Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Man Utd V Everton Preview


United officially start their Premier league campaign on Monday night against Everton. After last seasons dramatic final day title loss to City, United must want to get a good start this time around.

United performed well in most of their pre-season games. Their only loss came against Barcelona in a curtailed penalty shootout. Most of the players looked in good touch. The defense looked weak however, and we leaked in a lot of silly goals throughout pre-season.

The good news is that most of the Squad is fit and available for the first match of the season. Darren Fletcher still remains absent with a stomach condition. He did play in the midweek testimonial but looked really thin. He will have to do a lot of fitness and strength training before he can step back up on the pitch.

With the signing of Robin Van Persie almost done, United arguably have one of the most potent strike forces in the premier league. What needs to be seen is how well he partners with Rooney up front.

Everton are always a tough opponent, especially at home. We need to be careful not to attack too much as we could get hit on the break. We need to keep a patient build up and try to break them down with our wing play. Steven Pienaar is big threat down the left wing and needs to be kept in check. They way he ran the show at Old Trafford last season really amazes me. Whoever of Rafael or Valencia starts at right back will have to do a good job.

Anderson looks set to start in midfield along with Cleverly or Carrick.  Nani and Young should start on the wings with Welbeck and Rooney in attack. Kagawa looked really bright in the pre-season matches however I think he will start on the bench and come on later. United now have good strength and depth in their squad. Many fans are calling for a new signing in center midfield. I think Sir Alex is content with the midfield and might give a few chances to the youngsters throughout the course of the season

Really hoping to see a good game and a good result to start of the premier league season with.

Probable starting line up:
De Gea, Valencia, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Nani, Carrick, Anderson, Young, Welbeck, Rooney

My Prediction:
United to just nick this one with their superior attacking line up. Everton 1-2 Man Utd

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Manchester United V Hannover 96 highlights




Manchester United bounced back from the pre-season setback against Barcelona, in dramatic fashion by beating Hannover FC 4-3. It was a thrilling encounter with many ups and downs.

Hannover took that lead thanks to some lax goalkeeping by Anders Lindegaard. United hit back through Javier “chicharito” Hernandez to level things. However, 2 quick goals by Hanover seemed to have turned the tide in their favour.

United were not done yet. Rooney scored a sublime free-kick and then converted a penalty to bring us back in the game. And in typical united fashion the game was wrapped 4 minutes from time when Rooney teed up Kagawa for a neat finish.

Keeping my fingers crossed so that our attacking form carries on to the start of the season. We haven’t yet lost in open play. Lets hope our defense gets their act together and we in for a superb season.