Sep 10
Benitez Smokescreen Over Duo | United’s Champions’ League Squad Announced
Rafa Benitez is still hopeful over his star duo — Gerrard and Torres — returning for our trip to Anfield. This comes in the face of Gerrard ruling himself out and Torres being out with a hamstring injury. I would think a hamstring injury takes about two to four weeks to heal and even if he does make it, I’d suspect he will be partly fit. But I do trust Rio and Vida to tackle the El Nino threat. Rio would be clearing up space in his back pocket in preparation for Anfield.
The centre back has been laid low with a stiff neck, although it looks like he might play in today’s snoozefest friendly world cup qualifier against a good looking Croatia.
Some of our other lads are also expected to represent their respective countries. Here’s hoping for an injury free outing for them.
Also, the club has announced the Champions’ League squad:
Goalkeepers
No. Name
1 Edwin van der Sar
12 Ben Foster
29 Tomasz Kuszczak
38 Ron-Robert Zieler *
40 Ben Amos *
Defenders
No. Name
2 Gary Neville
3 Patrice Evra
5 Rio Ferdinand
6 Wes Brown
15 Nemanja Vidi?
20 Fabio Da Silva
21 Rafael Da Silva
22 John O’Shea
23 Jonny Evans *
36 David Gray *
39 James Chester *
42 Richard Eckersley *
Midfielders
No. Name
4 Owen Hargreaves
8 Anderson
11 Ryan Giggs
13 Ji-Sung Park
16 Michael Carrick
17 Nani
18 Paul Scholes
19 Daniel Welbeck *
24 Darren Fletcher
28 Darron Gibson *
33 Sam Hewson *
34 Rodrigo Possebon
35 Thomas Cleverley *
Forwards
No. Name
7 Cristiano Ronaldo
9 Dimitar Berbatov
10 Wayne Rooney
26 Manucho
32 Carlos Tévez
[source: UEFA.com]
Some of the names make interesting reading. Observe the number of goal keepers, and Danny Welbeck as midfielder (of course, I believe that must be a mistake).
There is some Berbatov story, if you’re interested — on him never swearing and always carrying a copy of the Bible. I don’t know whether to get excited at this or yawn. But he says that he’s learned to behave himself and change from being the petulant man he was during his younger days. We shall have to wait to see it on the pitch, but I already see a desire in his eyes when I saw his first interview to MUTV. I hope I’m proven right and he turns out to be a smashing player for us.
Other than that, it’s another dry day of international friendlies. If you find them interesting though, then the day won’t be quite as dry as it promises to be for me.
*Yawn*
Related items from Red Rants:
- Manchester United’s Munich tribute on 6 Feb 2008
- United’s Tongue Twisting Duo and What they Mean
- Manchester United 07/08 Squad Numbers released
- Manchester United’s 08/09 Champions’ League Opponents
- On Manchester United’s ‘Greatest Ever’ Squad
Tags: Daily Roundup
September 10th, 2008 at 10:29
the asterisks are for the “player list B”
whatever that means
September 10th, 2008 at 10:33
Really looking forward to our annual daylight robbery spree at anfield, bring it on! Fairly confident that we can maintain our dominance in scouseland, but i cant wait to see our new No.9 Berbatov. I have been a fan of him for a long time now, and i’m delighted to see him don the red shirt. I hope he fits in explosively on Sat. It will be interesting to see when the slave is fit, how they work together with Roovez, hopefully lots of one twos, deft little passes into space. It will be good to have another point of focus for our attack, giving opp defenders a nightmare trying to track movement and space. No doubt that Torres when fully fit is handfull for most prem backs, but not our two! Hoping for a better game than last year, but i’d settle for the same result and an awful game. I’m working Sat, but will hope to slope off and get maybe the second half in, at least. I think the midfield will be the key in this game. Prediction United to win 2-1, goals by Berba, Rooney and keane, but i wouldn’t write off John O Shea either!
” steve gerrard, gerrard, he kisses the badge on his chest then hands in a transfer request, steve gerrard, gerrard” citehs next target!
September 10th, 2008 at 10:37
The match against Croatia is actually a world cup qualifier.
September 10th, 2008 at 10:40
England’s game against Croatia is a World Cup qualifer, not a friendly.
September 10th, 2008 at 10:52
Well,I wont be putting much expectation on Berbatov because i dont think he is very fit at the moment. His best hope is a 2nd half cameo. Roovez will start because up to now he hasnt trained with the squad so lets not burden him unfairly. It seems liverpool had to drop hyppia from their champions league squad due to club trained and association trained player rules. This is due to their heavy importing of players from abroad,whilst we had the luxury of including youngsters like the silvas, rodrigo,wellbeck etc since we have plenty of club trained and association trained players eg scholes,giggs,neville,brown,ronaldo being club trained as per uefa guidelines,i think. Carrick,rio,being some of our association trained players. According to reports,our rivals fall short significantly in this regard. I will check exact reports just now
September 10th, 2008 at 10:52
@RedAddict: agh!. Like it makes a differece!. They’re gonna lose and the press will waste paper criticizing them for the next millenuim inseat of making up the usual stories about Peter Kenyon getting jiggy with David Gill and Manchester City buying McDonald’s…
I think that the club may only take 25 players to a match and the “player list B” is a bit like a reserve (so that you don’t have to play with 24 players if one gets injured/suspended, etc.).
Does anyone think that we will see Dimi, Carlitos and Wazza play together at Anfield? I see Carlitos playing on the flank with Wazza and Dimi in attack.
Rooney – better than Ronaldo
September 10th, 2008 at 10:53
Really very very long and boring period, can’t wait till Saturday. Bring it on damn Poolers
September 10th, 2008 at 10:58
@Andrei: It matters to me I want England to qualify!!
I hope we play all 3 with Rooney and Tevez either side of Berbatov, with three in the middle depending on fitness, I have a bad feeling about Sat, but I had the same for the EPL final, so lets hope we smash them to pieces, literally!
September 10th, 2008 at 11:11
According to uefa rules,each club needs to have at least 8 ‘homegrown’ players. Four,club trained (those who between the ages of 15 and 21 joined us and played for at least 3 full seasons with us),and four association trained( same age range,but played in the same national league ie epl for at least 3 full seasons). Arsenal could only come up with 5 homegrown players,yet we have 7 in only the club trained category. The likes of rio,foster,carrick and vds are in the association trained category. The only player with a number who was ineligible is Macheda because he has only been here for a year or less. This shows that we are a very well organised club. Look at our first team. How many english players are in it? Then british. We are planning ahead for the future when platini’s foreign qoutas come into full force. Cheers to arsenal and liverpool. Viva Roovez
September 10th, 2008 at 11:21
Andrei-Starting up front will be Roovez. If Berbatov is on the bench he would have done well. The guy is seriously short of match fitness. He hasnt trained with the rest of the team. He will replace Rooney or Tevez in the last 20 minutes i think. And the idea of frequently playing the trio together can be actually counter productive. We should,imo,play two up,to make sure we give the zillion midfield options we have,a chance. Also it makes our strikers work extra hard rather than be complacent knowing that they all will start.
September 10th, 2008 at 11:22
Viva Roovez
September 10th, 2008 at 11:26
Btw for all the rodrigo advocates out there,the kid scored an unstoppable 20 yard screamer last night for the reserves against Birmingham city reserves. Viva Roovez
September 10th, 2008 at 11:31
@Jay wire: He has been playing for Bulgaria so can’t be that unfit.
September 10th, 2008 at 11:37
As far as I’m aware, Bulgaria are not in action today. That must mean that Berbatov came back to carrington after their game on the weekend. Does anyone know if this is the case?
