Anderson - is he worth the weight?

Marmite. You either love it or hate it. The same can be said about Anderson Luís de Abreu Oliveira, more commonly known as Anderson, within the Manchester United community.

Anderson joined Manchester United from Porto at the beginning of the 2007-2008 season for a reported hefty fee of around £20 million. From that moment onwards, pressure was on him to deliver straight away. What a lot forget is that Anderson joined at the age of 19, having only just recovered from a horrific leg injury meaning Sir Alex Ferguson had to give him time to adjust to England and get his fitness back. 

Back then comparisons with Ronaldinho were being broadcasted all over the media. Both started their careers at Gremio and both are Brazilian but in all fairness, that is where the comparisons end. Whilst Ronaldinho is known for his tricks and flicks, Anderson’s game has never been about showing off and attempting over-complicated skills. On the contrary, Anderson was always renowned for his bustling energy, ability to drive through the midfield and accelerate past slower midfielders with ease; something he demonstrated in his first few seasons with the club. An excellent article by Duncan Castles published on the Guardian website gives a good insight to his personality.

However, one detail that, five years on, people choose to ignore or seem to overlook is that, ever since making the switch to England, Anderson has never played in the position he played at Porto. In Portugal and for the Brazil youth teams, Anderson played in a more advanced. In the past, Anderson played in a very similar position to where David Silva plays nowadays for Manchester City: behind the striker(s), drifting out wide to the left. There, he was fully able to use his acceleration to get past players and create opportunities for himself or his teammates.

When Sir Alex Ferguson brought him to Manchester, he immediately decided to move him back up the field alongside another midfielder.  At the time, Manchester United had the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani on the wings with Rooney and Tevez up front, so his chances to play in his favoured position were very limited. Considering everything, Anderson adapted rather well. In an interview with MUTV in 2009 (probably one of the only ones available in English), he admitted that he had to change his style of play to fit in at Manchester United, focusing a lot more on defensive work. This can be seen in his battling performances in midfield, using his strength (and rather large backside) to his advantage to shield the ball from his opponent in order to keep possession and pick out a pass. Remember that performance against Fabregas away from home? Didn’t they make a song about it?

During the 2008 season when Manchester United lifted the Champions League, Anderson played 9 of the 13 games on the road to victory and scored a penalty during the shootout (albeit not the best) in the final against Chelsea. During his first two seasons, Anderson took part in 76 games for Manchester United, 41 of them in the league. Not too shabby considering that a lot of the time, his competition consisted of Scholes, Carrick, Fletcher and Hargreaves (who at the time was in his prime).

Since then, Anderson’s career has been hindered greatly by injuries, mostly related to his knees. Rumour has it that “behind the scenes”, people are blaming his weight for this. But when his first major injury came on the 23^rd of February 2010 in a game against West Ham, Anderson had enjoyed a great run in the team, scoring his first competitive goal against Tottenham and was in rather good shape. It is only during his convalescence that he picked up a bit of extra weight.

Regarding the weight, Anderson has never been a slight character. He has always looked rather stocky and as previously stated, uses that to his advantage against opponents. Whether or not he puts on weight or loses it, he will always appear to be on the large side. This is because Anderson is someone with an endomorphic body type. This means that he retains fat easily and finds it harder to shed it. To makes things a bit clearer, there are 3 types of body types: endomorphic (Anderson, Rooney etc…), mesomorphic (Drogba, Ferdinand etc…) and ectomorphic (Crouch, Fletcher etc…). As you may well have guessed, mesomorphs find it easier to put on muscle and achieve a “stacked” body whereas ectomorphs are leaner characters.

Don’t get me wrong; this is not an excuse for Anderson. As a footballer, he should work twice as hard as an endomorph to shed his weight just as Rooney did but with a lot of convalescence and inability to do cardio work with knee injuries, it seems understandable that he is more prone to gaining weight than others.

After his injuries, Anderson came back in the 2010-2011 season and played 30 games, helping Manchester United to the final of the Champions League once more with a brace in the semi-final against Schalke, doubling his Manchester United tally in the process. This brings us to this year, the favourite season for Anderson haters.  Only 10 games played in the league and 16 overall. Inconsistency & laziness are two words that recur a lot when discussions about Anderson crop up. Last season, Anderson achieved an average 85% pass completion rate in the league with 96% in the 2-1 win over West Brom and 97% in his early return from injury in that woeful 3-2 loss vs Blackburn. Hardly inconsistent.

It is understandable for fans to get annoyed at a player who, amidst injuries, plays woefully and fails to perform, but whenever Anderson has come back from injury, he has always given it his all. Remember that 7-1 victory over Blackburn during the 2010-2011 season? This was his first start in over a month. In that game, Anderson completed 95 out 99 passes, getting an assist in the process.

Regarding laziness, the main argument here is that he has not mastered the English language yet. Who cares? Manchester City fans don’t complain that Carlos Tevez still cannot speak the language despite having been in the country for longer. As long as Anderson can get his message across on the pitch to his teammates, that is all that matters. And so what if he does not give interviews left, right and centre? Anyone who has ever watched Anderson or even met him will know that he is an extremely shy person and does not particularly like being the centre of attention.

At 24, Anderson isn’t old but isn’t exactly young either. He has reached the time in his career where he needs to completely prove himself in order to guarantee himself a future at Old Trafford. Having had a lot of time off due to his recent injury, Anderson seems to have shed a fair bit of weight and looks fitter and ready for the new season. Fans who are calling for a new midfielder in order to compete in the Champions League, let me remind you of one statistic: every year Anderson managed to end the season or remain fit for large portions of it, Manchester United reached the final of the Champions League. Coincidence? I’ll let you decide on that one.

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Kagawa - how will Ferguson fit him into his tactical revolution?

Shinji Kagawa has flown into Manchester this morning to begin life as a Manchester United player. In light of this, James from Written Offside had a chat with Titus Chalk, a freelance journalist from Berlin who earlier this week had written this piece on Kagawa for United's official website.

Did United's interest in Kagawa surprise you?

A little - not because of any lack of quality on Kagawa's part, but purely because I don't think United stumbled in Europe or finished second in the Premier League because of a lack of a quality number 10 - that is after all Rooney's position. Rather other areas of the team look in serious need of investment, especially central midfield and left-back, if Evra has another iffy season.

What would you say are his three main attributes?

Lovely close control, fantastic movement and vision between the lines and wonderful passing ability. He is also a fantastically hard worker and defends brilliantly from the front.

