Should Michael Owen be first choice?

Following Michael Owens latest goals against Wolfsburg should Sir Alex now be looking at Owen as a first choice striker? Injuries to Rooney and Berbatov has seen Owen take his chance and his latest treble against Wolfsburg has highlighted that Owen has lost none of his predatory skills as a world class goal scorer.

Who would be your first choice? Rooney & Berbatov, Rooney & Owen, Berbatov & Owen or do you think that one of the younger strikers like Welbeck and Macheda can force their way into the first choice positions?

Have your say here.

Should United strengthen their squad in January?

Sir Alex Ferguson has stated that he may not bring in any new players in the January transfer window and he feels most of his targets are currently over priced. He has stated he has confidence in his current squad. Do you think he is right and the current squad can challenge successfully both domestically and in Europe?

Is this just a smoke screen and the Ronaldo transfer fee has been used to service the clubs large debts or is Sir Alex right not to over pay for stars like David Villa, David Silva and Jack Rodwell who have all been linked with moves to Old Trafford?

Have your say here.

Who do you think was Fergies worst ever signing?

Sir Alex Ferguson has finally confirmed what every Manchester United fan already knew: his worst signing ever was Ralph Milne. Speaking at a League Managers Association dinner to honour the 14 surviving coaches who have presided over 1,000-plus league games, Ferguson admitted that Milne, who moved to Old Trafford in November 1988 from Third Division Bristol City, was top of his list of transfer regrets.

"My worst signing? Ralph Milne. I only paid £170,000 but I still get condemned for it." Milne, who scored three goals in 22 games in his first season before losing his first team place, was released on a free in June 1991. Ferguson also gave an honorable mention to the £3.5m he paid in 2003 for Eric Djemba-Djemba: "So good they named him twice."

Others that come to mind include Kleberson, Veron (over priced), Gary Birtles, Nani. Have your say here. Who would you consider the worst signing?

Is Uniteds current squad good enought to win the Premiership and Champions League?

Is Uniteds current squad good enought to win the Premiership and Champions League?

With the loss of two of the most influential players last season (Ronaldo & Tevez) and the addition of Michael Owen, Gabriel Obertan and Antonio Valencia can United pick up where they left off and challenge for all honours? The media are reporting that United are prepairing a double swooop for Valencia stars David Villa and David Silva. Would those two signing be the turning point for United and see squad compete for all honours.

Have your say here.

10 Things you need to know about Igor Akinfeev, who is being lined up as the long term replacement for Edwin Van der Sar

Manchester United are reported to be chasing CSKA Moscow and Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev.

With Edwin van der Sar about to hang up his size XXL gloves, and Ben Foster failing to impress in the United goal, it seems Sir Alex Ferguson has decided he urgently needs a brand new last line of defence.

But who is the £15 million-rated number one? Don't panic, MirrorFootball has compiled a dossier featuring everything you need to know...

1) He broke into the CSKA Moscow first team when he was just 17 years old and won the Russian championship in his first season.

2) In 2004, he became the youngest player ever to represent Russia when he ran out against Norway at the age of 18 years 20 days.

3) He has been voted goalkeeper of the year in Russia for three of the last four seasons.

4) In 2006, he went 362 minutes without conceding a goal in the Champions League, twice keeping clean sheets against Arsenal.

5) He was a member of the Russia team that reached the semi-finals of Euro 2008, but conceded seven goals in two matches against Spain during the tournament.

6) His squad number at CSKA is 35.

7) He has been coached Rinat Dasaev, the USSR goalkeeper voted the best in Europe at Euro 88.

8) He is 6ft 1ins tall – shorter than Edwin van der Sar, Ben Foster and Tomasz Kuszczak.

9) His honours include the UEFA Cup, three Russian Premier League titles and three Russian Super Cups.

10) Now 23, he has also been linked with Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Arsenal

Does the squad need to be strengthened?

Manchester United have made a good start to the season with the exception of the Burnley game Manchester United have taken full points and are now top of the Premiership. But has this justified Sir Alex Fergusons decision not to further strengthen his squad with the funds available from the Cristiano Ronaldo transfer?

Michael Owen's goal against City has helped justify the managers decision to sign the former England striker, however it seems to be the midfield area where United are currently lacking. Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs have recently turned back the years to inspire United to some important wins (most noteably over Stoke where Giggs and Scholes were both outstanding), however the indifferent form of Nani, Park, Anderson and Carrick and the lack of match fitness for the returning Hargreaves has meant that United are vulnerable in the midfield area. Was it a mistake not to strengthen this area of the team?

