The Theatre of Dreams----This is OLD TRAFFORD!!
Elvis has left the building- Sir Alex blows final whistle on time at United!
Sir Alexander Chapman Ferguson has called time on one of, if not the most, illustrious managerial careers in the history of football.
“The rigours of managing in the Premiership are many and unfortunately, I do not feel I can cope with the fatigue. It’s tough and I have always said that Manchester United deserves the best so, since I feel I can no longer continue at a 100%, I have decided to step down as manager”.
Those were the words of the Scot as he addressed a shocked press corps at Carrington. The fiery Scot can certainly lay claim to being the most successful manager in the world of football, let alone British football. After retiring as a player (which included spells at Queen’s Park, St. Johnstone, Dunfermline, Rangers and Falkirk) wherein he not only managed to net 171 goals in 317 matches but also garnered the nickname “Razor Elbows”, he took over as manager at East Stirlingshire where he was quickly noticed for his iron discipline and a penchant for good, attacking, possession football. He was snapped up by St. Mirren after only a few months and stayed with them for four years (until 1978), picking up the Scottish First Division title along the way in 1977.
He then enjoyed eight successful years at Aberdeen where he not only challenged but broke the monopoly of the Old Firm duo (Celtic and Rangers). In his time with the Dons, he picked up the Clydesdale Bank Premier League in 1980, 1984 and 1985. He also won the Scottish cup four times between 1982 and 1986 as well as the League Cup in 1985. But perhaps what he will be known for in his time with the Dons were his two triumphs in Europe: the European Cup Winners Cup in 1983 and the European Super Cup also in the same year.
He was called to be the assistant to Scottish Legend Jock Stein (Big Jock) when the latter was in charge of Scotland. Stein, who Ferguson admired and revered, died of a heart attack which left Ferguson in charge of Scotland during the build up to and the actual 1986 World Cup. It was not to be a great triumph as Scotland failed to progress past the group stages but success was just around the corner.
After the sacking of Ron Atkinson (Big Ron) by Manchester United, Sir Alex was made an offer to take charge of the ailing English giants. Little was it known then, or indeed during the three barren years to follow that the offer was not only a wise move on the club’s part, but also a fateful one for both parties involved.
Sir Alex rode out the storm in his first three years as United manager, re-shaping the club from the bottom up, instilling an iron discipline, good fitness, abolishing the drinking culture and most importantly re-building the youth set-up for which United has been renowned since the Busby babes era. His first trophy came in the FA Cup in 1990 which proved to be the opening of the flood gates as a new, trophy-laden era was ushered in for the club. In his twenty four years of service to Manchester United, Ferguson has won the FA Cup 5 times (1990, 1994, 1998 and 2004), the Community Shield 8 times (during the period of 1990-2008), the League Cup 3 times (between 1992-2009), the European Cup Winners Cup in 1991, the European Super Cup in 1991, the Intercontinental Cup in 1999, the World Club Championship in 2009, the Premier League an astonishing ELEVEN times (between 1993 and 2009) and the Champion’s League twice in 1999 and 2008 (including the memorable 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich at the Camp Nou ).
He presided over the construction of some of the most famous Manchester United teams in history such as the class of ’94 (which included stars such as Roy Keane, Peter Schmeichel, Eric Cantona, Mark Hughes, Steve Bruce, Gary Pallister and Ryan Giggs), the class of ’98 (with players such as Stam, the “Super-Sub” Solskjaer, Andy “Goal King” Cole, the “Smiling Assassin” Dwight Yorke and a core of players including David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, the Neville brothers, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes who would come to be known as “Fergie’s Fledglings”) and the class of 2008 (with players such as Van der Sar, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra, Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo) and will always be remembered fondly by United fans who believe he has literally re-constructed the club and given it the face-lift it so badly needed.
Whatever the controversies surrounding Ferguson (the acrimonious departures of Stam and van Nistelrooy, the famous “Hair-dryer” treatment and the entire David Beckham saga including the boot throwing incident), it is safe to say that his retirement is a great loss to the football world and Manchester United in particular.
