Sabbatical

Posted on by rvanleersum

Well, it’s certainly been a while since I posted here. On the personal front, things at work changed and the transition mixed with busy weekend schedules during Thanksgiving in Canada made it tough to find time on here. In any case, a quick run down is in order.

Since the Arsenal catastrophe, United got through the international break relatively unscathed. Unlike their cross town rivals, a minor knock to Blind wasn’t much of a concern. In fact, I somewhat welcomed it as it forced van Gaal to start Rojo in his place in the back four. While it wasn’t the alignment I would have chosen, it worked impressively well. United were dominant in their trip to Goodison, a trait not often witnessed in their away fixtures to Everton in recent times.

For his part, Rojo looked much better at left back than he had in his previous start. While he doesn’t posses the ideal pace, he was far more comfortable on the ball and did well with it, including an assist on Herrera’s header. Continued performances like this will hopefully see him get more starts and, hopefully too, see selection at centre-half ahead of Blind, should Smalling or Jones become unavailable for selection. I really think Blind is out of his element at centre-half and would be better suited to a holding role in the midfield or at left back while Shaw recovers.

Another positive from the Everton fixture was signs of a return to form for Rooney. He showed good movement and was constantly involved in the attack, eventually being rewarded with a goal in the second half – breaking a streak of 11 league away games without a goal. United will undoubtedly welcome this from their skipper. But did it last?

Going into their mid-week test at Moscow for their Champions League tilt with CSKA, United would have to be in good form in this always difficult trip to the Russian capital. United stuttered out of the gates – which usually doesn’t bode well against attack-minded sides such as CSKA. While the midfield won its battle and retained the ball for long stretches of play, the team on a whole was wasteful and looked poor.

Rooney, for his part, was largely invisible out there. Not faring much better, Smalling was off his gamet and made several poor passes while giving away possession on multiple occasions. Continuing with this trend, Martial struggled in the opening phases of the game as he played in place of Memphis. He eventually got caught napping and allowed CSKA an opportunity to probe United’s defense with a run down their right. De Gea did well to make a save on the play; however, a penalty was awarded as Martial’s right hand clumsily came up and made contact with the ball inside the 18 as he desperately ran back tracking his man.

CSKA would score after a De Gea spot kick save, seeing Doumbia collect the rebound and slot it past a helpless De Gea. Questions must be asked as to how Doumbia was able to get to the ball before any United player could while seemingly unchallenged. While this would ultimately prove to be the extent of the damage for United, it was a trend seen too frequently in the half as, despite disproportionate possession in United’s favour, De Gea was forced to make quality saves on a frequency liken to his counterpart, Akinfeev, opposite of him.

The second half saw Fellaini come on in place of Schweinsteiger and this move seemed to inject some energy into the attacking third. What wasn’t on display in the opening 45 saw more United players getting into the box to receive crosses while maintaining their utterly dominant possession in the midfield. For their part too, the back four collected themselves and looked more calm and collected. Eventually, Martial would make up for his earlier blunder and head in a Valencia cross after finding space in the middle of the box. With the game knotted at one, United continued to press but to no avail. Ultimately, a point earned.

So with the group phase halfway completed, United find themselves in the middle of a log jam behind leaders Wolfsburg, whom they beat at home in sound fashion. Their struggle to translate decisive possession numbers into wins seems to be an away match issue in their Champions League run thus far. Despite this, while nothing is safe, United should feel they are in a solid position to advance into the knockout games. Two of the three matches remain at home and both to the ‘weaker’ clubs they had no business losing and drawing to previously. Should they pick up the wins in their remaining two home fixtures, there’s no reason to believe they can’t reach the round of 16 which begins in the middle of February.

Which is beyond the end of the winter transfer window. With November creeping around the corner, the transfer gossip continues to pick up pace with no shortage of United links to defensive help, Filipe Anderson, Messi, or Ronaldo. One of the more interesting ones is the rumour that Athletic Bilbao are willing to sell Aymeric Laporte to United, or any other potential suitor, for his reported £35M buy-out fee. But that discussion can wait for another day.