Who do you think United should sign if anyone? Have your say here.

Five reasons why Manchester United's season is clicking into place

WAYNE ROONEY:

Despite the predictions that Rooney would have to fill the Cristiano Ronaldo role at United this season, the England forward has always been much more than merely the next best thing to Ronaldo. The 23-year-old is his own man and his early season performances have underlined his determination to make that point emphatically. Rooney has been peerless so far this campaign and his goal at Spurs on Sunday took his league tally to five in five games.

DARREN FLETCHER:

When Fletcher was singled out as one of the main victims of Roy Keane's alleged rant about his under-performing team-mates on MUTV four years ago, the Scot's Old Trafford future appeared bleak. The United supporters had already started to give him stick from the terraces and his captain had seemingly joined in. But Fletcher has emerged as United's number one midfielder in recent months. Missing out on the Champions League final last season highlighted his value to the team. Against Arsenal recently, Fletcher was immense and he is almost now doing what Keane used to in the engine room.

PAUL SCHOLES:

Scholes is 35 in November and he has already suggested that this will be his last season as a player. But the form he has displayed so far this season has been his best for years. Anderson's arrival two years ago was supposed to signal the end for Scholes, but he continues to retain his place in the team. His experience, wonderful passing ability and winning mentality have been key factors in United's resurgence following the defeat at Turf Moor.

BURNLEY DEFEAT:

United have a habit of steeling themselves in adversity following an unexpected defeat. If nothing else, it gives Sir Alex Ferguson the opportunity to wield the big stick and dust off the hairdryer. But losing at Turf Moor was a real low-point. Nothing went right on the night for United as Owen Coyle's promoted team out-fought, out-ran and ultimately defeated the champions. Ferguson has admitted to questioning the commitment of his players after that defeat, but results since suggest that there are no problems in that department.

MAN CITY THREAT:

United always keep an eye on the results of Chelsea and Liverpool, but the emergence of Manchester City on their doorstep is providing added motivation.In Ferguson's 23 years at Old Trafford, City have never held the whip-hand on United and the Scot has no intention of that changing.Key figures such as Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney have spoken of the extra motivation brought about by City's attempt to crack the Big Four and, ironically, City's big ambitions are helping fuel United's own desire.

Champions League Draw

Manchester United have been handed a tricky Champions League group stage draw against CSKA Moscow, Besiktas and Bundesliga Champions and dark horses Wolfsburg.

Sir Alex Ferguson will target three home wins and at least 3 points from the three away games to guarantee United progress to the last 16 stage. Who do you think will cause United the most problems in the group stages?

Foster v Kuszczak

Following the injury picked up by United number one Edwin Van der Sar, Sir Alex Ferguson must now choose between Ben Foster or Tomasz Kuszczak. Sir Alex has touted Ben Foster as a potential England number one throughout the summer and named the young keeper in the starting team for the Community Shield Final against Chelsea. However, many critics felt that Foster was nervous and hesitant in goal during that game and now fears grow as to whether he can fill the boots of the injured Van der Sar.

Kuszczak is without doubt a fabulour shot stopper but has also shown some frailalties from set pieces such as corners and also crosses.

So who do you think should start in goal against Birmingham? Are Foster and Kuszczak good enough to replace Van der Sar in the long term or should United look to sign a new keeper. Have your say here.

Can United win with kids?

Sir Alex Ferguson has stated that he is confident that Manchester United's young stars can lead the way in United defending their Premier League title and making a serious assault on the Champions League.

Rafael, Fabio, Nani, Anderson, Gibson, Evans, Macheda, Petrucci, Welbeck and Eckersley are all under 22 and already making waves in Old Trafford. Can these young United stars make enough impact to guide United to glory this season?

Have your say here.

Who is United's best X1?

With the summer loss of Ronaldo and Tevez, Sir Alex Ferguson must pick a team that will make up for the loss of the influential pair. The summer aquisitions of Owen, Valencia and Obertan as well as players such as Tosic, Macheda, Fabio and Welbeck are all now pushing for first team places. But which X1 would you pick to start for United.