September 10th, 2008 at 11:42
Yep, he came back after the weekend game (or was supposed to). Viva Roovez.
September 10th, 2008 at 11:43
By the way, how did ‘Viva Roovez’ come about?
September 10th, 2008 at 12:03
Leave Berba on the bench at Scouseland if you will, and play Roovez
. I will be very interested to see the outcome!.
They play on the left, they play on the riiight,
Without Ronaldo, our scoring is shite.
September 10th, 2008 at 12:39
@Andrei: It matters to me I want England to qualify!!
I hope we play all 3 with Rooney and Tevez either side of Berbatov, with three in the middle depending on fitness, I have a bad feeling about Sat, but I had the same for the EPL final, so lets hope we smash them to pieces, literally!
@Jay wire: He has been playing for Bulgaria so can’t be that unfit, surely?
September 10th, 2008 at 13:11
friendly against a good looking Croatia.
its not a friendly for god sake
September 10th, 2008 at 13:12
-when will ando score???-
September 10th, 2008 at 13:22
@Craig Mc: he plays in the mid, he plays on the riiiiight, as of today, fletch is the only goal scorer in sight….
too far?
September 10th, 2008 at 14:07
anybody knows where the england croatia match will be telecast for indian viewers?? thanks ppl
September 10th, 2008 at 14:43
@indianred: As far as I know, they aren’t showing it. But if someone does know better, plz let know.
September 10th, 2008 at 14:56
Could Someone pls post a link to the england croatia match ,,PLS somebody
post a link want to see rooney’s performance….CRAIG,RR Somebody pls……
September 10th, 2008 at 15:03
There is some feeling that Gerrard will play on ~Saturday which is not ideal, oh well while his record while playing against us is not good, I personally would rather him out.
September 10th, 2008 at 15:25
we’ll be better off if Gerrard and Torres play as they are usually better without them. When they are on the pitch everything goes through them and they can be easier to shut down.
To everyone saying Berba should be a sub; the only reason a 30m signing shouldn’t start is if he’s injured. We didnt buy him to be an impact sub. Why should he need time to settle in? He has played in the league for the last 2 seasons in one of the fastest attacking teams so he should already be settled. There should only be a settling in period if the player has completely changed culture or if he’s coming back from a relatively long injury.
September 10th, 2008 at 15:27
Will,
, Fletcher is hardly prolific is he?. But your right at the min about him.
September 10th, 2008 at 15:29
Berbatov should and will start!
September 10th, 2008 at 15:32
Its the midfield that is going to win this match at Anfield I believe. If Hargo, Carrick and Andie (all injured) are out, being lightweight, I do not think we will be scoring too many. Maybe the odd goal
.
Anfield is not a place for tricks and flicks either. I will be full blooded this one.
September 10th, 2008 at 15:34
Hi. This is the first time I’m commenting on here in a long time, due to being on an exceptionally long vacation for the last two months (almost), so apologies if I seem a little bit out of touch (and for the off-topic comment which follows).
Firstly, I must say I am ridiculously happy at the purchase of Dimitar Berbatov! I know plenty of people on here have had their say on him in the days following his capture, and will probably find my thoughts on him boring and, for the most part, repetitive of what has probably already been said, but let me add my two pennys worth nevertheless.
An overused cliche perhaps, but I really believe he is the final piece in our complex jigsaw! A striker who can lead the line and simultaneously allows his partner/s (Rooney/Tevez) to play in their rightful positions as support strikers. Somebody who can get another 10-20% out of ‘Roovez’ and bring them into play, supplying plenty of assists for them as well as banging them in himself, all whilst seamlessy slotting into our current system and retaining its flexibility and fluidity. (I doubt that this would be the case with another player, such as Huntelaar or David Villa, who I was personally championing as a potential summer target). Not only that, he will also do all this with a finesse and panache not seen since the days of Cantona. Once again, Fergie has proved he is the master!
A toast to the old timer, if you please!
The final transfer fee of £30.75m does bring tears to the eyes, (I personally would not have paid a penny over £25m max). I will not go into the ethics surrounding this transfer (all this bullshit about tapping him up and speaking to him w/o his clubs permission etc.) as my post is already long enough as it is, but I reckon if we can get at least five glorious and majestic years out of the Bulgarian maestro, he will have been worth every penny indeed.
September 10th, 2008 at 15:44
Maroon 14, I am looking for it myself, because I don’t have Setanta. I haven’t found anywhere though. Justin tv who show the United matches all the time, don’t seem to transmit the england matches, don’t know why?. If I find it on another site, I will post the connection, but no luck so far. Anybody else?????.
Liam, couldn’t agree with you more about Berba mate. Wow did I just say that I agreed with you,
, what a novelty eh Liam.
September 10th, 2008 at 15:47
As for the Liverpool game on Saturday, I would like to see Berbatov playing up front on his own, supported by Rooney and Tevez, with a midfield three of Anderson, Scholes & Hargreaves/Carrick (assuming Ando/Hargos/Carrick are recovered from injury?? – I did say in my previous comment I was a bit out of touch with team news!).
Of course, taking into account our new charge has barely had time to meet and gel with his new teammates, I presume that Berbatov will be started on the bench, and perhaps brought on the 60-70 minute mark (or in the unlikely event that we are a goal down and chasing the game).
Prediction: Yet ANOTHER smash-and-grab 1-0 win for us in another scrappy game. The scorer? I’m gonna stick my head out, and say that this is the perfect stage for our Brazilian midfield magician Anderson (if he plays) to break his duck for us. If he doesn’t play, I’m backing Rooney to grab the winner for us. Although it would be nice to see Scholes score, as I’ve heard that he has never scored at Anfield in his career, a stat which I find shocking to be honest…
September 10th, 2008 at 15:47
I have subscibed to Satanta, is only £6.50 per month for 2 months thay have a half price deal thing!
September 10th, 2008 at 15:54
Stephen did you do this thru setanta themselves, or thru your supplier?
September 10th, 2008 at 15:56
@Craig Mc: No mate, I went to the Setanta online a did it via the internet, it was up and running 20mins later!
September 10th, 2008 at 15:57
We’re with virgin tv, but the girlfriend will go feckin manic, if I add setanta, even for only two months. I will have to find a pub that is showing setanta. That in itself is going to cause a massive bust up though, because she already feels United are my lover not her
.
September 10th, 2008 at 16:01
@Craig Mc: She is right mate!!
September 10th, 2008 at 16:09
Stephen,
, what makes you think that mate?. Women are the biggest hypocrites sometimes Bro. She limited me at one point from being on the web blogs too much. Since she got her laptop though, she is into all the online shopping, girly sites, and talking to her friends all bloody time. But she sees nothing wrong with that 
, bloody typical eh mate?. She’s too gorgeous to leave though, so usually get her own way 
.
September 10th, 2008 at 16:15
I better go and get some work done
. Lucky I work for myself from home isn’t it, my office is my sanctuary, and nobody to tell me what to do.
September 10th, 2008 at 16:15
@Craig Mc: They always do matey! The Setanta deal is pretty good, you need to sell her the concept that you can watch it together, bottle of wine, takeaway, rohypnol oh sorry thats just me!!
September 10th, 2008 at 16:25
Stephen, rohypnol
, crime crime crime 
. Behave yourself eh bro?. The GF detests football, so the wine etc wouldn’t wash. Your babe seems a gem though, even wanting to go to matches with you. Just my luck that I have a sports hating women on my hands. I wanted to try and buy my own season ticket this year, because United had quite a few that were not renewed. Well it was a right tantrum of emotional fireworks display in our home, bloody warfare mate 
. Not as if I can’t afford it financially, I well can. But had to concede on that one mate. I don’t get it, because I usually get tics for home and away no matter. But this season she is demanding that I compromise and give up the away matches. I compromise, she doesn’t know the meaning of the bloody word. Like I said though, she’s female, gorgeous, not to be missed for me. And doesn’t she know it 
.
