Premier League Review - Grading each team

   It is fair to say that it's been a Premier League season to remember. An incredible first title for Leicester, Man United, Chelsea out of the top 4, and giants Aston Villa and Newcastle relegated. These types of season's come around every 20 years, and we can only hope that next season provides similar entertainment. This post will analyse each team's league performance  and give a grade from A* to F, judged on their overall season. Enjoy it and make sure you comment and have your say!

Arsenal (B-) 

   Having lead the table for the majority of the tough months of December and into early January it looked as if Arsenal may finally once again have a chance to get their hands on the Premier League title. However Leicester were relentless in their pursuit for the title, with Arsenal eventually finishing in a respectable second place, whilst also improving with their results against the 'big four'. However with 4 points fewer than the campaign before, the improvement in placing is somewhat misleading. The need for a world class striker is evident, and the summer transfer window is one that Arsene Wenger will have to get right to keep up with the competition next season. Star Performer: Mesut Ozil.

Aston Villa (F)

   Abysmal. The easiest and truest way to sum up one of the most disappointing season's in Aston Villa's 142 year history. Finishing the season on a shocking 17 points, Villa recorded the third lowest points tally in the history of the Premier League. Their own Roy of the Rovers, Gabriel Agbonlahor got more suspensions that goals, and lacked inspiration up front. They need a good manager to get themselves back to where they belong next season. Star Performer: Jordan Ayew. 

Bournemouth (B)

   The achievement of remaining in the Premier League is one that needs recognition for Bournemouth. A season plagued with injuries to star players, it is surprising that they managed to stay in the division. Fantastic team spirit and a fantastic, young manager in Eddie Howe combined have meant they have cemented their place in the world's best division for another season at least. Memorable victories against Manchester United and Chelsea the forefront of their achievements this season. However, unless they have a better transfer window and more luck with injuries, I could see them struggling to stay in the division next year. Star Performer: Matt Richie.

Chelsea (E+)

   A terrible season for Chelsea, from champions last year to 10th place this year. With probably one of the best squads in the league, they should have at least finished in the top 4. There were signs of a revival when Hiddink arrived after Mourinho was sacked, but poor May form means they miss out on even the Europa League and finish the season just in the top half. At least they weren't relegated. Next year, with the imminent arrival of Antonio Conte, they are sure to be back near the top of the pile come next season. Star Performer: Willian.

Crystal Palace (C-)

   If the Premier League ended on December 30th Crystal Palace would have had an amazing season, and would have finished in 5th place. They started the season brilliantly, but fell away massively. I think the problem for Palace was upfront. Wickham, Adebayor and Chamakh did not perform, scoring just 6 between them. It will be interesting to see how they progress next season, with a great fan base and a fairly good manager in Alan Pardew. Star Performer: Scott Dan.

Everton (D)

   With the squad they have, and with players like Lukaku and Barkely they should have achieved more. Roberto Martinez also has looked a bit lost in motivating his squad this season, and he has failed in his attempt to qualify Everton for a European place. It will be interesting if they keep hold of their star players ahead of what may be a challenging season for them next year. Star Performer: Romelu Lukaku.

Leicester (A*)

   If someone had told you last season that Leicester City, having scraped their way out of a relegation battle would be 2015/16 champions, you would have thought they were deluded beyond belief. With just 3 loses in the entire campaign, a lot of respect and admiration has to go into the way Claudio Ranieri motivated Leicester to go above and beyond their capabilities and win their first Premier League title. Its been one hell of a decade for Leicester fans, after dwindling in the third tier of English football just years ago, to now champions. It will be intriguing to see if they can keep hold of their star players and build on what is a brilliant team.  Star Performer : Jamie Vardy. 

Liverpool (C-) 

   Liverpool's season has been somewhat of a roller-coaster ride. Starting the season with Brendan Rodgers in charge they performed poorly, leading to his eventual dismissal. However with the arrival of Jurgen Klopp in early October, he has revived the spirit and results are slowly but surely picking up. They still lack consistency however with Klopp having his first big transfer window in the summer, he has to get this right and I think Liverpool can be a force next season! Star Performer: Phillipe Coutinho.

