No love for Moyes at Manchester United

 Photo credit: Belfast Telegraph

It seemed inevitable, perhaps that this would happen. Reports are now calling for David Moyes to be ousted as manager of famed club Manchester United. Was this necessary?

The way the 2013-2014 campaign has gone for Manchester United is so far below the expected that it would seem unfair, to some extent, to continue with the same manager at the helm. Early exit from the FA Cup, no semifinal in the Champions League, not even a chance of a place in next year's continental tournament just scream one thing: Change.

What went so wrong for Moyes? Respect. Where Ferguson had the world as a fan, Moyes only had half a city and some dispersed fans, including Landon Donovan. His tactics were also much more defensive and non-inventive in nature, as was his desire for change within the club.

And where other new managers have thrived in their inheritance of great clubs, i.e. Guardiola with Barcelona, Moyes failed to deliver early on. This, perhaps, marked his eventual form throughout a tournament that saw high-flying Liverpool and a resurgent Arsenal (at least in the early half of the season).

What's next for Manchester United if Moyes's departure does transpire? Ryan Giggs might just be what the team needs. His interim status might be turned permanent if he is willing/able to bring some results to the table.

In the end it is a bit sad that Moyes could not continue Manchester United's long life as a perennial victor. It could have been the cruelty of statistics or the reality of personal inability. Either it was time for the legendary to club to fall from grace as Liverpool did a few years back or it simply wasn't Moyes's job to be the chosen one from the start.

How Ferguson's exit may have influenced EPL standings in 2013

Photo credit: Manchester United

When Sir Alex Ferguson left his post as Manchester United manager this past May there were two potential outcomes: Manchester United would remain in power or they would merely survive. Looks like the latter might have occurred.

David Moyes took over as manager from Ferguson during the summer but was unable to exact much change into the squad. Bringing Fellaini during the transfer period was the most likely impact player for the season. There was hope that the former Everton coach might be what Guardiola was for Barcelona, a new coach to lead a team into new heights. But it was not to be, at least not right away.

Right now the top four reading like this: Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and Everton. This season has seen the resurgence of Arsenal, the rediscovery of Liverpool, the continuing presence of Manchester City and Mourinho's Chelsea remix. But was it really Özil's coming that lifted Arsene Wenger's Gunners and can we credit all of Liverpool's success to Luis Suarez? Certainly these are major factors, but they aren't enough to explain the current state of the league.

Once there was a legend at Old Trafford; you only needed to whisper his name. Ferguson was a constant force, a guardian of the best in English football. He was the best in the world, in reality, if we take into consideration his record. The ownership knew it and respected his decisions, the players remained in line despite their egos. Indeed, even if they crossed the boundary, personalities like Rooney and Ronaldo always relented in the end or parted ways. But the team remained on top.

For opposing squads Ferguson's presence was no different. He exuded only respect and always owned the sideline. He was the X-factor that so many times won a game for United. Not too long ago, when the team was riding high--as was often the case--they were close to losing a game to a smaller team. But enter Ferguson with the right tactic and change in personnel and at the 95th minute his team had tied the score. And let's not forget Manchester United's win over Bayern Munich in the Champions league final of 1999. At the death they pulled it off.

So maybe now this shroud has been lifted, so to speak, from English football. Smaller teams know they can beat Manchester United, the bigger teams aren't afraid of Old Trafford, and the players seem more concerned about their state in the league. It is up to Moyes to keep it together.

United is sitting in sixth place right now, outside of all European competition. This after being a constant in Europe for two decades now. Three losses at home halfway through the season won't do it and other teams are taking note. It suffices to say that perhaps this year Manchester United will be fighting for a spot in the top four and will need to stave off Everton, Liverpool, Tottenham and Newcastle to reach the fourth place.

Will Moyes bring in real reinforcements? A player like Cristiano Ronaldo might do the trick but then again there is something else missing, a mystical quality. They are beatable, they can be weak, they struggle, they lack Sir Alex Ferguson. They say that rain forests gain terrain, sunlight and freedom when the biggest and oldest trees die. Can we say the same about the Premier League?

The Legend Ends: Sir Alex Ferguson

Photo credit: London News

Few coaches in the world have ever been like Sir Alex Ferguson, the Scottish manager of the legendary English club Manchester United.  13 Premier League titles, 5 F.A. Cups, 3 League Cups, 2 UEFA Champions Leagues and 1 FIFA Club World Cup. Instead of going through his accomplishments, I will simply state my memories of this legend.

