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As the noisy neighbours begin to establish themselves in the blue half of Manchester, Sir Alex Ferguson will surely need to look over a number of incredibly disappointing results so far this season and re-establish his side as the dominant club in Manchester when the summer transfer window kicks in.

When Manchester City became the richest club in football, marking their intention with the signing of Robinho and then vowing to purchase every major superstar in Europe, Alex Ferguson simply seemed to dismiss them as an annoying younger brother trying to make himself heard—and rightfully so. The Manchester United boss has managed to overcome every challenge he’s had to face: from Keegan’s Newcastle, Arsenal’s Invincibles to, most recently, Abramovich’s millions, Ferguson continues to swat away those who attempt to dethrone him from the summit of the Premier League. But as the second half of the season begins to gather momentum, the reigning champions still find themselves in second place to their city rivals and off the back of a number of disappointing results over the festive period. With all the resources at Manchester City, and despite where the title ends up this season, could this summer be one of the most important during Ferguson’s time at United?

There is absolutely no reason to suggest that Manchester City will out-do United for the next five consecutive years; history dictates that there has never and might never be a situation like that where Sir Alex is involved. However, the shortcomings in this United side are plain for all to see; there could even be a suggestion that the purchases made by the club in recent transfer windows are not of the quality to combat the current threats in the league and in Europe. As Wayne Rooney has expressed in the past, he does not feel the club are showing enough ambition with the type of player they are bringing in.

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Now, far be it from me to suggest where Alex Ferguson is going wrong in his transfer policy, but there are supporters who can see that a creative outlet in the centre of the pitch is perhaps the area of the squad that needs addressing first. There is a great core of young players, especially in the possible future centre-back pairing in Chris Smalling and Phil Jones, but the squad do need taking to the next level. But if the unthinkable happens—from a United fan’s perspective at least—and City win the league title and continue to attract star players who will further their club’s reputation, should there be cause for concern for at least the short-term future of Manchester United, considering as well that Ferguson could be calling it a day within the next few years.

Surely the last thing the Manchester United manager wants to do is retire with the club as second best in the city. It would be a tremendous shame considering what he has done to overhaul Liverpool’s 18 league titles and continue to place the club in the top three or four in Europe. But much like the case at other clubs in the Premier League and around Europe, there is a necessary cause for action amongst managers who need to keep up with ever-changing landscape of football.

At the same time, I also believe Alex Ferguson has enough respect for every new challenge that comes up against the dynasty he has created. A manager who lives for the challenges that people such as Jose Mourinho present; there is very little reason to believe he won’t take action when it’s needed. But that time must come in the summer. As City look to impress the world and strike fear into the Premier League with a huge spending spree, Sir Alex needs to bite back with an equally impressive move. It allows the club to keep face in what will be another intense battle next season.

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Wealthy football club owners; whether you love them or hate them they seem destined to stay within the modern fabric of the game. Much criticised for their carefree spending and reputations as ‘non-football’ people who don’t know the game deep down, their escalating influence in football is likely to be quelled somewhat by FIFA’s new Financial Fair Play Regulations. Aimed at forging more long-term responsible spending and assuring a more level playing field, the rules which are planned to come into operation for the 2013/14 season, are likely to decelerate the passage to success such as Manchester City are discovering.

Sheikh Mansour’s investment has revolutionised the Citizens into a title chasing outfit and in direct comparison, old established top four outfits such as Arsenal, who maintain a more sustainable business model, are now struggling to catch up.

So we ask ourselves, can the new regulations really aid Arsenal’s cause in their pursuit of long-term success? Has Arsene been correct all along?

At the route of the issue is club debt and teams spending way more than they earn in the chase for short-term accomplishment, which indeed may hamper their long-term standing within the game. Last November, the Telegraph reported that Manchester City posted a record-breaking loss of £194.9 million with wages amounting to £174 million.

Similarly, Paris Saint Germain finds themselves in a comparable position following the clubs venture with the Qatar Investment Authority.