Media swamped as tributes for Sir Alex pours in.
There is only one piece of news in the media at this time and it is the reaction to Sir Alex Ferguson retiring from Manchester United. Tributes have literally flooded in from fans, bosses and players alike. Here are some of the more memorable ones:
“His retirement is certainly a huge loss to football. He brought me from Norwich to United and I cannot ever forget his role in my development. He was always available on the phone when I took my first steps into management and I hope he can now relax and enjoy the rest he has earned”- Steve Bruce (Ex Manchester United centre back and current Sunderland Manager)
“The thing I remember best is our discussion in a restaurant in Paris during my ban for the Kung-Fu kick. He chased me down to France and talked to me and made me feel secure. He got the best out of me. He ignored all the comments about me being a troublemaker and bought me when he easily could not have. He is a huge loss to Manchester United”- Eric Cantona (Ex- Manchester United forward)
“He was like a father to me and despite all that has gone on, I am genuinely sad to hear this piece of news. I wish him all the best for the future” – David Beckham (Ex Manchester United midfielder)
“It is a shock, definitely, no question. I have been under him since I was 14 and I’m now 35! I’ve literally grown up with viewing him as my second dad! But he has earned his rest and I wish him all the best” - Ryan Giggs (Current Manchester United Player)
Speculation hots up to Sir Alex’s successor.
The position of manager at the world’s biggest club certainly is a much envied one and a host of names have been linked to the job. Current favourite for it though is the self styled “Special One” himself; Jose Mourinho. While many fans would claim that he can certainly manage the big egos at United and point to his incredible CV as proof of his ability, there are a few who question if the fans can actually put up with his particular brand of football as United have a tradition of attacking football. Another fly in the ointment is his recent appointment as Real Madrid manager. Other names mentioned are Trapattoni, Arsene Wenger, Carlo Ancelotti, Harry Redknapp, Ottmar Hitzfeld, Steve Bruce, Roy Keane and Carlos Queiroz. The United board refuse to comment on any speculation, keeping the rumour mill churning.
Fans shock as United board go left field.
The United board has stunned fans and critics alike with their choice of replacement for the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson. Ex- England centre back Srinand Kanthadai (or Sri) who was forced to retire early from the game due to ligament damage after winning 33 caps in which he scored 9 goals, has been appointed Manchester United manager at the age of 27!!
Fans are angry at the board for appointing a relatively unknown and inexperienced manager to take charge of the world’s biggest club.
“We are aware that this choice is not expected and we may come under criticism from the fans but we have the best interest of Manchester United at heart and with that in mind, have gone for a promising, young manager. We have full confidence in Sri’s ability and wish him all the best in his job”.
Sir Alex reveals input as he defends new boss
Sir Alex Ferguson himself has spoken out after an intense few days in which most United fans have roundly condemned the board over their appointment of their new manager Srinand Kanthadai.
“I know the fans may feel confused and angered but I want to assure them that the choice is met even with my approval. The board gave my opinion a huge say and I suggested Sri to them and they have, courageously decided to accept him. I came across Sri when I lectured at the UEFA Coaching School last year and was very impressed and have taken a keen interest in him since. We have communicated often and I can assure everyone that he will be a success. He is a Manchester United fan himself and that will make sure he does the right things for the club. I urge fans to respect him and give him time to earn their trust”.
Stormy press conference expected as Sri makes media debut.
An intriguing press conference is expected later today as Srinand Kanthadai makes his first media appearance as United manager. He is expected to field some rather fiery questions and this will be a chance to see exactly what he is made of.
Sri to bring entertainment to Old Trafford.
There certainly is pressure in being the manager of Manchester United no matter who you are. It becomes higher still when you are an inexperienced and unknown manager. But Sri proved that Sir Alex is still a splendid judge of character as he handled his first media appearance spectacularly. The world’s press were eagerly waiting to catch their first glimpse of the new United manager and he appeared punctually wearing an elegant Saville Row suit and seated himself in front of the microphones and cameras as though he was sitting on a park bench. The transcript of the press conference follows.
