Hello people. I've read quite a number of manager stories across FM 13, and the newer ones at FM 14. I particularly like the Raul Gonzalez Blanco story as of now. I finally thought of creating my own manager story, just to see how it proceeds, and was essentially at a dilemma as to which club to manage. Start from a lower down club, and bring it top European honors, or otherwise. I finally decided that if I needed to have the motivation to start and maintain a reasonably long term save, I needed to do it at a club in which I enjoy managing. Since my favourite boyhood club is Manchester United, I figured I'd do my first ever story save with them.
I'll probably be going slightly different from other manager stories, by also going slightly into coaching, training, scouts and physios, since more often than not, backroom staff can make or break a player.
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In what is seen as a rather surprising, and highly criticized move, Manchester United have appointed Sherlock Holmes as their new manager. Holmes, who is being given a one-year contract to try and prove himself, is said to be delighted at the opportunity to manage his boyhood club.
Sherlock, believed to be a slightly eccentric fellow, with a cat as his picture, wants to play a slightly different type of football as compared to his illustrious predecessor. Although a staunch fan of Sir Alex Ferguson, he believes that it's time Manchester United challenged for top European honors once again, since, as he puts it, "We've already won so much of everything else. To do that, we need to slightly change our tactics, maybe improve our coaching and training, and probably bring in a couple of players, while removing the deadwood."
This announcement is already going to shake up the players and backroom staff, since Sherlock seems to be a relative unknown as a manager. Noone as yet knows his preferred formation, what tactics he is going to employ, and what players he is going to use. Managing all of the high profile players, challenging and winning, while at the same time, improving finances is not going to be easy, but then again, nothing good ever was.
Team depth analysis.
Inspite of all this, the new manager of Manchester United was still not happy with the world class squad at his disposal. There were various unconfirmed rumours that he was looking towards bringing in quite a few young lads to his squad, while getting rid of some of the dead rubber. The following days to come should give a better idea as to what changes the United manager is going to make.
Season Goals:
Stay tuned for more updates.
I'll probably be going slightly different from other manager stories, by also going slightly into coaching, training, scouts and physios, since more often than not, backroom staff can make or break a player.
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In what is seen as a rather surprising, and highly criticized move, Manchester United have appointed Sherlock Holmes as their new manager. Holmes, who is being given a one-year contract to try and prove himself, is said to be delighted at the opportunity to manage his boyhood club.
Sherlock, believed to be a slightly eccentric fellow, with a cat as his picture, wants to play a slightly different type of football as compared to his illustrious predecessor. Although a staunch fan of Sir Alex Ferguson, he believes that it's time Manchester United challenged for top European honors once again, since, as he puts it, "We've already won so much of everything else. To do that, we need to slightly change our tactics, maybe improve our coaching and training, and probably bring in a couple of players, while removing the deadwood."
This announcement is already going to shake up the players and backroom staff, since Sherlock seems to be a relative unknown as a manager. Noone as yet knows his preferred formation, what tactics he is going to employ, and what players he is going to use. Managing all of the high profile players, challenging and winning, while at the same time, improving finances is not going to be easy, but then again, nothing good ever was.
Team depth analysis.
A comparision on Manchester United's Squad.
Goalkeepers:
David De Gea: United's stand-out[and only] first choice goalkeeper. De Gea is already one of the top class goalies in game, and he just keeps getting better and better. Plus, at 22, he has age on his side, and with a lot of playing time, is sure to grow up to become one of the best goalies. Admittedly, low composure, but that is something that can be improved upon, with the right coaches.
He's someone United's new coach definitely won't be looking to sell.
Anders Lindegaard: United's second choice Goal Keeper. Comparitively, Lindegaard's Aerial Ability and Command of Area is slightly better than De Gea's, although in most other areas, De Gea has a big advantage. There are slight concerns that Lindegaard isn't good enough to be present in the United squad, but as a second choice Goal Keeper, he is more than adequate, in fact, almost better than the first choice goalies of so many, many clubs.
He's someone who can be sold by the United coach, but only for a right price
Ben Amos: At 23, he definitely has age on his side, since GK peak around 28-33 years or so.. But he is definitely not United material, especially since De Gea and Lindegaard are already present.
He's someone who United's coach is looking to offload.
