Manchester United: New Era

A very short month with just three games played. Despite a red card to Rojo 20mins from time we managed to hold on for the 3 points against West Ham. St Mary's proved a tricky ground once more and it took a 94th minute equalizer from Radamel Falcao to snatch a point, it was the Columbians first league goal for us which was pleasing. We wrapped up the month with a comfortable win against Leicester which preserved our 100% home record.

Since Samir Nasri cowardly deflected Robin van Persie's stoppage-time goal past Joe Hart on 9 December 2012, United have won their 20th Premier League title, Sir Alex Ferguson has retired, Roberto Mancini has been sacked, United dismissed their first manager in 27-and-a-half years, hired their first ever coach outside Britain and Ireland and City regained the title.

Manchester has been one of Europe's most successful cities over recent years and is never short of providing topics for discussion.


Aside from City's title triumphs, the last time United finished below their neighbours was in 1991 when the European Cup Winners' Cup was more than ample consolation.


This game has become arguably the biggest game on the English calender in recent seasons. This is a fixture United have struggled with massively, they haven't beaten City in 2 years so they will want to go out there and prove a point. They have dominated this league for many years now so for them to now be seen as 'underdogs' is crazy!

United have had an 'OK' start to the season, they've looked so dangerous at home and also solid at the back conceding once infront of there own fans, away from home they look vulnerable, nothing like the team that controlled the game at Anfield on the opening day and they need to address that fast because City will not give you any space to breathe and they will recognize the weaknesses in this United team and go right at them.


City have looked so good this season, they haven't showed any sign of a 'title hangover' like was the case the last defense of there crown, there's guaranteed to be goals in this..theres too much star quality for there not to be and i think were in for a cracking game on Sunday

Disappointing start to the month, last thing i wanted to do was lose my first Manchester derby, however i thought we played well enough to sneak a draw out of it so i wasn't too hard on them. We continued our 100% home record against a high flying Everton side and relegation strugglers Sunderland, with an impressive 3 points from White Hart Lane in between. The youngsters i'm bedding in gradually are impressing me more and more each week which is pleasing as one of my main targets was to bring them through and develop them. So far so good!

Sky sources understand the fee is believed to be in the region of £10 million pounds with a 4 year contract, there is also strong word he is set to earn over £200k per week at United. This signing will send a clear message to there rivals they can still attract the top players around and not many come bigger than the former Sevilla man.

-Having moved to Spain in 2002 from Bahia, Alves won five trophies in a six-year stint with Sevilla.

-He then became one of Pep Guardiola’s first signings for Barcelona in the summer of 2008 and went on to play a key role, collecting 16 medals in his six years there to date.

At 31 he still has a few years to offer and will certainly be seen by alot of United fans as an exciting addition to the squad, he will also provide much needed experiance to there current backline.


The Brazil and Barcelona superstar told O Globo newspaper in his homeland of his plan just last month which had all the top English sides on alert.

"Next year I’m moving to England. I’m going to play at the home of football’, said Alves. "This will be my last season at the club".

Sitting at my desk in a daydream i hear a knock at the door

AD: Come in

Jonny Evans walks in looking particularly worried about something

JE: Hello boss i hope i'm not disturbing you..

AD: Your ok Jonny, just going through some bits and bobs nothing urgent

Jonny continues to look worries as he sits down

AD: What's up mate?

JE: Look i don't want this to leave the office but..i'm a little concerned about my lack of playtime i'm getting

AD: Hmmmm ok but you have been injured much of this first half of the campaign..

JE: I know and i understand that but i'm feeling sharp in traning, fit again but don't seem to be getting a chance in the first team

AD: I have alot of players in that position & playing well currently, i can't just change that because one player comes to me saying he wants to play, i need to see more from you

JE: I'm sorry but i can't accept that. I've been here 10 years now and i feel i deserve alot better

AD: We could go over this for the next 5 hours Jon but it won't change anything, you will get your chance but you need to be patient

I can see Jonny visibly getting frustrated as he lowers his head

JE: I have to say i can't accept what your saying, i'm 27 years old and need to be playing weekly

I sit back staring him in the face without saying a word

JE: Nothing? I guess i'll be leaving then...i wuden't of had this sort of treatment from Alex Ferguson

I jump out of my chair

AD: HOW DARE YOU QUESTION ME? GET OUT OF MY SIGHT!

