Squarefootball's Game of the Season

So the 2012/13 season is almost over. All thats left to play is the Champions League final, Championship play-offs and the Scottish Cup final until we put the past nine months into the archives. But before we look forward to seeing snaps of our top stars relaxing on a sun-drenched beach surrounded b...

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Team of the Week - Week Thirty Eight

Arsenal will be playing Champions League football again next season following their narrow final day victory at Newcastle. Gareth Bales phenomenal late strike for Spurs got them the three points they needed against Sunderland, but they always needed Newcastle to do them a favour. Elsewhere on t...

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Forget showbiz beautification of Beckham, he was simply remarkable

Perhaps it is just too easy to align oneself with the glossy beautification of David Beckham led by certain corners of the English media, or perhaps I’m just going soft in my old age (I’ll be a pipe and slippers man by the time I turn 19 in June, it’s all downhill from here). Or perhaps, just perha...

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West Brom v Manchester United: Sir Alex - 1,500 and out!

Sir Alex Ferguson will manage Manchester United today for the 1,500th and final time and boy would he like to end it as a winner. Old Trafford gave him a great send-off last weekend and the Hawthorns will pay their respects to the greatest manager in history, but Steve Clarkes men will not roll ove...

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Wayne Rooney to Arsenal - Could it really happen?

It has been a strange few days in the Barclays Premier League. Weve had Sir Alex leave as manager of Manchester United, Wigan win the FA Cup and get relegated inside four days, Roberto Mancini sacked and Stoke Citys Kenwyne Jones finding a pigs head in his locker. However, perhaps the most eye-cat...

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Predict the Premier League: Wigan turn the heat on Sunderland

Manchester United have won the league and Wigan Athletic have now joined QPR and Reading in the Championship, but who is going to win Squarefootballs Predict the Premier League title? It has been a busy few weeks in the Barclays Premier League and the only issue that still needs to be decided is wh...

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Predict the Premier League: Just six points separate Sunderland and Wigan at the top

Squarefootballs Predict the Premier League title race is going down to the final game and it looks as though it will be Sunderland or Wigans name etched on to the coveted trophy. The Black Cats Tony Ratton is six points clear of his nearest rival, Wigan fan Jimmy Shine. With 30 points up for grabs ...

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Manchester United: What should David Moyes do with Wayne Rooney?

Given the madness of the last week at Old Trafford, Wayne Rooney’s transfer request has somewhat slipped under the radar. When asked if the striker will still be at Manchester United next season, outgoing manager Sir Alex Ferguson gave a wry smile and simply said: “It’s not my decision now.” T...

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Outside the Box – Football on TV: Fergie calls time, but Sky ensure we’ll see plenty of him before he goes

So, I’m not sure if you’ve heard but Sir Alex Ferguson announced to the world last week that he intends to quietly walk away from football at the end of the season. In mass hysterical scenes usually only seen when a monarch dies or a Twilight film comes out, the entire country seemed to let o...

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Manchester United v Swansea City: United aim to send Fergie and Scholes out in style

Sir Alex Ferguson and Paul Scholes have both announced that they are to retire at the end of the season and both great servants are going to get a fantastic send off today, but can Swansea City spoil the party? The Swans fought back twice in midweek to dent Wigans survival hopes - only their second...

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Everton: How Moyes breathed new life into famous old club

When I was growing up, there were many traditions in football. The anticipation of the league fixture list, that only took on some glorified relevance when it was in colour in Match Weekly. Then there was the sitting up late on a Saturday night, waiting to see the new opening credits of Match of...

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Squarefootball's Team of the Week - Week 36

Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs all won 1-0 at the weekend to keep their Champions League hopes alive with the latter two drawing on Wednesday night at the Bridge. Liverpool and Everton played out a goalless draw at Anfield while Newcastle picked up what could be a crucial point at West Ham. Aston Vil...

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Manchester United: Football world honours Sir Alex Ferguson

After 26 years, 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, two Champions Leagues, four League Cups and 1,500 games in charge of Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson has announced that he is to vacate the Old Trafford hot seat. At 71, his decision to retire at the end of the season should not h...

