May 05
Arsenal Away: Champions’ League Preview
It’s hard to talk about other things without getting the obvious rumour out of the way. The Guardian broke the news of United making an offer of £63m for Franck Ribery. Now before we get ahead of ourselves, let it be known that we just made an offer — assuming the story is true. (Raphael Honigstein did the exclusive, and although he’s one of the better journalists around — and among the nicer chaps based on my sources — you never know with so much time between now and the transfer window.)
All we know right now is that the club have made an offer. And that fact has been confirmed by some unnamed officials. I have only this to say: Transfers of major star names are not discreet affairs. Other parties will also be interested. An initial price is usually that — an initial price; it’s bound to go up. We are Manchester United. We always end up paying a United tax on these kind of transfers.
(You would notice, I haven’t even mentioned Ronaldo in all this. Well, I don’t think we have the funds to blow money on one player without selling one of our own of a comparable value.)
End of talk on that.
Let’s move on to what we have today.
Yes. The Champions’ League semi final against an old enemy. A rivalry that’s mellowed on all levels; be it between fans, players and even managers to more of mutual respect. Some United fans would chalk this down to a lack of challenge presented by the Gooners in recent times in the title challenge stakes. Some others would put it down to a lack of characters in either side who would be protagonists in the drama that unfolds on the stage.
But rivalry or no rivalry, United-Arsenal games have rarely disappointed in the quality of football. You’d always see both sides going for it or, at the least, one side dominating the other. What one rarely sees is a cagey match where either side is scared of losing.
That said, I have a sneaking suspicion that Ferguson might go for a safety first approach. It’s acceptable if we make good use of our counters. But if Fergie intends to play it like Camp Nou of last year, I’d be concerned. Just as we seem to be hitting the right notes as the season winds down, I’d expect a positive mentality going into today’s game. A positive mentality does not mean going hammer and tongs at the opposition, mind, but making a better than a token effort on the counter when we have possession; not dribbling our way to a corner flag.
Anyway, on the pre-match trash-talk press conference, the manager has stressed on the importance of going to the Emirates with the intent to score. Meanwhile Wenger is extremely confident of a ‘magnificent’ performance from his side. I must re-emphasise: he is extremely confident. Like he knows he’ll make it. A bit disturbing, I must say.
In their team news, van Persie is back, which is something to fear. They have a full strength squad in their attacking end (minus a cup tied Arshavin). A majority of their side has had a good week’s rest. Something we must be wary about.
We’ve had our own clutch of rested stars. The biggest boost for us is obviously the news that Rio is fit. In midfield we’ll possibly see the same line up as last time: Anderson, Fletcher, Carrick. In attack it is anyone’s guess, but Rooney and Ronaldo will occupy the left and right respectively, whilst it’s always going to be a toss up between Berbatov and Tevez. Being an away fixture it could be that Tevez’s endless running might tempt Fergie to go with him, but I’m no good at these prediction games. So I’ll let it be.
Anyway, I’m excited about today. I’m sure most of you are too. Prediction: 1-1.
Come on you reds!!! (Although we won’t be wearing red today. So I don’t mean the red team… but you know…)
Related items from Red Rants:
- Porto it is then…
- Manchester United vs Arsenal – UEFA Champions League semi-final Live Blog!
- Man Utd v Everton: Preview
- Teams Start Talking Big As Champions’ League Clash Looms
- Portsmouth Preview
Tags: Game Preview
May 5th, 2009 at 9:55
Apologies for not going straight into game talk but I really doubt that we have bid for Ribery. Even if we wanted him that badly we wouldn’t open the bidding at 63 million and I don’t think Ronaldo is going to Real Madrid either.
Confirmed by unnamed officals suggests that Ribery’s club is just trying to start a bidding war. They are fairly sure that he is going to leave so they put it out that United have already bit 63 mil. This won’t ensure they get more than 63 but it will help ensure he doesn’t go on the cheap and it looks like Honigstein has fell for it.
May 5th, 2009 at 10:17
Massive cliche – but how important is the first goal in this one? If United can hold out to 0-0 at halftime, they have a really good chance. I don’t expect to us attack, I expect us to keep it tight, hustle them and minimise the chances. We’re not nearly as good on the counter as we were last year, so I’m fearful of relying on that.
Ideally we’ll set out very slow and methodical, keep possession in the midfield and try to nick a goal, but deny them. I would start Tevez to keep pressure up, and if we do get a lead, bring on Berbatov for Rooney (assuming he’s not already booked) to prevent a keane/scholes 99 fiasco.
May 5th, 2009 at 10:18
£63m is ridiculous. If we could have him for £30m I’d take it, cause I think he’s great, but anything over that is just stupid.
May 5th, 2009 at 10:55
Exactly. 63m is ree-dee-koo-luz! The only player I would even imagine trying to get for that fee is Messi, but even that is stretching it too far. Not a penny above 35m for Ribery.
May 5th, 2009 at 10:59
Coming to the topic…today’s match…I’m already having goosebumps! (And there’s 9 hours to go!) Perhaps it’s the feeling of not having the odds stacked against us that making me feel worse…since a knockout would be catastrophic! I just keep thinking to all those chances in the 1st leg…hopefully we won’t regret not getting another goal.
Basically I want us to win today. 1-0 is my prediction.
May 5th, 2009 at 11:06
Have a really good feeling about this game with them arses. Although we may have lost there earlier, we created a couple of gilt-edged chances that we did not put away when the score was still 0-0.
Whichever line-up Fergie put out will surely get the job done. I am personally wishing that we play a pressing game and not just sit back and let them dictate.
May 5th, 2009 at 11:09
Fergie will probably play it safe tonight as we have tendancy of doing away from home, probably starting the same eleven as in the first leg, is it only Rooney who is in danger or a ban tonight?
With Ribery, good player not worth the money, I am bored already with the summer transfer speculation and we are only just in May!
May 5th, 2009 at 11:09
Comfortable 2-0 win
May 5th, 2009 at 11:12
@Stephen: Evra is definitely in danger and I believe Tevez as well.
If SAF is going to play it safe would he not then play Berbatov instead of Tevez hoping to control possession??
May 5th, 2009 at 11:14
@Eric the Red: Cheers matey, maybe I am getting ahead of myself and should concentrate on tonight but I can see 1999 scenario.
May 5th, 2009 at 11:16
@Eric the Red: I think Tevez would offer more defensivly if you see what I mean, hustling back the midfielders Berba and hustling don’t go together, Carrick is key to controlling possession.
May 5th, 2009 at 12:06
@Stephen: Stephen where the feck have you been Bro? Are you travelling to the Emirates tonight then, or will you be armchairing it with a large bottle of Vino?
.
May 5th, 2009 at 12:11
@Craig Mc: Ha ha bloody bank holiday weekend matey, the Mrs got her claws into me unfortunaltly, I will be on my sofa with a bottle of red wine tonight mate, can’t wait!
May 5th, 2009 at 12:12
On the Ribery story, I think the offer has been made, but a) it’s not necessarily contingent on Ronaldo leaving and b) it’s much less than the 63m figure being bandied about.
May 5th, 2009 at 12:12
@Babyface: If it was the players Agent making these things public I might agree Babyface, but it seems the claims are actually coming out from officials at Bayern Munich themselves, so if true, Bayern Munich board are not into LYING. If they have gone public that United have made such a bid, then I am sure we have! Thing is though, has it come from Bayern themselves???
May 5th, 2009 at 12:12
£62.5mil must be a misread number. £26.5mil sounds much more like an opening salvo, with a view to paying around £30mil. Lets hope, if nothing else in the article seems believable, that we are genuinely interested in Ribery. The more I hear about it, the less it seems like Ronaldo is going anywhere. For one, Madrid are tripe, and with their defence would get relegated from the Premiership no problems.
To today’s game, we will most likely line up exactly the same as last week. If we do, lets hope we mirror our first leg performance (and Almunia doesn’t get as lucky).
VDS
O’Shea Ferdinand Vidic Evra
Fletcher Carrick Anderson
Ronaldo Tevez Rooney
I think the major plus for us last week was our pressing from the start. Arsneal can’t help but play tippy tapy football from the off. We got right into them early, and they collapsed under the pressure. If we can do the same for the first 20 mins the crowd will silenced (even more than usual) and we may well get our away goal early. This is a perfect scenario for us, as Arsenal will be forced to attack us with everything, leaving plenty of space in behind. Almunia can’t get that lucky again.
May 5th, 2009 at 12:16
@Ahmed Bilal: What is the actual true bid United have offered then Ahmed, do you know anything else about the offer Bro?
May 5th, 2009 at 12:20
@Ahmed Bilal: I think not.
link
May 5th, 2009 at 12:34
A 62.5m bid does not make sense. Especially if Barca already opened the bid at 30m.
What is this about Real being interested in Evra? I love Evra, but it might not be a bad thing for him to leave for Madrid because I saw Fabio in the reserves and he looks awesome. Also, I think with Evans and O’Shea as cover, we are pretty much covered in that area.
By playing it safe, I would like SAF to play with Evans, Rio, Vidic and Brown. Same midfield as last week (Anderson, Carrick, Fletcher) and then Ronaldo, Rooney and Berbatov. I think Tevez should come on when we need to chase the game to provide the necessary energy. With this being the case, SAF might as well drop Anderson for Scholes and only bring Ando on when we need to chase the game. This sort of line-up will ensure us lots of posession…albeit playing boring as hell.
May 5th, 2009 at 12:36
@antsBoy: “The club have deemed the rumours not worthy of comment.” So that’s a no comment. Not a denial, which usually happens when it’s 100% bollocks (aka the Kaka denial last week). It looks alot like a story put out by Bayern to hike the price. Which seems a bit desperate, basically comparing him in worth to Ronaldo. If Ribery were Ronaldo, Bayern wouldn’t be so precariously placed with their Champions League qualification. They could well be playing the Europa League next year. Ribery certainly will not be.
May 5th, 2009 at 12:38
@antsBoy: that link sounds like SkySpeculation… how many times have United actually commented on a transfer saga?
With that in mind, I don’t think that Ribery is going to come over. Especially not for the reported 60 mil.
As for the Arsenal game: 1-0 for us with a rather dominant Arsenal midfield performance but lack of edge up front. In other words, same old.
–
Rooney: better than Ronaldo!.
May 5th, 2009 at 12:48
I never see the point of speculating about transfers, who knows whats going to happen really, lets just wait and see what unfolds, we have more pressing issues to be getting on with like tonights game.
Lets hope the game is controversial free, the press are looking for any little scrap of rubbish to have a dig at us at the moment and I really hope nothing happens and we win fair and square.
May 5th, 2009 at 12:56
Can’t wait for tonight’s game! I wouldn’t be surprised if Sir Alex picks a very busy team full of industry. We’ll be chasing the ball a lot as Arsenal, being at home will probably dominate possession.
With that in mind I would expect players such as Rooney, Tevez, Park, Fletch, Anderson and Carrick to play. Probably in a 4-5-1.
My prediction – Score Draw (1-1? 2-2?)
May 5th, 2009 at 12:57
@Andrei: “Rooney – better than Ronaldo” Haha, I remember the days when that line used to unleash the mad fury on this blog. No one’s speaking up these days eh?
Wazzaaaaaaa to score today!!
May 5th, 2009 at 12:58
I had a dream United won 1-0 with a Ronaldo free kick.
May 5th, 2009 at 13:15
@antsBoy: I know great isn’t it
maybe still some disagreements though 
Also for anyone who missed it last night (don’t know what I was doing up that late) hilarious video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-B6ucoSoIy4 legend uttered 4 times in the 1st 30 seconds
May 5th, 2009 at 13:17
@antsBoy: In my book, on his day Ribery is as good as Messi…
May 5th, 2009 at 13:18
i’m pissed off to the max as I’m going to miss at least the 1st half tonight because of work
ah well at least I get to see the business end of things
May 5th, 2009 at 13:24
@Andrei: Where the fudge have you been!!!
I missed those “Rooney better than Ronaldo” comments!
May 5th, 2009 at 13:47
@Craig Mc: sorry for starting off topic but to you and Grognard, i don’t have to be to the terraces week in week out and don’t claim to know all the people who post here and i needn’t be an Old timer hear to give my view for the club i cherish most. As a matter of fact ask RR for the archives dating back early 2007, you’ll get amazed. lets be fans NOT supporters.
As for today’s game, i think the task or team strategy at hand is to finish the first 45 minutes not lagging behind. Perhaps we be on level at any score or ahead. Per the starting eleven, i would like to see the same team that started on first leg. Carlitos’ work rate will be the best to keep them at bay and reduce the pressure they throw at us. Not forgetting the most important part will be the “battle for the midfield”.
Come on United, Rome is awaiting us.
May 5th, 2009 at 14:30
@NicoQB: That would mean Messi was having an off day bro.
May 5th, 2009 at 14:56
@NicoQB: I don’t miss those comments one bit. I still remember when people were delusional enough to believe that bullshit.
May 5th, 2009 at 15:07
@Johnsom33: Which shit Johnsom Bro
, the delusion that Rooney is better than Ronnie 
. Ronaldo top scorer in PL and CL – says it all 
.
May 5th, 2009 at 15:24
@Craig Mc: sure Craig, if they had made a public announcement I would agree, but this is a journalist being briefed on the quiet. I would have thought officals at the club would have wanted to drive the price up. Anyway whatever happened, there is no way it could have been 63 million…
May 5th, 2009 at 15:55
@Craig Mc: Dear Craig, you didn’t want a Nani shit storm..so let’s please not start a Rooney storm now alright?
May 5th, 2009 at 16:06
Right, i like ribery, i want him at united, but we could buy 2 £30mil players for that, david silva and eto’o? i would rather that then £60+mil for ribery, and thats why i think this story is fake.
Time for dans PREDOS! If Ryan Giggs starts, ill change my name to “Dan wanks over kuyt pictures” for 24 hours.
And heres an interesting one, if we sign ribery for £60mil+ i will change my name for a whole week…
May 5th, 2009 at 16:31
In my opinion all this crap about ribery is exactly that, its crap. In my opinion its all immaterial anyway cos ronnie is going nowhere for now so we wont even need to buy a replacement like a ribery. The whole thing with madrid is that their absolute crap displays over the years has maybe lead ronaldo to see what they are, an old ageing team that is absolute cack and hasnt been any good for over 5 years. Take away their league successes which they won over a very poor barca and what have they done, nothing, in europe they do about as well celtic, why would any1 in their right mind want to go there.
