The Reign of King Louis: Glory for Manchester United

View attachment 289850

Another inflow of players for Manchester United

Yesterday, the 1st​ of July, 5 new players joined the squad of Louis van Gaal. All these had their contracts expired 30 June, so it didn´t cost United any transfer fees to get these players. Also a day earlier United bought André Gomes from Valencia.

The Portuguese midfielder joined Manchester after one season at Valencia, where he scored 6 goals and delivered 4 assists in 18 matches. With his 21-year old he will keep developing and he will be a back-up behind Di María and Ander Herrera. Still he’s expected to get enough playing time to prove himself. His transfer fee was £3 million, but another £3.8 million was paid to his agent, who held 50% of his rights. He signed a contract worth £45k per week, which keeps him at Old Trafford until 2018.

Another relatively big name that joined United this summer is Roberto Pereyra. The 24-year old Argentinean has the ability to play every position on the midfield and will probably also be rotated around the season. Since United this season also plays in the Champions League this season, they needed some back-ups to keep everybody fit. Last season Pereyra played on loan for Juventus (loaned from Udinese), where he made his appearance on the pitch 37 times (6 goals, 7 assists).

Somewhat less known players that made the move to England are Dennis Praet, Zakaria Bakkali, Fernando Pacheco and Ylli Sallahi. The first is a Belgian midfielder, age 21 and derived from Anderlecht, for who he played 92 times. Bakkali is also a Belgian, who screwed up his career at PSV and now joins Manchester United’s youth team to prove he has got what it takes to become a great winger. Fernando Pacheco comes over from Real Madrid Castilla and takes over the role as reserve goalkeeper from Anders Lindegaard. With his age of only 23, he still has the ability to become better and he will be hoping for some playtime in cup matches this season. Last newcomer was Sallahi, who is able to cover the whole left wing, especially the left-back position. He will join the youth team of United as well after his failed stay at Bayern Munich.

With these 6 newcomers United has welcomed 11 new players already of which the most will join the youth team. The most appealing transfer by far was the signing of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Opposite to these inflow of players, also 23 players left Manchester behind so far. Most of them where youth players who weren’t able to prove themselves of value anymore to United and didn’t get their contracts renewed. Big names to leave where Smalling, Cleverley, Hernández and Zaha, for which United received quite the amount of money (£83.5 million). Two other well-known players left United behind with a free transfer: Darren Fletcher and Anderson. Anderson came to United in the season 2007/08 as a big promise, and was picked as European Golden Boy of 2008. But then his career went on a dead track and now he leaves United. The Scot Darren Fletcher also said farewell to Manchester. As a youth product of the club he played 15 seasons for the Mancunians, in which he appeared in 212 matches. Due to health problems (a colon disease) he began an extended break from football form football in 2011. Since then he only played a handful of matches, but wasn’t able to get back to his old level and so he now had to leave the club.

View attachment 289849
André Gomes and Roberto Pereyra move to United, while long-serving Fletcher leaves

 
View attachment 289543
The pre-season journey of Manchester United
​

Manchester United has played some matches in the oil states and in the east of Asia before they returned to England, to play some more friendlies. At the 9th​ of August the season begins for United with a match against arch rival Liverpool for the Community Shield. Will they get there revenge for the lost FA Cup final of last season?

The squad of United left Manchester the 8th​ of July and they flew to Amsterdam, where they played a friendly against AFC Ajax. It was an equal match and due to Robin van Persie and Lasse Schöne scoring 2 goals each the game also ended in a 2-2 draw. The next morning the United squad headed for Schiphol, where they took the airplane to Qatar.

In Qatar the first opponent was Al-Sadd, where Mahamadou Diarra (former Olmpique Lyonnais, Real Madrid and Fulham) is the best-known player. United had by far the most chances, although they had slightly less ball possession than Al-Sadd, and the match ended in a 3-0 victory for United. Munir, Rooney and Ibrahimovic ended up on the scoresheet. Three days later they faced Lekhwiya, also established in Doha, the capital of Qatar. Best-known player is world traveler Vladimir Weiss. Lekhwiya took the lead with a free kick, but Ibrahimovic turned the score around with two late goals and gave United the deserved win. Then United moved to the United Arab Emirates, where they faced Al Ain, the most successful club of the U.A.E. by far and the home of Asamoah Gyan. The match ended in a 4-1 victory for United. Al Ain took a quick lead, but Pereyra, Mata (2) and Young scored against them.

