Borussia Dortmund expect Japan midfielder Shinji Kagawa to join Manchester United this summer after he rejected their latest contract offer.Dortmund are reported to want £5-7 million for the 23-year-old but United are still to finalise a decision.

It’s evident that the Red Devils will be looking for a creative midfield player who can score goals especially with the fact that Paul Scholes can not be relied on forever. This summer will undoubtedly see the Old Trafford side dip into the transfer market for a marquee midfielder.

There’s the obvious benefit of marketing potential the Japanese star provides, given the fact he’s a major celebrity in his home country. That’s something United will look to take advantage of just like they have done with Park Ji-Sung, who has made tens of millions for the club across Far East Asia.

It is clear Kagawa will be moving on this summer after declining contract negotiations with Borussia Dortmund and what better club is there to sign for?

Chelsea's crest, 2005–present (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Chelsea has come into much criticism lately for the tactics they used to defeat Barcelona. So should they do all they can to win the match no matter how ugly it looks or go out and lose to entertain the fans? Well the last time I checked, Football was a competitive sport right? A game of two sides in which one could ultimately be the victor – progressing exponentially over time, gaining commercial, reputable and prestigious acclaim while it grew; Developing rules, regulations, set matches, teams, fixtures, leagues and so on. But is the basis of the game still not to win? Every club is a business, and sure playing the more attractive football will ultimately win praise and help to obtain more fans, of the game or the club, but why shouldn’t it be acceptable for a team that are aware of their shortcomings in quality and talent to try and put in the extra effort that’s needed and win by defending and hitting on the break?

It’s not like every player on the pitch has assembled themselves on the line of their goalposts and made every attempt not to let the ball in in some stupid way like that. It is done fairly and within the realms of sportsmanship. I’d argue that the beautiful game is just as beautiful if it is played with a considerable amount of drive, determination and spirit as it would be if it was an endless display of talent and skill. Because in itself – being able to defend your goal against any better team, be it Barcelona or whatever, is also a talent. It is also worthy of praise and not to be ridiculed and mocked just because it doesn’t involve slick passing and fancy footwork.

If Ghana got to the final of the World Cup against a team like Spain and managed to survive an onslaught of a similar level of skill to Chelsea. Just to sit within their half and clear their lines and defend valiantly and win a game I’d probably stand up wherever I was – In my living room, bedroom, stadium or some random place and applaud their efforts – because surely that makes the game that much better? That odds and favorites can be toppled by minnows who simply give everything in achieving a goal that previously eluded them.

Or are you one of those people who instead of realizing the historical value and the monumental amount of bravery, effort and pressure they would have been under to pull off that result would rather sit where you are and laugh off the fact that that was the only way they could pull off a win and jeer at their tactics and philosophy for being ill-thought of and detrimental to the game as a whole. Because every single team in the world is going to adopt the same tactics and sit back to defend in their own half while leaving a striker or two up there to hit a long ball to.

Qualification started off if not brightly at least positively with a 76 minute Keith Fahey winner enough to win all 3 points away in Armenia. The home campaign and the first competitive game at Ireland’s new Aviva stadium saw Ireland’s talisman Robbie Keane inspire them towards a 3-1 victory against Andorra with his first qualifying goals, followed by a narrow 3-2 defeat to the group’s strongest team Russia left Ireland sitting top of the group on goal difference and as it turned out, remained the team’s only defeat in qualifying. However things got back on track with a 1-1 draw in Slovakia, St Ledger’s goal being canceled out by Jan Durica, in the end however,  the Republic were left ruing a missed penalty from Keane to grab all 3 points.  Ireland moved on from the disappointment, another home game, another 3 points, this time a 2-1 defeat of Macadonia.  McGeady grabbing, surprisingly his first international goal, followed by a typical close range Robbie Keane finish meant Ireland moved back to joint top position at the half way mark.

Ireland’s last game of the footballing season saw Robbie Keane score his 50th and 51st International goals as Ireland saw off the return game in Macadonia by 2 goals to 0. However, qualification remained in the balance following an abject 0-0 draw against Slovakia at the Aviva in September; only the brilliance of Shay Given ensured the visitors’ received only a share of the spoils. This meant Ireland could afford no slip ups in a difficult game away to Russia in the Luzhniki.  Richard Dunne resembled the Celtic warriors of myth more than a Center back from Tallaght, throwing himself into every tackle, leaving the pitch bloodied, his face having been stapled back together and a number 5 scrawled on his chest after his jersey became too much a symbol of his exertions.

But Ireland held their nerve and got their point, 1st place looked unlikely but second place and a play off were very much a possibility for Ireland and they entered their game away against Andorra knowing only 3 points would do, Kevin Doyle and Aidan McGeady did the business on the night. Ireland’s final group game came at home to Armenia, a disastrous own goal and a rare Dunne goal, gifted Ireland the win, despite Macadonia’s concellation goal ending Ireland’s run of eight clean sheets, however it was enough to secure a play off spot. Ireland drew the weakest team in the play offs in Estonia and got off to a fantastic start in Tallinn, winning comfortably 4-0, Andrews, Walters and Keane x2 giving Trappatoni his biggest win of qualifying, and the party mood was in full swing in the return leg, a 1-1 draw enough to send Ireland into the European Championships, a first International tournament since 2002.