My selection is

Van der Sar
Rafael, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra
Nani, Valencia, Carrick, Anderson
Rooney, Owen

Have your say here!

New Striker signed. But is this the striker we need.

Manchester United have confirmed that they have completed the signing of striker Mame Biram Diouf from Norwegian club Molde FK. The 21-year-old has been immediately loaned back to Molde where he will remain until January. The transfer may surprise some after manager Sir Alex Ferguson stressed just last week that he would not be making any more signings this summer following the arrivals of Michael Owen, Antonio Valencia and Gabriel Obertan.

However, is this the signing we need? Throughout the summer United have been linked with many top strikers including, Aguero, Benzema, Huntelaar, Ibrahimovic and Villa to name but a few. The capture of Michael Owen for free seems like good business but most United fans expected Sir Alex to splash the Ronaldo transfer money and bring in a proven big name striker.

If you United are to challenge for all trophies this season, will the current striker options be enough? Can Owen, Berbatov, Rooney and the young strikers Diouf, Macheda and Wellbeck step up to the mark and score enough goals to replace the goals lost through the transfer of Ronaldo and Tevez?

Have your say here?

Zlatan Ibrahimovic: 10 things you need to know about the Manchester United target

With a massive £80m sitting in the bank after one particular summer transfer Manchester United are combing the highest ranks of European strikers to replace the 30-goal-a-season-sized hole left by Cristiano Ronaldo.

Sir Alex Ferguson is considering a move for Serie A superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic to provide a deadly strike force alongside newly signed Michael Owen. Here’s everything you need to know about the fiery Inter Milan front man.

1. Ibrahimovic was born to a Bosnian father and Croatian mother on 3 October 1981 in Malmo, South Sweden. He almost gave up football at 15 but was convinced by his coach to carry on playing, eventually dropping out of school to pursue his prolific career, joining home town club Malmo in 1996 and graduating to the senior side three years later.

2. If Fergie is hoping to get his man over on a trial, he would probably be out of luck. Ibrahimovic's performances with Malmo caught the eye of Arsene Wenger, who later said Ibrahimovic had gone to Highbury on trial. The striker's response was to insist he had had a Highbury tour rather than an audition, flouncing: "I didn't have a trial at Arsenal, I came to visit. Some scout was in Sweden and he looked at me and said, 'I invite you to Arsenal.' Wenger wanted me to do a trial and I said, 'I don't do trials. I come here because you know who I am.'"

3. It was Ajax who secured the Swede's services instead, securing a €7.8million transfer in 2001. He managed 35 goals in 74 appearances, including this beauty against NAC Breda which Eurosport named goal of the season.

But he left under a cloud in 2004 after a Sweden-Netherlands friendly saw him injure Ajax strike partner Rafael Van der Vaart, who accused him of doing it deliberately, and Ibrahimovic was quickly sold to Juventus for €19million.

4. An injury to David Trezeguet meant he settled into a first team place almost immediately. After 23 goals in two seasons with Juve, the Calciopoli match-fixing scandal saw the club relegated to Serie B and Ibrahimovic wasn't keen to stick around to help get them back to the big time, his agent confirming he would be prepared to take legal action to escape his contract. It did not come to that though, Inter Milan snapping him up in a deal worth €12m a year.

5. He was a goal-scoring hit at Inter, bagging 15 goals in his first season to be the club's top scorer. He was named in the 2007 UEFA Team of the Year 2007 alongside Steve Gerrard, John Terry, Lionel Messi and Didier Drogba.

6. Last season he notched an impressive 25 goals to win the coveted capocannonieri, Serie A's golden boot. And those performances led Inter boss Jose Mourinho to name him “the best player in the world, ahead of (Cristiano) Ronaldo”. He also landed the “Oscar del Calcio”, footballer of the year as voted by the Italian Association of Footballers, due to some cracking goals.

7. Ibrahimovic has won the Italian league every year since he has started playing with Inter - but after celebrating this year's win he did not really fancy playing the whole 90 minutes against Siena. An unsympathetic Mourinho ignored his pleas to be substituted - even changing the goalkeeper instead...

8. A Swedish international with more than 50 caps, Ibrahimovic made his debut for Sweden in January 2001 against the Faroe Islands. He could fit in well in England - he missed from the penalty spot against Holland at Euro 2004. His tournament scoring record leaves something to be desired, with a scoreless 2006 World Cup and a two year drought during the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.

