Manchester United: A Red Devil In Us All!

[Tobe]

Manchester United

Sir Alex Ferguson Bows Out In Style

After having clinched their 19th domestic league title and joining level with fierce rivals Liverpool for Premier League wins it has come as sad news to Manchester United fans and the rest of the footballing world that Sir Alex has decided to retire from the club. It appears that Fergie has chosen a time in which he can feel proud of what he has achieved and a time where he can bow out on a high. Ferguson who has breathed Manchester United for a vast number of years will be dearly missed by the fans, his peers, his players and by the media who also hold him in high regard. The wiley Scotsman who was never one to hold back with his post match comments will take his retirement with a heavy heart but know that he has worked hard and that he deserves to enjoy his twilight years with his family.

Manchester United who have held Ferguson in his tenure for more than 25 years have today released a statement expressing their gratitude to the iconic Scotsman...

Man Utd Website Statement...

"Today we suffer the loss of not just one of the best football managers ever to grace the game but a true gentleman, a family man, a leader, and a much loved father figure for many young footballers. Today we would like to take the time to thank Sir Alex for his wonderful achievements at this club, for his patience, his strength and his belief. Through his time at the club he has taken Manchester United and defined it in a way that you expect to see glory alongside the club. From countless trophies to countless success' we can only thank Ferguson for the years of fantastic memories.

We feel like Sir Alex is the heartbeat to this club, the engine room and the ticking of the clock. Players throughout his time here will be saddened by the news that today brings with it but will be happy that they got to work with such an illustrious man. We have alreday had calls from Sir Alex's peers gushing with compliments, former players have thanked Alex for making them the player they came to be even members of the media have offered there support. All in all Ferguson can very much feel that he has changed not just Manchester United but the world of Football. His actions have reverberated around the footballing industry and only made it stronger.

Sir Alex Ferguson, We Thank you!"

Manchester United Unveil New Manager

After losing the incredible Sir Alex to retirement many Manchester United fans were left pondering who would be their next manager. With many younger fans only ever knowing Ferguson in charge it seems almost alien as the concept of a new man in charge finally sinks in. The Red Devil fans who had accepted that their iconic manager had retired were linking other big names to the club such as, Real Madrids chief Jose Mourinho, The Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp and Barcelona tactician Pep Guardiola.

The speculation didn't last long though as Manchester United unveiled their new manager only days after announcing the departure of Ferguson. The Red Devils who had kept relatively quiet about who they were planning on making their next manager obviously weren't on the same page as their fans as instead of implementing a big name they chose to apoint Sir Alex Ferguson's right hand man Mike Phelan as the individual to take charge and lead the club foward.

Many fans were left almost unsatisfied at seeing Phelan take the rigns and would have liked to have seen a more decorated manager appointed instead of the relatively untested former assistant. Although the fans have been left a litte irked by the appointment it does seem to make sense. Phelan who has worked with the club and Ferguson for a number of years now knows the players, the staff and the setup of the club. He would have picked up on Ferguson's traits, learned from him and know all about the clubs direction into the future. Phelan over the years has also taken on more responsibilites, such as press conferences and pre and post matchday interviews and will integrate into the role much easier than someone who would be recruited from outside of the club.

Now with Mike Phelan in charge of Manchester United it remains to be seen how he runs the club, if he can handle the pressure as well as his predecessor could or if he'll wilt under it. Maybe Phelan will take to the job like a duck to water or maybe he'll sink and end up washed up and in the dark regions of football obscurity.


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[Tobe]

Glazer Family Inject United With Cash

Many Man Utd fans will tell you that the Glazer family have outstayed their welcome at the club as they see the familys debts as a huge stumbling block when it comes to improving their team in the transfer market. The club however have stayed loyal to their American owners who have despite belief given Manchester United money to spend. With the club having already purchased Phil Jones, Ashley Young and David De Gea for a a combined fee of around £50 million the owners have now given the same amount to Mike Phelan.

With the money which had been banked from Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer last season largely funding the fee's for the three men Fergie had signed prior to his exit. The Glazers have once again dipped into their own pocket. This also shows that the family have belief in their new manager as £50 million isn't to be taken lightly. Especially for a manager's maiden season in charge.

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[Tobe]

Paul Scholes Comes Out Of Retirement

With things at Manchester United still up in the air and many fans wondering how the club will prosper with Mike Phelan in charge one thing is for sure... Paul Scholes will be part of it. The Ginger Ninja as he is affectionatly known retired in the summer but now seems to have reversed his decision. Scholes who looked somewhat disatisfied as he took his place in the coaching team of late has now decided to resume his playing career and help Manchester United in what looks to be his last season...again.

