United’s engine room needs some energy, is a forgotten England midfielder the man for the job?

Hargreaves is sorely missed in Manchester Utd's engine room

It’s always after a defeat in football that the critical post mortem of a team begins, with every reason for a loss being dissected and discussed. That’s probably what is happening right now in the minds of Manchester United fans after their disappointing performance in their 2-0 defeat against arch-rivals Liverpool.

Coming into the match, the contrasting fortunes in both teams was striking. United had been on a successful run of games without defeat, culminating in the midweek Champions League victory over CSKA Moscow in Russia. Not vintage Manchester United, but doing enough to get the job done. Meanwhile Liverpool had suffered a miserable week, cursing their anger towards a red beach ball that cost them three points against Sunderland, and then conceding a last minute goal against Lyon at Anfield as first signs of discontent were muttered around Anfield. Manager Rafael Benitez has been on the receiving end of rumours and questions about his future, but has remained calm in the face of it all.

But, from a Liverpool perspective, there’s no better way to alleviate the pressure by getting the result of beating champions United at Anfield, without skipper Steven Gerrard although striker Fernando Torres returned and had an impact in the final outcome of the game.

Torres opened the deadlock in the 65th minute after being put through by Yossi Benayoun and shrugging off Rio Ferdinand to slam the ball past a helpless Edwin Van Der Sar in the United net. After the Spaniard was substituted, his replacement, Daniel N’gog got on the scoresheet in the final seconds to put the result to bed.

United were left scratching their heads as to how they could have performed disappointingly in a game in which they were coming into, in the right frame of mind after victory in midweek. But their defeat brought a question of the missing ingredient lacking in the United engine room, the grafter who runs and harasses the opposition midfield and is able to keep control of possession whilst looking for a positive ball forward. In the past year, that ingredient has been Scotland captain Darren Fletcher, much maligned in gone years but has now become a firm fans favourite after impressing when called upon.

But after shelling out £18m for him, United are eagerly keen to welcome back England midfielder Owen Hargreaves into their squad after nearing recovery from worrying knee problems. Rumours surfaced that Hargreaves’ career may come to a premature end but the Canadian born defensive midfielder is three weeks away from a possible first team comeback.

Fletcher has to be praised for becoming a mainstay in United’s side but it’s the all around experience of Hargreaves is what fans would most love and why Sir Alex Ferguson signed him from Bayern Munich in 2006. Hargreaves, winner of many medals in Germany and of a European Cup with Bayern (he added another European Cup medal after helping United to a penalty shootout win against Chelsea in 2008), his experience in big game situations has been sorely missed.

He impressed in his first season at Old Trafford, injury permitting and his big game showings against Arsenal in the league, and the Champions League final against Chelsea showed what he brought in the midfield area.

The long standing injury problem had to be resolved and after spending a year out on the sidelines, Hargreaves’ return will add much needed energy into the engine room which despite Fletcher’s performances, still needs that extra bit so United can avoid defeat in the big four games.

Not only domestically do United need Hargreaves’ hard graft, but also in Europe where last season ended on a disappointing note after suffering a 2-0 loss to Barcelona in the Champions League final. Thus ending their hopes of being the first team to successfully defend the trophy since it’s re-branding. Barcelona midfielders Xavi and Andres Iniesta showed their immense technical quality, leaving skipper Ryan Giggs, Michael Carrick and Anderson trailing in their wake as they helped secure the Catalan giants’ third European Cup.

United will have to survive without Hargreaves for another three weeks at least as Ferguson keeps him wrapped in cotton wool to avoid another setback. But, once fully fit and firing, Hargreaves could become a new midfield signing who could provide Fabio Capello with a dilemma heading into next year’s World Cup in South Africa.

The curtain raiser to the new season edges near…

Ancelotti and Ferguson set to meet again, this time on English soil

Time flies quickly in the footballing world, it wasn’t too long ago when Manchester United’s players were standing around in the Stadio Olympico feeling deflated, minutes after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League final. Months later, with arrivals and departures in the players lounge, the new season draws near and the expectations rise again.

In the summer of big spending, United have been relatively low key in their purchases. Spending the money received from Cristiano Ronaldo’s world record transfer to Real Madrid, they bought Wigan’s Luis Antonio Valencia for £17m, another £3m on unknown Frenchman Gabriel Obertan and a shock free signing of ex-Liverpool forward Michael Owen. A far cry from the big names United, in the aftermath of Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez’s exit from Old Trafford, were linked with Franck Ribery, David Silva, Karim Benzema and other international stars.

But what Manchester United, unlike Real Madrid, are not a team of ‘Galacticos’. The strength and success at United is down to good squad conditioning, buying experienced players such as Owen alongside promising individuals like Valencia and Obertan.

It would have been too easy to spend £50-60m on Ribery, just to satisfy those fans wanting a ‘big name’ to replace Ronaldo but history shows that the unknown can prove to be a better player than the huge star. When David Beckham left in 2003 to join Madrid, it was a certain Portuguese at the age of 17, who wore the number seven shirt and showed his wizardary on the wing.

