The position of right back is one that needs improvement, yes Antonio Valencia has performed admirably, and I think he can be a very good back up right back. As for Rafael, Van Gaal does not fancy him at all, I think he likes consistency in his positions within the team, and Rafael is not consistent enough. I would like to see Nathaniel Clyne at the club, as I have said in other blogs, there is a lot of potential there, and he is English and knows the Premier League well. Daniel Alves is available on a free transfer and I do think he would make a decent second choice as he still has a couple of years at the top. Center back has been something of a reoccurring issue for years at Old Trafford, a world class defender is needed. I would like Dortmund's Mats Hummels, but it looks like Valencia's Otamendi could be the one to come into the team, a physically strong, acrobatic leader, and I think he would be perfect for the role needed. Then there is the need of a true combative defensive/ box to box midfielder. I think this will be Gundogan, the deal is done in principle and unless the player changes his mind he will be in the red of united next season for sure, and he has proven this season he is fit again and gradually showing signs of excellence he has previously shown in his time at Dortmund under Klopp.

Louis Van Gaal at the Player of the year awards, where he delivered a passionate and motivated analysis of the season. 

I don't think a new striker is necessary to be honest. Louis Van Gaal plays with a lone striker, and the best position for Wayne Rooney is without a doubt as a centre forward. Nothing is more frustrating as an onlooker than seeing the Englishman lingering like a frustrated puppy within the heart of the midfield area, his full potential can only be fulfilled at the top of the pitch. I would also like to see Robin Van Persie stay, but he has to be okay with being the back up striker and that will be the decision if he stays of goes in the summer, with Juventus, Milan and PSG reportedly interested. A lot of players will be sold this summer, but I do think chances should be given to Adnan Januzai, James Wilson, Andrea's Perieira, and Patrick McNair, they all have great potential, and production of quality youth players is what Manchester United is all about. 

So how far can Manchester United really go next season? Can they challenge or even win the Premier League? Or potentially mount a serious challenge for another domestic or European trophy? Yes I believe they will, I struggle to see United going without a trophy next season, having not won one for 2 years now some of the long serving players such as Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick will want silverware again. With a good summer transfer window, and more progression next season I expect United to finish at least 2nd in the league and to mount a serious challenge in the cups, with a minimum of a quarter final in the Champions League. 

Is Gareth Bale on his way to Old Trafford?

   In recent weeks it has been apparent that Gareth Bale is showing signs of being highly unsettled within the Spanish capital. There have been incidents of fans abusing him, and even attacking his car. For me this is strange, all you have to do is look at his form this season to wonder why he is subject to fans dismay. The Welshman has notched an impressive 13 goals and 9 assists this season, and that is only in the League. This form is good for a wing player, and I feel where the criticism is stemming from is the way in which Real Madrid fans, naturally are comparing him with Ronaldo. Of course in comparison with Ronaldo, on paper Gareth Bale is no where near, but as I have stated in previous blog's, its hard to compare a player with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, they are simply on another planet.

   However, fierce rumors have also been spreading around Europe of late about the future of Gareth Bale, with a lot of sources saying that he is destined for a move to Manchester United this summer. What must be taken into consideration within this rumor is the fact that Real Madrid without a shadow of a doubt want David De Gea, there also is no point at all in in condemning the De Gea roomers as just rumors, there is one hundred percent substance to that story. Thus, I feel this already puts the ball firmly in Manchester United's court as regard to the potential changing of clubs of Gareth Bale and David De Gea. United don't particularly need Bale, with the likes of Angel Di Maria, Adana Januzaj and Ashley Young having a rejuvenated season, and of course the new addition of Memphis Depay. So I feel United should really use this to their advantage, either make the Spanish giants break the bank for De Gea or swap him in a deal straight for Bale, a simple swap deal no money involved from either party. 

   But realistically how likely is this deal to happen? And how likely are Manchester United to do the deal, and get rid of by far their best player for the last two years in David De Gea? I think circumstances such as De Gea's desire to go to Real Madrid will eventually be the deciding factor in this transfer saga, if he was going to stay at United I honestly think he would have signed a brand new contract at least a few months ago, after all he has been offered reportedly £200k a week to stay at Old Trafford, and out of respect he has responded in a 'thinking about it' tone. Also the shaky form of Casillias over the last 2-3 seasons has left Madrid in need of a World class goalie, and as I've said before, De Gea fits the job description in abundance.

