Sep 30
Aalborg v Man Utd: Preview
Fergie was in particularly non-cooperative mood with the press, basically telling the English media to fuck off. He cites the misquote (that Chelsea were too old for the title) in South Africa as a reason why they won’t hear from him again. Of course he had to attend the pre-match conference according to UEFA rules, so we do have quotes from him.
He stresses the need to get a win today because going to Parkhead and El Madrigal for wins is always going to be challenging. He also recalls the last time we faced a Danish club (FC Kobenhavn) when we had to scrap our way to qualify:
“I don’t have any fears about complacency with this side. But we made a mistake with the team against Copenhagen and ended up scrapping to qualify. This time I will play my strongest team. Having dropped two points in our first game it is important we get it right against Aalborg. Going to Villarreal for a win will be very difficult and the last thing we need is to be going to Parkhead needing three points to go through. We need to get to February because that is when the tournament really takes off.”
The fact that he’ll play a very strong team is encouraging.
On the injury front Owen Hargreaves continues to be dogged by his tendinitis problem. Mr. Saha Mk II concedes that the problem is such that it will go away in time. So like some bloke (don’t recall who) I saw on TV would say, it’s like dealing with a bad sex life in a relationship, if you don’t talk about it it will somehow go away. We hope it’s true.
In other team news, Gary Neville will be giving Hargreaves and Carrick company at Carrington, and this will come as a relief to Wes Brown. The boss is backing Berbatov to shine, again.
Anyway, on to what I think to be the starting XI: Rooney and Berbatov will start. Ronaldo and Nani on the wings. Anderson and Fletcher will be in central midfield (I am still undecided on our best central midfield pairing) and Brown, Vidic, Rio and Evra will be our back four with EVDS between the sticks.
On predictions for today’s game, I think I don’t see much reason for us to worry because Aalborg is currently scrapping at the bottom rungs of the Danish premier division. So I’d say 2-0 to the reds.
Over and out. See you after the game.
Related items from Red Rants:
- Man Utd v Stoke: Preview
- Man Utd v Everton: Preview
- Man Utd v Spurs match thread
- Porto it is then…
- Rooney Out For A Month
Tags: Game Preview · UEFA Champions' League
September 30th, 2008 at 17:11
Well, its only 2 hours left to kick off, so I will make a short preview on my own. Denmark is a place we have had mixed fortunes in the past, winning 6-2 in 1998 and losing 1-0 in 2006. This time we are lucky compared to 2006 cause its not snowing. Its not very warm, but Scandinavia isnt usually very warm. Fergie has said he learned from his last visit in Denmark and he will not undersetimate his oppontents today. United will field their strongest team, which I actually am looking forward to see. With Rovers away being the next game, Anderson needs to be fully fit for Saturday cause we need his energy at Ewood park. Nani has gotten some stick by some of you, to me shocking to blame a young lad having just his second season with us for being to selfish. 1: He is Portugese. 2: He is a winger with a lang range shot that is more powerful than a RPG. 3: He wants to impress Fergie. Him shooting often does not have anything with him being a bad player, but him being young and not having good decision-making. He will become much better, as his crosses are accurate as Beckham and his skills are good enough to just walk through a whole team. When his decision-making is better, we have a rare player. VDS is our only fit frist-teamkeeper, with Amos being really, really young and inexperienced. He will probably be on the bench though. Neville has not travelled with the team, our captain needs a rest after playing three 90-minute matches in 2 weeks. He is too old, if you ask me use him as Maldini, only in big games. Hopefully Brown starts next to Rio, Vidic and Evra. Ronaldo and Berba need games, and this is a perfect opportunity for Berbatov to get his first goal for us. Aalborg are really week on defensive crosses and set pieces, so if Nani crosses to Berba we will get a chance every time. If Ronaldo uses his trickery to full effect and if he has trained on his free-kicks he will score not 1, but 2 goals today. I really hope this is the game we finally take our chances, at least 50% of them. Rooney got a rest this weekend, so he should play next to Berbatov. Scholes also got rested against Bolton so I wouldnt be surprised if I see the Ginger Ninja in our central midfield next to Fletcher.
So, team:
VDS
Brown Rio Vidic Evra
Ronaldo Fletcher Scholes Nani
Rooney Berbatov.
Score Prediction: 4-0 to United. Ronaldo free kick, Berbatov(2) headers and Rooney missile to win the game for us.
COME ON YOU REDS!!!
P.S. United will use their blue CL annaversary kit for the first time tonight. Hopefully it gets a nice debut.
September 30th, 2008 at 17:12
i honestly hope to God above we don’t have to labour through this game and scrape a 1-0. We should win this game comfortably at the very least, if not i’ll be sincerely worried about this team, DOOMSDAY RANT OVER
3-0 berbatov nani ronaldo/ronaldo
September 30th, 2008 at 17:32
Being from Denmark, but a supporter of FC København, I see a massacre coming… Aab are playing some really poor football and despite surving vs Celtic, this will not be the case.
I say 6-1 ‘98 almost-repeat! Get ready for a lot of goals and an Aab collapse.
The interesting part of this game will be who get the hattrick?
Rooney, Berba, or Ronaldo? I say Berbatov gets 3, Ronaldo 2, Rooney 1 plus assists galore!
September 30th, 2008 at 17:38
damn madrid just scored courtesy of an own goal. shame we could bet zenit when we faced them
September 30th, 2008 at 17:40
It will be interesting to see what kind of lineup Fergie throws out there today. I know that he has promised us the “big guns”. I really think that this is an ideal opportunity to try and play Rooney, Tevez, Ronnie, and Berbatov together, you know, just to see what happens.
September 30th, 2008 at 17:53
@Mr.Muhozi: we didnt showed up against them too bad. madrid is a wanker team, over rated in my opinion. united should win this one, if berba starts, i expect him to open his account.
prove venables and collymore wrong berbie!
http://www.redcafe.net/f6/collymore-dimitar-220080/
http://therepublikofmancunia.com/berbatov-rant-jog-on-el-tel-you-bitter-cockney-failure/
i hate that collymore cunt. bitch.
September 30th, 2008 at 17:55
I think we are in store for another 0-0 clunker. Fergie has shown in the past couple of seasons that he lacks the courage to attack opponents on the road. And it doesn’t matter if they are minnows either. He’ll gladly take the point and go back to OT. I hope I’m wrong but I totally despise everything about the group stages of the Champions League. It’s total rubbish and all teams do is try to protect from being scored on. No ambition until the 6th round.
September 30th, 2008 at 17:58
zenit equalizes yes yes
September 30th, 2008 at 18:03
@Grognard: make that a 1-nil clucker
September 30th, 2008 at 18:11
@Grognard: Given that they have just lost to FC Copenhagen 3-0 away, and AGF Aarhus 2-0 at home, I’d say that we are not in store or a 0-0, and I don’t think Fergie would be happy with a 0-0 either.
September 30th, 2008 at 18:12
I say we score at least 4 goals… win by at least 3 goals…
Not kidding… Aab are too weak and Berba/Rooney/Ronaldo all have something to prove…
September 30th, 2008 at 18:13
@john freakin’ o’shea: I wouldn’t waste my time with those idiots if I were you. Collymore write for the Mirror for god’s sake, and Venables is so down and out he has to resort to giving horrendous interviews to the SUN to earn his money.
September 30th, 2008 at 18:15
@Madschester United: Du trur verkeleg det? If so, then I fully support your optimism. I also think we will win this one comfortably.
September 30th, 2008 at 18:15
And for anyone that cares, Real Madrid looks incredibly exploitable defensibly.
September 30th, 2008 at 18:16
@RedDevilEddy: Jeg er enig med ham!
September 30th, 2008 at 18:17
2-1 to Real, Ruud “The Horseface” scoring.
September 30th, 2008 at 18:18
@benjd:
Norsk? Svensk? Dansk?
September 30th, 2008 at 18:19
@RedDevilEddy: Haha, Walisisk.
September 30th, 2008 at 18:20
@RedDevilEddy: Damn, I still love that man. I was really sad when he left us.
September 30th, 2008 at 18:21
Errr..did I fall through a wormhole and reach the danish version of Red Rants???
Someone please translate… 
I wish they were showing the Zenit match…I predict Zenit wins 4-3.
September 30th, 2008 at 18:23
@benjd: Serious?
I dont miss Ruud, I think he was an exellent player, but we are much better off without him.
Beckham+Ruud=Goals.
Ronaldo+Ruud=Faliure.
Nani and Ronaldo+Rooney and Berbatov=Many, many goals!
September 30th, 2008 at 18:24
@benjd: This is their CL final. They will be pumped up and motivated to play United. That always brings out the best in a mediocre lot.
September 30th, 2008 at 18:25
@antsBoy: “Du trur verkeleg det?” = You really think so?
“Jeg er enig med ham!” = I agree with him.
“Norsk? Svensk? Dansk?” = Norwegian? Swedish? Dane?
“HaHa, Walisisk.” = Haha, Welsh.
September 30th, 2008 at 18:25
@antsBoy: possible but not quite
September 30th, 2008 at 18:27
what is the official starting 11 against aalborg?
September 30th, 2008 at 18:28
@Grognard: Yeah, they must be really motivated!
Their manager says beating Manchester United tonight will be as big as an earthquake! 
And their captain saying that it is unlikely that they will beat United, because we are better than them player for player. And that they are a small club and have been out of form and therefor wants to TRY(!) to SCORE(!) against us! Yeah, they really are ready for this game! 
Thanks for the compliment by the way. 
September 30th, 2008 at 18:29
andy to score his first goal! any takers?
September 30th, 2008 at 18:29
@Kienu: If he plays, then I also think so.
September 30th, 2008 at 18:30
@Kienu: not today.
September 30th, 2008 at 18:34
i’m a big anderson fan,but i don’t think so unless it is a right place right time tap in
September 30th, 2008 at 18:35
@Grognard: @Grognard: are we being pessimistic with this one?
September 30th, 2008 at 18:40
@Mr.Muhozi: a right place right time tap in = a park ji sung.
September 30th, 2008 at 18:41
Raphael starts on the right. What the fuck are they doing to wesley?
September 30th, 2008 at 18:42
Team news:
GK: Van Der Sar
RB: Rafael
CB: Rio
CB: Vidic
LB: Evra
RM: Ronaldo
CM: Scholes
CM: Oshea
LM: Nani
ST: Berbatov
ST: Rooney
September 30th, 2008 at 18:42
@Traverse: full team news?
September 30th, 2008 at 18:46
o’shea on cm? oh no no no no. this is an outrage,
grognard might be right. we might go for a nil nil here.. i think wes is being punished from edwin’s fault! 
i rather have wes on the rb seriously.
September 30th, 2008 at 18:46
So, Anderson gets a rest before the Rovers game, just as I expected(
). Wes, Wes, Wes…. What have you actually done to convince the manager to pick Rafael ahead of you? Done bad in training, most likely since I definately wont blame you for the Liverpool OG. And if Fegrie does then 
. Good luck to Rafael, hopefully you will play well and show what you can do against a top side. Oshea, you better be good. I expected Scholes, but Oshea? Id rather have Flecther or Anderson! But, maybe Fergie is planning soething special for you tonight.
I still think we will win 4-0, with Ronaldo, Berbatov(2) and Rooney scoring the goals.
September 30th, 2008 at 18:47
@Traverse: Is Fergie punishing him or does he think he needs a rest?
When he played Nevs it looked more like punishment, but tonight I think is an excellent opportunity to give Rafael a first team run out.
September 30th, 2008 at 18:47
@RedDevilEddy: well, i’ll be damned.. if it isn’t our versatile man O’shea in midfield!!
I understand the need for a DMFin europe but damn… Squad looks good tho, wonder what the dealio is with Brownie, is he being moved back to CB cover now nevster is fit?
September 30th, 2008 at 18:49
who’s the better amongst the twins? its fabio right?
September 30th, 2008 at 18:49
subs: Amos, Brown, Evans, Anderson, Fletcher, Giggs, Tevez.
September 30th, 2008 at 18:50
is that an april fools joke come late, o’shea centre mid, it can’t be a persons prediction as no one in their right mind would play sheasy at the start of a game especially in the middle, bloody hell fergie i hope you know what you are doing
September 30th, 2008 at 18:50
@john freakin’ o’shea: To me, Rafael is the best one. Rafaels right footed and Fabios left. On FIFA 09(sorry for bringin this up again
) Rafael is 67 and Fabio 64, so Rafael is probably the best one.
September 30th, 2008 at 18:51
I’m confident we’re going to play positive and attack..sure of it. This is not the first leg of the knockouts to be cautious. Fergie will be looking for a convincing win…
About Wes, something seems fishy..I don’t know if he’s rubbed SAF the wrong way and now paying for it…although I’m excited for Rafael! What a day for the young lad…
September 30th, 2008 at 18:51
@john freakin’ o’shea: fabio is the more talented whereas rafael benefits has the better metal attributes.fabio is injured atm which maybe the reason why he is not playing
September 30th, 2008 at 18:52
@john freakin’ o’shea: According to Tim Vickery, Fabio is meant to be the more promising, but Rafael has had all the chances to play at the moment.
September 30th, 2008 at 18:52
@Mr.Muhozi: No, its the real team.
MUTV bro.
September 30th, 2008 at 18:53
@benjd: That is because Fabio is out with a shoulder injury at the moment.
September 30th, 2008 at 18:56
rafael has a head start from his brother now,
hope fabio catches up.
September 30th, 2008 at 19:00
both twins are right footed but fabio is good with both why he can play on the left.
September 30th, 2008 at 19:00
come on Zennit
September 30th, 2008 at 19:02
@RedDevilEddy: Yeah I read that yesterday on manutd.com
September 30th, 2008 at 19:04
Sorry guys, my bad. on the subs bench, Park is in for Fletcher.
September 30th, 2008 at 19:04
@gator: Actually only Rafael is right footed. Fabio is left.
September 30th, 2008 at 19:05
wow, fergie really hates brown, or is it because he wants an attacking full back like evra? o’shea in midfield… well im going to march to old red noses house, and bang him on the head while saying “oshea is not a midfielder” get it into your stubborn mind you senile genius.
September 30th, 2008 at 19:06
maby on fifa
September 30th, 2008 at 19:10
@gator: Not even on fifa. not even in the squad. I’d pick evans over o’shea at CB, Fabio at LB, Brown and Rapael at RB, Hargreaves, Carrick, Scholes, Anderson, Possebon and Fletcher at CM.
He can be 3rd choice goalkeeper. 5th choice striker. That’s it.
September 30th, 2008 at 19:11
HEy guys could someone post me a link coz in south east asia the pricks are showin the real madrid game pls someone post me a good link plssss….
September 30th, 2008 at 19:13
I see us playing a very attack minded game with this formation. O’shea is there to sit in front of the defence while we attack from all areas of the pitch. Two attacking wing backs, two attacking wingers, two forwards and the freedom for scholes to move forward with O’shea covering at the back. If we had hargo, it would have been him, but alas, he is injured once again.
