Juventino10

Hello to one and all. I am here trying to provide a story in order to motivate me into continuing Football Manager 2007. What I have done is take my squad from FM 2006, and essentially transferred them over to 2007, but since my favourite squad is in financial troubles thanks to the Calciopoli scandal, I have decided to move north....to England. I have decided to take over at Old Trafford...the Theatre of Dreams, since it is in fact my dream to one day manage a club team in that, and many other internationally renowned football stadia around the world. This is one of my first cracks at FM Stories; I have always enjoyed reading them, and frankly have always wanted to try one out. SO here I go, and please, any feedback, whether positive or negative is kindly appreciated.

I did edit the database in order to bring my players over, I have given then almost what I had paid for them at the time of purchase in FM 2006, once I got the editor transfer value somewhat figured out. I currently have all leagues in England, Spain and Italy running, as well as the MLS, since I decided that Man U could work out a deal with my home club.

June 1 2006 - SCANDAL!

I had been in charge at Juventus for about two seasons at this point. I had two Serie A titles, but much to my chagrin, no Champions League claims to my credit. I was growing a bit frustrated in my attempts to conquer Europe, and failing to do so. But I can only look ahead. I had many players who were preparing for the World Cup, and when I went to pick up my newspaper in my Villa in Turin, I almost feinted.

SCANDAL!

The article went on at great lengths about how my club Juventus had been buying match officials, influencing games in their favour, and other nonsense. I immediately went inside, and called the office. My chairman’s secretary had informed he that Mr. Agnelli was currently out of the office, and I would be the first person he will talk to once he returns from his meetings. I waited patiently by the phone, and finally, after what seemed like days; my boss was on the other line.

He had gone on about how this scandal was untrue, and that they were being persecuted by rivals Internazionale, and wondering how and why the Serie A got wind of this. I immediately asked him if it was true. The slight hesitation in his voice told me it was. I grew furious, and began to utter words that had my mother been around the house at the moment would have sent her into full Exorcism. During my bout of rage, Mr. Agnelli informed me that I was apparently under investigation as well. I nearly snapped the phone in half, and asked what my options were. Mr. Agnelli informed me that there didn`t look to be any way out of this, and to bide my time. I told him I would keep in touch, and hung up.

Juventino10

June 4 2006 – Line In The Sand
Three days of intense interviews and constant accusations of what went on in house had drained me physically, mentally and emotionally. I had decided that prior to joining up with my players in Germany I would vacation to southern Italy, where I had maintained a home on a private beach. After about 3 hours of relaxation, I decided to get a copy of the local paper. The front page immediately grabbed my attention, whose headline read cheater...with my picture on it. I was furious, and in reading the story, I felt my heart rate rise, and my blood began to boil. The article claimed that an inside source to the club has given the paper specific details that I had been the central figure in the match fixing scandal. The source had claimed that since I was unable to secure a Champions League title in my first season, I tried to buy one in my second. I immediately tore up the paper, and called my chairman.

Mr. Agnelli was expecting my call, and we chatted about the story. He told me to calm down, and it will all go away. I exploded, asking who and how this garbage got published, and Mr. Agnelli seemed to have all the angles covered. To be honest, I grew suspicious, and decided to continue my vacation accordingly.

June 6 2006 – CHECKMATE
I had picked up the morning paper, and yet another front page article had my photo, and this time, included an exclusive interview with a senior club executive which stated I had spoken to my chairman for 45 minutes about how to handle the mess. I knew it was Agnelli behind it all. It just had to be. So, being a former journalism major in University, I had come up with a fake name, and press badge, and hired some local kid to impersonate a reporter to figure out that it is Agnelli behind it all. I had called up the paper, and asked to speak to the reporter who broke the news. After several hours of convincing the guy, I had finally managed him to meet me at the local barista. When he arrived, the young kid posing as the reporter had offered to out his source. Refusing, the guy attempted to leave. I had disguised myself as a local, and offered to buy the guy a drink in celebration of outing the crook behind the scandal. One drink lead to two, two lead to three and soon enough, I had him right where I wanted him. I asked him about his source, and being all sauced up, he confessed it was Agnelli behind it all along. The kid had his pencil flying across his notepad, taking down all that was coming out of the guy’s mouth. Once he was done, I had him sign an affidavit swearing his story, and was off to the presses.

