No FA charge for Bellamy

The FA today announced that referee Martin Atkinson confirmed that he would not have sent Bellamy off had he seen the incident with the fan at the time.

This means Bellamy is free for selection for tomorrow’s Carling Cup tie at home to Fulham and Monday evening’s Premier League fixture at home to West Ham United.

Bellamy will be contacted by The FA and warned as to his future conduct.

>>mcfc.co.uk

The more I think about this decision, the more I am surprised by it.

Perhaps in the aftermath of the derby, the incident was lost a little in the emotion and how the game finished. There would surely have been a greater focus had the game fizzled out to a 0-0 draw.

There was likely to be an amount of provocation from the guy who got onto the pitch and we don't know precisely what happened or was said leading up to it. In addition, the emotions of a dramatic end to the match would have been racing around.

The cold facts though are that Bellamy struck a fan in the face. That cannot be right any which way you look at it. The club were always going to defend Bellamy, and rightly or wrongly, no club would take a moral stance by handing out their own punishment when the prospect of no action by the FA was a possibility.

It does set a dangerous precedent though in relation to future incidents.

By definition, the FA are also deeming this to be a less serious transgression than the conduct of Emmanuel Adebayor following his goal against Arsenal. Take the two incidents in isolation and you cannot say Adebayor's was a more serious, dangerous and 'improper' offence.

You'd hope not, but maybe the furore over the injury time at the end of the game helped sway the decision?

Charges galore?

The Guardian is reporting there could be a series of charges as a result of incidents from Sunday's derby.

They suggest Craig Bellamy could face a potential three-game suspension, after the FA admitting they were looking at the incident which saw him punch/push (delete as appropriate) the fan who ran on to the pitch. This of course would be subject to him being charged, and found guilty of, improper conduct.

The club have confirmed no action will be taken against him and from the noises coming out of the club, they would likely mount a defence of him should he be charged.

United themselves could face two charges, one for the incident where a coin struck Javier Garrido, and Che Neville could also find himself in hot water following his celebrations after United's winner, with Mark Hughes:

"...accusing his former team-mate of acting "like a lunatic" and, having run half the length of the pitch to make his point, it appeared to dawn on Neville that he could have landed himself in trouble. On the way back to the dug-out, he was keen to make it look as if he were just warming up, overlooking the fact that United had used their three substitutes."

In no way defending Neville here (nor Adebayor before him), I'm sure this is something we are now going to see more and more of in the game should Adebayor be found guilty and banned following the charge of improper conduct, as even a solitary complaint could force the FA to investigate. Knowing that doing so could result in an opposing player being banned, I'm sure, will make the likelihood of this even greater.

The police have also confirmed that the fan who was the recipient of Bellamy's fist/palm has been charged 'with going onto a playing area without lawful authority or excuse.'

Lescott - 'No excuses'

From mcfc.co.uk:

"You're disappointed to lose any game - Craig scored two wonder goals for us and we thought we'd done enough to get a point, but it wasn't to be.

"There are no excuses. We are pros and we have to look at ourselves collectively and as individuals and realise that it just wasn't good enough.

"We look at each other and we've made mistakes. We started the season with four clean sheets and now we've conceded goals. We have to correct that."

"It's good that we've a Carling Cup tie against Fulham on Wednesday to put things right. It would have been hard to wait another eight days until the West Ham game."

Derby defeat

No-one could argue that on the balance of play over the course of the game that we deserved a point, but having hauled ourselves back into the game on three seperate occasions, it is galling to say the least to come away empty handed and the sense of frustration will definitely take time to subside.

Much has already been written about the amount of injury time that was played, and yes it did appear excessive, but to play devils advocate a little here, it did also allow ourselves the opportunity to grab a winner. Looking again at the injury time that was played - perhaps due to our relief at equalising on the stroke of ninety minutes - we looked like we were frantically playing out time whilst United went hunting for the win. Serious questions must also be asked as to quite who was supposed to be marking Michael Owen when the ball was played into the box for the winning goal.

