May 17
18 Titles, Champions of England — and those are actually facts
There was a side show — an Arsenal game, which threatened, briefly, to become a party pooper — that ended 0-0. On an ideal day we would have wanted to win the game, but a draw is the next best option. The relief on the United players faces were palpable by what ended up being a case of holding on for the last minutes.
United have played far more number of games this season than their rivals — any arguments people make about footballers getting paid a lot, and hence they should break brick walls with their heads, and having deep squads can hold only so much water — and that showed in the dying minutes of the game. The players wanted the game to be over; the relief of getting done with a long, gruelling season was rather too tempting to pass up.
Today we must rejoice as United fans. It’s a historic occasion for the club to have earned its 18 titles. Ferguson’s done something that began as a dream in 92-93 and have shown good signs of continuing. May we never rise from this slumber, may that dream go on for many more years to come.
*
I could talk about the interviews with Carlos Tevez, and Ronaldo, which have sort of rained on our parade, so to speak. But I think these things, as well as a more objective look back at our season are best kept for another day.
We’ll Never Die.
Related items from Red Rants:
- Liga de Quito v Manchester United, Club World Cup Final Match Thread
- Revisiting the Ronaldo Debate
- Hargreaves Facts / Nani’s Goal / And Other News Updates
- 5 reasons why Tevez needs Manchester United
- Future Manchester United captain Rio Ferdinand named England skipper
Tags: Opinions/Columns
May 17th, 2009 at 9:14
i love tevez, i really do. i think he should be playing in starting line-up but i also appreciate berbatovs skill. But the way tevez has started to act recently is what is startying to annoy me. last year i liked ronaldo – at the beginning of this year that was gone not because of what he done to the fans, but what he done to the club and its management – the backbone of our success on the pitch. Tevez is not worth 30 MILL, everyone knows that. But he is worth 20 MILL. But didn’t he think that with such a hectic schedule that the end of the season might be the best time for a contract renewal? And the fact that he is only going to play for 5 years and then going to leave us during his peak.
But anyway – WERE THE CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!!!
May 17th, 2009 at 12:00
we are the kings of modern day football and 1,2 3 is no fluke so all those foooooooooooooooools should go to hell
May 17th, 2009 at 12:05
Horrible game yesterday, but well done overall.
I think we can honestly say that we deserved each one of the past three titles fully but none as much as this one. The players have had too many games, they have frustrated the fans at times, they have had very rough patches but they were overall the best bunch of 25 in the Premier League by about a mile.
Thanks to Rooney, van der Sar, Vidic, Evra (who I think played the full 90 for about 20 matches in a row at one point). Thanks to Ronaldo who has had a more constructive season than last year as far as the team is concerned.
Evans, Macheda, Possebon, Foster, Rafael played their part. John O’Shea and Darren Fletcher are the most amazing players I think we will ever see. They must have less talent than Nicky Butt minus Robbie Savage but everybody knows we would not have been here without them.
Thanks to Giggs who was our best (or at least our most consistent) player at times.
An amazing feat by Ferguson. Hope he keeps it up and watch out Scousers cause we don’t like sharing records with anybody!.
–
Rooney: better than Ronaldo
May 17th, 2009 at 12:39
@Andrei: You have made a number of good points there mate and your right we have deserved every title over the last 3 years and this one in particular.
I will be honest and say at times i have been very angry at our team the way we have played all season hasnt been too great, too many 1-0s and some defesnive tactics have annoyed me at times and its fair to say that for me has been the disappointment of this season. However as you mentioned we are worthy champions and there were a number of things we had to overcome to get this.
The congestion of fixtures is the main 1, how many games have we played this season. 37 in the league, about 15 in the champs league, 6 or so in the FA cup and about the same in the carling cup. Add to this the world championship and were talking well over 60 to 70 games which is amazing when you think about it. Taking this into account you have to say the way we have handled these fixtures is pretty special and the use of the squad is also another positive as you mentioned.
Evans, welbeck, macheda, gibson, rafael, foster have all made their debuts this season and in the case of rafael and evans especially have become very useful backups while the rest may not have featured as much but have still come in when they were needed. Also fletcher and oshea, i slated these 2 before and whilst im still not sure of oshea they have done a good job this season and deserve respect. Giggs has also been brilliant but i do have to question scholes and nevilles futures as their performances in my opinion have been pretty poor.
Overall you have to say the squad has done well and has used the squad excellently giving players a game where they need it and in the most part these players havent let us down.
As for next season i cant see too many changes, tevez sounds like he wont be around which is a shame. Dont want to really start a transfer topic or anything but just wanted everyones opinion on a certain player i like and that is john carew. Is it just me or do you think he wouldnt be a bad player to come here as a 3rd choice striker. Hes experienced, is a good scorer, a physical target man and wouldnt command a massive transfer fee. I just wanted to mention him as i think he would be a great buy.
May 17th, 2009 at 12:56
@Matt: some good points there mate, yes we have been frustrating at times this season, but for me the positives by far outweigh the negatives and we should look forward with real optimism.
Some young players gained invaluable experience and look like United players, Rooney is starting to show more maturity in his game, Fletcher took massive strides this year and potential stars like Ljajic, who some people are raving about, are about to enter the fray.
If we can keep Ronaldo committed to the cause and get Hargreaves back to full fitness then there is reasons to be cheerful.
May 17th, 2009 at 13:06
I just wonder if Liverpool fans must be thinking if they’ll ever have this good a chance again? United never seemed to go out of 2nd gear for many games in a row, Arsenal and their injuries and Chelsea with their managerial imbalance plus missing Essien. They got knocked out of most cup competitions early whilst their two closest rivals went deep but they still couldn’t take advantage.
May 17th, 2009 at 13:11
@Fred The Red: Yes rooney has come on so much this season its really amazing. I remember seeing him play on the wings in the champions league and he was so poor, compare that to now and he looks great there. His best position of course is in the middle behind the front man but its still good to know he can fill in elsewhere and still do a bloody good job there. Another thing i noticed about him this year was he was scoring a few tap ins. Before he was never in the right position to score these but hes scored a few this year and thats another positive.
One thing i will say though is i still dont think he has clicked with berbatov and in my opinion some of that is down to poor tactics. Berbatov has been deployed on the right in a front 3 and drifts way too far back. He needs to stay in the box with rooney behind and i really think these 2 could become a dream partnership. Maybe this is down to berbatov and not tactics but i still think fergie should have a word with him to tell him to stay up top much more.
As for fletcher, as you said hes made massive strides this year, he really has done well and its another real positive. Im also looking forward to seeing more from the youngsters like tosic and llajic and i really hope they do well.
Ronaldo i think will stay and as for hargo well hes an excellent player and will be like a new signing for us. Overall very positive season for us and hopefully better next season, and of course the win against barca would be sensational.
May 17th, 2009 at 13:16
Champions three years in a row, and for us to make it four years some changes do need to be made, and i think we all know what im talking about, the old guard of VDS giggs, scholes and neville
Gary neville is probably number one candidate to leave with simpson back from loan the ascension of rafael and john o’shea neville can retire in peace, plus we have wes brown too for extra coverage
Giggs and scholes, mainly scholes are getting on a bit each now well into their mid thirties, with fletcher carrick anderson, and the return of over hargreaves the impending arrival of wonderkid ljaic, tosic and nani (both are winger but also alleviate the need for giggs on the wing) do we really need both guys who struggle to play 100mph for 90mins?
Lastly is VDS, a good player who i feel is getting past it, this season he has had the beast known as nemenja vidic to do all the dirty work whilst he sips on lemonade whilst on a lawn chair, otherwise he has been solid when needed though he is on the wrong side of 30 i think even 40, foster i believe can fill the boots, but is PIG a suitable back up or should we delve into the market for another keeper?
May 17th, 2009 at 13:17
Yea, hopefully we can get Barca done, especially with their injury/suspension woes.
As for Rooney’s maturation, it is awesome to see him start to reach his potential, but I still miss the fire-head from three years ago who would dribble around a whole team and place the perfect chip for RvNs goal (see RvN goal v Charlton for that).
Hopefully we get somebody like Valencia in the summer so we won’t need to play him on the wings when we need some wide inspiration…
May 17th, 2009 at 13:19
The current United squad has so much potential I can see them going on to win 5 titles in a row.
May 17th, 2009 at 13:21
@Mr.Muhozi: Aren’t you being a bit harsh on VDS and Giggs? I know that they are no longer world superstars, but come on! VDS has had some great moments and no many blunders (exception: game v Newcastle). Giggs has been very constant a source of inspiration from the bench.
Anyway. Lil’ G and Ginger need to go with all due respect for them. They have played their best football.
May 17th, 2009 at 13:27
@Andrei: i do understand they have been good THIS season, but can they carry it on and do it the next? that is what i am wondering, we cannot keep stunting the growth of the future especially if the past is playing badly in the present, foster won’t improve on the bench and our midfielders will not improve, maybe keep them as back up especially giggs who i feel will make a great supersub as a player/coach
May 17th, 2009 at 14:25
Rafa is such a sad GIT
. If media sources are true, and I believe them to be, then he wants to bring to Anfield – Heinze, Forlan, Tevez – you catching the DRIFT here? 
. He wants all our ex players, Rossi and Pique are on his radar too 
. I knew he was obsessed with Man United, but really I think his obsession about Manchester United is out of control 
. Perhaps he just really wants Fergie’s job!
May 17th, 2009 at 14:28
Oh and you can all lambast me as much as you like, but Fergie should have NEVER let Rossi and Pique leave OT. Rossi is better than Tevez, and I believe time will show this. Pique is now a very good Barca and Spanish International player, and we needed him so Vida and Rio can get more rest. I loved these two players, and if we still had Rossi, we would have had Scholesy number 2.
May 17th, 2009 at 15:17
I haven’t posted on this site for the better part of a year now, choosing instead to quietly read the board from time to time and to watch all the United games my schedule would allow. Something happened to me though while watching the title celebrations yesterday at Old Trafford,at the conclusion of a poorly played match in which Arsenal (and mainly Andrei Arshavin) played us completely off the park.
I don’t like this team.
I felt nothing yesterday watching the trophy being lifted. Everything felt off to me. I know I should appreciate winning, and marvel at the impressive squad that Fergie has assembled. I know I should stop complaining about certain players and simply enjoy that we have some of the finest footballers in the world in our ranks. I know all of this, but the 2008-2009 Manchester United team is one that I will not remember fondly.
In essence, this team has no soul. Nothing. I watch the matches and this team wins often, but they win in a way that numbs the mind. I’ve never seen so many shot attempts blocked in my life. I’ve never seen so many “shots on goal” that are completely harmless. I’ve never seen a long goalless streak mean so little due to the lowly scoring chances that Van der Sar had to deal with. Fergie may have assembled his best squad to date, but in doing so has created a machine of drones that simply get the job done, style be damned. Now, there have been glorious exceptions: Macheda’s wonder goal, Ronaldo’s diving header and subsequent celebration in the win over Tottenham, Arsenal away in the semifinals, Giggs against West Ham away, and a few others I’m sure I’m missing. But it was the losses to Liverpool, the struggles to get by Porto, and the countless 1-0 paint by the numbers performances that make this team infuriating to watch. Match after match, I can fail to recall a team that complains and moans when players don’t make the perfect pass to them as much as this team does. Rooney can’t make the inch perfect ball to Ronaldo? Ronaldo throws his hands in the air and screams. Park didn’t see Rooney? Rooney throws his arms and yells at the lad. Berbatov fails to connect with someone? He bitches and moans (mostly at himself but still). All in all, this team feels s like a relationship or friendship that has gone stale or irrevocably different. It’s like having a best friend that’s a girl (if you are a guy) and getting along wonderfully. Then one day, that girl meets a guy that she falls in love with, and they eventually marry. While your relationship with the girl may still be strong, it is never the same. It can never be as before, and yet if you try to keep it going in a desperate attempt to feel that way again, it will only end in tears. The feeling and moment has passed. I fear that for this current squad, the feeling and moment ha s passed.
Cristiano Ronaldo to me sums up the entire problem with Manchester United. He has no love for this club. He has no motive for being here other than to get whatever he wants and win whatever he wants. I warned of this last summer, when he was clamoring to leave every 15 seconds, but yet he came back forever changed. I’m sick of his attitude and lack of character. One can appreciate his vast volume of talent but I bemoan how it was wasted on such a despicable human being. It’s time for Ronaldo and Manchester United to move on. There’s no guarantee that he will, as deep down I believe he stays for as long as Fergie does, but his time his up.
Maybe this team will surprise me in 10 days time with a scintillating performance of heart and magnitude in Rome to clinch us the Champions League. I just don’t see it. This is the team that is going to win back to back to European Cups? Really? This team? This has been one of the more successful United squads of late, but one of the least enjoyable or memorable. You want players to be proud of? Look at the young players (Rafael, Fabio, Welbeck, Gibson, Foster, Macheda, etc), Darren Fletcher, Ji-Sung-Park, and Michael Carrick. Those players play the game the right way. I wish we had more of them in our squad.
