Manchester United 2-1 Liverpool : Match Highlights

van Persie scores

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Manchester United 2-1 Liverpool : Player Ratings

van Persie celebrating his goal

It has been an entertaining game, and the result shows it. Here's our player rating

MANCHESTER UNITED

(GK) David De Gea
6.5 - Liverpool weren't give too many test on him. But, he made a mistake when he saved Gerrard's shot, makes Sturridge comfortable to score when he was out-footed

(RB) Rafael Da Silva
7.5 - Played wonderful. He has been tremendous along this season, and once again he showed it on this game. Was going no where when De Gea stopped Gerrard's shot, makes Sturridge scored his first BPL goal for Liverpool.

(CB) Rio Ferdinand
7.0 - Showed his class by showing a great performance. But, Suarez could still pass him. Pay the price as Vidic played brilliantly.

(CB) Nemanja Vidic (subbed for Chris Smalling)
8.0 - The captain has back. Led the defense line perfectly, and turns Evra's header to score his first in last two years. He then got subbed for Smalling due to minor injury.

(LB) Patrice Evra
8.0 -  Once again, Evra can't stop scoring. Headed from a perfectly taken FK by van Persie, then got deflected by Vidic to converts it for a goal. Played brilliantly along the left area, really shows his class. His assist for van Persie's goal was absolute class.

(RM) Ashley Young (subbed for Antonio Valencia)
7.0 - To be honest, it wasn't Young's best game. He reached his best performance, before he got injured after a bad landing position. Subbed for Valencia in Half Time.

(CM) Tom Cleverley
7.5 - Dominating the midfield, clearly we don't need Scholes anymore! Played brilliantly when creating attacks, and never forget to defend.

(CDM) Michael Carrick
7.0 - Invisible along the game, but no one will ever underestimate him. Defend the line perfectly, makes the defender feels more comfortable.

(CAM) Shinji Kagawa (subbed for Phil Jones)
8.5 - After long injury, Kagawa has found his rhythm back, Perfectly played, both in attacking and defending. His stamina still his major problem. subbed for Jones for more defending.

(CF) Danny Welbeck
8.3 - This was Welbeck's best performance so far this season, have to say. Play without a proper left winger, he fills the left flank when it needed. Dribbles the ball pass the defenders, he's back.

(ST) Robin Van Persie
9.5 - Here's our MAN OF THE MATCH for tonight game. Played really wonderful, showed his proper class. One goal, one assist, simply amazing.

From Bench

(RM) Antonio Valencia
6.5 - Came for injured Young on Half Time, he wasn't bad to be honest. But, just not his best.

(CB) Phil Jones
7.0 - Came on for tired legs of Kagawa, he showed that he's the real bull. what a guy. Injuries still his major problem on his ManUtd career

(CB) Chris Smalling
6.5 - Came for injured Vidic, he was invisible along the game.

Unused players - Anders Lindegaard, Javier Hernandez, Ryan Giggs, Anderson

LIVERPOOL

(GK) Pepe Reina
5.5 - Not his game. Struggles to stop United's attackers. Unfortunate, their defenders was in form.

(RB) Andre Wisdom
6.0 - Youngsters, not really showing his class. Evra easily pass him.

(CB) Daniel Agger
8.0 - Led the defense line correctly. Just lost his marks on Evra when Vidic scored

(CB) Martin Skrtel
7.5 - Struggles along the match, got booked for a bad tackle on Evra. Still, he showed his power when defending.

(LB) Glen Johnson
7.0 - Wasn't Glen's game to be honest. But, he correctly filled the left flank. So, no problem Liverpool.

(CDM) Lucas Leiva (subbed for Daniel Sturridge)
6.0 - Bad game for him. Invisible along the match. Bad game means he subbed for Daniel Sturridge on half time.

(CM) Joe Allen (subbed for Jordan Henderson)
7.0 - Allen really shows his class tonight. But, he's on the wrong side as his team lost. Subbed for Jordan Henderson on closing 10 minutes,

(CM) Steven Gerrard
8.2 - Armband on his hand, he really showed his leadership tonight. Gerrard's loyalty is the answer. Shot on target perfectly for Sturridge's first BPL goal for Liverpool.

