Oct 04
Blackburn v Man Utd: Preview
Blackburn away has always been a little tricky. At the moment they are above us in the table, and one would hope this is only an aberration. Today is the day to set things right as we attempt to scale the heights of the league table, before the players depart towards their international sojourn.
Before previewing the game, let’s take a minor diversion: Scholes and Fletcher have signed on to new contracts. While, in Scholesy’s case, it’s been an extension by one year, Fletcher’s got another three years added to his as he looks to fight his way into first team reckoning. I’d say his extension (Fletcher’s) is a recognition of his efforts and the club’s way of saying, “boy, you deserve this”.
Back to today’s game though, it’s a familiar face facing up to Ferguson, as Paul “Big Time Charlie” Ince leads his boys. SAF has said that he regrets calling Ince a big time charlie, as Keano says it was Gary’s fault for starting the altercation with Paddy Viera. It’s a strange day isn’t it?
Back to today’s game: Tevez will take the place vacated by an injured Rooney, whilst Berbatov will start alongside him. The back four would have a familiar look today, as hopefully, Fergie realises that Brown exists. In midfield, I think Fletcher will start alongside Giggs, perhaps. Ronaldo and Nani will be stationed in the wings. Let’s see what happens.
This is a short preview, so let me cut to the predictions: 1-0 to United.
Related items from Red Rants:- Rooney Out For A Month
- Man Utd v Everton: Preview
- Blackburn v Manchester United - Preview
- Barclona v Man Utd: Preview
- Derby County v Man Utd: Preview
Tags: Game Preview
October 4th, 2008 at 17:18
Blackburn
* 32 Brown
* 02 Ooijer
* 04 Samba
* 06 Nelsen
* 29 Olsson
* 07 Emerton
* 05 Kerimoglu
* 03 Warnock
* 12 Pedersen
* 27 Derbyshire
* 09 Santa Cruz
Substitutes
* 38 Bunn,
* 15 Mokoena,
* 17 Andrews,
* 19 Villanueva,
* 23 Fowler,
* 24 Treacy,
* 30 Roberts
Man Utd
* 01 Van der Sar
* 06 Brown
* 05 Ferdinand
* 15 Vidic
* 03 Evra
* 07 Ronaldo
* 24 Fletcher
* 08 Anderson
* 11 Giggs
* 09 Berbatov
* 10 Rooney
Substitutes
* 40 Amos,
* 13 Park,
* 17 Nani,
* 21 R Da Silva,
* 22 O’Shea,
* 23 Evans,
* 32 Tevez
shocked rooney is playing, mind games perhaps
October 4th, 2008 at 17:21
mind games? He’s fully fit so he’s playing, as he was stunning mid week. Nothing much more to it.
Really looking forward to Giggs in a central role today. Come on Giggsy!
October 4th, 2008 at 17:22
cmon boys. 3 POINTS PLEASE
October 4th, 2008 at 17:24
Another in-browser stream:
http://www.ustream.tv/videoplayerpopup/channel/310759
Peas out.
Come on United!
October 4th, 2008 at 17:25
Well, I think Fergie has confirmed something with this lineup - Rooney is ahead of Tevez in his scheme of things. As much as I wanted Rooney to play, I would have only put him on a sub even if he was fully fit, and here he is, starting the match! Let’s hope he proves Fergie right again today…
October 4th, 2008 at 17:26
@benjd: i say it as mind games as it could have put blackburn off preparing for rooney thinking he’s not fit, whereas the whole time he is. Teams have used this tactic before in the past and i would not be surprised if united did this time with rooney.
Come on you reds keano has done us a favour with le arse, lets get some points back
October 4th, 2008 at 17:30
I have to say that for right now I like the lineup and happy to see Brown back in the starting spot he has earned. I would prefer Giggs in the middle to Fletcher only because Giggs slowing things down on the left side on a rainy day may be a mistake. Once again, Fergie refuses to give Nani two games in a row. Surprised by the fact he is risking Rooney. Prediction
United 2-1.