Next on tap is the ailing City. No Aguero, no Silva, no Nasri, no Delph, and questions about Kompany’s calf and Toure’s fitness means advantage United, right? Not so fast. While it will undoubtedly help United in their battle for the middle of the park where they’re strongest, the back four remains susceptible to the City attack. Bony has the physicality to disrupt Smalling and Jones, Sterling and Navas have pace, and de Bruyne is proving why I wanted to see him in red so much last summer. Kompany may possibly start on the bench, but be it a start or not – United’s attack will need to step up their efforts from the first whistle and make good on the chances they get if three points are the goal.

Enjoy the derby, everyone.

Jekyll & Hyde

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How better to summarize two halves today?

The opening half, particularly the opening ten, was about as bad a game as United have played in longer than I care to remember. Not since their home thrashing at the hands of City (if you dare to remember that ominous day) has United looked so absolutely outclassed and lost on the pitch. The second half was a completely different story. United got into their tempo and controlled the ball for long stretches. But the end result wasn’t to change and, if I am to be frank in my honesty, even the “improved” product on the pitch left much to be desired.

Ultimately, United went on to lose 3-0 and their frailties at the back, which I’ve been on about since weeks before the end of the transfer window, were plainly obvious even the most casual of fans. Blame can be applied to players and manager alike. Both were outclassed by their counterparts.

From the opening whistle, Arsenal were keen to pressure United up top and United soon found themselves in a state of desperation. Metaphorically speaking, a boxer on the ropes covering up in hopes that the knock-out blow would fail to land. With Carrick and Schweinsteiger tracking back in support, the Gunners were given space in the midfield and allowed to make runs coupled with intelligent passing. A blind man could have seen the end result coming a mile away.With a hunger for goal and a United back four splitting their time between ball watching and aimlessly chasing about; the eighth minute would see Arsenal go ahead.

Not satisfied with a one goal advantage, Arsenal would double their lead less than a minute later with United’s back half still reeling and doing nothing to temper the onslaught. Essentially, the game was over as soon as it had begun. Any fleeting hope that a change in tactics or the like may sway the result was snuffed out with a brilliant goal from Alexis Sanchez to complete his brace just shy of 30 minutes in.

From this point on, United began to come around while still conceding chances and looks on goal for Arsenal. Opening the second half with two changes, one saw Antonio Valencia replace Matteo Darmian, who seemed to struggle immensely with Sanchez’s pace – his first real signs of weakness since his summer arrival. The other saw Fellaini come on for Memphis, who struggled to do much with the ball on his very few touches.

As the second half progressed, the typical midfield possession game of United took centre stage, no pun intended, and couldn’t change the game’s outcome. For all their efforts, the attacking third’s opportunities were wasteful and often didn’t test Petr Cech. Even with the lion’s share of possession, United’s attacking players paled in comparison to that of Arsenal’s during the opening phases of the game. It was reminiscent of previous displays where the final touch seemed hard to come by despite their attacking prowess… At least on paper.

Much will need to be done if United wish to avoid a consecutive defeat at Goodison Park in two week’s time. With limited opportunity to prepare following the imminent international break, van Gaal’s side face a quality Everton side who have the ability to punish United if this form should continue. Things won’t get any easier as United travel to Moscow for their away fixture to CSKA Moscow in their Champions League tie before returning home to host a resurgent City.

Wolfsburg Build Up

Posted on by rvanleersum

A few notes before tomorrow’s Champions League tie with VfL Wolfsburg, including news regarding Valdes, Herrera, Valencia and Carrick.

News has broken that United are open to cancelling Victor Valdes’ contract as he continues to languish with the reserve team with little to no hope of seeing first team action. The catch, it seems, is that he would have to ply his trade outside of England as United have no interest in seeing Valdes play for a rival domestic club – with Chelsea and Liverpool both allegedly interested. Given De Gea’s triumphant end to that annoying ‘saga’ and both Sergio Romero and Sam Johnstone, Valdes is well down in the depth chart and it would take a catastrophic series of events for van Gaal to even be forced to use Valdes in any capacity. Time shall tell.

Meanwhile, Michael Carrick is slated to miss tomorrow’s tie with Wolfsburg due to a minor injury van Gaal has no interest in risking further aggravation to. Described precisely as a “minor injury”, it makes one wonder if was sustained during their Sunderland game on the weekend. Carrick was largely invisible until he was substituted for Schweinsteiger in the second half and, during his walk off the pitch, I couldn’t help but notice some discomfort in his body language. The news isn’t all bad though as, consistent with van Gaal’s comments, it doesn’t appear that he’ll miss significant time. With Schweinsteiger and Schneiderlin forming a more than capable partnership in the middle of the park, there should be no worries of a lack of quality to draw upon in that regard.

