Jun 22
Benzema, Benzema and more Benzema. But it’s only talk.
This will be a short one, and I can’t help but point out the overwhelming twisting of quotes to fit headlines.
First of all there is a quote from Bernard Lacombe, the advisor to Lyon’s president, who talked about clubs being flush with cash. And that it would be difficult to resist a big bid if it came: “If United want to buy Karim then what can you do?”
Which is a question. It’s an indication that Lyon may be willing to sell. But at what price? £25million? Really?
I wouldn’t bet on it.
Ferguson has been a big fan of Karim Benzema, which is well documented. But he’s also fully aware of who he’s dealing with, when it comes to talking business. He made an observation way back in early 2008 — before our Champions’ League fixture against Lyon — about Jean Michael Aulas, which is very valid to date:
“The president is a very clever man. He’s so clever he can sell midfield players for £20m. That’s amazing,” Ferguson said, referring to the hard bargain Aulas drove when Real Madrid bought Mahamadou Diarra in 2006. “That [Jeremy] Toulalan he bought from Nantes just sits and does the same job Diarra did. When they sold Michael Essien [to Chelsea, for £24.4m], they took Tiago then sold Tiago to Juventus for £6m. Eric Abidal, £10m for a left back [when he moved to Barcelona]. They’re a well-run club.
Well run club indeed. We are really talking a French Daniel Levy here, who knows how to get the deal he wants. So I remain sceptical about a deal being done quickly on the Frenchman. I hope I’m wrong, but when he can sell the likes of Essien and Diarra for about £24m, I don’t think we’ll get this lad for the quoted £25m.
Of course, the actual gist of Lacombe’s statement wouldn’t deter papers from splashing stuff like “United close in on Benzema” (Manchester Evening News) and the extremely enticing, ‘authentic’ looking “Benzema heading to United — report” (Setanta Sports); actual juice in that article is really the first line that says he’s at the top of United’s list, attributed to the dreaded “unnamed source” — by that logic all clubs should just create a list of coveted players, throw in some magic beans, and the players would appear out of nowhere.
If you’re still interested in his quoted market value, The Daily Mail reckons £35m, the Mirror £30m while some others say £25m. Take your pick. Although if you were to go by Sky Sports — rather, his agent — he’s going nowhere, and intends to stay put. But then, that’s boring to hear, no?
Well, that’s all I have to say on this. Will be back tomorrow for more. Unless this mysterious Sheik-over (excuse the pun; couldn’t resist it.) involves our club.
Related items from Red Rants:
- Teams Start Talking Big As Champions’ League Clash Looms
- The Karim of the Crop?
- Transfer Talk: Lahm and Benzema | Evra’s Contract
- Benzema ‘Prefers’ Madrid but United better sporting brand than Madrid
- Breaking News: United accept 80m Ronaldo bid
Tags: Daily Roundup
June 22nd, 2009 at 8:32
hey guys when is our first pre-season friendly match? Summer is boooooooooooorrrring…
June 22nd, 2009 at 8:37
Think July 17/18th or so? The reserves are out a bit earlier, probably worth watching too.
I’d give Benzema the benefit of the doubt if he came. No doubt he’s talented, but his Real fancies do worry me. I can’t believe we might become a feeder/stepping club for Europes best youngsters. Problem there really is no one else good enough to slot in. I’d much rather him than Ribery, given Ribery is likely to cost twice as much.
Does anyone watch enough Ligue un to give an opinion?
June 22nd, 2009 at 8:38
repost from last thread…
“Why not Zlatan Ibrahimovic?”
I know he’s 27, (and thus against the over-26 “rule”) but what do you all think of Zlatan Ibrahimovic? can he and Berbatov play together up front?
The only reason I bring this up, is because Rooney finally said at the end of the season that he’d rather play in the hole behind the strikers, but SAF kept fucking playing him wide (I never got that). It’s a ballsy move to make, but i see it possibly working out.
I see mainly two advantages to this.
1. Ibrahimovic and Berbatov are both 27-8 ish.
Never mind the fact that they’re both fairly skilled at linking up play as well as 20+ goal scorers, these two players will be at their peak for the next 2-4 years, just in time for them to transition with Welbeck, Mecheda, Pettruci etc. who are all still 17-18 year olds. IMO, they’d be in the mold of Ole and Sherringham, except they’d be starting the majority of the games.
beyond that.. come on, the potential beautiful football that those two players teamed up would produce?? mouth-watering.
2. We’ll finally play Rooney in the “Gerrard/Lapmard” role that he’s been supposed to play but hasn’t ever since Rudd left.
Imagine the following lineup..
———————GK————————
——————Back Four——————–
-Nani——–Carrick/Hargo—/Hargo/Anderson–
——————Rooney———————
—-Berba——————Ibra—————
Not only does this strengthen our midfield by having Rooney as an ACM, but it’s also easy to revert to a traditional 4-4-2 by subbing off one of Berba/Rooney/Ibra and bringing on a wide player.
Mind you, for me, this 4-3-1-2 probably only works well if you have overlapping attacking defenders like Rafael and Evra giving the extra width, and I’d only be comfortable with them overlapping if we have players like Hargreaves, Anderson, Fletcher, Park, and even Rooney who can cover for them if neccessary.
—–
Suddenly, the midfield goes from a weakness to a strength, with 3 midfield slots to fill with Carrick, Anderson, Nani, and Hargreaves (not to mention Park and Fletcher… or Giggsy and Scholes for that matter) we have a fairly talented, industrious midfield.
Of course, this is all meaningless drivel if Zlatan Ibrahimovic is/turns out to be shite..
but enough from me, what say you all?
June 22nd, 2009 at 8:50
Lyon want to sell Benzema this season,because Real madrid and City are throwing a lot of money around.No body knows if next year this will be the case.They want to sell their product when the market is hot.
June 22nd, 2009 at 8:51
of course.. his wage demands are probably exorbitant.. still, it’s gotta be more reasonable than Michael Owen’s right?
June 22nd, 2009 at 9:26
i cant understand fergies tactics. he says he wants to buy benzema and he almost has 100million to spend then why the fuck isnt fergi buying this lad. it has been 25 days since the transfer window has opened but man u hasnt bought one player. i know it is tough to buy player but still i think man u should try haRD LIKE real does. u need to pressurise the player to join ur club and i think man u arent doing that.
June 22nd, 2009 at 9:40
@Jonny: Big game bottler. Flat track bully. Overpriced at a 5th of what they want for him.
June 22nd, 2009 at 9:42
@ash: We will have all of our players done and dusted between tomorrow (Ferrgie returns from Holiday to dot i’s and cross t’s) and 2 weeks tomorrow (players return for pre season training ahead of the Asia tour).
Ronaldo will be gone by the 30th, we’ll probably sign 3 players the next day….
June 22nd, 2009 at 9:52
@ash: Bar Real, who has bought what? jesus it will be tough to get players in due to the volatile nature of the market, City have only bought Barry so far give it time I would rather us negotiate the best deal for the club rather than pay silly money, as other clubs are obviously aware of the Ronaldo deal.
June 22nd, 2009 at 9:54
@Jonny: Ibrahimovic is a poser, big game bottler and very, very overated.
June 22nd, 2009 at 10:19
I agree with Traverse, i just hope we buy Benzema, Ribery, Flamini, Costas for a start! Vive la revolution!
June 22nd, 2009 at 10:24
Personally I wouldn’t go for Ibra.Used to rate him highly esp when he was still @ Juventus.He could run @ defenders and was a real tricky customer and his link up play with Nedved,Del Piero and Trezeguet was amazing.He is still a good player but he never developed as expected.That’s my problem with him.Plus he is not very consistent.
If we have to get a new striker,which seems to be now a matter of urgency,we need a consistent goal scorer.Someone like David Villa or Samuel Eto’o.Or even the much talked about but clearly not a possibility this season,Benzema.
This season whatever happens ito transfers we need to get career defining perfomances from Anderson and Berbatov.I’m no longer too confident with Nani but he seriously needs to step it up a hundred notches.Our midfield is in desperate need of a goalscorer thats why I think Anderson should be given goal scoring responsibilties. I can see a lot of ppl opening the mouths wide at such a “stupid and naive idea”. But I think if the kid could do it before moving here,he can still do it now.I think the reason he can’t score goals is due to SAF turning him into an Edgar Davids hybrid and assigning him too much defensive responsibility.
It’s kind of a shame that Tevez decided to leave and join either City or Chelsea.I still thought he had a critical role to play with Ronaldo’s departure.A lot of ppl think he is not a world class player but I choose to disagree.To be voted S.American player of the year in successive seasons is a testament of world class pedigree.His downfall and impediment was one SAF.It’s the same case as Rooney and Anderson.Because of their talent and adaptability they suffered constant positional changes and responsibilities.
All I’m saying is it’s time for Alex Ferguson to stop meddling with players and shifting them all over the place and just let them play where they are comfortable and where they can best prosper.
What a boring day.Can we see some form of activity.I mean buy or sell someone for crying out loud
June 22nd, 2009 at 10:28
Ibrahimovich! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. ( the clip on here when he wanted to be subbed and Mourinho wouldn’t was priceless)
Benzema. £25M. You must be joking. I would think it would be closer to £40M. He looks the part though as long as it doesn’t mean Rooney continually being played out of position.
A punt on Costa might be worthwhile if we can get him for a reasonable fee.
June 22nd, 2009 at 10:29
@Stephen: alright Stephen! No way should we buy Ibrahamovic, he’d make Berba look like Speedy Gonzales, he’s a Crouch imposter. I’m still hoping for Ribery, aswell as Benzema and Costas, with a couple of others in the offing.
June 22nd, 2009 at 10:46
Watched the season review last night, but of a weird experience. First point to make is how massively important a certain Ronaldo was to us. I know it felt like a poor season compared to the year before, but he had a hand in so many goals and chances. Was really depressing actually, watching how much he creates.
The two more comforting bits were firstly Berba – he was involved in some really great stuff too, and if not for woeful finishing/watstefulness would have had quite a few more assists. I think he’ll have a great year.
But the biggest surprise of all was Nani! I completely forgot how effective he was in the cups – scored 5 in 8! I realise the competition was sometimes weaker, but that’s likely to be the biggest challenge fro us – winning against the tight defensive teams without Ronaldo.
Really Berba and Nani get good run outs this year. Along with whoever we sign…rumours of Essien being available…droooollll
June 22nd, 2009 at 10:51
@phoenix red:
June 22nd, 2009 at 10:59
@Beachryan: if Essian is available, move mountains to bring him to United, fit a certain prophet through the eye of a needle, i dont care. Just Buy Him.
June 22nd, 2009 at 11:11
@phoenix red: Chelsea firstly won’t sell Essien he is far too important for them and secondly simply they would never sell him to us.
June 22nd, 2009 at 11:26
@Stephen: i know Bro, but it is only footballers who can dream?
June 22nd, 2009 at 11:33
@phoenix red: That one mate is a non starter for sure, unfortunatly.
Ribery also seems an imposible dream, he in my view won’t be sold this summer unless the fee is silly, and he does all but want to play for Real.
Valencia seems to be the likly deal, when the Ronaldo deal goes through, not for me but Fergie seems to be very keen.
June 22nd, 2009 at 11:33
@Beachryan: I agree about Berba, watching the end of season review really shows how much he contributed that was missed by most United fans. Nani, I love the lad anyway, and he had far more grounds for complaint than mard arse Tevez. Now we have got rid of the EGO’S, we can get down to winning with the lads who have been longing to be out on the field, but the BIG cry babies, whining got them the SAF shout instead. Bloody pitiful in my opinion, and where the fuck did it get us stroking those big EGO’s in the end???
June 22nd, 2009 at 11:38
@Stephen: Mate Man Pity have bought Barry, Santa Cruz and Mard Arse Tevez!
June 22nd, 2009 at 11:43
@ash: How do you know that eh? Unless you have inside information, you have no idea what is going on behind the scenes at OT. United NEVER and I mean NEVER let outsiders know what they are doing in the transfer market. We are the SOS elite at undercover operations regarding transfers in/out of OT. Viva, Viva, Viva, Viva, Viva, Viva, Viva, Viva, Man United. We are MANCHESTER UNITED, WE NEVER DIE!
June 22nd, 2009 at 11:47
@Craig Mc: Absolutely agreed on Berba thing. I mean we all are crying loud that we need a CAM, what they call as creative midfielder. For heaven’s sake just have a look at two players we have one is ROONEY and the other one is BERBA. I mean just think of the vision Berba has, ability to find right pass almost effortlessly, great close control and amazing ability to make things happen out of nothing, I mean what else you want from a person who will play as a link up player or CAM. Only things that he lacks is the long shot with some venom.