Manchester City (D+)
   City started the season in decent form by winning 7 out of their first 9 matches, and topping the table for large periods of the early season. However the announcement of Per Guardiola in the second half of the season massively effected their form, and resulted in City scraping 4th place on goal difference. I think they have the best squad in the league on paper, and I don't think that too many people will argue with this fact. Certainly the best striker in the league in Sergio Aguero and I think the best creative player as well in Kevin De Bruyne, it is remarkable how they have only just managed to finish 4th. However, I do think under Guardiola next year City will be formidable and be fighting to win trophies. Star Performer: Sergio Aguero. 

Manchester United (C-)
   With a somewhat turbulent summer transfer window and subsequently letting go too many players, it was a season where United were plagued with injuries and simply did not score enough goals. Consistently throughout the season, under Louis Van Gaal united's football lacked any real attacking content, and the only positives of the season can be in the form of Martial, Rashford, Smalling and De Gea. Too many players haven't performed to their potential this season, and it looks like the current manager in Louis Van Gaal is lost and somewhat defeated in his job of taking this great club back to the top of English and European football. After not qualifying for the champions league it seems as if a change in management is needed at the club, and to motivate the players to want to play for United, in the attacking, expressive way which the club is known for. Star Performer: Anthony Martial. 

Newcastle United (E)

   Similar to the fate of Aston Villa, relegation should have never been on the cards for Newcastle United, but life in the Championship is something that they must face next season. The appointment of Rafa Benitez was too late and he was unable to guide them to safety. However it seems like he has got them playing good football and the passion seems to be back in the side, evidently in their 5-1 demolishing of near champions Spurs on the last day of the season. I think the main issue for Newcastle this season was the transfer policy of the owner and his lack of investment in players who care for the club, they will need to get that right if they want to be back in the big time next season. Star Performer: Georginio Wignaldum.

Norwich City (D-) 

   I think one must be realistic when analysing Norwich City's season. They were my firm favourites for relegation at the start of the season and they duly prevailed. I don't think they invested enough in the squad and where they did, yet again their signings did not perform, and back to the championship they go. Star Performer: Jonny Howson.

Southampton (B)

   If they had not have started so slowly this season, Southampton would have had an amazing season and would have almost certainly finished in the top 4 of the Premier League. Their 2016 form has been decent and lead them to finish in a very respectable 6th place, and put them in the qualifying stages for the Europa League next season. In Ronald Koeman they have a great manager, and if they can keep hold of his services and build on the current squad they will have an exciting season next year. Star Performer: Saido Mane.

Stoke City (C)

   It has been a pretty average season for Stoke City. Finishing in the same position as last year, albeit with 3 fewer points. However a top half finish will encourage Stoke fans, and their new identity as a more attacking side has seen them now cement their place as a Premier League side, with plenty of potential for the future. Throughout the campaign Stoke have always been a hard side to beat, and stellar victories over Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea the obvious highlights of the season. A poor April and May is puts a slight downer on the season, with only a single win in two months. Star Performer: Marco Arnautovic. 

Sunderland (D+)

   For lengthy parts of the season it very much looked like Sunderland would finally be relegated to the Championship after a few recent great escapes. Dick Advocat started the season poorly and was eventually replaced by Sam Allardyce. When big Sam took over, Sunderland were win less from their first 8 games, but he persevered in his task and eventually led Sunderland to 17th place, and condemning neighbours Newcastle to relegation. Perfect? Sunderland fans must be getting sick of scraping for their Premier League status and will be expecting a better showing next season. Star Performer: Jermain Defoe. 

Swansea City (D)
   It has been a rather average season for Swansea, at which one point saw them potentially facing a battle with relegation. Getting rid of Garry Monk is one thing I thought that the club got wrong. He got unlucky with injuries and I think tactically he was a good manager. After finishing 8th in the previous season, the drop to 12th this campaign will not be one that is welcomed by Swansea fans. I think investment is needed in the squad to get them back into the top half of the table next season. Star Performer: Gylfi Sigurosson. 