Defenders:
Centre-backs
Nemanja Vidic: 31 years old. United's de-facto captain for a while, Vidic has been a rock at the back, and an absolute nightmare for strikers, with his devilish tackling. He's the person, whom United's new coach will be counting on, to lead United to glory, also being a rock at the back. Plus, Positioning 20, Marking 19 and Tackling 17, there's not much more to be said.
No questions about selling, Vidic will probably retire at United
Rio Ferdinand: HG. 34 years old. Another United player, who has been solid at the back from quite some time. Better Composure and Decisions than Vidic, although Ferdinand asks for quite a lot of wages, considering his advancing age. Contract expires in a year, so may decide to let contract terminate, and re-sign on a free, for lower wages.
Will sell, but only for a right price. Highly unlikely there'll be buyers.
Chris Smalling: HGC. 23 years old. Has age on his side. Can probably be developed to be a future Vidic, with playing time. Stats are bit on the lower side, comparitively, but can be improved by a lot. An excellent option for cover, plus providing the huge bonus of HGC.
Not someone United's coach will be selling, mainly due to HGC.
Jonny Evans: HGC. 25 years old. Again, age on his side. And overall, a better option for cover than Chris Smalling, at present. Again, can be improved upon, plus has a tendency to get goals. Also, again, the HGV advantage.
Again, definitely not someone who will be sold.
Michael Keane: HGC. 20 years old. Overall, pretty decent stats. And has age on his side, so can improve drastically, plus a good Determination attribute. HGC advantage.
Someone United's coach will be looking to develop over a period of time.
Right-back
Rafael: HGC. 23 years old. One of the best RB in the game, hands down. Rafael is brilliant at the full back position, So much so, that United don't have another natural RB in their squad from quite a while. Plus, Rafael's good Acceleration, Agility and crossing also make him a good attacking wing back, and also provide a semi-decent cover for winging.
Sell him? Hells No.
Phil Jones: HG. 21 years old. Surprisingly good at full back, is Phil Jones. He performs better as a defending full back, than he does as a Central Defender. Similar stats compared to Rafael, but with better Leadership at 15, he's definitely future captain material. Addiotional bonus of better stamina, postioning and marking.
No way is United's coach willing to sell him.
Left-back:
Patrice Evra: 32 years old. United's de-facto LB for quite some while. Again, has excellent stats, but with contract expiring in a year, asks for rather high wages. Plus, he is a bit old, which means his physical stats will eventually deteriorate.
He's someone United's coach will be looking to sell.
Fabio: HGC. 23 years old. Fabio is a mixed bag. At 23, he has age on his age, and can improve. But overall, his stats are rather bad, and doesn't seem at first glance like United material. Has low Positioning, Teamwork, Marking and Stamina, all of which is needed as a defender. However, he does provide HGC bonus, and is probably ok as cover.
He's someone who can take his place in the team, based on his performances during the first year.
Alexander Buttner: 24 years old. Buttner is slightly better than Fabio in some areas, but with no HGC advantage, he won't be someone who will be present in the United team for long.
United's new coach will be looking to offload Buttner to get some more cash for more transfers.
Midfielders:
Central Midfielders:
Marouane Fellaini: 25 years old. Fellaini is an absolute beast in the midfield. As a BWM, there's almost no competition for him at United. Plus, at 25, he still has a good 7 or so years to go, before he begins to wane.
United's new coach will be hanging on to Fellaini.
Michael Carrick: HG. 31 years old. Carrick is an excellent player if used properly, inspite of his advancing age. He has a good 2-3 years of solid play, before his stats begin to wane, and as such, is a really good player at CM, either as a DLP, or a BtB, occasionally being a BWM.
United's new coach will be looking to hang on to Michael Carrick.
Darren Fletcher: HGC. 29 years old. Still has some years left in him, plus the advantage of HGC. As a BtB, he can be pretty decent. Plus, the injury makes him impossible to sell in the first transfer window.
United's new coach will be hanging on to Darren Fletcher, though his performances, upon his return from injury, will dictate his future presence at Old Trafford.
Tom Cleverley: HGC. 23 years old. Cleverley is not the monster he used to be FM 13, but he is still pretty good, is a really good cover in Midfield, and can be trained to become a pretty awesome player. HGC advantage too.
Ryan Giggs: HGC. 39 years old. Old Trafford faithful. Will retire here. 'Nuff said.
Nick Powell: HG. 19 years old. An up and coming talent. Powell is on loan, which is pretty good, since he'll get quite a number of games, which helps in his overall improvement. He improves rather well later on, and provides decent cover at ACM.