Anyway this wasnt meant to be about ronnie or madrid my emotions over how i hate real just got the better over me. Anyway as for tonight kick off is approaching and we have a game at a place we seem to always struggle. Will it be different today, i hope so. If im honest i cant see us winning but we dont need a win, maybe just a single goal will be enough, it will mean they have to score 3. We are in the box seat but we need to get the tactics right, no sitting back inviting pressure like we did in the last 30mins against porto, lets go get a goal and then for me in effect its over. They wont score 3 in my opinion anyway.
As for the team today i reckon fergie will go like this:
vds
oshea rio vidic evra
ronaldo fletcher carrick park
rooney berba
I can see us going with the 4-4-2 because fergie will want park on and he cant really fit him in a 4-3-3 without taking rooney to the centre but that would mean tevez or berba would be left out and i cant see us leaving 2 of our main strikers out to be honest.
As for predictions, well we need to score, should we do that we should win anyway, i dont know i guess a 1-1 or something but this game is gonna be bloody tough.
May 5th, 2009 at 16:35
Does anyone else think that Ribery looks like a 14th Century medieval peasant?
May 5th, 2009 at 16:50
He looks like G Neville me thinks
May 5th, 2009 at 17:20
Red Nevs twin…
anderson MUST start, hes our only midfielder that can shut out arsenal.
May 5th, 2009 at 17:20
@Traverse:
Anyone joining me for the Live Blog tonight guys?
May 5th, 2009 at 17:21
Gary ribery, frank neville?
May 5th, 2009 at 17:31
@Johnsom33: @Craig Mc: I don’t want to brew another shitstorm but Individually Ronaldo is better, but for the team, there is no doubt that Rooney is!
May 5th, 2009 at 17:32
@Dan: Anderson does have a history of doing well against Arsenal. I mean, he really shits over Fabregas at times. However, I feel that he might not be as effective today as he was before, simply because Arsenal would have studied him long and hard, and will find ways to trip him up.
But I’m quite sure Fergie will go 4-3-3 with the same line-up, perhaps Berba instead of Tevez. And I forsee Anderson playing in between Carrick and Fletcher, or alongside Fletcher in a slightly more defensive role. I think Fergie would be telling Anderson and Fletcher to alternate between chasing down the man with the ball, and the nearest option he has to pass it to. Then just spray it to the wings when we’ve retreived possesion. Well, that’s what they did last week anyways.
May 5th, 2009 at 17:38
Honestly, if I didn’t know any better I would say the Ribery story got it’s beginning from the boardroom of Real Madrid, then through the Spanish Media and somehow found it’s way to Bavaria via UPS or Federal Express and then got released to the press just outside the Alliance Arena in Munich.
It stinks of Spanish corruption because as usual it offers no quotes from anybody and because the name Ronaldo being linked to Real is the special contingency in the story.
Then today the Spanish media decides to go hard core and publish stories like Vidic makes himself available to Barcelona because his wife hates Manchester. Another claims wannabe Real president Florentino Perez is promising Ronaldo, Fabregas and Xabi Alonso if elected and that Ibrahimovich and Kaka are on their way to Real as well. Apparently there is still no shame in the Spanish media or at Real Madrid but that Barcelona is also not immune to such rubbish. And this shit continues to grow every week and the reason, because players like Ronaldo and now even Vidic do not come out in a special press conference and absolutely deny these claims. Make a point of categorically pointing out that they are all shite.
By keeping quiet or occasionally throwing vague comments like “my Real dream may be dead”, you always leave the door open for more of this Spanish rubbish. I tell you, teams need to get more demanding with their players under contract. There need to be stipulations in their contracts that state you cannot negotiate any kind of deal or speak to the enemy about a move and that if a rumor comes out, you must respond to the media and give an emphatic denial for the good of the team and it’s harmony. All these distractions cannot be good just hours before a major life and death clash at Arsenal. Fergie’s got to come down on players who allow family members and agents to stir up the pot and remind them that they have a contract they need to live by and stop these greedy examples of sleazy politics.
May 5th, 2009 at 17:39
@UnitedUnited: I clearly said on his day.
And as much as Messi is good, Ribery is still underrated in most of the media. His shockingly low ranking in the golden ball just shows the general view of him. The guy understands that he has to move away from Bayern to get full recogniton for his talent. I’m not saying he’s as good as Ronaldo or Messi on top of their form but he’s one player who can get there.
And remember that at Bayern he’s mostly surrounded by tools (sorry grog – feel free to contradict me) whereas United and Barca have teams that can allow the creator to shine.
May 5th, 2009 at 17:41
@Matt: Knowing Fergie, I think he’ll go more for a 4-3-3/4-5-1 than an outright 4-4-2.
Assuming this is his 4-3-3 lineup:
VDS
O’Shea Rio Vida Evra
Carrick Fletcher Anderson
Ronaldo Berba/Tev Rooney
He might start the game on a 4-4-2, with Rooney pushing up and Fletcher filling into RW and Ronaldo switching to LW. Doing so might push Arsenal onto their back foot, and hopefully stagger them long enough to prevent them getting a good grip early on. Then we might revert back to 4-3-3. I doubt Sir Alex will go guns blazing for even the full first half. He’ll turn it on and off once in a while, maybe in the first 15 minutes. By the looks of things, we are up for a suck up the pressure and counter type of tactics. Just an idea that came up. Your thoughts?
May 5th, 2009 at 17:41
@Stephen Darwin: Duh! I’ll be watching on TV.
May 5th, 2009 at 17:42
@Eric the Red: The difference though is that there is nothing unsafe about playing Tevez. His ball control may not be as good but he is much better at tracking back and supporting the team defensively and his work ethic is second to none. Berbatov is not a a player I would start if I was thinking of playing a defensive game where I am protecting a lead, and that’s what I feel United are going to do. That is why Berba started on Saturday and Tevez didn’t. I could be wrong of course because Fergie is no the easiest to predict.
May 5th, 2009 at 17:43
@Dan: You’re definitely Maso, guy!!
May 5th, 2009 at 17:45
@Stephen Darwin: ill give you a few comment mate
May 5th, 2009 at 17:45
@Traverse: I agree with you mate. I think Bayern is feeling a little desperation and has reduced themselves to playing Spanish games to get what they want for the player as they are probably 99% sure he is leaving. It might as well be on their terms so asking for 63 million probably guarantees them 30 to 35 million.
I’ve said all along and for quite a while now that Ronaldo is going nowhere and Fergie further more won’t let that happen. And so the kind of money being talked about for Kaka or Ribery is fantasy talk otherwise because they cannot afford that.
May 5th, 2009 at 17:45
@Stephen Darwin: I’ll be checking in at half time, and then also at full time. Hopefully to gloat.
Also, I’m usually pretty quick on the team news… I’ll hit that up as soon as I hear anything.
May 5th, 2009 at 17:48
@Dan: Do we get to have a contest to select your name for that week?
May 5th, 2009 at 17:49
If you can’t watch this game on tv you can try Arsenal vs. Manchester United – live streams, they will be available 5 – 10 minutes before match starts.
May 5th, 2009 at 17:49
@Eric the Red: @Grognard: Its a gamble! It all depends on how the match starts. If Arsenal decide to press the turbo on early and throughout all the match, Tevez will not be a good choice to start imho. Berbatov will allow us to put a settling foot on the ball, while we have more chance of loosing possession with Tev.
On the other hand, if the match is a repeat of last week, I would have no problem with exactly the same lineup as last Wednesday.
May 5th, 2009 at 17:54
ARSENAL TEAM
Almuina
Sagna djourou tore gibbs
wallcott song fabregas nasri
van persie adebayor
May 5th, 2009 at 17:57
@Grognard: Yep, you do!
@Traverse: thats SURELY not official, theres roughly 2 hours until kick-off!
May 5th, 2009 at 17:57
@Dan: You heard it here first.
May 5th, 2009 at 17:59
@Traverse: Well i saw it 606 a second before…
May 5th, 2009 at 17:59
@Traverse: opting for djourou instead of silvestre. interesting.
May 5th, 2009 at 18:00
can someone help calm my nerves? i’m really fucking nervous!
May 5th, 2009 at 18:01
@Craig Mc: @Johnsom33: @Liam: @antsBoy: Hahaha!!! It seems to me that this debate has yet to reach its end! Antsboy and Laim here seem quite sure that Rooney is the man, whereas its the opposite with Johnsom and Craig!!!
May 5th, 2009 at 18:02
@bildani: Silvestre’s injured. Groin strain. Same reason Eduardo won’t be on the bench. Im nervous too, more with anticipation. I CAN NOT WAIT for this to kick off and to get stuck into ‘em.
May 5th, 2009 at 18:03
@NicoQB: Ribery is an idiot and he just doesn’t get that Bayern is a mega club that is not that much smaller than the ones he wants to play for. They are always in the Champions League and always a strong side. So they have had a poor season. They are still second in the Bundesliga and will be in the Champions League next season. And because they are a wealthy club, they will spend and buy players to upgrade their weaknesses. This is a club that has more prestige in Europe than Manchester United and Barcelona. They have won more European Cups. To brush them off like he has is like treating them like they are Bayer Leverkusen and not Bayern Munich. It is disingenuous and lacks maturity, intelligence and loyalty. Already they will be bringing in Tymoschuk from Zenit who is an outstanding DMF who is much better than van Bommel and Olic from Hamburg to replace Podolski with his width and speed. They won’t stop there. They will also buy a top keeper like Boruc, Adler, Frey etc which has been their biggest Achilles heel this season and replace a few more players in order to get that much better.
So Ribery will in my opinion regret this greedy desire to leave. I for one hope he ends up in Barca where he will struggle for playing time because the Barca front three of Henry, Etoo and Messi is pretty well set in stone. So where is he going to play? You don’t bench Xavi or Iniesta and you need Ya Ya Toure for defensive duties in the midfield. I love Ribery as a player but I detest this burning ambition and blind desire he and others have to leave good clubs so that they can have the ultimate glory while risking their own playing time. It makes no sense. He is the King of German football at Bayern. Why is that not good enough knowing that he starts every game for a great team?
Today’s modern player is nothing more than mercenary scum. All they want is trophies and money. Club loyalty means shit and club appreciation means little as well. I have no problem with players leaving small clubs to go to big ones for obvious reasons. But when winning trophies at United isn’t satisfying enough and you must move to Real just doesn’t make sense to me? The system is broken and we can thank one cunt by the name of Bosman for it all.
May 5th, 2009 at 18:04
@Traverse: Where the fuck is Silly?
May 5th, 2009 at 18:07
@NicoQB: see @Traverse….
May 5th, 2009 at 18:09
@NicoQB: I was thinking more about our friends from abroad that don’t have the benefit of TV coverage.
Where is it you are based btw?
May 5th, 2009 at 18:09
@bildani: calm the fuck down.
May 5th, 2009 at 18:09
@Dan: Nice one!
May 5th, 2009 at 18:12
@Grognard: I totally agree with you but I think he wants to get recognised internationally. He knows he’s in the the select group of the top 5 give players in the world, but he also knows that for all their great prestige and history, media globalisation has made it that the german league is not viewed with the same prestige as the Prem, Calcio and Primera liga.
He just wants his name in the history books and while he would have definitely attained this with Bayern in the long run, he would never have the worlwide appeal of a Zidane, Rooney, Henry or Ronaldo…
May 5th, 2009 at 18:14
@Jon: ha ha, thanks mate!
May 5th, 2009 at 18:16
@NicoQB: Finishing 15th in the world player of the year is why he will move. No matter how well he plays in Germany, it isn’t regarded as difficult a league as the Premiership, La liga or Serie A. They are the top three leagues in world football, in that order.
May 5th, 2009 at 18:18
I’ve got to pop out for 10 mins. Our team news will so break in that time…..
May 5th, 2009 at 18:18
@Traverse: Aarhh!! Just when we needed him…
May 5th, 2009 at 18:20
I am really nervous and am risking the wrath of all of you but I have a bad feeling about today. I just cannot believe that we will go to the Emirates and shut them out. I have a harder time believing that Arsenal with all their champaigne football will not be motivated and high as a kite and a much better team at home. Can we score that big and vital goal that will force Arse into scoring 3 to beat us? I hope so but I see us being very conservative and sitting on a precarious lead.
The crux of my worry all comes down to one player and you all know who I mean. One Patrice Evra. The man has rewritten the definition for the word “Useless”. I have to much respect for Wenger as a manager to not figure out a way of exploiting the little Frenchman’s obvious weaknesses and not being able to find a way to free up Fabregas more and especially Walcott. And I also believe the addition of van Persie will mean a lot to them.
Now we are a great team and usually we are solid in these types of scenarios but I still feel that when it’s all said and done, a free kick, a penalty granted and an error or two or three by Evra can derail this whole thing. United are often infamous for controlling a game and giving up one or two scoring chances to an opponent and also giving up one or two goals from that small threat.
I would like to predict a positive result here but I think we will go into this with the mentality of a cowardly lion and lose the game 2-0. A couple of nights ago I had a dream that we won the game 2-1 and went through 3-1 but my dreams never come through or I would have had those evenings I dreamed of with Kate Winslet and Gisele Bundchen. I just have a feeling that this one matters a lot to the Voyeur and that Fergie has been coasting on fumes all season. I sincerely hope and pray that I am wrong here but my gut feeling tells me we will lose. The worst scenario of course would be to lose after a penalty shootout to the worst keeper in history. That would be more than my heart could bare. I am super nervous and worried lads. I didn’t feel this way against Barca last year nor against the AV Grant managed Chelski. Perhaps I am showing too much respect to Wenger and his squad of 14 year olds. In the end we probably will go through because Arsenal lacks grit, experience and physicality. But the aura of Wenger scares me. He is the only manager other than Fergie I have ever respected in this league. I never even gave a damn about Mourinho. Jeez I can’t wait until this game is over so that I can breath again.
May 5th, 2009 at 18:23
@Grognard: They couldn’t stop us breaking through with a 5 man midfield. If we start the same as last week, against one less midfielder, there will be more space for us. Van Persie and Adebayor are both players who don’t track back alot.
May 5th, 2009 at 18:29
@Traverse: Yep, yep… *nods head*
Plus I have some kind of theory to explain the lack of glamour (from outsider’s point of view) of the german league – its the fact that Bayern has been so bloody dominating!! And no team there (to my knowledge – again grog, feel free to…) has rivaled them in competitions throughout decades to be seen as Bayern’s equal or at least as european greats.
