Young Devils Slay the Mighty Gunners

MAN UTD 3 ARSENAL 2: How did the Man United players fare

Picture courtesy of http://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2016/feb/28/manchester-united-v-arsenal-premier-league-live

David De Gea

Returned from injury in time for the game. Had done well to make himself big to prevent Monreal from scoring. Was generally solid but could have reacted better to Welbeck’s header though (he gets a benefit of a doubt that maybe he could have been blocked by Rojo. Still the best GK in the League in my opinion.

Guille Varela

Once again, the right back has produced a turbo charged performance down the right hand side. Coped well with Alexis Sanchez and bombed up the opposition half at every opportunity. Set up the first goal with a brilliant cross. This kid is going to give Darmian a good fight for the RB spot.

Michael Carrick

Composed, and a calm influence at the back as he should be, he was the oldest player in the team. Combined well with Blind. Pace is suspect but makes it up with his fantastic reading of the game. Made some really vital Interceptions.

Daley Blind

Was full of running and pressing, Makes up his lack of pace and strength by using his intelligence and constant pressing. Also made critical interceptions. Held the fort well with Carrick at the back.

Marcos Rojo

In my view, the player who was not good on the day. It’s understandable because this was his first start since last year. Lacked match sharpness and along with Schneirderlin was culpable for allowing Welbeck to head home Arsenal’s first goal. Substituted as he reinjured himself after a strong challenge from Welbeck.

Morgan Schneiderlin

Apart from letting Welbeck loose to head home the first goal for Arsenal, he was immense at the base of the Man Utd Defence.Absolutly brilliant pressing and vital tackles made by him. Protected the back four brilliantly. He is a vital cog in United’s Midfield. Should never be dropped after this.

Ander Herrera

One of his best performance in a United shirt. Magnificent pressing and interceptions made by him. Was also influencing the attack by moving forward often and supplying killer passes to the 3 forwards .One such pass led to United’s first Goal. Brilliantly took his goal(which was the  winning goal). We know he packs killer shots and he showed them today. This guy should never be dropped after this.

Juan Mata

What a Performance by him. The heartbeat that kept running and running to create attack after attack time and time again. Linked with the 3 strikers brilliantly and even pressed for the ball when it wasn’t with him. If Mourinho dropped him before because of lack of workrate, I wonder what he will think when he sees today’s performance. Magnificent.

Jesse Lingard

One of his better games, was full of energy and combined well with varela on occasions. Their combo led to the 2^nd Goal that was scored by Rashford. That was a very good cross by Lingard. Needs to start using his pace and take on left backs more often rather than trying to cut in or pass the ball back to the right back.

Memphis Depay

Better, much better from the mercurial Dutchman.Begining to feel confident of his abilities and is also beginning to adapt to the English game. For the first time he actually took both the Arsenal fullbacks to the byline instead of cutting inside (which had made him predictable up to now). The way he brought that pass down with his back turned, it was class. There is only one more thing he needs to do. Use that devastating pace and play with a faster tempo. I truly believe now we will begin to see the Real Memphis.

Marcus Rashford

What a game, what a player. Did not look his age at all. It seemed that he had been playing for United for ages. The way he took his first goal (which was also his first shot) and the way he headed home the 2^nd Ala Cristiano was magnificent. Now I know we have been through this route before with Macheda and Welbeck, but this boy genuinely can play. Once again let’s not get to carried away and give the boy his soace.He is only 18 anyway. Long way to go son.

               Picture courtesy of http://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2016/feb/28/manchester-united-v-arsenal-premier-league-live

Adnan Januzaj

Back to his best, came in and did exactly what he was told to do, Keep the ball and bamboozle Arsenal’s defense. Could have gone on and scored himself but choose to keep the ball.

Timothy Fonsu Mensah

Another highly rated 18 year old youngster, thrusted into the game when it was at its peak. Took time to settle in (even made same silly back passes and also lost possession easily) but when the stage freight was over, he made his presence felt. He finished the game strongly, became more confident and made some very important interceptions at the end. This is another player to look out for.