The new rules mean that high spending clubs are allowed to make a loss of £37.5 million over a two-year period, followed by £25 million in the three years following, with the longstanding aim of breaking even.

Compared to City’s recent loss, FIFA’s prescription is minimal, and clearly represents the cost cutting measures that will have to be made by trophy contending clubs such as Mancini’s side.

Of course, trimming the playing squad is the most obvious and damaging effect the new regulations pose for the carefree spenders, paying credence to the arguments of Wenger and Arsenal. Although their fans may be fed up with the clubs transitional state, Wenger’s careful stewardship could eventually pay off.

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Criticised by some for running a business instead of a football club, Wenger has always prioritised paying back the debt as created by the move to Emirates Stadium. As increased gate receipts allowed wages to rise sustainably so Arsenal could remain at least competitive on the pitch, Wenger has maintained his steady business plan not breaking the bank for players deemed overpriced or overrated, much to the growing disgruntlement of the Emirates faithful.

When the new regulations do come into operation, it is comprehendible that Arsenal may be one of the main beneficiaries. Part of a dying breed of sustainable clubs, Arsenal have at least managed to remain in and amongst the top end of the Premier League, competing on many fronts, most notably the Champions League.

This achievement has been deemed remarkable by ‘glass half full’ Arsenal fans who accept Arsenal’s long-term future as more important than short-term trophy hauls. But the overwhelming majority of ‘glasses half empty’ Gunners are now tired of the clubs slow evolution and want more assurances over the clubs ambitions going forward. Fourth spot is not a trophy Arsene.

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Everyone knows Arsenal pay their players less than they could receive at other clubs. The top earner in Robin Van Persie earns a reported £80,000 a week and the Dutchman could easily improve his pay packet with a transfer, but with the majority of the squad on more responsible wages than elsewhere, Arsenal could be the best of the rest to cope with the new rulings.

In Szczesny, Vermaelen, Song and Van Persie, Arsenal does possess a competitive spine, albeit inferior at present to their rivals in the current state of the Premier League. But it will be interesting to see the ramifications upon clubs like Manchester City following the Fair Play rulings and just whether Arsenal can rise again and compete to where their fans believe they truly belong.

Will FIFA’s Financial Fair Play Rulings give clubs like Arsenal the edge going forward? Follow me @ http://twitter.com/Taylor_Will1989

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West Ham manager Avram Grant is gutted to have midfielder Gary O’Neil out for the rest of the season.The 27-year-old will be sorely missed for West Ham’s final five games as they battle the drop, starting with Saturday’s trip to Chelsea.

“It was a bad, bad injury. Gary was one of our best players, especially against the big teams,” Grant said

“He has experience to work hard, he knows how to pass the ball and he was good.”

“We missed him last week when it was not so easy for us to play.”

““He’s a good lad who came to a new team and has played like he’s been with us for many, many years.”

“It’s a fact that we have many, many injuries and we need to deal with them.”

“When all the squad was fit and we need to know how to take points even when players are injured. We need everybody.”

West Ham have been struggling at the wrong end of the table all season but Grant still believes they can avoid the drop and needs his players to have the same faith.

“I don’t want players who don’t believe,” Grant said.

“In football you have to have to believe because anything can happen.”

“Chelsea are a very good team but we have caused problems for Arsenal and Tottenham away and this is our target this season and we are thinking only about this.”

“I believe very much in the future of this club because there is a good future if we do the right things, but for the moment we are busy with the present.”

“These are big, big games in front of us and a big challenge and it’s not easy, but nothing in football is easy.”

“There are the words possible and impossible, but the players know that it is possible and we need to give a lot of effort.”

Scott Parker was named as the Football Writers’ Association’s 2011 Footballer of the Year on Friday but will miss this game against his former club with an Achilles’ tendon problem.

Midfielder Junior Stanislas (groin) will also be absent.

Wales midfielder Jack Collison (knee) is set to make his first start in more than a year.

