Hi everyone,<\/p>\n
Last Saturday was a happy start of a marathon of fixtures that will take us straight to Christmas, a series of games that will demand the maximum effort from us. With that in mind, being able to recover players such as Paul, Ibra and Marcos is great news for the team, for we will need the full squad in order to show the best performance in every competition, same as we\u2019ve been doing so far. It was great to see them back on the pitch, especially Marcos and Ibra after such a long time away. They have worked really hard to be back and they deserve to have a great season. I\u2019m sure both of them will help us a lot in the coming months.<\/p>\n
The truth is, last Saturday\u2019s win was special because it was the first comeback of the season. So far, in most of the games we had scored first and won. Against Newcastle, though, we conceded a goal and then we had to come back, and the way we did it was the best proof of the team\u2019s ambition and character. Newcastle is a tough opponent, a well-crafted team with good players, but we were able to defeat them in a complete performance from the whole team.<\/p>\n
Now we have three games in just seven days against sides that won\u2019t give us a break. First of all we travel to Switzerland to play Basel in the Champions League. They are second in the group with the same points of CSKA, which gives an idea of the importance of this game for them, but also for us: we are Manchester United and we are committed to try to win every single game, so I\u2019m sure we will see a tough and even match.<\/p>\n
And this coming Saturday we will be back to Old Trafford against Brighton, where my friend Bruno Saltor plays. They are another promoted team with good marks in the Premiership so far. We know that every single team is tough; we have experienced that already this season. A win would be very important to confirm what we\u2019ve been talking about in this blog since the beginning of the season.<\/p>\n
In my usual review of the Spanish football I\u2019d like to start talking about Valencia, a fundamental club in my career and where I actually met Bruno. The reliability of Marcelino\u2019s team so far this season is amazing. I\u2019m being asked about that here in England and I\u2019m happy to answer and to feel Valencia again as a competitive side that is able to beat anyone, with the crowd absolutely proud of the team. The next game will be against Barcelona, the leaders. A win would keep them dreaming about big goals.<\/p>\n
The other main fixture of the weekend was Madrid\u2019s derby, the first one that took place in Atletico\u2019s new stadium. It was a good game despite the goalless draw, a score that allows Barcelona to increase the gap by two points with both teams. Valverde\u2019s team is having no mistakes. We are still in November and they have put quite some distance with the next few teams on top of the table, although I insist: the season is very long for everyone. In Spain and also in England.<\/p>\n
Leaving the competition aside, or actually, talking about a different competition, I\u2019d like to tell you that Common Goal<\/a> has been nominated for the prestigious Peace and Sport Awards<\/a> \u2013category Champion of the Year\u2013. It\u2019s an annual event to promote those projects that understand sports as a crucial tool that helps to have a world in peace, a better world.<\/p>\n #PSIF<\/a> UPDATE Read the news here\u27a1\ufe0fhttps:\/\/t.co\/uIxUE001XD<\/a>! pic.twitter.com\/hbzFLHzxJN<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Peace and Sport (@peaceandsport) 20 de noviembre de 2017<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n
\nVoting closes on 2017 Peace and Sport Awards, as @ManUtd<\/a> star @juanmata8<\/a> was selected among nominees of the Champion of the Year category.<\/p>\n