[FM14] David Beckham goes into management

[DavidBeckham]

Former Club Special

A really emotional game. The opening goal of the game was scored by the player I signed just before I left, a player I never got to manage. Joe Ledley powered home from a corner and we were behind just nine minutes into the game. Blackpool now play a more patient, possession based game under their new manager and they managed to keep the ball well and frustrate us for the rest of the hour before we got our break.

Stefan Strandberg, the leader of my defense when I was still there, turned in a cross from Valencia unintentionally and we were level on 65 minutes. From then on, the game swung our way and Juan Mata capitalized on another mistake from the Tangerines' defense to put us ahead. A player I didn't sign, Joel Ward, got sent off for two bookable offence and we went on to score two more goals.

Mixed feelings at the end.

[DavidBeckham]

October 2015/2016 - Manchester United

We were unbeaten for the month of October but I was disappointed to have drawn two games at home. As mentioned in the last post, it was an emotional day back at Bloomfield Road where we came from behind to beat my old club 4-1. We followed up with a 3-0 victory at home against Crystal Palace with the help of three goals from our red hot striker Danny Welbeck.

Then came the disappointments. We first drew Freiburg at home in the Champions League before dropping valuable points against Stoke. Thankfully, we ended the month on a high with a thrilling 4-2 victory at St James' Park, with Spanish magician Juan Mata producing the goods.

UEFA Champions League

With the disappointing draw, we dropped down to second place behind Marseille and if we want to top the group, we need to do much better in the last three games of the group stages.

And now to the Manchester derby in November!

[DavidBeckham]

November 2015/2016 - Manchester United

A terrible start to November in the Champions League as we lost to Freiburg after Rafael's sending off. We created lots of chances but struggled to put them away and it ultimately cost us all three points. We traveled to London for an away game against Spurs and Soldado headed the home side into the lead merely three minutes into the game. We battled back to hold the London side to a 1-1 draw to keep our unbeaten league run going.

The big derby was up next and Valencia grabbed the all important goal before some great defending secured all three points. Another important clash in the Champions League was up next and this time round, the opposition had one of their players sent off and we capitalized to win by three goals to nil. We wrapped up the month with a fine 3-0 win against Everton at the Theatre of Dreams.

Chelsea just can't stop winning and they remain four points ahead of us. Blackpool stays in 11th place after a great month.

UEFA Champions League

After the crucial Marseille win at home, we are back on top and a dramatic last day in the Champions League awaits us.

[DavidBeckham]

December 2015/2016 - Manchester United

A really good month apart from a disappointment right at the end. We kicked off the month with two great away wins against West Brom and Fulham, before sealing top spot in UEFA Champions League group stage with a comfortable victory away at Celtic. We then continued to improve our away form with an emphatic 3-0 victory in Wales against Cardiff, before returning to Old Trafford to dismiss Norwich 4-1. Our goals dried up in the next game against Reading but Chris Smalling managed to head home on the hour mark to bag us all three points.

We traveled to Wales for the second time in December to face Swansea and thankfully, we ended up on the right end of a five goal thriller. We were so near to a perfect month before Arsenal beat us on their home ground to spoil the party. Thanks to our brilliant form in December, we overtook Chelsea and are now three points ahead in top spot.

UEFA Champions League

After a few slip ups, I was happy to win the group with 11 points.

[DavidBeckham]

January 2015/2016 - Manchester United

We didn't start the month well in the FA Cup against Championship side Brighton as we were held 2-2 at Old Trafford. Southampton was up next at Old Trafford and we took revenge for the defeat earlier in the season with two goals and a clean sheet. We then had the FA Cup replay to deal with and thankfully, Giovinco grabbed an injury time goal to put us through to the next round. I was bitterly disappointed to lose at Anfield up next where we simply couldn't find the net whatever we tried.

