0
Portuguese Luís Carlos Almeida da Cunha (or ‘Nani’ as we all know him) is a powerful and pacy winger. He arrived at Old Trafford from Sporting Lisbon in 2007 and, predictably, was given the tag of being ‘the new Cristiano Ronaldo’.
It was perhaps an unfair burden to carry given the heights Ronaldo scaled at United, not least because realistically they are quite different players.
It was until Nani's countryman left for pastures new that he really began to fulfil his undoubted potential and stepped out of Ronaldo's shadow. The 2009/10 campaign, the season after United's former no.7 joined Real
Madrid, was meant to be the moment Nani stepped to the fore. But his sporadic involvement, partly due to injury, in the first half of the season led many outside the club to speculate about his future at Old Trafford.
Nevertheless, Nani returned to action in January 2010 and put together a string of hugely impressive displays - and chipped in with some vital goals - to win over fans and pundit alike and partly reward the faith Sir Alex had shown in him. The United boss highlighted an increased maturity in the Reds' no.17 and his blossoming personality. Having not long turned 23, it seemed fair to suggest
that the inconsistency that at times frustrated fans earlier in his career was a by-product of youth.
It's important to note that Nani is an all-together different player to Ronaldo. He is an out-and-out winger, his major strength being his ability to cross the ball into dangerous areas - at which it can be said he outshines his former team-mate - where as Ronaldo was more a marauding forward, intent on scoring goals rather than making them. Another valuable asset is his versatility. He can play on either flank, although his crossing remains most effective when he operates on the right wing, and he has the skill, pace and
shooting power to be a threat when cutting back infield.
Nani is also capable of explosive bursts of brilliance and spectacular goals that have proven well worthy of his equally extravagant backflip celebrations. Old Trafford got its first glimpse of Nani's acrobatics when he scored his first Reds goal against Tottenham in August 2007, and followed that with goals against Middlesbrough, Arsenal and – the goal that perhaps most endeared him to fans early in his career – a great strike in the 3-0 win over Liverpool at OT in March 2008.
It seems now that he is living up to the early promise of his
debut campaign. The challenge remains to do it on a consistent basis. But after signing a new contract in March 2010 that keeps him at the club until June 2014, he has the platform to do it. Potential is still the keyword, as Sir Alex points out, Nani is not yet a finished product - but he's getting there. "Nani is an emerging talent within the team and has developed tremendously since joining the club," says the boss.
The player himself still feels he is learning his trade - and what better place to do it? "The coaching staff have taught me so much about the game and I'm playing alongside some of the best players in the
world," he said upon signing his four-year deal. "I'm looking forward to winning many more trophies with this team.
Nani
Portuguese Luís Carlos Almeida da Cunha (or ‘Nani’ as we all know him) is a powerful and pacy winger. He arrived at Old Trafford from Sporting Lisbon in 2007 and, predictably, was given the tag of being ‘the new Cristiano Ronaldo’.
It was perhaps an unfair burden to carry given the heights Ronaldo scaled at United, not least because realistically they are quite different players.
It was until Nani's countryman left for pastures new that he really began to fulfil his undoubted potential and stepped out of Ronaldo's shadow. The 2009/10 campaign, the season after United's former no.7 joined Real
Madrid, was meant to be the moment Nani stepped to the fore. But his sporadic involvement, partly due to injury, in the first half of the season led many outside the club to speculate about his future at Old Trafford.
Nevertheless, Nani returned to action in January 2010 and put together a string of hugely impressive displays - and chipped in with some vital goals - to win over fans and pundit alike and partly reward the faith Sir Alex had shown in him. The United boss highlighted an increased maturity in the Reds' no.17 and his blossoming personality. Having not long turned 23, it seemed fair to suggest
that the inconsistency that at times frustrated fans earlier in his career was a by-product of youth.
It's important to note that Nani is an all-together different player to Ronaldo. He is an out-and-out winger, his major strength being his ability to cross the ball into dangerous areas - at which it can be said he outshines his former team-mate - where as Ronaldo was more a marauding forward, intent on scoring goals rather than making them. Another valuable asset is his versatility. He can play on either flank, although his crossing remains most effective when he operates on the right wing, and he has the skill, pace and
shooting power to be a threat when cutting back infield.