That night, I managed to re-word the kid’s notes, into a full blown cover story about the scandal, including names of directors I had known to take payoffs, and Agnelli himself. I sent it out to La Gazetta Dello Sport, Italy’s top sports paper, and waited to strike.

After a few days, the story was printed, and Agnelli lashed out at the media, even calling out his protected journalist, threatening to sue him for all he was worth. When asked about his involvement in the scandal, Agnelli punched out the reporter, and went on a cursive tirade. That was my cue.

I was standing in the hallway of the famed Delle Alpi stadium, when I happened to bump into the media scrum. It was there where I presented my Agnelli a $650 million defamation lawsuit, and officially resigned as club manager. I also reminded him of the clause in my contract that allows the players I personally brought into the club to opt out of their contracts and re-join me wherever I went. The rage of Agnelli was priceless, and I walked away grinning like a chasire cat.

Juventino10

July 16 – Welcome To The Centre Of The Football Universe

After my public dissent with the club official, and a clearance of my name in the media and in the courts, I decided to pursue my coaching career elsewhere. That was when the most unexpected phone call of my life occurred.

Italian legend Roberto Baggio was seemingly a keen follower of my coaching career. So much so, that he tendered me an offer I could not refuse. He had some sort of takeover plan for famed soccer club Manchester United, and if was successful, would like to name me manager. I told him I would be honoured, and offered me an opportunity to meet with him in England for the official pitch. Excited, I jumped into my Ferrari Enzo and headed for the airport.

I arrived in England several hours later, and once landed, some paper boy was shouting at the top of his lungs the evenings headline. Baggio had officially purchased United from The Glazers, and that I was to be unveiled as manager tomorrow. My grin returned, and I immediately called my assistant to arrange my affairs, and to contact my former players...

Juventino10

June 28 2006 – THE ITALIANS ARE COMING!

That was the Evening Stars Headline. After my unveiling as United manager, I was asked by a reporter about my former squad and the clause in my contract that allowed them to come over for nothing. I smiled, and told everyone that nobody had a first team place secured, and all jobs are open for competition.

After the endless interviews and TV spots, I had received confirmation that each of my players had agreed to come to United. My work was to begin, and I was set to secure the signatures of some promising talent to build for my future. The present is set, and the future would either be my declaration of being the greatest ever, or my perpetual downfall.

I had arrived at my new office, and immediately set up shop. New desk, new computer, new fax machine, new everything. All I really needed was a home. I could last in the hotel I was put up in for another few weeks, but I figure since I’m a meticulous workaholic; I may as well stay here. I had sent my scouts out around for the upcoming U20 qualifiers, and hopefully they can report back with some future nationals

As the day wore on I began to get restless, and felt a night out would benefit me. So I hit up the local pub, and was immediately greeted with mixed reactions. Some patrons believed I could return The Devils to glory; others were still convinced I was a part of the scandal rocking Italy. I assured I would do my best to bring Man U back to the glory days of 99 and that all will sort itself out in the end. With that, a toast was offered in my honour, and I knew I would enjoy England.

Juventino10

July 1 2006 – Welcome (again) To The Theatre Of Dreams.

A press conference was called to officially unveil my new look Manchester United squad, after signing all of the players I had added to my contract clause. With a total of 30 new faces into the team, and me being nowhere near done, since I was still looking forward towards the future, I knew that my fortunes were about to change, and that the soccer gods will be smiling down upon me and my new team.

As the press secretary announced the names of the players, who were unavailable to join us in person due to the World Cup, I had their kits in hand, and had asked the youth players from our academy to represent the new signee. The list includes

Gianluigi Buffon – GK
Arguably the top keeper in the world. The man who stands tall in the goal for Italy will now backstop The Red Devils, hopefully to European glory.

