[FM11] Last save before FM12, Fired up a big gun, Man Utd - replacing the irreplaceable!

[lhinchliffe]

(I thought before the FM 2012 came out, I would fire up a save with a big gun, I choose Manchester United. Here is my story)

Shock news reverberates around the footballing world, 1st July 2010 Sir Alex Ferguson has finally called it a day. Having achieved everything in football and unable to compete with Barcelona in recent times, he's decided to step down and let another manager continue the succession of this great footballing club. Though he would have liked to have knocked Liverpool of their "perch", he has equalled their number of titles which back in 1992 seemed an impossible task.

David Gill, paid tribute to the best manager that we have ever seen in the footballing world and someone who is unlikely to be matched in the future. David reassured fans through the press, stating "We have planned for this event, though we didn't think it would happen so soon. We will release information later on today at our press conference at 12."

A Brief Club History...

Manchester United are one of the most famous names in world football and have been the most successful in England since the inception of the Premier League in 1992. After a barren spell of 26 years without a league championship United finally topped the table in 1992-93 and have since won another 10 titles under the stewardship of Sir Alex Ferguson to equal Liverpool's record of 18 titles.

However, the fame, glamour and success of the modern day heroes is a far cry from the club's humble origins as Newton Heath. Founded by railway workers in 1878, Newton Heath eventually joined the Football League in 1892 and their name was changed to Manchester United a decade later. Under this new guise the club celebrated its first league championship in 1908.

Despite some early successes, the club spent many seasons in the old 2nd Division and it is not until after the Second World War that United's modern day reputation began to find solid foundations. Matt Busby arrived at a time when United were playing home matches at Maine Road due to bomb damage to Old Trafford but soon developed a young team capable of challenging the best in the country. After winning three league titles in the 50s, the 'Busby Babes' were tragically decimated by the Munich air crash of February 1958 where 23 people lost their lives, among them some of the most talented footballers of their generation such as Duncan Edwards, Liam Whelan and Tommy Taylor.

Busby recovered from serious injuries to build another great team, featuring the dynamic triumvirate of Bobby Charlton, Denis Law and the mercurial genius from Belfast, George Best. A decade on from Munich, United won their first European Cup by beating Benfica 4-1 at an emotionally charged Wembley Stadium. This was the pinnacle though and decline set in rapidly for an aging United, culminating in relegation from Division 1 in 1974. FA Cup successes aside, United were a sleeping giant in the 1970s and 80s, watching painfully on as arch rivals Liverpool swept all before them at home and in Europe.

The seeds for a new era of success were sown in 1986 when Alex Ferguson succeeded Ron Atkinson as manager. Ferguson initially struggled to exert his disciplinary style on Big Ron's team and flirted with the sack before FA Cup success in 1990 and Cup Winners Cup glory in 1991 set the wheels in motion for a remarkable era of dominance. Inspired by the flair of Eric Cantona, the never-say-die attitude of Roy Keane, the remarkable goalkeeping of Peter Schmeichel and a crop of young stars such as Giggs, Scholes and Beckham, United dominated the English game in the 90s in a manner similar to Liverpool in the 80s. The crowning glory was victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League Final in 1999, United incredibly clawing victory from the jaws of defeat by scoring twice in injury time to win 2-1.

United have continued their successes into the new millenium and a further Champions League crown was secured in Moscow in 2008. Old Trafford has been treated to the talents of many modern superstars such as Ruud van Nistelrooy, Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand while Alex Ferguson, now Sir Alex, continues going strong almost a quarter century into his tenure. Recent years have seen turmoil off the pitch however following the sale of the club to the Glazer family. This has seen the club being plunged into debt and the long term future of Manchester United is far from certain.

Sir Alex's current starting XI

GK – Edwin van der Sar - joined United from Fulham at the beginning of the 2005/06 season. The experienced Dutchman started his career at Ajax, winning a Champions League winners medal in 1995. He has proven to be a top class goalkeeper for United who had been desperately searching for an able replacement for Peter Schmeichel following his departure in 1999.

DR – Rafael da Silva - Rafael and his twin brother Fábio first came to the attention of United scouts in 2005 and both eventually signed for the club in January 2008. An attacking full-back, Rafael impressed greatly in his 1st season, immediately staking a claim for a regular first team spot. Despite a sticky 2nd season, Rafael remains an excellent long term prospect for United and received his first call up to the senior Brazil squad in July 2010.

DL - Patrice Evra – the jet-propelled French left back has been a firm favourite with the Old Trafford faithful since his arrival from Monaco in 2006. After recovering from a troublesome start, Evra has since made the left back berth his own and has proven to be a bargain at £5.5m. Although nominally a defender, Evra plays an important part in United's attacking play with his tireless bursts on the left flank.