Nani is also capable of explosive bursts of brilliance and spectacular goals that have proven well worthy of his equally extravagant backflip celebrations. Old Trafford got its first glimpse of Nani's acrobatics when he scored his first Reds goal against Tottenham in August 2007, and followed that with goals against Middlesbrough, Arsenal and – the goal that perhaps most endeared him to fans early in his career – a great strike in the 3-0 win over Liverpool at OT in March 2008.
It seems now that he is living up to the early promise of his
debut campaign. The challenge remains to do it on a consistent basis. But after signing a new contract in March 2010 that keeps him at the club until June 2014, he has the platform to do it. Potential is still the keyword, as Sir Alex points out, Nani is not yet a finished product - but he's getting there. "Nani is an emerging talent within the team and has developed tremendously since joining the club," says the boss.
The player himself still feels he is learning his trade - and what better place to do it? "The coaching staff have taught me so much about the game and I'm playing alongside some of the best players in the
world," he said upon signing his four-year deal. "I'm looking forward to winning many more trophies with this team.
0
Gary Neville left school at the age of 16 when he joined Manchester United to playe for their highly successful youth team. Making his first appearance for Manchester United against Russian side Torpedo Moscow in 1992, Neville has always been loyal to the club he has supported since his childhood days.
Eventually replacing the injuried Paul Parker, Neville made his league debut for United two years later on 8 May 1994 in a 0–0 draw against Coventry City at Old Trafford. As a right full back, the Bury born skirmisher has made over 500 first class appearances for Manchester United during his 18 years at the club, winning eight Premier League titles, three FA Cups, two League Cups and one European Cup.
Neville has scored a total of seven goals in his 16 years as a Manchester United player the first coming against Middlesbrough on May 5, 1997.
Gary Neville was made Manchester United captain following the leaving of midfielder Roy Keane in December 2005 and he became the fifth Old Trafford captain to lift the Premier League title 18 months later.
The Manchester United cornerstone is one of a rare breed of player who has spent his entire footballing career at the same club. Not suprisingly, the vastly experienced defender is fifth on the most exclusive Manchester United all time appearances list.
Serving his country for many years, Neville has won a total of 85 caps during a long career as an England international which started in 1995 when he was called up for a friendly against Japan. His younger brother Phil Neville also played for Manchester United and the two brothers were team mates at both club and international level until Phil decided to move on to Everton in 2005.
Gary Neville also has a long standing relationship with the Mediterranean island of Malta. He has on various occasions in the past described Malta as his second home and he has been an official tourism ambassador for the island since 2001. He works with Air Malta to promote the country which he has visited on a regular basis since he was a child. In return for his services the Malta Tourism Authority and Air Malta sponsor the Gary Neville Soccer School on the island.
“I've had a good crack but if I don't win another two or more before I retire I would still feel I had underachieved. What motivates me is to keep winning. To be part of teams that win things, the hour after the game, the night of celebration - it is the most incredible feeling you are ever going to get in your life. I have had it quite a few times but you never get enough of it.”
Gary Neville - The Man Who Hates Merseysiders
Gary Neville left school at the age of 16 when he joined Manchester United to playe for their highly successful youth team. Making his first appearance for Manchester United against Russian side Torpedo Moscow in 1992, Neville has always been loyal to the club he has supported since his childhood days.
Eventually replacing the injuried Paul Parker, Neville made his league debut for United two years later on 8 May 1994 in a 0–0 draw against Coventry City at Old Trafford. As a right full back, the Bury born skirmisher has made over 500 first class appearances for Manchester United during his 18 years at the club, winning eight Premier League titles, three FA Cups, two League Cups and one European Cup.
Neville has scored a total of seven goals in his 16 years as a Manchester United player the first coming against Middlesbrough on May 5, 1997.
Gary Neville was made Manchester United captain following the leaving of midfielder Roy Keane in December 2005 and he became the fifth Old Trafford captain to lift the Premier League title 18 months later.
The Manchester United cornerstone is one of a rare breed of player who has spent his entire footballing career at the same club. Not suprisingly, the vastly experienced defender is fifth on the most exclusive Manchester United all time appearances list.
Serving his country for many years, Neville has won a total of 85 caps during a long career as an England international which started in 1995 when he was called up for a friendly against Japan. His younger brother Phil Neville also played for Manchester United and the two brothers were team mates at both club and international level until Phil decided to move on to Everton in 2005.
