Yuvraj Singh, who was the 12th man in the ongoing second Test between India and Pakistan, will now turn out for Punjab in their Ranji Trophy semi-final at Mumbai, starting on March 18. Mohammad Kaif will fly to Kolkata to replace Yuvraj and would take the field if necessary.This is the first time Punjab have entered the semi-finals since 2001 and face a stern test against the defending champions Mumbai at the Wankhede Stadium. Mumbai have not lost a single game at home since 2001, when, fittingly, they lost to Punjab in the quarter-finals. Mumbai, though, have been unstoppable in the last three years and barring a minor blip against Madhya Pradesh earlier this season, where they conceded the first-innings lead, they have cruised through without any trouble.Yuvraj, though, has consistently shown the ability to lift sides that he turns out for – both Punjab and North Zone – and his presence would surely be a boost for a much-improved Punjab. Gagandeep Singh, Amit Uniyal and VRV Singh comprise a potent pace attack and Mumbai’s batting brigade might just be put to test for the first time this season.Hyderabad take on Railways in the other semi-final in Delhi. Hyderabad will be without the talismanic presence of VVS Laxman, who boosted them to the knock-out stage, but Ambati Rayudu and Daniel Manohar, two talented youngsters, may just pick up the baton. Railways, though, start as favourites with a number of their players leading Central Zone to the Duleep Trophy triumph earlier this month. Their fortunes will hinge on Jai Prakash Yadav and Sanjay Bangar, both capable of tilting the scales with both bat and ball.The semi-finals of the Plate Group also gets underway on the same day. Haryana play Jharkhand in Chandigarh while Himachal Pradesh host Services at Dharamsala. The finalists will be promoted to the Elite Group next season.
Rahul Dravid came to England intent upon doing justice to his role as one of Scotland’s overseas professionals, which was evident in his visible disappointment when he was out for 25 in his first game in the National Cricket League, against Hampshire. He made a first-ball duck in a tour game against Pakistan, but then unleashed a majestic 120 not out against Somerset. Scotland still lost that match, a scenario which was repeated a few days later against Nottinghamshire, when Dravid’s 129 not out wasn’t enough to earn them an upset victory. Dravid remained in sublime form, but the quality of his team-mates meant that his back was against the wall throughout the season. Scotland averagesAugust 28 National Cricket League Scotland lost to Sussex by 1 wicketDravid’s superb season with Scotland ended in disappointment, as Scotland batted first and Dravid made just 1. His fellow overseas pro, Jon Kent, also failed to reach double figures, and Scotland ended up with 191 in their 31 overs. Sussex won by the Duckworth-Lewis method after rain stopped play, though they were precariously placed at that stage, with just one wicket in hand and 19 runs to get. Scorecard ReportAugust 26 National Cricket League Scotland lost to Northamptonshire by 8 wicketsDravid made 24 off 45 as Scotland batted first and were skittled out for 119. Northamptonshire got there easily, for the loss of just two wickets. ScorecardAugust 6 National Cricket League Scotland lost to Northamptonshire by 75 runsDravid scored a magnificent 114 – his third century of the season – but, like his two previous hundreds, this one was in a losing cause as well, as Northamptonshire triumphed by 75 runs. Dravid knock was laced with eight fours and a six, and came off just 102 balls, but with little support from the rest of the batsmen, the target of 320 was way beyond Scotland’s reach. Scorecard ReportAugust 4 National Cricket League Scotland lost to Hampshire by 7 wicketsJust the previous day Dravid and Jon Kent had won Scotland a game, and here again they added 103 runs to lift Scotland to 225 for 5 in their 45 overs. Dravid made 81 off 99 balls, with eight fours. John Crawley’s 83 not out won Hampshire the match, but Scotland’s overseas pros had, once