DC – Nemanja Vidic – signed in the same transfer window as Evra, Vidic is a no nonsense defender in the mould of former United captain Steve Bruce. Signed from Spartak Moscow, Vidic has established himself as one of the leading centre backs in the European game and has been named as United captain for the 2010/11 campaign.

DC – Rio Ferdinand – despite costing in the region of £30m from Leeds United, Rio has proved his worth to United time and again and has been pivotal in the club's success over the past 8 years. A classy and composed defender, Rio is the perfect partner to Vidic's more abrasive style. Increasingly troubled by injury, Rio's fitness remains crucial to United's hopes for further silverware.

MR - Nani – following the unfortunate injury to Antonio Valencia, Nani now has the perfect opportunity to showcase his exceptional talent in his favourite position on a regular basis. Signed from Sporting Lisbon in 2007, Nani spent his early days in the shadow of compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo. His performances in 2010 have shown that he is ready to become a key member in United's attack for years to come.

ML – Ryan Giggs – the most decorated player in English football history, Giggs is a credit to Manchester United and the game of football itself. Almost 20 years on from his United debut, Giggs has since surpassed Sir Bobby Charlton's club appearance record and is still an important member of the 1st team squad. No longer the flying winger of yester-year, Giggs has adapted his game to cope with his loss of pace and can still unlock a tight defence with an astute pace, cross or flick.

MC – Paul Scholes – another unassuming United legend, Scholes is surely the greatest midfielder United have produced since Charlton. A fixture in the United team since 1995, Scholes continues to be United's chief source of inspiration in the centre of the park with his exceptional range of passing and has started the 2010/11 season in vintage style.

MC – Darren Fletcher – another product of United's academy, Fletcher has become the heartbeat of the United midfield. Fletcher has been a part of the United 1st team squad since 2003/04 and has blossomed in recent years to become a key player for the club. Now Scotland captain, his combative nature and non-stop workrate on the pitch, combined with a level headed maturity off it, mark him out as a future United skipper also.

ST – Wayne Rooney – a phenomenal talent from the age of 16 in Everton's 1st team, Rooney signed for United following his remarkable performance at Euro 2004 when still only 18. Still only in his mid-20s, Rooney has potentially another decade at the top of his profession and has already notched over 150 goals for United. Injury and off the field troubles have caused a dip in his fine 2009/10 performance, but a return to form is surely only a matter of time for such a gifted footballer.

ST – Dimitar Berbatov – signed for a club record fee from Tottenham in 2008 the Bulgarian star is one of Europe's most gifted strikers on his day and is starting to show his best form for United at the begininning of the 2010/11 season. Criticised for his lackadaisical demeanour by some, his natural talent and flair is unquestionable.

Nation - England

Year Founded - 1878

Status - Professional

Reputation - Worldwide

Chairman Status - Loves the club

Legends – Sir Alex Ferguson, Bryan Robson, Sir Bobby Charlton, Ryan Giggs, Eric Cantona, Duncan Edwards, Denis Law, Sir Matt Busby, George Best

Icons – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Roy Keane, Paul Scholes,Steve Bruce, Gary Neville, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Peter Schmeichel, David Beckham

Favoured Personnel – Brian Kidd, Wayne Rooney, Brian McClair, Nicky Butt, Phil Neville, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mark Hughes

Derbies – Manchester Derby (vs Man City), Roses Derby (vs Leeds), North-West Derby (vs Liverpool)

Fierce Rivals – Liverpool, Man City, Leeds

Other Rivals – Arsenal, Bolton, Chelsea

Finances - Rich

Average Ticket Price – £39.00

Average Season Ticket Price - £730

Estimated Value - £344M (Loan Debt: £664M)

Continental Competition -European Champions Cup

Stadium – Old Trafford, 75797 all seater

Training Facilities - Top Training Facilities

Youth Facilities – Good youth Facilities + Youth Academy

Youth Recruitment – Well established youth recruitment

Captain = Nemanja Vidic - Vice-captain = Gary Neville

Expections – Minimum expectation is a title challenge

Transfer Budget – Winner - £21.5m/£1.8m per week in wages or Title Challenge - £17.5m in transfers/£1.6m in wages

[lhinchliffe]

David Gil calls a press conference for 12pm to tell the onlooking media who will be stepping into Sir Alex's shoes.

The press are ushered in to the conference room and take their seats awaiting for Man Utd officials to come out and take their seats. A Glazer family man leads the officials out, followed by a semi familiar face, a 26 year old former footballer, David Gill and Sir Matt Busby make up the other seats. The press are taken back a little in shock. How could a 26 year old, be it a dynamo attacking midfielder who in 30 games for his country scored 13 goals be the man to replace Sir Alex. His footballing career cut short by an horrific injury, he has since been gaining his coaching badges while working at various clubs around Europe. David Gill speaks first, "Well, I give you the man with have utter faith in replacing Sir Alex, Luke Hinchliffe." The flashes go crazy, slightly stunning a man who has been in the background of football for the past 4 years since his playing days suddenly came to an end.