Hughes must have preached to the side to keep their concentration and not concede an early goal, yet this is precisely what we did as we fell behind barely two minutes into the game. Despite getting on level terms following a mistake by Ben Foster - defensive lapses being a common theme throughout the game - throughout the first half we more often than not appeared to be on the back foot with us allowing United too much possession and time on the ball (something I warned about).

The second half began little better than the first as we once again fell behind early to a Darren Fletcher header, yet once again hit back through Craig Bellamy (the best Derby strike since Brightwell?).

Following Bellamy's equaliser to make it 2-2, we really were dominated for long spells and realistically could have condeded before Fletcher put United 3-2 ahead - of which there hasn't been much mention of the fact Evra went down very, very easily to win the free kick that the goal resulted from.

But credit must go to the side for the tenacity and resolve shown to get back into the game on three seperate occasions where sides of the past would have caved in. Of course, this is no consolation or make the defeat easier to swallow but there are clear signs that yet again that this side does have plenty about it.

In the cold light of day though when the emotion from the defeat settles, Hughes will look at the game and be concerned at the way and manner in which we conceded the goals despite the huge investment in that area. After conceding twice at home to Arsenal last week, it does highlight concerns regarding our defensive solidity against the most potent attacking sides.

Hughes though appears to be fostering a siege mentality at present - with his defence of Craig Bellamy further evidence of this in addition to his post match comments - and having tasted defeat for the first time this season, the big test now is how do we respond.

If the defeat can be used to foster a greater resolve and to learn from the mistakes made in this game, then this side could well be a better one for having tasted defeat in the manner experienced today.

United preview

With the war of words/name calling/mind-games that have been prevalent the past forty-eight hours or so, it is a signal that the derby is now very much upon us - and the media has taken an even greater interest in this game than usual.

We have had plenty of comments so far, with particular contributions from Ferguson, Hughes, Toure, de Jong, Ireland and Sylvinho to stoke up the flames ahead of the weekend.

But what of the game itself?

The suspension of Adebayor leaves us very light in attack, with Craig Bellamy almost certain to be asked to lead the line (unless Carlos Tevez is declared fit).

With attacking options limited, Hughes I'm sure will look to bolster the midfield by bringing in Martin Petrov on the left. With Wright-Phillips on the right hand side, this will see de Jong shielding the defence behind Barry and Ireland.

For me it is Stephen Ireland who could have a big say in the outcome of the game. Playing in a more restricted role this season, he has so far struggled to match the highs of 2008/09. He could be given more licence at Old Trafford however and will be an important link between the midfield and attack. The ability to create chances may be at a premium, and Ireland is our best best for carving out opportunities.

Hughes will also seek to try and restrict United and their ability to be able to counter quickly when they win possession, with us putting plenty of pressure on United and not allowing them to settle.

The loss of Ronaldo has blunted some of their attacking threat yet they have opened up the season well - with just the blip against Burnley blotting their copybook. Wayne Rooney has stepped up well this season, with more responsibility (and a role that suits him more) since Ronaldo's departure and although it is early days, I'd expect him to sweep up the awards and accolades come the end of the season.

Toure and Lescott's formative partnership looks to be bedding down well, although a concern could be the way Van Persie dropped deeper to great success - something which Rooney will be adept at and he needs to be shackled effectively.

It is no great secret that United are at their best when afforded possession and time on the ball - something I suspect visiting teams concede far too often at Old Trafford. Ball retention then is what we must focus on, and a reason why I think we go with five in midfield to crowd them out and to try and dictate the tempo of the game. The loss of Adebayor is a huge blow, make no mistake - something Ferguson attested to, and whoever leads the line will have to come up big for us to have a successful afternoon.

