United Rant

Glazers “will sell” but when?

Nothing can be said to be certain except death and taxes, Ben Franklin once famously wrote. To that add the sale of Manchester United by the Glazer family, which was sealed the moment the Tampa-based clan rode into Old Trafford on a debt-fueled wave. It is, after all, how investors with high leverage normally make [...]

Bring back Becks

In the spirit of the Christmas there is but one present Sir Alex Ferguson can deliver: bring back a lost son, (Sir) David Beckham. After all the player has consistently stated his love for the club and this loyalty to United, at a time and age when offers might be limited from top European clubs. [...]

They’ll carry Fergie out in a box

Management, they say, always ends in failure. Indeed, no matter how successful the coach, dismissal or undignified resignation is nearly always the fate. Recall José Mourinho fired by Chelsea or the late, great Brian Clough suffering the humiliation of relegation and near insanity with former European Champions Nottingham Forrest. Sir Alex Ferguson may just be the only manager [...]

Running scared

Incredible isn’t it. It’s Manchester United’s worst team in five years but the opposition still can’t stand facing Sir Alex Ferguson’s men. First Chelsea inexplicably cancel Sunday’s fixture more than 27 hours ahead of the game; then Arsenal captain Cesc Fábregas admits the Gunners were terrified of visiting Old Trafford last week. For the second time in [...]

Fifa 11 Review – the best football game in the world but is that enough?

Rant almost always refers to itself in the third person, but when you’re attempting to critically appraise a work of art or entertainment, there really is no room for the third person – none of this is “Rant’s” opinion – it’s all mine. For the purposes of establishing credentials, I have a long history with [...]

Poll: Would you welcome a Qatari takeover?

The Sunday Mirror today reports that Qatar Holdings “an investment vehicle for the Qatari Royal Family” is prepared to make a £1.5 billion bid for Manchester United. The story, not far removed from the realms of speculation, suggests that the family will add United to its portfolio of investments, including Harrods and Chelsea Barracks. However, [...]

Why Park is doing great but could still be sold

In the past, one could forgive Wayne Rooney’s lack of goals on the rationale that he adds much more to the game than pure goal scoring. No longer of course but it follows logically that one can also criticise a player for doing little but scoring goals. It is perhaps a little harsh to apply [...]

Rant Cast 52 – Fergie and Sir Matt

In this edition of the Rant Cast, recorded ahead of the postponement of United’s fixture with Chelsea, regulars Ed & Paul discuss United’s recent victory over Arsenal at Old Trafford, talk about Anderson’s new contract and discuss Sir Alex Ferguson, who today passes Sir Matt Busby as the longest serving United manager in the club’s [...]

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Chelsea vs. United: a tactical preview

Manchester United fans have no reason to like John Obi Mikel, the man who forced a move to Chelsea in 2006. Even Chelsea fans are ambivalent about the Nigerian who seemingly does little but pass the ball to Michael Essien and Frank Lampard. However, Obi Mikel is as important to Chelsea as Jack Wilshere is to [...]

Anderson inks deal; must now prove worth

Anderson signed a new four-and-a-half-year contract extension this week that will keep the Manchester United midfielder at Old Trafford until at least June 2015. It’s a remarkable turnaround for the 22-year-old midfielder who, many suspected, faced a bleak future at Old Trafford after injury and temperamental problems stunted his progress. The question is: can the [...]