United better off Ronaldo-less?

As the mind games begin in the build up to the pinnacle of the football season - the Champions League Final - there has been the usual respectful press conferences between the United and Barcelona players and staff. Despite Sir Alex being the mind games master, even he knows when is best to utilise his verbal talents, and when it is better merely to abstain. With this in mind, there has been nothing untoward building up to the big night, (ignoring the Giggs saga which I do not wish to acknowledge), except a thought provoking comment from Dani Alves yesterday. When asked about Saturday's opposition and if they had improved since the 2009 defeat, Alves remarked that United are now much more 'dangerous', 'balanced' and 'stronger' than they were when Ronaldo was in the team. On the surface, this comment seemed a bit thoughtless, and no more than a standard compliment-the-opposition-before-the-game answer. With it not being the world's best kept secret that Barcelona and Madrid players do not often send each other birthday cards, it is hardly surprising that Alves would take this opportunity to have a dig at Madrid's star man.

When thinking about it in greater detail, however, could it be at all possible that Alves is right, and that United have prospered since the departure of one of their greatest players of the last decade? Constantly referred to as a team 'in transition', it is a wonder how long this 'transition' period will last for a team who has just won their domestic league, as well as making the Champions League Final, the same achievements as in 2009. When it was announced that Ronaldo was leaving United for a world record fee of £80million, there were many that said United struggle for years to come, as it was impossible to replace the most expensive man in football history. Two trophy-filled years later, however, is it time for the doubters to admit that Fergi has done it again, and United are once again in the top 2 most potent teams in Europe?

Ronaldo's last season at United, the 2008/9 season, draws many comparisons to the season which is now coming to a close, yet there is much information to suggest that the team has progressed as a whole, without having to spend much of the £80million. This season saw United win the title by 9 points, 5 more than they did two years ago. Berbatov was also joint league top scorer, with 21 goals, three more than second league top scorer Ronaldo in 2009. Away from the statistics, however, there is also a definite sense of team unity at Old Trafford, one which was distinctly missing from the side in 2009. Undoubtedly, Ronaldo's main weakness is his egotistic nature which sometimes allows his game to slip, and certainly results in the team revolving around his feet. When he is scoring 42 goals per season (or 53, which he incredibly bagged this year), then he is entitled to receive a bit of special treatment, but, when the chips are down and he is not performing, the lack of unity in the team that his presence brings can result in a dip in form.

This season, it is a lot more difficult to pinpoint a key figure who the team revolves around. Rooney is the most obvious candidate, and almost certainly the most naturally talented footballer in the team, yet his saga in November and the dip in form which preceded that has certainly taken the spotlight off him for now. Vidic has been a powerhouse in defence and a superb leader throughout, yet teams rarely revolve around central defenders. Ryan Giggs has provided endless experience and class, but he is one that also prefers to stay out of the spotlight (if he can help it). As United realised last year, having a star player who then gets injured or under performs, can lead to a complete collapse within the team, who lose all self-belief.

Since the departure of Ronaldo, the United team has re-grown into a top European force, but using a completely different structure and strategy. The lack of a star man has led to many individuals to put themselves forward and do their bit for the team, especially when it is required to grind out a result. Crucial performances from the likes of Nani, Valencia, Giggs, Van Der Sar and Park have certainly underpinned the team's new outlook, not forgetting, of course, the goals from revelation front man Hernandez. Often recently forgotten, Dimitar Berbatov also had a huge effect on United's season, particularly at the start. His significant rise in form is a direct representative of how the presence of Ronaldo may have stunted other players in the team, as in 2008/9 Berbatov only managed 9 league goals, compared to 21 this term.

Winning the Premier League and reaching the final of the Champions League against Barcelona once again is a testimony to the brilliance of Sir Alex Ferguson's team building abilities. He has shown that no player is bigger than his club, and that he can still achieve as much as he could with Ronaldo in the team, (maybe even more). Do not get me wrong, however, if Ronaldo ever miraculously decided that he wished to return to Old Trafford, I would personally break into David Gill's office and hold him hostage, in order to make him re-sign Ronaldo instantly. Though once the adrenaline had worn off, I would probably stop to wonder, is there even any room for him in this team?

Bale the best in England?

Since the award of the PFA Players' Player of the Year to Gareth Bale was revealed this week, many journalists have questioned the vote and commented upon a number of high-profile omissions to the shortlist. Many have questioned the voting system for the award, whilst others have defended the decision, regarding Bale to have been the only stand-out performer over the past year.