Each year people look out for the results of Madrid – Barca; United – liverpool, Italian derbies and more… I don’t have any idea what is THE German classic each year…
May 5th, 2009 at 18:30
@Grognard: that makes two of us mate; i am suffocating under this pressure, tension and nervousness. couple that with the (over?) confidence that wenger is exuberating, and i’m down right disturbed
May 5th, 2009 at 18:36
@NicoQB: And that I blame FIFA nad UEFA for because of their biased policies to build up the Italian and Spanish Leagues at the expense of other leagues that are just as prestigious. England because of it’s revenue stream and tv contracts has been successful despite their meddling but the Bundesliga rebelled or should I say the club supporters in Germany rebelled against higher tv rates and ticket prices and so German clubs were forced to make games more affordable to the fans and less corporate. This unfortunately has reduced the quality of the League as it does not attract the “A” Group of world players. It settles primarily for the Eastern European block of players as well as the second tier of South American players. Remember, Lucio and Diego were not big names in their homeland until they came to Germany.
How everyone forgets that during the 70’s and early 80’s before the Bosman rule changed everything and when teams were allowed 2 or 3 foreign players, that the Bundesliga was ranked and considered the top league in the world. Their club teams were often in European, UEFA or CWC finals and Bayern Munich was the toast of world football. And they still did well in the 90’s and Bayern did reach two finals and won one. But that was before the money and the mercenary thing got way out of hand. England and Spain are mostly to blame for this and its a shame that you create a European Super League and always have the same teams at the top every year because of their bank accounts. Bayern has a much larger account than 10 Bundesliga clubs put together but even they cannot compete with a Chelsea, Real Madrid or Barcelona when they want a player. The fact they got Ribery last year was in their eyes like winning the lottery. Not because they couldn’t afford him, but that he shunned English, Italian and Spanish interest to go there. And his reward last year was a German double and the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup, and this year they are in contention for the league and made it all the way to the quarter finals of the CL. Not bad for a German team. Where is Real Madrid, Milan, Inter, Juventus in all this? And what has Barcelona won in Europe? Has Chelsea or Arsenal won anything in Europe? Short term thinking and not a lot of common sense. I honestly think footballers are amongst the dumbest animals on the planet. Truly fucking mental muppets without a clue, driven by greed, blind ambition and delusions of grandeur. Seriously, all supporters should rebel against this status quo. Players (aka inmates) have taken over the asylum and are running it.
May 5th, 2009 at 18:36
On another note: French club owner’s are total idiots!!!
For the first time in decades the two greatest clubs – actually the two with the greatest following – are actually doing well.. And that’s great for the image of the league. MArseille – PSG is the match everybody waits for irrespective of their standing in the league.
What do those big girls blouse do? They let the managers leave. I love Eric Gerets (Marseille Manager), he’s a great man manager and Paul le Guen was the one person who was originally responsible for making Lyon the french ogre. Now Gerets is leaving because of lack of trust and commitment from the directors… Don’t know much about Le Guen, but this is ablow to all followers of french football.
May 5th, 2009 at 18:37
@Grognard: You coward!
Seriously though, I feel rather confident today, which is something I haven’t felt before most Arsenal games. I think they have a solid look to their defence too, but all we need is a goal. And to me, that should do it really. Let’s see.
May 5th, 2009 at 18:38
@Beachryan: @Grognard: your not alone mate, I share your concerns. Call me loser, but if we are gonna go out I want us to go out swinging and not trying to nurse a 1-0 lead.
May 5th, 2009 at 18:42
@Traverse: I think Arsenal has a lot of weak links in their defense but we have lost our ability to counter attack with pace and sting this season. We don’t take advantage of their weaknesses. Their CB’s are very vulnerable right now and so I would cross ball after ball into their box and set Ronaldo, Vidic and Berba in their to get on the end of those. But who will get to service them? Rooney is one but man I would like to see Nani for this game. It won’t happen but he has historically played well against them.
No, we will sit back and soak up pressure with our sagging zone defense until a freak play or set play derails us. Fergie often acts like we are impenetrable. We aren’t. Not with Evra out there, and aged goalkeeper and a backup at RB. There is no doubt in my mind that we are the better club, but look at our road record this year. Nothing to write home about and certainly not good when it comes to us scoring goals.
May 5th, 2009 at 18:43
I predict the score will be a FIVE FUCKING FIVE
May 5th, 2009 at 18:47
@Grognard: Goes to explain some of my interrogations… Still I’m surprised you didn’t include Italy among those ruining football – they were shameless in the early nineties – how many match fixing scandals, drug busts have been covered up, we’ll never know. And why did Gazza have to play for Lazio…
May 5th, 2009 at 18:50
@Dan: As in 3-2?
May 5th, 2009 at 18:52
@Red Ranter: You know something, two weeks ago I also felt very confident and I just had no fear of Arsenal. I feared them more in the League when we have to play against Arshavin who as you know I consider to be fantastic. But that performance last week only netted us one goal and for me it was extremely poor attempt at establishing a safe cushion. It left me with no confidence because I do not believe our attack can do anything at the Emirates and our defense will be hard pressed to replicate their previous performance under the conditions and due to the fact that Wenger is too smart and experienced not to find a system that will remedy their play of last week. On the other hand I have visions of Fergie just strolling along all week doing the same old same old and concocting nothing new or special to cope with this game. I mean he really hasn’t altered things that much all season. And I feel that will be our undoing. That and the fact we can’t score on the road.
Yes RR, I’m feeling like a coward right now because I am scared shitless. All around me are obsessed with the NHL playoffs and the Vancouver Canucks and they all think I’m nuts about this soccer thing. Poor ignorant Canadian idiots. They just don’t get it. A bunch of hockey pucks and muppets for brains. Nothing beats the drama of Manchester United vs Arsenal for a place in the European cup Final. North American sports be damned.
May 5th, 2009 at 18:55
@Grognard: Did a canadian just put soccer over hockey?!
Shock! Horror! 
May 5th, 2009 at 18:57
@NicoQB: I didn’t include Italy because right now they have fallen on bad times financially and legally. Serves the bastards right but there time has passed and the same thing will happen to Spain and England to because it’s just like Wall Street, full of greed and corruption that eventually implodes and destroys itself. Germany is the smartest, most organized, and fiscally responsible league in all of sports. They will survive all this and one day soon, they will be the go to place with their loyal and devoted fans, highly modern and new stadiums and pleasing lifestyle alternatives. You wait and see. Economics will eventually destroy what we are witnessing in the game right now. This cannot continue.
May 5th, 2009 at 19:00
@Red Ranter: Heck mate, I’ve been putting soccer over hockey for most of my life. Or at least since Bobby Orr retired in hockey back in 1978. The only real competitor for me has been baseball but even that one has turned me off of late with the steroids scandal and the BS. Today, footy on has one competitor for my heart and that’s the NFL. And although I love the NFL, it’s nowhere near the love I have for footy, Man Utd, Bayern and Germany. Footy rules. What I do prefer however is the North American model for running sports leagues. But that’s a topic for another day.
May 5th, 2009 at 19:02
@Grognard: Amen to that: Evra, EVDS and O’Shea. I think O’Shea might be okay, but I’m quite sure Evra will be torn apart over and over tonight…unless perhaps his good buddy Park plays…which is even more unlikely, because he can’t fit into the 4-3-3 with Roo on LW system. Fergie in all his cautiousness, may actually have a right to do so. Chances are, if we play with a disciplined line of defense as we did last week, with 2 consistent lines of 4 defenders in front of the man on the ball, Arsenal will be in for a tough time.
Now, the tricky part, is that it only takes one mistake tonight. And I have this very very unedgy feeling, that we might concede a penalty, and worse get someone sent off for a professional foul…my guess being Rio or O’Shea. If Arsenal can get behind our defensive lines, we are in for a tough time…Nasri and Walcott can cause real problems.
I’m afraid we are left with the all-or-none situation, or a very fine balance to play with: Fergie WILL (and perhaps, has to) play the 10 men behind the ball, soak it up and wait tactic. The only thing is how much can he afford in going forward. What I noticed last week is that the moment we lost the ball in Arsenal’s half, Fletch and Ando came charging back, often winning the ball even from behind the man in possession. Once in possesion, they often gave it to either Carrick or Ronaldo. I doubt we can play with such fervor tonight, where all 11 men have the legs to run back and chase everytime our attack fails. Hence, Fergie will decide to play 10 men behind the ball, and loft the ball to Berba (I have a feeling he’ll start). And this my friend, I am very afraid, is going to be our undoing. It’s not a solid plan, but it looks like Fergie thinks our defense is up to it…not by my book though…
I really hope we go guns blazing early on, give Arsenal a game to play for, and then shut it out after 15 minutes. We need a goal…but not too early (<10 minutes), it’ll push us further down the “don’t-worry-they’won’t-score-3″ mode. A goal around 25-30 minutes or before half time would really really do the job. If there’s a most effective way to score: it’s through set pieces..Arsenal have awful defending against it, and we have alot of good headers on the ball, and Ronaldo can blast a FK home!
I don’t know what to predict really. Anything can happen. Even a 3-3, which would be lovely. Fingers crossed, we will just, just edge it.
May 5th, 2009 at 19:05
Tonight is the ultimate grudge match. Wenger and Fergie are tied with 14 wins a piece against each other. What a better scenario to see who gets the bragging rights than to beat one in the semi-final of the Champions League.
May 5th, 2009 at 19:05
Linueups:
GK: EVDS
RB: O’Shea
CB: Vidic
CB: Rio
LB: Evra
CM: Anderson
CM: Fletcher
CM: Carrick
LW: Park
RW: Ronaldo
CF: Rooney
SUBS:
Kuszczak
Berbatov
Giggs
Scholes
Rafael
Evans
Tevez
May 5th, 2009 at 19:08
“….and loft the ball to Berba (I have a feeling he’ll start)”
“…perhaps his good buddy Park plays…which is even more unlikely, because he can’t fit into the 4-3-3 with Roo on LW system”
Sigh.
Now I just look like an idiot.
May 5th, 2009 at 19:08
@antsBoy: Okay Antsboy, but I was just answering Johnsoms post
. I do get your point though Bro! I was not trying to badmouth the Roon, because fair do’s he has been making the most massive contribution to the United cause. I do love Ronnie as well though, apart from his embarassing playacting and pouting, but without his goals we would not be where we are. I would love EVERY United player to score tonight though!
May 5th, 2009 at 19:09
Well my worry has just been multiplied. Can’t believe fergie is playing park as part of a 3. We need to score, we need skill and tevez gives you all park does plus more. There is simply no justification for picking ji sung park over carlos tevez as part of a front 3. Ludicrous.
May 5th, 2009 at 19:10
@Craig Mc: sorry mate, no Nani…not even on the bench..
May 5th, 2009 at 19:11
Park as a 3… Bollocks. That’s not good. I’d much rather we played Tevez in this situation.
May 5th, 2009 at 19:11
@beachryan: well, it makes sense…because we’re going for the 10 men behind the ball tactic…GAHHHHH damn.
May 5th, 2009 at 19:13
Hehe, i get to keep my name!
May 5th, 2009 at 19:14
I am really really praying now…that it’s a 4-4-2 in disguise with Rooney and Ronaldo up top, with Fletch on RM and Park on LM…
It’s the same trick Fergie played in last year’s final against Grant with Hargreaves…
May 5th, 2009 at 19:15
It’s worse than I thought. Rooney is going to line up on the left, park on the right, and Ronaldo as a lone striker. Very stupid if you ask me.
May 5th, 2009 at 19:16
@Jon: Gawd!!! Park… ANd no Berbatov and not even Tevez…
In Fergie we trust…
(I wish I didn’t see this line up. Now I’ll be a nervous wreck till the match starts…)
Oh well…
@Dan: HeHeHe…
May 5th, 2009 at 19:16
See, I was right. Tevez starts over Berbatov and I was sure Park would start on the road. The cowardly lion has struck. This will be a defensive attempt for United to hold onto the one goal lead.
May 5th, 2009 at 19:17
@Traverse: i agree, it will be 10 men behind the ball and ronaldo up top.
Shame on you fergie, shame!
May 5th, 2009 at 19:18
@NicoQB:
, I agree 
. No shit storms 
.
May 5th, 2009 at 19:18
@Grognard: tevez isnt starting…
May 5th, 2009 at 19:19
@Dan: The only plus may be if we get Rooney sending the crosses in early for Ronaldo to dominate in the air, which he can do. That seems like our only attacking thought. The rest is hold and protect, which will suit Arsenal.
May 5th, 2009 at 19:20
@Traverse: Fergie is the king of winning with stupidity. He does the stupidist things because no opposing manager worth his price in gold would expect such lunacy. And I suppose that gives him an advantage.
OOPS! I read wrong, I thought Tevez was starting. Guess I’m wrong. Even worse. No Berbatov and Tevez and we are trying to win this game? Fergie, you have lost it old man. Time for you to retire if you are going to manage this great side like a cowardly chicken shit lion. Fuck am I pissed.
May 5th, 2009 at 19:20
@Traverse: Agree wouldnt it have made more sense if park would have been played in the midfield 3 on the left side to stop walcott, play rooney on the left as normal, ronaldo on the right and berba or tevez in the centre. Cant help but feel we are gonna try to go into this with just the full intention of stopping them score, while not being too concerned of scoring for ourselves. Its a pretty crazy formation if you ask me.
May 5th, 2009 at 19:21
On second thought, like grognard says, anderson only knows pace and quickness, hes not the sort of player that will hold back.
I think if andy plays well, we’ll have a game of football, if he plays poor, it will be us defending for the whole match, andy is key tonight.
May 5th, 2009 at 19:22
MMMM Im not sure about this team. This looks like the same sort of team we used to play for a 0-0 at the Nou Camp. Problem with that strategy is that if Arsenal score one we could end up with a penalty shoot-out and Id rather we win it in normal time.
The truth is that Rooney and Ronaldo are the ONLY players on this team I would put faith in to score the away goal we need. Anderson can’t score if his life depended on it, there is no way Park is going to score two games in a row, Carrick scores once in a blue moon and I imagine Fletcher will be defending mostly today.
So our main hope is going to be from a set-piece I feel. Probably a Ronaldo or a Vidic header.
Really we should have gone with Ronaldo-Rooney-Tevez gone for the goal and then soaked up the pressure knowing Arsenal will not be able to put three past us.
My prediction is a 0-0
May 5th, 2009 at 19:23
@Jon: Why is that such a surprise to you mate, Nani has been in Fergie’s leper colony all season. You know he has to ring a bell to let Fergie know he is within approaching distance don’t you? If not where the feck have you been Bro
.
May 5th, 2009 at 19:24
@colver: berbatov is more efficient then tevez, thats statistically proven, it should have been ronaldo berbatov rooney.
May 5th, 2009 at 19:26
@Matt: “Cant help but feel we are gonna try to go into this with just the full intention of stopping them score, while not being too concerned of scoring for ourselves”
….and it’s not going to work…
May 5th, 2009 at 19:28
@Craig Mc: The fact that Nani is not even on the bench is bloody well shocking. If we fall behind and we need a player to provide service, Nani will be outside trying to secure a one way pane ticket to Spain.