Tottenham (A-)
   Overall it has been a great season for Tottenham, only for them to disappointingly finish in 3rd place behind fierce neighbours Arsenal. I think they have played the best and most exciting football in the Premier League this season, and they have also been very strong in defence. If you had offered Spurs fans champions league football at the start of the season, most would have jumped at the chance, and being realistic I think Spurs deserve it. They did let themselves down in the title race and their eventual finish but chasing Leicester eventually took its toll. However the future is massively bright for Tottenham and fell they can build on this success and have a strong run in the league next season. Star Performer: Harry Kane. 

Watford (B+) 
   A very respectable season for Watford, who I initially thought would struggle in the fight not to be relegated. They have made themselves a side who are very difficult to beat, especially at their home ground. I cannot believe they sacked the manager Quique Flores, I thought he did an excellent job this season and I think they will struggle next season and could be relegated. Star Performer: Idion Ighalo. 

West Brom (C-)
   A pretty average season for the baggies with not really much to talk about, slipping one place from their previous years position in the league. Tony Pulis has had to deal with various injury problems and off field problems with star striker, Saido Berahino. They need a good summer transfer window! Star Performer: Darren Fletcher.

West Ham United (A)
   A brilliant season for the hammers, and one that has left them with a lot to build on ahead of their move to the Olympic stadium next year. Eventually finishing in 7th place is a bit misleading. The Hammers have flirted with the idea of champions league football all season, and for a side who finished in the bottom half last season, missing out on the champions league by only 4 points this season must be seen as a success. Star Performer: Dimitri Payet. 

United need Zlatan, and Zlatan needs United

   Zlatan Ibrahimovic has today made it clear that he is leaving PSG this summer, as a free agent. For the life of me I can't figure out why a top club in Europe hasn't already snapped him up for nothing, a player of his quality and his stature rarely becomes available on a free transfer. 

Since joining PSG he has scored an massively impressive 111 in 116(5) appearances (Soccerbase, ESPN). Those statistics are world class and represent just how good a player the Swede is. Many fellow fans and pundits alike play down his ability due to not performing when playing English sides or not being consistent enough, but with statistics like the above its obvious these claims are ambiguous. He is a genius of a footballer, can do anything with a ball and can win a game on his own. He's done it in Spain, Italy, France and Holland, and although he wasn't as prolific in Spain with Barcelona he still managed 21 goals in his 2 year spell. The added factor of not seeing eye to eye with Guardiola would have also impacted on his goal tally. 

(Zlatan has been prolific for PSG this season)

   One argument against him is that he is often aggressive and sometimes see's red when it matters. Notably against Chelsea in the Champions League. But again this is what United need. No one is overly aggressive in the Manchester United team, and as long as his aggression was positively controlled, I think it would again suit the Premier League. The other argument is the age and yes he is 34 and I think if any deal is struck it should only be a one year deal. His goal scoring statistics show that actually he improves with age, hitting the majority of his goal in his 30+ years. 

(Soccer Base, Metro)

   Manchester United desperately need a talisman and someone that is brimming with confidence and does not get phased by pressure. Zlatan is known to be able to cope when under pressure and he has the experience to come to the Premier League and not be phased by the rhythm of the game or the speed of the game. He has that arrogance and swagger that United haven't had since the days of Cantona and Ronaldo, and I think a team does need someone like that, and someone that excites the fans. I just do not see where Man United can lose on this deal. The club needs another striker for sure and all his attributes fit perfectly into what we need. However, with one eye on young striking talents already at the club in Rashford, Wilson and Fletcher, a one year deal for one of the most prolific strikers in Europe makes perfect sense moving forward. 

Zlatan surely would leap at the chance of joining Manchester United? The prospect of being able to finally prove himself in the Premier League. He has been linked with moves to the MLS and possibly back to Italy, but if a club the size of Manchester United comes on for him, surely he will will prefer that for one year and see his career out under the lights of Old Trafford?

The 3 Transfers that can get Man United back to the top!

