Ferdinand, Vidic & Rafael Injury News

Injury troubles are exactly what Manchester United do not need after their opening game of the season, but it's what they've got, as three of the back line have been ruled out for a number of weeks with their respective injuries.

21 year-old Rafael, one half of the Brazilian twin pairing at United, dislocated his shoulder in a training session prior to Manchester United's Premier League opener against West Brom. A club statement confirmed that the young right back will be out for "around ten weeks."

Chris Smalling and Rafael's twin, Fabio played in the right and left-back positions against Albion, in which United won by two goals to one, but the centre back pairing of Rio Ferdinand and Vidic both sustained injuries which will see them miss some games.

Ferdinand pulled up in the second half with a hamstring injury, and the Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed after the game that the English defender will miss six weeks of action while Serbian defender Vidic could be out for a couple of weeks with calf problems. Ferguson said:

"We've had a rough time with injuries. Young Rafa has done his shoulder in training in Friday and will be out for 10 weeks, he's probably going to have an operation."

"Rio will be out for six weeks. Vida will have checks tomorrow (Monday), we don't know if it's just a nerve or something, but he could be out for a couple of weeks."

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Man Utd: A Team of Winners - A Team of Champions

As Manchester United settle down on their outstandingly high perch and look down to their challengers with a stunning glint of silverware flashing in their eyes, they will be thinking back to the start of the season with triumph, when people  everywhere weren't giving them a chance. At times of course, early in the season, the position United are currently in didn't look likely, but United have all season got the job done when it mattered. There were shaky, nervous times along the way, but United have achieved what they set out to achieve, and have done it with a game to spare.

How did United do it? How are they Champions again? How are they in the Champions League Final? Those are questions many may ask themselves. Just look at the manager. Sir Alex Ferguson has assembled this team and instilled in them something that only certain people can. His passion, desire, determination, dedication, tenacity and pure will power have been on show for all to see in the players throughout the season, and even when games have not ended in United's favour, the team were always back up and ready for a win the next week.

The fact that United were able to stay an unbeaten side up until early February sums it up well. The football may not have been the best, but there were enough wins, and enough points to keep them up at the top and on course for the historic 19th. Late goals were conceded against sides like Fulham and Everton, but for all those late goals conceded were late goals going in the other direction in other games.

United kept on fighting, and despite tough competition from Arsenal and Chelsea who were challenging for the title, as well as the rest of the Premier League, whose quality has improved impressively over the years. No longer would a lowly side go to a top side and expect to lose, but at Old Trafford, no-one expected to win - because this season, United have been unbeatable at home.

Manchester United players should be filled with pride on achieving this great feat. From Ryan Giggs, who will lift the Premier League for the twelfth time against Blackpool, to Michael Owen, who although has not played as big a part as others, has grabbed some vital goals in his time at United and will lift his first Premier League next week.

Against Blackburn, Tomasz Kusczcak highlighted how important and how valuable Edwin van der Sar has been all season. The Dutchman has been phenomenal in goal, often stopping the unstoppable and simply being the calming and authoritative figure at the back that all great teams need.

Vidic and Ferdinand have been rocks at the back, with commentators tiring of saying "Vidic clears the danger" and "Ferdinand cuts out the attack". When others make mistakes, they were back there to clean up the mess. They have been and will be the players to look up to in the future when Giggs and Scholes have gone, with the typical Manchester United attitude running through their blood.

Giggs and Scholes have done what they do every year, except arguably better, inspiring the players around them to play to the end, and drive the others to the trophies that they have won countless times already. The wingers, Valencia, Nani and Park have been brilliant, and perhaps if Valencia and Park had not suffered injuries in he season, United could have won this earlier. Assists and  creativity are just as important as those goalscorers. 

Carrick and Fletcher may not have started so well or been such a calming influence, but they have often been brilliant in the middle. Carrick was able to get back into his groove towards the end of the season, spraying balls all over the pitch and getting attacks started, while Fletcher's reputation of being a big game player was not used as much through illness.

Berbatov - top scorer and incredible skill. Rooney - the man who almost left at the start of the season, who went on to regain top form and score the goal to win the Premier League and the 19th title for United.

This is a side to be proud of, and one who have created history. It is number 19 now, but no doubt, next season Sir Alex Ferguson and company will be fighting as driven as ever for number 20.

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Wayne Rooney Joins Twitter

Wayne Rooney has joined Twitter this week-end to accompany his fellow United team-mates Rio Ferdinand, Michael Owen, Luis Nani and Johnny Evans on the social networking site.

He is sure to give United fans his own insight on life with Manchester United, and has already spoke about playing up front with Javier Hernandez:

"Love playing with Hernandez. Buy of century. Great lad to"

The England striker is approaching 100,000 followers already, so follow him here: @Wazzaroon08

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Does Being Captain Mean Anything?