again, gained them some respect.. Scorecard ReportAugust 3 National Cricket League Scotland beat Sussex by 6 wicketsA magnificent victory for Scotland, fashioned by its overseas pros, Dravid and Jon Kent. Chasing 270, Scotland added 57 for the first wicket, before three wickets fell without the addition of a run. Dravid and Kent then added 167 runs before Dravid was out for an efficient 69, off 79 balls, with seven fours. Kent stayed unbeaten with 115 as Scotland won by six wickets. Scorecard ReportJuly 9 National Cricket League Scotland lost to Lancashire by 10 wicketsScotland sank to yet another defeat, with Dravid making a bright 26 off 30 balls before being caught behind off fast bowler John Wood, who took 4 for 22 as Scotland laboured to 168 in their allotted 39 overs. Lancashire got there with ten overs, and as many wickets, to spare. Scorecard ReportJuly 7 National Cricket League Scotland lost to Durham by 114 runsShoiab Akhtar blew Scotland apart with four early wickets after Durham made 267. Dravid evaded Shoaib’s menace, but made only 5, the fifth man out with Scotland’s score on just six. Scotland’s lower order salvaged some pride by taking the score to 153, but all in all, it was an awful outing for both Dravid and Scotland. ScorecardJuly 6 National Cricket League Scotland lost to Nottinghamshire by four wicketsDravid played a sublime innings of 129 not out, but like his previous century for Scotland, this too went in vain. Coming to the crease at 7 for 2, Dravid paced his innings masterfully as wickets fell around him. At 40 for 4, Scotland were in dire straits, but Dravid, hitting 14 fours and four sixes, counter-attacked magnificently on a wicket that offered generous assistance to the fast bowlers. Scotland finished on 222 for 7 in their 45 overs, and were in the hunt for a while, until Chris Cairns took the game away for Nottinghamshire with an unbeaten 65. Scorecard ReportJune 17 National Cricket League Scotland lost to Middlesex by 112 runsMiddlesex made 255 and Scotland was never in the game, slipping to 36 for 5. Dravid was lbw to Ashley Noffke for 6. None of Scotland’s top five made it to double figures. Scorecard ReportJune 15 National Cricket League Scotland lost to Somerset by 1 wicketDravid made a magnificent 120 not out off 97 balls to take Scotland to a commanding 296 for 4 in their allotted 45 overs. The quality of their bowling was appalling though, and Somerset overhauled the target with five balls and one wicket to spare. Dravid’s innings was magnificently paced: his first fifty came off 57 balls, his next fifty off 34, and he reached his hundred with a six. In all, Dravid hit 10 fours and three sixes.Scorecard ReportJune 7 Tour match Scotland lost to Pakistan by 1 wicketDravid made a first-ball duck – caught behind of Shabbir Ahmed, as Scotland, asked to bat after Pakistan won the toss, made 169. Pakistan made a meal of the chase, eventually squeaking through by just one wicket. Scorecard ReportJune 1 National Cricket League Scotland lost to Hampshire by 7 wicketsDravid seemed upset with himself when he was out for 25, off 41 balls, and with good reason. With his dismissal, Scotland could make no more than 201 in their 45 overs, which was not enough to hold off Hampshire. Robin Smith made 82 not out as Hampshire won with two overs to spare. Scorecard Report
Chasing a nigh-impossible 469 for victory, Jammu & Kashmir foundthemselves at 128/3 on Day Three of their Ranji Trophy league matchagainst Delhi at the Feroze Shah Kotla grounds in Delhi.The home side, overnight on 46/1, were propelled to a good total of316/4, a score that enabled them to declare and push for a win.Skipper Mithun Manhas, batting first with Pradeep Chawla (52) and thenwith Sohail Rauf (81) made 128 off just 132 balls, with 18 fours andone six.The Delhi batsmen scored their runs in a hurry, with the 316 comingoff 59 overs in just 242 minutes, leaving the visiting bowlinghapless. Jammu & Kashmir were, at the close of play, staring down thebarrel at 128/3. Kavaljit Singh on 54 and Guru Pratap Singh on 6 werethe batsmen at the crease.