I see us taking the game to them and will counter and build up attack well in this game. Good times ahead ppl, even if the attack doesn’t perform, we have more attacking options on the bench plus defensive ones too. Ok selection, might prove to be genius if it works out….
September 30th, 2008 at 19:14
this interview
September 30th, 2008 at 19:15
is all i can find at the moment but i have read it many times
“There is, nonetheless, one striking difference between Rafael and Fabio and other wingback duos: they are identical twins. Both right-footed, it is the latter, the Brazil U-17 captain, who patrols the opposite flank. Not that it holds him back, as his three goals in games against New Zealand and Korea DPR will attest.”
September 30th, 2008 at 19:20
@Traverse im not big on o’shit either but the boss likes him i guess.
on his best games he seems adequate but i cant remember a breakout game for him in midfield though he clatters attackers in dangerous positions and gives away frees
September 30th, 2008 at 19:21
I for one am really excited to see Rafael get a start tonight. I thought he was just fantastic against Boro’ in the Carling cup. The kid has a great combination of flair and grace. I can’t wait to see how he develops. It’s really bizarre that O’Shea is starting over Fletcher. In my humble opinion, I feel that Fletcher is the only midfielder that has really earned a starting spot this season. I’ve grown accustomed to his presence.
I wonder if Berbatov is ever going to fall into the striker shuffle.
September 30th, 2008 at 19:23
ILamb22 me too but im still wondring abt brown whats wrong wit him.
fletch as well what happened this week at carrington? or are we resting players?
September 30th, 2008 at 19:24
“Fabio, is it hard to play on the left hand side, when your right foot is the stronger of the two?
Fabio: No, I am used to it now; I have had plenty of practice…
Rafael [ interrupting and laughing]: You play all over the pitch anyway, it doesn’t matter to you!”
September 30th, 2008 at 19:26
links please…
September 30th, 2008 at 19:29
O’Shea is playing because Hargreaves is out. I’d imagine this is going to be our stock European away formation, only with Brown at RB and Hargo at DMF when fit. Scholes has been getting alot of stick recently, but I think it’s the right choice away from home in Europe until Carrick is back.
September 30th, 2008 at 19:29
YUP links Please…..
September 30th, 2008 at 19:32
ch 6029 sopcast is a good feed
September 30th, 2008 at 19:33
Xeno so a 41212 ? i like it
September 30th, 2008 at 19:36
O’Shea will be MoM tonight. He’ll probably score a hattrick and prove all you doubters wrong
give the guy a chance. He had a better game for Ireland against Montenegro than I’ve seen Anderson play this season
September 30th, 2008 at 19:37
link commercials now but game should start soon
September 30th, 2008 at 19:38
Liam hahaha you heard it here first O’shey for a trick come on johnny boy!!! i would love it
September 30th, 2008 at 19:39
yea its working fergi is talkin bout rafial pregame
September 30th, 2008 at 19:43
@Liam: that would be great
.. but I reckon he’ll do alrite in that anchor position.. at least we can attack and scholes can move forward freely without tracking back too much, that’s the bonus.
September 30th, 2008 at 19:44
Liam: good sense of humour buddy i too feel we wasted money on Berba!
September 30th, 2008 at 19:44
what the hell is going on has brown fallen so far down even below Rafael?or is this because of Phelan our assistant managers doing?O’shea in midfield and fletcher not even in the subs bench?brown and pig in the doghouse
September 30th, 2008 at 20:06
Giggs and O’Shea in CM just like the old days
Nani stupid shot count: 2
Berbatov annoying play count: 3
September 30th, 2008 at 20:08
nice one Wayne
September 30th, 2008 at 20:09
ROOOOONEY
September 30th, 2008 at 20:09
yay we score..rooney finishes and giggs with the assist
September 30th, 2008 at 20:10
nice one Rio
September 30th, 2008 at 20:19
Plsss someone pass me working link S.O.S !!!!!!!
September 30th, 2008 at 20:25
I thought Rooney missed. I had to wait to find out if the he scored…
September 30th, 2008 at 20:28
Has anyone got a good link to the match?
September 30th, 2008 at 20:28
John O’Scholes
September 30th, 2008 at 20:29
Why is Berbatov playing so deep?
September 30th, 2008 at 20:34
Nani stupid shot count: 3
Nani shit cross count: about 20
September 30th, 2008 at 20:37
@Liam: dude, your making your self look silly. those 2 ‘counts’ are matters of opinions, and nani hasnt even made 20 crosses lol, please stop.
September 30th, 2008 at 20:38
@Liam: bit harsh there mate, maybe,
shit cross count: about 10
he’s getting there mate, he’ll come good, don’t worry…
September 30th, 2008 at 20:40
any good link pls…
I want see the match…
September 30th, 2008 at 20:42
Shame about the Scholes injury…how do all our CMs get injured at the same time?
Anywayz, about the game – disappointing so far..it’s been sloppy in most parts. I think our best two players have been Rafael and Giggs. Rooney was unlucky not to score twice in that first half. Berba looks a lil off the pace…while Nani..I have no words. (I support Liam here)
September 30th, 2008 at 20:43
our lack of proper midfielders out there is showing
September 30th, 2008 at 20:45
Good game, Aalborg look dangerous on the counter. Great goal by Wayne, his goal vs Bolton has fired his confidence up you can see it in his body language. Berbatov has been shite so far, but I think he is gonna score in the second half. He is a great player, just needs to get the teams rythm. I think we will win this one 4-0. The second half is gonna be great! For United that is!
And since no-ones said it, BATE led 2-0 vs Juve, but now its 2-2.
COME ON YOU BLUES!!!
September 30th, 2008 at 20:46
@Gabriel: if that’s what you call getting there then I hope the rest of the team don’t get ‘there’ anytime soon
@dan(u-ol): seriously? You actually haven’t noticed Nani’s general shitness?
September 30th, 2008 at 20:49
Fergie says Scholes has got a knee ligament injury, but not sure how serious yet.. hopefully it’s not too bad, cuz we ain’t got many fit midfielders left!!
September 30th, 2008 at 20:50
come on guys nani is far from shit he is beating defenders he just needs to work on finish and passing
Rafiel for president
September 30th, 2008 at 20:56
Ok, we knew that Rafael is good, but this is ridiculous. The boy is fantastic!
September 30th, 2008 at 20:58
BERBATOV!!!!!
September 30th, 2008 at 20:59
BERBATOV!!!! OF THE MARK LETS GOOOO!!!
September 30th, 2008 at 21:00
yipeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
September 30th, 2008 at 21:01
berbaaaaaa atlast
September 30th, 2008 at 21:01
c mon the next roberto carlos (rafael da silva)
September 30th, 2008 at 21:02
@james f: and he’s not even the best player in his family
Berbatov just proved that if you stand in one place for long enough you’ll eventually scare the defense into making a mistake
and now Rooney’s injured
September 30th, 2008 at 21:06
Ok that touch has gone a long way towards showing me why Fergie wanted him. Credit where its due that was an amazing move
September 30th, 2008 at 21:16
I hate to say it, but I believe that Nani was a better player last year.
September 30th, 2008 at 21:19
I can’t believe my eyes! Berbatov AND Ronaldo tracking back!
Tevez should have scored there, instead of passing. We need those goals for psychological reasons.
September 30th, 2008 at 21:23
BERBA!!!!
September 30th, 2008 at 21:25
September 30th, 2008 at 21:29
Fuck Mauritius Internet connection! the fastest Justin feed is like a fuckin slideshow!
Anyone care to tell me how we are playing? I got the feeling that the scoreline is a bit flaterring..
Oh and Berbacrap anyone
September 30th, 2008 at 21:31
Weird the moment Rooney came off Berbatov started playing like a proper striker with amazing results! First half he was playing way too deep and Rooney was leading the line
September 30th, 2008 at 21:38
@colver: The same could be said of the Bolton game — only the opposite players being substituted. When Rooney came on for Tevez, Berba improved then.
September 30th, 2008 at 21:39
berbatov has played 5 games.
2 assists
2 goals
thats a pretty good stat.
September 30th, 2008 at 21:39
Berbatov-tov-tov!!!
he’s opened his account in style…
Rooney looking sharp
Good game, hopefully the three injuries won’t be too serious..
September 30th, 2008 at 21:42
da silva for right-back i say.
September 30th, 2008 at 21:43
sorry, i meant 4 games.
September 30th, 2008 at 21:43
Surely that was the worst 3-0 away CL win ever?
Clear to me Ronaldo and Berbatov aren’t yet there in fitness for the full 90 but we were forced into it unfortunately. Should have easily had a couple more, but for the absolutely incredible decision making of Nani. He had a real chance tonight to show that he deserved his place, and prove his doubters wrong. But my lord. Towards the end we had a 4-3 and he took it out wide to the byline, then instead of crossing it (when standing still!) he tried to chip the keeper (or was just that sh*t a cross). I stopped watching when he touched the ball, it was actually kind of funny, giggsy would stop his forward runs too. Lots of potential for the moment just that.
Also, did we just see the end of Scholes? A petulant kick out from the Aalborg captain, didn’t even get a yellow, and could have ended the career of one of the best players in the world. Just seems wrong.
VDS was crap despite only making 1 save, Rafael was great going forward, sh*t at the defending part. Ronaldo off the pace and missed a 1-1. Rooney looked awesome then hurt himself chasing a lost cause.
Hard to describe, definitely feel crap about a 3-0 win. Bizarre.
September 30th, 2008 at 21:45
If Ronaldo had scored when 1-on-1 I would have bragged about me being psychic!
But unfortunately he missed. 
Well, Berbatov is great and showed us what we have needed up front in 3 years now. Congratulations with opening your account, he will go on and score many more now! 
His second was class and his first was a poacher! Hopefully Rooney isnt out for a long time, he was just about to hit top form. I hope he is ready for the Rovers game, something I doubt Scholes will. He has a cruciate knee ligament injury and will be out for some months. Anderson to step up to the plate again? 
Juts like last season Scholes got injured for some months and Andy showed his class. Hopefully story will repeat itself on that front, but not on the Rooney front. We need him to be fit as he plays really well at the moment.
And the blue kit got a good debut, didnt it?!
September 30th, 2008 at 21:47
Oh and RAFAEL IS THE BEST RIGHT BACK IN THE WORLD!!! (did I take it too far?
)
Welcome to my FIFA team Rafael!
September 30th, 2008 at 21:52
So I’m reading some of the ratings on RedCafe (and on here previously) and I swear to god our fans give Nani so much shit.
Anyway, Ronaldo and Berbatov were great and made our offense look magnificent. RDS was magnificent.
Real Madrid should’ve lost from what I hear…
September 30th, 2008 at 21:55
@Liam: Yeah like Berbatovs shitness according to your assessment the last few weeks eh Liam?. And Rooneys for several matches until the last two
.
September 30th, 2008 at 21:56
@Beachryan: easy on those downers mate
we did good, not spectacular, but good. We are seriously lacking a dominant midfield that’s all.. once carrick and hargo get back with ando and fletch to boot, we will be back up and running…
September 30th, 2008 at 21:57
@RedDevilEddy: Scholes is still one of our best and most important players and in no way would losing him be a good thing
also isnt it just typical Rooney to score 2 in 2 and get injured
hope that’s not serious either
September 30th, 2008 at 21:58
@MUFC Fan in America: MUFC don’t worry about Nani and fan comments mate, because he is of to Spain with Ronnie when he goes, with GOOD RIDDANCE ringing in his ears from the so called United faithful.
September 30th, 2008 at 22:00
Well, if Nani got a 5 in the last game, I wonder what he’ll get now…half of that perhaps?
I really think Fergie should have a sit-down with the boy and try to find out what’s wrong..he seems to be doing nothing right anyway!
About the game, glad Berba’s off to a start, but yeah, that was a poor 3-0 win honestly..I guess it’s cos it doesn’t feel like we earned it, seemed almost too casual a match.
September 30th, 2008 at 22:01
@RedDevilEddy:
Eddy, Rafael is a great little player I agree. Marvelous prospect.
September 30th, 2008 at 22:05
There we go again with the Nani-Rooney-Berbatov bickering. I thought that debate ran its course.
September 30th, 2008 at 22:08
@dan(u-ol): Dan(u)ol Bro, don’t get into it with the Nani haters, trust me it isn’t worth the hassle mate. The same people were saying the same things about Berba since he came, and now – well hypocrisy knows no bounds.
September 30th, 2008 at 22:09
@Red Ranter: You thought wrong seemingly
.
September 30th, 2008 at 22:12
@Craig Mc: you honestly can’t defend Nani’s performance tonight. I like him but that was shambolic.
And Berbatov was pretty bad as well don’t let the 2 goals cover that up. They were both easy goals and just because he did a diving kick for the second one doesnt make it much better. Still the last 30 mins were a big improvement on what we’ve seen from him so far and hopefully he can become consistent
September 30th, 2008 at 22:13
@antsBoy: Antsboy said “I support Liam here”, WHY am I not surprised?.
September 30th, 2008 at 22:15
@Gabriel: Gloat, gloat, fucking gloat, how happy are you?.
September 30th, 2008 at 22:16
@MUFC Fan in America: Don’t mind the fan’s comments mate, it’s just impatience. Good thing he doesn’t read the blogs, so the comments can’t affect him or his performance. The lad will come good… may be struggling with confidence at the mo I think, but you can see he has it.
Ronaldo was good, still getting back to full fitness and if he scored, will have sent his confidence sky-high for the match against blackburn. Berbatov too is getting back to full fitness and his touches/goals were sublime. As soon as he scored his first, you could see a gain in confidence, he began playing his natural game and then the touches/sublime skill all came running back to him. Still don’t think either were supposed to play a full 90mins, but the injuries forced our hands.
Rooney was looking sharp, got involved up front, created from the middle and reaped the benefits with his well taken goal. Hopefully his injury’s not too serious. Anyway, we got Tevez to step in just in case. That’s why we have four strikers
Scholesy’s injury is a real let down, we now have just ando and fletch available for blackburn, and i’m not counting hargo cuz u neva know when his knee will flare up. Anyway, thank goodness we have just one game before the int break, at least by the end of it, carrick will be back to bolster our midfield ranks.
September 30th, 2008 at 22:17
@Liam:
Berbatov could’ve shat on the field today and I wouldn’t have cared one bit as long as he still scored the 2 goals.
September 30th, 2008 at 22:18
@Craig Mc: what do you mean?
…cuz in my comment, i meant he will get better as the season passes!!
September 30th, 2008 at 22:20
how are we all talking abt nani being shit when O’shey only compleated abt a third of his passes and had the aab players turning him over like a schoolgirl
September 30th, 2008 at 22:20
Gabriel, read back your post to Liam up the page Bro, and you will see perfectly what I mean.
September 30th, 2008 at 22:23
Four points sum this match up for me!
1. Berba can score the BULLETS! I’ll call them “Berba Bullets”
2. Giggs for Attacking Midfielder!
3. Raphael for RB! I mean that guy is superb! What attacking prowess!
4. The Roon is BACK! And that is what the Roon can do when seriously playing behind a No.9!
We’ll Rule the World!