September 10th, 2008 at 16:31
@Craig Mc: Ha ha, I am pretty lucky as she is away a lot too! but she does love her footy which is great, I do want to discourage her from comming to too many games, as well its time with the boys!
September 10th, 2008 at 16:33
@Will: well, technically, Vidic is on the score sheet as well.
September 10th, 2008 at 16:40
All of you who want a link to the live footy tonight, go over to Republik Mankunia.com site, into the Berba bible reader thread, and you’ll find a live link there. Hope you all get it sorted. Gotta go, work calls.
September 10th, 2008 at 16:55
@Liam: Better without gerrard and torres lol how’d you figure that one out???
September 10th, 2008 at 17:20
@Liam: Liverpool are crap without those two onfield. They’re not that great with them, but without they have no threats what so ever.
Who’s gonna cause problems… Keane, Kuyt, Benayoun? Maybe Babel can because of his pace, but I don’t see it. He’s never been dangerous against us before.
Yes, everything goes through Gerrard and Torres, but without them nothing goes through nobody, so they’re certainly worse off without them.
September 10th, 2008 at 17:23
Friendlies?!!! Big mistake, its World Cup qualifires and England play Croatia, who by the way the reason England didnt play in Euro 2008. I dont care anyway Saudi Arabia play the UAE tonight too.
September 10th, 2008 at 17:26
@saudi red devil: Er that should be a cracker.
September 10th, 2008 at 17:26
Yes, my bad. It’s a world cup qualifier. Something went wrong between my mind and my keyboard.
September 10th, 2008 at 17:44
Anyone watchin the russia v wales match? pobrenyak is dynamite!!! pity he got that knee injury before the euros, the guy woulda terrorised defenders at the euros…
September 10th, 2008 at 17:49
@Red Ranter: When did Welbeck become a midfielder?
September 10th, 2008 at 18:24
welbeck is a striker by the way…
September 10th, 2008 at 18:46
my team for sat
vds
brown rio vida evra
carrick scholes andy
rooney tevez
berba
bench=nani neville fletch rodrigo rafael oshea(just in case)and giggs
my prediction of fergies team
vds
brown rio vida evra
fletch scholes carrick giggs
rooney tevez
what are the chances of fergie dropping a scotish person whose scored more goals than torres this season??
September 10th, 2008 at 19:59
John O’Shea had a really good game at CB today for Ireland in the 0-0 draw against Montenegro. He made one fantastic last ditch tackle and looked very assured all round. Ireland weren’t great but still probably should have won.
September 10th, 2008 at 20:23
England should’ve had a penalty…. great ball from Rooney to Walcott there..
September 10th, 2008 at 20:41
Berbatov starting. Well we will have 2 see on matchday but im convinced that saf will start with Roovez,with Dimi benchwise. Rooney will come off for Berbatov in the second half. Why? He hasnt trained with the squad and he will only have 2 days to do so. Seeing that both Nani and the lately impressive Park are available,I cant see three up top. Rather it will be a mid 4,with scholes,park,nani and probably o’shea or fletcher. Roovez on the business end of things. Who would u rather have come on in the second half? Rooney for Berba or Berba for Rooney? And dont even dream that they will start as a trio at Anfield. What options do we then have on the bench? Clearly its logical for Berbatov to start on the bench. Viva Roovez
September 10th, 2008 at 20:51
@Jay wire: Rooney will play 90 mins unless he gets injured. I guarantee it. I think Tevez may start on the bench like he did in a good few games last season. Btw is Anderson confirmed as injured? And wasn’t Carrick meant to be out for 3 weeks? Hargo should be fit by now also. What the hell is up with these injuries?
September 10th, 2008 at 21:18
Rooney has scored for England
September 10th, 2008 at 21:37
John Terry just faked being kicked in the head instead of trying to stop a goal. wanker.
September 10th, 2008 at 21:39
@Krishnan: damn I knew I should I should have watched that game
September 10th, 2008 at 21:41
All those Rooney bashers out there, he was outstanding in the second half…
September 10th, 2008 at 22:03
Viva Roo. Viva Roovez
September 10th, 2008 at 22:04
oh my god, england have beaten croatia, 4-1, and it should of been 5 if it weren’t for the ref, what a game, whaht a game. now to all you rooney fans, i can admit he had a great game, now he needs to be consistent and make up for the last 3 years, if he could do that, then yea, i’ll join the bandwagon.
September 10th, 2008 at 22:09
Since Rooney has seemed to find his form, the scousers must be shitting their pants.
September 10th, 2008 at 22:09
Liam- What makes u convinced that Tevez deserves to start on the bench in favour of Berbatov? Or even Rooney. I mean,he just finds himself on the bench because Berbatov has arrived. I disagree. Tevez will and rightly so start. Berbatov will be on the bench because logic demands it. I see neither party of Roovez being on the bench from the start. If u have any logical argument against this please advise. Btw,england is crap ,but The Roon is the business. Viva Roovez
September 10th, 2008 at 22:14
@Jay wire: 4-1 against Croatia begs to differ…
September 10th, 2008 at 22:15
Dan- make up for the last 3 years? Indeed. Sometimes when people bash Rooney,they tend to be ridiculous. And im not necessarily taking a jibe at u mate,but i think thats ridiculous. U mean the last 3 years when he has been improving on his productivity to the obvious detriment of the team? Yeah, he needs to make up for that.
September 10th, 2008 at 22:20
Dan-Oh,and the England thing is based on many years of watching the comatose inducing festivities called England matches. Not because they managed to comprehensively beat Croatia tonight. They are still crap to me and i quit watching them because i value my mind.
September 10th, 2008 at 22:21
@Jay wire: I never said he deserved to be on the bench but I think if SAF has to leave one of them out he will leave out Tevez. Tevez was left out of the starting lineup in plenty of games last season and had the energy to give us a huge boost off the bench. I can see Fergie starting Berba so unless he plays a 4-3-3 I can see Tevez on the bench
September 10th, 2008 at 22:21
England won!
And 4-1 too! 
Seriously, Rooney was on fire.
September 10th, 2008 at 22:24
@Liam: I really doubt Fergie dropping Tevez for an important game like Saturdays game. He is a big game goal scorer so I really think he will play against Liverpool. Last season goals in big games: Liverpool, Chelski, Spurs, Roma, Lyon and Sporting. He needs to play on Saturday.
September 10th, 2008 at 22:35
Is Ronaldo on the CL list just for shits and giggles?
September 10th, 2008 at 22:36
I watched highlights of the England game and regret doing so. Why are commentators so smug about everything? Listening to this you’d swear that they were shoe ins for the WC. Expect the media to start the build up for a huge fall.
September 10th, 2008 at 22:43
Feck me, I’m a bit Lager brain dead, so excuse any ramblings. To all the Roon fans, who will undoubtedly get carried away by his 2nd half performance tonight, as Jaywire seems to be sceptical about England, so I will reserve my judgement about the Roon until I see whether there is a continued consistency. I would say to me mates Liam and Gabriel, that I hope that this does mean that the Roon is coming back to form, cos that will be good for him and United. I wait for a few more matches to see. Also controversial as it may be, I believe that the national kick up the arse for Rooney, including the United faithful’s kick up the arse comments, may have actually got the message through to him. Then again, I don’t expect the Rooney faithful to agree with this
.