Much has been made of John Terry being reinstated as England captain. Perhaps too much. The main issue is that Fabio Capello has gone back on his decision to take the armband off of Terry for his inexplicable off field behaviour with a team mates girlfriend. It was a big call back when all was revealed about Terry's private life, and to go back on such a big ruling shows signs of weakness. It undermines Capello's tough, no nonsense approach to coaching. That argument is understandable, but in today's modern age of football, the question is; does being captain mean anything, or is it simply a symbol?

Lets get this straight. The ideal captain should have outstanding qualities that other players in the team do not possess; they should be a natural winner, they should be a beacon of inspiration, a passionate, brave, respectable person - someone who will take responsibility for their mistakes, wear their heart on their sleeve and be able to make massive sacrifices for the good of the team. They also need the have great footballing ability in their position. It looks a big ask. It also looks as if the England team have a good few players who have those qualities - or does it?

When David Beckham gave up the England captaincy, which he held for many years, with great integrity and heart, told of the honour it was to wear the armband for his country. He said that he had "lived the dream", and was the "greatest honour of his career" to captain his country. This is a man who absolutely lives for football, and loves his country. He led by example, on and off the field. In the main, he conducted himself in admirable principle and honesty. It obviously meant a lot to him.

When Ferdinand was made captain after Terry's removal from the 'position', he too gave the impression of being ready to live the dream that all youngsters have; to lead their country onto a football pitch to fight to win.  He said:

“I like the responsibility. Every youngster grows up wanting to be captain of their club or the team they lead out. This is England and there is no higher accolade than leading out your country.

That may be, but he added to the end of this passionate show of ambition:

"But it won’t mean as much if we don’t win anything."

What have England won in the last 45 years or so? Nothing. So does that mean every captain before him and ahead of him have failed in their main aim? Yes it does. Interestingly, the Manchester United defender continued:


“I have always said if there is something that needs to be said in the changing-room then I will speak my mind whether I am captain or not.

Why shouldn't it be like this for every player? Every player wants to win, every player wants to be the match winner for their country, and every player wants to do their country proud. They should all stand up and act as captains, rather than quietly listen to their manager off he pitch and then watch their captain motivate them on it. When you are playing for your country, that very fact is surely the only motivation you need?

Every player should give 100% to the team whether they are captain or not. That is why I believe the captaincy is just a symbol - a symbol that has recently caused much needless controversy in the England camp. It isn't as if we are short of controversy and trouble in this country as it is.

It seems to me that the only official roles of a captain are: to participate in the coin toss prior to kick off and penalty shoot out (the latter of which England are not very good at) and being the first player to hold aloft a trophy at the award-giving ceremony. That hasn't happened for a while either.

So whether John Terry is captain or not is not the issue. The issue is the chemistry of the team and the willingness of them to play together to work together and to win together. The armband is only a symbol to show the rest of the players who to turn to when they are in trouble. I say fine, keep that, but do not rely on that, and work yourself with all of the passion, inspiration, bravery, responsibility and ability that a captain should show. A team of leaders is better than just one.

Arsenal In £50 Million Summer Spending Spree

Plagued with injuries throughout the season to the extent that a new/old goalkeeper had to be brought in for back up, as well as being tormented with off form players slipping up a crucial times in massive matches, and Arsene Wenger is understandably frustrated. He must be wondering what he has done wrong to deserve the punishment of seeing his loyal but exhausted players suffer in this way. It isn't all bad when you consider Arsenal's position in the table - three points behind the leaders with a game in hand - but this season could have been about so much more than just the Premier League crown.

It is perhaps no wonder then, that Arsenal are being linked to two big money players to boost the squad this summer - give it some well needed depth, diversity and energy. These two players are Bolton's Gary Cahill and Real Madrid's Karim Benzema. I honestly cannot see it myself. It isn't that the two players wouldn't fit into the squad; Cahill, a strong, reliable, often goal scoring centre back would be welcomed in the beleaguered defence, while Benzema will have no shortage of fellow countrymen to communicate with (not to mention being a top class front man).  The rumours really get unbelievable when the price is quoted.

Cahill and Benzema are being valued at £25 million by the news sources. That's £25 million each. Probably around £40 million more than Wenger would dream of spending. His cautious, low profile approach to the transfer market has caused plenty of frustration among even patient supporters, as they await their first trophy for six years. It may yet come this year, but it will undoubtedly be very close, and with all of the teams around them certain to improve their squads in the summer, Arsenal do not want to be left behind at the start of next season in a year which looks to be even more competitive and tight than even this year has been so far.

Manchester United are apparently Arsenal's competition for the 25 year-old Cahill. United have seen a Vidic - Smalling partnership blossom in the absence of the seemingly always injured Rio Ferdinand, and if Ferdinand ever does receive further injures which is highly likely, United will need a top quality replacement. There have also been unsettling murmurings of Vidic's future as a United player as his wife apparently doesn't like it in Manchester. The Wes Brown - Chris Smalling defensive partnership has been poor so far, and Sir Alex will look for a new defender to banish any defensive worries in the future.