Also casting some doubt for tomorrow is Ander Herrera and Antonio Valencia. Given the run of matches int he next few weeks, one could expect to see Herrera see a boost to his game time, especially if Carrick is set to miss even a small amount of time working his way back to full fitness. With his undisclosed injury, it seems this is no longer the case – at least in the short term.

More troubling for United will be missing Valencia on the right side as he filled in admirably against Sunderland on the weekend. While not overly challenged defensively, as one shouldn’t have expected much by way of the Black Cats, Valencia was very prominent on the attack and made moving Darmian to the left side an easier endeavor for van Gaal. It’ll make van Gaal’s decision with his back four more challenging.

If it were up to me, beginning left to right, I would go with Blind, Rojo/Jones, Smalling, and Darmian. I disagree with van Gaal’s use of Blind as a center half and believe he’d be better suited on the left as a full back. Rojo seemed lost in his run at left back – sound defensively and utterly confused going forward. Blind is sound defensively with a (perhaps) less than desirable mobility; but an undeniable ability to make forward passes and be of greater use in the attack. I think it’s a toss up between Rojo and Jones in partnering Smalling, but I would give the nod to Rojo given his natural preference to play on the left side. Darmain can do no wrong these day, it would seem.

As for their game with VfL Wolsburg, United will have to be sharp if the three points are to be expected. Even though the Bundesliga runners-up lost de Bruyne and have fallen somewhat from last year’s form and place in the table, they still pose a challenge to United and can’t be underestimated. I’m expecting three points. Anything less would prove damaging to their chances of moving forward to the knock out stage with CSKA always being a tough away leg and their remaining tie with Wolfsburg being an away game. Van Gaal will be aware of this and will instill this belief in his squad.

Enjoy the game.

Sunderland Recap

Posted on by rvanleersum

It was a comfortable three points for United as they beat Sunderland 3-0 at home to move to the top of the table for the first time in some time. Doing their part to help the cause, Tottenham beat City 4-1 with a couple of controversial goals to see the cross-town rivals drop two in a row after a run of undefeated league games going back to last season. Other teams near the top were held or beaten, with West Ham securing a late equalizer to earn a point and the Foxes on the losing end of a 5-2 thriller at King Power Stadium.

The victory was never in doubt as United controlled the tempo of play from the get go, missing a couple of solid opportunities to break the dead lock early. It was a refreshing sign to bear witness as United seemed content to push forward with an array of attacks from all over the pitch. After thirty minutes of unsuccessful frustration, the moans at Old Trafford became audible with fans seemingly worried of another Newcastle result. It wasn’t to last long as United found the back of the net in first half injury time with Memphis connecting with Mata on a cross into the box after a brilliant through ball from Blind.

This momentum would continue as United would double their lead inside two minutes into the second half after Rooney inadvertently kneed in a short cross from Martial to end the goal drought. The obvious relief in Rooney wasn’t hard to miss with his subdued celebration. United would spend much of the remainder of the game in attack mode, missing some chances and forcing some excellent saves from Black Cats’ keeper, Pantilimon. United seemed destined to score a third and Mata would be rewarded for his strong play. With an open net to rocket in a shot, Mata would make no mistake after a deflected Ashley Young cross found the ball at his feet unchallenged.

Of note, Darmian looked especially comfortable playing on the left which gave Valencia a run in on the right. Valencia, for his part, played well and often featured in the attack with several runs down the wing which gave Sunderland problems for much of the match. With some of the injuries picked up in training and during the Ipswich match, it seemed United may face a brief crisis of sorts in the back four. With Jones returning to action today and the effort of the fullbacks, van Gaal will likely feel more at ease as United prepare for the mid-week tilt at home with Wolfsburg.

While Martial couldn’t continue his run of goals, he was very vocal in the attack and was especially strong on the ball with several clever moves to work around the defenders. His uncanny calmness under pressure is a trait beyond his years and bodes well for the 19 year old as he continues to mature as a footballer. Not to be forgotten, Memphis too had a strong game save his dead ball kicks. Having watched him and Mata take them all season long, the lack of conversions got me wondering when Rooney may resume his duties in that regard. With Memphis especially struggling to find his pace on the ball, it’s something United will need to rectify as tougher opponents in the near future will see goals tougher to come by.

