DISQUS

A salary cap wouldn't work unless you managed to convince every club on the face of the Earth to abide by it. Never, ever going to happen.

Kartik, as a lifelong United supporter, I have absolutely no problem with the takeover- I'm happy for City and it's fans, and welcome the competition.

I probably feel a little less strongly about it because I am an American, and I don't have any deep-rooted local or tribal ties to any of the clubs... I simply love to watch the game. To me, another big club means more quality in the league, cutthroat competition for CL play (5 big clubs and only 4 spots), and 8 additional "big" ties every year (2 games against the 4 other "top" clubs).

We're also getting WAY ahead of ourselves -
an influx of cash doesn't necessarily mean that City will be world-beaters anytime soon. It takes time to scout and acquire talent, get the players used to playing together, and find a tactics that work best for your lineup.

I also don't think that these guys will be the last great billionaire investors to join the league.

In the major US sports, we are plagued by owners who have no concern for anything but the bottom line. CHampoinship rosters are decimated in the name of generating obscene profits (my local Florida Marlins experienced that TWICE).

Now, in the EPL, we're seeing an influx of owners that have such a passion for the game that they're willing to spend any amount of money in order to make their teams better - is that really such a bad thing?

I still don't understand... how the hell are foreign players hurting the English national team? By the time you get to that level, either you can play or you can't...

Legislating that each team must field 7 crappy domestic players isn't going to accomplish anything other than lowering the standard of play in the league.

England's problem is poor coaching and a mediocre generation of players... crap is crap, my friend - and England are crap right now.

Nasri is quality, and definitely an upgrade over Hleb - but I liked him even before he came into the league.

Arsene has done an amazing job of finding and developing young talent. However, at times he seems more concerned about turning a profit in the transfer market than he is about winning the league - and I think that's where a lot of the criticism comes from.

If Arsenal really do have all of that money sitting around and he's refusing to use it, then gooners have a right to be upset.

With 3-4 higher-end signings, Arsenal would be in a much better position to challenge for the title. Right now they play a beautiful style and have a couple of truly great players - but they don't have anywhere near the firepower or depth that United and Chelsea have.

While it's true that pundits generally hover over the same stories and ways pof thinking, they have a point, and I don't think that they are being unfair in expressing it. Yes, Nasri was a quality signing and he came on the cheap - but Chelsea and United both made bigger, better signings...

Yeah, sad to see. Seems like the leadership at WH are happy being perennial 12-17 finishers.

While every other team in the league was bringing in talent, WH sat on the sideline and sold players that Curbishley needed on the pitch. I don't see them making any effort to improve, and I think Curbs did the right thing in walking away...

Just a footnote - Manucho was just cleared for a UK work permit, and will be joining United's squad immediately. I'm surprised that this news seems to be flying under the radar on most of the major sites - the kid is an amazing prospect (top scorer at the last African Cup of Nations) and could turn out to be just as good as Berba.

That said, United do have a very tough month ahead - getting results at Anfield, Villareal, and the Bridge will be a challenge while adapting to two new strikers and life without CR7.

It's all good though - we tend to do well after slow starts!

The guy issued a statement saying that he wanted to buy just about every named player you can think of, and went to far as to suggest that he'd bid $135m GBP for CR7 - that doesn't sound like a group that's in it for the money, and these guy are already worth more than a TRILLION USD collectively.

I think that they're concerned about winning at any cost - these guys are going to spend money, and lots of it. Whether they'll do it wisely is another question altogether...

If the motivation isn't purely a love of the game, it probably also has a lot to do with prestige and the sibling rivalry between UAE's two wealthiest cities (Abu Dhabi and Dubai). They are in a "sports arms race" right now, with both of them doing everything that they can to attract top-tier sports teams and events to their own city.

Dubai has the cool indoor skiing joint, the first Tiger Woods-designed golf course, and a few other things - Abu Dhabi has an F1 race andf now a Premiership team. Id wager that Dubai ends up buying Newcastle, Arsenal, or Liverpool before too long.

Worst case scenario, they'll be doing some off-season friendlies in UAE. There are far worse things to be than a trillionaire's hobby - and given the alternative I'd think that the City fans are pretty happy right now.

Wealthy benefactors aren't always a bad thing, and they might restore some degree of parity to the league. Even as a United fan, I'd be happy to see the Big Four turn into the Big 6 or even the Big 8 over the next decade.

HAHA, sorry for the double post, but I had to share this one - the Guardian is reporting that City plans to bid 135m GBP for Ronaldo in January... God, I hope they do.

It gets better - they plan to make "at least 18 signings", including Fabregas, Torres, Villa, Henry, and Fat Ronaldo (go figure).