Do you feel he will play in the hole for United or will Ferguson attempt to turn him into a midfielder?

I think this is really the huge question surrounding Kagawa's move - what does Sir Alex Ferguson have in mind tactically for United over the coming seasons and how does Kagawa fit into that?

I think there are two possible answers - firstly (and perhaps also why there were those rumours about Lewandowski coming as well), he might be wanting to make United a higher, harder pressing side, to beat Barcelona at their own game. Kagawa would fit that plan, Rooney, Valencia and Welbeck too - as they are all willing workers for the team. I think it would also explain why United have still made buying a defensive central midfielder not a priority: if you're defending higher up the pitch you might be able to get away with a Carrick or Anderson in the deep midfield role (Busquets at Barça is hardly a bruiser).

On the other hand (and we'll see soon enough if United do buy a central midfielder), perhaps Fergie does want to convert Shinji to a deeper role - there were some quotes from the player suggesting Ferguson had told him he wants to make him a playmaker - so he might pop up all the way back in a double pivot. I think that's a strange decision personally (although I don't want to second guess Fergie at this point!) - Kagawa probably has the passing ability for it but his finishing in and around the box is marvellous and it would be a shame to sacrifice that.

Where do you see Kagawa in five years? Will playing at United take him up a level?
Crikey, that's a long way ahead - I can't really answer that. I do think he is good enough to make a significant contribution at United though, if he is given the time and support to adapt to England and the Premier League. At Dortmund, they really went out of there way to make him feel comfortable and his translator was always on the team bus or bench at games and would even shout out Klopp's instructions to Shinji from the touchline. I spoke to him recently whilst negociations were still going on and at that point it wasn't clear whether he would also be moving to Manchester - it's hard to imagine Fergie letting someone have that same access (although the translator did accompany Shinji for his medical, so maybe he will be joining in some capacity). Shinji speaks no German and no English and it will be tough for him. I think he has the mental strength to succeed, and worked hard on his physical side too when moving to Europe - give him time and he could be a fantastic signing for United.

I read that you feel the Kagawa signing could lead to the introduction of a pressing game at United, do they have the personnel currently to carry this out?
See above - and also think back to Berba's agent's remarks about his player not fitting the game Fergie wanted to develop for United with much more movement. Maybe that's what he was talking about? Also, if the financial picture dictates that United will continue investing in younger players in their early 20s, why not? They have the energy to implement it, and working together in a collective pressing style could make up for their lack of experience or pedigree. It's worked wonders at Dortmund where the team is incredibly young, egoless, and have worked their balls off together to win trophies.

Who else from the Bundesliga could you see flourish in England and why?
There is such a wealth of young talent in the Bundesliga at the moment, it's hard to say - or rather, it's hard it's hard to say why they would move when they have such a great, supportive environment to develop in in Germany. I think that's why the German players who do move abroad aren't teenagers - rather players who are mature and ready to take a further leap in their development (eg Podolski moving to Arsenal - and Marco Reus staying put in Germany).

If I had to mention one player, I would say Sven Bender. His season was really ruined by injury, but if he can recapture his form and his starting place at Dortmund, he could quickly become a very coveted defensive midfielder. He has boundless energy, great positional sense and is a tough tackler. It's mindblowing sometimes to see much work he gets through in a game. A brilliant breaker who could slot very nicely into a side looking for a defensive partner in a central midfield two.

What areas of his game does he need to work on?
He could release the ball quicker now and then, but as mentioned in the Inside United piece, I think he's gone to the best possible club to learn that discipline. Fergie's track record at getting skilful dribblers to release the ball at the right time is rather good and I think Shinji will soak up anything the coaches at Carrington tell him.

How bigger a factor was Sir Alex in Kagawa's decision to join United?
I think pretty big - he obviously has immense respect for him and feels he can progress his game at the club. I think he also shares that winning mentality that Fergie looks for in his players (despite his deceptively playful smile and demeanour) - he has a steely, ambitious side and in that, will be a good fit for Ferguson's United.

And finally, the most important question. UK tabloids seem to think Kagawa's girlfriend is a porn star. Can you confirm or deny this rumour?!
I don't know anything about this I'm afraid, although I'm sure the red tops would love this to be true! He got the mickey taken out of him a little when he first arrived in Germany for pointing out in one of his first interviews that he had never seen so many tall, blonde women in his life as in Dortmund, so perhaps a slight ladies' man tag has stuck to him!

A huge thanks to Titus for taking the time to answer these questions. You can follow him on Twitter by clicking this link.

Phil Jones - approaching the crossroads of his career?

A lot has been said about Phil Jones. He has gone from the top of the world, to down in the dumps. The Englishman made his big break, at 17, against the formidable Didier Drogba. At that stage, Drogba was at the height of his powers yet Jones didn’t look at all fussed. Not many centre backs in world football can say this, but Jones bullied the Ivorian and was duly proclaimed the new John Terry.

It wasn’t for his conquests with his best friend’s ex, or trouble with alleged racism, it was for his steel and maturity beyond his tender years. This talent did not go unnoticed, but it wasn’t just Jones’ talent that caught a certain Scottish manager’s eyes. It was Jones’ drive and will to succeed that led Sir Alex Ferguson to stump up £16.5m on the teenager. That moment was Jones berating his Blackburn teammates during their 7-1 drubbing at OT. Sir Alex saw a winner, and it could have been set in stone that he would be a Manchester United player. So where has his career gone since his big break?

Jones was always destined for greater things, and everyone, including Blackburn, knew that Ewood Park wasn’t the place to achieve those dreams. With the English elite after his signature, it seemed as though Liverpool were in pole position to snap him up only for Manchester United to swoop in and get their man. 

Before Jones could link up with United, he had the small matter of the U21 European championships to look forward to and he did not disappoint, unlike another high profile youngster (Jordan Henderson). Alongside Chris Smalling, Jones forged a great partnership. The tournament didn’t end on a good note as England was knocked out in the semi-finals, but the pundits were in awe of United’s two centre backs. So with Jones’ great performances, the excitement grew over his competitive debut.

Jones made his much anticipated first appearance against Tottenham and showed glimpses of his talent and drive. One moment in particular stands out for me, and that was when Jones tracked back against the lightening quick Gareth Bale to make an important block. It wasn’t just his speed of recovery, but his insatiable need to get back and make that block. It was almost superhuman!

A string of impressive performances led some to compare Jones with the legendary Duncan Edwards. Very high praise indeed, as from what we hear about Duncan Edwards, we can assume that he was a once in a generation type of player. Jones could not have had a better first half to a season, even if he tried a million times. So where did it all go wrong?