Scholes who had a fantastic relationship with Sir Alex also has a lot of respect for Phelan and it has been reported that Phelan had asked Paul if he wanted to sign on for another season in jest but was made up when Scholes took him up on his offer. Scholes who has been nothing short of talismanic for Manchester United throughout his amazing career will certainly provide experience, skill, determination and grit to a Manchester United squad who could really do with his expertise.

Scholes who last played in Manchester United's humiliating defeat to Barcelona last May will be hoping to end things better this year round and to ensure his beloved club win trophies. Scholes will link back up with another long serving player in Ryan Giggs who like Scholes is in the twilight of his career and both men will be fighting tooth and nail for not just a place in the squad but to also add to their impressive trophy haul.

Scholes will most likely be used as an impact sub but his main contribution will be his experience. He could seemingly be the perfect tutor for Paul Pogba, the young Frenchman should be excited at the prospect of learning from such a great player. So at least in these uncertain times Manchester United could face they will have an old favourite at hand.


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[Tobe]

Manchester United - Transfers

Manchester United have made quite a splash in the transfer market this year. As we already know young Phil Jones, Former Aston Villa winger Ashley Young and shot stopper David De Gea have all signed for Manchester United earlier in the off season. All three signings had been made by Sir Alex Ferguson who soon after retired. The Glazer family impressed by these signings were however keen to give their new manager Mike Phelan a chance to show his prowess in the transfer market and subsequently gave him a warchest of £50 million.

With Phelan seemingly keen to follow in Ferguson's steps his signings have shown that while Sir Alex may no longer be at the club, his abilities to sign some good players have rubbed off on Phelan.


Manchester United Transfers In

Gylfi Sigurdson - £10,250,000 - Hoffenheim
AMC/CM

Mike Phelan sent his chief scout Martin Ferguson to watch the young Icelandic midfielder who has had a previous spell in England with Reading. Sigurdson had been watched by numerous clubs around Europe and it had been reported that Udinese were close to signing him. Ferguson who returned to the club with glowing references for Sigurdson then urged the Man Utd manager to sign him quickly.

Phelan didn't waste much time and was able to snap up Sigurdson for little more than £10 million. It looks like Man Utd's newest midfielder will have to show what he's made of if he is to claim a first team position with many players already available to play in his position. Gylfi does however have a fantastic eye for goal from freekicks and is an accomplished penalty kick taker.


Gianluca Caprari - £1,300,000 - Roma
MRL

This young talented Italian had been impressing in Roma's reserve team and was quickly alerting the rest of Europe with some scintilating performances. Manchester United were again quick to wrap up the transfer and signed their man for a sum in the region of £1.3 million with Manchester United only having to pay Roma compensation due to Caprari's young age.

It remains to be seen whether Gianluca will be loaned out to gain experience or thrust into the side and dropped in at the deep end. One thing is for sure Caprari has the hunger to succeed and should be a future Manchester United great.


Radja Nainggolan - £13,500,000 - Cagliari
DMC/MC/AMC

With many teams in Italy such as Inter Milan, AC Milan and Napoli circling Nainggolan for his signature it was only a last minute scouting assignment that had alerted Manchester United about the young Belgian. With Mike Phelan sending scouts to Italy, France, Spain and Germany it was scout John Calvert-Toulmin who had sent videos from Italy to Phelan that persuaded the United boss to swoop for the talented midfielder.

Radja Nainggolan who had his fair share of options open to him decided to snub a move to one of the Italian giants, prefering a move abroad to Manchester. Nainggolan who sits deeper than most of the United midfield is strong and will be employed to help link passes through from defence to up further the field. His powerful frame will help hold off opposing strikers and should hopefully keep the Manchester United defence protected.


Tinga - £4,400,000 - Palmeiras
MCRL/AMCR

Tinga is almost unknown to most of Europe but has made an impact in Brazil. Palmeiras who have always been recognised as a strong Brazillian team and who produce strong players. Tinga can play in the centre of midfield or on the right wing and is accomplished in both positions. The 20 year old will need time to adapt to life in England but
looks set to have a bright future.

Mike Phelan had been scouring through the Southern American Under 20's national teams who were gearing up for the Under 20's World Cup. Looking deeper into the Brazil squad Tinga caught his eye and was soon flying over the Atlantic Ocean to sign a Manchester United contract.


Manchester United Transfers Out

With Manchester United strengthening mainly in the middle of the park it wasn't too suprising to see Michael Carrick leave the club and head off for a new challenge in France with high spending Paris Saint Germain. Dimitar Berbatov headed off in the same direction becoming the French clubs second Manchester United player to sign. It seemed that Carlo Ancelotti was looking to take his new team to new heights and saw Carrick and Berbatov as two players who could make a difference.

