We’re starting with Manucho who is currently on loan with Hull City.

Quick Stats

Games available for selection: 12
Times named in squad: 12
Starts: 3
Substitute Appearances: 6
Goals: 1
Yellow cards: 1
Red cards: 0

Having only joined Hull the day before, Manucho made his debut coming off the bench in the 53rd minute in a difficult home tie with Arsenal. Hull were already down one nil to a 30th minute Emmanuel Adebayor header. Five minutes after his introduction while challenging for the ball with Johan Djourou, Manucho’s game was over. The pair clashed heads leaving Manucho’s eye swollen shut and he left the field with a bag of ice clutched to his face. Hull pulled level through Daniel Cousin but late goals from Samir Nasri and Nicklas Bendtner saw Hull lose the match 3—1 (17/1).

Manucho recovered in time to start in Hull’s next fixture at home to Millwall in the FA Cup. Manucho didn’t make much of an impact on the game. His touch was heavy and he didn’t trouble the Millwall keeper when he did get the chance. His game came to end when he was replaced by Caleb Forlan in the 74th minute. Hull won the game 2—0 (24/1).

Another start for Manucho and another uninspired performance from the Angolan. At times he showed his strength and ability to get on the end of crosses and hold up the ball but his end product was lacking and he was replaced after 52 minutes. Hull’s dire League form continued with their sixth defeat on the spin as they eventually lost 2—0 (28/1).

Manucho was dropped to the bench, and stayed there for the entire match, for the visit of West Brom as Hull’s losing streak came to an end with a 2—2 draw (31/1). A second game on the bench saw a second draw in a row as Hull held Chelsea to a goalless draw at Stamford Bridge (7/2). Again, Manucho didn’t make an appearance.

For the third game in a row, Manucho started on the bench as Hull played out another draw away to Sheffield United. The FA Cup fifth round tie ended 1—1 (14/2) with Manucho coming into the fray in the 79th minute. Manucho had an immediate opportunity but failed to take the chance and had little else to do after that.

Again Manucho started on the bench and again he came on in the 79th minute this time at home to Tottenham. Tottenham had taken the lead through Aaron Lennon in the 17th minute but Hull pulled level ten minutes later through Michael Turner. The game had gone rather stale and Manucho’s introduction did nothing to help. He had few touches of the ball and no shots. To make matters worse for Hull, Jonathan Woodgate of all people popped up to head in a cross to win the match for Spurs 2—1 (23/2).

Hull were 2—1 up in the FA Cup replay with Sheffield United when Manucho stepped onto the pitch. Another 34 minutes on the pitch for the Angolan but after an early sniff at goal, the striker had little to do and the match finished 2—1 (26/2).

Back to the Premier League and Hull made it 11 games without a win as they went down 2—1 at home to Blackburn (1/3). Manucho was in the squad but when Hull were reduced to ten men, he was never going to get on.

Finally a win for Hull in the Premier League; another substitute appearance for Manucho but this time he got a goal to boot. Not just a goal, but a 92nd minute, injury time winning goal. The striker came on in the 74th minute and needed three attempts to grab his goal. The first swerved just wide, the second was high, wide and handsome as they say but the third was a deadly touch from just three yards. Hull’s first win in 12 league games; Fulham 0—1 Hull (4/3).

Manucho’s winning goal wasn’t enough to earn him a starting place in Hull’s home tie with Newcastle in their next match so again the Angolan made do with a place on the bench. He was brought on in the 55th minute with the scores tied at one a piece. Manucho lead the line well, his passing was accurate and he had a couple of efforts on goal but failed to make the breakthrough and the game ended 1—1 (14/3).

Hull travelled to the Emirates to take on Arsenal in the FA Cup sixth round (17/3) with Manucho handed his first start since January. It was always going to be a difficult game for Hull and they eventually lost 2—1 despite leading for over an hour. Nick Barmby gave the visitors the lead after his 13th minute shot took a massive delfection en route to goal. Goals from Robert van Persie (74) and William Gallas (84) meant Hull’s FA Cup dream was over and sets up a juicy Arsenal/Chelsea clash semi final. Manucho played well at times but chances were always going to be hard to come by demonstrated by Hulls team tally of six shots on goal. Booked.

