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Juan Mata: The Ladder To Manchester United’ s Top Four Finish?
The Manchester United policy of producing the most unexpected form of joy was never in question, until David Moyes arrived. The promise to Sir Alex Ferguson -”In Moyes We Trust” was perhaps the only solace a passionate Red Devil would give himself.
Marouane Fellaini, the lanky Belgium international joined United for £27.5 million exceeding his original £22 million buyout clause, which clearly was classed as a panic buy and thus began The Moyesey Era at Old Trafford, with uncertainties. Fellaini was unfamiliar with his new role playing alongside Michael Carrick as he was enjoying the number 10 position with Everton. With no success and no change in formation he started looking as yet another failure in pursuit for Roy Keane’s successor.
Even Though United splashed some considerable amount of money to lure in Fellaini from Goodison Park, many tutors believed United’s quest for stars have ended in jeopardy.
Here is when Manchester United and their old rule stands tall-Never give up. Be it on the football pitch or outside, this teams philosophy has made sure the team enters the elite group of teams which are ‘just more than a club’.
The capture of the sensational Juan Mata, the headlines of every newspaper. Fed up from rumours regarding the likes of Fabregas, Lucas Moura, Alcantara and many more joining Manchester United, this news is for real.
Juan Mata arrives at Carrington training Ground to discuss his contract.
A Chelsea reject , but ask any football pundit to know what Juan Mata is. Unfortunate to be born in this Spanish era, he has been deprived for chances from his international team given their first choice players being Iniesta and Xavi. And after a disappointing season with Chelsea, Mata will be relishing this opportunity to prove his worth once again.
Ozil being this season’s biggest summer signing, has helped Arsenal to reach the top of the Premier league, the question remains will Mata provide a similar source of output and a possible top 4 finish for United.
Eric Cantona remains United’s favourite winter signing. He helped united win Four Premier League titles out of the five seasons he was at United. Not to forget the duo of Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra who arrived at United in the winter transfer window of 2005-2006 and are still providing admirable service.
There is no doubt that Mata will be given massive attacking responsibilities. Expectations that the role if not taken as a burden will provide the fruits at United. To accommodate Mata in a typical 4-4-2 will be difficult and in the absence of Rooney and RVP, it is clear Juan Mata will be given a number 10 role behind Hernandez or the hardworking Welbeck .
Probable United Line up 4-4-2(1-1)
6 points behind Liverpool, Tottenham and 5 points behind Toffees with 16 games in hand, the race for the fourth place in the Premier League still looks realistic and a fresh objective. FA Cup third round and Capital One Cup semifinal exit were unforgettable experiences for Moyes and his team but can well be a blessing in disguise as United has only Premier League to focus on the domestic front. 12 points behind Chelsea, 13 behind Manchester City and 14 behind Arsenal, United must be aware that is asking for too many points to drop and a rootless goal in a bid to retain the premier league title.
The Absence Of United’s Final Ball Playing Midfielder:
Carrick has been an integral part of United over the years. The first name on United’s team list for the past 2-3 years. Even David Moyes feels the system that revolves around Carrick needs no change for now, is it?
The injury news to the most under rated player at United is not what they would’ve liked at this moment as Carrick has been their most consistent player season after season. Carrick’s key role is touted by many as the main force behind United’s midfield. This reason brings a believer that Carrick at some point will be the answer to United’s midfield search for worldwide domination. Stats about him replies affirmative to that argument, then where is United going wrong? – Even with 2 league titles in the last 3 years, United have been awful in Europe. Competing against the big guns, United no longer possess the same threat and sadly that screenplay has followed up in England as well. To sum up Carrick is a fine player but in that central position he is never the player he can be.
Carrick’s Distribution.
Carrick’s distribution is miraculously inch perfect but he chooses the wrong part of the field, hence asking the United flanks to do the maximum work in providing the goals. Some would say typical English game but let’s be honest, a team whose wing supply mainly depends on Valencia needs more from its midfield. United’s counter attacking game was at its best with the likes of Ronaldo and Tevez, but since their departure United have never quite seen the light at the end of the tunnel, the way it used to shine before at Old Trafford. It is difficult for many players to reach inside the opposition penalty area with the required pace, making the wing game play of no use. Lack of players in the six yard box during attacking play from united makes the use of wide wing play minimal.