Park Ji-Sung headed off to Spain and will be looking to help his new employers Villareal climb up the table and maybe even get into Europe. Jonny Evans who was no longer needed by the Red Devils headed off north to Newcastle and Tomasz Kuszczak headed off to Real Madrid to try and claim a place in their first team.

With Phelan almost as shrewd as his predecessor it seem's that it's business as usual for the club who will be looking to retain their Premier League title, win the Champions League and both domestic cups. With Pre-season coming up we can start to see just how well United perform under Phelan.

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[AndrewACM22]

Really nice start man, keep it up, following for sure!

 

[Tobe]

Manchester United Tour Of Belgium

Mike Phelan has decided to take his team off to Belgium where they will play four pre-season friendlies before returning to face Manchester City in the Community Shield at Wembley. It gives Man Utd a chance to focus on the upcoming season and a chance to show what they can do in front of their new manager who will surely be monitoring how each player performs. It will give the public their first glimpse of how United adapt to a shift in management and will of course give Mike Phelan a chance to show that he is the man to lead the Red Devils foward.

Manchester United face competition in the form of...

View attachment 223689 Zulte Waregem
View attachment 223692Cercle Brugge
View attachment 223691Royal Antwerp
View attachment 223690Anderlecht

With Manchester United expected to win all their games it will be seen as a disappointment if they flounder and end up either losing or even drawing any of their games in Belgium. With United keen to have a good campain they will need to ensure that a good pre-season takes place so they can quickly march into the season on a high.


22nd July 2011
20:00
Pre-Season Friendly
Regenboogstadion

Manchester United looked dominant in their first game under Mike Phelan. It looked like there had been no change in management whatsoever as United looked as good as ever. Phelan was active throughout the game and was seen barking instruction from the dugout area on many occaisions.

Javier Hernandez looked in fine form scoring a hattrick and continuing on from last season's great form. Young Paul Pogba took his chance well and will hope that his display will be enough to persuade Phelan that he belongs in the first team and that this will be his seaosn to break into it. Gylfi Sigurdson showed the fans what he can do aswell, thumping in a splendid freekick from about 25 yards out. It was a strike that will certainly give the Icelandic midfielder confidence going into the next few games. Zulte Waregem were somewhat fortunate to score but some sloppy defending and poor goalkeeping from David De Gea led to Teddy Chevalier poking the ball in the net from close range. All in all though it had been a good day at the office for Man Utd

MOM - Javier Hernandez

25th July 2011
20:00
Pre-Season Friendly
Jan Breydanstadion

Another strong performance from the Red Devils who were all too easily able to dispatch of their Belgian counterparts. The promising thing about this performance was that United scored goals from all over the park. Evra scored a rare goal as he raced onto the end of a corner with his head, driving the ball low and hard into the Cercle Brugge goal. Danny Welbeck scored his teams second with some fancy footwork and some good link up play with Rooney.

Nemanja Vidic took advantage of another corner this time beating the Belgians in the air and crashing in a brilliant header in off the up right. The fourth goal was scored by one of United's summer imports as Gianluca Caprari latched onto an Ashley Young cross and slotted in the Red Devil's fourth.

MOM - Danny Welbeck

30th July 2011
20:00
Pre-Season Friendly
Bosuil

Mike Phelan will be pleased that his team have made it three wins out of three and again they sparkled in this fixture. Danny Welbeck carried on his great form scoring two from close range and really looked sharp in front of goal. However Antonio Valencia had a better game, running up and down the right wing and really dictating the tempo of the game. He scored from a cheeky lob which sailed over the Antwerp keeper and into the net.

The game however wasn't as straight foward as early on Nemanja Vidic was sent off for a ruthless tackle on Antwerp defender Zinho Chergui which left him in some discomfort. David De Gea looked shaky in goal throughout the game and his jitters almost got the better of him at points but Phil Jones and Vidic's replacement Ferdinand mopped up well.

MOM - Antonio Valencia

2nd August 2011
20:00
Pre-Season Friendly
Stade Constant Vanden Stock

Manchester United come away unscathed from their tour in Belgium and will be in a bouyant mood going into their crunch Community Shield game. Wayne Rooney particuarly impressed scoring five goals and looked rampant in front of goal. His best goal was an impressive swivel kick which sailed into the top corner. Antonio Valencia impressed again on the right and Ashley Young looked equally as good on the left and was unlucky not to get a goal too.