JE: Sir i'm sorry i didn't mean..

AD: Just go Jonny, i'll see you at training tomorrow

I watch as Jonny walks out of my office, face as red as a plum..i've got a decision to make here..

Dejando Real (Madrid) fue nunca en el orden del día para mí después de levantar la Liga de Campeones, el club, obviamente, no me quiere lo suficiente por lo que cuando la oferta del Manchester llegó dejé pasar la chance..i nunca consideró cualquier otro club, de vuelta en Argentina el Manchester United fue el equipo a seguir en la liga Inglés por lo que ahora estar jugando para ellos es increíble.

Leaving Real (Madrid) was never on the agenda for me after lifting the Champions League, the club obviously didn't want me enough so when the offer from Manchester came along i jumped at the chance..i never considered any other club, back in Argentina Manchester United was the team to watch in the English league so to now be playing for them is amazing.


La Premier League es la liga más dura del mundo, he trabajado que después de sólo 6 meses. Para tener éxito en la liga que tiene que ser fuerte y preparado para el reto físico y estoy decidido a quedarse y ser su punto más grande en los años por venir.

The Premier League is the toughest league in the world, i've worked that out after only 6 months. To succeed in the league you have to be strong and up for the physical challenge and i am determined to stay and be an all time great in the years to come.

Siento que he acomodé bien (en Inglaterra) mi familia como el Manchester, que disfrutan de la comida, la ciudad de la cultura. He estado muy contento con mi forma, estoy marcando goles estoy establecer metas tanto que son muy importantes para mí si estoy anotando o asistiendo me hace feliz. El Manchester United ha sido reconocido por allí jugadores de ancho en los últimos años Giggs, Ronaldo, Beckham y siento que he encajaba muy bien!

I feel i've settled well (in England) my family like Manchester, they enjoy the food, the city the culture. I've been very pleased with my form, i'm scoring goals i'm setting up goals both which are very important to me whether i'm scoring or assisting it makes me happy. Manchester United have been renowned for there wide players over the years Giggs, Ronaldo, Beckham & i feel i've fitted in really well!


En la reunión el capitán Wayne (Rooney), me dijo que yo era su nombre de pila en su sueño 5 un equipo lado, por supuesto, yo estaba encantado de escuchar, porque es un gran jugador, jugando con él es un placer y un motivo de orgullo. El otro día estaba hablando con un amigo mío y yo me dije y "Rooney y me entienden entre sí, al igual que Messi y yo por Argentina o Cristiano en el Real" Me llevo muy bien con Rooney. Es uno de los mejores jugadores en el juego.

On meeting the captain Wayne (Rooney) he told me i was his first name on his dream 5 a side team, of course i was pleased to hear because he is a top player, playing with him is a pleasure and a point of pride. The other day i was talking with a friend of mine and i said me and "Rooney and me understand each other, just like Messi and me for Argentina or Cristiano at Real" i get on really well with Rooney. He's one of the top players in the game.

Estaban mejorando. Empezamos la temporada muy bien, la victoria ante el Liverpool en particular era agradable, pero luego nos costó un poco, perdiendo partidos que quizás no deberían de. Estamos en un buen centro actualmente anotando muchos goles y no encajar muchos en el otro extremo, tenemos que llevarlo a través de la segunda mitad de la temporada si queremos alcanzar nuestros objetivos y yo esperamos ser parte de ese .

Were improving. We started our season very well, the victory against Liverpool particularly was pleasing but then we struggled abit, losing matches we maybe shouldn't of. We are on a good run currently scoring plenty of goals and not conceding many down the other end, we have to carry it on through the second half of the season if we are to reach our objectives and i look forward to being a part of that.