If you are not okay with this then what about ROONEY. I mean ever since he broke in to PL and then our team i always felt that he is the next Scholesy in the making. I mean try and compare both. This lad has everything just needs to play there more often then not. Great vision, lovely control, nice long ball ability and great shot from outside what else you want from a person who’s taking over from Scholes. I mean its no brainer for me.
you have two great players in your ranks who can create as well as score so why go for somewhere else….
June 22nd, 2009 at 11:48
I just noticed that Benzema is the only constant in our linked to’s. The Villa rumour was hot for a week. The week before that was the Silva rumour. Casillas lasted a day. Douglas Costa and Alexis Sanchez also had about three to four days of being in the middle of things. But only Benzema and Valencia continue to be linked with us and continue to be in the limelight. Also, does anyone else think that Dave Whelan is an absolute idiot or is it only me? He seems to think that Valencia is better than Ribery, is he fuckin blind or just plain simple?
June 22nd, 2009 at 11:50
@Craig Mc: As far as NANI goes. I have already said for me he is next RONALDO in the making. Just give lad little bit time and confidence. Along with of course good consistence run in the team….
June 22nd, 2009 at 11:52
@Jonny: Rooney has so sacrificed himself for our club, that he needs to be considered NOW. No more mard arse, whining babies with BIG ego’s to massage every few minutes
. Rooney deserves to be given a full season of playing where he feels comfortable, and where he will play his best football. I don’t know about Ibrahimivic, how he would work out. I have seen him play some really good games, but again he lacks the consistency. If United are going to spend big on a striker, they should do so on a goalscorer WHO IS CONSISTENT, prolific and will guarantee regular goals with certainty. That is the kind of player to break the bank for, and we need our MF SORTING, and have done for 3 seasons. Obvious to all of us, not so obvious to those who matter at the club it seems 
.
June 22nd, 2009 at 11:54
@Craig Mc: They have only signed Barry, but obviously Santa Cruz will sign but that has been in the offing for 12 months, T**ez probably will end up there also, we will not do anything until I suppose the Ronaldo deal goes through, not saying we need a lot the area I think needs a look at is the midfield, we do have a massive squad and maybe it simply needs tweaking.
June 22nd, 2009 at 11:54
@Onkar: Berba lacks pace which is required for a Scholesish player. You also need to do a lot of running. How many times have you seen Berbatov running around the pitch. The guy believes in economic and efficient use of energy.
I don’t like the idea of replacing Scholes with Rooney. We need our strikers up front. Rooney can play LB also, doesn’t mean we use him there. For once in his life he has come out in the open and said that he would like to play behind a striker and instead of giving him what he wants we are going on about playing him as an attacking midfielder, we are supposed to build our team around him and Berba remember? Wouldn’t be very a very ideal building if the foundation stone itself is not in its place.
June 22nd, 2009 at 11:58
@Onkar: Fergie has to get into Nani’s head, as he did Ronnie’s. Nobody could see anything but a one trick pony when Ronnie first came to us, for 2 or 3 seasons. But Fergie (just like Ronnie is saying now) got working with the lad, playing his mind games, offering him wagers for goals scored, and bringing out the belief and competitiveness in Ronnie, and we all saw the result. He should be doing that with all the other players, and this year should also demand Anderson step up a gear, or he should GO! Make the best of your chance Andie, and stop joking and pissing about all the time.
June 22nd, 2009 at 12:01
@Craig Mc: hows it going Craig? The dressing room wont suffer without bad attitude and whinging, bring on some new blood
June 22nd, 2009 at 12:06
@Stephen: Santa Cruz mate is in discussions with City as we speak, and Tevez is going to City, because he is a greedy little bastard, and so is his agent. All they ever see is MONEY signs in their eyes. Don’t be taken in with the bullshit that comes out of Tevez or Joor-crab-chians mouth, they have been blowing smoke out their arses towards OT far too long. Only reason Tevez isn’t going to the scousers mate, is they couldn’t give him THE FISTFULS OF MONEY his hands are grasping for. As long as we kick Tevez off the pitch at OT when Man Pity visit, that’s all I care about Bro.
June 22nd, 2009 at 12:07
@ UnitedUnited – Not that I think Berba is necessarily going to make a great AMF, but pace is not something the Ginger Ninja has ever had. Even when he was a support striker, he was still slow. What he has is a brain, and the ability to see the ball before it arrives. If anything I’d wager Berba could easily out sprint Scholsey.
The more I watched of last year the more I think the plan is actually to play Berba behind Rooney, and have Rooney lead the line on the shoulder of the last defender.
June 22nd, 2009 at 12:08
What do you guys feel about Raul Tamudo, Espanyol’s captain. He is available for €2 million which might be the bargain of the season. Don’t think he will mind being 3rd choice striker behind Rooney and Berbatov. I personally feel he is very underrated and will fit well in rotation.
June 22nd, 2009 at 12:11
@phoenix red: I want United to bring in SOME BLOOD CURDLING KILLER transfers Phoenix Bro
. Bring in the serial killers, the commando’s, the arsehole kickers of the highest degree. I am ready for WAR on the terraces, with the loudest and best songs and banter next season mate. Just hope those gullible and deceived Tevez lover fans who downed Fergie’s end of season speech, and boo-ed his decisions, either get back on board, or get the fuck out of OT. Hope I never see/hear that disgusting shit at OT from our fans EVER again 
there’s the door.
June 22nd, 2009 at 12:14
@UnitedUnited: He’s just desperate to get his hands on United money mate. Wigan are always short on funds
June 22nd, 2009 at 12:17
@Craig Mc: If Liverpool had the money mate he would have signed for them no doubt, Kia the twat said he would not sign for the Dippers out of respect for the fans FUCK ME SO SIGNING FOR CITEH IS RESPECTING THE FANS!
What gets under my skin is how he completly thinks the fans are stupid, we certianly are not and can see through his manipulative game, fuck off Carlos you are not wanted, liked or respected here any longer so fuck off.
Also his agent said if Rooney or Ronaldo’s contracts were expiring we would offered one a lot earlier, sorry you greedy bastard it is not exactly the same is it?!
June 22nd, 2009 at 12:19
@UnitedUnited: I never said that we need to play Berba in scholes’ position i categorically said that about ROONEY. But, yeah point taken let him play where he is at his best.
Secondly, about BERBA what I said was play him i advance midfield position which you can call as link up player between striker and midfield and use his imagination which he has in abundance. And to your point of being tracking back i think last season BERBA did it more than RONALDO for sure only thing is because of his laid back style people don’t realize that to often…
June 22nd, 2009 at 12:20
@Craig Mc: Absolutely agreed 100 per cent….
June 22nd, 2009 at 12:24
@Stephen:
, 
.
June 22nd, 2009 at 12:27
Stephen on Republik of Mankunia, they were saying that Tevez will just be greeted back at OT with his new team, by a blanket of silence. That he will not get the rousing reception, that he flirted and enamoured the United faithful for, with his last weeks at OT
. United fans are getting a name for being easily flattered by these Latino diego deceivers 
.
June 22nd, 2009 at 12:32
@UnitedUnited: Whelan is A football fan who bought his club. If only United had some of that going on. He has already said that it doesn’t matter if someone (Real, Bayern) come in and bid more than we do, if he wants to go to us Whelan will sanction it.
He can see the lad train, and he can see how well he plays with the garbage in the rest of the team, and can only imagine what he could do with players as smart as Carrick, Rooney and Berbatov to link up with… instead of Koumas, Mido and N’Zogbia!
June 22nd, 2009 at 12:34
@Onkar: Berba worked best for Spurs off the shoulder of the last man, either turning them and running (and he has pace to burn) or holding it up and feeding wingers. Rooney works best in the hole.
Seems like a bloody perfect match!
June 22nd, 2009 at 12:36
Lyon have also now bid for another striker… Porto’s Lisandro Lopez. It looks like they’re preparing for life without Benzema, as sceptical as I am about him leaving, for us or not.
June 22nd, 2009 at 12:41
@Traverse: Absolutely… But the problem with gaffer is he would never do what is very natural… Like he will play the Best winger in a striker’s position, the best striker in a wingers’ position. He has played Berba behind ROONEY last season instead of other way around like you suggested. So even i was trying to do in my imagination what gaffer does in reality. Permutation and combination
June 22nd, 2009 at 13:12
I think that is clear that Lyon want to cash in on Benzema during this transfer window. Whether he wants to go, or whether he would want to come to United is another thing.
June 22nd, 2009 at 13:38
Who said Ibra is inconsistent? Who said he lacks quality?
Now, who is the top scorer of italian league i wonder 
June 22nd, 2009 at 14:10
The whatnow?
June 22nd, 2009 at 15:02
@Merlinus: Put your cock away mate he finnished top scorer by one goal against, Diego Milito who plays for Genoa who finished 5th and 16 points behind Inter and Marco Di Vaio who plays for Bologna who finnished 17th, they finished 47 points behind Inter!
June 22nd, 2009 at 15:03
@Traverse: Most goals in Seria A. Still, he’s too much like Berbs.
Also, what’s with the hate about Tevez. Say thanks for the two (great) years and cheers for not going to Liverpool – City is way better than ‘Pool because you just know what would happen if he played alongside Torres…
June 22nd, 2009 at 15:06
@Stephen: That does not say much about Zlatan. The Italian League is much, much closer than what we see in the Premier League so it is easier for Milito to score 20-odd than it would be for Robbie Keane or Gabby Agb.
June 22nd, 2009 at 15:08
http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2009/06/22/1340367/manchester-united-in-talks-with-douglas-costa-agent
Fuck, fuck, fuckety fuck!!
June 22nd, 2009 at 15:08
@Andrei: He has had a dig at the manager, he is about to sign for Citeh, we ofered a total package of £34.5m for a player who scored 5 league goals and he said the club does not respect him, fuck him, if he signed for the Dippers or not it does not matter the guy is a winging prick and good riddance.
June 22nd, 2009 at 15:09
We need to buy fucking class players, not another Brazilian 18 year old. Shit!! Crap!!
–
Sorry for the language.
June 22nd, 2009 at 15:10
@Craig Mc: I think it is out of love that we blame sir Alex for rooneys stagnation.Much as he is a good player,even when he was played in the hole,he always had to fall back.He prefers to be on the ball sometimes i wonder if he is a striker.His lack of extra skill makes him wonder around like a headless chicken instead of concentrating on scoring goals,playing a striker.Mind you,he only played in the wing three or four times
June 22nd, 2009 at 15:12
@Stephen: You’re being a bit too harsh, surely. I mean it was obvious that the guy was never given a fair chance last season and the way the club treated him was disgusting. I think we would have all questioned his judgement had he decided to stay because Gill and Ferguson treated him like a part-timer. I mean, who gets dropped after a four-goal game? Seriously.
June 22nd, 2009 at 15:12
we cant have all 11 players defending
June 22nd, 2009 at 15:13
@Andrei: We won the league by 4 points this season mate, Chelsea in 3rd were 7 points off us, Inter won the league by 10 points mate, so not really as close I wouldn’t say matey.
June 22nd, 2009 at 15:15
@Andrei: What a league cup game against Blackburn reserves?
He has earned £75k a week, won 2 premier league championships, a champions league winners medal, carling cup medal world champions and has as many minutes or nearly as compared to the others.
I wish I was treated as “disgusting” at my work.
June 22nd, 2009 at 15:18
@Andrei: Be prepared to eat every one of those words with gravy. If this is true, this is very exciting. The exact sort of player we usually don’t buy, and end up being linked with a £40mil bid 2 years later.
June 22nd, 2009 at 15:20
He had 15 goals with 34 starts. Rooney had 17 goals with 38 starts. Comes out to about the same.
Now imagine that your boss tells you that he no longer thinks you deserve the syndication fees that he has to pay for you – how would that make you feel? Like you are unwanted?
June 22nd, 2009 at 15:21
@Traverse: Eat them? With gravy? But I hate gravy…
I don’t mind us buying him, what I mind is us buying only him.
June 22nd, 2009 at 15:22
@Andrei: First of many. And by many, I mean 4 max. And another one of those is Valencia. So 2 more. And one of those might be Benzema. So 1 we don’t know.