Back in the FA Cup, Q.P.R visited Old Trafford and our youngsters did well in a 3-0 win with Nick Powell grabbing a double. An important clash with Chelsea at Old Trafford was up next and Cleverley was absolutely on fire to help us to a second consecutive 3-0 win. However, inconsistency crept in once again as we lost 3-0 at Hull after conceding from a corner, a penalty and some dire defending.

After an inconsistent month, we dropped down to second behind Manchester City on goal difference with a game in hand. It now looks as if it's gonna be a three way title race with Chelsea and Man City all the way till the end.

[DavidBeckham]

February 2015/2016 - Manchester United

We began February welcoming my old club Blackpool to Old Trafford and there were mixed feelings. It was one of our biggest wins of the season but it could have destroyed their confidence. They are now lingering in 18th place and hopefully they can survive come the end of the season. We then traveled to Selhurst Park and began the game well with a well-taken Juan Mata penalty. To my dismay, Crystal Palace equalized and the 1-1 draw cost us valuable points. Home comforts helped us to another win at Old Trafford and Tom Cleverley kept up his great goal scoring form this season with a double against Aston Villa.

FA Cup handed us a home draw against Burnley and I gave the second team players some valuable game time. As a result, we struggled to a 2-1 win with the help of a late Wayne Rooney winner. We were back in Champions League action in Germany but defended really sloppily in a 2-1 defeat against Schalke. After the cup disappointment, we returned back to domestic action and two solid wins against Newcastle and Stoke City kept us five points clear of our noisy neighbours. Chelsea remained six points behind with a game in hand.

[DavidBeckham]

March 2015/2016 - Manchester United

I enjoyed March a lot as the players finally looked like they can defend and keep clean sheets. We only conceded one goal in seven matches but unfortunately, that solitary goal was the losing one against our noisy neighbours Man City in the league. There were two other home league games against Spurs and West Brom in March and we managed to bag all six points, scoring five and conceding none.

Looking at the league table, we hold five point leads over both rivals, with Chelsea having a game in hand and it's gonna be nervy all the way till the end. Former club Blackpool remains four points adrift of safety and I will be praying for them.

Cups

We managed to stay in both cup competitions. After being held at Goodison Park, we needed a replay to knock the Toffees out of the FA Cup with a nervy 1-0 win at Old Trafford. We also managed to overturn a first leg deficit to eliminate German opposition Schalke out of the Champions League with a stylish 4-0 home win.

I was extremely disgusted to find out that we drew Chelsea in the next round of both competitions and as a result, we will be fighting against the London side on all three fronts. The first of the numerous clashes against the Blues was in the Champions League and even though they were all over us for most of the game, some great last ditch defending and a towering header by Fellaini put us in a great position for the second leg back at Old Trafford.

And then there was my first youth intake at Man United. We only had one decent prospect in Paul White (what a name!) and he looks a decent target man in the making. However, we play with a false nine up front and I will be looking to develop his technical ability to match his immense physicality.

[DavidBeckham]

I left this portion out by accident in my January update :o

January Transfers

Tom Ince

Couldn't resist the temptation to sign him when he became available as I wanted to sign him badly for Blackpool. Solid little winger who will play down the left for me.

Ryan Bertrand

With Evra ageing and expressing his desire to leave, I need more cover at left-back and Bertrand provides exactly that.

Eric Dier

He looks great after the patch and he will be my third choice center back behind Smalling and Evans. In addition to being a great defender, he can pass the ball as well and it's a great bonus to have

[DavidBeckham]

April 2015/2016 - Manchester United

We kept up our good form and kicked off April with an away win at Goodison Park. A home win against Fulham followed before a disappointing defeat at Carrow Road. We bounced back against Cardiff at Old Trafford and I was glad to see Giovinco end his goal drought with a fantastic free-kick. We ended April with a dramatic 1-0 home win against Swansea via an injury time own goal.

