On the same day that Robin van Persie scored secured the Golden Boot with his 30th goal of the season at the end of a Premier League winning campaign, Arsenal celebrated securing fourth place like it was a trophy.

Van Persie has suffered abuse from Arsenal fans after making the move to United this season in a £24 million deal but if Arsenal are celebrating finishing fourth ahead of Tottenham Hotspur like it is a trophy, then they can’t argue against his choice.

And despite Arsenal fans chanting filth about van Persie’s rape allegations at Old Trafford, he showed respect when he scored against them both at Old Trafford and the Emirates.

Arsenal aren’t title contenders any more and the likes of Fabregas, Nasri, Clichy, Song and van Persie all leaving indicate that. Although, I do miss the bitter rivalry we shared back in the days of Keane vs Viera when we both ran tit-for-tat at the top of the table.

30 goals, a Premier League title and a very happy little boy inside of him? I’d say Van Persie made the right decision.

Photo: Twitter/Alex_OxChambo

The post PICTURE: This is why Van Persie was right to leave Arsenal for United appeared first on The Peoples Person.

When Manchester United walk out against Wigan Athletic in the season opening Community Shield, it will be under David Moyes.

It might not have been a win but it was typical Ferguson. Thrilling, exciting, nerve jangling, tense and full of goals. Would we have had it any other way? It was the first time both teams have scored five goals in a Premier League – breaking records right to the very end.

He may have taken a bow in front of the away fans at the final whistle but it should have been the other way around. It is hard to comprehend history when you are watching it in front of your eyes but in a few years time when we all look back at the Fergie era, we will begin to understand just how incredibly lucky. 1986-2013. We are not worthy.

Scholes, Giggs and Januzaj – past, present and future. The 18-year-old Belgian starlet earned himself a place on Manchester United’s bench for the first time in his career and it caps off what has been a brilliant season for the youngster after being named Denzil Haroun Reserve Player of the Year.

Scholes came on for a swansong and got his traditional yellow card on the way. That’s the last time we’ll see the ginger prince in action which is truly sad but the time is right for him to hang up his playing boots and help the likes of Januzaj and other youngsters blossom in the academy under a new  coaching role.

As for Giggs, he’s still got it. He came on and made an instant impact as he always does, even bagging himself an assist when his pin point cross found Hernandez.

It would of been typical Ferguson to give a debut to Januzaj on his final game in charge of United but the madness of the scoreline meant he had to put Ferdinand on.

Ferguson had a youth academy graduate in the match day squad for all 1,500 of his games as manager. He promoted youth all the way up to and including his final game.

Shinji Kagawa in preferred position. Wayne Rooney didn’t travel with Manchester United after being given permission to be with his pregnant wife Coleen which allowed Kagawa to play in his preferred role behind the striker.

And he looked superb. Clearly more comfortable in his natural position, he was dangerous from the first minute. He got on the end of Chicharito’s brilliant cross in the sixth minute to put United ahead and throughout the game, he was a constant thorn in West Brom’s defence.

I can’t wait to see Kagawa next season. Rooney’s departure would mean the #10 role is completely his but even if he stays, he will get plenty of game time and after settling in for one season, he’ll no doubt start to show more of the Kagawa that tore the Bundesliga apart with Dortmund.

Valencia’s swap deal. There’s life in the Ecuadorian yet. In the past five or so matches, Valencia has had a bit of a purple patch and showed some of the form that made him the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year in 2012.

And today against West Brom, he did it all from the right-back position. He seems to thrive when allowed to play a wing-back type role because it allows him to run at defenders with more pace rather than receiving the ball in a standing position.

It isn’t as if Valencia will get to play there on a regular occasion and he was only there today thanks to Rafael’s ban and Smalling’s injury but it is good to see that Valencia has still got it in him. At points this season, we all thought that he had completely lost it but he hasn’t.  Hopefully under Moyes, Valencia can make a swift return to his full flowing best because the signs are there that he can.