Real Sociedad moved to within three points of the European qualification places with a 1-0 win over Mallorca in La Liga on Monday.Former Espanyol man Raul Tamudo scored the game’s only goal 10 minutes into the second half.Promoted as second-tier champions last season, Sociedad are now eighth in the table. They are level on 34 points with seventh-placed Sevilla and three points behind Espanyol, who occupy the last Europa League qualification place in sixth.There were few chances in the first half at an Estadio Anoeta lashed by rain and high winds.The 33-year-old Tamudo came closest with an attempted chip two minutes before half-time, forcing a save from Mallorca goalkeeper Dudu Aouate.The hosts began to impose themselves in the second half, with Israel international Aouate coming close to conceding an own-goal two minutes after the restart as he cleared an Antoine Griezmann corner.And Sociedad broke the deadlock in the 55th minute when former Spain striker Tamudo connected with Daniel Estrada’s corner to fire a downward header past Aouate.They had chances to double their lead – Tamudo shot wide and midfielder Xabi Prieto saw his effort hit the crossbar with Aouate stranded after coming off his line to foil attacker David Zurutuza.Substitute Akihiro Ienaga had Mallorca’s best chance to level in on 75 minutes, but he was denied by Sociedad goalkeeper Claudio Bravo.Mikel Aranburu and striker Imanol Agirretxe went close to making it 2-0 late on and, while neither could breach the Mallorca defence, Sociedad saw out the closing minutes to secure victory.Defeat means Mallorca remain 11th. They are in no immediate danger of relegation, but look equally unlikely to make an impact on the upper reaches of the table.

In keeping with the theme of taking stock during this most frenetic of Premier League seasons, our focus during this brief sojourn from top flight action switches to one of the relegation battle’s most intriguing of sub-plots- namely the plight of Aston Villa.

Although the papers have been dominated by stories of how the rise of Manchester City and Tottenham have facilitated the collapse of the big four mentality in the Premier League, the biggest losers in the battle for European football and top half supremacy have undoubtedly been a Villa side that slipped to 1-0 home defeat to relegation rivals Wolves last weekend.

Having been outside bets for the title two seasons ago, Gerard Houllier’s men are looking over their shoulder and are having to face up to a genuine battle for Premier League survival.

Of course they would not be the first side to suffer such a dramatic fall from grace. Fans of Leeds United and Blackburn Rovers remain scarred from their own sudden slips down the league ladder and Newcastle United have only just returned from their own sabbatical in the Championship.

Whereas these other clubs could have seen their slumps coming, Villa fans will struggle to comprehend relegation when the same squad of players reached Wembley twice last season and managed a comfortable top half finish.

Much blame will be attributed to Martin O’Neil’s departure from the Villa hot seat on the eve of the new season, but there is no doubt in the minds of many supporters that the appointment of Houllier has been a backward step for the club.

The Frenchman’s last spell in the Premier League was broadly successful, but by the time he left Liverpool in 2004 he was a figure of frustration for the club’s supporters.

The same can certainly be said for Aston Villa fans at this point in time. Many will struggle to see how a side capable of challenging on multiple fronts last season, have this year have struggled to maintain moderate league form.

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The meek FA Cup surrender to Manchester City was a particular bone of contention for the Villa Park faithful, who saw the Citizens treated with the sort of deference that lower league opposition might show a top flight outfit.

Tony Casacarino claimed in The Times this week that the former French national coach had lost the faith of the dressing room- but is an accurate picture of a club only two wins outside a place in the top ten?

Granted, this campaign has been monumentally disappointing for last year’s Carling Cup finalists, but should Houllier be given the chance to stamp his authority on the Midlands club, or have his tactical and management style been shown up as being outdated? Does he have the hunger and desire to build a team capable of sustained success?

Despite all of this, are Randy Lerner and the rest of the board likely to part company with a manager who has only been in charge at the club since the autumn?

