Jun 07
Breaking the Silence on Ronaldo
[Warning: Long article.]
It’s been one hell of a week. I finally get to break my self-imposed silence on Ronaldo. So I’ll start without too much of an elaborate prologue.
The story so far
Ever since the Champions’ League final Ronaldo has been constantly linked with Real Madrid, and the link, which last season was tenuous at best, has become ever so heavy with each passing day. It has now been whipped up to a crescendo of deafening proportions — thanks to the Great Spanish Hype machine also cheerfully fellated by the likes of the Sun and the Mail (even the Telegraph and the Guardian.) But let’s get back to these trifles later and talk about the person in question.
Ever since the Champions’ League final we’ve been treated to a range of quotes: “I’ll stay”, “I am going to stay but you never know in future”, “I always like to play in Spain someday”, “I will make my decision in two-three weeks” and finally, “I want to play for Real Madrid but only if they match United’s valuation”. About the last quote, don’t come up with a “how can we rely on that one?” It’s a direct quote attributed to Ronaldo. Mind, I haven’t talked about quotes from his agent, or Calderon or United or “undisclosed sources”. All the above quotes have been, at some stage, made by Ronaldo. And if this was not said by him someone would have come forward and rubbished it already. If Ronaldo didn’t say this, though, then it’s even worse that he hasn’t found the need to come forward and clear the air — so there you have it.
So what do I think of Ronaldo, now?
I have always loved Ronaldo, the player. I’ve never bothered for the arrogance because at United we’ve seen how having a bit of the arrogance can actually work to your benefit as long as you have your game foremost in your mind. I felt Ronaldo was robbed of the young player award in the World Cup because of one act of waving the invisible card. I’ve also been someone who has always respected his desire to join Spain some day because it’s his dream; I don’t debate that and I take him on his word. So when these rumours first started catching steam, I said to myself: Ok, he wants to leave, but let’s hope SAF convinces him to stay for just one more season so we can plan for a Ronaldo-less United.
But then slowly things changed.
Ronaldo made noises in the press that were uncertain at best. Whilst one could feel sorry for him initially when the press badgered him ceaselessly to get a word out of him, there comes a time when you’d have to say, wait, this doesn’t seem right. Ronaldo, it’s obvious to me now, is playing the press into his advantage to most likely get a bigger pay packet. But I am not disappointed in his asking for a bigger contract [he's had a phenomenal season]. What I am terribly disappointed in is the way he’s shown scant respect for the club and the fans.
Now I’ve seen many who say that he didn’t say anything to elicit such a response from us fans — which is exactly my point. Him not saying anything clearly makes things all the worse. The rules for a player looking for a move — or at least the right way — would be to discuss with the club first before making statements. It’s obvious the club want him to stay. He’s signed a five year contract just a year ago and the club have also issued a statement expressing ire over the way Real Madrid are making their moves.
If Ronaldo had an iota of respect, he would surely see the underhanded and illegal nature of Real’s pursuit of Ronaldo. Instead he sets deadlines about making his decisions when United have said, he’s going nowhere. Who does he think he is? The club don’t want to sell, the player doesn’t have the bottle to even make a clear cut statement that is not ambiguous in anyway. Just say that you want to leave for Madrid, period. Or say that you will stay for another season at United. Say something concrete. We obviously know United will sell if Madrid meet their valuation. [Fun fact: United have not set a valuation for Ronaldo. They just don't want to sell him.]
So he is playing the media into his own hands, and shockingly, a lot of people haven’t seen that. He enjoys being at the centre of it all and he is holding out for a bigger contract from either parties. I’d still like to think that he genuinely wants to play for Madrid because it was his dream, but I can’t do so anymore because it doesn’t seem like that.
Again, I am not going into what Ronaldo’s mother said, nor have I gone into what Calderon said because I don’t rate them at all. I rated Ronaldo and thought despite the cosmetic preening and arrogance he had a good head on his shoulders. The adulation he got from our fans in the midst of everything that was hurled at him, the way he was protected by SAF and Queiroz into becoming the man that he is now is not something he will have anywhere.