The second half of the season brought a loss of form and a few injuries for the youngster, and that culminated in Jones being used as more of a utility man rather than a specialist centre back.

Jones’ loss of form was alarming and brought people to question if he was even good enough for Manchester United. It was strange as these were the same people who claimed Jones would rise right to the top.

It wasn’t the bad form that cost Jones, but his faults. His great moments covered the little errors that became more frequent during the end of December to May. So what are his problems?

What I noticed at first glance was Jones’ tendency to be caught under the ball. At centre back and full back, this is unacceptable but not a train smash. This is just a simple case of judgement that will come in time. Jones is also caught out of position too often as was found during the 3-2 loss to Blackburn at OT or when playing at fullback. He tends to want to push forward all the time. This can be put down to youthful exuberance which will work its way out once Jones matures. For a player of his class, Jones seems to get the simple passes wrong, which can lead to dangerous situations at the back.

All of the aforementioned points can be worked on, and if Jones can rid himself of these errors, he will be back to his best. I don’t believe that Jones will fade away at United; I believe that he will be part of a new generation of Manchester United greats. For me, it is not an “if”, but a “when”.

Jones has everything required to make it. He has great pace, a great engine, he is a physical beast and his reading of the game seems to be exemplary. We have seen how his reading of the game can create chances. A few of his trademark lung bursting runs have come on the back of great reading of space and movement into that space so he can receive the ball from his teammate .

Nothing is certain, as injuries can rear its ugly head, but with the attributes that Jones possesses, there is no reason why he cannot succeed. We will hopefully see Jones in full flight during the 12/13 season, possibly as a midfield general.

If you want to read more on Phil Jones, have a read of this post by Tom Pattison

Check out Phil Jones' season highlights below:

Written by RedNat91

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The Manchester United IPO - what it all means

By Winston Dias (Follow me on Twitter)

 LUHG – Love United Hate Glazers

Ask any United follower what they think about the Glazers and they wouldn’t mince words in expressing themselves.

Ask any United follower what they think is the best possible alternative to the Glazers and you can surely expect silence or an answer that says ‘should be owned by the fans’ without actually expressing how the fan could own a club that the owners don’t want to sell.

The United IPO prospectus seems to have jolted a majority of their followers who see this as another ploy by the Glazers to make more money out of their precious club.

The way I see it, it’s just a small step in the Glazers losing their control over the club in the near future.

Let’s examine what this whole IPO situation means

Myths:

Man Utd have finally agreed that there is debt on the club.

Reality

United have never said there is no debt on the club, the figures are published annually and are for all to see.

Myth

United have finally agreed that the debt is getting in the way of more signings and possibly a change to the wage structure.

Reality

This bit is true. We have had David Gill stating that we are still very competitive in the market. The truth being far from it and very evident in the prospectus that it is affecting us and/or will affect us in the future.

Myth

This IPO is not good for the club / The response to the IPO will be poor – remember the Asia IPO plan

Reality

The IPO is backed well by underwriters, the offering plans to raise about $100 million whereas the IPO in Asia planned to raise over a billion and therefore was not thought of as realistic by the market. Jefferies have in the past raised upto $250 million and $100m is well within their reach although whether they play a part in the future if this IPO is successful is another question. The IPO at face value to the common man might not look attractive but an investor would look at the potential of growth and with United its almost guaranteed that it will be huge. With the debts cleared and the income we get versus our expenditure we could be one of the most successful business houses.

Myth

This IPO does not do anything to decrease the Glazers control over the club

Reality

This is true to a certain extent. Shares B which are owned by the Glazers give them 10 times the voting right as compared to Shares A which would be offered initially.

Depending on how successful it is, there are chances of more shares being released to the public. Again depending on the valuation chances are that a new class of Shares – Type C could be made open to the market. Or more of Type B with additional voting rights to the initial buyers compared to the new one.

Eg. Currently Share Type A – Voting right 1 Share Type B Voting right 10

Future: Share Type A – Voting right 4 Share type B voting right 5 and finally share Type C voting right 1

The IPO has the power to effectively reduce the overall control the Glazers exert on the Club though changes will be gradual.

Myth

Manchester United – Biggest club in the club will now be registered in the Cayman Islands thereby damaging the reputation of the club.

Reality

This is perfectly legit and in no way damages the reputation of the club,.

The Glazers who own the club are based out of the USA and therefore would be liable to pay up to 35% tax. In a smart move they have created a new company that would be registered out of the Cayman and therefore the US would have no jurisdiction on it.

What would you rather have, save a significant amount in taxes in a perfectly legal manner or fund the US Government by paying them tax?

Oracle, Intel and a lot of A graded companies are registered out of the Caymans.

Myth

Time to press the panic button?

Reality

If I thought there was a way in which Glazers could lose their control over the club and also the club would be rid of its debt then I would reserve my comments for the future. This is an opportunity for the fans to buy the club in a few years time. I don’t expect Glazers to sell the club completely but there could be 49% split to the fans with Glazers owning 51% and have a slightly higher degree of control than the fans.

In summary, let not the hatred for the Glazers mask the fact that this IPO could be in our best interests. There is no guarantee that this initiative will be a success but I will take that over Glazers having undisputed control over the club and a debt that has the potential to derail the progress of the club, if it has not done so already.

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United's new young signing - shades of Zidane?

By Adam Crafton (Follow me on Twitter)

Nick Powell is the latest prodigy to be churned out of Crewe Alexandra’s prolific production line – one which Henry Ford himself would take huge pride in.

Although he will be following a familiar path – one successfully trodden down by Premier League stars including Robbie Savage, Neil Lennon, Danny Murphy and Dean Ashton – Powell dares to be different.

From Crewe’s laboratory of technical brilliance, Powell now moves on to another magnificent skill factory, to Manchester United’s hi-tech training complex mystically concealed in the Trafford countryside.

Some would naively believe that the hard part has been navigated. Powell by this stage has already attracted the attention of the most successful manager in the history of the English football, and been guided by Dario Gradi, the maestro in the nurture of young talent. Powell will now drop shoulders alongside Wayne Rooney, shimmy and feint with Ryan Giggs and perfect slide-rule passing with Paul Scholes.

In reality, the hardest part begins now; the mental battle. Can the 18 year old boy from Crewe, so used to being the star, the go-to man and the inspiration, adapt to being the prospect, the raw potential and possibly on the fringes? Certainly, it is unlikely that he has ever experienced the feeling of being inferior.