Carrick’s diagonal long ball’s starts giving goose bumps in memory of Paul Scholes but that is limited to only the right flank. While his short passes are mainly directed towards his own defence making very less contribution to United’s attack. The other worrying sight is, Carrick plays the ball towards his goalkeeper too often only to see De Gea making a wild dash at it, which randomly reaches to any player on the field, what is the game plan in it! In other words United with Carrick looks to wait for mistakes to happen from the opposition defenders rather than looking for holes in the defence line. Carrick’s passing involvement in the attacking is limited to either on the flanks mainly on the right or towards strikers and not in empty spaces, only to see the ball getting back at him.
The ideal way to utilise the maximum out of Carrick is to sandwich him between a proper defensive midfielder and a more attacking minded midfielder .Well United got the latter in Mata, they still require a ruthless defensive mid who isn’t clumsy like Carrick, for now Fellaini can be experimented with, if he is fit again. Carrick given the freedom in this triangular midfield can be deadly. His Partnership with Mata can shut the entire critic’s around United’s midfield display.
[Carrick seen in the triangular sandwich formation ]
With Carrick getting injured for at least 3-4 weeks, this might well be the emergence of Kagawa. Kagawa’s physical presence has been disappointing but partnering Juan Mata may well bring the same attacking sense once he had with Mario Gotze at Dortmund. Both Gotze and Kagawa continuously swapped position in order to get the best shooting space along with providing the decisive pass to Lewandowski. This ideology worked well and was successful, as Dortmund won the Bundesliga and Kagawa earned the Dortmund player of the season award with his instrumental play.
Another formation in mind to accelerate United in reaching the top 4 by the end of this season is the 4-3-3 used at Barcelona by which, Kagawa and Mata can make a union of attacking moves while Fellaini or Fletcher sits in front of the back four. A valid solution as Fletcher has been impressive ever since he has returned to action after his recovery from ulcerative colitis. Be it Fellaini or Fletcher,this role is very important for United’s success in this formation as the player playing at this position needs to cover a lot of ground specially on the left hand side of the field. Fellaini has tremendous ability in breaking the opposition team’s attack as seen in his role with Belgium.
It is also a good time to push Phil Jones back to his favoured position as a centre back. With Vidic coming back shortly after his suspension gets over, Jones may well form a formidable partnership with the United skipper. It is important for United and Moyes to groom Jones at a position which he likes the most. With three players up front United will bring back the concept of inside strikers, limiting their play from the flanks and focusing more from the centre of the field.
4-3-3
The Return of Rooney and Van Persie is by far the most exciting news one can hear and the opposition can fear. The acquisition of Juan Mata from Chelsea is the current hot topic and imagining him playing alongside Rooney and RVP simply adds cherry on the cake. The all season emergence of Januzaj cannot be forgotten as he has looked impressive every single game and with added weight on his shoulders at such a tender age he did not disappoint. The above formation of 4-3-3 looks alien with United . Although Rooney is all set to move right because of his great crossing, pace and work rate, it is still believed United will be more comfortable with 2 midfielders sitting in front of the defence with the current options as Cleverly, Fellaini and Fletcher, while Mata to enjoy the number 10 role even in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
4-2-3-1
Midfield was not the only question United had to fix. Even if acquiring Mata does increase United’s chances of finishing in the race for the top 4, playing Patrice Evra does not. The great servant and one of the greatest left back Old Trafford has seen, is certainly not even playing half of what he used to be. Evra’s defensive positioning has not at all been upto the mark. The one good thing about Evra even when he faltered defensively was his sudden outburst on the wings and his crossing, which too looks out of place these days. Although he has been scoring some goals, he has been the source of contribution to many in his own net. Either Buttner or Fabio deserves regular first team chances to prove their worth and it is high time that Evra is moved to a 2nd choice left back role.