June 22nd, 2009 at 15:22
@Stephen: Tevez is a quality player and we all know that.No player can sit on the bench,have an odd game as and when the manager deems it fit,without a decent run of games will score more goals. Rooney is a top striker in many peoples eyes who plays 90 minutes week in week out but does not exceed 15 goals.is he a better off?
June 22nd, 2009 at 15:24
@Andrei: My heart bleeds for him mate, look football is a squad game, has Nani, Anderson or even any of the old guard spoken out like he has against the club for not starting as many games as they would have liked??
We entered into the deal in a different economic situation, maybe he has lost track of reality over the past couple of years, £34.5m for 5 league goals not for me.
June 22nd, 2009 at 15:24
@donibrasco: From the left wing. Most of Tevez’s goals were in the Carling cup against reserve teams.
The prem and the Champions League are what matter, and those he was just not good enough.
June 22nd, 2009 at 15:26
@donibrasco: He actually scored 30 goals this year in all competitions (including Club World Championship, England internationals, etc.). He’s actually been consistently scoring about 20 goals (CL, PL, FA Cup) since his first season at United.
June 22nd, 2009 at 15:27
@donibrasco: Rooney played out wide for a lot of the season and scored 20 goals without moaning like bitch, unlike Carlos, sorry but for £34.5m and being offered to be one of the highest players at the club if and when he signs for Citeh then he will get what he deserves, nothing.
Tevez is also not fit to lace Rooney’s boots, so we are better off without him.
June 22nd, 2009 at 15:34
First off I didnt want Benzema. Thought he was a cock, a prick, just like Ronaldo. A good footballer, but a dickhead in soo many ways, with not only his head really looking like one.
But Im getting used to the thought. As somebody previously said we are getting linked with him an awful lot lately, so I actualy think he may arrive. For £25 million, sounds really good to me! Always thought it was closer to £40 million, but that amount of is a steal now! Lets go for Karim!!! 
June 22nd, 2009 at 15:35
@Stephen: @Andrei: I always say time will tell.international goals against Kazakhstan and Andorra dont count in my book.they do in yours but my point is tevez is a monster of a player who was poorly treated by the club and you will see it next season
June 22nd, 2009 at 15:36
As it stands now, it looks like its Valencia and Benzi coming to United this summer. Costa may be another one, but somehow I just cant see him coming. Oh well, have nothing against being proven wrong there!
Just sign somebody, fucks sake Im bored to death!!! 
-_- Theres no fucking action going on right now, I thought it was going to be much more fun right now… Tevez and Ronaldo off, nobody in. Although, my heart says Valencia and Benzema have already arrived somehow… 
June 22nd, 2009 at 15:41
@donibrasco: The only way Tevez can be a monster of a player is by his looks, a fucking troll.
Despite what people seem to think about him I have never been such impressed by him. I liked his attitude, but now that thats gone he is nothing to us. And for those saying he has been ditched this season, I have proof that its not only that. He was ditched many times in the 2007/08 season by Fergie. In the vital games, Arsenal in the cup, Lyon home and away, Liverpool at home, Chelski away, Rome away and more he didnt start. He sat on the bench, so the fact that he hasnt started all games has been a fact previous to this season too. He may have started the Champions League final agaisnt Chelsea, but even there he was one of our poorest performers. Somehow I think that Fergie has never rated Tevez good enough for United, despite what people think. So Im really surprised he was willing to pay £25 mill for him…. 
BTW, Rooney>Ronaldo
June 22nd, 2009 at 15:41
@donibrasco: Yet 4 against Blackburn Reserves in the Rumbelows Cup does?
June 22nd, 2009 at 15:44
@donibrasco: Rooney scored 23 goals for us this season mate… And remember how many times he was injured? He missed at least 3 months of the season because of injury, so I think him getting as many goals as he did was marvellous! He may even become better next season, as he will be given a free-er role with Ronaldo leaving. Rooney wil unleash the power within, and everybody will fear him and United!
Rooney is Uniteds heartbeat, just as United is Rooneys.
June 22nd, 2009 at 15:48
United will never die, and now that Ronaldo has left we are beginning a new era…
June 22nd, 2009 at 15:53
Anybody who appreciates Berbatov should too, Ibrahimovic.
I think they are eerily similar in their qualities and their flaws.
Languid, tall, great control… and the risk of sometimes disappearing in games. But the sheer talent is there.
Where Berbatov has the better first touch, passing and vision; Ibrahimovic is the better dribbler and shooter of the ball and I think is just a bit faster too.
And once again I’d like to re-emphasize that he wasn’t crap against us, he was hands down Inter’s best player. Just because he didn’t score doesn’t mean he wasn’t any good.
But all in all, while I appreciate his skillls (not necessarily the person) I would not like him to come so as to maxise the opportunites of Kiko and Danny.
In any case there’s much greater chance that Eto’o will be joining us. Great player, even shittier ego.
June 22nd, 2009 at 16:09
@donibrasco: So mate are you more of a fan of the player than the club?
Do you truly believe that Carlos was treated that badly? Is 15 goals this season good value, with 6 in the Carling cup, for £34.5m?
June 22nd, 2009 at 16:10
@NicoQB: The problem with Eto’o is firstly he is greedy and is all about the money, secondly he is away for the African Nations in Jan.
June 22nd, 2009 at 16:58
@Stephen: Funny thing with Eto’o is that time and time he’s been linked with us. I think that at 28 he’s already enjoying his last years as a world-class player, especially considering the fact that pace is one of his prime weapons.
He still has great control, dribbling and shooting though.
But even back when Cole/Yorke/Sheringham (I’m not sure who it was) left, he was considered as a replacement, but was a young kid playing for Malaga. Even when RVN left, he was considered but never seriously. Only now recently he scored against us and suddenly Fergie is more interested in him…
Just thought that if we could have moved earlier we wopuld have got him in his best years. Now I just don’t want the same thing to happen with Benzema.
June 22nd, 2009 at 17:01
@RedDevilEddy: According to the always trustworthy tabloids Benzema is set for another year at Lyon.
Our interest has shifted on Eto’o.
June 22nd, 2009 at 17:11
@NicoQB: I am not even sure Benzema wants to play for us, Lyon want to seel for big money but he firstly doesn’t sound like he wants a move and secondly not to us.
I am starting to sound like a stuck record but Huntelaar is the best option, he would not cost the earth and he getting to his prime and is intersted in joining us.
The real issue is what Fergie wants to do with Berba and Wazza, will he play the pair of them through the middle to start with? If so then spending £35+m on a striker is nonsensical, pay £15m or so for the Hunter and make him fight for his place. If Fergie wants a striker to be the first name as it were on the team sheet then play either Rooney or Berba off him then spend the money, but then you have on £25m or one £30m player on the bench?!
Personally start next season with Rooney and Berba, bring in Huntelaar who would be a cheaper option and so how things go, if the Berba/Rooney combo hits off then great, Huntelaar will have to bide his time, if not then bring the Dutchman in, but what you are doing you are not wasting money on an answer which might already be there.
June 22nd, 2009 at 17:16
@Stephen: +1
June 22nd, 2009 at 17:47
@donibrasco: Well Tevez’s international record is 8 goals in 50 appearances. Your dislike of Rooney is well documented, but to take it to another level by rating Tevez over him is to push the definition of bias a bit.
June 22nd, 2009 at 17:50
Seriously, am I the only one feeling like this is history repeating itself?! Young foreign striker, people doubt whether he is proven enough, “sources” claim the player wants more years in his native country to improve and its a hefty transfer fee… Come on, is this not the case of Fernando Torres 3 years ago or what?!
That is one of the things that makes me so certain Fergie is gonna sign this lad, he knows he missed out on Torres and he does not want to make the same mistake again. If I see Benzema play for Chelski, Arsenal or Liverpool in 2 seasons time Im gonna be furious. Everybody sees the mistake we did with Torres, even Fergie said he is irritated with himself for letting sucha talent go to waste at Liverpool! Torres wanted to go to Liverpool from the start, but United always had the possibility of signing him but were doubtful about the money. Benzema apparantly wants to go to Real, but if we actually do sign him up then I doubt he moving to Real, at least not for a couple of years. 2015, earliest!
And what the fuck is this talk about benching him for Berbatov? If Benzema is bought, he and Rooney are gonna be first choice strikers pronto. But I know Fergie is gonna rotate his strikers, there is no doubt about that. And must I remind you that Berba started NEITHER of the Champions League semi-finals, THE Champions League final, the last game agaisnt Arsenal in the League and the home game against Liverpool! He screwed up in teh semi agaisnt Everton, and he has time and time again said he gets nervous before every game. Whereas Giggsy says he only got nervous twice in his career, Rio said it was only the Manchester derby(Munich Memorial) and Wazza and Cristiano said they have never felt like that? Berba is different, he is good but he has not performed well in one big game for us! Inter? NO! Chelsea? NO, despite scoring a goal. Boro away? NO! Fergie, along with us fans, seem to have lost faith with him. Maybe not all faith, but enough faith to picture him as the perfect partner for Rooney. Whichever striker comes in, he is gonna be Wazzas partner. Berbatov will probably have to be super-sub in most games, but will also start a few. To even compare Berba to Cantona makes me wanna throw up and burn myself!!!
If Fergie wants Benzema, he is gonna get him. Cause he learnt a lot from the Torres saga, and no way is he gonna make such a mistake twice! Go get him Fergie!!!
June 22nd, 2009 at 17:58
@NicoQB: United going for Etoo?
Oh my God, those papers are just brainstorming European strikers right now, arent they?! 
Are those the tabloids that claim we wanted Ashton last summer? The tabloids that said we were considering Quaresma as Ronaldos replacement? Gimme a break, those stories are probably bullshit!!! The only reason Im getting into this Benzema saga is because Fergie has officially said that he had talked with Lyon about Benzema. How they sell players high and such. He seems to be considering this, while people like Huntelaar, Etoo and Torres are just the rumours of hangovered reporters…
June 22nd, 2009 at 17:59
@donibrasco: I completely agree.
June 22nd, 2009 at 18:06
@Andrei:
With regards to Carlos, £25.5m for a player not even guaranteed a starting role is a high price to pay especially as you have already paid £9m up front
Tevez scored 15 goals in 51 appearances for United last season. He made 34 starts and 17 appearances from the bench.
But of those goals, only five came in the Premier League. Six were scored in the Carling Cup, four of them coming in one game against Blackburn Rovers reserves.
Rooney record for England is better than Torres, the Spainard has scored 22 in 65 for Spain and Rooney has 24 in 52, not bad for a player not regarded as an out and out goalscorer whoever the opponnent.
June 22nd, 2009 at 18:07
@ RDE – A bit harsh on Berbatov there! The reason he didn’t start some of the bigger games was because Fergie got all defensive for some reason, preferring a trio of Park, Rooney and Ronaldo. Which imo only worked once, against Arsenal away in the CL semi. It does seem ridiculous to me that we had 4 amazing attacking talents and chose to sit two of them.
Despite all that I do see Fergie going for Benzema, and figuring once he’s at United he has a few years to convince him to stay. Would be good on two fronts – one as a player and two to enforce that we’re still a big power in the transfer market, even abroad.
If we do get him, I’ve no idea what formation we’ll play, but I’d expect Fergie to stick with the idea of a front 3 that constantly rotate, rather than a rigid CF with SS and wide players thing.
What sucks is that unless our midfield gets a bit stronger, we’re going to be stuck with only 3 attacking players imo, and a midfield 3 to back them up. We need more bite to get back to a 442.
June 22nd, 2009 at 18:08
@Traverse:
June 22nd, 2009 at 18:10
@RedDevilEddy: Berbatov – 2nd half against Tottenham.
June 22nd, 2009 at 18:17
@NicoQB: Berbatov in the second half against Tottenham? Despite one goal, what the fuck did he do?
As far as I can remember he was rated as the worst of our four attacking players, that includes Tevez. And if he did do so well in that game, we can only remember one good gam.. No, one good HALF! 
He is not worthy of being our most expensive player, I fear he is oing to be labeled as the new Shenchenko if he doesnt improve next season. And from what I ahev seen, its loking bleak for him… 
June 22nd, 2009 at 18:22
@RedDevilEddy: The differnece now, is that with Ronaldo gone, we know that there is a great great chance that Fergie is going to buy. And Eto’o is not exactly wanted at the Camp Nou, and we, together with City, are one of the few clubs in the world who can actually afford his wages.
