[FM09] Life after Ronaldo

Thought id give this a go.

Patch 9.03 using Gaz's update

no edits

leagues loaded

argentina

brazil

england

holland

spain

scotland

france

italy

Automatic Rep which they gave me Semi Proffesional.

July 2008

I decided to take over the reigns from Sir Alex who has now gracefully retired after a turbulent summer with many Man Utd fans unhappy with the loss of Ronaldo, The worlds best player and of course Carlos Tevez who has swapped the red side of Manchester for the blue side. My first ask was the team with new signings Gabriel Obertan, Antonio Valencia and of course Micheal Owen which has split United fans all over. The board decided to set me £44milion for transfers and what ever i raised by selling. I decided to remove the deadwood and players who i felt werent good enough.

The likes of Darren Flecther, Owen Hargreaves, Wes Brown, Park and O shea would be my main source of income. I decided to go for youth rather than experience always driven on by the saying "You cant win anything with kids" the number selection also had to be submitted so this year i thought i would leave the Famous No 7 so i could look at my players and see who would replace the Golden boy of Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo.

August 2008

Into the final month of the transfer window and with a few freindlies played out against mostly my feeder clubs with some very good victories which is what i expected. This month would also see the curtian raiser Community Sheild Manchester United Vs Chelsea, The day at Wembley had arrived and i decided to pick the following tactics which i would use through out the season.

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/6208/tactics.jpg

The match itself was a cracker with the lads coming back from 2-1 down to take the trophy back to Old trafford with a 3-2 win with Srna scoring the winner on his debut. I was very optimistic regarding this signing for £17.25milion and with his versitality it made my decision to sell Mr versatilty John O'shea a very good idea. My marquee signing Darijo Srna is below.

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/985/marquee.jpg

The season was now upon us and who did i pull out of the hat for my first ever Premier League game? None other than my local rivals Manchester City. The Manchester City stadium was the setting. I looked across my squad and only injury news was that Nani would be out for 2 weeks with a thigh injury so i decided to stick in the unknown Tosic and give him a chance also away where my new signing Federico Fazio, David Santon and Anderson who were away on International duty. The result was not what i had in mind with a Gareth Barry Penalty settling the match and we went away losing the Derby. I was not impressed and let the lads know about it.

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/5926/mancity.jpg

I decided to tie down Kiko Macheda on a new 3 year deal with him putting some good perfmances in the reserves recently i decided to keep an eye on this young talent and see how he progresses. I also asked the board for a new feeder club somewhere i could send my youth and let them gain some valuable experience my club replied with Hibernian from the Scottish Premier. we agreed the link and straight away i sent my brazilian full back Fabio to gain some vital experience as he was coming along great in the reserves.

My first home game come up against the new comers in the Premier League and that would be Burnley. I knew this was a must win game but also knew the dangers of a possible banana skin here especialy when you look back the last few years and well Man Utd have never started the season with a ban but with that in mind i knew i couldnt afford to lose this match with it being my first in front of our home crowd. Surely this was a win for the Red Devils or would it?

The team was virtually the same one as the team that played Man City Van der sar in goal back four of Srna Vidic Rio Evra Carrick anderson with my wide players Tosic and Valencia and Rooney and Berbatov completing the team. I decided this would be my basis on the team for the season. A 2-0 win over Burnley put my first points on the board with goals from Rooney and Valencia both scoring and taking the 3 points.

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/1922/burnley.jpg

Sheffield Wednesday have approached me about the possibilty of a loan deal for my new youngster David Santon for 6 months in which i accepted due to that fact it would give him more of a feel to the english game rather than a few months in my reserves. I sent my scout to get me match reports and update me on his progress.

I was now approaching the end of August and with that came the champions League group stage draw. David Gill went to the draw leaving me back with the on feild matters to concentrate on. I recieved the phone call telling me we would be in the draw with PSV, Marseille and Anderlecht. That left me very happy as it could have been a lot worse in which happened to be the case for Rangers and Celtic. All group stages below.

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/372/champslgdraw.jpg

The Carling cup 3rd round was also drawn in which would bring me a home tie against Watford who plyed there trade in the Championship.But before that there was my next game where i would be pitting my wits against Tony Pulis and his Stoke team. I was glad to have a full squad until Paul Scholes came in with the flu so i sent him home for a few days i decided to recall Nani at Tosic's expense i was hoping Nani would now step up now that Ronaldo had moved on. A poor match in which they scored a contoversial goal and took the 1-0 win i was seething i decided i would change a few players after this perfomance. Did we really miss Ronaldo on this showing absobulty yess but i had faith.

