Here and There

De Gea did an interview with Bwin and of the things he spoke about were his admiration for Giggs.

"I would like to have the skills of Giggs. I would like to repeat everything he has done in his career and have his skills."

Well, we get it, DDG would really love to have Giggs' skills.

And his favorite athletes that are non-footballers he kept it home with Rafa Nadal and he kept it United with Usain Bolt.

He also took part in the corner kick challenge and dedicated it to Anderson. Anderson took his a few week ago. Who scored the most points? Watch these two videos.

Ready or Not: Arsenal

No better way to start this post than with that photo of van Persie!

Arsenal are facing United for the 217th time. They have enjoyed only 17 wins of the 103 matches at the Theatre of Their Nightmares Dreams scoring 87 goals and conceded 192. That is an impressive +105 goal difference!

After this match, the best we can do is second place while the worst is tenth place. Well, coming from the bottom half just a few weeks ago that says a lot about our current form.

Arsenal should not be taken lightly though. Top of the league while leaving second placed Chelsea five points behind says enough about their Ozil form.

Rafael's Young Graduation

Young before a player's name is used only for young players that showcase talent, ability and maturity beyond their young ages. Only one player can carry the title and will graduate upon arrival of a new prospect or disqualified if they fail to live up to the title for not less than six months. Being that we traditionally support players from when they are young, a 'Young' title can be given, on rare cases, at an early stage of a player's career.
 
Rules to Young are subject to change.
 
After that being said, join me in Congratulating Rafael on his graduation and for a job well done. The First ever Young Graduate, you did the title proud Rafael and good luck facing the world as a grown up.
 
Here is to remembering Rafael's journey as Young Rafael.
 


It all started with a very simple signature.

Januzaj! Januzaj! Januzaj!

That is all I can say about the match! ADNAN JANUZAJ!

I understand it was just one match, but if last season with Reserves is any indication or 2013 MU Tour was an introduction, we are in for the ride of our lives! I loved absolute everything about his performance and without the slightest of doubts, he is man of the match.

An 18 years old scores a few minutes after he was booked. Then runs to pick the ball and quickly start the game. That was like saying, 'I am too good to celebrate an equalizer.' I was so scared that the media would say he was not happy at OT because he did not celebrate! Second goal was a beauty! Three shots on target, two goals and three points. Isn't that a dream debut?

Sunderland to CR7 and everything in between

Nani's backflip, long time no see!

Sunderland  lost five of their six league games this season and drew one. They have only one point with the weight of all 19 team on top of them at the BPL table. In addition to that, they have conceded 3 goals in every one of their last four matches. They have seen the back of the nets of their opponents only four times and never twice in a single match.

So far this season Manchester United have scored sixteen goals and fifteen of them are from forwards, van Persie (6), Rooney (5), Welbeck (3) and Chicharito (1). Valencia scored one too. Defenders are yet to put their names on the score sheet.

All our forwards, except for Chicharito have already recorded a double, who will take it a step further and score the first hat-trick of the season?

Seeing the Invicibles

Remember The Invisibles? Yap, that Arsenal class of 2004 that thought they could celebrate their 50th unbeaten game at Old Trafford! Old Trafford?! Well, as we always say, only one set of dreams come true at the Theatre of Dreams, and that is not the dreams of visitors. This occasion was no different.

But how did Manchester United do it?

They Got My Attention: Rooney, Zaha, Alcantara, Rio + Januzaj

By: @Zamaradi_M

 ONE: Wayne 'Baba Kai' Rooney

Again, he got my attention but at least not for transfer reasons. Baba Kai got injured during training and had to cut his tour short. He is going back home to Coleen, Kai and Klay (what? keep up with your players and their families for hell's sake!). MUFC official twitter account also reported that he might be out for at least a month, which means he might miss Community Shield but might be available for Swansea on 17th August. A month from July 11 is August 11, no?

This injury also means that Welbeck has to step up because Zam Persie and Chicha are yet to join the team.

Me: Welbeck, good luck because if last season is any indication, you gonna need lots of luck!

As you would expect, the injury just made an introduction to another chapter of the Rooney madness. Some believe that he was sent home to pack and the injury was just a story to not take the attention from the tour. Until that is announced by the club, it is just a rumor!

Get well soon Baba Kai.

They Got My Attention: Moyes, Sir Alex, Vidic + Rio

By: @Zamaradi_M

 

1. David Moyes

He had all my attention! First press conference as MUFC manager, which in my humble and very unbiased opinion, couldn't go any better!

On Baba Kai:

They already had that talk in which he told Rooney about the possibilities of overtaking Sir Charlton's goalscoring record. Rooney is only 52 goals away.

And it is now official that Rooney is not for sale and will continue to play for Manchester United. He didn't say for how long but fact that he will be there next season is all we care about. Where will he be in the 2014/2015 season? We'll cross that bridge when we get to it.