Linde-gaaaaaaaard. Five goals conceded and ultimately, Lindegaard was responsible for a few of them. The Dane’s performance was poor to say the least.

Ferguson played him to give him a chance to show himself and he couldn’t of done anything more to damn his own chances really. Remember when fans were split and there was a debate about who was our number one goalkeeper? Yeah – me neither.

Although I don’t want to see Lindegaard between the sticks ahead of De Gea any time soon, Eric Steele said that the goalkeeping situation at United is the best position it has ever been in and if having Lindegaard in the team has helped De Gea blossom into the goalkeeper he has been this season, then why change it?

It seems that Lindegaard is happy to play second fiddle at United behind De Gea. If he wants to continue with that next season, then so be it.

Photo: Twitter/Mark_Froggatt

The post West Bromwich Albion 5-5 Manchester United: Crazy but almost perfect appeared first on The Peoples Person.

Subs: De Gea, Rio, Vidic, Scholes, Giggs, Evra, Januzaj

The post CONFIRMED LINE-UP: United vs West Brom – Januzaj makes the bench appeared first on The Peoples Person.

The club has given him permission to be with his wife Coleen as she is due to give birth within the next few days.

Rooney was left out of last weeks’ squad against Swansea after requesting to be and this week’s absence means he will play no part in Sir Alex Ferguson’s farewell.

Ferguson has stated that he has no interest in dealing with Rooney’s future and will leave it up to David Moyes to decide what he wants to do with him when he officially takes over on July 1, although movement would likely be faster than that with the season finishing today.

The 27-year-old handed in his second transfer request in three years and struggled to even smile on United’s trophy parade around Manchester despite the throngs of fans that chanted his name.

He isn’t exactly hiding his disinterest at being a United player right now. When he collected his medal after Swansea, his dropped shoulders and sombre face didn’t paint the picture of a player who had just collected his fifth Premier League medal.

Although the reasons behind missing the West Brom game are perfectly legitimate, Rooney’s future at United is completely up in the air. Ferguson’s departure may be good for Rooney given his strained relationship with him but he is going to struggle to keep the fans on his side after handing in his second transfer request.

The post Wayne Rooney’s final ‘farewell’ to Sir Alex Ferguson appeared first on The Peoples Person.

“I would like to remind you this club stood by me in bad times, the players and the staff. Your job now is to stand by the new manager.” Sir Alex Ferguson

At his last home game, Ferguson made sure that the Old Trafford faithful gave Moyes their full backing in his rousing final farewell speech.

And Moyes admitted that he had no idea Ferguson was going to say that in his last speech as United manager at Old Trafford.

‘I knew nothing about what he was going to say but it was nice to hear it. Hopefully it will make my arrival a little bit easier,’ said Moyes to the Daily Mail. 

‘I’d give the same message to Everton fans about whoever follows me. It is really important that Everton, whoever their new manager is, welcome him like Sir Alex has done, to keep things strong at the club.”

Today will be the 71-year-old’s 1500th and final game in charge of United when he walks out against West Brom at The Hawthorns in what is sure to be an emotional day for everyone associated with United.

And when Moyes takes over from Ferguson as United manager in July, he has already been warned by Ferguson what differences to expect.

With a big job comes big responsibilities and the fan base, sponsors and board of directors will all be scrutinising Moyes’ every move.

Unfortunately for Moyes, his family has already suffered the bad side of publicity after a fake Twitter account was set up in his daughter’s name.

He continued: “My family know I’m ambitious and I’ve always wanted to try to get to the best level I can. I’ll be as up front and straight as I possibly can and hope that I’ll be able to answer as many questions possible that get asked.

“A lot has already been said about me and some of it has been rubbish. There was a false Twitter account for my daughter and she was distraught by it, because it wasn’t her.

“But what can you really do? I can’t answer everything that is said but I’ll do the best I can. I will try to answer the questions as straight as I can and try not to change.”