September 30th, 2008 at 22:23
@Craig Mc: Yup. I did think wrong. This debate has ceased to exist as a debate. It’s become more of a case of bruised egos than objective thought. Oh well, I’ll sit and watch.
September 30th, 2008 at 22:28
@Liam: Honestly you thought the first volley was child’s play and the second goal off balance was something O’Shea would do in his sleep? Weren’t you the one who got mad when someone said Rooney’s goal was laid on a plate against Bolton?
All those goals were good ones, mate. Berbatov made it look easy, while Rooney’s evasion of defenders and a drop of his shoulder was classy. I see inconsistency in your judgment. Yes Berbatov was silent in parts but you do realise he is finding his feet, and will never be expected to work like Tevez or Rooney.
September 30th, 2008 at 22:29
Liam, where did you see me defending Nani’s performance tonight?. However when he does play well, you will still call him shit, but that’s your privilege. Like I say, he’ll be off soon to play his SHIT as you call it elsewhere.
September 30th, 2008 at 22:31
@Craig Mc: We all know that you love Nani but be honest and tell us how much you would give Nani for the last 2 performances. You said that Rooney is paid to be a striker and that he should be scoring goals, same way Nani is paid to create chances but all that he does is keep going for those stupid shots from long distances and trying those chip shots. Go and have a look at the match again and see how many times that happened. I love Nani but some one needs to put sense in to him. The fans who keep complaining don’t hate him, they are actually frustrated, like you are with Rooney. You say the Rooney lovers are biased but you are as well. Not even in one comment you have been critical of Nani. You’ve been defending him and you’ve even said that as he had a lot of shots at goal he had a better game.
September 30th, 2008 at 22:32
@Craig Mc: are you implying that i’m happy Nani is not/did not perform today?? cuz that’s far from the truth mate. i was barely being sarcacstic with regards to liams ‘unfair’ comments. All of my posts regarding him have indicated that i believe he will come good soon. Why you are trying to paint me as someone who doesn’t appreciate the lad is beyond me..
September 30th, 2008 at 22:32
@Red Diablo: slow down there with number 3. He hardly had anything to defend against tonight but still got caught out a few times.
September 30th, 2008 at 22:34
@Craig Mc: Mate, I think me, Liam, Gabriel and the others are just commenting about what we saw today. It’s not like we have any personal agenda against Nani, we like him and want him to become better. So stop taking it personally against yourself, it’s not like that. If Nani plays well in our next match, we will sing his praises…we’re only analysing the poor performance of his on display “today”.
You yourself tell Dan to keep out of it as it’s not worth the hassle and then you come back trying to defend him. If it hurts, maybe you should not try so hard to defend him cos I guarantee you, more such comments are gonna pour in after his poor performance today. Even Dan should agree to that.
September 30th, 2008 at 22:35
@Red Ranter: Good on you RR
. I don’t know about bruised egos Bro, but I do feel that my solid defending of Nani has perhaps brought this heap of shit comments against him. Tonight was a great opportunity for the onslaught of the Nani haters.
September 30th, 2008 at 22:37
Hey I like Nani and still think he’ll turn out good, but he had an absolute howler tonight, and it was mostly mental, not ability that let him down. Just sayin….
Berba is a funny one isn’t he. Barely smiled at the goals. Oh well, he’s our funny one.
September 30th, 2008 at 22:39
Ok! I seriously am starting to believe that Coleen’s Sex Ban is starting to work on Rooney!
September 30th, 2008 at 22:41
@antsBoy: Like I said, WHY am I not surprised. You just vent your wrath on Nani’s poor performance mate, I fully expect nothing less. The lad didn’t have the best performance tonight, but he tried. He may as Liam claims have had 20 poor crosses, but at least he had the crosses.
September 30th, 2008 at 22:44
@antsBoy: Dont accuse me of taking things personally against myself mate. I feel for Nani, and think the lad deserves more. That’s it, end of.
September 30th, 2008 at 22:46
@Gabriel: Okay, fair enough then
.
September 30th, 2008 at 22:46
@Craig Mc: Mate, what’s wrong about judging a player based on his performance on the day. Even Rooney is a trier, but does he escape your wrath? If you can be justified in your opinion on Rooney so can other fans be on Nani.
There really is no point being bitter over it if you trust your judgement so much.
September 30th, 2008 at 22:56
@Krishnan: Krishnan, that’s because I did think he had played okay for the 10 minutes he was on the field. I said, that he had shots on goal, and EXPLAINED my reasons, that I like people to have shots on goal, no matter who they are. His shots were on target. I thought he played very well in the Boro game and would give him a 7 rating. Tonight he had a poor performance, but as people said, he made a good few crosses into the box, even if people thought they were SHIT. He set up Berba for one terrific chance, but Berba didn’t connect properly, otherwise Berba would have had a hat trick. If you think like Liam accused me of too, that I defended his performance tonight, then read back to the couple of posts I did comment on tonights performance. I don’t mind you accusing me of loving Nani, I do like the lad, and I don’t think people can judge as someone has that he is worse this season than last. How do they know, apart from tonight, he hasn’t played that much, but in the Boro game where he played well. That’s all I’m saying Krishnan.
September 30th, 2008 at 22:56
Oh yeah, who’d of guessed it – Giggs and Sheasy were pretty effective tonight. Huh.
September 30th, 2008 at 22:58
I feel like I have to talk about Rio, guys… the guy is just fantastic!! He has continously put in man of the match displays all thru this season… How he did not win european defender of the year is beyond me. If he continues with his current displays, he could be in the running for major individual awards this season. The good thing is that he even plays better when wearing the armband.. could be a sign
September 30th, 2008 at 23:01
@Red Ranter: Mmmmm, so you think I am bitter now. Where did I say they couldn’t judge?. I am judging their judgements, IS THAT NOT ALLOWED ON THE BLOG ANYMORE?.
September 30th, 2008 at 23:03
im gonna kill myself, i was travelling back from visiting my parents and i missed the game…… this sucks…i feel like i missed a vital turning point just now…
September 30th, 2008 at 23:06
@Wink: YOU DIDN’T
. Well yes, perhaps you did regarding Berba 
.
September 30th, 2008 at 23:14
I just got home from the doctor and so I haven’t seen the game yet. Still, it feels good to be wrong (I predicted a 0-0 draw). As well, fantastic news to read that my boy Dimitar netted two goals. Outstanding result. Now maybe some of the Berbatov bashers will just shut the fuck up.
September 30th, 2008 at 23:16
@RedDevilEddy: Yes and Bayern Munich thought Zenit would be a cake walk last year. That’s of course before they were knocked 6-2 on AGG. Never underestimate anybody in this competition. Still, it’s good to know we comfortably won and Berbatov scored two. Things are looking up.
September 30th, 2008 at 23:17
@Craig Mc: The thing is you have to look at the time he takes those shots, there are so many people around him better positioned. I even remember in the Bolton game, he had a perfect chance to pass it to Berba instead he tried to go for a shot but there were too many defenders and he had to go back. That is just one instance. Tonight’s match he had so many opportunities to cross but didn’t. I like him he’s got skills and the technique but he is so frustrating most of the time. Last season he had so many assists. He has to understand that he is good in creating chances and when he does that his confidence will grow and finishing might also improve. But his decision making is awful. You gotta accept that.
September 30th, 2008 at 23:18
@Gabriel: I’m always pessimistic mate. It helps prepare for any major letdown and then helps bring me to elation when we win like today. It’s a protective defense mechanism.
September 30th, 2008 at 23:23
@RedDevilEddy: Yes and he only rates a bloody 67 in FIFA too. Good luck with that one mate.
September 30th, 2008 at 23:25
@Grognard: Rooney scored one too My Master!
September 30th, 2008 at 23:26
@Red Ranter: Man and they call me the Pronce of Fucking Darkness. Liam is running to dethrone me. Just saw Berbatov’s goals and they were sheer class. What the Hell does he expect?
September 30th, 2008 at 23:27
@Craig Mc: You know what’s not allowed on this blog? Screaming back at me in caps.
I didn’t disallow you from making your judgements, did I? If I did, those comments would have been deleted. Understand that you have been debating this for weeks and I didn’t say a word. All I did at the moment was ask you a question on your Nani opinion you and you turn this like I am imposing a rule on you.
September 30th, 2008 at 23:31
@Grognard: Grog says, “now maybe some of the Berba bashers will shut the fuck up.” I WOULDN’T bank on it Grog
.
September 30th, 2008 at 23:33
Didnt Nani start the play that led to the first goal or the second?
i think he fed gigs who picked up the assist. he was off tonight thogh but not nearly as bad as Oshey
no one would give him the ball bc they knew what would happen, he would pass it to the other team i like oshey but he was ineffective at best at cdm i was screaming for ando to sub him until da silva asked to come off. shit brown would be a better cdm
September 30th, 2008 at 23:33
@Craig Mc: from where I was the only thing he ‘tried’ to do was look like a mini-Ronaldo. He is just digging himself into a hole with his selfishness. The other players are becoming irritated with his stupidity. He has all the ingredients to be a great winger but he seriously need to grow up and realize its a team game.
September 30th, 2008 at 23:33
Scholes out for two months. With Carrick and Hargreaves out we really are looking thin in midfield. I guess Giggs has shown tonight he can deputise to give us a bit of attacking impetus but I am hoping that Anderson will make some strides
September 30th, 2008 at 23:35
yea i think it was roonys goal
September 30th, 2008 at 23:37
@Grognard: Well, i’m always optimistic and when the disappointment hits, i just deal man, that’s my style!
It was a good game, nothing spectacular, but we dominated for periods and our midfield is still looking toothless and with scholsesy out for some wks, we just got weaker. Good thing was Giggs deputised in his new ‘CAM’ role and did pretty well.. put a hargreaves behind him and we could be really set with attacking/creativity from midfield.
Berba and Ronnie still getting back match fitness, but as soon as berba scored his first, his confidence was regained and those touches/sublime skill we all know he has were comin back to him. Rooney’s getting back to his best, was heavily involved in most of our attacking/build-up play and had a well-taken finish to add to his performance. Defence looked okay and Rafael was sensational in attack, that boy does not lack any confidence. Rio was immaculate as usual, as was Vida and Evra.
Nani had an ok game, seems to be lacking some confidence as a result of his recent displays and that is in turn affecting his decision-making/performances which in turn is further reducing his confidence. He needs to break free of that cycle and maybe one excellent game could do that for him.
We seriously need hargo back so we can attack from midfield like we did with giggsy today… and maybe Ando should look at how Giggsy linked with attack today and take it from there. We know he can do it, maybe he just needs someone to show him how…
September 30th, 2008 at 23:37
SHIT!
My recorder fucked up again and didn’t record the game. Now I will have to wait until Thursday to see the replay on Setanta. At least I saw the highlights. So if I am quiet over the game, it’s because I haven’t seen the bloody game. CURSES!!
September 30th, 2008 at 23:39
@Red Diablo: Yes he did my ambitious young apprentice. Things are looking up indeed. Although I read that Rooney and Scholes were injured. Does anyone know how serious these injuries are. Jeez we have been cursed with injuries this year.
September 30th, 2008 at 23:40
@Red Ranter: RR, screaming, bit over dramatic I’d say
. But fair do’s, I will stop the caps. As for the debate, I will end that too, as my girlfriend thinks I fancy Nani the way I ardently defend him 
. But you were wrong about me suggesting you were trying to impose a rule upon me. What I was doing was confirming that there aren’t in fact such rules on judging. Wow communication when getting from someones mouth to someone elses ear, can mean something entirely different to the thought intended. Anyway, hope this has cleared things up, we 
then RR 
.
September 30th, 2008 at 23:40
@Craig Mc: Yes you probably are right mate. Just like some of us disgustingly rude and idiotic Nani bashers eh?
September 30th, 2008 at 23:41
@Grognard: My master. Rooney’s substitution was just a precaution!
September 30th, 2008 at 23:43
@Red Diablo: Precaution for what? They must suspect something is wrong. What was he favoring when he came out? Please tell me it wasn’t his foot because if it is his foot and another metatarsal I will personally fly to Manchester and shove his foot up his candy ass.
September 30th, 2008 at 23:44
@Grognard: It was his leg, what part I couldn’t be certain. But I’m sure it’s not a metatarsal.
The revelation of the game however was Rafael. Pity he also had to limp out towards the end.
September 30th, 2008 at 23:45
@colver: Do you know if Possebon is back Colver?.
September 30th, 2008 at 23:47
@Grognard: I’d like to see that
.
September 30th, 2008 at 23:49
@Gabriel: The thing with Nani is that when a player has confidence problems then he should simplify his game. All he should worry about is pass and cross. Once some good things start happening then he can start to mix things up again. But until then, he has to do the old KISS technique. You know the “keep it simple stupid” philosophy. Right now he is overworking his brain and is making things worse. Trying to do too much.
September 30th, 2008 at 23:50
@Grognard: Aah Grog, I promised RR no more Nani debating
. I did this, because I am shit tired of it, and the girlfriend thinks I am turning gay or something because of all the Nani supporting 
.
September 30th, 2008 at 23:50
@Grognard: I wouldnt go saying that until you see Nani’s performance. I’m happy Berba scored those goals but that doesnt change the fact that he was basically strolling around the pitch looking depressed for most of the game. He missed a sitter in the first few minutes which might have allowed us to take it east and prevented 2 of our best players from getting injured
September 30th, 2008 at 23:53
@Red Ranter: i think Fergie said post match that it was his ankle and he came off as a precaution to prevent further damage. Hopefully, it’s not too serious. Rafael’s injury is not yet stated, but seeing he played with it for some time, i don’t think it’s too serious either.
Btw, what did you think of giggsy in his new ‘CAM’ role? Reminiscent of 06/07? Shove hargo/carrick/fletch behind him and we’re pretty much improved with our midfield’s attack/creativity.
September 30th, 2008 at 23:54
@Red Ranter: The united website says that he felt something in his ankle.
September 30th, 2008 at 23:56
@Liam: How on earth can you say that had Berba scored Scholes wouldn’t have got injured?
September 30th, 2008 at 23:57
possebon is waithing just on getting stitches out they said scholes out 2 mo w ligament damage
September 30th, 2008 at 23:57
@Grognard: mate, ur preaching to the choir.. i’ve been saying that’s what he has to do, probably fergie and his team mates too… it remains to be seen if he realises that.
October 1st, 2008 at 0:01
@gator: O right thanks Gator
. I like these Brazillian lads. Do you have any info on Fabio Da Silva’s injury?.
October 1st, 2008 at 0:19
@RedDevilEddy: You ALMOST got the goals right
October 1st, 2008 at 0:28
@Grognard: Until he runs around the field like a headless chicken and covers 10miles in each game, Berbatov will always be crap in people’s eyes. I guess its just really hard to realise that its not his type of game and you’ll ever hardly see him tracking back like Rooney or Tevez, he’s a disciplined forward, his job is to stay in position, wait for the balls and execute them with precise finesse.