On Sir Alex:

Sir Alex does not intimidate Moyes. In fact, he hopes the former Boss will be sitting at the Director's box!

On Scholes:

Moyes spent two hours on the phone with Paul Scholes who wants time to be with his family before he decides what to do but he has also been told that there will always be a place for him at Manchester United. Duh, like he didn't know!

By the way, two hours talking with Scholes! I bet he just broke one of Sir Alex's records right there and definitely set a new world record. Scholes talking for two hours! Impressive.

On Cristiano:

"This club is always interested in the best players."

And since Ronaldo is the best player then Manchester United is interested in him. And since Ronaldo is also interested in us ........ (you can figure out the rest of this story.)

Me: This guy really did his homework!

On Alcantara new signings:

Asked if he will have a new player before the pre season tour (between July 13th to August 6th) he didn't make any promises but said he'll try. Well, we can live with that.

On Classic quotes:

One of my worries was definitely cleared yesterday. You know those classic Sir Alex's quotes that we thought we were going to miss. Relax, Moyes got that part covered too. And just to give you a taste of what he has in store for us;

"I come to a club where success is tattooed across its badge."

 How about this?

"Old Trafford is the place you want to go."

Me: Moyes, how did you know? Of course it is THE place I want to go.

 Source: Headquarters

 

 

2. Sir Alex Ferguson

Sir Alex was not at the press conference but the way Moyes replayed how he was offered the job, you just couldn't ignore Sir Alex!

I love how Sir Alex was Sir Alex when he first told him that he is going to be the next MUFC Manager. Apparently, Sir Alex asked him to his house which Moyes expected was to tell him that 'I am going to take one of your players.' This got me asking, so, Sir Alex did this when he was taking Rooney? Called Moyes and told him, 'I am going to take Rooney.' How bossy!

Okay, enough with recreating pasts. When Sir Alex told Moyes that he was going to retire this is how it all went down;

Sir Alex: I am going to retire.

Moyes: Yeah, when? *with I had that before look on his face*

Sir Alex: Next week.

Moyes: *Surprised face*

Sir Alex: And you're the next Manchester United Manager.

So, Sir Alex made Moyes an offer he couldn't wouldn't refuse! And that 'You're the next Manchester United manager' was so final! Like Moyes didn't have a choice. How could you blame him, it's Manchester United, we call you answer.

Me: Thank you Sir Alex for everything and thank you for Moyes.

 Source: Headquarters

3. Nemanja Vidic

Two things about Vidic, I like how he plays with no fear and the way he commands with just his presence, we couldn't possibly have a better Captain.

And the second thing is, don't we all agree that he could make one scary gangsta?

Back to non-fiction, as expected Captain Vidic was there for Moyes' press conference. He talked about the respect they had for Moyes even when he was with Everton, how players are excited to work with him and how they will do whatever they can to make sure that Moyes achieves what he wants to achieve with MUFC. I like that they put their desires aside and work on Moyes' and that they want to impress him. And since Moyes wants to win trophies, well, then trophies we are going to get.

Vidic also said that he has spoken with Rooney but it was not about his future. Could it be because his future will be just as his present which means no need to waste precious time on that?

And on Rooney he said;

"He's in very good shape, the best shape in the last five years."

I think this quote needs a little bit of explanation. What Vidic meant was the way he sees Rooney at training, he is in his best shape of the past five years. He did not mean that 2012/2013 was Rooney's best season in five years. Because that, even I would question!

Source: Sportsmole  and goal.com

Do you remember this look?

NOTE: These They Got My Attention posts are not a daily thing. I post when I can and of course when I want. Just don't expect a daily fix.

They got my attention: Cristiano, Alcantara and Rooney + De Gea

By: @Zamaradi_M

Out of curiosity I normally go through the internet every morning, afternoon, evening, night now and then searching for any MUFC related news.  Whenever I can I will be making these They Got My Attention posts.

Here is to the first one!

1. Cristiano Ronaldo

Cris was in a trip to Singapore when he was heard admitting to missing Manchester United!

“I miss English football. For me, it was one of the best years in my career when I was there in Manchester United. Everyone knows that it is a club that is still in my heart and I really, really miss."

Me: Cris, we really, really miss you too.

Then he spoiled it with this confession;

"But now my life is in Spain. I am enjoying playing there too. Part of my life is there, but in the future we never know. I am really, really happy in the Spanish league.”

I will just hold on to that but in the future we never know. August 17 is also in the future, right?

In case you are having a problem remembering Cris' best years in his career, let me refresh your memory;

Source: manutd.com

2. Thiago Alcantara

There have been rumors that he might be in a red shirt from next season. Before the Euro u21 he was quoted saying that 'Manchester United seems like a good club because De Gea speaks so highly of them.'