Chester made his United debut against Derby last month playing 24 minutes of the Carling Cup clash. United won 4 – 2 and with injuries piling up it seemed the young defender was going to get a couple of games under his belt. However, the return to fitness of Rio Ferdinand and Wes Brown has further limited the opportunity for game time as Fergie looks to farm the youngster out to get him some much needed experience.

League One outfit Peterborough are managed by Ferguson’s son Darren, who has clearly called in a favour after losing regular defender Craig Morgan to a suspected broken toe at the weekend. Speaking of James Chester, Posh boss Darren Ferguson said:

“He is a young lad, about 6ft, has a good spring and pace and is an aggressive young defender. The fact he is at Manchester United tells its own story. He’ll go straight into the team on Tuesday if we play.”

Speaking of the move, a thankful Chester said: “Sir Alex told me he wanted me to go on-loan to Peterborough and Darren Ferguson rang me shortly afterwards. I am really excited, I have been wanting to go out on loan for a little while now and this is a good move for me because I want matches under my belt and first team experience.

“It has been an exciting time for me of late, I have been on the fringes of the first team at United for a little while and that has been a good experience for me. I have watched some of the best defenders in the world at Old Trafford, Rio and Nemanja are top players and I have watched them closely. I like to put a tackle in and always give my best.

“Darren has said that Peterborough is a good club to come to, the team like to play football and it is the right move for me. I just can’t wait to get started now.”

Febian Brandy, Swansea City

Febian Brandy’s loan spell at Swansea City continued in it’s almost farcical fashion with the young striker getting game time, but so little it seems almost ridiculous.

Brandy was an unused substitute for Swansea’s trip to Bristol City in which the teams played out a goalless draw (6/12). The youngster did come off the bench in the following three matches; in the 92nd minute as Swansea drew 2 – 2 with Barnsley (9/12), the 93rd minutes in a 1 – 1 draw at home to Sheffield United and in the 92nd minute in yet another draw, this time 1 – 1 away to Blackpool (20/12).

Swansea hosted Coventry City next with Brandy remaining on the bench for the entire match as Swansea notched up their 7th draw on the trot. Another 0 – 0 (28/12). Brandy was given a little more game time in Swansea’s following tie away to Birmingham coming on at 0 – 0 with 11 minutes to go. Brandy had chances to win the game but was unable to put the game to bed and the game ended 0 – 0 (28/12).

Brandy wasn’t named in Swansea’s squad for the 2 – 0 victory away to Burnley (10/1) and his loan spell came to an end when he was recalled by United on 12/1. Brandy made 14 league appearances for Swansea; all of which off the bench. Unsurprisingly, he scored no goals.

Danny Simpson, Blackburn Rovers

Danny Simpson looks to have failed to impress new Rovers’ boss Sam Allardyce and now looks a bit part player at the club. Dan Clough, a Blackburn Rovers Fan, has written an excellent evaluation of his performance to date which you can find here.

Blackburn kicked off December with a League Cup clash at Old Trafford. Tevez scored 4 (3 really) and United won 5 – 3 (3/12). Simpson was ineligible for the clash and the youngster voiced his disappointment. Perhaps the youngster fancied one last match at Old Trafford, who knows when it will happen again.

Simpson was named on the bench (and stayed there) for Blackburn’s following two fixtures, a 3 – 1 defeat at home to Liverpool (6/12) and a 3 – 0 defeat away to Wigan (13/12).

After 2 months without a win and only 3 wins in 17 league games, Blackburn were staring relagation in the face and Paul Ince was sacked. Sam Allardyce was brought in and Simpson had a second opportunity to stake his claim for a place.