In the ensuring interview, the new manager seems relaxed and calm, overing the fans reassuring comments about how he will continue the Manchester United tradition under Sir Alex of winning and winning with some flair. The unveiling ends and the press are ushered out. Sensing his opportunity with both Gill and a Glazer their, Luke stuns them by insisting the £21m transfer budget to win the title, even though is easily achievable, he has bigger aims and wants to close the gap between them and Barcelona but can only do so if they increase his budget. Gill and Glazer have a chat a give a nod. Within moments the new budget has been spend, Luke worked fast and brought in the Atletico Madrid pair of David de Gea for £17.5m and Sergio Aguero for £39m.

Within the first 5 days of his job, Luke has gone through the staff members, releasing and replacing those he deems not in the long term interest of his squad. He has enforced his fitness regime, working with sports scientist to get squad members into perfect condition to last the whole season, though he knows this will not be perfected till September the following season.

Luke has split the squad into two separate units, to fit in with his preferred formation of 3-2-3-2

-------GK-------

---CD-CD-CD---

----AM---AM----

W-----AM------W

----ST---ST-----

with variations including

-------GK-------

---CD-CD-CD---

DW-AM-AM-DW

-------CM------

----ST---ST-----

And

-------GK-------

---CD-CD-CD---

----AM---AM----

-------TM-------

IW--ST--ST--IW AM in these formation means anchor man.

The two units are defensive and offensive. He has told players to do their homework on Barcelona's style of play as this is something he wants to implement in the team. There will be fines for direct long balls and poor match performance, welcome to my team.

On the Sunday, after having a bad nights sleep due to thinking about Barcelona, I go and see David again about the budget and talk through my plans of getting the best young players to come into the squad over the next 3/4 years. He agrees but tells me this will be the last budget change. Within the next week or so I draw up a list of players I want and those who can leave. By the end of the summer here is who I bought and sold

Transfers in:

David de Gea £17.5m, Sergio Aguero £39m, Eden Hazard £16m, Thorgan Hazard £2.2m, Sergi Gomez £4.4m, Nempalys Mendy £2.2m, Sergio Araujo £3.8m, Jack Butland £1.1m, Paulo Henrique £22m, Toloi Rafael £5m and Raphael Varane £6.25m. I also have Alex Chamberlain £1.3m and Connor Wickham £3. coming in at the end of the season to give them playing time with their team.

Total outlay: £119m

Transfers out:

Darren Gibson £4.6m, Matt James £3m, Ryan Tunnicliffe £375k, Robbie Brandy 300k, Joshua King £2.5m, Fabio £4m, Rafael £5m, Dimitar Berbatov £9.25m, Patrice Evra £15m and Micheal Owen £1.8m. I have also agreed 5 loan deals with cash upfront with a future fee payable if they want to make the transfer permeant: Wes Brown £500k, Park Ji Sung £600k, Tomaz Kuszczak £475k, John O'Shea £1.1m and Darren Fletcher £2.3m.

Total £51m.

With 13 new faces, it was a safe bet that I was the busiest within the transfer window, signing some great young talent and clearing out an ageing squad. I've lined up 6 friendly fixtures with a Nike Cup competition a week before my first real challenge of Chelsea in the Community Shield.

We start with a home game against Sau Paulo, a game we just win 1-nil. The players are slowly getting use to the new system and it's early days. My first win is followed up by an away win against Club Brugge, 2-nil. Followed by a wonderful 1-nil win away to florentina. Sadly my winning ways aren't to go on throughout the season as we are held 2-2 by Sevilla away from home. We travel to Mexico to play Chivas and America (MEX) were we record a 2-nil victory against Chivas but a shocking 2-3 lose against America (MEX).

A week before the community shield against Chelsea, a home cup friendly is organised called the Nike Cup. In the semi Final we play HSV who we beat 3-1. The final is us v Girondins Bordeaux who we beat comfortably 2-nil in front of our own fans. I'm delighted to win the first cup for Man Utd after Sir Alex has gone.

[salkster2102]

This is probably better off in the Careers section.

[FMtillidie]

good luck with this excellent signings

[tenthreeleader]

Industrious work, but see Salk's comments.

Can you flesh out your match reports a bit? Some sort of story element would be really good, and would keep the story here instead of in Careers. I hate having to keep sending people over there, but there is a difference between that forum and this one, namely words.

[lhinchliffe]

I do apologise, who should I ask to move it over? You, Tenthreeleader? I was going to do a split between in depth match reports and flashing reference so will probably be better suited to the careers section.

Sorry again and thanks in advanced for moving it over!

[HorusFM]

Moved to Careers on request.

[jackripper]

why did you sell Evra? crazy

[lhinchliffe]

Thanks Gavrewick.

I sold Evra as I prefer playing 3CB's and feel that he would be limited to opportunities within my squad.