Stephen, can’t feckin believe it mate. The GF did the unthinkable tonight. In great secrecy, she had Setanta added to out tv programmes, had filled the fridge with lagers, and invited a couple of my mates round. Their GF’s and her, were in another room watching Mama Mia or something. It’s not my birthday, so don’t know what happened. You didn’t email her did you Bro
.
September 10th, 2008 at 22:48
Liam, who the feck gave you permission to rain on the England teams parade
?. Watch the Irish mate, and let us have our moment. We long suffering fans deserve it.
The English players deserve credit for the way they played tonight, after all the vilifying they have put up with.
September 10th, 2008 at 22:51
@dan(u-ol): What do u mean by the last 3 years???? What would u take Rooney scoring in every other game and England/Utd losing or Rooney playing well and contributing to the team winning the game???
September 10th, 2008 at 22:54
Krishnan, Rooney scoring in every other game AND England winning all of them, not hard is it
.
September 10th, 2008 at 22:56
@Craig Mc: Yeah agree with you mate. One of the commentators said that according to Capello the England players like playing away from home because there wouldn’t be a lot of booing. Of course they deserve this moment but already the press are out calling this team world beaters, setting them up for another fall from top, when they lose again.
September 10th, 2008 at 22:59
Krishnan, I don’t think the press would make that mistake again mate. Is that the truth, or just the way the anti England sceptics are seeing it?.
September 10th, 2008 at 23:05
Liam-I think this whole super-sub tag that people continue to place on Tevez is grossly misplaced. If anything,the reason he was on the bench last term was to avoid burnout and fatigue. The guy has been playing football almost non stop since he moved to Corinthians. He had no form of pre-season and was rushed into the team and saf admitted that it was not his intention. Tevez has a bigger and more durable engine than either Rooney or Park. And that means he should not be an Ole gunnar. So may people please drop this super sub nonsense. And he is a goalscorer too. He was prolific at Corinthians and if given time he will be at OT. And to the game on Sat,all forms of logic point to Berbatov on the bench.
September 10th, 2008 at 23:10
Craig, make sure it is not your two month anniversary or something like that… you will be in deep if you forgot some important date!.
Rooney was quite outstanding today; it was not something totally unexpected, really. He is at his best when he playes between midfield and attack and when he sees a lot of the ball, so given that both conditions were met today, he did what he would do on any other day when both conditions would be met…
I think, like I said before that Tevez will play in a Ronaldo-like position for the Liverpool game (drifting winger). That would allow Rooney to partner up with Dimi and let Carlitos play in the big match he so loves!
Rooney – better than Ronaldo
September 10th, 2008 at 23:13
@Craig Mc: They’ve really started doing it mate. There’s already an article in the Guardian by Paul Doyle, “Has Capello given birth to a new England team” and in it he says that Capello can brag about it. This is the same press that bashed him for lack of improvement till the last game with Andorra. This England team can be good, especially if they have Hargreaves in the middle and someone better than Heskey (thats not a tough choice isn’t it?)… I support England even though I’m not English, so I want them to do well…
BTW Portugal lost 2-3 to Denmark. They conceded two goals very late. Nani scored though….
September 10th, 2008 at 23:15
And i think Rooney is one of the most productive players in Europe. When he is failing to score he makes sure that he makes a goal. And personally,from a team perspective, assists are simply equivalent to goals. Coupled with the fact that he keeps improving his goal ratio,even with constant positional changes which are obviously detrimental. And,injuries,and the encouragement he gets from the media and fans. I mean i just read an article about rooney not scoring for england in a year. So bloody what? Give the guy a break. Viva Roovez
September 10th, 2008 at 23:21
Krishnan- Nani is on fire for Portugal isnt he. I believe he has now put 3 in the back of the net,in his last three games. Shame that his team lost though. I really watching them play. They dont seem to play the pragmatic and dull football that European teams do.
September 10th, 2008 at 23:25
Nani seems to have his scoring boots on. Everything seems to be falling into place for Saturday
September 10th, 2008 at 23:26
@dan(u-ol): Stupid pathetic comment but what do you expect from a 12 yr old. Hope your in bed you have school tomorrow…
Great result for England but lets be honest we were gifted the first goal by a defensive error and then dominated the 2nd half when playing 10 men. Still the confidence looked high and hopefully we can build on this.
So to Liverpool saturday, I think we should play Rooney, Tevez and Berbs. Then play Anderson, Scholes + Hargreaves(if fit?) in the middle. Lets get at them because from what i’ve seen of Liverpool this season they are there for the taking.
September 10th, 2008 at 23:30
Jaywire, how much is Rooney or his PR paying you mate
.
Andre, feck me, thanks mate!. I have been with the GF for 2 years now, so I know it is not remembrance days, birthdays or Christmas
. I know she has something she wants though, but then again Bro, I may just be doubting her good intentions – HELP. This aint happened before, but her female mate let slip, that she may have been reading this blog. So she knows all my convo. 
, it worked for me though, so no complaints.
September 10th, 2008 at 23:35
Ryan, no need for that mate
.
September 10th, 2008 at 23:39
@Craig Mc: Yea I know, slip of the finger on the keyboard….. apologies! Does need to stop making stupid comments though.
September 10th, 2008 at 23:40
Craig mc- A lot less than The Slave and his bondage team are paying u!
September 10th, 2008 at 23:42
Viva Roovez. Cheers
September 10th, 2008 at 23:48
rooney just is happy he doesnt need to be the main scoring threat for us anymore now that we have berbatov, so he is showing what he can do when he gets to play where he wants!
haha (wishing for a smashing win for united this sat)
September 10th, 2008 at 23:53
Jaywire, bondage team ?. You been watching too much X rated tv mate
. I know how bitter you are about Ronnie, but that is your business 
. I believe Ronnie has been great for us, and RESPONSIBLE for our CL and PL trophies last year. Any UNited fan who thinks differently, and if they are honest they won’t, then just stay in denial. You will find out when Ronnie goes Jaywire. I forgive and forget, you obviously dont. But hey that’s life. There are many who would agree with you. But as I have found, those people who are willing to Forgive and forget, are far between.
They play on the left, they play on the right,
withour Ronaldo, our scoring is shite.
September 10th, 2008 at 23:55
JB, where the feck are you mate, when once again we need an abjudicator with wisdom –
.
September 10th, 2008 at 23:55
Anyone who thinks Carlos should start on the bench on sat obviously hasn’t been watching any of the matches so far this year. He has been playing out of his skin for us
September 10th, 2008 at 23:59
Drew Vader, your the man. Couldn’t agree with you more mate. I do not believe Fergie will leave a 30 + million player on the bench though. The sensible Ferg usually goes for freshness after international games. So I wouldn’t be surprised if he plays those who have not been heavily involved in Internationals, or long haul travellers. I cannot imagine he wouldn’t play Berba, but we will wait and see.
September 11th, 2008 at 0:02
Wink, I’m with you there mate
.
September 11th, 2008 at 0:05
Ryan,
, I understand all about those slipping fingers on the keyboard. I got the same slipping infection sometimes 
.
September 11th, 2008 at 0:06
@Craig Mc: Going by that Rooney should be the one who should be on the bench… Tevez returned early and I guess Berbatov did as well…
September 11th, 2008 at 0:08
Krishnan, I suppose. But it really depends on who Fergie feels is fresh. I just hope we batter the pool, whoever plays
. I am sure you do too.
September 11th, 2008 at 0:14
Rooney and Tevez. Rooney just played a blinder for England and Tevez is on form. Berbatov has had an uncertain pre-season dropped for Tottenham’s early games and presumabely has had limited time to train with the United team.