The guy is definitely world-class in my book, one of the best strikers in world football for the past 5 or 6 years. He definitely brings more to offense than a Huntelaar – who by most accounts, does nothing else but scores. If it wasn’t for his humongous wages and doubtful personality, I would have been championing him for some time now.
Right now with Villa and Benzema seemingly not interested, we’re not left with many proven options up front. I say either go for Eto’o or don’t buy any more strikers. Trust the kids.
June 22nd, 2009 at 18:25
@Beachryan: But then to play Berba in a midfield position would be very dangerous as I do not think he has the necessary arsenal to go back and win the ball time and again. He is a striker and let him be there. As for Rooney playing ahead of Berbatov wouldn’t that be playing Rooney out of position as well? he categorically stated that he wanted to play behind a striker and that was his best position. I say give the lad what he wants, he is the focal point of our team now. Oh and I would gladly wager with you Beachy, I am pretty sure that Scholes in his prime would have outrun Berbatov
June 22nd, 2009 at 18:28
@Craig Mc: I think Bruce was a terrific judge of talent. Look at the players he brought in, Valencia and Palacios. Both immense players considering the fee they paid for them. And then, they are going to make huge profits out of them, Hell if you go by percentages no one would beat Palacios – 1400 percent profit.
But then that is why that line exists right? Lies, Damn Lies and Statistics.
June 22nd, 2009 at 18:28
Benzema looked good from what I’ve seen of him, I would just have to give him time to adjust… personally though, I’m more excited at the prospect of signing Douglas Costa and if we got him I would be extremley happy to close up shop till January…
so in short would be nice to have Benzema (for all of 4 seasons before he goes to Madrid) but I want Douglas Costa more than anything.
My wishlist:
Benzema
Douglas Costa
Valencia
June 22nd, 2009 at 18:29
If this is true then that offer is a complete joke for one of the hottest prospects in world football, Villareal have already offered more than that months ago.
http://therepublikofmancunia.com/not-looking-good-for-costa-capture/
June 22nd, 2009 at 18:30
@Onkar: Mate, I think Rooney when played in the hole should ideally do what you are envisioning for Berbatov. Link with the midfield. So wouldn’t that be one player too many doing the same job?
June 22nd, 2009 at 18:30
@Beachryan: Maybe that is a reason. But I have difficulty to recall one big game where Berbatov did well to be honest. Im not gonna judge him by his first games for us, because its difficult to settle at a big club right away. But after November, he didnt do better. In the game agaisnt Arsenal at the Emirates he was fucking horrible, he did less than fuck all the whole 90 minutes. Then came January, when he actually started to make me think I was wrong about the guy. He didnt deliver performance wise, but at least he scored some vital goals. He did well against WBA in January, his best performance for us. But he performed his best, and possible his only really good game against the worst team in the Premier League- Which played with 10 men for more than 50 minutes. Then came February and Inter. Became a liability. I was getting really frustrated with him, cause I felt he gave nothing new to our side, I felt he just made it weaker!
For teh remainder of the season I jsut grew more and mreo frustrated when I saw him play, and I made a ig rant about me wanting him to fuck off in late April. But, as always, I was patient and was willing to give him time- Somethign I still do. But he has to improve massivly to turn me over…
And, if I may say, he has really made me doubt his qualities as a footballer. Ive never been so frustrated with a footballer in my life, and that includes Kleberson, Veron and Forlan. He may have a unique touch, and brilliant vision. But I jsut feel that isnt what we need right now. Either he is being used wrong, or he just doesnt fit in our team. Ive said it time and time again, he does nothing new with this side. Some players may be gone for 90 minutes, but then come up witha moment of brilliance. Ronaldo, Rooney and, may I say, Nani are some of those players. They have a wide arsenal when it comes to qualities. Whereas Berbatov may be gone for a whole game, many times, but cant do anythign special to change a agame in a flash. One nice flick agaisnt West Ham and he is supposed to be forgiven? One header against Bolton and he is a hero? A matchwinning goal that is all of Parks work and he is now a matchwinner?
I dont have faith in him, he isnt a Man United player. Simple as…
June 22nd, 2009 at 18:30
@RedDevilEddy: You clearly do not remember the game mate. He was clearly one of the best players on the night. He was crucially involved in 3 of our goals, scored one, and could have assisted more if not for our usual profligacy in front of goal.
Tevez played ok that night, but created little, he only brought his impetus.
And the difference between Tevez and Berbatov is that Tevez, or rather his pimp Kia, could have had made us break the club transfer record for his 5 goals in the PL.
Berbatov had no say whatsoever in his 30 million transfer tag.
One more thing – you seem to forget that this past season, our greatest problem has not been our strikeforce. It was the midfield who totally failed to give our strikers proper service. Why do you think that the leaders in assists statistics are strikers. The midfield has simply not been doing its job.
June 22nd, 2009 at 18:33
@Traverse: Whelan might be a football fan Trav but then he would be blind if he went on to claim that he is better than Ribery. I mean come off it, if he is the best player in their garbage that shouldn’t mean that he is the best winger in the world after Ronaldo.
June 22nd, 2009 at 18:33
@Stephen: Rooney is my favourite player. What I am saying is that we should not discount Tevez just because he is not Rooney’s equal. I am not saying we should have bought him, because the price was too high, but we need to show him some respect because his first season with us was amazing and he behaved professionally through his second even when everything was going against him.
He treated the club and the fans with respect, so we should return that compassion because he ran his fucking socks off every time he stepped on the pitch for us.
June 22nd, 2009 at 18:36
@Stephen: I think he earns 95k per week Stephen.
June 22nd, 2009 at 18:36
@NicoQB: Etoo may be a good player, but his best years are past him. The age of players peak in the Premier League is lower than in Spain, so I believe he would be catastrophic in England. He can move to Shitty for all I care, they are signing has-been players only these days so…
In Spain you can be a top class footballer until you are 30-31. But thats isnt the case in England, which is why Etoo wouldnt do well here. Much of his game relies on speed and agility, which would be good in England. But as he only gets older, he has a max of 2 seasons at the top level here. And with Ronaldo gone, we need to build another team. Its a new era, so we cant settle for older players. Benzema, Aguero, Valencia and Silva are players in teh age group that can do well here, become a vital part of our team. But not Etoo, not Villa and not even Fat Ronaldo…
June 22nd, 2009 at 18:36
@UnitedUnited: A quick googling, copy paste some ROM comment:
“….Here’s my favorite stat. This is according to the Telegraph, but I’ve seen it on Soccernet as well. This just the Premier League, but I believe we’d find it to be just as true in all competitions.
Successful Tackles:
Wayne Rooney: 12
Carlos Tevez: 15
Dimitar Berbatov: 23
Just for the sake of reference,
Rio Ferdinand: 21
Jonny Evans: 20
Sound like a “lazy” player who can’t close down, and can’t get back on defense?”
Food for thought?
June 22nd, 2009 at 18:38
@Traverse: Alexis Sanches might be the fourth. Would be a nice buy. Also we are after Villareal’s Diego Lopez – their GK. Your take on him?
June 22nd, 2009 at 18:40
this Costa story appears to have some legs, very very dissapointing if true
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_5396265,00.html
June 22nd, 2009 at 18:40
@NicoQB:
Makes me look foolish. I love Berbatov to pieces. I have his name on my jersey. So I am glad to see that piece. Thanks for that. But I still don’t believe he will be effective as an ACM . Statistics don’t prove anything do they? Again at the cost of being cliched, Lies, Damn Lies and Statistics 
June 22nd, 2009 at 18:43
@donibrasco: Look at his first touch mate and then tell me again that he is a monster of a player. Plus he tackles with his head
June 22nd, 2009 at 18:44
@UnitedUnited: One of them wants to come to United, the other is Zidanes Madrid puppet… for me that is worth much more.
He’ll thrive with our team.
Also, if we’ve only offered £7mil for Costa, knowing his buy out clause, we are playing silly bugger again.
June 22nd, 2009 at 18:44
@Stephen: Stop using that same old anti tevez argument over and over again.34m for 5 league goals blah blah blah. Karl already pointed out the error in that fact. Buy the funny thing is you keep bringing it up. And what kills me is you slam him for his poor league goal scoring record, then you discount his goals in the carling cup. The fact is he didn’t play regulary in the league but was consistently played in the carling cup. No one is saying he is a prolific scorer, but you can’t tell me he didn’t make a huge contribution to our team for 2 years.
I
June 22nd, 2009 at 18:45
@NicoQB: I dont remember the game that well, but according to the rating of Sky and MEN he got 7 and 6 respectivly…
And for your information, I beg you to watch the highlights of our games this season. All the 1-0s, 2-1s and even the losses. The midfield was not our problem mate, the finishing was. Which is why I feel it is more important to get a striker than a midfielder this summer.
Take the Barca and Arsenal away losses as examples of poor finihsing. We outplayed them both, we created more chance sthan them. Even though Barca outplayed us, we could have been 3 up before they scored. Ronaldo also got a chance to score in their box in the second half, and BERBATOV missed a sitter from a corner. We could have won that game had we been as clinical as Barca, as our chances creating was 7-3 against theirs… Go through that game again, and you will see. We may have gotten outplayed, but we did that two seasons ago as well. In bboth legs! But we won on a long-range screamer, and we created more chances than them all in all. So I say we should give afuck all in muying a midfielder, cause the only game where we really suffered from the lack of that kind fo player was against Liverpool at Old Trafford. And even in that game, we could have won that game had Tevez not missed on an open goal, Evra not lost his head and Vidic made his error of this lifetime. But I dare you, watch all the highlights from our season and you will see how inept we were in our finishing third. I dont blamce the midfield, I blame the fucking attack which uses two strikers that cant even finish their lunch!!!
June 22nd, 2009 at 18:46
@NicoQB: Great point about the midfield, it is an area which seems to be lacking, I am really championing the cause for this to be the main area we have to look at.
Carrick – Had a really decent season, great on the ball but his legs at times seem to weigh a metric ton, in an ideal situation he would be great in a midfield three with an enforcer and a goalscoring type in there with him.
Scholes – A real favorite of mine, but the years have simply not been kind to the Ginger Ninga and this season could be one too far, at least.
Anderson – Not a favorite of minr but want him to succeeed, he can’t finish over a hookers face but he has great energy and if he can calm down when on the ball he will have a chance of making it, but needs a settled partner to play with him so he can build on his confidence.
Giggs – Had a decent season, but we are surely kidding ourselves he isn’t a centre mid, or one of the highest calibre and next season like Scholes could be one too far.
Fletcher – Seems to have turned into a fan favorite, for me he is a great squad player but should be no more,would he get into the Chelsea, Liverpool, Barca or Real starting lineups? That should be our bench mark.
Gibson/Possebon – Not sure about these two, a season on loan to another premiership club could do them a world of good, and will give us a gage if they are going to make it.
June 22nd, 2009 at 18:48
@RedDevilEddy: I actually agree with you about the age factor and the need to rebuild. But I recently saw Benzema on tv, and he really seems set on Madrid.
I’m much more a partisan of Benzema than Eto’o. Benzema for all of his Madrid aspirations, is really a down to earth guy, contrary to the self-centred Eto’o, but I’ve been talking about what seems more likely to happen.
The thing with Villa is that he doesn’t want to move here. Fat Ronaldo has a balsa knee. On the other hand Eto’o is very likely to move.
And if United go for an experienced striker, Kiko and Danny will not feel threatened. I think it would be the case with Benzema.
Truly, I’m not championing Eto’o. I’d much rather Kiko and Danny fulfill their potential. And why not Campbell too?
But looking at things in a more realistic way, I can see Fergie going for Eto’o.
June 22nd, 2009 at 18:49
@Johnsom33: But surely that is the argument mate, I am not anti any player but he has not been prolific and is not a first choice starter so why spend the money on him?, when there are other areas that need addressing we have offered the money and he would prefer to play for City.
June 22nd, 2009 at 18:53
whats the buy out clause? seriousley if we let him go like Ronaldiniho I will be mad as a hatter
DOUGLAS COSTA needs to be bought!!
June 22nd, 2009 at 18:57
I really, really dont get his tevez love! What has he exactly done for us to buy him for £35mil! that would be a record breaking fee, and lets be totally honest, tevez isnt a record breaking player now is he!
He has the touch of stone, the accuracy of a part time defender, the vision of a blind man, and the skill of a championship player!
He really isnt that great of a player. Fact is, 21 starts and 5 goals is an appalling return. He had 10 more appearances, TEN, and only managed to score 1 more then him.