Sunderland Hype & Martial Law

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As we head into tomorrow’s clash with Sunderland at home, United have taken care of some business up top. Promising striker, James Wilson, has extended his stay at Old Trafford with a four year deal… Or so we think. It was reported to be done by one credible news agency over here in Canada; however, nothing seems to be popping up anywhere else on the Internet. Where there’s smoke, there’s usually fire. I expect something to be announced on an official basis shortly, if not by the time this is actually posted. Van Gaal ultimately didn’t send the young striker out on loan despite a plethora of interest from clubs in the Championship. More recently, he was quoted as saying that Wilson may yet factor in the club this season in terms of the first team. United’s U21 side have collected four points from two games thus far, including a 3-1 victory over Everton in which Wilson scored a goal and an assist.

Speaking of smoke and fire, you may recall those ridiculous £120M-130M bid rumours in the summer for Neymar after the Pedro move failed to materialize. What I correctly predicted then was it was a simple (and quite lame) attempt to create a story to explain Woodward’s true intent for travelling to Barca. Per the BBC, Neymar has confirmed there was some talks, but nothing concrete. How serious United may have been is anyone’s guess. Personally, I really don’t know how good he could be for United. Undoubtedly a world-class talent, his smallish frame and penchant for the theatrics when the going gets tough makes me think he could have been like Di Maria: Unable to cope with the physicality of the English game. Add the simulation and you have a recipe of embarrassment and financial ruin.

Unfortunately for me, most of the League Cup matches aren’t broadcast here in Canada unless it’s closer to the finals and/or between two of the bigger Premier League clubs such as Arsenal and Spurs. As such, United hosting Ipswich Town wasn’t on the menu and I couldn’t take in the game. And for that, I can’t really comment on the game other than the obvious 3-0 result.

Martial added to his goal scoring record and you have to imagine the folks over in Monaco are licking their lips with anticipation as those goal incentive bonuses seem like a real possibility. Undoubtedly, United will be happy to pay them should Martial maintain this pace going forward in the league and Champions League especially. He’ll have a real opportunity to add to his total should van Gaal continue with him in the nine and backed by Rooney in the ten. I have to believe van Gaal will want to keep him going if results and goals continue to be positive metrics while he’ll be adamant about getting Rooney out of his goal drought sooner before later.  Sunderland’s porous back line will be a solid opportunity to pounce. having conceded 13 goals thus far, they are bottom of the league in that regard as well.

Despite their rough start, van Gaal has expressed his hope that Dick Advocaat can turn his fortunes around… Just not versus United. Head to head, while in the Eredivisie managing Ajax and with Advocaat managing PSV, van Gaal struggled for positive results. Here’s hoping it’s just a PSV thing, as we already bore witness to on match day one of the Champions League group stage.

Enjoy the game. Nothing short of a convincing three points should be expected.

Saints Recap

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It was most definitely a polarizing result for United on Sunday. Despite picking up the three points, I feel compelled to say that in all fairness – it’s a game they’re lucky to have won at all. I would go so far to say that the opening thirty minutes were about as frustrating to watch as any period of any United match I’ve seen in some time.

United came out flat and my frustrations with the lack of activity in improving their back line by means of a center back were well obvious again. Daley Blind and Marcos Rojo seemed absolutely lost out there to start the game. Rojo lacked pace and his passes going forward were far too often to no one at all, if not a Saints’ player. In fact, many forward passes from the onset seemed to be directed at anyone but a United player as build up after build up sputtered to nothing in the final third. Daley Blind was completely outclassed by Pelle during this stretch and again was suspect on their conversions and near chances.

United’s lack of pace and disorganization cost them and were down a goal early. Southampton’s lead was nearly doubled when another chaotic mess in the back four saw a drive hit the low post. Had that found the back of the net, the game changes drastically.