Morgan De Sanctis – GK
Italy’s best kept secret in goal. He never gets the recognition he deserves since he played for Udinese, who did not have the greatest defensive line in the game. It is fairly difficult to keep a clean sheet while facing 15-20 attempts per game. Still, he is very happy to move to Man U, despite it being a backup role, in order to help conquer Europe.
Fabio Cannavaro – DC
The Italian skipper’s move to Madrid was cancelled after I enacted my opt out clause, and now one of the greatest defenders in Serie A and Italian history will defend Man U’s goal for at least 3 seasons.

Andrea Barzagli – DC
The 24 year old Centre Back has a lot of work to do in order to fulfill the high expectations of him. The move to Old Trafford can either make his career to end it. I’m hoping for success from the former U21 international.

Alessandro Iannicello – DC
The young centre back was seen as a highly touted youngster at Roma before I snapped him up and brought him north to Turin, he will benefit from the English reserve league, waiting for Cannavaro to hang up his boots.

Marco Rossi – DC

Another steal from Parma’s youth system, I felt really bad for snapping him up, but made sure Parma got what they deserved for him (a 9 million incentive offer laden transfer). After snapping up the youngster a few years ago, I saw all the qualities of an extremely capable centre back, and have personally dubbed him the new Franco Baresi. Many great things are expected of him in the near future.
Giorgio Chiellini – WB R/L
The young Juve wing back has all the tools to be a quality player for both club and country. This is the furthest he’s ever been from home, but the youngster has many teammates around him, so he can feel a bit more comfortable, while he learns the language and lifestyle.

Fabio Grosso D/WB/M l
The formerly unknown wingback was seen by my scouts about 3 years ago before he joined Palermo and they told me to keep a close eye on him. He’s turning out to be a nice surprise for the Azzurri outfit, and has impressed many around the world.
Aleandro Rosi – Wing Back
Rosi had a falling out with his teammates at Roma, and I immediately snapped up the promising youngster for a mere million Euros. He is progressing nicely, and looks to get some first team action should any of my starters go down with injuries.

Mario Bolatti – DM
The young Argentine/Italian player was discovered by my scouts after playing a collection of Argentine clubs during my tour there in my first season at Juventus. A steal, and a very reliable defensive anchorman, who will be used in a shut down role.

Lucas Pezzini-Leiva – DM
The former Gremio youngster was also discovered during my trip to Argentina. With his Italian passport, he was an immediate purchase. I normally despise Brazilian talent, but this kid was phenomenal. With his Italian passport, I don’t see why he won’t see time with the Azzurri before cracking Brazil’s squad.
Andrea Pirlo – DM
Italy’s top playmaker, he was a virtual unknown around the world prior to the World Cup, he has shone brightly in Germany, and with the amount of money I had invested in him to lure him away from Milan, he will definitely get as many touches on the ball to continue to justify my 50 million plus purchase.
Riccardo Montolivo – Midfield
The U21 starlet is gaining wide recognition within Italy about his potential, and now with a move to the Mecca of Football, his potential will be spoken of in many of the local pubs throughout the world.
Kim Kallstrom – Midfield
The young Swede has been a personal favourite of mine for many years. After playing against him in the Champion’s League with Djurgarden, I snapped him up with immediate effect. Will most likely be platooning the midfield with his younger counterparts.

Jaime Peters – Midfield
The Canadian international is extremely quick, and possesses a great crossing foot. He will see time opposing Ronaldo on the wings, and will definitely look to get the ball forward whenever possible.

Jonathan de Guzman – Midfield
The Canadian youngster moved from Dutch club Feyenoord for a moderate fee, before really breaking out onto the scene while I had him on loan at Udinese. Will see limited time, and looks to be loaned out to gain experience.

Juan Pablo Francia – Midfield
The young Argentine, who is also eligible to play for Italy will be on loan back to Italy in order to gain some much needed first team experience.