Moyes did a fantastic job at Everton for 11 years but taking the hot seat at United is a completely different kettle of fish.

He will walk into a baptism of fire at United thanks to Rooney’s transfer request and unlike most managers, there is a lot more pressure added onto the job.

Most managers take up jobs because their predecessor failed in some respect. For Moyes it is the opposite. He is walking into a management role that has become available through retirement rather than failings and that makes his position more difficult.

But Ferguson has given Moyes his personal backing as the new manager of United and that is enough for me. He does have great parallels with Ferguson and if the 71-year-old Scot feels he is the right man to follow in his job, then he is the right man for me.

Although, all eyes are firmly on today’s game against West Brom to see if United can give Ferguson the final farewell he truly deserves.

The post David Moyes sends personal message to Sir Alex Ferguson appeared first on The Peoples Person.

Fellaini, 25, has been strongly linked to a move to Manchester United after David Moyes’ appointment at Old Trafford.

“I’m not a number 10. David Moyes predicts my future as a ­defensive midfielder but due to a lack of offensive power, he plays me up front.”

And speaking with the Daily Mirror, Fellaini pointed towards the influence of Moyes at Everton for how he has progressed in the past 12 months.

“If I’m leaving Everton, I say if, it will depend on lots of factors,” he said.

“I only want to go to a club where the manager ­really wants me. In 2008, Everton did everything to convince me, especially David Moyes. He made me the player I am now.

“I’m happy with my ­season, although I didn’t play in my best position.

“I’m not a number 10. David Moyes predicts my future as a ­defensive midfielder but due to a lack of offensive power, he plays me up front.

“In the future I want to play as a six or an eight. From there, I can create danger and score goals.”

Fellaini is potentially a strong target for United this summer now that Moyes will take over from Ferguson in a move that would see him follow the Scot in the move from Goodison Park.

The physical 25-year-old midfielder is considered by many as the perfect man to compliment Carrick in the middle of the park at United in order to bring a bit of presence to a midfield that has been over-run in recent years by the likes of Yaya Toure and Fellaini himself.

And ahead of what is going to be a busy summer, Fellaini dropped another hint that a United move could be on the cards when he admitted that he is hungry to play Champions League football next season, something that United could offer.

“Every player wants to play in the Champions League. That is the big competition,” Fellaini told the Daily Mirror in a previous interview.

“I hope I can do it with Everton. I’m happy here. I’ve been at the club for five years. I’m happy because I know everybody.”

Fellaini has enjoyed playing in several positions for Everton under David Moyes at Goodison Park but believes that he can play his best in a defensive midfield role.

He continued: “Sometimes I look at myself and ask, ‘What is my best position?’ I think it’s a defensive midfielder, that’s the best one.

“The manager might like it sometimes when I play up front because I can cause trouble for the defenders, but for me my best position defensive midfield – stopping the opposition and then looking to impose myself on a game.”

“When I play up front, it’s hard. It’s not my position and I find it difficult. I’ve played in a few positions. Sometimes I’ve played well there. I understand why the manager might put me up there.”

Looking between the lines, Fellaini is ticking all the boxes for a move to United. We are crying out for a defensive midfielder with an ability to bring the ball forward and given how well Fellaini has progressed under Moyes, the Belgian could be the answer to United’s midfield problems that have been so apparent for years.

The post Fellaini strongly hints at a move to Manchester United this year appeared first on The Peoples Person.

The West Midlands club will also give Ferguson a guard of honour as he walks onto the pitch.

Both the memorabilia kit and the guard of honour are a great touch and show of respect from West Brom who are not obliged to do anything tomorrow, so they are doing it all off their own back.

The past two weeks have been emotional for anybody associated with United but tomorrow is set to be top it all. A wonderful tribute at Old Trafford, followed by the best ever parade will culminate on Sunday in Ferguson’s last game.