United's new coach would definitely like to retain Powell, and hopes for a good future at United for him.
Attacking Midfielder (Left)
Ashley Young: HGC. 27 years old. Ok stats, considering the position I want to play him in. Plus, he's getting on with the years. Even considering his HGC status, Still would not be someone I need.
United's new coach will probably sell Ashley Young, and look to bring in someone younger.
Shinji Kagawa: 24 years old. Heh, Kagawa has better overall stats for IF/AML[Winger] than Ashley Young. Plus, the fact that he provides **** good cover for most other midfield positions means that Kagawa is going nowhere.
Jese Lingard: HGC. 20 years old. Ok stats, and since there is no registration required for him yet, he can stay for now as cover.
Attacking Midfielder (Right)
Antonio Valencia: 27 years old. Valencia has decent enough overall stats, and once or twice, even hops in to score goals, inspite of being a winger, and not IF. Dribbling and Technique can use some improvement, but otherwise, a pretty solid player, at his position.
United's coach will be looking to hold Valencia for atleast around 2 more seasons or so, until Zaha matures to a greater extent.
Nani: 26 years old. Nani is still good in this year's edition[compared to 13, where both he and Valencia were absolute monsters.] However, he is out with an injury for around 2 months or so, hence can't be sold for a respectable amount immediately.
United's coach plans to hold on to Nani till the end of the first season, and then sell him.
Wilfried Zaha: 20 years old.At first glance, Zaha might not seem that good a deal, but he matures drastically with playing time. A **** good player at AMR, Zaha is definitely a player to watch out for.
As usual, United's coach will be looking to hold on to Zaha.
Attacking Midfielder (Centre)
Wayne Rooney: HGC. 27 years old. This guy needs no introduction. Getting the MoM at the recent Arsenal game showcased just a few of his massive talent. Ingame, Rooney is best used as a F9, but since I don't have a Mesut Ozil, Rooney is best served as my Shadow STriker/Attacking Midfielder. He'll also double up in his original striking role, when my tactics change. He'll retire at Old Trafford.
Adnan Januzaj: HGC. 18 years old. An exciting, upcoming talent at United. Januzaj will see some first team action, mainly due to rotation with Rooney requiring rest/injury. Can be developed to become a beast, Januzaj also provides excellent cover at wings, and can score goals too.
Strikers:
Robin van Persie: 29 years old. RvP will be my main strikeforce upfront. He makes an excellent poacher ingame, racking up the goals, while setting him up to take corners means he will get a bunch-load of assists too. Can have a small problem with injuries, but it shouldn't be anything too worrisome. He can play at the top for atleast 3-4 more years.
Javier Hernandez: 25 years old. At present, my second choice striker. Hernandez doesn't look to be the beast he was, the previous season. But he should still be good enough to act as a cover for RvP. Plus he's got good finishing, and since I'll essentially be playing him as a Poacher, he shouldn't be too bad.
Will sell, but at a right price.
Danny Welbeck: HGC. 22 years old. Welbeck is pretty bad initially. However, he has the HGC advantage, can be a rather good cover on the Left (infact can be successfully retrained to ALM, at which he becomes pretty good rather fast), and plus, he isn't too bad for a supporting striker. Will probably sell him once I get a good striker, if I haven't retrained him by then, that is.
Will Keane: HGC. 20 years old. Okayish for a poacher, actually. Can be trained to improve his stats further.
Goalkeepers:
David De Gea: United's stand-out[and only] first choice goalkeeper. De Gea is already one of the top class goalies in game, and he just keeps getting better and better. Plus, at 22, he has age on his side, and with a lot of playing time, is sure to grow up to become one of the best goalies. Admittedly, low composure, but that is something that can be improved upon, with the right coaches.
He's someone United's new coach definitely won't be looking to sell.
Anders Lindegaard: United's second choice Goal Keeper. Comparitively, Lindegaard's Aerial Ability and Command of Area is slightly better than De Gea's, although in most other areas, De Gea has a big advantage. There are slight concerns that Lindegaard isn't good enough to be present in the United squad, but as a second choice Goal Keeper, he is more than adequate, in fact, almost better than the first choice goalies of so many, many clubs.
He's someone who can be sold by the United coach, but only for a right price
Ben Amos: At 23, he definitely has age on his side, since GK peak around 28-33 years or so.. But he is definitely not United material, especially since De Gea and Lindegaard are already present.
