Going through all the news that wasn’t rolled into its own post, here is Monday’s collection of crumbs:
C
Comeback – Darren Fletcher was one of Manchester United’s most underrated players over the last three years, a status that should have changed given the Red Devils’ midfield problems without him. Now, Fletcher’s about to return. [FourFourTwo]
F
Facade – West Ham concedes the chase of Andy Carroll is over. A small reminder: We had no reason to believe Andy Carroll was ever going anywhere, despite the intelligencia’s assumption he won’t fit with Brendan Rodgers’ approach. [BBC]
Fashion statement – Rico Clark is back with Houston, and although one more piece has to fall in place before he can make his return, Houston Dynamo’s Facebook reminds us he sure looks at home in orange. [Facebook]
I
Intent – Bobby McMahon asks if the Beckham Rule has worked, backtracking through purpose and evolution to assess where this year’s designated player rush leaves what was originally supposed to be a big name magnet. [Forbes]
L
Lineage – An interesting look at the philosophical shift Frank de Boer has brought to Ajax. The results speak for themselves. [Aliquem Situm Nomen]
M
Mischaracterize – An epic, grass is greener look at the epic majesty of the Olympics, one that needlessly demonizes soccer in the process. [The Anfield Wrap]
Momentum – Olympic soccer got you watching the women’s game for the first time? Or, again for the first time? Carry your interest into the weekend and you may be a fan forever. [UEFA.COM]
O
Odd pairing – Italy has firmed up its October friendlies: Armenia and a Euro 2012 quarterfinal rematch with England. [Football Italia]
Overhyped – Eight months ago, Ravel Morrison was being linked with Juventus. Now, he’s on loan in the Championship. [ITV]
S
Swindle – This doesn’t come off as impartial analysis. That doesn’t mean it’s wrong. A stock trading blog on why you shouldn’t be allowed to use money if you’re going to use it on Manchester United stock. [Trading Floor]
Appendices
Pictures:
Roger Espinoza returns a hero | La Masia’s influence | Kristine Lilly doing good
Tweets:
McLeod on her warning | And whether is was real | Sincy speaking out | Why do people care about Lucas Moura?