With second strikers, if they arent scoring goals, they are creating them, vice versa, with tevez, he doesnt do either. Rooney can score in spurts, then creates when hes not spurting, berbatov is also the same. Tevez doesnt do either, he gives us “energy” and tackles with his head.
Hes an ungrateful sod and the sooner we see the back of him the better!
He really thinks hes gods gift to united, how the hell can a player like tha be top earner when our bloody teenagers are better strikers then him!
June 22nd, 2009 at 18:58
@NicoQB: Ibramovich is a slug and a king size choke artist of the highest order. He is total and complete rubbish. The man has a heart the size of a pea and has never ever played a big game in his life with any zest, passion or inspiration. Did I mention his lack of motivation? There have been very few players in world football I have learned to dislike and disrespect as much as him. I hate Vieira, Henry, Drogba Ashley Cole and others intensely but I don’t disrespect any of them because they all brought it to the park in their day. Ibrahimovich is a gutless worm.
I love what Mourinho did to him in a game late this past season. Ibrahimovich was having a bad game and wanted to come off. He didn’t appear injured but he was gesturing to be taken off. So he would just stand around in the middle of the park and do nothing but look over at Mourinho. Meanwhile Mourinho went and substituted three other players and forced him to stay in the game because like me, Mourinho knows the player is a bottler and a heartless and spineless jellyfish. He taught him a lesson on showing some guts and not showing up his manager. And you want this piece of donkey dung to be a Manchester United player? Think again mate. Better yet, question your taste in players better.
Very unfair to Berba to compare him with that pile of shit.
June 22nd, 2009 at 18:59
Distance covere by Berbatov in CL Games v Inter:
1st leg – 9738m (played full 90, Carrick ran the most for United and he did 11143m)
2nd leg – 10421m (played full 90, Carrick ran the most for United and he did 10842m)
He’s not really that lazy, he’s just languid.
June 22nd, 2009 at 19:07
What happend to the “I dont care how many we concede as long as we outscore the opposition” philosophy?
Here we are talking about how we should manage to neutralize opponents attack/midfield when our biggest problem is that we have lost our most clinical attacking weapon and we have one striker who misses way too many chances to be considered clinical. How come people forget that in 4 of our 6, I repeat 6 LOSSES THE WHOLE SEASON, we could have won the game had we been lucky/skillful in attack.
Liverpool away- Tevez gave us an early lead, then Liverpool got a lucky break from an own goal. We could have taken the lead straight after but Tevez missed a sitter. Then Giggs didnt manage to control the ball out for a goal kick, and Liverpool got the winner from a big mistake by Giggsy.
Chelsea(draw, but felt i had to add that)- We took the lead with Park, but in teh first half that chance statistics saw 7-1 to United. Fletcher missed a volley from 6 yards, Rio missed when 1-on-1, Park scored, Berbatov headed over, Rooney hit the ball outside from 20 yards, Berbatov took a shot that got rebounded out and Evra hit just outside after rounding Bosigwa.
Arsenal away- This was for me the most frustrating game of our season. We could have had 10 goals, we totaly outplayed Arsenal, but instaed they won 2-1 scoring on 2 of their 4 chances. Rooney missed a sitter from a Park cut back, Berbatov was offside, Carrick shot just wide, Ronaldo drove it wide from 3 yards, Rooney hit Almunia and so on. Just watch the highlights…
Liverpool home- We all know the story of that loss. Ronaldo scored a penalty and Vidic missed a header from 5 yards. Then Torres caught Vidic napping, Gerrard scored on a penalty. Ronaldo hit the post in teh second half, Tevez and Rooney both missed an open net and Parks cutback was too hard for Ronaldo. Then Vida got sent off and Aurelio and Dossena scored respectibly.
Fulham away- They took the lead from a penalty, when Scholes got sent off and made us play with 10 men for over 70 minutes. Still we created two 100% chances that would have gone in a good day, and theys cored on a counter attack.
Eveton, Wembley- We should have had a penalty, Gibson shot just wide from 20 yards, Macheda too. Then we lost on penalties of all things.
Barcelona, Rome- Ive gone through this before, but I will do it again. Ronaldo with an early free-kick, Park missed the rebound. Ronaldo shot wide from the corner of the 18-yard box, and shot jsut wide from 40 yards. Then Etoo scored for Barca, and they got confidence. Still, Pique should have gotten sent off for a foul on Ronaldo. In teh second half Xavi hit the post and Messi scored, but Ronaldo missed alone with the keeper and Berbatov missed a sitter. Not to mention that Carrick chose to pass instead of shoot when almost completely free on 20 yards.
Outplayed in 1/3 of those games, but could have won them all with decent finishing. Frustrating, isnt it….
June 22nd, 2009 at 19:09
@Traverse: That still doesn’t make him a better player than Ribery. That statement by Whelan was nothing more than an advertisement.
June 22nd, 2009 at 19:13
@NicoQB: I really have high hopes for Welbeck and Kiko. I used to believe in Frazier too, but his departure seems imminent.
But, even though my faith in youngsters is huge, we have just lost the best footballer this club has ever seen. We have lost the driving force of Manchester United the last three seasons, the best player in the world! He cannot be replaced by some kids, despite my wish for them to do so… We need somebody who can be a goalscorer and a creator, while still being able to improve. Aguero is my best option, but somehow Fergie doesnt seem keen on him. Soo its Benzema then, cause as you said he might fit well with the team. I thought he was a dickhead, but lately Ive been hearing he is ariite. So who knows, I would like him here! 
June 22nd, 2009 at 19:14
@Fred The Red: They have seen the Ronnie money, and want 20 million for an 18 year old, and United will not bite – end of!
June 22nd, 2009 at 19:16
@NicoQB: Besides, if we cant get a player that can both create and score goals, we need two players. Which is more expensive and more complicated… Thats why I think going for Etoo/Huntelaar and Valencia/Silva is a bad call right now. Benzema though, somehow reminds me of Cantona. Not in the way he plays, but the Aura, arrogance and confidence he has when stepping onto the pitch. VIVA LA FRANCE!
June 22nd, 2009 at 19:17
@RedDevilEddy: The issue with Aguero is that maybe Fergie has had his fill with Argies, Veron didn’t make it, Heinze wanted to defect to the dippers and Carlos, well we all know whats happened there.
June 22nd, 2009 at 19:17
@NicoQB: Ibra has never scored in the Champions’ League. Ever. Says something about him.
June 22nd, 2009 at 19:18
@Andrei: The club – NO he didn’t, the FANs – yes he did – for his own ends
.
June 22nd, 2009 at 19:21
@RedDevilEddy: aguero valincia and a couple of the young brazillians and ill be happy
just dont have faith in benzema, awesome player but just dont see him fitting unless we move roon or berba.
4-hargo-3-2 with aguero carick nani behind roon and berba would be fierce.
June 22nd, 2009 at 19:21
@Red Ranter: Sure he has… He scored against Werder Bremen this season, and against some other chumps last season. I remember, cause they were both in the goal of the month competitions! Unless you mean beyond the group stages, cause he has never delivered there…
June 22nd, 2009 at 19:22
@Stephen: Maybe, cant blame him to be honest. Even Tevez, who showed up at a press conference in a United jersey, now proves to be a cunt. Maybe the lesson in this is that you just shouldnt trust Argentines…
June 22nd, 2009 at 19:23
@RedDevilEddy: Sorry, I meant to type knock out stages in the Champions’ League. In a match of importance he almost always goes missing.
June 22nd, 2009 at 19:23
Seriously, am I the only one feeling like this is history repeating itself?! Young foreign striker, people doubt whether he is proven enough, “sources” claim the player wants more years in his native country to improve and its a hefty transfer fee… Come on, is this not the case of Fernando Torres 3 years ago or what?!
That is one of the things that makes me so certain Fergie is gonna sign this lad, he knows he missed out on Torres and he does not want to make the same mistake again. If I see Benzema play for Chelski, Arsenal or Liverpool in 2 seasons time Im gonna be furious. Everybody sees the mistake we did with Torres, even Fergie said he is irritated with himself for letting sucha talent go to waste at Liverpool! Torres wanted to go to Liverpool from the start, but United always had the possibility of signing him but were doubtful about the money. Benzema apparantly wants to go to Real, but if we actually do sign him up then I doubt he moving to Real, at least not for a couple of years. 2015, earliest!
June 22nd, 2009 at 19:24
@Red Ranter: Gotcha!
June 22nd, 2009 at 19:27
For what it’s worth, here is my take on the whole Benzema to United story. If United are to get Karim Benzema, it will take a bid of over 40 million to get him. The 25 million that has been quoted is just utter nonsense. Red Ranter is 110% correct on this. The President of Lyon Aulas is a very shrewd cookie indeed. This man has a track record of sucking every drop of water out of a stone. He has sold utilitarian defensive minded midfielders for prices you would normally pay for gifted attacking magicians. That takes talent. I for one wouldn’t compare him to Daniel Levy because for one thing, he’s not a git. But I do get what RR meant by the comparison. Levy tries to milk every last dollar from a team for a player. He certainly did so with Berbatov and with Carrick.
Now on to Benzema. Benzema for me is overrated and not woirth 20 million. That’s just me. I could be wrong but I defer to my years of experience and a strong track record of judging talent and knowing what they will become and then seeing them prove me right. Occasionally I am wrong but that’s for another day and discussion. Right now the topic is Benzema and I have serious reservations about buying this player.
Apparently there has been a snag or delay in the negotiations as the sounds coming from Lyon make it seem that Benzema is willing to listen but is pretty committed to staying at Lyon for another year. He said the very same thing last year. Why? Because at 21 he is thinking one of two things in my opinion. Firast he lacks the confidence and courage to leave his comfort zone and have so much pressure placed on his shoulders to perform, or second and the most likely scenario, he is waiting for his true love Real Madrid to finally make the move to get him. Make no mistake about it, Benzema want s to be a Real Madrid player and to emulate the career of his idol Zinedine Zidane. On that basis and that basis alone I wouldn’t touch him with a ten foot pole. I wouldn’t waste spit on him. And if it’s for my first scenario, I do not much care for players who lack the courage and confidence to leave their crib and actually be forced to perform and grow up. Lukas Podolski is a prime example of a major disappointment. He couldn’t cut it at Bayern Munich and so rather than try his luck for other big clubs throughout Europe, he decided to stick his tail between his legs and go play for his sad sack home town team the recently promoted FC Cologne. WOW! What ambition and courage. I hope he ends up back in Bundesliga 2 at the end of the season. Would serve him right for his lack of guts and adventure.
Will my reasons for not getting Benzema work on Fergie? No way in Hell. The Gaffer has his heart set on this moody, petulant anti social ass clown and nothing I or the rest of Mancunia say is going to make a difference. So lets look at the real reason we are going after Karim Benzema. Karim Benzema is nothing but a short term fix for losing Ronaldo and a long term financial investment. I give Benzema two years and perhaps three years before he bolts and demands a move to Real Madrid. And Fergie fully knows this and expects it. But here is why Fergie wants him. Benzema if we are to be seduced by the hype, will net us 20+ goals a season for the next couple of years and help us maintain the status quo for the club in terms of winning and promotional licensing. In two to three years I expect Fergie to put a price tag for Benzema that could rival Ronaldo. Over 60 million. So if Fergie is lucky and gets this player for under 30 million or even around 35 million, then he can be assured almost that he can come close to doubling the investment and keep the money coming ion even if he loses the player. In this the age of the mercenary it seems to be a good business plan to buy players even if only for a short time and double your investment when you sell them. This keeps the club’s transfer kitty high when it has a hard time of elevating it through it’s normal means.
So lets see how this plays out. I for one am not happy about the pursuit of this player and I am not convinced he will be the player Fergie thinks he is. I could be wrong but I still feel that it is a shame that Fergie has not woken up to the fact that a cheaper solution is available and can be much more prolific and dynamic for United, and with the intention of staying for a long time. That is none other than Klaas Jan Huntelaar. We could get him for 15 million right now which would be a fantastic bit of business, instead Fergie is suffering from delusions of grandeur and fantasizing over a player that doesn’t give a rats ass about Manchester United. For me that is a slap in all our collective faces. Christ, if I was to go after any player who doesn’t want to play for us or in England, it would be David Villa. I think his last goal in the Confederations Cup says it all really. Just total class.
June 22nd, 2009 at 19:28
@Red Ranter: Not to mention Tevez always played in his position, while Rooney was played OUT OF POSITION, to accommodate whining minnies like Tevez
.