What is a complete mystery to me is van Gaal’s insistence that this pairing should be arranged this way. It’s flat out bizarre to me. If both those players are to start, I think Rojo makes more sense playing the left side of the center half pairing with Smalling and Blind, who in his role as a wing back with the Dutch national side, would be more adept at full back with his passing ability better suited to supporting the attack. I think his ability going forward is underrated and I remind you by simply asking who was the man behind van Persie’s famous diving header versus Spain in Brazil?

United found luck as the game began to shift, albeit very slightly, and Martial was able to coolly convert from inside the 18 after a short cross found him unmarked. Saints’ fans will tell you an offside call was missed and, as tight as it was, they’re probably right. In any case, the flag stayed down and the equalizer stood. The importance of the goal for United can’t be understated. It changed the momentum entirely. United, after some changes, were back in possession and actually efficient in their attack. These efforts were justifiably rewarded with an errant back pass being intercepted by Martial for his second goal and later, a nifty run by Memphis saw his drive hit the post and bounce right to Mata, who calmly slotted home United’s third of the day.

United continued to press their attack, winning some free kicks in tight to the Saints’ 18 and really appeared poised to add to their lead. That would change as the game entered its final ten minutes and Southampton began to push back. What was United strength for the previous 50 minutes turned back to chaos as clearance after clearance was simply given to Southampton players. It didn’t take long for Southampton to strike one back and suddenly, a goal down and with all the initiative going forward, the final minutes of the game were to be nervous ones for United fans. If not for some heroics from De Gea, gone are the three points.

For me, it was telling of United’s glaring holes in the back line. The moment pressure was back on them and they were no longer being insulated by the strong possession game of the midfielders, the calm and organization disintegrated. This was by no means Southampton’s strongest side they’ve fielded in recent times and, I must believe, a club like Chelsea or City would have dearly punished United for their shortcomings.

Van Gaal has said United have the depth of quality to plug the hole left by Shaw and the players available will have to step up. In one regard, he is right. This is simply because he has no choice in the matter. He does have quality players in his ranks to plug holes, but the problem is does he have the quality for that position? I’m not convinced.

McNair may have a say. I believe Blind is better suited for the position than Rojo as a stop-gap measure until January. I don’t believe Young would be as effective, given his somewhat limited effectiveness as a wing back – not a fullback, as the role dictates a somewhat trivial but different approach. In any case, United will have to find some consistency before future fixtures with the stronger clubs.

Annoying as it may have been to watch for the opening 30 and final ten, there are some positives to take away as there should always be. The midfield continues to be the bright spot from the holding role. Rooney linked up well with them and was active in distributing the ball out wide, even if his goal drought continues in league play. Martial was given his chances to run forward and was a threatening figure on more than one occasion. He could have gone for a third on a break, but drifted left toward a streaking Memphis and this touch allowed van Dijk to come back and interrupt the play by means of a foul – for which he saw yellow.

Despite his brace, which I should mention were scored in a manner you’d expect from a seasoned veteran and not a teenager, the man of the match for me is De Gea. Multiple saves, several of which showcasing his undeniable world class talent, are the reason this game is three points and not one or none.

On to Sunderland next with an update between now and then. I will also aim to post something I intended to do on September 1st and that is my follow up predictions after the transfer window closed. Better late than never?

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

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Saturday proved to be the good as United got the best of their biggest rivals in a 3-1 win over Liverpool. Despite Rooney’s absence from the lineup as he recovers from a hamstring injury, United were able to net three second half goals after a fruitless first half saw their side struggle to finish. It showed again the issue with Untied’s build up and something I’ve commented on before. Possession is a useless statistic if the advantage of such can’t be applied in the final third. They lack pace when making probing runs or passes with a predictability, at times, that makes it frustrating to watch. Essentially, it continues to be the difference between them and other possession types like Barcelona.

As the match wore on and United got the early second half goal on a clever set piece finish from Daley Blind, Liverpool began to press back with more flare; forcing several quality stops from De Gea. United were fortunate in Liverpool’s lack of luck, eventually doubling their lead when Gomez fouled Herrera in the 18 and gave United a penalty. For his part, Gomez’s look of guilt probably immediately eliminated any doubt from referee Michael Oliver’s mind; assuming there was any.