Shunsuke Nakamura – Midfield
The Japanese international is considered a god in the Land Of The Rising Sun. His move to Man U will help our merchandising revenue in Japan, which means huge dollars for Manchester United.

Alessandro Del Piero – Forward
The legendary forward brings instant influence, grace, and a deadly dead ball taker to Man U. The Italian international has officially been named as the new captain of Manchester United.

Fabrizio Miccoli – Forward
Miccoli has been underused throughout his career, but has found a new home in England. Will see time in the second and third string games, and prior to major games to avoid injuries to my main guns.

Luca Toni – Striker
The 6`4 Italian giant was built to dominate in England. Big, strong and extremely agile, he will make use of the English style of play, and will likely dominate the Premiership.

Alberto Gilardino – Striker
The 24 year old hitman sees England as a new challenge. Yet another Parma youth product, it seems that he wasn`t happy at Milan, and the move from Milan, to Juve rejuvenated his career, and is hoping this move to England will launch him to superstardom.
With the long list of new blood wearing the red and gold of United, there are several bids that have been accepted, and it looks as if the young guns will be coming into the set up at Old Trafford, and hopefully their dreams will come true at United.

Juventino10

July 9 2007 ~ The Invasion
After about 6 days of negotiations, in bringing some of the brightest youngsters in the game over to Manchester United, I had finally realized it would either take a series of unfortunate events on the other side(s), or a stroke of luck on our behalf in order for Man U to become both contenders now, and in the long term. And just then, it happened.

Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes was injured in training, and will likely be out for the entire season, thanks to severe damage to cruciate knee ligaments. Barcelona was now in a desperate need for a goalkeeper, and that is when I sent Frank Rijkaard a text message.

Frank, van der Sar is yours, but I want dos Santos in return; I will pay you 6.5 million plus my keeper for him. Waiting for your reply, Carlo

Within the hour, Rijkaard accepted, and I began negotiations with the young Mexican.

Moments later, I received several messages from the agents of some of the worlds youngest and brightest, who declared their love to play in the red and white of Manchester. Agents for the likes of Sergio Aguero, Carlos Vera, Salvatore Foti, Frederico Laurito, Arturo Vidal, Nicolas MIllan, Francisco Merida, Aleandro Rosi, Arturo Lupoli, Andrea Gasbarroni and Vito Mannone wanted to be a part of my future at Manchester. I submitted bids, and told the player agents that in order to join up, they must make sure they no longer wish to be a part of their current clubs. The agents had assured me of their and their player’s full cooperation. I responded in kind, and anticipated their arrivals, and was smiling widely with glee.

July 26 2006 ~ The moment of truth.

After Italy had secured their 4th World Cup trophy, most of my players had made their official presentations, to the world via the Man Utd press conferences. Each player briefly stated what it was like to pull on the United jersey, and how they will do their part in bringing United back to European and domestic success. Once each signing was unveiled, I shocked the crowd by announcing another (and possibly final) intake of transfers to Manchester. I assured them all the pieces to the puzzle were set, and the only money I needed now was for their contracts, since I assured the board and the fans I will probably not buy another player for a long while.
Giovanni dos Santos – FW The young Mexican who holds a Brazilian passport will strut his stuff at Old Trafford next season. He is too talented to play in the U18 so he will spend the year at the reserve level.

