Redsnout's Ramble - United's resurgence, Scholes and Ajax

Still number 1 - Paul Scholes

By RedSnout

Here we are. The gentle waft of European football is just beginning to tanatlise the nostrils once again- naysayers say she's less fragrant and savoury than her prettier sister we usually go out with, but when you think of what happened on that bedeviled night in Basel, it's nothing less than what was deserved. Fair play though, as first night-outs go, a ravishing trip to Amsterdam is as grand as they come. More about it later.

Let's go a few weeks back in time. The air around the club, at the start of this year, had been grumpy with navel gazing and vein busting invective from the support section. Out of the Champions league and League cup, near-jeopardization of title chances with consecutive losses to Steve Kean's Blackburn and Alan Pardew's barcodes, rumours of Rooney exit thanks to shit-stirred, jaundiced journalism and underperforming/injured players. Add these to the ever growing frustration over manager's stubbornness to address the midfield issue which has been apparent for the last two years. The whispers in the corridor suggested a few arrivals, but they never echoed their way into manutd.com type confirmation. A set of worries was irascibly poured out of every sweaty orifice of the interweb.

At that moment, asking for a convincing performance and win at giddy neighbour's backyard seemed a bit too far-fetched, but that's exactly what was followed, and, in my opinion, could turn out to be a seminal point of the season. Record books may suggest United's 3-2 win over local rivals as a routine cup win that holds no pertinence as they went on to fall in the next hurdle at Anfield. But, in hindsight, it not only ended United's barren run of form and restored belief with in the squad, but also broke City's air of invincibility at home and slowed down that billion-dollar juggernaut. United are unbeaten in the league since then, a run which includes convincing away performances at Arsenal and Chelsea, routine home wins against Bolton, Stoke and those sniveling vermin from Merseyside. If United manage to gain 13 points or more from the next 5 league matches (Norwich, Spurs, Westbrom, Wolves and Fulham), they will be in pole position for the title race when April starts.

There's a fair number of reasons behind United's recent resurgence, but none, I feel, more prominent than a certain ginger bloke from Oldham. To be honest I was quite sceptical about Scholes's return, partly due to the glaring concerns over his fitness and the prospect of him drawing an expendable figure in the squad. Not to mention the slight aggravation over club's apparent settlement to resort to a retired player rather than investing in the future. But, as succinctly put forward in this piece  by the brilliant Zac Hann (ManUtd24), Scholes has been the vital catalyst in United's revival. You could argue, regardless of the result at the end of this season, this move has already eclipsed Henrik Larsson deal in 2007 when it comes to influence on and off the pitch. His direction was something United needed for a number of reasons, but mostly for right footballing ones. Most of his performances this month, by their sheer class and composure, provided tangible gratification for supporters. Long may it continue.

Well, I would be in dereliction of duty not to chow down on the tasty dish that is Ajax- United. This is normally a tie that could light any competition this continent can offer. It's surprising that, In spite of being the powerhouses of Europe for the last few decades, their last competitive meeting was way back in 1976 UEFA cup tie at Old Trafford, where United recorded a 2-1 win. It's difficult to imagine Sir Alex, despite his reiterations on this point, taking this competition as seriously as Docherty did that day. There's a coherent argument that the squad is too thin to challenge for two titles, and this competition is hardly lucrative for a club of United's stature. But actually it is no more a distraction than Champions league, something United have been accustomed to for 20 years. Europa also stages a low-pressure environment for players like Berbatov, Hernandez, Anderson, Park, Cleverley, Fabio, etc where they don't have to come and deliver straight away. We'll have to wait and see the squad-sheet against Ajax to gauge Sir Alex's plans for this competition, I think.

Ajax, unlike United, had a very commendable group stage campaign in Champions league, and should consider very unlucky with the way they went out of it. Need to be said though, their subsequent domestic performances have been quite shambolic but were largely overshadowed by the power struggle between Mr. consigliere Johan Cruyff and Louis van Gaal. Their win over 17th placed NAC Breda on Saturday was their first this year. Three losses and one draw prior to that this year had tarnished any chance of defending the Dutch title. If there was any good time to face Ajax, I think it's now. This is not to suggest it'll be a cakewalk for United. Ajax at the Amsterdam Arena is always a different proposition and they have the players to hurt a complacent opposition. Christian Eriksen, diminutive Danish player with nimble feet, could prove to be quite handy for United's defence if their midfielders leave space behind them. If Theo Janssen and Nicolai Boilesen are declared to be fit, their participation will lift the squad morale. Toby Alderweireld also has comeback from injury and will partner captain Jan Vertonghen to form an effective CB pairing. Injury to first team players like Gregory van der Wiel, Derk Boerrigter and Kolbeinn Sigthorsson makes Ajax's task on the night an enormous one though.

It’s not easy predicting United lineups when the team is in the form and injured players are coming back. Common sense would suggest that manager will rest a few first team players with the intention of keeping them fresh after a tough run of games. Tom Cleverley, who's been injured out for almost 4 months, could make his European debut today. Hernandez, Pogba and Park Ji-Sung are players who've done well when they came on, and deserve chances. 

My starting line-up will be De Gea- Jones, Smalling, Evans, Fabio- Young, Carrick, Cleverley, Park- Rooney, Hernandez. What's yours?

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Chelsea vs Manchester United: Where it will be won and lost

Manchester United visit Stamford Bridge on Sunday for a pivotal fixture in the destination of the Barclays Premier League title.

By way of a preview, I will be looking at the key areas that will go a long way towards deciding the outcome of the game:

Valencia vs Bertrand - Following the dismissal of Ashley Cole against Swansea, Chelsea are likely to go into the game with rookie Ryan Bertrand at left back. Even if the England international had been available, this would still have been identified as a potential area that United could exploit, bearing in mind the torrid time handed out to Cole by Valencia in recent fixtures. The Ecuadorian is in the form of his life at the moment and will truly fancy his chances of inflicting the sort of damage that could change the game. Valencia is very much an old fashioned winger. He does not possess a "trick" as such to beat his man but relies on his pace and movement to get to the byline before unleashing a testing cross. The phrase "getting chalk on his boots" is incredibly apt for him at the moment as he hugs the touchline inviting long balls from the likes of Carrick and Scholes from the centre thus helping to stretch the opposition. Another key to his recent resurgence has been the combination play with his colleague at full back meaning that his opponent has often had to deal with both. The choice of right back on Sunday appears to come between the attacking verve and youthful enthusiasm of Rafael or the more conservative and defensive selection of Chris Smalling. Ferguson's propensity to err on the side of caution will probably mean that the Englishman gets the nod but he may just alter his mindset knowing that Cole will be absent.

