Former striker Andy Cole hopes Sir Alex pursuit Benz in the summer

Manchester United legend, Andrew Cole, believes that there is currently a genuine lack of traditional goal-scoring centre-forwards in world football, but believes that Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema is a player of United quality, who would fit that mould.

Sir Alex Ferguson made an offer of 35million Euros in the summer for the highly-rated French International, but Benzema had his heart set on a move to Madrid, a club he had supported since childhood, because of Brazilian striking sensation Ronaldo.

Cole hopes that United will revive their pursuit of the talanted striker, who has been out of favour at the Bernabeau and thus suffering from indifferent form over the last few months. However, Cole believes that much maligned Dimitar Berbatov should not make way for the transfer, as he is a quality player, who fans should support.

The former No. 9 was speaking to the Mancester Evening news ahead of United’s Big Red Family Day out for Sport Relief on Saturday at Old Trafford.

Cole told the MEN: “I think Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen’s injuries have proved that United do need another body in their strike force,” Cole said.

“It wouldn’t surprise me at all if the manager brings somebody in to add to the players he has. But the question is who do you buy?

“I was speaking to Sir Alex Ferguson last summer at his charity golf day and we were talking about the fact there are no No9s around these days.

“There are a lot of No10s, the playmakers who make things happen, about. But traditional goalscoring strikers are few and far between.

“Everyone has got the same dilemma. There are hardly any of them about. I look around the world, there’s Fernando Torres, Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto’o in that No9 style, and then I’m struggling to name anyone else.

“Torres at Liverpool is a real old-fashioned English centre-forward. He’s a throwback but you don’t get many of them in England these days let alone from Europe. He is definitely a bit of a one-off.

“Karim Benzema is not identical to Torres but I think he is the nearest you might get to him. I think he is fantastic. He has great ability.

“I know Sir Alex wanted him last summer and if he can go back and try again and the lad decided he’d have more chance at Old Trafford then I think that would be really interesting. It’s what United need.”

Even if the Reds could persuade Benzema to give up Real and La Liga he wouldn’t advocate ditching United’s current wearer of the No9 shirt Dimitar Berbatov.

While Cole is chuffed that he is remembered fondly as a great Old Trafford goalscorer he admits his early years after signing for a then record £7m from Newcastle in January 1995 wasn’t all plain sailing.

“I am really proud that my contribution, and particularly those years with Dwight Yorke, are so happily remembered by United fans,” Andy added.

“To make a contribution for a club as big as United then is still talked about is fantastic. Nobody can take that away from me.

“But I had my downs as well. When I first arrived it wasn’t easy but I got my head down, worked hard and that’s what I always did when things weren’t going too well.

“I have sympathy with Dimitar Berbatov as he’s been questioned a lot, as I was at times.

“I think people should accept him for what he is and enjoy what he brings. People should embrace him and enjoy the type of footballer he is.”

United linked with Veron’s team mate

Well, no transfer rumour seems impossible these days. Whether it is an unknown Angolan striker, an upcoming Mexican starlet or a Senagal International plying his trade in the Norwegian league. However improbable, they have come to fruition and so United fans might as well humour the rumours and indulge themselves with the imminent deluge of transfer speculations as silly season gets underway.

The latest player to be linked with the Red Devils is 24 year old Argentinian, Mauro Boselli – an inform striker who has been averaging 3 goals in every 4 games for Estudiantes this season. The 5ft 11in Centre Forward played a pivotal role in helping his team win the Copa Libertadores last season by scoring 8 goals in the competition. He scored a further 4 goals in the Copa Sudamericana and 1 in the FIFA Club World Cup against Barcelona last December.

However plausible the rumour may be, I do get the feeling that this story is the result of United’s recent signing of Mexico’s Javier Hernandez and the fact that former red Juan Veron is a team mate of Boselli, providing a convenient link to United.

Boselli had previously been linked with a move to Birmingham City during the January transfer window, but Alex McLeish ultimately declined to sign the player.

Here’s a compilation of the player’s goals. He would seem to offer something different to the strikers we currently have AND he could teach Berba how to take penalties, but with several strikers already on United’s books, I don’t think we will add to that department without selling.