June 22nd, 2009 at 19:29
HOLY SHIIIIIIIIIT!!!!
http://therepublikofmancunia.com/where-have-we-seen-this-face-before/
Its too similar to be false…
June 22nd, 2009 at 19:30
@RedDevilEddy:
The issue with Carlos is that if he isn’t or wasn’t going to be a starter in the first eleven then why spend the money?
The fee in its entirety was too much for a squad plaer, if Fergie was going to start him more often than not then Ok, lump out the fee. I am not bashing him but he disrespected the club and manager and saying he was treated awfully is ridiculous, when we signed him on the intial two year loan things were different and all we had was an option to sign him on a permanent basis. It was not just simply offering him a contract it was the fee which was the issue, good for us to try and neg the deal down, it makes a change.
June 22nd, 2009 at 19:32
@RedDevilEddy: Yeah Bro, the Eagles landed, but the Phoenix is about to rise
.
June 22nd, 2009 at 19:36
@RedDevilEddy: Just so you know, twice I read MEN ratings for a couple of our games, and I have to tell you that even the average football fan knows more about the beautiful game than the guy doing the ratings over there.
Here you go:
http://soccergoalshighlights.blogspot.com/2009/04/manchester-united-vs-tottenham-premier.html
THe three goals where Berba is involved, he doesn’t give the actual assist but is in fact the one player controlling the ball in full traffic and releasing the killer pass which causes the cavalry to charge.
Also watch 1:10 in the second video. Its typical of the type of pass that Rooney and Berbatov can deliver to create an assist but that Tevez for the life of him couldn’t.
June 22nd, 2009 at 19:38
@donibrasco: Why don’t you trust TROT off and support Tevez at Man Pity then eh?, because you are the saddest United fan for sure! Nobody is chaining you to watch Man Utd you know! Were you one of the Rent a mob fans who boo-ed SAF, and chanted over for Tevez over SAF’s end of season victory speech by any chance?
June 22nd, 2009 at 19:39
@Craig Mc: You see that Nani has become a monster under my management…
June 22nd, 2009 at 19:40
@Red Ranter: Ok, I’ll concede this point to you, but I have to say that Inter have not been a force of repute recently inthe CL and neither have Juve.
Often strikers are as good as the service the receive. And to be honest in Inter out of memory I can only list Julio Cesar and Ibra as world class or near world class.
June 22nd, 2009 at 19:41
@Stephen: I think Fergie was actually considering using Tevez for many games. Like I said earlier I feel that Fergie doesnt have too much faith in Berbatov agaisnt big sides, and because other strikers are so expensive now a days Tevez might have been the best option. Who knows?
June 22nd, 2009 at 19:42
sooo, city sign santa cruz, arsenal sign some £10mil CB, chelsea sign a keeper, the dippers look set to sign johnson. We’re still in france
Tick fucking tock fergie!
June 22nd, 2009 at 19:42
@donibrasco: Think Ole Gunnar Sol, for the answer to that eh?
June 22nd, 2009 at 19:44
@NicoQB: That is correct, they once gave Andy a 4 when I gave him a 10!
Nah, just kdding mate, but I see what you are saying. But I will watch the game again, and then I can give a more concrete answer. But he didnt stand out like Rooney, Ronaldo or Tevez did, becase then i would haev remebered him. I think Berbatov is a good striker, I do. He just doesnt fit in thsi United team, and the way he plays is considered poison by me…
I want him to do well, but I just fear that isnt gonna be the case.
June 22nd, 2009 at 19:45
@NicoQB: Maicon, Cambiasso, Zanetti (still) and posibley Stankovic I would say are there or there abouts.
June 22nd, 2009 at 19:46
@RedDevilEddy: Maybe he should simply as I said earlier go with Rooney and Berba, give the lads a decent run of games together to devlop an understanding.
June 22nd, 2009 at 19:46
@Dan:
Bet Fergie is having a meeting with Cantona considering a new job, eh? Maybe scouting! 
Or maybe he is just dreaming about the thought of Daninho being available for less than £50 million, that would solve all of Uniteds problems.
June 22nd, 2009 at 19:48
@Stephen: Maybe, but unless Rooney becomes the heartbeat of this team we are screwed…
Oh well, we always have Anderson!
June 22nd, 2009 at 19:49
@Andrei: Oh please Andrei, the only reason he isn’t going to the scousers is because they wouldn’t double his money! We are not fooled by any of the bullshit ‘its out of respect for United fans’.
June 22nd, 2009 at 19:50
@RedDevilEddy: The issue isn’t the players we are missing out on, it is the fact that players will be back in pre season training on the 1st of July, then we will go on tour what we don’t want is the Berba senario, we want any new players well bedded in with the squad and with a pre season under their belts.
June 22nd, 2009 at 19:51
@Grognard: Oh, thanks, didn’t know about this story.
By the way, just so you know, I do not want him to be a United player. I just think that he is truly talented. Maybe, as you said he is spineless, gutless and whatever expletives you say.
But my point was that the two matches where I actually saw him play the most was obvioulsy our CL encounters, and I satnd by my view that, with the wexception of Julio Cesar, he was one of Inter’s best players on the two legs.
Other than that I saw the usual highlights on TV and the youtubes, and even those small bits of skill are enough for me to confirm that the guy is truly talented.
As for his lack of heart, maybe you’re right, but I also think that Inter is an ortherwise ordinary team in a nowadays ordinary league.
June 22nd, 2009 at 19:54
@RedDevilEddy:
.
June 22nd, 2009 at 19:54
@Stephen: I’ll give you Maicon!
Cambiasso is n the same level as Carrick for me, Stankovic ditto, Zanetti is living on his legend – no more world class, just decent nowadays.
June 22nd, 2009 at 19:56
@NicoQB: I would certainly argue Cambiasso he is a superb player, more agressive and physical than Carrick not really the same player bro, he would be ideal for us.
June 22nd, 2009 at 19:56
@Stephen: I understand that, I want that too! But Im caought between two minds…
1. Fergie knows who to replace Ronaldo with, cause he has known he was gonna for more than a year. The signing is already secretly made, or they are negotiating.
2. Fergie is so dumm that he hasnt thought about anything yet, and just lies on the fucking french riviers getting wasted and planning how to beat my FIFA 09 team…
I seriously hope its the former…
June 22nd, 2009 at 19:58
@RedDevilEddy: Rooney was a 10 that day if I’m not mistaken, Ronaldo an 8, Berbatov a 9, Tevez a 7.5 (for effort).
If you really watch the game, try to confirm whether Nani had a good first half? I actually remember being baffled at his substitution when I thought he was thee one player who played well in the first half.
June 22nd, 2009 at 19:59
@RedDevilEddy: We all know who it is going to be mate, Valencia Fergie has set his heart on him and we will end up paying circa £20m for him which is ludacrous.
June 22nd, 2009 at 20:02
@Stephen: You’re certainly right bro, but I was soeaking in terms of value.
I thought that Carrick’s past season was so-so – not his best but not as dreadful as, say, *cough*Anderson!*cough*
If Carrick played at his true level then, he’s as good as Cambiasso in my books. Carrick clearly suffered from not having a regular stopper in midfield.
June 22nd, 2009 at 20:06
@NicoQB: I thought Carrick was better than that last season matey, but I totally agree WE NEED TO GET A SETTLED MIDFIELD COMBINATION AND FORMATION.
It annoys me sometimes we play 4-4-2 then play 4-3-3, depending on who is playing or what we are playing.
June 22nd, 2009 at 20:07
Valencia hs signed!!!
I read it from GHTT on ROM, who heard it from his friend who heard it from Paddy Crerand on MUTV!!!
June 22nd, 2009 at 20:09
@Stephen: Amen, mate!
June 22nd, 2009 at 20:14
I’m off to playing Half-Life 2. Been delaying it for a few years now..
June 22nd, 2009 at 20:14
@NicoQB: I really believe we can do better than him, for me he isn’t Unitede quality and for the money rumoured it seems very excessive.
June 22nd, 2009 at 20:26
@Stephen: Valencia = 1/2 of Nani’s creativity in offense + 1/2 of Park’s grit in Defense.
Fergie’s ideal player.
Agree with you, though, the fee and all.
June 22nd, 2009 at 20:36
So Wayne Rooney is also on Twitter, and people have been bombarding him with questions about who Ferguson will bring to the club.
He’s had this to say:
“Sorry i can’t answer any questions about the club who we buy is down to the board & boss we we still be a force next season im sure. We always have been and will be again players always leave clubs but new ones come in Im looking forward to who ever we get cos the Boss Will bring in the ones he thinks will be right for Club. What do you think premiership champions 2009/2010 then England World Cup winners “
Diplomatic Wayne
And, Craig, you’ll love this:
“For all those asking soz don’t know what the team is yet boss not told us”
It’s not only us fans. Even the players are kept apart from the ’secret operation’.
This is his twitter page, in case anyone’s interested.
June 22nd, 2009 at 21:00
@Red Ranter: I can’t believe that of all places that Rooney can go for his holidays, he chooses to go at Berbatov’s!!!
June 22nd, 2009 at 21:11
@Red Ranter: When are you guys going to learn?
. You should listen to me, I told you this snippet of information before the Roon declared it on Twitter. Rooney probably read it from Craigmeister, on Red Rants. When are the major tabloids going to sign me up eh? At least most of their reports would bear some semblance of truth then 
June 22nd, 2009 at 21:14
@NicoQB: Oh, no!! Nani was a complete disaster that game. Kept wondering how on earth Ferguson let him stay on the field for the whole 45 minutes – he should have gone off after the first 15.
June 22nd, 2009 at 21:15
@NicoQB: He was Nico Bro, but SAF couldn’t take off the Mard Arses so he made Nani the scapegoat AGAIN, even though he played well in 1st half.
.
June 22nd, 2009 at 21:16
@NicoQB: That’s a few too many ‘heard’s for the story to have much credibility at this moment. Still, would be shocked if he does not sign by the end of the month.
June 22nd, 2009 at 21:38
Why hasnt anyone mentiond Pirlo coming to manchester, he is the best/only world class Cm on the market and im sure he would prefer to come to united were we have a place for him rather than chelsea were half the team are centre mids…
June 22nd, 2009 at 21:42
@NicoQB: Not good enough mate, need something more concrete.
June 22nd, 2009 at 21:53
@Andrei: No way. Otherwise I wouldn’t have been so much surprised with his substitution. Truth was that the whole team was crap in the first half, except Nani, who at least tried his bit.
@Craig Mc: Too often fans’ appreciation of a certain player is based on stereotype rather than cold, hard facts. Last season Nani was crap when in truth, he barely played. Berbatov was lazy when in truth he covered as much ground as any other player and had more successful tackles than Tevez and even our centre backs.
@Andrei: That was meant in jest, mate.
I think if tonight before going to bed we all think to ourselves: “Let it be that we’ve signed Valencia by tomorrow morning”, then he’ll effectively have signed!
June 22nd, 2009 at 22:01
@UnitedUnited: We’re still not signing Ribery. Get over it!
June 22nd, 2009 at 22:05
Is it me or has the World lost its marbles?
£18m for Santa Cruz, jeez in 8 season at Bayern he scored 31 goals, last season he netted 6 times, Ok hw was injured for the most part so Citeh are paying the money for one seasons good form where he scored 23.
Carlos will most likely sign for the Bitter Blues, they have signed Santa Cruz who is a Sparky favorite, they have another Hughesy fav in Bellamy, Robinho, Jo, Elano, Bojinov, Benjani, Caicedo, Evans and Sturridge is still there currently will he play more games there, probably but he will need to start well because there are a lot of players competing for one or two places.
June 22nd, 2009 at 23:32
@NicoQB: He is a very talented player but his head’s not screwed on right. His attitude has prevented him from ever attaining true greatness because he is lazy and unmotivated. He still scores a lot of goals despite his apathetic attitude though which just makes you wonder what is his major malfunction? If he only gave a 100% instead of 55%. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know what i felt about the guy because to be honest, if United ever signed him, I’d seriously consider shifting my allegiance elsewhere. There is nothing worse than when a player you dislike or who rubs you the wrong way is singed by your favorite team. That would be too grim to bare.
And I also have to respectfully disagree with you regarding his play against us in the two CL legs vs Inter. I thought he was completely invisible and useless in the first leg and then he did manage to do a few things in the second but when it actually came to putting the ball in the back of the net, he failed. Enough said. He is a major choke artist.