Journalist: You arrive as manager after the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, a true United legend. Do you feel the pressure in replacing one of the world’s most successful manager?
Sri: Anybody who takes over from Sir Alex will have to expect pressure, such is his achievements. But I am confident in my abilities to do the job and I promise all the fans that I will continue in Sir Alex’s footsteps and tradition of bringing through youth players and ensure to make sure that the club he built continues its climb to the summit.
Journalist: Do you have any idea of who is in your plans and who isn’t? Some players are edgy over their futures with a new manager...
Sri: I am a fan of the club and I am aware of things here. But it would be unfair to judge them without seeing them train and play first.
Journalist: How involved do you plan to be in the day-to-day running of the club and how hands-on do you expect to be with the players?
Sri: My door is always open to my players and I intend to stay on top of everything in this club. Not even an order for a stack of pencils will be done without me knowing!! But saying that, it is important to give your staff the freedom to perform on their own. You may rest assured that I take after my predecessor in my running of the club and handling of players. United is a family club and it will stay that way under me.
Journalist: What can we expect of you in the transfer market? Will you splash the cash or are you a bargain hunter?
Sri: Manchester United has a tradition and a history. I will look to bring on our youth players but that does not mean that if the right player is available for the right price I will not go for him. It all depends on who is available and what the team needs but I am not afraid to splash the cash if I have to; while bearing in mind the club’s financial health at the same time of course.
Journalist: What about the backroom staff? Will you be bringing in your own or will the current ones stay?
Sri: I need a bit of time to see how things work here and understand them before I answer that question but the staff we have here are a great bunch of people.
Journalist: And your style of play?
Sri: Football is about entertainment and I will bring it to the fans. But that said, it is also important to defend well!
Journalist: So, as a United fan, this must be a dream come true right?
Sri: I’m still pinching myself! So...yes!! But I am afraid that time is up gentleman. I have one last thing for the fans. I promise them success and that I will ensure Manchester United not only maintain their standard, but build on it as well. Thank you.
Manager’s Diary
Well, the press conference is done and over with today. Thank god! I will have to stay on the good side of the press initially as they can play a vital part in the reign of a manager. I will do what Sir Alex did and also taught me to do. I will continue to use the press until I have enough success and clout to curtail their intrusion just like Sir Alex. They really are a pack of vultures!
I had my first training session with my team and as a lifelong fan of the club I am of course quite attuned to what the team needs and so on. I have put below a list of players who I am considering for my first team and my thoughts on them.
GKs:
- Edwin Van der Sar: Good goalkeeper but getting old. Will retire either this season or next. Hope to keep him on my coaching staff.
- Tomas Kuszczack: A decent back up keeper, nothing more.
- Ben Amos: A slightly promising keeper but certainly not United first team quality.
DRs:
- Rafael: Promising right back.
- John O’Shea: Good utility man but nothing more.
DLs:
- Evra: Top quality.
- Fabio: Great prospect.
DCs:
- Wes Brown: Good cover and is homegrown.
- Ferdinand: Great! But with injuries mounting, he will probably not be a first team regular by the end of the second season.
- VIdic: Great! Will give me at least 4 seasons of being a first team regular.
- De Laet: Back up, no more.
- Smalling: Good cover and can learn but am seriously worried about his lack of pace.
- Evans: I like this kid!
MRs/AMRs:
- Obertan: Can be good but due to my lack of depth in wings, will probably sell him and get someone else.
- Park: A top defensive winger but unfortunately, I never employ a defensive winger and will be looking to move him on so that he can further his career.
- Valencia: Great crosser of the ball and will look to keep him. Supreme athlete.
- Nani: Equally effective on the left as he is on the right. Great player.
MLs/AMLs:
- Giggs: Old but can still play a part. Will retire probably by the end of next season and I will be looking to keep him on my books as staff.
- Bebe: Good prospect but definitely not a first team regular. Maybe go out on loan?