9. That qualifying campaign was interrupted by a self-imposed boycott over what he felt was unfair punishment from coach Lars Lagerback. Ibrahimovic, along with Christian Wilhelmsson and Olof Mellberg, had headed for a night club two days before a qualifier against Lichtenstein. They didn't drink alcohol but they had broken their curfew and were sent home from the squad. Mellberg and Wilhelmsson took their punishment - Ibrahimovic boycotted the next three internationals.

10. At 6ft3ins tall the Swede is known for his ability to push past defenders and use his deft touch to set up goal scoring opportunities - skills which have seen him consistently rated among the best world's best strikers.

Available transfer targets!

As we now move into July and teams begin to return for pre-season training has United missed out on the best signings or are there still signings out there that will strengthen Uniteds squad and bring us more Premiership and European glory?

Have your say on who you think United should sign before the season starts.

Michael Owen on the verge of joining United. Is he the man for United?

Michael Owen was on the verge of joining English champion Manchester United on Friday, a striking reversal of fortunes for an injury-plagued striker who had been consigned to the England scrap heap by Fabio Capello.

Though the likes of Wigan and Bolton had dismissed Owen as past his best, Sir Alex Ferguson is willing to take - as United's official website says - a "calculated gamble."

Out of contract at recently relegated Newcastle, the 29-year-old Owen's advisers had been forced to promote himself in a 32-page dossier speculatively sent to clubs around Europe.

The former Real Madrid and Liverpool player spent Friday at the Premier League champion's Carrington training complex and a Manchester hospital for final medical examinations on his troublesome right knee.

Ferguson needs a proven goal-scorer to replace Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez, who both left United last month. Is Owen the man for the job? Have your say here!

10 things you need to know about United target Sergio Aguero

Here’s your need-to-know on one of the world’s most talented young strikers..

1) Sergio Leonel Aguero del Castillo was born on June 2m, 1988 in Quilmes, Argentina.

2) He’s commonly known by the childhood nickname ‘Kun’, given to Aguero by his grandparents on account of his resemblance to this ‘70s Japanese cartoon character Kum Kum:

3) He started his footballing career at Argentine side Independeinte, and broke Diego Maradaona’s record for being the youngest person ever to play in the country’s top flight after making his debut against San Lorenzo aged just 15 years and 35 days.

“I was a lot younger and smaller than most of the players, so I had to learn how to avoid and dodge aggressive tackles,” remembers Aguero of the experience.

4) His impressive return of 23 goals in 53 league appearances for Independiente attracted the attention of Europe’s top scouts, and Aguero was eventually signed by Atletico Madrid in May 2006 for 20m – the club’s record transfer fee. Here’s a compilation of his Top 10 goals from Argentina:

5) He made his La Liga debut for Atletico against Racing Santander on August 27, 2006 and scored his first league goal for the club against Bilbao the following month. Despite going on to make 38 appearances that season, Aguero struggled to shine while playing in the shadow Atletico’s star striker Fernando Torres, and only scored another five goals.

6) He showed his true form following Torres’ departure to Liverpool, however, forming a lethal partnership with his replacement, former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan, and finishing the 2007/08 as La Liga’s third highest goalscorer with 19 goals. Bolton fans may also remember him for being red-carded in their UEFA Cup meeting at the Reebok Stadium.

7) He’s won the FIFA U-20 World Cup twice with Argentina, first in 2005, when he played alongside Lionel Messi, and then again in 2007, when he captained the side and scored in the final. Aguero also took home the Golden Boot forbeing the tournament’s top scorer with six goals.

8) He made his senior debut for Argentina in the friendly against Brazil played at Arsenal’s Emirates stadium in September 2006. He’s since won a total of 15 caps and scored five goals, including two in Argentina’s 2008 Olympics semi-final win over Brazil.

9) He goes out with one of Diego Maradona’s daughters Giannina (pictured with her father below). The couple's first child Leonel is named after Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, Aguero’s best mate.

10) He’s regarded as one of Argentina’s brightest talents, and here’s a taste of what Premier League fans can expect should he eventually end up at United or Chelsea:

Carlos Tevez leaves United. Have your say.

Carlos Tevez has turned down Manchester United full offer of £25.5 Million, a five year contract and an increased wage. Do you think United treated Tevez unfairly during his tenure at Old Trafford or has Tevez let the United down by not agreeing a new deal and instead following the money available at neighbours Man City?