   So yes, I am 80% sure he will be a Real Madrid player at the start of next season. If this is indeed the case I would love to see Gareth Bale make a stunning return to the Premier League at United. He is used to the Premier League, is proven in the league, and looks like he could indeed want the move. A source close to the Bale family, and a guest on MUTV this week said that "the deal is almost done", and this for me gave a huge impression that there could be substance to this transfer rumor. I and other United fans should be hugely excited about the prospect of Gareth Bale arriving at the club due to him having attributes like electric pace, power, shooting ability and great free kick ability. Very similar to the latest recruit in Memphis Depay, yes and the thought of Depay on the left side of the midfield and Bale on the right is enough to scare the life out of any team that comes in the way of Manchester United next season. As for the futures of Di Maria and Adnan Januzaj, they remain very unclear, even without the potential arrival of the Welsh wizard. Di Maria is subject to a lot of speculation linking him with a move to P.S.G. Personally I hope he stays, and plays in a more central role, especially if Bale arrives, I think Di Maria could have a very good season next year, now that he has vital premier league experience under his belt. As for Januzaj this has been a very difficult season for the Belgium man, and I feel the best thing for him, with the new season approaching would be to get some loan experience at a club like AC Milan, Sevilla, Lyon, Everton etc...so he can continue to develop, as I feel his chances of first team action next season may be even more limited than this current campaign.

Paul Pogba, What next?

   Its October 7th 2009, and a 15 year old Paul Pogba had just signed for Manchester United from French minnows Le Harve. The transfer itself causing huge controversy over a tapping up allegation, little did Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson alike that in less than 5 years time, the Frenchman will be one of the hottest properties in European football. (MUFC.com) described Paul Pogba as "Skillful, Powerful, and a Creative player, with an eye for the spectacular". However after not getting a real chance to have an impact on the first team, and  when Paul Scholes came out of retirement in 2012 to aid united's weak midfield, the midfield giant decided it was time to move on to Juventus F.C. Could this be the biggest mistake Sir Alex has ever made?

Juventus's captain now, in 2015 said "Only Pogba can do what Pogba can do, alike Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo" (SkySports). A huge praise in Paul Pogba's direction, and it truly highlights the phenomenon the player is. In a 'defensive' mold, the lively Frenchman has managed to score 12 goals for club and country this season, and chip in with 6 assists, which makes him an out-lier within the other best defensive midfielders in world football. But what is truly special about Pogba is the way he scores his goals, and they are often in a hugely emphatic manner. The link below is an example of just one of Pogba's many wonder goals in which he scores.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L80UJbRlxMM

   The question on many Paul Pogba fans lips is where is he going next? Is a move to the Spanish capital Madrid on the cards? Will he end up in the Catalonia region of Barcelona? Or perhaps a move to England, a reunion with Manchester United or a short trip across the city to neighbors Manchester City? No one can rule out any of the above possibilities in the world of football of today. Especially taking into the consideration that he may even chose to stay at Juventus, who appear to be getting back to their glory days in terms of European and domestic domination. Pogba has also often stated his desire to prove his doubters at Manchester United wrong, if any.

   So could this perhaps open up the possibility of a return to Manchester, but not the red side, in the form of Manchester City. It's a possibility that scares me and many other United fans around the country to death, but it makes complete sense. He would have the opportunity to prove himself in the premier league right under the nose of Sir Alex Ferguson, and also be given the opportunity to make himself one of the best defensive midfielders if not the best in the premier league, an area that Manchester City desperately need a summer recruit. Also the presence of Patrick Viera at the club may make him feel like he could move to the blue half of Manchester and be able to settle in well, with also an array of French players at the club, such as Samir Nasri, Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy. 