England were a joy to watch. Walcott’s pace just ripped Croatia apart and I had no idea he could finish like that. Rooney buzzed playing as a support striker even if apart from his goal he hardly looked like scoring. But then at United we have Ronaldo and hopefully now Berbatov to score our goals and Rooney can continue to excel in providing assists
September 11th, 2008 at 0:31
Berbatov and rooney to start at anfield based purely on the fact that they are both better players than tevez. Everyone is fresh right now as it’s the start of the season. Berbatov done all the pre-season work with spurs and has had a few games under his belt so i don’t see him being unfit, and i don’t think him having had no time to train with the united squad makes a difference.
September 11th, 2008 at 0:45
Here is the link for the Nani goal! http://www.tvgolo.com/football.php?subaction=showfull&id=1221079500&archive=&start_from=&ucat=48&
September 11th, 2008 at 0:54
@tevez: no offence but that comment is so ironic
September 11th, 2008 at 1:10
@Red Diablo: Sadly he was very average for the rest of the match
September 11th, 2008 at 1:10
@Red Diablo: Sadly he was very average for the rest of the match
and was kinda responsible for one of Denmark’s goals.
September 11th, 2008 at 1:19
@Liam: it really is lol
September 11th, 2008 at 1:42
highlights for the england game? (preferably in english but im not too picky haha)
September 11th, 2008 at 2:37
Tevez…I couldn’t disagree with you more mate. How the fuck do we know if Berba is going to come in and set the world alight as the second coming of Cantona? We dont. But what I know 100% is that we wouldn’t have won the double last year without Tevez, and he has been playing out of his mind for us this year and has been far and away our best player, so you want to reward this by putting him on the bench? FUCK THAT, put Berba on the bench and go with a partnership that we all know can work wonders, instead of rolling the dice with a new addition. Fuck his price-tag, let him earn it just like everyone else.
September 11th, 2008 at 2:54
@Drew Vader: I seriously don’t see why everyone thinks Tevez has played so well. Rooney was better against Pompey and Tevez barely got near the box. When he was at West Ham he was making those runs and scoring at the end of them. He has barely taken a shot so far this season
September 11th, 2008 at 2:59
i think SAF will introduce Berba as a second half substitute . . possibly around the 55-60minute mark. to come on for either of Roovez.
September 11th, 2008 at 4:07
The fact his no matter what, all our strikers cost £30m(in some way), so one £30m striker is definitely gonna be on the bench for sure.
September 11th, 2008 at 4:13
ENGLAND won!!!!! 4-1! no kidding mates! walcott hattrick, rooney 1! but all the goals walcott made was because of rooney’s effectivness!!!
September 11th, 2008 at 9:04
So pleased England won
Credit to Capello for putting the right players in the right positions…also the mental outlook of “we’ll be happy to come away with a draw” helped, respect the other team, play like underdogs. Play with craftiness.
I like this formula for England…Speed and trickery on the flanks, the beautiful Wayne Rooney between midfield and defense, a tall muscle head up front (scoring optional), one attacking midfielder, one defensive midfielder.
Need a keeper though, my god James was awful, for Portsmouth he’s great but for England…
This setup would exclude Owen, Crouch, Beckham, Downing
Would include Agbonlahor, Young, Ashton, Hargreaves
Well done Wayne! Can’t play on the edges of a match (stiker, winger, goalie), can play in the thick of things(orchestra conducter)
For Saturday I’d play Berbatov up top, Rooney deep off him, Tevez starring as Ronaldo look alike
Who knows
September 11th, 2008 at 9:48
@Craig Mc: Ha Ha quality mate!! Things I do for you!!
Rooney was superb, he does need to transcend that to his United form.
Terry and A Hole, were awful, Terry is so slow and A Hole, well was just torn to shreds. Great result and proves Englans ARE a good side.
September 11th, 2008 at 9:57
If Carrick and Anderson are fit then I would play all three of them (Roovez and Berba). Ando will provide high energy in the middle of the park and that coupled with Carrick’s composure on the ball will set a good platform for the front 3 to attack. Of course when we lose possession we can always be sure that one of Rooney and Tevez will come back to help out.
September 11th, 2008 at 10:28
Given Nani’s and Rooney’s performances the last few matches, can’t wait to see ‘em tear the scousers apart. Our squad is coming back to full strength and fitness. Rooney has gotten the stretch of games he needed after his virus and now is getting back to his best. Nani is growing more in confidence, and hopefully he can show that same composure and maturity when he plays for United.
We have Ji-Sung Park back and after a stretch of games will be back to full fitness. Hopefully, Hargo, Carrick and Giggs will have shook of their knocks/niggles and get sub appearances. Our midfield is very strong at the mo, but maybe Scholes and Fletch/Carrick should start, then bring in Ando for Scholes later in the match. Our wingers are also gettin back, Nani, Giggs, Park, that should be enuff for the scouse match. Defence is solid as ever, just feel sorry for Evans, but he is young and will get games.
Forward line is tricky, we have seen yesterday what Rooney can do when he plays his suited position, and tevez of recent has not been staying up the pitch as much as he should, so don’t know if to replace him with Berba. Maybe the tried and tested Roovez partnership will be used and if Tevez/Rooney can’t keep his discipline or produce the goal threat up-front, then Berba comes in.
If we defeat liverpool, then win our game in hand, we will be on top of the table.. who said we had a bad start?
September 11th, 2008 at 10:31
I can’t see SAF spending £30m on a player and not starting him for our biggest leage game of the season. Regardless of lack of match time he has had, I think he will and must start.
September 11th, 2008 at 10:38
@Stephen: In place of who? and what formation/players will you think will be used?
September 11th, 2008 at 10:42
Personally I would play 4-3-3/4-5-1.
VDS
Wes Rio Vida Evra
Fletcher/Andy Carrick Scholes
Rooney Tevez
Berbatov
September 11th, 2008 at 10:55
@Stephen: Nice formation, was thinkin the same too, but Fergie doesn’t usually change his style in the prem, which is 4-4-2. If he did, it would prob’ly be the one you posted, but if he sticks to 4-4-2, it’ll be something like:
———————-VDS———————–
Wes———–Rio————Vida————Evra
Nani—Fletch/Carrick—Scholes/Ando—Giggs/Park
—————Rooney/Tevez———————-
———————Berbatov/Tevez————–
Don’t know who to drop btw Rooney and Tevez, although I reckon Rooney would do a better job in the hole and provide a biger goal/assist threat, so maybe him and Berba. The thing is, whoever among Roovez is dropped will suffer a morale blow, and Fergie might not want that, hence give them both a start and replace one later on in the game, based on fitness and potency.
September 11th, 2008 at 11:10
In the bigger games Fergie does tend to pack the midfield, if we played 4-4-2 I think we will be left a little too open and these games are usually very tight.
September 11th, 2008 at 11:21
@Stephen: true, true… and Fat Rafa might decide to play defensive/counter attack play due to gerrard/torres being out. If that’s the case, ur formation seems viable. That will mean we will have to break down two lines of four, and that’s what Berba will help us do
. I seriously do not see where their goal threat will come from, hence, I predict a 0-1 or 0-2 result to United.
Can’t wait for this match, this will be the kick-start our season needed and from then, we’ll beat Villareal at home, then Chelski away.. talk about a super hat-trick of victories!!
September 11th, 2008 at 11:25
@Gabriel: HA HA love your optimism mate as I will be there Saturday.
like Chris Sutton.
It will be tough would be surprised to see Torres or Gerrard playing or even both. I think Keane could be a threat as he has been poor all season and ends up scoring against us!
