Mourinho and Ferguson Head To Head:United V Real Madrid

The Special One and seemingly the Greatest One: Ferguson and Mourinho go head to head in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 to determine which giant of the football world will progress to the quarter finals.

These are two of the greatest managers in the modern game, and it is hard to choose between them. Their victories combined is astounding, with four UEFA Champions League trophies and over 20 domestic titles to their names. However, of the 17 trophies The Special One has collected during his time with six clubs, including Chelsea and Real Madrid, Ferguson has won just as many with United in Premier League and FA cup titles, with many other trophies in his cabinet.

Yet it seems almost futile comparing them, as not only are they two completely different managers, with their own techniques, style and flair, but their careers have been on opposite ends of the spectrum considering Ferguson's prolific reign at Manchester United and Mourinho's nomadic approach as he drifts from one club to another, albeit always finding success.

Although Ferguson is arguably regarded as more successful, when assessing their head to heads over the years, the statistics tell a slightly different story.

WHO	WHEN	COMPETITION	FINAL SCORE	WHO CAME OUT ON TOP
Porto  v Manchester United	February 25, 2004	Champions League Round of 16: First Leg	2-1	Mourinho
Manchester United v Porto	March 9, 2004	Champions League Round of 16: Second Leg	1-1	DRAW
Chelsea v Manchester United	August 15, 2004	Premier League	1-0	Mourinho
Chelsea v Manchester United	January 12, 2005	Carling Cup  Semi final: First Leg	0-0	DRAW
Manchester United v Chelsea	January 26, 2005	Carling Cup  Semi final: Second Leg	1-2	Mourinho
Manchester United v Chelsea	May 10, 2005	Premier League	1-3	Mourinho
Manchester United v Chelsea	November 6, 2005	Premier League	1-0	Ferguson
Chelsea v Manchester United	April 29, 2006	Premier League	3-0	Mourinho
Manchester United v Chelsea	November 26, 2006	Premier League	1-1	DRAW
Chelsea v Manchester United	May 9, 2007	Premier League	0-0	DRAW
Chelsea v Manchester United	May 19, 2007	FA Cup  Final	1-0	Mourinho
Inter v Manchester United	February 24, 2009	Champions League Round of 16: First Leg	0-0	DRAW
Manchester United v Inter	March 11, 2009	Champions League Round of 16: Second Leg	2-0	Ferguson
Real Madrid v Manchester United	February 14, 2013	Champions League  Round of 16: First Leg	1-1	DRAW
Total Played: 14	Mourinho: 6	Ferguson: 2	Draws: 6	Mourinho

Despite Ferguson's longer, more illustrious career, when the two greats go head to head Mourinho comes out on top winning 6 to Ferguson's 2. However, his victories came mostly with Chelsea during a period when the London club went on to win the 2005 and 2006 Premiership, 2005 and 2007 Carling Cup, and the FA cup in Mourinho's last year in 2007. Therefore it seems unsurprising that Mourinho edges Ferguson on head to head statistics when he managed a side at a time when they were dominating English football.

However, there seemed to be little dividing the sides when they clashed earlier this year in February for the first leg, with the Red Devils taking the lead. Yet Ronaldo did what comes so naturally to him and found the goal with a spectacular header shortly after to draw the two sides level. With both teams missing promising chances, the first leg ended with a tie with Mourinho's side to face Ferguson's in a tantalising draw tomorrow evening at Old Trafford.

With many expecting Real Madrid to edge it, people should not count out the Scotsman's side. Although Real Madrid arguably have the better players and their side, alongside Barcelona, are widely regarded to be the best in the world, Fergie's team have the resilience and determination that has won them so many trophies before to edge out Mourinho's men. If we also consider that, potentially drawing to the end of his career, Ferguson is desperate to lay his hands on the coveted European trophy. Additionally, there is the possibility of Ferguson and his side replicating the astonishing success of the 1999 season, where the Red Devils famously secured the triple. With such success and the opportunity of perhaps attaining it once more, it is clear to see United have the bit between their teeth and are eager to knock the Catalan side out of the competition.