United made him the player that he is. We got two really good seasons out of him which is a good return on our investment. I am not for one moment thinking that he owes us another season — I do think he could stay for another season, but I won’t hold that against him. But his prima donna act by diverting the entire press from our greatest season after ’99 and the general lack of class and professionalism has burned my bridges with him forever.
Regulars on here, would know that I am not one for jumping onto a players’ back that easily. This was a painful one. I was frustrated with Rio Ferdinand when he delayed his contract negotiations, but in my heart I thought hey, let’s give him a chance. He took a while and redeemed himself over the last two seasons. But even if Ronaldo stays for another season at United I will only cheer him because it helps the club win. Nothing will change my opinion of him from now on barring extraordinary circumstances. Staying for one more season would be alright, but it won’t be any different to me if he moves on. So what if our season suffers? Is that all this game is about? I’m sorry, but I think we went 26 years without a title — that did not diminish the enthusiasm from our fans. And as long as Sir Alex is at the helm, I think we can punt safely on us doing alright with or without him. We may have a few hiccups without him next season, but it’s a small price to pay if you think about it. It’s better having players who want to play for the club, rather than having some half arsed performers.
I am embarrassed to be honest, and it certainly is a kick in the teeth for Manchester United fans. If you think otherwise, then let’s agree to disagree.
So will he stay? What do I think?
I think he will stay for another season. Real Madrid would have to pay over £100m (plus a decent player) to prise him away and United would be crazy to demand anything less; we’ve paid over the odds for the likes of Carrick and Hargreaves. So why not overcharge for Ronaldo? On the bright side, though, it’s only United who have anything to gain from this. Keep him, and they still have the “best player in the world” for another season. Sell him, and they make tons of money to buy up talent. I leave the part of the unforgiving Madridista crowd; the hard fact that he might have to concede penalty taking duties to the likes of Raul and Ruud; and having to share free kick duties from the likes of Sneijder, for another day. I will also leave the part where I wish good luck to Ronaldo expecting Raul and Ruud to do the donkey work that Rooney and Tevez made — often to the detriment of their own game. I won’t hold all this against him.
Why I didn’t talk about Ronaldo all week?
Mainly to avoid adding to the considerable noise already created in the media. It was very easy for me to talk about Ronaldo — that’s what everyone is talking about. I got stick, in the comments, for telling people to not talk about Ronaldo. Well, I didn’t stop anyone from doing that, and it was a personal decision. So sorry if it came across that way.
Closing words…
This was a painful week. It’s hard when you slate a player who has given so much joy. But I’ve had my reasons. And I’ll stand by it, unless I see something redeeming from the player. And staying at United for another season and performances on the pitch next season won’t be considered “redeeming”.
So good bye Ronaldo. Thanks for the memories. I’ll see you either in the reds of Manchester or the Adidas whites of Real Madrid [good luck with the CR7 Nike deal while playing for Madrid] next season; doesn’t matter which team now, does it?
Related items from Red Rants:
- City Is Concerned About Some ‘Idiots’…
- Breaking News: United accept 80m Ronaldo bid
- Derby Day. Raging Ferg. Welbeck.
- Hargreaves Move Confirmed – Breaking News
- What Happens When A Player Doesn’t Get His Move?
Tags: Manchester United News
Opti (541)
RedDevilEddy (459)
Stephen (454)
Craig Mc (344)
Moscow is my heaven (272)
Grog, I thought he was a bit lenient at times in the CL game too, letting a few things get away from him. But tonight some of his decisions were absolutely absurd. Like Will said, there should have been a RED card for the tackle on Nani. How the heck did he wave play on after that kind of hatchet job on Nani?. I thought that he fell for the gamesmanship of Portuguese defenders too, who constantly fell down in their own area, with the Turkish players barely making contact with them. The Turks didn’t get a fair share of important decisions, that’s for sure.
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redaddict, so what, is it not possible to progress as a player? he didnt fail at sheffield in my opinion, you tell me how he failed, im not saying stop everything we should go buy this guy, i said he’s one to watch during the tournament, thats how you scout, by your logic, schevchenko isnt a good player because he failed in the league, veron wast a good player because he failed in the league, the difference is, he didnt fail in the championship. He looks a good player in my opinion, i will be looking at him closely over the next few weeks, just to see if he’s a one game wonder like you said.