Ricky Ponting has spoken out strongly against the looming day-night Test match to be played in Adelaide between Australia and New Zealand, reckoning that the experimental format and pink ball will have to stand up to the scrutiny of the players involved if it is ever to have the credibility of the existing five-day game.On the night he was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in Melbourne, Ponting said the Cricket Australia-driven concept was something he had always opposed. This was largely due to his belief that Test match cricket should be kept as the purest possible contest between bat and ball, while the game’s two other formats served as greater vehicles for entertainment and night-time events.”I’ve actually been against it the whole time,” Ponting said. “I mean I understand the reasons behind wanting to innovate and wanting to be different, but at the same time I think Test cricket is all about history and tradition as far as I’m concerned.”But I guess the game has to go on and move forward. It will be interesting to see what the players make of it all and how much they enjoy the occasion. That’s what it comes down to at the end of the day, the players have to want to enjoy it and have to want to be a part of it and want to make it something extra special and let’s hope it works out that way.”‘I think Test cricket is all about history and tradition as far as I’m concerned’ – Ricky Ponting•Getty Images
Earlier this week, Ponting gave evidence via video link in the perjury trial of Chris Cairns. While unwilling to comment any further on the trial, he said Australia had been a leader in educating players about the murky world of spot-fixing and that he was eager to ensure the game continued to be closely monitored for any evidence of impropriety.”The way the game is it maybe does open itself up to more of that kind of thing because there is so much spot betting and so many things that you can bet on,” Ponting said. “Don’t worry, everyone is doing their absolute utmost to keep on top of that stuff, but as we know at the end of the day it’s the players, it comes down to the players.”I know that everything that’s been done within Cricket Australia has been absolutely first class, we’d be leading the world in so far as that sort of education is concerned so all we can do is make sure that we keep doing the right thing and make sure we keep our players out of it all.”As for the summer ahead, Ponting predicted that the captain Steven Smith would drop down to No. 4 in the batting order, with Usman Khawaja at No. 3 and the young West Australian batsman Cameron Bancroft slotting in alongside David Warner at the top of the order.He spoke with some pride at his induction into the hall of fame, which also features the likes of fellow Tasmanian David Boon, Richie Benaud and Dennis Lillee. “Something like this once you are retired it gives you a chance to sit back and think about all the things you were able to do and wins you were able to have and things like that,” he said.”Even just coming here and sitting at the stands now and thinking about some of the great things that happened out there is nice. And I’ve done a little, I wouldn’t say research, but I’ve read up on the Sports Australia Hall of Fame and the history behind it and it’s a pretty select group of people or members that I’ve been inducted into.”
Fabio Paratici and co apparently have a €13 million (£11m) option to buy Gollini but Corriere della Sera’s print edition (via Sport Witness) say this isn’t an option for Spurs due to his lack of playing time.
As such, they now claim he will ‘almost certainly’ leave N17 and return to parent his club Atalanta in June.
Backing this update and sharing news of their own, Goal have brought a development.
The Latest: Gollini talks held…
According to their information, Serie A giants Lazio have already moved for Gollini ahead of the summer – meeting with the player’s agents and the club holding talks in ‘recent days’.
It is believed they are focused ‘above all’ on signing Tottenham’s current shot stopper who Goal also back looks certain to leave.
They claim Gollini is highly unlikely to reach the 20 appearances needed to trigger an obligation-to-buy clause in his deal and add that Spurs aren’t willing to exercise another option to buy him outright.
The Verdict: Unfortunate…
While Spurs supporters won’t be losing sleep over Gollini’s exit due to his lack of playing time, it is unfortunate that the Italian has spent so much of this season on fringes.
The former Aston Villa man hasn’t been handed many opportunities to prove himself by Antonio Conte despite his terrific form at Atalanta over the past few seasons.
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Serie A football journalist Carlo Garganese lauded Gollini as a ‘big’ and ‘imposing’ shot stopper at the Gewiss Stadium but Tottenham’s faithful have hardly got to capture a glimpse of those labels.
Tottenham defender Eric Dier also called the 26-year-old ‘amazing’ whilst praising his energy in Hotspur Way training, leaving some to maybe wonder why Conte has never given his compatriot the opportunity to impress more regularly.
In other news: Tottenham official sent to club as Conte now eyes ‘monster’ player who wanted to join in 2020, find out more here.
Crewe ultimately came away from Barnet on Saturday with nothing but more squad issues after a horrific afternoon in London. The three match winning run came crashing to a halt and all optimistic talk of a play-off push was placed on the back-burner after the Bees recorded a 2-0 win, made elementary after two first half dismissals, leaving the visitors stick-thin on the squad front.
David Artell was the first to go after his rather naive professional foul on Izale Mcloed when the striker was bearing down on goal and Mcloed was all too happy to convert the resulting penalty. Matters were made worse when his fellow central-defensive partner Adam Dugdale joined Artell for an early-shower after a lunging tackle on Ricky Holmes near the half-way line. It was easy for referee Darren Sheldrake and within 43 minutes, both centre-halves were suddenly back in the dressing room.