October 1st, 2008 at 0:30
I hate too say it, but scholes being out may be a blessing in disguise. Anderson will again get a chance to step up and prove his class. I think on his day Scholes is obviosly the better player between the too, but “his day” comes few and far between now. I think with an extended run out, Anderson will show us that he we have only seen the tip of the iceberg in his game.
Speaking of youth, I think this season marks a turning point in Uniteds transfer policy/strategy. It is not good business to continually spend 30-60 million in the transfer markets each year. IMO it is equally bad to spend no money each year and then sell off your promising youngsters cause you wont pay them a decent wage(*cough* wenger). I think Fergie is making strides to meet somewhere in the middle.
We were all alittle upset about the fact that Fergie didnt splash the cash this summer until the final day. We asked why is he repeating the mistakes of 99 and not strengthening the squad. I too was concerned, some even claimed it was a reflection of our financial situation(wether it was or wasnt we fans cant really be sure). There had to be a reason that fergie seemed so calm this summer, and I belive he was calm cause of the youngsters.
We now have a bunch of promising youngsters in Possebon, Rafael, Evans and according to Tim “Legendinho” Vickery Fabio Da silva. Now I know its early and we have basically only seen Possebon and Rafael in 1 meaninful game each, but they have both shown they posses quality. Evans too has shown he is capable. My point is this, had fergie splashed the cash again on say Bosingwa or Van der vaart he would never get a chance to see if these youngster could hack it at this level.
Im not advocating the Wenger extreme, where he is putting out a U19 side in the carling cup. But I think Fergie is being responsible in getting another batch of “kids”. It might not be this group but I feel we are gonna see the next beckham,Giggs, nevilles… coming thru for United again, and Fergie is going to show how a club can win ACTUAL SILVERWARE(again *cough* Wenger)with kids.
October 1st, 2008 at 0:30
@Rd: Oh you mean like Cantona used to? Sorry but that statement is so full of crap I can smell it from here in Canada.
October 1st, 2008 at 0:33
@Grognard: I think Rd was agreeing with you.
October 1st, 2008 at 0:50
OK I was lucky to catch the second half of the game on a secondary channel her in Canada. My observations are as follows; Keep in mind that I am making these comment based on only the second half.
1. Berbatov looked awesome and looked very comfortable. Some of his passes never got through but the ones that did were sublime. His finishing was world class. The second goal was RVN personified.
2. Nani was very quiet but that’s OK. He did nothing wrong and he kept things simple. He also did set up Rooney for his goal in the first half. More of the same and he will round in to just what we need. Encouraging if unspectacular.
3. Rafael should be starting against every team in the BPL except the other big 3 teams. He’s that good and that composed. I love him. Although I like Wes Brown I am already singing goodbye to him and Gary Neville because Rafael is the RB of the very near future.
4. You know I think Giggs gives us just what we need at CM. He has vision, finesse and great passing ability. Lightning speed is not required. Just place Hargo or Carrick next to him and we will be singing over his resurgence for months to come.
5. Tevez has got to score more goals. He had an absolute sitter and decided to pass to Ronaldo instead. WHAT? Just shoot the bloody ball. He is a very hard worker though and he really was unlucky not to have a few goals.
6. Our back four looked good but I am noticing players beating Evra more and more on the left side. Not by a lot but enough to cause me concern. This is not the first game I have noticed it either. He needs to tighten up a bit defensively.
7. Rio and Vidic could have set up patio chairs and sat and drank ice tea for the evening. Aalborg were total shit with no craft or skill.
8. Ronaldo was looking a little bit better but he is missing a half step in everything he does that is keeping him from making or finishing off plays. It’s coming, and when it does, look out.
9. Very nice counter attacking football with great passing and speed. They still need to overlap more and movement off the ball needs to get better.
10. John O’Shea has no business starting any game in the CL. Why was he out there. Anderson or Fletcher should have been out there. Don’t tell me they are injured too?
Good stuff and a good professional win based on what I saw. I’ll watch the first half on Thursday to get a better feel for all the players overall. Hope Scholes is OK and hopefully Rooney and Rafael only have minor knocks.
One more brief comment. Did anyone watch the Zenit vs Madrid game? Zenit may have lost that game to two garbage goals by Real Madrid but I have to say that I feel there is no team on the planet that plays a more attractive pass and move game than they do. Man are they fun to watch. Today their finishing and bad luck betrayed them. I think they should have beaten the overrated Madrid by three goals. And Arshavin was simply dynamite. Man what I wouldn’t give to get that boy. Spurs don’t deserve him. Hopefully Bayern will steal him.
October 1st, 2008 at 0:53
@Red Ranter: He may be agreeing with me but he is wrong about the majority of fans not embracing him. Berbatov is sheer class and sublime in finesses and subtlety. United fans are smart enough to recognize class. He will be a fan favorite in no time. Hell after tonight the sale of his jersey has probably quadrupled. In fact I am ordering one.
October 1st, 2008 at 0:54
@Rd: I see what you are saying mate but have faith in the fans. They know class when they see it.
October 1st, 2008 at 1:01
@ILamb22:
“It will be interesting to see what kind of lineup Fergie throws out there today. I know that he has promised us the “big guns”. I really think that this is an ideal opportunity to try and play Rooney, Tevez, Ronnie, and Berbatov together, you know, just to see what happens.”
naw mate, that’s for when they come to visit Old Trafford.
@RedDevilEddy: “I still think we will win 4-0, with Ronaldo, Berbatov(2) and Rooney scoring the goals.” Ronaldo should have scored, that pass from Berbatov that sent him through 1-1 with the goalie was absolutely sublime.
October 1st, 2008 at 1:05
@Grognard: Glad you finally realised my post was kinda rhetoric and I’m all for Berba too
@Grognard: Oh my word, that was actually a positive 2nd half match report, yay!!! On point 10, Anderson and Flecther are ok. No idea why he rested them especially Anderson, but seeing as Scholes is injured, i guess it was a good idea so he’ll be refreshed for Blackburn
October 1st, 2008 at 1:09
@Grognard: I don’t think he meant that in seriousness. more sarcasm and rhetoric as he put it.
October 1st, 2008 at 1:11
oh one thing about the quality of aalborg’s defending. .
Rooney was winning headers with ease. . ROONEY was flicking on headers to Ronaldo. . the defense was no where near tight enough on our forwards. . Berbatov was able to bring several balls from EVDS down with his feet. .
I’m not complaining, just saying it’s dissapointing we didn’t score more considering the shite defending
October 1st, 2008 at 2:00
I told you all, Aab were bad! This should have been 6-1 (we were lax in defending in first half).
October 1st, 2008 at 3:09
Guys,
Remember, SAF did come out and say that Giggs will from now on for the most part be used centrally. With the way the injuries are piling up at CM…this may be good news especially considering his assist to Rooney.
However against tougher opposition CM( more physical CMs etc..) how will he fare? I think not so well and thats what is the potential worry with Giggs at CM.
BTW: What’s up with Brown not playing recently?…. I know Da silva played well but didnt we give Brown a Bumper contract recently?
October 1st, 2008 at 6:01
absolutely agree with many of the comments out there. Between tevez and the roon i have to go with the roon because with berbatov in the mix he seems to be playing in the right position and is able to show his true quality. Although tevez (not to hate, but recently) does an excellent job of getting in the game, the final product lacks killer instinct. Rafael was sublime and the tackle was not malicious but part of his high pressure style which on most occasions works well. Can’t wait to see Fabio at full tilt. I miss Carrick because whenever he’s on the pitch manu seem to win or play positive football. Sad to see scholes injured but only hope Anderson or others (im not convinced on gibson) can step up.
My only concern is that when an offensive move breaks down on the counter-attack we have both Ronaldo and Berbatov jogging back, not a shove against them but did anyone else notice? / somewhat worried about the defense with two very attacking full backs (rafael and evra).
great attacking lineup for Aalborg but Chelsea at home?
The berb was great in the 2nd half and just needed a gift to boost his confidence, besides his sometimes antagonizing misses his pass to Ronaldo was first class along with his second finish.
great win, lets get back on form in the prem!
October 1st, 2008 at 8:14
@Jonny: I know! And against Bolton I prdicted Rooney and Ronaldo scoring too!
Man, if I get it right against Rovers I want everybody to listen to me for 2 weeks. 
Everything I will say will be truth! 
October 1st, 2008 at 8:15
@Grognard: Heard about editing?
Take away his penalty, free kick ang goalie stats and put them into speed and defensive. I know my game! 
October 1st, 2008 at 8:20
Ronaldo happy! Not a big surprise, you played well and are the driving force in our team.
Scholes out for 8 weeks. Just like last season then! Injured from October to January. I think its a bad thing, nut I love Andy and I want him to get many opportunities to prove what a talent he is. I loved whta he did for us last season when Scholes was injured, I hope he returns soon, but hopefully Andy playing now will give him the confidence he needs. But now our CMs are only Anderson, Fletcher, Giggs, Oshea and Possebon. of those, I can say only Andy would be a ragular starter if possible. Flecther next to him and Giggs coming on as a sub.
October 1st, 2008 at 9:03
@Grognard: Grog says “United fans are smart enough to recognise class”,
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October 1st, 2008 at 9:05
Apparentely Rooney might also have sustained ligament damage which would mean being out for at least a month.
Craig, I do not know when Possebon is back but I think Giggs, Fletcher and Anderson can rotate to keep our midfield ticking over until Carrick, Scholes and Hargreaves return to fitness.
I have a lot of good things to say about Nani. I think his poor performanaces lately are just lack of confidence. His crossing is not at its usual stellar levels and he is taking way too many shots like he is on one man mission to score.
Grognard has it right. He needs to KISS and get the ball and release it. Save the tricks and speculative shots for the days when his confidence is high and he is in the zone.
October 1st, 2008 at 9:18
@Grognard: Grog, loved you comments. I think Evra is spending far too much time in forward positions, and your right, this is effecting his defending efficiency at times. I mean he isn’t superman. Alright cavalier-ing up and down the touchlines, but he is due to sheer tiredness later in games, hazarding us a bit defensively. His runs forwards are often fruitless as well, because his passes into the box are not the best, and his shots limp mostly. Still, he is great player for us. Needs to balance his forages forward though with keeping back sometimes.
According to news reports today, Tottenham are supposed to be tying up a sale of the club to a Far East billionaire. If this occurs, then perhaps they will get Arshavin after all Grog.
October 1st, 2008 at 10:49
@Craig Mc: Matey those posts were class!!! I don’t sleep very much myself as like you I am a company director so my hours are pretty flexible and as my other half flys, she never sleeps and keeps me up all night!!
Ps she has a thing for Vida!!1
October 1st, 2008 at 11:27
@Grognard: I agree mate with you comments totally spot on especially about O’Shea who was very poor. Bit harsh on Wes who hasn’t done anything wrong but Rafael is class.
Read you comments about Ronaldo, we will agree to disagree mate, great player no doubt as I have said, but he will never be my boy again.
Call me bitter and twisted! but I see his actions as high treason, but that is just me.
Good result, decent performance good to see Rooney score, Berba got two and Rafael well was the star of the show, so all in all good night, bar me knocking over a bottle of red wine on my new cream carpet, which took me an hour to clean, so saw Berba 1st goal out of the corner of my eye!!
October 1st, 2008 at 11:53
My ratings from last night:
EVDS – 6 – Still looks shaky to me, punched when he could have caught and occasionally panicked and booted it out of bounds unnecessarily.
Rio – 8 – Simply put, the finest defender in Europe, and also makes some rather tasty forward runs.
Vidic – 7 – Did his job against a few high balls, but still has the distribution skills of a dead milkman. If I were the opponents I would always leave him open and save their energy.
Evra – 6.5 – Had a bit of a shaky one IMO. Partly because Ronaldo/Nani didn’t provide him much help, but on a few occasions the RMF got in behind our back four. Probably was relaxed though.
Rafael – 7 – I’m not going overboard with him yet. Good skills for a RB, some cracking shots and great energy, but still dove in to some tackles unnecessarily and exposed us at times. But he’s awesome and young.
O’Shea – 7 – People like to slag off the big man and I’ll be the first to admit his passing was occasionally cringe worthy, but he did his job very well. He was the reason Evra and Rafael could get forward, and he also provided a third centre back presence in the box for crosses, which could have been a problem against a big Danish side. Was almost too regimented in staying in his half though.
Giggs – 8.5 (MoM) – No idea where it came from, but Giggs’ performance last night was inspired. I’ve not been impressed by him this season, but he was immense. Vision, ball retention, dribbling, tempo control – we barely missed Scholes and that says something. If he could give that week in week out, we might all be talking about a 3 man mid with him at the top.
Ronaldo – 7 – Showed glimpses of being the most dangerous man on the pitch, but also of a man who hasn’t played in 3 months. Some good deliveries, some crap deliveries, not much in between. Should have scored and showed grit by running end to end the whole 90, despite clearly being knackered.
Nani – 4.5 – Frustrating beyond words. Got into great positions, particularly for crossing, and then bollock’d up every one. Or cut in and shot in to the shins of the defender. Or stuck his head down and got tackled. Hoping it’s a one off, but he was really poor last night.
Rooney – 8 – Would have got MoM if he’d stayed on long enough. Was in awesome form, providing urgency in attack, picking useful passes and also scoring. Typical he’d hurt himself chasing a lost cause though.
Berbatov – 7 – Bizarre to give a 2 goal-scorer a 7, but he was in strange form. Showed that he has amazing vision by seeing perfect passes, but unable to actually execute any until the second half. Also missed the easiest chance we’ll get this year. At half time would have been a 4. But after his goal (which wasn’t as easy as it looked) settled and started providing some serious quality. Second goal and outside of the boot through ball to Ronaldo were highlights. Getting better, but also not fit for the full 90.
October 1st, 2008 at 12:01
@Beachryan: Think a little generous with O’Shea matey and a little harsh on Berba and Nani, but good assesment mate, pos could have given Rafael a higher mark considering what he gave us going forward.
October 1st, 2008 at 12:39
My ratings:
VDS- 6. Didnt have much to do.
Rafael- 8. Wonderful, a talent that will give us many happy years. Showed that he is really fast have good skills and is good defensivly even though he had some lapses. If he isnt the most talented twin, then I cant wait to see Fabio!
Rio- 8. Great block in the first half that showed why he si the best CB is the world right now. Made our first goal by winning the ball outside our penalty area, running past 3 guys and passing to Nani who passed to Giggs. We all know what happend after that. 1-0
Vidic- 7. Quiet, played well but not extrordinary.
Evra- 7,5. Good when he attacked but like Grognard said he opened up our left wing very much on counter-attacks.
Ronaldo- 8. Not quite there, but he is nearly back to his best. Had he been fully fit and had it been earlier in the game he would have scored when 1-on-1, but all in all a good performance by our slave.
1 assist.
Scholes- not enough time.
Oshea- 6. Not bad, but still not good. John, you aint Carrick!
Giggs- 8. Surprised me! Did play well as a CM, lookes like Ronaldinho at times. Running, vision and passing were all on top. Still needs to work on his corners.