Allardyce’s first game saw Simpson come off the bench in the 85th minute as Blackburn wom 3 – 0 at home to Stoke (20/12). The young right back was then omitted from the squad altogether for Blackburn’s 0 – 0 draw away to Sunderland (26/12) and again as Rovers hosted Manchester City and played out a 2 – 2 draw (28/12).

An FA Cup tie with Blyth Spartans saw Simpson handed his first start under Big Sam but an entirenly new team failed to gel and the team battled to a 1 – 0 victory (5/1). Simpson, like the rest of the Rover’s squad, failed to impress.

Lee Martin, Nottingham Forest

Lee Martin failed to break into the match day squad in December and as a result, his loan wasn’t renewed and expired on 31st December.

Ron-Robert Zieler, Northampton Town

Ron-Robert Zieler was brought in by Nottingham Forest as cover and as such has still not made any appearances for the club. The young goalkeeper has established himself as second choice keeper in his short time at the club having been named in the teams last 5 match day squads.

Cover at right back was exactly what we needed, and still need. Since Lucas ‘I didn’t do it for the money’ Neill left for West Ham we’ve never had an out and out right back. Brett Emerton is much more accustomed to a midfield role and Andre Ooijer is an excellent central defender, but is often left behind by speedy wingers, with who he simply cannot keep up! Simpson provided this.

He didn’t start as a first choice right back. In our opening game at Everton he was left on the bench, as are many new signings on the opening day of the season. He wasn’t done any favours by the performance of Andre Ooijer, who played well throughout and went on to score the winning goal.

His debut was in the cup game against Grimsby at Ewood. Unfortunately not a lot can be said of our defensive performance in that game. Although Simpson played the 90 minutes, Grimsby, despite going ahead in the seventh minute with a peach of a free kick, were never in the game and it was very much a coast.

Since then Simpson was, more often than not, a bench warmer. When he came on he was uninspiring. An average player. You know the kind that always gets six out of 10 on Footy Manager! However, with Paul Ince in charge he was hardly given a chance to shine as the team slumped to the lower reaches of the league.

Ince’s departure and the subsequent arrival of Allardyce was make or break. And, it seems for Simpson, he will be left on the bench for the rest of the season. He was given a start against Blyth Spartans in the cup. But so was anyone who is not associated with the first team in any way, shape or form.

Allardyce is one of those managers, impress him or your out. It’s the same with Carlos Villanueva, another of Ince’s loan signings, who has obviously not impressed the new manager. I don’t think Simpson has either and will struggle to break into the first team squad.

We have also been linked with moves for other right backs, including that money grabbing Australian git [Lucas Neill], so a permanent move would seem doubly unlikely.

My opinion? Danny Simpson could make a decent player. I don’t believe he will ever make an impression with United and find it highly unlikely he will ever play in your first team on a regular basis.

Dan Clough is the author of The Rovers Return

Cleverly, 19, is deemed to have a bright future at Old Trafford and has featured regularly for the reserves this season. With Manchester United already possessing such quality in midfield, Cleverly is still waiting for his first team debut despite being named on the bench twice already this season.

Leicester City are currently top of League 1, 4 points clear of MK Dons but lost their last match to Crystal Palace and were knocked out of the FA Cup. Cleverly is available for Leicester’s next fixture against Yeovil Town on Monday.

Manucho has made just three substitute appearances since signing for United getting just 44 minutes of playing time under his belt. His Premiership debut came against Stoke City but the 17 minutes he was on the pitch just wasn’t enough time to get a good look at the Angolan international. Hopefully at Hull, we will see him week in week out starting tomorrow when Hull take on Arsenal.

Hull City have yet to obtain a work permit for Manucho but are hopeful to have one in place by tomorrow.

Manchester United are currently without Wayne Rooney and the fitness of Carlos Tevez is touch and go so the move indicates Manucho hasn’t progressed in the manner Fergie would have wanted. Why else would he be willing to lose a striker when we clearly need a striker? Dimitar Berbatov is fit of course but who will partner him?