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p.s. – Grog he didn’t referee the CL final did he?. I thought it was the semi final he ref’d. I am sure it was an Eastern European that ref’d the CL final.
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First off, RR: You have yet again summed up all the crazy feelings that I have had about a subject, but this time in regards to Ronaldo. What inner-conflict and frustration for us all…
Grognard, I totally understand what you were saying about rooting for Turkey. Really am astonished to hear that coming out of you of all people. Only a severely frustrating issue would allow a Greek to EVER support a Turk or Turkey in any way or at any time. Obviously that severely frustrating issue is Ronaldo.
I had a weird feeling watching my beloved Turkey play against Ronaldo. I was jeering at him in Turkish whenever he was felled by us, and was really hoping that he wouldn’t score against Turkey. Mad at the ref for protecting him as much as he did, much more than in BPL.
Still, Turkey has a chance, but only if they beat the Swiss handily, Portugal beats Czech Rep., and Turkey also beats Czech Rep. on the final day. However, if they make it out of the group, they will have to play against the winner of Group B: Germany.
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Craig Mc: I’m pretty sure it was a Slovakian ref in the UCL final. Can’t remember the name though.
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By the way, while watching Colin Kazim-Richards in the Champions league, it seemed pretty clear that he was a good impact sub, not starter. He needs more time to mature and he might seek a return to the BPL.
Also, it is interesting that he was eligible to play for Turkey OR England, because his father is from the UK possession of Antigua and his mother was from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. He chose Turkey because he could get more football than for England.
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I think Kazim-Richards was more than an impact sub for Turkey in tonights game Turkish Red!. He was pretty much your best forward. Will just have to see if he is as good in the other group games. He stood out tonight, and really fought for the Turkish team.
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there is a feeling of anti-climax about the game tonight. I was expecting a good game but I just ended up getting this sinking feeling in my stomach every time Ronaldo got the ball. I don’t know why as I was never Ronaldo’s biggest supporter but for some reason that was just my main feeling through the game.
I seriously thought that Nani’s leg was broken. It looked like the bone popped out and until they pulled his sock down I feared the worst.
Ronaldo tried to play the game exactly as he would for us. You could see the ill-advised shots and constant losing of the ball nearly erradicated by the free kick. I agree that Ronaldo should be sold this year. This is clearly the time at which we will get the most for him and I reckon if we sold him and bought a quality (young) striker and winger we’d be sorted for years to come
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TurkishRed: It was indeed a Slovak ref team for the CL final.
Dan: Give Richards played as a striker for the Blades and scored one goal in thirty games I would say describing him as a failure wouldn’t be that far off the mark!
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my point exactly craig, exactly.
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but i would buy him for the wing, not for playing upfront.
thats if he comes good though.
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Fair enough Dan, you keep scouting him. He’s not United material, nor will he ever be. He failed at Brighton and Hove Albion, never mind Sheffield United. One goal in 27 games at Sheffield United is hardly anything to write home about. I realise players can improve, but this guy isn’t right for us. Train your sights higher my friend. I was much more interested in players like Joao Moutinho and Nihat Kahveci. And the Real Madrid defender Pepe looks like a fantastic player. A little bit of Rio and a little bit of Vidic. If we weren’t stocked at CB, he’d be a good option as part of a Ronaldo swap deal. We don’t need him though.
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JB – he didn’t do a bad job tonight on the wing though, did he?. Portugal were worried enough about him, to have three defenders onto him a good many times in the game.
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Some of our fans on here would do well to heed the words of the Neviller: http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid=%7BB4CEE8FA%2D9A47%2D47BC%2DB069%2D3F7A2F35DB70%7D&newsid=6611236
When are we going to stop listening to the tabloid hacks, and start listening to people who are actually worth listening to?
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Anyway, however good Richards may look now, he’s not good enough for United, but perhaps for a UEFA Cup contender or mid-table team in the BPL.
1 in 30 isn’t good enough, but tell me if you have actually seen that 1 goal… it was a great goal to say the least. Also I haven’t seen or read enough regarding his 30 performances, his manager’s tactics, or his play in Sheffield to sufficiently judge how good he was in Sheffield.