James Weir

Another debut. However, he had very little time to do anything. Hope to see more of the kid.

Picture courtesy of http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3467913/Manchester-United-3-2-Arsenal-Marcus-Rashford-follows-debut-heroics-two-half-goals.html

Europa League Reaction Man Utd

EUROPA League Reaction

MANCHESTER UNITED VS FC MIDTYLAND –How did the UTD Players fare?

                                 Picture courtesy of football365.com

Sergio Romero

Virtually was doing more kicking then saving this time around, though he was alert when called upon. Is definitely looking more assured then his first few games earlier in the season. Not at fault for the goal though.

Guille Varela

One of the bright sparks of the match. The youngster was at his overlapping best .Was a constant thorn in the opposition side. Linked well with Lingard and initiated the move for the one of the goals. Needs to be more decisive though defensively.

Michael Carrick

Due to one of the most terrible injury crisis of all time, Carrick is forced to play in Centre of defense and captained the side for the day. Was generally comfortable Aside from some sloppy back passes. Him going to ground in attempt to tackle the Opposition Player resulted in the goal that the opposition scored.

Daley Blind

Still not convincing as a proper Centreback.Was neat and tidy in possession.Sprayed some passes well.However, he neither is physically imposing nor does he possess the pace that a central defender needs or shows. He would be more suited as a Defensive Midfielder.

Joe Riley

Another youngster who kept bombing forward well and linked up well with Memphis. Their Combo could have been better but it was good. He also did provide good delivery into the box more than one occasion. Was Subbed for Rojo but can be proud of himself as he had a very good outing.

Morgan Schneirderlin

Finally put in his actual position of being a midfield destroyer. He kept the midfield ticking ad pressed hard. Also put some strong tackles .Even hit the post twice .Insanely attempted an acrobatic overhead attempt that Rooney would have been proud of.

Ander Herrera

Also finally played in his position. Kept pressing for the ball well and picked out the strikers well. Got forward and found the right channels well. Was tad a bit lazy to challenge the opposition for the goal though. Made that up with that thumping penalty though.

Juan Mata

Mata was doing his best to link up with the 3 strikers and was doing well to find pockets of spaces in the attacking third and middle of the park. Brushed off the ball quite easily at times .He played a massive part in supplying Rashford’s second goal though. Did brilliantly to cross the ball right on the line. Fluffed his lines when he missed the penalty though.

Jesse Lingard

Was running up and down.Attemptd to combine with Varela but came up short most of the time. Did not take on the LB of the opposition as he should have. He has no other special characteristics other than being at the right place at the right time to score decisive goals.

Memphis Depay

Finally, produced a performance worth of his hype and fee. Was immense in all the goals, not to mentioned bagging one himself and assisting one as well. Was tormenting the RB of the opposition like a flair winger should. Even produced a few good crosses as well. Only negative would be his decision to slow the tempo a little in order to cut to his right food all the time. That would eventually make him easy to predict. In Europe he would be afforded the time but in the EPL he has to use his devastating pace and stop being predictable.

Marcus Rashford

Wow, What a debut. Kudos for LVG for taking the risk (though Giggs definitely had a big part to play).This boy looks the real deal. He has pace and tricks and packs a powerful shot. He also has a fantastic instinct of a striker where he knows exactly where to be at the right time (as per his goals).Well we have had a few false dawns like Macheda and Welbeck (still debatable though), but this boy is destined for greatness. Let’s not swallow the hype though, let’s see his next match before actually labelling him as the next boy wonder emerging from the youth ranks.

SUBS

Marcos Rojo

Got valuable game time and combined well with Depay at times.

Regan Poole

Got a good game feel .not much time to showcase his ability.

Andreas Pereira

Still prefer him over Lingard. Has good pace and can whip in good crosses. Is also skillful and has the flair of a good winger. Needs more games.