May 17th, 2009 at 16:10
I consider myself probably one of the biggest fans of the class of ‘92, i would have kept all of them from butt to phil neville if i could. what more the elites of the class of 92 in scholes, gary and giggs.
but yes, sadly their best football is past them. and i do believe that gary is the 1st choice to go, scholes is a maybe considering his special days when he wakes up and feel 20 all over again, and giggs is the only one who can stake any claim to a first team spot still.
but i sincerely hope they become coaches because their experience and drive is there for everyone to see. and man utd has its success built on its traditions. but also the courage to meld both traditions and new things.
hopefully we see one exciting signing this summer… berbatov, for all his skill and grace, is too negative and slow for my liking, like a veron of sorts…
May 17th, 2009 at 16:18
@Andrei: theres 20 teams in the premier league…
May 17th, 2009 at 16:20
@the Count: i agree, the squad hasnt peaked yet.
May 17th, 2009 at 16:24
@Craig Mc: i agree with your views on rossi, but not pique.
pique doesnt suit the english game, a long ball goes over his head.
you could of easily said pique was one of the best young CB in england, but you couldnt say he was THE best young CB in england, but you can say that about evans, even the scouse admit it!
May 17th, 2009 at 16:42
Tevez opening his big mouth again
:
http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_5330518,00.html
Arsene off to Madrid in 2011? That would be so great!
http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_5331343,00.html
May 17th, 2009 at 17:01
@Dan: @Craig Mc: Uhh, I beg to differ…
Rossi is definitely a good player. But:
1) He’s awfully slow, which is not good for the EPL
2) He’s very small and lacks strength
For a small striker to succeed in the EPL I would expect him to be fast
Unless he turns out to be the second coming of Del Piero or Beardlsey (that is, he would be able to contribute 10+ assists per season), I don’t think there was going to be much hope of him to make an impact in our side…
As for Pique, he’s also very slow for his age, and has nowhere near the natural defensive skills of Rio or Vida. Ok, tough to compare him with those two, but even Wes Brown has got more natural talent, and Evans showed class somewhat similar to Rio – even though in a much less remarkable way. Add to that the dependancy of O’shea to do a job, I really think that Pique could be considered as redundant..
I think its telling that Barca has been sniffing around our very own Vidic …
May 17th, 2009 at 17:13
One of the positive things to come out of yesterdays celebrations was the interviewer on the field who asked Ferguson about retirement. The response was very much that Fergie would go as long as his health permitted him. So when asked about being around another five years he basically said if his health permitted it, then it was possible. His wife isn’t going to be happy with that reply let me tell you.
Honestly, I think he is having the time of his life and the team he has put together and that he plays with changes tactically and technically is too good and too deep to fail and he knows it. He just fine tunes it every season with a small addition here and there. He is obsessed with winning 5 European titles because he wants to be considered the King over Paisley without any doubt in people’s minds. As if any of us had any doubts anyway. I think his goal is a dozen league titles, 5 Champions League titles and 6 FA Cups, and then I could see him forcibly carried out of OT by goons hired by his wife to escort him home. Lets face it, the game keeps him young and alive.
May 17th, 2009 at 17:19
@Craig Mc: Forlan would fail miserably because he cannot handle the pace and physicality in the Prem and Heinze is washed up. Real are trying as we speak to find a replacement for him and may settle for Drenthe next season. As for Tevez, I just can’t see him stabbing the Manchester fans in the back like that. He has every right ot stick it to Fergie and Gill but he must realize that a move like that would turn him from hero to Anti-Christ in a matter of seconds.
May 17th, 2009 at 17:22
@Craig Mc: Pique was not suited for the English game mate. He was poor in the air and he wasn’t all that quick either. Evans even now is a better all round player and can hold his own back there. He will only get better with the experience he gains.
May 17th, 2009 at 17:23
@Dan: Dan Bro, Pique played two very good games against Chelsea, and if he had the opportunities Evans has had, he WOULD have done well for us. I think he is a really good defender, who played magnificently against England in the Spain/England game.
. We can’t say how he would have done in PL, because he didn’t get enough opportunity to GAIN the PL experience. 
May 17th, 2009 at 17:24
@Grognard: I disagree obviously Bro
.
May 17th, 2009 at 17:26
@Grognard: I never said these players would be any good, nevertheless Rafa thinks otherwise if he is chasing them, which by all reports he is sounding them out
.
May 17th, 2009 at 17:29
What is often forgotten about Tevez’s contributions is the incredible work rate and difference he makes to a game off the ball. It’s not as easy to replicate it even if you are running machine because much of what he does is instinctive and it really helps us carve up defenses. Is he world class, no, but he is close. His first touch and lack of pace probably have kept him from attaining that height but he certainly is a better player and more suited for the English game than many think.
Like Craig said, whether Tevez likes it or not, he is a perfect injection of terrier like qualities into the game as a sub which can help rejuvenate and invigorate a team that is playing with no pace, heart or passion. He is vital to our team’s long term campaign success because he allows Fergie to try different things and then throw in the Tasmanian Devil to shake things up. I can think of many better strikers but finding one that can help our team as well as Carlito is not easy. I hope he stays.
May 17th, 2009 at 17:32
@NicoQB: What do you mean EVEN Wes Brown??? Wes Brown is IMMENSE mate when he is fit, and I believe we have missed him on the right field this season.
Rossi HAS pace mate, ask Dan! We watched him consistently in the reserves, and he was slight built, but he was fast when needed. Problem is, he is playing in Spain now, where pace is not exactly the way they play their game, so he is not encouraged in this. You have seen the little dinky carousel passing of Spanish football, their game seems to be about keeping possession, although they have their pacey players for the sudden outbursts. From what I have seen anyway in CL, as I don’t watch Spanish football otherwise
.
May 17th, 2009 at 17:35
@Andrei:
Harsh on O’shea and Fletcher. Butt I never thought he was that much talented anyway (the players around him made him look better than he was at the time).
But Fletch at the start of his career had more skills than one would think he has right now. He had better ball control and was a more daring and creative passer, but I think he voluntarily dimmed those aspects of his game to become the midfield stalwart that he is now.
As for O’shea, he doesn’t look like it but he’s actually reasonably quick, a good header of the ball, and marks well his opponent. I think Wenger would swop three or four of his “promising” young defenders just for our very own JOS!
May 17th, 2009 at 17:36
I am looking forward to Saturday’s clash with Hull. I want to see Fergie put to the test the theory that many have carried for a long time, that our B Team and reserves are better than 14 or 15 of the Prem teams. I want to see a lineup like this
FOSTER
RAFAEL
O’SHEA
EVANS
FABIO
GIBSON
NANI
POSSEBON
FLETCHER
MACHEDA
WELBECK
I want to see what this group has to offer. I don’t care if we lose. Just let them go out and let it all hang out. Attack attack attack. Cry havoc and let slip the puppies of war.
May 17th, 2009 at 17:38
@Craig Mc: Well then you and Kimberly must get 30 lashes from the Grognard for insubordination.
May 17th, 2009 at 17:39
@Craig Mc: Rafa on the best of days is a nutbag, so let him knock himself out. By all means, sign up our retreads. Just shows how much better we are that he has to settle for our failures. Although I don’t feel that way about Carlito. Heinze and Forlan were failures in the end. How they are supposed to make Liverpool better is beyond me?
May 17th, 2009 at 17:45
@NicoQB: So Tevez is now mouthing off about not agreeing with the Manager, and not understanding the Management structure and the way things are at OT. That the directors have not spoken to him in 2 years, poor little lamb! That he is disrespected because he is not played often enough, or in the BIG games. Also he told Maradona that Fergie is an old man, who doesn’t like him. FFS, who does he think he is??? Robinho did the same to Real Madrid, the very same mouthing off, and moaning about not being respected. You earn respect Tevez, and this kind of continual trying to get your own way thru the PRESS and media outlets, will not work for you at OT. You are right, you truly have learnt nothing in two years about how Manchester United go about their business. Reading David Gills press interview today, he said the same thing, that he has told Jorabchian that United will NEVER negotiate and come to terms over Tevez via the press. He also said that Tevez demands are unreasonable in the current climate, and United will have a look at it, but didn’t think what the Tevez team was looking for would be granted at the present time. So it looks like he will be going. Your media bashing of Man United is failed Jorabchian. You know where the door is?
May 17th, 2009 at 17:49
@Grognard: Hey Kimberley has said Nothing Bro, so don’t be looking to give her a WHIPPING, not even in your most kinkiest moments
. Kimba is a GOOD girl 
.
May 17th, 2009 at 18:03
@Craig Mc: Of course Wes Brown is immense!
Most improved player last season, was he? But I’ve always had some kind of hunch that Brown,like Nani, is another one of those in Fergie’s doghouse… Just an impression
I’ll trust you about Rossi’s pace, but just a bit like Welbeck I thought that he tends to use it sparingly. Maybe that’s what’s called being “deceptivey quick”. But I’ve yet to figure out what type of player Rossi is exactly. Imho, he’s no fast running scorer like Owen or Defoe, and I havent heard of him being the Del piero/Baggio type of linchpin either. I guess his best bet is to become a similar player to the likes of Del piero, di canio or Baggio, but even they had outrageous talent in their youth days. Right now Rossi for me looks like (a nice) Cassano!
May 17th, 2009 at 18:25
@Grognard: Bring them on! I like this team!
May 17th, 2009 at 18:31
@Grognard: +1
May 17th, 2009 at 18:40
@Craig Mc: Same here, bro. I think the real bad guy here is that ass Joorabchian. Unfortunately, and I say this almost apologetically, Carlos is not the smartest man around and has been played for a fool. For god’s sake the crook is the godfather of his daughter! I had to double-take when I read that.
Here’s the mailbox from F365:
The first three comments are worth looking at:
http://www.football365.com/mailbox/story/0,17033,8744_5331229,00.html
May 17th, 2009 at 18:44
@Grognard: Subs:
)
James
Tunnicliffe
C.Evans
Morrisson (Rooney was 16 when he got his debut, right
Simpson
Tosic
Amos
Martin
May 17th, 2009 at 18:46
@Craig Mc: Spot on mate.
He has no intention of staying he is lead around by the paracite Joorabchian, we have to face the fact HE WANTS TO LEAVE, he has no intention of playing for us next season, he has been treated like any other player at a big club, he has been in and out the side.
He is hiding behind the fans loyalty to him and is playing us all, he ideally wants to play for the Dippers, as he does not want to move house but wants to play at the highest level.
He is a superb impact sub but for £32+ m I would like more, I have had 4 hours sleep since yesterday CHAMPIONS.
May 17th, 2009 at 18:50
Mentioned this earlier but didnt get a response so i will ask again. Should tevez leave as many expect, would any of you be happy if we signed john carew as his replacement. Hes tall a front man with a pretty good record, has premiership experience, and would be quite cheap and be prepared to be on the bench. I know hes not the biggest name but i think he would do well here, thats just my opinion though. Say we could pick him up for £10 million would you be happy?
May 17th, 2009 at 18:52
@Matt: Carew are you joking he has the mobility of Stephen Hawking, and the injury record, no chance mate, he is the Norwigian Heskey, I would like to think we can do better than that, we already do Macheda and Welbeck,
May 17th, 2009 at 19:31
I’d rather get Karim Benzema, David Villa or even Franck Ribery for £32m to replace Tevez and reinforce the attack, three players who are far superior to Carlitos, or somebody else in that bracket. Whether they’d be able to be bought at that price is one thing though, and whether they’d be happy being rotated if bought is another.
May 17th, 2009 at 19:34
@Nino: They simply offer us something different Carlos is no disrespect is a poor mans Rooney.
I really hope Carlito the player stays but he is controlled by people who are soley only interested in money, they are telling him he is being mis treated, he isn’t they want to sell him to the highest bidder and maximise their investement.
May 17th, 2009 at 19:35
@Stephen:
May 17th, 2009 at 19:42
@NicoQB: if morrison is on the bench, im will wank my self dry, im not lying., i will.
“Dan, wanked dry!
May 17th, 2009 at 19:52
@Stephen: Norweigan heskey, i dont think hes that bad mate but as i said in my opinion i think hes pretty good and wouldnt be a bad player to consider. Of course we can do better than him, were the best team in world football at the minute but i have to wonder if again going for another £30 million striker is the right choice or go with a cheaper alternative or give the youth its chance.
Im actually quite a big fan of frazier campbell and wouldnt mind seeing him coming back with macheda and welbeck also getting a go. Its risky yes but they have great potential and how can we say they wont score important goals. I bet last season we werent think evans would have made such a great impact, rafael for that matter too.
I say we give these guys a chance and see how they do. Were not talking first team, they would be 3rd maybe 4th choice after ronaldo who can play there. I say give them their chance and save a fortune on players cos i believe especially macheda could be a real star if hes given time. Wont adding another £30 million star limit his chances.