DMCs/MCs:
- Gibson: Not United standard. If a good offer comes, he will go.
- Hargreaves: Can give good performances and is solid...if he recovers from injury.
- Carrick: Great deep lying playmaker.
- Fletcher: Brilliant box-to-box player and can defend too.
MCs/AMCs:
- Scholes: Poor physical stats but a good player. Same as Giggs.
- Anderson: Great athlete and a good player. But if a really good offer comes in or I can find a better and younger replacement, he will go.
STs:
- Rooney: What can I say? Mr. Man Utd.
- Berbatov: Good foil for Rooney. Can give 3-4 years of good service.
- Macheda: Great prospect.
- Hernandez: Great prospect.
- Owen: Not good enough for the squad.
So with all that in mind, I will be looking to strengthen the midfield and since Brown, Ferdinand and Vidic will all drop around the same time, I will have to look to strengthen the defence as well. I already have a few targets in mind and I will be pursuing them soon.
United sign Giggs’ replacement!
Gareth Bale, long touted as a possible replacement to Ryan Giggs since his good performances last season, has finally joined Manchester United. Tottenham found a bid of £10M just too good and have caved in. But on top of that, they have also gotten South Korean star Park Ji-Sung in exchange. Bale has put in some good performances at Tottenham since being moved to the left of midfield from his role at left back last season and is said to be relishing the chance to play at Old Trafford.
“I have really enjoyed my time at Tottenham and am sad to part with the fans but when Manchester United come knocking, how can you say ‘no’? I would like to thank the fans who have supported me and a special thanks to Harry Redknapp for making me into the player I am. I am looking forward to my time at United and hope to give the club great service”.
These were Bale’s words at a press conference recently convened by Srinand to unveil his latest signing. We put up a transcript of the press conference below.
Journalist: You sit here alongside your new signing. Are you pleased to have gotten your man?
Sri: Yes, I am delighted to be able to welcome Bale to the club.
Journalist: Wayne Rooney has recently stated that he sees Bale becoming a quality player, do you agree with that?
Sri: Of course! And I am glad to see that the other players are as excited as I am!
Journalist: You have lost Ji-Sung Park as part of this deal, does that worry you? Why did you let him go?
Sri: Ji is a fantastic player who will give you 200% every match and will do a job, tactically speaking. But unfortunately, under my new system, I do not have a significant enough role for him and after speaking to each other, we agreed that it would be best for him to further his career elsewhere. But I wish him all the best and there is no hard feelings between us at all. That will be all, thank you.
United fans thrilled at new signing!
The United fans have expressed their pleasure at having Gareth Bale join the club and there is a good mood amongst them and some are saying that maybe rookie manager Srinand my know what he is doing after all!
Three departures at Old Trafford as Srinand cleans house.
United have today announced the departure of Michael Owen (£5M), Tomas Kuszczak (£4M) and John O’Shea (£6M) to Real Madrid, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich respectively. While most fans have agreed with the sale of Kuszczak, who was never considered good enough to be a United keeper, and Owen, who the fans still think is a light-weight option in attack, there was genuine sadness at the departure of John O’Shea. O’Shea was brought through at Old Trafford and was seen by many as a very useful utility man. This is what the manager has to say about the signings via the club’s website:
“First of all, I would like to thank Michael, Tomas and John for their service to the club and wish them all the best in the future. Many fans will be wondering why these departures and unlike most managers, I would like my fans to be in the know and I will explain. Michael, whilst being extremely experienced, was just surplus to requirements as I wanted to give Hernandez and Macheda more chances to develop. As for Tomas, I had a chat with him and told him I did not see him as the man to replace Edwin and he was not happy being a back-up player and we have decided, mutually, to part ways. As for John, I could not guarantee him the playing time he wanted and he decided to seek pastures new. I wish them all the best in the future”.
This would mean that United are short in the goalkeeping area as Edwin is expected to retire sometime soon and their only cover being reserve team keeper Ben Amos. The defence also looks fairly short on cover so most pundits predict that United will be dipping into the market sometime soon.