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/933/stoke.jpg

August was a pretty poor month for me and my team as we struggled to score goals but with my new signings still gelling patience would be needed. My transfers are posted below along with the league table where we were sitting in the unusual place of 12th position and Everton would be going into September top of the league.

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/7682/tranfers.jpg

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/6766/career1.jpg

September 2008

I wanted a much better perfomance from the guys this month and maybe pick up some form and momentum especialy with the group stages of the champions league now approaching this month also. So with the transfer window now closed i had to use what i had at my disposal. All eyes were on me and my team the media where already going on about how where missing Ronaldo and Tevez's goals and by looking i felt maybe i had to agree but i had faith in my team and only time would tell after all its a marathon not a sprint. It was the turn of internationals this week i was hoping all my players would return unscathed but thats never the case.

My next game would be home against Wigan who were sitting 17th in the league my players returned with injuries hitting Wayne Rooney and Nemanja Vidic so i replaced Vidic with Fazio to make his debut and i moved John Fleck from reserves into the first team to replace Rooney. Fleck had looked good in reserves with 4 goals in 3 games thats why i chose him ahead of Micheal Owen. A 3-0 win over Wigan was the perfect start with Fazio scoring on his debut an own goal by Boyce and the icing on the cake was a goal from my portugese wonder Nani. I left the stadium pleased with the result. This moved me into 7th place in the league now surely the only was was up from now?

http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/5223/career2.jpg

The Champions League was now upon us and our first game in the competition since losing to Barcelona and Messi in the final 2-0. The road to another final started here tonight and first up would be Marseille at Old Trafford. the crowd was a sell out which was nothing new there. I seemed to be approaching a bit of a defensive crisis with my new signing Fazio now ruled out i had to shuffle the pack and put in Jonny Evans along side Rio for this one. The team would be Foster Srna Rio Evans Evra Carrick Anderson Nani Valencia with Fleck and Berbatov upfront. I remembered the debut of Wayne Rooney in europe in which he scored a Hat trick when he was 17 years old so throwing John into this game would be no problem for me. It was like a flash back from those years ago with John fleck scoring both goals in a 2-1 win over Marseille. the boy was absolutly delighted and all the other players signed the match ball for him.

http://img329.imageshack.us/img329/9041/career3.jpg

Back to league business and next up would be Sunderland away who were currently 4 places below me in 11th. This would be a tricky tie but i was feeling confident after back to back wins taking me into this match. I decided to make a few changes in the team to freshen it up after Champs league fixture so my team would be Foster Srna Evans rio Evra Camancho Anderson Giggs and Tosic wide and Fleck and Owen. I decided to drop Berbatov as he hasnt scored and felt a game out would do him good. A 0-0 draw was all we could manage and we left the North East a bit disapointed.

Carling cup next up with a home tie against Championship side Watford. In this cup i would blood my youngsters but mix it with some experience and get my fringe players some much needed match time. The team would be Van der sar Neville Da Leat Evans Evra Camancho Scholes Tosic Giggs Macheda and Owen up front. We ran out 3-1 winners with Tosic opening the scoring and a double for Micheal Owen put us into the next round and setting up a tricky away tie to Everton.

http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/5712/career4.jpg

Next up would be a physical match up against Bolton who were sitting in 15th and me in 8th. My team would be changed again making me look like Rafa at this moment in time Gary Megson come out saying my team wouldnt defend there title i hit back saying i was confident of a win over there team. Lets just hope my players dont let me down. Team news Foster in goal Srna Rio Fazio and Evra, Carrick Anderson Nani and Valencia with Berbatov and Owen up front. Micheal Owen continued his scoring run with the opener but then missing a penalty Rio and Nani also scoring in a 3-1 win over Bolton. Surely that should shut Gary Megson up. Micheal Carrick picked up an injury and will be out for 12 days.

http://img329.imageshack.us/img329/7655/career5.jpg

October 2008

PSV away next as we travelled to Holland for the next fixture in the champs league and with Vidic back in full training things were looking up but this game maybe to soon for Vidic so i brought him with him not playing in mind. David Santon my youngster on loan won young player of month for Sheff Wed which was good news and good to see him progressing well. I decided to keep the same team but swap the injured Carrick for Camancho. Berbatovs first goals of the season grabbed us 3 points in a 2-1 win. 2 matches in we were top of group 3 points ahead.

