Transfer Update

I have finally decided to update this blog after a long break. Since my post on the 5th of June, United have been linked to a host of players. The likes of Modric, Moura, Baines, Sneijder and Dembele have all been linked to United at some point but no deal has materialised on any of the fore-mentioned names. We've only bought Powell and Kagawa and a couple of young prospects. However, Fergie promised that he'll make "one or maybe two" other signings. If Berba departs, we'll probably need another striker but a midfielder in the mould of De Rossi or Dembele is what we really need. A signing of a similar player and we'll be fine for the upcoming season. Here's a brief look at our acquisition and the players who left United to seek pastures new. 

IN
Nick Powell

Since my last post, United have bought Nick Powell from Crewe Alexandra. Admittedly, I've never seen him play before his name first got linked with United so I don't know what to expect. From the very few youtube videos I've seen, I learned that this guy surely knows how to score a scorcher. He's only 18 and it seems that he's not afraid to rise up to the occasion. However, he's been playing at a level quite poor compared to the Premier League so I guess we'll have to wait and see how his career at United pans out. Although many thought he's one for the future, Fergie suggested that young Nicky will get some chances in the first team this year. He seems to be down to earth. His Twitter comments compared to the comments by Chelsea's Hazard suggest this anyway. Can't wait to see him don the red of United. Anyone who knows me knows I get pretty excited when United buy an English talent. 

Out

Ji Sung Park to QPR

Park won 4 PL titles, 1 CL, 3 League Cups & 1 World Cup

A player who was willing to bust a lung for the United cause, marked international superstars out of games and managed to come up with the odd goal in important matches. An overall excellent professional BUT it was time to go. Last year was probably his poorest year on the pitch. He failed to stamp his authority whenever called upon by the boss and it showed that the current Park is not the Park that we used to know. Anyone saying that Park did not play enough last season needs to take a deep look at last year's stats. He played 28 games (17 in PL) and came up with 3 goals. Although there is a stark contrast between the amount of playing time he got last year and what he got 4 seasons ago (40 games), I still believe he had ample of time to prove that he could still do it on the big stage. Unfortunately I believe that he failed to do so and therefore I'm not too dismayed by Ji's departure. Park could have been useful if Fergie kept him as a squad player because he is more than able of doing the job against minor Premier League teams but his status at OT was as a big game player and I do not believe that his current level is good enough for United's big games. Good luck with QPR! 

Pogba to Juventus

Finally the much debated transfer of an unproven, albeit very promising, talent got to an end with Fergie's confirmation that Pogba had joined Juve. His youth and reserve team exploits certainly suggest that this young Frenchman has got talent in abundance. He has impressed me in the few times he's played with the senior team. Fergie certainly held him in high regard but Pogba thought that the grass(and money) is greener in Turin and seemed to have made his mind up quite some time ago. He went to Juve the same way he joined us. I've got no hard feelings towards the young Frenchman but he might dread the decision to turn his back on United. If he is seeking regular playing time, I don't think he'll get that in Turin. Anyhow, all the best Paul! 

Tomas Kuzchcak to Brighton and Hoves Albion

Not much to say about the Pole except that he was a terrific shot stopper who made rash decisions that ultimately cost him his place. His lack of communication with the back four was evident during a handful of matches he played. He played 61 games for United and will be playing for Brighton in the Championship next season. 

Michael Owen

His goal scoring ratio is still excellent. It's a pity he never managed to get over his niggling injuries. Will  forever remain in United's history for that goal vs City in 2009. Everybody will remember where he watched Michael Owen sink Tevez's City in the 6th minute of injury time. He's a professional who I admired even when he wore the red of Liverpool. Let's hope he gets himself a decent team and have a final go at reviving his career. Can't believe that the young player I watched score that gem of a goal vs Argentina in '98 when I was just 8 years old, would have such an unfortunate injury laden career. Can't help but imagine how many goals he would have scored had he stayed injury free. He leaves our club having bagged 17 goals in 52 appearances. 

The new season starts tomorrow with the first friendly game! Bring it on!