June 22nd, 2009 at 23:34
@Stephen: Cambiasso is nice little pest of a player. Not very skillful but is able to play along the midfield and cause opponents grief. A more refined version of Park, but not Carrick. He’s also a lot faster and much more physical than Carrick.
June 22nd, 2009 at 23:38
@NicoQB: I’m going back to FIFA 09 where I have transformed Hamburg into a German/Dutch hybrid of awesomeness. After twelve games Huntelaar has 15 goals and leads the rest in the Bundesliga by 8 goals. Sure it’s a video game but for me it’s just justifies how truly awesome he is.
And then after that, it’s back to Mass Effect. A fantastic game indeed.
June 22nd, 2009 at 23:41
@Craig Mc: Gremio put that valuation on Costa long before we agreed to sell Ronaldo mate, the kids going to be a star and that bids a joke.
June 22nd, 2009 at 23:41
@Red Ranter: The players don’t know yet because the boss doesn’t know either because he’s half asleep and just back from vacation.
At least that’s the way it looks to me. OT is famous for looking like a winter resort when the spring comes. They put the linens over all the furniture and lock the doors until October. 
June 22nd, 2009 at 23:45
@Fred The Red: 22 million is a lot for an 18 year old kid though! We got Ronnie for 12 million. This lad is surely as raw as Ronnie was then?
June 22nd, 2009 at 23:49
@traverse:please call my country name proplerly. it is called barbados
June 22nd, 2009 at 23:52
@Craig Mc: Agreed mate, but a starting bid of at least 10 to 12 million would have been fair for both sides, 6.7 million makes us look stupid.
And I know this is a big statement but I think this kid is a more rounded player than Ronaldo was at that age, I could be wrong but I think Costa is a massive talent.
June 23rd, 2009 at 1:14
Who the hell is Nilmar??? Jorge Mendes, who brought us Ronnie, is acting on this players behalf with United supposed to be ready to cough up 20 million
. I never heard of the guy – what the ………
June 23rd, 2009 at 1:15
@Fred The Red: That’s only paper say though regarding the offer isn’t it?
June 23rd, 2009 at 1:33
@Craig Mc: Wikipedia him, he is actually a well known S.american prospect.
June 23rd, 2009 at 1:37
Craig I think Nilmar flopped at a French club, pissed off back to Brazil and started scoring again.
June 23rd, 2009 at 1:43
@johnsom33: Yeah I just did that mate, and guess what? There is an article titled how Nilmar and Joorabchian defrauded Lyon of both the player and the transfer fee. MSI were involved, and they recruited someone inside FIFA to support them, and as yet Lyon have not recd a loan fee or sale fee for the player, whom Corinthians are claiming as their player. Naymar and his agent knew about this, and Lyon are still awaiting the return of the player or the transfer money. They should already have the loan money. Seems like Joorabchian and MFI, together with FIFA insiders, are corrupt to the fucking core. How they getting away with this. I truly hope we are not getting involved with Joorabchian AGAIN, or SAF will make a rod for his own back and United’s with that smarmy GIT.
June 23rd, 2009 at 1:46
@colver: Yeah pissed off back to Brazil by agreeing to defraud Lyon, together with Joorabchian and his MFI cohorts. You gotta read the article on Wikipedia to believe it.
June 23rd, 2009 at 2:15
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sbf4Ih7UKo&feature=player_embedded
Apparently Noel Gallagher was in Brazil and god knows how he went to see this very match where Nilmar scored this peach of a goal. After the match, he went into the players’ dressing room and tried to convince Nilmar to join City!
Nilmar joining United –> thwarting Gallagher.
Fergie, sign him up!
June 23rd, 2009 at 2:18
@Craig Mc: Oops. Fooking Kia!
So much for signing Nilmar then…
June 23rd, 2009 at 2:19
@NicoQB: I don’t want to sign this guy IF Joorabchian and MSI crooks are involved. Sorry, but we need to keep away from that bastard!
June 23rd, 2009 at 2:29
Sorry Craig, bro, but Clowns!!!
June 23rd, 2009 at 2:53
@NicoQB: Surely that Northern rock on the shirts should be Northern Crocks NOW
,
June 23rd, 2009 at 3:11
I am a bit confused. If the transfer window does not open until 1st July, how can teams already sign players?
June 23rd, 2009 at 3:31
hey people, i just ran thru MAICON on wikipedia….amazingly, he did sign for us before, only to be denied a work permit, hence the move didnt materialize…..so i was thinking now that he is unsettled at inter, y not we attempt to sign him….SUCCESSFULLY TO REPLACE NEVILLE AND GUIDE RAFAEL!! SIGN MAICON!!!!
June 23rd, 2009 at 5:18
They don’t. They just agree deals. Technically, Ronaldo and Kaka are not yet Real Madrid players, they have signed a contract starting on July 1st. June if football’s dead month. Nothing but international tournaments going on (and they suck 8=====~ ).
June 23rd, 2009 at 8:36
After watching the England U21s last night, I’m officially on the ‘lets sign Jack Rodwell’ train. Head and shoulders the best player on the pitch, and also the youngest (2nd youngest in the tournament!). Big fella, played the ‘Makelele’ role to perfection, completely erased Ozil who was supposed to be walking this tournament (just played in both the Germand and UEFA cup finals). Tackling was good, distribution was fine, if uninspired and he had time to score a goal.
Seriously, he’s the best young English player I’ve seen since the Roon. I know he’s inexperienced but that just means he won’t cost a fortune, which he will in 2 years when he’s a full international and playing all the time at Everton. Fergie sign him up
June 23rd, 2009 at 10:03
Seems the new home kit will be revealed on 1st of July. Looks like we have borrowed shorts from LooserFool’s last year’s away kit. And the new kit doesn’t seem to have that much talked chevron. Lets see…
Link
June 23rd, 2009 at 10:16
@Beachryan: Beachy, Everton have sworn, that after Rooney, they will never sell again any of their best and most talented young players. They don’t have to sell, because they are pretty solvent.
June 23rd, 2009 at 10:47
@Craig Mc: The Ole Gunnar situation was different and he also admitted he did not like it,plus he is one of a kind.Today’s footballer and not just Tevez will not sit on the bench for the love of the team,and i swear if Solskjear came from a big footballing nation,he would not have stayed content with his bit part role.Next year is a world cup year where the coach cant select players on reputation,atleast Argentina is not England.
For someone to tell me to trot off and support city is missing the point.Messi is a great player,does that mean whoever believes that should trot off and support Barca?@Red Ranter: I do not dislike Rooney,i actually like him alot but for someone who has had alot of potential for all this time,i do not see his improvement,i actially think he was better in his first two seasons and the manager is not to blame.To say they should play him in his role behind the strikers is mis understanding the game of football al together.If you ask any coach,he will tell you any footballers favorite position is in the hole,so it is not a reserve for Rooney as so many fans would want to believe.
I say he is a striker and should be judjed on goals scored like any other striker or else he is our Dirk Kuyt that provides energy to the team,and occasionally scores which i do not like since we already have the best defence,a tidy midfield,and we do not need a defensive striker.
Throught the whole drame,i hear fans talking about a striker to play alonside Rooney.Tevez,Saha,Berba,have all not lived up according to some fans,but do you realise there is one constant?
June 23rd, 2009 at 10:54
@donibrasco: Rooney scored 20 goals last season and was restricited to playing left side more often than not, also selecting players on reputation why do Argentina still select Veron, Zanetti and Heinze? Also I would rather Capello in charge than that drug taking lunatic Maradona, who was selected WHAT for his management record?? Or his playing reputation??
I agree with Tevez he is not a player who is going to sit on the bench, but he did get game time, and who sayes he will play more by moving?, who knows.
June 23rd, 2009 at 10:58
@ Craig – Yeah I figure Everton will try and hold onto him, but if we made a big money move now, with it being such a risk, would be interesting to see what they’d do. They need a world class striker, and £15m would really help them complete their current team. In a way it’s unfortunate that it’s Everton, as I quite like them for being such a well run outfit. I guess we can bide our time and wait for Moyes to bring him in 3 years time when he takes over from Fergie…
Oh and Foster has signed a big bumper contract. Clearly he’s viewed as our number 1 for the future, so put away your Adler/Neuer etc wishes for the forseeable while.
June 23rd, 2009 at 11:02
@Stephen: My point is you play where the manager wants you.Carlos probably thought about playing time before he ditched Us.
Isnt Maradona performing?I respect capello,but that is only Andorra,Borat,and those others.Lets wait for the big one next year
June 23rd, 2009 at 11:14
@donibrasco: Well they lost 6-1 to Bolivia but has only been in charge for as short time in in that, he beat Scotland 1-0, beat Columbia 1-0 and they were poor, and lost 2-0 to Ecuador are they World Cup winning sides???, I think Capello’s record speaks for itself mate, played 15 won 12 drew 1 and lost 2.
It is up to the player if Carlos wants to move the decision is his, maybe being a big fish in a small pond is more his style, we got good value out of him, his efforts for the past two years are worth the £9m, but his recent winging to the press has left a sour taste in a lot of fans mouths.
June 23rd, 2009 at 11:53
If Tevez goes to City he’s never going to get a game…imo.
Santa Cruz is a big frontman, who can lead the line. City seem to favour a 5 man midfield, with Ireland, Robinho and Wright-Philips spread behind the striker and Kompany/Elano/De Jong behind them. Unless Tevez will be a support striker, I just don’t get it.
And that’s ignoring Bellamy/Cacaido/Sturridge/etc…
Whereas at United he would have been one of 3.
Idiot.
June 23rd, 2009 at 12:20
@Beachryan: I brought that up in an earlier post mate, the concerns for Tevez is that I hope he is moving for the right reasons, one being that it is his decision.
If Joorachian is telling him to move to help line his own pockets and not for the bennefit of the player then it is the wrong move. I simply don’t buy the “he has been treated disgracefully” act, for me he was given ample game time and what doe he expect, the play week in week out, it simply doesn’t happen at our club, unless your name was Ronaldo.
If he is moving soley for fiancial reasons again that is wrong, but we should all know that, I hope he has not been manipualted by others parties to leave the club, as it could well be career suicide.
June 23rd, 2009 at 12:27
@ebrahim: huh?
June 23rd, 2009 at 12:35
@donibrasco: If your a Man United fan, I’m a fucking dutchman, and that is saying something! Anyone who thinks that Tevez is better than Rooney, well enough said. If it had have been Rooney that SAF wasn’t re-signing, there would have been mayhem down at OT, and the fans would have tore the place apart. Nobody has batted an eyelid since Tevez went, in spite of all the rent a mob fans, who were making a fuss over what – A United great – Tevez, was he fuck. He gave plenty of endeavour, but his game was lacking in so many departments. Plus why should he play every game, he was part of a squad. I feel sorry for Man Pity, or anybody who gets Tevez, because the 1st time they leave him on the bench, he will be going crying to the press every few minutes. Listen mate, Tevez is a mercenary, like most of the latin players, MONEY IS THEIR GOD. Rooney is miles better than Tevez, and has scored more goals, and that with the many times out injured too. Also more assists from Rooney, so no idea why you would think Tevez is better than Rooney. I notice you don’t come onto this blog very often, but when you do, its to tell us how badly we have treated poor little mite Tevez. Like I said, City is just across town mate. Also comparing Messi to Tevez is like comparing a rolls royce to a minicar.
. By the way, I am not even a Rooney lover, but I know he is miles better than Tevez.
June 23rd, 2009 at 12:40
@Stephen: Tevez has been a manipulated slave since he became involved with MSI and Joorabchian. He is not allowed a mind of his own, no matter what Joorabchian says. But hey, he’s gone, and why should we give him another thought.
June 23rd, 2009 at 12:58
@Craig Mc: Well said buddy… Lots of cheers… After all there is only one player on this earth who is better than Rooney and that’s Rooney himself…
June 23rd, 2009 at 13:02
@Craig Mc: Absolutely agreed.. I mean common you all Tevez as well as Ronaldo story is over. They are no longer a part of this great football club… So please stop wasting yours and readers energy as well as space on the blog by keep on writing about them. i mean we have around GBP 100 million think about that and not about those who have already decided there way… July is coming… Its gonna be exciting with lot of money…. I hope..
June 23rd, 2009 at 13:15
@donibrasco: Every player wants to play behind the strikers??? That’s completely untrue.
I agree that as a striker it is important that rooney scores goals and all strikers should chip in with their fair share, but rooney scores an acceptable amount of goals every year so i don’t see your point here. Not every striker has to score 30+ goals a season to be a good one.