As for ravel morrison i agree with Dan, were he to start it would be bloody great, this kid has got real star quality written all over him. From what ive seen of him he will be in the first team in 3 years. Of course its of a lower standard but the guy looks absolutely sensational and for what 15 or 16 hes a real talent. To be honest though i cant see us resting too many players as 10 days off for the likes of rooney and ronaldo isnt necessarily a good thing as too much rest could affect their performances.
May 17th, 2009 at 19:55
@Matt: If there’s one player I’d could nick from Aston Villa it’d be Ashley Young. I’d rather have a young, pacy English talent like him than that Velencia geezer from Wigan who’s always linked with us.
May 17th, 2009 at 19:58
@Stephen: I don’t mind him staying, as opposed to hope or want him to stay. If you read the quotes he supposedly came out with today and in the last few days, it is apparent a poisonous external influence is infiltrating his mind and this might manifest itself in the dressing room and disrupt team spirit. The interests of the team always > the player, at the end of the day.
May 17th, 2009 at 20:07
CHAMPIONE, CHAMPIONE!!! OLE, OLE, OLEEEEEEEEEE!!!!
Best thing I have ever been a part of. Forget me getting fantastic grades at school, forget me getting all the credit for my teams massive win some years ago, forget me beating the worlds bst FIFA 09 player, forget me me being born! 
That was absolutely immense, I tell ya, fucing IMMENSE!!! 18 league titles, and thats a fact! 
May 17th, 2009 at 20:11
I want us to play this team agaisnt Hull. I dont fucking care who gets relegated, its none of our business. Newcastle, Boro and Hull are all shit, so fuck them all and let Wolves and Birmingham show them how you actually do survive!
Kuszcack
Rafael
Neville
Evans
Fabio
Nani
Gibson
Fletcher
Tosic
Macheda
Welbeck
just go out and play the game with flair, I bet Kiko, Danny, Fabio, Tosic and Gibso all will want to show what theyve got. Win, draw or lose, we are already Champions and its the Barca game that counts. Now onto Rome!!!
May 17th, 2009 at 20:22
@Nino: Agree, i keep hearing about this valencia but i dont know why. He wasnt deemed good enough at villareal and was sold to wigan and in my opinion has hardly set the place alight there. Ashley young i was all over in january but to be honest now im willing to give tosic his chance and i would also like to see nani get more games. The guy is talented, yes hes inconsistent but so was ronaldo and you know why he turned into the player he is today, cos he was given a run of games and he got better. How is dropping nani and then giving him a game every month gonna help him? Its not and im a bit surprised fergie has treated him this way but anyway i dont want to get into this nani debate so i will stop now, but yes as you said nino ashley is a great player and would do well here.
May 17th, 2009 at 20:22
I think that if we keep Tevez we dont need any new signings. Rooney has been played as a winger in almost every game he has played since his ban against Fulham, and I think he has done absoutely briliantly! Im a big fan of Ashley Young, but Tevez is actually perfect for our team when you think about it. Imagine him, Berbatov, Rooney and Ronaldo forming a a front 4 next season? Kiko, Frazier and Danny can be used as subs, I feel we have the quelity to let them get a couple of games. Macheda certanly has the ability to change a game from the bench! So I will do something I didnt do very often before thre weeks ago, but I will shout: “Fergie, Fergie sign him up!!!”
Why Berbatov and Tevez can form the ultimate partnership? You ever heard about tall and small?! How completely different is it possible to become?! Tevez is a short terrier, Berbatov is a tall and elegent player. Tevez runs an awful lot, Berbatov doesnt run a lot but takes advantage of players that do. Tevez can chase the ball and stress opponents whe they are on the ball, while Berbatov positiones himself great and is very unpredictable when on the ball. While Tevez usually looks for positions to score Berbatov looks for players who can score. I could continue with this, but I guess you see where I am going.
We have teh most complete squad in world football/history of football right now. If we can keep Wes and Owen fit we have cover for every position.
GK: VDS, Foster, Kuzzy
RB: Rafael, Oshea, Nev, Brown
CB: Rio, Vidic, Evans, Brown, Oshea
LB: Evra, Fabio, Oshea
RM & LM: Ronaldo, Rooney, Park, Nani, Giggs
CM: Anderson, Hargreaves, Carrick, Fletcher, Scholes, Giggs, Gibson
ST: Rooney, Berbatov, Tevez, Ronaldo, Macheda, Welbeck, Campbell
I will actually go as far as saying that if we dont sell anybody, get Tevez and can make Owen, Fabio and Wes fit for a long time I hope we dont buy any players. I dont see where we need improvement really?!
May 17th, 2009 at 21:26
I think that realistically, without any departures we will only sign two players. A left winger and if Tevez leaves, an experienced striker who won’t mind not playing every game.
VDS
Brown Ferdinand Vidic Evra
Carrick Hargreaves
Ronaldo Rooney SOMEONE
Berbatov
The winger will probably be Valencia, but I’d rather spend the extra to get Young or Ribery or just play Nani instead.
I think if we dont pick up Eidur Gudjohnsen we’re mad. He’d cost around £4million, and Fergie has wanted him for ages (wanted a swap deal for Pique) and he’s 30, so there’s a few years left in him. I’d love him to come to United. A Proper classy player, and he’s a different option to Berbatov, and would be good next to Rooney in a 4-4-2.
I think Welbeck will go out on loan next year, maybe to Wolves as we have a good relationship with them and I think he’d work pretty well with Ebanks-Blake. Campbell will come back and will be backup alongside Gudjohnsen. Macheda and Tosic will be in our Carling cup side with the odd sub appearance.
I think next year the Rooney/Berbatov axis will be very productive, and if Ronaldo stays injury free, he’ll have a better season next year than this. Here’s hoping Hargreaves is back to his imperious best, and Carrick continues to develop into one of the best midfielders in the league… maybe up his goal count a little.
May 17th, 2009 at 21:41
Whats the latest on Hargreaves
May 17th, 2009 at 21:44
@Craig Mc: Don’t believe everything you read mate. The English media is totally unscrupulous and criminal and I believe that 90% of what he says is BS and nothing more than lies conjured up to cause havoc.
May 17th, 2009 at 21:44
@Fred The Red: He has curly hair, I would love it if I had that and I would let him shag my wife. Other than that he is injured, on the way to recovery.
May 17th, 2009 at 21:44
@Fred The Red: He’s doing fine and ahead of schedule in his fight to return for the start of next season.
May 17th, 2009 at 21:46
@Grognard: Hopefully next to Andy in midfield.
May 17th, 2009 at 21:46
@Craig Mc: But if it gets under your skin would you not consider it a strong tactical incentive to get you to fall inline with the Grognard’s New World Order (GNWO)? Trust me, I’m evil and I have cunning plan my Lord.
May 17th, 2009 at 21:47
@RedDevilEddy: Hopefully in place of Andy and next to Carrick in the midfield.
May 17th, 2009 at 21:48
@Traverse: Good call on gudjonson, i remember when i mentioned him you said you wanted him and your right for £4 million he would be an absolute steal. Honestly apart from a striker i cant see anyone else coming in such is the strenght of our squad and already without buying anyone it is already stronger when you add wes, hargo, fabio who will all hopefully be fit plus the likes of tosic and llaljac who will come into the squad, not sure llaljac will get much games but its good to know hes there. These players added to an already formidable squad plus maybe a striker in the summer sounds brilliant. About the most complete squad you could find in my opinion.
May 17th, 2009 at 21:49
@NicoQB: Joorabchian reminds me of that parasite lawyer that took poor Anna Nichol Smith for everything she had and who probably was responsible for her death as well. The guy is truly scum and Carlos is blind, dumb and ignorant to not realize it.
May 17th, 2009 at 21:51
@NicoQB: No as far as subs go I would put some vets in there and give them a little work like why not Brown, even Neville or Scholes and even Tevez or Berbatov if neither is starting the final. We need some vets to help salvage the game if we are drawn or fall behind.
May 17th, 2009 at 21:52
@Grognard: Nah, you got that wrong mate!
Its gonna be Hargo/Fletcher-Anderson/Carrick next season! No if`s, but`s or maybe`s, its definitive!!! 
May 17th, 2009 at 21:56
@Nino: Completely agree. David Villa especially would be immense, although I know he doesn’t want to leave Spain. You know Valencia haven’t won a game without him since 2007? Imagine 442 with Rooney and Ronaldo on the wings and Villa and Berbatov up top, especially if Berbatov starts getting into the box more. Wow.
The only thing that saddens me about the current Tevz situation is that we won’t make any money from his leaving. If I were Fergie I’d snap him up at £25 million then sell him to Madrid for the £40 million they’re apparently offering. I understand why people did love him but for anyone to maintain faith in a player who is clearly self-obsessed and agent-guided is just foolish. If you can’t handle rotation we don’t want you, and if you speak out against Fergie and the club in the media it;s my opinion that you shouldn’t be playing here. 11 titles (33 trophies) in 23 years says he knows better than Kia.
Oh, and I haven’t posted since we won the league so WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
May 17th, 2009 at 21:56
@Stephen: See the problem is twofold. Part of it is Joorabchian’s greed and asking price and the other more valid problem is that it really isn’t about the money. It’s about status and playing time. Most important to Tevez is playing time. Tevez doesn’t seem to care about the money. He wants to start. If he leaves, that will be the main reason and that is the main reason why he turned down a lucrative offer from Real Madrid. Because he saw how many forwards are already there and he knew that he would be sitting the bench again. I can honestly see him going to a smaller English team like Spurs or City rather than go and sit on a bench for a front loaded super team. He already knows that according to European law he can get out of the contract with Joorabchian. Nope, this is a bout respect from the manager and playing time. And to be honest, I cannot blame him because based on the way Berbatov has played, Tevez did not deserve to lose his job without a fight. Do I knock him for questioning the boss’s tactics and style? No, God knows I have many a time. Fergie is not meant to be understood. He is meant to be followed obediently and without question.
May 17th, 2009 at 21:59
@Matt: Carew is way past his expiry date. He has played fairly well the past month because he was out for most of the season and so he was fresh, but he is hardly United class mate. And no I do not want to see Tevez leave but then again I will not revolt or slit my wrists if he does. Nobody, not even Ronaldo is irreplaceable. Only Fergie is irreplaceable.
May 17th, 2009 at 22:01
@Stephen: Actually Stephen Hawking has a better first touch and has a sharper turn and shot. Carew is only better than him in the air. Hawking also has more pace when he revs that chair up to full speed.
He’s also a smarter player than Carew because unlike Carew being able to find holes in defenses, Hawking finds black holes.
May 17th, 2009 at 22:03
@Nino: The problem is that none of those players can be bought for less than 40 million. And Benzema is overrated shite anyway. Ribery and Villa are fantastic but like Benzema, neither want to play for us as Spain is their lady.
May 17th, 2009 at 22:09
@RedDevilEddy:
“Imagine him, Berbatov, Rooney and Ronaldo forming a a front 4 next season?”
Correct me if I am wrong mate but imagining that doesn’t fill me up with great thoughts of a juggernaut attack that will score 100 goals. That was the same lineup we had this year and they scored sparingly. So there is nothing to imagine. We’ve seen it all already. I think we need some fresh blood up front. I’d like to see Tevez stay but if not, I won’t lose sleep. It’s time for either Welbeck and Macheda to make the big move up and become major contributors. I hope that Fergie doesn’t buy Benzema or any other forward (unless of course Huntelaar comes) but I would like to see either Valencia or especially Ribery.
May 17th, 2009 at 22:17
@Fred The Red:
X-men origins: wolverine
Its actually based on Owen’s life. Growing up in Canada…travelling the world…breaking his, um, bones…then a trip to america to see Colonel ‘Steadman’ Stryker…bit of adamantium, some nakedness, then back home in time to beat the crud out of Sabretooth Tevez
Terminator Salvation is actually a documentary of Hargo’s rehibilitation.
May 17th, 2009 at 22:45
@Grognard: I know you hate internet slang but still, I lol’d
May 17th, 2009 at 23:59
God just reading fat rafas comments, man the guy is an absoluet bloody idiot. As if we didnt know that before even the liverpool fans know must realise the guy is a twat.
According to him being top of the league means nothing, his team is best and thats that. The guy goes on to say we spend much more than his team and thats the reason we win things. Is this guy on crack?
They spend similar if not larger amounts than us and yet he says we have an unfair advantage as we spend more. Maybe we get our money from trophies, and we dont buy 6 average players like you. We buy quality over quantity.
The man has no honour or respect, refusing to even congratulate us. Fair is fair if they would have won the title im sure ferguson would have gritted his teeth and made a short but still honest congratulations. Really shows the difference in class in my opinon. I remember fergie sending fatty a letter when he first won the champs league in 05 congratulating him yet rafa cant admit his team lost to the worthy champions.
Go back to the day job rafa, serving people and taking orders cos you aint classy enough or respectful enough to last long in this business mate. Sorry about this rant but this prat has been annoying me with his comments all day and i had to blow my top on this.
May 18th, 2009 at 0:12
@Grognard: Possebon is trash. His best game is like Scholes on the worst game of his career and I personally never want to see him start a premier league game for us.