http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/862/career6.jpg

Another away game and the second team to come up in Birmingham next awaited for my players. The team would be Foster Srna Rio Fazio Evra Camancho Anderson Nani Tosic Berba and Owen completing the 11. Berbatov gave us the lead and we went into the break 1-0 up but Nani picked up injury so replaced with Ryan Giggs and Owen off for Fleck but Birmingham scored equaliser in 88th minute to take a share of the points.

http://img329.imageshack.us/img329/3734/career7.jpg

The first of the Big four next and Arsenal at home would be my next challenge and if we played like we did against Birmingham we were in trouble. Good news was Rooney was back in training and so i had virtually full sqaud to choose from. Foster would start Srna Rio Vidic Evra Camancho Anderson Nani Valencia Berba and Rooney restored would be my team against Arsenal. I demanded an improvement otherwise we would be on an end of a backlash.

The day of the game Srna pulled his groin and so i drafted in Gary Neville as my right back Van der sar in goal Rio Vidic Evra complement the back four. Carrick Andseron Nani Valencia Rooney Berba would be the 11 to go head to head with Arsenals youngsters. A sensational perfomance as we win 4-2 after going 2-1 down goals from Berbatov on the double Fazio who replaced the injured Vidic and Rooney completing the act.

http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/327/career8.jpg

Games were coming thick and fast as we now entertained Anderlecht Away, I expected nothing less than a win and a good one at that. I kept the same team but injuries to Rooney let Owen have a start and Nani needed a rest so replaced with Tosic. My decision to play Tosic paid off as he opened the scoring which was followed up by a Micheal Carrick penalty to put us 2-0 up. Owen picked up a niggle so i replaced him with John Fleck. Tosic got his second goal but a lapse of concentraion allowed Anderlecht to pull one back which was a mere consolation as Anderson scored in the dying minutes to make it 4-1 to United.

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/5935/career9.jpg

Currently top of the League were one of my biggest rivals Liverpool who looked like carrying on there last season form as they sat on top of the pile. We travelled to Anfield with a full squad to choose from.This was one tough game and we knew it but it would be nice to knock them off the perch especialy at Anfeild. Van der Sar Srna Vidic Rio Evra Carrick Anderson Nani Tosic Berba and Rooney would take the centre stage. I decided to pick Tosic ahead of Valencia due to his recent scoring form. A 0-0 draw would be seen as a good result but a win would of been better

Next up and Chelsea next at Old trafford. 2 of the big four in less than a week meant we had to show some real character and drive if we were gonna get near the summit.The same eleven took to the feild with Valencia replacing Tosic as i felt he had more of a phyisical presence than Tosic against a physical Chelsea. A dream start with Vidic scoring in the 5th minute set us on our way to a much needed win against Chelsea. My team were up for a battle with this resulting in 4 yellow cards but i didnt mind this as we took the 3 points.

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/5849/career10.jpg

In all the last 2 months have been very good still undefeated but some draws against weaker oppositon meant we would finish October sitting in 6th position which wasnt good enough but with some form starting to produce surely it could only get better.

League Table November 1st

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/875/career11.jpg

November 2008

My first game in November would see me welcome Portsmouth in the league i decided to stick with the 11 that beat Chelsea the previous game. A Rio penalty in the 2nd minute got us underway which was followed by a stunning goal from rooney to double our lead which gave us the final score 2-0 but still sat in 6th with teams around us winning also.

http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/9484/career12.jpg

Anderlecht arrived at Old Trafford looking for some revenge after the 4-1 loss at home to us in the previous tie. They were going to be up for it but i knew my players would too. The same 11 took to the field to do a job on this lot as we were far by the better side on paper atleast. A nani opener was followed by a Rio goal put us 2 up which completed the match 2-0 winners and with that win we qualify for the next round with 2 games spare. Job done!!

http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/528/career13.jpg

I decided i would have a quick update on my players out on loan Eden Hazard played 10 scoring 3 for Antwerp. Mame Diouf new signing scored 8 goals in 21 games for Molde. My young striker Henri Saivet scoirng 3 in 10 for Antwerp. Obertan played 18 with 3 goals at Hibs. David Santon played 11 scored 3 set up 3 for Sheff Wed. So all in all progress seems to be coming for my next stars on the Old Trafford production line.