(RW) Steven Downing
6.5 - Really invisible along the game. Bad game for him.

(CF) Luis Suarez
8.5 - Liverpool's best player. Even though he got booed along the match, he seems not interested on it. Comfortable to pass United's defenders. Unlucky for him, his teammate were bad.

(LW) Raheem Sterling (subbed for Fabio Borini)
6.5 - Too selfish. Never saw his teammates on the run. Seems he wants to do big, unfortunately it wasnt.

From Bench

(ST) Daniel Strurridge
8.0 - Scored his first BPL goal for Liverpool, he shows that Liverpool clearly needs him. Unfortunate, his shot went over the sky on the closing minutes.

(CM) Jordan Henderson
6.5 - Wasn't that good. Clearly he's struggles to get in the team

(CF) Fabio Borini
6.5 - Did not make any major blow for Liverpool. Tactical changes by Rodgers by putting him on seems didn't perfectly works.

Unused players - Brad Jones, Jamie Carragher, Jonjo Shelvey, Robinson

Match Facts

Possession - 46% : 54%
Corners - 3 : 1
Shots - 15 : 13
On target - 5 : 3
Fouls - 14 : 16
Yellow Cards - 1 : 4
Red Cards - 0 : 0
Offsides - 1 : 1



written by adrian

Michael Carrick - "The Unsung Hero"

Photo provided by @addymufc

                                

                     Michael Carrick, i will call him the most under-rated player of the English football. And why is that ? Surely, players like Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, etc overshadowed him and it's the truth.

                     Looking at his history, Michael Carrick (born 28 July 1981) and at the age of 5 he started his footballing career. Carrick began his career at West Ham United, joining the youth team in 1997. He was sent on loan twice during his debut season, to Swindon Town and Birmingham City, before securing a place in the first team by the 2000–01 season. Later he joined Tottenham Hotspurs and played at Tottenham till 2006 and joined Manchester United on 10th June 2006, with £18.6 million transfer fee. A record sixth highest player at that time.

Carrick's famous goal vs AS Roma in 7-1 win.

                  
      Coming to his career, he has a outstaning 91.9% passing accuracy of his whole footballing career.

Carrick have played 537 matches overall and have 29 goals overall.

      Comparing to other England players Carrick is an totally defensive midfielder. We  can see Carrick in attacking positions rarely and that is the main reason why managers don't look after defensive players, they think of rather playing attacking midfielder because defensive midfielders slower the game, and we can see it clearly how slow is Carrick, still his passes are like 'wow what a pass'. We recently have seen his great pass to Chicharito who scored an we grabbed 3 points.

                  This season Carrick have about 1600+ passes and that was the most passes by a player in Europe's top leagues. And most important he have a passing rate of about 95%. 

                 Still he was dropped out of Euro 2012 and don't see a reason why Roy Hogdson dropped Carrick and played some players that were not good in that position than him. One of the reason why he is under rated is media, they don't praise him when he's good and it leaves an adverse affect on mangers and they ignore such good players.

                For me Carrick is the most good technical player on pitch and that is why Fergie is still playing him since 2006 because "Fergie knows the best".

-Achal.

Player's Profile - Nick Powell

Nick Powell

Nick Powell

Nicholas Edward "Nick" Powell, born 23 March 1994. He has impressed a lot of teams when he was playing for his former club, Crewe. Manchester United, and Arsenal are the strongest team to get him in the summer of 2012. In the end, he choose Manchester United.

Nick Powell on his
Crewe days

Joined Crewe's youth team when he was five, he made his debut for Crewe on the age of 16 in a league match which was ended a 3-2 defeat vs Cheltenham Town on 19 august 2010. He is Crewe's second youngest player to play for them when he came as a substitute for Clayton Donaldson. In his first professional year, Powell could only managed to play 19 matches for Crewe.

Powell playing for Crewe

His second professional year was his breakthrough year. He received his first red card in a 2-0 lost to Sherwsbury Town, following his bad tackle on Terry Gornell, played on 20 august 2011. Even though, Powell managed to stay up and play more consistent. He scored his first professional goal in a 3-1 win vs AFC Wimbledon on 15 October 2011. In December 2011, he received his first personal award - it was Football League's Young Player of The Month award.

