Aug 06
Brief thoughts on Valencia friendly
Our first pre-season friendly at home, against Valencia, ended in a comfortable 2-0 win for us, but the match was quite open and promised more goals than the score sheet would indicate.
Since it’s pre-season, I’ll just cap it with brief thoughts on the match and leave the stage for you to take over.
Antonio Valencia started out quite lively for the first 25 minutes but faded a bit during the second part of the first half. However he came back quite strongly in the second half being instrumental in both of our goals. I have been quite impressed with Valencia every time I’ve seen him in pre-season. He gives our side the much needed pace and attacking threat. He also seems undaunted about taking people on, seems to have the necessary physical presence to force the issue, and also has great delivery from the flanks. He also is capable of shooting well as his debut goal for us showed and yesterday, when he stung the palms of the ‘keeper with a good strike.
Michael Owen interests me now more, not because of his four misses, but the fact that we finally have a striker who plays off the shoulder of the last defender rather than spends time tracking back in midfield. He’ll get service in plenty, and I hope his misses today don’t dent his confidence. If he continues to make his intelligent moves into the box, I think the goals will arrive.
I disagree with the notion that Wayne Rooney was fantastic. I thought he was just good; his through ball when he slipped Owen clear was a joy, and he his goal will do good for his confidence. Other than that, I think I’ve seen better days from him.
The midfield remains a worry — we have players indecisive (read: Carrick) or unwilling to dominate the centre of the park putting our defenders under duress. This will not work for me. I’ve long maintained throughout this summer that it is our biggest area of concern. No number of wingers are going to help against physically intimidating midfields like the Chelseas and Liverpools. Also when Ferguson talks about spreading the goals around, he needs contribution from midfield. A Lampard-like player (or a vintage-Scholes) who can score goals from midfield is of utmost importance. We have, in Darron Gibson, someone who not only has the ability to shoot, but is also not afraid to have a pop when given the chance.
De Laet continues his amazing climb up in reckoning for more first team starts this season than anyone would have anticipated when he was first signed. His tackles were clean and decisive and inch-perfect. He’s very comfortable on the ball too, and is not afraid to rampage forward when given the chance. He’s 20 years old, and I see a maturity far beyond his age. It’s just a couple of appearances where I’ve seen him in action, but I think we have a real gem on our hands. Fergie, cut him up right, we need this diamond.
I must say I was quite underwhelmed by Zoran Tosic. I’ve heard rumours of people not being too impressed with his outings for the reserves, and I didn’t see much yesterday for me to make much of him. I hope Ferguson starts Nani on Sunday. He needs to be our first choice winger on the left (with Antonio on the right).
In all a decent outing for the side, but Sunday would be a better test of our side’s mettle. Nothing else springs in my mind about yesterday’s friendly. However, do feel free to add yours in the comments…
* * *
And sorry for pimping the other blog I run (on general footy, among other things) but I have a long essay on football fan behaviour there — I’m sure that would require a lot more of your time to read and process, so you’ve been warned.
Related items from Red Rants:- Man Utd v Chelsea: Community Shield Preview
- Ferguson on mid-season trips: last season & this season
- United get Milan, Giggs gets new deal
- United scrape past Philly, but Fergie’s comments on Vidic grab headlines
- Future Manchester United captain Rio Ferdinand named England skipper
Tags: Match Reports · Opinions/Columns
August 6th, 2009 at 8:52
As usual, a good, well balanced piece, nice one Red Ranter. I totally agree about midfield, ffs did we learn nothing against Barca? Our centre midfield doesn’t cut the mustard, we need a world class player in there, sort it Fergie!
August 6th, 2009 at 8:58
Fair assessment of the game and players RR, I would say. I just love the potential of De Laet. He reminds me of the other massive/hard tackler we have, the great Wes Brown
. I hope the lad gets many more chances in 1st team. The speed on him too – he seems to have it all, great tackler, speed, control of ball going forward, good wing play, and can float or put in a good cross into the box. Only area I think he needs to improve more is his positional sense, which will come with more 1st team football. Also he has attitude, as shown towards the ref when he was wrongly judged to have fouled an opposing attacker. He gave that ref a show of defiance 
August 6th, 2009 at 9:26
Owen’s finishing was reminiscent of a striker trying to hard or thinking too much. Clearly the presence of a certain Capello weighed heavily on his mind yesterday. Hopefully he gets a few goals early when the season starts in earnest to help him settle down and get his confidence back. He could very well finish as our top scorer this season (knocking wood with injuries in mind).
August 6th, 2009 at 9:30
@Craig Mc: I would agree largely on one point that you made in last thread that can we try this lad De Laet at CDM or a mid field enforcer???
For me yes we can!!! I mean I am just basing my argument on few thing that stuck my head in only two appearances that i saw from lad as i am not having the advantage of watching the reserves games. But, the point is what all he Brings to the Table:
1. Hard Tackling which more often then not is precise as well. So, very little threat of fouls. Definitely can be used to break up plays.
2. Very comfortable with the ball in his feet.
3. Having good positional sense in which ever position he plays. He has shown that in his outing in two different positions.
4. Not afraid to go forward when opportunity comes.
5. Very young and can learn the trade if required.
6. The biggest for me even at such early level i never looked him indecisive or intimidated by occasion or opposition. To add to that he has maturity beyond his age.
I think given that he plays in defense his chances this season will be limited. But, we can definitely give him first team football by playing him in midfield. I mean we have even played O Shea (no disrespect towards lad he is just great) there then why not him.
We can definitely take chance in small time cup competitions. Isn’t it???
For me its worth a gamble….
August 6th, 2009 at 10:09
It was good so see Rooney doing things right again. He looked much better last night than in any of the pre-season games. Owens runs were good,their keeper was very quick of his line.
August 6th, 2009 at 10:11
Im sure Fergie intends to keep De Laet as a defender. Really his promising performance is great news. He seems more solid than Rafael which is good if we come up against a team that is dangerous on the flanks. It really does seem like we are going to have the best defence in the world for many years now. Although still I think we need to buy a world class goalkeeper.
De Laet will get plenty of chances in the domestic cups. I look forward to seeing more of him.
Im not too worried about Owen. The fact he could have scored four shows that his movement is still good and i am sure his conversion rate will improve as he gains confidence. Combine his movement with the sort of through balls Rooney and Berbatov are capable of and we have a recipe for goals!
I really hope we sign David Silva. He could give us that bit of class we are missing in midfield.
August 6th, 2009 at 10:38
Can anyone send me the list of fixtures in la-liga, actually i am in office and all other sports site are blocked also i might be travelling to madrid later this weekend on official work, so i might look to see some games.. Thankz, mail it to girish_t@huawei.com
August 6th, 2009 at 10:44
@despicable: I guess La-Liga starts from 31st August.
August 6th, 2009 at 10:50
@Anders: I think it helps our first game is at OT against a team like Birmingham. When the first one goes in and he hears Old Trafford ROAR the goals will come. Let’s hope it comes sooner rather than later.
August 6th, 2009 at 11:04
Darren Gibson looks like he can play in midfield and score,why does fergie put him on the right. I hope he plays there this season and not not on the right. Yesterday United played the game quite fast and its prob because of no scholes and giggs. I hope Fergie isnt starting them on sunday. WE will be run over
August 6th, 2009 at 11:07
@AndyCR7: No i was just planning the tour so wanted to know whether i could travel to nou camp or not…
August 6th, 2009 at 11:10
Tom cleverly was another who did well…we are having an influx of decent players from the youth…The carling cup games will be interesting
August 6th, 2009 at 11:12
@Traverse: Ya that surely would do a favour, i would like to see the celebrations once he does so..
August 6th, 2009 at 11:13
@Taehr: Ya i am really geared up to see the club’s youth to well.
August 6th, 2009 at 11:28
@Taehr: That would be the mystery…
May be fergie is seeing how good can he play out of position as he does with almost all the young players coming through…
But this can be demoralizing for the guy… i was really amazed in the confidence in him when he rejected other offers this summer and wanted to fight for the slot… shows this guy believes in him ability.
August 6th, 2009 at 11:36
@Taehr: I don’t think Fergie sees him as a right winger…. he has a habit of playing players out of position at a young age to get them to appreciate the job of players playing there. Gibson will be a better central midfielder for knowing how players should be playing on wing.
August 6th, 2009 at 11:37
@Taehr: Is that the same same Giggs who was MOM last time we played Chelsea at home along side Fletcher?
August 6th, 2009 at 11:56
@Stephen: I meant them together in midfield like against bayern,and that might have been a one off and I dont think essien was playing that day i dont think it can happen again.
August 6th, 2009 at 11:58
@Traverse: Yea maybe thats his plan…but what about him learning in midfield where hes supposed to be
August 6th, 2009 at 12:00
Rooney wasn’t exceptional but i’d say he was better than just good, he held the ball exceptionally and his foresight with owen is excellent, each attack he was always looking for owen and put him through more than a few times, he did however seem to disappear into midfield quite a lot. I think he’s just too used to tracking back helping out.
Mikey needs to make sure he doesn’t get the Man Utd striker jinx of always being there but never being able to convert. Otherwise is was impressed.
Valencia was the biggest shock for me. I was expecting a wigan player (sub standard nani) type winger but he just blew me away, He’s very strong on the ball, nearly as fast a ronaldo but has 4 times the bollocks ronaldo has, he hardly went down at all. He caused real problems for the Spainish left back and centre back. He’s going to be an awesome player this season.
Tosic was good but was lacking strengh, he was quick, tried a few tricks to get past players but when recieving the ball he was often out muscled. could do with bulking up.
Evra – now you may lynch me for this but i think he’s back to pre-injury form. Last night he was exceptional, positioning was at times a lil dubios but other than that he was attacking strongly and defending even stronger. was always there when needed even when found out of position. Has the sausage become un-skinable???
foster/PIG not much to say both has reasonable games made a couple of saves but fosters descion making regarding coming out does worry me he had communication issues twice for what i saw from up in the rafters once with rio and then once with evra.
Gibo has a cracking distance shot, i think with a little more time he will be better than carrick whom i might add went missing too often but did provide some excellent thourgh passes and did a fair bit of defending too.
Ando Ando Ando what is this boy doing? is he an attacking mid or a defending mid. He doesn’t seem to know himself these days. He seems to love going forward but then you can see the uncertainty in his actions the moment he realises he’s that far up the pitch. No wthis is either because is he supposed to be a defencive midfielder and keeps neglecting his role by attacking or he’s far too used to being a defensive cover he’s lost his confidence in attacking and instantly looks for his comfort zone. ???
Clevelry is a bit of a wild card show some promise but then wasn’t strong on the ball. need to see more of him. Credit where it’s due he was in the right place at the right time to score.
De Laet – The future wonderkid?? Scary the amount of talent the boy has but as in Evra sometimes his willingness to attack will leave him well out of position and he isn’t as quick as evra. but otherwise i love this guy! : – ))
Nani did well on the right when he came on for Valencia. He seems to be trying hard. I personally hope he makes it.
Berba – Languid as ever but such brilliance. His touch is magical and he just seems to know where his team mate are even when it would appear he has looked for them. Little flicks here lil flicks there. Genius.
It’s quite clear Fletcher is our spine right now, he’s coming on leaps and bounds becoming stronger each season. he will be our new 21st century version of keano just give him time. (was never really a fletcher fan but i cannot dispute his ability to charge down hold the bal and provide momentum.) side note: he’s getting better with the passing not losing it as much.
well this is all from only one game but a game against better strength opponents than what we’ve had recently.
It’s a 4-4-2 set up for the new season by the looks of things.
Rooney’s partner in crime is going to be owen not berba. Looks like fergie has gone for the creative and out an out striker partnerships
rooney creator and owen the pure finisher
berba the creator and mecheda the finsher
not sure where Welbeck fits in just yet.
all this is just my opion as always.
sorry for the massive post.
August 6th, 2009 at 12:00
@despicable: He has belief coz some of the shots he takes are great
August 6th, 2009 at 12:06
@Taehr: They hardly ever play together anymore, I will be surprised to see that happen at all theis season.
The issue really is as RR has said our midfield is a massive issue, we sdo not have one player in there who is genuinely World Class, I will give it the benefit of the doubt but Carrick, Fletcher, Anderson, Giggs(used to be), Scholes(used to be), Gibson and even Hargreaves cannot be put into that bracket of player like Ballack, Lampard, Essien, Gerrard, Fabregas and Mascherano if we even brought in one top draw centre mid then I would put us as favorites for the title, but without it will be tough to compete with Chelsea, obviously depending on how Ancelotti settles in to the pace of the Prem.
August 6th, 2009 at 12:08
@Monkwahhdo: De laet might be faster than evra and it looks like he has hargreaves ability to just move infront if a player…and take the ball. Rooney-owen did look mouthwatering
August 6th, 2009 at 12:12
@Stephen: Yea I agree but there isnt one worldclass midfielder who is available I havent seen… I think in the League we will be fine,our midfield is very creative just not in actually scoring themselves .We can beat all the teams with our midfield but in that CL it gets difficult,as shown in the final.