What a month to end 2014! It seems we are now beginning to hit top form, we tend to do well this time of year but i still could not of wished for a better month. 16 goals scored and just 1 conceded with Ashley Young, Wayne Rooney & Radamel Falcao particularly impressing for us. Going into the new year with a 5 point lead at the top of the table we want to make sure we maintain this form if we are going to stay there.

I'm delighted they've both signed new deals, there two of our brightest young players who this season i've brought into the first team and have had no regrets doing so. From what i've seen and the fans of seen of them so far is they can handle the pressure, there putting in top performances and there contributing to the team, so i'm very happy we keep them.

Herrera joined Manchester United from Athletic Bilbao last summer and initially impressed in the opening weeks before his serious injury. Now back in training the young Spaniard still only 25 years old will look to force his way back into the first team and really kickstart his United career.

My players had a mixed month, while our cup run goes on into the 5th round with emphatic wins our league form as taken a dip picking up only 9 points out a possible 15. Because of this form we have now slipped behind Chelsea in the table after there fantastic month and we now need to go again at taking top spot back. The league meeting with the leaders at Old Trafford in 7 days time will give us a good idea where we are in our development! On another note a big congratulations to our young lad James Wilson who scored his first ever senior hat trick for the club, remember the name!

Mourinho 51, took to his post match press conference to accuse the United boss of being 'afraid of his team' and 'sitting on the fence' after watching his side enjoy far less possession than there hosts. This isn't the first time the Portugese has had a swipe at another manager for there defensive approach. Back in January last year he launched an attack on West Ham manager Sam Alladyce describing there style as "19th century football" after playing out a 0-0 draw despite registering 39 shots on goal.

It's astounding, for a team sitting in the second position in the league you wouldn't expect them to play the way they have done today, my opinion is they must be afraid of my team. They were not prepared to stand toe to toe with us and the consequence for them now is they still sit in second position. They attack in the last 20minutes but only because we had found them out beforehand.

For your 1st story this is some good stuff man! That bit with Evans made me giggle a bit and I love the translation part of the Di Maria interview, shame about losing the lead but there's still plenty of time to regain it.

One improvement I would suggest is when you do the scorers and subs to space it apart more because it can be a bit hard to distinguish, other than that it looks great keep it up!

Knock at the door..must be Wayne here for the meeting..

WR: You alright boss

AD: Wazza! got yourself a haircut, about time you were beginning to grow a mullet!

WR: Boss your a top bloke and everything but you banter is shite..

Both of us sit sniggering..is this the meeting i thought?

AD: Point taken, you had a few things you wanted to discuss?

WR: Yes i do..i really don't like to discuss this because he's a good mate of mine but..

AD: Robin.

WR: Uhhhhhh you've noticed it aswell?

AD: Of course i have, i overlook training 5 days a week, body language tells alot about someone..

WR: I don't think he wants to stay with us, he's obviously unhappy with his game time this season. This is no dig at you boss but i think he's someone who needs to be playing regular football

AD: I understand that but..

Wayne butts in

WR: I think it would be best for the club to sell him in the summer!

AD: What? Do you truly believe that's best?

WR: With regret i do, he's not a happy player right now and it's affecting the dressing room, it's so obvious looking from the inside. This is just my opinion from Captain to manager

AD: Well i have to say i'm pleased that you feel comfortable to come and talk to me, this has obviously plagued your mind and now you have said this i know i'm not the only one to notice

WR: He's been a great player for us, i just feel his heart ain't in it anymore..

AD: Thank you for coming to me, i shall assess things between now and the end of the season is there anything else?

WR: Just one more thing, Harry Kane..

AD: What about Harry Kane?

WR: I strongly recommend him for us, something tells me he's going to have a big future

AD: Always good to get a striker's opinion on a fellow striker..thank you Waz

Food for thought...