The next 16 league games are probably exciting times at Old Trafford. The worse has been seen and now enters the transition phase. The famous Class of 92 started its impact with giving a chance to the legendary Ryan Giggs. This was two years earlier than inducting the likes of Scholes, Butt and Neville Brothers in their ranks.1992 was the same year they signed Eric Cantona from then rivals Leeds United.
Can 2014 be the year, they have already figured out Januzaj is a star in the making and signed Mata from Chelsea. Will history repeat itself? Football fans often tend to be superstitious and with the occurrence of event vaguely similar to what happened all those years back in 1992, can this be the start of something new. The beginning of the biggest comeback this club and history of football has ever witnessed.
Will United finish Top 4? – Moyes you need to buy my tactics.!!:D
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Argentina will be aiming for a record-breaking 16th Copa America title when they take on Colombia
The Copa America 2024 is set for an electrifying conclusion as defending champions Argentina face off against Colombia at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida on Sunday. This highly anticipated final marks the first-ever Copa America final meeting between these two footballing powerhouses. Argentina aim to secure a record-breaking 16th title, making them the most successful side in the competition’s history.
Argentina’s road to the final has been marked by grit and determination. They navigated a nerve-wracking penalty shootout against Ecuador in the quarter-finals before securing a comfortable 2-0 victory over Canada in the semi-finals. Julian Alvarez opened the scoring, followed by a historic goal from Lionel Messi, who now stands as the second-highest male goalscorer in international football with 109 goals.
Argentina’s unbeaten streak now extends to 10 matches, and they remain unbeaten in major tournament knockout games on American soil since the 1994 World Cup. It is no understatement that they go into the clash as favourites.
Colombia are no pushovers, however. They have been in exceptional form. Since their 1-0 loss to Argentina in World Cup qualifying in February 2022, they have embarked on a record-breaking unbeaten run of 28 matches.
Jefferson Lerma’s header gave Colombia the lead before Daniel Munoz’s red card put them at a numerical disadvantage against Uruguay. Despite this setback, Colombia’s resilience shone through as they held on to secure their place in the final. The victory over Uruguay was marred by a brawl involving Uruguayan players and Colombian supporters, but Colombia’s focus remained unwavering. This final represents a chance for Colombia to end a long wait since their first Copa America triumph in 2001.
Team News and Predicted XI
Argentina
For the final, Argentina face no injury or suspension issues. Head coach Lionel Scaloni is expected to maintain an unchanged lineup. The defence will feature a solid back four with Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, and Nicolas Tagliafico, with Emiliano Martinez as the goalkeeper.
In the midfield, Enzo Fernandez and Rodrigo De Paul are anticipated to keep their places, even though Giovani Lo Celso and Exequiel Palacios are pushing for a start. Angel Di Maria is poised for his international farewell on the right wing. Alexis Mac Allister, who has been impressive on the international stage, will play a crucial role, linking up with Messi from the midfield.
Lionel Messi, who overcame a leg injury to play the full match against Canada, will lead the attack alongside Julian Alvarez. Lautaro Martinez, the tournament’s top scorer, is expected to begin on the bench and should be brought on in the second half.
Predicted Playing XI (4-4-2): Emi. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Lis. Martinez, Tagliafico; Mac Allister, E. Fernandez, De Paul, Di Maria; Messi, Alvarez
Colombia
With Daniel Munoz suspended, Santiago Arias is set to start at right-back, joining Davinson Sanchez, Carlos Cuesta, and Johan Mojica in a solid four-man backline. Camilo Vargas will likely be the goalkeeper.
In midfield, Jefferson Lerma and Richard Ríos are expected to form the double pivot, providing protection for the defence and allowing the attacking players to push forward.
Captain James Rodriguez, who has recorded a tournament-high six assists, will continue in the number 10 role. He will be supported by Liverpool’s Luis Diaz and Fluminense’s Jhon Arias on the flanks.