August 6th, 2009 at 12:15
@Taehr: He already knows midfield pretty well. One of the biggest things a central midfielder needs to have is awareness. Awareness of other peoples position on the pitch, awareness of where people should be moving to for putting the through balls in and picking out the 50yrd crossfield passing. It can only aid his development as a more complete central midfielder.
August 6th, 2009 at 12:19
I think Carrick is world class, and if he were consistently paired with Hargeaves, Essien or Mascherano we would all see it clearer. He has to do too much of the defensive duty that those three cover and it restricts his natural passing game.
August 6th, 2009 at 12:23
@Traverse: Fletcher played in that role as part of his education. I remember him getting slated frequently but he seems to have become a better player.
August 6th, 2009 at 12:31
Giggs and scholes will start or feature on sunday,fergies sentimentality will see to that.Just hope ancelloti plays it italian and slow the game down so they can keep up.Arsenal will run wild on chelsea this season.
August 6th, 2009 at 12:32
@Cyclops-Red: In Fergie we trust
August 6th, 2009 at 12:36
Team we should get:
Foster
Fabio Evans Ferdinand Evra
Valencia Carrick Fletcher Nani
Berbatov Rooney
Team we’ll probably get:
Foster
O’Shea Evans Ferdinand Evra
Park Carrick Giggs Nani
Berbatov Rooney
Team if EVERYONE were fit.
VDS
Brown Vidic Ferdinand Evra
Valencia Carrick Hargreaves Nani
Rooney Berbatov
August 6th, 2009 at 12:41
@Taehr: You maybe right about De laet being faster than Evra but last night Evra was faster than De laet but than again De laet may not have been running at full tilt.
To be honest I’d like De Laet to be promoted to midfield if Hargreaves isn’t coming back. I would pick Fletcher over De laet for the time being as he’s far more reiable and proven right now but i think De Laet will become our De Rossi if not better in the Future. Fletcher will once again be fighting to keep his place.
The future’s bright the futures YOUTH!!
Oh Mr Silva for what action he could get involved in was good i like him and would love him with us however i feel should we buy him he’ll cause Ando to be perminently dropped. he was situated left central mid last night for most of what game he did play. He got a rough time though. the lads kept him at arms length although he did find himself in the box reciving the ball near the end of the game. He’ll need to get rid of the hair do though looks like a girl.
August 6th, 2009 at 12:57
@Taehr: Mate you can be sure that SAF will play Gibbo in his least effective position – i.e. right wing
. We all know that SAF loves his square pegs in round holes – the order of the season at OT! 
August 6th, 2009 at 13:05
@Traverse: When did Fergie suggest that’s why he plays ppl out out of position?
August 6th, 2009 at 13:15
@Taehr: Mmmmmm – I think you will find out on Sunday against the Chelsea MF the answer to that thought Taehr. If you look back over last seasons games, you will see that we struggled with any kind of passing game in our MF in a good many games, and were always looking to lobbing long lazy balls up to Rooney, Berba or especially Ronnie! A good few of our goals by Ronni came from Set Pieces, brilliant as they were, I would have liked to see more free scoring goals!
August 6th, 2009 at 13:16
He didn’t, but having watched players Fergie has developed over the last 15 years it seems to be a trend, and for Central Midfielders especially. Also, it’s the only reason I can see for it, as we have a wealth of wideboys.
August 6th, 2009 at 13:16
We all know SAF’s speciality is messing around with players’ positions and wasting their talent and precious time. Look at Rooney. Look at Anderson.How about Alan Smith. Kieran Richardson. He didn’t even know what to do with Dimitar Berbatov.How about play him as a CF like all the other dumb ass coaches who played him there with relative success at Spurs, Bulgaria and Leverkussen. It works once in a hundred attempts.Like Giggs or Ronaldo. This is my fattest beef with SAF.Don’t be too intelligent with players positions
August 6th, 2009 at 13:25
@Monkwahhdo: The skinned sausage did have a seemingly better game against Valencia, but not in other pre season games. Difference I see in him and De Laet, although only basing this on 2 first team games of Delaet, but many reserve outings, is that De Laet seems to be able to get forward and have an end product with passes into the box, whereas Evra hardly EVER has that effective ending. ll his mad forages forward come to Narda – but leave us with problems in defence, because as you say, he may be fast, but he seems unable to be fast enough to get back, and to be honest he often seems permanently camped well up the field. De Laet from what I have seen of him doesn’t give up possession easily, but Sausage loses the ball in dangerous positions to the opposition and it was down to this sausage flaw that gave Barca goals/advantageous shots on goal! Hope you are right though mate, and he is coming into some kind of form – a Brain would help though!
August 6th, 2009 at 13:26
Oh and just so everyone is aware i know i have now touted De Laet as our future version of De Rossi and touted Fletcher as being to 21st centuiry version of Keano. I’m more sure of the De laet prediction than i am of the fletch one but Fletcher is often an unsung hero and he is not only swimming upstream to prve his worth but also against alot of the untied faithputting the boot in at the slightest slip up.
Fletch gets more abuse than most and because of his (fergie’s secret love child) tag he’s had more to prove. They say we fans love a trier (Tevez anyone?) so why have we not been able to love fletcher he tries each and everytime to prove his worth to us the fans.
Sorry for all the Fletch love but it’s about time we started to appreciate his abilities and commitment to our club.
Rant Over!!
August 6th, 2009 at 13:26
@Craig Mc: Abosolutely 100% positively accurate
August 6th, 2009 at 13:30
@Jay wire: You know I agree with you 100% on SAF’s DIS-positioning of players, and so we have a good few players on the field trying their best, but failing because hindered by being out of their best position!
August 6th, 2009 at 13:31
@Craig Mc: Alas Craig a Brain Evra shall never have. Nearly every game he suffers some form of head injury. He’s losing Brain cells faster than a stoner alcholic!!
August 6th, 2009 at 13:35
@Monkwahhdo: Maybe because Fletch is so fucking boring mate, in the way he plays/tries/whatever you want to call it. His personality is bland mate, whereas CARLA TEVez and Diego Forlan were triers but of the most entertaining, humorous types, if anyone knows what I mean by that!
August 6th, 2009 at 13:38
@Monkwahhdo:
, well I guess I must have lost a good few lil brain cells mate, especially in my lager brain dead partying with the Rugby lads at times. Wouldn’t like to sup like that too often, because the mornings after are bloody awful 
.
August 6th, 2009 at 13:42
Benitez has a face palm moment:
http://www.football365.com/mediawatch/0,17033,8749_5476091,00.html
August 6th, 2009 at 13:44
@Traverse: Well Trav, I think SAF will have to play Fletch and Park, because they chose the Wembley game in preference to joining their international teams. So Fergie’s usual sentiment will come into play here
.
August 6th, 2009 at 14:04
12.8 mil
we could have had him.. we have so much money.. but he goes to milan 
August 6th, 2009 at 14:08
@Merlinus: Not needed.
August 6th, 2009 at 14:09
De Laet as DM ??
He is a defender not a DM
….
Many teams have tried in the past of teaching their Defender to be a DM however it has always failed !!!
Best Example is Song !
However his performance yesterday was absolutely brilliant. Will be interesting to see if he gets shout in EPL regularly.
Chelsea will play this weekend as their opening match. Ancelloti will surely want to win this match to make a statement !
I think Rooney, Berba/Park, Giggs, Nani, Carrick & Fletcher will start.
August 6th, 2009 at 14:30
@Traverse: Carrick is not World Class, he can’t start for England above Barry, Carrick is good on the ball but he sometimes shifts it too slow due to his feet not being quick enough, he also does not contribute enough for the team for example goals.
August 6th, 2009 at 14:36
@Taehr: World Class midfield players are never available mate, you either spend an enormous sum of money or you buy potential, or maybe a stop gap.
August 6th, 2009 at 14:41
@Stephen: Barry is average compared to carrick. Thats one of capellos flaws, not noticing this.
August 6th, 2009 at 14:42
@Dan: I agree pal I would start him before Barry but Carrick is not and never will be World Class.
August 6th, 2009 at 14:43
Huntelaar at 12.5 million is a steal, @Grog maybe take some yoga exercises before ranting
August 6th, 2009 at 14:46
@phoenix red: Would he have been £12.5m to us though?
August 6th, 2009 at 15:09
@Stephen, well lets see: proper price + united tax =
£27.5 million, sound right?
As for Carrick, well i haven’t been one of his biggest fans, i thought it was a joke him getting no. 16 as there aren’t any comparisons to Keano. But having said that i think Carrick would benefit most from the addition of a demonstrative midfielder(midfield general type),another Keano! thats why imho he doesn’t play to his ability when coupled with an aging Scholes. I cant deny his contribution when he’s afforded the space though. Also with constantly shifting partnerships, this cant help with solidity and calmness in the centre of the pitch.
August 6th, 2009 at 15:40
De Laet is a defender. I really doubt he will be converted into a midfielder.
It is a sign of our midfield difficulties that people are clamouring to hail De Laet and Gibson as possible saviours. De Laet is a promising defender, Gibson is an ordinary midfielder who has the useful knack of chipping in occasional goals (mostly because he often shoots when he’d be best advised to pass).
Gil suggests no more signings. In truth we have a full squad even if it is lacking in midfield quality. With Fletcher, Anderson, Carrick, Gibson, Giggs and Scholes all competing for two central midfield berths really we need to get rid of some midfielders before we bring any more in.
I reckon the best thing to do is give this bunch of midfielders a fair share of games this season. At the end of the season im sure Giggs and Scholes will retire. If Anderson and Gibson don’t impress we can get rid of them. If Hargreaves is still not fit we can write him off. Then we can buy a couple of top class midfielders to remodel our midfield.
Personally i have little faith in either Ando or Gibson. But at their age they at least deserve a good run in the side to show what they can do.
August 6th, 2009 at 16:22
@Stephen: He doesn’t start for England because he doesn’t start next to another world class CM for United. Lampard has Essien and Ballack to play with, Gerrard has/had Alonso and Mascherano. Everyting at Villa went through Barry, and that made him look better (big fish, small pond). Barry didn’t turn up in any of the big games I can remember. Carrick should be starting ahead of Barry every time for England, but managers have their favourites.
If Carrick was called Carrileni and playing for Milan we’d be all cocks out about him.
August 6th, 2009 at 16:31
The thing with our midfield is age. Fletcher and Anderson (and Gibson) are still young, and midfield is one of those positions that really does require experience. The only exception to this I can think of is Fabregas, but he’s a freak
We have hte choice of trying to get someone who is already good enough, play them today, or continue to develop what we have into (hopefully) world class players. Fergie has stuck with Fletcher through his ‘awkward’ stage and now is being rewarded. As many people can see, Anderson has the right set of tools to be exceptional, but he’s 21! He needs experience to develop. So we have to play them through this ‘teething’ period. It’s not always ideal, but clearly SAF thinks it’s worth it. And he does tend to know about raw talent.
Plus, if Nani has a good year we have 2 top drawer wingers, 2 top drawer strikers (who may or may not be able to actually score) and one of the best defensive units in the game. So our midfield can be somewhat ‘carried’ for the time being, if it gives us players that will be first team quality for a decade.
August 6th, 2009 at 17:27
Can anybody tell me if last season was the first time that our reserve team players started training with the 1st team players. Because this has really brought some of them on performance and experience wise, not to mention confidence building? I see that everything we do, it is not long before the other teams follow
. I see copycats Rafa, Wenger?, Hughes and Chelski are now wanting to go with our methodology. Cherry picking and bringing into training with their 1st team their reserve young players! Chelsea and L’pool in particular and even Arsenal were not known for focusing and bringing through their young players, but suddenly the Fergie invention is catching on. Please someone correct me if I am wrong? Are we always the 1st to lead the rest of the pack? I remember the 1st time that SAF brought in the players wives and GFs and kiddies to celebrate any trophies on presentation days end of season. A few days later, lo and behold Chelsea were copying it at their FA cup final win. Now everyone is doing it? Why are we always the 1st eh? Leaders of the pack 
August 6th, 2009 at 17:52
@Traverse: I can see to a degree where you are comming from but Fabregas plays next to Denilson or Song who are not up to much in my view, Carrick does have better player around him and when has played for England has hardly set the World alight, but I would start him aheaof Barry as he is very, very overrated.
I sort of agree if he was foreign he would get more praise, a la Alonso who is a good player but has Mascherano and Gerrard in there with him, but Carrick is a good player but not World class as he never gets the game by the scruff of the neck enough for me like the European cup final when we needed him to do so.
August 6th, 2009 at 18:02
OK well I just had a chance to finally watch the Valencia game and I have several comments on what I saw.
