Red Rants |
- Mourinho attempts to unsettle United youngsters
- “Get me Hummels, Strootman and Vidal”
- Premier League rivals could bid for United misfit
| Mourinho attempts to unsettle United youngsters Posted: 25 Jul 2014 05:00 PM PDT
Mourinho was interested in the ex-Southampton left-back but the 19-year-old chose to move to Manchester United ahead of Chelsea this summer in a £28m deal. In an attempt to silence youngsters within his own squad, Mourinho insists that, had he agreed to Shaw’s wage demands, the dressing room at Stamford Bridge would have been in uproar.
Mourinho said: “If we pay to a 19-year-old boy what we were being asked for, to sign Luke Shaw, we are dead. We would have killed our stability with financial fair play, and killed the stability in our dressing room. “Because when you pay that much to a 19-year-old kid – a good player, fantastic player – but when you pay that amount of money, the next day, we would have had players knocking on our door. “They would have been saying ‘How is it possible I play 200 games for this club, won this and that, yet a 19-year-old comes here and gets more money than I get?’ “It would’ve killed immediately our balance, and we couldn’t allow that. “I don’t criticise another club for paying it. They can pay what they want. I don’t have any comment about it. “But for my club we can say it would be very negative for us, especially when we can say Felipe is much less expensive. “Sometimes you have to make decisions.” RedRants Opinion? If a 19yr old’s wage has such a negatively influential effect on your dressing room plus the wage demands of your players, what effect does having countless loanees on vast sums of money themselves have on it? What effect does that have on the ‘balance’ of your club versus that of signing a player who’d slot into 40+ games per season for you? With Moyes at the helm last season it quickly became apparent United were not a force to be reckoned with and thus the mind games appeared to decease early in the campaign. Had Moyes proved to be a danger to others (such as Mourinho) he would have encountered far more verbal battles and mind games than he did. Now, with the obvious strength of mind, direction and will to win being shown by Mr van Gaal already, the competitors are worried and feeling the need to sow seeds of both positivity and negativity within both their own camps and that of United’s. Luke Shaw is the brightest talent in the country right now and Chelsea have failed to secure his services despite his family being loyal Chelsea supporters and the owner having enough pocket money to outbid United for ANY player. Mourinho knows United have purchased the best quality 19yr old in the land and he’s keen to put his own spin on it whilst ultimately attempting to cause unrest within United’s youth ranks by highlighting his (Shaw’s) considerable wage demands. There’s also a guarded message to his own young stars that, unless you’re Luke Shaw, you’re getting paid what we say you’re getting paid and don’t come knocking on my door. Paddy Crerand described Shaw as ‘a man in boys clothes’ the other night and he’s right. These sort of players only come around every now and again and therefore trade for sums and command such wages that pro’s far advanced into theirs careers deserve. Wayne Rooney springs to mind as an obvious example whilst Ross Barkley’s £60,000 per-a-week Everton deal (at a similar age to Shaw) simply serves to reaffirm this. What these players possess is a physicality and mentality way beyond their seemingly tender years. Mourinho’s attempt to unsettle Shaw by highlighting his wage demands will be water off a ducks back. £27m for a teenager who will either go on to make 500+ appearances for United (or leave for a figure WAY beyond that of his initial fee before he reaches that landmark) is undoubtedly good business. With van Gaal’s history of promoting youth and the likes of Wilson, Lingard, Lawrence, Keane(s), Perreira, Rothwell and Pearson on the periphery of United’s first team, it’s no surprise Jose has targeted United’s youngsters. I’d be worried too after the greatest Chelsea hope to emerge from their academy, Josh McEachran, has amounted to very little at Stamford Bridge despite being part of a winning FA Youth Cup squad just a few years ago of which NONE have emerged as first team stars. Your boy Felipe Luis isn’t a patch on Shaw, Jose, and you know it. If you’re resorting to mind games before the season, I can’t wait to hear what you make of our lack of European commitments during it. You just know that will be the stick he tries to beat van Gaal with like he did with Rodgers last season. Look out Jose, Louis is no Brendan and he’s certainly no David! |
| “Get me Hummels, Strootman and Vidal” Posted: 25 Jul 2014 06:43 AM PDT
That 12 months resulted in an enforced hiatus for United, an enforced break for myself due to work and health reasons. But, we're both back!!! I thought I'd re-introduce myself with a chat to America based podcaster, @NipunChopra7, about all things United. Here’s how it went…..
