Where Does Manchester United Go From Here?

Without doubt, Manchester United is one of the most exciting and consistent football teams ever to grace the turf.

With two titles already under their belts this season, there is still the potential to make that in to four, with the Premiership and European Champion`s League titles still to play for.

True, at times they`ve looked jaded, a result of playing so many matches during the season. And, to remain successful United will have to continue to bring good young players through the system, and probably to enter the transfer market when the window opens at the end of the season.

Sir Alex Ferguson will certainly be at the club next year, but what after that? He`s one of the most successful managers of all time. Whenever he does retire, his successor has a tall order to keep the club at the level we`ve seen over the past decade.

And, what about the tried and trusted players who have served Manchester United so magnificently over the years? Scholes, Beckham, Giggs, Butt and the Neville brothers were synonymous with the United success of much of the 1990`s. Of those, only Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, and Ryan Giggs remain. When outfield players reach their mid-30`s in football most are generally in the final part of their playing days, and contracts tend to be given on just a year-by-year basis.

Paul Scholes recently played his 600th game for the Reds against Portsmouth. Scholes is a `players player`- his talent recognized by other players, managers, and fans alike. Giggs now tends to come on as substitute (a very good substitute at that), and Gary Neville has been beset by injuries since last season, and is struggling to find his old form.

Michael Carrick is reliable in midfield, Patrice Evra at left back, and Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic as centre halfs are rock-like in defence. Following his knee surgery in November 2008, Owen Hargreaves should be back next season. Edwin van der Sar has another season left on his contract, though Ben Foster is a good goalkeeper, a future England keeper many reckon.

The rumours surrounding the `will he/won`t he` transfer to Real Madrid of Cristiano Ronaldo persist. And as good as Fletcher, Nani, Ji-Sung Park, and Anderson are, none of them have yet shone as consistently great players.

If Ronaldo does leave, Manchester United won`t only lose a midfield player, they`ll lose a striker too, who`s one of the best goal scorers there is. And with Carlos Tevez seemingly still undecided about his future at Old Trafford, the strike force of the experienced Berbatov and Rooney may not be enough. Having said that of course, youngsters such as the Da Silva twins, Jonny Evans, Darron Gibson, Danny Welbeck and the very confident Federico Macheda are all excellent future prospects for Manchester United.

The problem may be the gap that could be created by the loss of the current experienced-but getting on in years-senior players, and the youngsters who are coming along. Fergie hasn`t let Manchester United down thus far. Where do United go from here? Hopefully onward and upwards, but only time will tell.

Geoff runs a Manchester United blog and takes a look at Our Insatiable Appetite for TV Cooking Programs

Cornell Introduces Kent Austin As Head Football Coach

The Cornell press conference announcing the hiring of Kent Austin as the 26th head football coach in Cornell history on Jan. 27, 2010 in the Hall of Fame Room in Schoellkopf Memorial Hall.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zx49sYnM7yw&hl=en

LSU Tigers 2008 College Football Team Preview

The LSU offense is stacked. There is an abundance of talent at the running back and receiver positions. The Tigers also have an experienced and talented offensive line. But who will be under center? Ryan Perrilloux, MVP of the SEC title game, was dismissed from the team for repeated team rules violations. The guys behind Perrilloux on the depth chart, Jarrett Lee and Andrew Hatch, have basically no experience at this level.

The LSU running game looks to be a three-headed monster. Keiland Williams (478 yards, 6 touchdowns), Charles Scott (439 total yards, 7 touchdowns) and Richard Murphy (304 total yards, 2 touchdowns) all figure to play a significant role in the LSU rushing attack.

The Tigers also have one of the best receiver tandems in the nation. Brandon LaFell and speedy Demetrius Byrd combined for 85 receptions, 1,277 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. Tight end Richard Dickson is another great receiving threat.

With four starters back this season, LSU boasts one of the most experienced offensive lines in the SEC. Left tackle Ciron Black, left guard Herman Johnson and center Brett Helms have All-SEC talent.

There is plenty of depth along the defensive line. Tyson Jackson and Kirston Pittman are the returning starters at the ends. They'll get help from Rahim Alem and Ricky Jean-Francois, the defensive MVP of the BCS Championship Game. Jean-Francois, Marlon Favorite and Charles Alexander lead the rotation inside. Al Woods and Drake Nevis could also see significant action.

Middle linebacker Darry Beckwith played the last few games of 2007 with an injured shoulder, but still recorded 65 tackles in 12 games. Beckwith will have a new starter on each side. Perry Riley, Kelvin Sheppard and Jacob Cuttera will be competing for the two starting outside linebacker jobs.

In the secondary, free safety Curtis Taylor is the lone returning starter. Nickel back Danny McCray is also back for 2008. Chad Jones and Harry Coleman will compete for time at strong safety. There will also be a lot of competition for the two starting cornerback spots. Chris Hawkins, Jai Eugene, Patrick Johnson and Brandon Taylor are all in the mix.

Senior kicker Colt David is back. David converted all 63 extra-point tries last season and also connected on 26-of-33 field goal attempts. All-SEC punter Patrick Fisher is gone. Senior Brady Dalfrey is Fisher's likely replacement.

The defending national champs will have a tough row to hoe this year. With a question mark at quarterback and a schedule that will have them playing at Auburn and Florida, as well as a home game against Georgia, this could be a two- or three-loss season for the Tigers. Another national title run doesn't appear likely. A BCS bowl game for LSU should be viewed as a successful season.

Dwayne Bryant is the owner of Bullseye Sports Handicapping Service. Dwayne, among the best free sports handicappers, has been handicapping successfully for over 20 years. Dwayne gives a daily free sport pick, including a free college football pick every Saturday during the season.