October 4th, 2008 at 17:32
@Mr.Muhozi: Ah yeah, got you, sorry mate.
October 4th, 2008 at 17:36
how to say this…What the fuck is Rooney doing on the right! We have 2 wingers on the pitch and he plays Rooney on the right after the last 2 games? I’ve got a bad feeling about this
October 4th, 2008 at 17:40
cmon Fergie can’t be so mad as to put two wingers on and still play Rooney on the right wing! How on earth is that sound logic?? Maybe its just a decoy and Rooney will shift to centre forward in no time…(being optimistic)
October 4th, 2008 at 17:52
C’mon Fletch you have to score them!
October 4th, 2008 at 18:02
wesley get in!! he deserves a goal!! most improved defender last season!
October 4th, 2008 at 18:16
rovers keeper is good man….there is some saves
come on man utd!
October 4th, 2008 at 18:24
How are we lined up in attack? is Anderson playing the scholes role or is it giggs? and did someone say rooney is playing on the wing? Why would fergie do that with this lineup?
October 4th, 2008 at 18:24
Rovers’ young keeper looks good, and good on ya Wesley B; just what you needed. Hope we see Nani at some point, he needs to play just to get his shit (still adapting) performances over and done with so we can see the quality come through and see him on fire!
Peas out.
October 4th, 2008 at 18:27
half-time and we are winning but we’ve been pretty shit. We just seem to lack that something special that we had last season. I suppose we’ll regain it sometime. We have outplayed them but Ronaldo, Rooney, Berbatov and Giggs have all been rubbish. Anderson needs to get forward and be a bit more adventurous with the ball at his feet. He has been tidy and made one great pass to Rooney but he seems to lack the confidence he had last season. Ronaldo and Rooney have been too rigid with their positions which doesnt help when neither are in their natural positions
October 4th, 2008 at 18:30
I think Fergie’s plan is to keep it neat and tidy and solid. We’ve been content keeping the ball and not attacking as usual. Guess the weather has got a part to play with that too. Expect the 2nd half to be more open.
October 4th, 2008 at 18:31
@Liam: Shit? I don’t think Berba and Rooney have been shit at all, esp Berba. He could have had 2 assists by now! Rooney’s already got one. Ronaldo’s not having a good day so far though..but I’ll forgive him for now.
October 4th, 2008 at 18:36
Fletcher is not looking comfortable… Berba has been playing good… he is getting more n more involved… Nani in Fletcher out.. move Giggsy to center…
October 4th, 2008 at 18:44
@antsBoy: our passing has been good but once we get near the box all of our attackers seem to go cold. For all of our possession we have the goal and fletcher and Rooney chances as our scoring opportunities that come to mind. Ronaldo is playing like Nani on Tuesday.
October 4th, 2008 at 18:49
make a substitution for fucks sake. Ronaldo Giggs and Berba havent broken out of a jog all f’ing half..
October 4th, 2008 at 18:51
second half is not good…
October 4th, 2008 at 18:52
Berbatov seems to be making more of an effort to get involved in the game. He has misplaced some passes but is missing a strike partner so I won’t hold that against him
October 4th, 2008 at 18:55
well fuck me….all 3 were involved in the goal. I’ll shut up now. And my apologies Fergie…please forgive me
October 4th, 2008 at 18:56
Class finish from Rooney!
Get in!
October 4th, 2008 at 18:56
now that was one great Man Utd goal!!!
October 4th, 2008 at 18:56
2-0 up. All 4 on… lets go!!
October 4th, 2008 at 18:56
take that Rooney haters! 3 in 3
. All great finishes too. Why didnt we start Ronaldo on the right? Btw awesome foursome time 
October 4th, 2008 at 18:58
Watching Rooney scoring is my favourite pastime. The best sight in football! Now we need Villa and Shitty to do their job.
October 4th, 2008 at 18:59
Hello, is any Rooney basher here?
