Owen Joins United

Now this is a transfer that I would never have imagined around 10 years ago. Back then, Michael James Owen, 19 years old, was playing for Liverpool FC, one of the greatest rivals to Manchester United. He had been 'the phenomenon' (not to be confused with El Phenomenon that is the Brazilian Ronaldo) at the 1998 World Cup tournament in France. They say, it was at this time that Michael Owen announced his arrival at the biggest stage. He played for Liverpool for the next 6 years or so, before the lure of the galacticos era in Santiago Bernabeu beckoned. After that, it was a free-fall ride for him, being injured most of the time, being kept at the bench most of the time while in Spain and ridiculed as a has-been and dropped from the England set-up by Steve Mclaren and his successor, the Don Capello.

Why is this transfer being talked about so much in world football? Well, first, Owen was a former Liverpool player. Talk to any Scousers in England or around the world and they will tell you to "F**k off!" if they know you are a United fan (well, most of my friends can keep their affinity in a civilized manner, anyway...). And normally, players don't switched their 'allegiance' to any rival clubs, let alone your main rival. Hence, the uproar over Gabriel Heinze when he wanted to move to Merseyside, before REAl MADrid (scoffs....) again intervened. Football for the Mancs and Scousers are religion. I imagined them praying to a statue of Eric Cantona or Kenny Daglish or Robbie Fowler (who ironically was dubbed GOD by the Liverpool fans) every Sunday, instead of going to church.

Most people don't understand why Fergie is signing another has-been? Is it a panic move because Benzema got away? Nah! I think it's a good move on United's side. Here, both United and England will benefit. The Owen-Rooney partnership will resume again, and I am equally excited to see how he will fit into the Red's set-up. And Owen will be hungry to prove himself again, all the right ingredients to make it a successful and hungry squad again. It was said that, Ronaldo had been sowing some discontent in the dressing room, and the same goes for Carlos Tevez. So, with those two out of the way, I certainly hope Rooney will feature more. He has been wearing the club's badge with honor and would die for the cause for the team. And he has since said that he wants to retire at Old Trafford, in the footsteps of Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes.

Only time will tell whether this is an astute move or a blunder by Sir Alex. I for one, believe that it is a coup for the EPL. Scoff all you want all you nay-sayers out there, Manchester United has a habit of proving them wrong and exciting times beckons over a new season in England, both for Michael Owen and Manchester United.

Manchester United Reign Supreme. Champions Again!

Now, I have said many times to all my friends who love-to-hate Manchester United not to underestimate the Reds after the drubbing by Liverpool that fateful day at Old Trafford. I told them the game was clearly sold and United looked like...well, not United.

Ahhh....vindicated, verified, signed, sealed and delivered from Manchester. No offence to Liverpool, but Rafa Benitez should grow up. I read in the paper today that he said Manchester United is not the best team in England, they just have more points. I was laughing my bellies up, I didn't know what to say to this. Despite the FACT that United amassed more points than them, played more attractive brand of football and clearly CAPABLE of beating the LESSER and SMALL CLUBS (to use Benitez's own words), Liverpool got nowhere near United. And Rafa, that IS a FACT. Shucks! At least Wenger is gracious enough to congratulate Fergie upon this success. As they say, the tables don't lie.

I am just going to enjoy this euphoria today. Ah...United still the best in England. The best! Now, all you Reds, let's sing this famous United song one more time! Eat your hearts out, Alan Hansen and Rafa Benitez!

Glory glory Man United,

Glory glory Man United,

Glory glory Man United,

As the reds go marching on on on!

Just like the busby babes in days gone by,

Well keep the red flags flying high,

Your gonna see us all from far and wide,

Your gonna hear the masses sing with pride.

Glory glory Man United,
Glory glory Man United,
Glory glory Man United,
As the reds go marching on on on!

Dimitar Berbatov: Genius Or Slouch?

For the past 16 years, ever since I fell in love with Manchester United, no player has caught my eye the way Berbatov did. Not since Eric Cantona, has there ever been a player that mesmerises and enthrals me more than Berba. Sure, Ronaldo is more than worthy a successor to Georgie Best's mantle, Torres is the best young player in the world right now, and Wayne Rooney is indispensable to Manchester United. But there is just something about Berbatov that greatly reminds me of Eric Cantona. Truth be told, I fell in love with United after watching Cantona played. Cantona and that boy called Giggs.

Berbatov is always labelled as a slouch, lazy and a selfish player. Other critics say that he is economical with his movement and saves his energy for that extra burst to leave the defenders for the dead. Others say that he is misunderstood, that every movement that he makes on the field is designed for perfect position. Whatever that is, I for one think that no other geniuses since Cantona and Zinedine Zidane that can be compared to this fella. I mean, come on..!! He passes the ball around like he has just woken up from his sleep and the ball falls perfectly in place, just like magic.

Take a look at this piece of genius play courtesy of You Tube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxJ9wdXXbwY&feature=related

or this for good measure, on how good his balance is
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWYADqC5Np8&feature=related

or his outrageous comments on players who keep on running like mad dogs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UASOzlKFO6E&feature=related

Maybe this is the reason why people see him as the player that he is. He is cool, calm, and outrageously brilliant with the ball. Girls, take good notice of his beautiful eyes and suave looks. Berba is indeed the new King of Old Trafford.

P/S: On the subject of Bulgarian talent, take a look at another brilliant artist from Bulgarian Idol. This is especially for those of you who like singing. Ken Leeeeeeeee...!!!!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RgL2MKfWTo

One Step At A Time

Last night Manchester United won the Carling Cup against Tottenham Hotspur on penalties. I was tired physically for the game, but had a premonition (sort of, most fans do...) that this is a game that I shouldn't be worried about. True to form, United controlled the best period of time and should even have won it at the death. Instead, it's penalties once again, just like Moscow 2008, and I was glad that I was not watching the telly till it ends. I watched the first half, but went to sleep as I needed to work today.

Lots of people are talking about United winning 5 (penta) or quintuple (fantastic four pardon the pun), but Sir Alex is keeping his and the players feet firmly on the ground. I think United can win it, but if you want to bet with me, I think I would have chickened out. It's not easy, so we will take it one step at a time. I think staying humble and focus will be the key and taking one game at a time should be the approach. Luck also plays an important part, and United certainly looks good on all areas.

List of titles won by Manchester United for the current season 2009/2010:

Charity Shield (Wembley)
Club World Cup Champions (Osaka, Japan)
Carling Cup (Wembley)

All I can say is, "Go you Reds!". Glory, glory Man United...!!!