   For the last 2 seasons the squad has looked desperately lacklustre and looking like it needs 3/4 top quality players to be able to consistently compete with top clubs. I genuinely think  the club has tried hard to sort the issue of the playing staff, we have attracted some world class players such as Falcao, Di Maria and Schweinsteiger but for various reasons they haven't performed to the world class standard we have needed. It is not easy to adapt to the English game, and a lot of very, very good players come to the Premier League and just cant perform. 

   We have also signed some very good players. Ed Woodward has been criticized heavily, and I think its always easy to look at the negative signings he has made, but he signed Martial and kept De Gea for one more year! One thing is for sure, this summer we need an almost perfect transfer window, by getting a world class CB, CM and a CF and not selling too many players. 

   Centre Back is probably the position that we need strengthening most. Since Vidic left United I don't think we have ever looked convincing at the back. Although Smalling has played very well this season, the partnership in defence is very important and I think he needs a world class, and experienced Centre Back alongside him to further improve his own game and stability of the back 4. Leonardo Bonucci is the one that I would do everything to sign this summer. At the heart of Juventus' defence he has lead them to league titles and a champions league final in 5 years. At 29 years of age I think he could bring the experience and a certain aggression that we have missed at the back since Vidic left in 2013. He would cost in the region of £20-25 Million, and he has been linked with a move to the premier league with Chelsea often seen as leading the race for the Italian. But if we got in quick and with the possibility of champions league football, I think we could get him and that would sure up the defence a bit more for next season.

  Centre midfield also still looks like it lacks something. I don't think defensively, as Schneiderlin for me is our out and our defensive midfielder and I think he's good enough. Someone that I have always rated very highly, and who I think could be realistic is Luka Modric. One of the best passers of the ball in Europe, and I think we still lack a creative, forward thinking passer. Also  Real Madrid are a club who always want the galactico or the fashionable signing, and midfield is an area they will be strengthening in the summer, with Pogba or Gundogan potentially being the galactico. With Kroos, Casemiro, James, Isco and Kovacic already at the club playing in the centre of the midfield, they will have to surely let 1 or 2 go. I think one will be Modric and the other Casemiro. Modric has proven himself in Europe's toughest leagues in the Premier League and La Liga and for me is still one of the best, and underrated midfielder's in world football. Again I think he will cost in the region of £20-25 Million, but worth every penny. Still has 2-3 years at his peak and won't need anytime to settle into the league, having already extensively played in it with Spurs. 

   I also think that we need another CF because I to strongly challenge for titles you need 3/4 top, top strikers. In Martial we have that, and I think Rashford shows huge promise, but he cannot yet be called a top player. With Rooney seemingly now playing on a deeper role that leaves us with very little out and out forwards. Antione Griezmann is the striker I would bring to the club. Right now there are very few strikers in Europe that better him. 31 goals and 6 assists for Atletico Madrid this season and often playing as a winger shows he knows where the goal is. Also the versatility of Griezmann is also important. He can play anywhere across the front line and the wings and in the modern game with injuries occurring frequently, versatility is important. His brother, Theo Griezmann also tweeted in April saying "glory, glory man united", this of course should be taken with a pinch of salt, but could the possibility of linking up with fellow Frenchman, Anthony Martial be enough to persuade him? However, he won't be cheap by any means and could cost between £45-55 Million. But in today's transfer market I think we should pay up and secure one of the best forwards in Europe at the moment. 

Crystal Palace PREVIEW!

So after two wins on the bounce you could say that United are in great form, against a Palace side who are really struggling and a win would be a formality? Well you're wrong. This is 2016 Man United, and throughout the entire season we have won two games and then lost the next, two steps forward three steps back! Lets face the facts, we crawled across the finish line against Aston Villa on Saturday, the same Aston Villa who have lost their last 10 Premier League games and currently have the third lowest points total for a Premier League side. But we won and we sit four points behind Arsenal, a side who are wobbling, and a side who I think can be caught!

Let us now look at the positives going into the game tonight. Marcus Rashford seems to be improving even more, and I do believe if he scores more goals between now and the end of the season, we shouldn't bother buying another striker. As for him going to the Euro's, I would not even consider it, with the likes of Kane, Vardy, Rooney and Sturridge ahead of him, I think he would be better having a rest than sitting on a bench in France watching it unfold. The U21's last night secured their third premier league title in four years in classic united fashion, Varela smashed in a injury time winner to seal the title and win the game on the night. So despite Manchester Evening News' scathing criticism of the youth team, it would appear they are very, very wrong!

