It still amazes me scrolling through reactions to pre-season friendlies that people read so much into the results.
Of course coaches want to see a competitive edge and so do the fans, but the primary objective isn’t to win an imaginary cup headed with a sponsor’s name.
The whole point is to try out combinations, including fringe and youth players as well as new signings. More importantly, they are used to build team fitness levels ahead of the new campaign.
Playing in the East or the United States is a chance to up the global value of the brand, creating a larger fan base and merchandise sales.
Let’s face it, do you think an Arsenal side littered with youngsters would thrash PSG 5-1 if the game they just played was mid-Champions League?
I made the awful mistake in a meeting in Johannesburg once (ahead of the Carling Cup) of asking a room full of Chiefs and Pirates representatives: “Why are you all so uptight about this fixture, its only a friendly”.
Needless to say, it was the last time I opened my mouth during the session.
They accused me of disrespecting them and not understanding the rivalry.
I get that, but do you think United fans around the globe will be k@kking in their knickers after losing to Liverpool 4-1 on the weekend? Naaah, of course not.
Chelsea play City in the Community Shield on Sunday.
It’s a nice summer’s day out at Wembley, but as we know it rarely bares any real significance on the season.
What will be disturbing to Manchester United fans is what appears to be the unfolding downfall of their coach AKA, "The Miserable One".
We’re misguided all the time by unscrupulous journalists, who sh!t out "exclusives", backed up by make-believe "sources".
But this time around we can see and hear for ourselves with his non-stop moaning.
It reminds me of Chelsea’s ex-boss Antonio Conte and I’m convinced that another under-achieving season will see the back of him.
Not only is he complaining about individual players, “Anthony Martial has the baby and after the baby is born - beautiful baby, full of health, thank God - he should be here and he is not here,” but he’s knocking the board and the possibility that they might not sign all the players he’s requested.
He wants five big signings after spending £350m refurbishing his squad!
Surely it’s plain to see that the Mourinho revolution isn’t being held up by the lack of talent at his disposal, rather the mechanical, disciplined football he imposes on his players?
Creativity is stifled and self-expression frowned upon, while rivals around him improve.
The most notable case has to be Alexis Sanchez. Absolutely brilliant at Arsenal, absolutely nothing at Old Trafford.
It must be a sign of the times that even Chelsea have employed a coach with an all-out high-press, attacking philosophy?
I might be wrong, but I feel that the World Cup has set a precedent.
That we’re going to see football move into a much more exciting phase.
The days of drawn-out tactical midfield battles between the top sides will be replaced with a high-energy "catch me if you can" approach.
As the monetary value of the Premier league continues to sky-rocket, it feels as if the entertainment value will be forced in a direction.
I mean, don’t expect cheerleaders, half-time music performances and firework shows, but prepare yourselves for a humdinger of a season!