Jhon Cordoba, who has contributed with two goals and two assists, is expected to lead the attack, with Jhon Duran and Rafael Santos Borre available as options.
Predicted Playing XI (4-2-3-1): Vargas; Santiago Arias, Sanchez, Cuesta, Mojica; Rios, Lerma; Jhon Arias, Rodriguez, Diaz; Cordoba
Key Stats
- Victory will see Argentina win their 16th Copa America title, making them the most successful side in the competition’s illustrious history.
- Colombia are unbeaten in their last 28 international games.
- Argentina have won 26 of their 43 meetings against Colombia in all competitions.
- A win for Colombia will see them win just their second Copa America title, their first since 2001.
Match Deciding Duel
Enzo Fernandez (Argentina) vs James Rodriguez (Colombia)
Argentina have been solid in defence and penetrating their backline has proven to be a challenge for most sides in the competition. Colombia have a rather dynamic attack but will depend on the veteran James Rodriguez to act as the playmaker.
With the likes of Luis Diaz able to make the most of opportunities, the onus will be on Enzo Fernandez to ensure Rodriguez does not have space to manoeuvre in. The duel between the two players could certainly set the tone for which way the cookie crumbles on the night.
Prediction
Argentina 2-1 Colombia
The clash is likely to be an entertaining one with the midfield battle expected to set the tone for the result. Argentina. however, have more strength in depth and the ability to bring a player of Lautaro Martinez’s calibre off the bench in the second half is akin to a cheat code. The Inter Milan star is expected to lead the defending champions to a close 2-1 win on the night.
Spain and England will face off for continental supremacy in the Euro 2024 final
As Euro 2024 reaches its climax, the football world braces for a thrilling final between Spain and England at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. This highly anticipated match will determine the champions of Europe, with Spain looking to add to their illustrious history and England aiming to lift the Henri Delaunay Trophy for the first time.
Spain, guided by Luis de la Fuente, entered the tournament somewhat under the radar but quickly established themselves as a formidable contender. They navigated the so-called ‘Group of Death’ with ease, securing nine points from three matches against Croatia, Italy, and Albania. Impressively, they emerged from the group stage without conceding a goal to an opposition player.
In the knockout stages, Spain demonstrated their resilience and quality. A stunning 4-1 comeback against Georgia in the last-16 and a tense extra-time victory over hosts Germany in the quarter-finals showcased their grit and talent. The semi-final against France was another test of their mettle, with young star Lamine Yamal lighting up the Allianz Arena and Dani Olmo sealing the win.
Spain’s journey to the final has not been without challenges, but their blend of experience and youthful exuberance has seen them through. They now stand on the brink of history, aiming to become the first European men’s team to win four major tournaments consecutively.
England’s Euro 2024 campaign has been a rollercoaster. Gareth Southgate’s men had a mixed group stage, winning only once against Serbia and drawing against Denmark and Slovenia. Their knockout phase has been a tale of resilience and drama, coming from behind in both the last-16 and quarter-finals.
A lacklustre win over Slovakia and a penalty shootout victory against Switzerland set the stage for a semi-final clash with the Netherlands. Despite early setbacks, including a goal from Dutch prodigy Xavi Simons, England produced their best performance of the tournament. A late winner from Ollie Watkins, following a perfect penalty from Harry Kane, propelled them to their second consecutive Euro final.
Southgate’s squad has shown incredible determination and character, setting new records along the way. Kane’s scoring feats and the team’s ability to perform under pressure have been pivotal to their success.
We take a look at how both sides could line up on the night and what tactics they might employ.
Team News and Predicted XI
Spain
Spain’s bad-tempered quarter-final against Germany saw Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand fall foul of the referee, leading to their suspensions for the semi-final. Both players are now back at De la Fuente’s disposal, bringing much-needed fresh legs to the Roja XI. Carvajal will replace Jesus Navas, while Le Normand should push Nacho to the bench.