First off, let me get the negative stuff out of the way. Despite the shutout, our defense was a shambles all night long. Valencia had five strong clear cut goal scoring opportunities. Two big saves from Pig a crossbar and two wide shots kept us from looking as bad as we were defensively. We are especially horrible on crosses into the box and especially to the far post. Twice the Skinned Sausage was found wandering and not marking and I am very concerned about this as it has shown itself to be our major Achilles heel this pre season. Most of the goals we have given up in the pre season have come from wide balls crossed into the box and somebody leaving an opponent unmarked. Sure Vidic is not in there but then again, if we are going to look like this every time one of our top four is injured, then we have major problems. Defense is supposed to be our biggest strength and right now it looks like an albatross on our shoulders.
Now for the good stuff. I’m with Craig regarding Richie De Laet. He is a De Lite to watch. RR gave a very good description of him so I won’t repeat what he wrote. What I will say is going to be very controversial and may even piss some of you off but I feel this 20 year old lad is so good he should permanently place the Skinned Sausage on the bench and we should start him most games at LB. yesterday he excelled at RB but we know that he is able to play LB and even CB. His pace and ability on the ball is great as well as his ability to deliver a cross and to tackle and win the ball. He is great defensively which I for one cannot say about the Skinned Sausage. I don’t want him starting at RB because I am still a true believer and fan of one Wes Brown and I also want to see Rafael develop. Bit at 20, De Laet plays like a 24 year old Gary Neville but with better skill on the ball. Time needs to be made for this lad in the starting eleven.
Now for Michael Owen. I personally thought he played well but his finishing was off. His understanding with Rooney is fantastic and his ability to run into space and to play off the shoulder of defenders and make the exact run at the exact time is nothing more than fantastic. Man have we needed this for a very long time. The scoring will come if he continues to get the kind of service he got yesterday. His finishing has never ever been at issue. His fitness has been and if he stays fit, he will deliver.
So who wins the goalkeeper battle? Unfortunately I am sure that Foster will win the starting role now that EVDS is injured but based on yesterday, Pig deserves to start the Charity Shield due to his strong saves vs Valencia. In fairness Foster didn’t have much to do as both great chances that Valencia had either went wide or hit the bar. I still think he is caught too often on his heels and he lacks that focus and jump that a great keeper needs.
I have to say I am quickly becoming a big Darren Gibson fan. I have always loved midfielders who have great shooting ability and who like to hit bombs from long distance. This might help a lot of you understand why I am such a big fan of Michale Ballack. Gibson is not shy and timid when taking shots and he possesses a real rocket for a shot. I also think the rest of his game has improved.
One of the things I really enjoyed about last night’s game was the fact we saw the next generation Manchester United without Giggs, Scholes, Neville and EVDS, and I for one loved it. I am truly tired of seeing those old warriors keep these great young players of ours down. Nows the time for the De Laet’s, Rafael’s, Fabio’s, Foster’s, Gibson’s, Nani’s, Tosic’s, Cleverley’s, Valencia’s, Anderson’s and Macheda’s of our team to take their chance and make the best of it. Last thing we need is an old goat like Scholes or Neville keeping them down when they clearly have nothing left in the tank. I still like seeing Giggsy come off the bench because he still has some gas left in the tank but the others are just spent. The thought of Brown, De Laet, Rafael being kept down by Fergie’s unnecessary usage of Neville is making me sick just thinking about it. And it’s time for Fletcher, Gibson, Anderson and Carrick to take command of the center of midfield and keep Scholes off the pitch. Enough with the old guard already Fergie.
And finally, special praise for Antonio Valencia for offering us the role of a traditional winger again. Yes his first touch was iffy at times but his ability to take on defenders and to cross the ball is a much needed tool we have missed for quite a while now. He’s not Ronaldo but then again,he shouldn’t be compared to him. Start Nani on the other side and I think we have a dynamic width with the ability to cut in and have a go from either side. As for Tosic, he had a few bright moments but I still fail to see what the big deal is about this player. Nani deserves that spot on the left side. And the less of JS Park, the better I say.
August 6th, 2009 at 18:04
@Craig Mc: It doesn’t matter what Rafa and Wenger steal from us mate. It’s like the old saying goes, “Often imitated but never duplicated”.
August 6th, 2009 at 18:09
@Stephen: And Fabregas has been rubbish and done nothing for 3 seasons, proving my point!
Carrick isn’t a take the game by the scruff of the neck type of player tho. Phil Neville does that for Everton, doesn’t make him world class (although ironically it does make him the better of the Nevilles)!
August 6th, 2009 at 18:17
@Traverse: Fabregas is a top player and everything goes through him at Arsenal, Carrick is not a world class player as he rarely wins games for us, he moves the ball well but that is about it.
August 6th, 2009 at 18:24
@Grognard: Actually your thoughts on Evra aren’t as controversial as you think. I think de Laet’s shown so much maturity positionally. He’s got everything and he’s only 20. Even I would dump Evra in his favour, and I don’t even feel it’s close to knee-jerk. I am shocked he didn’t even get a look-in at Stoke’s reserves when we got him.
In a midfield three Gibson and Fletcher will ease the pressure on Carrick. Gibbo will contribute more going forward in the Lampard role. His shot is just fantastic and is not one bit timid like Carrick. I just couldn’t understand why Ferguson would play him on the right prior to this game in the Asia tour.
Looks like I agree with you completely in your match analysis — must be shocking.
August 6th, 2009 at 18:31
evra is good
August 6th, 2009 at 18:35
@Stephen: What more could you ask for in a team with Ronaldo (previous years obivously), Rooney, Berbatov, and now adding Owen, Nani, Gibson, and Valencia. I am obviously partial here, but I honestly think he gives us exactly what Pirlo gives Milan. His passes are usually spot on, he has great range, and his shot isnt exactly weak on either foot.
Fabregas is the same, he cant break into the Spanish Squad, and when Le’Arse arent clicking, I have yet to see Fabregas put the team on his shoulders and carry them to a win (admittedly something Carrick wont do either).
August 6th, 2009 at 18:39
GUYS………… What Ship never docks at Liverpool
August 6th, 2009 at 18:40
@phoenix red: im a fan of carrick, anderson and fletch but if hargo isnt going to recover then i agree we need an enforcer, but i dont know of anyone availble that would cut it? sneider perhaps?
August 6th, 2009 at 18:43
@Anders: yes owen definitely has the potential to come up with a host of goals for us. i think yesterday we shold consider the amount of chances he made himself available for rather than the ones he missed!
and on another note, his hunger is very pleasing, so far so good!!
August 6th, 2009 at 18:47
@Merlinus: i was thinking that too, but i think signing owne was a better choice….. he is extremly hungry and being english is also a plus. and owen will be more than happy too spend half his time one the bench and playing as fergie will rotate the forward line to keep them fresh. and in mached we have an upcoming star who in two years might be a world beater…..
August 6th, 2009 at 18:54
@Merlinus: That’s old hat, mate. Premiership, obviously.
August 6th, 2009 at 19:03
@BAMF: Fabregas cannot get into the Spanish side because he 22 and has and had Xavi, Iniesta, Alonso and Senna in front of him, he is also captain of Arsenal which sayes a lot.
Carrick is a good player but not world class, a blind man can see that, he has only scored 9 goals in his entire career for us, look I like him but sinply do not over rate him.
August 6th, 2009 at 19:10
@Red Ranter:
August 6th, 2009 at 19:53
Fabregas will easily replace Xavi in the spanish squad after 2-3 years…
August 6th, 2009 at 20:32
@Red Ranter: Be still my heart RR.
Of course you agree with me mate, I’m always right. 
Seriously though, I think De Laet never started at Stoke because of his attacking forward style. A team like Stoke cannot afford to have an adventurous fullback moving up because after all, they are dependent on ten men playing behind the ball. His style was like adding pepper to a sundae.
I also think Fergie put Gibson on the right because the lad is not a bad crosser of the ball. But I agree, he is wasted out there because any player with a shot like that and with the attacking sense of a Lampard or Ballack needs to play up the middle.
August 6th, 2009 at 20:32
@owen: For nothing.
August 6th, 2009 at 21:09
@Grognard: Nice player assessments and comments Grog
. Imagine Park on his arse on one wing, and Tosic on his arse on the other. These two do have banana skin feet in the box or round about it, slipping to the ground with each and every shot. Yet Tosic does HUG that feckin sideline, and brings maximum width to the team, but very little end product. Park keeps coming away from the wing, inside, so we don’t have a lot of width when he is playing supposedly out wide! Park does offer more than Tosic in some games though, he does a job for the team, I fail AS YET to see why we ever brought Tosic in. He has speed yeah – but what else????? I do believe Fergie sentimentalism will put Park and Fletch in the team for Charity Shield, because they both chose club over country to PLAY at Wembley against Chelski 
.
August 6th, 2009 at 21:16
@Beachryan: Fletcher is 25 years old though Beachy, so he should be established by now if he was going to be truly world class. Course he has been unlucky with a lot of injuries hampering his progress. I still don’t rate him all that highly though mate, but its Fergie’s team, not mine
August 6th, 2009 at 21:34
@Stephen: Apparently the blind cannot see the similarities between Carrick’s plight and Fabregas’ though. My point was that they are very much the same, except for playing style. Carrick cant get in the English side because of Gerrard, Lampard, Berry, and Hargreaves (when fit). I’m not exactly convinced Fab will walk into the starting role for the Spanish side either. I’ve read they don’t exactly rate him like we do. And like i said, he certainly doesn’t take that Arsenal Team on his shoulders. As for the captaincy, who else would be at Le’Arse? Certainly not Gallas, and I’m pretty sure everyone else on that team is still a tweener.
August 6th, 2009 at 22:43
@Stephen: This will be the 5th year Arsenal have won fuck all, and they’ll probably end up 5th behind Citeh? Fabregas is a myth. If he was English, he’d be as rated as Lee Cattermole and no more.
August 6th, 2009 at 22:55
@BAMF:
We’ve never had a fully fit Hargreaves playing alongside Carrick for a full season, only flashes. I’m convinced that if this ever happens this season they will both be the first choice central midfield pairing for England at the WC.
August 6th, 2009 at 23:00
@Grognard:
Nice, articulate summary. My concern is left side. I still think we need a Silva type, a slippery eel with eyes in the back of his head who can link midfield with attack. Just gives us another option.
August 6th, 2009 at 23:27
@Traverse: Mmmmmm don’t think I agree with you Trav, and especially disagree if Arsenal keep all their strikers fit. They have been scoring goals for fun pre season. Eduardo, Arshavin, Van Persie, Vela and Wilshire can all score goals, and I think they are good strikers. I do not believe it will be Arsenal who will be knocked out of top 4 mate.
Also what you got against Lee Cattermole, L’pool, Man City and Arsenal all want him. He is tough (you aint gonna get by me) midfielder. I like the lad!
August 6th, 2009 at 23:43
@Craig Mc: Yeah that’s the point. He’s alright, can do a job but nothing special. Also, Arsenal are selling Toure, Adebayour and Senderos and replacing them with a 5″10 centre back. City’s first team is better than Arsenals first team every day of the week. If they get Lescott, then it’s game over for Arsenal.
August 6th, 2009 at 23:43
@Grognard: “…the rest of his game has improved.”
The rest of his game?
Gibson doesn’t have a “rest of his game” that’s the problem!!!
I sure agree that his shooting is a joy to behold though.
August 6th, 2009 at 23:51
@Traverse: Yeah but Trav mate, you need those in your team, the grafters, and tough tackling, no messing types, who can do a job for you. At least one or two anyway!
August 6th, 2009 at 23:55
I don’t think that Fabregas is as bad as Traverse is painting him to be, but I don’t think he’s that good either.
He did had one extraordinary season, but he’s yet to produce the goods on a consistent basis.
Didn’t Xavi get around 26 assists last season? And we all know about Iniesta.
I don’t think Fabregas will ever reach that level of performance.
About the Carrick debate though, I also think that he’s been very average recently, but as Trav said its not his role to boss the midfield and it has never been. But Capello chooses Barry because he’s a better defensive midfielder, despite Carrick being the more talented of the two.
August 7th, 2009 at 0:17
guys the differnces between fabregas and carrick is that fabregas would walk into the english midfield regardless of whos fit.
he will be the best cm in the future and if we had him we,d be laughing.
and hasnt anyone realised spainn are the best team in the world, thats why its a little hard for him too get first choice
sorry about going of topic i just thought i needed to express myself here
August 7th, 2009 at 0:31
@jamie lee:
Spain are overrated. They are a very good team but come the next WC their weaknesses will be exposed. Wenger will probably want to keep Fibreglass for another year and then sell him for £40m.
August 7th, 2009 at 0:47
what weakness
overrated how so?
August 7th, 2009 at 0:58
@jamie lee:
In Euro 2008 a shit Italian side, playing shit, nearly beat them (apart from penalties)
Confederations Cup, the USA worked them out and beat them.
They are a very good side but not unbeatable nor untouchable. They rely on passing and possession. Force them sideways and limit their possession they are quite ordinary.They can look easy on the eye but they are one dimensional. Del Bosque is avery good coach and he is working on a Plan B, he realises they have to play a different way sometimes.
