Happy Birthday Juan Mata!

In  1988, April 28th somebody was born somewhere in Spain. In January 2014 he gave up the boring blue for the dynamite red! He is Juan Mata Garcia.

Happy 26 Juan. Looking forward to many more games like the past four...

And here are some adorable photos of young Juan. And in case any of you have been wondering (or was it just me?) how many times a week he fixes his eyebrows, rest assured that those perfections are 100% original!



Some hands were made to lift trophies!



Well....

Mata's BFF/bro sent this super sweet tweet;

Happy birthday bro @JuanMata8 It's a pleasure to share the day to day life with you!!

And finished with this photo;

Ready or Not: Hull City

This will be the 25th match between United and Hull City. United as expected enjoys an overall good record with 16 wins, 3 draws, 5 losses and a +26 goal difference. Our trip will not be easy at all, we have managed only six wins from twelve games with a 0 goal different while travelling to Hull City.

Hull City are on a draw streak with three consecutive draws that came after beating Liverpool 3-1 and enjoy an almost perfect home record with only one loss this season. To neutralize this, United can boost four consecutive wins which incude three clean sheets and have scored nine goals while allowing only one! And don't forget, December is usually United's favorite month. Evidence? Since 1990 United have played on every boxing day expect for 1995 and 2009 recording only one loss and two draws the rest were ALL wins.

Ready or Not: Spurs

Manchester United will play 9 matches between December 1st and December 28th. That is an average of one match after every three days. This will exhaust the players but the holidays season could not be any better! At least I will not complain about how much Tv subscription costs me!

Task at hand, a trip to White Hart Lane. This will be the 179th meeting between the two clubs, even though United enjoys an overall positive record of 84 wins from 178 matches, trips to Spurs are not as impressive as we have suffered 31 losses from 86 matches.

Bragging Points: Since year 2000, we have faced Spurs a total of 31 times, lost 2, drew 7 and won 22! One of those two losses was self inflicted as Evans scored an own goal in a 2-3 loss at Old Trafford.

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: Real Sociedad



Off to Spain, well, they have already arrived but you get the idea. And tonight for the second time ever Man United will face Real Sociedad. Our last meeting at Old Trafford ended with a UTD win and a clean sheet.

 

As for the clean sheet, it's a home coming for the flying Spaniard. While every other UTD player will be playing for the first time at the home of Sociedad this will not be a first visit for DDG. 

De Gea;

"It’s always a good experience to go back to Spain and, of course, doing so wearing the Manchester United shirt makes me very proud."

Here and there

PoM

Player of the month polls are on. Who is your player of the month?

Was it De Gea? The flying Spaniard who made what the great Schmeichel called 'the best save in the history of premier league' and impressed so much that Chicharito declared him 'the best goal keeper in the world.'?
 

TBT: Just like old times: The Goal keepers edition

 

 

 

Questions, Troubled Kind Evra

A group photo that managed to represent every United fan's reaction after that Saints' goal. Jones for those who couldn't watch it, Evra looks angry, that guy who couldn't believe that we conceded and had to stand and take a closer look, Rafael is hiding, De Gea looks confused and beat, that woman holding her face is definitely crying. Look closer and you'll see your reaction represented here. Kudos to manutd.com photographers for capturing this moment.

 

 

Well, at least we have Januzaj for the next five years and looks like he is on the right track. The kid was voted Man of the match against Southampton which is his second in a row! Moyes and Ed, while we are still into signatures how about getting Rooney to putting one down?

Robin is back into scoring! We can all drink to that.

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?

Shakhtar Donetsk: A cold point

Picture perfect.

We would all have loved 3 points but a point is not so  bad. As group standings, we are second to Shakhtar but we have same points and same goal difference. On 23rd this month we will host Real Sociedad and Shakhtar will host Bayer Leverkusen.

Our next opponents are yet to win a match. They suffered a 0-2 home defeat to Shakhtar and lost 1-0 to Leverkusen. Bring on Real Sociedad.

Rooney picked another injury during training! It doesn't seem to be serious as Moyes planned to use him as a sub but decided against it as to not risk any further complications. Moyes also promised that Rooney will be ready for a trip to Sunderland this week end. And this time it was Welbeck. Does Welbz have a magic touch like Jones? Only time will tell....

WBA: The Aftermath

Majanga!

Rooney, Evans and Januzaj doing the walk of defeat as Big Dave looks so small!

If I thought the derby was something I needed to forget, I had second thoughts after that shocking unpredictable loss to West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford. And that what makes it even worse, it was at our very own home and it was West Brom! I don't know what hurts more, losing at home to a team that we have been beating back and forth for years or loosing at OT. The combination is killing me!

