SAF's post-match interview after United's 6-1 defeat (video)

Sir Alex Ferguson's post match interview after Manchester United lost 6-1 to cross town rivals Manchester City.

Mario Balotelli is F***ing Brilliant (Video)

I woke up this morning and still believed I dreamed that I actually witnessed Manchester United lose 6-1 yesterday to Manchester City. Realizing it actually happened brings a grin to my face wider than the United goal was left open by United's keeper David De Gea. 


City's Manager Roberto Mancini put the onus on his team to go for the win by breaking out of defensive shackles that normally serves as the ethos to his tactical setup, starting Mario Balotelli, Kun Aguero and David Silva. Balotelli opened the scoring with a grass-cutter into the corner form the top of the box, celebrating it by removing his jersey exposing a shirt that read, " Why always me?"All I can say in response is that he's fucking brilliant! Hearing reports that he today is driving around Manchester hi-fiving City fans, just makes me like the man even more. I'am no City fan, but my hatred for Manchester United can not be quelled so this freak result I feel is a once in a life time experience.


Balotelli has received so mush shtick from pundits, fans, mangers- basically anyone involved in world football but for all his faults or short comings, he seems to have finally arrived. The success coming to City seems to have put a smile on the mans face, and he seems to be enjoying his footy. I was once skeptical that he would ever overcome his bad attitude to fulfill his potential, but I can clearly see now that his skills are coming the the floor, and I'am loving watching him as it's refreshing to see some one bringing a little humor to the game when he embrace's his much -maligned persona.

Liver n'Onions: History still could happen this year...?

This week on Liver n'Onions I hold high hopes for the the next edition of the North Wes Derby, as this one will go down in history as the the one not worthy of going down in history.

Allegations accusing Luis Suarez of racial abusing Patrice Evra is not the only point that scarred the monumental occasion of Liverpool vs. Manchester United at the weekend. The play did that its self. In one of the most disappointing North West Derbies in recent memory, the players from both sides let the gravity of the occasion get to them, effecting the play on view. 

There was no real dirty play, with only four yellow cards between the two teams in the match,  Liverpool with one to Manchester United  three. But the meandering of players more focused on not making mistakes in such a high profile match, rather than going hell for leather, made for a conservative and sloppy spectacle.

Both sides came out in a formation of 4-5-1, giving birth to the slop in the midfield, congesting it so much that the only way to clear it was with a hefty dose of Mucinex. Steven Gerrard marked his full return to the squad, starting from the beginning along side Lucas, and Charlie Adam in the midfield.  Leading the line for the Reds was Luis Suarez, whose performance was a mere shadow of that in the corresponding fixture last year. An on song Suarez still would have had a hard time breaking down the defense heavy ranks of United, with Phil Jones playing as a holding midfielder. I was shocked when I saw the line-up Sir Alex put out, not figuring him to make those drastic changes to his line-up. I pondered if both Sir Alex and Kenny Dalgleish had a pow wow before the game and decided to cahoot on tactics together.

" Alright let'us mash a whole bunch of players who don't like each together in the midfield and see what happens…good fun."

Liverpool's attack was crying out for either Andy Carroll or Dirk Kuyt to join the likes of Suarez up top. If not going two up top and having five in midfield, which was clearly  pin pointed as the must win area,  the 1 in a  4-5-1 is tailor made for an Andy Carroll type forward. Someone that can hold the ball up and bring others into the game. The diminutive Suarez is not that player, and with him up top alone Liverpool is forced to play differently, but they continued to loft the ball from the back and more often then not failed to find the head of Suarez. The lack of targets in the box rendered Stewart Downing's crosses wasteful and unproductive, and the link play between the Lucas, Adam and Gerrard was a sight to forget. Under performing for me,  Suarez  fluffed a clear chance when he found himself with only United keeper David de Gea to beat, after  Charlie Adam's 34th-minute shot kindly rebounded off Jonny Evans, but the Suarez shot straight at the goalkeeper who parried the ball to safety.

With the undeniably weaker United side, Liverpool  held their own and it was any ones guess who would score first. The first half was dismal on all accounts, but with the dawn of the second half play perked up a smidge.

Captain fantastic came to the Scousers rescue once again scoring a welcome back goal, gifted to him by Ryan Giggs  splitting off the United wall, allowing Stevie's free kick to arrow the back of the net. An emphatic slide capped his return to relevance, marking his 50th goal at Anfield and most importantly brought a beaming smile to this man's tired face.  

United really didn't pose much in attack in the majority, but that blessing changed instantly with introduction of Wayne Rooney, Chicharito and Nani- talk about impact subs. Impact is what they made as Chicharito headed home a corner leveling terms 1-1. Leave it to a Liverpool team to concede on a set piece. I know it's been a while since the days of Rafa, but that damn zonal marking came back to haunt us and robbed the Reds of the three points.

Omitted new-boy Jordan Henderson had a chance to illuminate his name in Scouse studded light's, but his head let him down, as he nodded a clear cut opportunity over the bar in stoppage time. 