August 7th, 2009 at 1:06
@NicoQB: Carrick and Fabregas share the same dilemma, the do not play along side a big, strong, dominating CMF’er.
Arsenal’s CMF has been poor since Viera left and ours has been poor since Keano left.
Until we can resolve this, Carrick will only prosper when playing up and serving the strikers. He cannot play box-box and he’s very untidy playing back.
The ideal situation is to have a box-box man, but a DCMF would suffice (get well soon Hargo!!) and could release him to play his ideal position!!
August 7th, 2009 at 1:43
@jamie lee:
Can’t tackle.
Can’t head.
Can’t dribble – occasionally but not anything like David Silva or Iniesta.
He does have good passing, but then again he’s no Xavi.
Doesn’t take the game by the scruff of the neck – like Arshavin can.
Not a leader. Nowhere near Ferdinand, or (pains me to say this) Terry.
And recently he’s lost that good shot from distance he had in his exceptional season
Overrated I tell you.
August 7th, 2009 at 1:46
@Redrich: I’m not so sure about Carrick. I’ve been one of his most loyal supposters here, but what’s worrying is that he doesn’t even try forays in the box, and his through balls – which are his trademarks- are getting rarer and rarer.
Admittedly he would benefit from a CDM, but the absence of one does not necessarily imply that can’t do it anymore.
August 7th, 2009 at 2:07
Anybody still think that SAF is right in his stubborness NOT to bring in at least ONE STAR player, the biggest and best I’d say. I don’t understand SAF when he says it is down to wanting Value for money spent. I mean when did United not have to pay over the odds silly money for our big players. Not very often have we snatched a Ronaldo type player for the money we managed to get him for. Bet Sporting are sickened they let him come to us for 12 Million now, but who would have known how big he would become eh? So what if we have to pay thru the nose for the BIG name we want, the one that will really make a massive difference to us on the field in entertainment, spectacle value, and commercially. How quickly would the club bring in the cost of the transfer fee and more, by the enormous revenue we would acrue on such a player commercially? I have a feeling that United are wanting to CLEAR their debt as quickly as possible, so we are debt free, and able to nobble the trumped up Man Cities, Chelski, Madrids etc of this world. Perhaps I am wrong, but I am NOT sure we can reproduce the Becks, Scholes, Giggs, Butt, Neville ERA all over again. Maybe that time HAS GONE! What think you all then? Pray tell
.
August 7th, 2009 at 2:13
@NicoQB: He’s playing too deep for that. Give him the ops and he’ll do that. He’ll also start scoring a few as well!
August 7th, 2009 at 2:25
@Craig Mc: That’s basically what we’ve all been arguing about for the last two or three weeks!!
My opinion is that it’s unforgivable not to bring in a striker and a CMF’er. Clearly these are two areas that we need help.
I can buy the argument that we could get by at striker if we got a dominant CMF’er, but to not add to either of these positions makes me cringe.
Big question is:- Where are the goals coming from this season?? and until that is answered with a logical set of circumstances, I’m very, very uneasy about our fortunes this term!!
August 7th, 2009 at 3:41
We have one World Class CMF already in our ranks.. Its only people without ‘balls’ who don’t see past the dreadlocks – at the astonishing footballing GENIUS that lies within..
Albeit his preferred position is L.CAM, He’s quite capable of brawling it out with that thug Gerrard or Shitting on metro – Fabregas.. Or have you forgotten? 
August 7th, 2009 at 4:47
@Merlinus: Hey Merlin, you need to cast a magic spell over him. That way he could display that “astonishing footballing genius” so we could see it plain and clear!!
August 7th, 2009 at 5:29
@Merlinus: Exactly! But maybe not world class yet but he is quality. Fergie is sort of mixing up his true position (CAM, ronaldinho, kaka ect) with a DMF holding position because he knows he is as strong as a bull. i still dont agree the way he should be pissing away his natural talent and playing him in a position where he isnt comfortable and cant express his footballing genious. Then he gets stick whenever he makes the slightest of mistakes! If fergie doesnt want him to play his in the old scholes just behind the striker then just put him at cm and let him attack way more than defend.
August 7th, 2009 at 6:19
100 % World class and has the best vision on the planet.. Team is just not on the same wavelength as andy is.. he has to step down a level to play for us
August 7th, 2009 at 6:24
@Redrich: Given the choice i’ll transfer my soul into his body.. O what would i give for that footballing killer instinct and the bleeding left leg!
Although i have to contend with being ugly as fuck 
BUT Who cares any way if i’m with ronaldo and nani organising orgies every day 
August 7th, 2009 at 7:12
Fergie plays anderson too defensively for my liking,if fletcher can play in hargrieves’ position then maybe fergie can let anderson go forward and worry less about defending because fletcher can cover for him.
August 7th, 2009 at 7:34
@Craig Mc: I think, in order to produce the Scholeses, Beckhams and Giggses we need to revamp our youth coaching staff. It’s not like I have any inside information or anything, but we seem to be able to produce decent to good defenders from our ranks but struggle to produce players who are technically superior on the ball, ie, a midfield playmaker or a skillful attacker. There is a reason why Barcelona succeed in producing players far technically superior for their age than us. The English always produce better defenders, which has all to do with the cultural approach to coaching. I think that’s what it takes to produce the next golden generation — either that or continuing to poach talent from around the world till the other FAs make a rule preventing us from poaching them.
August 7th, 2009 at 9:40
@Red Ranter: Its always the rule of the thumb.. agree with you, i do, RR.
English –> defence
Spanish –> Play making
Italy –> Tactics
Dutch –> Finishing
French or Portugese –> Wing play
Brazillian –> MAGIC
August 7th, 2009 at 10:25
Germany- goalkeepers.
oh no wait…
spain, germany, denmark, holland, italy all produce excellent keepers.
Just out of interest Who was the last great goal keeper produced by England??
August 7th, 2009 at 11:02
Mmmmmm – I see Ribery’s name is still being continually linked with a move to us, and it is not seemingly going away! I wonder if something is afoot? Did SAF make some secretive pact with Bayern – hahahaha – who knows eh? Real M keep saying they are going back for Ribery next summer!
August 7th, 2009 at 11:07
@Red Ranter: I do so agree with you RR, because I see how our young players just coming into the 1st team set up let the ball run away from them, unlike Berba who can stop a ball dead and has such deft touch and control. Welbeck and Macheda, Cleverley and Gibbo lacking in the 1st touch and close control of the ball whilst running. Same with Rooney and Owen – we need to add a FIRST CLASS foreign technical coach m’thinks, just like you suggest RR!
August 7th, 2009 at 12:27
I can never quite make my mind up about Carrick. He has been a constant feature in our back to back titles and two Champions League final appearances. We usually play worse when he is not in the team. But he is just too lightweight for a team of our calibre. He was also notably ineffective in both the Milan and Barcelona defeats where a midfield he featured in got totally overrun. He doesn’t score many goals, he doesn’t get that many assists, he is not amazing at keeping possession, he doesn’t dictate games, so really the question is what does he do? Basically all I can see is he can pass the ball, has good positioning, can read the game quite well and screen the defence and make good interceptions but that is about it. Last season I thought Fletcher was better than Carrick.
As for Anderson I have seen absolutely nothing to suggest he is a potential world class attacking midfielder. He has zero creativity, limited vision, little intelligence and while he has a good passing range his decision making is poor.
The positive qualities of his game are his hustling, his strength, his acceleration and holding up the ball. Therefore I think Ferguson was right to play him as a central midfielder.
I agree with Craig that a star signing is needed to replace the X factor that has gone now Ronaldo has left us. Even if we have to pay an inflated fee. Ferguson wasn’t quibbling when we got ripped off for Berbatov. If he is willing to pay 30 million for Berbatov he should feel no hesitation to pay 40-50 million for a world class young star.
August 7th, 2009 at 12:33
@Merlinus: 100% with you on that one.
August 7th, 2009 at 12:33
@Monkwahhdo: Other then foster
, shilton.
August 7th, 2009 at 12:35
@NicoQB: Gibson is an excellent shooter, a great tackler, and a good passer of the ball i would say.
August 7th, 2009 at 13:43
Dan, I agree with you that Gibson has a great shot. But I think his passing and tackling is average at best. He never really impressed me in the Carling and FA Cup appearances but perhaps if he gets more games playing with our full strength first team he will show these qualities you have seen but I have so far missed.
August 7th, 2009 at 13:47
@Traverse: I do think Fabregas is overated but saying he hasn’t done anthing in three seasons is streching it a bit too far, he was PFA Young Player of the Year: 2007–08 and the season before last he scored somthing like 13 goals.
August 7th, 2009 at 13:51
@colver: I dont agree at all. A perfect example is the valencia game, played an amazing cross-field pass to valencia, who crossed it in for cleverly to score. Check the highlight if you dont believe me.
And im sorry, credit given where it is due, he is a great tackler, and dont care what anyone else says. Hes a classic box-to-box midfielder.
August 7th, 2009 at 13:56
If Gibson name was Possebon people would be raving about him, and vice versa.
Valencia reminds me a bit of Andrei Kanchelskis, he is very direct and runs at fullbacks and actually delivers a cross, signs look good.
August 7th, 2009 at 14:02
From a zoomed out TV angle Gibson is also the splitting image of Carrick. Not sure how that helps his case though
@ Grognard I agree with most of the sentiment, although I think throwing De Laet on after one or two matches is a bit much. Especially as Rafael deserves a chance to develop too.
I think the biggest challenge/most impressive balancing act Fergie has is getting this squad game right. We mocked Benitez for years that he was the rotator, but Fergie is even moreso. Essentially we play a different XI depending on the competition, opponent and schedule. There is no continuity to anything other than our centrebacks if fit, and hte goalkeeper. It means our midfielders will never develop a great understanding, because they’re never playing together every week. Ditto our strikers. On an up side, it means that we have very flexible playres, are less hampered by injury and keep everyone happy.
The only compromise I can think on this is to essentially have two set sides, and these 5/6 players tend to play with each other. Eg:
In midfield you either play: Carrick – Fletcher; or Gibson – Anderson. On the left side oyu either play Evra-Nani; or Fabio-Tosic. Up front it’s either Rooney-Berbatov or Owen-Macheda. This enables these important duos to really develop an understanding, but also gives you the flexiblity to deal with a long season.
Last year we didn’t really do this, but it seems to me a good compromise. Dunno.
August 7th, 2009 at 14:16
@Stephen: Ive been saying this for months.
Latino>ireland in the fans eyes, its bloody blasphemy if you say an irish no name is better then a latino.
August 7th, 2009 at 14:21
@Dan: Well personally I think he is better than Anderson, but that maybe just me mate.
August 7th, 2009 at 14:25
@Stephen: At this current time, he is.
August 7th, 2009 at 14:41
I don’t think you can read too much into pre-season form. There are countless players who have good pre-seasons but never make it at a competitive level. Lets see what Gibson can do when he gets some competitive games against good opposition. Considering most of his games have been against championship sides and friendlies I think it is a bit premature to say he is better than Anderson who has had two seasons of competitive football at the highest level and for the most part held his own.
In any case it is my opinion that neither Gibson or Anderson is good enough and we need to buy a quality midfielder to play alongside Carrick or Fletcher.
August 7th, 2009 at 14:48
@colver: Anderson has scored zero goals in over 70 games, Gibson has scored 3 in 15, Anderson was poor for the most part of last season, and his form dropped the latter part of the season before, if he was called Darren Anderson and came from Cheadle everyone would be saying the same.
August 7th, 2009 at 14:59
@Stephen: @Dan: No way Gibson is better than Anderson. That’s just plain ludicrous. I know I’m bias, but, I’ve seen quite a few games where both of them play and I must say, Gibson (and Possenbon) looked pretty much ‘average’ against Anderson. Gibson has a nice shot. That’s it.
August 7th, 2009 at 15:01
@Stephen: I don’t think that argument holds. No-one carried Kleberson on their shoulders.
August 7th, 2009 at 15:02
@Karl: What has Anderson got then?
Anyone who sayes that he hasn’t played well enough for us is because the other people around him is quite frankly laughable. I want him to succeed but think he is extremely overrated, and if he were not Brazilian then people would say the same, and for £18m I would have rather had Mascherano.
August 7th, 2009 at 15:05
@Karl: That is irrelavent, Gibson has done as much as Anderson and has even scored and did not cost £18m, and be touted as this potential “world” class player which he clearly insn’t.
I will keep saying I hope he prves me wrong, but so far it looks unlikely.
August 7th, 2009 at 15:10
@Karl: The fact that you say you’re bias just makes your opinion look stupid tbh
3 key things Box to box midfielders need:
Shooting- Gibson>anderson
Passing- Gibson>anderson(im serious about this to)
tackling- Gibson>anderson
There you have it.
August 7th, 2009 at 15:15
@colver: Yeah, Eagles always did pretty well in pre-season then sucked in the league.
August 7th, 2009 at 15:29
@Stephen: I also would have preferred Mascherano for that money…that was until I saw Anderson play.