The loss of Tevez and Ronaldo will leave a huge void in the team, which must now be filled by the manager. Do you think United could have moved earlier to avert the exit of Carlow Tevez by agreeing the fee during last season or were they waiting to see how much the Ronaldo deal would bring to the club? Have your say here.

10 Potential targets for Manchester United

Manchester United now have £80million burning a hole in their back pocket, so who are they going to spend it on?

The problem they have is that because Ronaldo is such a one-off, they will effectively have to replace two players. They probably needed a new winger anyway, but boy do they need one now. Add to that the need to replace their top scorer of the past three seasons, so they will most likely have to buy a winger and a striker. Here are a few possibles for that money...

Sergio Kun Aguero - Atletico Madrid
He makes our man in Spain go weak at the knees, is unreasonably skilful and has a child with genius in his blood. As you probably know, the Argentine is Diego Maradona's son-in-law, but more importantly banged in 22 goals for Atletico Madrid last season. Would provide both goals and invention, although nothing close to the physical presence of Ronaldo. He has had problems playing with Carlos Tevez for the national side, so if he is retained then the chances of Aguero joining too would be slim.
Potential Value: £40million.

Karim Benzema - Lyon
Raw potential at the moment, but what potential. Benzema would bring the pace and power that Ronaldo had, and at the same time provide the attacking focal point that United have lacked of late, and were arguably able to get away without because of Ronaldo. Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas knows how to drive a hard bargain, but even he would not be able to resist the sort of sums that United now have at their disposal.
Potential Value: £30million.

Samuel Eto'o - Barcelona
United need a proven goalscorer to step in for Ronaldo, and goalscorers don't come much more proven than Eto'o. Since joining Barcelona in 2004, Eto'o has thwacked in 130 goals in 200 games, a record that few can rival throughout the world. The big downside is his ego. There can be no other reason for Barca apparently being fairly willing to sell for a relatively cheap price than an attitude problem, so would Fergie want to replace one massive I Am with another?
Potential Value: £15-20million.

Alexandre Pato - AC Milan
Bit of a long shot this, given that Adriano Galliani said on Thursday he was not for sale. However, Milan said similar things about Kaka in the past, and look what happened there. Pato is one of the most promising prospects in world football, and is at an age when Ferguson can shape him into his own kind of player. The other snag is that he might not be willing to leave the comfort of Milan for anyone but mentor Carlo Ancelotti. Like we said, it's a long shot, but Pato is one of the few big names left that might be prised from their clubs this summer.
Potential Value: £35-45million.

Franck Ribery - Bayern Munich
The most obvious direct replacement for Ronaldo, Ribery is also likely to be the most expensive. Word in the papers on Thursday was that Chelsea had been quoted a whopping £65million for the Frenchman by Bayern Munich, and it's hardly surprising. The purchases of Kaka and Ronaldo have skewed the market to such an extent that anyone with a young talent like Ribery can now add a digit or two to their price. Able to play on both right and left, like Ronaldo, Ribery also scores plenty too, like Ronaldo.
Potential Value: Anything up to £65million.

Arjen Robben - Real Madrid
Injury-prone he may be, but Ferguson probably regards Robben as one of a number of players who escaped his clutches when he joined Chelsea in 2004. The bonus where Robben is concerned is that he'll be cheap, with prices as low as £7million being mentioned. If he can stay fit then he's still a massively destructive winger, and although that is a big if, to say that Robben is less than 1/10th of the player Ronaldo is would be ridiculous.
Potential Value: £7-10million.

David Silva - Valencia
Like Ribery, can play on either flank, provides plenty of skill and invention and is a natural left foot in the attacking third, something that United haven't had since Ryan Giggs became a midfielder. The problem is, not for the first time, Real Madrid, who are apparently on the verge of snapping him up from Valencia.
Potential Value: £20-25million.

Carlos Tevez - MSI
Would losing two fan favourites be too much for one summer? Ronaldo's departure could be the key factor in persuading David Gill to acquiesce to Kia Joorabchian's demands.
Potential Value: £25million.

Luis Antonio Valencia - Wigan
Strange one this. While a decent player, the prices being touted for Valencia seem rather high. He seems certain to leave Wigan, but one suspects he alone will be woefully inadequate as a replacement for Ronaldo. With another of the names on this list, he could perhaps develop into an excellent player, but we have our doubts.
Potential Value: £12-18million.