I guess Xavi accepted DDG's challenge of who will convince Alcantara on whether to stay with Barca or move to MUFC. A Spanish paper El Mundo Deportivo reported that Xavi met with Alcantara trying to convince the youngster to stay with Barca!

Me: Thiago, would you rather wait to MAY BE become the next Xavi or would you just move to OT and become the Thiago Alcantara of MUFC?

On June 30th, Thiago posted a photo on Instagram and captioned it I love Barcelona. Well, he said Barcelona and judging by the photo itself, may be he meant Barcelona the City and not Barcelona FC!

Here is the photo.

Sources: manutd.com and The Daily Mail.

3. Wayne 'Baba Kai' Rooney

He is and will always be one of my favorite MUFC Legends.

After clearing that one out, let's get to business. Yesterday it was reported that Rooney would have talks with Moyes in which Baba Kai requested that his reps attend too. Fortunately/Unfortunately the meeting was either canceled or someone got the wrong Moyes day planner (or diary, whatever he uses). They are saying talks will be held today!

But, Rooney went for training and stayed at AON Training Complex for more than 3hours where he was scheduled to have his medical tests.

There are also warnings advices from former coach Mike Phelan who said Rooney is at the greatest club he can ever be unless a move is for him to face new challenges he should just stay put.

Also former team mate, now Sky Sports expert Gary Neville warned Rooney that MUFC is not a club a person leaves because a part from being a great club a footballer can achieve whatever they want to achieve here there. I think Gary forgot to add 'Ask Cristiano.'

Me: Baba Kai, make up your mind. And if you are staying, sign a life time contract this time. We've had enough drama from you! And moYES, you are still and will always be one of my faves.

Baba Kai arriving at AON Training Complex yesterday. People say he doesn't look happy!

Now here is Rooney, Moyes and Rio. Who looks happy? Why are Rio and Moyes unhappy too?

Source: Sky Sports

And for no reason at all here is a photo of Number One, do I need a reason to add DDG's photo on a post? NO!

No Inspiration

I know the blog has been dead lately. But if any of you knows a thing or two about writing then you know that any good piece of writing requires inspiration. And I am sorry but I am not getting any!

I am aware of the new signings but I just can not find myself writing about them. May be a Cristiano comeback, a Fabregas historical move or a Thiago sensational move will inspire me! May be!

For now, if you wish to write for this blog, send your story to manutdtanzania@yahoo.com. 

Until then, enjoy the Confederations Cup and enjoy De Gea making us proud! 

Here is Cris explaining exactly how I feel (Does he feel the same?);

I'm bored!

Even with people all around me, I feel so alone!

It is so frustrating!

Sometimes, I can't help but scream!

And I sometimes just cry!

It gets so bad that I wish I had days like this!

By August, may be I will be this happy.

So, until that happens I will just pray.

... and pray even harder!

Please, include me in your prayers. Asante!

2012/2013 season in pictures....

Signing of the season. Robin van Perfect himself!

MUFC shirt, Real Madrid scarf and a banner asking Ronaldo to come back and not score! How could Ronaldo break this kid's heart, and mine, and yours?

Number One at work! This save away to Real Madrid on February 13th is definitely one to be framed! 

Young Rafael at work!

SAF and his football God son after a Champions League clash at Bernabeu.

And about fathers, Little cute Lenny walking to the pitch with his father, our captain, players' DJ Evra during a league home game against Manchester City. How proud was 'Daddy' Evra!

On March 5th, Giggs made his 1000th appearance for both club and country. Here he is presented with No. 23 shirt to mark his 23rd consecutive appearance in MUFC's and league's top flight score sheet.

Nani reacting to his red card against Real Madrid. Was this the moment that cost us a spot in the Champions League quarter finals? We will never know!

The only red card in the league this season, to Young Rafael.

How do you forget RvP running to lift SAF when he scored after a ten matches drought?

Robin is just so full of energy! Anyways, anybody would lift Rooney if they received such an assist for what is a contender for the goal of the season (Robin's second goal against Aston Villa).

8th May 2013. 

9th May 2013.

Sir Alex walking to the pitch for his last ever match at Old Trafford as a manager.

Bring on the Champions!

Loved Young Rafael's T-shirt! What a tribute! It has the word 'THANK YOU' on top then a photo of him hugging SAF.

Chicharito's celebration were exceptional! I think he spent more time near the trophy than anybody else!

The Genius and The Godfather! Thank you and we will miss you.

Finally!!

The only reason this photo is in this list is because De Gea smiled! We all know how rare that smile is!

SAF's very last game as MUFC's coach! With Lindegaard's perfomance, De Gea had to scream some senses into him!

Scholes played his last game against West Brom. And how does Scholes bow out? With a yellow card. Stayed true to his style till the very last game. Respect.

We will end this post with a quote from Rio Ferdinand;

"We got OUR trophy back and we wanna win more. Next season we gon keep this trophy, don't worry about it."

A promise is a promise, right? Bring on 2013/2014!