Welbeck/Rooney vs Terry/Luiz - The news that United fans wanted was duly announced by the boss in his weekly press conference when he revealed that Rooney, Nani, Young and Cleverley could all be in the squad travelling to London. The return of United's number ten is the most noteworthy as it means that the away side can go into the game with him playing off a front man (most likely Welbeck) with Rooney able to drop deep to assist the midfield two as he has done successfully in recent away fixtures against City and Arsenal. A key feature of the game will be how the Englishman can affect the time and space afforded to Chelsea's defensive anchor whether it is Romeu or the returning Essien. It is a role he has carried out with varying degrees of success in recent years when one remembers encounters against Mikel (successful) and Busquets (much less so!). It will be in the final third that United will hope that the forward duo will have most effect on the match up against Luiz and Terry (injury permitting, otherwise Ivanovic). Welbeck's exciting form this season owes a lot to his impressive movement and pace which has helped to stretch opposition back lines and if he can isolate either of the two centre backs then United will surely prosper. To be fair, Chelsea's defence has tightened recently somewhat from their early season mishaps but one still gets the impression that Luiz is an accident waiting to happen and either Terry or Ivanovic are susceptible to pace and guile.

Nani or Park? Boswinga or Ivanovic - The news that Nani has trained in the last couple of days will be another boost to the club based on his generally excellent form this season. When he limped off the pitch at the Emirates, many feared a lengthy absence due to a dreaded metatarsal break but these fears have been allayed and the Portuguese flyer will look to inflict similar damage on Chelsea as he did to Djourou against Arsenal. If Nani is not deemed sufficiently fit to resume his role down the left then the likely selection will be Park whose defensive capabilities can be an asset away from home but he offers little in terms of attacking threat in most situations. Ashley Young is also close to a return and United suddenly look like they have a wide range of options with which to plot the downfall of the opposition from the wide areas. In recent games, Ivanovic has been the right back of choice against United due to his defensive intelligence when compared to the more forward thinking Boswinga. Either way, Nani will fancy his chances and one hopes that he trusts his left foot a little more as his opponents have a tendency to show him inside (an option he all too frequently takes) and thus leaving themselves vulnerable to being caught flat footed as the winger goes on his left foot. The recent resurgence in form of Evra is also worth noting and his attacking threat has meant that opposition full backs have their hands full if their wide man fails to track back (as seen at Arsenal where Oxlade Chamberlain left Djourou exposed).

The midfield battle - I would expect Carrick and Giggs to be chosen in the centre at Stamford Bridge, a ground where they have excelled as a partnership in recent years (except the second half of last season's league game!). With Rooney assisting when appropriate, United will look to gain control with astute passing and sensible positioning. The injury to Ramires will be welcome to this duo who can have a tendency to lose midfield runners and the slim Brazilian can often be found ahead of his strikers as he breaks into the box. Although Lampard (if fit and selected) had this quality, age is catching up somewhat and his forward surges are not quite the threat they once were. The return of Essien (if deemed match fit) will be a huge boost for the Londoners after a lengthy lay off. Although youngster Romeu has settled in admirably, the swashbuckling Ghanaian adds bite and drive to the central area. Raul Meireles is another option in the holding midfield role but he is better suited to a more attacking position and could be unsettled by the presence of Rooney in his face. With two wide men on the pitch, look for Carrick and Giggs to attempt to spread the ball out to the wings when possible and put the onus on them to beat their opponent or to supply the ammunition for Rooney and Welbeck.

Off the bench - The return of a few of the walking wounded for United also has a knock on effect that it strengthens the options available to Ferguson if he needs to change the game or close it out. In recent weeks, the likes of the Will Keane, Pogba, Cole and Fryers have all been selected on the bench and while it is heartening to see their progress, it is asking a lot of them to change a game at the highest level. On Sunday, United's bench could possibly have the likes of Hernández, Berbatov, Young, Cleverley and Scholes all as options which significantly increases the chances of a notable impact as the starting players tire.

The Chelsea threat - The primary threat from the home side will come naturally from their front three and notably their players either side of Torres. Mata has had an encouraging start to life in the Premier League where his guile and creativity have given Chelsea an extra edge sadly lacking last season. The Spaniard has a  tendency to roam across the pitch at times in order to make an impact and although from an attacking point of view this can be an asset, the left back can be left exposed. When Ashley Cole is in residence, that is less of a problem but his suspension and the subsequent promotion of Bertrand means Mata may have to be more rigid in his positioning. He will be tasked with orchestrating United's downfall by threading passes in behind Ferdinand and Evans whilst hoping that Torres has his shooting boots on. Sturridge on the right will look to isolate Evra one on one and use his movement to cause a lapse in positioning. The Frenchman will need to be wary of him at the back post as he looks to get into goal scoring positions when the ball is delivered from the left. The mis-firing Torres tends to raise his game at the prospect of facing United and there would be no better game for his potency to return than at home against their rivals. He cannot be underestimated by United's centre backs as although he has lost a yard of the once renowned blistering pace, he can still get into positions of threat. 

Team Prediction

Score Prediction

Based on what I have written above and my general bias towards United, I will go for a 2-1 away victory. The caveat to this is the return of Rooney and Nani to the first team. If either are unfit then a low scoring draw is more likely as Ferguson may well go with Park and Scholes (as at Anfield) which would isolate Welbeck once more. Not for the first time, I have a feeling that the winner may come via an introduction from the bench so maybe a certain Mexican will pop up with a late United winner.