David De Gea who had little to do still looked nervous when called upon and was all too often having to rely on his defence. He was eventually subbed at half time as Ben Amos came on to replace him. Phelan will want to make sure his Spanish keeper soon finds some confidence especially with Man City iminent.


MOM - Wayne Rooney

Phelan will now take his team back home and start preparing them for the grudge match which is fast approaching. From what he has seen he must be quietly confident that his team have the credentials to beat Man City.

With the Derby coming up it will truely show what Man Utd are really made of under Phelan.


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[Seabear]

Good story mate, looking forward to more updates.

 

[bnpwp1979]

Good story

 

[Crayth]

Love the graphics, keep it up man!

 

[bigvic67]

class mate, sheer class. defo following, can i ask how ye did those graphics like the small team badges etc.

take a look at mines - Cook Islands - up with the best​

 

[Tobiaz]

I have a pack which you can find on the site

 

[bigvic67]

I have a pack which you can find on the site

whats the pack called ?

 

[ollieconnolly]

A sensational start! And this from a Liverpool fan

 

[Tobiaz]

silkysideways that was the packs name bud. Thankyou Ollie.

 

[JCMUtdfan1]

Great start mate, and as a huge United fan I will definately be following

 

[Tobe]

Rio Ferdinand: We Will Crush Man City

It seem's that confidence is not in short supply within the Manchester United camp as we edge closer to one of the most anticipated Community Shields in recent times. With a Manchester derby acting as the official domestic curtain raiser it seems almost certain to be a enticing game. Manchester United's dominance last season will fire up Manchester City who will be looking to make their claims that they are the new team on the block in Manchester.

Man Utd will have to be careful especially with City having millions upon millions at their disposal and after having invested heavily during the transfer window. Samir Nasri, Sergio Aguero and Gael Clichy are just a few players the Citizens have purchased this summer.

Within Manchester it seem all is calm though. Rio Ferdinand has recently taken to his twitter account and spoken about how Manchester United do not fear City this season and still regard Chelsea and Arsenal as stronger opposition. He even stated that the Manchester United V Liverpool game was the derby of the season for most of the players and the Red Devils fans...

@rioferdy5

" Hi tweeps, the Derby's coming up! We have no fear though, Chelsea and Arsenal are bigger threats this year. Liverpool is still the biggest derby, that's a game which the lads and the fans really relish watching... #Werunited "

With Rio Ferdinand a avid Twitter user it seem's whatever he writes on his account often gets picked up in the news headlines. This tweet looks like it has been written to rile up the Manchester City team which could work against United when the two teams finally play one another.

Whatever happens it should be a great match and should kick the season off in style.

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[Tobe]

Community Shield 2011

7th August 2011

View attachment 225550

The day has finally arrived for both Manchester United and Manchester City to show who will go into the season with the bragging rights. Both teams will want to walk away with the win today, ensuring that they have the Psychological advantage over their rivals. Manchester United have never really seen their noisy neighbours as much competition but with City's fortunes improving in more than one way recently, it looks like City are on their way to becoming a combative force.

Both managers will have a point to prove in this game as each will want their team to start the season off with the best possible boost. Manchester United manager Mike Phelan will also want to continue the Red Devil's impressive trophy collection which Sir Alex Ferguson was a huge factor in. Phelan will know that if his team lose he will start the season under the scrunity of not only the Man Utd fans but everyone watching from the football world. The last thing he will want is the newspapers stating that his team are on the slide.

Roberto Mancini will be boosted by the fact that his once wantaway striker Carlos Tevez has recently showed his commitment to the club by declaring his loyalty and respect for the club, he will now be available for the game. Tevez who had left United for City had been absent throughout Pre-Season due to differences with Mancini but now seems to have made up with his manager and is on hand to help his team.


Team Lineups:

Man Utd Subs: Tinga (Nani 58), Fabio (Evra 58), Anderson (Sigurdsson 74), Welbeck, Valencia, Smalling, Young

Man City Subs: Pantilimon, De Jong (Clichy 61), Pizarro, Dzeko (Tevez 84), Kolarov, (Aguero 90), Balotelli, Johnson


View attachment 225555Manchester United:

Mike Phelan gives David De Gea his first comepetitive start perhaps overlooking the fact he has had a shaky Pre-Season and that he sometimes looks nervous when having to deal with a high ball threatening his goal. Nonetheless Phelan has decided to keep faith with his new goalkeeper. Phil Jones will also start his first competitive match as he slots in next to Vidic in the centre of defence. Rio Ferdinand has a place on the bench but is not fully match fit yet. Radja Nainggolan and Gylfi Sigurdsson will also be handed their debuts sitting centrally between young Tom Cleverly who has excited the Red Devil fans throughout Pre-Season and Nani who will play on the right. Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez take their place up front and will look to continue on last seasons great link up play which has ultimately seen Dimitar Berbatov shipped out in the Transfer Market.