May 18th, 2009 at 0:13
@Matt: tell me you have a link
May 18th, 2009 at 1:02
@Grognard: If we were to win No. 4 in Rome by defeating the best Spain has to offer, it may be an easier decision for them to join us! David Villa for one would be especially stupid to turn down the double consecutive (hopefully!) European champions and head to shitty R. Madrid (where I’ve heard he is destined to go) and waste his sublime talents. The only Spanish team that would be justified for him would be going to Barcelona, but they’d need to get rid of one of their existing strikers first (Etoo would be my bet) to accomodate him. I’m sure that with all the Spanish contingent in the Premiership, especially in the North-west of England he could easily link up his Scouser mates in his free time and wouldn’t feel homesick but its his call….
Ribery would be the easiest player to lure – he is made for the Premier League and for us in particular – a dream signing, and he can play as a forward too as well as on the wings, giving us more options and tactical flexibility than Tevez possibly could. I reckon £35m could force Bayern’s hand if Carlitos goes.
May 18th, 2009 at 1:31
@Nino: Your hypothesis has holes in it because you failed to remember one key element to the whole thing. That footballers are generally walking talking sacks of fluid with the IQ of an excited yak. They are simply too stupid to make the right decision because their motivation and their personal greed is all out of whack. Villa feels Spanish football is superior, Ribery has been brainwashed by his friends Henry and Zidane in believing that only Barca or Real could possibly offer him what he craves. So never underestimate the potential for these idiotic mental masturbatory muppets to always pick poorly.
May 18th, 2009 at 1:36
I don’t think David Villa’s reason to stay in Spain is footballing. From the large number of journalists and reports I’ve read, he thinks staying on in Spain is the best option for his family. And, he is known to be a fairly humble person who hasn’t forgotten his roots — now, this in itself doesn’t mean he can’t come to the premier league, but it is a part of who he is as a person which makes him stay in Spain. I hear Barcelona is his preferred destination over Madrid. And money is not key in his decision making. The only reason he’s leaving Valencia is because he’s an asset to the club, and selling him would help the club to get out of its misery to some extent. We must realise that this is a player who didn’t let his performances drop even when Valencia had failed to pay him wages for about 6 months of the season.
In the world of drama queen footballers, I think he’s an exception.
May 18th, 2009 at 1:37
@Nino: I could see Ribery easily going to either top Spanish side and then struggle to find playing time. His ego is not as big as the reality that he is not guaranteed the starting position or playing time with these teams that he would be with us. But try telling him that. And why would Henry try to convince him to come to Barca when it would be Henry’s position on the left side that would be most in jeopardy? Honestly, these people really are dim witted ego junkies who don’t possess much gray matter sufficient enough to spread as a pate on a biscuit.
And like I said earlier, Ribery will go nowhere for under 40 million. Bayern are not forced to sell and they will cash in big time in order to let him go.
May 18th, 2009 at 1:51
@Matt: I think the character of the man has shown shown itself the last half of this season. The ridiculous outburst regarding SAF’s influence on the Ref’s and the fixture schedule was a desperate attempt to draw attention away from a team in the ascendancy (United). And the poking and jabbing at one who, by all accounts will surpass the achievements of all British managers, is not just classless, but downright disrespectful!!
He has a very high opinion of himself, and that, just because he’s won the CL once! His tactics are so conservative, that I would doubt he could adapt to a change in the weather, let alone a team that out maneuvers him. His use of his squad can be tan demount to pathetic, especially in the way he substitutes.
The fact that Liverpool won absolutely nothing this year, is because they are led by an egomaniac, who’s sole purpose in life is to be rated above SAF. The fact that his team is uncompetitive in so many areas, is handily swept under the carpet by the foul smelling smoke screen that emantes from his fat rear end. And now he is trying to make the case that the best team didn’t win this year.
If I was a Liverpool fan, and of course that will not happen in my lifetime, or any reincarnated state that may happen in the future, I’d be looking at results at not the runny, brown crap that flows from this mans ugly mouth.
How can you believe in a man that will discuss anything but the pertinent facts. The big pertinent fact is Liverpool have won absolutely diddly squat this year and his intervention was, apparently critical to this high level of underachievement.
The man is obviously a cunt, and from this point on, I would say that everything that has spouted from this blokes hairy trap, should be referred to as “The Vagina Monologues”
May 18th, 2009 at 1:57
Very interesting news that if true sheds a lot of light on the future plans for Ronaldo and the team next year.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1183616/Long-term-Nike-deal-holds-key-Ronaldos-future-Manchester-United.html?ITO=1490
May 18th, 2009 at 2:04
@Grognard: I think Bayern may be forced to sell if Ribery himself is adamant that he wants to up sticks from Munich, which could happen if they don’t retain the Bundesliga, which Wolfsburg look certain to win.
Speaking of Wolfsburg, what do you think of their strikers Dzeko and Grafite? Every week when I read the Bundesliga round-up on the Sky Sports website Dzeko’s name in particular always seems to hit the headlines. He sounds like a tidy striker who could be an potential unearthed diamond in the rough…I follow developments in the Bundesliga but don’t really watch it, so any thoughts on whether he could make it at a big European powerhouse or is he a flash in the pan type of player?
May 18th, 2009 at 2:21
@Red Ranter: I think that when we look at foreign players, and talk about the influence that their culture has on the decision making process of a transfer, you only have to look at the tiny amount of British players that ply their trade in an alien environment. With the exception of players coming from poverty ridden backgrounds, it has to be a huge factor for them!!
May 18th, 2009 at 4:35
@Nino: It doesn’t matter what Ribery wants mate. He is contracted to Bayern for two more years and so if they want to play it like Fergie played it last year, they will tell him to shutup, grow up and play. They probably will sell him but they are in no urgent need to sell him for nothing. They will demand top dollar for him and will get it.
Dzeko is an interesting player. He has a strong instinct for being in the right place at the right time. A natural goal scorer type who has really taken to the partnership with Grafite well and just past Gomez for the league lead with 24 goals. I don’t think he is as good as Ibisevic from Hoffenheim and nobody should forget that Ibisevic had 18 goals in only 19 games for the Hoff. Dzeko has been a monster in the second half and certainly is an interesting prospect.
As for Grafite, truthfully, I think he’s a good player but nothing special. He scored a real stunning goal a couple of weeks back which was very imaginative but also needed some luck to come off but he seems to have that luck. Many of his goals like Ronaldo come from penalties so for me Dzeko is the more natural of the two when it comes to scoring. Dzeko would be an interesting buy because I don’t think he would cost a mint and I think he could break in as the #3 striker for a big club. He isn’t overly fast and I for one do not think he has the pace and first touch to be a quality United player, but he’s also not that far off. One thing he does have that we are missing is goal scoring instinct and the desire to prowl the box and look for goal scoring opportunities.
May 18th, 2009 at 7:34
@Liam: i got to agree with that, i dont see the potential.
nemanja vidic won both (fans and players) player of the year awards last night, with kiko winning young player of the year, and chester winning reserve player of the year.
May 18th, 2009 at 8:39
@Dan: Speaking of Vidic, I heard some murmurs on a radio show that Vidic might be headed to Barcelona next season — apparently his wife hates the weather and she’s had enough of putting up with it.
It’s still gossip, so we have to wait and see.
May 18th, 2009 at 9:04
Vidic is a fantastic player and compliments Ferdinand totally. Hard player to replace if he leaves. Evans is a player with huge potential, but he’s no Vidic
May 18th, 2009 at 9:38
@Grognard: David Gill does NOT agree with your comments Grog
. He expressly said in interview to the media, that it IS ABOUT MONEY, and that what the Tevez team are asking from United is OTT in expectation, and in todays economic situation, they are not going to get what they are asking for – END OF! Fergie himself has confirmed this. As for Tevez not being respected by United because he isn’t picked for EVERY game as starter, so feckin what? Nobody at United, except for Mard Arse Ronaldo is certain of starting every game he wants to. Tevez will have been told when he first came to United, as all players are told, that NOBODY is guaranteed to start every game, and that we have a big squad and rotation policy. Tevez seems to think he is above all the other players in this – where does he get off? Also if as you say Grog, all that Tevez wants is to be a certain starter every game, then why didn’t he stay at West Ham. He was sure as fuck a certain starter there. So yes, any of the big teams he signs for, are just going to be the same situation for him, so let him buggar off to one of the lesser teams, where he will play every week and win fuck all. I think you will find that his ego wont let him do this, unless as Gill and Fergie say, it is ALL ABOUT MONEY, and he can go sign for City, where he will get plenty of dosh. To be honest Grog, what RESPECT has he shown to Man United, the club that FOUGHT tooth and nail for him through the law courts, and to Fergie and the United faithful, by mouthing off about the way our club do business, Fergie being an old man who doesn’t like Tevez (poor little lamb), and the United directors not approaching him in 2 years – please. Our directors don’t approach any of the players, they leave all that to Fergie. Problem with Tevez is that HE BELIEVES that he is the bees fucking knees, whereas the truth is, he is just an EXCELLENT impact sub. RANT OVER – 
.
May 18th, 2009 at 9:44
@michael: I couldn’t agree with you more Bro – SPOT ON MATE
.
May 18th, 2009 at 9:48
@Grognard: No Grog mi man, your new world order is DARK and Evil, and I’m one of the good guys, and Kimberley is one of the good girls. In fact my girlfriend and Kimberley are the two girls in the world who are ANGELICALLY GOOD – pure sweetness Groggy Bro
.
May 18th, 2009 at 9:51
@RedDevilEddy: Eddie SHAME on you
. You would let Hargo do that to your wife, I wouldn’t allow any guy that privilage with my Missus EVER 
.
May 18th, 2009 at 9:57
Rafa’s latest ramblings
. “Liverpool can tell that United know we are right on their tails, closing in, we can see this because of the splits erupting in the United camp. i.e. Tevez and Ronnie showing disrespect and turning on Fergie and his decision making.” What sort of LOGIC is that 
. Rafa takes the glory now for everything that goes on at OT. Its obviously because we are scared of Loserpool 
.
May 18th, 2009 at 9:58
The issue with Carlos is really simple the transfer fee is too high, the fiancial world is a different place then what is was two years ago, people keep quoting £32m, but I have heard it could be as high as £35m.
£35m for an impact sub, and 5 goals in 27 games with 18 starts is not good value for money.
Also he doesn’t want to stay, I bet he has an agreement already with the Dippers, he likes the Premieship, likes where he lives and is friends with chipmonk, sorry Mascherano, it seems too logical to me.
May 18th, 2009 at 10:03
@Stephen: You are spot on with your assessment mate
. Only thing you got wrong is that he is going to the dippers! Rafa says that he only has 20 million in his transfer fund this summer, and 30-35 million for Tevez is out of the dippers league – what a bloody shame eh? 
.
May 18th, 2009 at 10:08
@Craig Mc: I have heard he is going to off load around 10 players to fund the deal, also the 35m was our price not the open market price. Don’t forget £10m was te two year loan.
May 18th, 2009 at 10:16
@Stephen: Well Loserpool must have changed their mind then, because they said that they couldn’t fund the deal. But if they are getting rid of ten players, all the better for us, because I personally TRULY do not believe that Tevez will play every game for Loserpool, because RAFA is the author of rotation MASTERCLASS
.
May 18th, 2009 at 10:20
@Craig Mc: That is only a rumour and my paranoia mate
Not player in the top four really play every week, they have Kuyt who is similar to Carlos anyway, but lets see, I am waiting for another long drawn out transfer saga this summer………
May 18th, 2009 at 10:58
I wouldn’t be surprised if Tevez goes to someone like Liverpool on another 2 year loan. Makes the most money for Joorbachian, and that’s all he’s in it for.
May 18th, 2009 at 11:00
Also, it looks like the Valencia deal could cost under £9 million, not around £20mil. Much better.
May 18th, 2009 at 11:06
@Traverse: I really do not see the need for Valencia, if we were going to buy a player this summer than an attacking centrel midfielder like Van Der Vaart would be more sensible, also it would give me the opportunity to leer at his wife
May 18th, 2009 at 11:32
@Grognard:
May 18th, 2009 at 12:11
Congtats to Vida on being United player of the year, Tevez did not turn up I hear, I wouldn’t be surprised if he never plays for us again, and will not even be in the Champions League final squad.
May 18th, 2009 at 12:31
@Stephen: We’re way overstocked in central midfield. Carrick, Hargreaves, Anderson, Fletcher, Scholes, Giggs, Gibson. If it looks like we are going to let Tevez leave and have Ronaldo as the 3rd option up front, we need an attacking right sided player, since we only have Park there. If we’re gogn to buy Valencia (and it’s been mentioned all season) I’d much rather it was for the £9million being quoted today, not the £20mill people have been speculating.
Yeah, Tevez didn’t tun up to the player of the year awards, and he’s been spouting off about lack of respect again. He obviously isn’t willing to be part of a winning squad and would rather play 50 games a year and win nothing. I don’t know if it’s because he is simple, or badly advised. Quite probably both.
