Soccer Banter: As a fan of Manchester United, what does it feel like entering the season without Sir Alex on the sidelines?
Elie Monteiro: You always knew this day would come. Sir Alex did a great job of keeping it to himself until the very last minute having learned that announcing your retirement early in the season does little to motivate players. You just hope that the new manager doesn't take too long establish himself and starts getting some results that'll keep the more unreasonable fans among us off his back.
SB: What are your thoughts on David Moyes as a manager and United's summer transfer dealings?
EM: David Moyes would've been my pick as well. In fact his name came up months ago in a conversation with a few coworkers in the office. You have to respect what he's done at Everton and the loyalty, patience and work he's put into keeping Everton in a respectable position year after year. You always hope that the new manager, who may not be accustomed to buying world class talent, does not limit himself to bringing in members of his old squad similar to Mark Hughes when he was at City...oh, oops!
It must be said that the way Fellaini man-handled the united defense and midfield in some of the recent games against Everton, he showed he is capable of some great performances. He may be just the type of player United needed in their midfield. He's not a "United" player, but that is where the added value and effectiveness will come into play. He can play a couple of different positions and be more of a physical presence in games while not sacrificing or dropping the technical level of the game. And hey, right now he's playing better than Cleverly!
Elie Monteiro: You always knew this day would come. Sir Alex did a great job of keeping it to himself until the very last minute having learned that announcing your retirement early in the season does little to motivate players. You just hope that the new manager doesn't take too long establish himself and starts getting some results that'll keep the more unreasonable fans among us off his back.
SB: What are your thoughts on David Moyes as a manager and United's summer transfer dealings?
EM: David Moyes would've been my pick as well. In fact his name came up months ago in a conversation with a few coworkers in the office. You have to respect what he's done at Everton and the loyalty, patience and work he's put into keeping Everton in a respectable position year after year. You always hope that the new manager, who may not be accustomed to buying world class talent, does not limit himself to bringing in members of his old squad similar to Mark Hughes when he was at City...oh, oops!
It must be said that the way Fellaini man-handled the united defense and midfield in some of the recent games against Everton, he showed he is capable of some great performances. He may be just the type of player United needed in their midfield. He's not a "United" player, but that is where the added value and effectiveness will come into play. He can play a couple of different positions and be more of a physical presence in games while not sacrificing or dropping the technical level of the game. And hey, right now he's playing better than Cleverly!
SB: What's your prediction for the top four places this season, in order?
EM: United, Chelsea, City, Arsenal.
SB: Which three teams will be relegated?
EM: Crystal Palace, Hull City, Cardiff City...3 up, 3 down.
SB: You're named manager of a Premier League side tomorrow, team has no players, money isn't an object - What current premier league players do you want in your starting 11? Pick your team to win the premier league title.
EM: So many good players! I could easily be talked into another set of 11 but here goes in a 4-3-3:
Petr Cech; Baines, Vidic, Kompany, Ivanovic; Hazard, Carrick, Oscar; Suarez, Van Persie, Rooney.
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EM: United, Chelsea, City, Arsenal.
SB: Which three teams will be relegated?
EM: Crystal Palace, Hull City, Cardiff City...3 up, 3 down.
SB: You're named manager of a Premier League side tomorrow, team has no players, money isn't an object - What current premier league players do you want in your starting 11? Pick your team to win the premier league title.
EM: So many good players! I could easily be talked into another set of 11 but here goes in a 4-3-3:
Petr Cech; Baines, Vidic, Kompany, Ivanovic; Hazard, Carrick, Oscar; Suarez, Van Persie, Rooney.
More Premier League Previews
Brian Tompkins - Yale University Head Men's Soccer Coach
Lee Billiard - Boston Breakers General Manager
Jim McGirr - Providence College Head Women's Soccer Coach
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