All posts by h79snht.top

Although Sir Alex Ferguson’s smiling embrace of Pep Guardiola following his Manchester United side’s schooling at the hands of Barcelona in last month’s Champions’ League Final at Wembley was interpreted as the Scot’s eventual acceptance of the Catalan club’s European dominance, and the confirmation that Ferguson’s European legacy may remain at just two titles once he retires, the Old Trafford outfit’s prompt transfer activity this summer appears to signal an immediate desire to topple the Camp Nou empire.

Nothing has been finalised yet but it seems Spanish Under-21 goalkeeper David de Gea will arrive in Manchester imminently to complete a transfer worth in the region of £20million, Phil Jones has already secured his first professional transfer by leaving Blackburn for a fee of £16.5million, and Ashley Young sealed a move to Manchester United player this week to the tune of £17million+.

Wesley Sneijder, Luka Modric and Alexis Sanchez have also been heavily linked with an Old Trafford move, and though de Gea and Jones have been ‘bought’ with strategic necessity – de Gea to replace the retired Edwin van der Sar and Jones as a long-term solution to Rio Ferdinand – Young’s potential appearance in the red of United next season has caused confusion in several quarters. The club may have struggled against Barcelona but conquered the Premiership yet again with an all too familiar swagger for the twelfth time, largely thanks to the League’s top assister, Nani, and the dependable performances of Park Ji-Sung, not to mention that Ferguson retains the services of Antonio Valencia; arguably the most capable winger of the three. So what then is the need for a fourth wide-man at Old Trafford and what could Young provide Ferguson that he may not have accomplished from his current creative charges?

First and foremost Young is, as his name would imply, at a good age to adjust instantly at a club in the higher reaches of the League. Having made his name at Watford in the Championship and for four years at Villa Park, the 25 year-old has experienced a natural career progression and was a palpable stand-out in an otherwise flat Aston Villa side last season, scoring 9 and assisting 14. He is incredibly versatile and has adapted to a number of attacking positions under four different managers in the Premiership in as many years, and has conceded as much, saying: “I believe in being versatile and I’m happy to play on the left, on the right or through the middle.”

His pace and trickery are unequalled by England standards and his noticeable flair had him recognised by none other than Real Madrid just two years ago. He has featured 15 times for his country, is considered by Fabio Capello as a significant part of his future plans and scored in England’s 2-2 draw with Switzerland earlier this month. Young is consistent with corners, something Nemanja Vidic would relish, and free-kicks, an area that hasn’t been effectively addressed since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009.

He has been more-or-less the first name on the team-sheet at Villa so will have to acknowledge the difficulties in forcing his way in to a talented team like United. In my view, his quality aligned with an adaptability which allows him to play anywhere across the front make him an ideal signing for the club whose inventive force has weakened since the retirement of Paul Scholes. Links to Liverpool have perhaps muted the excitement of United fans, but Young is likely to prove the doubters wrong in no time.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Do you think Young is the right signing for United? Have your say on Twitter –  and Facebook

[divider]

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world’s leading questionnaire tool.

Continuing our look into the foreign wags that put the Premier League ones to shame…

Bernardo Corradi, as Man City fans will testify, is a pretty unremarkable footballer who is currently available on a free transfer; however the term unremarkable certainly cannot be said of the experienced striker’s other half, the beautiful Elena Santarelli.

Miss Santarelli is a model and TV personality in her native Italy and I’m sure you’ll agree by flicking through the gallery that she more that puts the Premier League WAGs firmly in the shade.

While Mr Corradi currently does little but training on his own to maintain his fitness in hope of a move these days, I’m certain Bernardo must take a lot of comfort knowing the little lady he has waiting at home for him.

Click on Miss Santarelli below to see her in all her glory

David Beckham is set to snub a potential move to Paris Saint-Germain, and looks set to renew his deal with LA Galaxy.

The ex-England international’s deal with the MLS side has expired, and Beckham has been linked with a transfer back to Europe in the January transfer window.

With the big-spending Ligue 1 side the frontrunners for Beckham’s signature, reports in France had previously stipulated that a deal to bring the veteran to the Parc des Princes was all but done.

However, sporting director Leonardo has stated that Beckham will not be moving to the French capital.

“It’s over,” Leonardo told L’Equipe.

“It’s a shame. But the welfare of his family in Los Angeles, the wish not to change everything in his life, weighed heavily.”

PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi also confirmed that a deal was close, but would now not happen.

“We didn’t reach an agreement – he’s a great player, I met him and it’s bad luck we didn’t reach an agreement.

“We weren’t far, but there are family issues and I think that was the reason. It was very difficult to move the family,” he concluded.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

By Gareth McKnight

[ad_pod id=’writer-1′ align=’right’]

Liverpool’s restructuring under Kenny Dalglish continued last week, with the signing of Blackpool’s Charlie Adam being heralded by many as one of the missing pieces in the Anfield midfield, a quality passer with a pin-point final ball. However some have questioned his class, saying that he is a one-trick pony who can hit a good freekick but not much else.

With all respect to the Blackpool team that Adam formed a key part of last season, one of the reasons behind the confusion over his quality is due to the unpredictable nature of the Tangerines over the last year. Playing Blackpool last season was similar to playing Russian Roulette; you simply had no idea whether they would be firing on all cylinders or shooting blanks.

So let’s look past the team and just focus on Adam. While his goalscoring record was impressive last season, scoring more in the league than Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney with his total of 12 goals, it is important to note that only 2 of those came from open play. 8 were penalties, for which he will be behind Steven Gerrard and probably Dirk Kuyt in the pecking order at Anfield, and 2 were from freekicks. But goals are not what he is here to score, but instead provide.

One area that Liverpool have been lacking in is a left-footed set piece taker, with the unfortunate Fabio Aurelio injured more often than not. This gives the Reds a more reliable variation when it comes to freekicks and corners. Last season Adam put 196 balls into the box, and although less than 1 in 4 found an orange shirt, you have to think that Andy Carroll will be a more combative target man than the likes of DJ Campbell, so that figure will increase. Further encouragement for the likes of Carroll comes from the news that he created a total of 80 chances last season, of which only 8 were taken by his Blackpool team mates. A more prolific goalscorer will surely feast on the chances created by the Scot, and if he at least works the goalkeeper there is always the chance that Luis Suarez will be in the area fast enough to tuck away the rebound.

[ad_pod id=’unruly-2′ align=’right’]

A lot has been made at Liverpool about the failure to replace Xabi Alonso following his move to Real Madrid two years ago, and some see the arrival of Charlie Adam as a step towards putting that right. The Spaniard, made famous for his long-range passing (and shooting), has been sorely missed by the Merseyside club, and comparisons between new and old players are always bound to arise. Adam’s passing ability is one of the key aspects of his game, and last season he proved that by making an accurate long or chipped pass every 7.5 minutes per game. His forward-looking game is also something that will benefit the team, making 63% of his passes upfield and only 27% backwards or to either side. This positive approach is something that will benefit the Liverpool side as a whole.

For many fans, the signing of Andy Carroll was a turning point under the new owners, a sign of genuine ambition and a new focal point for the faltering Liverpool attack. But in footballing terms, it was just the beginning of a new wave. And this new wave needs players that have the ability to create chances. Charlie Adam is arguably one of these players. As is Stewart Downing, touted by many to be soon following the former Blackpool midfielder through the doors at Anfield. Downing may not have the star power of an Alexis Sanchez, but he offers what Dalglish is looking for; young, British and with ability. All that Adam needs is some discipline in order to stop his sometimes sloppy ball-retention, and he will be free to fuel the Anfield strikeforce.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Totally agree? Entirely disagree? Shout at me on twitter, it’s where I hear clearest:

http://twitter.com/#!/_tomclose

Newcastle United have signed Lille midfielder Yohan Cabaye on a five-year deal for a reported fee of 4.3 million pounds.The 25-year-old helped Lille to a double of Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France last season, but told his team-mates before their final game of the campaign that he was bound for the English Premier League.

“This is a fantastic move for me,” Cabaye said.

“I have enjoyed great times with Lille but the time is right now to test myself against the best and playing for Newcastle United in the Premier League does just that.”

“My first impressions of the club and the city are that it is a lovely place and the stadium is magnificent.”

Cabaye’s good form with Lille, where he made more than 250 appearances, scoring 39 goals, earned him a France debut against Norway in August.

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew said he was pleased that his first signing of the close season was a player with a reliable record at the highest level.

“We are delighted to have signed Yohan on a five-year contract,” Pardew said.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

“He has a first class pedigree having proved himself at the top level in France, both for his club and the national team.”

“He will add great quality to our squad and I am really looking forward to working with him.”