All in all, it’s good to have him for Turkey in this tournament along with Nihat, Tuncay, Emre, Senturk, Aurelio and Mevlut.
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RedAddict, does Pepe actually play regularly for Real Madrid 1st team then?.
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Sorry to say this… I haven’t read neither the complete article or the coments, but this is all rubish red ranter. Am really tired of fans who go against Ronaldo only because of quoted sentences he never really said. I have seen Ronaldo two times in front of a camera after the champions league final and said two thing:
1.- He would love to continue
2.- This club feels like home for him
Everything else is just utter rubish from Marca, AS or some other shit with connections to those two (namely Terra). I can asure you Ronaldo never said “I want to play for Real Madrid but only if they match United’s valuation†and if you believe something else than you are just falling in the game of the spanish press.
We did well to stand behind Ronaldo after the world cup row wit Rooney and would do well to the same here. He has said countless times the reason why he remains at United are The Manager, that he keeps improving and THE FANS, because we have always stood by him. What this KID would think if he reads all the stuf that has been wrote here by his beloved fans just because some Marca asshole invented some shit about him I don’t really want to know.
Put it this way… if some old friend of your wife (who you absolutely hate) tells you she is cheating on you just because he wants to sleep with her and is looking for you two to start a fight, would ask for the divorce???? I guess not. You would wait and talk to her.
Now Ronaldo cares about the Euros probably more than a lot of the english people could even think of. He does not want to discuss his ituation, because he know that, no matter what he says, the speculation won’t go away. Let him concentrate on his football, lets show him the apreciation he deserves and I tell you… Ronaldo will be scoring goals for Manchester United next season.
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thanks redaddict i will continue to look at him, why wouldnt i look at a player that made the portugueses defence look like derby county, from what your saying, pepe had a great game, yet he couldn’t stop richards running round him and the rest of his defence. tell me, what are the strengths and weaknesses of Nihat Kahveci, because i for one new nothing about him till today, and i think its the same with you also.
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If he really wants to leave, then Fergie should just let him, even before the soap opera started, he was never my favorite player. I don’t really know where his heart is and theres nothing worse than having a player who counts down the days and months until he can be free of whatever team he’s playing for. If he’s heart isn’t here, then off to Madrid with him, but he can be sure of one thing and that’s he won’t be anything special at Madrid. I don’t even know who to listen to anymore, sky and goal.com whom i thought were sensible sources have apparently downgraded themselves to tabloid trash standards on this Ronaldo issue.
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Craig Mc,
Yes Pepe is a regular for Real Madrid. They paid €30m for him last summer so he’d be a bit of waste if he was only sitting on the bench. He’s been pretty good for them in their title defence.
Dan(u-o.l),
I would hardly say he made Portugal’s defence look like Derby. For one, he didn’t even create any good chances. Ricardo didn’t have a save to make all game. Kazim was completely impotent. And he most certainly didn’t get any change out of Pepe even if he got a little joy out on the wing. I really don’t know what you see in him, but by all means, keep scouting. Knock yourself out dude.
As for Nihat Kahveci, well I first came across him in the 2002/2003 La Liga season, when he played for Real Sociedad. If you followed La Liga then, you may remember that was the year that Real Sociedad led the table for most of the season, but were pipped to the post by Real who won the title by 2 points. Sociedad’s season was largely inspired by Nihat who scored over 20 goals for them, and by Serbian striker Darko Kovacevic. I really wanted them to win La Liga but it wasn’t to be. Nihat isn’t the biggest of players, but he can operate as both a striker and an attacking midfielder. Think of him a bit like Rooney in style. Please don’t be so presumptuous as to assume I knew nothing about him until today. Some of us broaden our football horizons beyond these shores.
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Yep agree, craig, referee was terrible.
Dan – Kazim up till now was considered 2nd class by the English press – as in: come on! For Kazim-Richards scored against the dippers(? or was it Chelski?) That’s an insult for them! But! I agree he looked good today, though clearly, he is not United class.