1 assist
Nani- 5. Our worst player. Ive defended this guy, and I still will, but he played terrible last night. Looked confused and Ive never seen his decisionmaking worse than last night. Can cross, but all were either too low or too high. And his corners were terrible at times.
Rooney- 8. He is marvellous, a vital part of this team. When his confidence is high, he is one of our best players on the pitch. His goal was well taken and if he would have continued like that yesterday, I think he would have scored some more. Pity about his injury, hopefully he will be back very soon. 1 goal.
Berbatov- 8. In the first half he was a 4. In the second he was a 9. Would have been a 7 had it not been for his 2 goals and his great pass to put Ronaldo through. Showed in second half what we have needed since Ruud left, clinical finishing and great positioning. 2 goals
Tevez- 6. Came in for Rooney, and gave the team some needed energy as we were getting tired. But why on earth did you pass to Ronny when you were alone with the keeper on 8 yards? Needs a goal, and fast!
Brown- 5. His cameo showed me why Fergie rates Rafael higher than him now. His confidence is really low, he looked lost and didtn want the ball at all. His passes went to China, I understand why Ronny got mad at him sometimes.
Fergie- 9. Great team selection and putting on Giggs for Scholes was a really important part in the match. Chose the right team and gave Rafael the chance he deserved.
MOTM: Rafael. I like it when young players get a run in the team, like Andy did last season and Ronaldo did some seasons before. He is a star for the future and when Gary retires I wont be worried about our RB spot. And to think that we wanted Ramos this summer!
October 1st, 2008 at 13:40
i watched the zenit game, madrid were lucky. and i have to admit, arshavin is a class player. overrated bullshit madrid were lucky to escape, zenit shouldv won, on the dying minutes, zenit hit the goal post and hit a header out wide. casillas was shit, overrated scum, i like buffon better.
October 1st, 2008 at 13:42
who’s taller fabio or rafael?
October 1st, 2008 at 13:59
@cheeseburger o’shea: both are the same height an are apparently near impossible to tell apart, if not for a few marks around Rafaels’ eyes. Both are confident players, but maybe Fabio would have been the more confident one prior to his United arrival due to his previous performances for the brazil U-17 squad. However, Fergie has increased Rafael’s confidence with the faith and opportunity given to him while Fabio still has his, as proven from his goals for the reserves. They are looking good, but when fabio returns, i see him getting a lot more games as we only have one ‘proper’ left-back…
October 1st, 2008 at 13:59
Our centrel midfield pairing this season has been.
V Newcastle: Carrick/Scholes
V Portsmouth: Anderson/Scholes
V Zenit st Petersberg: Anderson/Scholes
V Liverpool: Anderson/Scholes
V Villarreal: Fletcher/Hargreaves
V Chelsea: Scholes/Hargreaves
V Bolton: Fletcher/Anderson
V Aalborg: Scholes,Giggs/O’Shea
Does anyone get the impression Fergie doesn’t know his best midfield combination? The real worry for me is that he does seem to have lost confidence with Anderson who is struggling this year, and I like lots of you great people on this site have raved about him. But he has lost his way and that started as probably the early part of this year. Is he tired? did the Olympics take too much out of him? I don’t know but his form has dipped, do we need to take him out of the firing line for a bit or does he need to play more or in a more advanced/holding position!? God knows but if it wasn’t his age, which is certainly on his side, then for £18m and no goals is he looking very expensive? considering we could have signed Mascherano for the same money and would probably be a shoe in, week in week out for us?
I am just rambling here, as I love Anderson and it is probably not him, maybe its Fergie who really does not know who should be in our engine room which is a bit of a worry.
October 1st, 2008 at 14:17
@Stephen: High Treason ???. Didn’t realise we were at Sea Bro
.
October 1st, 2008 at 14:19
@Stephen: I think you have to take into consideration the injuries that hit us this year. If not for injuies, our starting pair would almost always be carrick/scholes, then hargo, ando then fletch in that order. However, we were hit with them and Anderson who was not supposed to even play for some time due to his exertions at the olympics was thrown into the mix without having a pre-season with us or the time to establish chemistry with his new partner (scholes/fletch).
Fletcher then showed promise while the others were wavering, so Fergie could not leave him out for Ando/scholes who were in poor form. If hargo gets back this weekend, he should play with either Ando/giggs. I would make fletch his backup as he is more adept at defensive duties than ando/giggs. If hargo is fit, he would be a regular in DMF, with his partner given the license to move forward. When Carrick gets back, then it will be tricky as to who partners him.
As of now, we have three important midfielders missing, so it will be interesting to see the combinations if none of these three recover soon. We have been dealt a huge blow with injuries and whenever it seems to be getting better, another one comes along. Fergie has tried to do the best with the available/less than 100%/ageing/versatile players he had.
October 1st, 2008 at 14:22
@Stephen: She has a thing for Vida, so she likes hard men?, awww bless
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October 1st, 2008 at 14:27
@Craig Mc: that could be taken as a connotation for something else bro, cuz every ’straight’ girl loves a ‘hard’ man…
October 1st, 2008 at 14:48
@Craig Mc: Ha Ha she loves him!
, probably because I am such a weed!! but sexy! 
October 1st, 2008 at 14:52
@Gabriel: Gabriel whatever do you mean?. Get that mind of yours sanitised my friend
.
.
Your right of course though
October 1st, 2008 at 14:58
@Stephen: Well Stephen you got her and Vida hasn’t, so you must be doing something right
.
October 1st, 2008 at 15:02
@Craig Mc: I tried to keep her away from him at Anfield though, just to be sure!
October 1st, 2008 at 15:03
Right, back on topic then
. Anybody think we are going to whip Ince’s B’Burns arses Saturday?. Who would you have in midfield, because B’burn will have 5 strewn across there’s, and we need at least one hard man out there. 5 live were saying that Hargreaves will be back Saturday, so I hope they are right 
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October 1st, 2008 at 15:05
@Stephen: Mate really?.
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October 1st, 2008 at 15:12
I’m thinking most of our lads have not really hit form yet, so we have not really done so bad have we?. L’pool players are saying they are in a good position already to win the PL –
. They are 3 points ahead of us IF we win our game in hand against Fulham. If they finish higher than us in the prem come next May, we really will be on our way down I’d say.
October 1st, 2008 at 15:14
@Craig Mc: Hargo and Andy I think and but Fletch on the right for an extra bit of support if needed, for me mate.
It will be a tough game, looking forward to it but will be tight.
October 1st, 2008 at 15:57
great win for United. We have been debating Berbatov’s “fantasy” value for the fantasy prem, but it looks like his “REAL LIFE” value is starting to come through!
cheers.
October 1st, 2008 at 16:11
@Craig Mc: Blackburn suck withou Hughes, thats for sure. Losing 4-0 to Arsenal at home is not something that would have happend with Hughes and/or Friedel. He usually is the player that gives us the most problems at Ewood park and with him being replaced by Robinson(
) there will be raining goals! 
I would go for Anderson and Hargreaves if he is fit, Fletcher if he isnt. Anderson got a much needed rest and will probably start. He si the only first choice midfielder we have fit at the moment. I wont call Owen fit right now. So, my team would be:
VDS
Nevile Rio Vidic Evra
Ronaldo Fletcher/Owen Anderson Park
Tevez Berbatov
Nani played really bad last night so he should be punished! Park in cause he usually does well when United are away from home. Rooney will play if he is fit, but since he isnt Tevez will start.
Ill go for a 4-0 win. Berba hat-trick and Tevez.
October 1st, 2008 at 16:17
Based on form I would play Giggs and Fletcher in the middle. Hargreaves never stays injury free long enough to build any match fitness. If we wrap up the game by half time Anderson can get some game time.
October 1st, 2008 at 16:21
@colver: You can’t base form on one decent performance from Giggs in CM against a very poor side mate! Blackburn will have a lot more in midfield than Aalborg, and will play 5 across there, a bit too much for Giggsy in my view.
October 1st, 2008 at 16:21
@RedDevilEddy: you’d rather have friedel than robinson?
October 1st, 2008 at 16:24
@john freakin’ o’shea: Did you see how Fridel played last season against us at Ewood Park!!!
October 1st, 2008 at 16:43
Fridel = IMO 2nd best keeper in the prem over hte past 5 years, only behind Given. In terms of overall presence and consistency. Cech was great for 2 years but lost it. Fridel was a monster, impassable on his day. Shame he played for a relatively low key club recently, else I’m sure he’d get more attention.
I think we’re gonna struggle at Blackburn. They’re not a bad team, and Pederson and Santa Cruz are going to cause us problems. I wouldn’t be surprised to see us line up 4-4-2 and try to go around the midfield, as they’ll definitely pack it. If we do that, I’d expect to see Fletcher and Anderson start, with Park and Ronaldo on the wings and Tevez with Berba up front. (presuming Rooney isn’t fit/precautionary rest)
October 1st, 2008 at 17:11
soooo, wheres all the berba haters?
typical rooney ay! he finally finds a bit of form and gets injured, i hope its not to serious. if he plays at blackburn, and plays as well as he has been playing recently, and gets a goal/assisit, then, and only then will i say rooney should be an automatic starter. you hear that liam, im giving him a chance to shut me up lol
October 1st, 2008 at 17:45
@Beachryan: Freidel is good, isn’t he? Martin o’neil is a shrewd manager. Aston villa have a good squad, but bar their starting eleven, the rest of the squad are very average.
We should do alrite vs blackburn, maybe a variation of 4-4-2 will do. Fergie should realise that our ‘awesome-foursome’ is not in full swing yet and need the support of midfield, hence should play a similar formation to last nite; 4-1-3-2. Diamond midfield with an AMF free to roam like giggsy did.
VDS should start, with brown returning to the reg back four. In midfield, I would like hargo/ando simply because hargo knows his job is to sit back in front of the defence, hence ando won’t hesitate to go forward, unlike when fletch/ando play and both get caught up and end up hovering all match in our half. If hargo ain’t fit, then fletch it is. With scholes injured, this is somebody’s chance, don’t know who, but i’m rooting for Ando/fletch. Giggs should come on for Ando later on to inject some life and tact when the game has opened up.
The wings will be Nani/Ronaldo, but i would like Nani and park to start then bring ronnie later when the intensity and close-marking have cooled down and then capitalise on the open and counter attack play. Plus, he was clearly exhausted after last nigt’s match. Nani performed poorly last nite, but I would stick with him, it’s comin. Up top, should be Berba and tev, cause rooney might not be fit and tevez needs a goal for confidence. Bring on someone later for berbs, don’t know who, but we need to prevent him from burnout.
If we go with a formation like last nite and a mentality of attack/possession, we will eventually break them down and capitalise when they frustatingly open up.
October 1st, 2008 at 17:49
@Gabriel:
“…Bring on someone later for berbs, don’t know who, but we need to prevent him from burnout…”
errr…. Manucho???
Me thinks its high time we give him some more minutes to see whats he’s made of!
October 1st, 2008 at 17:50
@john freakin’ o’shea: Id choose Friedel over Robison, Cech, Reina, Almunia and Given. He is a monster when he plays against us!
2004/05 season results vs Blackburn: 1-1 a, 0-0 h. Together 54 shots on target, only Alan Smith 94 minute goal went past him. MOTM in both games.
2005/06 season results: 2-1 h, 4-3 a. Together 42 shots on target, 30 of those at Old Trafford. Stopped Rooney, Ruud, Smith, Scholes and Ronaldo with Banks and Schmeicel type saves. At Ewood he stopped Rooney from making it 4-4 with a brillian save.
2006/07 results: 1-0 a, 4-1 h. The away game was so so, but in the home game I think everyone can remember how he played. Until Scholes equalised, we looked screwed with him showing why I think he is the best keeper in the Prem.
2007/08 results: 2-0 h, 1-1 a. In the home game we won courtesy of a Ronaldo double, would have been a hat trick if not for Friedel. In the away game…. Brilliant! Tortured me and I wondered how we were ever going to score!
So yeah, I fear him! Without him and Bentley, Rovers dont loks so good. Robinson is very good on a good day, but that happens rarely. Friedel is unbeatable on a good day, which happens a lot.
And for those that dont know it yet, I am really good at stats and at rememberin things. You can say I have a picture memory, helps at school tests!
October 1st, 2008 at 17:54
@Nico QB: yeah, thought about that… but his showing against the boro would not have warmed him up to Fergie (reverse point in case: Rafael). He shoulda taken his chance to impress, but if Wayne’s not available, then I guess it’ll be him comin on for berba, and only if we’ve secured a win!
October 1st, 2008 at 17:56
@dan(u-ol):
Actually I can remember only 2 Berba haters on this forum, but they were very loud
October 1st, 2008 at 17:57
WOW, Berba really has ambitions! And he is hard on himself too, no wonder why Fergie loves him. And just so you know, he called his half-overhead kick a tap-in….
October 1st, 2008 at 18:01
@Gabriel: About his showing against Boro, 10min is hardly enough time to make an impression, and still he looked better than Welbeck! And also he’s the only other striker we have that we can use as a battering ram.
Funny somehow that NosfeBerba seems to classy to be even considered for the batterring ram role!
October 1st, 2008 at 18:14
@RedDevilEddy: Yes that’s all fine in terms of editing but you probably will not get him to be higher than 69 or 70 at the very most. Quite often if you take from the skills you mentioned and move them elsewhere the player’s total only increases by one. I think based on what he has shown that he should have been given a rating of 70-72 to start off with. Brown should have been 82 or 83 and Neville having missed a year and half should have been around 75 to 76. Also, when healthy Hargreaves is much better than 83 and Scholes is not an 85 anymore. More like an 80.
October 1st, 2008 at 18:17
@RedDevilEddy: Do not be surprised to see Giggs get the starting nod as CMF. Fergie loves experience and Giggs has all the skills required. Only if he fails to perform will Fergie go to Fletcher or Anderson. Possebon is not even in his plans right now when it comes to the BPL and CL. Giggs could be a revelation because he still has the desire to attack and move forward. He offers the team something Scholes has not offered to us for three years now. Who knows?
October 1st, 2008 at 18:21
@Craig Mc: Do you have the feeling that within the next five years every team in the BPL will be owned by a Middle Eastern consortium? This influx of money and greed is not good for the game in England or the game overall. The FA and FIFA need to wake up and put in some strict measures before the game completely goes to the dark side.
October 1st, 2008 at 18:22
@Nico QB: fair enough, don’t get me wrong, i want him to play, but will fergie let him in the PL just yet? i hope so..
October 1st, 2008 at 18:30
@Stephen: I completely agree Bro. B’Burn will fight tooth and nail against us – Man Utd are in town, so all out war. There midfield will be strong, so I hope we are not lightweight.