But before this match was decisively in the bag, Christian Benteke collected a poor clearance off a Liverpool cross and scored an early season favourite for goal of the season. The ball fell perfectly for him, which he then met with a overhead smash that De Gea was helpless to react to. Any sense of optimism for Brendan Rodgers and Co. was to be short lived as United newcomer, Anthony Martial, would come back and score just moments later. It was a goal liken to that of many Thierry Henry strikes as he powered forward through the Liverpool back line and coolly slotted the ball to the opposite post. It was quite a debut for the 19 year old as he seemed to immediately endear himself to the Old Trafford faithful.

The bad comes way of their visit to Eindhoven. United’s luck seemed non-existent for match day one of the Champion’s League group stage and United found themselves on the losing end of a 2-1 score to Dutch champions PSV. You might recall a fairly recent Jose Mourinho comment in which he declared a Chelsea loss a “fake result” in their 3-0 defeat to City. If there was any merit to such, I suppose this could be another example. For their part, United were by far and away the better club on the night. They controlled the midfield, probed often in the final third, and – with the exception of both PSV tallies, the defense was able to snuff out PSV’s counters. After Memphis’ brilliant strike, United came painfully close to increasing their lead twice more before a first half injury time equalizer. Had United even converted one of them, it would have been a different result.

While it’s not the desired result, there was a lot of positives to take from the match. United are clearly the better club and, while the score doesn’t reflect it, I believe there should be no issues returning the favour in Manchester nor should there be any difficulties advancing to the knock-out stage. It’s been suggested the Shaw injury may have served as a bit of a thorn to the back four. Marcos Rojo came on in relief for his first competitive game since last season and pushed Blind out wide. While Blind played admirably at left back last season when called upon, he was a bit suspect on both PSV goals.

The ugly, undoubtedly, was Shaw’s double leg fracture. If you looked, you could see an unnatural bend in his shin where his fibula and tibia must have snapped and it’s clear why he was in such discomfort. This comes as a blow for Shaw as he struggled for fitness and battled injury last year. Coming into this season, his form was stellar and even earned a starting role in England’s starting XI. In all likelihood, he will miss the remainder of the season and it will be a year from now we even begin to discuss his return to the squad. For his part, Shaw appears to be in good spirits and it goes without saying we hope for a speedy and full recovery.

In the mean time, it opens questions about United’s back line. My previous desire for another center back will be all the more compounded now that Blind will likely find himself playing full back on the left side to fill Shaw’s void. If Blind, who I argued isn’t well suited to play as a center back against the big clubs, does move to the left back position, it essentially leaves United with three first team options in the middle… Assuming Jones returns in the near future. United do have options – notably Young on the left wing back position. However, with van Gaal no longer deploying the 3-5-2 formation, it means Young will be even less well suited to the position.

What should be clear now is United will need to bring someone in the January transfer window. While Smalling has been very good thus far, his go-to pairing partner remains a mystery. Blind has done well enough – for the most part, but with the oft-injured Jones still working toward fitness and Rojo just returning; the potential problems could go into crisis mode should another player get injured. Van Gaal and his men will have to tread carefully indeed.

The issue will be very omniscient for rival clubs. It means the already expensive transfer window could be all the more expensive as clubs cash in on any potential United targets. This, of course, assumes anyone which United would be willing to break the bank for is even available. Other factors make things complicated, for example if the player is cup tied to another team.

In any case, it will be time for United to pull up their socks and press forward. Adversity builds character and character wins trophies.

De Stayea

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How’s that for an incredibly bad pun? You’ll have to forgive me. It quite possibly is nothing more than caffeine induced glee at the news that De Gea has signed an extension with United. While fans in the UK, and elsewhere in the world, have known for many hours; it is the natural consequence of existing eight hours behind in my neck of the woods.

I somewhat expected this would be announced very soon, but a day removed from my last post in which the presence of his agent, Jorge Mendes, being seen at Carrington was a bit of a shock. It’s quite the turnaround and should exemplify nothing more, if anything at all, how quickly things change in the football world. Mere weeks ago there was a row between manager and player due to his being left off the bench, followed by a last minute ‘attempt’ (I use that term loosely – more in a bit) to sell him to Real, to a multi-year extension.

What we know is the deal is a four year extension with an option for a fifth. If previous, and frequently seen, reports are accurate, it is quite likely the wages exist in the region of £200K per week, making De Gea the best paid keeper in the world. United, for their part, are not disclosing if a release fee has been included in the contract and, given the recent memories of Real’s attempt to buy De Gea, will likely keep this card close to their chest.