There is of course hope for the Red Devils, seeing that Real Madrid's current league form is not as impressive as United's, showing that they can and have been beaten. The white giants have already suffered five losses and four defeats in 26 games, whereas the English side have lost three and drawn just two. United are sitting pretty at the top of the English Premier League with a 15 point deficit between them and their city and title rivals Manchester City, whereas Real Madrid sit in third with a 13 point gap between them and league leaders Barcelona. The win ratio of United in the League is currently at 82% whereas Madrid's is just 65%, and even the red side's goal average is superior, with 2.86 goals per match to Madrid's 2.46. With the scoring power of Van Persie, Rooney and even Hernandez who has not had very many chances this season, United are definitely a threat. The English team has the highest goal tally this season in the Premier League demonstrating their fire power, but if we also consider they have come behind 11 times to win the game, we know they also have the gritty determination it takes to triumph over the most challenging of opponents. However League form means nothing in the Champions League, as the major competitions are known to produce many shocks and surprises.

The tie will guarantee entertainment but the result itself could be anything. Mourinho's side are coming off of the back of defeating the mighty Barcelona twice in less than a week, and will be feeling confident they can stretch their winning streak to triumph over United. However, with the glory of 1999 in their sights, United will not be easily overcome.

Mind The Gap: Déjà Vu or City Who?

With just eleven games to go in the Premier League, pundits, fans and seemingly most of the football world believe that this year's current league leaders, Manchester United, have the title in the bag. Yet it seems everyone has completely disregarded the miraculous comeback of the blue side of Manchester last season.

This time last year the league leaders were Mancini's men, with 63 points, closely followed by Fergie's men with 61. However, fast forward one month later and the top of the table had been reversed, as it was then United with the two point lead. That meant that between February and the last game of the season the two Manchester clubs were alternating between top spot and runner up position. With the sheer determination and desire Man City demonstrated in clinching the much sought after league title, an honour United have claimed 12 times since its arrival in 1992, surely no-one can count out the possibility of the citizens making a sensational comeback once again.

When reviewing last season's last eight fixtures against this seasons remaining eleven, the two Manchester clubs  face three (United) and four (City) of the clubs they faced during the countdown of last season, with United winning two of those matches and City winning all four, including over their city rivals United. However, when taking into account the remaining three matches, United face difficult opponents and current Champions of Europe Chelsea (possibly even twice considering the FA cup tie prior to the premier league fixture) and Wenger's team Arsenal with a point to prove after a lack lustre campaign. Yet it is current Champions City who face the harder run in, with champion's league place fighting Everton, a Newcastle side just four points clear from the drop zone desperate to remain in the "best league in the world", Manchester United who are adamant that history will not repeat itself by seeing them relinquish their lead at the final hurdle and a Spurs side who are also vying for a top four finish. Therefore it would appear the sky blues have the more challenging encounters, but in the Premier League, as all of its fan will know, anything can happen.

Last season seemingly cannot compare to the current one, however, as City have suffered a noticeable slump in form. Not only is their win ratio (58%) seemingly incomparable with United's 81%, it does not correlate with a team who are desperate to retain their champions' status. Their prolific goal scorers of their title winning year are nowhere near as clinical having scored in comparison a measly 48 goals with last February's tally at 67. Similarly the Etihad has not been the fortress of last season, as City have suffered 3 defeats and 8 draws already (three more than the whole of last season) whilst also conceding 24 goals when the total at the end of their trophy year was only 29. Whilst United have conceded 7 more goals than their city and title rivals, they have also managed to score 12 more, showing the gritty determination of winning matches when they are drawing or behind, as has been the case eleven times this season in order to ultimately win - demonstrating the resilient and resolute qualities of a title winning side.

One must not, however, forget that both teams have more than League victory in their sights. Mancini is adamant that his team, boasting such a high calibre, has to win at least one trophy a year, and seemingly the FA cup appears the most likely at this stage. Yet rival Fergie also has his sights set on the prestigious English honour, hoping to repeat the unparalleled glory in English football of winning the treble, with his men still in contention for the league, FA and the coveted European cup. The two clubs may even be on a collision course in the FA competition should City overhaul Barnsley as is expected, and United conquer Benitez's men should they triumph over Middlesbrough. Yet, with the domestic competitions producing all kinds of shocks and surprises, nothing is ever taken for granted. The 2010 FA cup winners City may fall near the last hurdle as they have done so many times in other competitions this season, while United's packed schedule possibly including further Champion's League fixtures may hinder their chances. Therefore, the FA cup 2013 winners may be neither Manchester club, despite both being predicted to achieve the honours by many. 

