English Premier League Blog

Utd News Roundup and preview of Fergie's last game

Ian — Sat, 18 May 2013 01:42:36 +0000

I perhaps should have done this earlier, because there has been plenty of Utd-related news strolling across the bottom of Sky Sports News this week. So let's run through some little news bites and see where we go....

Fergie's Farewell: The Master and one of his greatest apprentices bow out of Old Trafford

Ian — Mon, 13 May 2013 03:07:57 +0000

And so, 26 years, 6 months and 7 days after his appointment, Sir Alex Ferguson arrived at Old Trafford looking to oversee his final encounter in the stadium he has made home. A capacity crowd of 75,572 were in attendance to show their appreciation for the work of the greatest club manager the football world has ever seen. A man who took a struggling side and made them into champions, not just once, but 13 times. A man who built a side, and built another, and more still, each achieving success in their own right. A man who has become synonymous with the name, Manchester United Football Club. A man who has written an enormous chapter of the club's history. They were there to watch him turn the last but one page, the last ever in front of his followers, the last in front of the stand that will forever bear his name. Sir Alex Ferguson. The Greatest.

Moyes is the man for Manchester United

Ian — Thu, 09 May 2013 07:10:47 +0000

Well, in the last few moments, the fastest moving and most important sports news story of the year has thrown us the expected, with the confirmation that David Moyes will become the new Manchester United manager. Over the last day or so, Moyes' name had come firmly to the front of the likelihood list, and now it is a done deal. This will come into effect on July 1, with Moyes signing a SIX-year deal. With the length of the contract, it signals a very strong vote of confidence from the Utd management, with a unanimous approval from the board.

Thank you Sir Alex, the greatest manager of our time

Ian — Wed, 08 May 2013 01:26:36 +0000

The shock of the news of Sir Alex's retirement this morning hit me more than any sports story I have ever read. Can I write a fitting tribute? No, I am not a good enough writer. It is a time every Utd fan knew would come one day, but like ...

Man Utd vs Chelsea Match Report (The fire's gone out for the Reds as Chelsea look to Champions League place)

Ian — Mon, 06 May 2013 02:24:07 +0000

I suppose the key point to make before we start is the fact that Utd have nothing left to play for, whereas Chelsea still have to do the business to get a Champions League place. They'll be aware Arsenal and Tottenham are watching their games with interest and for a large part of yesterday, with pleasure. For Utd, after clawing back to a draw last week, the chance was there to put in a carefree performance. Instead it was as sluggish as a sluggish man caught in a particular sticky and sluggish marsh. The team lacked a cutting edge in the same way a spoon does, and it was incredibly boring to watch. But, if only in the interest of completeness, review it we shall.

Arsenal vs Man Utd Match Report (Robin's return to the Emirates)

Ian — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 01:55:46 +0000

Utd fans have had their excitement for this week already, so in the interests of natural balance, it could be said that the match against Arsenal was always going to be a bit more in the ilk of a middle-of-the-table clash. Many things tried beforehand to point to the contrary. Yes, the Reds may have enjoyed a cold beverage or six during the week, but there was the record points haul on offer? It's all about records, right, to be the best of the best? Beside that, there was the Arsenal guard of honour, classily organised, but understandably not adhered to by some Gunners fans, with their players effectively applauding ex-main man RVP on getting some silverware that they haven't got. In nautical terms, a bit like the captain leaving the boat first (Hey, you're the big man - get back here!). That would be enough to get Arsenal riled up enough to get a good performance out of them, and by association, Utd. So perhaps not a damp squib?

Wolves set for second successive relegation

DJ — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 15:04:45 +0000

Wolves fell to defeat with a bit of a whimper against a team that had nothing to play for at Molineux on Saturday and so virtually secured their own piece of history by being the only team relegated from the top two divisions in successive seasons twice. The last time ...

Wolves have two matches to save their skin

DJ — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 08:22:35 +0000

The defeat at Charlton on Saturday saw Wolves return to the relegation positions, and now there are only two games left to achieve an improved league position and preserve their Championship status. The faith that they can avoid a second successive drop in divisions is being stretched to the limit ...

TITLE 20 after number 20 sinks Villa

Ian — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 01:21:15 +0000

20 times a league winner. A record 20 times a league winner. Utd's title winning machine rumbled on and over its target, with four games to spare, to clinch the Premier League Trophy last night as Aston Villa came to town for the celebrations. Realistically, there was only going to be one winner here because this was a special occasion under the lights of Old Trafford and everyone inside it was willing it to happen. Willpower doesn't win football games, but the support inside the ground was brilliant, and fittingly, Utd produced a similarly great display to wrap things up. Here's what happened:

The Title Awaits!

Ian — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 07:48:30 +0000

Most will be aware by now, but following today's clash between Manchester City and Tottenham, 2nd placed City dropped three points as Spurs mounted a terrific comeback to run out 3-1 winners. This result means that Utd will be crowned Champions as early as tomorrow if they succeed in beating ...