It will be business as usual at Old Trafford this season - which is bad news for the rest of the Premiership. Manchester United are an example of not only the world's biggest and best football club but also the best example of how to run a sports franchise. The sale of David Beckham - which I predicted at the start of last season, just in case you missed it - is an example of that. I don't think we can even question the decision made by Sir Alex Ferguson or the plc, Beckham is gone and you know Manchester United will not miss him one jot on the field. Remember when everyone said Bryan Robson could not be replaced? Along came Roy Keane. And when they said United would not survive without Eric Cantona? It's the same with Beckham - they will move on. Speaking of Keane, I think this could be the year we see a great career come to an end. I just wonder how many games he will play and Sir Alex will have to be very canny in his use of his captain. To have gone through the physical and emotional grinder as Keane has for so many years at the top will have to take its toll sooner or later and for me, this could be the year. I don't agree for a moment that he should move into defence, because Lothar Mattheus is a prime example that world-class midfielders are just that. Not defenders. But United have so many other star turns and don't be surprised that if, after missing out on Damien Duff and Ronaldinho, they make a couple of big signings before the window closes.
The only areas of slight concern will be the goalkeeping position and central defence. I've seen a lot of the American Tim Howard and I would rate him as the best athlete in the Premiership, but he does struggle with his decision-making, even in the MLS. There will be no hiding place in the Premiership, so I still think Fabien Barthez is the man - if he stays. Sir Alex also needs to find a partner for Rio Ferdinand in central defence because last year they tried so many combinations - I would go for Mikael Silvestre. But to be honest, United can still have their wobbles, their slow start, cope with Champions League football and injuries and suspensions and they are still the best. It is a cliche, but if you finish above them this year, you'll win the Premiership. KEY TO SUCCESS: It seems churlish to pick one out for United, because there are so many, but I would have to go for the goalkeeping position. Fabien Barthez made some big mistakes in big games and if they can sort that out - and shore up central defence - then they will be even better than last season. Frightening! INS: David Bellion, Eric Djemba-Djemba OUTS: David Beckham, Laurent Blanc, John Cogger, David May, Kalam Mooniaruck, John Rankin, Lee Roche. [ by Rodney Marsh ] E-Mail Disclaimer: http://www.altron.co.za/email.asp ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ---------------------~--> Free shipping on all inkjet cartridge & refill kit orders to US & Canada. Low prices up to 80% off. We have your brand: HP, Epson, Lexmark & more. http://www.c1tracking.com/l.asp?cid=5510 http://us.click.yahoo.com/GHXcIA/n.WGAA/ySSFAA/GtUolB/TM ---------------------------------------------------------------------~-> Subscription info WWW http://red11.org/list Reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] = subscribe to the list. [EMAIL PROTECTED] = unsubscribe from the list. Post message [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