According to sources at the club, Liverpool Director or Football Damien Comolli is set to have a busy summer as the club look to overhaul the playing squad. Despite spending over £50 million in the January transfer window, new owners the Fenway Sports Group look set to open the chequebook again to fund numerous acquisitions. But, following a resurgence since the reappointment of Kenny Dalglish as manager and the emergence of some bright young talent such as Jay Spearing, is a complete overhaul exactly what the Merseyside club need?

Admittedly Liverpool is a club still in transition after the departure of Rafa Benitez and ill-fated reign of Roy Hodgson. Despite a superb recovery to sixth in the table and the recent acquisitions of Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez, there are still many squad members still to prove their worth. The likes of Milan Jovanovic, Paul Konchesky and Christian Poulsen have failed to make any real impact whilst many fans would be glad to see the back of Sotirios Kyrgiakos and David N’gog. Worryingly for fans, iconic academy products Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard are both the wrong side of 30 and there will soon come a day when they fail to play week-in week-out. But, the club must be careful to avoid a repeat of the constantly revolving door and poor signings that appeared under Rafa Benitez.

Following a turbulent year and a change in ownership, the club must first look for some stability. For example, the club are yet to confirm the long-term future of Kenny Dalglish with his current deal expiring at the end of the season. And, whilst Damien Comolli looks to be directing current player recruitment, if it is Dalglish who will manage the club next season then surely he should have a great deal input into transfer dealings.

But Dalglish has done well to transform the current squad into one challenging for European football. The likes of Spearing, Martin Kelly and Jonjo Shelvey have successfully broken into the first team, whilst the new strike partnership of Carroll and Suarez have only been at the club for a short period of time and will come good with time. Alberto Aquilani and Emiliano Insua could still return from their loan periods. But, with new owners keen to make their mark on the club and with a new record kit deal worth a reported £25 million a year, expect signings this summer.

[ad_pod id=’unruly’ align=’right’]

But what will it take for the club to return to the top four of the Premier League? The most recent club to break the mould were Tottenham who did so through some shrewd transfer dealings and exciting attacking football under Harry Redknapp. Manchester City’s recent charge has come off the back of heavy investment from owner Sheikh Mansour.

Whilst buoyed by the finances of Fenway, the club can by no means compete with the likes of Manchester City or Chelsea in the transfer market. And, with a squad beginning to gel under Dalglish, this could be a good thing. Don’t forget that Comolli is the man often credited with the signings of Gareth Bale, Tom Huddleston and Luka Modric at Tottenham and who will surely look to sign future stars.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Fans have called out for exciting talents such as Alexis Sanchez and defensive reinforcements in the mould of Gary Cahill, whilst a midfield enforcer in the mould of Javier Mascherano is still to be signed. And, with money clearly available and owners willing to invest, there will be signings this summer. But, Liverpool must be careful to invest the money wisely in order to improve rather than necessarily overhaul the much improved squad that has emerged under Dalglish.

[divider]

Listen to the third episode of our brand new podcast – The Football FanCast. – Featuring Razor Ruddock, Gary O’Reilly and singer/songwriter Alistair Griffin, who performs a live version of his cult tribute to Mark Viduka, with Razor on backing vocals!

Barcelona are appealing UEFA’s proposal to ban playmaker Andres Iniesta from the Champions League semi-final first leg against Real Madrid.Iniesta is under investigation for picking up a yellow card in the quarter-final first leg against Shakhtar Donetsk, which ruled him out for the return clash in the Ukraine and also wiped his record for the semi-finals.

UEFA have issued a report alleging the Spanish midfielder collected the booking on purpose, and should the European body suspend the 26-year-old, he will miss the first semi-final leg against Madrid at the Bernabeu.

“FC Barcelona have this evening submitted an appeal to UEFA against the proposed imposition of an additional game suspension for Andres Iniesta following the yellow card he picked up against Shaktar at the Nou Camp on April 6th,” a statement on the club’s site read.

“FC Barcelona believe that the arguments outlined in their appeal, based on the good faith of the player and the disproportionate nature of the proposed sanction will be sufficient to rebut these allegations.”

Manchester United is not a place you associate with slavery but this week Tomasz Kuszczak accused Sir Alex Ferguson of just that. Having realised his foolish ways the stopper has tried to deny reports that he said that but it is unlikely to have helped his chances of getting a game.