October 1st, 2008 at 18:33
@Grognard: Before the game completely goes to the dark side?. Bro it’s already GONE to the dark side
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October 1st, 2008 at 18:34
@Stephen: You know I may have even used the term treason three months ago (I don’t remember) when it comes to Ronaldo but in truth, it’s being a little silly and over the top. High treason? We’re talking about a footballer her Stephen, not George W Bush or Dick Cheney. Yes there is no doubt he had betrayed our love and our trust in him but he also saw the light and apologized after admitting his mistakes and his guilt in the whole fiasco. Still, it sounds to me that you have condemned him to the death penalty. Come on mate, your feelings are far too harsh based on the scenario and the outcome. People who send thousands to their death illegally and mislead a country by lying and manipulating facts while supporting extreme right wing agendas that ruin economies and people’s lives are people that should be accused of high treason. Not Cristiano Ronaldo. Hell Ronaldo can’t even spell the words yet alone be accused of the crime. He’s just a misguided footballer that was thinking with his heart and not his mind. He saw the light and so I think we should guardedly forgive him. Should he start up with his demands again next Summer than I will call him disloyal and feel betrayed once more, but he will never be guilty of treason. I’ll save that accusation for those people in our world who truly deserve the condemnation.
October 1st, 2008 at 18:35
Even if Hargo is fit, which I dont think he will be, I would still go with a partnership of Fletch and Ando (maybe Giggs).
I would bet my house that Gary starts at right back for some f’ing reason…
Other than that, think its pretty straight forward. I would say Berba and Carlos up top out of necessity to let Wayne chill out his ankle.
On the wings, gonna have to be Ronaldo and I really dont know about the other wing…Dont think Nani will get much time after his game last night. So I guess it will be Park.
So looks like this……
VdS
Gary–Rio–Vidic–Evra
C.R.–Fletch–Ando–Park
Carlos–Berba
Should be more than enough to see off a shit BBurn…
October 1st, 2008 at 18:40
what do you call a spanish bloke thats lot a vehicle
carlos…well it made me chuckle
October 1st, 2008 at 18:43
@Stephen: It’s not that Fergie doesn’t know his perfect midfield combo in the middle. It’s bacause he has up until now had a aplethora of riches from which to choose from and he has decided to rotate to keep the older legs young and to give the younger legs needed experience.
People always make fun of Rafa as being the rotator. Take a close look over the past two years where we have been champions. Outside of our back four and Ronaldo and Rooney, Fergie has opted to rotate the rest of the squad for the reasons I have given. Even with everyone healthy I see him continuing to play musical chairs in the midfield. At least until one player steps up and says this position belongs to me. Hargreaves would have one position nailed down if it were not for his age. Carrick would too if he was healthy and if he were a bit more consistent. Scholes has always been there for him and he knows he has talent in Anderson and Fletcher. Possebon is a year away from being seriously considered and O’Shea is nothing more than a utility man stop gap when injuries and our depth is strained. Still, expect musical chairs all season. It keeps everyone fresh. Especially the old guard.
October 1st, 2008 at 18:51
@Craig Mc: Yes from now on Ronny will be known as Fletcher Cristiano Ronaldo (ref Mutiny on the Bounty)
October 1st, 2008 at 19:03
@RedDevilEddy: No Nani should not be punished. He should be getting an extended run as a starter and lets see if he has what it takes. Because if it ends up that he hasn’t got it over an extended period than we need to address that position seriously come January. But I feel that playing time and positive reinforcement will eventually bring the best out of the boy. Let him play. Personally Nani at 60% is better than the hard working but pretty talentless Park. Sorry folks but I am not nor have I ever been a Park enthusiast. He bores me to tears with his lack of skill. I am not the biggest proponent of that Mancunian blue collar work ethic. Hard work and desire is great but I much prefer speed, skill, finesse and flair in a football playing a wide position. Park has none of those attributes. He isn’t even that fast.
Nani on the other hand has all those skills but he is not the smartest apple to fall off the Portuguese talent tree. If he can wrap his head around some simpler and less selfish concepts, Nani will become great. Yesterday his passing and crossing was bad but it’s because it was the first game in many games where he tried to pass and cross. He was rusty. Too often he just puts his head down and goes to shoot. Give him time to adapt and to reinvent himself into what we and Fergie all want. He will never be Beckham (I hate when his crossing is compared to Becks) because he will never be that kind of crosser or passer, but his speed, dribbling one on one skill and instinct for the box will make him a star. He just needs the time to play and the confidence from Fergie that he is believed in. Go Nani!
October 1st, 2008 at 19:12
@Nico QB: I agree about Manucho. He needs minutes to prove himself. My God you waste everybody’s time by starting John Frakken O’Shea in the center of your midfield but you are afraid to give a striker like Manucho a few minutes at the end of every game you are leading? Manucho is not going to hurt us. O’Shea will. Don’t get me wrong, I like O’Shea and I think he is very valuable as a utility player who can play many positions. But starting him in an area or position of high traffic and responsibility is tantamount to risk taking at the highest order. He’s decent defensively but he is slow and he has no offensive skill whatsoever other than the occasional goal which is scored by just being at the right place at the right time (ie; last year at Liverpool). Yet Fergie trots him out there without a though of how he halts our offensive flow and how he limits our movement and pace. Why then is Manucho such a risk? He hasn’t got any marking responsibilities.
Let him play some so that we truly do have a backup that can eventually be counted on in case of injury or when starters need rest. If Rooney is out for an extended period, I would definitely play him a fair amount of times to see if he is better positioned to help us over Welbeck.
October 1st, 2008 at 19:16
@RedDevilEddy: With all due respect to EVDS and to a lesser degree Barthez and Tim Howard, I often wonder why Fergie never strongly pursued the signing of Brad Friedel? Clearly a world class keeper who has toiled for mediocrities his whole career. Friedel for me would have been the closest thing to Schmeichel since..well….Schmeichel. Anybody have answer for that? Perhaps I am unaware of any past attempts to sign him. He’s just been so good and so consistent for so long. And I love his intimidating presence in the box.
October 1st, 2008 at 19:22
@Craig Mc: You are probably right but letting more Arab gazillionaires rape and plunder the game will be the equivalent of building the Death Star. The game is doomed unless fiscal measures and limitations come into play. The game needs salary caps, transfer caps and strict measures to keep things on a fairly even and competitive playing field, not only in England but so that the club teams throughout the world can compete in fair competitions. It’s becoming absurd. I’m scared, I’m really scared for the future of the great game with these infiltrators with their money coming in to further corrupt the game. Are they even hard core fans of the game? I seriously doubt it.
October 1st, 2008 at 19:36
I hope that feckin Robbie Fowler doesn’t play for B’Burn against us saturday.
. Incey will want to get one over Fergie, so don’t expect an easy game.
Controversially, anybody think that we need to blood another left back, so that Evra doesn’t have to play every feckin game, and finish up dog tired?.
Also, any news update on Rafael’s injury?.
October 1st, 2008 at 19:39
@dan(u-ol): A bit rich coming from a Rooney hater, don’t you think?
October 1st, 2008 at 19:42
@Craig Mc: Hopefully Fabio recovers from his shoulder injury and starts challenging Evra on the left. Would be brilliant to have the twins bomb down our flank — then we can have songs that go like “they play on the left, they play on the right, da silva twins make your wingers look shite”
October 1st, 2008 at 19:45
@Grognard: I understand fully Grog. It will make it more of an even playing field though if all the PL clubs are owned by millionaires. Then nobody can complain about buying the league, and we will be able to see who the truly best managers and coaches are. Because they will all be able to spend. I don’t care about Spain and Italy Grog to be honest, because they have had it all their own way for a long time in the financial ability world. I think that the bigger clubs pillaging the talented players of lesser clubs has always gone on, but for lesser money in gone by days. Even during those real old times of the money in the brown paper bags
.
October 1st, 2008 at 19:47
@Red Ranter: That sounds so good RR,
. Isn’t Fabio injured though?.
O sorry
just noticed to mentioned his injury 
.
October 1st, 2008 at 19:55
@Grognard: Aaaah Grog, I love you dearly
. Keep up such sound wisdom 
.
October 1st, 2008 at 19:59
@Grognard:
, yes, cos HIGH treason is only supposedly a crime of rebellion on the high seas. If anybody knows of any LOW seas, please let me know 
.
October 1st, 2008 at 20:05
@Grognard: I don’t think its Hargo’s age Grog, that is stopping him from nailing down a permanent midfield place, I think it is his dodgy knee mate
.
Oh Owen Hargreaves you are the love of my life,
but Owen Hargo, you CANT sleep with my wife (sorry),
Oh Owen Hargreaves, I want curly hair too.
What a player, what a guy – Hargo
.
October 1st, 2008 at 20:12
@Red Ranter: Hey RR! Yove been looking at my chant-making on the RoM site?
So you like my chant? Everyone, it goes like this(“He plays on the left, he plays on the right” tune):
Two twins from Brasil
They play in defense, play in midfield
Fabio is left, Rafael is right
Theyll make your wingers look shite
October 1st, 2008 at 20:14
@RedDevilEddy: not to be mean, but that really doesnt go to the tune…
October 1st, 2008 at 20:15
@Grognard: At the moment, the Arab gazillionaires would be least affected by the slowdown and would be a safer bet than American owners. Our game has already gone to the dogs, investment from Arab businessmen isn’t more or less evil than the others that are already in the fray.
We’ve had this debate on salary caps etc so I won’t go into much detail and just say this — under current EU rules it’s almost impossible to implement those ideas.
October 1st, 2008 at 20:16
@Grognard: I also thought about that. Maybe Fergie thought he was too old and would retire soon. Isnt he 40 or something?
October 1st, 2008 at 20:16
@RedDevilEddy: Actually no, I hadn’t.
October 1st, 2008 at 20:17
@Grognard: I think EVDS in his prime would have done just as well.
October 1st, 2008 at 20:22
@dan(u-ol):
Come up with a better one then! 
I know it doesnt quite fit. I made that some weeks ago in the RoM “chant copetition”. Ive come up with a better one though!
Just joking,
They come from Brasil
When they play we keep the nil
Curly hair, oh so sweet
Their skills are really neat
October 1st, 2008 at 20:27
@Grognard: I am just a little frustrated by Nani, thats all. He is a great player, but he is a confidence player. He needs games, but I dunno how many chances Fergie is willing to take. I am not a big fan of Park, the only thing I like about him is his ability to get first to rebounds.
Bolton, Blackburn, Chelsea and Villa have all felt the “rebound skills” of Park Ji-Sung. Nani is Nani, portugeez and skillful, wants to show off and be the best player. Ronaldo was also like that. But Nanis crosses are his biggest threat and force, he is skillful, but his crossing are his most dangerous weapon.
October 1st, 2008 at 20:32
@Grognard: Well, I really dont care so much about the ratings. If I can put Rafaels speed and acceleration to 90, and his marking, standing tackle, sliding tackle and crossing to 78-84 then I will be happy. Ronaldo will be my best player again, thankfully FIFA has made his free-kicks up to a minimum of 90 so I can use him at that too. His free kicks look awsome in the game too. Ronaldinho is 87, as Rooney so I dont see a surprise there. I believe Rooney was 88 last seasona nd he definatley hasnt become any better since last season so he is alright at 87. Scholes at 85 is a shocker to me, but so is Tevez 85 and Carrick 83 too. Youve watched Owen befoer he came to United, but since he joined us he has not been more than a 83. Sorry…
October 1st, 2008 at 20:34
Fuck! Robbie Keane scored for Liverfool. And I who mocked my friend that Berba had scored for us but Keane hadnt scored for his team. I was gonna do that for a long time, why did he have to score?
October 1st, 2008 at 22:00
Chelsea Held! Hahahaha
October 1st, 2008 at 22:11
@Craig Mc: You know I don’t know if it’s the medication I’m on or if it was just a brain drain but I meant to say Hargo’s injury and not his age. OOPS!
October 1st, 2008 at 22:51
@Red Ranter: It’s foreign investment and it has no real sense of long term tenure or security behind it. The only way teams and leagues can survive long term without calamities occurring is for safe and secure domestic ownership which is fiscally resonsible. An owner from Saudi Arabia owning Newcastle isn’t a safe proposition for me. Especially when you are talking about regions where the balance of power can change overnight due to wars or terrorist activities. The market is extremely volatile and people all over the planet are worried if they will be able to take their money out of an ATM machine tomorrow. And we have Arab consortium’s throwing money around like it’s nobody’s business. It’s only going to bring negative feelings and create tremendous animosity towards the teams that are owned by by such powerfully wealthy groups. It’s bad for the game and it’s potential fatal for the game in it’s present structure. One has to look at it from a socialistic perspective more than an economic perspective. The English game is for England. And England will eventually rebel if the game is being usurped by outsiders who care nothing about the history, traditions and culture of the game’s development over decades. These power brokers are going to make it impossible for the average man to afford a ticket and free television will be a thing of the past within five years. Licensing and money will rule the game way more than it is already. Manchester United will not be viewed as a football team, it will be known primarily as a marketing label. It’s already bad, but it’s going to get even worse unless the FA and FIFA reign in this ridiculous spending and curtail irresponsible selling of teams to people who are in it for a short ride and who see it as a hobby and a novelty or worse yet, a tax shelter.
The other day I was at a station getting gasoline when I noticed an Middle Eastern bloke wearing a United jersey. I said to him “nice jersey, where did you buy it?” He told me he bought in a hotel in Dubai. This is what it’s all about about. Selling these brand names throughout the world like one sells Coco Cola. These owners don’t give a rats ass about the local fans who fill the stands and who actively and passionately support their teams through thick and thin. It’s about marketing a name and a label to the rest of the world. That’s fine but not if it increase the loyal fan’s season tickets by 50% a season or if it forces many to buy special tv packages in order to see a game. Ask Chelsea fans today if having such an over bloated payroll ensures better football for them? Many have forgotten that there are many more key ingredients involved in building a solid team. It’s not just spending millions and millions on the best players. They need to gel and play well together and as a team.
At least most of American and Canadian sports franchises are owned by North American business people who are not so far removed from the game, the culture, the language and the customs of the region. It worries me and it also sickens me that teams like Liverpool, Man Utd, Chelsea, Newcastle etc cannot find wealthy homegrown owners. It also upsets me that the FA allows these takeovers of teams like Chelsea and Man City to happen or worse yet, United being bought through loans is even more worrisome. The crash of the American market should be a major warning to certain teams that the way they are doing business is going to blow up in their face.
Arab multimillionaires may not have a worry for money but certainly if I were United, I would be worried what kind of shape the Glazers are in after this past week’s debacle on Wall Street. The game has the potential to implode financially due to the uncertainty of the world economy. Is the EPL becoming the AIPL (Arab Investors Premier League) in order to accommodate absurd delusions of grandeur and beliefs that lets teams spend over 100 million a year to guarantees success? a concept that is that far from fruition? And this is not even done to ensure domestic bliss for these teams. No, it’s done to ensure success in the bloated and highly overrated and corrupt creation called the UEFA Champions League. A tournament I personally wis would cease to exist. It is the root cause of all the financial problems in the European game. What used to be a prestigious knockout tournament has turned into a marketing monster which produces shite football and political skulduggery which in the end only forces teams to spend beyond their capacity in order to win, which secures their ability to be able to do the same the following year. I hate the Champions League. I honestly can’t remember the last time I honestly saw a game between two teams that was truly entertaining. Liverpool vs Milan final maybe, but honestly, the games are so few and far between. They are nothing but slow, cautious and overly static affairs where nobody wants to make a mistake because the financial ramifications could be horrendous. Who cares what it does for the players and fans. I’m sorry but I see the game today and see a malignant cancer growing within and nobody has the balls or the integrity to stand up and say it’s wrong and that the game needs massive reform before it loses it’s soul. Many may say I’m full of BS, but I honestly am afraid for the future of the game and my team.