Recently in a Gianfranco Zola interview he slated my team saying he dismisses Manchester Uniteds title bid which i respond clearly he has a lot to learn with his team sitting in 19th at the moment. I was miffed but he played a good game but could he talk one we was about to find out as my troops take to the grass of Upton park. No injury concerns so i picked the same 11 again to go and get me the win. A vidic header in the 13th minute followed by a rooney strike put us 2 in front but shocking defending gave west ham the chance to score 2 and to take a share of the points. Not impressed.

The 4th round of the carling cup gave my second string team a chance to shine now in an away game against Everton who were flying in the league. I put Foster in goal Neville Fazio Evans Evra camancho scholes giggs tosic and Owen Fleck partnership upfront for this game. A Fazio header from a Tosic cross gave us the goal that would take us through to the next round of the cup.

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/7089/career14.jpg

With 11 victories in 15 matches things were looking rosy is what one paper had reported on and well maybe we werent top but this would surely give my players a lift. Another 3 points was expected as Wolves travelled to Manchester so i picked the team of Foster Srna Fazio Vidic Evra Carrick Anderson Nani Valencia Rooney Berbatov. I decided to drop Fleck back to the reserve team for a few games. Rooney sets a record with a goal in 23 seconds was added with a second for Rooney. Nani added a 3rd to make it a comfortable 3-0 win.

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/9992/career15.jpg

The Q/F draw in Carling cup pits me up in the mouth watering tie of the round where we would have to travel to Stamford Bridge for Chelsea. The hardest match for my second string possibly? Another home game now with Blackburn the visitors we sat in 6th still which was getting to comfortable for my liking while Blackburn 16th. A home win should be on the cards. 2 goals from Valencia set us on our way Vidic also scoring to take us into ht 3-0 up which was the final result but we now moved away from 6th and into 4th which was nice.

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/7185/career16.jpg

Marseille were next up and so i decided to stick with same 11 to try get consitency to match our form. We had already qualified from the group but maximum points where the next target. A goal by Morientes put the hosts 1-0 up going into HT i changed it round a bit bringing on Camancho for Carrick and Owen for Berbatov but to no prevail as we lose 1-0 So much for maximum points.

Spurs would be my final game in November and with no injuries i decided to put out my best 11 i could so with tht Van Der Sar Srna Rio Vidic Evra Carrick Anderson Nani Valencia Berba Rooney would be the starting 11 for a tricky home tie against Tottenham. A Rooney winner takes the points in a 2-1 win over the spurs and a good result to end the month.

The league below shows our slight improvement but still a few points away from league leaders.

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/7813/career17.jpg

December 2008

The Fa cup no team has won it more than Manchester United and i looked to continue that tradition. We see the Red Devils start the FA cup road with a 3rd round tie against recently relegated Newastle United.But for now it was Carling cup taking centre stage where we would travel down to London to face Chelsea. I decided to go for a strong team against them. A 91st minute winner by Rooney delights our fans as we win 1-0 to step into the semi final of the Carling Cup.

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/4809/career18.jpg

Aston Villa away would be my next trip and with my players feeling a bit jaded but up for it i made no changes and it went against us as we came away from Villa Park with only one point in a 2-2 draw Owen and Nani both coming from the bench to score. We stayed in 4th but with 2 points dropped that meant 2 points away from the top pile.

My final group game in Champs league see us take on PSV who were looking to win to see them through with us. I sent out the same 11 again hoping to knock them out of the competition. Berbatov scoring in the first half makes things a bit easier for us as we look in control but another goal is needed to make sure, Tosic pulls up injured so replaces him with Nani who is nearing full fitness. Wayne Rooney doubles the lead with a trademak strike. We see out the rest of the game with no incidents and win 2-0 being the final score.

I meet with the board to discuss another feeder club for Manchester United which they agree we need one and would have a search to find the right club for us. I move along now to concentrate on my next game which is Everton away. The team of Van Der Sar Srna Fazio Rio Evra Carrick Anderson Nani Valencia Berba and Rooney would be the ones to hopefully grab us a win in a difficult place. The only absentee was Vidic away on international duty. A solo effort by Berbatov wraps up the 3 points as we win 1-0 a solid perfomance by the team.

