Manchester United Round One Report

What a season this has been turning out. A team that no one believed would be able to save themselves from relegation last season not only survived it but also right now in top three, Leicester City. And importantly out of the top 5 goal scorer three were not even that known entity. Vardy emerges out as one of the most lethal forward and bettering Nistlerooy's record of scoring in 10 consecutive league matches over the span of two leagues by one. Blues- champions of last season- has seen a complete turnaround of their fortunes as The Special One is sacked and now they are on the brink of being relegated. But most talked about has to be Red Devils. Spent more than 250 mil quid in transfer windows and yet to see any daylight change into their fortunes since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson. Appointment of Loius Van Gaal as manager last season raised hopes for the Old Trafford faithful that we might recover. But all in vain same result as what was during Moyes term but costlier.

What went wrong :

There’s only one question what went wrong? Team showed some resurgence after the Moyes’ term under Van Gaal’s 1^st year by entering into top quadrat eventually qualifying for coveted Champions League. They had an eventful summer transfer window with many names coming and leaving out with millions of quid spent.  

It’s the mentality of Philosopher as he’s heavily hailed by his fans. He relies on a game of pace and has no one in his team who can be termed as athlete. Moreover it’s the defensive style that he has opted. He has made the game so boring that it’s even hard to sit around for even 30 mins. Having more than 50% of possession is not going to win you matches. As it was the case at Emirates where Devils were tamed in first 20 mins and United ended with 67% of possession. I think he has to understand that its Goal wins match. Moreover he should now stop experimenting with players positions. Means how hard it is to understand that you can’t ask someone write from right hand if he’s left-handed. And over that expecting top performance is hilarious and ridiculous at the same time.

And then there is a curious case of Maroune Fellaini. He’s been in the team only for his height advantage but even to score from set piece you have to have a killer instinct which for sure he doesn’t have. He’s kind of so aloof on pitch that I think sometimes manager has to shout from sideline to bring him back to his senses. Sometimes there a sense of feeling that one might wrap him and drop at Goodison Park as a Secret Santa gift.

Rubbing Salt on wounds:

It’s always difficult to face someone whom you reject. Now imagine more than one rejects perform upfront, seems bad. That’s exactly has been the case with United rejects. In fact you can build a team of Louis Van Gaal rejects with Javier Hernandez “Chicarito” leading the pack with the likes of Angel Di Maria, Nani, Kagawa, Wilson, Evans, Cleverly, Rafael, Fletcher. What’s interesting is Chicarito has single handedly outscored combined attacking trio at Old Trafford.

What’s next:

The winter window opens on New Year. But I doubt that United Board would allow him with any more money to waste looking at his previous two endeavors. Hope to see Luke Shaw and Valencia back. Might see Janujaz, Wilson and Blacket returning back from loan. This might strengthen all three fields for United. For once LVG should allow players to start on positions they are comfortable. And thanks to others club the difference to top is only 9 points and could be achieved. Fellaini has been given enough chances should be now sidelined or could be exchanged for even Target shopping coupons if that’s possible.

So let’s just hope for the best for the Devils in 2016.

Happy New Year

Manchester United November report

One more month ended. huff!! And still there is no signs of the Red Devils around the Manchester. They are lost I believe. 28 points after 14 games sitting at 3rd position with 1 point difference between them and toppers looks good on the paper. But then the story changes when you look at the number of draws played by the devils this season and that too goal-less draws. Not acceptable as it tells that the devils are lacking in attack even after spending 250m+ quid. And on that count the number of saves David De Gea made. And had he shifted to Madrid the scenario could have been worst.
For debating it might look good to argue that the team is in transition but its 30 months since SAF left and being in transition for this long doesn't make sense. Its not that he took that team with him. And I still believe its the brand of football United playing which is going to hamper there chances in the long run. Defence is integral part of game and everyone understands that but so is attack. Where are the goals. 