Gary Neville also has a long standing relationship with the Mediterranean island of Malta. He has on various occasions in the past described Malta as his second home and he has been an official tourism ambassador for the island since 2001. He works with Air Malta to promote the country which he has visited on a regular basis since he was a child. In return for his services the Malta Tourism Authority and Air Malta sponsor the Gary Neville Soccer School on the island.
“I've had a good crack but if I don't win another two or more before I retire I would still feel I had underachieved. What motivates me is to keep winning. To be part of teams that win things, the hour after the game, the night of celebration - it is the most incredible feeling you are ever going to get in your life. I have had it quite a few times but you never get enough of it.”
0
Those who love English football will probably be aware that the stadium associated with Manchester United is Old Trafford. In fact most people will have heard of Old Trafford, regardless of whether they like football or not.
The history of the stadium goes back a long way to 1909, so it has only recently celebrated its centenary. Some memorable matches have taken place here, including some of the games during the 1966 World Cup. More recently it played host for the Champions League Final in 2003.
There is no doubt that the ‘Theatre of Dreams’, as it is often referred to as, is thought of as a football stadium. It has also hosted other events – not all of them sporting in nature. While various games of rugby have been held here, big name bands such as Status Quo have also enjoyed entertaining the crowds in the arena.
While nothing quite competes with the experience of going to Old Trafford to see a match in play, you may not know that you can also visit when no games are being played. A tour of Old Trafford is the best way to soak up the atmosphere and see what the stadium is really like. You can find out a lot more about the history of the stadium and the various events which have taken place during the century it has been in existence. Indeed you may discover more when the stadium is empty for a tour than when it is full in readiness for a football match.
There is a lot to learn about the stadium in years gone by as well. For example, did you know it was out of action for eight years during the majority of the 1940s, due to it having been bombed during the war? You will also get to see the statue of Sir Matt Busby, one of the team’s managers from times gone by.
If you have watched players as they emerge from the tunnel and run out onto the pitch itself, you will definitely have fun doing exactly the same thing. An exploration of the changing rooms culminates in making this journey out into the stadium itself; it’s quite an experience no matter whether you love football with a passion or not.
A tour of Old Trafford isn’t something you will forget in a hurry. To see the stadium up close, explore the history of the club and wander round the museum makes a perfect addition to a weekend away in Manchester. If you book into one of the many Manchester hotels in the area, you will be well placed to visit the home of Manchester United as well as seeing what else this delightful city has to offer.
Exploring The Home Of Manchester United
Those who love English football will probably be aware that the stadium associated with Manchester United is Old Trafford. In fact most people will have heard of Old Trafford, regardless of whether they like football or not.
The history of the stadium goes back a long way to 1909, so it has only recently celebrated its centenary. Some memorable matches have taken place here, including some of the games during the 1966 World Cup. More recently it played host for the Champions League Final in 2003.
There is no doubt that the ‘Theatre of Dreams’, as it is often referred to as, is thought of as a football stadium. It has also hosted other events – not all of them sporting in nature. While various games of rugby have been held here, big name bands such as Status Quo have also enjoyed entertaining the crowds in the arena.
While nothing quite competes with the experience of going to Old Trafford to see a match in play, you may not know that you can also visit when no games are being played. A tour of Old Trafford is the best way to soak up the atmosphere and see what the stadium is really like. You can find out a lot more about the history of the stadium and the various events which have taken place during the century it has been in existence. Indeed you may discover more when the stadium is empty for a tour than when it is full in readiness for a football match.
There is a lot to learn about the stadium in years gone by as well. For example, did you know it was out of action for eight years during the majority of the 1940s, due to it having been bombed during the war? You will also get to see the statue of Sir Matt Busby, one of the team’s managers from times gone by.
If you have watched players as they emerge from the tunnel and run out onto the pitch itself, you will definitely have fun doing exactly the same thing. An exploration of the changing rooms culminates in making this journey out into the stadium itself; it’s quite an experience no matter whether you love football with a passion or not.
A tour of Old Trafford isn’t something you will forget in a hurry. To see the stadium up close, explore the history of the club and wander round the museum makes a perfect addition to a weekend away in Manchester. If you book into one of the many Manchester hotels in the area, you will be well placed to visit the home of Manchester United as well as seeing what else this delightful city has to offer.
0
Consistency. It’s that one character trait that all football managers look for in their players. They are constantly trying to drill this into them, during breakfast, lunch, dinner, trainings, weddings and funerals. It is that important. Without consistency, many talented footballers have fallen by the way side and been forgotten, destined to be just a name in a football clubs list of past players.