At nine men with goal deficit, it was always going to be an uphill battle, even with the slanted Underhill pitch, and even though the Alex held out at just a goal down until 13 minutes from time, Michael Hector, the very impressive Reading loanee, headed past Steve Phillips at the back post to make things safe for the home side following an admirable afternoon of graft from Steve Davis’ side against the odds. Byron Moore, Greg Pearson and Nick Powell had all caused anxiety around the ground with close attempts but any resolve was finally broken with Hector’s header while Phillips excelled to keep the score at 2. Davis and his charges appeared bullish after the game, championing a brave performance, but that was no consolation for the result and the knowledge that the squad will be hit heavily by a lack of discipline.
This will not be lost on Davis and his assistant Neil Baker on the journey home and with transfer deadline day falling on Tuesday, the management team will have to endeavour to patch the sudden emergence of a serious wound within squad resources. To further compound the worries, the impressive Chesterfield loanee Jamie Lowry has failed to agree an extension to his deal and returned to the Spireites in time for their Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tie with Oldham. Together with Lee Bell’s elongated absence due to a hernia injury, this will further stretch the playing staff and this may force Davis into the transfer market.
A slight relief will come with the fact that David Artell will only miss one game, this Saturday’s hosting of Accrington at Gresty Road, and so a makeshift back four will only have to be patched in for just a single game at the worst. The manager’s son, Harry Davis, will be called upon as he has provided decent cover on many occasions and he will probably slot in at centre-half alongside Carl Martin who returned from his own long absence on Saturday. A desperate circumstance may see a call up for 19 year old Oliver Turton at full-back, although he currently looks short of first team standard so it looks like Dan Shelley, the versatile winger, will come in at right-back while Matt Tootle will continue at left-back.
This will necessitate a return to a 4-4-2 with Byron Moore and Nick Powell lining either side of Luke Murphy and Ashley Westwood in midfield, with Ajay Leitch-Smith partnering the loaned-in Greg Pearson up-front in a two. Crewe will miss the physical dynamism of the industrious Lowry who was a pleasant revelation in his short spell at Gresty Road though with Chesterfield trying to stave off relegation and also reaching Wembley, it remains unlikely his parent club will relinquish such an asset again. In the meantime, while Davis looks for the opportunity to gain arrivals, he will have one eye on the exit door as many higher league vultures circle on the availability of the star talent of 17 year old Nick Powell. Crewe are determined to keep him until the end of the season at least and a bid of £2.5 million from Ipswich Town has already been dismissed in this window.
Crewe have handed a trial to West Ham’s 20 year old left-back Jordan Brown and this could ease the defensive concerns while leaving enough time for the management team to run the rule over the youngster. The team will be desperate to get out onto the pitch on Saturday against Accrington to banish the memory of Underhill, but the worst memories will be obviously clear on the touchline as both first-choice centre-halves sit at the mercy of a ban. Artell will return after a stretched Crewe limp through 90 minutes against Accrington, but Dugdale will miss difficult dates with Port Vale and Burton in mid-February. It’s not ideal, but these are the type of problems you have to deal with if you are to compete for promotion and Davis, still very fresh to this management game, is quickly beginning to learn that.
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Sulley Muntari’s goal in the dying minutes claimed all three points for Sunderland in their 2-1 Premier League victory over Bolton.Steve Bruce’s men seemed to be heading for a draw when Ivan Klasnic headed home on an equaliser on 87 minutes, but Muntari’s strike in the 93rd minute means Sunderland are on 44 points and surely safe from the threat of relegation.
Sunderland went into the match looking for the win that would virtually guarantee their survival for another season.
But Bruce’s men arrived at the Reebok having won just once in 14 matches and they almost went behind on 10 minutes when Matt Taylor’s low drive seemed destined to open the scoring but Simon Mignolet saved with his legs.
Sunderland, decimated by injury, finally carved out a chance of their own on the half hour but Phil Bardsley headed off target from close range when he really should have done better.
But the visitors were celebrating a little while later when Boudewijn Zenden nipped in to slot the ball past Jussi Jaaskelainen for Sunderland’s first away goal since February 5.