Cups

After getting the better of Chelsea in two consecutive games, we managed to progress in both cups. Arsenal was up next in the Champions League semis and Wayne Rooney ruthlessly ended the tie in the first leg with a superb hat trick in a 4-0 victory. Arsenal gave their best in the second leg but a 3-1 victory wasn't enough to overturn the tie. The treble is on! Win the next three games and we relive the 1998/1999 legendary treble season! \o/

A sad sad end to the month though

[DavidBeckham]

\o/

[DavidBeckham]

May 2015/2016 - Manchester United

The month of May was all about three steps to heaven.

We had to take the first step in an away league game against Reading. Win and we win the title. Draw and we will most probably win the table due to our superior goal difference against Chelsea. Lose and if Chelsea win, they win the title. Things were off to a good start when Wayne Rooney pounced to score on the 8th minute. We were on our way until De Gea parried a Reading free-kick and to my dismay, Dominic Samuel followed up to equalize for the home side. Thankfully, things stayed that way and we won the title on goal difference! Nail-biting stuff!

With the Premier League in the bag, we traveled to Wembley to face Welsh side Swansea in the FA Cup final. It was a much straight forward affair and we were always in control with Juan Mata in great form. We won 4-1 on the day and were only one last step away from the legendary treble.

The last time Man United won the treble, we did it at Nou Camp against Bayern Munich and this time round, we were up against the same opposition at the Millennium Stadium. We were off to a great start when Neuer gifted Rooney with the ball after a poor clearance and our talisman slotted the ball into an empty net. Bayern were always going to come back with their quality and Thomas Muller equalized right after half-time. The way we reacted pleased me a lot and my player of the season, Tom Cleverley, scored the winner with a great lob and we have done the treble!

[Nadessico]

nice career so far, though i refuse to believe a man who played for P.N.E would manage Blackpool

[DavidBeckham]

nice career so far, though i refuse to believe a man who played for P.N.E would manage Blackpool

Thank you! I was desperate for a solid first job and when Blackpool approached me, it was an easy choice Wouldn't rule out going back to P.N.E to manage them at some stage though:D

[DavidBeckham]

Awards

Glad to see my emphasis on building a solid defense paying off

Oh De Gea :**)

\o/

Proud to see England's best player win this! \o/

Great to have four players in the Champions League team of the year...

...especially when only two made the Premier League team of the year!

And lastly, I was amazed that the header from a corner kick made the goal of the season, surely a bug?!

[DavidBeckham]

Season Review 2015/2016 - Manchester United

League

Final Table (Champions)

The squad finished fourth last season and even though I knew it was going to be tough, I always aimed for the title and I was happy to see the team scrape past the finishing line to win it on goal difference.

Capital One Cup (Eliminated in 3rd round)

Knocked out at the very first hurdle against Newcastle at St James' Park and I was not happy even though the board did not place emphasis in this competition. I will continue to blood youngsters in this competition and I expect us to do much better next season.

FA Cup (Winners)

I was very happy to help the team win this competition as it had been 12 years since we last got our hands on this trophy. We had quite a bit of luck with the FA Cup draws and with all due respect to the other clubs, the only tough fixture we had was Chelsea in the semis and even then, I was surprised at the ease we dismiss Jose Mourinho's side in a 3-0 win. We also required replays against Brighton and Everton and valuable game time were granted to the youngsters.

Champions League (Winners)

We scraped past the group stages with eleven points before facing Schalke in the first knock out round. We suffered a first leg defeat in Germany and required a big result at Old Trafford to progress. Thankfully, the players were up to the fight and we were impressive in a 4-0 victory in the second leg. English oppositions were up next in the quarters and semis and due to the familiarity of our opponents, we played well to knock both teams out to face Bayern Munich in the finals.

Unlike the 1999 final, we were gifted an early goal this time round after an uncharacteristic error from Neuer. After Thomas Muller's equalizer, my favorite United player, Tom Cleverley, scored the winner with a brilliant lob to help us to a brilliant treble \o/

Players' Analysis

Squad Stats

We used 26 players in total and there were some big performers throughout the season. Players like Sami Khedira, Alberto Moreno and Sebastian Giovinco were not signed by me but they all played significant parts in a fantastic season for the Red Devils.