In other news, Foster is out for 2 months as he is going to have surgery to fix his persistent thumb problem.
May 18th, 2009 at 12:40
@Stephen: I dont think you guys know too much about VDV.
Even though being played as a attacking midfielder for Real, his natural position is CF. He played as a lone striker for Ajax on many occasions, and at Hamburg he played as one of two strikers. So buying Van der Vaart would be like buying a striker. Rafael would really be one of my favorite signins for this club, because his skills are exeptional. But if Tevez stays I see no need to buy a striker, we will have enough brilliance there.
May 18th, 2009 at 12:40
@Traverse: We also have Nani and Hargo has played wide right, Ronnie may play through the centre but next season could be time to give Macheda and Welbeck a run.
I agree about Carlos, I think he is a simpleton who is being manipulated by kia joorabchian and the other members the consortium.
Giggs and Scholes are not getting any younger and we need a midfielder who can chip in 15+ goals next season, I am not 100% sure if Gibo is United quality, Andy likewise.
May 18th, 2009 at 12:43
@Traverse: Like I said in my previous comment, Van der Vaart is a centre forward, not an attacking midfielder. I believe his skills would be perfect for United, they would give us another dimension. He is unsettled at Real Madrid, and wants to move because of his “unpopularity” at the club. I would like to see him in a United shirt, he has been one of my favorite players for some years now. But I dont see it happening if we keep Tevez…
May 18th, 2009 at 12:45
@Stephen: Andy is more than United quality, he is world class!!!
If he improves his finshing, he will be one of the most complete midfielders in the world.
May 18th, 2009 at 12:58
@RedDevilEddy: I hope he does mate and I really hope he makes it with us, but I am loosing faith mate.
May 18th, 2009 at 13:06
@Stephen: I think Welbeck will go out on loan, Campbell will come back and take he 3rd/4th striker role. Macheda will continue his development in the reserves and hit the bench in case of injuries.
May 18th, 2009 at 13:20
@Traverse: I agree with Welbeck it would be good for him, Campbell is simply not good enough to be considered in my view, he hasn’t exactly set the world alight at Spurs.
May 18th, 2009 at 13:39
@Grognard: I just looked up Dzeko on Wikipedia and the man has 12 goals in 17 appearances for his country Bosnia. In my opinion, that kind of form is not to be sniffed at, especially when it’s at international level! He’s also been very prolific for all the other clubs he’s played for prior to Wolfsburg, which shows a instinctive poachers knack of being in the right place at the right time and scoring goals. Obviously scoring tons of goals in the Bosnian and German leagues is a different kettle of fish when compared to the might of the Premier League and La Liga, but with Ronaldo moving to centre-forward next season, a player like Dzeko could be an interesting potential target with a view to being utilised as a useful third or fourth choice striker and provide a different option off the bench. I think this guy is a better bet than Manucho anyway to make it at a club like United!
May 18th, 2009 at 13:45
Have you seen the dressing room photo of the players after the game? Can anybody tell me who the player next to Anderson is? Is that Simpson? This is it http://picsrv.manutd.com/?fif=/manu/img_10_29017_4693.jpg
May 18th, 2009 at 14:08
@Stephen: Neither has he played. They wanted him on loan and then bought Pavlyuchenko, Keane, Defoe and already had Bent. Stupid Spurs. He’s looked pretty decent the few matches I’ve seen him play. Deserves his chance ahead of Welbeck and Macheda.
May 18th, 2009 at 14:15
@Traverse: Why? Macheda is the real deal in my view and so is Welbeck, Campbell has only played two games for us so he doesn’t deserve it ahaead of a player who essentially could have won us the title with two very important goals and Welbeck who has scored three times for us.
May 18th, 2009 at 14:23
@Craig Mc: Is he seriously talking about rifts in OUR squad? Must’ve missed this http://www.101greatgoals.com/videodisplay/2539505/
May 18th, 2009 at 14:24
Ok I’ve just posted 2 comments that are nearly the same and they haven’t shown up. Sorry if they both come up and I’m clogging the site
May 18th, 2009 at 14:41
@Stephen: Well for one, Campbell was as promising as Welbeck (Macheda may be a special case) and he went out on loan to Hull and scored 15 goals as they got promoted from the toughest league in the world to get out of, and he has scored goals for England’s U21s too.
I also saw him play at Ole’s testimonial against Espanyol, where he scored the only goal, and was brilliant. He’d have stayed with us this season if it weren’t for Spurs playing hardball over Berbatov, and teams were offering us £8 million for him and Fergie told them where to go.
He is a better option right now than both of them, and that’s why he should get his chance. If he goes the whole season and does nothing then thanks for everything and good luck with the rest of your career. Welbeck will come back from his suspected loan more experienced with more game time under his belt, and Macheda will have reached legal drinking age. No harm done.
May 18th, 2009 at 14:43
Also, he scored 2 and set one up against Liverpool in the Cup this season, that’s worth a year alone
May 18th, 2009 at 14:53
@RedB: No mate it is not Simpson, it is Kiko Macheda, well it looks like Kiko to me. Simpson is on the back row of players, 1st player left of the picture with a scarf
.
May 18th, 2009 at 14:58
Redb, you have Rio, to his right Berba, Nemanjah just behind Nani’s jesters hat, with his hands to his head, then Kiko to Rio and Nani’s left
, just to clarify things 
.
May 18th, 2009 at 15:11
@Craig Mc: I meant the one behind Ronaldo and Tosic, so yes that is Simpson. Cheers mate. He came back from loan for the title party, sly little git.
May 18th, 2009 at 15:48
@Traverse: I think if £8m was on the table now we should bite anyones hand off mate
But if not then probably worth a look at.
May 18th, 2009 at 16:04
@RedB:
, sorry mate my brain must be addled these days, I just re read your post, and you didn’t mention Rio anywhere 
. But yeah next to Adnie is Simmo back from loan, and so wanting to make it big at United 
. Simmo is a Salford lad, so I hope he does make it. Fergie reject a Salford lad AT YOU PERIL 
.
May 18th, 2009 at 17:13
@Craig Mc: You just don’t care for little Carlito do you mate? That’s OK, you are entitled. I don’t want him as a starter either but I still think he is a big help to this side because when he scores, it usually is a big goal and his style usually helps wake the club up when they are just coasting.
May 18th, 2009 at 17:18
@RedDevilEddy: van der Vaart is not a center forward. What the heck are you smoking mate? He is an attacking midfielder through and through and is even known to play CM farther back at times. Where do you get your fact, RAFA?
He also has been a failure at Real and with Holland because he doesn’t track back and because he’s moody and very lazy.
May 18th, 2009 at 17:23
@RedDevilEddy: Andy is barely over shire class yet alone world class. Christ the delusions you carry for this player is unbelievable some time. Don’t use the term world class so liberally. Beckenbauer, Cruyff, Pele, Maradona, Zidane, Ronaldo, Rooney, Messi, Torres, Gerrard, Aguero etc. Those are players you can safely call world class. Not a part timer who can’t score a goal and plays one good game in five. Get serious mate. Nothing I dislike more than blind bias.
Like the guy all you want, but also know him for exactly what he is, a promising young footballer with major holes in his game.
May 18th, 2009 at 17:26
@Nino: Yes but don’t count on him coming to United because as you have no doubt figured out, unless a player comes from Italy or Spain, Fergie prefers buying a striker with Prem experience. Dzeko is just not polished enough in his eyes, I’m sure of that.
May 18th, 2009 at 17:29
Bit previous on Aguero I think. He’s very good, but has won zero trophies and hasn’t really played in any games that mean anything. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a future World Class player, but not yet
May 18th, 2009 at 17:30
@Grognard: And Chelsea are after him…
May 18th, 2009 at 17:31
@RedB: Yes it is Danny Simpson if you are talking about the guy immediately left of Anderson.
May 18th, 2009 at 17:32
@Craig Mc: What are you saying bro? That is Simpson to the left of Anderson. Macheda is in the center just above Tevez.
May 18th, 2009 at 17:35
@Traverse: Aguero is as world class as they come. Watch him for a season and see. The guy is outstanding and can do everything.
May 18th, 2009 at 17:36
@Traverse: Why don’t the Argies produce any forwards over 5ft these day? Tevez, Messi, Aguero, Salvio, De Federico ect are so short, where are the Batistuta’s and Crespo’s of this world gone? There are probably loads
May 18th, 2009 at 18:00
@Grognard: Oy mate, Im joking! Ive been in a fucking awsome mood today, I wore my “United invasion of Rome 2009″ Gladiator hat at school today!
My teacher nearly had a heart attack laughing when he saw me, it was fucking immense. This title win really sparks me on and gets me in the mood to joke all the time. I actually these sentences are the first serious things Ive been saying all day. Im really, really happy! So excuse me for bringing that here, I thought the smiley would make you guys understand it was meant as a joke. Although the fact that I think Andy would be the complete midfielder if he could finish was true… 
I dont wanna start a discussion with you on that, cause we both know how that would end up! 
May 18th, 2009 at 18:04
@Grognard: Correct me if Im wrong, but as a Bundesliga watcher I feel you should know that VDV played as a CF for Hamburg.
I watched HSV a couple of times because I was a big fan of him, and I recall him being played as a CF just behind the main striker. For Ajax he certanly did play that, he scored many tap ins from the striking position! I know he has been used as a midfielder for Holland and Real, but after watching him I feel his best position or role is the role that Rooney is meant to play, the role that Berba plays for us now. Behind the main striker, but further forward than the midfield.
May 18th, 2009 at 18:44
@RedDevilEddy: Sorry if I didn’t get the joke mate. Some times I’m just a little thick.
May 18th, 2009 at 18:48
@RedDevilEddy: No, he just played a Lampard style advance midfield position but because Hamburg only used one forward up front, it may look like that. Also, a culprit in perpetrating this myth is none other than the juvenile idiots who program FIFA 09. They often have shit for brains and misunderstand formations and setups unless they are handed a team dossier that explains everything. I laughed when I saw where they had VDF in the Hamburg lineup last year. Trust me, he is no forward. He is an out and out midfielder.
May 18th, 2009 at 18:53
@Grognard: Ariite then mate. Sorry for the misundertanding.
May 18th, 2009 at 18:54
@Grognard: Its okey mate!
Im just such a happy fella these days that I even kid myself when I make jokes! 
ANDERSON FTW!!! 
May 18th, 2009 at 19:03
I remember watching the day when liverpool lifted their 18th title back in 1990 and later looking up to see how many united had won(7). I was distraught. In 15 years Fergie has completely butchered the record books. If we can pick up our Fourth European trophy next week I will be ecstatic. All this talk of Tevez leaving is irrelvant. Lets relax and enjoy our 18th and perhaps another beautiful summer evening victory in Rome. Thank you Sir Alex!!
May 18th, 2009 at 19:11
Grognard: I know, I know, I was just dreaming aloud!
@Dan: Somehow, I’m not surprised!!! 
May 18th, 2009 at 19:23
@Grognard: Are you sober Grog, I said that is Simmo next to Andie, with the scarf round his neck
May 18th, 2009 at 19:24
I have to say the second best piece of news to come out of football this weekend was that Hiddink is to leave the rent boys and it looks like Ancelotti will be taking his place.
Hiddink is a fantastic manager and if he has stayed I would say that without doubt Chelsea would have been our biggest rivals for the league next season, under the most over-rated manager in Europe Ancelotti I really think they will struggle. The Italian league currently is awful, AC Milan have a team with average age of 70, and he in my view will not know what hits him in the Premiership.
May 18th, 2009 at 19:25
@Stephen: I read somewhere, I think the Daily Mail, that Ronaldo might be used as a forward if Valencia is signed. Given the striker situation he’s our best bet as a forward. The Nike deal seems to indicate we may yet see Cristiano in red next season. Let’s see.
May 18th, 2009 at 19:27
@Red Ranter: Interesting this!
So much for stereotypes… 
From his fashion style, I would have judged him to be a knobhead!!!
May 18th, 2009 at 19:31
@Red Ranter: I have heard that but I have also heard that he prefers to play out wide, and the rule usually is what Ronnie wants Ronnie gets,I just don’t see the point of signing Valencia, we have Nani, unless Nani is sold for the undisclosed fee normally fuck all, and we sign Valencia for £20m, surely it is worth giving Nani a run.
May 18th, 2009 at 19:35
@Grognard: I was always a Tev fan for a long while, BUT I am not a fan of anyone who CONSISTENTLY slates our club and manager to the press and other media outlets. All focus should have been on our upcoming trip to Rome, instead just like Ronnie last summer, it is everywhere BUT. So do I care for Tevez now – no I don’t. He has become a bad apple, at a time when all our lads should be only thinking about winning the CL final. The only latin at OT I respect at the moment is Nani, because he has taken being isolated in the Leper colony with dignity. No mouthing off about our club or Manager to the press unlike Ronnie and Tev. So I really couldn’t care less Grog for Tev and his antics anymore. I wont be cheering for him if he stays. If he is allowed his own way after all this, to me it will only show once again that regarding Man Unites, the TAIL is wagging the dog, and not the other way around anymore. Fergie will have lost control over these little shits, who want to mouth off and shatter the dignity of our great club.