September 11th, 2008 at 11:33
the only 4-3-3 I would play would be if both Anderson and Hargreaves are fit. They can do the business in CM and also drift out to the wings to give us width. Rooney would murder SAF if he didnt start this game. He (and G. Nev.) are the people on this team who grew up hating the dippers and since the Neviller doesnt look like starting we need Rooney’s passion. I think Fergie will play a 4-4-2 with Scholes and Fletch/Ando in the centre, Nani and Tevez/park/Fletch(if Ando starts in CM. With Roonatov (just trying it out) up front
September 11th, 2008 at 11:37
@Liam: Fergie can play 4-3-3 with Fletcher, Scholes, Carrick, O’Shea or Giggs who has played there a number of times.
September 11th, 2008 at 11:39
@Stephen: Don’t worry about Keane, Fergie has already taken a swipe at his confidence with his ’surprise’ statement
. Seriously, I see us using that rage from losing to Zenit and just tear Liverpool apart with it. Rooney seemed to have got his confidence back, Tev will be keen to impress after his red on international duty, and Berba will be itching to make a brilliant start. Feel sorry for Fat Rafa, cuz dis defeat will really show his side’s weakness and inability to claim the PL, and we will have one less confident challenger for the title. 
September 11th, 2008 at 12:02
@Stephen: Rooney and Tevez would then be responsible for giving the whole team width and I would prefer to have one through the middle than both of them tied up on the wings where they have limited ability
September 11th, 2008 at 13:04
i dont care whether we beat those bottom feeding scousers 1-nil 2-nil!
i just want united to tear them apart! go red devils rape the scousers at anfield!!!!
September 11th, 2008 at 13:31
Yeah I wonder if Nevs will be playing. Could be interesting.
September 11th, 2008 at 13:39
Let’s all laugh at John Terry!!! LOL during Croatia’s goal
September 11th, 2008 at 14:28
Berbatov could be out Saturday as has a groin strain playing for Bulgaria.
September 11th, 2008 at 14:37
Sir Alex is on Talksport sometime in the next hour…
September 11th, 2008 at 15:06
There is no way SAF will Start with Roovez AND Berba, remember we have a pretty big game on Wednesday too that we are gonna need some fresh legs for.
September 11th, 2008 at 15:17
@Wheezy: I think Saturday is a bigger game!
September 11th, 2008 at 15:45
@Liam: Fair enough, but with Nani and lets say Giggs out wide, and Scholes and posibley Feltcher in the middle (unsure on the fitness of Carrick and Andy), a little light weight don’t you think against a very compact side?
September 11th, 2008 at 15:55
Will someone tell me what the hell is with this new “Roonez” crap. It’s worse than “Wazza”
September 11th, 2008 at 16:25
@benjd: Roovez=Rooney+Tevez. It saves having to write both names.
@Stephen:yeah but They will probably play 2 of Babel/Riera/Benayoun out wide with Alonso and Mascherano in the middle so they won’t be too ‘heavyweight’ they’ve been playing like shit so we should attack them IMO
September 11th, 2008 at 17:01
“We’ve got to look to see how all the players come back from international duty, that’s the first thing, but he’s sure to be involved.”
September 11th, 2008 at 17:13
@Liam: Surely they will play Alonso, Mach and Lucus in the middle mate.
September 11th, 2008 at 17:29
@Stephen: based on what?
September 11th, 2008 at 17:38
@Liam: They played all three aginst Villa, as all are now back fit and from Olympics, also RB is very causious and would be more than happy with a draw.
September 11th, 2008 at 17:44
@Ryan: go fuck yourself you prat i swear, on this site, way to many dicks. who the hell are you to call me a 12 year old, just for supporting my national side? prat. I dont take shit from ANYONE(except from RR of course) on this site, and im not about to start with you, so its quite simple, piss off and leave me alone.
September 11th, 2008 at 17:45
Guys FIFA 09 demo is out… I’m going to download it…
Lets see how good it is…
September 11th, 2008 at 17:50
@Stephen: that didnt exactly work too well though and Torres being injured means another reshuffle. Also we shouldn’t pick our team based on theirs .
September 11th, 2008 at 17:55
@Liam: Well we do mate, we play different formations in Europe and against the other big 3 than we do against the other sides in our league.
September 11th, 2008 at 17:55
@Ryan: Err, Ryan… that was uncalled for.
September 11th, 2008 at 18:00
@AndyCR7: downloaded it this morning. Having tonsilitis is such a good sickness
3 days off and get to be a lazy slob all day. Anyway, the demo is actually great. I’m a PES fan but this is very good. You get a choice of Chelsea, Milan, Real, Schalke, Marseille and Toronto. Its much better than last year but you still can’t take it around the keeper 
September 11th, 2008 at 18:11
@Liam: Yeah keeper seems to have become super human… I found it hard with 08 also… but with practice you can take it around him easily…
Yeah only six teams you mentioned are there in the demo…
No Man Utd…
Anyway waiting for the full version to be released… October 3rd I guess…
September 11th, 2008 at 18:25
@Liam: Its a really good game! Downloaded it early today, it was a greatt feeling. I become sad when I saw that United wasnt in the demo!
I play with AC Milan, cause they have Ronaldinho, Kaka and Pato there. Its a really big improvement from FIFA 08, but not so much from the UEFA game. I like that they have made the players manage to hit the ball witht he outside of the boot. Its more realistic and better. And you can ound the keeper, just make a stepover to the side you want to go to and you are past the keeper. I have won all the games so far. I dont like what they have done witht he crosses, its harder to get it in now. BUt all in all, a really good game indeed! 
September 11th, 2008 at 18:51
Testing Google Chrome… Seems to work…
Looks slick in any case…
September 11th, 2008 at 19:35
Possebon vs Birmingham reserves
Wheee!
September 11th, 2008 at 20:20
@Nico QB: any major differences to Internet explorer?
September 11th, 2008 at 20:25
@dan(u-ol):
Can I have my arm back after you just bit it off?! Maybe you should join anger management along with Joey Barton?
Just so you are aware I was refering to the Rooney comment where he ‘needs to make up for the last 3 years’, just ridiculous…… but I guess everyone is entitled to their own opinion so I will in future ignore those who clearly have the football brain of a pea…..
Red Ranter: yes it was uncalled for so apologies to both yourself and Daniel(u-ol). I’ll bite my tongue next time……
September 11th, 2008 at 20:39
Craig: MAte Last night i looked up the link you gave me for the England game and somehow mate I never got to watch the match coz the links were
all fake ones….OOOOOHHHHHH i hate frickin Setanta…………………….
September 11th, 2008 at 20:42
@Liam: Personally its crap.
September 11th, 2008 at 20:46
@Liam: people still use IE?
With me it’s either Firefox 3 or (currently) Chrome.
September 11th, 2008 at 20:48
@Ryan: If a comment is “ridiculous” you either ignore it or try to reason with the person. Not to insult someone’s intelligence. There’s no point apologising when you just again alluded to Dan having the brain of a pea.
September 11th, 2008 at 21:02
@Red Ranter: Exactly my thoughts, RR. Opera too is not too bad…
As for Chrome, the single address/ search bar takes some getting used to, but its been looking good for the past 2 hours or so i’ve been using it…
Oh and I posted this on the previous post, just like to repeat it if you haven’t caught it:
Be sure to check Traverse’s rock band – ‘lilith rising’ or ‘ambrosia dreaming’ something like that
They rock (precisely) 
or rather they rock you in their own way – if you like post rock that is… 
September 11th, 2008 at 21:06
@Red Ranter:
I read this site and there is no reasoning with the ‘Rooney haters’. So i’ll stick with the ignoring…
Keep up the good work RR.