United’s official website asks fans to join waiting list

Manchester United’s official website have put up an ad asking fans to “join the season ticket waiting list now”, which would indicate to me that the club are having difficulties to get current ticket holders to renew their subscriptions for next season.

Several ticket holders have mentioned on various internet forums that the once famous Manchester United waiting list no longer exists, with former season ticket holders claiming that  the club had contacted them at the end of last season and tried to convince them to re-consider their decision not to renew.

To me it just doesn’t make sense to ask fans to join a waiting list.

It either means the Glazers already know that there will be a lot of people not renewing or want to steel themselves for the impending loss of renewals. Either way, it is an indication that a) the current waiting list is not very long or even non-existent and b) many Old Trafford faithful have finally had enough and are not going to renew their season tickets to show their unhappiness with the Glazer ownership.

This advert shows that the Green and Gold campaign, as well as the efforts of the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust is gaining momentum. It is also an indication of how unhappy the supporters are with the Glazers. So unhappy, that they would choose not to attend matches at the Theatre of Dreams for the long-term benefit of the club they love.

It cannot be an easy decision to make and whether their decision not to renew is correct is debatable, but I salute these fans’ courage, as well as determination. I think they are fighting for the soul of the club.

Tom Cleverley has been named Watford’s Player of the season

Tom Cleverley won the prestigious Watford Player of the Season Award onSunday at the Club’s End of Season Awards Dinner in association with the Watford Observer.

The midfielder has been in sensational form for the Hornets this term, making 35 appearances and scoring 11 goals before a knee ligament injury cut his season short.

The youngster joined the ‘Orns on loan in August from Manchester United and made it a debut to remember by scoring in the victory against Nottingham Forest at The City Ground.

This award was voted for by readers of the Watford Observer via their website.

The Player of the Season award was sponsored by SA Law.

You can see a compilation of Tom’s goals and assists here

Is the next goalscoring midfield star already at Man Utd?

Basingstoke born midfielder Tom Cleverley joined Manchester United’s youth setup from Bradford City’s academy at the age of 15. He acquitted himself well at youth level and was promoted to the reserve levels near the end of the 2005/2006 season.

The 2007–08 season marked Cleverley’s emergence as a regular in the Manchester United reserve team. His consistent performances for the reserves earned him the captaincy of the team in the absence of regular captain Sam Hewson, as well as a nomination for the Denzil Haroun Reserve Player of the Year award – he lost out to Richard Eckersley.

He made his first team debut against Kaizer Chiefs in the final of the 2008 Vodacom Challenge, coming on in place of Rodrigo Possebon at half-time, before he scored the third of United’s four goals just after the hour mark.

Cleverly joined Leicester City on loan during the second half of the 2008/2009 season scoring two goals in 15 matches before the loan was cut short through injury.  He then returned to Manchester United for treatment and underwent surgery on his shoulder on 2 April 2009.

Although his loan had ended, Cleverley was presented with a medal on April 24 after Leicester secured their promotion as champions of League One.

Tom Cleverley’s progress was noted by the coaching staff and in order to give him more first team experience, he was loaned out to Watford for a 6 month period, which was then extended to the end of the season.

The 5ft 9in midfielder enjoyed a great season and is widely regarded by Watford fans as being their best, as well as most important player this season scoring 11 goals and making 5 assists. Unfortunately, Cleverley’s loan was again cut short by an injury to his knee ligaments. United fans everywhere should be hoping he recovers well and be sending him positive vibes, because he has a genuine chance of becoming a goal-scoring midfielder for United which is a scarce commodity at the moment.

Ability-wise he ticks off most of the boxes and has a great eye for goal, as well as the correct mindset and  good determination, which should see him in good stead at United.

Here’s a video clip showing some of Tom Cleverley’s goals and assists for Manchester United, England and Watford thus far.