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Craig; I think you are right about him reffing the semi-final and not the final
Also, to be honest I did miss the tackle on Nani but I thought he did an OK job because he actually left his whistle in his pocket a lot and allowed the game to have some flow. Too many referees will blow the whistle for coughing or a breeze striking a player so it all depends on how you look at the game and how you like the referee to operate. I for one prefer the referee to be completely invisible except in the box. A penalty or a handball in the box is a penalty, end of story.
TurkishRed; I may be Greek by blood but I was born in Canada so I am happily not integrated with all the massive bias and hatred that has been passed from generation to generation over what was done to Greece during the bloody Ottoman Empire. It’s silly. When my cousin married a Turkish girl all Hell broke loose for his family in the Greek community but I stuck by both of them as I just thought it was silly. I’m not a fan of Turkish football but it has nothing to do with the country or culture. They like a lot of other countries just don’t turn me on with their football. But then I don’t care for Greek domestic football either. I have to admit though that I am a big fan of Rehagel and the National team and YES I do cheer for them with passion when they play the Turks because that is a natural born rivalry of epic proportions. So it really doesn’t take much for me to cheer for Turkey against Ronaldo because he has caused me personal emotional injury that no Turk I ever knew has. Loyalty is something I hold dear to my heart. I suppose that is why my The Godfather movies are amongst my favorites because the Mafia over romanticizes loyalty to such an extent.
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But, Kazim’s immediate matcch up was Paulo Ferreira, of all people!
Puts things into context does it?
Meanwhile, I was interested in the performance of Bosingwa. 1st half was quite good. But didn’t see his famed attacking prowess.
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Lets not get caught up with this Pepe fellow. I think he has struggled at times this year with Real in the games I have watched. He is a talent but more so on the offensive end of the field as he showed today.
As for Richards, I think he may be very hard to pry out of Man City now that they have signed Mark Hughes and could possibly sign Ronaldinho. Personally, I hope they miss him too as I have never felt we needed a RB anyway. Spend the bundle from a Ronaldo sale on Aguero if you can get him. Then buy Huntelaar and maybe and a AMF player like Moutinho. Aguero would help all of us forget Ronaldo if indeed CR7 does end up going to Real. If Ronny stays I would still like him even over Huntelaar. The kid is a phenom.
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Nico QB, I was impressed with Bosingwa too. He wasn’t up against much though was he, so I’ll reserve my judgement until I see him having to defend against the top teams.
RedAddict, thanks for the info about Pepe mate. I never watch Spanish football, so didn’t know much about him.
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Bosingwa is quite tall and athletic, and he certainly seems to have alot of pace. I’m sure if he went to United, he could have become a great player under Fergie’s tutelage. At Chelsea, I’m not so sure. They have a knack for ruining talent and not many players progress well there. It wouldn’t surprise me if he came and went within 1 or 2 years, much like the other fullbacks they’ve signed for their right side.
With the news that Barcelona have signed Alves, and other targets like Lahm are unattainable, the right back signing we’d wanted seems to be more complicated. I’m not sold on Richards just yet. Fergie could iron out the flaws in his game, but I’m not sure I like his attitude. He’s currently playing for City and supported Arsenal as a kid. He’s also a little bit bling, but then, so was Rio when he came.
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Anybody know where Veloso was tonight?. I love Veloso, I understand why Wenger is chasing him for Arsenal.
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Hehehe!
Funny, the trend that’s going on!
I don’t know if its going to be the case throughout the whole tournament, but with United already being little portugal, I see all Redrants faithful pining for them despite the Voldemort conundrum.
I just can’t see the usual redrants suspects analysing any qualifying matches with as much interest as when Portugal is playing…
Just me. Let’s see if i’m in the right.
Oh and yes, I think that feeling of unease and confusion when watching him play was more or less felt across the globe. I felt it in my lounging chair in the middle of the Indian Ocean, and I guess it was the same for most of you guys.
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Craig Mc,
Veloso was an unused substitute.
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RedAddict – thanks. I missed the beginning of the game, so I didn’t know who was named as subs, and I didn’t see Veloso on the bench. Must have been there though lol!.
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What I noticed is the absence of Quaresma in the starting 11. I’ve said all along he is overrated and not a big game player. Apparently Scolari agrees with me.