Top 3 Players

Danny Welbeck

Despite playing only half a season, Welbeck gets my vote in the top 3 players of the season. He was leading the goal scoring charts when he broke his leg in January and he could have gone on to bag the golden boot in the league.

Wayne Rooney

Before Welbeck's injury, Rooney was playing in central midfield as I only play with one upfront and his form wasn't great. He only found his form following his move upfront and the goals and assists came back. 17 goals and 18 assists in 31 starts cap off a great season for England's talisman.

Tom Cleverley

This may come as a surprise to many but Cleverley is my player of the season. He scored winners in the FA Cup and Champions League finals and ended the season with 15 goals and 11 assists in 29 starts. He plays in the most advanced role of my midfield three and was scintillating to watch at times.

Future Plans

I am not looking to make too many changes to the squad as there is a couple of promising youngsters waiting to break into the first team. I will concentrate on blooding them next season.

[b101]

An outstanding season, one I'm not sure Becks would be capable of...

[DavidBeckham]

Preseason 2016/2017 - Manchester United

Board Expectations

English Premier League: Challenge for the title

UEFA Champions League: Reach the final

European Super Cup: Winners

FA Cup: Reach the final

Capital One Cup: Not important

Community Shield: Not important

Tough expectations there for Champions League and FA Cup. Would need some luck in both cup draws to achieve the board's aims.

Budgets

Transfer: 76.3 million pounds

Wages: 2.2 million pounds

Immense budget there but as mentioned, I am looking to bring a few youngsters through and there will not be many transfer dealings in the summer.

Transfers

No transfers in as I was happy with the squad. Angelo Henriquez will replace Giovinco in the squad while a 19 year old Italian center back will take Michael Keane's place as the fourth choice center back this season.

I was torn when making the decision to sell Lingard but he has Kagawa, Cleverley and Powell all ahead of him in the pecking order. He was brilliant for me at Blackpool and I wish him all the best at Southampton :**(

Preseason Friendlies

We kicked off our preseason with a testimonial for club legend Patrice Evra and he deserved it for being one of the club's best left-backs in recent years. After a couple of friendlies, we headed over to USA for a tour before a second testimonial for another club legend.

Wayne Rooney is only thirty years old and there's plenty left in him yet but I couldn't resist organizing a testimonial for a player like him. We then wrapped up our preseason with another game against an easy opposition and the Community Shield game against Chelsea awaits us...

[DavidBeckham]

An outstanding season, one I'm not sure Becks would be capable of...

Thanks b101! Was pleasantly surprised by the treble too! As for Becks, you never know

[DavidBeckham]

Becks is the new England manager!

Following England's quarter final exit in Euro 2016, Roy Hodgson resigned. I tried my luck and FA offered me the job!

Unfortunately, I will be without my talisman

[DavidBeckham]

August 2016/2017 - Manchester United

It was a tough opening month to the season. We started with a Community Shield defeat against Chelsea and uncharacteristically, we defended sloppily. Juan Mata scored a brilliant free kick to put us ahead, only for Chelsea to come roaring back. After Rafael got sent off for a second yellow, there was no way back and we were beaten 3-2 by a determined Chelsea side. Next, we kicked off our league campaign away at Arsenal and rather luckily, we did a smash and grab in a fortunate 1-0 victory.

We had to travel to Stamford Bridge for our second encounter with the Blues in August and once again, we were defeated by Jose Mourinho's rejuvenated side. Three days later, we hosted promoted outfit Ipswich and despite missing numerous glorious chances, a powerful run and shot by Phil Jones helped us to three important points. We wrapped up the month with an absolutely cracking encounter against Spurs in the European Super Cup. Once again, Wayne Rooney came to our rescue with an extra-time winner and we added a second Super Cup to the one last won in 1991.

[DavidBeckham]

September 2016 - England

Couldn't have asked for a better start. Two wins out of two, four goals scored and none conceded. Possibly the toughest encounter (Wales away) out of the way as well. Would be really disappointed if we do not progress from the group.