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United vs Palace post match post mortem

Manchester United suffered embarrassment in the quarter finals of the Carling Cup for the second successive year as Crystal Palace dumped the Premier League Champions out of the competition with a 2-1 win after extra time.  Substitute Darren Ambrose inspired the away side to victory by scoring one and setting up the other.  A Federico Macheda penalty had levelled the scores but the Reds couldn’t find a way through to force the game to penalties after Palace regained the lead.

Sir Alex chose to go with a starting XI that included no less than eight full internationals; Amos, Rafael and Macheda the only three yet to gain full honours for their respective countries.  The only real surprise came with the exclusion of Zeki Fryers who started both previous rounds and performed admirably in both.  He had to be content with a place on the bench but did not have to wait long to get in on the action when Fabio succumbed to injury yet again just after the half hour mark.  The first half was more notable for the injuries that occurred than any goal mouth action. Dimitar Berbatov received a knock and was replaced at half time while Palace’s Scannell and Moxey also lasted only 45 minutes as injuries prevented them from taking any further part.  It was a dire affair and the half time whistle was a welcome sound.  Only flashes from the lively Zaha sparked life in to an otherwise dull encounter.

Hope was given as the teams emerged for the second half when it became apparent that Ravel Morrison would replace Berbatov.  It was the moment most United fans had been waiting for. He would finally get a decent stint on the pitch, and at Old Trafford.  The only downside was he would be playing alongside players who could only dream of having the ability the boy has.  Still, there was sense that he could resuscitate an ailing United.  He did to an extent, testing the Palace keeper twice in the space of five minutes. The first a stinging drive from the edge of the area and the second an angled drive that he struck right at the keepers legs; one he perhaps will look back on and feel he should have done better.  Before these chances Antonio Valencia should really have given United the lead when he went through one on one with the keeper but, as has come to be expected, he fluffed his chance and screwed it wide.

It seemed only a matter of time before the Reds would pay for those missed chances with Palace looking dangerous on the counter attack.  After sloppy play in midfield, Ambrose advanced with the ball and unleashed an unstoppable drive from all of 35 yards.  It was a truly magnificent strike and up there with the very best Old Trafford has seen. Think Gabriel Batistuta, think David Trezeguet.  This goal was up there with them.  Palace were unable to hang on to the lead though and United were level within five minutes.  Macheda turned neatly in the box and had his shirt pulled by McCarthy, the Italian went down and Chris Foy obligingly pointed to the stop.  Macheda dusted himself down and made no mistake from 12 yards to give him his first goal for United when he has started a game.

While the second half was slightly more fluent than the first, United couldn’t break down a resolute Palace defence and so the game lurched in to extra time.  The last thing the 50 odd thousand in attendance probably wanted.  The Eagles grabbed the winner in the first half of extra time when Murray outmuscled Jonny Evans to get on the end of a delightful free kick from Ambrose.  The ball flashed past Amos before he could get his hands up to stop it.  The Reds huffed and puffed but to no avail.  The third game at Old Trafford in eight days, all winless. They were out, a fate which will surely befall some of the players on show last night.

Post Match Analysis

Come in Diouf and Macheda, your time is up

If Wednesday night and the aforementioned player’s respective performances does not draw the curtain on their United careers then there is something not quite right at Old Trafford.  Leeway has been given to both as they have been played out of position this season but, against Palace, they both had their shot up front.  

Diouf started up front with Macheda on the left and, although he didn’t get long, he did absolutely nothing to warrant his selection there.  There was very little service to be fair but his movement, sense of awareness and understanding were awful.  Rightly, he was shunted wide left where his work rate and pace may have been more beneficial to the team. It wasn’t.  He was terrible. He isn’t as bad as his performance suggested, you only have to look at him in the reserves, but he isn’t cut out for this level. And certainly not at United.  When you can’t even shield the ball properly, you know it’s the end of the line.

Macheda, although narrowly better and grabbed the goal, was still woeful.  It may be unfair to say his time is up given he is only recently back from injury and had to play as a lone striker from the second half onwards but it’s the simple things that let him down.  His second touch is invariably a tackle, his passing is awry to say the least and his propensity to take four touches instead of two almost always leads to surrendering possession.  He should have gone on loan but he didn’t so he had to make the most of these chances. He hasn’t. Even a loan move in January is unlikely to save his United career.  If you can’t do the basics after two years of being around the first team, you are not going to make it here.  Defeats like these usually spell the end for some players who were involved. It was Obertan and Bebe last year. It’s Diouf and Macheda who could be culled twelve months on.

Ferguson’s apology

“I don't know where to start to be honest. My apologies go to our fans tonight because that was not a Manchester United performance.”

Firstly, the United manager should very rarely, if ever, have to apologise.  He put out a team that was more than capable of beating a Crystal Palace side who had failed to score a single goal in their previous five games.  But, seeing as he has apologised for the performance, why has he not apologised for most of the season? When was the last time we put in a “Manchester United performance”?  I’m neither expecting nor wanting an apology, that’s football but why say it after a defeat like last night? I’d say it was more expected than at any other point this season given the players involved even though they should have got the result.

If an apology was to be given it should have came in various other forms.  An apology from the hierarchy for the ridiculous prices paid by those who attended Old Trafford to witness that dross would have been nice.  An apology for paying somewhere in the region of £4 million for Mame Biram Diouf while negligently failing to pay money to address serious issues in our squad would also have been nice.  An apology for sticking with a player who we actively tried to sell in the summer ahead of promising youngsters who have been talked up by everyone at the club would have been even nicer.

But like I said, an apology is neither wanted nor necessary.  An improvement is what we want.  A change is what is necessary.

Ravel Morrison, welcome.