Phil Browns suprise package Hull where my next opponents as we look to get back to back victories that will hopefuly slash the lead down in points but with the top four teams in good form it would be difficult yet not impossible. We were away but yet i demanded a win we couldnt afford any more slip ups so the same team went out who played against Everton to get me my 3 points. Nani's wonder goal puts in the right direction as we take the lead but a Rio own goal puts them back in it. 85 minutes on the clock and we wina free kick from 25 yards out which Anderson steps up to make it 2-1 and 90th minute Berbatov extends the lead as we win 3-1.

Next up the Champs League draw there were a few teams i would take in this draw like HSV, spartak Moscow or maybe Porto and possibly avoid some of the big guns. I decided to travel to the draw with Mr Gill. We watched the draw and was happy when Leverkusen where paired up against Manchester United. We came away happy with the draw.Others interesting ties would see a mouth watering clash between AC Milan and Barcelona. Full draw below.

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/6460/champslg.jpg

We arrived back in Manchester to prepare our team for the upcoming tie with Fulham we wanted 3 points badly here and we would do what ever it took to get it. I didnt want no holding back from my team and so i chose the same 11 which seems my strongest at the moment but i think areas need improving and Berbatov needs to up it if he wants to stay in my plans. Wayne Rooney dribbles past 2 players and slots the ball home to make it 1-0. at HT i encourage the lads to get the job finished in which Rooney does with his second of the game to make it 2-0 winners in front of the home crowd.

Boxing day and what a bumper boxing match we have here in the Manchester Derby. They say revenge is a dish best served cold and i could sense this in training with the players putting in a great effort and all looking hungry as our next match is the Manchester Derby. The first game was a 1-0 win for the blue side so i have to get it right and make sure its the red side of Manchester who will have the bragging rights come Monday. I pick the same team hoping for the same result today we start the match slow and go into HT drawing 0-0 with not much action. a 85 minute goal by bebatov should be enough to secure victory but Adebayor equalises 3 minutes later im not happy at all and dont even speak to my players.

With the transfer window opening in less than a few hours time to make changes???

Good luck with the career, your signings certainly point to a bright future for your team though i doubt you will defend your title this year. Also its hard to keep reading match by match analysis, maybe if you condense 3 months into one post, it would make it more readable for others. Just a suggestion mind, if this is the way you want to do it then so be it. Kutgw jack the ripper

yeh okay mate sounds good idea to me thanks for reading il continue tomorow as all typed out lol

as sad as it is, that's probably how it will be all season.

go to quarters or semis in CL. go deep in carling and fa, and trail all year by a couple points for premiership.

Looking forward to see the likes of Fazio and Saivet develop, can you post screenie's of there profile at end of every season just to see their progress. Thanks mate have fun.

yeh okay il post screen shots but il do it tomorow now as just gotin from footy training and ready for bed thanks for reading. My plan is Fazio to take Rio's place eventually but not sure with Saivet if he will warrant a first team spot with Fleck comin through

Try get Rodwell in he is dubbed the next Rio Ferdinand and he develops rapidly

January 2009

Results didnt seem to be coming as i had hoped. There seemed an air of consitency and my strikers not doing there bit as much as id liked. I asked the board for a little bit more cash as i had in mind that i would be offloading Berbatov as i didnt feel he was pulling his weight. I recieved 2 offers for the bulgarian striker one from Everton and my local rivals Man City. Everton offered my just under £20 mil but Man City offered me £31 mil so putting my differences aside i grabbed the money with both hands knowing he was getting on in age and i wouldnt get that deal come summer time. I also released David Gray on a free transfer. I decided to have a scout around the Brazillian leagues mostly under 20s and decided to buy Marquinhos for a sum of around £27.5mil to bring the brazilian wonder kid. I also spotted 2 new players both 15 years old a Goalkeeper named Igor and midfeilder named luis gonzalez who i had high hopes for. that would be it for my signings in January as i look to improve in my next fixtures.