As the two clubs matched each other throughout the season last year by winning, drawing and losing the same number of matches, it is difficult to predict what may happen this year. However, with United facing their two most difficult remaining opponents in Arsenal and Chelsea, both of whom they have already beaten this season, and City facing several top four competitors, regulation threatened sides and two sides that beat them last season (Swansea and Everton) it does appear in United's favour. But this has all been said before last season, and most were proved wrong as City snuck up on the Red Devils and tore the trophy out of their grasp. It may once again come down to the derby tie four premier league games from now, or it may depend on United's success in their two other cup pursuits, and which trophy Fergie values more. But ultimately, despite this seasons less drama and fewer goal thrillers, these last games guarantee just as much excitement and could produce just as much upset as the spectacular end of the 2011/2012 campaign: Mancini vs Fergie, who will have the nerves of steel to drive their team towards glory in 2013?  

United: Time Is Running Out. And is Caroll REALLY leaving Liverpool?

Arsenal: Arsenal also face an uphill battle to land Real Madrid B star Joselu. The club apparantly rejected an offer around 5 million from Hoffenheim. It would appear the club are determined to reign in around double of the initial bid, valuing the 22 year old striker at around 10 million, who is regarded as a player that would be a very good fit with Premier League football. Additionally, it is reported that Fiorentina’s Stevan Jovetic is wanted by Chelsea and Arsenal, with Wenger of the option that the striker would be a fitting replacement for Robin van Persie should he leave.

Furthermore, Spanish champions Real Madrid have blocked the approaches of an unnamed Premier League club who were hoping for the services of midfielder Esteban Granero. Earlier in the year Arsenal and Liverpool were two clubs known to be keeping a keen eye on the player. The Spaniard’s contract is soon up, expiring next January, however Mourinho is supposedly unwilling to lose his asset, so perhaps the Spanish giants will renew the player's contract.

Chelsea: The Champions League winners Chelsea have had a large bid rejected by Bayer Leverkusen for Andre Schurrle. The 21 year-old is in demand for his versatility and after an especially great season in the Bundesliga. The Blues may yet offer a higher bid in order to lure the player away. The club has also signed 15 year old George Brady from AS Cannes reports, with the French club receiving around £250,000. The defender was wanted by Arsenal, Spur and the two Manchester clubs, but instead signed a three year deal with the European Champions.

Liverpool: Rogers has made a surprise offer for Fulham star Dempsey in the region of £6 million. The manager made his move after new contract deals with Fulham were hardly progressing, and after missing out on Gylfi Sigurdsson last week. Shockingly Andy Caroll MAY be on his way out of Liverpool, after Ac Milan were reportedly serious about securing the tall striker on loan.

Spurs: Villas-Boas will go head to head with former club Chelsea as they fight it out for the signature of Borussia Dortmund star Robert Lewandowski. The Polish striker is currently valued at £20 million, and is also turning the attention of Wenger and Ferguson, as the clubs are desperate to capture the man who bagged 30 goals last season. Spurs may have some more luck with their pursuit of Brazilian striker Leandro Damiao, and with two bids already rejected, the London outfit look a likely destination for the Brazillian. Lastly, Villas-Boas has bagged long-time target Jan Vertonghen from Ajax. The player will undergo a medical some time in the near future to complete the formalities.

United: Time is running out for manager Ferguson to capture one of his main targets in the transfer window: Everton defender Leighton Baines. Ferguson believes that the current valuation for the defender, somewhere in the region of £20 million, is unrealistic, with a figure around £15 million more appropriate to the Scott.

