He's mostly brought in off the bench with about 20-25 minutes left, so he doesn't get enough time to make an impact.

Saying that though, he's rarely started a game, but when he has, he's not really done much.

I wouldn't sack him off just yet though, I think he still has time to develop into a decent player.

What, like the above sulky effort? Get over yourself. They're all football related - I've never had any complaints from the mods, which is all that counts. I don't think you'd recognise irony if you fell over it. Thought you'd be in Malaysia with the lads anyway, our kid, discussing football to the exclusion of anything else. Well, when I say football I mean Man Utd, as they are one and the same to you.

I know what you mean, but he just seems to lack motivation. In January he asked to leave for Ajax, he was told to stay because he was too important to let go, I was hoping that may raise his motivation and he might give it a proper go, but he obviously isn't cutting it. Rafa rates him, he's lasted two years and looks likely for a third, he invested a lot into him but it just seems Ryan is given nothing back. He's hardly developed in his time here, and he's always had a lackluster attitude for me.

I'd have had him gone this summer, I hope he proves me wrong and really ups his game, but I can't see him offering us much.

I think if he doesn't improve this coming season, then I have a feeling he'll get transfer listed by Rafa. He's got 3 years left on his deal.

My point proved to perfection.

The more I look at that picture of Owen you have the more I feel its just not right.

Then your powers of comprehension leave something to be desired. How much did your sense of humour by-pass cost? Was it more than the chip on your shoulder?

In other football related news Man Utd have cancelled their game in Indonesia and will play another game in Malaysia.

No sense of humour by-pass, you're just not funny and boring.

If you two want to have a personal argument do it via PM.

Read and noted.

with next season possibly being the closest title races in years after we more or less had hand on the trophy last year from march, who do people see as the champions? I don't think we will win it as I think it was Nemanja has pointed out before that to win 3 on the bounce is very hard to do. We're gonna need a player of the year performance from Rooney and for Owen to be the bargain of the century, we can keep goals out but it's going to be those tight games when we need something extra where we pciked up points last season where we may struggle this. I have a sneaky feeling about Chelsea as they finished last season quite well and will have Essien for the full season, I hope Liverpool will have a bit of a hangover similar to Arsenal last year after they over-achieved, but with Gerrard and Torres in tandem they can win any game. If City get lescott and terry then their may be a MASSIVE surprise.

It's hard to do much when you are limited to 20 minutes every other week, though. I'm not saying I'm his biggest fan, just that he could be a good player if given an extended run.

I'm not sure really Mark, it's hard to predict right now. We could well be losing Alonso this week, which will instantly make us weaker. I doubt we'll be able to find a replacement of equal quality, so we'll either have to change things up, or continue with this system but be weakened. United will always compete, the winning culture is spread throughout the team, and it's hard not seeing them being there or thereabouts. I'm mixed on Chelsea, they done really well under Hiddink, but looked average at times under Scolari. I think Ancelotti is a good manager, I think they'll hit the ground running on the back of Hiddink's brilliant work, but I think the pressure might just be too much for his first year.

Arsenal could well drop out of the top 4 this season, unless Wenger gets the backing to buy a defender, a midfielder and possibly a replacement for Adebayor, as well as maybe a 'keeper, then they're seriously going to struggle, especially with the quality over at City.

It should be interesting, I can see Chelsea leading early on, but when it gets to January, I can see it being a three horse race, which will much depend on the luck of injuries and so on. I think United will lack firepower, we'll lack a bit of strength and quality in midfield with Alonso possibly leaving, and Ancelotti may struggle to adapt his tactics to achieve consistent victories which are needed in the league.

However if we signed Villa the whole outlook could change, how often is Guillem right.

I've never really done a tally and read through what he's said then seen the results. Often with Liverpool he gives many mixed signals, sometimes people say he does it as a favour for Rafa, to try and sway off the press away from real signings. With other teams he often gets things pretty right, I remember way back in January he said the Valencia deal to Real was off because a sudden agreement with United was made or something, a few days/weeks later it was being said in the media.

I'd say when he speaks about goings on he's normally spot on, but with end results it's kind of sketchy because so many things can change. If Barca sign Ibra, I'd say United would become the favourites for Villa and, depending on what he wants to do, will sign Villa if he decides moving to England is right.

I'm thinking having your contingent nearby may help in terms of settling down etc as guessing he has a few friends at the club.

I read last year Pepe Reina's his best mate. It would obviously help, and would give United the edge over Chelsea if they were to make another bid or something.

Thing is, if United did sign Villa, what would it mean for Rooney or Berbatov? Will Rooney be back on the left? Berbatov to the bench?

I think that Rooney will be given a free role next season playing off the back of two strikers. Villa would be a similar type of player to Owen so i'd think those two would mix it up with Berba.

I expect us to be right up there again this season.

Really hard to say until we know who each club has signed. For instance right now I have us finishing 3rd behind Liverpool and Chelsea as I don't think we have the right blend in the squad. However one signing could change the whole picture.

Fat Frank in shock Villa deal.

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Alonso deal looking to be dwindling with Real looking at a £4m Esteban Granero from Getafe.

Would like to see Alonso leave now as his heart seemingly isnt at the club anymore. Aquilani touted as a replacement but id much rather see Cambiasso at the club.

Here's one for ya:



Just for you, Mark

I'll stick with your manager.