October 1st, 2008 at 22:54
@Red Ranter: EVDS is not that much older than Friedel and although he is a very good keeper, Friedel is a fantastic keeper. So I kind of disagree there RR. EVDS is struggling a bit right now but Friedel has been as good as ever over the past two years.
October 1st, 2008 at 22:59
@RedDevilEddy: What’s all this stuff about Park’s ability to get to rebounds first? He’s scored how many goals in his United career? I bet it can be counted on one hand. He scores a goal against Chelsea where the ball rebounds directly to him. I seriously doubt that makes him and expert goal poacher who pounces on every rebound in sight. He’s an a average player who really is not United caliber. I said this last year too. Nani on the other hand has had more highlights in a handful of games than Park would have in a career. Nani needs to play, bottom line. If Fergie isn’t going to give him that chance, then he will leave. Why? Because he is too good to be sitting on the bench behind a player or players who aren’t fit to wear his jockstrap. Fergie needs to wake up, stop playing mind games with Nani and play him. Drill him in training and make sure his passing, movement and crossing is up to par. Then you will see the player Craig is thinking of leaving his girlfriend for. (just joking there Craig
)
October 1st, 2008 at 23:04
@RedDevilEddy: That s where we really disagree. I think Hargreaves was massive last year when he played. The problem of course id he missed a lot of games but when he played I think his contribution was immense. To me he should be an 85 and Scholes an 80. Rooney’s lack of finishing and his lack of form at times makes me feel he deserves no more than 83 84 and his finishing rating needs to be dressed down a bit. Brown should be around 82 83 and Neville shouldn’t even be near 80. What were they thinking? Ronaldinho was so bad last year I’d rate him 78, not 87.
October 1st, 2008 at 23:06
@Red Diablo: Apparently Drogba has suffered ligament damage as well as a possible fracture. So say goodbye to the Drogba. Christ I hate that guy. I honestly can’t wish him well.
October 1st, 2008 at 23:13
I read the Berbatov interview. Just in that interview he justified a good portion of his fee. It sounds like he really wanted this club and the way he plays I think he could play for us until he is well into his 30s. I love the humility of feeling guilty about his transfer fee and wanting to justify it with goals. It seems like he really wants to do well for us!
October 1st, 2008 at 23:15
Drogba will probably be out for the rest of the season.
October 1st, 2008 at 23:26
@Grognard: i dislike the lad too, don’t know why, but I do.. It’s one of those love/hate situations… sometimes he excites me, sometimes I just wanna smash his head in
Poor chelsea, they also lost terry and alex.. with cole, essien, carvalho and deco all injured as well, they are not looking good coming against an in-form Aston Villa this weekend. I could see some points being dropped…
October 1st, 2008 at 23:47
@Grognard: Wow, completely true. I for the first time in my life am extremely concerned about the global economy (brought up in a Celtic Tiger Irish society) and this current climate really is something to worry about. I am thinking about moving to Manchester for college but given the current economy I’ll probably end up staying in Dublin and going for the low cost option so that I can build up a reserve for when the total chaos starts (praying that it wont happen but the way things have been going and the imbeciles in the US government I fear it might)
October 1st, 2008 at 23:58
@Gabriel: You know they have had these massive injury problems before but you know something, they refuse to lose. They may draw a lot but they don’t lose games One can count their total losses in the last four years on two hands and still have a few digits free. United on the other hand may have won the past two years but they will drop 5 or 6 matches a year. The difference is we don’t draw a lot of games. We basically win 4 out of 5 games where Chelsea win 2 draw 3. The reason for this is we play a better game designed to score goals over anything else. Chelsea got into a defensive frame of mind when Mourinho was manager and they still have not figured out how to unleash their offensive mojo on a consistent basis. And it’s not going to happen any time soon with Drogba possibly gone for the whole year. My heart bleeds……NOT. I think Arsenal and God help us, Liverpool may be our biggest threat to the title. Truthfully, I don’t think either four teams are much of a threat when it’s all said and done. We just need to get our boys back in shape and say healthy. If we do that, we are clearly better than all of them. Arsenal lack grit, Chelsea are just to thin with too many injuries and no sense of tactical consistency and Liverpool are just over achieving tossers who will eventually crash and burn because frankly speaking, they aren’t that good. Ronaldo is rounding into shape, Berbatov is getting more comfortable, Rooney is also finding his form and Carrick will be back soon. I seeing us kicking ass and taking names. And if we don’t, I will be a loud critic as to why not. The league is weaker this year instead of stronger. A lot of mediocrity from top teams so far. Let s wake up and take charge.
October 2nd, 2008 at 0:45
@Liam: Conservative thinking is the way to go. Don’t take a big leap and save money because after you graduate there are no guarantees for sure employment. Unfortunately the way the American market goes has everything to do with how other world markets do. They react to each other. Football is not immune to this. After all, if people cannot afford to feed their families and pay the mortgages, then they will not be able to pay escalating prices to see their favorite football team.
Top teams in Europe are looking at things from a very slanted and potentially disastrous perspective. They seem to think success is based on buying expensive and overpriced players and selling jersey’s and scarfs. I’m telling you right now that pricing themselves right out of the local market is going to be the end for them. No money will be made internationally through marketing if wannabe supporters notice empty stands during a game.
A league flourishes and survives by it’s local support and loyalty. If you price these people out of the stands and you limit your profits through superficial and trivial means. As far as I am concerned a football league should be run with stricter measures and I truly believe tha clubs should be community owned and should have the majority of their revenues generated by their community and local licensing. This is hard for a Canadian living in Vancouver to say, but United should not be counting on me for their money. They need to be ensuring that individuals like Craig who live in the area are able to afford to support the team. Fine, let them negotiate big tv deals but above all, leagues need to become more socialist in order for survival and fairness. I really don’t give a rats ass about European Unions and it’s asinine labor laws. North American sports leagues seem to be able to survive without allowing outsiders and the law form coming in and telling them how to run things and what they can and cannot do. This whole thing frustrates me. I want the EPL and other European leagues to have strict salary caps, and stricter policies on transfers and major obstacles that filter out undesirables from club purchasing. Just having the money is not good enough a reason for a league to allow someone to purchase a team. I’m sorry folks but it’s not vital that the Liverpool or Man Utd brand be as super popular in Hong Kong as it is in Manchester or Liverpool. Not if it alienates the hometown fans by forcing hiked prices on goods and match tickets. Making more money for these teams is just causing prices to go up, not to go down. Enough is enough. Too many teams and too many owners as well as the leagues in top European countries are suffering from delusions of grandeur. I love the way Germany runs their league and the fact that they do not allow television to rule the roost. Great stadiums that are full and ticket prices that are affordable which ensures strong local support for all these teams. Yes there is still Bayern Munich but unlike England, even they work with very strict guidelines and restrictions. Last year they spent a lot but they let go a lot of players and rebuilt their squad. For a big team they are fiscally very responsible and they are locally owned. The Bundesliga is not preoccupied or obsessed with the Champions League. Not if winning in that competition is going to alienate their supporters. They went through periods years ago where the fans stopped coming. They built new stadiums and made it more attractive and more affordable to come and see their teams play. And that’s the way it should be. Stop the insanity. Sorry for the rant but this subject really gets under my skin. I hate greed.
October 2nd, 2008 at 0:48
@Gabriel: Amazing though isn’t it, how Chelski players all seem to be well and raring to go whenever United visit their Kremlin?. Seriously, they must have some sort of miracle pill named – Only to be given to recover for Man Utd games
.
October 2nd, 2008 at 0:49
@Grognard: mate, i see us sailing thru and making ground on the top spot in october. We have major players coming back, plus the team is beginning to get into some sort of rhythm. We have played some tough away games while the others haven’t and we’ve come away pretty much ok…
I see chelsea drawing a lot as usual and might start with Aston Villa’s visit to the bridge this weekend. Arsenal are great but tend to go into sporadic self-destruct mode, and I see it happening again this season, with them already losing to two bottom feeders. Liverpool will do ok for a while, bu sooner or later, fat rafa will screw it up, it’s inevitable.
Maybe in a way, the league is ours for the taking again this year, we have had our bad patch and I can’t see it getting any worse. Fergie seems to be giving the players who appear lukewarm or are resting on their laurels a stern lesson (*cough* Brown *cough*) and it will only spur them and others on to perform better. This month should give a rough sign as to where the season might be heading…
October 2nd, 2008 at 0:52
@colver: Colver, I love the fact Berba fessed up to being embarrased after missing that sitter last night. How many United players, or any other clubs players for that matter, would admit the shame of missing an open goal opportunity?. I can name a few of our lads, who cost as much as Berba, but would never have the honesty to admit the embarassment of missing easy chances.
October 2nd, 2008 at 0:55
@Gabriel: Gabriel, errr Brown resting on his laurels?. When was that then, I must have missed it!.
October 2nd, 2008 at 1:00
@Grognard:
, you devil Grog. Please don’t encourage my girlfriend to continue her deceived thinking 
.
October 2nd, 2008 at 1:02
@Craig Mc: Mate, those guys despise United… we snatched two major trophies from under their noses last year, they’d play us with crutches if they had to.
I for one am looking forward to October, we have two gruelling but winnable away fixtures, two home games against relatively easy opposition and one more against hull to start november… by the time we face arsenal, we should already be leading them or be neck and neck with them on the table, that’s not even considering our game in hand against Fulham.
Good times ahead bro, we’ve dealt with our injury crisis, now it’s chelsea’s turn, then it will be arsenal’s, then liverpools… it’s inevitable. The good thing was ours came early on when the team as a whole was still struggling for form, so had no great effect in relation to the situation. Can’t wait for the team to hit top stride, Berba, Rooney, Ronnie, Nani, Ando all attacking one poor team at old trafford, it will be delightful to watch…
October 2nd, 2008 at 1:04
@RedDevilEddy: Eddy, Keane scored yes, BUT just remind your friend of the difference in the length of time it took him to score, as opposed to Berba – and there you have got one over on your scouse supporting friend again
.
October 2nd, 2008 at 1:05
@Craig Mc: I said players who seemed to be lukewarm or resting on their laurels, in short maybe need a kick up their backside to step up their form/performances. Brown has been ok, but maybe Fergie is keeping him on his toes, we all know brown can get lukewarm and uninterested atimes, Fergie knows what he’s doin. Just watch brown’s next few performances, don’t be surprised of you see a no-nonsense tackle from the get go.. he’ll be fired up and ready to prove something.
October 2nd, 2008 at 1:08
@Gabriel: Playing us on crutches
, now that I would love to see. It would give our players a definate edge don’t you think?.
What’s the update on our injured players, anyone know?.
October 2nd, 2008 at 1:13
@Gabriel: Gabriel, I really think Fergie has done Wes Brown, and for nothing. Fergie does have his favourites, and there is no denying that. Players haven’t always been left out when they are off form, only certain players who Fergie feels he can kick when he feels like. I have never really felt that Fergie deals fairly with all his players Gabriel, even though he pontificates about giving everybody a fair shot. Lets face it, some have colossal more of a constant fair shot than others.
October 2nd, 2008 at 1:13
@Craig Mc: Ah Ha! So it’s true. You crave Nani and his twinkle toes and curly Michael Jackson hair don’t you?
October 2nd, 2008 at 1:15
@Craig Mc: Even that doesn’t matter. What matters is the knowledge that Berbatov is a far better player and it showed in the difference in price when both players were bought. And who do you think Spurs are crying over losing the most now? Berba is King
October 2nd, 2008 at 1:21
@Grognard: I’m not toally knowledgeable on this, but since you’re on my continent I think you’ll understand what I’m getting at here. I dont think a salary cap would achieve the goal you want. I think a luxury tax (ala MLB) is better for soccer than a hard salary cap. This way it somewhat balances things out a bit. Basically, set a limit and teams that go over that limit have to pay an amount which trickles down to the teams w/ small payrolls.
As an NFL fan, I’m not really a fan of the hard salary cap, because it basically handcuffs what teams can do. It also creates these workarounds to the salary cap like signing bonuses and incentive based salary. It also doesnt make things more competitive as you still have the teams in small markets who dont spend the money to field a successful team. And then there are the owners where the success of the team is merely the second or third on the list of priorities.
I think the main problem with the sports market that I see with soccer and the NBA is that they are tapped out domestically. Thats why you see the NBA spreading its influence throughout the world because it cant grow in the states.
ANYWAY…
On the Nani front I agree with you 100%, it is an absolute must that he is given the games to become better. Every game where Nani is fit, he should play because an RRTB frontline simply isnt going to work. Park is a workhorse, but he is just that. A workhorse. He doesnt have moments of brilliance and he lacks the ability to turn a game on its ear. He can work and work all day with no end product. Nani is an exceptional talent and a gamechanger and Park shouldn’t really be playing over him. If you give him more games he will show more of the form that he did when we wreckballed Arsenal. Simple as that.
October 2nd, 2008 at 1:21
@Craig Mc: You know I kind of remember all the BS that was goiung on before Brown signed his new contract. I don’t know what Fergie said to him to make him sign but I know Fergie was upset over the fact that he even considered leaving the defending champions for another team. So what does Fergie do to teach Wes a lesson. He signs him to a good contract and decides to bench him for no apparent reason. Neville is old and has obviously lost a step during his time away from the game. The fact that he is playing over Brown is not out of loyalty. I think it’s Fergie teaching Brown a lesson. Why else would he play Rafael over him in a CL match. With all due respect to Wes, I find it hard to believe he has fallen behind a crippled old man and an 18 year old with very little experience. This is a punishment, plain and simple.
October 2nd, 2008 at 1:27
@Grognard: I don’t disagree with your concerns. They are valid, but the solutions you offer are not practical.
North American leagues have to deal with north American leagues. They are a closed system. They have their own doping laws and such like. They do not have to bow down to an international calendar for Baseball or American football, because face it, they are the calendar. They are the law. You say you cannot give a rats ass about the EU, but they are the main blokes who decide how the league functions because UEFA endorses the EU’s policy on labour laws and such like. Not to mention the over arching influence of FIFA. If you impose salary caps, it has to be imposed all over the world in the league of every country. And if you do impose a cap based on what? Surely not on profits made by the league? Because the profits made by the EPL will far outweigh the Spanish or Italian leagues. Or even if you do impose a cap and the Spanish don’t, then a player could move to a country that will meet his wage demands.
Also I hardly see passion in NFL or NBA that even comes close to matching that in Europe. Correct me if I’m wrong, but many owners in NFL are content to stay mid table as long as their team turns a profit. Winning is good, but profit is more important according to them. Don’t tell me greed doesn’t exist in North American leagues (it’s america after all!)
I know your concerns but it just is not practical in today’s world in football.