May 18th, 2009 at 19:40
@Craig Mc: You always have respected Nani bro!! Whats new
May 18th, 2009 at 19:43
@Stephen: Well am I right in the respect in this instant Stephen? The lad has never MOUTHED off about being so Fergie invisible this year, and he could have been, as he had as good a season as Tevez last year
.
May 18th, 2009 at 19:47
@Craig Mc: It is a good point and I do agree, I would him to get a run and this Valencia talk is getting on my tits as I really don’t see the point of the signing if and I suspect it will.
Carlos has whored himself to the press, the fans and to Joorbachian, I will fall for it as I believe he will end up at the Dippers or the Rent Boyz and all along that is what he has wanted.
May 18th, 2009 at 19:58
@Grognard: who do you rate higher, pato or aguero, and who do you think will have the better career when its all said and done
May 18th, 2009 at 20:41
http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/87447964/Manchester-United?axd=DetailPaging.Generic|1&axs=0|87744737%2c87744747%2c87744769%2c87413000%2c87412999%2c87413003%2c87413007%2c87447982%2c87412994%2c87413006%2c87413015%2c87412952%2c87413012%2c87412946%2c87412945%2c87447964%2c87447990%2c87413130%2c87413141%2c87413112%2c87413120%2c87413172%2c87413176%2c87413047%2c87450302%2c87413173%2c87413129%2c87413048%2c87413087%2c87413148%2c87413075%2c87413179%2c87447994%2c87447954%2c87412686%2c87412683%2c87412709%2c87412703%2c87412736%2c87412559%2c87413177%2c87447950%2c87412514%2c87413060%2c87412449%2c87412588%2c87412677%2c87412625%2c87412702%2c87447956%2c87447962%2c87412637%2c87412616%2c87412915%2c87412928%2c87412888%2c87412788%2c87412740%2c87447959%2c87412794|0
well, fucking done son, well fucking done!
May 18th, 2009 at 20:42
@Mr.Muhozi: at the minute, Aguero, but being Maradonas son in law, I doubt that he would be encouraged to join us.
May 18th, 2009 at 20:48
@Craig Mc: For once I agree with you. Ronny last year reached my breaking point. Tevez is getting there quite fast. Nani has been quite good, though he did have a pouty face on after the Arsenal draw when Fergie hugged him. He will not stay. Tevez will and so will we.
Ronny for 75 million would be an emphatic yes. Anything less than 70 mill should be rejected.
Tevez I do not care for as I would love to see Macheda/Wellbeck/Campell juke it out for 3rd and 4th striker.
We need one more winger (quality not youth) to give Nani some competition and allow Giggs to retire from Left wing for good. Ribery if less than 30 mill else Valencia or Henri Saivet (ok, Manager kicking in again
)
May 18th, 2009 at 20:52
@Traverse: Exactly my thoughts about Campbell. He has not exactly been lucky not to start more games at spurs. The thing is that more often than not when he was given oportunities to perform he didnt disappoint.
Shame as I think he really wanted to go to Hull…
May 18th, 2009 at 20:52
@Madschester United: if we’re talking about footy manager, guilherme, classy signing he is, hes got me 15 goals in 20 apps and i signed him in january!
But hes yet to produce magic for me in a big game.
But we cant use FM all the time, rooney got 25 goals in 35 appearances, and he hasnt scored for me in about 6 or 7 games now!
May 18th, 2009 at 20:58
@Dan: Of all the WAGs on show, Fletch certainly doesn’t have the worst!!!
She could certainly be a model!
http://www.football365.com/Gallery_Detail/0,17732,13282_5333509,00.html
May 18th, 2009 at 21:02
@Dan: FM is really poor when it comes to taking into account the culture shock and difficulties that foreign players experience when trying to settle in a new league. But then if they were realist, one of their most important game concepts would be rendered uninteresting…
May 18th, 2009 at 22:24
@Craig Mc: “No mate it is not Simpson, it is Kiko Macheda, well it looks like Kiko to me. Simpson is on the back row of players, 1st player left of the picture with a scarf
”
The question was who was that next to Anderson? Anderson is in the back row and the player next to him, not behind him or in front of him is Simpson. Your statement says it’s Kiko Macheda. Macheda is not next to him mate. He is in front of him and below him to his left. Simpson is right beside him at the back. So really, I’m not smoking anything or drinking anything Bro. You just didn’t describe things well enough.
May 18th, 2009 at 22:29
@Stephen: Ancelotti is overrated? God give me strength!
You cannot be serious? My God, Ancelotti is a great manager. If he has one fault it’s his lack of faith in young players which suits Chelsea just fine as they do not like young players either. Everything that you see that United have done the last two years to reach to CL finals and become a more ball control oriented team has been borrowed directly from Ancelotti’s AC Milan play book. Fergie is a big admirer of Ancelotti and his greatest lesson learned was the way AC Milan dispatched us three years ago in the manner we just dispatched Arsenal. Chelsea won’t be exciting to watch but they will be more like the Mourinho led Chelsea. He’s an outstanding manager.
May 18th, 2009 at 22:32
@Red Ranter: I’ve said all along that he was going nowhere and I still believe he is staying. And yes I see him moving to that position more and more because he seems comfortable at it and because Rooney seems comfortable on the left side. Add to that the strong rumors that Zidane has convinced Ribery to go to Real and that would mean that Real may have given up on their long quest. That 6-2 loss to Barca may have also been a wake up call to Ronaldo that he is better off staying put.
May 18th, 2009 at 22:36
@Grognard: The player next to Anderson is Anderson. He is so good that he is more than one person!
*btw, meant as a joke. Im in a real “Andy mood” today, very happy and making jokes like I have got a chillipepper in my ass!*
May 18th, 2009 at 22:39
@Craig Mc: And that’s fine mate you are entitled to feel the way you do. I on the other hand have always battled and mistrusted the machinations and motivations of management in the corporate world and so I will always take the side of a the disgruntled employee over the greed and unfair policies of the corporation.
I have said it over and over again about how unfair Fergie and Gill have been to Tevez since the beginning of the season. They disrespected him in their treatment of him and then they started making promises of a new contract that ended up being nothing but hot air. No I don’t like Tevez talking a lot but then again I have often said how footballers are not the most intelligent people and how they often act based on their heart’s and their emotions. I won’t fault him for that but I will fault United for being dishonest towards him and acting very cold and clinical while also ignoring his requests and plea for an answer. I can love the team but I do not have to love the way they do business or treat their people at times. Think about what I just wrote when you think about Nani.
May 18th, 2009 at 22:42
@Mr.Muhozi: Honestly, I have not seen enough of Pato to rate him as high as Aguero. Oh he is a great young talent but from what I have seen, and I have seen a lot of Aguero, I would rate Aguero higher. But that could change in a few years. Aguero seems much more aggressive and his first touch is better, from what I have seen.
May 18th, 2009 at 22:45
@RedDevilEddy: Man you have got to stop taking those uppers. You are happying us to death.
May 18th, 2009 at 22:52
@Grognard: Uppers= United winning. NO WAY MAN!!!
BTW, Im currently working on a Wayne Rooney video for FIFA 09. Its gonna be a history of his life, starting with his goal for Everton against Arsenal in 2002(01?), then finishing with what may be a goal in the game against Barca in teh Champions League final.
It will take som time to make, because of the difficulty of scoring the goals against Newcastle, Pompey and Boro from his United career and such things. If there are any Englishmen here who can remember some of Rooneys great goals for England it would be good to know, because I want the video to include him playing for Everton, United and England. I will keep you updated… 
May 18th, 2009 at 23:19
@RedDevilEddy: Im not a huge england fan at all but to be honest from my memory his best goals have been in united colours. 2 goals i think you should try to do would be the 2 against middlesbrough he got in his debut season i think it was. 1 was the chip over schwarzer from 25 odd yards which was pretty special and the best 1 was the long goal kick headed on by saha which rooney volleyed into the top corner. Dont know if you remember these 2 and they would be hard to do but especially the volley was absolute quality.
May 18th, 2009 at 23:24
@Grognard: The difference is Bro, Nani has acted with absolute dignity (so far) in his response to being left in the leper colony! Tevez on the other hand, (who has not been in the Leper colony) has been a mouthy gobshite and pouting PRIMA DONNA
. We are not going to agree on this one Grog mi man 
.
May 18th, 2009 at 23:29
@Grognard: Grog, I couldn’t have said any plainer that it was Simmo next to Anderson
. Go back thru my posts mate 
. My initial mistake was that I thought Redb was asking who the player was beside Rio to the left, and that indeed was Kiko. Which I did say 
. Anyway I’ll leave it there, because wires have been crossed here 
.
May 18th, 2009 at 23:32
@NicoQB: Bro did you see Lil Man Nani’s blonde bombshell of a GF he had with him on the field during the celebrations. She is outstandingly gorgeous mate, really tasty. Last season he has this gorgeous brunette, and now an equally gorgeous lush blonde. How the fuck does he get all these FIT birds
. Jealous much 
.
May 18th, 2009 at 23:34
@Craig Mc: Agree, i love tevez but i have been hurt by his attitude and his comments he would play for a rival. Is all this down to his supposed lack of playing time or not feeling valued. Well in my opinion hes had pretty good playing time, if he thinks he not had enough he should think how nani feels. And as for not feeling valued i cant work that one out. The fans love him, so it seems do the players and from what ive seen obviously as an outsider is him and ferguson have a good relationship but i guess not.
In my opinion i agree with you craig, nani has been very dignified and his attitude has impressed me alot. I was thinking nani would be making these tevez comments public complaining about his lack of playing time and all that crap, yet hes been very honest and said he wants more playing time and hopes he will play more next season. Thats a nice thing to hear and in my opinion he has been unfairly treated but to still stay dignified i have even more respect for him and would hope he gets alot more games next year.
May 18th, 2009 at 23:35
@Madschester United: What do you mean Bro for ONCE you agree with me? Surely you agree with the Craigmeister MUCH of the time
.
May 18th, 2009 at 23:43
@Matt: Both the Boro goals will be in there, as I said. I remember all his United goals, just not his England goals.
May 18th, 2009 at 23:47
@Craig Mc: I am with you on this. Say what we may about Nani’s exploits on the pitch (or the lack of them this season), he’s conducted himself very well — despite being chums with Ronaldo, that mouthing to the press — only God knows — habit hasn’t rubbed onto him yet.
May 18th, 2009 at 23:51
@Matt: Yeah Matt Bro, lets hope the Tevez and Ronnie whining and big girls blouse behaviour, doesn’t rub off on Nani eh? The Nani responses have been OK so far. He said he loves the club, doesn’t want Fergie to let him go, does loads of extra training working on his game, and hopes if he stays, that Fergie will keep his word and give him more pitch time next season
. I think he would be better elsewhere, because Fergie says, but doesn’t always DO what he says. That may have something to do with the fact that Tevez, Ronnie, Berba and Rooney play merry hell if they are left out for a game every now and then 
. So Fergie is trying to accomodate them all, and people like Nani etc get left with splintered arses from prolonged time on the bench. I have heard that Tevez is NOT going to Rome, so maybe someone else will get their chance 
.
May 18th, 2009 at 23:54
@Red Ranter: Yeah Boss, and long may it continue
. Nani does seem very good natured mostly doesn’t he? Or perhaps he is just fortunate that he hasn’t got an arsehole press hound of an agent 
.
May 19th, 2009 at 0:20
@RedDevilEddy: Ok mate must have missed that, sorry. Sounds like your gonna be trying for all his great goals huh, man they may take you bloody ages lol.
@Craig Mc: yeah, i just hope fergie keeps his word too and gives him a hell of a lot more playing time.
May 19th, 2009 at 0:29
@Craig Mc: Haha! I can see alright!
Maybe they are just Ronaldo’s leftovers!!!
May 19th, 2009 at 0:41
@NicoQB: No way Nico, Nani’s birds have never been within an inch of Ronaldo. Besides Ronaldo loves LOOSE LADIES, the prostitues etc! Nani’s birds are classy and FAITHFUL! That Nani is one lucky bastard Nico, and I think it must be down to his always smiling and good naturedness. My GF tells me that the girls like happy, goodnatured and fun guys – sooooooooooooooooo
. Course Grog will say that it is Nani’s money that is the deciding factor, such a sceptic is our Grog 
.
May 19th, 2009 at 0:41
@Craig Mc: Well, they have the same agents
May 19th, 2009 at 2:16
@Craig Mc: I hope that you are right about them girls, mate!
That made me think about the occasion where Ronaldo organised his all-night orgy with his portuguese-speaking mates -you know, the one where Anderson got his reputation of being “class with a brass” – surely that was the very same Nani there!