Sunderland shipped 28 goals in 11 games prior to this match, but their defence stood up to the task admirably as Bolton fought in vain to get back into the game.
Having flirted with the idea of Europe, the emphasis now has turned to avoiding relegation and Bruce’s men looked nervy as the match drew to its conclusion.
But just as Bruce thought he was celebrating a crucial victory, substitute Klasnic struck to put Bolton back on level terms.
Klasnic, on for Taylor, rose highest to meet Rodrigo Moreno’s cross three minutes from time to seemingly claim a draw.
However, battling Sunderland struck back and Muntari smashed the ball home to seal the win and surely seal survival.
One of the most difficult skills in all of football, the volley has produced some of the most memorable goals in history. Here’s our top 10 list of first-time strikes.
10. Francesco Totti vs. Sampdoria
Totti has scored a number of memorable goals but this effort against Sampdoria is one of his best. The ball arrives to Totti on the left hand side of the penalty area and he drills a left-footed volley into the side of the Sampdoria net. When you get a standing ovation for the opposition fans for your goal, you know it was something special.
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9. Thierry Henry vs. SC Weiz
While volleys are usually associated with great power, Thierry Henry’s sublime goal against SC Weiz displays otherwise. He collects a long ball from Philippe Senderos and with three deft touches feathers the ball past the goalkeeper with incredible skill.
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8. Tony Yeboah vs. Liverpool
Tony Yeboah is a player who had a penchant for the spectacular and this volley against Liverpool is certainly that. The Ghanaian shows remarkable technique as he adjusts his body to his teammate’s knock-down to blast a searing volley in off the bar past the Liverpool goalkeeper.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDx-KUGVGMk
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7. Hamit Altintop vs. Kazakhstan
Many great volleyed goals have come from corners and Hamit Altintop’s recent effort against Kazakhstan is no exception. The Turkish midfielder shows great technique in controlling his right-footed volley strike which fairly flew past the Kazakh goalkeeper at a fair rate of knots.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqIGz5_lIPM
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6. Gareth Bale vs. Stoke City
It may have been recent but Gareth Bale’s volley against Stoke was extraordinary. He met Aaron Lennon’s cross with an freakishly high foot and shaped the ball perfectly just inside Thomas Sorensen’s far post.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2344ANe_3E
Continued on Page TWO
5. Paulo Di Canio vs. Wimbledon
You could always count on Paulo Di Canio producing a moment of magic in a game and that’s exactly what he did with this sublime volley against Wimbledon in 2000.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUh-NcHi5ug
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4. Zinedine Zidane vs. Bayer Leverkusen
On the biggest stage in club football, Zinedine Zidane produced a piece of brilliance that will go down in history as one of the greatest goals ever to have been scored in a major football final. The ball seemed to hang for almost an eternity in the air but Zidane was not to be fazed as he swept an left-foot volley past Hans Jorg Butt.
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3. Marco van Basten vs. USSR
However, the honour of greatest volley in a final doesn’t go to Zidane, but instead it goes to Marco Van Basten’s spectacular volley in the 1988 European Championship Final. The Dutch legend manages to score from a seemingly impossible angle to seal Holland’s first and so far only major international trophy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVzRTQXu5EI
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2. Wayne Rooney vs. Newcastle
In second place is this Wayne Rooney wonder-strike against Newcastle. Rooney has just been arguing with the referee and this thunderbolt is the result of the striker’s frustration.
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1. Robin van Persie vs. Charlton
In first place is Robin van Persie’s breathtaking volley against Charlton. The Dutchman flew through the air to meet Emmanuel Eboue’s cross and lashed an unstoppable drive past the Charlton goalkeeper.
Are there any other volleys you feel should have made the list?
You can say what you want about the transfer windows and while most football managers tend to be disparaging about them, most supporters will be lying if they didn’t admit that they get bought into the daily gossip and rumours that sweep the newspapers, forums and various blog sites. Much of the stuff that gets written never prevails, but it doesn’t stop us all getting excited while the speculation mounts up. The January window so far has been a little quiet as we approach the half way through point; however you do get a sense that in this period we are witnessing the calm before the eventual transfer storm in the Premier League.
