Future Stars - Fabian Frei

Sports Portal apologises for the busy schedule it has faced in recent weeks, and will promise to try and get back to updating on a regular basis.

Back to business for now and a quick preview on Swiss midfielder Fabian Frei, who is no relation to his more well known team mate Alexander Frei.

Despite being a touch older than most others featured at 23 years of age, he has a wealth of experience despite being at a tender age and has matured amongst much sought after players at FC Basel. Team mate Xherdan Shaqiri was being chased by a host of Europe's finest clubs before agreeing to join Bayern Munich this summer, while Granit Xhaka is another that is tipped to reach the very top wherever he ends up after leaving Switzerland.

Frei has come through the ranks at his club; joining in 2004 after stints at other clubs as a youth. After a year progression to the under-21 side followed, where a haul of honours were won before he hit the big time in 2007.

At 17 he made his first team debut, completing a perfect season by winning a League and Cup double. A further year down the line though he was loaned out to St Gallen, before returning and really making his mark.

Frei can now put Champions League experience on his ever expiring CV, including a goal at Old Trafford during an enthralling 3-3 draw. In addition a second Swiss Super League title followed upon his return, making a 15^th League triumph for FC Basel.

On the international front, Frei spent four years in the under-21s which culminated in a European Under-21 Final appearance. Ultimately ending in defeat to a very strong Spain side. Since then a handful of appearances have been made in the senior side.

It is surely a matter of time before we see Frei showing his talents on a much larger scale.

Manchester United

After over taking close rivals Liverpool with 19 Premier League titles last season, confidence is at an all time high on the red half of Manchester. Chelsea and their City rivals will be their closest challengers this time round, but it is hard to look past Sir Alex Ferguson's men clinching their 20th title this time round.

Goalkeeper

Long term target David De Gea has arrived to take over from the now retired Edwin Van Der Sar. The Dutchman has been a terrific servant to many sides, and shone in his later years at Old Trafford. Anders Lindegaard came in in January as back up, but the big problem here is that there could be one too many keepers on the books.

Defence

Another area in which this side is ridiculously strong, and more bodies have added even more depth. Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand will be the first choice, injuries providing that is. Chris Smalling and new boy Phil Jones provide very adequate back up though, and could well be the future England partnership.

Midfield

WIth Paul Scholes retiring the rumour mill is in over drive about a replacement, with Wesley Sneijder the name cropping up more than most. However despite this, the Midfield is still strong with steel and creativity in abundance. With Ashley Young their is now another dimension added, and depth is certainly here for all to see.

Forwards


Wayne Rooney will once again be the focal point of this sides attacking intent, but after his excellent debut season Javier Hernandez will be expected to perform to that level once again. Dimitar Berbatov could have to seek pastures new if he wants regular first team football, and that highlights even more strength in this team.

Manager

Everyone knows the successes that the Scot has had, and nothing knew can be said about this man that has not already been said. The pressure will certainly be on the next man in the hot seat when he eventually steps aside.

Areas to Strengthen

On the outset this side looks complete, plenty of depth with experience and young talent blended. Sneijder could well be the final piece of the jigsaw, and would be a huge hit in the Premiership with this side.

Expectations

Another League title will be the least of the expectations places upon Manchester United this season. A good showing in Europe, and maybe avenging last seasons final defeat would be desired but it is hard to look beyond Barcelona.

Odds

13/8 (Sky Bet)

Players in

David De Gea £20m (Atletico Madrid) Ashley Young £15m (Aston Villa) Phil Jones £17m (Blackburn Rovers) Pierluigi Gollini free (Fiorentina)

Players out

John O'Shea undisclosed (Sunderland) Wes Brown undisclosed (Sunderland) Gabriel Obertan undisclosed (Newcastle United) Joe Dudgeon undisclosed (Hull CIty) Nicky Ajose undisclosed (Peterborough)  Ryan Tunnicliffe and Scott Wootton loan (Peterborough) Conor Devlin, Owen Hargreaves (all released) Bebe loan (Besiktas) Ritchie De Laet loan (Norwich City) Oliver Norwood loan (Peterborough United) Danny Drinkwater loan (Barnsley)

Manchester City

The new side on the end of every supporters hatred? Perhaps. Jealousy? Probably. But everyone concerned with this club can't afford to be too bothered with those outside looking in, they need to improve, or at least consolidate, on last seasons achievements. The whole country wants them to fail, but the reality is that they have now turned the Premier League into a three horse race.