Prediction: The weight of derby history at Old Trafford leaves you feeling far from confident, but there is a sense that this side could be unburdened by the past. A tough proposition awaits but I'll go for us to come away with a 1-1 draw,

Positive news on Tevez

After seemingly being ruled out for a few weeks, the MEN suggests Tevez has a chance (albeit an outside one) of making the derby:

But after returning on Tuesday fr

Publish Post

om intensive treatment in Argentina, Tevez has been fighting to prove his fitness in time to play against the Reds at Old Trafford on Sunday - in the 152nd derby.

He trained lightly with a heavily-strapped knee on Wednesday and stepped up his work on Thursday, but City will leave it until the 11th-hour to make a final decision.

The official line is that the striker is still a major doubt, but Tevez himself is desperate to turn out against United.

It would be a huge boost if he were to make it, but even if he does, I don't see Hughes still opting for anything other than a 4-5-1 line up.

Tevez doubtful for United

Bad news regarding Carlos Tevez:

Carlos Tevez looks like missing out on his return trip to Old Trafford in Sunday's derby.

The little striker flies back today from Argentina determined to overcome a knee injury from international duty and pull on the Sky Blue shirt against his former club.

Assistant manager Mark Bowen said: "He is back here today and we'll assess it from there, but he is very doubtful. What we are hearing is that it's probably going to keep him out, but until the doctor assesses him hands-on we don't really know.

"The boss has been in contact with the Argentina medical team, as has our medical team. The signs are not encouraging. We wouldn't 100 per cent rule him out yet - fingers crossed and we are always hopeful, but it's very doubtful."

It does appear as though Craig Bellamy is going to be asked to lead the line on Sunday given the absences with the rest of the attacking corps.

Santa Cruz may well be back in full training, but no way is he risked for a start this early in his comeback from injury.

Ireland confident

Some positive news following the concern that Stephen Ireland could miss the derby:

“I can’t wait for the match and I am confident that I will be fine for Sunday,” insisted Ireland. “The injury was painful on Saturday but the three points soon made that fade. Derby games are great; the nerves before hand, the build up, the fans just everything about them. They are especially good when you win. Gareth Barry’s first question to me was what are the derby games like and my answer to him was that he would not have experienced anything like it in his life.”

United 2 City 0

A disappointing day, and like Jack, for me there were too many echoes of the 1-0 defeat earlier this season in todays game, and we never really convinced that we were ever likely to be in the game.

Principally, we lacked the intent, belief and purpose that was needed to take anything from todays game. The trio of Ireland, Robinho and Elano were in the main ineffective and given short shrift by United's midfield. Similarly, the defensive duo of de Jong and Kompany were unable to take a control of the game and be the launching point for our attacks. Surely more was to be expected from a midfield five of the quality that was on display? All of this of course allowed United a rather easy ride on course to an inevitable league title.

We were far brighter in the second half though and we more than matched United in terms of possession, but far too much of it was not built upon or was in ineffective areas. On the odd occasions that we did carve chances out (or perhaps half-chances is a more apt description) we were unable to capitalise and once again the need for a real goalscorer to be added was apparant. Nice little cameos from Petrov and Bojinov were welcome and hopefully point to better times for the pair next season.

The result was of course also a setback in the race for seventh, with Fulham perhaps getting a surprise victory yesterday leaves needing to win out to have a chance. Fulham's remaining fixtures are Everton and Newcastle and it is possible they will taste defeat in one of those games. White Hart Lane is not a happy hunting ground for us though, but that will have to change come next Saturday.

United preview

The 151st Manchester derby is upon us this Sunday, and added to the usual spice of a derby clash, a couple of sub plots have been thrown in to the mix, namely United aiming for the title and ourselves gunning for seventh spot to secure Europa League qualification next season.

Looking at our final three games, I feel six points should be enough to achieve this but I would argue that taking something from tomorrows game would be a huge boost. Make no bones about it though, it will be tough. United are on a good run of form and confidence is likely to be high at present. Their home form this season has been excellent (winning all but two at Old Trafford) and they clearly possess the players to cause us problems.