[DavidBeckham]

September 2016/2017 - Manchester United

September was a much better month and we were unbeaten in all competitions. We started the month with a home game against Everton and Danny Welbeck bagged a double to help us to a 3-1 win. Next, we traveled to Denmark to kick off our Champions League campaign and I was very satisfied with the 4-0 victory. We were brought back down to earth in the league as the lads fought out a disappointing 1-1 draw at Southampton and two valuable points were dropped.

West Brom was up next in the Capital One Cup and young Italian center back Julian Mazzacani grabbed two goals in a entertaining 2-1 win. We were back at Old Trafford for a league clash against Crystal Palace and I was glad to bag all three points in a routine 3-0 win. The boys wrapped up the month with a comfortable home victory in the Champions League against Porto.

After a solid month, both Manchester sides stay two points behind leaders Chelsea after six games. Cardiff are the surprise package in the top four with Liverpool lingering in the relegation zone.

Unlike the last campaign, we start this Champions League campaign well with two wins and top the group with six points.

[DavidBeckham]

Why Blackpool?

[DavidBeckham]

Former Club Special

It was another emotional day against my former club in the Capital One Cup tie. With the Manchester derby three days away, I chose to field a weakened side. It worked against us and Blackpool matched us throughout the game. It ended goal-less after ninety minutes and both teams entered extra-time looking tired. Sami Khedira, the team's ball winner, got sent off for a second bookable offence and Blackpool started to find spaces. Thankfully, we hung on and went into penalties.

Rooney, Bertrand, Ince, Powell and Mazzacani all scored and the tie was settled after James Husband missed for the Tangerines. We are through to the quarter finals at the expense of my second favorite club...

[abulezz]

Two points off the top and leading your Champions League group - that's a good place to be right now!

[DavidBeckham]

Two points off the top and leading your Champions League group - that's a good place to be right now!

Absolutely, I'm happy with the solid start Wins haven't been as convincing though, the young players are scraping past teams!

[DavidBeckham]

October 2016 - England

In October, we dropped our first points of the qualifying campaign. We kicked off the month with a straight forward 3-0 victory against Hungary at Wembley, with the Ox, Sturridge and mighty Phil Jones grabbing the goals. Following the win, we couldn't find our attacking rhythm in Israel as we were held to a 1-1 draw and two valuable points were dropped.

After the October fixtures, we continue to sit top on ten points, one ahead of Wales and three ahead of Armenia. Solid but unspectacular start by the boys.

[DavidBeckham]

October 2016/2017 - Manchester United

League

It was a tough month for us as injuries began to pile up. Even though we were unbeaten for the whole of October, the lads were scraping past teams at times and we failed to win by more than one goal in our first three league games. One goal victories against Hull, Huddersfield and Newcastle lifted us above both City and Chelsea into the top spot before the big derby. Back at Old Trafford, Fellaini powered the team to an important 3-1 victory against our noisy neighbors and the scoreline actually flattered us after City matched our efforts for most of the game.

After the vital win, we are now one clear of Chelsea and five clear of City.

Cups

In the cups, a 1-1 home draw against Udinese helped us stay top of our Champions League group with seven points. As shown in the earlier post, we knocked out Blackpool on penalties to progress to the quarter finals of the Capital One Cup in an emotional game.

Bring on November!

[b101]

Huge win there - free Shinji!

[DavidBeckham]

November 2016/2017 - Manchester United

League

It was a perfect month in the league with three wins out of three against Spurs, Norwich and Liverpool. We produced the best league display of our season so far at White Hart Lane where we won comfortably with goals from Welbs, Mata and Sami Khedira. Welbeck had a great month, scoring five in six games in all competitions.

We extended our lead to four points over Chelsea and nine over City. Arsenal is struggling in mid table on 11th place.

Champions League

We only managed a 0-0 draw against Udinese away and the boys have not managed to beat the Italian outfit this season. Next up at Old Trafford, Angelo Henriquez capped a match winning display against the struggling Danish outfit with two goals in a 2-0 win.