What excites me most about him is his vision. If you watch him without wanting to criticise him, you will notice it. To me, he can become the ideal playmaker. Imagine that, a CAM that can actually defend? The missing element with Anderson is currently his goals. But, when they come (and they will), his confidence will shoot the rest of his game up to the level where it should be.
Other than Gibson’s nice shot (which is not that often converted into goals to be honest), I don’t see much else in his game. His tackling is average, his vision below his tackling, and his passing in-between. In saying this, I have to be honest and say it was just for his first team appearances. For the reserves he actually plays miles better. Then again, shoving him out on the wings does not really improve his case.
Anderson can be a hige dissapointment, but no way you can rate Gibson better than him.
August 7th, 2009 at 15:32
@Dan: You’re joking right
I almost fell for that one
Shooting- Gibson>anderson – wait until the first one goes in
Passing- Gibson>anderson(im serious about this to) – rofl
tackling- Gibson>anderson – roflmao
August 7th, 2009 at 15:41
@Karl: Mate I pay my money and go to watch United week in week out and never want criticize any player mate, trust me.
I agree in most of the points, he does have something no doubt but he has been a huge disapointment, what I find is odd that people constantly have a pop at Giggs ect but never Anderson. He played well the season before last against Arsenal and Liverpool but in the second half of that season his form dropped, which being fair is understandable in his first season.
Last season he was very poor bar the odd game, and he completly missed the ball in the Champions league final which was embarrassing to say the least and was rightly taken off at half time.
He has ability but he lacks the intensity and maturity at this stage to really make it, not saying he won’t, he is known as a bit of joker and Fergie has pulled him up on it and that shows on the pitch with performaces, if he had Fletcher’s brain and maturity, the same qualities I see in Gibson I must say,he could be what you believe he already is, but he is well off that mark at the moment.
Next season truelly is make or break and I like all players want them to be a hit, only time will tell.
August 7th, 2009 at 15:43
@Stephen: “Anderson has scored zero goals in over 70 games, Gibson has scored 3 in 15″
– Perhaps my intuition might not be that out after all – I guess we’ll have to see as the season progress)
During our countless Tevez debates, you were insistent that Cup games don’t really count. Now, Gibson has 3 goals
Tbh, as poor as what Anderson’s goal-scoring is (and I am trying not to defend it because it is a bit embarrasing), you have to admit, he has scored more goals than Gibson. 3 penalties and a free-kick. I KNOW he will come good.
(Btw, where’s Craig Mc that said I was crazy to even suggest Anderson taking free-kicks?
August 7th, 2009 at 15:47
@Stephen: I agree with you. This season will be make or break for quite a few players (incl. Anderson).
August 7th, 2009 at 15:56
@Karl: I will bow down to your to your beliefs mate and hope he will come good, if he does I will buy you a good bottle of wine matey!!
Ps Gibson has one league goal!!! 100% more than Andy!!
August 7th, 2009 at 15:56
Everyone is in agreement that Gibson has a much better goalscoring record than Anderson. You cannot use that as the sole basis for your argument. If we were comparing strikers that would have more merit.
Im not a huge fan of Anderson and laugh when people claim he has the makings of a world class midfielder. I also agree he was poor last season and regressed from his impressive debut season. Id say Anderson is behind Carrick and Fletcher and Giggs in the pecking order. Which is a shame because youd have thought in two seasons given the amount we paid for him he’d have been able to win a regular berth in the first team.
But the lad is better than Gibson in all areas of his game bar shooting and maturity.
As for the Valencia pass, any player can make the occasional Hollywood pass. Anderson has hit some stunning passes himself. I don’t think either is an amazing passer but certainly right now Anderson is a better passer than Gibson.
But I think if neither of them can hold down a regular first team place by the end of the season we should ship them both out and buy someone better.
August 7th, 2009 at 15:58
@Cyclops-Red: I didn’t metion this in my summary but I was most impressed with Silva’s contribution in the game for Valencia. He played an attacking midfield role and looked brilliant doing so. He threaded some beautiful passes that were squandered and had a good crack at goal himself. He looks lite on his feet and has great vision, touch and finesse. Just what we need I’m sure but Fergie is too cheap to dish out the cash necessary to acquire such a world class player.
August 7th, 2009 at 16:01
@Grognard: Maybe he simply has not got the cash to spend.
August 7th, 2009 at 16:02
@Karl: Right, so pre-season games count, and cup games dont
August 7th, 2009 at 16:03
@Stephen: Please, no more wine deals!
I’m still a bit pissed off that my JW whiskey is still sealed due to him not scoring
And no, I cannot really take the pre-season goal into account.
August 7th, 2009 at 16:05
FYI, gibson has scored in the league, in 3 games, anderson is yet to do that in 41.
August 7th, 2009 at 16:06
@Dan: Urm…that was actually my point. It seems like you missed it completely. Stephen seems to get it, that’s why I cannot argue his “100% better goal-scoring” statement.
(PS. I don’t like the sarcastic eye-rolling and find it a bit offensive. Please try not to use it again when responding to me.)
August 7th, 2009 at 16:08
@Karl:
Next time, how about you say something other then stupid acronyms and present your case, rather then make yourself look incredibly stupid by hiding behind your stupid acronyms because you know what i said is true and you cant admit it
August 7th, 2009 at 16:10
@Karl: You said cup games dont count, then you’re listing a pre season goals and penalties.
Carling Cup games shouldnt count, FA cup games should. Not all cup competitions like you think.
August 7th, 2009 at 16:11
@Karl:
August 7th, 2009 at 16:14
@Dan: I’m sorry.
rofl – Rolling On Floor Laughing
roflmao – Rolling On Floor Laughing My Ass Off
August 7th, 2009 at 16:20
@Karl: I know exactly what they mean, i dont like the fact that instead of debating your opinion, youd rather just laugh mine.
Just shows you know im right.
August 7th, 2009 at 16:26
I think some of you are being blinded by Gibsons powerful shot, we all admit it is very good. At the same time your contrasting it with andersons incredible horrible composure when shooting in games. And soley on that basis your saying Gibson is the better player. Tbh we haven’t even seen Gibson play enough games to even compare him to Anderson, who we have seen play alot against some of the best competition in the world. Anderson has had some horror show games but he has also had some splendid ones too. Inconsistency is his biggest hurdle to him making it. Cause he has shown flashes of his incredible talent but unfortunately flashes aren’t good enough at United.
August 7th, 2009 at 16:27
@Dan: Dear Dan.
Why are you calling me names? It was supposed to be a funny, sarcastic comment. I am sorry that your comprehension did not allow you to see it as such? In future, when engaging with you, I will try to be more direct. However, I have never resolved to calling you names, this is the 2nd time that you do it to me. When people do that, I ususally ignore them. I cannot ignore you because I kinda like you. Therefore, I request that in future, if you don’t understand somehting I said, lets rather try to resolve it like grown up human beings before slating each other.
You think Anderson is shit, I think he’s great. No one is right, no one wrong…just opinions. at the end of te day, RESPECT is the most important element.
Regards,
Karl
August 7th, 2009 at 16:29
@Dan @Karl
Lets resolve the problem shall we. Gibson has more goals than anderson. Yes he is more mature. However anderson has been employed in the wrong position as i bloody said in my last post where he is being played in a cm/dmf position which doesnt suit him and yes that is still no justification why he hasnt scored more but overall he is a better player, his strength is off the chart he is quicker than gibbson he is better at tackling and he is blatantly more good looking. Karl please man up because it is a goddamn computer representation of some character rolling their eyes back other than that all your points are spot on!
August 7th, 2009 at 16:30
@Dan: I apologise for being sarcastic.
August 7th, 2009 at 16:32
@Anthony Los: I guess you’re right. Just had a major fall-out with the wife. I guess I’m overly sensitive now. Sorry. Sorry Dan.
August 7th, 2009 at 16:34
@Anthony Los: Where should he play then?
Ps I don’t give a shit what he looks like, I just want him to play well and live up to the hype which some fans bestow on him, he still has silly hair and would probably play better if he cut it.
August 7th, 2009 at 16:38
@Stephen: Not wanting to argue for the sake of arguing, but to state for the record…I like Anderson’s hairstyle.
August 7th, 2009 at 16:39
@Anthony Los: Lets get this straight, anderson is not a good tackler. If you dont believe, look back at CL final in rome, at the first goal, he let iniesta go right by him.
Second, people keep saying hes playing out of position, well hasnt gibson also?
And at CM, speed isnt massively important. Denilson is fast, is he better then carrick?
August 7th, 2009 at 16:39
@Karl: It would not look good on me, and I think work would not approve to boot.
August 7th, 2009 at 16:41
@Stephen: On the bench.
I was andersons 2nd biggest fan behind eddy. Cant be bothered with him anymore, hes not good enough.
August 7th, 2009 at 16:48
@Dan: As I have said, if he was not from Brazil and have silly braids would people still be raving about him?
The answer is no.
August 7th, 2009 at 16:51
@Dan: “I was andersons 2nd biggest fan behind eddy. Cant be bothered with him anymore, hes not good enough.”
haha clasic example of someone on this blog working themselves into a frenzy because of an argument over 2 players. You end up arguing so long that you convince yourself the other player is completely rubbish. It only natural because while engaged in the debate you are soley focused on the players faults and weakness.
PS Im not trying to single you out or pick on you, you just provided the latest example. I myself am extremely guilty of this same thing along with countless others on here.
August 7th, 2009 at 16:55
@johnsom33:
August 7th, 2009 at 16:57
Fact is, a year ago, we wouldnt even be having this debate.
Just shows how hes lost the plot in the last year.
August 7th, 2009 at 17:02
@Stephen: Give up on your “brazilian so he is hyped” crusade. People rave about anderson because his potential is there for everyone to see. Ask Gremio fans how they felt when Anderson left for Porto(he had that one legendary game where he scored the goal that promoted Gremio back to the top flight when they only had 7 men on the pitch.)
Ask Porto fans how they felt when he signed for us, I remember Porto fans sayin we were lucky to get such a special player and they were sad to see him go.
The reason why people rave about him is like I said early, he has shown flashes of a world class player. so while I agree that there is a certain amount of hype when it comes to brazilian youngster *cough* Douglas Costa… It is because in the Past Brazil churns out world class talent. And to get a crack at them early on is gonna cost you.
This is his make or break season no doubt, and I dont think its fair to brand him not good enough, when he has shown at times he is more than good enough. Again his problem is consistency.
August 7th, 2009 at 17:05
@johnsom33: I will say that I want the lad to succeed, but all I am saying is when people say “he is going to be one of the best players in the world”, or that “it is the players around him”, or “the manager is not playing him properly” ect then they are completly deluding themselves, he hasn’t proved that to me.
He is still young and severely needs to grow up if he is going to make it at at United, we are not the club that you can joke around the players who make it at OT like the Nevilles, Scholes, Giggs are very professional and most likely boring, Rio has learned but players like Lee Sharpe we less so fortunate.
United are one of the biggest clubs in the World and to make it at such a club you need more than just ability, you need mental strength lets see if he can develop it.
August 7th, 2009 at 17:05
also apart from Karl, no one likes his God awful braids. He would get absolutely ridiculed for having extensions in his hair, if he lived in the States. Men dont wear hair extension, your supposed to earn your dreads not manufaxture them.
August 7th, 2009 at 17:07
@Karl: no worries buddy sorry bout that
August 7th, 2009 at 17:10
@Stephen: I agree with virtually everything you just said(apart from the practical joking part, there is a time and place for everything
) When it comes to Anderson there is an extreme divide. on one side you have Eddy who thinks he is the second coming of Jesus christ. and on the other hand you have Grognard who thinks he is the second coming of that bum on the street corner. I tend to think he is somewhere in the middle.
August 7th, 2009 at 17:12
@Stephen: in a more free role higher up the pitch (like the scholes behind van nistelrooy). He plays a strategic cm/dmf where he always holds which is not his position. Look at his playmaking record at porto his assists are immensly high because he attacked more that defended so why cant we just just try him in his more comfortable position rather than play him in his current position in vain.
August 7th, 2009 at 17:15
I… Am… so… TIRED!!!
Shit, last time I trained like this I slept for two weeks! My God, life asks a lot out of you. But thankfully you should all know thigns are going perfectly well and things might get sorted our quicker than expected!
Now Ive got a few days rest before two days training again before school/season. Bring it on!!! 
August 7th, 2009 at 17:17
@johnsom33:
August 7th, 2009 at 17:20
@Dan: point 1) So because anderson missed one tackle he is permanently shit at tackling. So now that owen missed 4 golden chances vs valncia he is shit at finishing
point 2) when gibson scored his goals for united he was playing in his preffered position, have you seen him score at right mid if so then tell me.