May 5th, 2009 at 19:30
GROG PMSL – Fergie the king of winning with stupidity
. Still hopefully it will be better than LOSING with stupidity! Fingers and everything else crossed!
May 5th, 2009 at 19:31
Carrick, Anderson and Fletcher are the difference tonight. And why is Park not playing on the left side so that he can protect Evra? Otherwise he has no purpose in the starting lineup. Ridiculous strategy from Fergie. So watch us win 4-0 and Park gets 2 goals. And pigs fly according to Pink Floyd too.
May 5th, 2009 at 19:31
@Grognard:
, don’t you mean one way PAIN ticket to Spain Grog mi man?
May 5th, 2009 at 19:33
@beachryan: “We need to score, we need skill and tevez gives you all park does plus more. There is simply no justification for picking ji sung park over carlos tevez as part of a front 3. Ludicrous.”
couldnt agree with you anymore, I have thought that same thing all year long. I am only thinking that maybe fergie wants to save Tevez for the second half, or spare him the yellow card.
May 5th, 2009 at 19:33
@Jon: If that is the strategy for the evening Jon, just to stop them scoring without trying to WIN the game, then we don’t really deserve to win do we?????
May 5th, 2009 at 19:35
Seriously though, with all ourt quality and with Rooney and Ronaldo as well as Vidic and Rio, how can Arsenal possibly beat us to get into the final. I need to have faith and believe because on paper, those young fucks at Arsenal aren’t in the same league ability and experience wise and they should wilt under the pressure. Lets hope that last minute bit of optimism on my part ends up being prophetic. United win 2-1 (3-1) and Ronaldo scores both. One on a free kick or penalty and the other on a header.
May 5th, 2009 at 19:37
@Grognard: Nani is looking at flights to spain as we speak hahaha.
Grog, just to lighten the mood a little bit(because i am nervous as hel right now.) what would you do if anderson gets the away goal?
May 5th, 2009 at 19:37
hoping so hard Fergies sticks to the same midfield tonight…
team news any1???
May 5th, 2009 at 19:38
@colver: Maybe Park will surprise you Colver! Lets hope so anyway
.
May 5th, 2009 at 19:38
@Jon: Agree mate, going to the emirates with the sole intention of stopping them score is bloody suicide. I dont care what people say we have become a negative defensive team this season and anyone who solely blames the strikers for our lack of goals have no idea. It is plain and simply the manager who has made us like this, defensive win at all costs and boring to watch. This is like a completely new team to the free flowing one we saw a few years ago.
To me we seem like being the new italy, we get results but we play like crap. Why oh why has ferguson changed like this, i reckon its his age and his total muppet of an assistant who you cant really allow to make the tactics, so he goes safe and goes for the 1-0s. Hate to say this but im actually looking forward to seeing arsenal play, cos they play with confidence where ever they are and can be truly beautiful to watch. Sadly so it seems we are the total opposite of this these days.
May 5th, 2009 at 19:39
@Red Ranter: I’m feeling confident too! Even though its defensive minded, i think we’ll do the bizz, 2-0 to United, Rooney and Ronaldo to score
Rooney & Ronaldo > Van Persie and Adebayor!!
May 5th, 2009 at 19:40
this isnt fun, who ever called football entertainment obviously doesnt support a team that shallenges for silverware
May 5th, 2009 at 19:41
@johnsom33:
May 5th, 2009 at 19:41
alright good luck everyone, its every man for himself till half time. I will see you all then.
May 5th, 2009 at 19:42
Okkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk, I am sending ALL positive vibes towards my tv, COME ON YOU REDS, please do us proud!
Grog, Stephen, Eddie, Nico, and anyone else who might CARE a little bit – I just heard that I am going to be a DAD! Fuck me guys, the GF just confirmed, and that means I gotta GROW THE FUCK UP. I am gonna be a DAD – GROG HELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLPPPPPPPPP
.
May 5th, 2009 at 19:43
Dan Tevez offers a lot more defensively and his movement would cause more problems for Arsenal as we saw so clearly in the first leg.
But I guess we are both screwed because neither Tevez or Berbatov are playing.
You can see the game plan from the way Fergie sets up. Ronaldo has the free role, the rest of the team will be instructed to defend, track back and break when possible.
May 5th, 2009 at 19:44
my roomate knows that when i pull on my United jersey, dont say shit to me.
May 5th, 2009 at 19:44
@realred:
VDS
O Shea Rio Vidic Evra
Fletcher Carrick Anderson
Ronaldo Rooney Park
May 5th, 2009 at 19:44
@colver: Yes, because i really care about a STRIKER that can defend
May 5th, 2009 at 19:44
Craig, stranger things have happened. Sheasey and Park getting us through to the final would be amazing. Although I feel like making a million to one bet on Anderson scoring.
May 5th, 2009 at 19:45
@Craig Mc: Congratulations mate, hopefully there will be another celebration very soon in that we book our passage to the final, come on united.
May 5th, 2009 at 19:45
God. How important is that first goal…Phew! C’mon United!!!!
May 5th, 2009 at 19:45
@Craig Mc:
Will you name him/her nani?
Congrats btw!
May 5th, 2009 at 19:46
@johnsom33:
May 5th, 2009 at 19:46
Dan, I see you have your favourite smiley in operation. Last season on so many occasions Tevez winning the ball has started counter-attacks that led to goals.
May 5th, 2009 at 19:46
@Craig Mc: Congrats Bro! Gotta watch this, nice one, its gonna be the best thing ever! Dont call him Nani though!
May 5th, 2009 at 19:49
Ronaldo playing as striker. Rooney as LMF.
May 5th, 2009 at 19:49
@Dan: Awww thanks for caring Dan. No mate, I don’t think the GF will allow any Man Utd team names
, and we don’t know the sex of the baby yet. Fuck Dan, I know nothing about babies, but I gotta learn fast. I’m in shock mate 
.
May 5th, 2009 at 19:50
C’mon United!
May 5th, 2009 at 19:50
Arsenal have shown their intentions. We gotta keep an eye on that Nasri. He looks faggy but he’s got a bit of skill
May 5th, 2009 at 19:51
@phoenix red: Phoenix, thanks mate, what do you know about babies Bro, I’m shitting myself mate! Can’t concentrate on the game now
.
May 5th, 2009 at 19:52
@Craig Mc: CONGRATS MATE!!
May 5th, 2009 at 19:52
Well there’s my park criticism warranted…
May 5th, 2009 at 19:53
YEAH!!!!!! BABY!!!!!!!
May 5th, 2009 at 19:53
Park!!!! Holy Shit!!
May 5th, 2009 at 19:53
JI SUNG PARK!!!!
May 5th, 2009 at 19:53
@Matt: Thanks Matt Bro! What a time to tell me just before the match aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh
.
May 5th, 2009 at 19:53
YES, PPPPPAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRKKKKKKKKKK! Come on lets get another
May 5th, 2009 at 19:54
PARK!!!!!!!
May 5th, 2009 at 19:55
Funny thing is like 5 seconds before he scored i was slating him, jinx or what lol. Sorry park.
May 5th, 2009 at 19:55
never loved Park more!!!!!!!!
lovely finish, great formation, GREAT FUKIN GOAL..!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 5th, 2009 at 19:55
hahahaha!!! Ronaldo!!!!! wat a goal!!!!!
May 5th, 2009 at 19:56
Yes, Ronaldo 2-0
May 5th, 2009 at 19:56
rrrrrrrooooooooooooonnnnnnnnnnnnaaaaaaaaaallllllllllldddddddddoooooooo
bloody hell, what a brilliant goal, best player in the world easy.
May 5th, 2009 at 19:56
Gibbs is a JT!!
May 5th, 2009 at 19:57
@Jon: Thanks Jon, fucking unbelieveable Bro. I’m numb, it definately wasn’t planned, but he/she is about to come join us in this world. Please LET IT BE A HE –
, awwww no whatever, just healthy and all the little body parts there 
.
May 5th, 2009 at 19:57
What was I saying about 4-0? UNFUCKINGBELIEVABLE!
Almunia has shown his true colors and it’s three shades of yellow.
May 5th, 2009 at 19:58
RONALDOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 5th, 2009 at 19:58
@Jon: You mean Gibbs is a cunt and a prick all in one?
May 5th, 2009 at 19:59
@Grognard: HOLY FUCK GROG. SO much for defending a 1-0 lead!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 5th, 2009 at 19:59
OMG
May 5th, 2009 at 19:59
@Grognard: who the fuck cares!!!!
May 5th, 2009 at 20:01
@Jon: No kidding. Actually they looked very nervous but they took their opportunities because of poor defending and awful goalkeeping on both goals by the Aluminum One. Christ he’s useless keeper. That was great shot by Ronaldo but no world class keeper would have let that in on the short side.
May 5th, 2009 at 20:04
@Grognard: I’m really glad we got an early lead mate. The atmosphere in the stadium was buzzing, and Arsenal looked really up for it! The Arse fans don’t seem very cheerful now!
May 5th, 2009 at 20:09
hehehe… i’m like a giddy school kid at the mo!!
May 5th, 2009 at 20:13
Ha Ha Ha. OK so now that game’s over I’m just wondering what the line up will be against Barcelona.
Oh and let’s get Rooney off asap. Don’t want to ruin the evening Fergie!!
May 5th, 2009 at 20:16
c’mon United!!! Keep possession
May 5th, 2009 at 20:23
Same old Arsenal – always cheating. I’m a bit worried about the Arse getting increasingly frustrated and resorting to their usual dirty fouling tactics. Worried for our players now especially Ronaldo.
May 5th, 2009 at 20:30
this is what Champions League football should be. attacking intent from both sides…very entertaining game so far! and I’m sure some one (most prob an Arse player) will eventually get sent off…
May 5th, 2009 at 20:36
@Grognard: 4-0 with Park to get 2. Hope you put a couple of quid on that Grog!
May 5th, 2009 at 20:37
Craig Mc Congrats, bro! You’re in for a very special experience! Oh and … forget about sleeping normally for a couple of years. I should know – was where you are about two years ago.
What a result so far! Not watching the game, sadly, so I can’t say anything about the play.
May 5th, 2009 at 20:37
@Craig Mc: Congrats mate! Time to do a bit of reading the daddy books eh?
So you’re chuffed to bits or nervous?
May 5th, 2009 at 20:38
That early goal completely took the crowd out of the game and the second goal was just a stunning and almost surreal moment. United look like a rock on defense. They are giving Arsenal nothing in our third of the pitch. Arsenal players haven’t got the experience or the grit to fight back in my opinion. And as long as Vidic, Rio and EVDS are playing like they are, it’s going to be book the tickets for Rome time.
The referee is doing us a big favor because he’s calling everything, even when there isn’t a foul, he’s calling it. That does nothing but severely frustrate a team desperate for goals. A referee that does not allow any aggressive contact by an attacker in the attacking zone plays into the hands of the team leading. Huge advantage United.
Ronaldo has been absolutely superb. Another chance for him to put distance between him and Messi when it comes to big games like this. Lets see what kind of game Messi plays tomorrow. I bet you he does nothing because as great as he is, he’s soft. Ronaldo has some grit and a lot of courage and it shows. VIVA RONALDO!
May 5th, 2009 at 20:39
@Craig Mc: CONGRASTS BRO!!! A little craigy jr!
And with the way the match is going now, this can turn into one memorable day for you mate!!!
May 5th, 2009 at 20:40
I’m looking for more from Anderson and Rooney on the counter attack in the second half. Rooney had that one great long range chance in the first half but he has been tentative I feel because he is protecting himself from that yellow card. Expect him to come of off around 65 minutes to protect him for the final as long as the score stays the same.
May 5th, 2009 at 20:40
Woo Hoo, carrying on where we left off at Old Trafford last week!
May 5th, 2009 at 20:42
@Red Ranter: RR Bro I am so panicked truly. You got any kids mate? I cannot focus on the game, because I am in shock
. What a time to find out just before kick off, but I feel TRULY PROUD RR, a little bairn – I made a little bairn! I did something OK 
. Awww fuck I am out of it RR 
.
May 5th, 2009 at 20:43
@Grognard: Yup. He might not even come on for the 2nd half. I think we’re home safe and dry.
May 5th, 2009 at 20:43
to be honest, after the first 5 minutes I was sure we were gonna lose. We couldnt get the ball off them and we never ventured out of our own half. thank god we have Ronaldo. He is better than Messi, sorry Barca fans. Close ball control goes to Messi, but after that Ronaldo is hands down better. Faster, stronger, tougher, freekicks, headers, both feet. He has no weakness. the only man that can stop ronaldo is ronaldo or his coach.
sorry andrei, Rooney is world class, but Ronaldo is on another level.
May 5th, 2009 at 20:43
Craig Mc Wow, bro, now that I think of it, it was almost exactly 2 years ago when we knew we were expecting. My boy was born on Feb. 1. When is your gf’s due date?
May 5th, 2009 at 20:44
@NicoQB: Thanks a lot Nico. I’m truly in shcok mate
.
May 5th, 2009 at 20:44
I think Rooney will be off at half time
May 5th, 2009 at 20:46
that free kick by ronaldo, the performance by ronaldo so far, the comments in the media recently, proves the boy is becoming a man
I want to see more from the midfield, anderson has kept fabregas quiet, but he has been quiet to bar the pass to ronaldo for the first goal and that lovely chip pass to fletcher,
job 3/4 of the way done
May 5th, 2009 at 20:46
as The Wolf said in Pulp Fiction”Lets not start sucking each others dicks yet” we arent out of the woods yet. One more half to go, see you fuckers at full time. hopefully we will still be in a good mood.
May 5th, 2009 at 20:46
@johnsom33: yea mate, i thought we were gonna lose as well. but sometimes lady luck swings our way!
this is it lads, 45 min from Rome!
May 5th, 2009 at 20:46
@zhoro: I will tell you as soon as I find out mate, I think it is August! If she got her dates right
So glad to hear about your lad though zhoro 
. How old is he now then?
May 5th, 2009 at 20:47
@NicoQB: CongraSts…
@Stephen Darwin: I am a Mauritian – native of Mauritius, i.e…. Hence my occasionally dodgy english…
So I’m watching the game with French commentary. I swear: I don’t know who’s more depressed the arsenal players or the commentators!!
I despise those commentators – they are soooo fucking biased and they don’t even make an effort to sound somewhat impartial! But this is turning out to be a treat for me!