Back in the 1990s, when I didn't know much about European soccer, his Manchester United defeated Bayern Munich in the final minutes of the 1999 Champions League. I remember his yelling on the side lines and his tactical changes that won the team this coveted title. I also learned about his close relationship with England (and the world's) darling player: David Beckham. It was difficult not to picture them together even when Becks played for England. Beckham owed this manager his style and fame and the way he transformed the soccer world.

As my love of soccer got more attuned, I began to realize Ferguson's stature in the game. Never quiet, always searching for the next star and forever making sure the team played well until the last minute. There were games in which they were losing or tying until the very end but the team always found a way to score and save the match.

In the recent decade, Ferguson brought us Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani, Antonio Valencia, Dimitar Berbatov, Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand and Chicharito Hernandez, among others that I hope not to insult. These were impact players that became their own legends playing under Sir Alex.

Finally, I'd like to mention his courage, steadiness and love of the game. he knew when to talk and when his talk needed to be out there even at the detriment of his position. We will never forget his portrayal on Special1TV with Jose Mourinho, or for that fact, the many matches the two coaches played against each other. Master and Apprentice, friend and foe the same. 

Sir Alex Ferguson changed the meaning of soccer not with a sudden impact but with longevity, a desire to break barriers in the game, his tutelage of important players, and his presence on the world stage. We will miss you.

The Manchester derby hype prevails

Photo credit: EPA

When a soccer match takes over the headlines of CNN.com, you know something special occurred. Today, in England's version of Monday Night Football, the Premier League match of the century took place as Manchester City's Etihad stadium hosted the Manchester United - Manchester City derby. This rivalry is as fierce as any around the world: Real Madrid - Barcelona, Celtic - Rangers, Inter - AC Milan, Emelec - Barcelona de Guayaquil, Yankees - Mets, Giants - Patriots, UNC - Duke. The game transcends time and space and everywhere in between.

The atmosphere was as exhilarating in the stands and on the pitch and all the way to each one of the 650 million video display devices around the world. Yes, that's almost 10% of the world's population watching a league match. And the reason for it, besides the considerable talent on the field, is that at the time only 3 points separated Manchester United (83 pts) and Manchester City (80 pts) with two more games to go. Anything but a win would be a huge blow for City.

The game certainly didn't disappoint. From Yaya Toure's strength in possession to Lescott's timely clearances to Kompany's game-clinching goal, Manchester City had plenty to offer. Sir Alex Ferguson offered a watered-down version of the mighty Manchester United. No Valencia, no Hernandez or Welbeck, no Ashley Young. He went with experience and defensive midfield in Paul Scholes and Ji-Sung Park. Sadly for him, for Man U's hopes, and for the millions of United fans out there, this approach did not work.

The introduction of Antonio Valencia and Danny Welbeck midway through the second half was countered by Roberto Mancini's defensive substitutions of De Jong, Milner and Micah Richards. Mancini cluttered the midfield and United looked as directionless as it had for most of the game. And although Samr Nasri and Aguero could have put the game away on multiple chances, the truth is that City had this game under control after about the 15th minute. They rarely lost the ball and, when they did, United could not muster a good shot.

All is not settled in England after this game. Indeed, it is far from it. Manchester City will need a positive result at Newcastle, a feat almost as difficult as Manchester United, and then they will need to take care of business when they host Queens Park Rangers. United, on the other hand will be hosting modest Swansea before finishing the season at Stoke City. 

From the Scholes versus Toure scuffle to the Mancini versus Ferguson war of words, this game did not hold anything back. There were plenty of "ahs" and "no's" today as well as cries and singing the Blue Moon. Even Liam Gallagher of Oasis and Diego Armando Maradona were singing a modified version of the Beatles' "Hey Jude." Instead, the chant was "nananana, nananana, City." For us neutrals it was a beautiful thing to watch City defeat United when one contemplates that someone new might win the title this season and that it will come down to, possibly, the final game of the competition. This is why we skip work on Mondays or stay up late to watch the game, because this Manchester derby was worth the hype.