He's someone who United's coach is looking to offload.
Defenders:
Centre-backs
Nemanja Vidic: 31 years old. United's de-facto captain for a while, Vidic has been a rock at the back, and an absolute nightmare for strikers, with his devilish tackling. He's the person, whom United's new coach will be counting on, to lead United to glory, also being a rock at the back. Plus, Positioning 20, Marking 19 and Tackling 17, there's not much more to be said.
No questions about selling, Vidic will probably retire at United
Rio Ferdinand: HG. 34 years old. Another United player, who has been solid at the back from quite some time. Better Composure and Decisions than Vidic, although Ferdinand asks for quite a lot of wages, considering his advancing age. Contract expires in a year, so may decide to let contract terminate, and re-sign on a free, for lower wages.
Will sell, but only for a right price. Highly unlikely there'll be buyers.
Chris Smalling: HGC. 23 years old. Has age on his side. Can probably be developed to be a future Vidic, with playing time. Stats are bit on the lower side, comparitively, but can be improved by a lot. An excellent option for cover, plus providing the huge bonus of HGC.
Not someone United's coach will be selling, mainly due to HGC.
Jonny Evans: HGC. 25 years old. Again, age on his side. And overall, a better option for cover than Chris Smalling, at present. Again, can be improved upon, plus has a tendency to get goals. Also, again, the HGV advantage.
Again, definitely not someone who will be sold.
Michael Keane: HGC. 20 years old. Overall, pretty decent stats. And has age on his side, so can improve drastically, plus a good Determination attribute. HGC advantage.
Someone United's coach will be looking to develop over a period of time.
Right-back
Rafael: HGC. 23 years old. One of the best RB in the game, hands down. Rafael is brilliant at the full back position, So much so, that United don't have another natural RB in their squad from quite a while. Plus, Rafael's good Acceleration, Agility and crossing also make him a good attacking wing back, and also provide a semi-decent cover for winging.
Sell him? Hells No.
Phil Jones: HG. 21 years old. Surprisingly good at full back, is Phil Jones. He performs better as a defending full back, than he does as a Central Defender. Similar stats compared to Rafael, but with better Leadership at 15, he's definitely future captain material. Addiotional bonus of better stamina, postioning and marking.
No way is United's coach willing to sell him.
Left-back:
Patrice Evra: 32 years old. United's de-facto LB for quite some while. Again, has excellent stats, but with contract expiring in a year, asks for rather high wages. Plus, he is a bit old, which means his physical stats will eventually deteriorate.
He's someone United's coach will be looking to sell.
Fabio: HGC. 23 years old. Fabio is a mixed bag. At 23, he has age on his age, and can improve. But overall, his stats are rather bad, and doesn't seem at first glance like United material. Has low Positioning, Teamwork, Marking and Stamina, all of which is needed as a defender. However, he does provide HGC bonus, and is probably ok as cover.
He's someone who can take his place in the team, based on his performances during the first year.
Alexander Buttner: 24 years old. Buttner is slightly better than Fabio in some areas, but with no HGC advantage, he won't be someone who will be present in the United team for long.
United's new coach will be looking to offload Buttner to get some more cash for more transfers.
Midfielders:
Central Midfielders:
Marouane Fellaini: 25 years old. Fellaini is an absolute beast in the midfield. As a BWM, there's almost no competition for him at United. Plus, at 25, he still has a good 7 or so years to go, before he begins to wane.
United's new coach will be hanging on to Fellaini.
Michael Carrick: HG. 31 years old. Carrick is an excellent player if used properly, inspite of his advancing age. He has a good 2-3 years of solid play, before his stats begin to wane, and as such, is a really good player at CM, either as a DLP, or a BtB, occasionally being a BWM.
United's new coach will be looking to hang on to Michael Carrick.
Darren Fletcher: HGC. 29 years old. Still has some years left in him, plus the advantage of HGC. As a BtB, he can be pretty decent. Plus, the injury makes him impossible to sell in the first transfer window.
United's new coach will be hanging on to Darren Fletcher, though his performances, upon his return from injury, will dictate his future presence at Old Trafford.
Tom Cleverley: HGC. 23 years old. Cleverley is not the monster he used to be FM 13, but he is still pretty good, is a really good cover in Midfield, and can be trained to become a pretty awesome player. HGC advantage too.