Goalkeeper

Joe Hart has well and truly consolidated himself at number one, with Shay Given now sold to Aston Villa to stave off the splinters from that City bench. He is prone to the odd mistake, but nobodies perfect, and fans worldwide will have to get used to him because he surely has over a decade of being not just his club's first choice but England's too. Stuart Taylor provides decent enough back up.

Defence

Despite already being strong in this area, two more bodies have arrived to bolster a stern defence further. Youngster Stefan Savic, coveted by many of the top European sides, is now at Eastlands along side Gael Clichy, who snubbed Liverpool to join Roberto Mancini's men. In reality they could probably field two very strong back fours, so competition for places should ensure that level of performance stays high.

Midfield


Adam Johnson, lauded as one of the new breed for the national side, can't even get into the starting eleven at his club. That shows the level that this side are now competing. James Milner is expected to have a more prominent role this time round, where Nigel De Jong and Yaya Toure continue to endear themselves to the city faithful.

Forwards

New record signing Sergio Aguero has arrived from Atletico Madrid, raised expectations further still. Edin Dzeko, a £27m arrival from Wolfsburg in January, should also have s heavy role this year despite his poor performances so far. Mario Balotelli, an undoubted talent, should also stay even after his 'I don't like Manchester' moan recently. Carlos Tevez is still seeking a way out, as are Roque Santa Cruz, Craig Bellamy and Emmanuel Adebayor who were all left behind when the first team jetted out to the States.

Manager

Roberto Mancini seems to have the confidence of everyone concerned with the club, and has built a side which should compete on all levels. The FA Cup win last year ended the long wait for silverware, whilst also ridding Old Trafford of the banner that has taunted them all these years. A first Champions League outing could be the real test, but with the calibre of player at his disposal it wouldn't be surprising to see them reach the latter stages.

Areas to Strengthen

No where in this side really needs any more strength. They have strength in depth at all levels, however if a truly world class player came up they would no doubt try their hardest to clinch the signature. Especially if that person is Wesley Sneijder and bitter rivals Manchester United also want him.

Expectations

They are no doubt very very high. Consolidation on last years league position will be the minimum that will be expected, while more silverware would be desired. However if a real push for the title is made that will show great progression, and you would think would keep the majority of the fans and board room happy.
Odds

4/1 (Sky Bet)

Players in

Sergio Aguero £36m (Atletico Madrid) Stefan Savic £6m (Partizan) Gael Clichy £7m (Arsenal) Costel Pantilimon undisclosed (Poli Timisoara) Samir Nasri £24m (Arsenal) Owen Hargreaves free

Players out

Felipe Caicedo £1m (Levante) Jerome Boateng £12m (Bayern Munich) Jo Undisclosed (Internacional) Craig Bellamy free (Liverpoool) Shaun Wright-Phillips undisclosed (Queens Park Rangers) Shay Given £3.5m (Aston Villa) Scott Kay free (Macclesfield Town) Shaleun Logan free (Brentford) Andrew Tutte free (Rochdale) Donal McDermott free (Huddersfield Town)  Javier Garrido, James Poole, Javan Vidal, Patrick Vieira, James Wood (all released) Ryan McGivern loan (Crystal Palace) Michael Johnson loan (Leicester City) Kieran Tripper loan (Burnley) Ben Mee loan (Burnley) David Gonzalez loan (Aberdeen) Dedryck Boyata loan (Bolton Wanderers) Roque Santa Cruz loan (Real Betis) John Guidetti loan (Feyenoord) Ryan McGivern loan (Bristol City) Ahmed Benali loan (Rochdale)

Transfer flops: Francis Jeffers

A teen prodigy at Everton, and another in a long line to have fallen by the wayside. A teen debutant at Old Trafford in 1997, it seemed like Francis Jeffers was going to take the Premier League by storm but what do we know?

After averaging around one goal every three games at Goodison Park, an infamous row with then manager Walter Smith over a pay rise spelt the end of his time on Merseyside. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger took a punt on the 'fox in the box', but he couldn't live up to the tag.

At around £8m he was one of Arsenal's most expensive signings, but poor performances and injury limited his playing time. Eventually leading to his Highbury exit. A loan at Everton didn't provide a single goal, and he was then quickly sold to Charlton in 2004. Despite a two year stay Jeffers couldn't even muster half a dozen goals, and since that move to The Valley he plied his trade at seven clubs in as many years

His travels have seen him move up and down England, before an unsuccessful stint at Australia side Newcastle United Jets. However he is now back in Britain and the Scottish Premier League, with Motherwell now giving the fallen idol a home.

Since leaving Arsenal in 2001 Jeffers hasn't even managed over 20 goals. That illustrates the fabulous fall from grace which the Liverpool born front man has endured.