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Sir Alex Ferguson - Casting A Long Shadow

Sir Alex Ferguson will now retire from Manchester United at the end of the season after 1500 games in charge. He took over Manchester United in November 1986 after being linked with a string of top English (Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool, Wolves) and Scottish (Rangers) clubs - perhaps suggesting tha...

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Manchester United: Bale or Ronaldo - who would you rather have at Old Trafford?

It has been reported that Sir Alex Ferguson has been given permission to sign one marquee player this summer and it looks as though that may mean the return of Ronaldo or the arrival of the new star on the block Gareth Bale. But who would you rather see at Old Trafford? Both Bale and Ronald...

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Outside the Box – Football on TV: Bruce goes through Hull as the Championship season ends in drama

There are not many days in the course of the long football season that the glitzy farce of the Premier League is shuffled into the background like an ugly sister at a wedding. Usually, as the weekend rolls around every pundit, fan and newscaster is eagerly sharing their thoughts on Van Persie...

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Manchester United v Chelsea: Who would star in your dream team?

Chelsea left Old Trafford with all three points thanks to a solitary goal by the Spanish magician Juan Mata. That result keeps Chelsea in the driving seat for a Champions League spot and puts former Blues boss AVB under intense pressure to get a result against them on Wednesday. Manchester United m...

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Man United v Chelsea: Can Benitez outsmart Ferguson?

With the Premier League title in the bag you wouldnt begrudge Uniteds players from already having their holiday heads on. However, there is one man who will not allow the Red Devils that luxury and that is Sir Alex Ferguson, especially when todays visitors are managed by his former nemesis Rafa Be...

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Manchester United: What does the future hold for the champions?

So, now that the title has been wrapped up, its time to look ahead to preparations for next season, but where do United need to strengthen?Most observers would point to the midfield, but the names that are being linked with Manchester United are of the attacking nature. With Wayne Rooney and S...

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Should Manchester United sign Frank Lampard?

Its common knowledge that Frank Lampard is on his way out of Stamford Bridge. It would be a massive turnaround if the Chelsea management decided now to offer him a new contract. Its most likely he will end up going abroad. But one destination that has been mentioned several times is Old Tra...

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Manchester United: Who would star in a United Champions of Champions XI?

Manchester United have secured their 13th Premier League title - their 20th in total - and throughout those campaigns Sir Alex Ferguson has been in charge of some of the best players over the past two decades. Greats like Ryan Giggs, Roy Keane, Ronaldo, David Beckham, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Jaap ...

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Arsenal v Manchester United: Will RVP shine on return to the Emirates?

Robin van Persie makes his first return to the Emirates since his big money move to Manchester United and hell be grinning from ear to ear after winning his first title as a player. However, the Arsenal fans, who felt so betrayed by the Dutchman in the summer, will be looking to send the champio...

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Bale, Benteke, Hazard, Lukaku, Welbeck, Wilshere - Who will win the PFA Young Player of the Year?

Tottenhams Gareth Bale could clear up at this weekends PFA awards. Not only has the Spurs ace got the chance of winning the PFA Young Player of the Year award but he is also nominated in the Player of the Year category. With Spurs playing Wigan later today, Bale could also find himself in third plac...

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Manchester United: Has it been a vintage year for the champions?

Manchester United won an historic 20th league title on Monday night but has it been a vintage year for the champions? Sir Alex Fergusons men clinched the title with four games to spare, Robin van Persie looks like winning the Golden Boot, theyve won 27 of their 34 games and could beat Chelseas reco...

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Bale, RVP or Suarez: Who should win the PFA Player of the Year award?

Tottenhams Gareth Bale is the bookies favourite to win the PFA Player of the Year award for the second time but could last seasons winner Robin van Perise make it a personal double or could Liverpools bad boy end a terrible week on a high by scooping the accolade? Manchester Uniteds midfield maestr...