Manchester City and Balotelli fall

Photo credit: Getty Images

Manchester City's chances to claim the League title may have vanished today in their 0-1 loss to Arsenal. Manchester United stand a full 8 points away from the "Citizens" and are likely to lift the trophy once again. To make matters worse, Mario Balotelli won't even be there to help his team in case the mathematics hold up and United has a bad run of form. And this may be the Achilles heel of Manchester City: over-reliance on megastars with egos to match.

As much as we'd like to acknowledge Roberto Mancini's puppeteering, it is clear that this team's concentration and decision-making comes down to who is willing to play as a team. Tevez sure felt he deserved more early in the season and was handed a near-season-long banishment from the pitch by Mancini. The Argentinean refused to be used as a substitute in a game when called by Mancini. Why? So many stars vying for the forward role: Dzeko, Aguero, Balotelli, Tevez. And yes, he should always go first, right?

United has their share of talented forwards that are all pretty content. You can argue that Rooney isn't the most obedient of persons but Sir Alex Ferguson has managed to tame the Englishman to a point that he follows his coach's directions well. Chicharito, Welbeck and Berbatov enjoy their rotation and are aware their services are better suited for certain games.

Then there is Balotelli. The Ghanaian-Italian has a history of misconduct and is regarded as a brilliant, although temperamental player with unpredictability to match his ego. When he's on there are few that can stop him. When he's off or his team is losing, he forgets how important and talented he is and pretends to be playing street soccer or video games. Yes, in a video game you can take out your frustration by tackling an opponent for no reason. In real life there are consequences: his deliberate tackle resulted in a silly second yellow card that, because of previous offenses, means that he's suspended for 5 games.

Sport has a history of "bad boys" and it ranges from the NFL's Ochocinco to Ecuador's Kaviedes. Never quite patient enough to understand their talent and how valuable they are to the sport. Balotelli and Tevez both cost Manchester City many points this season and for this reason above all are likely to miss an opportunity to win a title for the first time in over 40 years. A steady hand is required for guiding players like Mario and it is clear that Mancini has been unable to do this. Can anyone do it? Will Mancini return next season? Will Balotelli? We shall know part of the answer to these questions within the next few weeks.

Manchester United still on top in 2012

A few months ago it looked as if Manchester United's monopoly on the Premier League title was about to be undone by its fiercest rival: Manchester City. The Citizens weren't losing and were beating everyone by exaggerated scores, including United by 6-1 at Old Trafford. As the season progressed, however, and both teams exited prematurely from both the Champions League and the Europa League, the true colors began to shine. And this time it was United's resilience and their eternal guardian--Alex Ferguson--that allowed them to reclaim the lead in the world's toughest league.

Recent results show why Manchester United is such a good team from top to bottom. Never mind the piles of money thrown at Aguero, Balotelli, Silva, Dzeko, Milner, Lescott, etc. In the end it comes down to more humble personnel like Antonio Valencia, Chicharito Hernandez and Ashley Young. And yes, it's the coaching and game time decisions that make a difference. Yesterday, Valencia and Young won United 3 precious points away from home, taking them 4 points clear of City.

When one watches Manchester United play, the talent present on the pitch carries out like an orchestra of well-timed passes, high defensive lines, great crosses from the wings and the accuracy of Rooney, Hernandez and Welbeck. Manchester City is fun to watch also but one gets the sense of too many egos trying to mesh together. Sometimes it works for Mancini and sometimes it doesn't, as can be seen with the recent results: losses to Swansea City and Sporting Lisbon and ties versus Stoke City and Sunderland (at home).

Sir Alex Ferguson isn't afraid to shake up his lineup given a particular foe on the pitch, nor is he timid about sitting out one or two stars if he sees they aren't the right choice for a game. Chicharito, for example, did not start versus Fulham but did versus Blackburn Rovers. For Ryan Giggs it was the opposite. Lean, faster teams like Fulham require the steadiness of Carrick and Giggs in the middle of the pitch. Phil Jones and Paul Scholes work better versus a more physical side like the Rovers. It's coaching, in the end, that makes the difference. It is player selection for specific purposes and at the right time. This is why Hernandez, Valencia, Welbeck were brought in through key transfers and steady player development.