   The question of who can afford him will also come into play, with financial fair play restrictions really  starting to hurt various teams around Europe, and in particular Barcelona, other clubs around Europe may have to tread carefully before I believe having to potentially break the huge world record transfer fee for Paul Pogba. I think you can rule out Manchester United. IIkay Gundogan is all but a confirmed transfer, and being in the defensive position and therefore i highly dount that Man United would need another defensive midfielder, and I don't think Pogba would contemplate a return to the club in which let him go on a free transfer back in 2012. Barcelona will as I've previously stated be treading carefully within this window, but should they see it able to get Pogba, it may be a possibility for them, considering Xavi and Iniesta are not getting any younger in the midfield. It's likely that Real Madrid will yet again complete another marquee signing after going this season trophy-less, and Pogba could be the one for them. A lack of a real out and out defensive midfielder could see them battle the transfer out with Manchester city, literally pound for pound for his signature. 

   In conclusion I feel it is hard to come to a concrete opinion on where exactly he will end up. However I think it will be a hard fought battle between Real Madrid and Manchester City for the signing of Paul Pogba, and shall he go to City this would leave a huge bitter taste in the mouth's on Manchester United fans and Sir Alex Ferguson alike. 

Messi vs Ronaldo, the end of a debate?

   Wednesday night saw Barcelona entertain Bayern Munich at the Nou camp, and contesting for a place in the Champions League Final. Never did I expect that by  the final whistle my opinion and beliefs of the Messi vs Ronaldo debate could change so quickly. It was almost painful to see the way Messi made Boateng look like your average Sunday league centre back, the way in which he have the German jelly legs. I was gobsmacked watching, then I realised after years and years, that Lionel Messi was on another planet to any other footballer. 

   It's been an argument that has and is still going on; who is better, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi? If we look at it from a Balon D'or perspective, Messi has 4 and Ronaldo has 3, so Messi takes the lead within this argument. If we look at career goals the argument strays towards Ronaldo, who has an impressive 413 career goals. Messi has 371 goals in all competitions for Barcelona respectively, and what we are comparing here is two phenomenons of the beautiful game. No player will ever I think be able to reach the heights these two have already achieved, and they both still have at least 5 years at the very top level in my opinion.

   I was always of the opinion that Ronaldo was better than Messi overall. However it is very hard to compare them as they are such different specimens of player.  For example Ronaldo's game is largely based on power, pace and trickery, he is also a athlete in his physical stature. Whereas Messi's game is based on technique, dribbling skill, and precise body movements that always have defenders falling around his feet. I also feel that Messi was born with a skill and a gift to play football, and Ronaldo has worked everyday of his life to be able to be at the level he is now. This is why it is so difficult to compare the players, they are both so different and unique, and the best at their own attributes. This season i have watched both superstars very very closely. Ronaldo clearly is not happy at Real Madrid, his body language and attitude look as if he is fed up. But I'm not writing this blog to fuel incorrect transfer roomers, however I feel his apparent low level of happiness has really affected his form in the Spanish capital, and this season whenever i have seen them both it seems to me as if its Lionel Messi who is on top once again. 

   Ronaldo may be the best on this planet, but for me Messi is on another planet entirely. The way he scored that goal against a world cup winner least we forget was borderline criminal. There is no bigger admirer of Cristiano Ronaldo than myself, I've been lucky enough to have seen him in the flesh in a life performance at Old Trafford many times. However I think you have to be realistic when talking about football in this modern day. Too many people cannot see the clear truth about heated football debates, and there is no doubt that Lionel Messi is the best player, forget in world football, hes the best ever. For me there is also still room for improvement, he is only 27 years of age. This is the outstanding thing, the fact that he has broken nearly every record there is to break in the footballing world and he is still more than 2 years off his 30th birthday. 

   It also comes down to who would you rather have in your side. Messi or Ronaldo. I think this is hard for United fans alike as I would always say Ronaldo, because of his fantastic legacy at United. But without being subjective in this viewpoint you would have to say Messi would be of more value to most European clubs. Recently I have noticed Ronaldo does not have any desire for anyone else to score Real Madrid's goals, everyone saw two weeks ago when Ronaldo became incensed when Arbeloa 'Stole' a goal from him. Messi is more of a team player and has recently continued to work harder at this feat to improve his overall performance.