Tonight I finally made up my mind tosend them my toughts about their coverage…
May 5th, 2009 at 20:47
that free kick by ronaldo, the performance by ronaldo so far, the comments in the media recently, proves the boy is becoming a man
I want to see more from the midfield, anderson has kept fabregas quiet, but he has been quiet to bar the pass to ronaldo for the first goal and that lovely chip pass to fletcher,
job 3/4 of the way done, take of rooney asap so he does not miss the final
May 5th, 2009 at 21:03
GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 5th, 2009 at 21:03
After 60min sub Rooney off if it stays like this!
@Craig Mc: What can I tell you .. enjoy it man!!!
And be sure to introduce him or her to the joys of supporting united early on! ROM’s gotta hate tiny tears is a good model for ya…!
May 5th, 2009 at 21:04
viva ronaldo
viva ronaldo
running down the wing
hear united sing,
viva ronaldo
May 5th, 2009 at 21:04
Absolute world class boys. That kind of counter attack hasn’t been seen since Roma 2007. Fantastic. My last second change of heart is looking mighty prophetic. 4-0 with Ronaldo scoring 2 goals and park 2. So lets go Parky. What a lesson in total class and dominance. How could I have ever doubted them? I hang my head in shame.
May 5th, 2009 at 21:05
Get Rooney and even Evra off right now Fergie.
May 5th, 2009 at 21:08
@Grognard:
the dark prince admit hes was wrong, wow, rightly so, we should never doubt sir alex fergurson, it seems the older he gets, the better tactically he is
May 5th, 2009 at 21:09
@Grognard: Your wish is his command!
This reminds me of the liverpool match, except this time, we’re the ones scoring at will! All we need now is Fabregas sent off and I’m an overjoyed man!
May 5th, 2009 at 21:11
@Jon: Jeez I missed it!!
May 5th, 2009 at 21:11
so this is what heaven feels like!!
May 5th, 2009 at 21:15
@NicoQB: Oh my word, you will regret not seeing that live! That’s the best piece of football and the best team goal we’ve scored all season!
Don’t worry, there’s still 15 more minutes, I’m sure we can cook up another! Just be sure not to miss it!
May 5th, 2009 at 21:16
I TOLD YOU SOMEONE WILL GET SENT OFFFFF
May 5th, 2009 at 21:18
How can they call that a penalty? Just ridiculous!
May 5th, 2009 at 21:19
Heartbreaking for Fletch…
May 5th, 2009 at 21:22
Craig Mc My boy just turned 15 months. But you are confusing me, mate, if your gf just found out she was pregnant, then she should be due some time in the winter. Or has she been pregnant for a while and not telling you?
May 5th, 2009 at 21:23
@Grognard: looks like Fergie spoke to the 4th official and he seemed quite content with the reply.
looks like a successful appeal for the ban might be likely.
May 5th, 2009 at 21:23
3 weeks from now, i want fergie to say to the men
DO IT FOR DARREN
May 5th, 2009 at 21:26
How on earth can the rules not allow UEFA to rescind an absolutely stupid decision like that? Poor Fletch, hes played a blinder and been banned for no good reason
May 5th, 2009 at 21:28
aye totally , poor fletch…all set for champions league final starting spot!! mingin…
im fukin gutted tho, this midfield three is perfect,
Giggs in for Fletch seriously weakens the look of our midfield…..
May 5th, 2009 at 21:34
Well today is truly a beautiful day and one of those rare days that United not only win a big game but totally thrash and dominate the opposition. Fergie, please forgive me for ever doubting you. Fact is you have the players who deliver and your system although not beautiful most of the time does work, especially in Europe.
Today we have played not just superbly, but we gave a very good team a master class lesson on how to play football under pressure. How courage and experience mixed with class and skill cannot be defeated by youth and enthusiasm alone. Today Arsene Wenger was exposed for the idiotically stubborn genius that he is. A truly gifted football mind but a man so arrogant that he has gutted all experience, grit and character from his team in favor of Teen World FC.
United showed how you mix experience and youth and add a sprinkle of class and genius to develop a true contender. Today was the grudge match between Wenger and Ferguson and Fergie showed that he is not to be trifled with and above all, he is still the man and the greatest manager that is and ever will be. He has shut me up with this performance by his team because they were not only well prepared, but poised, confident and found their finishing touch just when it was needed. The fact that he got his team selection right yet again despite our criticism. Simply put, it’s time I and a lot of others out there shut the fuck up about Sir Alex Ferguson because the man has delivered time and time again. Our own personal insecurities and feelings of mistrust are something we who challenge him have to accept and come to terms with.
So what United has done is reach another Cup Final with a tremendous team effort. Here are my reviews for this outstanding performance.
EVDS 7/10 – Did what he had to do and handled all balls and crosses into the box like a master.
O’SHEA 7/10 – Other than one occasion after we were up by three, he never made any mistakes.
RIO 9/10 – Along with Vidic a master class in the art of thou shalt not pass. Gandalf is impressed.
VIDIC 9/10 – Along with Rio a master class in the art of thou shalt not pass. Gandalf is impressed yet again.
EVRA 8/10 – Really surprised me with an old fashioned old school Evra performance. Perhaps there is hope for him yet.
PARK 8.5/10 – Scored the crushing goal and took it well and was immense in defending and tracking back.
ANDERSON 7/10 – Defended well but as usual, he frustrates the Hell out of me on attack as he always lacks that telling play to finish a play off. He also has to have the presence to understand that players can sneak up from behind him and strip him of the ball.
CARRICK 7/10 – Great defending and ball control but really never had a great presence offensively. Still he did what he was asked to do in the middle.
FLETCHER 6.5/10 – Made some nice tackles and stripped the ball well and was terribly unlucky to get the red card. That card should be appealed but apparently that isn’t an option in this Fascist run League. Lacked a little pace and vision in attack.
ROONEY 7.5/10 – Really didn’t do much. Had one great chance and then of course he assisted on the brilliant third goal. Quiet but effective and most importantly, never got a yellow card.
RONALDO 9.5/10 – Almost perfect. Showed that he is a big time player for the big game. Any doubts about whether he is back to last year’s form should be flushed down the toilet now. Even his free kicks now all look like they will go in unlike the first half of the season when nearly every one of them was destined for the wall. His class on the ball and his presence terrified Arsenal all game and he was the number one reason why Arsenal on paper never really had a chance and why under no circumstances should United ever sell this player for all the tea in China and all the garbage at Stamford Bridge.
BERBA – 6/10 Not much really
RAFAEL – 5/10 Foolish fouls and looked a little in awe of the situation.
GIGGS – 7/10 Did what was asked of him in a limited role.
FERGIE – 10/10 and a promise I will shutup from now Boss.
May 5th, 2009 at 21:34
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 5th, 2009 at 21:35
If we were to play Chelsea, Fletcher would have started for his ability to defend and physically get involved in the middle. He will be missed.
May 5th, 2009 at 21:36
Total rapture!
Tough luck Voyeur 
May 5th, 2009 at 21:36
Yet again Ronaldo goes missing in a big game…
May 5th, 2009 at 21:38
HHAHA monsieur wenger, you cocky french shit! go back to france you big time bottler!
May 5th, 2009 at 21:39
@Grognard: He is our most important midfielder at the moment. He’d be key whether it comes to matching Chelsea’s physicality or for breaking up Barca’s midfield. I’m really mad at the decision.
May 5th, 2009 at 21:39
@Jon: Please dont paint Gibbs with the same brush as JT. JT is a cunt of the highest order, he parks in handicap spots and his mum steals from the grocery store. Gibbs is just an unlucky young bloke who slipped at the worst possible time.
May 5th, 2009 at 21:41
Uniteds broken jinxes and curses 2009
Inter Milan
*the team who won the champions league previously gets knocked out in the 2nd round,
*Mourinho Hi-jinx over inter milan
Porto
*no english team has ever beaten porto at their stadium
arsenal
*united never beaten arsenal at the emirates
*arsenal have not conceeded at home at all this season in the champions league
*Arsene wenger has never lost a european semi final
*no holders have ever made it to the final
Final
*no team has ever retained the champions league in its current format
*The curse of real madrid ( the team who eliminated the team who beat madrid wins the champions league, ever since porto did in 2003, chelsea should win as it stands
theres many more i guess but those are the ones of the top of my head, i can not wait for the 27th
May 5th, 2009 at 21:41
Why would Ronaldo want to leave the best team in the world for a shitbag Real that got trashed 6 at home?? No wonder his dream is over! United, the champions of England, Europe and the World…perhaps twice in a row?!
May 5th, 2009 at 21:42
@Grognard:
“FERGIE – 10/10 and a promise I will shutup from now Boss.”
Surely you mean: a promise I will shutup for now Boss.
May 5th, 2009 at 21:42
@Red Ranter: LAst year, you put up a post quick time for us to all celebrate, why not this year?
May 5th, 2009 at 21:45
What kind of rule is that, that if a player gets sent off in a semi final they cannot have the decision reversed unless it is the wrong player who was being sent off. What the hell kind of rule is this. So basically the ref can send off any player he likes for no specific reason and it cannot be reversed unless the wrong player was shown off. That rule just goes to show what bloody muppets UEFA really are, forget increasing half time breaks (mr blatter) and having 4 linesmen (again blatter), change this crazy rule so players who work their ass off to get us here get suspended because of some blind twat referee who obviously has been getting lessons from david blunkett. Seriously anyone with any vision can see he got the ball, the ball bloody changed direction ffs, man these refs get me riled up. I really need to calm down, but ffs the UEFA twats need to make some changes as speedy as possible.
May 5th, 2009 at 21:47
@Red Ranter: No I will get off his back for good. I may bitch about the team as a whole or in it’s individual parts but I will never question this man’s ability to prepare a team for a big game and for his ability to get up for this kind of thing again. He deserves more respect and today he taught me a lesson in respect and belief. How can I possibly judge him harshly when he pulls this off? Now should we lose the final in a terrible way, all bets are off, but I don’t think we can implode like that in big game of such magnitude. Although the Liverpool game at OT still rubs me the wrong way.
May 5th, 2009 at 21:47
@zhoro: Seems like she has been preggers for a while and afraid of my reaction. I can’t understand why, but she was afraid of going to the Doc, and convinced herself it wasn’t happening. But it is happening Bro, and whether it is August or September, it is happening. I think she has known, but as it wasn’t planned she has been afraid!. Hell I am not a bad guy, and whenever it is happening Bro. I will let you know tha day when I know
.
May 5th, 2009 at 21:47
@Dan: Two reasons:
It doesn’t feel as momentous an occasion as it did last time round. And we got through a nail biting 1-0 win over Barca. This match was over 20 mins into the game.
In short, I just don’t feel the occasion. Call me spoiled.
That and I’m at work.
May 5th, 2009 at 21:48
@johnsom33: Well said mate. How often have we heard that and how they will finally really have to shut up.
May 5th, 2009 at 21:49
Get in! Fantastic result, gutted for Fletch mind you.
Cheers to those of you that joined me on the Live Blog too! Was good fun!
May 5th, 2009 at 21:50
@Red Ranter: It’s a poor decision but what really bothers me is that we are not allowed an appeal. That’s just wrong and so incredibly socialist. All decisions in all games should be subject to appeal if warrented, don’t you think?
May 5th, 2009 at 21:51
@Red Ranter: No, i agree, last year had more of an edge to it, because we were hanging by threads, 1 barca goal and we were out.
this year, the second the 2nd goal went in, it was over.
May 5th, 2009 at 21:52
@johnsom33: Again, well said. JT is on the cover for the theatrical program for the “Vaginal Monologues”.
May 5th, 2009 at 21:52
@Red Ranter: Yeah mate. I mean I’m elated abt the win and all, but it wasn’t the orgasmic release felt when the ref blew full-time against Barca..it almost felt we were the underdogs! Perhaps now, we’re the team to beat, and it’s almost as if we deserve to go through! Take nothing for granted, we must.
May 5th, 2009 at 21:52
A truly sublime performance, reminiscent of the Roma demolition. A truly pathetic decision and the draconian rules not allowing a review is the only dampener tonight, United gave The Arsenal Football Academy a masterclass in professional football. And hats off to Ronaldo. If this game doesnt shut up the doubters to his claim to be the best player in the world, they should get their heads examined. He was imperious, a performance of the likes of Keane in 99. And lastly, hats off to fergie, who got his tactics absolutely spot on and also to Rooney whose selfless play on the left wing helped to contain arsenal and open up the space for Ronaldo to run into
May 5th, 2009 at 21:53
@Grognard: I agree. Socialist in rule making, capitalist in movement of players and running of clubs. A complete anti-thesis of your ideals of the sports league, isn’t it?
It’s gut wrenching to miss a final with such an unfortunate decision. But then, everyone will bitch about United getting all the good decisions.
May 5th, 2009 at 21:53
@Dan: Dan, he does have a job you know.
May 5th, 2009 at 21:55
@Stephen Darwin: Good work mate. As usual, with work and stuff, the midweek games can’t be any worse timed for us folks on stateside.
May 5th, 2009 at 21:57
@Craig Mc: A junior Craigmeister or Craigerina? WOW! Great news indeed. I am very happy for you mate. So if it’s a boy will you name him Nani? An if it’s girl will she be named Nana?
And if you grow up too much you will lose your mojo so tread softly in that department.
Truly, very happy for you and the GF. Now my old fashioned roots are showing here but it’s now official time to make it official and make that lady your wife.
May 5th, 2009 at 21:58
@Grognard: On replay it was a clear penalty, still the sending off is hard…
@realred: Giggs has been flawless all season in central midfield..
May 5th, 2009 at 21:59
@Stephen Darwin: Sorry I haven’t joined in the live blog but when you are sitting in front of a 56 inch big screen, the last thing you want to do is go to your computer.
May 5th, 2009 at 22:00
Well played to the boys for the win!!
@NicoQB: It was a bloody good tackle mate.. and no penalty… the red card was just pure blasphemy!
May 5th, 2009 at 22:01
@Grognard: Mark my words, To all his haters Ronaldo is still a big game bottler. games like this are conveniently forgotten. as soon as he goes scoreless against a good team they will be out in force again. The lad just cant win.
No Homo, but I love Ronaldo. I honestly cant stress it enough, he has every tool in the shed that a fottballer can dream off. NO FUCKING WAY Fergie lets him go to Madrid for less than 100m. You all can take that to the fucking bank. Fergie has shut up naysayers like me and grog time and time again, no way is he stupid enough to let the greatest player of his generation to walk to the pub league side Real Madrid.
May 5th, 2009 at 22:03
@Craig Mc: Congrats Craig. After that performance you’ll definitely never forget the day you found out!! Congrats again.
May 5th, 2009 at 22:03
@Red Ranter: The injustice of the decision is what really bugs me. To not have an appeal process and contingency rules for those types of occurrences is so close minded and bordering on tyrannical leadership. They won’t even listen to reason. I think that bloody ref should visit the entire Fletcher family and Man United team and apologize for having destroyed this lad’s dream.