We ended the month with a vital clash against Porto, where losing by two goals or more would see us slip down to second place. The Portuguese side came out all guns blazing and finished the first half 2-0 up. A hairdryer treatment at half-time woke the team up and we managed to come back with goals from Welbs (who else) and Shinji!

[DavidBeckham]

November 2016 - England

With all due respect to San Marino, we faced two teams at extreme ends of the scale this month. We first welcomed San Marino to Wembley and the lads showed no mercy by dismissing the opposition 6-0 with Welbeck in red hot scoring form yet again. I was also glad to see Ryan Bertrand score a screamer right at the end.

The reigning European champions Belgium were Wembley's next visitors and I was eager to measure our team against the team at the top of world's ranking. It turned out to be a really dull affair with both teams cancelling each other out in a goal-less draw.

[abulezz]

Great form for both club and country - great result against Tottenham!

[DavidBeckham]

Huge win there - free Shinji!

Always important to get one over our rivals! Shinji has been superb for me, the fact that he isn't English means he played fewer games than what he should get

Great form for both club and country - great result against Tottenham!

Thank you! Spurs was certainly our best display so far! We haven't had a blip yet, long may it continue!

[ollie laaaaaaaad]

Good results! Keep it up!

[DavidBeckham]

December 2016/2017 - Manchester United

We were absolutely on fire in December! We started the month with a 3-0 away victory at Q.P.R before a thrilling 3-2 win in Wales against Swansea where they threatened a second half comeback. The Club World Championship was up next and we dismissed our two opponents with consummate ease! We sealed the championship with a record 9-0 win in the final with both Phil Jones and Wayne grabbing hat-tricks.

The first game back was a quarter final clash against Stoke at Old Trafford and the lads kept up their good form with a 3-0 win. Back in the league, we dismissed both Villa and Cardiff to go five points clear with two games in hand. Hull City gatecrashed the top 4 on 30 points and Arsenal climbed back to sixth place after the December fixtures.

Wayne Rooney in the World Team of the Year :**) He was so good that Aguero was pushed back to central midfield

[DavidBeckham]

January 2016/2017 - Manchester United

After a superb December, things were always going to plunge from there as we had a horrendous January. We started the month sloppily with two draws in the cups against Reading and Derby. In the FA Cup replay back at Old Trafford, I decided to play my youngsters and they let me down in an eventful 3-2 extra time defeat. I was gutted to be knocked out by the Championship side.

In the league, things were much better as we secured comfortable victories against Arsenal and Chelsea at home. However, we ended the month on a low, dropping two points against Southampton at Old Trafford. We continue to lead the pack on goal difference despite playing four games less. I would be really disappointed if we lose the title from such a good position.

Can't wait to put things right in February.

[DavidBeckham]

February 2016/2017 - Manchester United

A much better month! The first league fixture of the month took place at Old Trafford where we were 6-1 victors on the day against Hull City. Back in the Champions League, we drew AS Monaco in the first knock out round and the boys managed to secure a great result in the first leg. Fellaini and Rooney grabbed three away goals in total and the team kept its shape and a clean sheet, putting us in a great position to go through. Gathering more momentum, the lads bagged nine points out of nine in the next three league games against Reading, Huddersfield and Newcastle.

After Fabulous February, we are now three points behind Chelsea with five games in hand and I will definitely be forced to rotate the players very often when the fixtures start to pile up in the coming months.

Capital One Cup

I won my first ever Capital One Cup and the lads secured their third silverware of the season after a magnificent 3-1 victory against the Magpies. Cleverley kept up his great habit of scoring in finals to put us ahead and further goals from Wayne Rooney and Mr OG helped the team to a great win. The great Cup run included an emotional penalty win against my old club Blackpool.

[AK22]

Blimey! It took you no time at all to become England boss!

I look forward to you bringing home the 2018 World Cup!