Spain are expected to maintain a 4-3-3 formation with Unai Simon in goal. Daniel Carvajal and Marc Cucurella should hold the flanks in defence, while Robin Le Normand and Aymeric Laporte should form the centre-back pairing. Rodri should form the midfield pivot, with Dani Olmo and Fabian Ruiz pushing forward.
Skipper Alvaro Morata should lead the line with the electric duo of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams providing support. Morata was initially a concern given his freak injury after the win against France. Thankfully for Spain, he trained normally and should lead them out.
Predicted Playing XI (4-3-3): Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella; Ruiz, Rodri, Olmo; Yamal, Morata, Williams
England
England arrive in Berlin with a fully fit squad, including Luke Shaw, who has recovered from injury. Shaw’s performance against Switzerland and his effective stint in the semi-final suggests he may start, replacing Kieran Trippier at left-back.
Southgate is likely to stick with his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation. Jordan Pickford will guard the goal, with a back three of John Stones, Harry Maguire, and Marc Guehi.
Shaw and Kyle Walker will operate as wing-backs, while Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham form the midfield pivot. Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka will support captain Harry Kane in attack. Southgate has enough game-changers on the bench and it remains to be seen if he will have the nerve to make bold calls or play the long game and roll the dice.
Predicted Playing XI (4-3-3): Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi; Saka, Mainoo, Rice, Shaw; Bellingham, Foden; Kane
Key Stats
- A victory on the night will see Spain secure their fourth title, making them the most successful side in the competition’s history.
- A win for England will see them triumph in the European Championships for the first time in their history.
- Spain and England have faced off 27 times in all competitions. La Roja have won 10 games while England have won 14. Three games ended in a draw.
- England have never lost to Spain in a UEFA European Championship clash before.
Match Deciding Duel
Lamine Yamal (Spain) vs Luke Shaw (Spain)
Lamal has been a critical difference-maker for Spain in this year’s tournament and will hope to end it on a high. Up against the recently returned Luke Shaw, he will aim to run rings against the English veteran.
Shaw’s ability to get caught out could provide Yamal the space he needs to run into and put the English backline into disarray. This should also subsequently free up Dani Olmo to make his trademarks into the box.
Prediction
Spain 1-1 England (Spain to Win on Penalties)
England will be keen to end their trophy drought and also go one better than last time around. While they have a strong squad with plenty of depth, Southgate’s inability to take calculated risks should play right into Spain’s hands. It remains unlikely that the trophy will go ‘home’ anytime soon.
Argentina and Canada will face off in the first semifinal of Copa America 2024, a repeat of the competition opener from Group A
Canada have a golden opportunity to make history as they face defending champions Argentina in the first semi-final of Copa America 2024 at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday.
In a rematch of their tournament opener, Canada can become the second CONCACAF team to reach the Copa America final. Both sides advanced to the semi-finals via penalty shootouts, with Argentina defeating Ecuador and Canada overcoming Venezuela after 1-1 draws in regular time respectively.
Argentina’s path to the semi-finals has been fortified by their exceptional defence and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The victory over Ecuador secures their fifth consecutive appearance in the Copa America semi-finals. Historically, Argentina have been strong at this stage, progressing in seven of their last eight attempts, with the only setback being against Brazil in 2019.
A triumph on Tuesday would mark the first time Argentina reached the Copa America final as defending champions since 1959. Scaloni’s team has been defensively sound, conceding just once throughout the tournament. The Albiceleste are unbeaten in their last nine matches across all competitions, allowing only three goals during this period.
On the other hand, Canada has shown remarkable resilience since their initial loss to Argentina. Jesse Marsch’s squad has conceded just once in their last three games. They are the third CONCACAF team to reach the Copa America semi-finals in their debut appearance, following Honduras and Mexico. They are also the first from the region to advance this far since the USA in 2016.
This semi-final marks Canada’s fifth appearance in the final four of a continental tournament this century. They have progressed beyond this stage twice, in the 2023 Nations League and the 2000 Gold Cup. Canada aims to emulate Mexico’s 2001 Copa America run, where Mexico reached the final before losing to Colombia.