The game earlier this season was a strange affair, with it lacking the usual derby atmosphere and our performance was a largely insipid one which saw us never really in the game. Tomorrow should be different of course though for many reasons - new additions to the side, the side looking a cohesive unit, three wins on the bounce bringing confidence of our own, the desire to finish seventh and importantly, that the players appear to be fully focused and ready on achieving success tomorrow.

Victory at Old Trafford last season will also have buried some ghosts of derby's past, so we do have players in the ranks who have experience of winning at Old Trafford and there has been plenty of postive talk coming out of the City camp in the latter part of the week.

It goes without saying that we need our big performers to step up if we are to get a result - namely the trio of Robinho, Ireland and Elano, but also important are the duo of de Jong and Kompany who will do the 'dirty work' and to allow the attacking players to get involved.

I don't see many surprises with the line up and even if Shaun Wright-Phillips is back to fitness, I don't see more than a place on the bench for him given Elano's impressive form of late.

A goalless draw doesn't appear the likeliest of options given United haven't been involved in one for fourteen games and we haven't registered one all season, but I don't see a huge number of goals - despite the attacking threats that are on display, and perhaps a 1-1 draw looks the best bet.

Derby thoughts

From Richard Dunne:

"He (Ronaldo) makes the most of the situation, I suppose. Some referees give free-kicks but some don't. Diving or not diving, he's impossible to mark when he's on form. He's similar to [Lionel] Messi. If they are on form then they are difficult to stop. He is the best player in the world and he plays the game to his advantage."

Nigel de Jong:

"There are so many more Blues than Reds," he says. "If I take a cab, the driver is a City fan. If I go to the shopping centre, all I see are City shirts. I was astonished when I first arrived because everyone was a Blue and I was asking everyone: 'How does that work? Manchester United are the biggest club in the world, aren't they?'

"People would explain to me: 'That's just a global thing, the real workers' club is Manchester City.' And it's true, it's a working club, and the people in Manchester can relate to this club because they are working people. They are very proud of it. That's why Manchester City is so big locally – not worldwide maybe, but definitely locally."

Mark Hughes:

"We're on a nice little run, four games unbeaten, and as I have said all week you have to go to Old Trafford with a lot of belief and confidence. That's what we have, we're playing well and winning games. We’re looking forward to Sunday, we're in decent shape and if ever there was a time for us to go to Old Trafford, it's now."

Derby open thread

There seems to be a lack of Derby related news and stories around so far - possible with the Champions League dominating the column inches - so I thought I'd get the thread up a little earlier than usual for any discussion ahead of Sunday's game with United.

Feel free to post any comments or links, and I'll have a preview up sometime likely Saturday morning.

United 1 City 2

The one thing that I'm sure everyone can safely agree on in the aftermath of yesterdays derby win was how deserved the result was, and just rewards for a gameplan and execution that was as near perfect as it could have been.

For all the plaudits Sir Alex Ferguson has received over the years, yesterday all of the praise must be heaped on Sven and the backroom team as they completely out thought and out manouevered their United counterparts.

The line-up (given the injuries and suspensions) was perfect and the gameplan (clearly learnt in the light of the defeat against Arsenal) was spot on - to soak up all of the pressure in the opening fifteen minutes before counter-attacking to our strengths and utilising a wonderful performance from Benjani in the lone striker role as he dragged Ferdinand out of position time and again, allowing for Ireland, Petrov and Vassell to support and utilise the space afforded them.

I do think Ferguson missed a definite trick and got his team selection all wrong though. Clearly he must have seen Arsenal exploit us down both flanks, yet (with Rooney's absence) played (and kept) Ronaldo in far too central a position. Perhaps with a nod to nostalgia he opted for a (on paper) attacking line-up in midfield of Ronaldo, Giggs, Nani, Anderson and Scholes, leaving - to his cost, Carrick and Hargreaves on the bench, allowing for plenty of space between their defence and midfield to be exploited, which we duly did.