Does anyone remember Denilson? For a short period in time, he was the next Pele, the next Maradona, the next big time. He had tremendous skill with the ball, but alas, he lacked that all so important trait, that is consistency (and probably a proper footballing brain!).
The complete and utter opposite of the poor almost forgotten Denilson, is the living Manchester United legend that is Ryan Joseph Giggs.
A quick check of his playing career revealed that Ryan Giggs turned professional on 29 November 1990 (his 17th birthday) and made his League debut against Everton at Old Trafford on 2 March 1991. In total, Giggs has been entertaining audiences all over the world for around 19 years! That is the sign of a true great, someone who has been consistent throughout his career. It is amazing to believe that he has been in the game for so long.
Amongst his many accomplishments:
• First player in history to win the PFA Young Player of the Year award consecutively (1992 and 1993)
• Has played and scored in every single season of the FA Premier League since its inception, also holding the league's record for most all time goal assists with 289 assists in 535 appearances.
• The most decorated player in British football history.
• First footballer to collect 10 top division English league title medals.
Ryan Giggs was an exceptional talent, and stood out from many of his peers during the early years. His potential was so great that on his 14th birthday, Sir Alex Ferguson turned up at Giggs’s house and offered him a 2 year on associate schoolboy forms, and assured him that he would turn professional in three years time. Giggs signed there and then and the rest is history.
Personally, my forever enduring memory of Giggs will be that famous FA Cup goal, when after Patrick Viera lost the ball well into the Manchester United half, he picked it up, ran up to the half way line, then proceeded to beat the entire Arsenal backline before slotting in the winner. We will probably never ever see another goal like that in the near future.
I also remember that during his early years, a lot of the media were saying that the last time they saw a lad this talented, it was a certain George Best. I think they were also expecting Giggs to take the same path down life: Football, Booze, Women.
Thank goodness for all of us that he did not, and thank goodness for Sir Alex Ferguson, who knew what had happened to Best, and did his best to guide Giggs down the 'right' path, without jeopardizing his footballing skills.
There' a rumours that Giggs might retire this year, if he feels he cannot play anymore, or can't play regular games. Either way, he's had an explicably wonderful career, littered with medals and cups. He's won practically everything there is to win, except the World Cup
. What a way it would be to end a magnificent career, if he could lift the BPL trophy one last time, at the end of the season.
Ryan Giggs.
Consistency. It’s that one character trait that all football managers look for in their players. They are constantly trying to drill this into them, during breakfast, lunch, dinner, trainings, weddings and funerals. It is that important. Without consistency, many talented footballers have fallen by the way side and been forgotten, destined to be just a name in a football clubs list of past players.
Does anyone remember Denilson? For a short period in time, he was the next Pele, the next Maradona, the next big time. He had tremendous skill with the ball, but alas, he lacked that all so important trait, that is consistency (and probably a proper footballing brain!).
The complete and utter opposite of the poor almost forgotten Denilson, is the living Manchester United legend that is Ryan Joseph Giggs.
A quick check of his playing career revealed that Ryan Giggs turned professional on 29 November 1990 (his 17th birthday) and made his League debut against Everton at Old Trafford on 2 March 1991. In total, Giggs has been entertaining audiences all over the world for around 19 years! That is the sign of a true great, someone who has been consistent throughout his career. It is amazing to believe that he has been in the game for so long.
Amongst his many accomplishments:
• First player in history to win the PFA Young Player of the Year award consecutively (1992 and 1993)
• Has played and scored in every single season of the FA Premier League since its inception, also holding the league's record for most all time goal assists with 289 assists in 535 appearances.
• The most decorated player in British football history.
• First footballer to collect 10 top division English league title medals.
Ryan Giggs was an exceptional talent, and stood out from many of his peers during the early years. His potential was so great that on his 14th birthday, Sir Alex Ferguson turned up at Giggs’s house and offered him a 2 year on associate schoolboy forms, and assured him that he would turn professional in three years time. Giggs signed there and then and the rest is history.
Personally, my forever enduring memory of Giggs will be that famous FA Cup goal, when after Patrick Viera lost the ball well into the Manchester United half, he picked it up, ran up to the half way line, then proceeded to beat the entire Arsenal backline before slotting in the winner. We will probably never ever see another goal like that in the near future.