Undoubtedly, Real will likely still want the player and it remains to be seen how, or if, the clubs would ever return to the bargaining table. This news must come as salt in the wound for Florentino Perez. However the deal fell flat, there must have been some consolation in knowing Real would wait but four months before they’d be open to talk to De Gea and strike a pre-contract agreement for a free transfer next summer. No longer the case, it would seem Ed Woodward has won his battle with the giants of Madrid. Some would speculate that United’s efforts was to use De Gea as a bargaining chip to land Bale, however somewhat true; it appears Bale was never the realistic target as his agent has made it clear Bale is determined to stay at Real – once again.

Now that this deal has been made official by both club and player, the big question now becomes when does he return to action? Many believe this weekend is the perfect environment to do so when United host Liverpool. Van Gaal confirmed to the media that De Gea would be considered for selection and, as always with the manager, the player’s displays in training will dictate their placement in the starting XI or the reserves.

Liverpool on the Horizon

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It’s been a bit since we’ve had an update due to the international break and the slow down in the rumour mill with the window slamming shut in one of the most unceremonious of ways.

While on that subject, De Gea appears poised to fight for his spot in United’s starting XI and his comments to the media – substantiated further by teammates close to the player, suggest he’s got his previously “lack of focus” back on track. While De Gea was openly unimpressed with this assertion by van Gaal, the club are confident this row can be repaired easily. Louis van Gaal, for his part, has made it clear to the media that De Gea will be given the opportunity to do so, be it he chooses to sign an extension or not. With the Euro a summer away, De Gea will be motivated to show his worth as he fights to earn the starting role for Spain and his best means to present his case would be an effort liken to the form that’s seen him win back-to-back player of the year awards with the club.

Meanwhile, rumours previously suggesting he was willing to sign an extension with United, while premature, appear to be gaining traction as the BBC confirmed today. With super agent, Jorge Mendes, at Carrington on Thursday, it’s given the previous reports the substance previously lacking. Even Florentino Perez, Real Madrid’s President, has come out to say that he believes in the real possibility that De Gea will sign an extension at United. This, of course, was not without another round of his thinly veiled double speak as he continues to express his displeasure in the transfer collapse.

It’s important to note that, for now, the negotiations are very early and there’s no guarantee it will be done. What we do know is the previous wage offer of £200K per week remains on the table, a lucrative offer some believe even Real wouldn’t have matched. What we don’t know is for how long might a contract be agreed upon and, if any, release clause may be included. De Gea may want to keep his options open; United less so to retain some control should any future transfer business with Real come up.

While United’s transfer window to buy players is over until January 2nd, there has been a myriad of reports linking James Wilson with a loan move to one of several Championship clubs, particularly Derby. The wisdom of such was questioned given United’s poor run in their opening four league games with Rooney seemingly struggling to find his form in the nine. United somewhat addressed this by purchasing 19 year old Anthony Martial from Monaco for a £36M fee even van Gaal described as being ridiculous; however, the player has very limited experience at this level and will need time to adapt to the English game.

That said, Wilson isn’t much older and the brass at United appear to feel his development will be better served playing regularly in the Championship than with United’s U21 squad. While some reports confirmed his loan to Derby, any confirmation of such remains unseen as no official announcement has been made by the club. What we can assuredly expect is an emergency return clause in his potential loan move given United’s lack of depth with strikers at present.

One particular rumour put out has been a link between United and Borussia Dortmund regarding Marcos Reus. It has been suggested that United made a £50M offer for the German international standout, only to see BVB reject this bid and counter with a £60M offer for their talisman. Allegedly United never returned to the table with another offer. How accurate this information is seems to be is anyone’s guess, but news of such sparked some outrage in Dortmund from the club’s faithful. While there were those not wanting someone of Reus’ calibre sold, many questioned the logic by not using such a transfer fund to reinvest in the squad at areas of relative weakness.

In the time since this apparent offer in July, what we do know is that Januzaj has gone out on loan to BVB and United’s young prospect took little time scoring his first goal for the club in a friendly. With Januzaj now there, it has sparked belief that the young player is on a trial of sorts. Should he impress enough, it could be the player is used as a make-weight part in a deal with BVB to bring Reus to United in January. Given his reputation for being one of the more exciting prospects in Europe, some fans may offer caution in this regard. After a promising start under Moyes, Januzaj has found it hard to find time in the starting XI under van Gaal and, regardless of intent, will benefit from a year away with BVB.