I started listening to, and tweeting with lifelong Manchester United fan, Nipun Chopra, & his friend Smitty a little while ago after discovering their podcast on iTunes. The juxtaposition of the unitedandliverpoolfans.podbean.com site intrigued me greatly, how self-dubbed Manchester United and Liverpool fans could co-exist let alone be friends…. As it turns out, they mange it with much comical banter, insults, an unhealthy Love of Gabe's mom, insults and some degree of reflective honesty. Oh yes, and more Insults!! Even so, being some 3500 plus miles away from this fiercest of rival epi-centres undoubtedly helps. With the beginning of the United US Tour games and the new Louis Van Gaal era, we’ve checked in with Nipun to see what the view is across the pond. Welcome Nipun… Thanks for talking to RedRants pal! Q. So how did a neuroscientist in America become a Manchester United supporter? What was your first game? In '02, I moved to the states for my studies and watching footy became difficult once more. This was before the illegal websites and YouTube appeared, so I would follow all of United's games through gametrackers on ESPN. My fingers still hurt from all the times I hit refresh! One of my favourite memories involved the 4-2 win against Arsenal – after Silvestre got sent off. "(John O'Sheainho… John O'Shea… O'Shea… O'Shea… John O'Shea… O'Shea…. O'Shea…)" I couldn't believe how we turned that game around – and following it on gametracker was a special experience that has stuck with me. Makes me appreciate how lucky I am to watch all these games in HD TV or on my iPhone now. Around '06, I noticed a change – we were starting to see more and more premium channels show the premier league and I can say that in the last 7 years, I have missed two games (one was a pre-season friendly) that United has been involved in. My life is planned out around United games. Q. And more importantly, how on earth did you and Smitty team up and where did the inspiration for your site come from? NC: During one of the months where my neuroscience experiments weren't going too well, I tried to find a way to distract myself with what I loved most – United and footy. It started with a now-defunct blog and eventually lead to the ULF(United and Liverpool Fans) podcast with my close friend Uday Jhala. Eventually, Gabe – who was the goalkeeper on my team – took over and the podcast has really taken off in the last 12 months. He is a terrific co-host, friend and pundit. I think at times our banter takes centre stage, but I think Gabe's ever-expanding knowledge of tactics and personnel is an integral part of the ULF podcast. I would say that even though I've been watching footy for much longer, Gabe's expansive reading and research drive the serious tactical conversations of the podcast. The inspiration for the pod was a combination of the desire to discuss footy and, frankly, the availability of a co-host. At that time, I was surrounded by Liverpool fans. It would be a bit disingenuous for me to say that I had planned that all along. Producing the podcast has pushed me out of my comfort zone. I have had to learn to record, produce and edit. I have learned to promote stuff via social media and also to deal with the criticisms that come along with that exposure. And it's allowed me to connect with fellow United fans such as yourself, 'Joanie'. "Thanks' for that Charchi!!!…. It's been his nick-name for me ever since he decided I bitch like a Girl!!! In fairness to me though, Moyes tenure was doing nothing for my mental health!!!!" Q. How do you think your collaboration would be viewed in the wider United fan base? What feedback have you received? NC: The reception has been mixed. There are purists who would never listen to the podcast because they consider any collaboration with Liverpool fans to be blasphemous. While I can see why certain fans feel that way, given the limited (but growing) popularity of footy stateside, there is a certain camaraderie amongst fans of the beautiful game here. Yes, we argue about each other's teams, but we are still the outsiders here – and that is why there is the space for a ULF podcast here. On the other hand, there are fans (such as yourself) who get the podcast for what it is – Gabe and I are having fun discussing the teams and the sport we love. We don't try to be Football Weekly or Teamtalk – we have more unadulterated banter and mom jokes! Initially, when I started the podcast, I was obsessed with the tactical side of things. Two years in, I realised that there are far better tacticians out there (since I stopped playing Footy manager) and I'll leave the pedantic analysis to them. Besides, I like to record special podcasts – such as serious interviews about concussions with Dr. Vincent Gouttebarge (chief Medical officer of FIFPro) and ridiculous interviews (such as the character I made up – Chuis Suarez, twin brother of Luis Suarez). The myriad of topics keeps the podcast fresh and fun to record. "That Interview with Dr.Gouttebarge was a really interesting in-depth discussion on Football's provision for mental health, acute head