Point3) Yes pace is important because all attributes of your performance need to be high with a few exception but look at the best cm’s in the world are they slow. NO! im not going to name all the best cm’s in the world but you get my drift
August 7th, 2009 at 17:22
@Karl: YEA me 2 he looks like the predator. fucking scary
August 7th, 2009 at 17:26
Please dont tell me we are having the Anderson debate again…
Some of the comments here are ridiculous! You guys really need a slap in the face, all of you! How dare you guys question the brilliance of Anderson? He is unmistakable, he is ultimate. Nobody gets close to his talent, and when he gets his consistency right everybody will look at me as the most knowledgable person in the whole world!
Id ont fucking care whether he is brasillian, english or a fucking marshian, fact is he has the potensial to become a world class player! 
Come on guys, we are talking about a latino lad at 21 here! Fucks sake, he arrived here when he was 18 and proved to us all that he could do wonders! Then came the second season, and if you guys can tell me the name of one young foreign player who ahs done well in his second season I beg you to shout his name into the toilet! Nani fucked up last season. Ronaldo fucked up in 2004/05. Anderson fucked up last season. Its normal for youngsters coming from other countries to fuck up in just their second season! Ronaldo especially was the most annoying player you could find in 2005, and his playing style made me rip off my pubic hair in frustartion. And look what happend to him! I believe the same will happen to Andy, all you have to do is to give him time and support!
If nobody here is willing to give Andy some fucking support he will never do well. And that is a FACHKT! Young players do shit if they think nobody believes in them. Thats why Fergie is so succesful with youngsters, he gives them belief in their ability. And if you guys are gonna try to fuck up his work then who am I to stop you?
August 7th, 2009 at 17:34
@Dan: You drunk mate?!
Gibson is definately the better shooter, come to think of it its very rare I see someone hit the ball as well as Gibbo does! Not even Ronaldo hits the ball like he does at time. Not Lampard, not Gerrard, not Gary Neville… He is an incredible shooter, and I may go as far as saying he has one of the best shots from long range in the world! Honest.
But passing, even though Gibbo is a good passer Andy wins that one. His passes are a joy to behold at times, and if he wasnt as hurried he could do much better. He can hit them long, short, high and low. His through passes are gonna create a lot of goals for us in the future, cause as he grows maturity will come, and if Owen keeps making those sexy runs he will get a lot of assists in the future!
Tackling… Hm… Gibson may be the better positioner and better at breaking up plays, but when man-to-man with opponents I think Andy is a better tackler. He is strong like a bull, and rarely lets someone get past him(except for Iniesta, but I cant say Vida, Rio or Carrick did very well stopping him that night either…). He is strong, and tackles quite well. Just dont think he should be used as a DM just for that…
Then there is speed, vision, poitioning and possibly also driblling that are vital to box-to-box midfielders. Andy is faster than Gibson, he has better vision, and is a better dribbler. Although Gibson is better at braeking up play with his positioning, at this moment of time Anderson is a better player than Gibson. Still think they both have a big future ahead of them!
August 7th, 2009 at 17:37
Who is your choice to start in goal for us on Sunday? I really hope Foster, as Chelsea are gonna put tons of crosses into the box and PIG gives me a heart-attack each time he comes from his line…
Plus, if it goes to penalties Ben has his magical Ipod! 
August 7th, 2009 at 17:39
Im gonna agree with one thing stated many times about Anderson today, that this is his make-or-break season. If he does well, we will all be happy and he will become a vital asset to this team. But if he fucks up like last season, he is screwed…
Hope/Believe its the former though, because he has the talent! Just needs to use it correct this time…
August 7th, 2009 at 17:54
@Red Ranter: Its not often I say this, but I disagree with you, RR.
I think the coaching staff are doing an excellent job. The problem lies not with the coaching, but with the entire footballing mentality which differs entirely from the British Isles – which greatly value physicality and toughness – to the continental latin leagues – who value sheer skill. And this is reflected in the kids at an early age. Many children in France for instance already have a much stronger technical baggage than their English/british counterparts. Iniesta, just like Scholes, was a bloody genious from very early on, at least that’s what reports say.
As for the job done by our coaching staff, I don’t mind them continueing what they’ve been doing till now, as let’s be honest, we are by far THE conveyor belt of young talent in the Premiership. It used to be West Ham, but recently they’ve produced no one spectacular.
We can still buy our attacking talent.
Better not fix what’s not broken.
And if you do watch occasional highlights from our youth games, you’ll find that the fledgelings do play in the United way – the best goal in the recent milk cup involved great interplay – about twenty passes back from the goalkeeper, up the midfield to the other end of the pitch and a simple tap-in. Heart warming stuff!
August 7th, 2009 at 17:58
@Merlinus: Agree…
Except that the french never knew their priorities and over complicate things with tactics. That’s why their league teams always sucked.
August 7th, 2009 at 18:00
@Karl: Spoken like a true gent and a GROWN UP mate – you deserve respect back
.
August 7th, 2009 at 18:05
@Karl: Mate Andi has to score more than one ln a lifetime free kick in a pre season game to convince me he should be our free kick taker. However, if he repeats such crackers, I might be swayed
.
August 7th, 2009 at 18:19
@Craig Mc: Sheer technical skill is something which isn’t taught.
9 times out of 10, world class players who have it have had it since early childhood.
Apart from players with defensive purposes, ordinary, plain good players rarely make the grade to world class material. Think of all great world class players in the past 20 years. The great majority of them were all kids with something special in them. I can only think of one Frank Lampard.
So no changing of coaches is going to change that.
August 7th, 2009 at 18:25
@Monkwahhdo: @Dan: I always thought Nigel Martin was better than Seaman.
August 7th, 2009 at 18:25
@Anthony Los:
1) dont be daft, that was just an example. You cant expect me to go through all his games where he has made mistakes like that can you?
2)We are not arguing about this though? And that point stengthens my point. gibson CM>anderson CM
3)xavi, fabregas, iniesta, riquelme, all world class, all slow.
August 7th, 2009 at 18:32
@NicoQB:
I disagree with you. Spanish,Italian,South American kids aren’t somehow genetically more skillful. It’s definitely due to coaching which plays a massive part.
August 7th, 2009 at 18:38
@Dan: Disagree about the passing and tackling.
@colver: Agree.
The thing with Gibson’s paaing is that he does have a good pass (not great mind you, good), but he’s also bloody selfish. But since he has such a great shot, we won’t reproach him.
Anderson, well, he has the potential to unleash an amazing pass, the like of which Hoddle (didn’t see him really, just basing myself from what people say) would be proud. In our team Berbatov can distill them. But for him to successfully complete one such pass, he has stupidly given possession at least 3 times.
So from present form I’d agree that Gibson > Anderson, but if Anderson does find form (and let’s be honest he hasn’t in a long time) he’ll definitely supersede Gibbo.
August 7th, 2009 at 18:39
@NicoQB: paaing = passing
August 7th, 2009 at 18:45
@NicoQB: Hoddle was class, only 53 caps in 20 years was a joke, typical England.
August 7th, 2009 at 18:47
@Cyclops-Red: Of course its nothing to do with genetics.
But take the most english of english toddlers and raise him in the favelas of rio, or even in the banlieues of Marseille (no offense to anybody concerned), and he’ll very likely develop much better technical skills early on.
Technical coaching is a myth- RR talked about Giggs, Scholes, Beckham… well I remember reading about Robson telling how tthey used to go watch those kids play as even the seniors back then knew they were special. Why do you think there’s such a race to sign players younger and younger? Admiteddly some o not make the grade but its not a surprise we’ve signed australian 11 year old Rhain Davis.
The one aspect where coaches do greatly improve a player’s skills is in team awareness and physicality.
August 7th, 2009 at 18:54
@Stephen: Read some comment on F365 recently about that.
French coaches don’t train kids to be technically good, they just pick the best. English coaches on the other hand pick the fastest / strongest. And apparently this mentality was replicated to the highest level in the england national team.
August 7th, 2009 at 18:56
@NicoQB: He was a top, top player but was over looked for Peter Reid, need I say more.
August 7th, 2009 at 19:25
@NicoQB:
Right i misread your meaning. It’s completely true that a young kid playing “street football” will become more technically adept but therein lies a big problem not only in the UK but spreading to countries like Italy and Spain.Very little stret football is now played due mainly to urbanisation and traffic. Therefore skills have to be somehow replicated on the training ground something we have failed to do in the UK.In Spain and Italy young kids are made to do endless drills to hone their technique. They have better, more professional coaches in those countries. Over here we are stuck with the F.A, a completely useless, money grabbing organisation that has made a number of disastrous decisions regarding grass roots football.
At United we have Rennee Meulenstein who is our Tricks and Skills coach so at least we are trying to address the problem.
August 7th, 2009 at 19:54
@Stephen: Peter Reid? He played inthe 80’s?
He looks much older than he is then…
@Cyclops-Red: @Cyclops-Red: Agree about the part on FA’s uselessness. But I think a huge part of it comes from the culture itself.
For instance in every latin country every special trick has its own name. I know their french names due to me being francophone, but I’m hard pressed to think of a certain type of dribble or ball control having their own name in english.
I think its culturally ingrained to favour toughness and physicality over skill.
I agree that United is different from the others, and maybe Italy and Spain are doing the good thing with drills but from experience I’ve never saw a true technically world-class player who was said to be ordinary in his childhood. They were all geniuses I bielieve.
August 7th, 2009 at 20:01
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmXX6FQP8QM
Vote for meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
August 7th, 2009 at 20:13
@NicoQB: But surely the culture can be changed by a different coaching culture. It’s true that traditionally in England emphasis has been put on physicality, stamina and a more direct way of playing with less emphasis on technique but surely this can be changed by coaching from an early age. This has to be done from the earliest possible age but will take several years to become noticeable?
August 7th, 2009 at 20:30
Good goal eddy,the last was was class aswell. But damn fifa have some crazy goals…
August 7th, 2009 at 20:57
@Cyclops-Red: Simply put?
No. Or, rather, I don’t think so.
That’s because the media play a huge part in shaping managerial and public opinion. You just have to hear the general level of punditry in the media.
Then again I don’t watch half of the broadcasts people of Britain watch, but I’m always amazed at how the french pundits and commentators are much better at decripting and analyzing tactical and technical aspects of the game.
For the change you preconise to happen it must happen in a holistic way, i.e. at all levels of the game. From the media to coaching and policy decisions by the FA.
.
.
.
Screw It!
Actually I’m very happy with the current state of the Premiership. What Premier League level lacks in technique and tactics (not that I’m pro tactics, far from it) it makes up in terms of excitement and blood and guts.
You can’t get the best of both worlds, so if I’m pushed to choose between the excitement of the EPL and the technique and occasional dullness of La Liga, I know what I would take.
August 7th, 2009 at 21:04
@NicoQB:
I think we kind of agree in a strange sort of way.
Jesus, Don’t get me started on the media in this country
August 7th, 2009 at 21:21
@Karl: Respect aside……Anderson is still shit.
August 7th, 2009 at 21:23
@johnsom33: Actually I think the bum on the street corner is much better and after a few drinks he also has a lot more composure on the ball. He also scores more.
August 7th, 2009 at 21:26
@Footy4Eddy: What makes you think Chelsea will cross the ball a lot. They have no width and Zhirkov is not expected to play due to injury. I much prefer Pig because he is actually capable of a save and isn’t caught sleeping as much as Foster.
August 7th, 2009 at 21:27
@Footy4Eddy: Agree with Taehr.
Until the last goal I thought I had no reason to vote as you clearly had the best goal. Now its a close call.
But I can’t find th poll though..
August 7th, 2009 at 21:30
@Stephen: Hoddle is the classiest and most skillful English midfielder I have ever seen and that includes Gaza. I just think he was sublime but his lack of grit and physicality always prevented him from making the grade with the England managers who preferred the Bryan Robson and Ray Wilkens types. Hoddle belonged in Germany, Holland or Spain with his skills, not the pedestrian, utilitarian and unimaginative English league that was in the 1980’s.
August 7th, 2009 at 21:35
@NicoQB: Cant find it me neither…
And I wanna win!!!
August 7th, 2009 at 21:45
@Grognard:+1
August 7th, 2009 at 22:44
http://www.klondikemancave.com/mancave/#/Game
August 7th, 2009 at 23:05
@Dan:
1)Thats because he is god with dreadlocks and rarely made any mistakes. Yes i know im not a fuc**** idiot you cannot point out every single mistake.
2) How the hell does this strengthen your point anderson plays more defensively in cm than offensive and he is a natural AMF. So when you play some1 in the wrong position dont expect them to play like bloody maradona (dont take this literally)
3) are you joking iniesta not fast? mate what have you been smoking?? Tell me so i can avoid it (sorry if im being a bit of a dic*)
August 7th, 2009 at 23:25
@Dan: xavi, fabregas, iniesta, riquelme, all world class, all slow. Iniesta, slow?
You must watch more La Liga, my friend. When Henry doesn’t play, Iniesta’s played in that left wing/wide-striker role cutting in. He gives you the illusion that he’s slow, but he can actually switch several gears. Exhibit A.