Oh well, by all accounts, I’ve read that Nani is apparently a practical joker kind of guy… No wonders he woos the feminine gallery…
May 19th, 2009 at 2:37
Just recently we’ve been musing about how good, old fashioned, strikers – basically the breed who put the ball in the back of the net – were a dying breed.
Here’s Steve Savidan.
ttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pnwy28kvUBo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoDPHrm_9Mo
A thirty year old proven striker who would be happy to sit on the bench for Uniteds! Good technique, good pace, good finishing, striker’s instincts… Plays for relegation candidate Caen, but that means nothing (Di Canio played for derby for a while, right?) so he would be available for peanuts. I’m surprised he has never been linked to a team in Europe.
First and foremost I’m still for giving MAcheda, Campbell or Welbeck a chance though.
May 19th, 2009 at 5:43
Hensen views on Ronaldo and United :
Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo is simply irreplaceable
If Manchester United beat Hull on Sunday, they will end the season on 90 points, which, in the best league in the world, underlines that they are more than worthy champions.
By Alan Hansen
Last Updated: 7:46AM BST 18 May 2009
Maybe they haven’t been at their scintillating best this year as they have been in the past, but you cannot question their position at the top of the table.
What happens next season will revolve around what happens with Cristiano Ronaldo this summer, though. If he leaves United and Liverpool make two or three key additions, the balance of power could shift away from Old Trafford.
If a player shows the kind of petulance that Ronaldo displayed against Manchester City last week, then more often than not Sir Alex Ferguson puts them on their bike.
Ferguson has never had a player of Ronaldo’s importance show petulance like that, but if he were to get rid of him, the odds on United winning the big prizes next season would lengthen dramatically.
Nobody steamrollers the lesser teams like Ronaldo. Wayne Rooney might regularly be better than Ronaldo in terms of his work rate and other qualities, but Ferguson will never find a player who hammers opponents like Ronaldo.
Ferguson will want to keep Ronaldo, not because he likes him, but because he is so important to United. When he got rid of David Beckham and Ruud van Nistelrooy, they were both still great players, but you could argue that they had seen their best days at Old Trafford.
Ronaldo is still only 24, so this summer is not the right time to get rid of him. United have to keep him and put up with his idiosyncrasies because he is simply a sensational player.
It was always impossible for him to better last season’s performances, but he has still scored 25 goals this season. He has helped United overcome the lesser teams that Liverpool failed to beat.
The only person who could come close to replacing Ronaldo if United sold him would be Steven Gerrard, but Manchester United are not going to get Steven Gerrard, so that’s a non-starter.
Ronaldo is simply irreplaceable and that’s why Sir Alex will turn a blind eye to certain things and put up with his petulance.
People talk about the likes of Gianfranco Zola, Thierry Henry and Eric Cantona as the best players the Premier League has ever seen, but none of them compare to Ronaldo in terms of the impact they have made.
Ask any manager which player they would choose out of those four and they would all say Ronaldo. No matter how much you dislike him, you just cannot deny that he has everything and that’s why the Ronaldo factor is so important to United and all of their rivals this summer.
When I lifted the league championship trophy for Liverpool in 1990, it was my last game in football and I would never have believed it if somebody had told me then that, almost 20 years later, United would have gone from seven titles to go level on 18 with Liverpool.
It has now happened, but Liverpool are getting closer and next season could be the year for them and Rafael Benitez.
It’s clear that a rift has grown between Benitez and Ferguson, but the only person who wins those kind of rivalries is the guy who wins the trophies.
Alex has had his spats with everybody, from Arsene Wenger to Jose Mourinho, and now Benitez, but when he comes out on top, he isn’t interested in what has been said.
You cannot accuse Benitez of lacking humility towards Ferguson after the West Brom game yesterday because Ferguson has never had any humility towards opponents.
But Ferguson and United have won the title and that’s all that people will remember, not who said what.
Benitez probably needs to put an end to it and say nothing. If you lose, don’t keep going on about it. He should just get on with it now and look towards next season.
May 19th, 2009 at 7:32
@jos: Mate, next time link to the story. Don’t copy paste it entirely. small extracts are ok, but don’t copy the entire thing.
May 19th, 2009 at 7:42
@Craig Mc: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBym5407ouk&feature=channel_page
24 secs, wow, just wow.
May 19th, 2009 at 7:45
@Red Ranter: Huh?????? Joor-SCAB-chian isn’t Nani’s agent Bro. Or were you talking about Ronnie’s agent?
May 19th, 2009 at 8:02
@Craig Mc: That could also be mistaken for not having any heart mate.
May 19th, 2009 at 8:04
@Matt: Nani says nothing because he is suffering from loss of confidence and has an inferiority complex. Tevez on the other hand thinks he’s great and knows it as well.
May 19th, 2009 at 8:09
@Dan:
Yeah Dan, I echo that Wow just Wow 
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May 19th, 2009 at 8:15
I cannot believe the ignorance of Alan Hansen
. He defends Rafa’s inhumility, by saying Fergie has no humility to opposing managers who have won the PL – yeah right 
. When Arsenal won, even though Le Arse and Man United were fierce enemies at the time, I distinctly remember Fergie congratulating Wenger and his team, and mentioning that anybody who goes a record number of games without losing deserves the PL title. Also with Mourinho, he said when Chelski won, that he liked Mourinho, and thought he brought a lot of colourful character and fun to the game 
. So Hansen you are as usual WRONG 
.
May 19th, 2009 at 8:19
@Grognard: That is a load of Tosh Grog, and you know it
. Tevez may think he is one of the greats, (big headed prissy) but most of us with insight at all, know he isn’t. He could have gone on to be a United legend, but now his greed and vanity have shown his true colours. Hope he does go to Anfield as he says, because he will know what it is like to be with the losers.
May 19th, 2009 at 8:26
@Grognard: So everyone at Manchester United who keeps their mouths shut, and settles matters INSIDE the club, and not bring our great club into disrepute by name calling through the press HAVE NO HEART. I think your philosophy of what it is to have HEART is flawed Grog. But as always Bro, we agree to disagree and still remain buddies
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May 19th, 2009 at 8:42
Okaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay, here comes my 1st rant of the day! I think Fergie will have a lot to answer for, IF as we are being told, he fields a team that have ONLY one or two experienced players at Hull. He will make a mockery of himself and the FAIRNESS to other teams that he always PURPORTS. He talks the talk, and now he should walk the walk! The teams in the final day DOG fight for PL survival deserve to see that the opponents of all the other teams playing them that last day, field a TEAM that is FAIR to all those involved in the fight. Ronnie wants to play some part in the game, because Anelka is playing in Chelseas final game, and he only needs ONE goal to steal the top scorer golden boot from Ronnie. Rio wants to play half the game, because he doesn’t want to be rusty for the CL game. I dont think any UNited fan really believes Fergie when he says that putting out MAINLY our reserve players will in his opinion WIN the game – BULLSHIT of the worst stinking kind. Hull will be FIGHTING for their lives, as will the other bottom clubs, and it is highly unfair to all the bottom teams involved. Benitez was SLAMMED for fielding a reserve team last season when facing same circumstances, and RIGHTLY SO! So I will have no sympathy for Fergie if he is castrated and crucified by the press if indeed we put out a juvenile team, when so much is at stake for the bottom teams. Fergie was the 1st one to shout last year, to ensure Bolton put out their FIRST teamers against Chelsea, when we were fighting for PL title.
May 19th, 2009 at 10:38
@Craig Mc: why shud we care for hull or others in relegation battle? fergie has the CL final to think of. And others have no business indicating what players or team should go out against the opposition. its entirely the manager’s prerogative.
I would like it if we test our youngsters in hte final game. if they are good for man utd then they shud be good enough to win against relegation fodders like hull. Why the fear?
I remember reading somewhere one of fergie’s musings about his class of 99 in their younger days. Basically he had fielded a team of his youth players (the likes of giggs, scholes, butt etc) against one of the lesser opposition and he was having to take in lot of abuse from the stands because of that. Fergie mused : People wanted to see man utd stars (robbo, hughes etc) but what they didnt realise was they were watching ever greater stars on the pitch!
May 19th, 2009 at 10:52
@Craig Mc: The difference being our reserves are better than most peoples first teams, and every one of our players will be out to get on the bench for the Champions League final. I think we’ll beat Hull anyway.
May 19th, 2009 at 12:02
@Traverse: I don’t think that at all Trav, we are not talking about our reserves that have had a lot of first team experience here
. I also will be VERY surprised if we beat Hull!
May 19th, 2009 at 12:04
@jos: Who mentioned FEAR Jos, I was talking about FAIRNESS. But if you don’t see it, fair enough mate!
May 19th, 2009 at 12:40
@Grognard: Ancelotti at Juventus he was there 2 Seasons and won nothing
, and also I can also see peoples view that he is a good manager, the Premiership is a hard place and a ruthless one as Scolari found out and he will have to dadpt very quickly.
At Milan, 9 Seasons – 1 Serie A, 2 ~European cups, 1 Coppa Italia, hardly a record of a great manager?
Look Ancelotti is a good manager, but he is dated as Milan show in practically every game. He will get along with our really old players as he is used to the geriatric ward from Milan, but his tactics and football philosophy belongs to a former period for me.
He could not find a place for Zola at Parma and sold him to Chelsea, he is also the manager in charge of two of the most vivid capitulations in recent Champions League history, when his Juventus lost a two-goal lead in Turin to us in the Champions League semi-final of 1999 as we all should rememeber, and whose Milan were 3-0 up at half-time in the Istanbul final of 2005 and lost to the Dippers.
This maybe just me hoping
May 19th, 2009 at 12:49
@Craig Mc: How is it not fair? It will still be 11 Man Utd players donning our jerseys at Hull’s isint it? We are not gonna borrow few players from others and play them there.
May 19th, 2009 at 13:05
@jos: I hope we win, but it will do the younger players and fringe players to get a run out, ideally we win, and so do Villa Shearer taking Newcastle down would be great.
May 19th, 2009 at 13:49
@jos: If you don’t understand the English sense of FAIR PLAY Jos, then I will never be able to explain to you what I mean.
May 19th, 2009 at 13:51
@Stephen: I’m just glad that Hiddink isn’t staying Stephen
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May 19th, 2009 at 13:55
@Craig Mc: That makes two of us bro!
May 19th, 2009 at 18:08
I think playing youngsters maybe our best bet for winning at Hull. The major players will all have an eye on the final now; I think we’ll play a young side, Ronaldo will play because he’ll be hypermotivated to score now that Anelka is level with him, and Tevez and probably Vidic, but other than that a team of youngsters. More hunger, more able to concentrate on the game.
May 19th, 2009 at 18:42
@Craig Mc: Alright Bro, now you’ve gone and done it. You’ve ruffled my feathers and I’m going to rant a bit. Sir Alex Ferguson owes jack shit to any of the teams fighting for relegation. It is those team’s consistent ineptitude and inability to play at the highest level that has left them struggling for their Premiership lives.
Fergie owes nothing to any of these teams and is in no way obligated to field a competitive team with many veterans just so that the teams chasing Hull don’t feel slighted. Sounds to me like you’ve been drinking too many ales in Newcastle pubs there mate, and the Geordies are starting to brainwash you.
Blame Mike Ashley , Alan Shearer and that rag tag band of useless misfits that play for Newcastle for not being in a more secure position. The only responsibility the Fergie has is his to his own players and his own team and supporters. In eight days time we embark on the biggest game of the year and the biggest game in this team’s history. Another chance at European glory against a truly outstanding and fearsome opponent. Our players have had a long and very grueling season and in order for them to play at their highest ability, they will need time to rest and heal before the 27th.
What that means of course is that Fergie need only concern himself with keeping Manchester United, fit, healthy and motivated. He need not worry one ounce what his plans for Hull City do to other teams struggling to survive. I for one want him and demand that he start a team full of reserves with Darren Fletcher captaining the squad against Hull. The last thing I want is for any of our stars to get less rest, get more fatigued or God forbid, get injured before the Champions League final. Fuck Hull, Newcastle, Sunderland, and Middlesbrough. They can all go to Hell for all I care. My only concern and Fergie’s only concern should be United and keeping our boys fit, healthy and rested for that big game. Fair play and all that load of bollocks goes out the window at this stage of the year. What we have to play for on the 27th is far more important than what those relegation bitches are fighting for. So to Hell with the them and their poor plight. My frakken heart bleeds. I only wish Liverpool were one of those teams threatened with relegation.
If there is any bright news for Newcastle fans and others facing the same consequences, it’s that United fielding a reserve squad does not mean we will lose. On the contrary. I put our reserves up against 12 of the EPL’s best and I feel we would win. I think the lads will be eager and keen to impress and show their quality and some will obviously be fighting for a spot on the reserve bench in Rome. I’ll put the Da Silva’s, Evans, Possebon, Macheda, Gibson and Welbeck up against anything Hull have to offer. In fact, Hull City will choke and lose on Saturday. Worst case, we will come out of there with a draw. The reserves will not be going through the motions like the veterans did against Arsenal.