September 11th, 2008 at 21:52
@Ryan: what the hell? your going to apologize then say i have the brain of a pea. lets get this right, because i think rooney has under performed for the last 3 years, i have the brain of a pea. i guess im not allowed to have an opinion these days, first nikos and now you, i guess some of you are naturally born prats, who cant even have a simple debate with another human being.
F@*£!n 7r@t
September 11th, 2008 at 21:56
Maroon, no they weren’t mate, because I got on to watch the earlier Wales match. Did you try http://www.channelsurfing.com?. Thats the one I watched some of the Wales match on. Before the GF told me she had added setanta sports to our tv selection
. Try that one in future mate, and let me know – ok?.
September 11th, 2008 at 22:07
@Craig Mc: Hehe craig, thats not nice…
September 11th, 2008 at 22:08
Ryan, I feel the same way about the Ronaldo haters mate
. but we are all going to have opinions on players, and we have to leave others with theirs. Argue the toss by all means, I do, but if a player to some people is magic etc etc etc, to others he may not be. That’s why debating can be so much FUN mate. That’s why it is fantastic banter on the terraces at OT, verbal scraps galore and pumped up opinions on players form 
.
September 11th, 2008 at 22:11
Dan(u)ol, ????? what’s not nice Bro?. Something I said?,
September 11th, 2008 at 22:19
Maroon, I don’t know what bloody happened mate. Yesterday I went on http://www.channelsurfing.com that was posted on RepublicofMancunia, and It gave a list of the matches. I watch the Wales one for a bit. I’m not going feckin mad
. Sorry mate, I just clicked on and it is something else. I don’t get it 
.
September 11th, 2008 at 22:27
@Craig Mc:
But no one doubts Ronaldo’s ability, he is a freak of football nature and that is the only reason we will forgive him. He is too important for us to drive him out over his so called dream. People dont have to like him but must get behind him because we need him.
I thought it was the Nani knockers that you had the problem with
With Rooney its simple, he has struggled with serious injuries and been asked to play out of position constantly. But he still manages to improve each season! People knock the fact he chases all round the pitch yet he has always done that(remember his challenge on ronaldo when an everton player!!) yet only now its a problem?! No wonder he lacks confidence when even united fans slate him, get behind him for god sake. Maybe his biggest mistake was scoring a hat trick on his debut.
It showed last night just how well he plays behind a bigger striker and with Berbatov now at the club I can only see him improving further more and we should see more consistency as long as he is put where he is most effective and not shuffled around.
September 11th, 2008 at 22:37
Ryan, I hope your right mate
. Berbatov could work out very well for Rooney’s game, and vice versa m’thinks. I love little man Nani, but ‘knockers’ abound all through football, and Rooney has just had a ‘National Knocking.’ Because the nation seemingly felt he had not been doing it for England. He showed them last night though, and if that is what the critics do to stir him up to that kind of 2nd half performance, I am all for it. A good kick up the arse doesn’t do anyone any harm, and that goes for all players, no matter who they are.
September 11th, 2008 at 22:38
@Craig Mc: I like Rooney and Ronaldo so can I make a claim for immunity from petty arguements
on second thoughts I love getting into arguements so ignore that last comment.
@Red Ranter:I never bothered changing to any other browser, what are the advantages? Also I’ve got an iPod touch which goes on the Internet so I use that all the time now because my computer is rubbish and takes ages to startup
September 11th, 2008 at 22:41
Maroon, I made a mistake mate, the website addy is www/channelsurfing.net. I just went over to RepublikofMancunia and checked. I got onto where the live streams are. That is where one of the connections for the stream brought up the Wales match. The England match was also streamed for later, but I now have setanta.
September 11th, 2008 at 22:47
@dan(u-ol):
But didnt you agree with Orez who posted the following -
“I would rather have a lazy bastard like Drogba, who scores goals, then a “true red” like Rooney, who is a piece of shit player”.
very hypocritical calling me a prat me thinks.
September 11th, 2008 at 22:56
@Craig Mc:
Tell me, who has being doing it for England over the last few years then? Because quite frankly I cant name anyone so to single out Rooney is a tad unfair.
Nani will be brilliant at times and frustrating at others but he’s young and people only get frustrated because they know he has the ability and I think with the consistency Anderson showed last season people expected the same for Nani.
September 11th, 2008 at 23:01
Liam, that’s what I mean. Some people can take it, that if some people question a players present or past form, that they are just wanting to stir up a hornets nest. A hornets nest may be stirred up, because people who support the person whose form is being questioned, get supportive and uppity. If we are honest, we all do some of that
. Yet though I personally debate heavily, I still don’t expect everyone else to agree with me. In fact, disagreement is at the essence of debate. I enjoy it all. I try to stay away from vilifying another blogger where differences in opinion are concerned. I have had my knuckles rapped by the blog headmaster once or twice. Problem is, people sometimes come on to the blog, after the games, straight from the pub etc, and having enjoyed some hearty ale. At these times, debate might not be conducive to the sanitised blog RR would like to have. So I warn when I come on if I am lager braindead 
. If however I speak inappropriately at other times, well knuckle rap away 
.
September 11th, 2008 at 23:15
Ryan, I couldn’t agree more. Most of the players have fallen short of their best for England. Yet to overexaggerate and say that Rooney alone has been singled out, is not entirely true mate. Lampard and Gerrard, Beckham and others have been very heavily criticised too. See this is what I mean about being oversensitive to criticism of the players we happen to love. You think Andie was consistent last season, and Nani wasn’t. Yet Fergie himself said, that he left Anderson out of quite a few games during the season BECAUSE he was young and there was INCONSISTENCY in his game. I watched the end of season review dvd. Nani had so many assists, and contributed to the VITAL goals from players when we desperately needed to score, or lose the game. His balls into the box were superb. Yet there will still be those who feel Andie contributed more. Its swings and roundabouts mate. We just have to AGREE to DISAGREE with each other in the end
.
September 11th, 2008 at 23:27
@Craig Mc:
I think with Anderson in his position its harder for us to judge his consistency, yes there were games where he wasnt as effective but I never felt it stood out that he needed to be rested – its easy for the master sir alex to spot these things rather than us fans either watching on the terraces or on tv. Nani however plays in a position and plays a certain way that he can lose the ball 5 times in a row then put in a peach of a ball which we score from and suddenly he has had an effective game even though his ball retention was crap! Effectiveness and consistency can show up in different ways.
I said Rooney as you had stated Rooney had a national bashing! Lampard is a player who has disapointed the most especially when we see him control games for Chelsea week in week out. I blame it all on the overated John Terry
September 11th, 2008 at 23:34
@Craig Mc: This is in response to the question you asked Dan (as in “what’s not nice”). His comment had a link “@craig mc” in red. So if you click on that red @craig mc in that particular comment, it will automatically take you to your comment he was referring to. Even you can create that specific red thingy by clicking the curved arrow image against each commenter’s name.
I said this so that it’ll be useful to you in responding to any specific comment in future. This feature was added when you were on a hiatus, so I thought you’d like to know about this new feature.
[For example, if you click @craig mc at the beginning of this particular comment, it will take you to the comment where you were talking to dan.]
September 11th, 2008 at 23:59
@Red Ranter: Why thankyou Red Ranter, very interesting
. Are we meant to use that thingy then, whenever responding to someone elses post?. It does make thing easier I believe 
.