This is going to get interesting - either it'll change the dynamic at the top of the table, or it'll be good for a few belly laughs - maybe both!

It will be interesting to watch over the next few years, but right now it's much ado about nothing. Yes, they hijacked the Robinho deal, but what does that really mean?

Depending on what they can do in the January window and how well Hughes does his job, they could end up in a UEFA spot.

It will still take them a year or two (or three) to build a side with "Big-4" talent - and even then it's no sure thing. You can only spend so much on players because you only need so many. And even if they went out and bought the consensus "best in the world" at each position, there's no guarantee that they'll play well together.

Maybe it'll be the "Big 5" from now on, but this isn't going to change the face of the league.

As for middle eastern oil billionaires buying up more and more teams, we should be so lucky - all that would do is provide you with more parity (Big 6? Big 8?) and more talent.

Finally, to the development of English players- I think it's all a load of BS. Bringing foreign players into the professional league has nothing to do with development - either you can play or you can't. These kids in South America and Africa come up kicking wadded up socks around a dirt pitch, with little or no coaching until they hit their teens. They have far fewer advantages than the British youngsters, but they seem to be kicking our a$$es all over the place.

We're just looking at a generation of mediocre players- it happens.

Not sure why SWP would go there either. They have a strong core, but that won't mean much when they're selling off their players in a month or two. Not sure that he's worth 9m GBP either...

As for shortening the window, I think it'd be great - it would reduce the gamesmanship involved, which would be great for the game. Don't think it'd affect the press though- they'd still print useless rumors for months on end, regardless of the official window.

The Ronaldo and Lampard sagas were the worst in my mind - particularly because they both came to nothing after months of speculation.

"Lampard's hairdresser's sister's best friend says that he's working to finalize wages with Inter next Tuesday!" or "Lampard uses urinal next to a vaguely Italian-looking stranger!"

"Calderon can't discuss what a fantastic player Ronaldo is, and how much he'd like to sign him. or the fact that he'd pay United 65m GBP for him, because he doesn't believe in tapping up! 'Ronaldo, if you read this, please call me on my mobile phone', says Calderon"

Never happen. Ever. A few reasons I can think of?

1) The big four would never be open to revenue sharing, no matter the circumstance.

2) A salary cap would establish a level playing field for all teams - because ALL of the quality talent will go elsewhere. Every game will look like Bolton vs. Reading.

3) Redistributing talent would dilute the three or four strong teams that the PL has to offer in the CL. Therefore, the four English teams go out in qualifying and group play - the league can kiss that CL payday goodbye.

4) The fans wouldn't stand for it - relegation and promotion are part of the fabric of British football.

5) The media and networks wouldn't stand for it - if relegation is gone, only a handfull of games each week will make a difference. That means lower ratings, then lower ad revenues, eventually impacting the league when it's time to sign a new deal.

I think this is a situation where a few execs went out, got drunk, and came up with a stupid, half-baked plan to make more money. It should disappear when they sober up.

As for adding relegation to the major American sports leagues, I love the idea but it would likewise never happen. Remember, these franchises are worth hundreds of millions of dollars, and in some cases billions. Teams are tied into long-term leases or loans on huge stadiums. What incentive does an owner have to risk assets of that magnatude? None...

Anyway, it's an interesting thought but none of this will ever, ever happen. Better chance of a SuperLeague coming about, although I doubt that will come to pass either.

A Super League would destroy the financial and competitive foundations of every league on the continent. All of a sudden, there will be no big name transfers because every team is wary of helping their competition - and every other league will become a glorified feeder organization.

Anyway, that's my take.

I'd like to nominate the entire Chelsea and Arsenal teams.

Chelsea for their constant wrangling of the officials, and Arsenal for their diving and constant hand wringing.

CR7 has to be up there too - I'm a United fan but I hate that little tw@ with a passion. I'll give you Nani to an extent.

Ben Haim is a good call too - he just plain sucks!

I like Barton - he makes me feel like I'm watching an American sports league, because there ought to be a felon on every field.

Please come back and visit us when Stoke are sitting 19th on 8 points in March...

Just messing with you.

People (journos and otherwise) assume that newly promoted teams will go back down because... uh, they almost always do.

It's not about teams outside of the top 4 (or even the top 10) not belonging in the Prem, it's about being relevant. Stoke isn't there yet. Sunderland are just starting to get there, aftermany upsets and a couple of years up. They get a great deal of positive press, here and elsewhere.

I think that anyone, neutral or otherwise, would have to agree that this result was a huge surprise - and that's exactly how it was presented. If Johnathan is a Villa fan (don't recall whether he is), of course his view would be affected by that - but this is an opinion blog, not the BBC. Don't get your bloomers in a bunch.