July 6th 2009
Elvis has left the building- Sir Alex blows final whistle on time at United!
Sir Alexander Chapman Ferguson has called time on one of, if not the most, illustrious managerial careers in the history of football.
“The rigours of managing in the Premiership are many and unfortunately, I do not feel I can cope with the fatigue. It’s tough and I have always said that Manchester United deserves the best so, since I feel I can no longer continue at a 100%, I have decided to step down as manager”.
Those were the words of the Scot as he addressed a shocked press corps at Carrington. The fiery Scot can certainly lay claim to being the most successful manager in the world of football, let alone British football. After retiring as a player (which included spells at Queen’s Park, St. Johnstone, Dunfermline, Rangers and Falkirk) wherein he not only managed to net 171 goals in 317 matches but also garnered the nickname “Razor Elbows”, he took over as manager at East Stirlingshire where he was quickly noticed for his iron discipline and a penchant for good, attacking, possession football. He was snapped up by St. Mirren after only a few months and stayed with them for four years (until 1978), picking up the Scottish First Division title along the way in 1977.
He then enjoyed eight successful years at Aberdeen where he not only challenged but broke the monopoly of the Old Firm duo (Celtic and Rangers). In his time with the Dons, he picked up the Clydesdale Bank Premier League in 1980, 1984 and 1985. He also won the Scottish cup four times between 1982 and 1986 as well as the League Cup in 1985. But perhaps what he will be known for in his time with the Dons were his two triumphs in Europe: the European Cup Winners Cup in 1983 and the European Super Cup also in the same year.
He was called to be the assistant to Scottish Legend Jock Stein (Big Jock) when the latter was in charge of Scotland. Stein, who Ferguson admired and revered, died of a heart attack which left Ferguson in charge of Scotland during the build up to and the actual 1986 World Cup. It was not to be a great triumph as Scotland failed to progress past the group stages but success was just around the corner.
After the sacking of Ron Atkinson (Big Ron) by Manchester United, Sir Alex was made an offer to take charge of the ailing English giants. Little was it known then, or indeed during the three barren years to follow that the offer was not only a wise move on the club’s part, but also a fateful one for both parties involved.
Sir Alex rode out the storm in his first three years as United manager, re-shaping the club from the bottom up, instilling an iron discipline, good fitness, abolishing the drinking culture and most importantly re-building the youth set-up for which United has been renowned since the Busby babes era. His first trophy came in the FA Cup in 1990 which proved to be the opening of the flood gates as a new, trophy-laden era was ushered in for the club. In his twenty four years of service to Manchester United, Ferguson has won the FA Cup 5 times (1990, 1994, 1998 and 2004), the Community Shield 8 times (during the period of 1990-2008), the League Cup 3 times (between 1992-2009), the European Cup Winners Cup in 1991, the European Super Cup in 1991, the Intercontinental Cup in 1999, the World Club Championship in 2009, the Premier League an astonishing ELEVEN times (between 1993 and 2009) and the Champion’s League twice in 1999 and 2008 (including the memorable 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich at the Camp Nou ).
He presided over the construction of some of the most famous Manchester United teams in history such as the class of ’94 (which included stars such as Roy Keane, Peter Schmeichel, Eric Cantona, Mark Hughes, Steve Bruce, Gary Pallister and Ryan Giggs), the class of ’98 (with players such as Stam, the “Super-Sub” Solskjaer, Andy “Goal King” Cole, the “Smiling Assassin” Dwight Yorke and a core of players including David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, the Neville brothers, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes who would come to be known as “Fergie’s Fledglings”) and the class of 2008 (with players such as Van der Sar, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra, Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo) and will always be remembered fondly by United fans who believe he has literally re-constructed the club and given it the face-lift it so badly needed.
Whatever the controversies surrounding Ferguson (the acrimonious departures of Stam and van Nistelrooy, the famous “Hair-dryer” treatment and the entire David Beckham saga including the boot throwing incident), it is safe to say that his retirement is a great loss to the football world and Manchester United in particular.