View attachment 225556Manchester City:

Roberto Mancini has such depth in his squad that even his reserve teamsheet could represent most Premier League first teams. He has however chosen a host of his strongest players and with Man Utd todays opposition, few could blame him. Joe Hart plays in goal with Mancini probably putting him down as the first name on the team sheet. Hart has been in superb form and looks as good as any other England International keeper has ever looked. Gael Clichy will make his debut today starting as the Sky Blues left back. Gareth Barry and James Milner make up an English central defensive midfield pairing with new signings Sergio Aguero and Samir Nasri ahead of them. David Silva who has become somewhat of a revelation since signing for Mancini's men will play alongside them in what looks like an advanced attacking midfield trio. Once exiled and out of the loop for City, Carlos Tevez seem's to have put his past troubles behind him as he now takes centre stage as Mancini's man up front. With all his history it look's like Tevez could really turn the game on it's head.

Sergio Aguero And Wayne Rooney have been picked out as todays key players

7th August 2011
View attachment 225557
Community Shield
Wembley Stadium
15:00

Manchester United win! A fiery game ends with last years Champions beating last years F.A Cup winners in a game that had to be expertly refereed by Howard Webb. Manchester City started the more brightly often penning Man Utd within their own half for more than the majority of the opening 15 minutes. Mike Phelan spent most of his first opening minutes in a competitive match ordering instructions to his players, like a madman possessed. However he would have been relieved a little as the Red Devils managed to ride the storm and eventually gained a foothold in the game. Javier Hernandez forced a brilliant close range save from Joe Hart who instictively stuck out a leg to stop the little Mexican opening the scoring in the 18th minute.

Down the other end it was Sergio Aguero causing United trouble as he danced around Nemanja Vidic and forced another good save, this time from David De Gea, who still looked a little nervous in the United goal. With both teams cancelling the other out tensions were mounting and frustration were beginning to kick in. Wayne Rooney was lucky to come away with just a yellow card as he lashed out at a Samir Nasri tackle, pushing the Frenchman away after he tried to apologise for his bad tackle. Another incident involving Nasri occured minutes later as Patrice Evra pulled him up off the ground in a thuggish like manner proclaiming that he had gone to ground too easily in the penalty box and was attempting to earn his team a penalty. Once again Howard Webb made the right decision by scolding both players before resuming the play again.

Half time approached and the score was still at deadlock. The fans were now galvanising themselves up into excitable frenzies as each teams supporters sang their teams songs. The second half started off in a flurry and eventually a goal was scored. It was Man Utd's crown jewel who got the goal, Wayne Rooney! Radja Nainggolan starting the move off by robbing the ball off James Milner in the centre of midfield and then spraying in out to the wide right where Nani received it. He beat Clichy with some trickery and delivered an ince perfect cross to the forehead of Rooney who powerfully thumped it past his fellow contryman Joe Hart to make the score 1-0 to the Red Devils.

The game heated up once again with the Citizens looking to claw back a goal to at least take the game to penalties. With tackles flying in everywhere, is was Micah Richards who earned himself an early shower with an over zealous tackle on Tom Cleverly which saw Howard Webb reach for a red card and send the English right back off for dangerous play. With City's attempt to take control of the match almost dead in the water, Man Utd went for the jugular, stepping up a notch and taking advantage with the extra man.

Two minutes from time saw some good link up play from substitue Paul Scholes and Cleverly who then sliced a pass through from the wide left totally deceiving the City defence and allowing Anderson to strike a great shot into the bottom right of City's goal. Mancini held his head in his hands and looked deflated, knowing his team had blown a great chance to prove they had the upper hand going into the Season. Phelan however looked delighted and when the full time whistle had blown he ran onto the pitch to celebrate with his players.

MOM - Wayne Rooney

Manchester United will now look to use this win to their advantage as they will have gained a strong amount of confidence which they will need to use to start off their Premier League campaign... Especially when Liverpool are their first opponent in the league.

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[Jake_gtfc_burrows]

Great layout mate! looks really smart and well done winning the Shield!

http://www.fm-base.co.uk/forum/football-manager-2012-stories/93338-potters-story.html take a look! would appreciate any feedback ​

 

[Jamo456]

Class update mate, following closely, really like the graphics as well, top stuff

 

[Tobe]

Only going to do cup finals like the Community Shield one. Took ages lol. Thanks Jamo.