On-loan Red Devil finding form in the Bundesliga

Zoran Tosic continued his good form in front of goal for FC Cologne by scoring both goals in a 2:0 win against VFL Bochum.  Tosic recently scored in a 1:4 win over Hannover and has added to his burgeoning reputation in the Bundesliga as a pacy, goalscoring winger.

It will be interesting to see, if Sir Alex will be impressed enough by Tosic’s performances to include him in his 25-man team for next season or will decide to cash in on the Serbian winger – probably to a Bundesliga club – in order to free up a spot.

For both goals, Tosic displayed great pace to get past the Bochum defenders, good first touch to control the ball and clinical finishing.

Noisy neighbours silenced by the ginger genius

Manchester United’s legendary determination and never-say-die attitude saw the reigning EPL champions beat Manchester City at Eastlands. Patrice Evra waltzed past the City defence and played in a perfect cross for Paul Scholes to glance into goal.

Sir Alex Ferguson hailed the latest heroics of his team and reveled in this season’s third last-minute win against Manchester City and told BBC:

It was an amazing finish,” said the United boss as Paul Scholes’s late goal kept United on leaders Chelsea’s heels.

“We’ve three last-minute goals against them now this season but deserve it,” said the 68-year-old Ferguson.

“We had the best chances but it did not look like anyone was going to win,” reflected Ferguson, who has been riled by big-spending City this season. “The game became very open in the last 10 minutes.

“Derbies are derbies and the way we have won has given our supporters great excitement,” added Ferguson. “To do it that way on City’s own ground is a great result for us.

“We wanted to keep a clean sheet because we know if we get back to zero against it gives us a chance. One-nil wins have played a big part in our title wins and 1-0 today shows that’s true.”

The United boss singled out Scholes for special praise after the midfielder’s headed winner.

“No-one is better than him at ghosting into the box,” said Ferguson of the 35-year-old who signed a new one-year extension to his contract on Friday.

“He was man of the match today, he was wonderful, he’s such a skilful player.”

Scholes had just put pen to paper on a one year contract extension and rewarded the faith shown in him by scoring late in added time.

Scholes said: “I think we were the team pressing to try to score and fortunately we were lucky enough to win the game with not much time left.

“It’s nice to win any game against City, and away from home especially.”

This was the third time Mancher United beat Manchester City in added time this season and has heaped grief and misery on Manchester fans of the blue persuasion. Michael Owen scored in dramatic fashion when the team’s met in the league and then in the second leg of the Carling Cup semi final when Wayne Rooney scored to take United to the final.

It is a day Manchester United fans across the world will enjoy and savour.

More Misery for City fans

Scholes signs on for another year. Rooney’s fit to play.

Today’s press conference at Carrington has certainly caused a few headlines. Here are the most important talking points and my take on them:

Owen Hargreaves to be in squad for tomorrow Wayne, Rio & Ryan are doubtful

Wayne Rooney’s fitness has been in the headlines since he got injured and Manchester fans of both the blue and red persuasion are monitoring his recovery keenly. Sir Alex told the attending journalists: “Wayne has done some work in the last couple of days and we’re going to assess how he does today [in training] to see how he is for Saturday’s game.

“The big problem is that all the players want to play. But we have to be 100 per cent sure that Wayne is ready.”

Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs are doubtful for tomorrow’s derby, but will be given late fitness tests. “The same applies for Ryan and Rio, although they are both behind Wayne in terms of the work they have done.

“Picking up injuries in last Sunday’s game is a problem in terms of recovery time, but at least they have done some jogging. I have to consider them if they manage to do something today (Friday). But it’s up in the air at the moment.”

On a more positive note, Owen Hargreaves will be making the short trip across town after training well on Thursday, while John O’Shea has shaken off a slight knock he picked up last Sunday. “I think with John it was just tiredness after his first start in quite a while. Other than that everyone is fit.”

- I fully expect to see Wayne Rooney start this match and he will have a big effect on proceedings. Expect a much improved showing from Sunday’s mundane draw.