United victory could have huge consequences

Yesterday's victory for Manchester United over Chelsea could have a big rippling effect on both sides. The Londoners must now be resigned to a season without a single trophy making it's way into the Stamford Bridge cabinet. A scenario that over the last few weeks we have learned won't please big spending owner Roman Abramovich one bit. Carlo Ancelotti could be on his last legs, despite last seasons double, and a summer of huge spending could be on the cards. Despite January's £70m+ spree.

In the northwest however, Manchester United are on the verge of greatness. Barring a huge collapse Sir Alex Ferguson has achieved his goal with a 19th league title, knocking neighbours and rivals Liverpool off that perch. Something Red Devils fans were ecstatic about as the exited Old Trafford following that 2-1 win.

Despite this massive achievement though, the biggest test is still to come. On Saturday May 28th at Wembley they will come up against the side thought to be the best in the world, Barcelona. A team who are just one point away from securing another league title themselves, and a team for whom Lionel Messi hasn't stopped scoring all season long. Pep Guardiola has led the praise for the soon to be English Champions, but knows he faces one hell of a challenge. If they go into the game fearing the Spaniards United will be obliterated, however if they take the game to them and give no space a double can certainly be achieved.

And after becoming the side to win England's top flight the most times what could be next record for Fergie to try and topple. Well adding a fourth European cup would put them one behind Liverpool's record haul. Now that would rub salt into the wounds and would delight Fergie no end. I certainly wouldn't bet against it.

Transfer flops: Juan Sebastian Veron

In the first of our 'transfer flops' section, we have started big with Manchester United's near £30m, then record signing, of the Argentina midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron.

It may seem a tad over the top, for someone who was selected by Pele in his list of 125 greatest living footballer back in 2004.

But for anyone who can remember his torrid time in England will have no doubts about his inclusion in this one.

During his time at Lazio, Veron was part of a midfielder full of flair and where he was covered by defensive midfielders to allow him to stick to going forward.

However he had a big shock when Sir Alex Ferguson splashed out to take him to Old Trafford.

The Premier League didn't allow the same time on the ball of Serie A, plus Veron himself was also expected to put in a tackle or two himself.

Injuries and poor performances took their toll, with just seven goals in 51 games over two seasons.

And despite Fergie's insistence that he was a great player it was clear his time the North West of England would soon be at an end.

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the Veron saga, was the fact Chelsea paid £15m to take him to Stamford Bridge to start the Roman Abramovich spending spree.

Claudio Ranieri is understood to have been key in securing a player who wanted to stay and prove a point with the Red Devils.

Despite getting off to a terrific start at Chelsea, scoring on his debut at Anfield, his time in London was less fruitful than in Manchester.

After just one season where he only managed that one goal in 14 appearances, he was promptly loaned out to Inter Milan and then Estudiantes.

Upon returning to Argentina Veron has shown the form which made the world sit up and take note before his time in England.

He has since been voted best player in the league and in South America, and also holds the captaincy.

Despite this though, on these shores and in many areas worldwide Veron will always be remembered as one of the most expensive transfer flops.

Fergie's bizarre week so far

Following the weekends crazy 3-3 draw at Everton, with two goals conceeded in injury time, Manchester United headed into the Champions League as over whelming favourites for their game at home to Rangers.

However a second debatable team selection in a week left the Red Devils with their second draw in four days.

The decision to keep Wayne Rooney out of the cauldron of hate at Goodison Park seemed the correct one at 3-1 up, but with the Toffees fighting back the debate was always going to be raised.

So we headed into the first round of the Champions League proper, with United Fans quite rightfully optimistic about their sides chances against a Rangers side that in all honesty doesn't quite match up.

While we can praise the defensive performance of the Scottish side, you have to point to Sir Alex's team selection as the main reason as to why the English side didn't come out huge victors.

A number of first teamers were left out, as confidence seemed to be brimming within the United squad.

Either confidence or arrogance.

As the game grew on it was clear United didn't have the creativity to open up Rangers, and the finger will no doubt to the manager and the team he selected.

Nani, who had one of his better displays on Saturday, and Dimitar Berbatov were both left out as they seem to show signs of hitting form.

While there are still five games left in the group stage and they remain favourites to top the group, they can't allow future games to hugely dictate squad selection like last night.

Many sides have tried it in the past and it simply doesn't work, just looked at Liverpool under Rafael Benitez.

Although the game against the Anfield side on Sunday in huge, and now people are rested, surely if they had played against Rangers and won the confidence gained would be the greatest motivator.

If United don't win on Sunday the accusatory finger will once again linger over Old Trafford.