October 4th, 2008 at 18:59
YESSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!
that second goal was a pro evolution-like goal ! LOL
Let’s hope ronaldo find his form cause till this goal he was shit….can he really deliever the ball in the box? If he can ‘t then -with Berba in the pitch- he uses the half of his powers…..cause the main threat he provides is the cutting in and shot…..he really can’t deliever it I can’t believe that
October 4th, 2008 at 19:01
Fletcher Rooney and BERBA! are great today….
Come on Ron find your form be faster we need you….
Roooooooooney ! my god he is impressive
October 4th, 2008 at 19:01
The Roon! The Roon! The Roon is on fire
October 4th, 2008 at 19:02
What a joy to listen! Best fans in the world. By a country mile.
October 4th, 2008 at 19:18
RESPECT Campaign
Is it just me or is the officiating today just atrocious!!! They keep talking about respect but I have to say people are being mugged out there and SoB keeps waving play on….I don’t have for any stomach for CR7s pouting and tantrums but he is legitimately being kicked around…
Anyway great performance from the Roo…Berba gets better with every game…Ando had a steady game…but way conservative going forward…I guess that’s his role but would like to see him playing without those handcuffs…terrible conditions but even performance…
October 4th, 2008 at 19:23
“Charlie, Charlie what’s the score
October 4th, 2008 at 19:24
@NiKOS: Mike Phelan is our AM
October 4th, 2008 at 19:28
I want to see what those who keep saying Tevez is better than Rooney have to say…they both offer a lot but Rooney just has so much more variation in his game which to me makes him the more important player….its exciting to think he is only 22/23…I think today we saw him at his best and to think what position was he playing?….the “free” position..lol..that’s his best position…where he is free to play as a striker as well as to play-make….he looked like he could be a Scholes-clone out there today! Good stuff…
October 4th, 2008 at 19:29
Tevez on the break with Ronaldo on the wing and Berbs slicing through the middle…It sure is easy forgetting about the summer drama now.
We are so much harder to contain with Wayne playing like that. Some top quality football from a lot of players.
October 4th, 2008 at 19:34
@m34ch:
Great streaming channel…. It was perfect all game, Thank you! Is it on tomorrow too- I want to watch City Vs liverpool?
We played well today despite never getting into third gear except once for the second goal. EVDS was good, Defense strong, Midfield kept possession but too far back and Ronaldo was poor by his own standard, Offense created a lot of chances but I think they defend too much — Berba and rooney were midfielders too often. Tevez had a chance to score and could have done better in pass to Berba or ronaldo…
Overall a good game as we denied opposition any real chances and possession. Our fans were outstanding…
I am looking forward to pool and chelsea messing up tomorrow!
Peace out from USA
October 4th, 2008 at 19:47
Well..to think three games ago I was telling Dan and Groggy how I would remind them whenever Rooney scored/assisted in a game…
I am not doing it, but I’m lovin it!
Both Rooney and Berba were outstanding today. Isn’t it ironic though, we actually bought Berba to finish of our chances, but now it’s him who’s creating plenty of them. Top Player! Ronaldo could have had a hat-trick today, but it seems his finishing has deserted him..Still early days after his injury though, but it maybe it’ll bring him down to earth now.
October 4th, 2008 at 19:47
Well..to think three games ago I was telling Dan and Groggy how I would remind them whenever Rooney scored/assisted in a game…
I am not doing it, but I’m lovin it!
Both Rooney and Berba were outstanding today. Isn’t it ironic though, we actually bought Berba to finish of our chances, but now it’s him who’s creating plenty of them. Top Player! Ronaldo could have had a hat-trick today, but it seems his finishing has deserted him..Still early days after his injury though, but maybe it’ll bring him down to earth now.
October 4th, 2008 at 19:57
I think we played very well in horrible conditions. I think a few chances were not properly taken. Fletcher, Ronaldo and Rooney’s lob come to mind. I’m glad Rooney is back on form again he wasn’t scoring before and deserved the criticism. Tevez needs a few more starts to gel with Berba. And BERBA is getting there its awesome! Overall great game for us both halves.