The lack of spending at the top of the Premier League has surprised many, especially given the open nature of this title race; the fight for a top four finish, not to mention the open fight to stay in the Premier League. It appears that clubs are biding their time and we all sit and wait for that breakthrough transfer that generally kick-starts everyone into action. Whether we will witness the type of money that was squandered last January remains to be seen, but I would be incredibly shocked if the window passed without at least one big money move.
Arsene Wenger has certainly been very vocal in his disdain of the January transfer window and much to the annoyance of Arsenal supporters (many who see buying players as the best way forward) has steadfastly refused to delve into the market to improve the squad. You would think for a manager who has stated on more than one occasion that missing out on the Champions League would be a disaster, would be bending over backwards to ensure that the squad is strong enough for the challenge ahead.
So how do Arsenal fans feel about the lack of activity? Is Arsene Wenger merely providing a smokescreen ahead of an array of last minute deals like he did in the summer? Did the squad really need improving and have you heard any rumours about potential incomings or outgoings at the Emirates?
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Despite nearly repeating the historic treble and still being on course for a double, Manchester United have found themselves criticised throughout the season for not having the best squad. Lack of talent, desire and depth are all accusations that have been labelled at the champions elect this Premier League campaign, so come the next transfer window will it be time for a summer clear out of the ‘deadwood’ in the United ranks?
There are reportedly question marks over nearly a dozen players regarding their futures at the club. Owen Hargreaves and Michael Owen are out of contract, Wes Brown and Tomasz Kuszczak are reportedly up for sale and the talents of Dimitar Berbatov, Darron Gibson and Gabriel Obertan are still being questioned. Is losing so many squad players at once the right way forward for the footballing giants?
Michael Owen finds himself way down the pecking order at Old Trafford, behind Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov and Javier Hernandez; despite rumours of Berbatov heading off to pastures new, the Englishman will still be overlooked due to the return of Federico Macheda and Danny Welbeck from on loan.
Verdict: You’re Fired
Owen Hargreaves, a walking A&E unit, has managed only 39 appearances in nearly four seasons at the club and despite probably fitting the mould of the player to replace the ageing Paul Scholes, with too many questions mark over fitness of the midfielder, the England international is too much of a liability for such a big club like United to take a risk on.
Verdict: You’re Fired
Wes Brown has never really been a fan favourite or a favourite of any kind, but Brown offers the versatility and experience that a club the size of Manchester United needs. Squad players are a key fixture in the modern game with players sometimes playing three games a week, combined with question marks surrounding Rio Ferdinand’s long term fitness and Chris Smalling’s lack of experience, Brown could be a very handy player for Ferguson to hang on to.
Verdict: You’re Hired
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Tomasz Kuszczak has been waiting and waiting for the ever impressive Edwin Van Der Sar to retire, but now that season has come it seems the Red Devils appear adamant on signing a new world-class replacement for him, instead of handing some more responsibility to their unreassuring number two.
Verdict: You’re Fired
Dimiater Berbatov is the Premier League’s leading goalscorer with 21 goals this season, but the tally includes three hat tricks; don’t get me wrong, a very impressive feat but it is the Bulgarian forward’s all round contribution that leaves a lot to be desired. Wayne Rooney, even when out of form, is a given in the starting eleven and Javier Hernandez has been a breath of fresh air for the Red Devils faithful this season, in recent weeks being favoured by Sir Alex for the ‘bigger’ games. Berbatov, ultimately, just isn’t what Manchester United need right now.
Verdict: You’re Fired
Darron Gibson, I feel sorry for the guy, how can you possibly live up to the billing of the ‘next Paul Scholes’? Gibson has been criticised and ridiculed for the majority of his of Red Devils career, but with Scholes more than likely to hang up his boots at the end of the season, should the Republic of Ireland international hang around for one more season without the ‘legend ‘ of Scholes overshadowing him?
Verdict: You’re Hired
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Gabriel Obertan, I’m not sure how long he should be given to make an impact at Manchester United? But all I know is that the Frenchman frustrates me and just doesn’t look like ousting either Nani or Valencia on the wings now, or ever.
Verdict: You’re Fired
There is, in this humble writers opinion, room for a ‘mass’ exodus at United, and Ferguson is the best man to oversee this, the Scot has orchestrated numerous clear-outs during his tenure. Also, with rumours constantly circulating the Salford-based club with such signings as David de Gea, Ashley Young and Gareth Bale being touted, I’m sure United will be fine.