LVG turning Devils into puppies

This season Manchester didn't started well. And if something tells about the situation about season so far would be that other clubs aren't performing well. Liverpool still in search of someone to take the mantle left void after the departure of Suarez and departure of Rodgers is just making things worse for the anfield faithful. Move to London where Blues are in one of the worst start since Russian Oil tycoon overhaul if I am not wrong. The Special One is going through worst phase of his managerial career. His decisions are criticised by Stamford Bridge faithfuls by every going weekend. Chelsea is currently sitting on 15th withthin 11 points worst ever start by the reigning champions since premier league inception.
But amidst everything its Red Devils performance that is most worrying. They haven't looked like a team threat to their city rivals or gunners for the title. The fear instilled in teams is all lost and teams are coming with confidence that they can beat them. There is a stark difference between team of Ferguson era and one post his retirement. As I already pointed out that its devils back 4 which will have to look for in case there has to be any positive to take out.
They are lost I believe. 21 points after 11 games. But then the story changes when you look at the number of draws played by the devils this season and that too goal-less draws. Not acceptable as it tells that the devils are lacking in attack even after spending 250m+ quid. And on that count the number of saves David De Gea made. And had he shifted to Madrid, the scenario would have been worst.
For debating it might look good to argue that the team is in transition but its 28 months since SAF left and being in transition for this long doesn't make sense. Its not that he took that team with him. And I still believe its the brand of football United playing which is going to hamper there chances in the long run. Defence is integral part of game and everyone understands that but so is attack. Where are the goals is what every United faithful is asking for.Month started with humiliating defeat at Emirates where hosts took the match away in first 19 minutes. While Toffees were humiliated in their own backyard and gave the idea what this squad is capable of but the worst was in the store next two league games it was a draw wit our noisy neighbours and eagles. What was more excruciating was the fact that pick any of the 4 league match and Devils had more than 50% possession and wait , match at Emirates where they were humiliated they hold to 63%.

Virender Sehwag : A revolution

The way he started he started his career, he was dubbed as the next Tendulkar. I still remember the Bloemfontein, career your debut against proteas. And when Sourav Ganguly departed at 68 there was a magic at 22 yards two identical sachin that was the 1st impression you had on me. Your stance. that same back-foot punch on off side, the wristy whip to the leg and scoring that magical straight drive, sachin's signature was all over it. It was like somebody doing His impression in front of him and with supreme authority and authenticity. Even Sachin would be wondering on his mirror self shots. Had you come after his retirement than surely he would have made the same comment to his wife as what Sir Donald Bradman did to his,"Now I never saw myself play, but I felt that this player is playing with a style similar to mine".
But this was a start to an astonishing career. You redefined the whole concept of opening in tests, rather seeing off the 1st hour against new ball, you took the leather off that cherry. It was just matter of time that people started looking into you and started criticizing you technique. Everyone went on air to say that its matter of time for you to fail. But 12 years, 104 tests, 251 ODIs, 19 T20Is 17000+ international runs and 136 wickets what more could we have asked and if thats failure I am happy that you failed. You proved every critic wrong with the span of your career. You revolutionized the opening slot in the test cricket. Rather than those old school openers with the SR below 40, your blade was firing with 82 per 100 balls. There was always a terror in bowlers while delivering against 

Manchester United: Season so far

A new season for the devils has started and there are high hopes for manager who has a superb CV. The club has not performed as expected after the departure of the SAF. Still the enigma of Fergie been around as there has been a dismal season under David Moyes and last season under L. van Gaal didn't went as expected. Team got qualified for the Champions league but then performance was not that convincing and expectations of fans were higher and are not satisfied with anything less than silverware. In last two decades since the inception of the premier league in fact this is worst period that United has faced, i.e. , two years without any silverware.