October 4th, 2008 at 20:06
Brown just gave SAF another selection nightmare. Just when Rafael looked to score this week it was Brown who came through with the goods.
October 4th, 2008 at 20:24
well fuck me side ways and shut me up! is that really rooney, 3 games, 3 goals, yes it is. this is the rooney i want to see more often(although he did drop a bit too deep) but knowing rooney, wait a couple of games and he’ll be injured for a month, to come back as his same old shitty self.
To all you nani bashers(lol, that could also be said rooney, if you get my drift
) one word-RONALDO!
October 4th, 2008 at 20:37
@dan(u-ol): “his same old shitty self”. Now you’re being unfair to Rooney. Remember that we have Berba now, and Rooney won’t be alone up front.
October 4th, 2008 at 20:42
@antsBoy: And I’ll be quite happy if the roles are reversed with Ronaldo and Berbatov creating chances for Rooney to score…puuurrrrfect.
Arsenal drops point today, hopefully theres more pleasing results tomorrow.
October 4th, 2008 at 20:45
@james f: 1. im using history, to back up my claim
2.rooney NEVER plays alone upfront because he is NEVER upfront in the first place lol
October 4th, 2008 at 20:57
@dan(u-ol): “….he’ll be injured for a month, to come back as his same old shitty self….”
Not exactly the way I would have put it, but you echo my thoughts in a more earthy way, shall we say!
I just hope for us all that we are wrong!
Anyway, do any of you guys sense that vlad Berba, so good he is, effectively perhaps the final piece of the jigsaw, might just affect the slave’s performance? Last year he had license to roam and was the focus of our attack, meaning everybody played for him.
Now we’ve got a brilliant fulcrum in the center, [distilling beautiful passes, by the way] and maybe roaming across what was previously’s Ronaldo’s chasing grounds.
Hopefully I am wrong and Ronaldo will again find his shooting boots and Berba turning into the bastard child of Niall Quinn and Dennis Bergkamp!
All in all, very entertaining game. At the start I not happy with Rooney reverting to his infamous RM position, but aas the game progressed I thought we controlled it , except perhaps we could have a few more shots in the first half. However, we should all take cue how we looked lore dangerous when Ronaldo reverted to RW/RF and Rooney was given license to roam.
Shame about the international break though!
October 4th, 2008 at 21:09
This has been our most assured, confident performance so far this season!!!
The movement off the ball was great, the confidence is rising, the passes were intricate, berbatov is establishing chemistry… seriously lads, whoever’s playing us next should be afraid, be very afraid. 
I seriously did not find fault in any of our players performances today. The back four was solid, brown showed why he owns that spot and Fergie’s mind games have hopefully given him back that hunger he had last season. Rio is just class personified, this guy is the best defender in the world right now, period! Vida was his usual kamikaze self, and Evra didn’t forage forward too much as it wasn’t needed tbh.
Fletch is improving with every game and could spell serious competition for the other midfielders when everyone returns from injury. Anderson seems to be understanding his role in this formation a bit more, albeit a more conservative one, he is finding a balance btw attacking and defending. Giggs did well in his AMF role with some nice passes, but his inability to function at 100% for 90mins will in the near future (and the return of carick and co.) limit him to mostly sub appearances.
Ronaldo is getting his feet back, some of his trademark runs, cutbacks, dribbles and shots are a bit rusty but the hunger to get back to 100% is there and with more playing time afforded to him, it will only be a matter of time. Berbatov is probably in Ronnie’s stage but maybe a bit further. Good to see his chemistry developing with the team, esp with Ronaldo. I see big things from those two in the coming weeks.
Rooney is a player playing with confidence and it’s good to see the goals are returning. He has been playing the same game all season, only he is taking his chances now; a result of his regain in confidence. His movement, creativity and vision are vital to United’s fluid play upfront and that status quo upfront is finally being re-established.
The subs were effective; Tevez should have gotten a goal, if not only for his confidence and morale. O’shea poved he is a better LB than a DMF
and Park had little contribution, although I was praying for Nani to get a chance. Hopefully, Nani looks at Wes Browns’ display as the blueprint on how to regain focus and regain your place in the team.