History suggests that a change at this stage is unlikely. Few clubs would dream of giving a new manager such a small window of opportunity to stave off potential relegation. The club have publicly reiterated their support of the under fire Houllier, but concerns must have been expressed privately that in the midst of the closest fought relegation battle in the history of the Premier League, that the squad slip through the trap door.

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Looking across the bottom half of the division, it is not hard to pick out at least half a dozen teams you would imagine to be weaker than the current Villa squad. Of course, we have seen similar sentiments expressed previously, only for the most fancied of teams to slip into the mire, but with games against those closest to them on the horizon it certainly appears that the opportunity to rescue themselves from the unthinkable remains in hand.

Nevertheless, with games against Liverpool and Sunderland to come immediately before this, the resolve of the Villa board could be sorely tested if the club arrives at Easter with no further points in the bank.

For more posts like this, feel free to follow me on Twitter.

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Manchester United moved back to the top of Group C of the Champions League with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Otelul Galati on Wednesday night.

An early goal from Antonio Valencia had the Old Trafford faithful hoping that the floodgates would open, but they had to wait until the 87th minute for a second, when Wayne Rooney’s shot took a deflection off Cristian Sarghi to seal the victory.

After the game Sir Alex Ferguson spoke of the importance of getting three points against the Romanians.

“Winning was important. The opposition were very aggressive, they defended well, pressed us everywhere and made it difficult for us,” he told Sky Sports.

“The win makes it more comfortable for us at the top of the group and if we beat Benfica we win the group, it’s as simple as that. It should be a very good night.”

Ferguson started Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen in attack, but the English striker had to be replaced in the early exchanges with a new injury.

“It’s a blow for the lad. He’s done a thigh muscle and it’s a complete freak. I feel for him. It’s difficult to say how long-term it is,” the Scottish coach continued.

With the two fringe attackers starting up front, Rooney started in a central midfield role, and his manager was happy with the performance put in by the England star.

“I thought he was fantastic in central midfield. His awareness of people around him and choice of passing was really good. He did very well for us tonight.

“I think it’s a short-term thing at the moment. It’s difficult to say. The opposition played really well against us tonight but I’d be confident of playing him there (against bigger teams),” Ferguson concluded.

United received a boost in the other game in the pool, as Benfica dropped points by drawing 1-1 with Basel at the Estadio da Luz.

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Rodrigo Moreno put the Portuguese side into the lead after less than five minutes, but the Swiss visitors fought back and a goal from Benjamin Huggel in the second half meant the spoils were shared.

United host Sunderland at Old Trafford on Saturday, and will look to make up ground on cross-town rivals and current league leaders Manchester City.

By Gareth McKnight

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Do you ever wish you could play football but organising a kick about with your mates proves an impossible task? Or do you not want the hassle of playing in 5-a-side league that costs an arm and a leg for short 40 minute games once a week?

Well, for those of you that live in the London area why not join our group ‘Jumpers 4 Goalposts @ Regents Park’. We’re close to celebrating the group’s 3rd birthday and with the extra daylight since the clocks went forward, we run 3 events a week for your choosing!

We don’t take ourselves too seriously but we do have bibs and cones to keep games organised but with bags and jumpers used as goalposts, our main aim is to play football and most importantly have fun doing it.

Personally, forming this group back in 2008 has proved fantastic for me, not only has it connected me with some great people in and around London, I’ve also been able to lose weight, improve my fitness and my football skills for free!

The events take place at Regents Park in Central London which is very well connected to Camden Town, Great Portland Street and Regent’s Park tube stations. We have the group on Facebook which is open for new members to join and you will be invited to up and coming events every week.

All we ask is for the small commitment of turning up on time to events. If you fancy coming along, then post a message on group the event page and click you’re attending, so we know who to expect! Details on the meeting point and times are all on the group and event pages.

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At the moment, we are currently running THREE events per week: Saturdays 12 noon, Tuesdays 6pm and Thursdays 6pm. The Thursday event starting on the 14th April will be a training session by a qualified coach for members who want to improve their own ability and performance. If you are just after a kick about however, then I’d recommend the Saturday or Tuesday events.