Powell's goal vs Cheltenham
in League 2 play-off

On April, Powell won every major awards Crewe have - he won the Crewe Goal of The Year (his 30-yard goal vs Gillingham), Crewe Young Player of The Year, and Crewe Player of The Season. His shine at Crewe hasn't stop there! In a league 2 play off final match vs Cheltenham, he (probably) scored his best goal so far - a nice flick following a hard shot to the top corner - you can see his goal in video below.

Nick Powell alongside Sir Alex
on his announcement day

During his tremendous 11/12 season, he has made 45 appearances for Crewe - managed to score 16 goals, Crewe's top scorer. Young, and great prospect has made big clubs were trying to sign him. It was Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Newcastle wants to sign the teenager. But he choose Manchester United after all, with a transfer fee for about £6m, the agreement includes some payment to Crewe for great prospect Powell has got. On his transfer to United, Crewe's chairman claims "We cant do anything when a big club wants our great player", because he felt disappointed when Powell left Crewe for United. 

Powell on his UCL debut
vs Galasataray

His ManUnited career not as bright as his Crewe day. He struggles to fight with another midfield Manchester United have - he has to fight with Tom Cleverley, Michael Carrick, Anderson, Paul Scholes, and Ryan Giggs on midfield. With big names on the front, Powell could still managed his confident on the top. On his United debut in a 4-0 win vs Wigan, he came up as a substitute for Paul Scholes, and scored his first United goal with a perfectly taken strike (You can see his first United goal on video below). Despite his limited time on the pitch for United, he still confident whenever Sir Alex brought him. He made his first Champions League debut on a 1-0 lost vs home team Galasataray. Played full 90 mins, he clearly showed his class he's got - he nearly scored with a header following Cleverley's corner, but then hit the post. Every United fans since then was always behind him.

Nick Powell representing
England U21

In his international career, Powell has played for England U16,U17,U18,and U19. Currently Powell plays for England U21. He made his England U21 debut in a 2-0 win over Northern Ireland, played full 90mins.

Powell strikes for his first United goal
vs Wigan

Sir Alex described Nick Powell as Paul Scholes' reincarnation - So smart when attacking, never feels nervous with the ball, and always confident when taking shots. When United signed Powell from Crewe, it was really clear that United won't rush him to be in first team, not like Arsenal who play their young players in first team. Rumors nowdays (January '13), Powell planned for a move to Peterborough United on loan for rest of the season. Peterborough's manager is Darren Ferguson - Sir Alex's son.

Powell played brilliantly so far on his career, but sometimes he pushes himself too hard. For example, when he was playing for United in UCL against CFR Cluj on a 1-0 lost, he nearly injured himself 2 times, Sir Alex has to subbed him to keep him safe.

Here's Powell's honors so far, hope more to come! (Source: wikipedia)

Club

Crewe Alexandra

1) Play-Offs Final - 11/12

Individual

1) League Two Young Player of The Month - December 2011

2) Crewe Goal of The Season - 2012

3) Crewe Young Player of The Season - 2012

4) Crewe Player of The Season - 2012

Nick Powell's goal vs Cheltenham Town, League 2 Play-Off final

Nick Powell's debut goal for United vs Wigan, Barclays Premier League

Sir Alex predicted him as new Paul Scholes. Any thoughts about him? Share your thoughts in comment section below!

by adrian

Player's Profile - David de Gea

David De Gea’s Save v Chelsea

David De Gea 

David de Gea signed for Atlético Madrid at the age of 10! (born 7 November 1990) Also born in Madrid. He quickly processed in the academy and made his senior debut in 2009 and becoming Atlético Madrid first choice keeper. His great performance was eventually spotted by Manchester United and was brought in June 2011 (reported 18 million) and becoming the second most expensive goal keeper. (Gianluigi Buffon is the most expensive goal keeper brought for £32.6m by Juventus) However with the huge price tag this is what De Gea had to say
"That does not interest me. The value that really counts is what you do on the pitch"

Edwin Van der Sar saves Nicolas Anelka's penalty to win the Champions League (2008)

When Edwin Van Der Sar left Manchester United. United were keen to buy a replacement and De Gea was the one! Sir Alex Ferguson claimed the deal was done after Gary Neville's

testimonial against Juventus on 24 May.

De Gea's first game was in a pre-season match v Chicago fire. This was the proper time that the Manchester United fans saw him play in a Manchester United top. (Manchester United won 3-1) His first real test was against Manchester City in the community shield, Manchester United were 2-0 down at half time with De Gea being caught out by two goals, a header from Lescott and a long range shot from Džeko. However despite all that Manchester United came back from 2-0 to win the game 2-3! Many people had written him off after this match saying he will never be able to be like the greats Edwin Van Sar and Peter Schmeichel. However Sir Alex Ferguson still had faith in him! We all remember the 8-2 vs Arsenal in 2011 when De Gea saved a Robin Van Persie's penalty. Many have said that after saving the penalty it gave him huge confidence and was shown with his rapid improvements in games after. Then on 23 October 2011 Manchester United suffered their worst defeat at old Trafford losing 1-6 to Manchester City and De Gea was in goal. In January 2012 De Gea was reported the he will have an eye surgery in the Summer but this was not the reason why he was performing like this. 

Anders Lindergaard and David De Gea

The beginning of the new year and Manchester United were facing Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford. Sir Alex Ferguson reporting that he will stay on for another three years or more. Which was excellent news for everyone. However Manchester United lost 2-3 with all the blame onto De Gea by making a mistake for the third goal. Sir Alex Ferguson dropped De Gea for a few games with given an opportunity to Manchester United second goal keeper,Anders Lindergaard, but he become injured and Sir Alex Ferguson brought back De Gea into the starting line-up and many people have said that De Gea was playing his best ever with his performance had gone up loads as he was making great saves like the save he made v Chelsea gave him even more confidence! De Gea finished the season with the best saves-to-shots ratio in the Premier League 77.9% (Opta)

David DeGea - Under21s European Championship

David De Gea medals/trophies speaks for itself:

Atlético Madrid (Europa League and Super Cup)
Spain Under17s (European Championship)
Spain Under21s (European Championship)
Manchester United (Community Shield)
And we hope for more!



What are your thoughts about De Gea?

Nani, where are you?

Nani playing for United in 12/13 season

Luis Nani reported to join Arsenal in the 2012 winter, but declined by Sir Alex and Arsene Wenger - Sir Alex says that he sent Nani to Dubai to enjoy himself while recovering from bad injury.

Luis Nani's career at Old Trafford since the start of the 12/13 season hasn't gone well. He played poorly in some of opening games, and some of fans were rushing him to quit from United. In fact, when this article was being written (6/1), Nani's last appearance was a 4-3 lost to Chelsea on Capital One Cup , 2-3 months ago.

Nani during 09/10 season

Played brilliantly throughout 09/10, and 10/11 seasons, seems he has lost his touch. When 11/12 season kicks off, he started to lost his form, but still managed to play good. 09/10 season was his best season, so far. As Cristiano Ronaldo left United to join Real Madrid with transfer record fee, the winger job seems to be in vacancy - Nani takes it.

Managed to play very good during 09/10 season, he has the left-wing role on Sir Alex's starting 11. While right-wing is Valencia's, he still managed to impress the gaffer to keep him.

Nani during 10/11 season

10/11 season was also good for him. Played more careful and more brilliant, Nani still on Fergie's mind. Do you remember 2-1 win vs City at Old Trafford? Well, let's say Nani was the man of the match that game. Scored a great goal after deceiving City's offside trap from Giggs' pass, then beat Hart. And he assisted the famous goal for Rooney's overhead kick volley. He was also played in the UEFA Champions League 2011 final, in a 3-1 lost vs Barcelona.

The arrival of Young makes Nani
 on the edge

As the arrival of Ashley Young from Aston Villa in the summer of 2011, Nani's role started to be in danger. The fight for a place down the wing started to heats up - as Ashley Young starts to give what he's got. Luckily for Nani, Ashley Young's first season for United was not good, and a place down the wing is still him. During 11/12 season, Nani's form not as good as he did in previous seasons. But yet, he still managed to did good. As a price, he called to play for Portugal in UEFA EURO 2012.

His interaction with manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, starts to heats up since EURO 2012. Nani claims that Sir Alex didnt called him during EURO 2012, he claimed that usually Sir Alex asking about how's his player going.

With his poor form during opening half of 12/13 season, and his bad thigh injury, Nani reported to join Arsenal. The news about his move to London giant made bigger when Nani came to his Girlfriend's son playing for Watford junior vs Arsenal junior in Arsenal training camp.

Nani when he was watching
his GF's son at Arsenal

But then, Sir Alex declined the news about Nani to Arsenal by saying "why you waste talent Nani has?". Plus Arsene Wenger, which is Arsenal manager, also saying "We arent looking to rival's players". Means the question has answered, Nani wont leave United.

Nani playing for United in
12/13 season

But, since his move from Sporting Lisbon back in 2008, Nani hasn't signed any new contract. His deal comes up to end by 2014, that means Nani has to resign to extend his United career. In 2012, United offered him a new contract, but Nani declined it because the wage not demands on him. News approaching now that Nani will take United new contract if they've meet the demands they're looking for.

Whats your thoughts about Nani? Share your thoughts by using comment section below!

by adrian

Four Strikers, For Glory

van Persie, Hernandez, Rooney, Welbeck - They're world class strikers

It was reported that Arsenal skipper, Robin van Persie, is close to sign to Manchester City with around £300k/week wage. While Manchester United keep their eye on him, United offered "only" £220k/week wage, and Juventus also keep their eye on him.

Football these days, is all about money. So van Persie might be joined to ManCity, who offered more. Hmm...wait! van Persie choose ManUtd. The deal has done, now he's Man United player.

van Persie on his Arsenal days

Focusing our eyes on ManUnited's strikers, there are four world class strikers - Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez, Danny Welbeck, and Robin van Persie. Rooney keep showing his class season after season, always consistent, while Hernandez struggles by his form in 11/12 season, but was brilliant in 10/11. While Welbeck was having great season in 11/12. The new comers, van Persie, you dont have to ask him - Has great season with Arsenal, a quality world class player.

Rooney playing for United

Wayne Rooney

United bought him in the summer on 2004 as a teenager from Everton when he was only 18 years old, but what a quality he has. Powerful shots, magnificent stamina, and determination to bring the team win is something you can't achieve from ordinary people.

A great number 10 role player makes him the leader on the pitch when attacking. Build up the attack, and always help the defenders when defending. He just can't stop playing football.


Danny Welbeck

Welbeck playing for England on EURO 2012

A Mancunian, and ManUtd fan. Danny Welbeck goes through United's first team purely from Manchester United academy. His debut goal vs Stoke City was just brilliant, making him as a great prospect for Manchester United.

Pretty fast, and a great striker who wants to score goals. Has been so good after came back from Sunderland on loan in 10/11 season, he proves his quality by his great performance during 11/12 season. But, so far in 12/13, his form isn't that good if compared to previous seasons. Nevermind, Welbeck still a promising striker.


Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez

Javier Hernandez

Quietly bought from Guadalajara back in 2010, Hernandez is a natural goal-poacher, who always positining himself inside the penalty box. Came as an unknown striker, his performance on his debut season was proving what quality he's got.

Deadly when comes off the bench, he reminded us to Ole Solskjaer - which was do the same, mostly. A true goal-poacher who always "In the right time, on the right place". In fact, all of his goals so far for United scored inside the penalty box.


Robin van Persie

van Persie scores for United

Who doubted him? Surprising singing when ManUtd[dot]com announced that van Persie has signed for us. Came as a star and former rival Arsenal's skipper, he isn't old anymore - 29 year old. Yet, it's a great move as he has 0.8 goal per match ratio until 6th January.

A great clinical striker, and sometimes help the defenders covering the goal, he is a major signing. Sir Alex proves van Persie might be the difference between United 11/12 and United 12/13. "It's like we found our last piece of our puzzle" as Sir Alex said. Who doubted him?


So, that was our thoughts about our four great strikers. We've Macheda and Josh King who doesnt included - but yet they'll shine in the future. Sadly for King, he has made his move permanent to German side, and Macheda ready to leave United in 2012 winter transfer - Remember his debut goal?

Who is your favourite? Share your thoughts!
by adrian

Van Persie - "The Rescuer''

                                               

                                                                       Robin van Persie

              89 mins were gone and United were trailing 2-1 and that would have taken Man United out of FA Cup and dreams of winning FA Cup after about a decade would have been vanished again but it was Van Persie, this time with his weaker foot from 8 yards and Full Time it was West Ham 2-2 Manchester United, and United earn a replay at Old Trafford.

            The Dutchman have now scored 22 goal for Manchester United in 26 appereances, with a goal ratio of 0.8 goals/match. That is almost a goal per match. Sir Alex quoted yesterday, ''When you're 2-1 down with a couple of minutes left you just hope you get a break, but the manner of goal - the pass from Ryan Giggs and first touch from Robin van Persie and his finish - is absolutely world class, absolutely fantastic.''

           If i am right out of his 22 goals this season 6 of the goals have clearly been at 85+ mins and those matches Man United have either won or drawn. Clearly we can call him as our "Savior". He has came to our rescue and we have lost last season's title on goal difference this time it will be van Persie who will fire Manchester United to the record 20th Premier League title !

Your thoughts are welcomed 

                                                                    

Player's Profile - Javier Hernández Balcázar

Javier Hernandez

Javier Hernández Balcázar

"Chicharito" as we all know. Javier Hernandez came to Manchester United as a surprise transfer. Born in football family - his grandfather and his father played for Guadalajara - Hernandez comes with his deadly poacher talent.

Hernandez scores vs France in 2010 WC

His grandpa and father has played in world cups, his grandpa is member of Mexico's 1954 World Cup, while his father included in Mexico's 1986 World Cup. Hernandez made his first World Cup debut in 2010 World Cup. He also scored his first World Cup goal vs France on group stage, after successfully deceiving France's offside trap.

His move to United was complicated. United's interest came in October 2009 when a scout was watching Guadalajara game. Since then, United sent a scout, focusing on him. Based on his age at that time, United wont rush to sign him - They watch the way Hernandez play, before signed him. United's chief scout, Jim Lawyor, was sent to Mexico to see Hernandez's development, and it was a great news. After that, United were rushing to sign him. 

Hernandez celebrates his first goal

On 8th April 2010, United successfully signed Hernandez on undisclosed fee. After he played in his first World Cup, he joined ManUnited to play his debut vs his former team, Guadalajara. Played for United in first half, he scored for Guadalajara in second half on his last appearance for Guadalajara. He made his first competitive debut on a 3-1 win vs Chelsea in 2010 Community Shield clash. He also scored his first for United on that game with a weird shot. Since then, he shines during 10/11 season.

During 11/12 season, he was on poor form. Sir Alex believes it was because Hernandez couldn't get plenty time to rest during 2011 summer - he was participating on 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup - Even he played brilliant during Gold Cup, Sir Alex feels Hernandez need some rest.

12/13 season, he has found his rhythm back. Hernandez scored 11 on 13 apps during boxing day, and Sir Alex believes it's because Hernandez get perfect rest during 2012 summer. When Arsenal's skipper, Robin van Persie, arrives, many predicted that Hernandez won't be good anymore. Rumors comes for Hernandez to make a move to Spanish giant, Real Madrid. But it was dismissed by Hernandez as he wants to give everything for United.

Hernandez vs Aston Villa

He (nearly) scored his first hattrick for United with an unbelievable performance against Aston Villa. It was 1-0 at half time, advantage for Villa. Then, everything goes bad as Villa scored another one. Sir Alex bring Hernandez at half time, and it was a great move. Hernandez scored his first from Scholes' direct pass, leaving him one-on-one and beat Villa's US keeper, Guzan. His second was a great volley, but got deflected and it was an own goal. His 3rd was a great diving header, approaching van Persie's free kick to seal the deal on 86th minutes. He was given the man of the match later.  

The name "Chicharito" means "The Little Pea". It's because Hernandez's father, Javier Hernandez Gutierrez, nicknamed "Chicharo" or "Little Pea" because of his green eyes.

Solskjaer vs Hernandez

Javier Hernandez's style of play reminded to United legend, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. He has quick feet, and always "in the right time, on the right place". Sir Alex described him as a natural "Goal-Poacher" because he always positioning himself close to the goal. In fact, all of his United goals scored inside the penalty box. He always deadly when he comes from bench - reminded of the mighty Solskjaer who deadly when comes from bench.

Hernandez always celebrates with making "C" with his hand. It's for his sister, Ana Sylvia, who always supports him.

Hernandez's tribute to his sister

by adrian

Is Valencia worthy to wear the iconic number?

Valencia - was 25, is 7

  Is Valencia worthy to wear the iconic number?
Valencia seems to be pressured to wear the iconic number. Yes, "7" in Manchester United has worn by legends in the past. George Best, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona, David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Michael Owen all wore the iconic number in their ManUtd career - and all of them turns into legend.

As no7, maybe Owen wasn't that successful if we compare to other United's no7. He did make a major change and his determination to play for us was truly great.

Ronaldo, Beckham, Cantona wore no7 in their United career

Valencia joined United in the summer of 2009, and people starts to compare him with previous winger, Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Real Madrid just before Valencia joined United. He was given no 25 shirt, and people stopped to compare him with Cristiano - he's different, more traditional winger than Cristiano.

Valencia shines during his time playing with United, after a terrible injury stroke him.  It was reported he had a broken ankle while playing on Champions League group stage vs Rangers in 10/11 season. Being rested for about 4-5 months, he back and seems nothing changed with him.

Valencia's injury

Played brilliant during 11/12 season, he proves that United needs him. With the departure of Michael Owen to Stoke City in summer 2012, means the iconic number is on vacancy. At that time, people starts to think who'll be the next to wear the iconic number. Valencia, Young, Cleverley are the names to wear the iconic number. With Young has poor season on his first with United, and Cleverley struggles with injuries, Valencia might be the right answer - who has great form in that season.

Nick Powell took over no25 shirt

In the summer, Valencia offered himself to wear the iconic number. Sir Alex approved and he wears the iconic number - left no25 on vacancy, after Powell came from Crewe and took no25. But everything changes in first half of 12/13 season. Valencia's form goes down, seems he gets pressured to wear the iconic number. People start to think that he isn't worthy to wear no7, his form and style of play seems to be the answer why he isn't worthy.

But, if we see Valencia in 11/12 season, he was tremendous. Seems like he's matched with the iconic number. With his performance so far this season, maybe he's struggles with his current form, or he's under pressured wearing the iconic number.

So, question is, IS VALENCIA WORTHY TO WEAR THE ICONIC NUMBER?

by adrian

FA CUP (3RD ROUND) West Ham United 2-2 Manchester United

*Man United XI: De Gea, Rafael, Vidic, Evans, Buttner, Smalling, Cleverley, Scholes, Kagawa, Welbeck, Hernandez.
*Man United subs: Lindegaard, Ferdinand, Valencia, Giggs, Young, van Persie, Macheda.

As always, Sir Alex put an surprising line-up with this time Rafael at the Right Wing, but the bench was strong, looking at bench it was clear that Sir doesn't wanted to lose anyway.

Shinji Kagawa battle with WHU's Alou Diarra

 Match was underway at Upton Park and for the first few mins it was Man United who dominated with one of Welbeck's goal ruled out as Chicharito was caught offside as always by a bit, later at 22 mins it was good play by Chicharito at right and Cleverley was the one who got on scoresheet with no chance for keeper and 1-0 at 22 mins and it seemed like Man United would easily wrap this one but, Cole allowed time and space to pick Collins out and his header leaves De Gea with no chance it was 1-1 at 29 mins. Nothing happened then and it was 1-1 at Half Time.

van Persie equalized to make it 2-2 

Second half was a good display of football but Collins header again put West Ham ahead 2-1 at 59 mins and Hammers came from behind to lead Man United (not many teams do that when Man United lead) but United were not finished yet Chicharito and Scholes were off for Van Persie and Valencia on 67 mins and Giggs for Smalling on 77 mins. As history says United always score late goals and yes this time it was Van Persieeeee at 90 mins and Manchester United equalised 2-2 !! And 4 added mins were famous 'Fergie Time' but nothing happened. And Manchester United earn a replay at Old Trafford of this FA Cup 3rd round.

 *FULL TIME: West Ham United 2-2 Manchester United (Collins 29,59 - Cleverley 22, Van Persie 90)

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