The transfer could happen, however Ferguson is adamant that should Baines join his squad, the deal would have to be done and dusted at the latest by July 15th, as the very next day the Reds embark on their pre-season tour, and he would want Baines to accompany him should he join the squad. Yet, Everton are determined to hold out for a higher bid if they can, as they would regard Baines as one of the best assets. Perhaps Moyes will drag the deal out in the mist of frustration losing his best player, and in the hopes Ferguson will step off the gas and forget about poaching him. Some fans think it is imperative that we tighten up in the defensive department, with Evra's performance last season not as convincing as that of rival City's Kompany, for instance. Either way, new boys Powell and Kagawa will be part of the squad touring South Africa and China with the reds this summer.

Also in the Red camp is the likely resignation of the fact that playmaker Modric will not join the Reds this summer. It is thought that the asking price of £35 million is just too much for United to stretch to. The likely destination of the frustrated Spurs player is said to be La Liga winners Real Madrid.

Elsewhere... Wigan manager Roberto Martinez is making preparations should star player Victor Moses depart for one of the big clubs this summer. The manager is reportedly interested in MLS club Chicago Fire’s star Marco Pappa as a potential replacement for Moses. However, there may be a small complication with the matter of the player's work permit should he come to England. New Norwich boss Chris Hughton looks to his former club Birmingham in order to structure his new team, with the blues' central defender Curtis Davies a prime target. In an attempt to secure Davies, the manager is reportedly prepared to loan out striker James Vaughan to Birmingham. Swansea manager Michael Laudrup wishes to capture Bristol City's talented Adomah, for around £3 million. The manager has been very busy since he took up his post, and is nearing the completion of signings centre-back Chico and attacking midfielder Jonathan de Guzman shortly.

Transfer News: What's Happening At The Top

TRANSFER LATEST - official and unofficial

City: So far there have been no new signings for big spending club, title winners City. However there has been interest circulating around controversial striker and Euro runner up Italy's Ballotelli, as Andrea Pirlo urges Juventus to push the boat out for the striker. Also, Mancini's interest in Napoli's Cavani may prove unfruitful, as the manager tells the both City and Champion League winners Chelsea to forget their hopes of luring the striker away.

Will he stay or will he go?

United: So, the latest on July 7th is that veteran midfielder Ji Sung Park is on his way out of Old Trafford, headed south to join QPR on a three year contract. He will be undergoing a medical on Monday 9th July, and the fee is said to be less than the initial five million expected, around £2 million, with an extra £2.5 mill headed Ferguson's way should QPR avoid relegation. This is the second signing Loftus Road have poached from the Red Devils, after full-back Fabio was loaned out on a season long loan to the club. Ferguson seems desperate to spark new life into his dethroned team, as he makes a bid for Portugal midfielder Joao Moutinho and continues to show interest in Brazil midfielder Lucas Mour. Benfica's Axel Witsel also interests the Scottish manager, and with the club reportedly interested in United's Anderson, who knows what may happen - although United will have to fend off Chelsea and Real Madrid if the Red Giants are to secure the midfielder's signature. With hopeful youngster Nick Powell and promising signing Shinji Kagawa, the future looks promising for the reds. However, the amount of youngsters, an age-group known to be fortuitous under Ferguson's reign, leaving the club in search of higher wages is disconcerting, considering the manager's philosophy of bringing in the youth and training them up. Yet, it is no secret that the club has been near paralysed by the Glazer's debt, reportedly around £420 million, with plans to sell shares in Singapore to help lessen the debt, has crippled Ferguson's options in the transfer market, limiting his expenditure to a fraction of what is available at rival clubs Chelsea and City. In years past the United name, reputation and successes has been enough to pull in talent worldwide and locally, attracting promising youths. However, with big bucks being offered to impressionable youngsters, the times may be a-changing. Hopefully, with a few more signings and perhaps more offloading the team will be revitalised, and come back to reclaim their title in the forthcoming season.