May 5th, 2009 at 22:04
@NicoQB:
Mate in no fucking universe is that a penalty. A damn good tackle is what it is, only the Italian fucker somehow managed to ruin what would have been one young man’s best day of his life. He then compounds it by not sending off the swine Adebayor for a horrible stamp on Carrick.
May 5th, 2009 at 22:04
@NicoQB: What replay were you looking at mate?
The ones I saw showed clearly that he got the ball first. There was no penalty , no way, no how. 
And further more, even if he had fouled him, it was not a red card offense.
May 5th, 2009 at 22:05
@Grognard: “For all the tea in China”… was killer!
Can we sue the referee .. or Platini???
May 5th, 2009 at 22:06
@Vivek: ” If this game doesnt shut up the doubters to his claim to be the best player in the world, they should get their heads examined. “
Im sorry to beat this into the ground, but this result wont change a god damn thing. People who ronaldo will never let go of the lie that he is a big game bottler. the lad is absolutely impervious. the only argument that one could make against the lad is that he doesnt produced in the big games. that is only because “big game” are only in the eye of the beholder, and his detractors only view big games as one he doesnt score in. I know it laughable, but tell me again when the UK media took a serious approach to journalism.
May 5th, 2009 at 22:06
Did you guys happen to see BEckham laughing his ass off?
Pure class! Apparently he came to see the match with his team mate Flamini . He was rubbing his hands and had a smile bigger than toothpaste ads.
May 5th, 2009 at 22:06
@johnsom33: You are singing my kind of music mate. Totally agree. Ronaldo is a footballing god. And gods are not for sale.
May 5th, 2009 at 22:07
We should now win it just for Fletch!! I’m so gutted for the boy!
May 5th, 2009 at 22:08
@NicoQB: Look at it again mate. Fletcher clearly got the ball, no doubt about it. Not a penalty by any chance. I can’t believe that you can’t appeal too!! I mean, which dumb idiot wrote the rules!?
About the match, what can you say…masterclass. We just totally outplayed them in both legs. Honestly they didn’t have ONE single decent chance for 180min!!! Imagine – THE ARSENAL – WHO PLAY UNSTOPPABLE FOOTBALL not even getting a sniff at goal! Hahahaha! Vidic and Rio were fuckin immense throughout….wooooohooo!!
ROME – HERE WE COME! 2nd final on the trot…
May 5th, 2009 at 22:10
@Grognard: @Grognard: @Vivek: @Rahul: I’m telling you, those french commentators are so fecking biased , that they succeeded in convincing me it was a pen! I’m even more outraged now!
Shame I should be delighted, but the lingering emotion I’m feeling is that of frustration because of that stupid call…
May 5th, 2009 at 22:11
@Craig Mc: Congrats Bro!!
May 5th, 2009 at 22:12
@Grognard: I really somehow feel that the ref felt indebted to Arsenal to give that. He hardly gave decisions Arsenal’s way the whole night, and United were constantly getting free kicks for fucks.
I feel he bottled under the home fans pressure, and jumped, very enthusiastically if I might add, at the chance to “level it up”. I thought the ref was very very poor. Even as a United supporter, I felt that some decisions given against Arsenal were not right. If I were a Gooner now, I’d fuck the ref all the way home after I left in the first half.
May 5th, 2009 at 22:13
@NicoQB: Don’t let them mislead you so easily mate!
May 5th, 2009 at 22:13
@antsBoy: I get it, I get it. Now I would have actually preferred it was an actual penalty. THe frustration is killing me!
May 5th, 2009 at 22:13
@Eric the Red Thanks mate – and yeah I’ll never forget this night mate
.
May 5th, 2009 at 22:15
@Craig Mc:
Congrats man…Soon we will have a little Nani (or Nana?
) running around
May 5th, 2009 at 22:16
@Rahul: I was watching Fletch’s second trailing leg – the one that took Fabregas’s heel…
May 5th, 2009 at 22:16
@Jon: I’m sure Platini called the ref at half time and told him to send off someone from whichever team that had more debt.
May 5th, 2009 at 22:18
@Rahul: Ha ha ha!!
May 5th, 2009 at 22:18
@Grognard: Aaaah Grog, I was waiting for you to realise mi man. I am looking for the ring as we speak – I mean I am knowing what bliss is Bro, and to think is doesn’t involve Man Utd is fucking amazing. Grog, I have made a little Craigmeister, or Craiglittle lass – time will tell. How did that happen – Grog you tell me –
. We will get engaged in the coming months 
.
May 5th, 2009 at 22:18
this is better than having sex with Beyonce!!!!!
Forza United.
May 5th, 2009 at 22:19
@Craig Mc: celebrating 2 victories in life, eh mate?
May 5th, 2009 at 22:20
@Craig Mc: Congrats my red friend, words cant describe how truly jealous I am. In my book, raising children is the sole reason for living, and I for one cant wait until I have the ability to raise my seed… boy or girl. as for marriage, I have to disagree with the old wise Grog. Only marry the lassie if you truly want to be with her for life, the kid should have no bearing on the decision. The kid will grow up better knowing his parents are both in his life wether or not they are together. This isnt the best example but I have numerous close friends with children andi so far from my shirt life… the ones who try and stay together for the sake of the kid were doomed from the start. So If you love the mother of your unborn child, then by all means marry her. But if your sole motivation for marriage is for the sake of the kid, then save your self the grief. its hard enough being a father, dont compound it with trying to be a husband cause that is hard enough by itself.
May 5th, 2009 at 22:20
@NicoQB: Eitherway.. the grim reality is that Fletch will be wearing a Grey suit in the final instead of a red jersey. Screw UEFA.
May 5th, 2009 at 22:20
@Vivek:
, I know mate, wonders still exist. Thank you Bro!
May 5th, 2009 at 22:22
@Jay Jay: Isn’t someone speaking Adebayor’s lingo!!
May 5th, 2009 at 22:22
Just realised, if we do meet Barca in the final, we will have to play in all white…and how many finals have we won in that colour??
May 5th, 2009 at 22:22
@Grognard: 56 inch huh? And here I was feeling proud of having just got my first 46″ Bravia delivered.
May 5th, 2009 at 22:24
Im not gonna lie to you guys, because I truly consider you guys as part of my family. But I have no shame in admitting that Ronaldo is the first athlete to reduce me to tears. He is that quality, and I have no regrets… God surely made him by his own divine hand.
May 5th, 2009 at 22:25
@johnsom33: Johnsom mi man – I love my GF MEGA much mate. I would never marry for the sake of baby, but with or without the baby, I love my GF – always have Bro and hopefully always will
. We are such a happy couple, although Miss Kimberley Walsh of Girls Aloud is in my imaginary dreams. Come on, we all love our partners to pieces, but we also have a dream lover, or AM I FUCKING UNUsual ? 
.
May 5th, 2009 at 22:26
@Craig Mc: Life’s roller coaster finally has you seated for the ride bro… milk it all you can in these early days cuz when the moment of truth nears… you’ll be shitting bricks till you actually hold your child!!! The final few hours b4 that would be nerve wracking!
May 5th, 2009 at 22:27
@Jon: yOU GOT THAT RIGHT bRO, AND HOW
. tHANK YOU MATE !
May 5th, 2009 at 22:27
@Craig Mc: Me, kids? You got me scared there. I still don’t feel ready for all that. But that’s probably because I’m single at the moment.
If you want advice on parenting, I’d imagine the older ones on this blog might be better placed. Grog, perhaps? You have kids, Grog? Surely?
May 5th, 2009 at 22:29
@Rahul: You sound like you have little ones Bro? So pleased for you! And your right, I can’t wait to hold that wee one in my arms
.
May 5th, 2009 at 22:29
Sorry to get all emotional on you lads, but I truly love this club and its players.
Thank God Evra proved to us he still has a pulse. I think he finally had a great game for us since returning from suspension.
May 5th, 2009 at 22:30
Can someone tell me how many finals we’ve won in an away strip? Bar the blue in 1968?
May 5th, 2009 at 22:31
@Craig Mc: I am truly happy for you mate, not many of us are lucky enough to get the woman we love pregnant. Cherish it my friend, you truly are blessed.
May 5th, 2009 at 22:32
@Rahul: High time to establish a dubious cards panel committee or whatever in UEFA. The inexistance of it for such a high profile sport is an abberation in itself. And also abolish that rule stating that players get suspended after two cards. Let’s make it four cards. In the premiership its the case after 5 or 6 yellows if i’m not mistaken. I knwo that the stakes are different but still.
To give you an idea of how frustating the sending off was, even those bloody biased french commentators, despite thinking that the referee call was spot on, thought that its unfair to send off a player like that – there was no malice in the foul …
May 5th, 2009 at 22:32
@Red Ranter: Wow I am so suprised RR! I thought for sure you were NOT single. But some lucky girl has a good guy to look forward to in you
. I mean that sincerely mate. I don’t think Grog has kids, because he is the kind of guy who would not beable to keep quiet about his kin – am I right Grog? Soz if I am not!
May 5th, 2009 at 22:33
OH! MY! FUCKING! GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD!!!!!!
Best game of the season, this was the United we love. I Youg usy know I fucking hate Arsenal, and this game… AAAAH, This game! If only progressing isnt enough, then the 4-1 scoreline speaks for itself. I am gonna rub their faces, teeth, eyes, hair, skeleton and brains in the dirt! So fucking sweet, so fucking great, so fucking amazing. JUST AWSOME!!!!
Ronaldo, dont leave. You know where you are, you know who you are and you know what you can do. So leaving this team would be the most stupid decision in yyour life, you would regret it BIG TIME! He was perfect oday, no mistakes whatsoever. His free-kick was exeptional, his run and assist for Park was great and his second goal told you all you needed to know about United and Ronaldo! You see, that is what we can do when we dont play with Berba! Amazing result, amazing game, and just an amazing feeling. Barca last year was more tension, I cant really say I enjoyed it. But this… POW, this was sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!
May 5th, 2009 at 22:34
@johnsom33: Yeah I know I am blessed Johnsom, thank you Bro
.
May 5th, 2009 at 22:34
@Craig Mc: Actually I dont bro.. not even married till coming December. the last few months I have tried to calm the nerves of two frens and a cousin who were going thru those moments, so thats the source of my knowledge.
May 5th, 2009 at 22:36
@Jon: None as far as i can think, but i’ve had a couple of celebrations vodka shots, so i could’ve missed!
May 5th, 2009 at 22:36
@RedDevilEddy: and Craig is gonna be a dad!!
May 5th, 2009 at 22:37
I don’t feel excited at all. We battered the French cockneys in their own back yard. Football of champions. But instead I’m angry. Fetcher would no doubt have started against Barca or Chelsea if we are insistent on keeping this system. If we get out muscled in midfield or have no one to break up the play in the final, it’s all because of one of the worst decisions of the season. I feel gutted for Fletcher. Truly gutted.
May 5th, 2009 at 22:37
@Craig Mc: Craig, congratulations man! Im sure you will become a great father. Im happy for you, I really am.
And, if you protect him like you protect Nani, you will become Superdad in no time. 
Seriously, congrats man! 
May 5th, 2009 at 22:39
@Craig Mc: Even me is shopping around for a ring bro..
May 5th, 2009 at 22:39
Am i correct in saying that we have won every time we have reached a major european final. Sounds a pretty good omen to me, im gonna be bricking it though as the time to kick off approaches.
Last year in the final was the single most nervous experience of my life, im 18 but watching that i thought i was gonna have a heart attack swear to god. I hope they dont put me through that again cos if they do i dont think im gonna be able to take it. Part and parcel of supporting this club i guess but bloody hell football and following us can be stressful.
May 5th, 2009 at 22:39
Where is Dan??? Where’s Eddy?
– ) that the day we struck 3 past arsenal Craig announced that he as going to be a dad!
This is one very memorable day on this blog, with an esteemed member sharing his joy with us, and with a special win!
I expect most people here to actually remember it in a few years (if the blog is still active and the regulars still here
We always seem to remember those things!
May 5th, 2009 at 22:41
@Jon: Yeah, I know.
If only I could get drawed in English exam tomorrow, life would be perfect and I could celebrate life to the full! LIFE=FTW!!!
My cheeks hurt from smiling…
May 5th, 2009 at 22:41
nice result but i’m absolutely gutted for fletch.He has been our best central midfield player of the season.He’s a big game player and he will be a massive miss for the champions league final.
May 5th, 2009 at 22:41
just to briefly hop off the love train I am no doubtly on, Beckham is a cunt. why the fuck is he celebrating at the game? He is dead to me, the second he turnee his back on United. He thought he was bigger than the club, and fergie put him on the first thing smoking out of Manchester. some of you might be fans of the man from Essex, but he is dead to me. He forfeited his rights as a Red Devil fan when he sold his soul and joined Madrid. So fuck off Beckham, I took joy in seeing you fail in america. You were outclassed by Darren fucking Huckerby.
May 5th, 2009 at 22:42
@Traverse: Same here bro…
May 5th, 2009 at 22:44
@NicoQB: You got that right Nico Bro – 3 in the net for the mighty red devils, and one in the net from me
. That’ll do it eh mate? Hope we go and win the CL again after tonights magnificent performance. Wenger said Magnificent football would be played, but he forgot to mention it would be by OUR team. Bravo Man Utd 
.
May 5th, 2009 at 22:44
@NicoQB: Im here bro!!!
Just watched the game on my 46″ HD tv, with my girlfriend and my best friend(who is an Arse-fan(may have come out wrong, you get it 
)). So I doidnt have time to comment during the game, but I am feeling FUCKING GREAT!!!! 
May 5th, 2009 at 22:47
@RedDevilEddy: Wow Eddi mi man, yeah I am very protective, and will be of my Son/daughter
.
May 5th, 2009 at 22:49
@Jon: I can’t think of any, but I can’t think of any finals that we’ve lost either. So 50/50 as far as that goes.
May 5th, 2009 at 22:49
@Craig Mc: From what I know of you during my two years at this blog, Im sure you will become great! Congrats again!
May 5th, 2009 at 22:49
@Rahul: Thank you Rahul, and the GF has made known to me the ring she wants. So I will do my best to oblige
. I am going to be engaged in the near future, so Stephen I am closing in on you Bro 
.
May 5th, 2009 at 22:50
@RedDevilEddy: I pray you are right Eddie!
May 5th, 2009 at 22:51
@RedDevilEddy: By the way Eddie, you are still young, so I hope you are wearing the rubber Bro
.