Sergio Aguero – AM/FC – The young Argentine nullified his move to Atletico, and decided to switch his targets to play for Manchester. I assured him that within the next two seasons he will see his chance to play for the senior team, but for now will master his craft in the reserves, alongside dos Santos.
Carlos Vera – FW Another young Mexican, he and dos Santos have torn up the U17 World Cup and plan to do the same at next year’s U20 in Canada. Will spend the first half in the U18 to get used to the Premiership game, and may go out on loan by season’s end.
Salvatore Foti – ST – The young Italian, who is labelled the next Luca Toni, realizes that his time will come once he is ready. In the meantime, he will split time between the U28, reserves and on loan.
Arturo Lupoli – ST – The former Arsenal and Parma youngster felt that with Henry, Ljunberg and the like ahead of him, and Wegner’s dislike of him, has made him expendable, and despite seeing Rooney, and his heroes ahead of him, he comes in knowing, just like his younger teammates, his time will come.
Frederico Laurito, ST – The young Argentine, formerly of Udinese, decided that Morgan de Sanctis’s transfer was the worst move for the club, and decided he wanted to move along with him. At Manchester, he will receive training from the top coaches, and play alongside his hero, Luca Toni.
Arturo Vidal – DC –The young Chilean comes to Europe, and settles on Man U, despite offers from Inter, Madrid and Porto. The chance of playing at one of the most recognizable stadiums was too good to turn down, and will see time learning from his new mentor, Fabio Cannavaro
Nicolas MIllan – FW The 14 year old Chilean will make his move to Man U once he turns 17. He will join the club around the same time as the storied twins from Fluminese in 2008.
Francisco Merida MF/FW – The former Arsenal man had a public outburst with teammate Rosicky. Wegner decided that losing Rosicky would be more hurtful than the young Spaniard.
Aleandro Rosi DF/WB – Italy’s best kept secret at fullback, he will learn from Grosso and Chiellini, while running the Reserves back end.
Andrea Gasbarroni AM – The Juventus attacker will move to Man U once his loan at Parma is complete. He will probably be moved back to Italy, in order to help his development.
Vito Mannone – GK – The young Italian U19 international felt it was too good to be true to play alongside his idol GiGi Buffon.. He is currently learning from Italy’s top shot stopper, and will hopefully succeed him as the number one in the future.

Juventino10

July 31 ~ The vacation
I had decided that I needed a break from this transferring, wheeling and dealing, and just needed to shut down in order to fully prepare for our first league campaign. Before I set out, I had named Carlos Queiroz as a coach, effectively removing him from his Assistant role, but left him in charge of the U18 squad, and in a sense my most prized possessions, my young guns for the future. I had named Gianluca Vialli the solo Assistant Manager, after bringing him over from Juventus. He was left to deal with all matters of the first team and the reserves until I returned from my vacation in the Italian Alps prior to our first competitive match against West Ham in the Premiership. As I began my leave, I informed my staff to provide me details of all impending transfer offers/loans/bosmans via my private cell phone number. I saluted the crew, said a quick goodbye to my Juve faithful, and headed off for some much deserved relaxation.

August 1 ~ Welcome home
I returned to my vacation home in the Alps that I had purchased after my hefty signing bonus once my career began at Juventus almost 3 years ago. Surprisingly, everything was as I had left it, including my beloved Ferrari Enzo in the storage facility a few miles in behind the villa. I entered the room, and my cell phone rang. Figuring it was one of my coaches calling me about an injury I answered immediately. Turns out it was a secretary from Juventus. I asked her how she got this number, and was about to hang up. Before I could she assured me it wasn’t my staff that sprung a leak. It was the new Juventus chairman Franzo Grande Stevens, who had kicked a few tires and found out via TIM. I had figured as much, seeing as how Juve are used to phone taps, but them using one for their advantage had me puzzled. She assured me that Mr. Stevens wanted to talk, and would be at my villa within the hour. I decided to go along with it, and quickly had some of what was left from my liquor cabinet set and chilled for his arrival.

Mr. Stevens was nothing like his predecessor. He was polite, and humble. He asked me how I was, and about my new position. I responded in kind, and assured him if he was trying anything fishy, I`d have to have a little talk with both the Italian FA and UEFA. He assured me no funny business will be handled, and this was an informal meeting. He apologized for the way the club handled the scandal, and assured me the new Juventus was nothing like the old regime. He also asked that I not forget where I came from, and how in a sense all that I have, including this residence was because if La Vecchia Signora. I assured him that I was very grateful of my previous employers, and that had the scandal not linked me personally and Mr. Agnelli hadn’t fingered me as the sole proprietor, I would probably still be at Juve, even with the point deduction. Mr. Stevens was very pleased with my response, and reminded me that the door was always open to return, should I ever want to. I thanked him for that, and he left. I smiled a little bit, but knowing my former club as well as I do, there seemed something fishy about that informal meeting.