Kagawa predicted as a hit for United

Arsenal: Who cares about Batman, all the talk is about Robin - just where will want-a-way striker RVP end up? In conversations with his family, his father reported that the striker wouldn't want to go to La Liga winners Real Madrid because they have Ronaldo, Barcelona are apparently not a team but a collection of individual super stars and he can't see a place for him there, and he couldn't possibly contemplate Premier League winners City, as he feels after the service he has done at Arsenal, he couldn't leave to join one of his club's rivals - Arsenal will always remain in his heart, the lad just wants to win trophies, and who wouldn't if you were a man of his ability? But this is all speculation i read in a report a few months ago. However, the current rumours are that the superstar will end up at Juventus, and should the star leave, his departure may spark many others, as Arsenal players realise their discontent at remaining trophy-less. Chelsea are reportedly interested in Arsenal's Walcott, and with the winger's contract expiring next summer, Wenger will have to work hard next season to content his restless players, and effectively work Giroud and Podoloski into the fold. 

RVP will be pulled this way and that as clubs hope to obtain his Golden foot

Spurs: Tottenham have yet to add any new signings to the team, with new coach Andres Villas Boas heading the proceedings. Villas Boas hopes to poach 'unsettled' Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge, and has made an £11 million bid for Brazilian midfileder Oscar, as the new coach hopes to spark a revolution at White Hart Lane. The new boss is also mulling over a move for Lyon goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who could become 41 year-old current Spurs goalie Friedel's replacement. The club are also contemplating the return of Lassana Diarra to the Premier League after it was reported he can now leave Real Madrid.

Harry out, Andres in - let's hope he's a good fit for Spurs

Demba Ba should be smiling with all the interest for him

Newcastle: The fifth placed Toons have also been shopping, bagging Reims midfielder Romain Amalfitano and are reportedly close to signing Coventry's teenage midfielder Gael Bigiriman. They may also snatch Lille right-back Mathieu Debuchy unless Inter Milan, who are also vying for the defender's signature, hijack the proceedings. However, after the departure of Guthrie to Reading, ex team-mate Danny Simpson may follow in his footsteps. Pardew's main worry at the moment though, should be holding on to talented striker Ba.


Chelsea: Champion's League winners Chelsea have also been offloading, as Saloman Kalou has been released from the club, reportedly heading to French outfit Lille on a four year contract. The player seemed to have been frozen out under young and vibrant coach Andres Villas Boas, but appeared to fight back into first team action under then interim-coach Di Matteo. However, the striker-cum-winger was always going to be released at the end of his contract, with Di Matteo vying to breathe a new lease of life into the club. Perhaps this philosophy, combined with the sighting of long-serving Lampard at LA Galaxy with friend Beckham, has sported rumours that the Chelsea midfielder will shortly be on his way out of Stamford Bridge...But with two signings at Chelsea already, especially much sought after Hazard and potentially a bid on promising young talent Victor Moses, if Lampard was to go he may not be missed. 

AVB will raid his old club in the hopes Sturridge joins hims at Spurs

Liverpool: Struggling Liverpool could become revitalised under new manager Brendan Rogers, who worked a treat for newly promoted Swansea in their last campaign, as they finished a respectable 11th. The reds have yet to make a signing, but have said goodbye to Kuyt and Aurellio. They may consider a late swoop for Newcastle hit Demba Ba for £7 million due to a clause in the striker's contract, but the new manager may find it hard to fend off interest for unsettled striker Caroll, and controversial but excellent player Luis Suarez. 

Brendan Rogers Takes Over Liverpool Legend Dalglish

  

With both current Premier League players and other international super stars yet to finalise contract deals, the summer transfers could hold even more surprises in store - so check back for future updates.

A Sensational End To A Sensational Season

Yesterday truly was Super Sunday - with all twenty clubs playing their final fixture on the last day, it is always going to be an exciting watch. But throw in the fact that two champions league places were still undecided, the final relegated club was yet to be confirmed and of course the race for the title was going to go down to the wire, it was definitely a day of football to sit back and revel in - or rather to sit shifting uncomfortably, biting your lip, feeling sick and texting your friends what you thought about each inidividual development.