   Personally, Ronaldo is still my favourite player of all time, and that's far from likely to change anytime soon. But after watching what Messi did to Bayern Munich on Wednesday night it truly made me and I believe more football fans around the world the continued belief that Messi is the benchmark for every other player in world football. But lets get one thing straight, what we are seeing in this modern day, and by Having Messi and Ronaldo performing as they do week in and week out will never be repeated, and we will only truly be grateful when both magicians have retired. 

   

Jose Mourinho; how close is he to Sir Alex Ferguson's level of success?

   Yesterday Chelsea and Jose Mourinho secured the Premier League title, and noticeably it was Mourinho's third title in his 4 years at Chelsea, a magnificent achievement. Chelsea hadn't won the Premier League for 4 years previous to this campaign, but we all knew that Mourinho wouldn't fail in his second stint at the club. After all he has already achieved in management, where does he rank in the greatest managers of all time? Is he close to being mentioned in the same breathe as the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson? And whats next for Mourinho? Will he continue his Chelsea Legacy?

   Throughout his career Mourinho has won a trophy every 34 games in management. He has won league titles in 4 different European countries including Spain, Portugal, Italy and England, and this truly reflects how talented a manager Mourinho is. Not many top managers can say they have managed to achieve what he has achieved, and in so many different leagues. If you look at the likes of Arsene Wenger, one of the greatest managers of all time, although he rightfully has this status, if you look at the average honours won for years in management he is not even close to the achievements of Jose Mourinho. That is why for me, there is only one manager that Mourinho can be compared with; Sir Alex Ferguson. People may say, that Ferguson only won things in the UK, and never tested his ability abroad, but people are quick to forget that he won the Scottish first division with Aberdeen, and also the European Cup with Aberdeen. Could Mourinho match this achievement? For me no, but then again times are arguably different in the modern football world. 

   As I have mentioned success in the game of football is measured on the amount of trophies that you obtain. Sir Alex Ferguson won 49 major honours in his 39 years in management, that's an average of 1.3 trophies every season, over a near 40 year period. If you compare these means to Jose Mourinho's haul, he has won 17 trophies in 13 years of management, and that also equates to 1.3 trophies per year. They share the same trophy success rate, but then again there is no way one can guarantee that Mourinho will be able to continue this rate of trophies for years to come. If you look at each of their individual attributes they are also very similar, however I feel that Ferguson has better man management skills. He treated his players who respected his authority as if they where family. Cristiano Ronaldo once said that Ferguson "was like a father to me" when reflecting on his time at Old Trafford. I'm not sure Mourinho has the same man management skills, at the different clubs he has been at he has always caused huge amounts of friction between the squad's he's worked with, at Real Madrid he dropped a number of players who have been at the club for years and who are always certain starters; Casilias and Ramos. This caused a lot of the team to become unhappy with Mourinho and eventually was a big factor in him leaving the Spanish giants. 

   What you are guaranteed with both managers is success. They both truly live and breathe it, and it is very hard to say one is better than the other, especially as Ferguson had such a lengthy career. Can Mourinho reach the heights that Sir Alex Ferguson reached? I think he can, if he continues to build successful team after team, because this was another great thing about Ferguson, he was always able to build different and successful teams through the generations he managed. Another factor to consider is how competitive the Premier League will be next season and for seasons ahead. After a world cup year, the Premier League is known to take a bit of a dip, and teams can win the league without being brilliant throughout the campaign. Chelsea have been very good, but teams around them have been poor, Arsenal, Man City, Man United and Liverpool have hardly put up a fight, but next year they will become stronger and it will be so much harder for Chelsea to retain their title. Sir Alex Ferguson also dominated for a number of years at a time, he is still the only manager ever to win the league 3 times on the bounce, and in a truly competitive and tough league this is an extremely difficult thing to accomplish. But if anyone can do this I believe it is Mourinho, and people say that their football is boring, and it may be quite dull to watch on times, but they get results, no one looks like being able to stop them, and when they want to win, they do. However as I've said previously next season will be a whole different challenge for Mourinho and his men, teams will be stronger around them, more organised and more tactically aware that they were this year. We are in for one hell of a good season next year!