I am not superstitious even though I would not like to walk under a ladder.  But I have a strong affection for numerologists. I admire the way they play with numbers especially the interpretation of events and calendar dates.

I have one such friend who explained to me why my favourite football club Manchester United had their unbeaten run in the English Premier league halted by bottom club Wolves at the time that it happened.

He reminded me that the loss came on the eve of the 53rd anniversary of that memorable Munich air disaster that almost perished the entire United team. According to him, the defeat was a sacrifice United had to make in memory of the famous Busby Babes who perished in that eventful air crash on Feb 6 1958.

Shall we take it that this explains why for once Alex Ferguson did not have any harsh words for his players for such a bad defeat that halted their brilliant unbeaten run in the league especially when United had had the tonic of an early lead?

Be it as it may, Nani would have to be advised to drop that frustrating side of his play when he keeps the ball a time that a host of his team mates are well placed. I reckon if Nani had been a little more liberal with his passes United would have at least earned a draw. It’s a long way to go and he must cut the antics.

Well, with close title chasers Arsenal and Chelsea unable to make any significant gains, it won't be surprising if, true to character, United keep their lead till the end.  It looks like the Arsenal Invincibles’ record would be hard to match likewise their unenviable one of surrendering a 4-0 lead.

At this juncture, I would like to salute  my namesake Kenny Daglish for his wonderful guidance that has seen the hitherto crest fallen  Liverpool showing glimpses of their terrific past that made them the most accomplished  English football club until the emergence of the dreaded Alex Ferguson magic.

The way the veteran Scottish football strategist plotted the demise of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge completely left his Italian counterpart, Carlo Anchelotti bemused. And people still argue that there is nothing in a name? There surely is.

You see how Liverpool's former adroit striker Torres was effectively neutralised? And the decision by Daglish not to field the fans new favourite Suarez proved to be a tactical success. The young man would have been a real target.

Kenny Daglish has shown in a very short time what good managers can do.  I hope my home country Ghana would take a cue and stop believing that any coach at all can make it if only he has a collection of good players.

The way Ghana's home based Black Stars were humiliated by a second string South African side in their opening match of the on-going African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Sudan clearly shows that there is always the need for a strong tactician on the bench.  Serbian Coach Milovan Rajevac took Ghana   to the final in the maiden championships in Ivory Coast two years ago.

Even though Ghana lost the final, the entire performance of the team was quite impressive. Those now taking things for granted that another cup final beckons Ghana would have to revise their notes.  Another defeat will see Ghana completely out of the medal zone and Coach Herbert Addo would have to get the chemistry right.

I suspect he might be in a fix. It is natural that he would be tempted to bend towards the players he handles at club level but he is experienced enough to know that this won’t be the best option under the present circumstances.

Zimbabwe having lost to Niger would also be full of fight to give Ghana a tough opposition at Wad Medani.Incidentally, the same city where skipper John Eshun's Black Stars were based in the 1970 African Cup of Nations.

I have fond memories of this city where the Black Stars won a lot of fans with their brilliant football artistry. Those were the days of Robert Mensah, Oliver Acquah, Joe Ghartey, Robert Folley, Sunday Ibrahim, Malik Jabir, Kwasi Owusu and Co.

I was then a young sports writer with the Daily Graphic and among the strong media contingent for the championship, including close pals Joe Aggrey (Ghanaian Times) and Eugene Thompson (GNA).

As the records will tell you, Ghana lost a controversial final to hosts Sudan and by the sad twist of events; the Ghana team was given 24 hours to leave the country by the Military head of State Gen Numeiry for allegedly snubbing him during the presentation of the medals.Sorry for the digression .

It is a long story.  Anyway the contingent caught the first flight home by Ethiopian Airlines but I don’t expect Herbert Addo's Black Stars of 2011 to catch the first flight home but beat Zimbabwe and Niger to make Ghana proud.

Cheers everybody and keep loving sports.                         .