Hull City’s fantastic start to the season has stalled somewhat with the club scoring just 3 goals in their last 6 matches so the arrival of Manucho couldn’t have come at a better time. Fingers crossed he gets plenty of game time and a few goals along the way.

Putting the Cathcart before the Horse

There’s bound an air of excitement when a perceived small club like Argyle is linked with Manchester United and the expectation of fans is always going to be high. So the arrival of Craig Cathcart, from a respected club plus him being an international caused a stir, especially as Argyle were in dire straits having failed to win 5 matches and thus dwelling in the relegation zone. Cathcart’s first appearance at Watford away could not have been timed better as the match was hailed as a revolutionary turn around by Sturrock. Since then Craig has featured in all but 3 league games (mostly in the starting line up but sometimes as a substitute) and has become a firm favourite among the Green Army. His omission from the team for two games caused Sturrock to issue a statement explaining his reasons.

Cathcart has cemented his place in the team through hard work and determination and many fans believe he is a good stalwart with little negative to say about him; apart from him not being the most physical dominant player, but he is not weak either. Cathcart’s assets are that he is very assured, he doesn’t panic, has fantastic positional sense, is good at tackling, plays a simple ball well with good touch and turn of pace. Plus although he is generally a defender can play in midfield if required. Cathcart is a player whom you do not readily take note of but does his job, a real engine worker that all clubs need.

Craig initially joined the Pilgrims on a six month loan but that has recently been extended till the end of the season to the delight of many supporters, most of whom would like to sign him permanently. It is hoped that David Gray, Craig’s counterpart from United, will replicate Cathcart’s success but for now Craig has proved himself at Championship level and can only improve. The question is, when he does eventual return, can the 19 year old replicate the same success for his home club?

Fraizer Campbell, Tottenham

Fraizer Campbell has played most of his football coming off the bench for Spurs recently. Campbell did start in Tottenham’s Carling Cup clash with Watford (3/12) but was substituted after 65 minutes. His replacement, Darren Bent scored the decisive goal 11 minutes later as Tottenham won 2 – 1. Campbell wasn’t named in the squad for Tottenham’s 2 – 0 away victory over West Ham (8/12) and was ineligible for the nil nil draw at home to Manchester United (13/12). Campbell came off the bench in the 64th minute and came close to winning the game twice late on but it was Damien Duff who snatched an injury time winner to give the home side the win. Newcastle 2 – 1 Tottenham (21/12). Fraizer Campbell came on in the 58th minute but was unable to prevent a stalemate as Tottenham drew nil nil at home to Fulham (26/12). Just two days later Tottenham lost two nil away to West Brom (28/12) making it six games without a win for Spurs. Tottenham felt hard done to after going down to 10 men with little over half an hour played and then later go behind to a goal despite clear foul on defender Michael Dawson. Campbell was thrown on the 87th minute but it was West Brom who added another in injury time to pile on misery on Harry Redknapp. Tottenham played Wigan (2/1) in the FA Cup with Frazier Campbell replacing an injured Darren Bent after just 26 minutes. Campbell won a penalty in the 52nd minute which led to the game’s opening goal. Tottenham went on to win 3 – 1. Campbell played the full 90 minutes as Tottenham beat Burnley 4 – 1 (6/1) at home in the Carling cup. Campbell had a lively game but failed to find the net. The arrival of Jermaine Defoe the competition for places would be even greater at Spurs. Campbell was named in the squad but never made it off the bench as a last gasp goal for Wigan saw Tottenham slump back into the bottom three.

Craig Cathcart, Plymouth Argyle

Craig Cathcart’s loan deal with Plymouth was due to end at the turn of the year but a deal has been agreed which will see the 19 year old see out the season with the Pilgrims. Cathcart recently told the BBC: “A lot of my defensive work has improved. I’m stronger, and better in the air. I’ve been playing plenty of games and hopefully I can get plenty more games towards the end of the season. I was sent here to get experience and toughen me up and hopefully when I go back to United I’ll get into the squad or thereabouts.”