I gush about United when I post here, and give other teams' fans a hard time, but I also try to give an honest account of the games I watch. I think everyone here does too.

If you're a Stoke fan - enjoy it, 'cause this is what it's all about! Congrats on the surprise result. Three points is, indeed, three points - and I'm sorry, but you're probably going to need every one of them come the end of the season!

Don't let em bug you, Starling - keep calling them like you see them.

And before anyone brings it up, "medicine" was a typo...

Sure, Terry is a passionate player. But intimidation, loud yelling, and really, really wanting to win are not the qualities that define a captain. A captain knows when it's time to light a fire and when it's time to cool things down. He needs to keep a level head, keep his teammates under control, and present his case respectfully to the officials if he feels that his squad have been wronged.

Terry isn't that guy. Locker room leader or floor general, fine, but he's not a captain. They're not the same...

I never said that the US were better than England - I was being sarcastic and you're misssing my point. Neither one of our squads is winning anything major anytime soon, but England convinces itself year after year that they are one of the best sides in the world. Unfortunately, the results over the last decade prove that they absolutely don't, and I don't see things getting better anytime soon. If Theo Walcott is your best "up and coming" young player, you're in even bigger trouble in a few years.

FIFA rankings are total BS - you know that. The US were ranked #5 in March of 2006. Make sense? Of course not.

As for saving the world, I was only giving a scouse flamer a little of his own medecine. I was trying to be sarcastic. That said, we were happy to help. =D

James has always been somewhat erratic, but usually makes up for his questionable decision making with great reflexes and athleticism.

The guy manages to give up some of the softest goals you've ever seen, then turns around and makes incredible saves that no other keeper could've touched.

You have to admit, he's exciting to watch!

Nasty - is that the same £100,000 Bentley that plays for Spurs?

Nonsense - Terry's character is on full display for at least 90 minutes every week. He intimidates, argues with, bumps into, and generally harangues the referees every time a call goes against him. I'd expect that sort of behavior from a three year old, not the 27 year-old captain of my national team.

As for his "passion and commitment", is that a euphamism for "immature hotheaded jackasssery"? Putting club allegiances aside, do you want a team captain that antagonizes the referees that you depend on to make impartial calls? I wouldn't.

I think any impartial party could agree that all three players have had their a-hole moments off the field, but at least the other two are able to hold their sh*t together while they're on the pitch. That said, I'd give the armband to David James - he seems like the only even-keeled guy on the squad.

Now, John... Kartik's a nice, even-tempered guy, so I'm going to have to step in and play at your level.

Hmm... what has America done?

America broke free of oppressive British colonialism, bailed the Brits out in two World Wars , defeated national socialism and communism, become the one and only military superpower, and dominated the global economic and cultural landscape for the last 60+ years.

We are also the dominant football team on our continent - can you say that? Finally, I'll point out that we generally (but not always) dominate the sports that we've "invented", which should be pretty easy to do - but not for you folks, huh?

What has England ever won, Brit? Now, why don't YOU go back to jerking off about The Great Fluke of 1966, you silly scouser!

I eagerly await your response...

I think this was done so that Shinawatra can feel like he's supporting the team while wearing a prison jumper. They need to bring Barton back - he'd love these colors as well. A lovely backheel from inmate A67t4537!

OR... maybe they are planning to issue each player a handheld stop sign so they can stand at midfield, flash the sign, and halt the opposing team's counterattack... a cunning, devious ploy - and it will probably work against Liverpool.

OK, they're FUGLY. Not as bad as the highlighter yellow of Barca and Chelsea, but FUGLY.

Jay - speaking for myself, I put them at 11 because I think that the loss of Bentley is really going to hurt Blackburn. I also keep reading rumors about Santa Cruz. I doubt that they'd be dumb enough to offload him, but they'd be ruined if they did...

Everton are another class team on the fringes, but I don't see any improvement over last year's lineup - therefore I can't figure out why they'd move up th list. Arteta and Cahill are a top-caliber midfield duo when they're healthy, but one or the other is usually hurt. They also need a better striker than Yak. That said, they're one of the most technically solid teams in the league, and I loove to watch them play - I just don't think that they are going to improve over last year.

Tottenham and Villa made significant moves to improve their teams, while Arsenal took a big step backwards IMO - but it's all conjecture till they hit the pitch tomorrow...

I agree- Villa are the team to watch. I've been talking Tottenham up for a few weeks, but I don't think that they will be the same team without Berba AND Keane.

