Mar 31
A Tale of Full Backs and Some Idle Speculation
We still have a day to go before the Champions’ League tie against Roma. News is filtering through that Totti may be doubtful for the clash, which is good to hear. However, we do have some injury concerns of our own, although there is a good chance that most of the injury-afflicted players would be back for Tuesday. We should be able to have some idea as the day wears on. But more on Roma tomorrow, when we preview the game.
Meanwhile, we will talk a little about some other United stories.
Jose Bosingwa has dropped more hints that he will leave Porto if a good offer comes from another club. His Portuguese connection, Charlie Q, and the Iberian contingent at United — not to mention the rumours linking us with him — will strongly link us with him to plug the right back void. Now I haven’t seen him play, and have only heard that he’s rather good. So we’ll have to wait and see. Anyone who’s actually watched him play, do drop in your assessment of him in the comments.
Patrice Evra’s contract negotiations don’t seem to be headed anywhere. Apparently it’s a similar situation to that of Wes Brown. What is this with United and full backs? Evra has been outstanding this season as well as last, and he still has his best years ahead of him, considering his age. He does say that the issue (of his contract negotiation) is now all upto the club. I say break the fucking wage structure and get him signed for another 5 years. He deserves everything for all he’s done for us so far.
I read some reports suggesting Kuszczak could be sent on loan next season while EVDS and Foster battle it out for No. 1. Now I don’t know how true this is, because such decision are usually taken at the end of the season or in pre-season, based on the boss’s assessment of players etc., but the Pole would certainly be disappointed if he were to be sent on loan ahead of Foster. The ‘keeper situation will be interesting, and it’s something we should watch out for during the summer. Not now, when we need the services of Tomasz rather than attempting to destabilise him.
There is talk of Paul Ince coming over to United as No.2 in case of Carlos Queiroz leaving to manage Benfica. This has met with some consternation among certain sections of the United faithful, Scott being one of them. Now I think if Fergie, of all the people, does think he’s is good enough, then I don’t see much reason why we shouldn’t welcome him. Yes, I do realise that he was one of the few to cross over to the dark side, and even took delight in kissing the Liverpool badge in front of United fans, but when Alex “Ince is a big time Charlie” Ferguson could welcome him back, then I believe he sees potential in Ince the assistant manager. And we all know, people can be different when they are managers — Roy Keane would testify.
All this, of course, is subject to Queiroz’s decision to move. I am surprised I am saying this, but CQ has really won me over and I would feel bad if he were to leave. His scouting network is invaluable to us and he has also been a key factor behind a lot of how we see United play these days.
And that’s it for the day. Adios!
Related items from Red Rants:- Few Thoughts on the Derby Win
- United To Steer Clear of Tevez
- Your predictions - who will United sell this summer?
- Gattuso, Berbatov, Owen - Debunking Some Rumours
- The Official Word on Heinze | Rooting for Real
Tags: Daily Roundup
March 31st, 2008 at 11:34
The idea of having Ince back to the club after him kissing the scouse badge doesn’t sit well with me.
Your spot on about keeping Evra, he is the most improved player at the club for me, bar Ronaldo.
March 31st, 2008 at 11:49
CQ should never be allowed to leave the club WITHOUT A MASSIVE FIGHT TO KEEP HIM. His Portuguese connections have secured class players coming into our club, and his contacts out there are invaluable. Ince in and CQ out - not a winner for us I’m afraid.
Patrice Evra has been a bit gobby over the negotiations concerning his new contract, Fergie doesn’t like players gobbing to the press and making their ‘grouches’ public, as we all know. Many a player has been out the door because of this!. Wes Brown on the otherhand has said little, and is going through it all with dignity. I think Wes is priceless to us. Think on Fergie.
March 31st, 2008 at 13:38
I can add a rumour to the transfer talk. According to some portuguese newspapers, Atlético de Madrid wants to sign Gerard Piqué. They want to renew their defence, after already signed Heitinga (how did we miss that?) and Ujfalusi. It´s just a rumour, but it makes perfect sense. Don´t you think?
About Bosingwa… I´ve been watching him for some years, not only because i am portuguese, but also because Bosingwa started playing as a professional in the best portuguese club ever: Boavista FC! My beloved club.
I think he was in Boavista squad when we played with United in CL some years ago (double 3-0).
During some seasons he wasn´t too impressive, mainly due to the fact that he played everywhere (winger, full back, defensive mid), which sometimes it´s not good. Then Mourinho bought him to Porto and he started playing more often, and finnaly found his position as a full back. Since Paulo Ferreira went do Chelski, Bosingwa has been in the starting XI of Porto FC and getting better every year. He has a lot of pace, making impossible to someone to pass him, he attacks a lot and he´s improving his crossing. If he comes to United he has to improve his heading (which in Portugal it´s not that important) and his concentration in the offside trap. From time to time he tends to have discipline problems with coaches, but if he comes to United, that might be managed by Queiroz. Bosingwa will most probrably be in Portugal´s starting XI in the Euro2008, ahead of Miguel (Valência) and Paulo Ferreira. I think he could be a good signing.