Why Ryan Giggs is a better candidate to take over the reins at Old Trafford as Opposed to Jose M

Photo courtesy of www.mirror.co.uk

As I mentioned in the Previous Article, I strongly believe that Ryan Giggs should be the next one in Line to manage Manchester United. 

Here are My reasons

         

Gigssy has been at United since he was a Kid, He knows the club and the tradition and the hierachacy inside out. Yes Jose is a proven winner, but he does not know the club tradition, having learned that with LVG, I doubt Utd would want to repeat the act with Jose.

Giggs is has learned the trade as an assistance manager now for 3 years (one year under moyesy and 2 years under LVG).He has also been an interim manager therefore he knows how to hold the dressing room. 

José Mourinho has the advantage of being a proven winner, however, the only difference between him and LVG is the dynamism and charisma. Jose would fall out with the players and the board faster than you think and he does not believe in encouraging youngsters (We have many talented youngsters waiting to be unleashed).

Like LVG, Jose Prefers to ditch entertainment and the high press football (like what Leicester are doing now) and Park the bus.Barca did the same with Pep, Southampton with Pochettino, these clubs believed in them and believed that they could build a team. 

 Yes we can buy all the best Players in the world and turn them into world beaters like Mourinho would but how many Teams have Mourinho built by himself? Only FC Porto, the rest of the teams he managed were built for him. 

Ranieri did most of the building at Chelsea, Roberto Mancini at Inter Milan , Manuel Pellegrini at Real Madrid and Finally Carlo Ancelotti and Chelsea again. There are no A grade Players in this current squad that can bail Jose Out. Jose would have to buy a gazillion of players to build the team he wants. 

Ryan Giggs however can develop the kids and build a Squad that will rule for a generation. It’s a risk well worth taking.
       As a former player that played under an entertaining team, Giggs will unleash the shackles of the flair players. 
  Jose meanwhile also like LVG likes to shackle some of his players (Mata, Hazard, Robben, Ozil to name a few).   

     
Entertainment and never say die attitude should come back and most importantly, Leicester have shown that we can adapt the 4-4-2 Formation with pressing and flair, Giggs knows that by heart and will bring excitement and entertainment back.

This is what I think, I know there are many that will beg to differ, I understand that and also think that Jose Mourinho is a great manager, However he does not fit Man Utd.

Let’s Hope Change transpires soon and the Excitement and Entertainment comes back

Glory Glory Man United.

Photo courtesy of www.hdwallpapersnew.net

Why Thy Devils are stuck in limbo and what will spur them back.

This blog or article is directed to people who support the Manchester United or those who really embody the mantra “Eat Football, Live Football and Die Football”.

As a Madcap Manchester United Fan, I am still like some of you, stuck in the Golden Decade of Majesticness concocted by The Great Scot Sir Alex Ferguson who in my opinion is the greatest Man Utd Manager ever. Which is why I feel that the decision to appoint David Moyes as his successor was a big mistake. After winning the title Sir Alex Retired, but choosing David Moyes who is a very good coach but possessed little top club experience, should not have taken place. Man Utd should have tried harder for Pep Guardiola or even Jürgen Klopp at that time (all managers with CL and Top Tier Experience).Instead, we got the full swing of Moyes naivety tactically and mentally as well.Ed Woodward, The CEO himself was not helping Moyes at all. I mean Come on, the only signing made was Maroune Fellaini (decent but not great). The Squad was aging and needed an overhaul. Due to a bad run of results, players losing faith and crashing out of the Champions League, Moyes was sacked. United Appointed Louis Van Gaal as his successor.