October 2nd, 2008 at 2:00
@Grognard: You just proved my point Grog, Fergie and his legendary punishments
. Yet he doesn’t punish every player, those who are his pets, are never ill treated it seems. Ronnie wanted out, Evra talked about United taking his contract extension talks lightly, and he may not be staying, same with Tev, and others, where are their punishments?. Like I said, Fergie just kicks some players arses and not others. It has always been a flaw in Fergie’s character, and he is renowned for it nationwide 
. Wes played his bollocks off for us last season, he does not deserve any Bullying.
October 2nd, 2008 at 2:33
@Craig Mc: Apparently Hargreaves should be fit, Carrick back after the International break, Scholes out for 2 and half months. Rooney had a scan today. No word on Rafael and Possebon.
@Grognard: But if this summer has thought us anything(Ronaldo), its that a player can chose to disregard his contract and seek a move to another club if he wants. I’m sure if Brown decides to voice his frustration at lack of playing time, he could walk in to any other 5th place and below team in the EPL, Fergie knows this and i doubt Fergie is ready to lose him, so punishing Brown by benching him would be kinda bizarre on Fergie’s part.
@Craig Mc: But i doubt Fergie is punishing him. Brown just renewed his contract but what does that matter, it doesn’t mean he can’t pull a Berbatov and disregard his contract if he wants to. It might be a matter of Fergie seeing that Brown is lacking confidence and he doesn’t want to risk playing him cus though he didn’t have much to do yesterday, he certainly didn’t look confident enough to me. The difference within all those players you mentioned is that there are undroppable when fit. Ronaldo when fit is a guaranteed starter and best in the position he plays right now, same for Evra, i can’t remember Tevez saying anything about contracts??? But Brown even when fit is droppable and Hargreaves can easily substitute him in RB and with Neville being fit and Rafael looking good, Brown’s position has options and his options are almost as good as him in RB, but that cannot be said for any option we have in place of Ronaldo or Evra. If the real reason Brown isn’t playing is down to punishment or whatever from Fergie, then I’d say its highly unfair to him cus he deserves a cemented first team place.
October 2nd, 2008 at 2:37
@MUFC Fan in America: Seeing Nani take a apart arsenal last year never gets old. I watch that game every once in awhile to cheer me up. All you who doubt Nani’s class watch that game. Yeah he is inexpeirenced and prone to bone head mistakes, but give him week in and week out 1st XI football and you will see more consistency. He may not be the next Ronaldo but he is the next best thing(aside from Quaresma
).
October 2nd, 2008 at 2:48
@Rd: Thanks for the update on player injuries mate.
I see where you are coming from on the punishment issue, but I am inclined to agree with Grog somewhat about Fergie dealing with Brown for some reason, although I have no idea what that reason might be. I am not sure whether Wes is suffering loss of confidence or not, but that loss of confidence could just as easily be due to suddenly finding himself sat on the bench, and after the season he had, maybe not understanding being left out. I think he could have coped being played alternatively with Gary, but for a pro like Wes to be left out for Rafael in a CL game, I believe that would knock his confidence. It is a big blow, and to be replaced by a kid is truly humiliating. Rafael played very well, no doubting it. Yet I doubt he would do sufficiently a job against the top teams in PL, as he is still learning the defensive side of his game. His attacking down the wings is magic though. Anyway RD, those are just my thoughts, and I think Wes should have started, and Rafael brought on with say 35 mins to go.
October 2nd, 2008 at 4:27
@Craig Mc: I wasn’t actually disagreeing with starting Brown and I agree 100% as I’m for Brown starting over BOTH Rafael and Neveille as i feel he has done enough to cement his first team place and if his performance last season can’t do that, then nothing ever will. I was just kinda putting forth my own opinion on whether Fergie was punishing him or not.
October 2nd, 2008 at 4:44
Guys I’ve got FIFA 09! We get it a day earlier than Europe here in Australia. I’m sure you guys will really enjoy it. So far I played a practice mode game against City and the first thing you’ll notice is how much more fluid the game is (including passing and the first touch). Another thing I’ve noticed is the improvement of player’s movement off the ball (it feels so much like United’s fluid 4-2-4 formation of last season). The better movement means that through balls can be used a lot more than in 08.
October 2nd, 2008 at 4:50
@MUFC Fan in America: I see where you are coming from with a luxury tax but in soccer, we are not trying to stop just the George Steinbrenner’s of the game. Arab consortium’s have so much money that no reasonable luxury tax in the the world would sway them from spending astronomical amounts of money. They have in some case infinite cash and resources that make the Glazer’s and Steinbrenner’s of the world look like street beggars. We are dealing with an entirely different type of multimillionaire here. One that is hard to punish or hold back with fines and taxes. Only set rules like caps and frezes will force them to have to play on a bit more of a level playing field.
October 2nd, 2008 at 5:01
@Red Ranter: I am aware of what you are saying and what I am proposing is what Septic Badder and FIFA should be taking to the EU and asking them for their assistance in saving and preserving the world game. It all starts and ends in Europe. If the EU were to listen to a well thought out and well constructed proposal from FIFA that would incorporate different laws that govern the game as opposed to traditional labor laws and the such which are now allowing an abomination to grow and fester within the game and that I believe will ultimately destroy the professional game. Somebody has to take the lead and FIFA needs to be that organization. They need to demand closed system status in order to protect the game the supposedly govern. I know it’s not easy but they need to try. Late last season we were barking at Blatter’s 6-5 rule and hoping that it would not come into play. The problem is not about too many foreign players, it’s about the money that’s being spent and too many foreign owners that do not have the best interest of the teams, the communities and the foundation and history of the clubs and leagues in question. I for one do not trust the intentions of thenew Man City ownership nor do I trust those of Abramovich. I think they are both snakes and one day they will get bored with their investment and basically pull the plug. Why? Because they are not culturally and emotionally invested or tied to the team’s they own. All they care about is the bottom line. Abramovich has lost millions since he took over Chelsea. How long do the fans of Chelsea think that he will continue to do business in that fashion. Even his amount of wealth has limits and potential pitfalls. A war in the Middle East could force the Man City ownership to opt out and run away too. It’s that easy and that unstable a relationship between foreign owner and domestic club. Honestly, I have a bad feeling about all of this.
October 2nd, 2008 at 5:04
@Red Ranter: Oh AND i do think your wrong about passion and the intentions of owners in American sports. I think there is no difference. Their are pretenders and minnows in every sport and they all act the same. Some have the money to spend and some don’t. The American ones just don’t let the fans bully them around and let them dictate policy. Then again few American sports franchises have fans who act as moronic or psychotic as Newcastle fans. Then again there are few Mike Ashley’s around to completely bugger up teams to beyond recognition.
October 2nd, 2008 at 5:10
@Craig Mc: I totally agree. From an outsiders point of view it looks to me that Fergie does play by a double standard and there are those who can do no wrong. This is why I stuck up for and defended Gabby Heinze. He was a warrior for us and came back and worked his ass off to get fit and fight back after his injury. But because he wanted to play for his country rather than rest, Fergie held that against him. He continually benched him at a time when he was a far better player than Evra and considered one of the best LB’s in the world. So I had no problem with Heinze wanting out. I did of course have a problem with him wanting to go to Liverpool but hey, he’s an Argentine, it wasn’t that long ago England and Argentina were at war. Why would he think going to Liverpool would be looked at worse than an Argentine playing in Britain? Fergie can be a bugger sometimes.
October 2nd, 2008 at 5:16
@Rd: Fergie knows that he just signed a long contract and so there are only so many teams that will buy him out of that contract. Fergie demands loyalty of certain players much more than of others. I don’t know why, but that’s just the way he seems to be. As a fan I think he has stuck a rusty knife right into Wes Brown’s backside and I for one don’t like it. Wes played his heart out last year and our defensive record was the best it has ever been. So what’s his rewards? Bring the grizzled old sea captain with the peg leg and the eye patch and start him over Wes. The final kick in the teeth was starting Rafael on Tuesday. I for one love Rafael and I have to admit I would prefer him to start but not until next year. Brown has earned his first team position and Fergie has really betrayed him and his loyalty big time.
October 2nd, 2008 at 5:16
just played the new pes09 demo…felt weird..it played almost like a fifa game….Ronaldo under powered a bit…Messi is a one man show…it was ok..but i think fifa has already pulled a bit ahead…i think 4 online mode will be cool though…
October 2nd, 2008 at 5:19
@Aymen: Now if only United would play that way in real life and if they would use through ball that would be great.
October 2nd, 2008 at 5:43
@Grognard: The game should start and end in EU? And you think it’s fair of these clubs to poach African players and ensure football dies in the rest of the world? That is your solution to preserve the “world game”?
Sorry, your solution is not convincing enough. As I said, you have valid concerns but your solution is not good enough for me. In my opinion it won’t work. But again I think football is headed towards a bad place, but the wheels are already in motion and it’s been for quite some time now anyway.
October 2nd, 2008 at 7:20
@Red Ranter: I never said that RR. I never mentioned anything about poaching players from other countries. I was stating that everything good and bad starts with Europe and that reform must begin there and then spread. Where in my words did I ever mention those things you accuse me of?
Europe is where the best and worst of football is and that’s where the major injection of sanity needs to be made. Your solution is to do nothing and just watch the game eventually crash and burn. At least I am suggesting a solution. I don’t claim to be right and all knowing but at least my suggestions have a chance as opposed to yours which is to do nothing. At least if we try to right the ship, we can at least say we tried to do something before it became fatal. Too many people are just preoccupied with their team spending money and buying players and winning. And all this without a single thought if whether they will even be allowed into the grounds in ten years because they aren’t in a high enough tax bracket. Keep paying players astronomical salaries and keep selling the club’s soul to every country corporate entity and media entity for a cheap buck while locals struggle to even have a connection to the team they grew up with or inherited from their parents and other family members.
Football has become a filthy whore and I for one am getting sick of it. I can now understand why my now departed friend George felt like he could not be a fan of the great sport because of this whoring and greedy destruction of what used to be an innocent game and business. If something isn’t done soon, we won’t have a sport clean or good enough anymore to scrape of the toilet seat.
October 2nd, 2008 at 7:43
does any body know anything about Sercan Yildirim? we are supposedly interested in him, he’s 18, but his stats arnt impressing. 5 goals in 18 apps, but i think has scored 4 goals in 4 turkish matches this season, making him top scorer. various papers are saying we are interested in him, that normally means there is some truth to this.
October 2nd, 2008 at 9:20
I was just looking at the article that was September 1st. Looking at the comments I remembered what we went through to get Berbatov. Looking at my comments, you would have thought I was typing from a mental institution!
But its a brilliant read.
October 2nd, 2008 at 11:06
@Red Ranter: I think those wheels might come off RR if the credit crunch, and the financial world goes into any kind of a continued freefall. If world recession does hit, WOW what will all our little overpaid footballers do when their sumptuous lifestyles are lost???. Won’t be too bad a thing for them to get a dose of reality I feel.
October 2nd, 2008 at 11:13
@Rd: Oh Ok, I see what your saying then
.
October 2nd, 2008 at 11:17
@Rd: Another thing worth mentioning RD, Wes just managed to get into the England team, and if Fergie doesn’t play him, then he will lose that place, because he needs to be playing club football regularly to play for his country – sad, sad, sad for Wes.
October 2nd, 2008 at 15:40
@Craig Mc: A world recession won’t harm to many millionaires Craig. It will harm the team and make it difficult to pay them if fans start staying away in droves due to not being able to afford tickets or buying the cable packages that will be out there. A team’s fortune is driven by the passion of it’s fan base. Players will be alright because they will have already been paid millions. Provided they never invested their money stupidly, they should be fine. Present day economics will drive this game into despair but not as much as the greed and foreign ownership that is presently growing to epidemic proportions. That is the real cancer in the game today. And recessions will hurt the tier two owners in the world game like the Liverpool duo, the Glazer’s and other foreign pretenders who have leveraged themselves out and have borrowed big in order to buy their teams. They will crash and burn. The Arab consortium’s that run Man City and others like them who want to buy other teams are the biggest threat to the game however. They want to create such a gulf between their teams and the rest that it will ruin the fairness and create incredible league and continental instability in the sport. Europe and FIFA need to nip this crap in the bud for the good of the game.
October 2nd, 2008 at 15:47
@Craig Mc: The way Fergie is man managing the club he risks alienating a number of players and almost forcing them to want to leave the team due to lack of playing time and in some cases like Brown, betrayal. Wes Brown, Nani, Anderson, Tevez and possibly Evans are players I can see wanting to leave due to their lack of playing time or their demotion to the bench. I may be wrong but all I am saying is I can see the writing on the wall. Players have egos and they also have pride. They all are proud to be United players but they also know in some of these cases that they deserve or they have earned their starting place. To have it taken away for inferior competitors like Neville, Park etc is not going to sit well with them. Tevez is in a tough position. It’s either him or Rooney that sees the bench more. It appears that Fergie favors Rooney. Good luck Fergie signing him to that multi year contract now. Tevez isn’t stupid. He publicly came out and told the world about his love affair with the team and you, and this is his reward. Well don’t be too surprised at season’s end if he goes to Spain. And Nani and Anderson to Spain is a forgone conclusion based on Fergie’s handling of them. Both player’s confidence has got to be at an all time low. Yet, they are starting for their national sides. Go figure!
October 2nd, 2008 at 16:12
@Grognard: I agree and disagree mate, Anderson’s form has dardly warranted a first team place and you could say the same for Nani, but in Nani’s case I would say he hasn’t played enough games.
To say players who get rotated, will leave on that principal sayes that all players are mercenries( like Ronaldo, but we have covered that one!) and not all are, I believe Tevez isn’t, not sure about Anderson or Nani must say.
With Brown I am not sure if he has a knock or good management, to tell him he is not a shoe in week in week out. Park isn’t my favorite player, but when he has played liked against Chelsea he was put for tactics, I didn’t agree with them but he was in for that reason. It is a long season and players will get their chance, I suppose it is up to them to take it.
October 2nd, 2008 at 16:45
@Grognard: You said all football must start and end at Europe and FIFA must facilitate that. It would mean the rules would be restructured so as to facilitate the continued European dominance — hence poaching of players from African and other leagues. My point is they will find a way around it. My solution is not to see football crash and burn as you said. But again I’ve thought enough about this issue to see that it’s not as straightforward as you put it.
You suggested a solution and I didn’t. So does that make your solution good? I’m not sure — which is why I said I feel your solution doesn’t work.
My point is, the football that you see today is already corrupted — so if one really fears for greed consuming the game then he ought to have quit long ago, like your friend George did.
Football may go bust, but getting your solution to work will be next to impossible considering the legal quagmire that awaits it.
October 2nd, 2008 at 19:27
@Red Ranter: It is a very frustrating subject now isn’t it RR? It really gets me all pissed off and I may throw about some solutions but really, I am in no place to really inform or prescribe. So who is? Who are going to be the leaders in the football community that take a step forward to attempt to save the game. One thing I do know for sure. It’s not going to be Sepp Blatter or Michel Platini.