March 31st, 2008 at 15:05
Call me biased, but I believe Evra is one of, if not the, best Left Backs in the World. He is a
PERFECT fit for us, especially with his pace going forward. With the way our Defense has come
together, it only makes sense for us to pay him. I do agree with Craig though, I believe taht he
would benifit from taking the same aproach as Wes Brown and keep his mouth shut. If he wants to
stay at the club the best thing for him to do is stop all this “its up to the club” nonesense,
and openly declare that THIS is where he wishes to stay, etc. Thats the kind of talk that will get him his fat paycheck.
March 31st, 2008 at 17:03
never believe injury reports before big games, they are dodgy at best.
as for Evra, I dont see how we dont resign him. He is simply world class and would start on any team in the world. I hate to see brown leave, but he simply doesnt hold the same bargaining chips as Evra.
March 31st, 2008 at 18:13
Rio keeps team-mates in the dark about his ‘mystery’ black eye.
Check the link http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/showbiz/showbiznews.html?in_article_id=551829&in_page_id=1773
March 31st, 2008 at 18:41
Keane as a manager and coach. Very decent but he comes from the old school way of thinking that even Fergy had to graduate from and eventually leave behind him. The game we play and the players we have are so foreign to anything Paul Ince knows about football, that I feel it would be a disaster to have him as our #2. Queiroz has much more tactical and strategic knowledge and savvy but he also is key to maintaining harmony and the strong relationship the club has with our Portuguese and Brazilian contingent as well as our hope to get other players from those regions in the future.
Regarding Bosingwa, I have seen the lad play about a half dozen times or so and I think he is very good and very fast. His crossing from what I have seen needs work but he does like to attack nonetheless and his speed also helps him recover well. Nevertheless, he is not the player Philip Lahm is. Lahm can do so much more and he can cross the ball too. If we were to possibly lose Evra, Lahm could be a better replacement for him at LWB too, as that position in my opinion is harder to fill than RWB is. I say give Evra what he wants and try for Lahm. If they fail to get Lahm (there is a reason other clubs like Barca and Spurs want him), then Bosingwa would be smart choice. In fact, Bosingwa may be the smarter choice if Queiroz stays. The already large Portuguese speaking contingent at OT would help him fit in a lot faster than a German speaking Lahm would. Queiroz is the key. Forget about the Guvner. He’s a bit of a traitor anyway.
March 31st, 2008 at 18:57
Remember a few years ago when Queiroz was the black sheep? He was supposedly pulling the strings and was the man to blame for our poor form and sometimes negative approach. I didn’t understand why the fans got on his back then, how could they possibly know what was going between him and Fergie? And now he’s a big part of our resurrection, it seems, because of his contacts in Portugal that secured us great players like Nani and Anderson.
March 31st, 2008 at 19:21
Ah, but Grognard, with Hargo in the team German players shouldn’t have any trouble in settling in now
March 31st, 2008 at 19:57
[wazza]
from the link:
But the red-faced 29-year-old defender refused to say anything in case he was overheard.
If he didn’t say anything out of fear of being over heard, how did the folks at the Daily Mail hear it?
Dodgy reporting at its best.
March 31st, 2008 at 21:48
Anyone watched Lazio RighBack Lorenzo De Silvestri play, he is supposed to be attack minded and is only 19 years old. Might be better option than Boswinga who was priced at around £20m in the January transfer window which is better spent to bring in a striker.
March 31st, 2008 at 22:57
if we need a new right back look no further than Daniel Alves from what i have seen from him in the champions league he more than has the quality to be a united player however with chelsea and us interested he will cost a lot of money. However i would rather spend our money on Alves than on Boswinga
Any thoughts???
March 31st, 2008 at 23:15
Just a reminder folks, Football Manager isnt real.
March 31st, 2008 at 23:22
Ahmed; Yes Hargo being here would help Lahm get comfortable but it’s still not like have a stable of Portuguese to go out drinking, eating and girl chasing with. He may not be Portuguese born but he is probably very comfortable by now with the language and the culture. As for Lahm, personally I think when it’s all said and done he will be staying at Bayern because Klinsmann is coming. Bosingwa is a very real possibility I think.
March 31st, 2008 at 23:44
[meddleuk]
Actually that was true a few years ago. Not anymore. Ever heard of MyFootballClub.com? Or Roman Abramovich’s Chelsea?
April 1st, 2008 at 0:29
+1 for Danny Alves - he is looking to move so that is out of the way. Chelsea have been perennially linked to him so he will come at a premium. Don’t know if Fergie wants him that bad.
April 1st, 2008 at 1:15
Very funny Meddleuk…
haha
Just wait till close season huh…
Ronaldinho… Ibrahimovic… Alves… Zidane back from retirement…
We could read it all!