Forgive the somewhat sarcastic tone to this piece, but I cannot deny my disappointment. The spectacle was less than thrilling, and in all fairness a 1-1 is a decent result, but Liverpool had chances to separate themselves. I would have liked to see more attacking urgency, with the introduction of Andy Carroll. He scored in the Merseyside Derby a fortnight ago, and letting the big man slug it up top against Rio and Evans would have been a welcomed sight. I feel both frustrated at the fact we did bot take advantage of the weakened United squad. A draw is usually a good result to get against United, but I feel Liverpool had their number the whole game, yet still performing below-par. Stuff to ponder.

Liverpool face Rangers tomorrow in a friendly taking place at Ibrox, and are at home against Norwich at the weekend.

You can view more @ http://spotkickjournalism.blogspot.com/

King James to grace Anfield

It will be a royal affair this weekend at Anfield. Sir's are attending and  not one but 'two kings' will be attending the match against Manchester United. Manager "King Kenny" Dalgleish will be accompanied by the man know as "King James," or as the jersey states Lebron. Last April Lebron James became a minority owner of Liverpool Football Club, but this weekend he will be doing more than watching the festivities, he'll be lacing up his boot strings to play.

Only kidding...but mull this over, If Lebron was to play for LFC, what position would he play? I just had a lovely chat with the boy's from  Behind The Glass, as sister show to World Football Daily. In my eyes he would play center forward. Strong, quick feet for a big lad, and he's massive. Andy Carroll who? That aside he would also make decent defender for the same attributes highlighted just moments ago.

Since this game is on ESPN2, you'll undoubtedly be shown a glimpse of the NBA star who will be cheering o his Reds from the stands.

Stars and Strikes, United go Bowling

Good wholesome fun in Stars and Strikes, where Man U Starlets Ashley Young, Patrice Evra, Berbs and Weber? play a few games of ten-pin. Thought Weber was Raphael for a moment... Oops.

Ashley Young Kicks It In Bins

Up's the Man U quite a bit, but given that it's Rio's Mag, it's not at all surprising. Freestylers Billy Wingrove  and Jeremy Lynch Tee- up Young to showcase his placing ability, in his backyard.

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So far he has looked one of the signings' of the season, showing once again Sir Alex's astuteness in the transfer market.

Diet Drogba arrives in London for medical.

Lukaku Arrives in London for Chelsea Medical.

What do you do when your star forward begins to reach the end of his career?? Go out and sign a player who not only plays the exact same role, but looks exactly like him. 18-year old Belgium footballing prodigy Romelu Lukaku now looks set to seal a move to the Bridge, as Chelsea stalwart, Didier Drogba reaches the end of his career. Billed as Drogba, lite, diet, mini, pint-sized, whatever the adjective, Lukaku looks set to replace the Ivorian at Stamfor Bridge. He may be youthful in age, but not stature, standing 6'3. Lukaku has terrorized defenses in the Belgium Jupiter League, prompting this move to the "Big Time." Chelsea's Manager Andre Villa-Boas has yet to make a marquee signing since being instated manager, losing the battle for recent PSG signee Javier Pastore, and failing to coax Luka Modric from Redknapp's clutches. This move, if on...shows intent. Going for Lukaku is a move for youth and the future, but also for the present, as Lukaku's physical presence can surly impose upon English back-lines. 

Eden Hazard has been know to be Hazardous to defenses.

Lukaku is one of the many talented specimens to emerge from Belgium in the last few years. This crop includes players' like Eden Hazard, who won the League 1 with Lille last season. A player that has been tapped up by European powerhouses Real Madrid amongst others, but looks set to stay and slug it out in the Champion's League with the French side. Everton's aggressive, disco throwback midfielder Marouane Fellaini has made a name for himself in the Premier League, for his tenacity in a tackle the  and amount of yellow cards he's received. Steven Defour is another that seemed to flirt with the idea of coming to the Premier League, as United showed interest in the Standard Liege midfielder, but nothing materialized. A player who racked up 13 goals last season from midfield, ran the center of the park with his pin-point passing accuracy and his keen awareness of space. With the recent departure of Paul Scholes, Sir Alex might want to re-up his effort to sign the Belgium. Current EPL player's Vincent Kompany and Thomas Vermaelen, also grace the Belgium squad that come Brazil 2014, will be a tour de force in world football. Not only are these players making a strong impact around Europe at the moment, but their success dosne;t look like slowing any time soon as non of the players' mentioned  are over the age of 25.  

United lifts shield for 15th time.

The title of  community shield, did not connotate a defense display by both Manchester club's, as each team went for the throat, and an thrilling opening to the new season.  The final game, capping off of the pre season ended emphatically with a Manchester derby, that had almost everything. A rip-roaring start, shenanigans from Balotelli , goals, and bone-crunching tackles.  Both teams were off  to the races from the start as United looked much the better side, pinning City back for most of the first half. The sky blues' had trouble coping, racking up 5 yellow cards in the first half. Yet, when Phil Dowd blew for the break, City was up 2-0. United's  new boy David De Gea looked an easy target in goal,at fault for the goal's as he failed to come for a lofted ball from a set-peice, finding the expansive fore-head of Joleon Lescott, for the first. The Spanish youngster did all but redeem himself after being caught flat-footed on a Dzeko blast from outside the box. For United's dominate showing, they failed to reap the rewards.  
The game seemed a tale of two halves when early in the second United equalized off the boot of Chris Smalling, connecting to the end of  Ashley Young's  cross. The wind where in United's sails, as once again City looked out-classed for the second as Nani scored after some  ticky-tacky play, that gave meaning to Geometry.  The game looked set to for penalties, until a stoppage time clearance from Rooney landed at City defend Vincent Kompany's feet, but a bounce in United's fortune, evaded the Belgian, and landed right in the path of  the on-rushing Nani, putting him clear in on goal, making it 3-2 United. United seal their 15     Community Shield trophy, and well deserved of their play.