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Grognard, I’m a little confused on your comment on Aguero. When you say he can help us forget Ronaldo are you implying that he plays on the wing? I always heard that he was a fox-in-the-box striker? Just wondering, I do not watch La Liga often so I haven’t really seen him play.
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no on aguero, no no no, i think this kid is highly over-rated, all the time i see him play i see nothing that makes me go “did you just see that” as everybody is doing, pato to me is much better (but it may just be my brasillian coming out
) but no on aguero it took me until april to like tevez, and last thing we need is another support striker midget
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Grog, Scolari said Portugal has the world’s 4 best wingers, and there is little to choose betwwen them when they are all on form. I was glad to see he chose to bring Nani on in preference to Queresma – that meant a lot.
Nico QB, what do you mean by United faithful pining for Portugal, players?. I was cheering for Nani when he came on, but I am not routing for Portugal to win the tournament. I want Van Der Sar to win with Holland, because it is his last international tournament, and it would be good for him to finish playing for his country with a win in European Championships final. What a year it will be for Edwin if it happens.
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OK craig, perhaps not pining for portugal, but following attentively definitely. By the way, Simao will also always start in front of Nani and Quaresma.
We’ll be all watching out for holland especially watching for Huntelaar, though I’m sure he must be 3rd or 4th choice striker for Van Basten.
On a side note, poor PIG! He could be polish in goal for his country, but now he misses the tournament with injury…
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Boruc > PIG any day sorry.
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Ralphie; I’m just talking about one talent for another irregardless of position. Aguero can play the left side in 4-3-3 formation but he is not a winger in the classic sense.
Mr Muhozi I have to respectfully disagree. I have watched Aguero play a lot of games and for me he is a super talent but not at the same skill level of his teammate Massi. He’s got great one touch skills and a finesse without the party tricks that Ronaldo throws at you. I thought he was out of this world in the World Under 21 championships played here in Canada last year. Yes it’s a far break from the Prem but he really was a class above the rest. Even though he isn’t tall, a talent like that cannot be overlooked, especially for what he can do for us in the Champions League. His game is suited for that continental style where the aerial game isn’t so prominent.
Craig; The problem with Portugal is that they are all finesse wingers and midfielders and no strikers who can get in the box and get down and dirty. Nunez for me is just an average striker just like Postiga and Pauletta before him. This weakness in the center of attack could be their undoing although I take my hat off to Scolari for doing something that Fergie occasionally does and that’s move Ronaldo into the middle as a striker. His ability in the air and his natural goal scoring instinct actually improves them then because a winger like Nani or Quaresma can come in and also add the flair needed to break the defense down.
Nico; I have no confidence in Van Basten and his player selections. There is no way an intelligent manager would play van Nistelrooy who has played twice in three months and is over 30 over a goal a game player like Huntelaar. He does have depth up front though and his midfield is good but I think the defenders for Holland are below average. Many of these guys play for bottom feeder teams in the Prem or they aren’t good enough to get out of the Eriedivisie. I have a feeling Van Der Sar will have a real problem with his team’s defense. I’ll be very surprised to see them come out of the Group from Hell. I fancy both France and Italy over them. Romania look just as solid as them too.
Ralphie; I’m sorry mate but Boruc for me is in the top three goalkeepers on the planet. Pig isn’t even in his league. I think you are showing your loyalty a bit don’t you?
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Grognard, I was born and raised in the U.S., so I too don’t quite understand the political enmity as much as my extended family over there does. Anyway, I get a real feel for it when I go over there to visit every other summer, just as I will go right after the final game of Euro this month.
Football is just so interesting over in Turkey. It’s in everyone and everything. Playing FIFA or Winning Eleven with my cousins over there has turned into a custom (when we’re inside with a PS2 or PSP because otherwise we go outside to play street-football). It’s a shame that I’ve never been to see a game in Istanbul, because I always visit in the summer instead of during the season.
Anyway, I’ll be in the internet cafes when I’m there looking for United’s transfer news to see if we capture Huntelaar or Richards (Micah, not Kazim), or whoever SAF thinks is United quality…
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Grognard, you must have misinterpreted my meaning.