I would mix it up a little bit tonight, but not too much, I think its imperative we keep the pressure up on Man City and Arsenal. Four points is definitely catchable! I would go with the following line up!

GK - De Gea (Obvious choice.)

RB - Fosu-Mensah (He appears to be massively growing into the team and I think its important that he continues his progress and keeps on playing!)

CB - Smalling (He has become a very reliable and solid defender, second name on the team sheet, every week.)

CB -  Blind (I would have rested Blind, but I think he has been brilliant this season and we have no real, solid other option so he needs to be there.)

LB - Rojo (This should be his final chance, and the chance to show he has it. Recently he has been poor and this is his rehearsal for next season, perform or leave.)

CM - Schneiderlin (This game will be won in midfield, palace have loads of energy there and Schneiderlin can combat this. His performances have improved second half of season.)

CM - Herrera (I am a huge fan of Herrera, and I don't see him playing at the weekend. I would give him the chance tonight. Energy, killer passes, get him in!)

CAM - Mata (I pick Mata for his set pieces, palace foul a lot and Mata is brilliant with set plays, too early for Rooney to start.)

LW - Memphis (Think he needs another start, more confidence, and let him play his football and express himself, Lingard needs a rest)

RW - Martial (Strange that he wasn't starting vs Villa. A must start for me, rotating with Rashford upfront constantly, confusing the defenders.)

CF - Rashford (Truly earns his place, must start, knows where the goal is.)

Subs: Romero, Valencia, Darmian, Fellaini, Lingard, Young, Rooney.

The danger man in the Palace side is Yannick Bolasie. He has that unpredictability about him, plenty of pace, skill and power and Smalling and co in the defence will have to be on guard against him. I also like Cabaye, and I actually would have liked to have seen him in our side, I think he is underrated and has an excellent set piece. 

Prediction 2-0 United (Martial, Memphis)

I am going to be positive in my prediction, the players are getting the results and one loss in 7 is not bad. I think the players will be encouraged to attack more and be more lethal in front of goal, I can't believe we only managed one against Villa. It will be tough but Palace are not in form themselves, winning 3 times in 14 games, they are struggling for goals too. Lets smash them!

West Ham (Review)

We did it, we are through to the Semi-Finals of the F.A Cup. Against all expectation we managed to beat probably one of the best West Ham sides in the last 10 years in their last F.A Cup game at the Boleyn Ground. It was a performance that oozed professionalism and I thought that we wanted it more than them from the very first whistle. We attacked with real intent and looked very dangerous every time we got close to the West Ham box we looked like scoring. I think Herrera in the midfield made a real difference. His attacking intent and attacking movement freed up the space for the forwards and he managed to find Martial and Rashford many times. 

Man of the match for me however was Martial. Although he didn't score on the night, his movement and his ability to beat a man created many chances for us and set up Rashford's brilliant goal. Rashford's reputation again increased over night after his brilliant performance last night, with a lot of pundits and fans alike making the suggestion that he should go to the Euro's with England. I have to be honest, I think its too early for him to be considered for England. Let him play his football, enjoy it and keep the pressure to a minimum, and make sure he develops more and he is on the plane to the 2018 world cup!

When Fellaini was announced in the starting 11 social media reacted in a frenzy, he has been very poor this season, but I thought he was good against West Ham, besides his goal which essentially he knew nothing about. His passing was accurate, and he looked like he was really motivated to win the game, as did the rest of the team. Timothy Fosu-Mensah got another important 90 minutes of football under his belt for the first team, and put in another captivating performance, keeping Dimitri Payet very, very quiet. If he continues to develop I could see him becoming a massive player for the club, I just hope that he doesn't become tempted if Real Madrid or Barcelona came knocking.