View attachment 289542

The skyline of Doha, Qatar​

Manchester United took off towards China to face Ghuangzou, managed by Italian top coach Marcello Lippi. Most important players are the Italians Alberto Gilardino and Allesandro Diamanti. United was the better team, but they scored only late in the second half. Van Persie and Januzaj signed for the goals, and just before the final whistle Gilardino decided the final score in 2-1. The next match was played in Japan against Okayama FC. It ended in a goal fest (7-3) with United as winner. Ibrahimovic made a hattrick, Van Persie a brace and Rooney and Di María both one goal. This was the last match of the far journey and the squad headed back towards Manchester.

View attachment 289541

The Canton Tower (600m) in Ghuangzou

​
Five days later they faced the Bolton Wanderers in a local derby at Old Trafford. About 45,000 people saw United win with 2-0. Bolton wasn’t able to create any good chances as United’s defence looked real good. Up front it were the superstars Van Persie and Ibrahimovic who signed for one goal both. A few days later United played in the Deepdale-stadium against Preston North End FC, a match which was included in the transfer of Josh Brownhill. United attended with a young squad and claimed a 4-0 victory. Goal scorers were Zakaria Bakkali, James Wilson (2) and Adnan Januzaj. Again the defence looked real tight with Preston only shooting twice, both off target. The last match was played against fellow Premier League competitor Swansea. The match in Wales ended in a 3-0 victory for United, with goals from Young, Mata and Ibrahimovic. Only misfortune was the injury of Rooney, which keeps him out for the Community Shield fixture against Liverpool.

Stats of the pre-season:

View attachment 289539
View attachment 289538
 
View attachment 289498

Liverpool again knicks the silverware away from United ​

The traditional opening of the new football season in England begins with the match for the Community Shield. The Premier League winner and FA Cup winner get the chance to win the first silverware of the season and a victory is always a good start to begin the season with. Yesterday the teams that faced each other at Wembley were Liverpool and Manchester United,

Louis van Gaal led United to the Capital One Cup and Premier League title and lost the FA Cup final from Liverpool. Liverpool only ended on the 7th​ place, but Brendan Rodgers managed to win the FA Cup. Despite the conquering of this trophy he was sacked only a day later and not much later Liverpool announced their new manager. Rafa Benítez was assigned for the job and made his return to Liverpool after 5 years of less successes. With Liverpool he won the Champions League in the ‘Mircale of Istanbul’, being 3-0 behind at halftime against AC Milan and winning with penalties.

The formations didn’t include any real suprises, only Patric for the injured Rafael. The match started and United pulled the strings. But the first big chance of the match was for Liverpool. Sterling dribbled inside and made a long run. Just before the box he easily gets past Herrera and Shaw and just when Jones was about to make a tackle he played it behind Rojo, where Sturridge made a run. Sturridge remained calm and placed the ball into the corner for the 1-0 lead. Just before halftime United gained the opportunity to equalize. Pereyra played it to Van Persie, who held off both Shawcross and Skrtel. He then passed it to his side, where Juan Mata was. Mata volleyed it towards the goal, but Mignolet denied the Spaniard a goal with a great reflex.

Ibrahimovic was brought in for the second half by Louis van Gaal. He gained the one and only big opportunity of the second half. Van Persie made a good dribble and reached Ibrahimovic. Ibrahimovic got past Skrtel but aimed just too wide and the ball went just outside the post for a goal kick. The victory of Liverpool wasn’t endangered after that moment and so the return of Rafa Benítez brought Liverpool immediately some silverware.