At some point between 8.45pm and 8.50pm on Wednesday night, the moment most United fans had been waiting for arrived. Ravel Morrison was introduced to Old Trafford and was going to get meaningful minutes on the pitch. It turned out to be 75 minutes.  Probably the only positive of extra time was Morrison getting an extra 30 minutes.  Some, rather inexplicably, failed to see his talent.  Others, thankfully, did.  He wasn’t exceptional by any stretch of the imagination but he stood out in a United side that was full of unadventurous, under-performing internationals.  It was too much to expect he would thrill, dazzle and ultimately win us the game single handedly.  Although in the back of the mind, I’m sure there was a thought that “just maybe, what if, he could you know”.  He didn’t which is probably just as well. More tellingly he put in a mature performance, one that contradicted his tender years.

He spent the first ten minutes feeling his way in to the game, finding space but not being found with passes in to his feet.  When he did get the ball he wasn’t afraid to dribble with it, he came deep to collect it, moved forward, passed it on and moved to create more space. Pass and move. If only others could have followed his lead.  He made it look simple.  The thing is, it was simple.  When he did get in and around the box, life was breathed in to our attack.  A ball fizzed in to him was nonchalantly flicked on and space was created for a chance.  The flicks and tricks are the swagger he has to his game but they are effective.  They were incisive yet embarrassing to his teammates who struggled to accurately pass the ball five yards never mind back heel it that distance.  He also had two of our best chances; it would have been no surprise if he did get on the score sheet.  He’ll probably kick himself that he didn’t.  He won’t let it affect him though.  He’ll make sure he takes those chances next time.

As I alluded to before, he stood out in that team which is the most pleasing aspect of his performance.  Too many times you see promising youngsters thrown in to a patch work side and suffer because of it.  It’s easy to fall to the level of those around you in that situation.  Morrison didn’t.  He still showed his undoubted ability and class.  Perhaps disappointingly for him it was Berbatov he replaced, the one player in the line up who could have brought out more in him.  However, it bodes well for the future. One can only assume if he plays this well with the stiffs, he will excel with the superstars.

All that said, I don’t expect him to feature much more in the first team this season. Depending on the FA Cup draw he could get some minutes but Ferguson won’t pitch him in to Premier League battle. Not while we have 18 fit first team players. The hard part will be telling him that and controlling the undoubted disappointment that will follow. He’ll (rightly) feel he belongs now in light of the abject performances around him but he’ll not be thrust in to the first team yet.

End of the road but new beginnings for others

Defeat to Palace brought an end to a Carling Cup run that was far from exciting but it did bring a few positives.  The competition brought debuts for Paul Pogba, Michael Keane, Larnell Cole and Zeki Fryers.  While Tom Thorpe, Reece Brown, Jesse Lingard, Marnick Vermijl and Will Keane got a taste of what it is like to be involved in the 18.  This competition is, and always should be, about introducing young players in to the first team.  In that respect, this season has been a success.

He, who will feel most benefit from it, is Zeki Fryers.  A surprise inclusion against Leeds, he excelled in that game and put in another solid performance against Aldershot.  It was not thought his time would come this season especially after a terrible injury last season but it did and he grabbed it.  So much so he has also had a taste of Champions League action.  He was stable last night but was guilty of being sloppy in possession.  It was he who lost the ball that led to the Ambrose strike by trying to dribble forward instead of passing it.  

A mistake was inevitable, they happen to the best of players.  He’ll recover from the disappointment of being involved in the team that was knocked out and look to push on.  The left back spot needs competition and he has given Sir Alex an option with his performances.  He has been the noticeable positive in a campaign that offered very little.

Ratings: Amos 5, Rafael 5, Smalling 6, Evans 5, Fabio 4, Valencia 3, Park 4, Gibson 5, Diouf 1, Macheda 3, Berbatov 3

Subs: Fryers 5, Morrison 6, Pogba 5,

By Mick Higgins (Follow me on Twitter)

United vs Palace Carling Cup Preview

Introduction

Manchester United entertain Crystal Palace on Wednesday night as Old Trafford tastes its first Carling Cup action of the season.  Once again the United hierarchy have failed to reduce ticket prices for a match that should be used to entice families and kids to the Theatre of Dreams.  Instead, it is likely that large parts of the ground will be empty and the players will be playing in front of another subdued atmosphere.

As for the game itself, United will be looking to advance past the stage they faltered at last year when West Ham United embarrassed the cup holders 4-0 at Upton Park.  Similarly Crystal Palace, will be looking to reach their first semi final since 2000/01 when Liverpool convincingly dispatched of them 6-2 on aggregate.  

The last meeting between the sides in this competition ended in a 2-0 win to the Reds with Saha and Richardson grabbing the goals in November 2004.  There is only one survivor from the United line up that night, Darren Fletcher although it is unlikely he will feature in the tie this time around.  However, a similar result to that of seven years ago will suit Sir Alex Ferguson’s men as they look to focus their attention on the Premier League festive run in.

The Opposition

Crystal Palace go in to Wednesday evening’s game looking for their first win in five.  Dougie Freedman’s men are on a poor run of form at the moment, one which has also seen them fail to register a single goal in those five games.  However, in the Carling Cup they have had some noticeable results.  In the first round they saw off Crawley Town 2-0, a tie that could have been considered a potential upset given the big spending nature of the League Two club.  They then caused their own upset by beating Premier League strugglers Wigan 2-1 and followed that up with a win against Middlesbrough by the same score line.  They were rewarded with a tie against United when they beat the Championships pace setters Southampton by two goals to nil. 

All of these ties have been at Selhurst Park though and they will face a wholly different proposition coming up against the might of Manchester United at Old Trafford.  The task of getting a result will be made even tougher given the Eagles’ erratic away form.  In their 9 away Championship games they have won 4, lost 5 and drew 0. Scoring 10 and conceding 12 in the process.  Saying they blow hot and cold away from home would be a fair statement to make.  If they are to upset the odds tomorrow night they will need some big performances from their most important players including youngsters Nathaniel Clyne and Wilfried Zaha.

Clyne has attracted some serious interest from Premier League clubs after his impressive performances at right back for Palace last season. He played in every league game, becoming the youngest ever player to do so.  He has resisted the temptation to fly the Eagles’ nest thus far but it won’t be long before he is plying his trade in the Premier League.  Old Trafford will be the perfect stage for him to showcase his talent and it should inspire him to put in a solid performance. 