It started with Robin's injury. Then followed a number of missed chances. Then a very disappointing Rio. Is age catching up with Rio or was he just having a bad day? We don't expect him to be as quick as when he was in his mid 20s but that was one disappointing (sorry, I don't know what other word to use here) show from him.

A Derby To Forget

It will get better.

There is absolute nothing I want to remember about yesterday. Rooney's goal was a beauty but if I have to go through four very painful events to get to it, then No thank you, I'll pass.

I wish I could call Damon the vampire and he could do that vampire thing he does to make people forget.

But I will just have to live with it. Besides, If I forget that bad experience I will not fully appreciate and celebrate the better days that are surely coming.

Rio's Tour Diary 2013: Episode 3

Rio's Tour Diary 2013: Episode 2

In the Land of The Red Samurai

Location: Japan

Date: 22nd July 2013.

Smile boys, it doesn't hurt!

    That on the front is definitely Rafael/Fabio!

They Got My Attention: Fabregas, SALE SALE SALE, De Gea, RvP + Young

ONE: Francesc Fabregas Soler 

 

Don't worry, Wenger is a very forgiving man.

I just refreshed manutd.com and boom, there it was, a bid has been made for Cesc Fabregas.

Moyes confirmed that and will know more in a day or two! I am positive about this because I don't think Moyes is the kind of a guy that will publicly announce his interest on a player if there was no hope of getting him. He has already been judged for loosing Alcantara to Bayern Munich, why would he set himself up for another criticism?

Wenger believes that Cesc is staying at least one more season with Barca. And since they have a first refusal right Arsenal would know if he was up for sale. But then he said something I liked;

Making the Champions

Location: Syndney, Australia.

Date: 16th July 2013.

Uncle Steele would never match the ball and my kit!

May be I should try goalkeeping, looks easy anyways!

They Got My Attention: Fabregas, Red Soldiers, Rooney, De Gea, Alcantara + Welbeck

ONE: Fabregas

Are you all having a fabregas Tuesday?


So, we are back to Cesc Fabregas! This one I like and hate at the same time. Like it because I would loooove to see Fabregas in a red MUFC shirt and hate it because after the Alcantara issue, I am not sure I can handle another heart break!

The Sun say their source confirmed that Cesc would rather go to Old Trafford than a trip back to Arsenal. I just hope it is not the same source who said Alcantara signed a 5 year deal with MUFC.

Sky Sports reports the same thing adding that Manchester United has made a

£25m bid for the midfielder but Barcelona think Cesc is worth more than that. 

Last month Cesc said;

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!

First Day at Work

By: @Zamaradi_M

Here are a few photos of David Moyes as he starts his new job as Manchester United Manager.

He arrived in a Chevrolet, since they are our sponsors no surprise there. As he was walking to his office he met Ashley Young. So, Young will go down in history as the first player to meet Moyes on his first day at work. (moYES, I also know how useless this stat is.)

Before you go on asking why players were not there to welcome their new Manager, kindly be reminded that some are on International duties and the rest have already started a well deserved summer break. Which comes to; what was Ashley Young doing there?


Well, I am no expert when it comes to fashion so I will not comment on his choice of suit though I would have loved a bit touch of red. I am an expert in happy smiles, and moYES is one happy man!

Welcome to AON Training Complex.

If he was not a Manager he would surely have a very successful career as a model. You don't need to be a fashion expert to see how good he looks. They say; 'he is on point.'

I love that at the door it only says DAVID MOYES. No need for any further explanation, if you are lucky enough to get near that door then you should definitely know who DAVID MOYES is.

Plans will be made, tears will be shed and laughter will be shared in this room. SAF should have left at least a photo. I love the mouse pad, where can I get mine?

From left Steve Round (New Assistant Manager), David Moyes (New Manager) and Jimmy Lumsden (Coach). Jimmy is said to be Moyes' long time friend (confirmed by MUTV) and Jimmy was there to walk Moyes to his first day at school work.

We all know and appreciate the job Eric Steele did with De Gea, now this is David's (and other goalkeepers) new Uncle Coach, Chris Woods.

PS: Note how we are going to have fun with our new men's names? moYES, ROUND, lumsDEN and WOODS!

@@Das_Spiel has already started this party with this tweet;

"@MUFCTanzania #NewEra moYES and hopefully, as we go ROUND in search of talents, we wont be left in the WOODS like a lion without a DEN."

Welcome to Manchester United.