To single out individuals yesterday is difficult - and perhaps unfair, but as I mentioned in my preview on the blog, Hamman was a key player and I thought he was outstanding yesterday. It is often said great players seem to play the game with so much more time than everyone else -and whilst not annointing him as a world great, Hamman plays the game with such ease and with such calmness that it cannot fail but be a lesson and inspiration to the likes of Gelson, Johnson and Ireland. Speaking of Ireland, playing in the 'hole' behind the front man, more than compensating for the loss of Elano he turned in one of his most impressive games of the season so far, combining the inventiveness required along with supporting the midfield with his defensive responsibilities and linking superbly with Benjani.

Where the likes of Vassell, Bianchi, Samaras and Mpenza had gone (and largely failed) before him, I thought Benjani shone. Whilst appearing lightweight, he held the ball up well but most impressive for me was his movement in how he took Ferdinand with him and linked up superbly with Vassell, Petrov and Ireland. A definite impressive debut and no doubt won over a few of the doubters (myself included from my Observer preview) out there.

Whilst United had the lions share of possession and territorial advantage, in the areas where it counted they rarely threatened, and any danger that did occur was easily nullified by the duo of Richards and Dunne who earned the plaudits from the MOTD2 crew last night.

As for United, without Rooney they struggled and for the hype of Ronaldo (for the excellent talent that he is), without Rooney alongside him he does not appear able to carry a team forward when it really counts in the manner that the worlds true best player - Kaka, can do. Scholes and Giggs looked shadows of the players that have troubled us so much in the past and whilst never one for sentiment, Ferguson does run the risk of prolonging their United careers just that step too far.

One thing that will get slightly lost in yesterdays victory is just how important it was to pick up three points in the race for fourth spot given the wins for Villa, Everton and Portsmouth and that Liverpool were held at Chelsea. A win in a fortnights time at home to Everton could well put us fourth with just ten games remaining in the season and above all, this victory could really provide the impetus and springboard for this side to finish the season ona real high note.

A final note on yesterday regarding the minutes silence. I did expect it to be observed impeccably and so it was borne out. A lot of credit has come our way for the behaviour of the fans, but perhaps next time it would just have been nice not have been condemned by the media as a whole before an event even occurred.

Reports:

Red Issue
MEN
Guardian
BBC
Independent
Telegraph

Six Easy Points

.......and when we've won our derby day this is what we'll sing ...... Hark Now hear !!!

40 years since the last 'double' over united and they couldn't have picked a better day to repeat the feat. With the minutes silence impecabbly observed (though go see some of the self righteous whining on red issue) city put in a performance well above the standard of the last few weeks to firstly frustrate and then pick off united.

BBC match report

MCFC official site

Time to crack open another beer, and enjoy the day.

Viva la Sven

City 1 United 0

Things are rolling along just nicely aren't they?

A derby win, another clean sheet and top of the league with a 100% record for the first time in sixteen years has definitely fired optimism (not to mention enthusiasm) even more.

For me, the game itself seemed to go by fairly quickly and the only heart-stopping moment was the corner that flashed across the face of the goal before Tevez headed wide. This despite us being dominated in terms of possession and territory for almost all of the game.

I dispute the ascertion that we were lucky though. I don't think you can put a defensive performance like that in and be labelled lucky, and I don't recall United peppering the goal or Kaspar Schmeichel being forced into save after save.

United passed the ball around well and built up nicely with both Scholes and Giggs seeing plenty of the ball and Nani looked threatening early on as Corluka had no help from Giovanni as Evra sought to get forward. The frst twenty-five minutes we were very much under the cosh and we really struggled to keep the ball in midfield and Mpenza did not get to grips with the lone striker role - I thought Bianchi would have made a better replacement for the injured Bojinov.