Undeniably, Bale has, at times, been exceptional to watch. His lightning pace combined with his pinpoint crossing, talents which prompted manager Harry Redknapp to deploy him in a more advanced role, have been a joy to behold. Bale's big game performances, particularly in Europe, have been instrumental to Tottenham's achievements this year, most notably their efforts in the Champions League. Further eye-catching performances in the league, against Arsenal in particular, have boosted his reputation, with many placing an astronomical price tag on his head in January.

Critics have argued, however, that the majority of Bale's key performances this season have been reserved for the Champions League, and that his influence in the League has been limited. A look at the league table would appear to support this argument, with Spurs currently languishing in fifth place, one place below their finish last season. A closer look at Bale's individual statistics, which show he has only managed 1 domestic assist this campaign, despite contributing 7 goals, seems to support this argument further. Compare this to fellow winger Luis Nani, who was sensationally left out of the PFA main award shortlist after producing 9 goals and 18 assists this year. Or even when compared to fellow teammate and nominee Rafael Van Der Vaart, who now has 12 goals and 7 assists, it could be argued that Bale has not even been his team's top performer, let alone the league's.

And then there are the omissions. Along with the aforementioned Nani, teammate Dimitar Berbatov was left out, despite enjoying his most productive season in a red shirt, along with being the league's top scorer, and has arguably done no less than the nominated Carlos Tevez. From the other side of Manchester, Vincent Kompany, who many would argue has been the best player at Eastlands this year, was also omitted. Even Leighton Baines, who, despite his team enduring an underwhelming season up to March, has managed to impress at left-back, particularly by contributing 11 assists.

When looking at the other nominees for the top prize, however, no player stands out in a manner previous winners have done. Perhaps the most prominent candidate is United captain Nemanja Vidic, who has been a rock at the heart of the United team over the last few seasons. Or even Arsenal's Samir Nasri, who has proved himself of almost equal importance to Fabregas in the Arsenal XI this season, and certainly firing his team closer to the league title than they have been for years. With the lack of a Ronaldo or Rooney-type candidate for the award, it isn't altogether surprising therefore, that it was awarded to a British player, with it being given to a foreign player only 8 times in the past 38 years.

There is, however, one burning question that remains unanswered: If Bale was the best player in the Premier League this season, then why did he not also win the PFA Young Player of the Year?

The Demise of Paul Scholes?

Following Paul Scholes' recent dismissal in United's FA cup semi-final defeat to local rivals Manchester City, reports have been circulating that this is finally the end of Scholes' illustrious career. After all but ending United's treble hopes on Saturday with a reckless challenge on City's Zabaleta, which resulted in his tenth career red card, he must now make the decision whether to call time on one of the Premier League's most celebrated careers.

Since his debut for Manchester United in 1994, Scholes has risen to legendary status within the British game, winning 9 Premier League trophies and 2 European Cups and playing a crucial role in each season he has been fit to play in. At the beginning of the season it was widely appreciated that this could be his last year at Manchester United, with his 36th birthday imminent and the likes of Anderson, Gibson, Fletcher and Cleverley waiting in the wings. His form in the early half of the season, however, particularly that which earned him the August Player of the Month Award, coupled with the superb performances of fellow veteran Ryan Giggs, served evidence that the two players still have some years left in them at the top. With 59 appearances between the two so far this season, it is certainly evident that the two have played more than a bit-part role in United's quest for further silverware.

The statistics would also appear to favour the Salford-born magician; with him having played in 20 of United's 32 Premier League games so far, including key title matches against Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City which would appear to imply that Sir Alex Ferguson still relies upon the 'wiser' head of Scholes in the bigger games. Delivering one goal and four league assists (only one less than Steven Gerrard, and one more than team-mate Dimitar Berbatov) in the league, this evidence alone would appear to imply that Scholes' playing days are far from over.

It is the case, however, that whilst Scholes' range of passing has been something to behold over the past 17 years, displaying an air of calmness and control when in possession of the ball - envied by any playmaker, his Achilles heel has undoubtedly been his decision-making when not in possession; most notably his tackling. His disciplinary record is undeniably as poor as his passing is good; He has received more yellow cards in the Champions League (32) than any other player, including the booking in the 1999 semi-final which caused him to miss the final; He is the third most yellow-carded player in Premier League history, (behind Kevin Davies - 92, and Lee Bowyer - 99), with 89 to his name, which includes the 10 domestic yellow cards he has received in this campaign, for which he has already served a two-match ban.

Although there is a case that he has always been a fiery character, serving a ban for the 1999 Champions League Final at only 25 years old the obvious example, it is evident that the less he is able to influence games positively as he ages, the more his negative elements have crept into his game. After only receiving one red card in the first 10 years of his career, he has since seen 8 red cards in his last 7 seasons. This does, incidentally, coincide with the crucial departure of Roy Keane in 2005, a player who Ferguson has found extremely hard to replace. The loss of Keane, combined with the tiring legs of Scholes, has led to him occupying an increasingly deeper position in the team, with him often being deployed as the holding midfielder - a role which suits his passing repertoire, yet not his defensive abilities.