That’s why the Ecuadorian Valencia could be a perfect signing and a different type of player to Ronaldo, who used his skills, energy and pace to burst his way into the goal socring charts over the past three years. Valencia will not offer the number of goals Ronaldo could, but has shown in the pre-season games that he will be more the provider and that can only bode well for the United strike force.

Frenchman Obertan was a surprise signing from French champions Bordeaux, he is another unknown but potential star. Playing mainly on the left wing, he is seen as another replacement for Ryan Giggs but he is currently on the treatment table recovering from an injury.

Out of all the signings, Owen has shown excellent pre-season form and hinting that his signing by Sir Alex Ferguson could prove to be a bargain signing. He’s looked deadly in the box and scored a beauty of a goal on the tour in the Far East after an exquisite touch by Bulgarian Dimitar Berbatov, who also should reap the benefits of the exits of Ronaldo and Tevez.

United boss Ferguson has injury issues ahead of Sunday’s Community Shield clash with Chelsea, with goalkeeper and defensive problems. Edwin Van Der Sar, Nemanja Vidic, Gary Neville and Wes Brown are unavailable with Ben Foster and Tomasz Kusczak looking to replace the Dutchman in goal for the eight weeks he will be out for.

All eyes are on the Community Shield, as United and Chelsea will nudge up the pre-season energy levels. Chelsea, under the management of Carlo Ancelotti will be looking for an early trophy to boost their own confidence under a new manager. I’m not expecting any huge fireworks, but an energetic kick about in the Wembley sun.

Ferguson keeps the pennies in the bank to buy a transfer ‘bargain’…

Owen cut a frustrated figure in an injury hit spell at Newcastle

In the heyday of when he scored goals in front a delirious Kop at Anfield and a national treasure, the sentence of “Michael Owen to join Manchester United” would never even have come into the mind of the striker himself. But as a troublesome season came to an end in relegation at Villa Park, the ex-Liverpool forward is set to resurrect his career at Old Trafford.

News filtered through late afternoon that United had exploratory talks with Owen’s advisors, but come this morning, the 29-year-old had already undergone a stern medical on his knee and close to joining the Premier League champions.

A couple of weeks ago, Owen had probably resigned himself to accepting that he’d have to join the likes of Hull or Stoke to continue playing in the Premier League to have a chance of resurrecting his England career. But Sir Alex Ferguson has given Owen a lifeline with a golden ticket return to the big time, by joining the club Liverpool fans have a passion of hate for.

At first, it was a bizarre choice by the Old Trafford supremo. Why sign a striker who’d ended last season with a relegated club, had spent more time on the treatment table than on the pitch and seemed a player who’s sell by date was nearing?

But, in the cold light of day, it could turn out to be a bargain buy for the Old Trafford club. No transfer fee to pay which means no money to be taken out of the £80m transfer kitty that United have got due to the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo, buying a striker who has a proven goalscoring record at Premier League level and has that finishing ability that at times last season, eluded United’s attacking array of talent.

And finally, it’s no win no lose situation. If Owen fails due to injury or unable to produce the goals, then with a reduced salary, it’s no big loss. However, United’s squad is littered with attacking service and that has been improved with the signing of Wigan’s Luis Antonio Valencia, it seems inconceiveable that Owen will struggle to get help in putting the ball into the back of the net.

Also, Owen’s arrival could impact on his one-time England strike partner Wayne Rooney. Last season, Rooney at times played on the left wing where he showed promise but Owen’s entry could see the ex-Everton forward play in the role that he’s good at, and importantly enjoys playing in.

In the midst of transfer speculation and big names linked to Old Trafford, Owen was the last name United fans expected to be joining the players at Carrington when they resume pre-season training next week. But, Owen could turn out to be Sir Alex’s best instinct purchases in recent years.

Zesh Rehman on his journey up the professional football ladder

Zesh Rehman speaks to Sensasianal Sport about playing football in the backyards of Birmingham to experiencing the Premier League thrill.

By Akhlaq Hanif

Asian players have a passion for football and end up playing the game in their spare time, with some aspiring to play at the highest level. But, the elusive question remains as to why they haven’t yet began to emerge in the Premier League.

Chelsea Football Club, now managed by Italian Carlo Ancelotti, announced a special coaching project to discover Asian talent within the game.

Zesh Rehman, a 25-year old British Asian is one of the few to gain some Premiership exposure. Born and bred in the Aston area of Birmingham, he began playing football at the age of eight with his brothers and friends. And as he describes it, “everywhere where I went was on a football pitch”.

Having played football alongside his brothers and then for Sunday league teams, Rehman was spotted by Fulham and plied his trade with their district side.

After a two week trial, Rehman played for Fulham’s youth team which ended up with him receiving a scholarship and then signing professional forms.

He told me how Chris Coleman, Fulham’s manager at the time, had a positive impression on the young player from Aston.

“He was brilliant. He was one of my favourite players and after I got my scholarship, I asked him if I could clean his boots. By the time he got manager, he knew me as a player and a person,” said Rehman.