Shame the int break is next, hopefully berba and some of the other lads that have played consecutive 90mins for the last few games can get a rest.
October 4th, 2008 at 22:17
@Nico QB:
October 4th, 2008 at 23:05
@dan(u-ol):
.
October 4th, 2008 at 23:11
@antsBoy: Ronaldo could have had a hat trick today, Rooney SHOULD have had a hat trick. Still misses more one on ones than he scores
.
October 4th, 2008 at 23:12
@ManUtd10Titles: It shouldn’t be a selection nightmare Bro, Brown owns that right back spot, and rightfully
.
October 4th, 2008 at 23:15
brown did play extremely well today, as did the team as a whole. especially considering the conditions they we’re playing in.
October 4th, 2008 at 23:17
@Madschester United: Yeah mate, our fans were outstanding, WE sang from start to finish, I’m feckin hoarse, but had a ball. The Ronnie songs are back too
.
October 4th, 2008 at 23:23
@Liam: You obviously weren’t watching the same match as me Liam honestly mate, because Rooney’s passing hardly ever got to the United player they were aimes at. I beg any United fan to watch the replay on MUTV, and tell me they cannot see it. Well, not unless they are in denial.
October 4th, 2008 at 23:24
@Craig Mc: there we go again Craigy, you can’t get enuff can you matey??
wat else do you want? the boy made an assist and scored a goal in the 77mins he was on, minus the fact he was probably our best player on the pitch today!! a simple ‘Rooney had a good game’ would suffice… 
October 4th, 2008 at 23:29
@Gabriel: I was there, and I say it as I saw it
. Like it or lump it. Like I said, his passing was woeful, and he should have had a hat trick and you know it Gabriel.
October 4th, 2008 at 23:31
I am not criticising the goals Rooney scored, but the sitters he missed. The one he scored was again from a Ronnie masterpiece. Although Rooney took that one well.
October 4th, 2008 at 23:35
@Craig Mc: mate, I watched the full game on tv, plus motd highlights, and every one knows/says he had a good game, so i’m not even going to bother debating this with you… how you can negate Rooney’s performance today is just beyond me
October 4th, 2008 at 23:39
@Gabriel: So why the hell answer my post in the 1st place mate?
. I was making a comment on my opinion, I didn’t ask you to respond 
. If all the Rooney fans or any fan wants to foam about Roons performance that’s fine. But I still have my opinion .
October 4th, 2008 at 23:41
I’ll keep things short:
Rooney - better than Ronaldo!.
October 4th, 2008 at 23:43
@Andrei: I’ll keep things just as short, Ronaldo better than Rooney, and Rooney would not have had his goals without him
.
October 4th, 2008 at 23:45
@Craig Mc: Even Dan admitted that Rooney had a good game. Seriously, have YOU watched the replay on MUTV because when you’re at a game your view can be quite limited and then the alcohol levels also have to be taken into consideration
. What does Rooney have to do to impress you? Show up in your house in a Nani jersey with a Michael Jackson mask and do backflips in your sitting room? I suppose you think Ronnie was briliant 
October 4th, 2008 at 23:47
@Craig Mc: His pass completion rate was 79%, on par with the other forwards.
October 4th, 2008 at 23:50
@Craig Mc: well my opinion is, you have something against the lad… don’t know why tho.. but it’s a bit unfair, that’s all i’m sayin!! No need to get ur knickers in a twist
October 4th, 2008 at 23:54
@Liam: That was feckin uncalled for, I didn’t get personal with anybody. I kept my conversation on Rooney, and what I saw at the match today. Not that it’s any of your feckin business, but I have very little to drink BEFORE a game, but I wait until afterwards. It obviously takes very little for Rooney to impress you, but I would like to see him pass the ball and it reach the person it was intended for, because it didn’t do that today. I would like to see his first touch improve, and that he scores the easy one on ones he often gets. If you can’t live with that, TOO feckin bad.
