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| Young’s old habits not worth an apology Posted: 12 Dec 2013 12:02 AM PST
The United winger came under intense scrutiny earlier this season as he was booked for diving against Crystal Palace, before subsequently winning an extremely soft penalty as Kagisho Dikgacoi, while another of Young’s theatrical tumbles earned United an extremely dubious penalty kick away at Real Sociedad.
Young’s willingness to go down at the faintest of touches is nothing new either, with the former Villa man being severely reprimanded for winning soft penalties against his former club and QPR two seasons ago, while Sir Alex Ferguson last season didn’t leave anything to interpretation when he claimed that Young is too eager to hit the deck. David Moyes has also had a word with the former Villa man, whose performances have ranged from the appalling to the extremely poor this season, but Young says he has nothing to apologise for. “Of course I understand what you’re saying and everyone is going to have their say on it, but I’ve spoken to the previous manager and current manager, the referees are giving decisions and that is where I think it lies. It’s been talked about [to me] but that’s in-house. I’m not going to comment on what’s been said. “I think it’s one to ask the referees – they’re the ones who are giving free-kicks and penalties. I remember getting booked against Palace and then won a penalty. Against Real Sociedad it was another penalty that was given. Referees have got tough decisions to make, they have a tough time out there making decisions, but they have made the right decisions, I think,” he told the Guardian. Young, however, insisted his game hasn’t been affected by criticism. “I don’t take notice of the headlines or the debates,” said the United winger. “That’s obviously for the media to debate and people to have their say on it and everyone is entitled to have their say on it. For me, the referees have made decisions and that’s it.” “You always want to play in the biggest tournaments, whether that’s at club level or international level,” he said. “So of course I want to be on that plane. Right now I’m not thinking about the World Cup, I’m thinking about playing for United. Obviously, it’s been disappointing I’ve not been involved as much as I would have liked. Every player in the squad wants to play and I’m no different to that but it’s up to the manager, so I’ve just got to keep doing the things that are right in training and take my chances when I’m given them – we’ll have to see if the manager picks me again.” United travel to Villa Park on Sunday, hoping to pick up their first win in four league games and Young is fully aware that there will be no love lost with the home supporters, but he’s ready for what promises to be a very hostile reception. “Yeah, of course I am. I don’t mind a bit of stick when I go back there but I’m delighted with how [the Shakhtar match has] gone and we’ll build on the result and look forward to Sunday’s game.”
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| The mixed fortunes of United’s samba hopefuls Posted: 11 Dec 2013 05:34 AM PST
The fortunes of the Premier League's Brazilian cohort have been mixed, but how well have those from the Samba nation fared at Old Trafford in particular? Unfortunately, the following list is largely one of mercurial, injury-plagued talents who have failed to ever reach the potential they hinted at in their youth. There is, however, one baby-faced right-back exception…
Kleberson Kleberson, United's first ever Brazilian signing, was acquired for £6.5 million after impressing as part of the Brazil team which won the 2002 World Cup. Intended as a replacement for Juan Sebastián Verón, he made just twenty league appearances in two seasons for United after picking up an injury in his second outing for the club. An attack-minded midfielder who at his best was characterised by energy and fast passing, Kleberson was unable to settle at United and departed in 2005. Following unimpressive spells at Besiktas, Flamengo, Atletico Paranaense and Bahia, he now plays on loan for Philadelphia Union in the MLS. Anderson Despite scoring a penalty in the shootout of the Champions League final in 2008, Anderson has failed to fulfil his considerable potential whilst at United, and not for lack of opportunities. Once likened to Ronaldinho, Anderson at his finest is a bustling, skilful box-to-box midfielder, but has suffered repeated injury setbacks and fitness issues, many of which have been self imposed through poor dietary habits and a fondness for a night out. Despite United's current alarming lack of central midfield options, Anderson has barely featured in his team's recent games. If rumours are to be believed, his time at Old Trafford may be up as soon as January.
Another promising Brazilian central midfielder, Possebon was signed by United after impressing the same Brazilian scout who identified the Da Silva twins. After making his debut in August 2008, Possebon was injured in a challenge by Middlesbrough captain Emanuel Pogatetz in a League Cup game in September 2003. Although fears that he had broken his leg were later dispelled, Possebon failed to respond effectively to his layoff, and left the club in 2010. He currently plays for Brazilian fourth division side Juventude. The Da Silva twins Thankfully, not all of United's Brazilian signings will go down as talented but ultimately wasted prodigies. Indeed, there are few players who possess the same cult hero status amongst United's current crop than the Da Silva brothers. Fabio's time at Old Trafford may be drawing to an end, but despite struggling with injury and occasionally missing out to Chris Smalling this term, Rafael remains United's best right back. Pacy, direct and with ever improving defensive skills, he could dominate the position for the next ten years, and may well go on to succeed where United's other Brazilian imports have flimsily failed. |
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