injuries and the link with Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)… really worth a listen and still and can still be retrieved from their feed on iTunes." NC: Overall, we have scores of compliments and have been able to collaborate with well-known members of the footy community stateside. Such as Phil Schoen (commentator for BeIN Sport). Q. Do you feel there is a rivalry/disconnect between match-going fans and our brethren in the MUFC Global community? NC: Great question! Yes, there certainly is. Being a regular season ticket holder gives people an automatic validation amongst the rest of us MUFC fans. I consider myself to be an obsessed fan, but I have never been to Old Trafford. So, perhaps the OT faithful would consider someone like me to be a fair-weather fan. But the truth is, there are so many of us who love United as much as regular ticketholders. I plan my life around watching United games; my experiments, my relationships, etc. everything is placed second to watching United. So, for me, I consider myself to be a real fan. However, there are those who would not agree – since I've never been to OT. And, honestly, that's okay with me. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. United has 360 million fans worldwideTM – obviously there will be differences in opinion. I'd like to think that if a match-going fan were to meet me, they would realize that I am as knowledgeable about United's history (especially in the premier league era) as they are. Certainly, I've been told that by regular listeners of the pod. "I think that a great point. We see it a lot on twitter, where opinions of Non-match going United fans are seen as second-class by the plethora of (lucky-to-be) match-going 'Top Reds' out there." So dude, onto the ‘New Era’….
NC: Let me start by admitting that I supported the decision for Moyes to become manager. I have a lot of respect and admiration for David Moyes. I think it's an oversimplification to place all the blame on him. Additionally, I strongly believe that no matter who replaced Sir Alex, they would have struggled – including Mourinho. And I think some of the nonsense on twitter about Moyes is embarrassing to read; as I believe that nuanced United fans realize that he had to go – but he certainly wasn't the imbecile he has been made out to be. The flyover banner was incredibly embarrassing. My faith waivered early – around xmas time. But, I thought he deserved more time to turn things around and when he signed Mata, I hoped that things would get better. The first time that I found myself declaring that he should be undoubtedly fired was after the Liverpool game. We were squalid and disgustingly impotent that day. And I knew it was only a matter of time; he was fired about a month later. At the end of the day, Moyes is a good manager, and will show that in the future at another club; possibly abroad for now. I think maybe a move back to Scotland might be best suited for Moyes. Although, if he ends up anywhere other than Celtic, he's not going to win anything, is he? "That's a bit harsh on Celtic Charchi!; we DID have a good relationship with the Parkhead club, don't go messing it up with wishing Moyes on them!! I must admit I was getting called a 'plastic' by September… Even by then I felt you could see how the team were not responding to Moye's training or (non)tactics….. Queue the revolution of tactics and training under Van Gaal and his team of talented coaches…" Q. It must be great to have United back in your country again, is there much interest post-WC and have you managed to get a ticket? NC: Yes, I think the interest has taken off. I was interviewed by many radio outlets during the World Cup – NBC sports radio, Yahoo sports radio and other local radio channels. "(You're such a name dropping Top red Charchi!)" That level of discussion and interest did not exist in the 2010 World Cup. Moreover, having the premier league on a mainstream channel (NBC) has really increased the exposure. "Excellent!" Q. Do you agree with the LVG appointment? What do you see him bringing to ‘the best football team in the world’? NC: Yes, I think he is a great choice. He will bring stability, stature, vision and passion to the club. I see LVG as a part of a 3-4 year cycle where his experience will allow the club to emerge from the shadow of Sir Alex. His stature within the game will ensure that someone like Rooney will not be given a 3rd chance if he acts up again (which I expect that he will). LVG is known for his reliance on youth and therefore his vision will allow the likes of Januzaj, Lawrence, Wilson, Lingard, Powell "(about to join up with the squad after recovering from Injury)", Petrucci, the and Keane "(Michael gave a great account of himself in the second half)" twins, etc. to train with and embed into the first team. Finally, just from his interviews, you can tell how passionate LVG is about football. And, that will only bring back the desire that I think we lacked last season. LVG has no patience for mediocrity, and I think there are certain United players who have been getting away with it recently.