Looking ahead to this weekend, we probably have the easiest tie possible in the league, Aston Villa at home. A team that is nearly relegated, and if we win against them on Saturday and others drop points they will be down. In regards to the Semi-Finals of the F.A cup, we play Everton at Wembley on Saturday 23rd April, lets hope we can get to the final where we could potentially be playing either Crystal Palace or Watford in the Final. Lets hope for 3 points at the weekend on Saturday against Villa and keep the red flag flying high!

West Ham away F.A Cup (Preview)

Tomorrow we take on West Ham in a Quarter final replay, after be demolished 3-0 at the hands of Spurs on Sunday. Something has to change, it seems like the story of this season is that we win a couple of games then always go back of the boil, 2 steps forward and then 3 steps back. But in the F.A cup we have strung together some consistency, but there are not many harder places to win this season than at the Boleyn Ground. West ham are in decent form, and that form had led them to 6th in the league and knocking on our door. They are hard to beat, and especially at home, as Arsenal found out on Saturday, by scraping a draw. 

I have got to be honest, normally I have confident in the team, and always believe, even when we don't perform and look terrible. But this time I really cannot see us getting through, I think as a team, West Ham are one of the best in the league, and at the Boleyn they have always been hard to beat. Last time we played at Old Trafford it was a 1-1 draw, and Dimitri Payet scored that excellent free kick, maybe we were a bit unlucky with that on the day.  But if we want to win we need a truly stellar performance, and from the whole team. However reports have come out that after the Spurs game the dressing room is in meltdown, and players have lost it with LVG, they don't share his philosophy and think his substitutions are ridiculous. I think he has well and truly lost the dressing room. 

The only way we can win this game is if we perform excellently in a defensive manner, and our striker, Martial is up for the game and takes his chances. I think his critics were a bit unfair concerning his miss on Sunday. By the way who made the chance? Martial. He did all the work and his team are not really helping him get more chances, the creativity in the centre of the park is lacking big time, and I struggle to see where the balance between defence and attack is. 

Here is the line up I would like to see: (4-2-3-1)

GK- De Gea: Doesn't need justifying! 

RB- Fosu-Mensah: If he is fit, he 100% deserves the chance, was our best player Sunday. if not fit I would go with Valencia, his pace and aggression will be key vs West Ham. 

CB- Smalling: Doesn't need justifying again, our leader and best player this season. 

CB- Blind: Key player for us, need his football brain, moulding into a great CB.

LB- Borthwick-Jackson: Played Monday, but I love his attacking intent and he can cross a ball, Rojo was pathetic against Spurs. 

CM- Schneiderlin: Great in the box to box role, can break up the midfield's domination. This game will be won in the midfield, and energy is needed.

CM- Herrera: Deserves a game and I think he can provide energy and that killer pass that we have been lacking. 

CAM- Periera: Needs a chance. He probably wont play, but I think he deserves an opportunity, creative, clinical and passionate. 

LW- Lingard: Been one of our bright sparks and provides pace, and creativity again. Mata has been off the boil recently and should be benched. 

RW- Memphis: Give him a chance!!! He needs a start and a chance to impress. Obviously has the talent and quality and no better chance than vs west ham. 

ST- Martial: Prefer him up top. Can create a chance for himself, bring others into the game. Need to give Rashford a rest. 

Subs: Romero, Mcnair, Valencia, Carrick, Mata, Weir, Rashford. 

The danger man for me is obviously Payet. He is deadly from set pieces, and we need to watch the fouls that we concede, otherwise he will punish us again. Also Carroll, I actually think Smalling will keep him quiet but he needs to be limited and needs to be controlled. Again, another reason to be careful at conceding set pieces. 

Prediction: 2-1 (Carroll, Payet: Lingard).

I don't like to be negative but I want to be realistic too. I think we will go out and the pressure will crank up on LVG. We will go ahead and then sit back, LVG will probably make some dodgy substitutions and we will lose it. Confidence is low. But lets hope I am wrong and we get to Wembley and to the Semi-Finals. 

Spurs vs United (REVIEW)

So we have just lost 3-0 to Spurs in a game where we again had lots of possession and even lots of possession in the opponents half, but also once again failed to create any substantial chances that threatened Lloris' goal. Just the 1 shot on target in the whole game, and no suprise it was Martial that created and attempted the chance.

