The audio, where a United fan questioned David Gill for his contrarian remarks, has been heard, I’m sure, by all and sundry. Well done by that fan to go that far in the first place, however, I do have a gripe with said fan for not being, um, a little more prepared.
Right. It looks like our match previewer is AWOL so let’s keep it short here. Consider this an open discussion thread — predictions, pre-match whines, moans, cheers; everything.
We lost our last match against Villa, but this United side is streets ahead of the huffing, puffing, lump of blob that was getting by on crutches.
On the day we went to the Emirates to spank Arsenal the reserves set out to Norway to play a Norwegian first division side, Stabaek. The side was packed with summer signings like Diouf and Obertan as well as loan returnee, Rodrigo Possebon.
United reserves ran out comfortable winners — 3-0 the final score — with Mame Biram Diouf netting two of them.
Here are brief highlights of the match as well as goals (towards the end of the video)
This was our lineup: United reserve side for game vs Stabaek: Amos, Gray, Brown, Dudgeon, Gill, Obertan, Evans, Norwood, James, Brandy, Diouf. [via @bauck on twitter]
United continued their dream run of the past few weeks; the ten days has been compared to the famous period in 1999 in this Richard Williams piece, but let’s not elevate this to those levels just yet. However, yesterday’s performance — if not the string of them over the past ten days — could perhaps be termed the watershed moment of our season, if this leads us to something of significance, come May.
We kick off today’s preview with a brief word on David Gill’s interview with BBC Sport [read it in full, here]
In the interview he talks Rooney, Ferguson, the ownership, the transfer funds, among other things, and it’s unlikely we’re bound to know something earth-shatteringly new. Such it goes.
A demolition of Hull, made complete especially in the last ten minutes, should hold United in good stead ahead of more challenging encounters against City and Arsenal.
Wayne Rooney was majestic, and not just his four goals, as he looks well on course to comfortably exceed his past season scoring records.
Ian King links us to rare footage from a match between United and West Bromwich Albion. United lost 5-3, but it's always a delight to be able to watch such rare and extended footage from the past. Also interviews with Bryan Robson, Ron Atkinson and Cyrille Regis.
Gary Neville could be in trouble with the Football Association after he reacted to Carlos Tevez's first goal in the Carling Cup semi-final by raising his middle finger towards the Manchester City striker.
If true — and the evidence says most likely it is — then I don't think there's much to complain. Although, considering the stuff players say to each other and the ref these days (easily lip-readable stuff) you'd think there's some inconsistency in applying the rules here.
A weird one from the Sun. Which is why I intend to be wary. It's a bit odd the owners would go, cap in hand so to speak, to the players. When things start going badly you'll see a deluge of these stories. So best not to get carried away, and wait and watch.
Nestling in the small print of the 322-page bond prospectus are provisions allowing the Glazers to take £70m out of the club's cash reserves (includes the money they have received from selling players such as Ronaldo.) The document also reserves for the Glazers the legal right to pay £25m out of the club in a dividend, and half of what is termed "consolidated net income".
"I wouldn't celebrate if I scored. It would take me a split second to compose myself and remind myself I couldn't celebrate" How would you react if he scored?