I also remember that during his early years, a lot of the media were saying that the last time they saw a lad this talented, it was a certain George Best. I think they were also expecting Giggs to take the same path down life: Football, Booze, Women.
Thank goodness for all of us that he did not, and thank goodness for Sir Alex Ferguson, who knew what had happened to Best, and did his best to guide Giggs down the 'right' path, without jeopardizing his footballing skills.
There' a rumours that Giggs might retire this year, if he feels he cannot play anymore, or can't play regular games. Either way, he's had an explicably wonderful career, littered with medals and cups. He's won practically everything there is to win, except the World Cup
. What a way it would be to end a magnificent career, if he could lift the BPL trophy one last time, at the end of the season.
0
Manchester United is a phenomenally successful football club both on and off the pitch, continuing to win trophies and attract fans from different countries all over the world. In Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand, the Premier League giants will provide two vitally important players for England’s World Cup campaign in South Africa.
Wayne Rooney has been in great form this season, scoring 34 times in 44 appearances for Manchester United. Before he sustained an unfortunate ankle injury towards the end of the season, Rooney was in the running to surpass former Man Utd player Cristiano Ronaldo’s total of 42 goals in all competitions. In April, Rooney was voted PFA Players’ Player of the Year.
Rooney’s huge natural ability, industry and enthusiasm for the game make him a firm favourite of both Manchester United and England fans. His hardworking approach and the effort he consistently puts in on the training ground have seen Rooney deliver a run of seven consecutive headed goals this season – a prolific return for a player not previously renowned as a threat in the air. Allied with his lethal shot it seems Rooney will prove a threat to any opposition defence in South Africa.
When he came on as a substitute in an international friendly against Australia aged 17 years and 111 days, Rooney became the youngest ever player to represent his country. Even though this record has since been taken by Arsenal’s Theo Walcott, Rooney’s record at international level has established him as one of the key members in Fabio Capello’s England squad. Since making his debut, Rooney has scored 25 times in 58 appearances for his country.
With such an impressive international record to his name at the age of just 24, Rooney is on course to join Manchester United legend Bobby Charlton in an elite group of players with over 100 caps for England. The World Cup winning midfielder is England’s all-time leading goalscorer, with 49 goals in 106 appearances. Charlton’s remarkable ability to strike the ball cleanly from distance has led to some fans drawing parallels with Manchester United’s current number ten.
In South Africa England will try to emulate Charlton’s World Cup winning success, and in Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney, Manchester United players will again provide a major contribution to England’s efforts.
Wayne Rooney represents Manchester United and England with the same pride as his predecessors
Manchester United is a phenomenally successful football club both on and off the pitch, continuing to win trophies and attract fans from different countries all over the world. In Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand, the Premier League giants will provide two vitally important players for England’s World Cup campaign in South Africa.
Wayne Rooney has been in great form this season, scoring 34 times in 44 appearances for Manchester United. Before he sustained an unfortunate ankle injury towards the end of the season, Rooney was in the running to surpass former Man Utd player Cristiano Ronaldo’s total of 42 goals in all competitions. In April, Rooney was voted PFA Players’ Player of the Year.
Rooney’s huge natural ability, industry and enthusiasm for the game make him a firm favourite of both Manchester United and England fans. His hardworking approach and the effort he consistently puts in on the training ground have seen Rooney deliver a run of seven consecutive headed goals this season – a prolific return for a player not previously renowned as a threat in the air. Allied with his lethal shot it seems Rooney will prove a threat to any opposition defence in South Africa.
When he came on as a substitute in an international friendly against Australia aged 17 years and 111 days, Rooney became the youngest ever player to represent his country. Even though this record has since been taken by Arsenal’s Theo Walcott, Rooney’s record at international level has established him as one of the key members in Fabio Capello’s England squad. Since making his debut, Rooney has scored 25 times in 58 appearances for his country.
With such an impressive international record to his name at the age of just 24, Rooney is on course to join Manchester United legend Bobby Charlton in an elite group of players with over 100 caps for England. The World Cup winning midfielder is England’s all-time leading goalscorer, with 49 goals in 106 appearances. Charlton’s remarkable ability to strike the ball cleanly from distance has led to some fans drawing parallels with Manchester United’s current number ten.
In South Africa England will try to emulate Charlton’s World Cup winning success, and in Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney, Manchester United players will again provide a major contribution to England’s efforts.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