[DavidBeckham]

I didn't expect it to come so fast too! I guess the treble last season helped! I will try my best to win it but it will be really tough!

[b101]

Always nice when your definition of a terrible month includes you beating Chelsea 6-0

[DavidBeckham]

The Chelsea result was awesome but I was gutted to be out of the FA Cup! With all due respect to Derby, I expected us to go through

[DavidBeckham]

March 2016/2017 - Manchester United

We kicked off the month with the second leg of our Champions League tie against AS Monaco and we went through 4-0 on aggregate after a 1-0 win at Old Trafford. Little did I know we were in for a shocker in our next league game as Stoke put up a terrific display at Old Trafford to beat us 1-0. It wasn't the best way to prepare for the Manchester derby and thankfully, we prevented a second consecutive defeat as the boys fought out a 1-1 draw against our neighbors. We were back to winning ways at Carrow Road against Norwich City via a Eric Dier penalty.

We ended the month on a high with three victories in ten days against Q.P.R, Ipswich and Crystal Palace and the points propelled us six points above Chelsea with two games in hand. Looking at the table, I was very happy with our defending this season and the lads conceded a mere 16 goals in 30 games.

We face a huge task in the Champions League quarter finals and would need to be at our defensive best to have any chance of progressing

[DavidBeckham]

March 2017 - England

The England football team was back in action after a few months' hiatus. We welcomed the Wales football team to Wembley for the sole fixture of the month and Ash Taylor's sending off helped the team to a comfortable 3-0 win. Danny Welbeck, Steven Caulker and a Tom Ince helped us on our way to an important result and we now sit four points clear in first place.

[DavidBeckham]

April 2016/2017 - Manchester United

We have won the league with five games to spare! \o/

It was an extremely busy month with nine fixtures in total and results did not look good on paper. Nevertheless, considering the fact that we won the league and progressed to yet another Champions League final in the same month, I was delighted. We kicked off the month with a narrow 1-0 victory at Anfield with young Eric Dier heading in the winner from a corner. We then welcomed mighty Real Madrid to Old Trafford and it was the best defensive display of the season after we managed to keep out a front four that looked like this:

A Tom Ince penalty sealed a 1-0 victory which stood us in good stead for the second leg. We kept up our good form at the start of the month to beat Swansea 3-0 at Old Trafford with three first half goals from Khedira, Zaha and Welbs. The big second leg against Real Madrid was up next and once again, Cleverley, the king of vital goals, grabbed that all important away goal in a 2-1 defeat to send us through on away goals.

As Manchester City awaited us in the semi-finals, I decided to rest some of our first team regulars and as a result, Cardiff beat us in a 3-2 thriller at home. Thankfully, results else where went our way and we won the title with five games to spare! With domestic matters settled, we were back in Champions League action and it was a rare night at Old Trafford where both teams failed to score in the Manchester derby. With the league title in the bag, I went for youth as Angelo Henriquez bagged a double in a comfortable 2-0 home win against Reading.

In the tough second leg against our noisy neighbours, Zaha scored a beauty to send us through on away goals after a 1-1 draw. Welbeck floated a pin-point through ball towards the English winger and Wilfried volleyed it first time into the bottom corner to send our fans home in high spirits. Our youngsters were then held to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford against Villa in the final fixture of the month.

[DavidBeckham]

May 2016/2017 - Manchester United

With the title in the bag, valuable game time were granted to our youngsters and also to players needing match fitness before the Champions League Final. Nick Powell was staking a strong claim for a spot in the starting line up after scoring the winner against Spurs at Old Trafford. Fellaini then marked his return to Goodison Park with a goal in a 2-1 defeat against the Toffees. In the last league game of the season, Wayne Rooney put up a great footballing show at Britannia Stadium in a morale boosting 4-1 win before that all important game against Barcelona.