See you on the pitch!

Arsenal have been the busiest team on transfer deadline day, signing Mikel Arteta, Per Mertesacker, Andre Santos and Yossi Benayoun before the window closed.

Arsene Wenger had spoken of his desire to strengthen his squad, especially following the 8-2 humbling by Manchester United at Old Trafford last weekend, and has spent big to bring new faces to the Emirates.

Spaniard Arteta has joined from Everton in a £10 million deal, and will go some way to plugging the hole left by countryman Cesc Fabregas. The Telegraph has stated that the former Rangers midfielder has taken a dramatic wage cut, from £75,000-a-week to £55,000-a-week, to secure a move to The Gunners, and David Moyes could not stand in his way.

“Mikel indicated to me he wished to join Arsenal. I am very disappointed to lose him but the prospect of Champions League football was something I was not able to offer him,” the Goodison Park boss admitted.

As expected, defensive duo Per Mertesacker and Andre Santos have moved to North London to steady the side’s backline, with the Germany international costing £9 million and the Brazilian £6.2 million; both completed medicals on Tuesday and officially signed on Wednesday.

Finally, Benayoun has joined Wenger’s men on a one-year loan deal from rivals Chelsea. The Israel international has had an injury plagued time at Stamford Bridge and was forced down the pecking order by The Blues’ signature of Juan Mata; he will hope to get more first team action in North London.

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Arsenal’s injury woes continue as they will be without Aaron Ramsey for their Champions League group game against German side Borussia Dortmund.

The Emirates outfit take on the Bundesliga champions at Signal Iduna Park on Tuesday, and are stretched in midfield.

Wenger already has to do without Jack Wilshere, who will be sidelined for a number of months with an ankle injury, and Abou Diaby; the latest blow is difficult to take.

“Ramsey has been influential during our season but this is an opportunity to show we have a big squad. This is a good opportunity for us to create positive vibes. We need that. Every team, no matter how good it is, needs this,” he told The Daily Mail.

“I feel once we get our injured players back we can compete. Let’s get Wilshere back because he has played a big part in the quality of our game. His qualities are very difficult to find. I believe that we can be competitive. But the next two months will tell,” he stated.

With Germany international attacking midfielder Mario Gotze a key man for Jurgen Klopp’s team, added responsibility will be placed on Emmanuel Frimpong and Alex Song to shackle the 19-year-old.

Dortmund have a host of young, exciting players in their ranks and Wenger knows the home side will provide tricky opposition for The Gunners.

“I have a lot of respect for the team. They play very fast, very offence very similar to Arsenal. Dortmund have very good technical qualities, they are well organised,” he concluded.

Arsenal got back to winning ways with an edgy 1-0 victory over Swansea at the weekend, and will look to build momentum by avoiding defeat in their first European fixture of the season.

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Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Kieran Gibbs will miss Arsenal's top-of-the-table clash against Manchester United next Monday.

The defender had to be replaced in the first half of the 3-1 victory over Partizan Belgrade after picking up an ankle injury and Wenger has said the 21-year-old will not travel.

Gibbs has endured a difficult period over the course of the last year, with numerous injuries including a metatarsal problem as well as knee and ankle complaints.

Wenger revealed that, although Gibbs could face a spell on the sidelines, the injury is not as bad as was first feared and the defender has suffered a problem with his right ankle – not the left ankle which has caused him problems in the past.

"Kieran Gibbs has a twisted ankle, an ankle sprain," said Wenger following the victory over Partizan on Wednesday.

"I don't know how damaged his ankle is – he will have a scan tomorrow.

"He is unbelievably unlucky. No, (it is not the same ankle he injured recently), it is the right one tonight.

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"I spoke to him, he is quite down. He is on crutches. I cannot tell you more.

"We will know tomorrow, but he is already out for Monday night."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email