The 90 minutes is largely irrelevant although Ferguson will be desperate to go out with a victory. When the full time whistle blows, it will close the book on United’s most successful period in history and wave goodbye to the greatest manager that has ever lived. Tissues please.

Photo: Twitter/KitmanPat

The post PICTURE: Ferguson to receive special gift from West Brom appeared first on The Peoples Person.

Manchester United’s 38th and final game of the season, in which they have collected 88 points from, finishes with a game at The Hawthorns against West Bromwich Albion.

With the title already sealed and with four games to spare, on paper it won’t be one for the neutrals to savour but with it being Sir Alex Ferguson’s final match in charge, the spark is still there (along with some left-over tissues from last weekend’s farewell speech at Old Trafford).

What will we miss the most? The chewing gum? The squeaky bum time? The hairdryer treatment? Fergie Time? The Scotsman raving on at the fourth official on a bad call from the referee? For some of us, all of it. For others, none of it.

The last time these two sides met in December, little did any of us know what awaited us in May. A routine 2-0 victory to United thanks to an own goal from Gareth McAuley and a late goal from Robin van Persie maintained United’s seven point lead over Manchester City at the top of the table.

As confirmed in Ferguson’s last press conference, Anders Lindegaard will start in goal with a central duo of Jonny Evans and Phil Jones, a pair which ‘could be the future’ according to Sir Alex.

Antonio Valencia may well step in at right-back with the current shortage in the position thanks to Chris Smalling’s injury and Rafael’s suspension.

Uncertainty remains whether Wayne Rooney will be involved at all after he was left out in Ferguson’s last home game against Swansea after he wasn’t ‘too keen’ to play, before Ferguson confirmed that Rooney had handed in a transfer request.

A war-cry of ‘I want to win this one more than last week’s even’ from Sir Alex Ferguson on Friday morning must have sent a shiver down the back of Steve Clarke, even in these circumstances. The winning mentality created by the Scot over the years has had his team playing from the first whistle to the very last.

And this Sunday at precisely 17:45 BST (excluding Fergie time), it will be just that.

Prediction: West Brom 0-2 Manchester United

The post Manchester United set to wave goodbye to the real King appeared first on The Peoples Person.

 ”There was a difficult time at the start especially that game against Blackburn at home where we lost and I didn’t play well. I suffered. I knew I wasn’t at the level I wanted to be but I had self belief in my abilities and I worked harder to improve.”

The 22-year-old has since made 57 appearances for United, kept 24 clean sheets and went 537 minutes without conceding in the Premier League, the longest since Van Der Sar’s record of 1,302 minutes set back in 2009.

His performances have seen his critics retire back into their shells and he rightfully earned a spot on the PFA Team of the Year having been head and shoulders above any other keeper in the Premier League this year.

Not one to talk much due to his lack of English, it isn’t often we get to hear what De Gea has to say but the BBC’s Football Focus sat down with De Gea to talk about how his United career has gone so far, what winning the title means to him this season and how he feels David Moyes will get on in succeeding Ferguson as manager.

Dan Walker: How is it for you to be champions of the Premier League?

David De Gea: It was a very special feeling. Imagine winning the league with Manchester and then that journey on the bus through the streets of Manchester. It was incredible and unforgettable and I hope that continues with a lot more trophies.

Dan Walker: How important has your relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson been?

Well I think I have been improving little by little. I have been going to the gym and I feel more comfortable in more areas of my game. Corners, free kicks, in everything.

David De Gea: When times got tough and there were some critics, he has always supported me and gave me lots of advice, and that gave me a lot of confidence. I don’t know how to express the feeling we felt when he decided to retire – it was a strange moment.

Dan Walker: There was quite a bit of early criticism wasn’t there?

David De Gea: There was a difficult time at the start especially that game against Blackburn at home where we lost and I didn’t play well. I suffered. I knew I wasn’t at the level I wanted to be but I had self belief in my abilities and I worked harder to improve.