Cathcart played as Plymouth lost 1 – 0 to Doncaster on 9/12 before taking up a spot on the bench in the following three matches; a 1 – 0 defeat to Birmingham (9/12), a 1 – 1 draw with QPR (13/12) and a 2 – 0 defeat to Barnsley (20/12). Cathcart came off the bench in the Barnsley match at half time after a woeful performance from Plymouth but was unable to prevent a defeat. Cathcart was recalled to the first team for Plymouths 2 – 0 victory over Southampton (29/12) and his performance received special praise from Argyle boss, Paul Sturrock: “I thought Craig was outstanding. We needed that type of centre-back today. He was involved in sweeping up everything. He likes defending, and that is what I like about him.” Cathcart kept his place for Plymouth’s 1 – 0 defeat to Cardiff City (28/12) and the subsequent trip to The Emirates, in which Argyle went down 3 – 1 (3/1).

Tom Heaton, Cardiff City

Unfortunately for Tom Heaton at Cardiff city he has been unable to win his place back from, and made no appearances for Cardiff city in the last seven matches; instead he has had to make do with watching from the bench.

Zieler is considered a back up player with the Potters and has started their last four matches on the bench. That said, at just 19 years old he is considered to have a very bright future ahead of him as one of Europe’s most promising talents.

I’m sure Ferguson is hoping Zieler will get some first team action under his belt, with Ben Foster and Tomas Kuszczak already vying for places behind Edwin van der Sar. The one month extension could easily become a season loan if the youngster gets his chance.

Fraizer Campbell (striker)

Campbell had to watch both Tottenham’s 4 – 4 draw with Arsenal at the Emirates (29/10) and their 2 – 1 home win over Liverpool (1/11) from the bench but did make an appearance in their 4 – 0 win at home to Dinamo Zagreb in the UEFA Cup, coming off the bench for the last 16 minutes (6/11). Campbell took his place on the bench for Spurs’ next match; a 2 – 1 defeat away top Man City in which Campbell didn’t feature. Campbell‘s third start for the club came in the League Cup at home to Liverpool in which Tottenham ran out 4 – 2 winners (12/11); Campbell scored twice, his first goals for Tottenham. Campbell came off the bench with 20 minutes left as Tottenham suffered their first defeat under Harry Redknapp, going down 2 – 1 away to Fulham (15/11). Campbell scored Tottenham’s only goal. Campbell again came off the bench for Tottenham’s 1 – 1 draw at home to Blackburn (23/11) coming on in the 73rd minute before starting in Tottenham’s 1 – 0 away win over NEC Nijmegen (27/11). Campbell was withdrawn after 82 minutes. Campbell was again involved as Tottenham suffered another home defeat, this time at the hands of Everton, going down 1 – 0 (30/11). Campbell came off the bench with half an hour to go and almost grabbed the equaliser but his shot was deflected just wide.

Tom Heaton (goalkeeper)

Cardiff City loanee, Tom Heaton, started the month off well playing the full ninety minutes in Cardiff’s 2 – 0 home victory over Blackpool (28/10). Heaton also played the full ninety in Cardiff’s second home defeat of the season as they went down 2 – 1 to promotional hopefuls Wolves (1/11). Cardiff were reduced to 9 men in their trip to Loftus Road and suffered another defeat this time losing 1 – 0 to QPR. Heaton played the full match again. Cardiff returned to winning ways at home to Crystal Palace with Heaton in goal as they won 2 – 1 (15/11/08). Heaton started in goal for Cardiff’s 2 – 1 away defeat to Plymouth (22/11) but was forced off for treatment in the 83rd minute. Cardiff have played two further matches since the defeat but unfortunately, Heaton hasn’t managed to win his place back and was an unused substitute in Cardiff’s 2 – 2 draw at home to Reading (25/11) and the 2 – 2 draw away to Swansea (30/11).