Match Facts:

Manchester United (4-2-3-1): De Gea 7; Patric 7 (Januzaj 77, NA), P. Jones 7, Rojo 7, Shaw 7 (A. Gomes 79, NA); Pereyra 7, A. Herrera 7 (Blind 45, 6.5); Di María 6.5, Mata 7, Young 7 (Ibrahimovic 45, 6.5); Van Persie 7
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Mignolet 8; Flanagan 7, Skrtel 7.5, Shawcross 7, A. Moreno 7.5; Henderson 6.5 (J. Allen 86, NA), Lucas Leiva 6.5; Sterling 7.5, Lallana 6.5 (Belhanda 68, 6.5), Suso 7; Sturridge 7

Bookings: Manchester United: Van Persie; Liverpool: Skrtel
Referee: Michael Oliver
MoM: Simon Mignolet
Attendance: 90,000

 
The Flying Dutchman said:

15-year old Norwegian Martin Ødegaard

completes dream transfer


Norwegian wonderkid Martin Ødegaard has fulfilled his transfer to an European topclub after he signed a contract for Manchester United. He will make the move to England on the first of January 2015, 2 weeks after his 16th​ birthday. Many clubs were interested in the services of Ødegaard, but Manchester claimed the signing of the Norwegian. Manchester United paid £1 million up front, which can increase with another £200k.

He debutted for Strømsgodset IF on 13 April 2014, becoming the youngest Tippeligaen player ever and a month later he also became the youngest goalscorer in the Tippeligaen ever. Expectation is that Ødegaard will be a first-team player in his last half-year in Norway before he leaves to play for Manchester United. There he is believed to become a part of the youth teams and to appear in the first team for some FA and League cup matches against the weaker opponents. With the excellent facilities and training staff in Manchester all factors are present to exploit his talent and become one of the greatest Scandic players ever.

About is transfer, Martin said: “ I’m very glad Manchester United gave me the opportunity to become a Mancunian and be a part of the greatest club of England. This is a dream come true. I know many people say it was better for me if I stayed a few more years in Norway, but I’m convinced that I chose the best option for myself. In Manchester I will train with many great players and I think I can learn a lot from players as Rooney, Di Maria and Van Persie. Also the manager, Louis van Gaal, convinced me to make this move, since he is a manager who invest a lot in young players and give them a lot of play time. But for now, I’m still focussed on my current team and I hope that I can be of value for them as long as I’m here.”

Van Gaal was visibly satisfied with the transfer of Ødegaard: “ With the transfer of Martin we ensured ourselves of one of the most promising talents of this moment. Martin has the potential and talent to become a world-class player within a few seasons. For now, he still got the time to improve himself in the Tippeligaen.”
Click to expand...

this is sure?
o.png
 
View attachment 289152

Manchester United beats Liverpool for the three points
​

Just 2 weeks after the Community Shield match Liverpool and Manchester United faced each other again. This time the match was played at Anfield, the home of Liverpool. Manchester United surely was in for revenge after the two previous matches in which Liverpool took the silverware home.

The match started in a high pace and after 6 minutes United gained the first big chance of the game. Blind’s clearance initiated a counter attack when the ball reached Ibrahimovic. The Swedish striker found Van Persie on his right side, but Van Persie shot the ball over the goal. A few minutes later Liverpool took the lead. Newcomer Belhanda saw Balotelli in the box, who shot the ball past De Gea. He was onside because Blind failed the offside trap. Just before halftime Liverpool almost increased their lead, but Sterling’s shot hit the post and went behind.

Louis van Gaal must have said some inspiring words, because United began the second half furiously. In the 48th​ minute Di María made a run down the wing. Ibrahimovic was able to head the ball towards the goal with a mighty jump, but the crossbar denied him the goal. Only 3 minutes later United managed to score the equalizer. Van Persie’s corner was cleared, but Di María played it back to him. Van Persie crossed it immediately and Rafael was the first to reach the ball for the 1-1.

A moment of silence fell over Anfield in minute 70, when Van Persie scored an absolute stunner. Young delivered a cross and Ibrahimovic headed the ball brilliantly smart in front of Van Persie. Van Persie didn’t think but volleyed the ball towards the goal and it banged into the net just under the crossbar via the post. Not much later Ashley Young gave Liverpool hope when he was presented a red card. Young picked up a clearance from Blind and ran to the Liverpool half. He paced past Moreno and had a free run straight towards Mignolet. But he slowed down and Moreno was able to make a tackle. Then Bobby Madley blowed his whistle and gave Young his second yellow for diving. Immediately Ibrahimovic was substituted for Balanta and United was able to retain their lead and take the three points home to Manchester. Younes Belhanda was chosen as Man of the Match.