Dan Walker: What do you know about David Moyes? Have you spoken to him or met him?

David De Gea: He spent so many years at Everton and has had great success. The truth is he is a great successor to Sir Alex and I think he will do a great job and I know he will be here for many years.

Dan Walker: People are saying you understand the physicality of the Premier League and are more than capable of dealing with it. Do you agree with that?

David De Gea: Well I think I have been improving little by little. I have been going to the gym and I feel more comfortable in more areas of my game. Corners, free kicks, in everything.

And the truth is I am a little more aggressive when I play and I hope that shows. I’m going to continue to work hard and to improve and I think that moment exemplified that I am at the higher level.

Dan Walker: Is it true that you are a stone heavier than you were when you joined?

David De Gea: I have to eat well, do lots of work in the gym and the combination means that I have gained muscle weight.

Dan Walker: Is it important that a club like Manchester United keep hold of their big players like Wayne Rooney?

David De Gea: Yes. Every club wants to keep their best players and also sign the best players available to form a team of stars to make the best team possibly. And obviously Manchester will always try theior hardest to keep their key players whilst continuing to build a strong squad with new players.

The post De Gea: I knew I wasn’t at the level I wanted to be appeared first on The Peoples Person.

Both have incredible records at United and are rightly regarded as two of the greatest individuals the club has ever had. To think of United without either is hard to comprehend but all good things have to come to an end.

And speaking with The Daily Telegraph, Ryan Giggs has admitted that he never envisaged outlasting Ferguson at United having been brought by him to the club back in 1990.

“If I’m honest, it probably still hasn’t sunk in,” Giggs said. “I think it will only really kick in when we turn up for pre-season and the manager isn’t about the place.

“I never, ever thought I would outlast him, that’s for sure. Never, ever. I have only ever known one manager at club level and I have been lucky in the respect that it has been probably the best manager ever.

“So it is going to be strange and it’s going to be weird next year. It will also be sad for me because of the amount of time I have known him and the relationship I have with him.”

I don’t think anybody expected anyone to outlast Ferguson, such was his unrelenting passion and desire as manager even at 71 but his retirement is richly deserved after dedicating nearly three decades of his life to the club.

He arrived at Manchester as a fiery, explosive Scot with a winning mentality and despite winning almost 40 trophies, Giggs knows that mentality will never leave him despite being toned down after so much success.

“It will be an emotional one on Sunday, knowing that it will be the last time that he will be our manager.”

Giggs continued: “He still has a temper and, when he feels like he needs to use it, he will, but the players today wouldn’t recognise him from 20 years ago. They just wouldn’t.

“He was just so ferocious. The desire and the hunger that he still has was just different back then. But now, with experience and the satisfaction of winning and doing so well, he has changed.

“It will be an emotional one on Sunday, knowing that it will be the last time that he will be our manager.

“Not only for the person that he is football-wise, but because of the man he is on a personal level, how he has helped us all with our lives, me more than anybody.

“There are so many memories. You can go from playing for Salford Boys and looking over to see the manager and Brian Kidd watching you play at the age of 13 – you just wouldn’t get that now, the manager of Manchester United watching Salford Boys.

“It was just a massive thing and then he came over and told me he wanted me to train with them for a week. It was just, ‘Yeah, I can’t wait’. But you get to where we are now, to the relationship we have, where he will ask me about players, how the lads are, how the team spirit is.

“It’s a relationship that has evolved over the years, so there isn’t just one highlight, just everything. The good times and bad times.”

At 17:45 on Sunday afternoon, Ferguson will clap the travelling United fans for the final time and close the book on the greatest managerial career of all time. If the past fortnight has been emotional, then I’m not sure anybody is prepared for what Sunday evening is going to be like.

For the full Ryan Giggs interview with The Telegraph’s Mark Ogden, visit here

The post Giggs: I never, ever thought I would outlast Fergie appeared first on The Peoples Person.