Manchester United August + September Update
So, let's start with transfers before we get into matches. More specifically, transfers. He offloaded the deadweight that is Sergi Romero to Brighton for £3.4m, and brought in a young German goalkeeper Luis Zwick to replace him. I'm happy with this. Young goalkeeper, decent enough for backup and on about £50k less a week than Romero was. Happy days! He also offloaded Darmian to PSG for £19m. Not a bad transfer. We had Danilo, Semedo and Darmian all at RB, so it makes sense to get rid of one. Now... The big talking point. Martial to Arsenal for £25m. I have mixed feelings about this deal. We didn't need him as Dybala is our first choice ST and we have James Wilson and a regen named Hewitt (who's 17 and actually better than Wilson
), but it was a sale to Arsenal, one of our biggest title rivals... I think the fact that he went to Arsenal is the worst part!
However, Mourinho did bring in youngstersrs John Hewitt on a free from Bristol City (I think this is the Wonderkid that I got as my mystery box reward from last season?) and Miloslav Hajek from Slocacko for £3m. They're both 17 and have bags of potential. If any of you have a chance though, I'd recommend going onto the save and taking a look at John Hewitt. He's a right sided inside forward and can also play striker. He already has bags of ability and potential. I am immensely excited to see this guy come through.
Now, onto the games! We started the season with the European Super Cup and picked up a 2-1 win over BMG. Debutant Rodriguez and Nelson Semdo bagged us the goals.
In the Premier League we currently lie in 4th place, four points off top which is not bad. On the opening day of the season we entertained West Ham, only drawing 1-1 with Felipe Anderson scoring for us. Next we went away to Spurs and smashed them 3-1, goals from Rodriguez (two in three already!), Dybala and Varane securing us a good win. The next game at home to Liverpool... Let's not mention that. Back to winning ways the next week though with a 2-0 win over Sunderland thanks to a brace from Erik Lamela.
We started September off with a tricky game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Despite a 4th minute sending off of James Rodriguez, we still managed to pick up a 2-0 win with goals coming from Dybala and Erik Lamela. Chelsea, hang your heads in shame for that performance! We stayed on the road and travelled to Wolves, winning 3-1 with Lamela, Dybala and Young on the scoresheet. I honestly didn't think at this point in the chairman game I'd still have Ashley Young! We returned to Old Trafford after that and lost 2-0 to Norwich. I do have to commend Norwich though. They have made a fantastic start to the season. We finished September welcoming Brighton to Old Trafford, who we beat 3-1. Laporte, Dybala and Lamela bagged the goals.
Now, a quick Capital One Cup segment! We've only played the third round so far and were away to Championship side Wigan. We won 4-2. Rodrigo De Paul scored and Dele Alli got 2, on top of that Davide Posarelli scored, who was a summer signing from Grasshoppers. Another young player with plenty of room to grow! We play away to Aston Villa in the 4th round and I expect a win.
Finally, Champions League new have a fairly easy group with Schalks, Lazio and Panathinaikos. Our first Champions League game of the season was away to Schalke. It was a tough opening game, but we came out 2-1 winners with goals from Lamela and Varane in the space of two minutes. Our second game was slightly easier, at home to Lazio, and it showed. We won 3-0, a brace from Rodriguez and a goal from Danilo.
Player of the Two Months
It goes to club record signing James Rodriguez, and how could it not? Nine games played with four goals and two assists, but an average rating of 8.07. This guy is superb and, so far, is proving his worth. Hopefully I haven't jinxed this and it continues!
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