Ryan Giggs: HGC. 39 years old. Old Trafford faithful. Will retire here. 'Nuff said.
Nick Powell: HG. 19 years old. An up and coming talent. Powell is on loan, which is pretty good, since he'll get quite a number of games, which helps in his overall improvement. He improves rather well later on, and provides decent cover at ACM.
United's new coach would definitely like to retain Powell, and hopes for a good future at United for him.
Attacking Midfielder (Left)
Ashley Young: HGC. 27 years old. Ok stats, considering the position I want to play him in. Plus, he's getting on with the years. Even considering his HGC status, Still would not be someone I need.
United's new coach will probably sell Ashley Young, and look to bring in someone younger.
Shinji Kagawa: 24 years old. Heh, Kagawa has better overall stats for IF/AML[Winger] than Ashley Young. Plus, the fact that he provides **** good cover for most other midfield positions means that Kagawa is going nowhere.
Jese Lingard: HGC. 20 years old. Ok stats, and since there is no registration required for him yet, he can stay for now as cover.
Attacking Midfielder (Right)
Antonio Valencia: 27 years old. Valencia has decent enough overall stats, and once or twice, even hops in to score goals, inspite of being a winger, and not IF. Dribbling and Technique can use some improvement, but otherwise, a pretty solid player, at his position.
United's coach will be looking to hold Valencia for atleast around 2 more seasons or so, until Zaha matures to a greater extent.
Nani: 26 years old. Nani is still good in this year's edition[compared to 13, where both he and Valencia were absolute monsters.] However, he is out with an injury for around 2 months or so, hence can't be sold for a respectable amount immediately.
United's coach plans to hold on to Nani till the end of the first season, and then sell him.
Wilfried Zaha: 20 years old.At first glance, Zaha might not seem that good a deal, but he matures drastically with playing time. A **** good player at AMR, Zaha is definitely a player to watch out for.
As usual, United's coach will be looking to hold on to Zaha.
Attacking Midfielder (Centre)
Wayne Rooney: HGC. 27 years old. This guy needs no introduction. Getting the MoM at the recent Arsenal game showcased just a few of his massive talent. Ingame, Rooney is best used as a F9, but since I don't have a Mesut Ozil, Rooney is best served as my Shadow STriker/Attacking Midfielder. He'll also double up in his original striking role, when my tactics change. He'll retire at Old Trafford.
Adnan Januzaj: HGC. 18 years old. An exciting, upcoming talent at United. Januzaj will see some first team action, mainly due to rotation with Rooney requiring rest/injury. Can be developed to become a beast, Januzaj also provides excellent cover at wings, and can score goals too.
Strikers:
Robin van Persie: 29 years old. RvP will be my main strikeforce upfront. He makes an excellent poacher ingame, racking up the goals, while setting him up to take corners means he will get a bunch-load of assists too. Can have a small problem with injuries, but it shouldn't be anything too worrisome. He can play at the top for atleast 3-4 more years.
Javier Hernandez: 25 years old. At present, my second choice striker. Hernandez doesn't look to be the beast he was, the previous season. But he should still be good enough to act as a cover for RvP. Plus he's got good finishing, and since I'll essentially be playing him as a Poacher, he shouldn't be too bad.
Will sell, but at a right price.
Danny Welbeck: HGC. 22 years old. Welbeck is pretty bad initially. However, he has the HGC advantage, can be a rather good cover on the Left (infact can be successfully retrained to ALM, at which he becomes pretty good rather fast), and plus, he isn't too bad for a supporting striker. Will probably sell him once I get a good striker, if I haven't retrained him by then, that is.
Will Keane: HGC. 20 years old. Okayish for a poacher, actually. Can be trained to improve his stats further.
Inspite of all this, the new manager of Manchester United was still not happy with the world class squad at his disposal. There were various unconfirmed rumours that he was looking towards bringing in quite a few young lads to his squad, while getting rid of some of the dead rubber. The following days to come should give a better idea as to what changes the United manager is going to make.
Season Goals:
[*=center]Win the Premier League without losing a single match.
[*=center]Win the Capital One Cup and F.A Cup, while giving chances to youngsters.
[*=center]Win the UEFA Champions League, possibly without losing.
Long Term Goals:
[*=center]Make Manchester United debt-free.
[*=center]Become the topmost club in the world, reputation wise.
[*=center]Go on a 100 game unbeaten-run.
Stay tuned for more updates.
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