While Clyne will be tasked with keeping United’s attackers quiet, Wilfried Zaha will be given the responsibility to try and unlock the United defence with his pace and trickery.  He has three goals in the competition already and five in total for the season.  While not prolific in front of goal, Zaha has the attributes to trouble what will be a youthful United backline.  He’ll cause problems on the counter attack whether it be by running at the defence or chasing a ball over the top.  Whoever Ferguson selects at the back, they’ll need to be on their guard.

United

As another Carling Cup games rolls around, all the buzz is about what youngsters will feature in this tie.  Sir Alex Ferguson has dropped strong hints that Paul Pogba could make his first start given the depleted nature of our midfield.  Ravel Morrison could also be involved with Ferguson saying he should make the bench at the very least.  Zeki Fryers should make his third start in the competition, while Jesse Lingard, Larnell Cole and the Keane twins will also be hoping to make the squad having done so in previous rounds and have been training with the first team squad.  Whoever makes the squad will be accompanied by a good blend of experience and players who need minutes on the pitch.

Ferguson has said there will be wholesale changes again meaning most, if not all, who started the weekend draw against Newcastle will be left out.  The only exception could be Fabio but with his twin brother needing a game after returning from injury, Rafael could get the nod.  Smalling and Evans could form a strong central defensive partnership as both needs minutes after recovering from knocks.  That could see Fryers occupy the left back berth like he did against Aldershot.  In what will be his toughest game yet, he could be faced with the task of containing Zaha if he is employed out wide or is given a free role behind a main striker.  I have no doubt he will be up to the task and put in another strong performance.  Confidence will be coursing through his body given the faith Ferguson has shown in him and the positive feedback/encouragement he has received from his Twitter followers.

Ahead of the defence the front six could allow for some flexibility.  Michael Owen has succumbed to injury yet again and will not be able to add to his three goals in the competition.  Dimitar Berbatov was missing from the squad for the Newcastle game due to a knock but if fit he should return to lead the line.  If not, Kiko Macheda and Mame Diouf could partner each other in attack.  Similarly, without the experience of Berbatov, Ferguson could adopt a fluid 4-5-1 formation especially if Pogba is going to be handed his full debut.  That could see Diouf or Macheda out wide allowing for the potential to move to 4-4-2 depending on the flow of the game.  Antonio Valencia will likely take his place on the right wing as he continues to try and rediscover his form.

Although it will not sit easy with many United fans, it is likely Darron Gibson will make his first start of the season against Palace.  It will cause even more unrest if it comes at the expense of Pogba or Morrison getting a start.  However, given he was on the bench against Benfica and Newcastle it appears he is still in the Ferguson’s thoughts ahead of the aforementioned reserve players.  Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher are our only two recognised fit central midfielders so Ji Sung Park could again be utilised in that role alongside Gibson.  Ryan Giggs could also slot in and would be a good choice to play alongside Pogba if the Frenchman was to start.  It may also be suitable to have Giggs or Park play in a midfield three with Gibson and Pogba.

The team, like every other round, is very much up in the air.  The fans will live in hope that our promising youngsters get the chance to shine at Old Trafford.  I, for one, will not get my hopes too high.  If they make the starting XI, great. If not, let’s get behind the players who are playing and get a result that will see us progress to the semi finals.

Predicted Line up: Amos, Rafael, Smalling, Evans, Fryers, Valencia, Gibson, Park, Diouf, Macheda, Berbatov

Scoreline Prediction

Crystal Palace will be no mugs and I fully expect this to be our toughest test in the competition yet even though we are at home.  Saying that, Palace are on a dismal scoreless run and if United field a strong defence like the one I have predicted, I can’t see them breaching that.  We should have enough in attack to grab the goals that will see us through comfortably in the end so I’ll go with 3-0.

By Mick Higgins (Follow me on Twitter)

Please feel free to leave your thoughts on the game below.

Aldershot vs Manchester United Post Match Post Mortem

Manchester United sauntered to a 3-0 win against Aldershot at The Recreation Ground to advance to the quarter finals of the Carling Cup and remain on course for a third final appearance in four years.  The scoreline was the same as the previous round and the game overall bore similarities too. We played a team in white at their place, controlled the first half, scored the goals to make it comfortable and played out the second half without much incident.  Michael Owen was once again on the scoresheet, making it three goals in two Carling Cup appearances this season. His goal was sandwiched between a Dimitar Berbatov strike and an Antonio Valencia thunderbolt.

The Reds fielded a second string XI, making three changes from the game against Leeds. In came Vidic, Cleverley and Jones with Giggs, Carrick and Macheda dropping out.  It meant a second start for Zeki Fryers who was deployed at left back with Fabio switching to right back and Valencia moving further up the field.  Paul Pogba had to make do with a place on the bench along with his fellow Reserve team mates.  He did enter the fray on the hour mark to make his second appearance for United.  Ravel Morrison, a 70^thminute substitute, also made his second senior appearance almost a year to the day after he made his first against Wolves in the Carling Cup last season.  Michael Keane’s introduction along with Morrison made him the fourth United debutant in this year’s competition.

While it was pleasing to see the younger lads get their opportunity, this game was all about giving squad players minutes on the pitch.  As Sir Alex stated before the match, with the games starting to come thick and fast as we enter the winter months, it is imperative everyone is match fit and ready to go when called upon.  It is for that reason it was essential for Berbatov, Owen, Valencia, Park and Vidic to get 90 minutes.  Most pleasing of all though was the return of Tom Cleverley from injury.  He managed 60 minutes before being replaced by Pogba and will have played his way in to contention for a starting spot against Everton on Saturday.  He was involved heavily in the move which led to the first goal and also teed up Valencia to make it three just after half time.  He has become a greater player in his absence in many supporters’ eyes which places a heavy burden on the boy’s shoulders but we have missed his spark in midfield. Ferguson will see his return as a welcome boost after Sunday’s shambolic display and will be pleased overall at the result and the performance of the team. 