@Anthony Los: Pace is an overrated attribute for a midfield playmaker. He needs to find spaces, pick the right pass, and if possible make the forward run unmarked to score. He needs to keep his head up more often looking for the right player than run forward at pace. He doesn’t need to be blindingly fast. (Riquelme is the exception)
August 7th, 2009 at 23:58
@Grognard: anderson isnt “shit” hw works his socks of, and when he discover his composure he will produce at a far better level.
August 8th, 2009 at 0:38
@jamie lee: Right now Anderson is shit!! When he discovers himself, he may not be shit anymore.
He is shit until he is not shit!!
August 8th, 2009 at 0:55
The horses-arses from Anfield just can’t catch a break can they?
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1205123/Aquilani-stunner-Liverpools-20m-new-boy-ruled-months.html
Lovely bit of news, boys!
August 8th, 2009 at 1:03
@Redrich: No SHIT Sherlock
.
August 8th, 2009 at 1:10
@Craig Mc: This is where I like to come, to talk crap!!
August 8th, 2009 at 1:17
Robinho – Man Pity – gets more deluded by the day. The latest is that City have taken players from Arsenal, and Tevez from Man UNited, and BOASTS that not many teams can take players of the other top teams – it doesn’t happen! What planet is this guy on? Does he really believe that IF Tevez had been a contracted player instead of loanee, that United would have sold him to Man Pity – that guy knows fuck all about what SAF is like when crossed
.
August 8th, 2009 at 1:24
SAF would have sold CARLA (I love to suck on my little girls pacifier, even though I look a right Dickhead) Tevez to some foreign team in Spain or Italy if he was a contracted player of ours. So City can hardly claim victory in what Maradona and Joorabchian ordered slave boy Tev to do. They wanted their mitts on Abu Dhabi money and free oil for their motors
.
Bryan Robson said on MUTV that other club managers are wanting to know who our right back (De Laet) is, and his availability
. Hands off De Laet you wishful grabbers!
August 8th, 2009 at 1:26
@Redrich: Yeah I got that mate
.
August 8th, 2009 at 1:34
With the new season looming, and with SAF’s expectation of him to fill Ronaldo’s shoes very high, Berbatov relieves himself by coming over Ronny’s golden boots.
http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Pix/pictures/2009/8/7/1249665126379/Dimitar-Berbatov-001.jpg
August 8th, 2009 at 1:36
@Craig Mc: You don’t miss a trick, do ya mate!!
August 8th, 2009 at 1:41
@Redrich:
, Berba captured perfectly, but I would suggest we have a CAPTION game for the pic 
. Here’s my caption “Fucking hell another shot missed, must look skywards and anguished, boss is watching.”
August 8th, 2009 at 1:48
@Craig Mc: Yeah i read that earlier, the guy seems a right twat. Also said a few days ago he believes city are similar to brazil, where the hell does this guy get this crap from. And to think i was one of the people saying to sign him up a few years ago, god im glad we didnt, guy seems an idiotic wanker who we know is driven by money.
And about aquilani being injured, im not surprised really. The guy has been consistently injured for the last 3 seasons, probably more injury prone than owen and saha. Very talented player he may be but i reckon he will be lucky if he plays 15 games this season, their own owen hargreaves. £20 million for him too, roma must have been laughing all the way to the bank.
August 8th, 2009 at 2:08
@Craig Mc: Yeah, what you say RR. Throw in a free away shirt or something for best snarky caption??
August 8th, 2009 at 2:13
@Matt: Yeah Matt, but what amazes me, is that these players all pass their medicals. Surely L’pool must have known that he was out for two months when they signed him, because he hasn’t kicked a ball for L’pool, so must have come with the injury. I don’t know how United didn’t spot Hargo’s problems too, but I guess they did, and felt they could control the tendonitis, or manage it. Doesn’t give me much confidence in the medical teams at OT and Anfield! Everton seem to be getting games out of Louis Saha, he scored a goal for them again tonight, in their game.
August 8th, 2009 at 2:16
@Redrich: That sounds good if RR agrees, and would be fun reading everyones captions
.
August 8th, 2009 at 2:18
Off to bed now – night all
.
August 8th, 2009 at 2:27
@Craig Mc: Weird thing about saha was i dont remember him having such a bad injury record for fulham but when he comes to us he was injured every game. Then he goes to everton and manages to get a good few games for them, maybe it had something to do with that he was on a pay as you play contract which miraciously meant he was fit more. Seriously though everton got a good deal with him, always was a quality player and now hes left us he seems to be playing in much more games, u may be right, maybe our medical teams are just crap i dont know.
Thing with aquilani im surprised about is the fee they paid for such an injury prone player. Ok fair enough we played £17m for hargo but from what ive seen hargo featured in alot more games than aquilaini had in his last few seasons, aquilaini has been pretty much injured for the last 3 seasons, think hes played about 40 games in that time. £20 million for a guy with that kind of injury record is just crazy, he played less than hargo and cost more than him, i think its safe to say weve found a team with a worse medical team than ours at last.
August 8th, 2009 at 5:05
@Matt: Saha had performance anxiety with us, and laid his arse on the physios table every time he got a slight knock. Better to be injured than to be judged as an incompetent!!
August 8th, 2009 at 8:08
@jamie lee: So you mean to say that just because he works his ass off, that means he’s not shit? Sorry mate but blue collar ethics mean very little to me. Anderson is a big pile of donkey manure until he proves me wrong. I’m pulling for him but I’m not exactly optimistic.
August 8th, 2009 at 8:12
I watched the Real Madrid vs Toronto FC match tonight and it was a mismatch big time. 5-1 for Real as they toyed with the MLS team. Ronaldo scored a nice goal on a beautiful give and go with Benzema. Benzema I have to say was very impressive all game having set up two goals and scoring one himself. I’m not a fan of his but I could see in this game why Fergie really liked him. His movement and ability to interact with other players was very impressive.
August 8th, 2009 at 8:15
Well I killed myself for two days but I’m finally finished unpacking in my new apartment and I have to say, I kind of like the place. The only thing missing is a 42 inch LCD tv which I am hoping to get soon. I had to sell my monster 56 inch rear projection tv as it was far too big for the new place and so I have had to settle for watching my footy on an ancient 29 inch tv which has made me miserable. It’s like I sold Ronaldo and bought Michael Owen.
August 8th, 2009 at 8:27
@Grognard: Have always like Benzema , I think he is class. I’ve seen him play a few times and really looks like an intelligent footballer with his movement.Him and Rooney up top would have been devastating. We missed a trick there but thankfully not another Madrid loving player.
August 8th, 2009 at 8:55
@Grognard: 42? Get a 46″ or higher, mate. You’ll definitely feel the difference. I have a 46″ Bravia and I love it.
August 8th, 2009 at 9:13
BULLSHIT…… Are you guys out of your fucking minds
Gib”second-rate”son better than Ander”the one”son 
… What the FUCK..!? ANDERSON IS GOD.. WORSHIP HIM AND BEG FOR MERCY… 
August 8th, 2009 at 10:14
@Anthony Los:
3) Iniesta is like park, not fast, but has great acceleration that makes him look fast. Hes not slow mind you, but i dont consider him a fast player.
2)Thats wrong, anderson plays box to box for us, and my point is, even if he is playing out of position, gibson has also and has still scored goals.
1)Good, so im right.
August 8th, 2009 at 10:17
I was reading an article somewhere yesterday about Liverpool where they were having a go at their midfield for scoring less goals than our midfield! Carrick and Fletch got seven between then, Alonso and Mascherano got three between them, and Alonso and Masch were Liverpool’s mainstay in midfield. How often did Carrick and Fletch play in comparison?
The grass is always greener, and all that.
August 8th, 2009 at 10:29
@Red Ranter: however at least he has the pace to out run some one
August 8th, 2009 at 11:03
@Dan: 3) Good so im right about iniesta that he isnt slow.
2) Your’e chatting sh** he barely is the the oppositions last third compared to our last 3rd
1) Good for you
August 8th, 2009 at 11:11
@Anthony Los:
3) Hes not fast either.
2) Sorry you’re wrong, hes, Box to box, look at past games if you dont believe me.
1)thank you.
August 8th, 2009 at 11:12
@Merlinus: Errrr you have your opinion on Andi and THEY have their’s I guess mate – LIVE WITH IT
. Andi was poor last season, the farthest thing from a God I ever seen. Gibbo is just getting started, so too early to tell yet!
August 8th, 2009 at 11:16
@Grognard: Your pulling for Anderson Grog –
!
.
Pull the other leg mate – it plays the Canadian National Anthem
August 8th, 2009 at 11:39
@Traverse:
Our central midfielders scored nearly 18 goals last season.With Anderson in brilliant goalscoring form this should increase
It’s our current wide players who need to up their goal scoring.Valencia ,Nani and Park scored 13.
August 8th, 2009 at 11:46
@Traverse: Benitez loves two holding players in midfield though. Mascherano and alonso both sat in front of the back four, getting forward wasn’t their job. Although our midfield was less adventurous last season than just about ever before, i reckon they still had more responsibility for getting forward than those players did at liverpool.
August 8th, 2009 at 12:19
@Cyclops-Red: FFS you can only score IF you play – Nani didn’t get hardly any games, yet he still scored in the miniscule games he played in
. Nani will make you eat your words this season – IF SAF keeps him on the feckin pitch 
.
August 8th, 2009 at 12:23
Okay all you feckers – I will put my head on the end of season chopping block, and say – that Lil man Nani will score more goals than Valencia this year If SAF keeps him on the feckin pitch
.
August 8th, 2009 at 14:52
I have massive faith in Nani, Rooney, Anderson and Valencia to become our next “Fantastic 4″. They all have great potesial and huge ability, so I can easily see them becoming the 4 most vital players for our team!
But I guess, only the season will show whether Im right or wrong…
August 8th, 2009 at 15:41
lads i just hope come sunday fergie plays both nani and valencia from the start and noth that ridiculas park. i can imagaine how dynamic we would be we nani and valencia.
August 8th, 2009 at 15:44
@Craig Mc: I will put my cock on the chopping board as well. Nani has immense potential, let him do his business on the pitch and everyone will end up calling him great
August 8th, 2009 at 16:17
Oh oh oh oh oh oh – Nani is going to score goals
. It’s ok RedRanter, I am stone cold sober 
. Just in case you thought I was lager dead again!
August 8th, 2009 at 16:40
@Anthony Los: BME olympics?
August 8th, 2009 at 17:35
@Dan: HA no thanks
August 8th, 2009 at 17:42
@Red Ranter: I’m looking at a Bravia too but 46″is out of my price range right now. Also, I tend to watch pretty close to a tv when I am sitting in front of it and I think 42″ is just what I need. My living room has a little bend in the design that allows for a 40″ to 42″ system to fit perfectly on the wall. Anything bigger may stick out of that little bend. But Sony Bravia is the way to go, that’s for sure.
August 8th, 2009 at 17:43
@Merlinus: If Anderson is a God to you, may I suggest you rethink your faith.
August 8th, 2009 at 17:49
@Footy4Eddy: As far as I’m concerned, this season depends on two individuals playing up to their potential. Those players are Berbatov and Owen. If they elevate their game and stay healthy, we will do well. Also, we must solve the defensive problem in the back four which has leaked goals from wide crosses this pre season. My solution, start De Laet at LB and bench the Skinned Sausage. Fat chance of that happening though. Getting back a healthy Vidic will help.
August 8th, 2009 at 18:12
@Grognard: Ive got samsung 42″ Ive never had problems with it, and HD looks, well HD. Got it on the cheap as well.
August 8th, 2009 at 18:21
@Grognard:
August 8th, 2009 at 18:28
Bloody hell, I put my head on the end of season chopping block for Lil man to score more goals than Valencia. I just checked Valencia’s background, and he scored 17 goals in 23 games for Ecuador under 23’s in international games obviously
. He has scored for Ecuador in their international team proper several times, and was competing with – yeah you guessed it our Ronaldo for young player of the year in the last world cup, which Poldolski won out in the end 
. This lad should be encouraged to shoot at every opportunity, but not more times than Lil Man Nani, who I’m still backing 
.
August 8th, 2009 at 18:35
@Grognard: I hate to admit it, but Madrid looked impressive going forward yesterday. Benzema kaka and Ronaldo linked up well yesterday.
August 8th, 2009 at 18:37
@Grognard: A player like De Laet would cut out those crosses from wings by hard tackling, but alas, as you say Grog, Evra will not be removed by SAF! Valencia had problems getting crosses in from left wing to Villa and Silva, because De Laet was onto them rapid like
. Fabio Capello got Bryan Robson to one side after the game, and was mega impressed by De Laet, asking Robson if he was English. Robbo said, Nah sorry, unfortunately he is Belgian. So he is highly thought of by Capello, and Robson – SAF please take note!
August 8th, 2009 at 18:39
@Johnsom33: Not surprised considering the opposition they were playing against
. Will only truly know when they are up against the very TOP teams.