A bidding war is something neither side would want however, with Arsenal's reluctance to spend, and United's crushing debts reducing the possibility of big money signings.
The website states;

"The Trotters [Bolton] are bracing themselves for bids in the summer, and both Arsenal and Manchester United are expected to come to the table at some point with an offer for the England international.

Chelsea are also thought to be keen on landing the player, with the west London outfit also interested in the 25-year-old former Aston Villa defender.

Arsenal are still thought to be favourites though, although the Gunners will have to fight hard to see off Manchester United if these claims are to be believed."

Meanwhile, Wenger is supposedly a "big fan" of Benzema who was bought by Madrid from Lyon for £35 million two seasons ago. It is easy to see why, as Benzema has masses of exactly what Wenger is always looking for, craving for, searching for: "potential".

17 goals in 52 appearances this season isn't to impressive, but his previous form is far more impressive, with one season amassing 20 goals in just 36 appearances. A partnership of van Persie and Benzema would also be a vast improvement to what they have at the moment, and would add he depth up front which has been lacking.

Sir Alex Ferguson had tried to bring Benzema to United before he joined Madrid, but I doubt he would be after him again after being turned down already.

Will Fabregas Recover in time for United Clash?

Monday night, Manchester United will be risking their, and the only unbeaten record in the Premier League in their biggest test of the season - Arsenal. Arsenal on the other hand may be risking the fitness of influential midfield captain - Cesc Fabregas.

Will United remain unbeaten? Will Fabregas be fit enough to play? Will the game live up to all the build up? We will have to wait and see, but in reference to Fabregas hamstring injury, Arsene Wenger has assured fans that he will have the final say on things.

"It will be a very late decision to see if Cesc is in the squad or not.

“We have to assess if it is a risk for him to play and if he is ready to play in a very intense game, then I will make a decision.

"The final decision will be mine. I have the responsibility to make the decision."

Football is a game of risks, and at the top of the game it is a game of big risks. If Fabregas starts, and after a few minutes pulls up with the same problem that has kept him out, then Wenger may well be left red faced knowing that he had taken a big gamble - and lost. On the other hand, if Fabregas starts, and is influential as he usually is, makes it through most of the game comfortably and helps secure a win for Arsenal, Wenger will be praised for his excellent decision making. It is a decision that could decide the game even before it has started.

Manchester United on the other hand have passed their key players fit for the game. Scholes, Ferdinand and Evra will play after being out for a few games with their own problems.

Old Trafford will be buzzing on the night. These games always bring up unexpected surprises. Things that you "couldn't have written the script for", as the commentators always like to scream. It will be a tight, last minute decision, and I cannot wait for the game.

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Manchester United have Defensive Problems, Crossing inability and are Off form

Beaten to it: Evans

Manchester United, along with Fulham remain the only two teams in the Premier League who are unbeaten. Not only that, but United have scored at least two goals in each of the six games that they have played, and have scored 16 goals in the League. "So what is the problem?" you ask. "Where do I start?" is my reply.

United, in their opening six games have conceded nine goals. This simply isn't good enough for a team challenging for the title. Two clean-sheets in six games is poor, especially considering none of the teams United have played so far finished in the top four last season. The defence of Manchester United is going through a very shaky and unstable time at the moment.

Who will start alongside Vidic in the centre? Ferdinand or Evans? Will Ferdinand be fit? Will Evans handle the pressure? Will Vidic slip up and give away a penalty? All are questions that most United fans will have asked before and during every game so far this season - the answer, they found hasn't always been good.

Evans hasn't had a strong start to the season. He was targeted by Everton as a weak spot in the 3 - 3 draw, and again today, Zat Knight rose above him to give Bolton the lead. Ferdinand may have done better jobs, but with his inconsistency and often reliance on Vidic, who knows?

Another cause for concern is the inability to get good crosses into the box. Last season, Valencia was brilliant in his deliveries - with Rooney profiting greatly from them with a bucket full of goals. But now, with Valencia out for a while injured, only Nani and Giggs are on the touchlines ready to cross. Unfortunately for the strikers, the crosses are often disappointing.

Needs work on crossing: Nani

Nani is unbelievably frustrating. There are so many examples of when he could get the ball in a dangerous area and create a goal - a winning goal, but lets everyone down. Then there are those times when he does something absolutely brilliant. However, with Nani, the bad decisions outweigh the good.

And Giggs!. Once a marvelous source of crosses with Beckham on the other wing, he is now starting to wither. His passes are often poor, and his crosses are not the best. He can no longer take on a couple of players on the wing, and finds it hard to keep up with the pace of the game. United need a winger who can cross the ball and create chances. Wesley Sneijder perhaps? (See my next article) http://bit.ly/9H7XcL

In general, United are off-form. The good news is, United are often off-form at the start of the season, and only get into gear later on. But they really do need to improve. They travel to Valencia on Wednesday, and come back to face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on the second. They need to be ready. They need to win.