Berbatov has been disappointing so far, but saha frustrated because of his injury problems, not his footballing ability, and people complain about tevez because other strikers would be more complimentary to rooney’s abilities. Fans want to see rooney play in the position tevez occupied for us. As much as i like and rate tevez, and i’d imagine i rate him considerably higher than most, he just isn’t wayne rooney.
June 23rd, 2009 at 14:49
@Craig Mc: Am not saying he is better,just that he is not as bad as most fans make him.@Stephen: Being a United fan,i dont go much into inrenationals otherwise Luis Fabiano would be the best striker now.@tevez: Tevez isnt Rooney,but when was the last time you left the house saying Rooney will win this game for us?
June 23rd, 2009 at 14:52
@donibrasco: Fabiano has the same amount of goals in the Confederations Cup as David Villa, Kaka, Rossi and Torres mate.
June 23rd, 2009 at 15:02
@Craig Mc: I really don’t get your hate towards Tevez?
You need to compare a confident Rooney with a confident Tevez to get a true estimation of what he is capable of. As I mentioned before, I don’t like getting into the who’s better, but we have to agree, most United fans are pretty biased towards Rooney.
Tevez is really not as bad as what most people make him out to be. His performances before he came to England was equal to, if not better than that of Rooney. He has had to adapt to a new league, 2 new clubs, and as he was about to find his feet at the club, his confidence was shot down. How can you logically compare him to a settled Rooney to whom lots of confidence is shown, whether he performs or not. I have seen quite a few games of Rooney this season where he simply has not performed. Yet, people forget that in their assessment.
Tevez on the other hand, has also (contrary to your belief), NEVER really played in ‘his’ position. Always ‘out of position’. The only times he played in ‘the hole’ was when he played in the Carling Cup (and see what happened). I agree that Rooney is a bit of a dissapointment in that he has never reached the potential that we all expected of him.
I honestly think that Tevez is as good, if not perhaps better than Rooney. Also, why the hate toward Maradonna? One other thing of note about Rooney playing for England. We need to consider, not only is England playing weak opposition, but Rooney is also a case of ‘big fish in a little pond’ with England. He stands out because there is not that many creative, flair players in the England team.
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The fact that Tevez turned down an offer of being one of the highest paid players in the PL, should also indicate that this ‘mercenary’ idea is totally idiotic. Whatever his reasons, I seriously doubt it was due to money on his part. Also worth noting, if he signs for City, he does so knowing full well that he has to fight for a place. Why would he want to do that if he want to be guaranteed a starting slot and not ‘take one for the team’?
I think at the end of the day, he felt he was not wanted enough and he is now moving on. We really can’t blame him for that.
June 23rd, 2009 at 15:18
@Karl: Sorry to butt in mate and forgive me but Rooney a big fish in a small pond for England, playing with players without creative and flair, Gerrard, Walcott, Joe Cole, Lampard, SWP, Young and Agbonlahor and even Defoe are hardly small un creative, unflair like players mate, bring in big names like Terry, Ashley Cole, Rio and Carrick to the mix, that is simply incorrect.
June 23rd, 2009 at 15:48
@Stephen: Sorry Stephen. They are not as creative as what they are famous.
June 23rd, 2009 at 15:57
@Karl:
June 23rd, 2009 at 16:31
Look guys we really need to be concerned about this whole benzema situation. Is he gonna sign or not, we dont know but im sure as hell, if we try to get him, lyon are greedy bastards and they will try and milk every penny from us as possible. I dont think valencia will be a sufficient signing because we have players like him, we dont need another park/nani we need a player with a hell of a lot of flair and pace, we need to do all we can to get benzema, screw ribery who in gods name wld pay 60-80 mil for him. We also need to get douglas because we paid 12.75 mil for a player who turned into the best in the world, why not pay 16-18 mil for a player who promises a lot of talent and so what if he turns out to be a flop, its not the end of the world it shit happens. Lets also get aguero even if it costs us a good 40 mil cause he is quality and will fill the void for tevez’ argentinian pace and determination!
June 23rd, 2009 at 16:32
sorry “shit happens” not “it shit happens”
June 23rd, 2009 at 16:41
@Karl: If you can find anywhere, that I ever mentioned the name Maradona, then please show me
. Yet I will say this Karl – you ask an Englishman why hate Maradona? Try the deliberate ’so called handball of God’ against England in the World cup. He is a cheating bastard, who admits he always cheated, and would cheat again in the big games. He is a drug addict, who ran with the MAFIA in Naples, and admitted so himself. He started the whole Tevez debacle at OT, by telling Tevez that he had to cause a fuss about nt being in the big games at OT, or he couldn’t play for Argentina in big games. He told him to be selfish and keep the balls, and not pass it to players in better positions, so that he got the glory. This Tevez himself admitted in Argentina media interviews. I will NEVER agree that Tevez is a better player than Rooney, because I really don’t believe he is Karl. I am NOT upset that he has left OT, because his attitude is pathetic. What you think oyher players at OT don’t have legitmate grievances about being left out of the team. He went to City because of the money – end of. He could have got CL football with Chelski or Looserpoo, but Joorabchian follows the fistfuls of money. On top of all that, he fucking lied to the media, and the club, saying he needed more time to decide, when City have made it known that he tied up a deal with them 2-3 weeks ago. So I couldn’t give a monkeys about Tevez mate, and neither can most of the OT faithful I suspect. But hey, you can keep playing nicely with Donibrasco on the Tevez love bandwagon. Sorry Karl, but I will never be on that bandwagon Bro. We all have different players we are for and against, that fandom mate 
.
June 23rd, 2009 at 16:47
@donibrasco: Its all a matter of opinion though mate, and Tevez played a lot of football for us, in spite of all his protests, and apart from last couple of games, he wasn’t all that in my opinion!
June 23rd, 2009 at 16:53
Donibrasco, I don’t know whether you are English or not mate, but all fans in England have a thing about whether a player is DEVOTED to a club or night. In light of this, we LOCALS of Manchester particularly see Rooney as a TRUE RED. He understands the history, and the ‘ins and outs’ of the fans minds in England, and is mindful of it. The foreigners don’t have that same love and emotional attachment to a club mate, although they may to those clubs in their own Country of origon. The Roon’s, Rio’s, Red Nevs, Giggsy’s, Ole’s and Scholesy’s will always be more in our hearts than those who don’t have that passion. Cantona was a foreigner who had that connection with club and fans, but there are not many of them!
June 23rd, 2009 at 16:54
@Craig Mc: Also mate the players you have stated have put the club first not themselves, which is why they are legends.
June 23rd, 2009 at 16:55
@tevez: Aaaaah never a truer word spoken!
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June 23rd, 2009 at 16:57
@Onkar: Go Onkar, you tell ‘em mate
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June 23rd, 2009 at 16:58
@Onkar:
.
June 23rd, 2009 at 17:40
@Karl: Thank you thank you thank you, I agree with 99.9% wuth everything you said. the only thing I disagree about is that Rooney is the better player… when he is on form. I do agree that Rooney has been a relative disapointment to this point, and any non-english fan can see it. Where he was at 16 and where he is at now is frustrating. No doubt he has improved,but when you compare the developmental arch with say Ronaldo, you wonder how he managed to get left in Ronaldo’s dust.
It has been suggested that Ronaldo was in fact stunting Rooneys growth as a footballer, I hope now that he is gone fergie will be able to devote more time to rooney and build the team around him, so we can see him reach his peak.
June 23rd, 2009 at 17:54
@johnsom33:
.
June 23rd, 2009 at 19:59
@johnsom33: I am not English and I think that Rooney is miles ahead of Tevez.
One thing both Karl and you are never addressing is Tevez inability to pass the ball, Rooney always averages 10+ assists per season, on top of his 18+ goals.
Just for that fact, Rooney is much better than Tevez. Now Tevez, who contrary to popluar belief had plenty of minutes this past season, had just a handful of goals and assists to show for – there is no way that he’s better than Rooney.
As for the argument that Tevez’s real worth was that which he showed back in South America, well there’s plenty of players who were supposedly world-class back in Brasil or Argentin, but couldn’t cut the mustard in europe.
We have to look at who’s the better player in Europe and most people would agree that it is Rooney.
June 23rd, 2009 at 21:26
@donibrasco: Any blame for lack of improvement from Rooney should land at the feet of none other than Fergie. His constant neglect of the player by playing him out of position, asking him to do too much and not resting him often enough is the root cause of your concern. From where I’m sitting, it appear Mr. Capello seems to get a lot more out of him than Fergie. Jee, I wonder why?
June 23rd, 2009 at 21:28
@Karl: Why the hate for Maradona? You would dare and ask an Englishman why he hates Maradona? Mate, go back and study your World Cup history. Also, besides that, Maradona is a punk and a criminal. Nuff said!
June 23rd, 2009 at 21:35
@Grognard: Thank you, couldn’t have put it better myself.
June 23rd, 2009 at 23:16
@NicoQB: re-read my message. I never said Tevez was better than Rooney, that was the part I disagreed with Karl on. My non-english fan claim, was just me saying that the english are in denial over Rooney development. He is a world class player no doubt, but he should be challenging Ronaldo, Kaka and Messi for WPOTY.
June 24th, 2009 at 11:09
@johnsom33: Mate I am not getting in your face but are you saying English football fans are blinded in their views about a player simply because of our and their Nationality?
We all can see football and am bot blinded by a blinkered view on a player simply because of where we are from, also I would not discriminate a player simply of where he is from, I am a United fan first and foremost and think what is best for the team regardless of where the player is from.
June 24th, 2009 at 11:59
@Stephen: I think we all are also united fans over here. But it doesnt mean we cant have differences of opinion.
Most fans would say rooney is better but the biggest crib is he is nowhere near good enf as his potential entails him to be. Forget Tevez, Rooney cud be better than Ronaldo but sadly he is not. And lets stop blaming Fergie for that. Somehow he has not grown as he shud have (given that him and Ronaldo were more or less at around same level in ‘04) Fergie wud have built his team around Rooney if he was good enf! he built the team around Ronaldo (even sacrificed RVN for that) coz he was that good and the guy delivered as well (3 PLs, 1 CL to name a few).
Now is a very important time for Rooney’s career. If he can show to the gaffer he is really good (in top 4-5 players in the world) then the team would be built around him otherwise it will not! Rooney currently is not in that bracket (players like Ronaldo, Xavi, Iniesta, Messi, Vidic, etc) Theres no point in being better than Tevez (honestly speaking I dont think there is much difference between the two – rooney has more talent but tevez is more dogged; rooney gets frustrated very easily and then his game suffers but its not the case with tevez who fights till last second of the game; both are brilliant at times and suck at others; both are confidence players; unfortunately rooney cant have an injury free season but tevez is super fit all the time! etc etc. But as I said none of them is among top 5 in the world! Whats the point in saying rooney is better than Park? i dream of the the day when we wud be able to say Rooney is better than Messi!!!
June 24th, 2009 at 12:14
@jos: You cannot judge Rooney on Ronaldo progression, a winger scoring 91 goals in 3 season is simply phenomenal, as he could well be described as one of the best footballer who ever lived.
Rooney’s downside is that he is too honest, he chases everything like a puppy chasing a bag in the wind, if he were more selfish like Ronaldo in his play the he could in my view be a better player.
Rooney is not the same player a Messi, Ronaldo he is not a dribbler, he is more a force of nature a talisman more of the Roy Keane type, chase everything not giving anything up for the team, which you have to admire. Rooney is our heartbeat, I would love him to be more of the match winner like last season away at Citeh, he could well be the scorer of important goals for us, like Carlos and Ronaldo, and King Eric.
He needs to grow up, cut out the petulance which has blighted his devlopment for me, he is far too immature. Maybe having a child will make him grow up, like Paul Ince ad also playing through the middle with a settled strke partner will also help, yes he hasn’t become the best player in the World, but he is United through and through and cares soley for the club unlike Tevez and Ronaldo and that means a lot to the fans.
June 24th, 2009 at 13:20
@Stephen: believe me i ma a huge Rooney fan but its frustrating to see he is not in the same club as ronaldo, messi etc knowing that he can be there! my only point was tevez shouldnt be the parameter for rooney! it shud be the likes of kaka, ronaldo, messi! Thats where he shud be and thats where he belongs.
otherwise we might just satisfy ourselves with rooney is better than park!!!
June 24th, 2009 at 13:52
@jos: In fairness he is still only 23, next season will be a massive one for him hopefully he will get a run through the middle where he belongs mate.