We did however get into the game though, and probably with great timing took the lead through another goal from outside the area following a neat build up. The scourge of United in games gone past - Geovanni, finishing well with the aid of a deflection past Van der Saar. Following this, we played some nice stuff up until the end of the half with one series of passing resulting in chorus of 'Oles'.

Perhaps concentration was lacking in the early stages of the second-half as the defence allowed Vidic to head unchallenged against the bar.

It was a difficult time in the second-half as Geovanni's injury and Elano's substitution peraps highlighting the fact the squad is still a little light and there weren't many options other than defensive moves.

United increased their territorial and possession advantage as the game wore on - with Hargreaves having an excellent game, but still could not create a genuine clear-cut chance (all very well bemoaning the lack of an 'out and out' striker but they still need service) and as the game wore on it they threw numbers forward but to no avail as we held on well for the points and headed to the top of the table.

Ratings:

Schmeichel - 6. Steady enough.
Corluka - 8. Superb in both defence and attack.
Dunne - 8. Gave his all.
Richards - 9. Man of the match and let the hype really begin.
Garrido - 7. Another solid game.
Hamman - 8. Shadowed Scholes well for the most part.
Petrov - 6. Too in and out of the game again.
Elano - 6. Nice touches but needs time to settle.
Johnson - 8. Good driving force.
Geovanni - 8. Seems to have a habit of making things happen.
Bojinov - n/a. Disappointing early injury.

Subs:
Mpenza - 6. Tried gainfully but looked short of fitness.
Bianchi - 7. Leads the line well.
Ball - 6. Looked solid.

Reports:

Guardian
MEN

The Pride Of Manchester

Some days your the statue some days your pigeon.

In today's Manchester Derby, City were undoubtedly the pigeon ! Dominated for a good 80% of the match a deflected goal from Geovanni saw the blues extend their 100% winning start to season and also keep the clean sheet record intact.

I'm torn between two minds as to whether we were lucky, to just say 'lucky' would disrespect the efforts of the likes of Richards and Dunne, we will leave the disrespect to Surly Alex who plunged new depths with his pre-match 'mind games' including a few swipes at Sven, Claiming not to know the name of several players we have signed, accusing city of been cloggers (before sending his team out with an obvious 'hit list') and generally acting like the cunt we all know him to be.

They do seem to take their lead from the purple nosed whisky soaked liar though, note the distinct lack of class from Mr Ferdinand on more than occasion and yet another display of the hypocrisy from the reds support as they wave their Argentina Flags. I don't know if they think it makes them look like 'cool rebels' or 'ironic' but I have other words for it. They took defeat with the class you would expect though as the scenes near the stewards confirmed.

Two really tough games coming up with Arsenal and Blackburn away sandwiching the Bristol City Carling Cup tie.

So for today enjoy these two : oooooooohhhhhhh ahhhhhhhhhhhhh

And raise a glass for Frank and Sven.

United prediction

Earlier than the usual scheduling comes the first derby of the season and despite the early stage pits an in-form and confident City side against a United side who have stuttered a little in their opening pair of game.

Whilst the bookies make United strong favourites still, there are (shock horror) some observers out there who are tipping us to come out on top in this and we go into the game in as good a position as we have been for a derby for some time.

Personally, I think it is set up to be a very interesting encounter as (and despite United's injuries and suspensions) both sides have plenty of attacking options available to them, and I certainly don't think we will approach the game with the negativity of last seasons encounter.

However, given the early setting in terms of the season for the game I think both managers will be playing this one fairly cagily, wary of the threat of each other and perhaps over-compensating for that by adopting a more defensive approach - not wanting to give too much away and certainly (more from United's perspective) concerned that a defeat could have longer term ramifications.

I believe Eriksson will go in with a definite game plan, and has the players to execute it. It will be an intriguing game and certainly not a dull one but for me both sides would be fairly happy to come away from this with a share of the spoils and I'm going for 0-0 stalemate.

Ball Charged by FA following Derby Stamp

Michael Ball has been charged by the FA following his derby stamp on Cristiano Ronaldo.