Matches

First up came Newcastle in the Fa Cup 3rd round with a Berbatov leaving goal sent us through with a 1-0 win. Typical i accept an offer and he scores. Maybe he was trying to change my mind but i decided i had enough and wanted to replace him. Footballs a ruthless game and that i am. I then had my Carling Cup semi final against Blackburn and decided to let youth take over and held out for a 0-0 draw so not really much to write about as entertainment was concerned but a clean sheet made me happy it was just a shame we couldnt nick that goal that would of set us up nicely for the 2nd leg in 2 weeks. A return to league action saw us take on Stoke who themselves were performing above expectations with a 12 postion. A solo goal by Rooney set up victory as we took all 3 points. so 3 games into January and undefeated and with 0 goals against i was okay with that. the press were then targeting my players and there recent form and was it good enough for a challenge. I stuck by my players knowing we would turn that corner soon and someone better watch out. A Nani brace and another goal from Rooney in the next match against Burnley made it comfortable against new comers Burnley with the match ending 3-1. We then had to travel north to Wigan who were still trying to find that win against the big four. I was thinking a garaunteed victory and 3 points should be on the cards but Wigan had other ideas with John Fleck grabbing a goal as we were held 1-1 i wasnt happy but goad to see Fleck scoring and ending a run of over 10 hours with out a goal.

Mid January and Berbatov agreed to join Man City and i was still waiting for the work permit which i had to appeal for Marquinhos and the 2 other brazilians i had signed. A few days later and my appeal was a success and arquinhos was now an official Manchester United player.

Back to the football and Carling cup semi final 2nd leg with Blackburn up and so i decided as im home i would start with Marquinhos and Fleck upfront with a few changes with foster in goal Santon Vidic fazio Evra camancho and anderson occupying midfeild with Nani and Tosic on the wings the game exploded into action when 3mins into his debut Marquinhos curls one in and then adds to his tally 14 mins later to make it 2-0 Blackburn equalised through Roberts but Fleck killed off the game to send us into our first final of the season and a chance to defend our cup with a tie against Liverpool. Birmingham next and a 2-0 victory in fa cup 4th round send us through. John fleck grabs 2 goals as we see off the challenge of Sunderland and Birmingham again with the same score line but Rooney grabbing a goal and Nani.

Overall it was a good month with us reaching a cup final and still in Fa cup and sitting in 3rd postion 5 points behind Leaders Chelsea.

February

Feb started with abother Fa Cup game against Wigan and a double from Rooney makes sure we progress further into the competion as we win 2-0. We then had the phyiscal battle against a very strong bolton team. The match started slowly but finished with a bang, Unfortnatly for us it was Bolton who snatched and grabbed the victory here with both goals coming in the last 6 minutes killed us off and we end up losing the game 2-0. I praised my players as January was a long month but i felt i had the squad to make this a succesful season for the United fans. Back to the champions League 1st round knock out and Leverkused would be in our way we had the away game first so always knew a goal for us would give us an advatage as long as we didnt lose the game. I decided to go with Marquinhois and Rooney up front as i thought with the pace of Marquinhos maybe he could sneak a goal or 2 and he didnt disapoint as he scored the only goal of the game to make sure we went home happy with the away goal also in our back pocket. The next match would be the Carling cup final against Liverpool. We travelled down to Wembley the thursday before the fixture. The journey was pleasent and the atmosphere was great everyone in a good mood. I decided that the players could spend friday night with there partners as long as it was lights out by 12pm and no drinking. Wayne Rooney and Anderson would be missing through injury so Fleck would partner Marquinhos up front and carrick would step in with Camancho. The game started bright with lots of possesion which then saw Marquinhos open the scoring and add another made sure we won the cup with a 2-0 victory but the game was marred by an injury to Vidic but with Rio now available i would be okay no matter the outcome of ther injury.

A perfect way to end the month and now its back to chasing the pack in the league table. My player of the month would be Marquinhos who has settled in well with 3 goals in 3 games including a double in the final against Liverpool which im sure would instanlty make him a fans favourite. My monthly meeting with my board came as a suprise as they tell me they feel i should be performing slightly better in my role. I take it with a pinch of salt as i feel im doing well considering we have lost The worlds best player Ronaldo and of course Tevez. Were going through another transitional period and with many new young stars in the making i felt happy for the future of Manchester United. We made a loss of £1.3mil for the first time this season.

March

I decided to offer new contracts to a few players to tie them down longer with the likes of Santon, Srna and Camancho all agreeing 4 year deals with the club. I had a good look through my squad and started thinking slowly about my summer transfers and decided a goalkeeper would be my 'Marquee Signing' and with not many about to fill the boots of Edwin i had to look very hard and with a few possiblitles in my list which would include Hugo Lloris, Manuel Neuer or Igor Akinfeev i would get all 3 watched with full scout reports. This would be a tough decision as i felt from what i seen they were all as good as each other and all fitted under my new under 27 rule in which i would never sign anyone over 27 years old unless it was spur of the moment.