Media swamped as tributes for Sir Alex pours in.
There is only one piece of news in the media at this time and it is the reaction to Sir Alex Ferguson retiring from Manchester United. Tributes have literally flooded in from fans, bosses and players alike. Here are some of the more memorable ones:
“His retirement is certainly a huge loss to football. He brought me from Norwich to United and I cannot ever forget his role in my development. He was always available on the phone when I took my first steps into management and I hope he can now relax and enjoy the rest he has earned”- Steve Bruce (Ex Manchester United centre back and current Sunderland Manager)
“The thing I remember best is our discussion in a restaurant in Paris during my ban for the Kung-Fu kick. He chased me down to France and talked to me and made me feel secure. He got the best out of me. He ignored all the comments about me being a troublemaker and bought me when he easily could not have. He is a huge loss to Manchester United”- Eric Cantona (Ex- Manchester United forward)
“He was like a father to me and despite all that has gone on, I am genuinely sad to hear this piece of news. I wish him all the best for the future” – David Beckham (Ex Manchester United midfielder)
“It is a shock, definitely, no question. I have been under him since I was 14 and I’m now 35! I’ve literally grown up with viewing him as my second dad! But he has earned his rest and I wish him all the best” - Ryan Giggs (Current Manchester United Player)
Speculation hots up to Sir Alex’s successor.
The position of manager at the world’s biggest club certainly is a much envied one and a host of names have been linked to the job. Current favourite for it though is the self styled “Special One” himself; Jose Mourinho. While many fans would claim that he can certainly manage the big egos at United and point to his incredible CV as proof of his ability, there are a few who question if the fans can actually put up with his particular brand of football as United have a tradition of attacking football. Another fly in the ointment is his recent appointment as Real Madrid manager. Other names mentioned are Trapattoni, Arsene Wenger, Carlo Ancelotti, Harry Redknapp, Ottmar Hitzfeld, Steve Bruce, Roy Keane and Carlos Queiroz. The United board refuse to comment on any speculation, keeping the rumour mill churning.
Fans shock as United board go left field.
The United board has stunned fans and critics alike with their choice of replacement for the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson. Ex- England centre back Srinand Kanthadai (or Sri) who was forced to retire early from the game due to ligament damage after winning 33 caps in which he scored 9 goals, has been appointed Manchester United manager at the age of 27!!
Fans are angry at the board for appointing a relatively unknown and inexperienced manager to take charge of the world’s biggest club.
“We are aware that this choice is not expected and we may come under criticism from the fans but we have the best interest of Manchester United at heart and with that in mind, have gone for a promising, young manager. We have full confidence in Sri’s ability and wish him all the best in his job”.
Sir Alex reveals input as he defends new boss
Sir Alex Ferguson himself has spoken out after an intense few days in which most United fans have roundly condemned the board over their appointment of their new manager Srinand Kanthadai.
“I know the fans may feel confused and angered but I want to assure them that the choice is met even with my approval. The board gave my opinion a huge say and I suggested Sri to them and they have, courageously decided to accept him. I came across Sri when I lectured at the UEFA Coaching School last year and was very impressed and have taken a keen interest in him since. We have communicated often and I can assure everyone that he will be a success. He is a Manchester United fan himself and that will make sure he does the right things for the club. I urge fans to respect him and give him time to earn their trust”.
Stormy press conference expected as Sri makes media debut.
An intriguing press conference is expected later today as Srinand Kanthadai makes his first media appearance as United manager. He is expected to field some rather fiery questions and this will be a chance to see exactly what he is made of.
Sri to bring entertainment to Old Trafford.
There certainly is pressure in being the manager of Manchester United no matter who you are. It becomes higher still when you are an inexperienced and unknown manager. But Sri proved that Sir Alex is still a splendid judge of character as he handled his first media appearance spectacularly. The world’s press were eagerly waiting to catch their first glimpse of the new United manager and he appeared punctually wearing an elegant Saville Row suit and seated himself in front of the microphones and cameras as though he was sitting on a park bench. The transcript of the press conference follows.