The Champions League Final promised much but turned out to be a dull affair as it ended goal-less after ninety minutes with both teams cancelling each other out. I was expecting a penalty shootout until Danny Welbeck went on a mazy run before finishing with aplomb to win us our second consecutive European Cup! \o/

Unfortunately, the season did not end perfectly on a personal note as my old club Blackpool missed out on promotion

[b101]

Pretty decent season! Congrats on all five trophies - outstanding effort. Do you have screenshots of Cleverley and Zaha? I sold both of them so would be interesting to know what I missed

P.S. Tell me Januzaj was sold before you joined...

[Tommyh]

Forgive me if I;m being dumb, but what formation are you playing? Tried looking back, but couldn't see it.

Also, how good is the Young Moussa Dembele from Fulham? And where is he now?

Cracking season though, nicely done...

[DavidBeckham]

Pretty decent season! Congrats on all five trophies - outstanding effort. Do you have screenshots of Cleverley and Zaha? I sold both of them so would be interesting to know what I missed

P.S. Tell me Januzaj was sold before you joined...

Thanks! The trophies made up for the shock FA Cup exit to Derby

And of course I wasn't the one who sold Januzaj! He left for 22 million pounds in the second season

Here are the screenies

Cleverley

Cleverley hasn't been as on fire this season but still scored some crucial goals \o/

Zaha

Zaha played a more important role down the right this season following Valencia's exit and Nathan Redmond was bought in as back-up!

Forgive me if I;m being dumb, but what formation are you playing? Tried looking back, but couldn't see it.

Also, how good is the Young Moussa Dembele from Fulham? And where is he now?

Cracking season though, nicely done...

Here's the shape with the team instructions I played with throughout the season, do not hesitate to approach me if you have any queries about the tactic

Dembele

And here's Dembele's screenie. He's currently playing in the Championship with Fulham

[DavidBeckham]

Season Review 2016/2017 - Manchester United

League

Final Table (Champions)

Much more comfortable this season following last year's title win on goal difference. With only one signing in Nathan Redmond (replacing departed Valencia), youngsters have improved and players have stepped up to the plate in the league where we were the highest scorers and conceded the least amount of goals.

Capital One Cup (Winners)

I was determined to win this after last season's early exit and thankfully, we did it! However, it was at the expense of my former team and we knocked them out early on penalties.

FA Cup (Eliminated in 3rd round)

The season's major disappointment as our youngsters were knocked out by Derby at the first hurdle.

Champions League (Winners)

It was always going to be a tough challenge winning it for the second consecutive season and to achieve that, we faced the improbable task of keeping out Real Madrid's fantastic four in Ronaldo, Januzaj, Bale & Suarez (and we did it!). Solid defense and crucial goals from the likes of Cleverley and Welbeck helped us to a successful season in Europe.

And finally, we get to keep our cup \o/

Players' Analysis

Squad Stats

Very much the same set of players who achieved so much last season. Once again, they kept up their high standards and avoided the infamous second season syndrome. Youngsters like Callum Chambers, Eric Dier, Julian Mazzacani (regen), Nathan Redmond, Wilfried Zaha, Nick Powell and Angelo Henriquez improved and contributed significantly to the team.

Top 3 Players

Nathan Redmond

Came in at the start of the season to replace the outgoing Antonio Valencia and had fitted seemlessly into the squad. Apart from being quick and skillful, he has added end product to his game and ended the season with 16 assists.

Danny Welbeck

Another great season from the academy graduate. Leads the line well for both his team and country with great physicality and work rate. Ended the season with 24 goals and 12 assists and young Welbs can only improve.

Marouane Fellaini

He was the unsung hero last season playing in the Makelele (anchoring) role and he has added goals to his game this season. With more attention catered to set-pieces, Marouane has benefited and managed to bag 16 goals with his towering presence. I really hope he can succeed in real life like how he did on my save!

Future Plans

Youth intakes have been very disappointing and none are worth mentioning. Youth facilities and junior coaching have both been maxed out though. I will give my current Head of Youth Development another shot before considering a change.

[abulezz]

Fantastic season - that was a great victory against Real Madrid in the Finals! Congrats!