Formations:

Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Mignolet 7.5; Flanagan 6.5 (G. Johnson 81, NA), Skrtel 7, Shawcross 7 (Lovren 90, NA), A. Moreno 6.5; Gerrard 7, Henderson 7; Callejón 6.5 (Lallana 90, NA), Belhanda 8.5, Sterling 6.5; Balotelli 7.5
Manchester United (4-4-2): De Gea; Rafael, P. Jones, Rojo, Shaw; Pereyra, Mata, Di María, Young; Van Persie, Ibrahimovic (Balanta 74, 6.5)

View attachment 289151
 
View attachment 288595

Manchester United demolishes Tottenham Hotspur​

After the international break the first teams to play again were Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. It was the third home game for United already this season and they didn´t lose any points so far. For Spurs, who won once and twice ended with a draw, it was a tough challenge to get some points here. The newcomers Marcelo Moreno and Vitolo were both awarded a first XI place in their first big Premier League match.

The game started in a slow pace, but the game chanced in the 20th​ minute. Mata played the ball in the depth to Di María. Di María got there before Walker and delivered a cross. It was perfect aimed at Van Persie, who scored the 1-0 with a smashing header. Only 3 minutes later United doubled their lead thanks to Phil Jones. André Gomes took the corner kick and Jones won the aerial challenge from Chiricheş. His header went in via the underside of the crossbar. Just before the half hour mark Januzaj gained a big opportunity, but Lloris made the save with his feet.

After 35 minutes André Gomes lost the ball to Moreno, who played it wide towards Lamela. Lamela made a run towards goal and slipped past the non-intervening Luke Shaw. He faced De Gea and shot, but the United goalie pulled off a great save. Lamela really should have scored that one. The rebound was kept inside by Rafael and with some quick passing Robin van Persie was reached. He made a run towards the goal and dribbled past Kaboul, but his shot was saved with an amazing reflex by Lloris. A few minutes later Van Persie did score the 3-0. Mata and Di María found each other easily in the match so far and once more a good combination ended into Van Persie heading the ball in, surrounded by Spurs-defenders, after a cross from Mata.

Just before halftime Spurs got the opportunity to make a comeback in the game. First Eriksen shot a free kick on the fists of De Gea and the rebound was for Vitolo, but again De Gea saved it. Again the rebound was for Vitolo, but this time the post denied him a goal. A minute later Lamela was set in front of De Gea by Paulinho, but once more he wasn’t able to get the ball into the United goal, due to a great reflex from De Gea.

About 20 minutes after halftime Spurs was once again unlucky. Rose delivered a cross and Pratto headed the ball, but it fell on top of the crossbar. A quarter for the final whistle Ibrahimovic, who came onto the pitch for the lightly injured Van Persie, pulled of a backheel, which set Di María free for Lloris, but his shot went way off target. The Swedisch striker managed to get his name on the scoresheet in minute 86. Quick combinations of United got the ball to Mata in the box. He played it to his side to Ibrahimovic. Ibrahimovic was in a difficult angle, but hammered the ball past Lloris into the top corner. He also scored a second goal in the 90th​ minute, when Januzaj played it to Di María. Di María held onto the ball, saw the run of Ibrahimovic and delivered him with a clear cut chance. Ibrahimovic made no mistake and drove the ball in the corner for the 5-0.

The final whistle sounded and happiness was all over the faces of the United squad as well as the staff. Pochettino on the otherside wasn’t amused and made a quick exit into the catacombs. The speaker announced the Argentinean Ángel di María as Man of the Match.

Formations

Manchester United (4-2-3-1): De Gea 9; Rafael 8.5, P. Jones 9, Rojo 8, Shaw 8.5; A. Gomes 9, A. Herrera 8; Januzaj 9, Mata 9, Di María 9; Van Persie 9 (Ibrahimovic 62, 8.5)
Tottenham Hotspur (4-2-3-1): Lloris 6.5; Walker 7 (Clyne 79, NA), Kaboul 6.5, Chiricheş 6, Rose 6.5; Paulinho 6.5 (Capoue 79, NA), Dembélé 6.5; Lamela 5.5, Eriksen 6, Vitolo 6.5; M. Moreno 6.5 (Pratto 61, 6.5)

View attachment 288596
 
 
View attachment 286731
Undecided derby of Manchester
​

It’s the day after the Manchester derby. It was a match between the number 1, United, and the disappointing number 8, City. United won every match so far and won 14 consecutive matches (previous season included). Also goalkeeper De Gea didn’t concede a goal for 288 minutes, so City faced a tough challenge in their home game.No real surprises in the formations, except for Blind starting at midfield.