Post Match Analysis

Goals – Easy as 1,2,3

Aldershot were far from disgraced in this match and can hold their heads up high but they will be disappointed at the manner in which they lost the goals.  The first came in the fifteenth minute and it was like someone had rewound the tape back to the start of the season. Park played the ball in to Cleverley and continued his run in to the box before being found with a neat pass from the latter. The South Korean then slid the ball to Berbatov who took a touch before slotting home in to the far corner. The passing and movement in and around the box was excellent to watch. It’s exactly what has been missing from the Reds play since the Chelsea match and it was no coincidence that Cleverley was at the forefront of the move.  It does have to be taken in to context though, it was against a League Two defence but it was still pleasing to see that type of goal return to our play.

Picture courtesy of The Guardian

There wasn’t much the Shots could have done about the first goal to be fair but they will be desperately disappointed by the second goal which came five minutes before half time.  Owen dropped off to in to midfield to collect the ball, he turned and sent a raking 50 yard pass in behind the defence to Berbatov who ambled his way in to the box. He laid the ball on a plate to Owen who timed his run to perfection and made no mistake with the finish.  Owen’s run wasn’t picked up and the keeper could have done better with the shot but full credit to the ex-Liverpool man who started the move and showed the desire to get in the box and finish it.

The third goal came two minutes after the half time and killed off any faint hope Aldershot had of staging a miraculous comeback.  Cleverley collected the ball 25 yards from goal and spotted Valencia in acres of room to his right hand side. He laid the ball in to his path before the Ecuadorian took a touch and drilled an unstoppable shot past the helpless Warner.  The ball curled, swerved and dipped leaving the ‘keeper no chance.  It was a surprise to see Valencia take the shot on but it does show what he is capable of. 

Dimitar Berbatov – He’s still here

The enigmatic Bulgarian made only his third start of the season, his sixth appearance overall, and comfortably his best.  The sight of last season’s top scorer and a man who has more skill in his big toe than most have in their whole body appearing at The Recreation Ground against a mid table League Two side is akin to Mario Balotelli fronting a fireworks safety campaign – total madness... oh wait...right, anyway, never mind.  It’s testament to the man’s character that he didn’t grumble or moan but simply got on with the game and helped his team to victory.  Against Leeds he might as well have not been on the pitch but on Tuesday night he was involved in everything.  Touch, composure, vision, skill is what you come to expect from Berbatov and this game was no different.  But there was also a passion, a fighting spirit that saw him race back to win the ball or help out the midfield.  In truth it was just good to see him back out there.

He has kicked his heels on the bench for weeks as we have put in poor performance after poor performance but now might be the time for him to step up to the plate.  His movement, hold up play and intricate passing has been missing from the games were we have been below par.  Many feel the problem lies solely in central midfield but the front players have been substandard too and it might be time for something different.  He brings others in to the game and allows the midfield to get forward before building an attack. Yes, he sometimes slows the play down but we haven’t been playing the high tempo football we did at the start. It’s not clicking just now and a change is needed.  He was comfortably man of the match against Aldershot, and although it’s only Aldershot, it should give Ferguson something to think about. His only Premier League start came after the Leeds game and it may be that his second league starts comes against Everton this weekend. He can’t be ignored for much longer.

Morrison and Pogba – Is the future now?

As highlighted previously, Morrison and Pogba both made their second senior appearances for United tonight; the only disappointment being they were both off the bench rather than from the start.  In their brief cameos they showed glimpses of the undoubted potential they possess and why they are the future of Manchester United.  However, with the central midfield position being heavily criticised, the question remains are they ready now? The simple answer, and the correct one, is no. They still have a long way to go and people need to settle down and lower their expectations. Without raining on the parade or being too downbeat, they haven’t “made it” yet. Realism is needed.  Nevertheless, it would be unjust not to discuss the positives of both their cameos though and highlight the obvious potential that is there. 

Pogba once again showed he is a boy in a man’s body as he strolled around the pitch with ease but he also showed a maturity on the ball that belied his tender years.  He used it efficiently and kept it moving from one side of the pitch to the other.  He always made himself available for the ball and didn’t shirk responsibility in tight situations.  This, more than any other quality, is what makes him stand out.  Wanting the ball is the most important thing for a young kid when he comes in to the team and he always wants it.  There is no fear and that’s the way it should be.  He didn’t try many outlandish passes but switched the ball once beautifully out to Valencia, showcasing his passing repertoire.  He was also defensively disciplined, shielding the back four and not getting caught too high up the pitch. This maturity is why he is closer to the first team than others were at his age.

While Pogba was efficient and mature on the ball, Morrison had a spark about his game.  There was a swagger about his game, showcased with some showboating and a little back flick to Berbatov on the edge of the box which nearly resulted in him getting in on goal.  What makes him so special though is as well as being a match winner, he is equally adept at playing the game simple.  Time and again he got the ball, passed it on and kept moving. He rarely stops moving when he is on the pitch which is excellent to see. Sometimes he can stop moving when he has to track back but against Aldershot he showed a willingness to help out Fabio in defence and bust a gut to chase back his man 50 yards.  If there was one thing that did let him down, it was his positional play. He was brought on for Diouf who was playing wide left but you’d be lucky if Morrison occupied that position for more than two minutes.

This can be viewed as both a good thing and a bad thing.  He wanted to be involved in the game which is why he drifted inside and more or less played central midfield for the 20 minutes he was on.  He wanted to get on the ball and to make things happen.  He thrives playing where he decided to play on Tuesday night so it was refreshing to see a young man take it upon himself to involve himself in the game.  It was also a stark contrast to his first appearance against Wolves when he was also brought on at left midfield and barely moved off the touchline.  However, Ferguson may not have been enamoured by his positional indiscipline.  Although there was rarely a threat from Aldershot down that side, it may not have pleased the boss to see that flank so exposed at times.  Berbatov and Owen both covered him but the latter did gesture to Ravel to get wide and shut down the right back.  It is not a major thing especially against that sort of opposition but left midfield may be where his opportunities come in the future and he will need to show more discipline to impress the boss. 