Ashley Young - Aston Villa
Ferguson has an obvious knack for bringing through young domestic talent, but very few have actually come from the famed academy of late. Ferguson has instead bought nearly finished youngsters and honed their skills, and although Young is not exactly new and unpolished, he might represent the sort of player who could thrive under Ferguson. Fast and tricky, he doesn't score an awful lot of goals, but then again neither did Ronaldo in his early days. Could prove pricey as Villa obviously do not need to sell.
Potential Value: £20-25million.

Ronaldo: Good deal or Bad deal?

It's the transfer story of the summer - but is Cristiano Ronaldo's proposed £80million move to Real Madrid good business for Manchester United?

On Thursday morning the Old Trafford club revealed they had accepted a world record bid for the Portuguese star and a deal is set to be completed by the end of the month.

Ronaldo's future at United has been the subject of constant speculation, with Real having trailed his signature for the last three summers and despite his talent, there have been constant rumours that he has been causing unrest in the dressing room.

So does an £80million sale represent good business for Manchester United? Will the end of the speculation be good for the team? Will Ferguson have replacements lined up? Or is the FIFA World Player of the Year simply irreplaceable.

Spanish giants target United stars!

Media reports have suggested that newly crowned European Champions Barcelona are targeting United star defender Nemanja Vidic in a shock 20 million pound move. Vidic's agent has stated that the player is happy at United and will not move, however this will not deter Barcelona from trying to unsettle the United Star.

The on/off transfer saga of Ronaldo to Real Madrid has again risen its head following the success of Perez in the Spanish clubs presedential elections. Kaka looks sure to sign for Madrid but Perez is adamant that the huge spending will continue with Ronaldo and Ribery top of the list.

The question hers is have United now become a target for the big European clubs? Or is United big enough to fend off such approaches and target the stars of these clubs themselves?

Have your say here.

Is it time to rebuild again?

Manchester United have claimed that there will be very little activity in the summer transfer market this year. Do you think following Wednesday nights defeat that United need to strengthen their squad. With both Ronaldo and Tevez's future constantly in doubt, should United look to Ribery, Benzema and Valencia to bolster the United midfield and attack? Have your say here.

Did Sir Alex get the tactics wrong?

Following Manchester United comprehensive defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League final, many pundits think Sir Alex got the tactics wrong resulting in United putting in one of their worst performances of the season. Do you think he got it wrong? Have your say here.

Pros and Cons of signing Carlos Tevez. Have your say.

Pros - Tevez is hardworking, inspirational, loved by millions of United fans, a handfull for all defenders & honest. United could possibly lose Tevez to a rival team such as Liverpool.

Cons - £32 millions price tag is excessive in the current financial climate. Has Tevez scored enough goals this season to merit this valuation. Would Tevez cause dressing room unease if not happy with player rotation next season. Would the money be better spent on another striker such as Benzema for example?

What do you think? Have your say now.

Who do you think will be the starting team in the Champions League Final?

Who do you think Sir Alex Ferguson should start in this years Champions League Final? Have your say here. My own personal choice is - Van der Sar, Evra, O'Shea, Vidic, Ferdinand, Carrick, Park, Anderson, Ronaldo, Rooney & Tevez. Bench - Foster, Rafael, Scholes, Evans, Giggs, Berbatov, Neville

Can Manchester United win back to back Champions League finals?

Following Manchester United destruction of Arsenal in the semi-final of the Champions League, United now have a chance to make history and become the first team to retain the Champions League trophy.

Can Manchester United continue their winning ways against the winners of Barcelona or Chelsea? Darren Fletcher's red card will mean the Scot will be badly missed for the final having produced two brilliant displays against Arsenal. However with such a strong squad at Sir Alex's disposal, hopefully United can fill the void left by Fletcher.

Have your say here.

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Is a one goal lead enough to see us through?

Following one of the best team performances of the year against Arsenal in the first leg of the Champions League semi final, United fans must feel that the scoreline does not justify the dominance that United showed throughout the game. Chance after chance was wasted or saved by the impressive Almunia. John O'Sheas strike is all United have to carry to Old Trafford plus the fact that Arsenal have no away goal. Will this slender lead be enough to see United through to the final for a second successive year? What do you think the score will be in the second leg?