Super Sunday today as not only is it Arsenal taking on Manchester United but it was top Vs 3rd with Chelsea taking on Liverpool. Arsenal were stting in 7th while i was in 4th but only 1 point seperating us anything could happen i decided to drop John fleck into the reserves to let him gain some sharpness with a few reserve games under his belt now Rooney was back from injury. A lapse in defence lets in Van Persie to open the scoring to give them the lead but with 10 minutes to go Marquinhos grabs the equaliser as we take a share of the points, I feel a bit disapointed but felt with the way the game was going it was a point gained. In the other game it also ended in a 1-1 draw so it urned out even better. Van der Sar put in a man of the match performance for us. Maybe he heard me talking in the office to my scouting staff about signing a replacement for him who knows? Fa cup time once again and we travel to mersey side to play Everton, A few changes would be made mainly some youngsters to see how they fair against a solid premier league outfit and wether they can deal with the added pressure of it being a cup game. As the players go to warm up i bump into England coach Fabio Capello who was casting an eye over Rio, rooney and possibly Ben Foster who was starting this game for me. A goal from an unlikely source in Johnny Evans but a Fellaini goal evens the score and old Utd favourite Saha grabs Evertons second to win the game for the toffees im not happy and let my team know about it. I restored the likes of Rooney and decided to put Marquinhos Right wing and Owen up front and it seemed a good decision as Owen scores the 2nd goal in a 2-0 win over Leverkusen to send us thorugh to the next round of the Champs league.

The champions league draw this week and i am informed that we have pulled out Liverpool next which is going to be very tough for us. Other ties of interest would be Inter Vs Bayern, Barca Vs Juventus and Chelsea will tackle Real Madrid. Speaking of Liverpool a warm up to that champs league fixture would fast approach us as we had them in the next league fixture, I wnated a result here not just for the 3 points but maybe pyschologically also. Benitez is all over the papers saying he wanted to record an early victory i reply telling him where out to end his title dream. Micheal Owen keeps his place as i play the same team as the one against Leverkusen. Good news today was Gerrard would miss the game through injury. 20 mins in and Owen of all people opens the scoring which send the horus of boos from the fans who once adored him but were soon drowned out by huge cheers from the home crowd. An Owen penatly then sets our fans into raptures to make him grab his second just before half time. 2-0 and we start the second half greatly with lots of the ball and pentration. Micheal Owen decided to write the morning newspapers with his 3rd goal and hat trick against his former club as we win 3-0 a great perfomance and a joy to behold as we destroy them and shove Rafa's rant back down his throat. Owen was giving a standing ovation as i took him off with minutes remaining and what a sight of those iverpool fans faces as he applauded the Stretford end. Priceless!!!

il continue march klater going for food

Chelsea next away for us as we travel down to london this match could be the turning point. I would take a draw considering Chelsea's hom form which was very good but a win would be better. We arrived in london well prepapred with a full squad and so i was feeling optomistic. The match started slowly with both teams not pushing much until we got a goal through the one and only Patrice Evra. The man behind the scandal gate last year settled his score with Chelsea with the opening goal but a Micheal Ballack header in the 2nd half shared the spoils as we finished the game 1-1. As i said though i would be happy with a point and we were now sitting in 2nd place 4 points behind Man city. Marquinhos takes the player of the month award for March which he deserves and im very pleased we have him aboard.

Overall a great month with some very hard games played and a good push up the table sees us move into 2nd but not happy with the fact the blue side of Manchester are sitting top. it would be catastrophic if they go onto win the title but hopefully we can put an end to that as we have been here many times before were as City havent so only time will tell and April being a very important season i wanted to win every game.

April 2009

April started with a home tie against West Ham and with Rio being the only doubt i recalled vidic into the starting line up and demanded a win against a team that was struggling. A goal by Santon who replaced Rooney in the 12min who picked up a knock opened the scoring nd the reborn Micheal Owen adding the second to seal a comfortable 2-0 win. So a good start to the month and hopefully it can corry on. Injury news as im informed Rooney will be out between 2-3 weeks. not good as that meant hed miss most of April but i had faith in Owen and Marquinhos. I also called up John Fleck who was back on form for the reserves. Champs leage Qaurteer final next and Liverpool away and a 2-0 win goals by nani and camncho seal victory as we look in a healthy position to take them to OT to finish the job.

tbc