Gary Armstrong

Long gone are the days of Roy Keane and Paul Scholes running the Manchester United midfield. Current times see the likes of Michael Carrick, Tom Cleverley and Marouane Fellaini roaming the central areas, with Darren Fletcher slowly coming back into the fold. I don’t think their midfield unit is strong enough though and I believe this man – a midfielder who is being linked with a move to Old Trafford through Sports Direct News – is a player who can plug the midfield gap nicely.

When Sir Alex Ferguson snapped up Robin van Persie form Arsenal he was an instant success. In his first season, the Dutchman finished as the Premier League top scorer with 26 league goals and another four in the cups and in my eyes was the main reason for Fergie signing out with one last title under his belt.

There’s no doubt about it – the signing of Juan Mata was a huge one for Manchester United. Not only did it mean that the club bring in an incredible player but it also acted as a statement to the rest of the Premier League that they weren’t about to give up on their hope for a top four space.

One of the biggest ties of the FA Cup fifth round takes place on Saturday, with Chelsea travelling to Manchester City. The Blues have struggled at times away from home this season but are in fine form and sit top of the Premier League table, while City are right behind them and are notoriously strong at the Etihad. So how should the Blues line up against Manuel Pellegrini’s side?

Before he arrived back in the Premier League, Jose Mourinho was one of my favourite people in sport. He carried a genuine swagger around on his shoulders and could shut opponents up with a stare, a couple of words of wisdom or simply a gesture. Although I found him a bit overwhelming during his first stint as Chelsea boss he had won me round with his apparent charm – now though, I remember why I disliked him so much.

It was a strange January for Newcastle United. A mixed bag of results culminating the Tyne Wear hammering by local neighbours Sunderland has left Newcastle once again away from relegation but not really troubling those above them either for European places or silverware.

Being a Manchester United fan I have already given up on this season and am willing to put it down as a transitional period. David Moyes’ first season was never going to be easy, and although I didn’t expect it to be this miserable as it has turned out, I am willing to look past it and look forward to the World Cup and then next term. To do this though I feel we need a mass overhaul in the summer months.

When things are good at the Emirates they are very good, but when the tide turns the Arsenal supporters seem to have very little patience. Despite the numbers the Gooners are a fickle bunch in my experience and can often be the downfall of their form as it piles so much pressure onto the side. I’m not slating the fans – they pay their money so can do what they want, and after so many years without a trophy you can probably understand why they’re vocal with their displeasure.