Powell has just finished his studies at Sandbach school and their Director of Football, Craig Malbon, tells Written Offside, “His peers were of course always inferior to him, and it would sometimes be difficult to pitch sessions to him because of the level he was used to playing at with Crewe but he was very sympathetic and supportive of the other lads”

The irony now, of course, is that a role reversal beckons. Powell will now need the support and guidance of the established Old Trafford stars. Being thrust into the Manchester United spotlight is not just a technical and physical challenge – it is an acid test of a player’s mental strength.

He has the ability, obviously. But so do the scores of players being meticulously produced by the Manchester United academy. Powell however, must dare to be different. He must show he can do it in front of 75,000 expectant supporters. He must take responsibility. He must be the man, who, under pressure, makes the difference and creates a better situation.

His performances for Crewe suggest that he can be that player. Fifteen goals in forty one games for Crewe in League Two last season is a hugely impressive return from a player who sometimes played in central midfield, but more often operated in that corridor of uncertainty between the opposition’s midfield and defence.

It is a little careless to dismiss Powell’s chances of making an immediate impact at Old Trafford on the grounds that he lacks experience above League 2 level. After all, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was playing in League 1 with Southampton just over twelve months ago. Fast-forward a year, and he has blossomed at European and International level. With the right care, and the correct attitude, that jump can be made.

The position which Powell excels in, as the number 10, is one reserved for only the most special of players. A position only for those players who demand the ball, who dictate football matches from an area of the pitch where the game should not, in theory, be controlled from, and who produce flourishes of individual brilliance – and his school football coach believes he has all those qualities in abundance.

“He has fantastic shooting ability as we have seen in the goals he has scored at Crewe. He has also been fortunate with the rate at which he has physically developed, he’s now over six foot and is blessed with such great balance, and a wonderful sense of gravity.” Malbon enthuses.

He is in the mould of that kind of player. Those graceful technicians who glide effortlessly like ice-skaters and instinctively seek out space and angles amongst the gangs of opponents.

Shades of Zinedine Zidane (whisper it quietly) were apparent in Powell’s performances in ‘the hole’ at times last season. The way in which Zidane would not only physically and technically overpower his opponents, but also force them to almost psychologically submit to him, granting him some kind of deference, was noticeable in some of Powell’s own displays – the aura, which elevates the greats above the rest.

It is, of course, a little early to be making such comparisons, but it is the ‘done thing’ these days to compare players and be excited about young talent. While some see flickers of Zidane in Powell, Malbon draws a comparison with another legend of the modern game.

“It is difficult to compare Nick to players in the sense that he so many great facets to his game. I really like his sense of gravity, his ability to shift the ball so quickly, and the Ronaldo step-overs. For me, that’s what sets him apart, the speed of his footwork is stunning really”

Again, it is some comparison.

But watching Powell evokes that kind of excitement – his final act as a Crewe player was to propel them to promotion, at Wembley, with a sublime volley on the turn from the edge of the area. He left the field that day to a standing ovation from those Crewe fans. They knew it was the end of his time with a club that Powell has been cultivated by since the age of 5. But they, like the rest of the country, will see plenty more of Powell in the future. 

NICK POWELL BY NUMBERS 

In 45 appearances by Nick Powell last season.....

116 - Shots taken 

16 - Goals scored 

8 - Assists 

95 - Fouls Suffered 

4 - Yellow Cards

1 - Red Card

What are your hopes and fears for Nick Powell? Could he make an impact in the first team? Please leave a comment below.

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United's transfer policy: buying big or produce from within?

Fans look at a world class player and hope for game changing moments that can turn a loss into a draw or a draw into a win. Fans dream of that moment where a corner can be turned, and a club can rise to prominence.

One moment in particular stands out during the semi recent past, and that is the win against Juventus in the Champions League during the 98/99 season. Trailing 2-0 (3-1 on aggregate), Roy Keane muscled his way through the penalty area to head in a corner that set United on course for one of the greatest comebacks against arguably one of the best sides in world football at that time.

So where did Roy Keane come from? Was he a transfer based on ability, or a transfer based on talent? Talent is defined as a person possessing such aptitude or skill, whereas ability is defined as the talent that enables someone to achieve a great deal.

Roy Keane arrived at Manchester United as a great talent; a footballer who had to fulfil his talent in order to be considered a player of great ability. That is what United are about. United buy players based on what they could become (talent), rather than what they have become. Yes, United pay great sums for these talented players. The fees for Ronaldo (£13m) and Wayne Rooney (£30m) are a testament to that, but the underlying fact of the matter is that United mainly focus on the development of world stars, rather than the purchase of them.

Those game changing moments, or club defining moments that we live for, have come from players who United have developed into stars of modern football. Moments such as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s dramatic winner against Bayern Munich, Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal in the champions league final, Steve Bruce’s injury time winner vs Sheffield Wednesday and Paul Scholes’ wonder strike against Barcelona.

As a United fan, I take no greater pleasure than seeing a youngster breaking into the first team, either through the reserves or by way of working hard after being brought in during a transfer window. It gives us that warm feeling to know that they are one of our own and that we, as a club, have been a part in creating a player that the world can relish watching.

One of those players is Cristiano Ronaldo. A player once called a “one trick pony” rose to the top of the world in front of our eyes. Even though I may not like the way he left, I still take great pride in knowing that he truly became the player he is because of Manchester United.

So is this overwhelming cry for a world class player merited? Do United need a player of such calibre that would command such a high fee; who could possibly never reach the heights he reached at his previous employer?

On the odd occasion that United have purchased a world star, things haven’t quite worked out. Players such as Dimitar Berbatov and Seba Veron moved to United for huge transfer fees and with great expectations that were never truly met. These were players of class that could grace any team in the world, yet they could not find their feet at United.

With the current pursuit of Luka Modric seeming to be a never ending story, can we see him being a player who would suit United? Can he be the player who we cry out for, or is he just another Trojan horse?

United cannot afford another gamble on a world class player, as the depth of our financial disability restricts our transfer movements. Some have made jokes that we could offer magic beans in return for Modric. It’s a light hearted joke, but as funny as it is, it’s the sad truth with United’s financial problems.

Also, can United find a world class player that suits their style of play? Veron was asked to play an unfamiliar role for United. As seen, he never truly adapted and was subsequently sold to Chelsea. It’s not about buying a player, more about buying someone who can easily buy into the United way of football.