As for Ronnie, NO he had a poor game today, but I was answering peoples posts on Rooney, because there wasn’t too many posts on Ronnie. In spite of his poor game, Rooney would not have scored without Ronnie putting it on a plate for him.
If you think Rooney was on fire today, good for you. You are entitled to give your opinion. I am entitled to say if I don’t agree with it. Only I didn’t get personal, and you DID.
October 4th, 2008 at 23:57
@JB: Watch the full game on MUTV JB, a lot of his passes went astray today, and that is all I am saying Bro.
October 4th, 2008 at 23:57
@Craig Mc: it was just a joke…
October 4th, 2008 at 23:58
@Craig Mc: You reckon Ronaldo put that goal on a plate for him? Give me a break, it was a tricky finish
October 5th, 2008 at 0:00
@Craig Mc: I didn’t say you were right or wrong, but the facts are that 79% of his passes found their targets, comparable to the figures for the other forwards. By the sounds of it you might want to watch MUTV tonight yourself.
October 5th, 2008 at 0:01
@Gabriel: Well if your opinion is I have something against Rooney, I do. And I have just shared with you on the blog what I have against him as a footballer in the team I support. I have nothing against him as a person. My comments are always about his football and his lack of technique in some areas. So I should be able to give an opinion without you hysterical Rooney fans hating it.
October 5th, 2008 at 0:04
@JB: JB, I ALWAYS watch MUTV replays of the game, but from what I saw today, a good many of his passes went astray, and who was it, wasn’t it RR who said that’s stats are not always the best for accuracy?. If it wasn’t you RR I apologise, but it was someone one here who was discussing stats. Or maybe it was Scott on ROM who wrote about it
.
October 5th, 2008 at 0:07
@JB: He was thru on his own, with just the goalie to beat, to me it was an easy chance. So you think what you think JB, I know you will, and I will of course
.
October 5th, 2008 at 0:08
@Craig Mc: There is nothing wrong with the stat, 21% of his passes didn’t find their mark. How you want to analyse that is up to you. If you think that indicates his passing game was bad, fair enough. General consensus seems to suggest otherwise though.
October 5th, 2008 at 0:09
@Liam: Okay Liam, but it didn’t sound like it mate.
October 5th, 2008 at 0:10
@Craig Mc: You call that easy, clear through on goal and just the keeper to beat? If Nani had done that you would probably have us out doing a parade.
http://www.d1g.com/video/show/2350682
October 5th, 2008 at 0:12
@JB: General consensus on stats is variable too, with many fans. Anyway, I am not big on stats accuracy. I will watch the game again on MUTV, and if I didn’t see correctly what I saw, then I will hold my hands up. That make you happy JB?.
October 5th, 2008 at 0:15
@Craig Mc: No I meant the general consensus was that Rooney had an excellent game.
October 5th, 2008 at 0:16
@Craig Mc: No need for name calling mate… i’m not a ‘hysterical’ Rooney fan but a fan of the team and whenever a player does good, I recognise it. I do the same with all players, be it Nani, Ferdinand etc… so no need to pigeonhole me mate. The lad has gotten better over the last few games for us and I’m just curious as to why you choose to ignore his progress in form and dwell on the little, but aceptable negatives of his performances???
October 5th, 2008 at 0:17
@JB: You should take time to read my posts and stop nit picking. I said that goal was well taken by Rooney. But it was still put on a plate for him by Ronnie. I have deliberately not got into debate about Nani, because it causes an avalanche of howls and adjutations, so you all can say what you like about Nani, because I couldn’t give a rats arse to be honest. You won’t get any comeback from me.
October 5th, 2008 at 0:19
@Gabriel: Isn’t it bloody obvious, I don’t see it as you do Geez -
.
October 5th, 2008 at 0:25
What the F are we arguing about right now? We should be happy about the result, not salty that Rooney scored. Personally I prefer Tevez over rooney, but 3 goals in 3 games speaks for it self. Like the rest of you I pray Rooney keeps it up and doesnt get injured. Sorry to get all preachy but I think we are starting to get carried away.