At FFC this week there’s been plenty of talk about the mindlessness of the keeper, the coincidence of last weekend’s celebratory fixture and why Paul Pogba should think twice before jumping ship.

We also have a selection of the best United blogs from across the web.

Caption Competition: Oooh…suits you Rio!

Too good to be on the periphery at Old Trafford

United starlet should accept the grass isn’t always greener

The contrasting fortunes of Fergie and Terry

The more I read, the more I like Michael Owen

Aysal confirms interest in Manchester United ace

“Manchester United is a dream club for me”

United outburst makes you question Tomasz’s ambitions

 Best of WEB

Forget Midfield, This Is The Real Priority For United In January- Red Flag Flying High

How to lose fans and alienate your manager – United Rant

Sir Alex Ferguson’s Greatest Masterstroke As A Manager – The United Religion

VIDEO: BBC’s tribute to Sir Alex Ferguson – The Busby Way

Phil Jones – a man for all positions – SEA

£6M Is For Nothing & Sir Alex Knows It: Barca Youth Star Old Trafford Bound? – Transfer Tavern

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

[divider]

Click on Miss Yespica below to see her in all her glory

[divider]

[divider]

Inter Milan defeated Celtic 2-0 despite being reduced to 10 men in their Dublin Super Cup pre-season match on Saturday.Luc Castaignos and Giampaolo Pazzini scored first-half goals to put the Italian side ahead at the Aviva Stadium, and despite Tiago Motta’s dismissal for a second yellow card, Inter held on to record a victory.

Despite the win, Inter remain second on the Super Cup table after day one following Manchester City’s 3-0 victory over an Airtricity XI of players from the Irish Premier League.

With new signing Sergio Aguero watching on from the stands, Roberto Mancini fielded a side largely made up of reserve and youth team players, but it made little difference as the English Premier League side controlled the match.

One of City’s forgotten men, Shaun Wright-Phillips, broke the deadlock on 52 minutes, before Adam Johnson made it 2-0 seven minutes later and young substitute Luca Scapuzzi finished off the victory with a third on 83 minutes.

City will face Inter on Sunday to decide the winner of the tournament.

In London, Arsenal threw away a two goal lead and were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw against Boca Juniors in the Emirates Cup.

Robin van Persie and Aaron Ramsey had given the Gunners a comfortable lead in the first half, only for defensive lapses to allow Lucas Viatri and Pablo Mouche to equalise for the Brazilian side after the break.

The New York Red Bulls top the Emirates Cup table after day one following their 1-0 win over French side Paris Saint-Germain, with Joel Lindpere scoring the winner in the 27 minute.

Fernando Torres was on target as Chelsea won the final of the Barclay’s Asia Trophy 2-0 against fellow EPL side Aston Villa.

Youngster Josh McEachran opened the scoring in the first half before Tores deflected a Florent Malouda strike past Villa goalkeeper Shay Given to register just his second goal in a blue shirt.

Blackburn easily defeated Hong Kong side Kitchee 3-0 in the third-place playoff.

Elsewhere, Everton beat newly relegated Birmingham City 2-1 at St Andrews, Bolton defeated Conference outfit Newport County 3-1 and Norwich won 3-0 away to Coventry City, while West Brom and Wolves also recorded narrow victories over Bristol City and Ipswich Town respectively.

Andrey Arshavin’s agent has stated that his client wants to stay at Arsenal, despite interest from cash-rich Russian outfit Anzhi Makhachkala.

The attacking midfielder has lost form and the fans’ backing over the last 12 months, and has been linked with a move back to his homeland.

This is still possible due to the Russian transfer window not closing until February 24th, but representative Phil Smith has moved to quash rumours that he is ready to leave the Emirates Stadium.

“Andrey doesn’t think it is time to go back yet,” Smith told Goal.com.

“He still feels he has a lot to do at Arsenal. He wants to win something, fulfil his ambitions and recover his form both for Arsenal and ahead of the European Championships.

“The Russia window lasts until 24th February and a guy representing Anzhi has made a tentative approach. But Andrey is not going to talk to the Russians because he doesn’t want to leave and Arsenal don’t want him to go, either. A lot depends on the summer,” he concluded.

If Arshavin does stay he will buck the trend of his countrymen in 2012, as Roman Pavlyuchenko and Diniyar Bilyaletdinov both left the Premier League to return home in January.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

By Gareth McKnight

[ad_pod id=’unruly-2′ align=’left’]