I had received a phone call about an hour later, asking me about the fate of Arturo Lupoli. I had told Vialli that if he were to move on loan, it must be within England or Italy. The only offer that matched my requests was Aston Villa, and I told Vialli to allow the move. Following that phone call, I decided to watch some TV, and the news broke out that Marcello Lippi had resigned as Italian manager, despite lifting the world cup trophy. I leaned forward a bit, just to make sure I had heard correctly, and my ears perked after hearing I was one of the candidates to take over the role. I remembered that Juventus, along with Milan, Inter and Roma being the largest clubs in Italy all had some sort of pull with the Italian FA, that some form of mutual agreement that should a vacancy in the Italian Job be open, each of the 5 clubs can nominate a current or former manager to the role, and submit it for approval. I was a bit confused now by Mr. Stevens arrival, and immediately sprang forward once I remembered about the last piece of advice he had given me...don’t forget where you have come from.

Juventino10

August 16th ~ The Premiership Awaits.
I arrived back in Manchester that afternoon, bringing home with me my Enzo, and a new custom built Ferrari that the company had crafted for me after some design specifications I submitted them about a year ago. In glorious Manchester red (a bit of foreshadowing, maybe?) I pulled into the offices at Old Trafford with news that Man U were named 2-1 co favourites to conquer the Premiership, along with Chelski. Other than that, I was well prepared for my encounter on Saturday vs. West Ham. I submitted me starting 11 to my secretary, and informed her to inform Mr. Vialli about it, and to prepare those 11 to play. I tied up some loose ends, before heading home to my new flat just down the street from the grounds, and took a deserving nap prior to my return to coaching duties.

August 19th 2006 ~ In The Beginning
As the squad and I trotted around the dressing room prior to our opening contest, I received a memo from Chairman Roberto Baggio, wishing myself the best of luck prior to the match, and that he will be watching. I gave my final speech to the lads, and we headed off for our warm-up, and to open the season under the bright lights and numerous television cameras.

Barclay’s Premiership
Manchester United vs. Aston Villa
Old Trafford, Manchester

GK – Buffon
DC – Barzagli
DC – Cannavaro
WBR – Chiellini
WBL – Grosso
DMC – Pirlo
MC - Cristiano Ronaldo
MC – Peters
AMC – Del Piero (c)
FC – Rooney
FC – Toni
Subs: De Sanctis, Vidal, Lucas Pezzini, Montolivo, Gilardino
The match opened up with Manchester roaring out of the gate. With virtually all the ball possession, we controlled the game on the field, and narrowly missed several glorious chances at opening the scoreline. I have always been a coach who believed that football is a thinking man’s game, and that if you can distract an opponent for even a moment, you have won. That moment proved true at the 23rd minute, when off a Pirlo corner kick, Peters broke free from his man, and was immediately brought down in the area. The referee pointed to the spot, and young Giorgio Chiellini opened the scoring at the spot at 24’ with his first ever goal. Rooney nearly made it 2-0 immediately after the kickoff, but his long distance lob from the halfway line just went wide of the net. Rooney got his chance to show he wanted to stay on the first 11, by scoring a close range volley from a Del Piero through ball over the top into the bottom left corner to double our lead at 32’. West Ham pull one back after a mistake from Buffon coming out for a ball, and the West Ham striker rounded him and put it into the open goal. The half ends with Luca Toni picking up a slight knock, but assured me he is ok to continue.