It was truly a "crazy finish to a crazy season" in the words of Italian manager Roberto Mancini, and indeed it was a sensational finish that could not have been predicted by any, could not have been made up and that is now hailed the most sensational final day of a season in football history. Of course it seemed certain that City would lift the trophy; City had capitalised on United's tremendous slip against Wigan and even more drastically when United failed to retain their 2 goal lead against Everton, and having beaten, admittedly shakily, United one nil at the Etihad, their triumph seemed an absolute cert. But of course nothing is ever certain in football, and the most crucial of 90 minutes presented fans and spectators alike all over the world with tremendous and heart-renching surprises throughout the match.

As a die hard Manchester United fan (who has, incidentally, supported them my entire life, through the good and the bad) i slumped into the kitchen to watch the match, resigned to the fact that City were probably about to break my heart and lift the trophy, but, as a true fan and yet still a realist, i did carry the torch of hope, praying that QPR may snatch something from the blues. When Rooney scored and it had officially been confirmed that City had yet to, i celebrated mildly, happy my team were winning, and that little bit extra excited because Rooney was in my fantasy football team. But although City were yet to score, i did not get overly excited. Lets be honest, the best defensive record in the league were playing the worst away record team in the league, and that kind of heartbreaking irony speaks for itself.

When City scored in the 39th minute, i felt that the worst, but also predicted, was happening. It didn't make me feel any more dejected than when i begun watching the game, but it still made me flinch when the commentator announced it. Despite the word 'revenge' being thrown about regarding Hughes' involvement in his sides match against City, it turned out that at half time, one nil down, they had their own concerns when the news that Bolton had suddenly edged ahead of Stoke meant that QPR were, in theory, about to be relegated. Half time came and went, but not as quickly as the announcement Djibril Cisse  had scored to equalise - suddenly my hand started to tap nervously, my cup of tea began to shake and i could feel the excitement rising up - or that might have been a warning i was about to vomit with hope. Either way, when the announcement flashed at the bottom of my screen that QPR had scored AGAIN i was an absolute reck. My nerves were no longer held, and i confess to texting a few loved ones that i feared i was no longer for this world as i foresaw a heart attack. Anyone who survived that day without nearly throwing up, collapsing or crying with either devastation or jubilation is not human.

I had decided to only concentrate on United's game, after having had the option of watching both matches side by side; United are my team, and really you should be supporting one team, not two (i.e QPR). But, although I wanted to watch all my team's match and enjoy their last game of their season with them, come success or failure, i still desired the news of the other teams' fates. I was in awe of the other score updates that constantly kept popping up at the bottom of the screen, seeing Tottenham and Arsenal exchanging places at the top, and delivering the shocking news that Newcastle, a team who i have enjoyed watching all season, were losing their final match. But every time that little box popped up i prayed it wasn't to deliver the news that City had done the thinkable and yet unthinkable, by staging a heroic comeback.  It was the most exciting and tumultuous 90 minutes i have faced in a long time, if not ever - football, it seems, is just that important.

Watching my side hit the bar i don't know how many times, have the lion share of the possession and have shots denied left right and centre by a sensational Mignolet had my heart in my throat, and every other ten minutes or so Sunderland were charging towards De Gea, a man i admit to only having 50% confidence in, and it was enough to see me curl into a corner of the couch, knees up and watch through my t-shirt.

When that final whistle blew at Sunderland i was perching on the edge of the couch, chewing my nails and clutching my cup of tea staring at the screen like a woman crazed. More than half of me knew that it just seemed too good to be true to win the title, and horrifyingly ironic as it is, when it was announced that in Fergie time the club i despise more than the scousers had achieved the come back i feared, i sank down, dejected, and did shed quite a few tears. I cried for the daunting revelation that my city now has two top dogs, the realisation that United need more top calibre players but may not have the funds to attain them, and because my team had had hope, and had to face the news in the most cruelest of ways - by hearing Sunderland cheer, and even then they were unsure. Sir Alex Ferguson's face when he heard was a picture i will never forget - one that mirrored my own: pure devastation.  

I am happy for those City fans that have been there through the 44 years when City have been nothing but an average team, with an average expenditure - i am also happy for players like Kompany, who seem genuinely interested in the club, and want to fight for their club and their fans. Not players like Tevez, who exile themselves and come back only on the cusp of glory. I wonder if he would have stayed had City not won? I also wonder at Aguero's commitment - will he be lured away by step-father Maradona to join Real Madrid? It seems that with big bucks come players only interested in that, money - and that when the next highest bidder comes calling, they will be disappearing. But who knows, only time will tell.