Q. How do you think he’ll approach these pre-season friendliest especially since he’s renowned as a slow starter whilst embedding his playing philosophies and tactics? NC: He is also known for his focus on fitness. Which will be his first priority. Post-World Cup summers are always difficult with players coming in at different times. But, we have been able to deal with it well. In the premier league era, except for the 94-95 season where we lost out to Rovers, United has won the premier league after every single World Cup year – 98-99, 02-03, 06-07, 10-11. That can only bode well for us. Fitness aside, I don't expect to see much of a tactical imprint in the pre-season friendlies. Let's not forget that this will be a time for the likes of Zaha, Chicha, Cleverley, Smalling and Nani to convince LVG if they are worthy of a place in his team. Plus, the issue of captaincy. So, I think there will be other things LVG will be focusing on during pre-season. I think we might start seeing some tactical operation around the Madrid/Valencia games. And frankly, I cannot wait! Q. If you were LVGs assistant, what do you see as the top 3 Issues you'd advise him to address? NC: Apologizing to my brother and sister-in-law (get it?) "(Well she certainly did….)". Once he has done that – centre midfield, centre defence, lack of playing identity. Q. Is this title winning squad, as bad as 7th last year, or what was the major contributor to United’s season of woe? How does LVG address this? NC: There were a myriad of factors. I think the one that contributed most heavily was a lack of desire shown by many United players. LVG addresses this by letting go of the riff-raff, ruling with an iron fist (Fergie style), bringing in some new signings and bringing through some youth players. Also, cloning Bebe. "(You're going to see a Bebe theme soon…. )" “For me, I got twitched as soon as you had all the Everton lads coming out saying they've never trained so much with the ball. You expect them to be praising their new manager, but when you coupled that with the evidence on the Goodison and Old Trafford pitches, I was appalled just how poorly United passed, controlled and kept the football…. From then on I soon became anti-Moyes…." Q. What would be your next 3 realistic and attainable signings? NC: I think it's tough to know who is attainable in this market. Based on Ed Woodward Scissorhands' statement that money isn't an issue, perhaps if he could get me Hummels, Strootman and/or Vidal (in that order), I’d obviously be delighted! But realistically I’d settle for just one of those. Q. Following from that which 3 players would be shown the door if you had the say? NC: Ashley Young, Nani and dare I say it "(Dare!…Dare!…)" – Wayne Rooney. "Controversial Nipun… A player that splits opinion on the web… in the press…. And on the terraces! Rooney was probably one of the few Moyes' 'successes' last season, despite dipping in form in the latter part of the season. So what's your thinking behind Off-loading the 'Angry and Confused' one?" NC: Wazza's tantrums seem to come in 2 year cycles. Which means, we are due for one towards the end of the season. I can see a situation where LVG drops Rooney for some tactical or form reason "(Think RVP at the WC!)" and Rooney responds by asking for assurances and possibly a move away. In fact given that Wayne goes through patches of poor form every season, LVG dropping him (especially given how front-loaded we are) is inevitable. Lastly, this is probably the last year we can collect a sizable fee for him. We can then either re-invest or bring someone through. Lets not forget, that in his two best positions – No.9 and No.10, we have Chicha, Welbz, Shinji, Mata, Januzaj already and have Wilson, Petrucci, Powell and Lawrence breaking through. "(The Januzaj situation intrigues me as LVG seems to have settled on the idea of United primarily playing his 3-4-1-2 Oranje World cup system, allowing him to play 2 strikers but reduce opportunities for a Januzaj, who would have to oust players like Shinji, Rooney, Mata and even Herrera after his great debut…!)" If we get £25 odd million for Wayne, it can go towards the "pay whatever Juventus wants" Arturo Vidal Fund. Q. Where do you think LVG can finish this season? And Now, for the ‘The Good… The Bad… and the Ugly…!’ What’s your favourite Manchester United…. Q. > Memory? Seeing the headline "Manchester United has accepted a bid for David Beckham" on United's website. Q. What’s the Ugliest thing you’ve seen in football… Player, game or incident ? And lastly, just to judge what sort of Flava of United supporter you are….. Thanks for answering those questions Nipun. It's been a real insight. I'd definitely suggest folks catch your Podcast… especially with the coming season whilst listening to Gabe implode now Liverpool are Suarezless!! Have you anything to say to the RedRants forum or United fans in general? RedRants – You guys are one of the websites I visit to research the pod and to get a flavour of what United fans (especially England-based) are opining on. I often find myself yelling at or affirming to the many excellently written articles. Don't stop what you're doing! Most of all, thanks to Jony for thinking of me when he decided to write this up. United fans in general – Appreciate Bebe. He is #B3B3L3G3ND Thanks again and…. ….Glory Glory Man United!! |
| Premier League rivals could bid for United misfit Posted: 25 Jul 2014 05:44 AM PDT
Despite signing a five-year deal 12 months ago, Nani has been linked with an exit from Old Trafford since the January transfer window and, somewhat mysteriously given his appalling performances, the Portuguese looks to have attracted interest from a host of European clubs, including Juventus, Inter Milan, AC Milan and Galatasaray.
According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, however, it is Arsenal who are likely to step up their interest and could offer United around €11.5m – £9m – for the winger who, despite scoring in Portugal’s 2-2 draw against the USA, enjoyed a rather unimpressive World Cup, as did the rest of his teammates. Louis Van Gaal has made clear he intends to play with a 3-5-2 formation this season and with Rafael and Antonio Valencia likely to battle it out for the right wing-back spot, Nani’s opportunities appear to be limited, particularly given Van Gaal’s scarce tolerance for players who boast as petulant an attitude as Nani tends to do too frequently. The Portuguese played only 13 times in all competitions last season and managed just one goal, as a series of injuries and poor performances contributed to his struggle under David Moyes. A Bola adds that United are likely to demand something closer to €14m – just over £11m – which could be a very risky strategy given that Nani’s performances over the last 18 months can hardly to justify a £5m bid, let alone one worth more than double, while Arsenal could decide to pursue other targets. The Gunners have already signed Mathieu Debuchy and Alexis Sanchez this season and with Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain already in their squad, another winger doesn’t seem to be a priority for Arsene Wenger but United might hope to include Nani as make weight in any deal involving Thomas Vermaelen. |
Jose Mourinho believes the signing of Luke Shaw would have killed his current club, Chelsea, had they have pursued his signature.
So, the new era as begun. Louis Van Gaal's Manchester United crushed the L.A.Galaxy 7-0 in a testimony to Oranje style and an affirmation that Woodward and the Glazer's may have finally got the right man, twelve months too late….
Q. I know from your Podcast you agreed with the decision to replace the beleaguered David Moyes, but when did you lose your faith in the ‘Chosen One’?
"Got to agree totally with this. By the end of David Moyes tenure, the press pack were simply running rings around him and generally taking the 'Michael'!! LVG is already in control of the press conferences. I simply can't wait for that infamous Van Gaal explosion and I'm quickly drawing up a list of hacks for him to target!!"
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