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Predict the Premier League: Sunderland storming towards the title

Talk about making an impact. Paolo Di Canio led his Sunderland troops to victory at St James Park and then followed it up with another three points in his first home game against Everton. No wonder Sunderland fan Tony Ratton is smiling from ear to ear. Mind you, it could also have something to do wi...

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Predict the Premier League: QPR, Everton and West Ham top the table

QPR may be going down, Everton may have blown their chance of finishing in the top four but West Ham have guaranteed their place in the top flight next season. And despite the gloomy expressions at Loftus Road and Goodison, John Jaycock and Chris Goodwin have tried their best to raise the spirits by...

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Squarefootball's Team of the Week - Week 33

Arsenal regained third place as Chelsea dropped points at Liverpool and Spurs stunned everyone with their late comeback to beat the champions Manchester City. But the big winners this week were Manchester United who clinched their 20th league title with a convincing 3-0 win over Aston Villa. Elsewh...

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Manchester United: The five games that won United the title

Manchester United clinched their 20th title in style by beating Aston Villa 3-0 thanks to a superb Robin van Persie hat-trick. The £24m summer signing from Arsenal presented Sir Alex Ferguson with his 13th Premier League with four games to spare. Here are the five games that were pivotal in Uni...

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Outside the Box – Football on TV: The football world turns on Suarez as he bites off more than he can chew

Just when you think the sleaze-ridden, hate-filled, cartoon puppetry ghoul fest that is football can’t plunge any lower, out pop the gnashers of a serial offender to attract the world’s accusing eyes once again. Luis Suarez, the only footballer in Britain who can be involved in controversy wi...

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Manchester United v Aston Villa: Can Villa stop United's title party?

The red half of Manchester is gearing up for a party tonight. Sir Alex Ferguson is just one win away from securing Uniteds 20th league title following Man Citys remarkable collapse yesterday at White Hart Lane. Tonight they take on Paul Lamberts Aston Villa, but can the Villans put Uniteds title cel...

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Would you sell your ground's name for £100m?

Arsenal did it with the Emirates, Manchester City did it with the Etihad and Bolton Wanderers did the same with Reebok, but would you be happy to sell the naming rights to your stadium if it guaranteed a multi-million pound investment on the pitch? Manchester United recently agreed a £120 million d...

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Premier League: Has Aston Villa's Brad Guzan been the best keeper this season?

Readings Alex McCarthy was in the form of his life against Liverpool at the weekend. The Royals shot-stopper denied the Reds at every opportunity with a string of world class saves. This got me thinking, who has been the best goalkeeper this season in the Premier League? Manchester Citys Joe Hart w...

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Squarefootball's Team of the Week - Week 32

Another exciting week of Premier League and FA Cup football saw Manchester City and Wigan make a date at Wembly, Reading hold Liverpool, Arsenal beat Norwich City and Sunderland outclass Newcastle. But who made it into our Squarefootball Team of the Week? Heres Mitch Waddons best XI from the w...

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West Ham v Man United: Can Carroll outgun Rooney and RVP?

Meetings between West Ham United and Manchester United in the East End always tend to be lively affairs. Just four months ago the Red Devils needed a late moment of brilliance by Robin van Persie to force an FA Cup replay. Two years ago the visitors came back from two down to win 4-2 with Wayne Roon...

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Outside the Box – Football on TV: Millwall, Chiles and Aguero ensure unedifying scenes all round, but let’s keep the One Direction boys out of it

It was a weekend of football in which the seamier, more ugly side of the game sprang forth. A dispiriting reminder of a time we’d hoped had passed; a nightmarish collage of unedifying horror and depressing folly. Yep, Adrian Chiles was fronting the FA Cup again. Obviously, the game on Saturd...

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Stoke City v Manchester United: Can Pulis defeat Sir Alex?

The last time Stoke City got the better of Manchester United in the league Father Christmas had just delivered his presents. If you think that was a long time ago just wait until I reveal the date . . . 1984! Margaret Thatcher was the British Prime Minister, Do They Know Its Christmas was the UK nu...