Furthermore, despite appearing in 27 games this season, 7 of those appearances have been from the bench, and although the season is not yet over, this is some way down on his average of 40 appearances a season since 1994. His influence when playing would also appear to have diminished considerably, with United winning 75% of the PL games he has not featured in, compared to only 55% of the matches he has played in. Although his legs are often saved for the bigger and more difficult tests, it is certainly a statistic which represents a fall from grace from one of Ferguson's most trusted employees.

With his contract expiring this summer, we are yet to see whether he will follow in the footsteps of Giggs, who signed a one-year extension in February. Always a humble player, however, it is realistic to suggest that, despite being younger than Giggs, Scholes' performances have not matched the welshman's in recent months, and that it may be time to draw an end to a fantastic career. It would be a shame to see the player, who Zinedine Zidane once named as his 'toughest opponent', bow out from the big stage without a big send off, and it would be perhaps fitting for his last game to be in the Champions League final at Wembley. After being exposed and outrun by the likes of De Jong and Yaya Toure on Saturday, however, it remains to be seen how much faith Ferguson will place in him, should they reach the final.

Are City for real this time?

There is a common phrase often banded about in life - 'Money can't buy happiness'. Happiness, maybe not (see Mario Balotelli as an example), but as for success in the EPL, it would appear that money goes a long way towards securing the Holy Grail that is the Premier League trophy. Large cash injections into clubs have often seen fruitful rewards, from Blackburn's crown in 1995 to Chelsea's dominance in the latter half of the last decade, so is it the case that Sheikh Mansour's wallet could help to secure the EPL in 2011? As the teams begin the new year, Manchester City sit second in the league on goal difference, 6 points ahead of current champions Chelsea in 5th place. Do city have the legs and the experience, however, to continue their form to secure their first top division title in 43 years?

It is widely commented upon that Manchester United have a much wider range of experience in their squad, much more strength in depth and a manager who has been-there, done-it, and has so many T-shirts he could dress the entire City squad. It is certainly the case that 21 of United's squad have won at least one winners medal from Europe's top Premier Leagues, and it is undeniable that their dominance over the last 2 decades owes a large part to their ability to call upon experienced heads when the going got tough. To Sir Alex Ferguson, City's rise will only seem like another futile attempt to knock him and his club off their perch, from which they have watched many clubs attempt and fail to successfully break up the United dominance for good.

City, however, backed by billions, have other ideas. Having watched the red half of Manchester rule supreme for as long as they can remember, the sky blues will be fueled by decades of pain and jealously. Even the last time City secured domestic glory in 1968, United went one better and won the European Cup. But times are changing now, and they truly believe that this time they have what it takes to go all the way. In contrast to the common misconception, when it comes to experience of winning titles, City have ample. 11 of their squad have previously won European league titles - 12 if the the transfer of Edin Džeko is confirmed, and within that 12 they have 5 who have won English titles, including Patrick Vieira, who captained arguably the best title-winning side the EPL has ever seen. On top of this they have a World Cup winner, as well as a World Cup runner-up, and a three-time winning Serie A winning manager, with three Serie A titles as a player also to his name.

As well as clear experience, they also have an undeniable amount of flair and talent on the pitch. In Carlos Tevez they have a proven goalscorer and hardworking talisman for their squad, and, provided they can keep him happy, it will be a huge boost every time he is in the starting 11. Alongside him they have the surly Italian Mario Balotelli, who has the clear potential to produce magic if Mancini can coax it out of him. Whilst at the back they certainly seem to have eradicated their defensive problems, having conceded only 16 goals in 21 games - currently the best record in the league.

As for the other challengers, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham, they seem, at present, quite a distance from title-winning material. Current champions and original favourites Chelsea have found themselves floundering in recent weeks and their decision to not replace the likes of Belletti, Joe Cole, Ivanovic and Ballack in the summer has left their squad looking extremely bare. Arsenal are suffering from the same old problems, they are in desperate need of a quality goalkeeper and defensive partnership, whilst Marouanne Chamakh has not provided the goal threat that they had hoped he would. Tottenham, on the other hand, have been one of this years top performers in certain games, unfortunately, however, most of these games have been in Europe, a competition which they appear to have prioritised this season.

At present, a London-Manchester battle is shaping up, with the Manchester clubs currently leading the pack. With just under half the season remaining and traditionally United's best form about to be kicked into gear, it will be fascinating to watch whether the not-so-inexperienced Manchester City have the legs to push their closest rivals all the way for the title.