It’s great to see Owen Hargreaves included in an 18-man squad again, even if he’s only going to be on the subs bench. It will be a psychological boost for him – another step on the long road to recovery. I don’t expect him to be brought on unless injuries necessitate it. It’s going to be a feisty match and Hargo has only played 45 minutes of a reserves match, so playing him tomorrow would be an unnecessary risk and exposing to a level of fitness he’s not ready for.

Scholes extends stay

Following the press conference this morning, it was also announced that Paul Scholes has put pen to paper on a contract extension that will see him stay on at Manchester United until June 2011.

Sir Alex commented: “We are delighted Paul is staying on for another year.

“His form this year indicates his ability and his enjoyment of the game are as strong as ever, and that’s every reason to stay on.

“There was talk about him wanting to retire, but when you see his enjoyment in training and playing, you can see how much he wants to carry on.”

Scholes said: “I am pleased to have signed for another year. I am feeling good and enjoying my football.

“I would like to thank the boss, the coaching staff and also the fans for their continued support.”

- I have mixed feelings on this. With both Anderson and Carrick performing below par this season, Scholes has performed decently, but didn’t reach the levels he once was so capable of. I see the benefits of having Scholes in the squad for another season, but hope that Sir Alex has seen enough this season to give young midfielders more minutes and to sign another midfielder.

Which brings us to our next point from the press conference:

Fergie plans summer signings

“From our point of view, we have a good structure. We may need to tweak here and there – a player here, maybe a player there,” the boss said on Friday.

“We tend to like buying young players and to build them up within the club. We’ve been good at that over the years. We won’t change that, that’s the reason we signed Hernandez from Mexico. We may buy another player this summer, maybe two at the very most, because that’s where we are, our structure is good. We may look at one or two things, but nothing serious.”

“If we were to prioritise a player, I doubt City would be going for that player as well,” he said. “They are maybe after a different type of player, but I don’t know what they are up to or what their plans are. Nobody knows, but they have a buying power that is different from most other clubs.

“The important thing is not to confuse ourselves with other clubs who have so much buying power. That’s just a fact. We don’t really need to worry about that. It was the same when Chelsea were buying players, we didn’t bother ourselves with that. What we tried to do is look at ourselves and see how we can develop our team. And we proved to be successful at it.”

- To me, this translates to: “We’ don’t have money to spend on big-name signings who are going to cost a fortune. United are going to buy young players with the potential to become big name stars.”

The past few matches have been worrying, but then again, with a slice of luck, we could be top of the table and in the semi-finals of the Chamions League, so wholesale changes are not necessary.

With Chris Smalling and Javier Hernandez already signed up for next season, I expect Fergie to sign a central midfielder and maybe a player who can play both as a left winger or striker.  James Milner and Karim Benzema would fit these two roles perfectly.

I wonder how much Fergie wishes he had the 30 million which were spent on Dimitar Berbatov.

Wayne not going to Spain!

When asked about recent stories from the rumour mills about a possible 90million pounds transfer of Wayne Rooney to Real Madrid, Sir Alex dismissed the stories, by saying:
“Well, this is the silly season, isn’t it? Wayne will be here next year.”

- That’s probably the most satisfying bit.

Not that I was too worried anyway, because Wazza has already said he doesn’t want to go anywhere, unlike Ronaldo’s vague “Only God knows the future” comments.

So in summary, it’s several pieces of good positive news ahead of tomorrow’s vital clash, which has lifted my spirits and will probably have had the same effect on other fans and also the players.

Bring on City!

Relive some wonderful strikes and memories

While thinking about United’s poor record of scoring from corners this season – only 4 goals from 246 corners or 1.46% compared to Man City’s 15 goals from 207 corners or 7.25% – I also realized that we haven’t seen many free kicks of real quality. Ryan Giggs’ effort against Tottenham being a rare gem.

Nani has scored from a free kick this season, but he was out of favour or out injured for big parts of this term. I’m not sure why Berbatov doesn’t step up to the plate and have a few punts, since he did take free kicks for Spurs, but maybe he feels he should be asked or invited.

Of course, I would prefer Man Utd not having to rely on goals from dead ball situations, but it can happen that United play well and deserve to win, but just can’t find the net, so they can come in handy. Besides the practicality of scoring from free kicks, they also are beautiful to watch. The aesthetic beauty of a ball bending over or around a wall and into the net is just breath-taking.