Keep Tevez or sign a new player?

With the Carlos Tevez loan deal set to expire in June United must pay £22 million to secure the services of the popular Argentinian for another four years. Do you think United should pay to keep Tevez or should United look elsewhere? Players like Benzema and Villa have been linked with United as well as a host of strikers from around the world. United also have Macheda and Welbeck coming through and Frazier Campbell set to return from Spurs.

Would United be better off using the summer funds to strengthen other areas such as a winger in Ribery or a strong defensive midfielder?

What would you do if you were Sir Alex?

Vidic voted Bagenalstown Red Devils player of the season.

Nemanja Vidic has been voted Uniteds best player this season following a recent poll carried out on this blog. Results as follows:

Nemanja Vidic 46%
Wayne Rooney 33%
Cristiano Ronaldo 6%
Edwin Van Der Sar 6%
Others 9%

Many thanks to all who voted.

Who will win the PFA Player of the Year Award?

Who do you think will win the PFA Player of the Year Award. United provide five of the six nominees, while Liverpools Steve Gerrard is the sole non-united representitive. United five nominees are Cristiano Ronaldo, Nemanja Vidic, Edwin Van Der Sar, Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand.

The betting suggests that Nemanja Vidic and Steve Gerrard will fight out the finish with Ryan Giggs a close third. Who do you fancy to take this award?

Liverpool drop points to Arsenal

Liverpools 4-4 draw with Arsenal at Anfield has given United a chance to extend their lead to 6 points should they take full advantage of their games in hand. How many points do you think United will require to retain the Premier league?

Should Berbatov be made a scapecoat for FA Cup defeat?

Sir Alex Ferguson has defended Dimitar Berbatov's form in the wake of his dreadful FA Cup semi-final penalty miss against Everton. Berbatov emerged off the bench in Sunday's semi-final at Wembley, but failed to break the deadlock before missing United's opening spot-kick on the back of Tim Cahill's miss. The Bulgaria international has now gone six games without a goal following his winner at Newcastle, prompting some to label United's expensive capture a poor signing.

What do you think? Was our FA Cup defeat down to Berbatov's display?

FA Cup Team Selection

United have been knocked out of the FA Cup on penalties to Everton. Was Sir Alex correct to pick such a young team? The chance to make history and win all five trophies has now gone.

Also, why did Tevez or Scholes not take a penalty? Two centre halves taking a penalty in such an important game. It beggars belief.

Have your say here.

Who should United sign this summer?

Who should United sign this summer? I personally think we need a centre half as we were exposed this season when Rio was injured. I also think that Nani is not up to the level United require and we should move for Frank Ribery. Finally if Tevez stays then I think we will be okay up front with the likes of Macheda and Welbeck coming through along with Rooney & Berbatov. However if Tevez goes (and possibly Ronaldo) then we need a proven goal scorer and Benzema ticks all the boxes.

So members, who would you like to see at Old Trafford next season?

Should United sign Carlos Tevez on a permanent Contract?

Should Manchester United sign Carlos Tevez on a permanent contract? The current deal expires at the end of the season and Manchester United must pay in excess of £20M to secure the services of Tevez for a further four years. Tevez has established himself as a fans favourite at Old Trafford with his work rate and tenacity clear for all to see.

What do you think? Sign Tevez or let him go and look elsewhere?

Porto V Manchester United

Brilliant result on Wednesday night. Great to see so many members turning out for the game at The Red Lion. Rooney, Ronaldo, Ferdinand and Vidic were outstanding. Hopefully we will be strong enough to overcome Arsenal in the semi-finals and march to the final in Rome.

Welcome to the Bagenalstown Red Devils Blog

On behalf of the Bagenalstown Red Devils I would like to welcome you to our new club blog. The Bagenalstown Red Devils are one of the largest Manchester United Supporters Clubs in Ireland and are dedicated to bringing together Manchester United fans from the local area to enjoy watching, travelling and generalling supporting our favourite team Manchester United.

Our club website www.bagenalstownreddevils.com is updated daily and contains lots of news from both Old Trafford and the locality. New members are always welcome and membership can be requested through our club website or by emailing our club secretary Con Murphy at info@bagenalstownreddevils.com

So please enjoy the blog and please feel free to post some comments and questions etc you may have. Please respect the blog and do not post anything that could insult or offend anyone in any way.