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Predict the Premier League: QPR, Spurs and Arsenal lead the way

Its been a good fortnight for the three London clubs - well off the pitch any way - with QPRs John Jaycock and Tottenhams Adam Crawford picking up 19 points, with Arsenals Josh Ben Moshe on 18. Its not been so good for Stoke City, Southampton or Norwich City, with the sides occupying the bottom thr...

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Predict the Premier League: Sunderland edge ahead of Wigan

Sunderland may only have six games left to save their Premier League status but Black Cat Tony Ratton is edging slightly closer to Predict the Premier League title glory. Mr Ratton, who has been favourite for the title for the majority of the season, has moved one point clear of his nearest rival W...

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Outside the Box – Football on TV: Di Canio attempts to form his first impression while West Ham’s Brady dispels hers

Fascist, egotistical, divisive, authoritarian, plain bonkers; these words are ringing around all our ears right now thanks to a recent media storm it’s been impossible to escape from. No, not the death of a former Prime Minister yesterday, although I can see why you’d think that. Instead it i...

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Manchester United v Manchester City: Who will win the derby?

Manchester United look like wrestling back the Premier League title from the clutches of their bitter rivals Manchester City at the first attempt, but who will come out on top when the two sides lock horns at Old Trafford tonight? Its Manchester Citys first visit to the Theatre of Dreams since they...

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Manchester United v Manchester City: Can United avenge their 1-6 drubbing?

Manchester United have the title in the bag but City pride is at stake tonight as the two Manchester giants lock horns at Old Trafford. Last season City stunned the world by hitting United for six and going on to win the title on goal difference with the final kick of the ball at home to QPR. Howev...

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Premier League: Where has all the excitement gone?

ThePremier Leagueseason should be coming to the boil, but for me its been strictly alukewarm affair.The last nine months have had an air of inevitability about them. Manchester United havebreezed to their 20th top flight title and even Sky have struggled to sell this title race. From them...

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Squarefootball's Team of the Week - Week 31

Arsenal, Everton, Liverpool, Man City, Man United, Southampton, Wigan and West Ham all picked up three points in a weekend that produced a whopping 23 goals - five of which came at the Emirates. There was a number of outstanding individual performances at the weekend, but who has done enough to win...

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Outside the Box – Football on TV: Sunderland swap experience for explosive as all eyes focus on Wearside

On the day the new bombastic series of Doctor Who crash landed on to the screens of the BBC, there was the cataclysmic beginnings of a regeneration of a different kind in the otherworldly realms of the North East. That’s right, Martin O’Neill, football’s very own wide-eyed madcap enigma was u...

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Sunderland v Manchester United: Sir Alex targets revenge

The one thing that hurt Manchester United players, staff and fans more than City winning the league in the dying seconds of last season was the reaction of the Sunderland fans. They revelled in Uniteds failure more than City toasted their title success and that bad taste in the mouth has remained wi...

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Should Michael Owen be hailed as a football great?

Michael Owen burst on the scene as a fresh-faced 17 year old and took the Premier League by storm. He scored on his Liverpool debut against Wimbledon and hit 18 in his first full season in the first team. His lightening pace and accuracy in front of goal gave opposition defences nightmares. However,...

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Will Wayne Rooney leave Old Trafford in the summer?

Wayne Rooneys future at Manchester United has been called into question ever since he was dropped to the bench for Uniteds crunch Champions League clash with Real Madrid. United lost the game due to a horrific refereeing decision but both Sir Alex and Rooney insist that it was purely a footballing...

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Was Rio Ferdinand right to withdraw from the England squad?

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand enraged England fans by pulling out of Roy Hodgsons squad last week to face the double header of San Marino and Moldova, but was Rio right to pull out? Rio was fuming when Hodgson left him out of the international fold for footballing reasons ahead of Euro 2...

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Outside the Box – Football on TV: Gazza’s running out of chances while England run riot in San Marino

Let’s face it, there’s an awful lot of guff on TV isn’t there? In the ever-burgeoning crevasse of broadcasting channels, the sheer volume of half-baked tripe and lightweight, hollowed-out husks of regurgitated twaddle leaves the average viewer starved of visual stimulation and viewing conten...

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