Of note, it’s widely believed De Gea will get the start in goal for their Saturday fixture with Liverpool after getting a start for Spain against Macedonia. Fans can also possibly expect to see Marcos Rojo come in and make his season debut in a pairing with Chris Smalling who, as too did Luke Shaw, looked impressive in their Euro qualifier for England versus Switzerland. There are also mixed opinions as to whether Martial will start or come on as a sub.

In any case, it’s going to be a fantastic Saturday for football – as is any match week when United and Liverpool clash.

Enjoy the game!

D-Day + Four

Posted on by rvanleersum

Just when you thought the David De Gea fallout had settled, Real Madrid’s president, Florentino Perez, fires another vocal salvo at United for the mishap that was the failed transfer. In an interview for Spanish sports radio station, El Larguero (The Crossbar), recently, Perez makes some fairly captious remarks in regard to United and their implied ineptitude in the transfer business. So bold, he not only made reference to an alleged failed attempt to buy a Real player previously, but that of another player from another club. Bolder yet, he called United’s handling of the deal a disgrace.

Here are a few translated comments made during the show as per SocialRMadrid via their Twitter feed: @SocialRMadird:

“We sent the contracts at 13:30 and United (sic) took eight (sic) hours to send them back.”

“I feel that United (sic) lacks experience in these matters. The same happened with Coentrao and Ander Herrera.”

What also interests me in Perez’s narrative of the events is his repeated insistence that United did not act with malice, etc. But yet, he still feels the need to be overtly critical. A paradoxical series of statements, in a way.

I can’t help but hear the crying of a bully who hasn’t gotten his way. I think the people at Real are too used to being able to buy who they want, when they want. Now United have stood their ground and it’s foul play.

But it really isn’t. You see, Woodward is smart and knew two things: Real wanted De Gea (publicly mutual, might I add) and Real have players United want. Perez was even bold enough to share with the media United’s attempts to purchase Varane, Bale, and that they even “meddled” with the Ramos situation. What must be assumed is United used the De Gea ace-in-sleeve, so to speak, as a bargaining chip to land one of those players and were prepared to wait on Real to pull the trigger as long as possible.

And they did.

Just as United had no interest in selling De Gea, completely consistent with what both Perez and United admit, it would seem Real had no interest in selling any of the above – even as part of an exchange. I can’t help but think because Real wouldn’t blink, it was United by some means who opened the door for discussions at the death in an attempt to cut their losses as the situation with the player became increasingly untenable.

Does that make it bad business? Not really. Hardly a disgrace.

It doesn’t explain, or justify, United’s slow response. I could hypothesize the slow response was due to slow negotiations between United and Navas in which United wanted to have a clear idea of what their return would be in all its facets; but this would be purely speculatory.

What’s telling for me is how Perez has failed to address a couple of important things. One, the primary point of United’s official response in that they have proof the deal was submitted by them on the TMS prior to the deadline. Secondly, it begs the question as to why he doesn’t address Real’s decision not to appeal given this information presented and the support to do so. It’s confusing when the very essence of such an appeal doesn’t request an extension – which Real so boldly claim their lack of interest in receiving special treatment in that context.

So now we await a response? Time shall tell.

*Update*

United did release a response to Perez’s thinly veiled accusatory statements. They continue to maintain that the documents were forwarded before the deadline and have the full support of the FA in proving this to be the case. They go on to claim that if it took Real another thirty or so minutes to forward this information, it is their own “clumsy” fault and their media efforts are nothing more than an attempt to move the focus away (from what I believe they imply their errors in the process).

It’s interesting they feel the same way as I did when I wrote on this same matter in the previous ‘Blame Game’ article. It also is interesting they too haven’t responded directly to Real’s main complaint in the eight hour wait for a response.

In the mean time, rumours of a conflicting nature are swirling that De Gea is ready to sign an extension with United while others (more realistically) claim no decision has been made. Since this, De Gea has been named to club roster for Champion’s League and van Gaal is reported to have said De Gea would be given a fresh start with a run of games irrespective of whether or not he chooses to resign.