I have to congratulate City - they have played some spectacular football, but its nothing more than i would expect considering their team is jam packed with world class players. I do admit that United is nowhere near the calibre of old, and even though young players like Smalling, Jones, Welbeck and Cleverly are an exciting prospect, they are not, and probably will never be, deemed world class players. We seem to have lost the generations of the Beckhams, Scholes, and Giggs', and it is a sad thought.

There is a part of me that sees an opportunity in the face of defeat - there were times this season that i was infuriated with United; they were not playing well, communicating with each other or playing with conviction and determination. They seemed to give up when the game wasn't going their way, which is something United certainly aren't associated with, and even when they won 5-0 they did not play particularly well. I found myself watching their games with a sense of dread and nervousness - which i just wasn't used to: i have been used to watching my team knowing deep down that they will come out on top no matter what, but this confidence has gone this season.

When i watched City at times i saw pure talent, fantastic play and sensational goals - what looked like world class play, and even though United are the most famous team in the world, they did not look like a world class team for the majority of this season. Therefore, i am hoping it will give them a stark but harsh realisation that more is needed from them - a better standard of play and conduct is expected. I am hoping the younger players come back with more confidence from the experience they have acquired, and play on a level of standard that is expected from United players. I hope De Gea hits the gym and bulks up so that he can have some sort of presence in the box, and learn a little bit more English so he can command his defence.

However, if United can title challenge when they have not played that well or consistently throughout the season, with the most injuries than i can remember to key players, without the status of 'world class players' or the funds to secure them and with a new goal keeper who is making his debut in English football, then i am confident my team can come back and reclaim their trophy next season.

Muamba Tragedy - Putting Everything into Perspective

There is nothing more devastating that seeing a player fall to the ground, and not get back up. This season has seen some pretty awful injuries, and sustained medical treatment on the pitch, but yesterday, 17th March 2012, was pretty much the most horrific sight the English Premier League has seen in a while.

Fabrice Muamba of Bolton collapsed to the floor seemingly uninjured with no other player around him, and failed to get back up, causing paramedics to rush onto the scene and attempt to resuscitate him at White Hart Lane. This procedure occurred for around ten minutes before he was stretchered off with an oxygen mask, seemingly not breathing. He was taken to the London Chest Hospital in Bethnal Green where he is currently in the Intensive Care Unit undergoing treatment.

I fear for the worst, considering he was not to be seen breathing as he left the pitch, and various statements from 'Muamba is stable', to 'critically ill' within an hour disturb me. I can't help but recall other incidents where i've seen footballers collapse, not get back up again, and they have sadly passed away - i hope this is not the case.

The incident was deeply disturbing and hugely upsetting - both sets of players were visibly distressed, some Bolton team mates crying as they looked down on their friend on the floor, unresponsive.

When a tragedy like this happens, the sounds and sense of the opposing teams rivalry is audibly extinguished, replaced with a soundtrack of sobs, gasps and nervous chatterings. A whole stadium coming together, focused on one thing only, and that's whether the player is going to be all right. Whether the player is from your team or the opposition is rendered obsolete - everybody is wishing for the same thing, supporting the same cause, united in concern.

Despite such a beautiful visual portrayal of unification, it is also deeply saddening that something of this magnitude of travesty has to occur before that happens. It shouldn't take something shockingly and deeply disturbing as this for people to remember the things that are important, and remember that although our passions run high, and we all like a healthy rivalry, it is just a game, and there are more important issues in life.

With this mind, take time to remember what is important - what matters in your life and cherish it. Tell the people who you love the most all the time that you love them, and don't take anything for granted - things can be taken away in a second, life can be snatched away most unfairly, so make every second count.

My thoughts are with Fabrice Muamba's family at this time and i pray for his recovery.