Overall, they were two exciting cameos from two very promising players and lit up a somewhat dreary night.  They should have cemented their place in the squad for the next round but that may depend on the opposition.  The draw will be made on Saturday at noon with Arsenal, Crystal Palace and Cardiff in the hat along with ourselves.  Another four Premier League teams will join after Wednesday night’s matches.  The quarter final ties will be played on the week commencing 28^th November.

Ratings: Amos 7, Fabio 6, Jones 6, Vidic 6, Fryers 6, Valencia 6, Cleverley 7, Park 7, Diouf 5, Owen 6, Berbatov 8

Subs: Pogba 7, Morrison 7, Keane 5

By Mick Higgins (Follow me on Twitter)

What were your thoughts on the game at Aldershot? Were you impressed by the likes of Pogba and Morrison. Please leave your comments below.

Aldershot vs United Carling Cup Preview

Introduction

Manchester United resume their quest for a third League Cup in four years when they take on Aldershot at the The Recreation Ground in the fourth round on Tuesday night.  The League Two side were rewarded for their 2-1 win over Rochdale in the previous round with a tie against the Premier League Champions who convincingly dispatched of their fierce rivals Leeds United 3-0.  It is a glamour tie for Town and an opportunity for their young manager, former Wimbledon and Bolton striker, Dean Holdsworth to pit his wits against the most successful manager in English football history.

The game comes at the perfect time for both United and Aldershot but for differing reasons.  Aldershot halted a 5 game losing streak at the weekend with an excellent 5-2 away win at Dagenham and Redbridge. They will go in to this tie high on confidence after that result. Contrastingly, the Reds will be happy to have a game so quickly after an utterly humiliating defeat at the hands of their noisy neighbours on Sunday.  A cup game against a lower league side should present the perfect opportunity to get back to winning ways and to put in a good performance to appease the fans.

The Opposition

Aldershot Town – The Rising Phoenix. Formed in 1992 after the demise of Aldershot FC, who were the first football team to fold during a season since Accrington Stanley in 1962, they regained their Football League status when they were promoted from the Conference in 2008. They made the play offs in their second season in League Two but lost out in the semi finals.  The following season they were at risk of relegation which prompted a change of management.  This saw Holdsworth take the reigns and he guided them to the safety of 14^th place.

This season has been more a struggle for The Shots. They currently languish in 15^th place having lost half of their 14 league games.  More than half of these defeats have come at home which must be a concern for them as the might of Manchester United come to visit.  They have fared better in the Carling Cup at home though, having beat League One opposition in the last two rounds at The Recreation Ground.  These followed a giant killing at Upton Park when they beat the Hammers 2-1 with a last minute winner. 

Those results will pale in to insignificance if they can get a result against the Reds.  They will look to last year’s Player of the Year, Luke Guttridge, to inspire them in midfield and hope Danny Hylton can continue his decent goal scoring form this season which has seen him bag 10 goals already.  Two of those ten came in the Carling Cup; winners against West Ham and Rochdale.

United

The Reds propensity to blood youngsters in this competition continued in the last round with Zeki Fryers making an impressive debut at centre back. There were also debuts for Paul Pogba and Larnell Cole as second half substitutes but the importance of the game in terms of who the opposition were probably restricted Ferguson from giving more full debuts to a few other youngsters.  For this game there is no excuse to not introduce more promising Reserve team players to first team football.  With the utmost respect to Aldershot, they arguably face sterner opposition in the Reserve league than they will against a mid table League Two side.  However, first team squad players need minutes on the pitch and Ferguson might also treat this game as a punishment for some players after the woeful display on Sunday.

Macheda ruled himself out of the game on Twitter due to an elbow injury and Rafael is also unlikely to feature as there has been no update on his shoulder injury. Unconfirmed rumours suggest Giggs is injured and that is why he missed the last two games so will possibly miss this one too.  One player who could make his return is Tom Cleverley.  Ferguson had hoped he would be ready for Liverpool which suggests he has been training. He might have made his return at the weekend had the opposition not been City so this match could provide the perfect opportunity for him to get match fit.  Vidic is also likely to feature after being left out of the squad on Sunday due to concerns over his fitness and ability to play three games in a short space of time.  Other first team players who could be doing with a game are Antonia Valencia, who has been awful since his return from injury, and Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen who have only featured once since the last round of the Cup.

The only reason the above named players should feature is because they need minutes. We shouldn’t need their experience against Aldershot.  Instead this game should be used to showcase the talents of Pogba, Morrison, Cole et al.  I will be surprised and extremely disappointed if there are not more youngsters involved than there was against Leeds.  Zeki Fryers, if fit after suffering whiplash in a recent Reserve outing, deserves to take his place in defence again after an outstanding performance against Leeds.  Pogba should get his first start in the centre of the park which could prove exciting if his partner is indeed Tom Cleverley.  Tom Thorpe or Michael Keane should get the nod to play at centre back.  There probably isn’t a better chance to play Ravel Morrison but I doubt he will start. Hopefully he’ll be on the bench and at least get 45 minutes. Larnell Cole and Jesse Lingard have made timely returns from injury and could feature in the squad after Ferguson name checked them before the third round draw was made. Davide Petrucci may also be a contender after finding his form for the Reserves in the last few weeks.

Once again though, the team will be impossible to correctly predict.  We’ll most likely go with a 4-4-2 formation but the player’s to fill those positions is anybody’s guess. Here’s mine:

Bench: Lindegaard, Thorpe, Brown, Morrison, Cole, Petrucci, W.Keane

Scoreline Prediction

I expect nothing less than a victory.  It should be convincing but knowing United in recent weeks, it won’t be that.  Nevertheless, I’ll go with a 4-0 win with Owen bagging a hat trick and Morrison coming off the bench to seal the win.

By Mick Higgins (Follow me on Twitter)

United vs Leeds Post Match Post Mortem

Manchester United avenged the FA Cup loss they suffered in January 2010 by strolling to a 3-0 win over a very poor Leeds side.  A brace from Michael Owen and Ryan Giggs’ eleventh League Cup goal for United ensured safe progress in to the fourth round.  The Reds barely had to get out of second gear and had the luxury of finishing the game with ten men after debutant Ezekiel Fryers had to leave the game early with what looked like a calf injury. 

