In this week's feature, we have a brief look at the game against Sunderland on Sunday, Sir Alex's decision on Edwin & much that happened at the club in the past week...
United Face Black Cats On Boxing Day
Manchester United face the men from Wearside in what promises to be a exciting encounter between two old friends' sides - Sir Alex Ferguson & former Red Devil Steve Bruce. In the league game earlier this season at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland dominated but stellar defending from the Red Devils saw them gain a point at full time.
However, Sunderland have played quite well this season, the highlight of their run so far being the 3-0 rout of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The Black Cats have the fearsome trio of record signing Asamoah Gyan, Darren Bent & United on-loan striker Danny Welbeck upfront, with the midfield comprising of the likes of Cattermole, Henderson & Malbranque backed by a solid defence. Though in-form Danny Welbeck misses out on the game, Sunderland are a threat & shouldn't be underestimated. I hope United goes for the kill & grabs 3 points from the game to stay on top this New Year!
Big Dutchman To Retire At End Of Season
United's legendary goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar is all set to retire at the end of the 2010-11 season, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed this week. The Dutch stopper, who turned 40 this year, will hang up his boots to make way for new signing Anders Lindegaard & long time deputy Tomasz Kuszczak (if he stays).
Speaking to the press about VDS, Sir Alex said - "To be playing at our level at 40 years of age is amazing. You can only do it if you’ve got the structure of mind that Edwin’s got to be able to programme himself and train the way he does. He’s phenomenal, he truly is. He’s an outstanding man."
Park Major Absentee During Next Month
Midfielder Ji-Sung Park will miss out on seven games to be played in January, as he will be away on national duty for South Korea in the Asian Cup next month. The Korean has been in sublime form this season, scoring six goals this term for the Red Devils. But his presence should be minimally felt, with the possible return of young Tom Cleverley from loan & star winger Luis Antonio Valencia from an ankle injury in mid-January. Park will retire from international football after the Asian Cup, in a bid to extend his career at Old Trafford.
New Date For Postponed United-Chelsea Clash Announced
Manchester United's visit to Stamford Bridge last week was cancelled due to heavy snowfall in most parts of England, but the game has been rescheduled to March 1, which happens to be a midweek game. However, it will fall amid a series of away games as United travel to Marseille (23 February), Wigan (26 February) and Liverpool (5 March).
Though Sir Alex admits last weekend's postponement perhaps suited Chelsea more than United, with the London side currently struggling for top form, he retains confidence that his side can end a long winless run at Stamford Bridge.
What d'you think of the week's events guys? Feel free to leave your comments below or drop me a line on Twitter @AbhinavCJ & I'll get back to you right away!
That's all Folks!
Yours,
CJ
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