Journalist: You arrive as manager after the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, a true United legend. Do you feel the pressure in replacing one of the world’s most successful manager?
Sri: Anybody who takes over from Sir Alex will have to expect pressure, such is his achievements. But I am confident in my abilities to do the job and I promise all the fans that I will continue in Sir Alex’s footsteps and tradition of bringing through youth players and ensure to make sure that the club he built continues its climb to the summit.
Journalist: Do you have any idea of who is in your plans and who isn’t? Some players are edgy over their futures with a new manager...
Sri: I am a fan of the club and I am aware of things here. But it would be unfair to judge them without seeing them train and play first.
Journalist: How involved do you plan to be in the day-to-day running of the club and how hands-on do you expect to be with the players?
Sri: My door is always open to my players and I intend to stay on top of everything in this club. Not even an order for a stack of pencils will be done without me knowing!! But saying that, it is important to give your staff the freedom to perform on their own. You may rest assured that I take after my predecessor in my running of the club and handling of players. United is a family club and it will stay that way under me.
Journalist: What can we expect of you in the transfer market? Will you splash the cash or are you a bargain hunter?
Sri: Manchester United has a tradition and a history. I will look to bring on our youth players but that does not mean that if the right player is available for the right price I will not go for him. It all depends on who is available and what the team needs but I am not afraid to splash the cash if I have to; while bearing in mind the club’s financial health at the same time of course.
Journalist: What about the backroom staff? Will you be bringing in your own or will the current ones stay?
Sri: I need a bit of time to see how things work here and understand them before I answer that question but the staff we have here are a great bunch of people.
Journalist: And your style of play?
Sri: Football is about entertainment and I will bring it to the fans. But that said, it is also important to defend well!
Journalist: So, as a United fan, this must be a dream come true right?
Sri: I’m still pinching myself! So...yes!! But I am afraid that time is up gentleman. I have one last thing for the fans. I promise them success and that I will ensure Manchester United not only maintain their standard, but build on it as well. Thank you.
Manager’s Diary
Well, the press conference is done and over with today. Thank god! I will have to stay on the good side of the press initially as they can play a vital part in the reign of a manager. I will do what Sir Alex did and also taught me to do. I will continue to use the press until I have enough success and clout to curtail their intrusion just like Sir Alex. They really are a pack of vultures!
I had my first training session with my team and as a lifelong fan of the club I am of course quite attuned to what the team needs and so on. I have put below a list of players who I am considering for my first team and my thoughts on them.
GKs:
- Edwin Van der Sar: Good goalkeeper but getting old. Will retire either this season or next. Hope to keep him on my coaching staff.
- Tomas Kuszczack: A decent back up keeper, nothing more.
- Ben Amos: A slightly promising keeper but certainly not United first team quality.
DRs:
- Rafael: Promising right back.
- John O’Shea: Good utility man but nothing more.
DLs:
- Evra: Top quality.
- Fabio: Great prospect.
DCs:
- Wes Brown: Good cover and is homegrown.
- Ferdinand: Great! But with injuries mounting, he will probably not be a first team regular by the end of the second season.
- VIdic: Great! Will give me at least 4 seasons of being a first team regular.
- De Laet: Back up, no more.
- Smalling: Good cover and can learn but am seriously worried about his lack of pace.
- Evans: I like this kid!
MRs/AMRs:
- Obertan: Can be good but due to my lack of depth in wings, will probably sell him and get someone else.
- Park: A top defensive winger but unfortunately, I never employ a defensive winger and will be looking to move him on so that he can further his career.
- Valencia: Great crosser of the ball and will look to keep him. Supreme athlete.
- Nani: Equally effective on the left as he is on the right. Great player.
MLs/AMLs:
- Giggs: Old but can still play a part. Will retire probably by the end of next season and I will be looking to keep him on my books as staff.
- Bebe: Good prospect but definitely not a first team regular. Maybe go out on loan?