Someone commented on Kuzkzack’s injury and I was simply implying that Boruc is way above him anyways. I guess Boruc > PIG isn’t the best way of saying that!
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An article has been written in The Times packed full of speculation and possiblities. The main story is that Dimitar Berbatov could be Fergie’s main striker target, regardless of what happens in the Ronaldo saga, but the article mentions every name under the sun as alternatives:
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Other strikers under consideration include Karim Benzema (£48m), Luis Fabiano (£10m), Roque Santa Cruz (£10m), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (£20m), Mario Gomez (£20m) and Sergio Aguero (£25m)
A right-back is also sought. On the wish list are Micah Richards (£20m) and Daniel Alves (£20m)
A wide man might be needed, with Ricardo Quaresma (£31m), Hatem Ben Arfa (£15m) and Luis Antonio Valencia (£10m) linked with United. Ferguson has bid £5m for Cardiff’s Aaron Ramsey and needs £20m to make Carlos Tevez’s loan permanent
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Full article: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/manchester_united/article4087649.ece
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Oops: I guess I did misunderstand Ralphie.
TurkishRed; I know what you mean. When I have been to Greece the feelings over there are so much more different but then again, they hate Americans over there because they still can’t forgive Kissinger for what he did to Cyprus in the early 70′s. They sure can hold a grudge.
When I was in Greece back in 1976 is when my passion for the game really took off. My father actually played for Panathinaikos before WW2 so the game has been in the family for a while. My cousins introduced me to something that addicted me for years Subbuteo table top soccer. God the years I spent playing that game and buying teams and accessories right into my adulthood.
That just fostered my passion for the real game and trying to find out as much as I could. Then PBS in America began a weekly series called Soccer Made in Germany and I was hooked for life. Up to then my only real access tot he game was watching West Germany beat Holland in the 74 final. These factors and my early knowledge of the league and players has made me a die hard Germany and Bayern Munich supporter for 35 years. That of course to my father’s chagrin. He couldn’t understand how I could support Germans over Greeks but that’s just the way I felt and they have never really disappointed me. They are always one of the best and always in the big tournaments with a chance. As for Man Utd, I have only been a major fan since 1993. I followed the team a bit beore that and I like the teams of the late 70′s with Coppell, Thomas Jordan, Bailey, Buchan, McQueen etc but frankly, I never go to see them much. That all changed in the 90′s and when I saw Cantona, Schmeichel and Giggs play I was sold.
TurkishRed, enjoy your holiday back in the motherlandand get your footy fix and have a great time. All the best.
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fine, but if we are buying a striker, saf(and probably everyone on this blog apart from me) has said he wants a proper, tall striker, in the mould of ruud, gomez, huntelaar.
You just described rooney and tevez, and damn sure he isnt better then any of them.
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Here’s how rediculous this whole story with Ronaldo is:
Today I’ve read to opposing articles based on what people “close to SAF” have said.
The first claims that SAF has repeadetly tried to phone Ronaldo from his vacation and left several messages on his answering machine, but Ronaldo has refused to answer any of his calls or the messages.
The second claims that SAF is on his vacation, from where he’d never spend time on calling players like that, and that United are convinced they have Ronaldo for at least 2 years more. It even states, rightfully, that SAF has said in public that Ronaldo’s situation may be different in 2 years (i’ve heard SAF say this).
Obviously I believe the second story more, even though none of them are substantiated with any evidence what so ever. My reason is that the first article exhibits SAF as a begging man down on his knees for Ronaldo. Now, do any of you in here see SAF as a man willing to beg players for anything?
Anyway, my main point was that these two articles sum up this whole affair, and that there’re always to sides to every story. Unfortunately people tend to believe the negative ones. I for one will not be sucked into an atmosphere of negativity that so many in here have been, because it ruins my mood, and I won’t let it.