Now we know how the team made it here, the question is who can Ireland rely on to ensure a strong campaign? Lets take a look at 3 candidates…

Shay Given
35
Aston Villa 

Shay Given is vital for Ireland, in no uncertain terms without Given, Ireland’s chances are severely damaged. With over 120 caps, Given has appeared for Ireland more times than any other player in his 15 year International career. One of the few to experience an International tournament, playing in all of Irelands games in 2002, Given brings much needed experience to the team. His displays in Russia and at home to Slovakia signify the difference a keeper like Given can make to the result of the game. Perhaps his ability to deal with crosses or organize his defense have been questioned, but his shot stopping is second to none, and he has remained entirely consistent, amassing over 560 league appearances in his career.

Richard Dunne 
35
Aston Villa

Another Villa man, Richard Dunne’s heroic displays in defence will be much needed if Ireland hope to make it out of a very tough group including European and world champions Spain, Italy and Croatia. Dunne’s passion, reading of the game and aerial prowess will all prove invaluable when Ireland’s back 4 come face to face with the likes of Villa, Silva, Balotelli, Rossi et al. 71 appearances under his belt show his worth to the team and Trapattoni has shown complete faith in him. Following Dunne’s colossal performance against the Russians Trap said “He was fantastic. I thank God that we had Richard in this game.”. Always able to pop up with a crucial goal from set plays, Dunne may have his manager thanking the celestial stars in the near future.

Robbie Keane
31
Aston Villa (Currently on loan from LA Galaxy)

53 goals in 114 appearances, the highest goal scorer in British history, His country’s captain, joint second in all time goal scorers in European qualification with Raul and Koller, all while playing for little Ireland. Robbie Keane at international level is just sublime. Taken to the world cup in 2002, ‘Keano’ was one of only two players (the other a certain Ronaldo) to put the ball past Oliver Khan the entire tournament, and he hasn’t looked back since. The tenth highest goal scorer in Premier League history with 123 goals, Keane has always known where the back of the net is. The skipper, the talisman, the heart of the team, and in surely his last crack at an international tournament, could a Hollywood ending be on the cards for the man plying his trade in Los Angeles.

Also look out for -

• McGeady - Tricky, pacy, creative, if McGeady can find a level of consistency he can be a real menace.
• Duff - Experienced winger can deliver a great cross with a sweet left foot.
• Doyle - A tireless worker, Doyle not only delivers a goal threat but a real work ethic to the team which can prove vital for Ireland.

So how well can Ireland do? It’s hard to judge how the Irish will fare seeing as international tournament football has been so rare for so long. But have no doubt; these are experienced Premier League players who are more than capable of springing a surprise. Trapattoni faces home country Italy once again, and in 2009 qualifying Ireland drew home and away with the Azzuri, including a sensational game in which Ireland scored what they thought to be a winner in the 87th minute, only to concede a 90th minute equalizer. Ireland also play Spain again for the first time competitively since the 2002 World Cup final in which penalties were needed to separate the teams, while neutrals will be hoping for a better game between Croatia and Ireland, both seeking to cause an upset and seize second spot, managed to serve up in the 0-0 friendly in August. The draw was tough on Ireland, but anything is possible when it comes to this country, and even if group stages is a hurdle too high, you can bet the fans will enjoy themselves anyhow.

The truth is Wolves deserve to be relegated. Had Steve Morgan and Jez Moxey shown a little bit more faith in the man that guided them into the Premier League and then to safety last season, then maybe, just maybe things would be different. Maybe football fans around the UK wouldn’t have to face the prospect of listening to big Mick’s punditry work at Euro 2012 in a few months time. That’s right, no doubt everyone’s go to football channel ITV will snap up the silky tones of the Yorkshireman and sit him alongside the likes of football super brain Andy Townsend. What a combination.

Plus who will be England’s 4 strikers at Euro 2012?

City drew 3-3 with Sunderland after being 3-1 down. The comeback was commendable but it wasn’t enough to prevent another Premier League title heading to Old Trafford come the end of the season. City simple don’t have the mentality required to hold off a challenge from United, the likes of Balotelli, Tevez, Nasri aren’t the players you need in a tight situation. When the going gets tough, they’re nowhere to be seen.

Roberto Mancini will now be feeling the pressure with City failing to return any silverware this season despite massive investment from the Manchester City owners. Questions will be asked whether Mancini is the man for the job, particularly when the likes of Fabio Capello are currently out of work.

With all their millions, the one thing City needed this season was the one thing they couldn’t buy. Bottle.