This shows the risk involved in trying to acquire a star. They have the ability to play in their designated area of expertise, but will find it tough to adjust to any new style of play, as we’ve seen with Dimitar Berbatov. Berbatov was unbelievable at Tottenham, but when asked to play at a higher tempo, he looked as if he was a deer gazing into the headlights of an oncoming truck. Add in the pressure of a huge transfer fee, over the top wages, and the fickle nature of fans, and you have a recipe for disaster.

So we need to look at the facts. United have a record as a production line, in terms of producing youth, and have also found it tough to integrate high profile signings into the first team. Do we go with the road less travelled, or do we go with what we know, and what has served the club well over its history?  

I for one would love another young player to come through the system and be another beacon of light in the current Manchester United team. The question is whether or not we have the patience to allow a player to develop, or are we going for the quick fix that could backfire?

 By: Natanael Pillay (Follow me on Twitter)

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United's new youth signing - a rare touch of class

By Shane Bailey (follow me on Twitter)

Nick is introduced to the new United tablecloth

Manchester United this week completed the signing of teen sensation Nick Powell from Crewe.  Powell, one of the hottest properties in domestic football, had a host of potential suitors.  That he chose United represents further evidence, should it be needed, that our club remains the most appealing destination to young British talent.  At United, if you’re good enough, age is not an obstacle to the first team.  Players know it, and we have every reason to be proud of it.

The Old Trafford faithful have always appreciated the beauty of youth.  There is a romance to nurturing and developing young players, whether they are graduates of the academy or those recruited from elsewhere.  Unfortunately, it has to be acknowledged that increasingly such deals have less to do with romance, and owe more to basic financial realism.  We simply can’t compete for the established stars of the day anymore.  Instead, the focus of our attention has to be unearthing the stars of tomorrow.  Where once we could rely on the history of the club and the promise of trophies to lure the game’s biggest names, we have to now concede that the money on offer elsewhere is more appealing.  For that reason, our sights have to be set on a different kind of target.  Thankfully, for some like Powell, the appeal of the club remains as strong as ever.

So what of young Powell?  What kind of player have we invested in?  The simple answer is a very talented one.  It’s not realistic to think we’ll see him in the Premier League anytime soon.  But I’m hopeful that United might just have struck gold again.  Powell undoubtedly has a touch of class and a swagger that suggests he’s unlikely to be intimidated by the Old Trafford stage when he gets his chance.  One of those players that always appears to have time and space – when all around seem rushed and crowded.  He has an awareness of those around him, and a touch that enables him to not just see, but deliver.  He’s a fabulously clean striker of the ball too.  He’s tall, and has a languid style.  He could lead the line or be equally comfortable in midfield.  But ultimately his home will surely be the space in between.  ‘In the hole’ is where he’s destined to shine. 

Of course, all this is based on a few glimpses of him amidst the cut and thrust of League 2.  It’s a long way from there to the Premiership, but just occasionally you catch a glimpse of a player that stands out to such an extent as to demand closer attention.  In the games I’ve seen, he’s looked head and shoulders above those around him, and carries a demeanour that suggests he knows it.  At 18 he’s dictating games, and that’s impressive at any level.  Amongst superior players, he might just find things even easier. 

With regards his short-term prospects at United, there has to be a chance he’ll be sent out on loan.  It’s historically proven to be Fergie’s preferred method of development and if he does select that option, I’d like to think we can find a suitable destination in the Championship.  A loan back to Crewe in League 1 does not offer sufficient benefits to United or the player.  Alternatively of course, Sir Alex might prefer to integrate him into life at Old Trafford immediately.  The sooner he’s comfortable in those surroundings the better.  If he does, my guess is he’ll be in the Carling Cup squad from the outset.  And I wouldn’t be surprised to see him featuring from the bench in the Premier League before the end of next season.

Some people may question the £6m price tag, but I’m personally glad the club have backed their instincts on this one.  We’ve missed out on a couple of other high-profile teens in recent times simply because other clubs have demonstrated greater courage.  Of course mistakes can be made, but it’s much easier for supporters to deal with poor signings than missed opportunities.  My guess is we’ll not regret this one.

Check out Nick Powell in action for Crewe last season



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Why Modric is not the missing piece of our midfield jigsaw

Hands up if you want to join United

An article from Neil Custis in the Sun this morning reports that Manchester United have secured the services of Croatian magician Luka Modric from Spurs and that the deal is almost complete. Far be it for me to pour scorn on the journalistic merits of Mr Custis but the media outlet he writes for does have form in the field of general transfer tripe so most observers will take the validity of such a claim with a gigantic pinch of salt.

To be fair, it is widely known that Sir Alex Ferguson has a long standing admiration for the silky Modric who has been the heartbeat of the Spurs midfield over the last couple of years so few would doubt that there is a semblance of fact that United aspire to capturing him but it is highly doubtful that a deal could be agreed for the reported £25 million.

The point of this post is to strongly argue that if Ferguson is looking to add the supreme talent of the Croatian to the much maligned and neglected midfield at Old Trafford, while welcomed without doubt, it is missing the point of what the club truly requires to restore itself to the top table of European football.

For me, what we need is a large portion of steel to compliment the undoubted silk that we already possess. In Rooney, Nani, Valencia, Young, Cleverley and the freshly acquired Kagawa, we have an abundance of youthful attacking verve and creativity. The missing piece of the jigsaw is the ying to that wondrous yang - the holy grail of the defensive midfielder.

"Football has changed" I hear you cry and the presence of a Makelele type patrolling the centre circle is an outdated model no longer required where possession and pressing are the new buzzwords. Flying recklessly into tackles and risking the wrath of the officials (I am looking at you Scott Parker and Steven Gerrard) is something that does not have a place in the modern game. I completely concur with this ideology, which is why we should literally (© Jamie Redknapp) move heaven and earth to acquire a "presence" in the central heartland of our team. Ideally, a box to box hard man who has ability on the ball yet a defensive mindset when a particular match dictates this role. If God created a player with a mix of Robson (Bryan, not Barry), Keane (Roy, not Robbie) and Touré (Yaya, not tubby Kolo) then there would be no better way for our generous or loathsome (delete as applicable) owners to reward their loyal subjects (Messers Ferguson and Gill) not to mention the long suffering fan base.