DMCs/MCs:
- Gibson: Not United standard. If a good offer comes, he will go.
- Hargreaves: Can give good performances and is solid...if he recovers from injury.
- Carrick: Great deep lying playmaker.
- Fletcher: Brilliant box-to-box player and can defend too.
MCs/AMCs:
- Scholes: Poor physical stats but a good player. Same as Giggs.
- Anderson: Great athlete and a good player. But if a really good offer comes in or I can find a better and younger replacement, he will go.
STs:
- Rooney: What can I say? Mr. Man Utd.
- Berbatov: Good foil for Rooney. Can give 3-4 years of good service.
- Macheda: Great prospect.
- Hernandez: Great prospect.
- Owen: Not good enough for the squad.
So with all that in mind, I will be looking to strengthen the midfield and since Brown, Ferdinand and Vidic will all drop around the same time, I will have to look to strengthen the defence as well. I already have a few targets in mind and I will be pursuing them soon.
United sign Giggs’ replacement!
Gareth Bale, long touted as a possible replacement to Ryan Giggs since his good performances last season, has finally joined Manchester United. Tottenham found a bid of £10M just too good and have caved in. But on top of that, they have also gotten South Korean star Park Ji-Sung in exchange. Bale has put in some good performances at Tottenham since being moved to the left of midfield from his role at left back last season and is said to be relishing the chance to play at Old Trafford.
“I have really enjoyed my time at Tottenham and am sad to part with the fans but when Manchester United come knocking, how can you say ‘no’? I would like to thank the fans who have supported me and a special thanks to Harry Redknapp for making me into the player I am. I am looking forward to my time at United and hope to give the club great service”.
These were Bale’s words at a press conference recently convened by Srinand to unveil his latest signing. We put up a transcript of the press conference below.
Journalist: You sit here alongside your new signing. Are you pleased to have gotten your man?
Sri: Yes, I am delighted to be able to welcome Bale to the club.
Journalist: Wayne Rooney has recently stated that he sees Bale becoming a quality player, do you agree with that?
Sri: Of course! And I am glad to see that the other players are as excited as I am!
Journalist: You have lost Ji-Sung Park as part of this deal, does that worry you? Why did you let him go?
Sri: Ji is a fantastic player who will give you 200% every match and will do a job, tactically speaking. But unfortunately, under my new system, I do not have a significant enough role for him and after speaking to each other, we agreed that it would be best for him to further his career elsewhere. But I wish him all the best and there is no hard feelings between us at all. That will be all, thank you.
United fans thrilled at new signing!
The United fans have expressed their pleasure at having Gareth Bale join the club and there is a good mood amongst them and some are saying that maybe rookie manager Srinand my know what he is doing after all!
Three departures at Old Trafford as Srinand cleans house.
United have today announced the departure of Michael Owen (£5M), Tomas Kuszczak (£4M) and John O’Shea (£6M) to Real Madrid, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich respectively. While most fans have agreed with the sale of Kuszczak, who was never considered good enough to be a United keeper, and Owen, who the fans still think is a light-weight option in attack, there was genuine sadness at the departure of John O’Shea. O’Shea was brought through at Old Trafford and was seen by many as a very useful utility man. This is what the manager has to say about the signings via the club’s website:
“First of all, I would like to thank Michael, Tomas and John for their service to the club and wish them all the best in the future. Many fans will be wondering why these departures and unlike most managers, I would like my fans to be in the know and I will explain. Michael, whilst being extremely experienced, was just surplus to requirements as I wanted to give Hernandez and Macheda more chances to develop. As for Tomas, I had a chat with him and told him I did not see him as the man to replace Edwin and he was not happy being a back-up player and we have decided, mutually, to part ways. As for John, I could not guarantee him the playing time he wanted and he decided to seek pastures new. I wish them all the best in the future”.
This would mean that United are short in the goalkeeping area as Edwin is expected to retire sometime soon and their only cover being reserve team keeper Ben Amos. The defence also looks fairly short on cover so most pundits predict that United will be dipping into the market sometime soon.