When the teams were released few could have predicted the match would have been so easy.  The starting line up comprised of four strikers, four midfielders and two defenders. It was something akin to a game of Football Manager.  However, we should know by now that more often than not Sir Alex gets it right and tonight he was spot on.  He was able to completely rest our only fit first choice defenders ahead of Stoke on Saturday.  This meant a debut for Zeki Fryers who partnered Michael Carrick in central defence with Ben Amos getting the nod ahead of Lindegaard between the sticks.  Owen, Diouf and Macheda all made their first appearances of the season in an extremely attacking front six.

Fears that this team could be exploited by a Leeds side who would surely be up for the occasion were soon dispelled when Owen gave United a 14^th minute lead.  After good inter play from Giggs, Berbatov and Park, the latter fed Owen in the box who wrong footed the defender before slotting home.  In truth, Leeds were unlucky not to take the lead before this as they seen shots blocked three times in quick succession.  It was the only occasion they threatened in the first half before Ferguson’s men, led by a supreme Giggs cameo, asserted their authority on the game.  Owen doubled the lead with a sweet strike after good work from Diouf down the right hand side.  Valencia was unlucky not to make it three when he slid a shot past the post after being played in by Owen before Giggs did make it three on the stroke of half time and all but ended the game as a contest.  He played a short corner to Park and when he got the return pass, he squared up his man, nutmegged him, sped past him like he was still 21 then hit a shot with the outside of his left boot which took a deflection before ending up in the back of the net.

It was a sublime first half performance from United and the 3-0 scoreline did not flatter the visitors.  The Reds seen out an uneventful second half and gave debuts to Paul Pogba and Larnell Cole in the process.  All in all it was a successful night with many positives and few negatives.  Sir Alex will be happy to see his side get through to the fourth round unscathed and put Leeds in their place in the process.  The draw for the fourth round will be made on Saturday afternoon.

Post Match Debate

Debut boys: Fryers, Pogba and Cole

All the pre match talk was about the imminent debut of Paul Pogba. Many felt he would start the game but as I pointed out in my preview, I thought he would start on the bench.  He duly did and a surprise debut was handed to Ezekiel Fryers.  Maybe it should have been less as a surprise given our defensive situation but it was pleasing to see Sir Alex put faith in the 19 year old.  To be fair to Zeki it was just rewards for his impressive pre season form.  He has been excellent at the heart of the reserves defence at a time when his defensive colleagues were dropping like flies through injury.  He continued this form in to this game and was excellent from the first whistle until he had to depart 10 minutes early through injury.  Although rarely tested by a toothless Leeds front line, he coped with everything that came his way.  He won almost all his aerial duels, read the play well, showed excellent pace and his distribution was spot on.  The only time I think he misplaced a pass was when he tried an ambitious 60 yard cross field ball.  He should be pleased with his first team bow and expect further opportunities in the Carling Cup and possibly other competitions this season if he keeps up his current form.

Paul Pogba entered the fray at the start of the second half, coming on for the mercurial Giggs.  The first thing to say is Pogba is one for the future, not the present.  All those calling for his inclusion in the first team right now need to calm down. He isn’t ready just yet and tonight proved it.  That’s not to say he had a bad game but it was clear he still has a lot to learn at this level, something which has got to be expected.  Without showing flashes of his undoubted talent, he played sensibly most of the time which was more pleasing to see. He kept the balling moving and moved with it, always looking to receive it from whoever was in possession.  He was caught a couple of times and played some poor passes but he always held his hands up and acknowledged his mistakes.  He is a man amongst boys in youth football but he is still a boy amongst men at this level.  We should be happy and content at these brief cameos for now.

Larnell Cole was the third debutant of the night, getting a run out ahead of Tom Thorpe, Michael Keane and Reece Brown who would have all been looking to get some minutes too.  No doubt one of them would have had Cole not been brought on before Fryers succumbed to his injury.  Nevertheless, Cole buzzed about the pitch in his brief time on it. He wasn’t that involved but had the audacity to backheel the ball to Valencia with a Leeds player in close proximity.  He is another for the future and could benefit from United’s progress in this competition.

Kiko Macheda: Where art thou?

Kiko, Kiko, Kiko. The memories of you turning on a sixpence and curling in to the far corner are getting more and more distant with every passing performance.  Of course it doesn’t help when he is shunted out wide.  He isn’t a winger, you can’t even get away with playing him out there like you can with Welbeck and Diouf. However, this does not excuse his ineptitude at carrying out the basics.  His passing was awful, he couldn’t make a simple 10 yard pass inside to Giggs. He took too many touches on the ball when a simple pass was on.  His decision making was poor and his link up play was non-existent.  His all round offensive game was terrible.  If I could pick out one positive it was his work rate, he got up and down the left flank most of the night and helped out Fabio at left back but you’d struggle to find another positive.  You can’t question his desire or his thirst to be a United player but he needs to start performing and taking these kinds of opportunities or he could find himself surplus to requirements.

The curious case of Ryan Giggs

Once again the Welsh Wizard turned back the clock and put in a performance that belies his advancing years.  You wouldn’t think he was approaching 38 years of age and in (all probability) the final season of his career.  He continues to make his opponents look foolish with his quick change of direction and burst of pace over 5 yards.  His performance was a master class and the youngsters on the bench should have been paying close attention to a player who has won it all in club football.  His goal capped off a superb first half cameo before he made way at the interval.  It was disappointing he went off and was probably the main reason we didn’t score in the second half as every move in the first 45 minutes went through the Welshmen.  It is performances like this we need to savour as the curtain comes down on his glittering career. Appreciate what we still have as it won’t be round for much longer.

Player Ratings:

Amos 7, Valencia 7, Carrick 7, Fryers 8, Fabio 7, Diouf 6, Park 7, Giggs 8, Macheda 5, Owen 7, Berbatov 6. Subs: Pogba 6, Welbeck 5, Cole 5

By Mick Higgins (Follow Mick on Twitter)