Manchester City will need to do more than win its remaining games not just against modest teams like QPR but also against stiffer competition from Arsenal and Newcastle. The "Citizens" must also hope that Manchester United stumbles along the way, and this will not come easy since the toughest opponent for the "Red Devils" will be Manchester City itself. And indeed, this will be the climax itself if City is able to defeat Arsenal and Newcastle to be within striking range of United. The date is April 30th, three fixtures away from the end of the season. Mark your calendars now.

Once in a generation: Manchester United 2011

Photo credit: Belfast Telegraph

We all watched today as Manchester United all but sealed its win as Premier League champions with a 2-1 win over bitter-rivals Chelsea. They need just one point in the next two matches to formally clinch the trophy. Manchester United, as a club, isn't exactly the winningest (Real Madrid has 31 titles), nor are they supreme in the world--that has yet to be seen when they face Barcelona. What United has is a keen sense for locating and developing some of the world's best players.

Much of this success is due to Sir Alex Ferguson's incredible vision in the sport. His team is also significantly diverse: Korea, France, Mexico, Ecuador, Bulgaria, Serbia, Wales, Netherlands, Norway, Brazil, Portugal, Ireland, England, Denmark, Poland. And out of those countries, Ferguson has spotted the best players in their generation: Valencia (Ecuador), Ji-Sung Park (South Korea), Berbatov (Bulgaria), Wayne Rooney (England), and Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez.

Each player brings a different style to the team and they perform beautifully in concert under the tutelage of Ferguson. Other teams such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Arsenal also contain a wide variety of players, but recent years have shown that the Manchester squad captures a wider range of individuals that can make instant impact.

In the wake of the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo, Ferguson brought in two young stars: Antonio Valencia and Javier Hernandez. Valencia has blossomed into a fierce threat as a winger and Chicharito is, without a doubt, Mexico's best export since Hugo Sanchez. The young Mexican star was also a steal in the market (according to teammates and media). Valencia can also be considered the best Ecuador player of his generation given his track record. Add to this Rooney, Ji-Sung Park, Vidic and you already have something special.

This year will probably bring at least one more title to Manchester United: the Premier League. Barcelona is waiting to battle against them for the title of European Champion. But we can't deny that United's brilliant scouting and the love and knowledge of the game that Sir Alex Ferguson, means the team is a "once in a generation squad." Maybe not of the squad as a whole, but definitely of its players.

Size does matter: Big clubs win big in Champions League

Photo credit: Getty Images

Okay, let's see: Real Madrid 4 - Tottenham 0, Inter 2 - Shalke 5, Barcelona 5 - Shakhtar Donetsk 1, Chelsea 0 - Man. United 1. Aside from the curious result in Milan, it is fair to say that the dominant teams in Europe (a.k.a. the world) are set for another run at the UEFA Champions League. Further, a repeat of 2009's Manchester United versus Barcelona is not out of the question. So, big money plus player development always wins.

And that's the kicker, the difference, the point at which the remaining teams can be separated from one another. It is "cantera" versus "cartera," meaning "quarry" and "purse." To develop a team from the ground up or to buy the best players in the world. FC Barcelona prides to call itself the former and uses local talent (also the spine of the World Cup-winning national team) to build the skeleton of the squad: Xavi, Pique, Busquets, Iniesta, Puyol, Villa, Pedrito. Real Madrid opts for the latter: Cristiano Ronaldo, Ozil, Kaka, Adebayor, etc.

In Manchester United we have a mix of the two, with the more obvious piece being the legendary architect: Sir Alex Ferguson. No insult intended towards Ancelotti, he is a superb coach. But something has to be said for a coach that has held on to his post for 24 years. He chooses his homegrown players well (Wes Brown, Paul Scholes, and snatches up local talent (Rooney, Ferdinand, Carrick). He also picks up interesting, but extremely productive players: Berbatov, Hernandez, Valencia, Ji-Sung Park.

For Barcelona, the path to the semifinal is all but laid out. For Manchester United it is a bit more complex: they must still defeat Chelsea at home. However, after today's glaring errors by the London squad, you have to like the "Red Devils" chances. Real Madrid has made its case and Tottenham will be tested to their limit at White Hart Lane (no Peter Crouch). Shalke 04 has assured the rest of the world that this Inter Milan team isn't the same without "The Special One" Mourinho at the helm. This also leads to a preemptive conclusion that Manchester United will be at the final.

More fireworks next week--for sure. Be champions!