Transfer Window:
There has been a heavy past where greats have joined United or were always had the desire to play for. But this is not the scenario for the last two seasons and players have snubbed United. No SAF, and then two dismal season without any silverware has made players conscious enough to think about their future at Theatre of Dreams. And if we see Van Gaal's team you might find there is no vision or at least that could be another reason.
The activity of this summer transfer was not good. There were players who saw last of old trafford were Nani, Van Persie, Rafael, Johnny Evans and Javier Hernandez, whereas Adnan was sent on loan to Dortmund. I didn't get reason for sending Rafael or Evans as both were good back and moreover latter was at this club since childhood. But most baffling was Adnan going on loan to Borussia where already 16 midfielder were present and that gives the chance of him getting 1st team experience. He was one player who should have been retained in the team. The defender could have been retained also because there are only 6 defenders right now at the club and Blind and Carrick has to play the role of defenders.
The window has seen the arrival of M. Depay, M. Darmian, M. Schneiderlin, B. Schweinsteiger and A. Martial. These all whole group is settling down nicely and mostly Darmian and Depay who are just improving after every game. And if you see weekend game against sunderland and Champions league fixture against Wolfsburg you can make out evidences of some good partnership building between Depay and Martial and it will be one duo to look after this season. Both are young and agile and add sound technicality and knowledge of football these two are showing which make you believe that title might be in devils grasps.
Retention of De Gea I believe was the best business that United have done this summer. Don't know who's mistake it was, whether los Blancos failed in paper work or was it from the Manchester in either case it just boosted the Reds chances of lifting the trophy this season. One of the best goal keepers around the Premier league and he's still in the mid 20's.

Evolution of Players:
There is one player whose evolution has attracted many and that is Mata. He's transformed into the most reliable players for the devils this season. From the best in the league as No.10 to best attacking midfielder. His performance against Sunderland and Wolfsburg were testimonial. His performance has even casted a shadow of the underperforming Rooney till now and till he's in-form captain gets another shot to hit form.
D. Blind is the other player who has transformed into the most versatile player donning the reds shirt. He's played as centreback holding midfielder and even the attacking. Might tell why the Philosopher added him into the ranks and could be seen as Carrick's replacement in the ranks.

What's Next
The trip to Emirates will be the crucial one as winning this fixture would put the noisy neighbors at arms length from the top till the league resumes after the international break. Partnership of Depay and Martial will be key to road to silverware for Devils this season and how this team put their defensive woes away as this is one area where United looks most vulnerable.
After International break they'll be travelling to goodison park and a mid week fixture away to CSKA Moscow to follow The Derby at Theatre of dreams. The defensive woes will continue till Rojo and Shaw comes back to 100 % fitness. And if any possible hope to be instilled in the fans that club could win the league they have to do some business in the January transfer window and look for some defenders.

Let's hope for the best still long way to go but this could be the defining season for the United after the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, already two seasons passed, will shape up team for future.

कुछ पंखतिया-२ ………

बड़ा हो गया हूँ ऐसा लोग कहते है ,
आज भी कितना बेवकूफ हूँ सिर्फ तुम जानते हो,
मुझे लोगो ने हँसते हुए देखा,
पर रोते हुए सम्भाला सिर्फ तूने,
ज़िन्दगी के हर मोड़ पे जीतते देखा,
पर मेरी हार पे हौसला बढ़ाया तूने ,
सब ने ज़िन्दगी में आगे बढ़ते देखा ,
,पर जब भी गिरा सम्भाला तूने,
लोगो ने सरहाया तूने ,
पर समझाया तूने,
मेरी कामयाबी क जश्न में सब थे ,
पर नाकामयाबी में साथ था तू,
दोस्त तो बने बहुत,
पर दोस्ती सिखाई तूने।

कुछ पंक्तियाँ .......