September 12th, 2008 at 0:10
@Ryan: Its not that I’m particularly saying Nani had an effective game, but rather that he has effected many games by one magic and precise pass into the box
. Its all a question of who each of us loves to watch surely?. Each player has his supporters, and I’m okay with that.
September 12th, 2008 at 1:39
Will Carrick be back from his ankle injury?
Also didn’t Anderson get injured for Brazil?
Is it just me or does Ando get injured every time hes off on international guty?
September 12th, 2008 at 4:04
@Kal: Reports say Carrick and Giggs are fit, but i haven’t heard much on Anderson.
September 12th, 2008 at 5:42
@Craig Mc: It was created for making life easy for everyone.
September 12th, 2008 at 9:37
guty* – duty
September 12th, 2008 at 13:41
Hey guys I just heard on Sky Sports News that BOTH Gerrard and Torres are fit for the game on Saturday. I guess on the plus side they want have any excuses when they get beat!
September 12th, 2008 at 13:56
@Hakieran: How can they be fit all of a sudden? Fat Rafa being a snake as usual… well, at least we will beat a full strength liverpool squad tmz
make it all the sweeter…
September 12th, 2008 at 13:57
I heard the same as Hakieran and so went to verify this by going on the liverpool website where i found that they had actually just been included in the squad with benitez having this to say
So basically they did some light training and benitez said that they could play not that they would play so i think this is just mind games.
September 12th, 2008 at 14:06
@OllieY: well, the mind games are not gonna work on United.. we do not fear torres or gerrard; Rio and Ando have had those two in their back pockets before
maybe Fat Rafa should work on building Keane’s confidence, after Fergie took a swipe at it… 
September 12th, 2008 at 14:19
@OllieY: true…and even if they are included, I can’t see them miraculously reaching full fitness overnight.
September 12th, 2008 at 14:31
Does anybody know if the line up has been confirmed for tomorrow’s game? Anybody?
September 12th, 2008 at 14:38
You guys are forgetting, this is the dippers we are talking about. Even with a full squad and they lose, they’ll always have something to moan about. The referee, our players diving, deliberate handball and so on if you get my drift.
September 12th, 2008 at 14:44
@ManU Fan Foreva: Do you think Fergie would release the team 24 hours before a vital game?
September 12th, 2008 at 14:51
Craig:No problem mate anyways thanks for trying,BTW is Anderson fit to face the scousers..????
September 12th, 2008 at 14:58
@Ryan: Ive just read all your comments here on this article and I agree with you on everything. I also think the way you handled dan(u-ol) and Craig Mc was spot on too.
@Craig Mc: are you kidding me?! you changed yer tune anyway! a line from your last comment…
and this from a previous post to me… Link
Anyway, I’m hoping we win 2-1 with Berba starting on the bench and maybe 15 mins at the end. Tevez to get both.
September 12th, 2008 at 15:14
Berbatov to start and score…
September 12th, 2008 at 15:34
Dimi Berbatov:
“Sometimes people would say that I am lazy but it’s not true. My body language can be confusing. I may not need to run non-stop, because there is no need to chase unreachable balls.
“I like to play with my head. It’s not about laziness, it’s about the cleverness of the player. Real quality doesn’t need to show effort.”
I wonder if he’s making comparisons with any of our existing strikers *cough* Roovez *cough*
September 12th, 2008 at 15:52
@Nico QB: easy NICO, don’t give the English press any ammunition in their quest to ridicule and derail Man Utd.. Berba is just defending himself from those naive or ignorant of his style of play. Roovez are young players, and with time and experience, they will begin to conserve that energy for the third part of the pitch, as of now, they give us that grit we need to strike some fear into our opponents, and i’m happy with that.
September 12th, 2008 at 16:41
@Gabriel: im naive and ignorant of his style of play im afraid. i cant help but see it as laziness.
September 12th, 2008 at 16:44
@jstar7: I think you summed yourself well there mate is you can only see him as lazy.
September 12th, 2008 at 17:04
@jstar7: well, each to his own then.. maybe sheringham, bergkamp, ibrahimovic and co are lazy too, after all, they have similar playing styles….
September 12th, 2008 at 17:05
@jstar7: Is scholes having an injection on …his balls in your avatar?
September 12th, 2008 at 17:06
@Gabriel: ibrahimovic is lazy yes.
September 12th, 2008 at 17:07
@Gabriel: And Cantona.
September 12th, 2008 at 17:07
@R: hhaha never thought of that before. sure looks like it tho!!
September 12th, 2008 at 17:08
@Stephen: lets leave the cantona comparisons for a while. it feels wrong to do that when he hasnt even played for us yet.
September 12th, 2008 at 17:10
@jstar7: I wasn’t mate, but would you call him lazy?
September 12th, 2008 at 17:16
@Stephen: ya know ive been thinking about that and i think i would. i know it wont go down well but i think he was. but his genius and contribution was outstanding and so it was no problem. i dont think berba can match him on that front tho, but we’ll see. hopefully he can!
September 12th, 2008 at 17:17
@jstar7: well, if these players you label as ‘lazy’ can score and assist just as much as the other ‘hard-working’ strikers, i think the ‘lazy’ tag is a bit misconstrued. Just cause a player prefers to read the game, position himself in threatening positions and conserve his energy for the final third of the pitch does not mean they are lazy!!
September 12th, 2008 at 17:30
@Gabriel: Well said!
Fact is I just thought this comment of his (Berba) were funny if one compares them with Roovez!
September 12th, 2008 at 17:37
@Nico QB: true, true.. the press could use that as propaganda, can just imagine the headlines: ‘Berbatov claims to be more clever than Current United duo, Rooney and Tevez’. I wouldn’t put it past those snakes in the media, they just disgust me…
September 12th, 2008 at 17:44
@Gabriel: thats all well and good when we are on top and dominating but what about the rest of the time? what about when we are losing? will it be ok to “read the game”, “position himself” well, and “conserve his energy for the final third” then? or would it not be good to get stuck in and do some work for the team? I spose he wont need to tho, cos everyone else will be busting their balls to try to get something from the game whilst he conserves his energy.
September 12th, 2008 at 17:46
@Gabriel: @Nico QB: would you blame the press for jumping on this?? “Real quality doesn’t need to show effort.”
September 12th, 2008 at 17:51
@jstar7: yes, because he will be in a better position to score!! besides, the way you put it, one would think he doesn’t run at all, just strolling thru the match!! That ‘lazy’ tag IMO is wrong and unjustified, as these sort of players still bust their balls, but usually in the final third, where their contribution is of more importance and relevance.
September 12th, 2008 at 17:54
@Gabriel: Ronaldo does the same actually, you don’t see him busting his balls in defence? we have 8 or 9 other players to do that and if he joined in, who would be in attack? his last season’s tally showed you don’t need to be running all over the pitch to be most effective.
September 12th, 2008 at 17:57
@Gabriel: fine, we will wait and see. but when we are under pressure i just want to see him do his bit, thats all.
September 12th, 2008 at 18:01
@jstar7: of course he will, every professional player does. It’s just that the media and some haters have misinterpreted his elegance as laziness and some fans are picking on it without actually considering his style of play.
September 12th, 2008 at 18:05
just heard on a internet radio show “world soccer daily” that the mancity new owners may be pulling out!!! hahah hope this is true. you can listen to the show on worldsoccerdaily.com
September 12th, 2008 at 18:14
ive been nervous about this match for three weeks now.
just a horrilbe feeling about them scoring first,dont think my heart would take that!! gonna get sick!!!!
2-1 united
we’ll never die
September 12th, 2008 at 18:17
New post up folks. And this one’s got a few clips of Fergie and Berba speaking to the media. Watch it before someone in youtube takes it down.