Villa have made some great pick-ups. I'm especially interested to see what Sidwell is capable of - is he still the same guy we saw running the show at Reading two years ago, or does he spend this year working the splinters out of his shorts? How does he work with Barry?

Portsmouth are another squad to look out for. Defoe has been on a tear so far this preseason - is Crouch the sidekick he's been waiting for? If so, can their aging defense still lock people down? I think that Harry Redknapp is one of the shrewdest managers in the league - it will be interesting to see if he can put it all together this year.

1. United
2. Chelsea
3. Liverpool
4. Tottenham
5. Arsenal
6. Everton
7. Villa
8. Portsmouth
9. Newcastle
10. Sunderland
11. Blackburn
12. West Ham
13. Fulham
14. Boro
15. Man City
16. Bolton
17. Wigan
18. West Brom
19. Stoke
20. Hull

United return the same squad that doubled last year - and look likely to cover their only real weakness with another big-name striker. Those of you who predict a 3rd place finish are insane - this United team is the most talented and deepest in the league. Chelsea is the only team in the league that can even come close.

Chelsea had a run of very harsh injuries last year - and could challenge again this year if they stay healthy. But they won't - there is a reason for all of the injuries. Most of their key players are over 30, and Lamps / Drogba don't seem to have the same fire as they did 2-3 seasons ago. I think injuries to Drogba, Terry, Lampard and/or Deco will take the wind out of their sails this year as well.

Keane (and possibly Barry) make Liverpool a much scarier side. If Benitez is smart enough to keep his best 11 on the pitch this year, they very well may pip Chelsea for the #2 spot. Babel comes into his own this year, giving the scousers three legit scoring threats. They will, however, miss Crouch's timely, awkward goals in the last 20 minutes of two or three games.

Tottenham have an amazing array of attacking talent at their disposal - but the loss of Keane and possibly Berba will truly hurt them. Horrible defensive side, but they can light just about anybody up for 4 goals on any given night. I'm giving them the edge over Arsenal on the assumption that they won't sell Berba without a "like for like" replacement waiting in the wings.

I think that you'll see Arsenal off to a fast start again this year, as they have a fairly easy schedule over the first two months - again, it will evaporate quickly. This side don't lack experience in my mind, they lack toughness. As much as I love to watch them attack, the incessant whining, diving and crying turn my stomach. Fabregas and Nasri will be formidable, and Van Persie can be a stud if he can stay healthy. I don't see Adebayor coming anywhere near his total from last year though.

The JLay has spoken, so it shall be...

James played out of his skin - it amazes me that the guy has reflexes like that at 38.

Otherwise, Pompey looked horrible - 3/4of the game had to have taken place in their half.

You're spot on about the long balls to Crouchie, everyone seems to assume that he's strong in the air because he's so tall, but the guy weighs nothing - it's all too easy to knock him off of the ball - while it's in the air or after he settles it.

United started the last season off terribly, and I hope that we don't see a repeat this year. Chelsea are legitimately stronger, and we can't afford to spot them any points in August.

With Rooney and Ronaldo out, United are in desparate need of a target man. Pay whatever Tottenham asks - just get Berba in here fast!

Nani was a pleasant surprise - he seems to have matured a bit, was making better decisions with the ball, and looks quite capable of stepping into CR's shoes next year or the year after. Neville looked OK too, which surprised me - but neityher he or Wes Brown are the long term answer.

I want a striker and a right back - make it happen, Ferg!

As a United fan, I wish that we'd sold the little tart - 70-80m could buy several quality young players, ands we're in desparate need of a couple of good, finishing strikers and a decent right back. If we could've insisted on Ramos and come away with an extra 50-60m to spend on Huntelaar, Berba, and maybe Nasri, it would've been a coup!

That said, you're right Gaff - I salute the Glazers and SAF for standing firm and making Cristy fulfill his contract. I was hoping to see SAF put his foot down and bench him for the next 4 years. He could've been the FIFA reserve squad player of the year in 2009! =)

The fact remains, until we have better finishing options, we're better off with CR7 on the field. He singlehandedly won several games for us (though he almost lost us the CL), and we don't have anyone that can step in and take over yet.

I think Hleb was overrated, and Nasri will easily step into his shoes. You Gooners got a good one there, mark my words...

I also have to take you to task Gaff, for the Robben comparison. Robben was a game changer that didn't get as much playing time as he should have due to injury and Chelsea's depth at the position. He was, and is a mercurial talent, capable of changing a game - I don't see that in Hleb.

If they really did nab Nasri for the 6m GBP I've seen tossed around, I think Arsenal made a very smart parts exchange. I'd probably take Nasri over Hleb straight up.

Bad Luck, Gaff! I lost my signal about 10 minutes after the match ended...