October 5th, 2008 at 0:27
@Gabriel: With regards to the hysteria regarding Rooney from his fans, you only have to look at the responses I have from my comments on his play today, from some of you. P’haps you will say I have been hysterical about Nani in the past, and I wouldn’t be offended if you did. I have stopped emotionally responding to Nani criticism, and I stay away from it.
October 5th, 2008 at 0:37
@Craig Mc: mate, fair enuff.. but I respond to comments for every player that receives, IMO, unfair/biased criticsm, especially after a decent performance. Maybe you like to look at the glass half empty but I always look at it half full, so when I see a player’s form/performances steadily improving, I focus on the positives, instead of the negatives. I am just bewildered as to why people do otherwise, that’s all, and I just query them to see the angle with which they view the situation…
October 5th, 2008 at 0:37
@JB: I know what you meant JB, but apart from his goal, I don’t think he did. It’s just my opinion though, even if it is different to the general consensus. I’m an individual JB, not a sheep following the herd.
October 5th, 2008 at 0:48
@Gabriel: Because people are different Gabriel. People chose to ignore the fact that I said Rooney took his goal well. That is a positive, least it is in my circle of friends. I look at Rooney’s performances, and the last one that truly impressed me was in the England game against Croatia. I had nothing but positive things to say then, but you all choose to conveniently ignore that. Anyway, I think this conversation has run its coarse mate.
I loved the game today. Sang myself silly. Our defence was majestic. I thought Andie had a good game. Berba has a terrific eye for defence splitting passes. Our team form as a whole is coming back, although Ronnie is still needing more time.
October 5th, 2008 at 2:17
In regards to Rooney, I think we should be excited because I think Wayne, whilst effective could even play better, if he stays healthy. And I think Ronaldo was terrible to be honest. Good assist and I guess he is just working on getting his fitness and playing into form, but things just didnt come off for him all day.
Berba was class. Tevez was unlucky not to score…
October 5th, 2008 at 4:11
Crappy day to play on what with the torrential downpours…seemed like it anyways. Got the 3 points and the front guys seem to be gellin.
Only thing is that maybe Ronaldo needs a bit of rest…he did say he’ll need a few more weeks to be fully fit. Why push 90mins on a healing ankle? Maybe bring him on at half time?
just some thoughts
October 5th, 2008 at 4:13
Good result! Great performances from Berba, Rooney, Brown, Fletcher, Ronaldo and the rest, nice one. This is more like it, did you see what a master Berba is linking up play in attack? It was fuckin special, he is our messiah! No doubt, no doubt at all. You will see improved performances from everyone now, back to mercurial magic. When Ronaldo sharpens up, oh yeah! Firing on all cylinders!
October 5th, 2008 at 4:32
And did i say Rooney! Oh yes, good to have him back to his old self!
October 5th, 2008 at 5:31
@phoenix red: I fear that Ronaldo will not return to his form of last season… he will improve (if he doesn’t Fergie will kick himself into retirment for not having let him go) but I doubt we will see 20 goals from him by May.
October 5th, 2008 at 5:48
@Andrei: I agree. I will be VERY HAPPY if Ronaldo gets 20+ goals this season (excluding his penalties)
October 5th, 2008 at 5:49
Well I’m a little late with my views on the game. Today was my late friend’s funeral and wake so I was unable to find the time to sit a write down my thoughts on the game. Fortunately I was able to watch the game before I left.
So honestly, was United that good or is Blackburn just a pile of shit wearing blue and white? Personally I think that the Guvner is piloting a pile of shit and I don’t give him until Christmas before he gets the sack.
I mean really, if United had any finishing in their game 7 or 8 goals should have been scored. Lets see, Ronaldo missed two great chances, Giggs one, Fletcher an absolute sitter, Tevez hit the post and Rooney missed two great opportunities. Amazingly Berbatov never had a real chance the whole game but his passes often sprung others into great chances. United really need to get sharper around the goal, especially Ronaldo. I know he is still rusty and getting into shape but his misses are pissing me off. Call it being spoilt by success.
