Officials must speed up VAR decisions
Some fans claim VAR is ruining football after Manchester City had a goal ruled out at the weekend because Raheem Sterling was offside by a few centimetres.
If I’d had a goal ruled out in that way I’d probably have been angry but overall I think VAR is a necessary innovation for the insurance it gives the referee. If the officials could speed up the decision process then that would help, but generally I’m in favour of VAR.
United must not sell Pogba to Madrid
Zinedine Zidane would love to bring Paul Pogba to Real Madrid but, against Chelsea on Sunday, we saw why Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is determined to keep the French midfielder.
Pogba’s perfect pass to Marcus Rashford for United’s third goal was what I call ‘pure football’. When I played for United, Michael Carrick would get the ball and his first thought was always to play it forward. He knew exactly where I was and there are plenty of examples of him giving me the ball to score a goal. Special players save their energy for the exact right moment.
If United receive a bid from Madrid in the next fortnight in the region of £200m, then the transfer will happen. But I hope Pogba stays at United and I don’t think Zidane will quit Madrid if he fails to sign his compatriot.
The other big transfer rumour is Gareth Bale to Paris Saint Germain, possibly as Neymar moves the opposite way. I’d be surprised if ex-Barcelona man Neymar went to Madrid. But Bale would do well at PSG. He’s a player I admire, so I want to see him play as much as possible. PSG are one of the few clubs who could pay Bale’s wages, although I’d love to see him back in the Premier League.
City to edge tight contest against Spurs
Inconsistency could stop Spurs mounting a serious title challenge this season. They got away with going a goal behind to Aston Villa last Saturday but you cannot do that every week, no matter how good Harry Kane is. Spurs need to stop making their life difficult by under-performing against the weaker teams.
This Saturday they face arguably the league’s strongest team in Manchester City. Mauricio Pochettino will his players well prepared for their trip to the Etihad. Both teams know each other so well and Spurs are big enough not to fear City. Spurs will need to be clever and read City’s passing patterns. If Spurs chase City all over the pitch, Spurs will be fucked, Kevin De Bruyne will pick them apart and Raheem Sterling will get in behind.
I don’t know why Pochettino left out Christian Eriksen against Villa and it’s impossible to know what’s happening behind the scenes. I want to see Eriksen back in the team on Saturday but Tanguy Ndombele scored a great goal last week and I did like the look of him.
I expect a low-scoring match at the Etihad. Spurs would love a draw but I’m backing City to edge it 2-1.
Pulisic can help Chelsea get first win
Chelsea looked good in the first half at Old Trafford and, when I watched them in a couple of preseason matches, I liked what I saw too. There’s no shame in losing to Liverpool on penalties in the Super Cup in midweek.
I came from the Bundesliga to the Premier League so I understand the challenge facing Christian Pulisic at Chelsea. I liked the young American when he played for Dortmund, he showed a sharp turn of pace against United and the pass he played Olivier Giroud’s goal in the Super Cup was unbelievable.
I want to watch Pulisic as much as possible because he’s exciting and technically gifted, a great signing for Chelsea. I expect the Blues to get their first League win under Lampard against Leicester on Sunday.
United must maintain concentration for tricky trip to Wolves
United were better than I expected them to be against Chelsea and I think many United fans were surprised by the quality of the performance. Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka were unbelievably commanding in defence while Rashford and Anthony Martial showed a strong understanding up front.
They are two intelligent young forwards and as long as they communicate they can be deadly together. Rashford’s finishing was exquisite while Martial scored a typical number nine’s goal that showed he’s got what it takes to wear my old shirt.
On Monday night against Wolves, the United players and manager will be aware that they lost twice at Molineux last season. When the same team beats you twice the same season it’s no coincidence and means the opponent knows how to play against you. United will not underestimate Wolves.
Both matches at Molineux, in the Premier League and FA Cup, ended 2-1 last season and it was 1-1 at Old Trafford. I really rate this Wolves team under Nuno and I would back both teams to score on Monday. United’s strikers come into this feeling confident and, if the defenders can maintain their concentration, United can win this and end their poor run against Wolves.
Source: Betfair Premier League
