With all the focus on the upcoming World Cup, the usual excitement that surrounds the opening of the summer transfer window has been much more low key than usual. This is certainly understandable, after all, the World Cup only comes around once every four years. Whilst the World Cup may take priority this summer, it’s fair to say that United is never too far down on the footballing media’s priority list, and this summer has been no different.
Constant speculation in relation to United’s ownership has continued despite the loss of the visual impact of the Green and Gold campaign, and in recent weeks we have seen countless, often contradictory reports, speculating as to whether or not United have the money to spend on new talent. Other reports have focused on the Red Knights and their stalemate with the Glazer family, which derives from their refusal to meet the Glazer’s 1.5 billion pound assessment of the club.
While these topics are interesting and certainly worthy of discussion, they are not the focus of this new feature on Terrace Talk.
“Terrace Chatter” is a new feature on Terrace Talk focusing solely on United’s potential dealings in this season’s summer market. It seems every day United are linked with another host of players. With so many names and so many figures being published day after day, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. The aim of this new feature is to try and help you cipher through the possible and the downright ridiculous.
In the first edition, we will look at two of United’s more interesting supposed targets, one of which have sparked up quite a bit of discussion on the UnitedZone forums… (more…)

Manchester United vs. Chelsea
FA Premier League
Old Trafford
03. 04. 2010
Match Preview:
The attention of a footballing nation will turn to Old Trafford this Saturday when Manchester United will take on Chelsea in perhaps the Premier League’s most important fixture of the season. With only one point separating the two sides on the Premier League table, United have the chance to put some real distance between themselves and their title challengers, whilst Chelsea will be looking to overtake United and regain the momentum in a title race that has delighted us with so many twists and turns this season. (more…)

Bayern Munchen vs. Manchester United
UEFA Champions League
Allianz Arena
30. 03. 2010
Match Preview:
After emphatically dumping AC Milan out of Europe, Manchester United are enjoying their best run of form all season. Not including their two wins of AC, United have won their last six league games and have already picked up the first major trophy of the season with their Carling Cup victory over Aston Villa at Wembley in January. With a league/European double still on the cards for Sir Alex’s men, there is no shortage of motivation for the Red Devils heading into this one.
Whilst United have been in terrific form, Bayern have suffered somewhat in recent weeks. After a rather unconvincing win at Allianz Arena, Bayern Munich lost 3-2 to Fiorentina in Italy, however snuck through on away goals. Their league form of late has also been shaky, as they showed again failing to beat Stuttgart, in a result which saw them forefeit top spot in the Bundesliga. Robben also pulled up injured during the match in a blow that could also hurt Bayern’s chances. (more…)

Bolton Wanderers vs. Manchester United
English Premier League
The Reebok
27. 03. 2010]
Match Preview:
United’s hunt for a fourth consecutive, and record topping 19th English League title continues this Saturday afternoon when they will visit Bolton at the Reebok. After defeating bitter rivals Liverpool last weekend at Old Trafford, United will have no shortage of confidence leading in to this one. The table toppers are in top form and will take some beating, even at a hostile ground like The Reebok.
Bolton however has found steadier form since the arrival of Owen Coyle from Burnley. The ex-Claret man has essentially guaranteed Premier League survival this season as expected, however their erratic form will remain a cause for concern for Bolton fans. Although they have secured important victories against West Ham and Wigan, who they beat 4-0, they have also suffered losses to Everton and Sunderland, who recently ran out 4-0 winners against Coyle’s men. (more…)

Manchester United vs. Liverpool
English Premier League
Old Trafford
21. 03. 2010
Match Preview:
The vastly different fortunes of Manchester United and Liverpool throughout this season on the pitch will mean little to anyone come 1.30pm Sunday afternoon at Old Trafford. All that will matter is winning, and as always, it’s personal. As United look to build on their current form and remain at the top of the Barclays Premier League table, Liverpool requires all three points to stay in the hunt for Champions League football next season. Their goals may be a world apart, but make no mistake about it; this is going to be the same fierce derby fans around the world have savored year after year. (more…)

Manchester United vs. AC Milan
UEFA Champions League
San Siro
10. 03. 2010
Match Preview:
After Scholes’ strike sent United to the top of the Barclays Premier League table at the weekend, United’s focus has once again returned to continental concerns with AC Milan visiting Old Trafford on Wednesday night. United hold the advantage going into this one, with three away goals to their credit as well as a one goal advantage, and will remain favorites to see off their Italian foes at Old Trafford to progress to the quarter finals. (more…)
Need I say more?
Paul Scholes proved the match winner again at Molineux with a neat finish to put United 1-0 up over Wolverhampton, and better yet, top of the Barclays Premier League table.
Scholesy’s strike was doubly significant however because it was his 100th league goal for his hometown club, which he has served with distinction over the last 15 years or so.
What a better way to pay homage to our Ginger Prince, than to share in some of his best moments that have delighted the Old Trafford faithful for the last decade and a half!
Here are some of Scholes’ greatest goals for United:
Wolverhampton Wolves vs. Manchester United
English Premier League
Molineux
06. 03. 2010
Match Preview:
After losing at Goodison Park two weeks ago, Manchester United will be thrilled to have won the first major trophy of the season, which they secured at Wembley with a 2-1 win over Aston Villa. Sir Alex Ferguson will hope that such a morale boosting win will be the catalyst which will fire United to a prolonged run of form which is now essential to any ambitions United may harbour to win the title.
Wolves on the other hand have only managed one win in seven. Although that win did come against a strong Tottenham side, losses to the likes of Bolton and Hull has the Wolves hovering ominously over the relegation zone. Having already lost twice to United this season already, in the Carling Cup and earlier league fixture, there is not much cause for optimism at Molineux, even though they did defeat United 1-0 last time Fergie’s men played Wolves at Molineux in the league. (more…)

Manchester United vs. Aston Villa
Carling Cup Final
Wembley
28. 02. 2010
Match Preview
After the famous 3-1 win over Manchester City at Old Trafford, in which Wayne Rooney’s last minute header secured United’s passage to the Carling Cup final, and Aston Villa’s own exciting 6-4 second leg over Blackburn Rovers, it’s fair to say that the first major final of the domestic season has a buzz of excitement to it which has been lacking in recent Carling Cup finals.
This final represents United’s third Carling Cup final appearance in five seasons, demonstrating the talent of United’s rising youngsters. In 2006, it was the bursting talents of Rooney, Ronaldo, Richardson and Evra which lead United to the final, while in 2009, a mature Ronaldo helped the new generation of stars in Welbeck, Macheda, Nani and Anderson to claim the cup. This season, United will look to make it two in two.
Villa on the other hand are looking to end a 14 year wait for silverware, and will fancy their chances against a United side who they have already beaten at Old Trafford this season, and drawn with at Villa Park. In any case, an appearance in a final at Wembly alone is indicative of the great strides this Villa side have made under Martin O’Neil who deserves great credit for the transformation Villa have undergone over the last few seasons. (more…)

Everton vs. Manchester United
English Premier League
Goodison Park
20. 02. 2010
Match Preview:
After United’s fantastic 3-2 victory over an in form AC Milan at the San Siro, confidence will certainly be high for Sir Alex Ferguson and his men as they prepare for another away match at Goodision Park, home of Everton Football Club. Everton shocked many with a fantastic 2-1 win over league leaders Chelsea, a result which saw United close the gap up top to one point. Louis Saha was the main protagonist for Everton, scoring two fantastic headed goals and missing a penalty, in a performance which did his former employer a massive favor. (more…)