United rarely has that kind of possession in a game and never in a road game. My God Blackburn were awful. No desire, hunger or fire in their bellies. And hardly a clue on how to break down United’s defense. For the second day in a row Rio and Vidic got the patio chairs out but this time they brought an umbrella and had tea as opposed to ice tea. It looks like it was a little damp and cool out there. What a relaxing game for the back four and EVDS. One dangerous shot all game. Why did Blackburn even show up if they were going to demonstrate that lack of heart and fire? United passed the ball well but they didn’t move all that well. They still seem stagnant and there is poor movement off the ball. Too many diagonal balls and back passes that accomplish nothing except control the ball. They need a little more urgency and hunger around the opponents box. Many may not see that because of the result but lets face it, Blackburn was just awful.
A good result and a sure sign that we are getting into shape and are ready to make that run to overtake the teams above us who lack the depth (Chelski) and who lack the quality (Liverpool). Arsenal just lack something that makes me feel they are no match. United should be 6 to 9 points ahead within the next ten games. They are clearly better than the rest even with a questionable middle infield. And Rooney is playing very well I must say. His goal was fantastic today and his misses were great efforts, especially that sublime chip lob that just missed. Berbatov needs to get more involved by playing a bit deeper and more balls being serviced to him when he is in the box, not out. Right now he is showing us how good a playmaker he is. I want to see the goal scorer. His one chance was that breakaway where he never got around the keeper. He needs more chances than that. Glad to see Brown back and his goal justified that. Too bad Nani did not play. Ronaldo however did show us how Nani should play. Ronny is not in condition yet and his speed isn’t there yet. So instead of always shooting has become a good distributor of the ball and has shown how passing and not always shooting can make a difference. Nani should watch and learn.
October 5th, 2008 at 5:52
@Craig Mc: WHY am I not surprised?!?!
You say Ronaldo “could” have had a hat trick, and Rooney “should” have had a hat trick. It is DEFINITELY the other way around. Ronaldo didn’t even get his shots on target! Rooney on the other hand had three non-easy chances, the goalie saved the first which would otherwise been a goal, he scored the second, and the third just went over, just.
October 5th, 2008 at 6:13
@Craig Mc: You do realise you’re the only one over here not happy with Wayne’s performances right now, and usually the general consensus is right.
This is what Fergie had to say - “That was his (Rooney’s) best performance of the season for us.” Now tell me, is Fergie in DENIAL too?
October 5th, 2008 at 6:50
Rooney was incredible today - how many strikers work that hard on the pitch? He might be able to score more if he stayed upfield more, but he’s never been one to wait for the ball.
October 5th, 2008 at 7:19
great game.
west brom, you’re next. 
October 5th, 2008 at 8:12
@antsBoy: No Antsboy it isn’t. Ronny never had the clear one on ones Rooney did, and that’s why I said Rooney SHOULD and Ronny could. Fletcher too had a clear one on one, and SHOULD have scored. And I don’t have to agree with Fergie either. Some of the sports reporters in the media write ups don’t particularly agree with him either. One mans meat, another mans poison - ever heard of that then Ants boy?. Like I said, I gave Rooney the accolade when he did have an excellent game like against Croatia, but not yesterday - sorry. You are talking like Fergie is God and always gets it right. I though England against Croatia is Rooney’s best performance this season, so Fergie has his opinion, and I have mine. So yes, why are you surprised?.
October 5th, 2008 at 8:14
@antsBoy: I don’t have to go with the general consensus. I am an individual, NOT a sheep
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October 5th, 2008 at 8:21
@Grognard: Grog, must have been a harrowing and sad day for you yesterday saying farewell to your friend at his funeral
, hope you are okay mate.
October 5th, 2008 at 8:24
@count berbatov: Count Berbatov
, like the name mate.
October 5th, 2008 at 8:28
@phoenix red</agree with you about Berba mate
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