Though the class of the clubs' looked slightly unbalanced, City gave it a good running, and be it early, the project on the blue side of Manchester, looks one to pay dividends. It seems every season English fan's alike bill the upcoming season as the most exciting, but it's true, this season does seem something special. Will City  announce themselves as a title challenger? Can Chelsea plus new manager AVB keep up? Will Arsenal struggle for a Champions' League spot? Can Liverpool get back into the top four? All tantalizing question that  will be answered come the business end of the campaign

Gotta Go Joe!

There is never enough controversy surrounding Joey Barton, as he seems to be attracted to it like a moth to a flame. We see him once again in the headlines for all the wrong reasons, this time  choosing a social media outlet vs. moves he learned from an old Chuck Norris film. In a growing trend of player getting into trouble via Twitter, Barton has joined in with teammate Jose Enrique's air of the grievances about Newcastle. Barton has followed suit, waxing poetic about the club's lack of ambition, and dressing room unrest, after their pre-season defeat to Leeds. In result Barton has been put up for a free transfer, as manger Alan Pardew clearly wants the bad blood bled out! 


With Barton a free pick up, behavior aside, will be on many EPL club's radar. With all his antics the midfielder has somewhat grown up over the years, but maintains that bite in his play. In this light they're are only two clubs I would like to see Barton playing for next year. One being the Arsenal, and two Manchester United. With Arsenal in need of some Barton's bite in midfield, he would be a perfect candidate in terms of his play. He's Feisty, takes no prisoners, decent distributor, but...what would Wenger make of his antics, as history shows there will be. Arsenal is such a P.C. club, that Barton might be seen as that bad child that burns ant's with a magnifying glass, and cast-out. On the flip side he's free so Wenger wouldn't have to spend any money on a transfer fee, exempting him from much criticism if the  experiment goes belly-up. Barton would be a great pick-up, or the worst decision...just have to wait and see.

With the recent departure of Paul Scholes, Barton could be a fitting replacement for the now retired midfield dynamo. What Man U needs is a player of Barton's Ilic, to sit behind the attack and mop-up in midfield Al la  Owen Hargreaves. If they cannot secure Danielle De Rossi, which they won't, then Barton is  a must! If any manager can iron out Barton it's Sir Alex Ferguson, and given the responsibility of a starting berth at Man U, Barton would be forced to clean up his act and be responsible. 

This Man U fan can't use the colorblind excuse.

This is what happens when you wear a Man U jersey to a Liverpool game in Malaysia. 

 You get called a BOOGA! Let this be a lesson to all you fans who wear jerseys of a teams not playing, to a game. For example a fan who wears a Porto jersey to a San Jose Earthquakes game against the NY Redbulls. Risky Business... and I am not talking about the Tom Cruise movie.

Man U vs. New England Revolution 4-1 @ World Football Challenge.

The combination leading up to Ji-Sung Park's goal made New England's defense look like it was swiss cheese. Man U 4-1 New England Revolution.

Sneijder for Scholes....Manchester United agree to 35.2 million pounds for Wesley Sneijder.

It looks like it wont take Sir Alex Ferguson very long to find a replacement for the retired Paul Scholes, as the transfer fee for Inter's Wesley Sneijder was agreed today. The Ajax academy graduate has spent time  playing for Ajax first team, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and now possibly for Manchester United....not a bad resume is it? There is no denying he is one of the best midfielders in the game and with a soft spot in Man U's center of midfield, he will slot in nicely. One thing I will be interested in seeing is how he works with Wayne Rooney. Man U's number 10 likes to drop deep from his forward position, to collect the ball and spray passes around. The one he played last night at Gillette Stadium to Fabio was sublime! Rooney often plays behind Chicharito in a 4-4-1-1, a position that Sneijder operates in well also. Sneijder is very much a similar player to Rooney, less so in an attacking sense where Rooney is considered a forward, but none the less possesses similar attributes, with dynamic passing abilities and skills from a dead ball situation. Sneijder and Rooney also posses the same mental toughness and work ethic. Sneijder has been the driving force for Inter Milan and his International team Holland for years, and if the transfer goes through he will undoubtedly show that same drive and work ethic at Old Trafford next year. With the introduction of the Dutch maestro and influence in midfield for United will bring the best out of the players around him, providing more excellent service and a attacking engine. With Sir Alex stating that he wants to back competing for the Champions League, the acquisition of Sneijder looks to increase those chances 10-fold.