So where did it all go wrong? Was it coincidental that the minute man of the match for us, Timothy Fosu-Mensah went off injured, then we fell apart and 6 minutes later we were 3-0 down? As well as he did I don't think the entirety of the blame can be put on that one misfortune I would also love to provide a reason to divert the blame from LVG but it simply was down to him, once again.

I'll start with the shocking decision to take Rashford off at half time, a young player who has re-injected hope into our doomed season, what a way to dent a youngsters confidence. To then bring on Young, and play him as a centre forward, by the way we had Depay, a competent and far better player on the bench. It is like a child has got hold of FIFA and is playing around with the selection, week in week out, LVG is making laughable decisions regarding the team selection.

The team looked like they had no real game or tactical plan! Every time we got into the Spurs half there was little to no movement and all we seemed to do is attempt to find Martial on the left wing, but most of the time go back into defender and then invite more pressure onto ourselves.

This has been happening all season and this week our luck ran out and Spurs ran riot over us, and in truth, if not for De Gea it should have been a bigger score line. The only positive from the game at all was the fact that Fosu-Mensah had another decent hour of first team football under his belt, he looks a real talent and would love to see him playing next to Smalling more regularly, and Blind playing in midfield. 

I would be very suprised to see LVG here next season, he has taken the heart and soul out of United, and he looks like a beaten and lost man. As for our top 4 hopes in a way I would love to say yep, it's over now, but I still think, in this league and in this specific season, nothing can be ruled out. However it seems unlikely.

Next up for United is a very tough FA cup quarter final replay at West Ham on Wednesday. I will be very suprised if we make it into the semi finals, but let's be hopeful, and keep the red flag flying high! 

Spurs Vs United: (PREVIEW)

Spurs have had a ground breaking season, finally they seemed to have moved away from disappointing their fans every season, by nearly getting into the top 4 and being inconsistent all season. Their record against the top 6 is pretty good. Most impressively, they have thumped Man City 4-1 and home and beaten them at the Ethiad. they have become a hard team to beat, and I think their defence has been the best in the league. But can we beat them? Absolutely.

We scraped past them 1-0 in the first game of the season at Old Trafford, but we still won, and I think a similar score line is on the cards. Our form is once again improving and we know if we win this game, our top four hopes go from fragile to very very possible. I would go with a counter attacking set up, lets face it, spurs will have most of the possession and they use it well, if we press high and hit them on the break with Martial, Rashford and Lingard we can hurt them. I think we are very competent now defending from open play, the main problem that I see week in, week out is defending set plays, we always look fragile and I think we need to be careful against spurs, with the sheer height of their team. Here is the Line up I would select for the game: (4-1-2-3)

GK -De Gea: No reason to explain his selection, no reason at all.

RB- Darmian: He has got some match fitness together and I think he needs a run in the team.

CB- Smalling (C): Our best player this season in my opinion. A leader at the back, never looked fragile or exposed this season, second name on the team sheet. 

CB- Blind: I don't like Daley Blind playing at CB, I know he's a much better defensive midfielder and i think he can offer more from DM. however he has been brilliant there this season, he has played every game for united, he is an intelligent footballer. 

LB- Fosu-Mensah: I think he has been brilliant when he has come on for united. 18 years of age but he plays the game with confidence and he looks the part. 

CDM- Schniederlin: brings tonnes of energy to the midfield and should start every game.

CM- Herrera: more energy again, and tenacious. We need loads of energy against spurs, Alli needs to be contained. 

CM- Carrick: Rotate with Schniederlin all game, mix it up, we need his experiance.

LW- Martial: I think they have a weakness with Rose. I think martial can expose him more than Rashford, if we win it will be won through good wing play.

RW- Lingard: Mata is too slow for this fixture. We need pace, speed and unpredictability, and Lingard is all those, he has played well recently, start him.

CF- Rashford: you all know what he can do, think he can use his speed to get at the spurs defence. 