In all seriousness i would be happy with giving Brown an extra 10-15k a week keeping him at the club, and developing Simmo
April 1st, 2008 at 1:23
Can not wait for Roma …
Anyone have any ideas on the midfield? Anderson or Carrick? Both?
One things for sure Giggs and Scholes will start.
April 1st, 2008 at 2:23
I would have played Carrick and Flecth in midfield, but given that the Scott is injured I would put my morgage on Scholes, Anderson and Hargo just like last time. Giggs, Ronaldo and Rooney up front, Tevez sitting out as usual in CL games.
That being said, we don’t want too much of a Portuguese contingent at United for various reasons (media criticism, possibility of cliques and the increasing possibility that Queiroz will take over once Fergie retires). I would much rather have Brown re-signed…
April 1st, 2008 at 2:23
Shannon, no doubt Fergie will go with a 4-3-3 in Rome. Hargreaves will start. As will Carrick and Scholes. Would hope for a front 3 of Rooney, Tevez, Ronaldo.. but Giggs will probably get in there somewhere… I picked Carrick over Anderson because of experience and his good record against the Romans.
April 1st, 2008 at 3:54
Actually I think he will go 4-3-3 with Tevez on the bench and Rooney once again left out in the wilderness up front. He will get help from Ronaldo on the right and probably Nani on the left (unless Giggs is healthy). Midfield will be Scholes, Carrick and Hargreaves (although it is possible Anderson could take up one of those spots). We know what the back four will be barring any injuries. Big question will be if EVDS will be fit for the game. A 1-0 steal would be great but I think the game will end 1-1 with Ronaldo scoring the goal.
April 1st, 2008 at 3:55
Yeah, who can forget that goal by Carrick in the 7-1 last year.
I’d like to see Anderson Hargo Carrick with Scholes in and advanced role behind Rooney, and then interchanging with Anderson at times.
And Ronaldo playing in his customery ‘Free role’.
Only one man really knows who will be out there and where they will play.
I just hope we score an away goal.
April 1st, 2008 at 4:17
For those of you interested, pictures from the first training session in Rome. It looks like Carrick didn’t train.
http://www.redcafe.net/f6/training-pictures-194128/
April 1st, 2008 at 4:18
Here’s a prediction for you. United will win 3-0 in Rome and Welbeck will make his debut and score.
April 1st, 2008 at 4:34
Big prediction…
Fergie didn’t play Welbeck when we only had one fit striker a couple of weeks back…
Can’t see him playing in a champions league match…
Pretty sure that match in Saudi will be the only time we get to see young Danny, unless we wrap up the league early.
April 1st, 2008 at 6:01
Nope, Carrick is facing a late fitness test and they will decide on him tomorrow before the game. He will make the bench nonetheless, but I would feel more comfortable if it was Anderson coming off the bench as an impact player.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11667_3371058,00.html
Haha, it would be funny if Welbeck makes a debut but that is not going to happen for a while, knowing Fergie.
April 1st, 2008 at 6:39
Lot many injury concerns ! Nani,VDS,Carrick,Fletcher even roooney ????????? i Wud rather prefer the holy trinity play upfront wid carrick,hargo adn anderson playing in midfield…giggs adn scholes can come in second half for anderson and ronaldo / tevez/roney…remeber we hava a tricky away game this week end !
April 1st, 2008 at 7:05
Guys, what are you talking about. There’s no way that Nani would play tonight. He hasn’t even travelled to Rome. Giggs will definitely start. I’m worried about the expanding list of injuries and fitness tests. It’s the last thing we need.
April 1st, 2008 at 8:13
Thats bad news if Nani didn’t travel to Rome with the club. Giggs came off injured in the last game so i doubt he will 100%. Nani was kind important to us even if he didn’t start. Everyone is talking about Roma missing Totti but I think we have more injuries that can cause us more problem in a road game. Roma has a very strong replacement for Totti in Vucinic.
April 1st, 2008 at 9:42
think they’ll give Eagles a start?
If Nani and Giggs are missing, Park could play in that role, or instead Evra could be pushed forward with O’Shea coming in at left-back.
April 1st, 2008 at 9:43
Giggs is reportedly fine though, so am pretty sure that he’ll start.
April 1st, 2008 at 9:59
I agree with those above, a 433. However if Carrick isn’t fit, I could see Fergie pulling Giggs back into central midfield in front of hargo and scholes, and playing Rooney, Ronaldo and Park/Tevez up front. The real problem we face is the lack of impact subs. Nani is hurt, Giggs is probably not really going keep it going for 90 mins and that really just leaves us either Tevez or Park to bring on, depending on which starts. Or Chris Eagles.
I think the key is that the back 4 is all fit, which it appears to be. As long as we don’t concede, I’ll take it as a good night in Rome. And safe return of all the fans, of course!