Before the men in white coats approach, I fully realise that firstly, no such player exists and secondly if he did then we do not have the funds to purchase thanks to our friends across the sea. We therefore often have to delve into the confines of the bargain bucket when it comes to transfers. Ideally, a young maestro making his way in the game can be persuaded to move to the glittering North of England whilst ignoring the overtures of our considerably richer near neighbours. Names mentioned include Kevin Strootman, Yann M'Vila and Kwadwo Asamoah but it is hard for me to discuss their individual merits as I have not seen enough to form a sensible opinion as to their suitability. A price of around £15 million has been touted which could be possible if offset by the sale of one or two fringe players who have still have some value in the market.    

Last season it was increasingly noticeable just how much over-reliance United had on Michael Carrick in the centre. Shorn of the energy and drive of Darren Fletcher due to his debilitating illness, the much maligned Englishman was a beacon of shining consistency among the injury ravaged Anderson and Cleverley and the waning influence of Giggs and Scholes. In the early stages of last season, when Carrick was out of favour and recovering from injury, his presence was much missed. This was masked somewhat by a flurry of goals and attacking fluidity but ultimately very little protection was afforded to our back four containing young players such as Jones, Smalling and Rafael learning their trade. If Modric is signed (and I would genuinely be ecstatic if true) then his only available partner would be Carrick as otherwise the centre of our midfield will be as open as Anderson's jaw waiting for his next KFC meal.

"Get in! We are selling Gibbo and Ando"

Above all, the signature of some steel in our central area would mean we finally have a "presence" right through the spine of the side to instil a modicum of fear in our opponents once again. With the return of Vidic (pray for Nemanja, fingers crossed) as skipper, the fear factor would once more be prevalent with the addition of an enforcer type player with Rooney ahead, relishing the battle once more after his wish for quality has finally been granted. For almost the first time since the departure of Keane, United could take to the field and strike fear into their opponent as they line up in the tunnel, knowing that our midfield department is not simply a haven for beauty and serenity. A bit of nastiness is never a bad thing.

The addition of such a strong player would also mean that the intended switch to a more fluid 4231 formation could be implemented relatively seamlessly. This would allow a pressing game led from the front by Rooney, Kagawa et al to be the first stage in retrieving possession of the ball, something that has been lacking for years. The visit of Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League emphasised just how far behind we have fallen in terms of the elite sides. To combine such pressure to an opponent and then have the ability to release the forward thinking quality to inflict serious damage, was a joy to behold even if it was in our own backyard. I have no doubt that the purchase of Kagawa, well versed in a pressing game with Dortmund, will see us at least attempt such a strategy in the early stages of next season.

Closing out the game is also another option that the acquisition of a more defensively minded player provides which was something sadly lacking at times last season when Scholes tired after the hour mark.United's football does not have to be all "gung ho" despite the traditions of the club and some solidity would not go a miss in an attempt to secure a vital three points. At least having that option (even from the bench) would be a bonus and another string to Ferguson's bow.

One hopes that impressive performances in the Euro 2012 tournament does not leave the boss to regret not acting quicker as prices will inflate in July. Getting their transfer business completed early and quickly is always the preferred way to proceed but it is naive not to point out that it is not always as easy as that. Signing a new all purpose midfielder as mentioned above would leave the possibility of a utility full back as the only other area to consider for reinforcement. Talk of Baines arriving from Everton would mean that Evra's prospects look bleak but I personally cannot see the Frenchman being replaced just yet. A decent summer break after the travails of the last few years will surely see him return to peak form.

The sensible purchase alluded to here along with the Kagawa signing would ensure United remain competitive both at home and in Europe. Coupled with the much mooted change in formation and playing style, the club may be capable of returning to the lifelong ethos of attacking verve coupled with defensive solidity that could once more see us become a potent threat feared throughout the land.

Do you agree with what is written above or am I wide of the mark? Either way, please leave your comments below and I will respond to each one.

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Shinji Kagawa - the missing link?

By Natanael Pillay (follow me on Twitter)

In light of the recent news that Manchester United has completed the transfer of Shinji Kagawa, subject to a medical and a work permit, I will look at the possible implications of his move.

During the last season, Manchester United pushed Manchester City all the way in the league, but this only served to paper over the cracks in the current system and players. This was highlighted by the surprise loss to Wigan. This was no fluke, but was an example of what a three man midfield could do against the outdated 442 formation. 

Many times, in the last season, United have struggled to control games in which the opposition have deployed three men in midfield. Many would say that Rooney provides us with another man in there, but the striker’s indifferent form and tendency to drift too far forward have contributed to Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes being isolated.

What does Kagawa’s transfer bring?
The new signing heralds a move from a conventional 442, to a more modern 4231 formation. In Kagawa, we have a player who has the ability to link  with the two deep lying midfielders, yet also go beyond the striker. In order for this system to work, possession is of the upmost importance.

One of the things I’ve noticed on twitter is the clear disregard for the art of possession. Carrick and Scholes were said to be “slowing down the game” with their passes to each other, when in actual fact, they were just manipulating the ball with the intention of finding a player in open space.

For the 4231 to succeed, a clear passing relationship between the two deep CMs and the AM is needed. The role of the AM is to find space and play the forwards in, or to lay the ball off and look for space in behind the opposing CB. Without possession, this would be a harried process that would fail at most hurdles.

This is why the days of United getting the ball out wide at every opportunity will be the road less travelled. Yes, this has been the club’s main source of ammunition for many seasons, but the new formation will bring a greater responsibility upon the wide men. Their role is to provide width, whilst coming infield to help create.

We all remember that Community Shield victory. The highlight being the majestic Nani, Welbeck, Cleverley and Rooney move that ended with Nani cheekily chipping Joe Hart. That, in essence, is the main aim of the 4231. Wide men linking up with midfielders, and wingers coming infield to create the proverbial “triangle” that allows players to open up space.

So, how does Kagawa fit in? Kagawa is a fast paced passing AM that goes beyond the opposition’s defence. Something that United have missed over the years is a midfielder who can go beyond the forward and score goals; the most recent players of this ilk being Scholes and Keane, players who supplemented the attack with runs from deep. Kagawa is not the missing piece to the puzzle, but he’s a major part of it.

An integral part of the 4231 formation is movement; the interchanging of positions of forwards and midfielders.  In Scholes and Carrick, we have players who can keep possession and find a pass, but what we need is a player who can interchange with Kagawa. A player such as Nuri Sahin or Toni Kroos is required; a player who is skilled in deep possession, yet comfortable in moving up field when Kagawa comes deeper. Carrick is more than able to fulfil this role, but Sir Alex seems determined to make full use of his defensive talents. Whether or not this remains so, is the manager’s choice.