Subs: Romero, CBJ, Valencia, Periera, Fellaini, Memphis, Mata

Kane for me is the one player that spurs have who is nearly world class. Similar to Lukaku last week, he knows where the goal is and can come out of no where and score. Alli is also an obvious danger, but he can see red fast. 

Prediction: 1-1 (Kane, Martial)

Even if we only draw this one, its still a good result. The pressure is on spurs. I think it will be a draw but i wont be surprised if we sneak a win, come on Untied!!!

Everton Review!

Yesterday Manchested United grounded out a 1-0 win against a tricky Everton outfit. I think it's fair to say that United were far from their best, especially the first half, and Everton were generally poor, which is a suprise as they only lost 1 away game in the league before yesterday. It's now 2, 1-0 wins on the bounce no, and before the City and Everton games, few people thought United would take 6 points out of them. 

For me, man of the match was indefinitely Daley Blind. He has played every single game this season for United, and mostly in positions in which he is competent in, but unremarkable. He kept Lukaku quiet at every minute of the game, looked calm and composed throughout and never looked like making a mistake. However he has been outstanding 9/10 times he's pulled on the red shirt this season and he's a serious contender for player of the season for me. When Fosu-Mensah came on at half time I felt he made a real difference, he also grabbed his first assist and looked very conpetent for an 18 year old. He will hopefully be a United player for years to come. 

On a negative note, I did also think Carrick had a laboured and mistake ridden game. He played very well at City, but I thought yesterday he was poor on the ball with passing and gave away the ball a few times. I still think he should have a year extension on his contract and become more of a squad player, he's been excellent throughout the years and he has turned in some good performances this year. 

For me these two great results will mean little if we don't get something from White Heart Lane this weekend. Even a draw would be a okay result but confidence is high in the squad and the youngsters should be given the starts again! Onwards and upwards! 

Man United vs Everton (PREVIEW)

United entertain Everton at Old Trafford on Sunday, looking to complete the double over the toffees for the first time since 2007. United should come into the game with confidence, after a fantastic win at the Ethiad against rivals man city before the international break, but unpredictability in performance has been the bane of Manchester United's form throughout the season. However, United have won 3/5 of their last previous games in the League, and should just start the game as favourites to beat Everton. 

Everton go into the game very much in the same stead as their opponents. Very unpredictable in form and results and they have turned up on times this season and performed very well against top sides. But inconsistencies have lead them to currently being 13th in the Premier League table, a position that most Everton fans will be discontent with. Recent form wise Everton have only won 2/5 games, however they have a more impressive away record, winning 3/3 trips on the road in the league, something of a concern for United, maybe. 

United Lineup 

GK- De Gea: an obvious one, he picks himself in the team.

RB - Darmian: more match fitness under his belt for Italy, think Varela was poor in the Derby. 

CB- Smalling: again, picks himself.

CB- Blind: did well against England. And played well against Aguero, his long balls could be useful against a weak Everton defence. 

LB- Rojo: more match fitness for Argentina, get him a run of games, like his passion and aggression. 

CDM- Schniederlin: should be starting every game for me, solid player who breaks up attacks and works hard. 

CM- Herrera: compliments Schniederlin well, provides balance to the midfield, has a killer pass in him, need his tenacity against Barkely. 

CAM- Mata: technically the best player in the squad. Far superior player as a no. 10, creative, set piece genius, lots of opportunities vs Everton. 

LW- Depay: play the lad! 2 assists for Holland in break. Give him game time and a run of games and he performs, need unpredictability. 

RW- Lingard: played very well against city, takes people on and can score goals, bags of energy. Rashford needs a rest after 8 games on bounce. 

CF- Martial: prefer him as a complete forward, offers more, play to feet. 

Subs; Romero, Varela, Fosu-Mensah, Valencia, Carrick, Periera, Rashford. 

The danger man for Everton has to be Romelu Lukaku. With an impressive 25 goals in all competitions this year, he needs to be dealt with. I think he's one of the best strikers in the league, and on the brink of being one of the best in Europe. Barkely is also a threat from long range and set pieces, he needs to be denied space. 

Prediction; 3-1 United. (Martial, 2; Herrera: Lukaku). 

Come on United!