May 5th, 2009 at 22:52
@johnsom33: You’ll find that many actually disagree with you… I think many people remember him fondly for his time with us, in the same way that people remember Kanchelsksis or Stam…
May 5th, 2009 at 22:54
@Rahul: Vodka shots,
, good for you Bro, nice way to celebrate United’s majesty 
.
May 5th, 2009 at 22:56
@Rahul: Well you will be married in December – I wish you the best for then mate
May 5th, 2009 at 22:58
@NicoQB: I dont care who disagrees with me, Beckham is dead to me, he thought he was bigger than United and fergie put him in his place. Fuck beckham and I hope he wins “sweet fuck all” at AC.
May 5th, 2009 at 23:00
@Craig Mc: I hope she’s not reading all this if you plan to surprise her.
May 5th, 2009 at 23:00
Sad for Fletcher
Fuck, that’s tough
Well done Craig! Brilliant news…I’m sure you’ll make a good dad
I’d love to have another kid, it’s brilliant, I’ve got two boys, I need a girl now 
The team is playing well
, this is by far the best formation for the players available right now. I’m ecstatic, getting to the final again is truly great. Time to celebrate 
.
May 5th, 2009 at 23:00
@RedDevilEddy: I hear you! Now we need to find…who else but Dan jerks off t o pivtures of Dirk Kuyt!!! Where is he? Where is he?
I wished I did like you and didn’t comment during the game I mossed the 3rd goal.. 
One more thing: You guys living in the “western world” are making us feel small in comparison with your 56″ and your 46″. I’m sure there’s no ill intention though…
Jeez and I who thought I had a big screen with my 29″…
May 5th, 2009 at 23:00
@johnsom33: Oh come on! Not today!
May 5th, 2009 at 23:03
CAMPIONE… CAMPIONE… OLE… OLE… OLE…
May 5th, 2009 at 23:04
@johnsom33: What’s with the Beckham hatred?? He didn’t sell his soul to Real, SAF gave him the boot; and he has never said anything negative about United. Loyal servant to the club as far as I’m concerned (though the Hollywood lifestyle was a bit much)
May 5th, 2009 at 23:04
@Craig Mc: Thanks Bro
!!
The vodka shots are now havin their effect now
.. so I’ll be off to sleep knowing that Rome beckons!!
So Goodnite everyone.. and ss they’d say in Rome.. Forza United!!!!!
May 5th, 2009 at 23:05
Wow what a game, saw a fair bit of it, my boss wasn’t happy though
Congrats Craig, I want a striker
just kidding, I’m sure he’ll be a winger 
If it’s a Craigmeister that is.
May 5th, 2009 at 23:05
@johnsom33: Jeez what with all the negativity? You’re sounding like (dare I day it…) Grognard!
This should be a day to celebrate (even though I’m gutted for Fletch).
Even if Beckham did make mistakes at the end of his united career, you can’t deny that the guy was a genuine fan. That smile he had on his face after Ronaldo score his third goal – you can’t fake those kind of things… Chill out mate.
May 5th, 2009 at 23:06
@magno: Great we got to the final, I will be travelling to Rome. Great about your two boys – lucky you mate! I hope the luck continues and you get the daughter you so want
.
May 5th, 2009 at 23:06
I take it the referee can’t rescind the red card?
May 5th, 2009 at 23:06
Sorry guys I was on the live blog. So missed all the news.
Congratulations Craig on your good news. How about you call it Luis if it is a boy, and Luisa if it is a girl? Although it would be amazing if you called it Nani!
What a result tonight. Some absolutely incisive counter attacking play and immense defending under pressure.
Ronaldo in particular is back at his best and looks like he is really enjoying himself.
For me the biggest surprise was Park. Ive always had a soft spot for the player and been frustrated by his lack of end product but two goals in two games and a part to play in our best move of the match! He was unlucky to miss the final last year, but Im sure he will play this year!
I feel sorry for Fletcher but he knew the risks when he went in with a high tackle and took one for the team. A real unsung hero.
Two finals in two years-this is more like it! We are getting back to top form at exactly the right time of the season and who would bet against us winning it!
I was pissed at Beckham. Just because it is inevitable there will be a news story or a picture of him overshadowing our glorious day. If he hadn’t married that stupid woman and become such an attention whore he could have been part of this squad today. Although of course Beckham leaving paved the way for the signing of a player who is without a doubt the best Fergie has ever had. Cristiano Ronaldo.
May 5th, 2009 at 23:09
@Liam: Liam Bro it was a fantastic game, and we DESERVED the trip to Rome. We will win it now Bro, I feel sure. As for a \winger
, I would like a Son to convert to Man Unitedism, but if a daughter she will still be loved and a blessing!
May 5th, 2009 at 23:10
@colver: Wow Luis and Louisa sounds good mate
, will just have to get the Missus to agree 
.
May 5th, 2009 at 23:12
@NicoQB: “Jeez what with all the negativity? You’re sounding like (dare I day it…) Grognard! “
All I can say is thank you for the compliment.
May 5th, 2009 at 23:14
@Red Ranter: She’s not RR
, she is in bed early these days! Cannot imagine why I didn’t realise – I’m SLOW Bro 
. Our team was Brill tonight RR, and nobody can say we didn’t deserve it. Hope the scousers were watching, especiaaly FAT RAF 
.
May 5th, 2009 at 23:15
@Craig Mc: Not Fat Raf, it’s Facth Raf.
)
May 5th, 2009 at 23:17
@Red Ranter:
, so true 
.
May 5th, 2009 at 23:20
The moment Craig announced that he was going to be a dad, I could see the little Nanis, Nani-boy, nana jokes or whatever coming from a mile off!!!
Even I would have commented the same but for me babbling about other things..
Still that’s good. It’s like we have our own version of Dave from Newcastle here.
Actually I realise that a blog needs such characters to be kept lively!
May 5th, 2009 at 23:23
That was fantasy footie. That third goal – such beauty. Fergie fooled us all and seems to have gained a greater tactical awareness.
Craig – Congrats mate. I have 3, youngest soon to be 21 and nothing compares to their birth – not even a champions league win like that one in the Nou Camp in 99. My only son lives 3 hours away and we text each other non stop during Utd matches. He loves the team as much as I do. I suspect your little bambino will be the same.
Fletch is so unlucky, echoes of Scholes and Keane, but this time our squad is so much better equipped to cope.
Enjoy the rest of the night, I feel as if I’ve been dreaming already.
May 5th, 2009 at 23:23
@NicoQB:
. I hope for a Son, but made in Manc land not Newcastle. He/She has to be a Manc and not a Geordie 
. Must admit though the Geordies are great people!
May 5th, 2009 at 23:23
@Craig Mc: No room left in my flat, it’s just wishful thinking on my part…if I was a millionaire I would be on the case right away
I miss nappies and trying to get the blighters back to sleep for about 3 hours in the middle of the night, if you have a temper like me, it really changes you…nothing fazes me now. Imagine when Rooney has his kid…that’s gonna be a steep learning curve!
May 5th, 2009 at 23:24
@johnsom33: You’re welcome mate!
Except that now I’ve no clue about how the other person concerned will take the joke… 
May 5th, 2009 at 23:25
@TheThreeRs: Not even a CL win, WOW 3 R’s I am awed
. Awwww you got 3 Kids, that is so great – you did good Bro. Are your kids United fans then?
May 5th, 2009 at 23:26
@magno: MAGNO –
, you got me scared Bro 
.
May 5th, 2009 at 23:29
You will know what to do when it happens
May 5th, 2009 at 23:31
Well gotta go now – goodnight you all. I am so happy tonight, I’m gonna be a dad, and my team won against Le Arse in STYLE. Nothing better! Nothing can stop us now. Talk again soon. Viva the red devils and Viva Ronaldo
.
May 5th, 2009 at 23:32
@Craig Mc: I’m sure they are if you say so.
Ok boys (funny that there are no girls here… I mean not even one!) it’s time for me to go to bed. 02h30 here in Mauritius…
Tonight was a great night! The commenting here has done a bit to soothe my disappointment over Fletch’s suspension.
Oh and last thought for the day:
Cheers all! Nightie night!
Doesn’t anybody feel that Rooney is like our Scottie Pippen?
May 5th, 2009 at 23:32
Well tonight was a night where everything it meant to be a Man Utd supporter was summed up! Nights like this are why we follow the Red Devils through thick and thin! The feeling of elation and jubilation as those goals went in is just unsurpassable….even better than sex! In fact, I was screaming and shouting so loud as each goal went in that the warden in my uni digs had to come out and investigate what the disturbance was! It truly was an incredible and breathtaking, yet composed performance from the lads, right up there with the Roma 7-1, Juventus 2-3 and countless other performances during the 20-odd years we have been blessed to have SAF. I hope that those people who slag off Fergie will now just SHUT THE FUCK UP and let the master work his magic! NEVER DOUBT THE BOSS! Now bring on Barca!!
Oh and Craig mate…congratulations and all the best to you, your soon-to-be wife and your progeny! I’m sure that everybody on this blog is really happy for you bro and shares your joy, and I’m no different! Like somebody said earlier, you’d certainly do well to follow that dude on ROM who has taught his 2-yr old daughter more than 60-odd United chants (it’s well worth subscribing to his videos of her on YouTube!) and make sure you bring up your kid the right way i.e the UNITED WAY!
May 5th, 2009 at 23:42
Excellent performance!
Plus i put a fiver on Park to score the first goal and won £90!
I hope we get Barca in the Final
May 5th, 2009 at 23:44
May 6th, 2009 at 0:11
Jeez! Even Wenger feels the red card to Fletcher was very harsh. Check out bot manager interviews at BBC.COM. The Voyeur was very complimentary of our team and the effort. I miss the old Voyeur in the the days of Tony Adams, Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira. Back then he was so easy to hate. Now I kind respect the bugger. He just doesn’t get it about having too much youth and not enough experience though.
May 6th, 2009 at 0:13
@NicoQB: I just watched BBC’s post game interviews and even Wenger thought it was a harsh call. And Wenger never offers that kind of stuff after a defeat. At least not the Wenger I thought I knew and hated.
May 6th, 2009 at 0:14
What am I doing here at this hour?
Sign the petition! Darren F*cking Fletcher! He deserves it!
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=196220185077&ref=nf
May 6th, 2009 at 0:16
@Jon: Wenger explained the referee’s performance best when he explained the fact that the guy is an Italian who is used to calling every little petty piece of contact in Italy because that league is for fags exclusively. Italy has never been a man’s league. It’s league suited to pussy’s and cheaters and so they never let anything go there because of all the histrionics and play acting that goes on over there. So he naturally reffed his kind of game tonight and it hurt both teams in terms of penetrating and making things happen in the box, but yes it hurt Arsenal most because they had to fight back from a massive hole they dug for themselves.
May 6th, 2009 at 0:17
Link to the goals http://en.soccerclips.net/videos/arsenal-0-1-manchester-utd-park
May 6th, 2009 at 0:19
@Craig Mc: Again I’m happy for you bro. But I will be disappointed if it’s a boy and his middle name at least isn’t going to be Nani.
Glad to hear you are getting married soon. I think the GF has earned it. And give her my warmest regards on a job well done. 
May 6th, 2009 at 0:21
@Jay Jay: How would you know? You don’t mean you have had sex with Beyonce have you?
You stud.
May 6th, 2009 at 0:25
@Jon: Honest to God if I was still married and had found out my wife was pregnant today, it would take second place to the joy and satisfaction from the Destruction at the Emirates. A game I will watch over and over until the dvd turns 18 and I marry it off to someone. Oops!
I’m getting the kid mixed up with the game. Yes, the kid I will marry off, the dvd goes with me to my grave site. But Craig’s news gives us all double satisfaction today. Unless his son or daughter end up growing up as Geordie fans. 
May 6th, 2009 at 0:27
@Red Ranter: Yes but it is only rear projection job and I cannot get the games in HD. I am hoping to buy a 42 inch LCD flat screen in the coming year because I want to enjoy my sports and dvd’s more but the big 56 incher is still pretty sweet. Who says size doesn’t matter?
May 6th, 2009 at 0:31
@Red Ranter: Nope no kids. My ex and I were never really the parenting types. I regret it now because I realized I married the wrong girl and passed on a truly fantastic girl back in Alberta who I’m sure I would have had children with. It’s worked out for the best though because my back has caused me to retire early and I am afraid I may have not been the provider in their college years that I would have liked to have been. Besides, I’m juvenile enough and am hard enough to handle. I don’t need more Grognard’s running around playing with my toys.
May 6th, 2009 at 0:33
@johnsom33: Evra still let in a few crosses but lets face it, when Vidic and Rio are in the zone, they can be crossing like Beckham all game and nothing is going to happen with our twin towers there.
May 6th, 2009 at 0:34
@Jon: None. We wore the red and white in both 1999 and 2008.
May 6th, 2009 at 0:38
@Craig Mc: If I had kids I would be a proud father talking about them all the time and complimenting them on their fantastic parentage.
However, if they were to grow up anything but Man Utd supporters, it’s out on the street with them and no inheritance. Unless they were to support Bayern and Germany. If they grew up Scouser loving bastards, I shoot their mother. 
Which reminds me Bro, you better move back to Manchester for fear the little one grows up to be Newcastle fan. That’s a terrible thing if that were to happen.
May 6th, 2009 at 0:42
@RedDevilEddy: Let me get this straight, you are happy then?
One thing about Ronaldo’s assist, everybody in the media is blaming poor Gibbs for falling. Instead they should be applauding Ronaldo for a great cut back pass and for the vision to spot Park on the other side. The pass was so bold and audacious that it caught Gibbs off balance and his trying to recover to it is what caused him to fall. Ronaldo was a God tonight.
May 6th, 2009 at 0:43
@RedDevilEddy: Nobody takes Nani’s place in the pecking order or in the will.
May 6th, 2009 at 0:48
@Craig Mc: You better share the wedding night with us here on the blog. Sort of like the blow by blow minute by minute results eh.
We’ll get RR to set up a Live Blog Coverage feed from the honeymoon suite. Just remember, don’t invite Kimberly by accident. 
May 6th, 2009 at 0:49
@Grognard: Or get the accent
Ameobi like
May 6th, 2009 at 0:50
@johnsom33: OK, now don’t get me started mate. Don’t make me go all ballistic the way Craig does about Nani. Becks is sacred to me and I don’t want to hear that kind of shite, because that’s exactly what it is mate, SHITE.
May 6th, 2009 at 0:52
@NicoQB: I think it should be changed to “Dan suffers from Pienaar envy”.
May 6th, 2009 at 0:53
@Red Ranter: Exactly, you could smell the fires being stoked couldn’t you RR?
May 6th, 2009 at 0:56
@colver: Hey there, the King is the best Fergie ever had. I love Ronaldo but the King is the King for a reason.