Only 2 minutes were played when Di María received the ball from Rafael about 30 yards from the goal. He slipped past Coentrão into the box and shot the ball into the topcorner. A beautiful goal putted United in an early lead and City faced a hard afternoon. But in the 7th​ minute the match was balanced again. Jesús Navas avoided Rafael’s tackle and when Jones left Higuain to make a challenge he played it to the latter one. Higuain didn’t panic and had no trouble to place the ball behind De Gea for the 1-1.

View attachment 286730

The pace of the match fell a bit, but in minute 25 City took the lead. It was Rooney’s poor free kick that initiated City’s counter attack. Higuain received the ball up front and ran easily past Rojo. He fired the ball towards the goal, but De Gea parried it well. But David Silva was slightly earlier to the rebound than Rafael and he placed the ball into the open goal for the 2-1 lead. Ángel Di María almost immediately equalized thereafter. He outsmarted both Navas and Milner with a subtle foot movement and dribble past Coentrão, but his strength was gone after the action and his attempt was too weak to beat Hart.

The second half was controlled by City, but this changed when Ibrahimovic came onto the pitch for Young in minute 69. United started an offensive tactic and Ibrahimovic gained a great opportunity, but he shot the ball far wide from the goal. Two minutes later it was the other striker who brought the balance back in the game. Shaw delivered a cross way far and high and Rafael received the ball ,due to Silva missing his interception. Rafael played it directly to Van Persie, who hammered the ball past Hart for the 2-2. United tasted blood and kept pushing forward. They did get a big chance to win the match. Daley Blind delivered a wonderful long ball towards Van Persie, but a great save from Hart denied him his brace and United’s victory. The final whistle sounded and both teams seemed to agree the draw was the deserved score.

Formations:

Manchester City (4-4-1-1): Hart 7; Sagna 7, Kompany 6.5, Nastasic 6.5 (Mangala 83, NA), Coentrão 7; J. Navas 8 (Nasri 45, 7), Y. Touré 7, Milner 7, D. Silva 7.5; Agüero 8; Higuaín 7.5 (Yarmolenko 78, NA)
Manchester United (4-2-3-1): De Gea 7; Rafael 8.5, P. Jones 7, Rojo 6.5, Shaw 7; A. Herrera 6.5 (Pereyra 82, NA), Blind 7; Di María 8.5, Rooney 6.5, Young 6.5 (Ibrahimovic 69, 6.5); Van Persie 7

Bookings: Manchester United: Blind, Rafael, Di María
MoM: Ángel Di María

View attachment 286729
 
 
Hello followers, I've decided to quit my story as you already noticed probably. I did enjoy the writting for a couple weeks, but despite my effort and time, not many responses followed. Then I made up my mind and decided I didn't enjoy it enough to continue without many followers. Still I'd like to thank the people who did respond at times and read my story.
I wish you all the best and great luck in the best football game!

Cheers,
The Flying Dutchman (a.k.a. Louis van Gaal)
 
I've just caught up and enjoyed reading the story. Completely understand not continuing, it's so frustrating doing a story and no one following. I hope you can enjoy playing the game without the story to back it up.
 
Jedd95 said:
I've just caught up and enjoyed reading the story. Completely understand not continuing, it's so frustrating doing a story and no one following. I hope you can enjoy playing the game without the story to back it up.
Click to expand...

Thanks a lot mate! Yes it is, and I really put a lot of effort and time into my thread. I really enjoy it anyway. Started a new career with bradford city, but got sacked. Then I took a job offer from Chesterfield, who were almost certain to relegate and so happened. But my second season I won the Sky Bet League 2 and immediately thereafter also the Sky Bet League 1. So maybe I´m capable to win three in a row and reach for the Premier League. But it´s really though with teams like Cardiff who offer 4 times as much salary to players.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

FMBase

Beta

Resources

Back
Top