So having suffered a recent drought in goals from free kicks, I decided to take a trip down memory lane and check out some of the nicer United free kicks from recent times.

Not all of them were available online, but the usual suspects can be found.

Enjoy and feel free to share the ones I forgot to list.

Giggs vs Tottenham 09/10

Owen Hargreaves vs Arsenal

Ronaldo compilation

Beckham vs Real Madrid

(I apologize for the irritating commentary)

Beckham vs Barcelona

David Beckham compilation

Veron vs Bolton

Denis Irwin

He scored a few nice ones in his time. I could not find a compilation of his free kicks, so here’s a tribute clip.

The King vs Arsenal

What a thump!

Brazilian could become one of the best United right-backs ever

Manchester United full-back Patrice Evra has tipped Rafael da Silva to learn and improve from his disappointing sending off against Bayern Munich.

United were enjoying  a comfortable 3-1 lead over the Bavarians when the Brazilian defender committed his second bookable offense of the match and received his marching orders.

The majority of TV pundits and fans on the Internet agree that Bayern were not creating many chances and United probably would have gone on to score even more goals had it not been for da Silva’s sending off. A visibly shaken and dejected Rafael probably knew as much, as he hung his head while heading for Old Trafford’s hallowed players’ tunnel.

Reason to be optimistic

There is a “Silva” lining though and the player, as well as fans should not be too downbeat for too long, because Rafael performed admirably before being sent off. For 50 minutes, the right-back was absolutely brilliant against Franck Ribery – widely regarded as one of the world’s  best players. He performed his defensive duties, but also offered a genuine threat whenever he bombed forward, linking up well with Antonio Valencia.

That Ribery only started making his mark on proceeding after John O’Shea had come on as a sub, is a compliment and testament to Rafael’s superb handling of the French midfielder.

Potential to be great

Evra obviously appreciated Rafael’s performance and has backed his teammate:

“It is a good experience for Rafael and he will definitely be a better player because of what happened,” said Evra.

“When he gets some experience he will be different class. Rafa did something that maybe, with more experience, he would not do.

“I know Rafael’s mentality. I am sure about him. He has a lot of hunger. The point is, you need to make mistakes to become a big player.

“This was just part of the development process. He will go on to become one of the best right-backs Manchester United have ever had.”

Room for improvement

I agree with Pat that Rafael has the potential to be a great fullback, but there are some areas he needs to improve. Some more urgently than others, because Gary Neville is edging closer to retirement and truth be told, I’d prefer Rafael to start ahead of both Neville and Brown. To me, Rafael represents the future and could offer much more at right back than either Brown or O’Shea.

- Helicopter arms. I really cringe when i see defenders flail their arms around to stop opponents. Gabriel Heinze was probably the biggest perpetrator of this crime in an United shirt.

- Defending. Gary Neville gave a masterclass against Ronaldinho in the second leg of the Milan tie. I hope Rafa took notes and will improve various aspects of defending. To know how much space to give a player. When to stay back and when to attack. How to position yourself on the pitch. How to time tackles better and yes, even how to take the ball and the man.

- Don’t sweat the small stuff. Rafael’s first yellow card in the Bayern match came after he was fouled and the referee did not award the free-kick he felt he deserved. Lying on the floor, the Brazilian stupidly lashed out and kicked Holger Badstuber. Silly boy.

- Don’t give away cheap penalties. Self-explanatory, really, but he doesn’t seem to get it yet.

- Fitness. Rafa’s bulked up and kudos to Mike Clegg, but he also seems to have put on some unwanted pounds. He’s not as chubby as Liverpool defender Insua, but definitely needs to shed some pounds and hit the bicycle if he wants to last 90 minutes over the course of a 50 game season.

- Technique. Last, but not least, da Silva needs to improve his technique. We saw some good crosses from him last season, but they seem to have become wayward this term. His touch and passing also seem to have deteriorated and that’s not a good thing for a young player on the ascendancy.