Moyes' boys making opening noise?

David Moyes carries a reputation of being a slow starter, and question marks have been put next to Everton's pre-season preparations, but is there any reason to worry? The Brigade has taken a closer look at the numbers of the past six campaigns.

by @Nicopoleides

Close-up: Adnan Januzaj

- I came here to do something and focus on my football, was Adnan Januzaj's statement to Adam Marshall in the last-month interview on ManUtd.com. And the 18-year-old Belgian of Kosovarian descent has certainly kept his mind on the right track, progression beyond Paul McGuinnes' U18 side and turning into a key player Warren Joyce' U21s this season. Here is a closer look at the United starlet who arrived from Anderlecht back in 2011.


 

by @Nicopoleides

Moyes to send Rooney statement?

In his final speech of his Man United tenure, Sir Alex Ferguson stated the importance of supporting David Moyes, even if the results aren't going in the right direction in the beginning of the new era looming large at Old Trafford. And want-out Wayne Rooney may be Moyes' first significant opportunity to convince the fans that he has got the courage and believe in himself that he's the right man to fill Mr. Ferguson's shoes. 

by @Nicopoleides

Kagawa in Luka Modric's footprints?

Shinji Kagawa was one of the best performers in the Bundesliga season of 2011/12, but the humble Japanese has not exactly found - or Sir Alex Ferguson hasn't found - how to utilitise him optimally at Manchester United after the summer transfer. He's mostly played wide left, but is there another option than Wayne Rooney's trequartista role?

by @Nicopoleides

Nani the sinking showboat?

Luis Carlos Almeida da Cunha, 26, has been rumored for a move away from Manchester United, after five and a half years of various fortune at Old Trafford. Would January 2013 be the right time to leave? Is he world-class? Will he ever fulfill his potential - and how could that possibly be done? Does he deserve £120.000 a week? The Brigade has taken a closer look on the Portuguese international's career after moving to the British Isles.

Right to leave Nani out for Young?

In the summer of 2007 United signed two young and talented Portuguese players. One of them, Anderson, is still on the brink of making it as a regular for Man United, but his countryman Nani is seemingly frozen out at Old Trafford.

By @Nicopoleides

Old enough if good enough?

There are only a pocketful of hours since Juventus lost 1-0 at San Siro for Milan after a Robinho penalty kick after 30 minutes played. The Old Lady had more possession than the home side, and pushed on in the entire second half for an equaliser, but failed to find the way to the back of the net. However, still when 1-0 down in a difficult game on the road, Antonio Conte subbed on a familiar bloke, Paul Pogba, in an attempt to turn the game around.

By @Nicopoleides

Robbin' Van Persie?

As Arsenal's star man has handed has put in a transfer request at Arsenal and Sir Alex Ferguson has shown interest for the Dutch striker, there is time for a pro and con list regarding an eventual signing as fans - as usual - are split in terms of opinions. Let's start with the reasons to sign him:

by @Nicopoleides

On Fergie's mind

Sir Alex has done an incredible lot for Manchester United, but right now there are some issues and Fergie doesn't seem to have a plan - or does he? No matter what, I'd be beyond grateful if he can sort out the following challenges, which are essential to remain one of the top sides in the English top-flight and maybe even conquer Europe again.

by @Nicopoleides

Summer Status - Player by Player

After the disappointing final twist of the 2011/12 campaign, which made the English top-flight title race split the two top sides on goal difference for the first time since 1989, there is time to look forward for the upcoming campaign. Sir Alex Ferguson's squad is obviously aiming for the same target as last year - becoming the first English club to win 20 league titles. The Prawn Sandwich Brigade will have a closer look at the players who hopefully will be able to carry on and contribute in the hunt, both focusing on a 2011/12 summary and predicitions, expectations and potential outcome of the following season.

Why Fletcher and Carrick are Good Enough

Over the last couple of seasons, and especially this and the previous campaign, has Manchester United's midfield been heavily under-fire due to lack of creativity and x-factor. The following explains why neither Darren Fletcher or Michael Carrick are the right ones to blame for United's midfield being boring and below the required level.