May 6th, 2009 at 0:57
@johnsom33: And thank you for the compliment.
May 6th, 2009 at 0:58
Reading some of the earlier comments in this thread just makes me laugh. The lack of faith shown in Fergie’s selection was hilarious and all because he picked Park. Oh well, I was defending Giggs’ selection at the start of the season so looks like I’ll have to keep championing Park until everyone else sees what I see in him. Also, it looks like his luck has changed. A few weeks ago Gibbs wouldn’t have slipped and would’ve hoofed the ball away. Now 2 in 2. Actually Park does tend to score a lot towards the end of the season. 2 years ago after his bad injury he came back late in the season and scored a few if I remember correctly. He better start the final because that’s 2 semis that he’s been great in and if he’s left out it would be shameful from Fergie I feel Queiroz may have had a role in others being picked ahead of him last year. Didn’t Fergie say Park would start if we made it this year?
May 6th, 2009 at 0:58
@NicoQB: Can you see the baby’s room done in Nani wallpaper and Nani Linens?
May 6th, 2009 at 1:00
@NicoQB: It’s like Naniobi like.
May 6th, 2009 at 1:03
@Liam: That’s scary like. An Ameobi like accent?
May 6th, 2009 at 1:04
@Liam: What can we all say mate, WE WUZ WRONG!
May 6th, 2009 at 1:04
Fletcher may not be dead and buried.
We will only know if he definitely misses the game when the referee hands in his match report on Wednesday. Uefa CAN rescind the red card if requested to do so by referee. This is only USUALLY only done in cases of mistaken identity, and we can not ourselves instigate a review of the card be UEFA’s disciplinary panel, BUT if the referee states in his match report that he has reviewed the incident and feels he made the wrong decision, then the card can be rescinded. It has never been done before, but by the letter of the law it CAN be done.
Here’s hoping he does the right thing.
May 6th, 2009 at 1:19
@Grognard: I hear that we are to be the designated ‘away’ team in this years final – so assuming we play Barcelona – I believe that we will be wearing our change strip of all-white to avoid clashing with their red and blue.
May 6th, 2009 at 1:19
An article on why Ronaldo > Messi
May 6th, 2009 at 1:43
Just so everyone knows, while we can’t appeal the decision (as that’s only allowed for mistaken identity), the referee can choose to review it and rescind the card/commute it to a yellow. While I think it would be fair to take it down to a yellow (presumably the foul was the leg crunch, which happened AFTER he had moved the ball, thus no goalscoring opportunity denied), it won’t happen because it’d start a huge fuss.
Real pity for Fletcher,he played his heart out and always has.
May 6th, 2009 at 1:44
Graeme Souness and Eamonn Dunphy have a ‘disagreement’ about Arsenal. Watch form 10 minutes onwards. It’ll probably get pulled soon.
http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2009/0505/analysis_av.html
May 6th, 2009 at 2:03
I haven’t read all the posts yet, and I have just finished watching the game, but I have to say; Great team selection, great game plan, and superbly great Ronaldo!! Fucking, dominating performance in a Korean/Portuguese kind of way.
If you’re there, Craig, I”ve been screaming and hollering and making a total arse out of myself. You’d be proud bro!!!
May 6th, 2009 at 2:10
@Grognard: Beckham is over mate!! Stick his poster on your wall and just remember the good old days. Just like he does!
May 6th, 2009 at 2:15
@Grognard: Nani’s done, history mate!! Love the guy but he has no place in this team, does he!!
May 6th, 2009 at 2:17
Great link Liam, RTE is so good compared to BBC/Setanta/Sky.
May 6th, 2009 at 2:25
First and foremost congratulations to craig and all the best to you an the missus in bringing a sprog into the world. and to top off all the excitement and happiness going on here tonight we tore the gunners appart at château fort emirates and not only got a deserved win but also are first win there which alone is a great reason for high spirits.
Craig you need to let everyone know once the wee bairn is born so we can all go out in our respective locations and wet the babies head for ya
May 6th, 2009 at 2:31
@Grognard: Honestly man, your kids are way more important that anything United could do. Believe me, I have 2 adult daughters, and they delight the very heck out of me every time I lay my eyes on them. I am so, so fortunate because I have both my passion towards my family and I still have passion toward United.
By the way my youngest daughter, is a fanatic United fan, at some point, will probably take you on, at some point, in our little arena here!!
May 6th, 2009 at 2:36
Why is everyone assuming we’ll play Barca in the final? My money is firmly with Chelsea to edge it 2-1 in a thrilling encounter, with goals from Malouda, Henry and Drogba in that order. Barca don’t have a plan B for when they fail to break down teams, and this Chelsea team is probably as hungry as you can be.
May 6th, 2009 at 2:42
Craig, just realizing that your gonna be a Dad. Congrats, my man. Your life is now gonna get very interesting! (and busy)!!
May 6th, 2009 at 2:45
With all the talk of kids and tonights celebrations I wonder if anyone has seen this article.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1177763/United-boss-Sir-Alex-Fergusons-grandchildren-badly-hurt-head-car-crash.html
all i can say is that I hope and pray that both the two children and darrens ex-wife are ok.
May 6th, 2009 at 2:58
@Traverse: Fletcher’s red was slightly harsh, but not entirely undeserved. You don’t go in on a player from behind, in the box, and especially at an angle where the ball is hidden by the attacking player from the refs view. It was a penalty, and by virture of flecth being the last man and denying fabregas a scoring chance, a red card. simply a tackle devoid of common sense; should have just let him score. sure the ref could have exercised more lenience, fletch should have used better judgment under the circumstances.
that said, its unfortunate he will miss the final, he certainly deserved some part in it.
May 6th, 2009 at 2:59
@Kez: Of course, Kez. This is life at its worst. I will be thinking good things for all involved her!!
May 6th, 2009 at 4:06
Hey folks – honest question:
While the red card is obviously very disappointing, and yellow should have been enough, I thought it was a pretty clear foul. Yes Darren got the ball, but only after his right thigh had made obviously contact with Fabregas’ left leg – and you can’t go through someone to get the ball. What am I seeing wrong?
It reminds me of the Spurs game, when a lot of United fans agreed with the call because they thought Gomes touched Carrick before the ball (I actually didn’t agree… I may need to tint my glasses a darker shade of red after thinking both of these calls should have gone against United!). What’s the difference?
PS – Rome here we come!!!
May 6th, 2009 at 4:34
@Craig Mc: Congrats to you on the great news.
@Grognard: It takes a lot of courage to accept that, so good job.
Great day overall. Tough luck for Fletch to be honest, but we couldn’t have everything going our way. To be honest at 1st I thought it was Vidic and my heart almost stopped. Great game from all of the guys and especially from Ronaldo. When the free kick went in I thought I am dreaming. Shity is next and it’s another big occasion. Gunners will be back for revenge very soon, so we should try to finish EPL before that.
May 6th, 2009 at 4:34
@Nino: Barcelona is a great team but with their two starting center backs out of the game I will be shocked if they march into the Emirates and beat Chelsea. I don’t think they have the metal or the physical ability to do it. I also don’t believe that the two teams on the road will win the second leg ties. United already one, I doubt that lightning will strike twice. From a kit look, the game will be an exact duplicate of last year in Moscow. United red and Chelsea blue.
May 6th, 2009 at 4:40
@Redrich: He’s far from over mate. He is still doing a great job with Milan and it really upsets me and bothers me how so many United fans have betrayed him and turned their collective backs on him when he didn’t turn his back on us. He never wanted out, he just made the decision to marry a Spice Tramp and life went all surreal and pear shaped on him afterwards. Fergie is the man who must always answer the lingering question regarding Becks. No matter what his reasons, right or wrong, Beckham is a United legend and a player that gave his all for the club and for his country and you and others should show him not only a lot of appreciation but a lot more respect. You talk about him like he was an ex Liverpool or Arsenal player or John Terry. It disgusts me and it really is low. How quickly we forget.
May 6th, 2009 at 4:43
@Redrich: I agree. I love the little guy but he clearly has no place in Fergie’s plans and so therefore, I’d like the lad to be sold to a team where he will get a good chance to play and show what he has on a consistent basis. We should still get around 10 to 12 million for him I think and that could go towards a future keeper or defensive gritty midfielder.
May 6th, 2009 at 5:04
@Liam: That was a great link, thanks. What a breath of fresh air to listen to a heated, passionated and intelligent panel discussion and debate about the game from people who know what the Hell they are talking about. Setanta is a joke especially when Steve McMuppet and others come on with their pro Liverpool bias and the pro London bias from ex Arse and Tottenham stiffs. BBC is a total joke not even worth discussing and for poor blokes like myself who have to listen to three Neanderthal know nothings talk football for ESPN is just more than my heart and mind can take. This Irish show was a breath of fresh air and I’d love to see more of it. Reminded me of those classic Grognard vs JB vs Liam vs Craig debates that for me are the lifeblood of Red Rants.
May 6th, 2009 at 5:05
@Liam: Grahm: where did you manage?
Eamon: I havent managed anywhere, I have managed to stay alive for the past 63.5 years.
hahahahahahha thats quality.
May 6th, 2009 at 5:07
@Redrich: Did you honestly believe that I would take United over my kids if I had any? My God mate, I was joking.
One would have to be a total ass clown and a psycho to choose a football team over family period. 
May 6th, 2009 at 5:12
@Grognard: ESPN is hit and miss, Derek Rae is class, tommy is a clown. I dont know who the fuck adrien healy is, but Hislop is atleast decent. I easily prefer the ESPN pundits over the jokes on Fox Soccer channel. I dont know if you guys get that dreadful channel in Canada but the pundits are God awful.
May 6th, 2009 at 5:14
@michael: Who is everyone? Most on here seem to think it will be Chelsea and i even was bold enough to choose Chelsea before the Semi-Finals began. Barca are physically out matched like Arsenal was today. They will be missing the their two center half’s and Chelsea will cross ball after ball and free kick after free kick into that box to take advantage of the height and heading ability of Ballack, Drogba, Terry and others and they will come out of their with a 2-1 win. Sounds closer than it will be. Barca will score a late goal to make it interesting. Barca has skill , style and class but like their best player Messi, they are undersized and soft.
And no Spanish side is going to beat Prem side this year because the top 4 of the EPL are superior because of the physical and gritty nature of the English game which prepares them well for such contests. Look at last weeks Super Classico between the two best teams in Spain. 6-2 and not an ounce of grit and guile in the game. Physical football was nowhere to be seen and the defending was awful. Spain may play pretty football but they cannot match the EPL for results.
May 6th, 2009 at 5:19
@Grognard: Im with you tho, I throughly enjoyed that link, and I would love to have heard the full discussion. It kinda reminded me of Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley going at it after NBA games. its refreshing to hear knowledgable people speak openly about the game they just watched.
May 6th, 2009 at 5:19
@Kez: Sad news but thank God they are ok albeit a little sore and beat up. Kind of wakes us all up and puts football in proper perspective doesn’t it? Kudos to Fergie for being able to do his job while having that in the back of his mind. Couldn’t have been easy to manage with a heavy heart knowing that he would want to be with the grandkids.
May 6th, 2009 at 5:21
@Roge9: He got the ball mate. I’ve seen it a million times. If you get the ball and you weren’t going out to injure with a two legged suicide slide than it’s fine. In a worse case scenario you give the penalty and offer the lad a yellow card but to red card him for a non foul where there was minimal contact is just rubbish and I believe the referee will admit to it and have the red rescinded. It is the proper thing to do.
May 6th, 2009 at 5:25
@Jim: What were you watching man, some comedy troupe recreation of the event? He never made contact with Fabregas until after he redirected the ball. It wasn’t a foul and for Gods sake even Arsene Wenger said it was a harsh call. Arsene Wenger who has never said a kind or positive thing about United in 15 years. It matters not if he was behind him because he cleanly got the ball and never slid in with an attempt to injure. If he had slid in with spikes up and got the ball and then collided, I can see a lot of refs giving it then, but even then it probably deserves nothing more than a yellow because he got the ball first and the contact afterwards was very soft indeed.
May 6th, 2009 at 5:47
@Orez: Thanks for that. One thing I take a great deal of pride in is admitting when I’m wrong (which is a very rare occurrence
) and giving somebody credit even if I have been harsh towards him in the past.
A lot of people need to understand that I have been a United fan from well before Fergie. I have followed Fergie’s tenure with the club and I have said on many occasions that he is without a shadow of the doubt, the greatest manager the sport has ever known. Now having said that, it has never been easy for me to then write scathing criticisms of the man like I have this season and a few times last season. What nerve, to write criticisms of a man who has won so much? Yet I have because I have the belief and conviction that I too know something about the game and because like Fergie I have a king sized pair of bollocks and I am not afraid to do so. That doesn’t always make me write but I think I have had some valid points over the past few years. As great as Fergie is, he is far from perfect and like everyone on this planet, he makes mistakes too. Just call me one of those who reports on those mistakes and calls him on them.
Although some may argue, I am not a fickle individual who is prone to moments of anger or euphoria and who can jump on and off the bandwagon in an instant. When I criticize or when I praise, it comes with a lot of thought and feeling. Above all I am fair and honest once I have let my temper calm down. Today was a day I learned a mighty lesson. That no matter how much I might feel I am right, no matter how much I have watched studied and read about the great game, and no matter how much I care, the bottom line is I know nothing about the game in comparison to the great man in charge of United. To have questioned him or criticized him in the past may have been right or wrong but in the end, he deserved more respect and the benefit of the doubt because in the end, he always seems to get us to the promised land. His track record is second to none and for that reason, I will never ever loudly criticize his decisions again. Oh I may question him a little because it’s hard to totally shut me up, but the bottom line is, he knows what the Hell he is doing. The only thing that I will stand up for and disagree with him on is the change in our style of play to a more Italian style that is slower and is based on ball possession and I still question some of his evaluations of players. As far as our style of play goes, bottom line is it works, but it isn’t always pretty. And under Fergie we have had 22 years of very pretty football and so I am not a major advocate of change because I am a believer that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. But then again if Fergie has shown any kink in his armor, it has been that he should have won more in Europe. These changes may allow him to win one or more European crowns before the sad day comes when he packs it in and we are left cold in the wilderness with a replacement that no matter who he is, isn’t fit to shine the great man’s shoes. And you can take that praise of Sir Alex Ferguson to the bank my friends. Because the truth i finally out. I love the man.
May 6th, 2009 at 5:52
@johnsom33: Derek Rae is class and he’s leaving after the final. I for one am one of the few who doesn’t have a problem with Tommy but the studio panel with Healy, Hislop and Michalich is comical in their lack of knowledge. All of them w