May 19th, 2009 at 18:46
@Stephen: Sorry mate but I have seen this man in action and seen what he does with a team tactically. He will turn Chelsea into a well oiled and discipline machine like they were when they were managed by Mourinho. Like I said, he is a perfect fir for Chelsea because his one big weakness is the inability or inflexibility to use young players and have confidence with them. Notice how he benched Pato and stuck the second half with Inzaghi. He loves veteran players and Chelsea is built around that principle alone. He will do well because he is actually well suited for the English game technically and tactically.
May 19th, 2009 at 18:54
@Craig Mc: The English sense of fair play that you speak of belongs at a wank fest in my opinion mate. Like I said earlier, I think living in Newcastle is softening your mind a bit bit Bro
Seriously, fair play? I think the fair play not shown us by the FA and the fair play not shown us by referees on a million rubbish calls all season long and at least on 10 goals called back for off side that weren’t, I’d consider those examples of no fair play a lot worse than us fielding a team of reserves 4 days before the biggest game of our lives. Take the English sense of fair play and flush it where it belongs. Honestly bro???? 
Other teams need to owe up and take the responsibility for their situation they find themselves in. Newcastle owes their misfortune to their own ineptitude and pathetic lack of footballing skill. Why should United hand them anything? Let them earn it by playing better football and not hoping for some silly excuse like fair play to bail them out of the shite. Honestly mate, there are times your perspective on things really needs to be readjusted…..with a polo mallet. 
May 19th, 2009 at 18:59
@Craig Mc: From a technical and tactical perspective Ancelotti is a much better manager than Hiddink. Hiddink is a great teacher and motivator but his teams do not always play the best tactics. He wins on his motivational abilities and his ability to judge talent well and utilize players well. Ancelotti is much more of a mathematician type, like Mourinho. He understands strategy and tactics and can find strengths and weaknesses in opponents that others cannot see. He will have Chelsea score fewer goals but also give up fewer and play a tighter more disciplined game like Mourinho. That is designed to frustrate opponents, not give them hope like some of the shootouts Chelsea were in while under Hiddink.
Everything United are doing right now is based on the Ancelotti model. Look how we possess the ball and how good and tight we are defensively. That is the Italian and AC Milan way of doing things. It’s not pretty but it works
May 19th, 2009 at 19:01
Newcastle are a joke of a club, run by a clown. The fans deserve every bit of this the moment they hounded Sam Allardyce out of the club. So what if he played shit football — with their status what do they expect, one touch Barcelona football? They are still stuck in a time warp harking back to the days when they were briefly leading the league.
I hope Newcastle get relegated. End of.
May 19th, 2009 at 19:05
@Grognard: I personally think Ancelotti is over rated. He may have won the whole lot, but the language barrier will be telling when he comes here. Motivation is as important as tactical nous. If he screams in broken English during a half time team talk it will amuse the players more than getting them charged up.
May 19th, 2009 at 19:11
However, all that said, I believe Chelsea would suit his preferred Christmas tree formation because they have a surfeit of central midfielders. All he needs is though, a creative spark of an attacking midfielder like Kaka was at Milan, and a good finisher. Drogba might be sold I guess. And wingers will get less love from him, going by his tactics at Milan. He will have two full backs who are very good offensively in Cole and Bosingwa who can bomb forward. But it all depends on Chelsea getting a genuinely creative attacking midfielder who plays in the hole.
May 19th, 2009 at 19:17
@Grognard: I will bow down to your knowledge mate and lets see what happens
May 19th, 2009 at 19:46
@Stephen: I like that bowing down part. Now if more people would do that, I could have my Kingdom of the Grognard.
Seriously though, only time will tell if I am speaking with wisdom or if I’m full of shite.
May 19th, 2009 at 19:50
@Red Ranter: That’s your opinion mate and I respect it as always but I for one am siding with Fergie who is a major admirer of Ancelotti and his tactical nuances. That’s not to say he is perfect because the lack of English could very well be a problem that derails everything he tries to achieve. But he is a solid manager who understands the importance of ball possession and graft in the game. Something Chelsea had under Mourinho but have lacked ever since Special One’s departure..
May 19th, 2009 at 20:00
@Grognard: I think the Italian coach who SAF most admires is not Ancelotti, its Marcelo Lippi.
I think locking horns with the Italians down the years has influenced SAF more than the Spanish teams.
May 19th, 2009 at 20:24
@Grognard: Well you have your opinions, and I have mine, and in this case of Fair Play I don’t agree with you. Oh and I don’t need mallets for folk who don’t agree with me
.
May 19th, 2009 at 20:29
@Grognard: Like I said, some folk don’t understand the English sense of fair play. So lets leave it there eh?
.
May 19th, 2009 at 20:31
@michael: Vidic won’t play mate. I believe Fergie has said he is thinking of Neville and our reserve team Centre back, and reserve team GK. So don’t expect miracles
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May 19th, 2009 at 20:36
@Stephen:
Stephen, I love the Hiddink type of football. I hate the SLOW, pedestrian and bloody boring Italian type football. But that’s me mate. O for the days when we could go to OT and know we would see the Cavalier type football – bloody magic to watch mate. Those were the glorious days when the United philosophy was ‘the best kind of defence is ATTACK. I stood on the terraces as a young lad with my brothers and Uncle, and I was raptured Bro at the football dished up. Aaaaah happy days indeed 
.
May 19th, 2009 at 21:44
@Fred The Red: He admires Lippi too. I have read interviews where Ferguson has praised both men but I also remember the praise he handed out to Ancelotti after they beat us in 2007. Lets put it this way, his favorite managers are Italian and his all time favorite player I read is Paolo Maldini.
May 19th, 2009 at 21:53
@Craig Mc: Ah come on Bro. Is that the best you can muster? “Well you have your opinions, and I have mine”.
I expected more. But then how can you come up with a truly valid argument that makes sense in this case? No team should ever rely on the good graces of an another in order to survive. Fair play is rubbish mate. It’s a kill or get killed game and United only owe allegiance and fair play to themselves and to ensure that they are 100% fit and and prepared for Rome. All other considerations belong in the sewer.
There is not valid debate here. Face it mate, you are not only wrong but you are completely outnumbered in the polls. From the sounds of it, nobody is buying into your fair play policy. Like I said to you earlier Bro, I think living in Geordieville is making you a little soft and sentimental for that Newcastle loving rabble you are surrounded by. If I’m wrong, so be it, but that’s my opinion. If Newcastle gets relegated, they need not look at Fergie and at Man United as the reason they failed. They need only look at themselves and their complete and total useless ineptitude to make the required changes and add the right elements in order to attain success. Problem with that club is it’s the inmates in the asylum that run the club and not the managers. Once you let supporters dictate policy, you are heading down a slippery slope to oblivion.
May 19th, 2009 at 21:58
@Craig Mc: Sorry mate but the English sense of fair play is just a load of bollocks you conjured up to make your point. And so let me just say right here and now……YOU ARE WRONG.
That sounds more like the Losers Mantra for Excuse Building 101. More suitable for the English National team and their rich history of failure I think.
May 19th, 2009 at 22:02
@Craig Mc: That same style that constantly failed in Europe? Listen, I agree with you mate but not when it comes to playing in Europe. Our present style is the proven method for success in Europe and the number of Italian sides as well as Spanish sides that have used it proves it. But I agree with you that I would wish for the return of our cavalier style of attacking play in the EPL. The reason we don’t see it though is that I feel Fergie wants the team to get used to one style and get really good at it. Trying to play two or three different styles may cause confusion and cause the whole machine to break down. And lets face it, Europe is all that the Boss is concerned with and so it’s this style until he retires.
May 19th, 2009 at 22:06
@Grognard: Well if Fergie wants to continue to play that BORING 1-0 pedestrian shit – FINE, but I will not be watching it
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May 19th, 2009 at 22:11
@Grognard: All I have to say Grog is, if that is what you think, that the English sense of fair play is something I made up, then you need to come over here, and you’ll understand better the English culture. The whole feckin world has derided us for years, because of our cultural characteristic of sense of fair play. Then again, this world has so gone to shit, that anything FAIR has long gone out of USE All I got to say to you Grog, is that I would rather be fair than FOUL
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May 19th, 2009 at 22:17
@Grognard: So what Grog? If I want to continue to believe in FAIRNESS to those at the bottom, what does it matter if nobody agrees. Like I said, you have your VERY STRONG opinions, and I have my strong beliefs. I do not feel we should field a team of reserves, but if everyone else feels we should, well that does not invalidate my belief does it? Everyone is entitled to think what they think, and if I think differently, well that makes me fucking unique in this one thing doesn’t it
. Think we better let it go now anyway, before everyone else is bored to death with this arguement. I am bored with it now. I am off to play somewhere else 
.
May 19th, 2009 at 22:26
@Grognard: I agree, SAF, in my opinion, has been heavily influenced by Italian coaches and your right, he does admire Ancelotti, but if you hear him speaking about Lippi I think you can see he has a deep respect for the man, as well as Hitzfeld.
As for our current tactics, I also agree with your above post, SAF is trying to play a more controlled, patient and tactical way based on solidity and the ability to counter from all areas at pace.
That seems to be his preffered system now and if it working in Epl games then he doesnt change it. Its not what United fans are used to, so I can sympathise with Craig a bit, but whenever I see the strides we are making in Europe then I think it is worth it, coz to try to play two different styles from one match to the next, might mean that the players master neither of them.
May 19th, 2009 at 22:31
@Fred The Red: If your right Fred about continuing this style of football for both CL and PL, then I will NOT be watching the snooze fest football. To be honest, I HAVE BECOME BORED WITH IT ALREADY bRO
.
May 19th, 2009 at 22:37
@Craig Mc: In an ideal world all teams should play thier strongest teams in all matches, especially when other teams are being effected by it, but its a no win situation for SAF and I hope that if he does play a weakened team that they do the buisness, not perfect, but its just the way things are mate and I dont think anybody else would do ant different in his position.
May 19th, 2009 at 22:43
@Craig Mc: I think he will continue in this way mate, but I also think that our attacking play will improve with experience and fine turning. I dont think some of our snoozy play was by design, it just happened coz some of our players were below par too often.
Both legs of our semi final against Arsenal are an indication of the potential of this system when it works well, I was impressed mate.
May 19th, 2009 at 23:48
@Fred The Red: Your probably right Fred Bro, but it still doesn’t feel good to me! O well like you say, that’s the order of the day, but not a day I like
. I feel sorry for Ronnie really, because Anelka and Ronnie have both got 18 goals, and Ronnie wont get chance to increase that if missing Hull game, whereas Anelka will play for Chelski at Sunderland. I know Fergie doesn’t want to risk Ronnie with CL and all, but it is a shame also if he loses Golden boot for top scorer. Lets hope Anelka doesn’t score, although the Chelski players will be giving him the ball all the time, because they want him and not Ron to get top scorer award. Ron wont like that at all, but he won everything last year. Shame 
.
May 20th, 2009 at 5:03
@Craig Mc: Sure, I’ll bet.
You are United through and through and you will watch them if they play park the bus direct football and are in last place. And so will I. 
May 20th, 2009 at 5:07
@Craig Mc: Yes Ok Craig we’ll do it your way and start Ronaldo, Rooney, Vidic and Rio and when Ronaldo or Rooney go down with a broken ankle and don’t play in the CL final, then don’t hold it against me if I come looking for all those in the fair play committee. If that happens you can count on the number of headhunters who will flush your fair play committee down the toilet it belongs. Their is being fair mate and then their is being careless and stupid.
May 20th, 2009 at 5:09
@Craig Mc: And mate, you are bored with this argument because you have no argument. You lost this one mate. If this argument was a football match I would have won it 7-1. You looked like Roma 2006/07 with that lame ass cause.
May 20th, 2009 at 5:11
@Fred The Red: Yes you are right. He does respect Lippi a great deal and he is a good friend of Hitzfeld who he also has great respect for. Notice all these managers play the continental style of football that is based on ball control and slow buildup.
May 20th, 2009 at 5:13
@Craig Mc: Oh come on mate, as much as it may not be our cup of tea, I seriously doubt you would stop watching Man Utd. Perhaps you would feel more comfortable with that outstanding brand of new wave football being played at Newcastle? Or are you not that desperate?
May 20th, 2009 at 5:17
@Fred The Red: Fact is that Fergie’s reserves are better than ten or twelve of the Prem’s teams. We can beat them with the kids and therefore, there is no need to risk our stars. Nobody in football has played as many games as we have. United have played 63 games and Liverpool 52. That alone gives Fergie the right to sit down his stars down and rest them for the biggest game of the year. It’s a no brainer and nobody with any common sense in the game would begrudge him for doing that. If Shearer and Southgate have a problem with it, they should only kick themselves for putting their team into such a pickle.
May 20th, 2009 at 5:52
Yes our reserves are good, but I expect a mixed team at Hull. 3 or 4 final starters for certain
May 20th, 2009 at 10:54
@Grognard: oNLY IN YOUR HEAD grog AS ALWAYS, Only in YOUR head
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