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Massive headache ahead for Fergie?
Regardless of what happens at Manchester United in the future, the name of Alex Ferguson will forever be remembered amongst the greatest United men who ever lived.
Unprecedented domestic success and two Champions League triumphs has seen Manchester United rightly challenge Liverpool as the most highly decorated English team of all time and the Red Devils are one of the best loved teams in the world. The marketing pomp of the club has a lot to do with their popularity around the globe but it has been easier to conquer foreign markets when the team is a success. The best thing about Ferguson is that he has created waves of different teams, when one fades, he has been able to bring on a new team to continue the success story.
Has he got the ability to do it one more time though? There is no doubt that Alex Ferguson's retirement will come sooner rather than later and it would be a shame if his last team at United was one which looked a pale impression of former glorious United line-ups.
For all that Ferguson says that the financial status of the club is not an issue, anyone can see that the class and calibre of players that United have throughout their squad is no longer good enough and certainly not at the level it was before.
Manchester United have played two away league games and have drawn them both. This by itself is no disgrace, after all, the Premiership is a tough league but when you consider United were winning both games at the 90th minute mark, the draws are inexcusable.
A 2-2 draw at Fulham was bad enough but throwing away a 3-1 lead at Goodison Park versus Everton was a disgrace and an early hammer blow to United's title chances. Those looking for signs of the downfall of United did not have to wait much further.
The Champions League pitted United up against Rangers, the first time the Glasgow side had been in Manchester since the 2008 UEFA Cup final. On that evening, Rangers brought shame to the event with thousands of fans rioting and disgracing themselves. This time around, their team may have used a formation that would get football stopped but it has to be said they were fully deserving of the point they picked up. Alex Ferguson picked a weaker squad but it was a squad that was devoid of invention, brains or courage and had no idea about how to break down a resolute Rangers defence. If United attacked in the fashion that the Rangers fans did in 2008 they would have won the match but instead, the Red Devils offered no opposition at all.
So where does this leave Fergie? Should the United fans all over the world be worried about their great team falling behind in the title race and showing no class in Europe. The horrific injury picked up by Valencia in the match against Rangers further weakens United's attacking options and overall, things are looking a bit grim. Fergie has survived scarier moments in the past but you wonder if he has the fight to do it all again. You also wonder if his current crop of players is good enough to win consistently for him.
This Sunday, United are at home again and in terms of history and tradition, there is no bigger game than Manchester United versus Liverpool. In terms of the current status, the two clubs are weak and limp versions of the teams that made their names known throughout the world so who knows how Sunday's game will turn out.
Liverpool have not hit form yet under new boss Roy Hodgson and were very lucky to avoid defeat in their last match away to Birmingham City. Star Spanish striker Fernando Torres looked uninterested against the Blues but he may be more motivated against United. The World Cup winner has caused untold damage against United already in his time in England and it would be no major surprise to see him do so again this Sunday. Torres has certainly had Vidic in his back pocket the last few times the two sides have squared up against each other.
If Torres needs a good game for Liverpool, you can only imagine how badly Wayne Rooney needs a good game for the home side. The front pages of the English newspapers have been full of scandal involving the World Cup flop and Rooney was dropped for the recent United game against Everton. Against Rangers, Rooney turned in a scandalous performance and he really needs to start offering more for his club side or he could be left on the sidelines on a more regular basis.
It is far too early to clash this game as a must win for either side but it is shaping up to be a must avoid defeat game for either side. Liverpool are not going to win the league and will be lucky to challenge for a Champions League spot but defeating United could give them a massive boost for the long season that lies ahead. United are already four points behind a Chelsea side that shows no sign of flagging and any more dropped points could see Fergie's side really up against it.
Not too many neutrals will shed a tear if Manchester United suffer a bad season but it would be a shame if the legacy of Alex Ferguson was tainted by a poor finish to a glittering career at Old Trafford. It is far too early to write United off but unless there is a change in attitude and fortune at the club, it could well be an extremely long season ahead for those that follow the Red Devils. A win over their arch rivals Liverpool would help to put a spring back in the step of United fans everywhere but you no longer feel 100% confident that United can do themselves justice in this match.
by Andrew Reilly
for The Silver Circle at www.footballtip.co.uk
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Dear Greg,
I've been a member since July 2003, maybe one of the first to join the Silver Circle.
2004 was a good year but I really enjoyed the long run we had in, I think, July 2005. It was exhilarating! 2006-2007 was not as exciting although still quite profitable and so far 2007-2008 looks quite good. I'm wondering if we're going to hit a long one again soon. Anyway, it's been a pleasure as always with your service, Greg. Armstrong and you are one of the few people I trust on the internet. You have made my retirement so much more fun and financially happy!
Best Wishes, Trent Wrayford, Sidney