I was hoping LVG (Louis Van Gaal) will usher in a stable but entertaining transition period. But Damn I was wrong, gave him a season to settle in, we did OK last year but this year has been one roller coaster ride of a season. I strongly believe that the players do not believe in his philosophy of possession football. I also believe that the Players have had their wings clipped. None of them appear to want to take the risk and go for the jugular. Every single one of them prefer to keep it save. Else Big LVG ditches them. It’s like he keeps saying to them “Your job is to keep it tight and keep the ball…nothing else…Entertainment is for losers….Possession is for Winners”. Angel di Maria was offloaded because he was told to hold back. Di Maria would have fitted in perfectly had Van Gaal kept faith with his natural abilities. The Players have also definitely been held back, with Van Gaal not allowing them to play their natural game, the players look lost, there is no game plan, there is no spirit,. When was the last time Utd fought back from the jaws of defeat as we had grown accustomed to under Fergie?

I do admit though that he has showed faith in youth (though it could be due to injuries as well).From Paddy Mcnair, Tyler Blackett, James Wilson and Adnan Janujaz Last Year to a host of new youths this year (Andreas Pereira, Guile Varela, Donald Love, Will Keane, Jesse Lingard, Cameron Bothwick Jackson, James Weir and Sean Goss).All this kids will benefit from this experience. But the bottom line is Van Gaal has to go, his tactics are still so 1994.

Football has moved on and we need to move on as well.

The Best Way forward I think is to take the risk and make Ryan Giggs the new manager.

Best Formation to save the season in my Opinion; 4-3-3

                                                                        DE GEA

      Varela                   Smalling                       Jones                      Bothwick Jackson

                                             Herrera                   Schneiderlin         Blind

                                                    Pereira        Lingard       Martial

Krabi Ao Nang Places to Visit in 2Days

So here are 3 things you can do at Krabi

1. Krabi Walking Street...

Alright this is a must visit place when you are in Krabi Town. I was lucky enough as the hotel that i stayed provided us with shuttle service to get down in Krabi town near seven eleven(usually where the shuttle pick and drop us ) so it is basically 5 to 10 minutes walking distance from the seven eleven itself and you will reach here in Krabi walking street. Your landmark will be CIMB bank opposite the walking street.

As we were walking around the Krabi walking street we came across all kinds of shops selling arts crafts, accessories and many more. What i enjoyed most here is obviously the food as i am foodie myself so there is no chance of missing the local food here.

I tried this chocolate banana pancake which cost me 20 Baht each and I could not resist myself from ordering another one whereby the uncle selling the pancake gave me that smile like " i know you would come find for me " hahahaha .... And then i also ordered chicken kebab wrapped in pita bread with some chicken slices and you can choose your own toppings....It is simply delicious...

After that i was too thirsty and i bought freshly squeezed orange juice , which was absolutely delicious...so i don’t see why foodies like me would not want to visit this walking street , don’t you ?

Haha :)

2. Wat Tham Sua or Better known As Tiger Cave Temple (3km away from town)

So are you prepared to do hiking and sweat all out??!!This temple has some historical interest and works as meditation Center and of course Buddha footprint above the sea level with breathtaking view. And for you to reach this place you need basically climb up 1237 steps. Wait did i just said 1237 steps? Yes it is 1237 steps to reach and even if you are in good shape it is very difficult for you to reach on top. But once you reach on top you will never regret doing that since the scenery from above is absolutely stunning.

You can still enjoy watching the surroundings even if you did not manage to go on top like many of us. 

3. Island Hopping

This is a must do list if you are visiting Krabi.  Phi Phi Island are among the famous island not to be missed and also Bamboo Island. Do remember to bring some cash as they are entrance fee for foreigners. Another beautiful place is Maya Bay that is sheltered by 100 meters cliffs. You can find the tour package for island hopping and mostly will have this island in the list. You can enjoy snorkeling, swimming and simply relax and enjoy the view.

It can be crowded especially during the peak season and please bring your sunglasses and extra clothes. This island can be accessed either through long tail boat, speed boat, cruise or private boat. Long tail boat is cheaper option if you can bare the noise and for short distance only. I would recommend speed boat. For more luxury option you can choose cruise which is relatively more expensive than the others.

Okay guys that's all for now and in my next blog I will be writing about the hotel I have stayed in Krabi Front Bay Resort so please do read as well. Thank you for your time reading my travel hacks and please do leave us a comment.