सोच के परेशान हूँ की इतना बुरा में कैसे हो गया ,
में बदला नहीं मुद्दतों से फिर भी मैं ऐसा क्यों हो गया ,
सोच रहा हु की में इतना बुरा कैसे हो गया ,
लगता है अब तक सपनो में जी रहा था ,
हसीन थे ख़्वाब वो जो अब तक जी रहा था ,
पता नहीं कैसे टूट गए एक बुरा ख्वाब बनके ,
सोच रहा हूँ की इतना बुरा कैसे हो गया,
हर पल जब बीता तब लगा हसीं ,
पर न जाने क्यों वह लम्हे हसीं यादें न बन सकी,
सोच के परेशान हूँ की इतना बुरा में कैसे हो गया,
चाहा नहीं किसीको की मुद्दतें भी लम्हे लगे ,
तरसा नहीं कभी इतना की लम्हे भी मुद्दतें लगे ,
पर बस एक  सवाल है ज़ेहन में जो कचोट रहा है ,
की इतना बुरा में कब और कैसे हो गया ,
पता नहीं क्यों पर पल कभी इतने नहीं काटते थे ,
कभी हुआ नहीं ऐसा की अपने भी लगते है,
कुछ बड़ा अजीब सा समां है,
हर पल अपने में ही खोया है,
सिहर उठता हूँ बस इक ख्याल से ,
की इतना बुरा में कैसे हो गया,
हर रात के बाद दिन की राह तकता हूँ,
इस घनघोर अन्धकार में उजाला ढूढ़ता हूँ,
लगता है डर की कहीं इस अन्धकार में खो न जाउ,
लगता है सभी मेरे साथ है ,
पर फिर न जाने क्यों इस भीड़ में तनहा सा हूँ ,
उम्मीद नहीं थी इस अंजाम की ,
की बैठ के समय मुझसे ही पूछेगा ,
की इतना बुरा में कैसे हो गया  .…

******†******†******†******†******†******†

नहीं अब रोना नहीं है
नहीं अब रोना नहीं है
मुश्किलें राहों में कल भी थी आज भी है
पर अब थमना नहीं है
ग़म पहले भी थे आज भी है 
पर अब टूटना नहीं है
ज़िन्दगी को अब जीना नहीं है
पर उसे सिखाना है की जीते कैसे है
नहीं अब रोना नहीं है।।।

Is the youth of India swayed by the use of social media in politics

India is a young nation. The demography of its population is such that youth (18-35yrs) accounts for the 40%, which is a huge number. In addition, even more important is22% of its population comprises of preteens or teens (10-18), which brings the median age of this nation to 25.1 years. The world is seeing the advent of technology where a turn up of each New Year is equivalent to a decade. This new and upcoming generation could be termed as the Tech Savvy who aspires for the best and latest thing the tech grid has to offer. This new breed has a hunger for the data, any data irrespective of the nature turning them into one of its kind in the goose chase.

In the midst of all these the most growing and popular among the tech-savvy generation is social media, which has given the voice to even the introverts of the society. It has created a virtual world for them. People want to express their opinion at everything that is happening around them. This social media has brought the world a click away from the user. The person sitting in front of a monitor in one corner of the world condemns an attack in the other part. These information mongers monitor every minute detail. The upheaval of governments in Egypt, the formation and support for AAP is a result of such social media outrage. Social media had all the details of Anna and his comrades like who are they and what they stand for. The movement that started in Delhi got support from every corner of the nation being it metropolitans or towns, and this support owes itself to these various social platforms. Moreover, the best example is 2014 General elections in the nation where the same social media generated a slogan “Abki Baar Modi Sarkar”, which resulted in a shocking outcome as the 10-year rule of Congress came to a halt. This was not only the case with politics even in social issues; people have come upfront on various platforms to voice their opinion. Whether it is a rape case, women empowerment, farmer suicides, section 377 or government swindles, the people have come to the fore to express themselves. These platforms are turning out to be the new kingmakers. PR agencies are using them to their best interest.

As the saying goes, every coin has two sides; there are even cons to these social media platform. There is no authentication of the information provided on these platforms and the users on this un-authenticated info are rather carried away in giving a verdict than making an opinion. There have been incidents when people with not so good intention used it for their mean purposes. Putting a post to hurt somebody’s sentiment or provoking them against another community just to create a nuisance are just mere examples. Sometimes even a single post of its kind might result into havoc. So whether its politician making provocative racists speeches or mudslinging on their rivals or creation of sentimental vibes for the culprit or the vice versa, the data is placed on such platforms without any integrity.

I understand that everyone has the right to speech or can have their say or opinion, but then there should be a check for restricting radical persons for using these platforms for their mean goals. A country like India where people are too sensitive about their caste creed and religion it is easy to put something on to create tension between two communities. People using such platforms have to be sensible enough whether to discard information or not. So on the long run moderation of these platforms has to be the main concern. Do it either by having a moderator or by asking the platform owners as in the case of China. Moderation of social media might be an uphill task, but then that is the need of the hour to maintain the diversity of this nation.