Argentina’s defensive stability and tactical discipline under Scaloni will be pivotal, also giving their world-class frontline a base to build upon. Canada, under Marsch, has transformed into a more disciplined and resilient team. Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies will be crucial in breaking down Argentina’s defence. SoccerSouls takes a closer look at this clash.
Team News and Predicted XI
Argentina
Lionel Messi was not at his best against Ecuador and will be keen to make amends for the penalty miss in the shootout. he missed the final group game with a hamstring injury but now appears to be back to full fitness.
Lionel Scaloni is likely to retain his flexible 4-3-3 formation with Emiliano Martínez in goal. He should be protected by the back four of Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez and Marcos Acuna.
Midfielder Leandro Paredes should perform the role of the pivot in the centre, giving Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister and the dynamic Rodrigo De Paul the freedom to push forward. Lionel Messi is expected to don the playmaker’s role with Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez leading the line. Angel Di Maria will offer Argentina another option off the bench should they need to shift gears.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Emi. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Li. Martinez, Acuna; Mac Allister, Paredes, De Paul; Messi, La. Martinez, Alvarez
Canada
Inter Milan Tajon Buchanan remains a major doubt for Canada after he suffered a broken tibia during training just days before their match against Venezuela. This injury puts his participation in doubt not just for the semi-final clash against Argentina but also for the remainder of the tournament.
Jesse Marsch has an otherwise fully fit squad to choose from for the clash and is expected to set his side up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Maxime Crépeau in goal. The shot-stopper should be protected by the back four of Alistair Johnston, Moise Bombito, Derek Cornelius, and Alphonso Davies.
Stephen Eustáquio and Jonathan Osorio should form the double pivot, freeing up Jonathan David to act as the playmaker. Cyle Larin should start up front, with Richie Laryea and Jacob Shaffelburg providing support out wide.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Crepeau; Johnston, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies; Osorio, Eustaquio; Laryea, David, Shaffelburg; Larin
Key Stats
- Argentina have never conceded a goal against Canada.
- Argentina have not lost a major tournament match on U.S. soil since a 3-2 defeat to Romania in the 1994 World Cup’s round of 16.
- A win on the night will see Canmada make it to their first-ever Copa America final at the first time of asking.
- Argentina have not made it to the final of the competition as defending champions since 1959.
Match Deciding Duel
Lautaro Martinez (Argentina) vs Derek Cornelius (Canada)
Lautaro Martinez is the top scorer in the tournament this season and has made it a habit of scoring late goals for Argentina. This augurs well for a side that is defensively compact, giving them a second wind to settle the game as the opposition gets tired. Derek Cornelius will have his hands full all night but will know that he cannot slack off for even a second with Martinez on the prowl.
Argentina’s ability to score late coupled with Canada’s vulnerabilities in the second half of the game makes for a thrilling finale in the final 30 minutes of the first semifinal. While Argentina do have several threats and matchwinners in their lineup, Martinez’s clinical touch has given them the edge this summer. He will certainly be aiming to make a difference once again on Tuesday.
Transfer Watch
Jonathan David
The LOSC Lille attacker is Canada’s trump card going forward and is expected to leave the Ligue 1 giants this summer. David is a pacy player whose ability to get into space and clinical ability in the box helps make a difference. While several clubs are keeping tabs on him, a solid showing against the defending FIFA World Cup holders will only help boost his profile among potential suitors.
David will be up against the meanest defence in the competition on the night. The duo of Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez aren’t just formidable defenders but their ‘take no prisoners’ approach will certainly add a physical element to the duel. David is unlikely to come up against a meaner backline in the competition and how well he handles this challenge could determine his stock this summer.
Prediction
Argentina 2-0 Canada
Both teams will be familiar with each other having felt each other out on the opening day. The stakes are much higher this time round and Canada will be hoping for a monumental upset. Argentina were handed a late scare against Ecuador and that perhaps will ensure they don’t take Tuesday’s game for granted. The game should be a hard-fought one with Argentina’s match winners making the difference in the second half of the game.
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