The latest on his condition:
18th March 9.09: Owen Coyle - Muamba is "critically ill. The next 24 hours are going to be absolutely crucial. Its very serious, there's no getting away from that. He's critically ill and God willing he makes it through"



Football players who have died on the pitch: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_association_footballers_who_died_while_playing

Divers Demeaning The Game?

Obviously throughout the history of the game, there has always been divers. But recently, some over excitable, ambitiously aspiring actors take it upon themselves to resort to unbelievable theatrics in the hopes the ref will be fooled into believing their ridiculous ploys and award their defender a yellow card, or more beneficially, a sending off, in the most comical, but unnecessary of displays. In todays game it seems like these incidents are relentless, and guaranteed to occur in  at least one match per week, whereby players take it upon themselves to seek the advantage through foul play, rather than beating their opposition the conventional way.

When watching a game as a neutral, i may be tempted to laugh at such displays, as some invariably do induce a giggle here and there - we have quality footballers resorting to throwing themselves to the floor, wriggling and writhing most dramatically, clutching their supposed injured limb, contorting their faces into pictures of excruciating pain - and then, should the ref be fooled by these hysterics and do the unthinkable in punishing the non-offender, they suddenly jump up, skipping back into position, racing up and down the pitch, the complete picture of health. It may be funny sometimes, it may be completely shocking other times, but what is unanimous, is that these kind of ridiculous displays are ruining the game.

These days refs seem to hardly completely witness any crucial incident - they don't see the activity in the box that warrants their decision for penalty or not, they don't see whether the footballer who has just fell to the floor has a definite cause to do so and whether it was a two-footed off-the-floor tackle aiming for injury, or whether the ball was fairly won and therefore good job, despite another footballer's theatrics. No, they don't seem to be witnessing the incidents Neville and Redknapp discuss post match, adamant that they are looking, that they can see it, but actually no they're not - their view is impaired or they were looking completely the other way. Either way, it is easy to sit on our sofa, scrutinising the game, the footballers being traced every second by numerous cameras, our eyes seeking the action through various lenses that never miss a second. But the ref, well, he only has one set of eyes, that can't be pointed in every direction every second, and so obviously occasionally (more than occasionally) they miss something.

This has apparently been detected, especially by certain footballers, who use this Achilles heal of referees to adopt their theatrics, using the pitch as their stage and letting loose, flailing about on the floor as they are sure that this kind of reaction will warrant a red or a yellow for their marker, and the better for them.

When did the game become about amateur actors donning ludicrous roles, or even worse, a form of despicable cheating, whereby you are trying to punish your fellow footballer instead of beating him the proper way, man to man, in good old sporting competition? I don't know where it all went so wrong - surely spoiling footballers these day with such fame and fortune, adoration and respect has gone to their head, breeding arrogance and audacity, believing that they are royalty because this country treats footballers with awe and worship. Perhaps these days footballers are scared of getting their kit dirty, the gel knocked out of their hair, or actually getting injured, so they feign these attacks, escaping all of the above. I don't know - i don't know why top rate, top flight footballers feel the need to do it. Take for example, and this is by no means an exhaustive list or bias opinion, just the ones that have been in the press recently, but Gareth Bale and Luis Suarez - two of the best players in the Barclays Premier League right now and yet they resort to childish antics of falling over and play acting? Both players in recent weeks have been awared penalities whereby upon close inspection of the incident (via camera angles/discussion and the various snazzy but unnecessary tools the pundits in the studio have for circling things on the screen that are supposed to draw our attention, stopping and rewinding events, playing them in slow mention etc...- pretty sure theyre just little kids with a band new toy) neither player came into contact with the footballer that was punished, and the decision should not have been a penalty. Luckily for their opposition, both mens' teams did not go on to win in their respective games, hence a little bit of justice and fate entering the equation, but fateshould not have to have a factor in the outcome of a game - it should be played properly, good old fashioned footballl, proper ambitious tackles with the intention of getting the ball, and no player leaving his feet even if he has got clipped and less he is genuinely taken to the floor. What happened to motoring on, powering through the opposition, keeping on your feet at all costs and prevailing like a hero in the end? What is football coming to!?

I have included a little montage of funny, but outrageous diving - that should be viewed for entertainment whilst simultaneously condemning the amateur actors: