Rio: We’ll win title for Moyes.

Rio: We’ll win title for Moyes.

“To win the league under David Moyes would be phenomenal.

“Last season was one of the best when we won title No 20 but this could go beyond that.

“To win it at the first attempt with a new man in charge would be something special.”

<-- THE NEW FRONTIER -->

THE NEW FRONTIER

It was 12 years ago that i watched my first Manchester United match. Little did i know back then that it would become such a big part of my life one day. What I saw was poetry in motion. For a 9-10 year old lad, it looked like some kind of magic. It was like a symphony was going on and it was being orchestrated by one man- SIR ALEX FERGUSON. In my 1st match I saw Scholes pick the ball in the centre of the pitch, spray across to Becks. You lot know the drill, don’t you? Becks as always got the ball past his man and into the box. Then there was Van the man. There’s only one winner in such a situation. I should say, I was lucky that my big brother made me watch this (back then, my folks wouldn’t allow me to watch TV as much as I’d have liked to. My bro and I secretly watched it at times though. ) anyway, THAT was enough for me to fall in love with the greatest club in the world.
Then, things didn’t go well and My hero- David Beckham left. I was heart broken to be honest. He was the reason i started watching or playing football in the first place. Anyway in the seasons that followed, we signed a not-so-popular but flashy lad called Cristiano and then a true Everton lad- Wayne Rooney. I didn’t watch much football back then, so i didn’t know anything about these two at that time. I couldn’t have been more bothered anyway as we still had Ruud.
As the years passed i started watching videos, documentaries and what not on United (thanks to my brother and my cousins. I noticed one thing.
It always looked like “One for all, all for one. ” there was a real sense of “family” and “togetherness” on and off the pitch. Viera messed with Gaz- Keano took care of the c*nt.
Also, There was always a man in the team around whom the rest of the team was built. I never got to watch King Eric or Captain Marvel, but have done enough homework to say that they were extremely important cogs in our wheel. Then it was Ruud.
Then with changing times, Sir Alex started rebuilding-ONCE AGAIN! He stared to build a team around Ronnie and Wazza. A fast counter-attacking approach. This didn’t go down too well with Ruud as he was a kind of player who liked to hold play up and bring others into play too. Sure, boss, as always was not hesitant and Ruud wanted to leave, he let him go.
It was a little difficult every time there was rebuilding at United, but our Sir Alex was a man with a plan. It always paid off in the end. We went on to win The PL and even the famous UCL by beating Chelsea. And after reaching another final and losing to Barça, we saw Ronnie leave too. Joined us a lad, left us as a man! Then once again the papers started printing shit. “United on the slide as Cristiano Departs.” No. They were wrong. Yet again. It has become a routine for them to write us off every time there was a change and it had become a routine for Sir Alex to prove them wrong. Then came the blue nose c*nts. They won the PL on goal difference on the last day of PL and yet again papers started running stories that there’s no coming back for United. Really? Do you fail to notice that we lost on goal difference with a squad that was in transition and was plagued with injuries? Anyway, fast forward one more year and who’s laughing now? Sir Alex’s United ran away with the title. Rubbed Citeh’s blue noses in the mud.
The man is a genius. Started off slowly, Killed the so called Invincibles, withstood and saw off the Russian Revolution, Knocked Pool off their fucking Perch and brought the blue moon down.
It was painful to hear the news of his retirement but hey! Life must go on! This is a new frontier. A new challenge. If he thinks Moyes is the right man for the job, then he sure as hell is. He gave us 26 yrs of his life. He couldn’t possibly do anything but the right thing for us. I have never met him and most probably never will, but Thank you, Sir Alex for being such a big part of my life.

Now, i cannot wait to see how this new chapter goes for Us under David Moyes. One Glaswegian departed, another Glaswegian took charge.
Over to you boss! Cast your own image, and All the best! Your Red Army is with you!

ACE IN THE HOLE- SIR ALEX FERGUSON

The King of striker transfers offers us ‘dejavu’ every few years and that has never changed. It comes at a dire time of need but has always been Fergies ‘ACE IN THE HOLE’ .The most romantic club in history of football offers a lot to join this enigmatic franchise.

Recent years have proven to be difficult in the transfer market because of the exponential market value of players.

Gone are the days 1 million pounds being the record breaking deal in the days of Trevor Francis . The Ronaldo market rate of 80million(later to become a120 million deal including Ronaldo’s payment)  has made small clubs have a bargaining power like they never did before. Now an offer price below 20 million pounds is laughed off. But SIR ALEX FERGUSON has his own way of doing deals.

In the early 90’s Newcastle was beginning to emerge as contenders under Kevin Keegan. A juggernaut was scoring goals for fun on Tyneside and then…….

Andy Cole is signed for 7 million from Newcastle as soon as Ferguson’s sources heard about a rift between then Manger Keegan. Cole repayed the transfer fee by helping United overturn a 12 point deficit to win the League.

.Andy cole went on to becoming a success lifting trophy after trophy his best moment lifting that european title in 98-99 season while Newcastle’s Trophy cabinet remains bare.

When the league slipped from Fergie’s clutches in 92’  he turned to the Mercurial Frenchman called his ‘greatest signing ever’ ERIC CANTONA
 and the French man delivered back to back titles in the Newly formed PREMIER LEAGUE and he guided the upcoming youngsters who looked upto him as their Role model.

The Fiery Scot called it the Scot-French alliance. Never had a signing been as impactful as CANTONA. He was truly the KING of Old Trafford.

When Arsenal won the league twice in 3 seasons Fergie turned to another striker. A young face from Everton ‘Wayne Rooney’. Rooney was ambitious and wanted to play European football and Fergie granted him his wish of a debut. Wayne repayed fergie’s faith with a Hattrick at Old Trafford on his European Debut and the rest as they say………

Rooney and Ronaldo terrorized defences across the globe and 5 PL medals and a Champions League medal says it all.

In 2011-2012 season the Blue half of Manchester emerged as not only contenders but as Winners on the Final Day. A heart break for every United fan.

But Ferguson promised we will not lose another title on goal difference and he kept his word.It was Dejavu again Fergies gamble, it was an ‘ace in the hole’ yet again.

The World was shocked when the Robin Van Persie transfer finally took place. It was to the Red half of Manchester and it was all Alex Ferguson charm and the lure of Playing for Manchester United that he decided that he join United.

And did he deliver the title in style. He was a man posessed scoring goals for fun and leaving champions City behind clinching the Historic #20 Title.

#20 delivered by #20 RVP IRONIC!!!!

As Sir Alex vacates the Managerial seat he will always be known for these transfers that brought immediate success to the club and a smile to the fans.

HAIL….. SIR ALEX FERGUSON 

Robin van Persie Shows Off Freestyle Soccer Skills, Casts Spell on Little Kids (Video)

Robin van Persie Shows Off Freestyle Soccer Skills, Casts Spell on Little Kids (Video)

Van Persie takes some kids to school in the video below.

Last-gasp City clinch Premier League title

Last-gasp City clinch Premier League title

Manchester City FC struck twice in added time to claim a dramatic 3-2 win against Queens Park Rangers FC and win their first English title since 1968, pipping their cross-town rivals to glory.

Manchester City FC have been crowned champions of England for the first time since 1967/68 after coming from behind to snatch a dramatic 3-2 victory against Queens Park Rangers FC and finish above rivals Manchester United FC on goal difference.

Once labelled the "noisy neighbours" by Sir Alex Ferguson, the blue half of Manchester cranked up the volume as a carnival atmosphere preceded the game at the City of Manchester Stadium. But the mood soon turned ominous when Pablo Zabaleta's opener was cancelled out by Djibril Cissé's smart finish three minutes after the break. And despite losing Joey Barton to a red card, the visitors took a shock lead when James Mackie headed beyond Joe Hart.

With United leading 1-0 at Sunderland AFC – Wayne Rooney the scorer – the title seemed destined for Old Trafford, but a glimmer of hope was restored when Edin Džeko converted David Silva's corner two minutes into added time. One of the most remarkable comebacks in English football history was then completed as Sergio Agüero fired City into the lead and above United, who did not add to Rooney's strike.

"It was incredible; they deserved this," said City manager Roberto Mancini. "To win it like this is incredible. I don't think I've ever seen a finale like this. We didn't deserve to lose; we had a lot of chances and we deserved to win the game and championship. It's fantastic for the club and the supporters after 44 years. It's been a crazy season and a crazy last minute."

"You want to say it's the best moment of your life, but, if I'm honest, please never again this way," added City captain Vincent Kompany. "I never stopped believing. When Edin scored that goal, it reminded me of so many other moments during the season when we've done this before. There was no reason not to believe. It's not sunk in yet. I don't know what happened at the end, it was just a huge mess."

A point for QPR confirmed their Premier League status, while Bolton Wanderers FC were relegated following a 2-2 draw with Stoke City FC. Arsenal FC will play UEFA Champions League football next season after overcoming West Bromwich Albion FC 3-2, while Tottenham Hotspur FC finished fourth thanks to a 2-0 victory against Fulham FC. In fifth, Newcastle United FC lost 3-1 at Everton FC.

UEFA Champions League finalists Chelsea FC triumphed 2-1 against relegated Blackburn Rovers FC and there were also home wins for Swansea City AFC and Norwich City FC against Liverpool FC and Aston Villa FC respectively. Lastly, Wigan Athletic FC defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers FC 3-2.

Skënderbeu seal third straight Albanian title

Skënderbeu seal third straight Albanian title

It feels good – a deserved accomplishment after an interesting season," said coach Mirel Josa after KS Skënderbeu wrapped up a third successive Albanian Super League title.

"1933 ... 2011, 2012, 2013, to be continued," read the banner unfurled by KS Skënderbeu supporters prior to their Albanian title-clinching win against KS Kastrioti.

Skënderbeu headed into the game needing only a draw to be crowned champions once more. They wrapped up a third successive championship in style, however, recording a 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Ditmar Bici and Sabien Lilaj. "It is the sweetest title because I can celebrate it for the first time with my newborn daughter," said Skënderbeu defender Endrit Vrapi.

It has not been all plain sailing for Skënderbeu, who made themselves sweat by losing three of their last four games with the title in sight. They also suffered defeat in the Albanian Cup semi-finals to miss out on the chance of a domestic double.

"It feels good – a deserved accomplishment after an interesting season," said coach Mirel Josa, who also guided KF Tirana to their top-flight triumph in 2004.

Neymar excited by Messi alliance

Neymar excited by Messi alliance

After signing a five-year deal with FC Barcelona, Brazil attacker Neymar said he was looking forward to teaming up with Andrés Iniesta, Xavi Hernández and Lionel Messi at his new club.

FC Barcelona attacker Neymar said he found it "hard to hold back the tears," after the 21-year-old completed his €57m move to Spain from FC Santos. 



After featuring in Brazil's 2-2 friendly international draw against England in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday night, Neymar traveled to the Catalan capital where he passed a medical before being presented to the world's media and around 55,000 supporters at the Camp Nou.

"I was very emotional on entering the stadium and receiving the applause from the fans," the São Paulo native explained during his press conference. "I found it hard to hold back the tears. This is a great day for me and my family and I am so happy to be realising a dream," the 2011 and 2012 South American Footballer of the Year added.

The deal to take the Brazilian to Barcelona was announced a little over a week ago and after signing a five-year contract with the four-time European champions, Neymar said he was looking forward to combining forces with some illustrious team-mates.

"Having the opportunity to play alongside so many important players like [Andrés] Iniesta, [Xavi] Hernández and [Lionel] Messi, players I have admired since my youth, is something I owe to God," he said. "I have never worried about being the best in the world because the best is Messi and I hope to be able to help him continue to be so."

The signing represents Barcelona's first ahead of the 2013/14 season when the Liga champions will start their UEFA Champions League challenge from the tournament's group stage.

Spain morale delights Del Bosque

Spain morale delights Del Bosque

Spain concluded their tour of the United States with a 2-0 victory against the Republic of Ireland and now travel to Brazil for Sunday's FIFA Confederations Cup opener against Uruguay.

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said his side were heading to Brazil for this week's FIFA Confederations Cup "in confident mood" after La Roja enjoyed a 2-0 friendly win against the Republic of Ireland in New York.

Spain defeated Ireland 4-0 en route to UEFA EURO 2012 success in Poland and Ukraine last summer, and second half goals from substitutes Roberto Soldado and Juan Mata at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday ensured the World and European Champions stretched their unbeaten run against the Irish to five games. 

"We have completed our objectives," Del Bosque explained of Spain's trip to the United States, which also featured a 2-1 win against Haiti in Florida. "There were no injuries while a good atmosphere within the group has been created. We've also advanced physically. We are better now than when we arrived."

Believing that the Spanish "had possession of the ball and dominated the game," against Giovanni Trapattoni's men, the former Real Madrid CF tactician added: "If there was one thing missing it was that final pass. We played well overall, however, and I don't think it would have been unjust had the victory come by one more goal."

Spain now travel to Brazil where they begin their Confederations Cup campaign against Uruguay in Recife on Sunday before concluding Group B with games against Tahiti and Nigeria. "We are going into the tournament in eager and confident mood but we know there are seven other teams who have the same chances of winning the title as we do," the coach concluded.  

Currently top of their FIFA World Cup qualifying section, Spain resume their campaign away to Finland on 6 September, the same day Ireland – who are also in the running for a place at next summer's finals – host Sweden.

Season review: England

Season review: England

Uefa

Manchester United FC reclaimed the Premier League title as Sir Alex Ferguson departed on a high while Wigan Athletic FC and Swansea City AFC lifted their first major honours.

Champions: Manchester United FCStung by Manchester City's added-time clincher last season, Sir Alex bolstered his forward line with the summer recruitment of Robin van Persie from Arsenal FC. The Dutchman made an immediate impact, scoring within ten minutes of his home debut before topping the goals chart with 26 Premier League strikes.

After battling for supremacy with City and Chelsea throughout the opening months, United's 3-2 victory at their derby rivals in early December put them in a position from which they did not look back. Following that success at the City of Manchester Stadium, Ferguson's men went 15 games unbeaten, and a 3-0 win against Aston Villa FC clinched the championship with four matches to spare – providing a fitting stage from which the 71-year-old manager could depart. 

Cup final: Manchester City FC 0-1 Wigan Athletic FCWith their league crown lost and after an early exit from the UEFA Champions League, the FA Cup presented a last chance for Roberto Mancini's squad to claim silverware. Having seen off Chelsea in the semi-finals, the Manchester club simply had to dispose of relegation-bound Wigan Athletic in the Wembley showpiece to lift the trophy for a second time in three years. However, with a first major honour in their sights, Wigan ran the favourites ragged, with young winger Callum McManaman outstanding. Ben Watson's added-time header completed the fairy tale for Roberto Martínez's Latics.

European places*Manchester United FC — UEFA Champions League, group stage
Manchester City FC — UEFA Champions League, group stage
Chelsea FC — UEFA Champions League, group stage
Arsenal FC — UEFA Champions League, play-off
Tottenham Hotspur FC — UEFA Europa League, group stage
Swansea City AFC — UEFA Europa League, group stage
Wigan Athletic FC — UEFA Europa League, group stage

*Subject to final confirmation from UEFA

Player of the year: Gareth Bale (Tottenham Hotspur FC)Tottenham missed out on a UEFA Champions League play-off place by a point, but that margain would have been much greater without the outstanding Wales forward. Seen solely as a winger before this campaign, the 23-year-old stepped up his game once more, playing centrally or down either flank to pose a constant threat to opposition defences.

Bale has had an impressive season

With Spurs' attacking resources limited by injuries to Emmanuel Adebayor and Jermain Defoe, Bale assumed the goalscoring responsibilities, hitting 21 in the Premier League to trail only Van Persie and Luis Suárez. It was not just the number of goals that caught the eye, but the style in which he scored them. He rifled in countless efforts from range and important match-winning strikes, often in the dying moments of games.

One to watch: Callum McManaman (Wigan Athletic FC)Given he had featured only as a substitute in the Premier League until 17 March, when he made his full debut in a 2-1 win over Newcastle United FC, very few would have predicted McManaman's stock being so high come the end of term. However, his thrilling displays in Wigan's FA Cup triumph – notably against boyhood team Everton FC in the quarter-finals and against City in the final – earned the winger a call-up to Stuart Pearce's squad for June's UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Israel. At this rate of development, the 22-year-old will be menacing defences for years to come.

Surprise package: Bradford City AFCThe side that beat Bradford in February's League Cup final, Swansea City, would be many people's surprise team of 2012/13 as they lifted a first trophy and played some fine football under Michael Laudrup to finish ninth in the Premier League. However, fourth-division Bradford's run to the Wembley showcase was the stuff dreams are made of.

In steady decline since dropping out of the top tier in 2001, the Yorkshire club captured the public imagination by overcoming Wigan, Arsenal and Aston Villa FC en route to the final. And if their eventual 5-0 defeat in the showpiece suggested an unhappy ending to the adventure, Phil Parkinson's men used their momentum to earn promotion to the third tier – returning to Wembley to beat Northampton Town FC in a play-off decider.

Leading scorer: Robin van Persie, Manchester United FC (26)

Relegated: Wigan Athletic FC, Reading FC, Queens Park Rangers FC

Promoted: Cardiff City FC, Hull City AFC, Crystal Palace FC.

Number: 49The number of trophies won by Sir Alex during his 41-year managerial career, including two UEFA Champions Leagues, 13 English Premier League titles and five FA Cups. 

Quote"August 17." Ferguson responds to a query asking when he knew the title was safe. That was the day Van Persie signed on the dotted line at Old Trafford, three days before the season began.