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Getting back to him for a second. People are saying that we wont be able to get ramos etc as part of the deal. Correct me if im wrong, but we have the worlds best player and a piece of paper with his signature that says he will be playing at United for the next 4 years. So if “real who” really want him then they will have to give up world class players in order for the deal to go through. I mean quite frankly the Big man SAF could ask for the keys to the bernabeu if he really wants. I completely agree with you RR, as far as ronaldo goes he can’t redeem his behaviour and has detracted from our moment as the darling of world football. Yes hes a super footballer and has won many games for United just about single handedly at times and I love him for that, but I love United more. Sell him now. Demand Ramos, then take 45million and go for a cheeky little stop over in Lyon on the way home, purchase Benzema and watch another diamond slowly become the face of football wearing the shirt that we love.
Ronaldo epitomises the face of modern football that was created thanks to dassler etc. Money orientated and no loyalty. Time to repay ronaldo the same loyalty that he has showed us in the last few weeks. I wouldnt let him back in to OT. Theres the airport mate. Heres a ticket, its been deducted from your final wage payment. Goodluck to you.
Call me fickle, but you can’t spit in my face (figuratively obviously) and then want me to respect and cheer for you just because you are rewarding us by honouring your contract.
Hope that trophy cabinet is full because there wont be many more heading you way.
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[Tomas]
To answer your question regarding Fergie as a begging man, I think he went personally along with Queiroz after the WC fiasco to convince Ronaldo that United is the right club for him. It’s not begging, it’s using his powers of persuasion. Fergie knows that Ronaldo is an important player for United. Leaving messages on voice mails does not strike me as begging. If there is so much uncertainty it’s but natural for a manager to call his player to check with him.
And if you don’t want to buy into negativity fine, but saying that just because one piece of news is more pleasant than the other you will prefer the pleasant one even though both are unsubstantiated rubbish, strikes me as an odd piece of reasoning.
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RR- there’s a difference between calling him once or twice to leave a message and calling him repeatedly. I doubt, SAF would do the latter, ever.
I guess, it’s a matter of me wanting to stay positive in stead of negative and that’s my reasoning – that’s how I am as a person. I know, none of them are substantiated, but there have been no substantiated stories on the matter so far, and because it means so much to me that he stays, I choose to believe the positive stories. As a matter of fact, I completely disregard the negatives.
And it’s not about pleasantry of stories, because that makes me sound like I can’t handle difficult stories, which is not the case.
There’s just so much negativity going on in here, and it astounds me that no one has learned anything about media speculation in the last 100 years. That’s how the media have always thrived… they make up stories to make money.
It was the same thing last year. Marca wrote that Ronaldo had agreed terms with Real, just like they have written this year. It wasn’t true last year, then why should it be this time around. Yes, then you can write an article like this with all the negative rumours, and it certainly sounds convincing, but I could write an equally positive one and make that sound convincing.
It’s all a matter of which angle one chooses to apply to a story.
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I will Back any United Player and will continue to do so up until they leave.
It would be sad to see Ronnie go, even in a couple years time. I mean he could have become the Greatest United player ever.
Still I will continue to support and back him up until the day he leaves…
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[Tomas]
I don’t buy the media spin at all. And I didn’t spin an article just for the sake of convincing people or for the sake of being negative. If you’ve been regular here, you’d know that I tend to stay positive always. And I was 100% behind Heinze until he himself said he wanted to move to Liverpool. However, I have a bad feeling about the Ronaldo thing because the way he’s conducted things (by not saying anything really) he’s upset me greatly. I hope you are right because then we can have the Ronaldo we always loved. And I sincerely wish I am proved wrong… I’d actually be more than happy. But right now, to me even if he stays another season I can’t really feel much for him. I love United more than I love Ronaldo.
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In my opinion far too much positive feedback and support has been shown the ass clown from Medeira for showing greed and ignorance in this whole mess. If he wants to go, come out and say so. If he wants to stay, stop putting the team, Fergie and all the supporters through emotional Hell when instead they should be high as a kite after a historic and wonderful double over arch enemies. He really knows how to spoil a party, our little ass wipe from Medeira.
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Grognard (and everyone else of the same opinion) – Do you really think, he’s spoiled the party for everyone at the club? Do you think, SAF is so frustrated by Ronaldo’ actions that he can’t celebrate one of the best seasons in the history of the club. I seriously doubt it. These things are part of the game, and SAF knows that better than anyone.
He sure hasn’t spoiled the party for me, that’s for sure.
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