Craig Cathcart (defender)

Craig Cathcart continued his run in the first team at Plymouth playing every minute he has been available for selection starting with a 1 – 0 defeat away to Sheffield Wednesday (28/10). Cathcart picked up a virus which ruled him out of the teams trip to Sheffield United; Plymouth lost 2 – 0 (1/11). Cathcart returned to the first team in Plymouth’s 2 – 2 home draw with Charlton (8/11) and has been an ever present in the team ever since. Plymouth continued the next 3 game unbeaten making it 4 without defeat starting with victory away to Coventry, 1 – 0 (15/11), victory over Cardiff at home, 2 – 1 (22/11) and holding Southampton to a goalless draw at St Mary’s (25/11). Plymouth’s unbeaten run came to an end when they lost at 2 – 1 at home to Blackpool (29/11).

Danny Simpson (defender)

Danny Simpson continued to be an important first team member at Blackburn despite the clubs poor form. Simpson played the full ninety minutes in Blackburn’s away defeat at the hands of Aston Villa, going down 3 – 2 (29/10). Blackburn were reduced to ten men in the first half in their 2 – 2 draw away to West Brom (1/11). Simpson started the match but was withdrawn at half time. Blackburn’s next match was at home to Chelsea in which they lost 2 – 0 (9/11). Simpson played the entire match and picked up a booking. Blackburn’s only victory of November came in the league cup as they beat Sunderland away 2 – 1, again Simpson played the full match. Three days later, Simpson played the full match as Sunderland travelled to Ewood Park and this time the scores were reversed, Sunderland running out 2 – 1 winners (15/11). Danny Simpson started the following match away to Tottenham but was substituted at half time as Blackburn lost 1 – 0 (23/11). Simpson was relegated to the bench for Blackburn’s 5th defeat in a row and never made it onto the pitch as Blackburn went down 3 – 2 away to Portsmouth (30/11).

Lee Martin (midfielder)

Lee Martin once again struggled to cement his place in Nottingham Forest’s first team being named in the squad but not coming off the bench in Forest’s 2 – 1 away win at Crystal Palace (28/10). Martin was omitted from the squad completely for Forest’s subsequent match; a 1 – 1 draw away to Derby (2/11). Lee returned to the squad for Nottingham Forest’s 1 – 1 draw at home to Birmingham (8/11) coming off the bench for the last 10 minutes. Martin was dropped from the squad for Nottingham Forest’s 2 – 2 draw away to Bristol City (15/11) and made only a brief substitute appearance (coming on in the 75th minute) in the following game when Forest were defeated at home by Norwich City 2 – 1 (22/11). Martin was named in the starting eleven as Forest travelled to Doncaster and played 74 minutes before being withdrawn as the teams played out a nil nil draw (25/11). Martin was again omitted from the squad altogether as Forest beat Burnley 1 – 0 at home (29/11).

Febian Brandy (striker)

Febian Brandy continued playing a bit part in Swansea’s campaign sitting on the bench for Swansea’s 2 – 1 defeat at Wolves (28/10) and their goalless draw away to Doncaster (1/11). On a side note, former Red Ebanks-Blake grabbed both the goals for Wolves ensuring his team victory. Swansea beat Watford 3 – 1 in the league at home (9/11) in match which saw Brandy coming on with just 2 minutes to go. Two days later, Swansea played host to Watford again, this time in the League Cup. Brandy was given the nod and started the match but was withdrawn in the 84th minute as Swansea crashed out of the cup losing 1 – 0 (11/11). Brandy came off the bench in the 91st minute during Swansea’s 3 – 2 win away to Norwich (15/11) and once again in the club’s 3 – 2 defeat at home to Birmingham City (21/11); this time getting 11 minutes. Brandy wasn’t named in the squad for either of Swansea’s two latest matches; a 1 – 1 away draw with Coventry (25/11) and a home 2 – 2 draw against Cardiff (30/11).

Brandy is yet to make a League start for Swansea this season making 10 league appearances all from the bench.

Ron-Robert Zieler (goalkeeper)

Ron-Robert Zieler recently joined Northampton Town (on 27/11) and has yet to feature for the club.