A source close to Michael said ' he deeply regrets not finishing the career of the cheating cunt, the way that guy has made diving acceptable in the English game repulses everybody associated with the once proud sport. Ball would like to apologise to football fans everywhere he was genuinely aiming for the jugular but lost his balance, he feels he has let everybody down'

No word from the FA at the moment as to whether the show pony will be charged for his 312 dives this year.

City 0 United 1

Ironic I suppose that in a season where we have struggled so badly for goals, in a derby game where we have offered pretty much nothing in the way of attacking we are awarded a penalty at 1-0 down with around ten minutes left, and fail to take the opportunity.

Thus, ensuring that we have the inognamy of no being the most impotent home side ever, 'beating' a near 100 year old record. Little wonder really when you think back over the games this season, and the tactics and approach adopted at home (regardless of opposition). Tactics, which in fairness have worked well in patches on our travels (and in truth the Christmas and Easter away run of victories are looking vital now) but are not condusive to getting wins at home.

And so it proved on Saturday. Concensus being it was one of the most lacklustre derbies in some time with neither side impressing and creating chances. Perhaps United were suffering from tiredness with recent exertions but this meant there was an opportunity to attack them, but we failed to do so. There was an interesting obervation that against the top four sides at home, we have scored one and conceded two - all goals being scored from the penalty spot.

I felt United's penalty was one, allbeit slightly earned with Ball all too keen to jump into the challenge which wasn't necessary - maybe he had not quite calmed down from his stamp on Ronaldo which I imagine will see a letter from the FA land on his doorstep.

But (the suited) Pearce couldn't alter things enough following going behind to get back in the game, and any 'chances' were reduced to a couple of long range efforts easily handled by van der Sar.

The introduction of Dickov may have been the final straw for some fans, and his highlights package included pushing players at a corner (earning himself a booking) and tussling with Wes Brown in the corner when there was no real gain to be had.

A penalty was won though, and I used the word won as Ball was quite clever in making contact with Brown to get the decision. In the absence of Barton, Darius Vassell (whose career has seemingly been in decline since missing a penalty for England) stepped up and hit it straight down the middle and van der Sar got enough on it to send it to safety.

A defeat then (perhaps as expected by most), but certainly not in the manner that most expected. If the last home game of the season lives long in the memory over the summer then there will not be too many fans thinking back over the season and hoping for same again next time round.

Reports:
Telegraph
Independent
The Times

Psycho's Last Stand ?

A quiet week in the build up to the derby, just multi billionaire former presidents, recently capped by England and 2nd best player of the season suspended with the likelihood of him never playing for the club again and other recently capped rising star linked with a move to dark side, amongst other things !!

So we go into our 'cup final' (do i have too pay Red Issue for that?) with even the most optimistic blue as downtrodden as the route from Old Trafford to Piccadilly train station, the feeling is very much one of 'preparing ourselves for the worst'

Scenes from Fight Club have been predicted for the stands as rumours that lots of reds have seized on the apathy and foreboding of many blues to snap up tickets for the city ends of the ground, at least some might stay in their seats at the end whilst the city players partake in the traditional end of season 'lap of honour'.

And then there is matters on the pitch !! obviously Johan (well he thinks he is !) Barton will be missing and never one to do things by halves he took out his natural replacement in Dabo. Thanks Joey. The Rags will welcome Evra and the drugs cheat back to their defence.

On the touchlines Surly Alex has had his usual whine about something or other whilst Pearce has commented on the fact that he believes this game means more to us than their supporters. You know Stu, the media might love you but your fast become the most hated man at Eastlands concentrate a little bit more on your own job than passing judgement on other teams. This just might be your last home game, particularly if it all goes wrong. So save your energy for the dressing room and get them fired up like you used to be instead of this media darling luvvie you have become.

Prediction - 1-0 - our very own georgie boy to complete uniteds greek tragedy.

No Surrender.