Invincibility cloak: Manchester United

Manchester United all but had this season in their pocket until two weeks ago. First was a loss to fierce rivals and nemesis Chelsea by the score of 2-1. It opened up the league a bit. Then, just yesterday, came a shock loss to long-time arch-rivals Liverpool--by 3-1. Has Sir Alex Ferguson's magic for the season run dry?

Hardly. And yet, we must wonder how it is that a team that had been so dominant in every game at every tournament all of the sudden started to break apart at the seams. A clear answer is its decimated defense. With Rio Ferdinand out, Vidic unavailable and O'Shea on the bench, Wes Brown and Chris Smalling were unable to contain Dirk Kuyt and Luis Suarez. The Reds were determined and the scoreline put it plainly: Manchester United is mortal.

Tell this to Marseille also. The French team is looking to take their 0-0 tie at home to Old Trafford with hopes and prayers that maybe Ferndinand and Vidic can be kept off the pitch. Perhaps it's too tall an order for Marseille. But maybe not so for Arsenal. The Gunners are 3 points behind the Red Devils with a game in hand. A meeting between the two in May could determine the winner of this Premier League season.

Still, no one should take United's recent stumbles as a sure sign of their demise. Clearly, at the beginning of the season it was Chelsea leading the table and poising themselves as the eventual champions. Nothing is ever for certain. Not even for the best of teams. Tell this to Barcelona. Possibly the best squad in the world, the "Blaugrana" tripped up in their visit to Anfield and fell to Arsenal by 1-2. They hadn't lost at all until a Copa del Rey tilt versus Real Betis on January 19.

It's clear that even the best teams are meant to lose games. It keeps things interesting, keeps the ball rolling, keeps ticket sales going and television ratings high. We love to see our teams invincible, but deep down, we always want to see the biggest teams lose once or twice. It gives hope to the weaker sides and helps to keep the superclubs grounded... if just for a day or two.

The Good Son: Wayne Rooney's dilema

Incredible turnaround for a star in peril. I divert my attention from US Soccer to talk about more immediate international happenings. This blog entry is about Wayne Rooney. This has been a rough season for the English soccer superstar. Once the king of fantasy Premier League, the man has been relegated to the bench and/or dropped from squads completely. In life, he had a mediocre, at best, World Cup, and his EPL season has shown little of his wealth of talent.

Manchester United, undisputed kings of world soccer a few years back, has also lost its grip on the European scene. Is this due to the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez? Is the injury to Antonio Valencia also influencing the team's performance? Sir Alex Ferguson looks nowhere near as concerned when his team ties a team like West Brom. Not the way he would have reacted in 2008, right?

So where does Rooney figure into all of this? He is/was the prodigal son of English football throughout the 2000s decade. His red card in 2006's quarterfinal versus Portugal possibly influenced the outcome of that match: Portugal win. In 2010 he failed to score and his chances were few and far between. In the 2009/2010 season, Rooney played scintillating soccer and defenses couldn't stop him. In 2010, there have been quite a few matches in which his role was reduced to a cameo appearance.

Then comes word that Rooney wants to leave Man. U., that Real Madrid and Manchester City are seeking to acquire him, that Sir Alex Ferguson concedes the player doesn't feel at home with the "Red Devils." The fans parked in front of his house and demanded answers. Is he really leaving. Is he really going to play for the "Citizens?" Wow.

But, as often happens in the world of football, a final decision was made with pen and paper. Yes, Rooney signed a new contract with Manchester United for a five-year deal. If he wants to leave it will be a high price. If he stays, he better rekindle his considerable talent. "Chicharito" Hernandez is waiting on the bench and Dimitar Berbatov isn't going anywhere. Without Ronaldo, United needs Rooney to step up to the plate and deliver as the franchise player. Nani can only do so much.

If all of this sounds familiar it's because we've seen it before, closer to home, with our own superstar: Landon Donovan. Yes, the most recognized face in US soccer history signed a multi-year contract with the Galaxy a year ago, thus foregoing opportunities overseas for MLS stardom. In retrospect it's really not a bad deal. Donovan doesn't need to strut his stuff abroad. He already showed what he can do with Everton, and certainly in international mode with the United States in South Africa during the World Cup. So, for Rooney and England, sticking with Manchester United is the best deal. England's #10 remains on home soil and United can continue to build around him. He's a good son after all.