The second half saw West Ham pile on the pressure, and look for the tying goal. Buffon had to make some incredible stops to keep the scorline the way it was, and Manchester were looking to break away. We got our chance, as after a Tevez free kick was punched away by the Italian keeper, Pirlo sent a long ball to captain Alex Del Piero, who walked in and coolly passed on into the back of the net to make it 3-1 at 57`. Ronaldo made it 4-1 at 72`by curling a crossed shot into the near post, which completely baffled the keeper. After a West Ham player was sent off for elbowing Luca Toni in the face, I was about to sub him out, when he turned to me and mouthed one chance. I gave him that one chance, hoping he`d score to keep him in good faith. Her came agonizingly close in the final moments of the match, but just sent the ball wide, and Man U settled for a 4-1 victory over West Ham.

Final Score: Man U 4 (Chiellini (PK 24’)) (Rooney (32’) (Del Piero (57’) (Ronaldo (72’) West Ham 1 (Ashton 35’)
Man Of The Match: Luca Toni (9)

BenArsenal

What happened to Sir Alex then?

Juventino10

After the `Board Takeover`Sir Alex was removed from his position with immediate affect, and is still looking for work. In actuality, he was removed much like all other managers once you decide on taking over a club. Thanks for pointing that out though.

Tuesday August 22 ~ Be Gone
We arrived at Madejski stadium in Reading early that morning, and I figured I’d give the boys the morning off to relax and prepare mentally for this evening’s contest. As I prepared for the match that evening, I received a long distance phone call from my hotel room. I accepted the phone call, and it turns out it was former English international and captain David Beckham. Curiously, I wondered what the purpose of this phone call was, and he told me he may have jumped the gun in moving to L.A., especially now that Sir Alex has been removed, as well as the Glazers, and wished to return to Old Trafford. I reminded him about the contract he signed with The Galaxy, but he assured me he had an opt out clause, and would enact it should I decide to make a bid. He also assured me the deal will go through without a hitch, since L.A. would keep their money, and get some more due to the purchase. Becks said it was win/win, and if I went along with it, he would do his utmost to pay it back to me on the field. I had secretly hoped his “payback” would be Posh, but what can you do? I told him I’d look into that possibility once that road is to be crossed, and wished him the best of luck in the future. I looked at my clock, and realized it was game time.

Barclay’s Premiership
Manchester United @ Reading
Madejski Stadium, Reading
GK – Buffon
DC – Barzagli
DC – Cannavaro
WBR – Chiellini
WBL – Grosso
DMC – Pirlo
MC - Cristiano Ronaldo
MC – Peters
AMC – Del Piero (c)
FC – Rooney
FC – Toni
Subs: De Sanctis, Vidal, Lucas Pezzini, Montolivo, Gilardino
The game began with Man U firing on all cylinders, and looking for the early goal. It came at 3’ when Ronaldo sent in a driven corner kick to the left foot of captain Alex Del Piero, who coolly volleyed it home to open the scoring 1-0 for the good guys. Things looked sour as Del Piero was injured at the stroke of halftime after a dangerous two footed tackle, which seemed to go unnoticed by the officials. I threw profanities towards the 4 officials in Italian, and was completely livid at the non call. Vidal assured me if he were to get an opportunity to get into the game; he’d make sure Reading paid. I kept my composure, as Man U went into the half with a 1-0 lead.
The second half sees Reading begin to sink without a trace, with Montolivo replacing the injured Del Piero. In a justifiable act by the soccer gods, Bikley, the man who injured Del Piero had put the ball past his own keeper. As if it weren’t bad enough, he seemed to pick up a knock as well, but remained in the game. Luca Toni at 55’ broke his club duck by scoring on a complete miscue by Reading. A 55 yard back pass was picked up by the Italian hit-man, and was slotted home 40 yards out, as the Reading keeper was screaming at his backline for their terrible decisions. Reading pick up a consolation goal at 77’, but it seems too little too late as Man U walk away the victors.

Final Score: Man U 3 (Del Piero (3’) Bikey (O.G. 47’) Toni (55’)) Reading 1 (Doyle (77’))
Man Of The Match: Andrea Barzagli (8)