I feel that a new CM is a necessity as Scholes is not getting any younger, Anderson has been inconsistent and has been injured a lot whilst Cleverley is still learning his trade in top tier football.

With Kagawa probably taking up Rooney’s creative role, where does that leave our talisman? Rooney should revert back to the striking position and allow him to interchange with the Japanese international. Rooney has great realisation of space and would easily be able to work with Kagawa, in a similar way he worked with Welbeck vs Everton. They both took turns to come deep. 

This leaves us with Welbeck and Hernandez in reserve, who both bring something different. Welbeck brings link up play and tricks, while Hernadez brings his pace and ability to play along the opposition defence’s shoulder. Each would be invaluable in different situations.

Add in the defensive solidarity, and United could look set to make another bid for European domination.

My team for next season: David De Gea, Rafael, Vidic, Smalling, Evra, Carrick, New CM, Nani, Kagawa, Young and Rooney

If you want to check out more about Shinji Kagawa, please view the video below showing all his goals and assists from 2011-12.



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United's top transfer target - a Hazard not to be avoided

By Jonas Giæver

Eden Hazard. A man whose name spells both divine intervention and horrific misfortune. Blessed with speed, trickery, bravery and willingness to spur his team ahead, he's sure to be one of those players you'd remember if you ever watched him play. “The boy's a bit special” is an expression used in Britain about certain young footballers who manage to captivate crowds and hold them in the palm of their hand. Welcome to the garden of Eden.

Much like yourselves I noticed Hazard from both playing Football Manager, and watching his surging runs and excellent trickery on YouTube. Having been tricked into believing that Kerlon (the player known for his seal dribbling a few years back) was the greatest thing since sliced bread some time ago, I decided to check hm out. I was left in awe. Not only did Hazard bring an exciting repertoire of tricks and skills, he also made use of them like no other player I've seen in recent history. He passed defenders like they were cones on a training field, played low crosses into the box, or fired off with both his left and his right. He was an absolute phenomenon.

Normally placed on either the left or the right wing, Hazard enjoys to wander a lot into the center, and often switches wings with the player on the opposite side. What often peaks my attention is Hazard's understanding of the game, and how it has developed over the years. From having been labeled a “smaller copy of Cristiano Ronaldo”, Hazard has certainly shown that there's more to his game than just a million step-overs and an attitude. He leaves defenders for dead at his own will, he cuts into the box, he flicks the ball into the path of a fellow team while splitting the defence open. What amazes me is that you can compare him to so many players. He's got the flair and finesse of a Cristiano Ronaldo, the sheer drive and determination of a Lionel Messi, and he's quickly developing the vision and passing abilities of David Silva. Saying that he's as good as them would be an over-exaggeration worthy of an award, but he certainly has the potential to become as good as those players mentioned. Going back to where he enjoys playing, it seems that he's more suited as a winger coming in from either the left or the right and receives the ball with momentum at his back before he rushes on to the nearest defender. The real threat about Hazard, I think, is that you never have any idea what he's going to do. He can play the defence-splitting pass, cross the ball both high and low, take you on, or blast one into the top corner. Much like his surname often proves, you have absolutely no idea how it will strike and what the effect of it is going to be. All you know is that it's going to hurt you one way or another.

The downside to Hazard is that he needs to get going early on in matches for him to have a good game. I mentioned his momentum, and that speaks volumes about him as a player. If he's tackled hard early on in the game, or his defenders leave him no space, he often seems to hit a bad spell and commits more errors in attack than what he'd usually do. This is certainly something that comes with his tender age of 21, but certainly something that he needs to better. I'd also like to point out his physique as something that hasn't impressed me a lot. He plays in a fairly physical league and has done well there, but I do believe that if he was to make a serious impact in England, with his style of playing, he'd need to put on a few pounds of muscle. In that regard you can compare to a certain Portuguese who had to overcome the same obstacle.

In terms of where he'd fit in at United I believe the claims made by Dimitar Berbatov's agent, Emil Danchev, says it all; Ferguson wants to build a team based on pace. Hazard offers that in terms of how he handles the ball, but also in terms of his quick orientation on the pitch. The latter being something he can still work on, a counter attack led by Eden Hazard with a bursting Rooney through the middle and a Nani/Antonio Valencia coming in from one of the sides would be nothing short of intimidating against any team. Hazard's ability to interchange positions in attack would also give United a whole variety in terms of unpredictability. Let’s say Rooney would feature behind Welbeck with Hazard on the left and Nani on the right. All those four players could, to some degree, play in every one of those four positions up front. That will keep defenders guessing, and keep United's attacking options limitless. Not to mention how much quality you'd have in regards to pace, firepower, drive and the ability for one of those four to create a moment of magic and win United the game. However, there have been some rumblings about Ferguson wanting Hazard to feature in a deeper role, slotting into the role now occupied by Paul Scholes. I'm led to believe that Ferguson sees Hazard as a replacement for the Paul Scholes who'd penetrate the box and come high upfield with the ball. That would ruin much of Hazard's game. He loves to wander across the pitch, but his level of understanding the game, as well as his passing range, is not good enough to occupy the center of United's midfield. Though it is an interesting thought, it gives me flashbacks to the time Anderson, then playing a trequartista-type role at Porto, was brought in in an attempt to recreate the box-to-box midfielder United had looked for since Roy Keane. As much as it is an interesting thought, spending £30-35m on a player whose main qualities are further up the pitch would seem absolutely clueless.

To sum it up quickly; Hazard will become a superstar in a few years. The definite potential and drive won't allow him to become any less. His speed, his ability to pass defenders with ease, his trickery, understanding of the game and slowly improving passing range would offer United a whole new dimension in attack. However, he's a “streaky” player, meaning he needs to stay hot in order to create something. He goes missing if he's not involved, and if pressured off the ball. As mentioned, at the age of 21, that is something he'll be able to eradicate as he becomes more experienced. He'd certainly be a handful if signed by Sir Alex. It's also worth mentioning that Hazard has labeled United a club “he'd be very interested in” should the chance arrive, and was humbled by Ferguson's appearance as Lille played Lyon at the Stade de Gerland. “It's an honor being watched by one of the best, if not the best, managers in the world.” There may be some hurdles in the way, but if he was to sign, it would prove hazardous for defenders across England, and could ultimately lead to Old Trafford being labeled “the Garden of Eden”.  

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Unsung Heroes #4 - Nicky Butt

Introducing a new series to Written Offside called "Unsung Heroes" where the great and the good of Twitter reveal the Manchester United players who largely crept under the radar of publicity yet arguably had as much impact on the success of the club as the more exciting names.