One of the issues in the minds of hopeful Asian professional footballers might be how they would fit into a dressing room full of international superstars. But for Rehman, being a Muslim, he didn’t encounter any problems.

“When it eventually happened, it was relief because of all the hard work I had put in. I had experienced players like Andy Cole and Edwin Van Der Sar who gave me advice and were always available,” added Rehman.

The taste of Premiership football only motivated him to continue playing at that level, but opportunities to feature in the first team were hard to come by. It was that point, Rehman decided to leave Craven Cottage for more opportunities in the lower leagues.

Rehman said: “At the time I was 22, by the time I was 24, the manager said I needed to have played 40 games or so. After two years, I’ve played 60 games, it’s been worth it and I’ve played under different coaches.”

International football is the pinnacle for many players, representing your country of birth in a match. With established players such as John Terry and Rio Ferdinand occupying the central defensive slots in the England side, Rehman chose to play for Pakistan.

“At the time, it seemed like the right thing to do to play for Pakistan and play for longer period in international football. My family were 100% supportive.”

Rehman, captain of the Pakistan football team has encouraging words for the development of more Asians in the highest tiers of professional football.

“There aren’t enough role models to look up to. Hopefully my presence in the game can be inspired by. The Governing bodies are doing a lot, all the events, kick it out etc. As soon as more people pick it up football, the numbers will go up,” adds Rehman.

Ronaldo will finally get to realise his “dream”….

By Akhlaq Hanif

It was the worst kept secret in world football, really it was. Cristiano Ronaldo wanted to join Real Madrid and fulfull his “dream”. Well, he’s not too far away from achieving his personal ambition.

There have been interviews, transfer rumours, claim and counter claim from Real Madrid and Manchester United but today, all that has finally been put to bed.

I was told of the news via a text message from my brother which said “Ronaldo’s going to Real Madrid for £80m”. I briefly read the message, before getting back to my much needed sleep, I just assumed it was one of those press stories making the rounds in Spain. The constant stories that Ronaldo would join Madrid, nothing new I thought.

But after awakening and putting on the TV, it was confirmed as being official. United had accepted a world record £80m offer for the Portuguese international and the statement released by the Old Trafford side told the whole story.

The statement said: “Manchester United have received a world-record, unconditional offer of £80million for Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid.

At the request of Cristiano – who has again expressed his desire to leave – and after discussion with the player’s representatives, United have agreed to give Real Madrid permission to talk to the player.

Matters are expected to be concluded by 30 June. The club will not comment until further notice.”

Ronaldo has talked about his dream move to Madrid, well for ages now. And it seems clear again that despite winning the Premier League again for a third straight season and coming close to being the first team to retain the Champions League, the lure of Madrid’s big bucks was not enough.

The transfer should be completed within days in my opinion, and Manchester United will have a juicy £80m to put into their coffers, not a bad return for a player they paid £12m for in 2003, when he was a raw 17-year-old.

After an indifferent first few seasons, Ronaldo’s talent began to shine through and he reached his peak with an incredible 42 goals in the 2007/08 season. Injury problems haltered his start to the last campaign, but still he was able to contribute with goals and some slight prima donna incidents towards the end of the campaign.

Madrid are getting a fantastically gifted 24-year-old, who should shine in La Liga and playing alongside another Galactico signing, Brazilian Kaka, who signed earlier on in the week for a then world record of £56m.

I feel the majority of Manchester United supporters will feel, like myself, that the deal represents good bit of business. My surprise is that it has been sorted out with the minimal amount of fuss and not the drawn out transfer saga that we experienced last summer. Maybe Sir Alex Ferguson didnt want another summer of going over the same old questions, and realised he could use the money to strengthen areas of the team that needed reinforcements.

United’s transfer activity for the summer will now begin, with tons of back page rumours as a cream of the world’s top footballers are linked with a move to Manchester.

Personally, I think Franck Ribery would be the ideal replacement for Ronaldo but Bayern Munich aren’t keen to sell their French star and apparently, Ribery doesn’t want to move to England – because of the weather.

David Silva of Valencia put in a promising performance at the European Championships in 2007, and with his club in reported £400m in debt, a tempting offer by United could see Silva trade sunny Spain to wear the number seven shirt vacated by the FIFA World Player of the Year.

Carlos Tevez, who’s future is in doubt at Old Trafford, could be saved by the new cash injection the club has received but I still feel a permanent Tevez signing would be least beneficial since striker Wayne Rooney does a similiar job to the Argentinian and scores more goals.

Klass Jan Huntelaar, a reported target of Man United could be a striking solution. He’s plying his trade at Real Madrid but has not been given opportunities in the line up, could United tempt the Dutchman with a way out by moving to Old Trafford?

Whatever happens, it remains to be seen but Cristiano Ronaldo’s six year career at Manchester United is over. How will the English league cope without his magic box of tricks, his trademark run up before a free kick, his prima donna antics at times? They will be happy. It’s the end of a tremendous time at United for Ronaldo, where he really began to show what a bargain purchase it was for Sir Alex to sign him for £12m, and six years later, to sell him for £80m.