In our fourth instalment, the subject is Nicky Butt chosen by RedSnout 

Picture courtesy of The Telegraph

Being born in the very late 80's meant that my earliest, and most effusive, football memories coincided perfectly with a period when United were dominating the football scene in the country. It was also a period that saw a soaraway maturation of a crop of burgeoning talents who later known as Fergie's fledglings. Obviously there were setbacks and shrieks but they didn't bother me much. I was not only too young to appreciate what fine footballers Ince and Kanchelskis were, but was also too infantile to wallow in despair after their premature exits from the club. United were enigmatic in the extreme and filled my childhood with an endless stream of joy. Edge-of-the-seat stuff week-in week-out from some of the most breathtaking footballers ever to grace this game. But now looking back, I feel, in all the excitement, whilst appreciating many, I may have overlooked the significance of an unfettered, icy-veined ginger lad then. No, not Paul Scholes. Nicky Butt.

Nicky Butt is a strange character and, in some ways, a persona that exudes mystery. He may have spent thirteen trophy-laden years at the club he supported as a boy, but no one can be adamant that the twitching remains of his legacy still persist there. There are no banners or memorials at Old Trafford that glorify his footballing deeds. Rarely, if ever, would you see someone in a retro replica shirt having Nicky Butt written on the back of it. He doesn't visit any fan's everyday chats often. Never in last few years have you read an article saying United could do with a player in the mould of Nicky Butt. Heck, if you're asked to pick your favourite Nicky Butt moment, the response, more than likely, will be a long, stretched pause. Don't get me wrong, it's not the fact that his mystique is still not around the club that makes him mysterious, but it's the fact that no one seems to bother about it. A player who's won as much as him isn't supposed to be like this. He should be esteemed and talked about.

Nicky, a born and bred Mancunian, a regular match-goer with uncle Billy in his childhood days, joined United as a trainee in July 1991. A member of youth cup winning team of '92, he was hailed as one of the kids that can fulfil the long-instilled longing of fans for home-grown talents. Though made his debut in November '92, the enthralling success of Ince- Keane partnership meant 'The Guv'nor' of reserve team had to wait till '95-96 to get a regular run in the team. Post-Ince era, Butt was proved to be a crucial player in the two following title winning seasons, made more appearances than Roy Keane in both. He also ably replaced the Irish colossus when the latter did his knee ligaments at Elland road in September '97 and missed the rest of the season. In the absence of suspended Keane and Scholes, Butt was the only recognised central midfielder given a start in the '99 European cup final against Bayern; an indication of manager's trust in his defensive diligence and discipline. It's easy to forget, in all the nostalgic euphoria, that German champions couldn't score from open play that night. Nicky continued to be a valuable member of squad in the early part of century before moving to North East in '04 when his position was taken by Djemba-Djemba, Kleberson and youth product Darren Fletcher. A United career expanding over a decade, decorated with plenty of honours. Loyalty and commitment never in doubt. Nicky Butt, a United hero? Um... Well.. not really.

So what is it about Nicky Butt that leaves him so ill-appreciated by the wider section of supporters? It's facile - not to mention impossible - to offer an answer to that, but it is worth thinking about. Nicky Butt, in retrospect, spent his entire career being a consummate stand-in. United almost, almost didn't miss Keane when he was injured or Scholes when he was out or Ince after he left because of this lad. May be, there lieth the problem. Nicky Butt always had huge huge boots to fill early in his career and as a result he never really had an identity of his own, certainly not of the magnitude of Ince or Keane's. In many ways, Butt was a back-up even when he was a regular starter. Then there is the notion of personality. He had none of the raging ego of Ince or the relentless desire of Keane. He didn't really have the insouciance Paul Scholes either. He had, instead, an almost machine-like grace, in the sense that there was nothing overtly heroic, raucous or surprising about him. A self-conserving but selfless, soft-edged character calmly accepting of the fates, whether they swing for him or against. You want your heroes to be a genius or an eccentric, or both. Nicky Butt was neither of them.

The way he played his football had its blemishes too. Nicky played in the least fashionable position on the pitch with minimum fuss. Stress told on his face and gestures regardless of the situations. Even when he was playing brilliantly, the grimace of distress on his face made it look it's all a bit struggle out there. Unable to offer anything that looks more than functional, he struggled to excite the imagination, even of the utmost pragmatists in the gallery. Moreover, the surrealist form he showed in reserves was abandoned in favour of utilitarianism for the first XI. It's not difficult to imagine that if he had played cricket, he probably would have played it like Shivnarine Chanderpaul. The shivery-looking West-Indian doesn't possess the brooding aura of Viv Richards or the sudden, absurd and outlandish lurches into genius that Brian Lara can provide but he, somehow, does his job rather effectively without tickling anyone's aesthetic sense. Nicky Butt, when compared to Keane and Scholes, wasn't much different.

Picture courtesy of here

I'm in no way suggesting that an enigmatic/eccentric personality or an enchanting playing style is a pre-requisite for being a cult icon. For some players, it only takes a few spectacular incidents in their career or life. But, sadly, that's where Nicky Butt falls really short. His career graph is devoid of any kind of epic curves or troughs of a hero. There were no career threatening injuries and miraculous comebacks, or onerous controversies to please any jaundiced journalist. Grabbing-games-by-the-scruff-of-the-neck was never his forte. He didn't score an injury-time winner at rival's backyard or a wonder goal to keep any dream alive. His best goal came in a 4-0 routine trouncing of Sunderland '00. Arguably his most important goal came in a 2-all draw against Liverpool '95, a game of little importance barring the rivalry factor. The players he tried to pick on in the tunnel and on the pitch were Pascal Chimbonda and Micah Hyde, not Vieira and Shearer. Put simply, his story was one of discernible banality and a tinge of mediocrity.

It's not that he was a mediocre player, far from it actually. An irrepressible but startlingly mature box-to-box midfielder in younger days and an extremely organised centre midfielder later, Nicky Butt was aptly described as a "good, honest soldier you can always rely on" by Ferguson. In a country where only Hollywood passers with the positional sense of blindfolded drunk are revered, he'd still managed to forge a respectable international career. In many ways he had a football career that millions of footballers would dream of. It's just that this lingering concern that the perception of his talent did not always correspond to how good he really was. One would like to think that, if Nicky had done exactly the same job, but snarled like a maniac and ripped Ray Parlour a new one while he did it, things might have been a lot different. A lot different.

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