August 8th, 2009 at 18:50
@Johnsom33: saw that too i fucking ronaldo raul kaka benz, its like a fifa09 team thats trying to beat eddy(fat fucking chance).
guess the team is drinking the cool-aid in pre season? i still am holding out for the fights to start and egos to take over and ruin that passing spirit(wishing is more like it).
August 8th, 2009 at 19:48
@Footy4Eddy: Anderson is the odd man out there…
August 8th, 2009 at 19:57
@Craig Mc: Did you watch the game?
August 8th, 2009 at 20:55
@Dan: 3) He is fast if you dont think he is then i apologize for the tv/computer you have
2) i watch every game and it was against boca where he played “box to box” he usually holds a lot more
1)
August 8th, 2009 at 21:06
@Craig Mc: And I rad tha Fergie was considering loaning him out.
Mind, it was F365…
August 8th, 2009 at 21:08
@NicoQB: read
August 8th, 2009 at 21:17
@Grognard: Me +1
Always rated Benzema.
But let’s hope we get a meltdown of egos at Real. I just want them to fail.
August 8th, 2009 at 21:49
@AndyCR7: I agree. Anderson should not be in that list. Shit aside…he is “The One”.
August 8th, 2009 at 22:01
@Craig Mc: Yup, I think De Laet is a real revelation and Fergie is going to have to find time for the lad. It’s just frakken time to tell Gary Neville that his time is up at OT. I mean you have Wes Brown, Rafael, De Laet and even O’Shea fighting for time at that position and instead we have that old goat sticking around and keeping better players off the pitch because he is too selfish to retire and because Fergie has a woody for all the old boys. It’s just wrong. His time has come and he needs to do the right thing.
August 8th, 2009 at 22:02
@Karl: Yes he is the ONE true shit among them them.
August 8th, 2009 at 22:07
@Dan: Not trying to be pedantic, and i didn’t follow the debate either, but I believe that its better to have great acceleration (allows you to beat players) than great top speed.
August 8th, 2009 at 22:07
@Grognard: And since Fabio and Fletcher can play RB, Neville is SEVENTH choice…
August 8th, 2009 at 22:35
@Traverse: tbh, fletcher is equally as bad as neville at RB.
My personal choices:
1st)De laet(hes like vidic in defence, and like fabio/rafael going forward)
2nd)Rafael
3rd)Brown
4th)o’shea
5th)hargreaves
6th)fabio
7th)fletcher
8th)neville
There we have it. Unlucky Nev.
August 8th, 2009 at 22:43
The cake is a lie!
August 8th, 2009 at 22:46
Anybody else watched the Newcastle-WBA game today? I think Simth was exellent, we should sign him! The perfect DM we need, he tackled hard and also had some good shots. No wait, I predict that we will definately sign him! If we dont, I will be so pissed I will rip off my pubic hair!
August 8th, 2009 at 22:51
Im really looking forward to tomorrows game.
Its gonna be the first piece of silverwere we are comepting of this season, and if we beat Chelski without a penalty shootout we will have the mental upper hand before the title race has even begun! Rooney is probably going to start, and I except Berba to partner him. Even though I would prefer Owen… 
Valencia is almost destined to start, and sadly it might be on the other side of Bigdick Park. Just because he ditched his friendly game… 
Fletcher in the middle, because its a “big games”, and Giggs to his side. Evans and Rio in the middle of defence, with Oshea and Evra(pliz,pliz,pliz,pliz pick De Laet!!!) on the sides. And even though PIG did more than Foster on Wednesday, I would be very surprised if Fergie doesnt pick Ben from the start… Oh well, looking forward to the first “real” game of the 2009/10 season! 
August 8th, 2009 at 22:52
@Footy4Eddy: alan smith?
August 8th, 2009 at 22:56
@Footy4Eddy: You’ll have to grow some first!
August 8th, 2009 at 22:57
@gator: I watched the game too, was a brilliant DMF. Swept up everything, broke up play, got stuck in and was everywhere, basically doing what Hargreaves is too injured to do!
August 8th, 2009 at 23:02
@NicoQB:
August 8th, 2009 at 23:09
@gator: Yeah, Alan Smith. He was a monster, tackled hard, broke up WBAs attacks and even had some pops at goal himself. I know he wasnt the best DM we have had at United, but I think he actually couldve done a decent job here at United. His main attributes are actually better fitted to a DM than a striker, so its no surprise Fergie played him there. He had some really great games for us there too, the Chelsea game where Fletcher scored the winner is the one that shines brightest in my memory. Ive never seen such a great performance from a defensive midfielder in my whole life! And when you can keep Essien, Lampard and Drogba quiet, you really are doing your job well…
I wont bet on Fergie trying to get him, but when I watched the game I kept asking myself “why did we let him go?” Solskjaer retired, Saha was injury prone and we let Rossi go. Yeah, we bought Hargreaves. But I still think Smith wouldve been worth to keep, like in these times when Hargo is injured Smudge could be that midfield enforcer. And back then when we only had Rooney and Tevez we couldve used Smudge as the 3rd striker instead of Giggs.
I wil actually go as far as saying he is a better player than Tevez, and I would have absolutely loved to have him here at United with the situation we are in. No Hargo, Andy and Gibson developing… If Flecth got injured or suspended it would be nice to have a Smudger as back up, instead of… Scholes… 
August 8th, 2009 at 23:24
@Footy4Eddy: I always thought Alan Smith was one of Fergie’s big blunders. He had a good game against Chelsea, but for most part of the season was shite before his injury. And it was obvious in Newcastle as well. He was all heart, but I saw little talent.
Of course he’ll do ok in the Championship. It’s a perfect league for him.
August 9th, 2009 at 0:01
@Johnsom33: Caught the highlights mate! But come on, you are not really jusdging the Real players on that one match are you? Feck me, you are arent you?
.
August 9th, 2009 at 0:04
@Grognard: If SAF loans him out, then shame on him! If we lose De Laet thru not valueing him, as per Rossi – well I think SAF needs to rethink
.
August 9th, 2009 at 0:05
August 9th, 2009 at 0:10
@Craig Mc: This article is an exclusive on your boy-toy. Read and wank over it.
August 9th, 2009 at 0:12
@Red Ranter: no mate i think smithy was good enough for us, he did score 9 goals in his first nine apppearances, he was abused tho playing in cm never helped him progress as a cf, so now no one really no,s his best postion
August 9th, 2009 at 0:14
@Craig Mc: Agreed!
Wes Brown > Maicon 
August 9th, 2009 at 0:42
@Red Ranter: To be honest Smudge looked like being an exellent signing until January 2005. He got an injury, and after that he was very often looked over by Fergie. At that period Ruud was utter shite, and Saha injured. But still, Fergie spent Smith as the sub, instead of the out of form Ruud who went 4 months without scoring.
It saddend me deeply, and I thought it was a big mistake by Fergie not to play Smudge, who was the on form striker at the time, but let his confidence drop with sitting on the bench for the majority of the games.
Then the next season came, and he was played as a CM. Of cource, this was a new experience for Smudge, to sit right in front of the defence and protect them. Until October it looked like being a stupid decision by Fergie, but then came November and the Chelsea game. He was marvellous, and probably the best “I-Bleed-For-This-Club” type of performance I have ever seen from a United player(except for Keano Juventus `99
). He destroyed Chelsea three man midfield on his own, and started moves for us as well. I have that game taped so I can watch it now and then, because I learn from it. I base my type of play these days(defensivly) with that game by Sumdge. It was just amazing! He continued to do well for the coming months too, scoring against Charlton and helping us get lots of clean sheets in the period November-January. Keano had just retired, so the “hard man” we had in midfield was Smith, and him only. He did very well until January, when he was benched for the Arsenal game. Then the next one. Even when Liverpool came to Old Trafford for Rio`s injury time winner, he wasnt played. I was in shock, wondering what the fuck Fergie was doing?! Not only had we gotten bad results, but our defence looked in havoc not having a “battler” in front of them. Before Sumdge they had Keano, and Butt as back up. Instead of Smudge we used Oshea( 
) as our DM, and he fucked us over for numerous games. Time and time again Smith wasnt played, and then catasrophe struck! He broke his leg against Liverpool when trying to block a shot. In Smugdes defence, I believe that if Fergie had played Smith for more games before his injury, plus Smith not breaking his leg, he might have been our star performer of that campaign, and right now we would not be dreaming about De Rossi or Essien for that matter. Just when he was getting used to his new role, Fergie fucked him over by subbing him numerous times… 
Then he returned from his injury in 2007(two games in 2006 dont count as a comeback). Of cource he was going to be rusty, he had broken his leg two places AND dislocated his ancle. He got a few games, and impressed more and more with each day. He nearly scored an overhead kick against Pompey, not for the heroics of James. Then came Roma, then came 7-1, then came the moment all Alan Smith fans had waited for. I know some of you(me and Grognard included) have that game taped. It was an orgasmic performance, probably the best United performance I have ever seen in my life! And in teh heart of it all was Alan Smith. Played as a lone ST, he stressed the Roma defence, made them make hurried clearances and scared the shit out of them after a tackle on Chivu!
Not only did he score a goal, but he was involved in 3 of them. He was back to his best, fighting like the Bulldog he was and looking more fired up to do well than a fat kid in a candy shop with all the money in the world thinks about what to buy first. In the next game we played Watford, he got 2 assists, including a defence splitting pass which wouldve made Xavi proud. He played well against Sheffield United, and it looked like he was performing on a consistent basis again. But what happend? Fergie fucked him over again! When we played Milan at Old Trafford, Fergie forgot what Italians hate more than anything, which is not having a lot of time witht he ball. Instead of playing Smith, he played Scholes. Now Scholes was in his best season then, but still, when you face Italians I would rather have an off-form Tevez than an on-form Scholes. We won that game, but with huge difficulty. Next game was against Everton, where Smith started. A bad performance by him, but if I remember correctly I dont think any of our players where up to scrath before 60 minutes were played… Started some of the remaining games, being the best player against West Ham and Chelsea when we had already won the League.
I will always look at Smudge as a hero. Fuck him being a former Leeds scum, he gave his heart for the Untied shirt and thats all that matters to me. He didnt fuck up in the media like Ronny or Tevez did, but was always polite and talked about United in a very respective manner. He was no Ronaldinho, but neither was Keane. If Alan Smith hadnt broken his leg, or had been given the faith players like Fletcher, Park or Oshea are given, he could well have become an United legend. That is if he was played as a Defensive mifiedler, cause he actually sucked as a striker.
August 9th, 2009 at 0:49
Sorry for the loooooooooooooooooooooooooong post by the way, Im just a huge Smugde fan…
Had a lot going in my head when I saw the Newcastle-WBA game, reminded me so much of the great times when Smudge scared the fuck out of oppositions, and tackled them so hard they shit themselves! 
Good times… 
Too bad we didnt win a trophy!
I blame Howard/Carroll and Bellion! 
August 9th, 2009 at 0:53
@Footy4Eddy: well said man
August 9th, 2009 at 0:54
can sum1 tell me wat time kick off is 2m
August 9th, 2009 at 1:15
@Craig Mc: Im just saying that if you had watched the game you can see how they fluid the movement was. We all know it was against a poor team, but they way benzema and ronaldo linked up really impressed me.
I do see a meltdown coming, Raul’s ego and political power in the dressing room is going to wreak havoc… I have no doubt about it.
August 9th, 2009 at 1:16
@jamie lee: I think its 3:30 kick off mate.
August 9th, 2009 at 1:30
@Red Ranter: He had a good game against Roma too, but you’re right, not a success at all. His form was as unpredictable as his hair color and as about unattractive as well!!
August 9th, 2009 at 1:41
@Grognard: He does look good mate, but I’ve seen him play twice. For our “reserve” team against Hull and in a friendly against Valencia.
Before we all fall over his shadow, I think it’s prudent to look a little longer before we extol him as the second coming!
August 9th, 2009 at 1:48
OK, goalie prediction here!! PIG to start and Foster to play second half, extra time and PK-off!!
By the way can we come up with a knickname for Foster?? FIG perhaps??
August 9th, 2009 at 1:48
can i ask why there are many anti evra fans at the moment???
August 9th, 2009 at 1:58
@jamie lee: I, actually am waiting before I slay him with criticism. He was a decent and above average wing back before his suspension/injury at the beginning of this year. When he returned to the lineup he was exposed regularly in his defensive duties, and was erratic and inacurate in his forays down the flank.
Because I saw him play better than worse over an extended period of time, I’m willing to give him more games before he goes in my “to sell” list!!
August 9th, 2009 at 2:03
@Redrich: sell list
really?
he was better than decent and i remeber many peole claiming he was the best left back in the world the season before last/
he wasnt the only player exposed in the united back 4, they all became shaky after santa cruz scored that goal, and amongst all was vidic, i just think people are being too critical on the chap
August 9th, 2009 at 2:09
@jamie lee: When it comes to Evra, that’s the best I can do for you mate!!
August 9th, 2009 at 2:15
@Redrich: well at least ur still giving him a chance to prove his worth, which he will, i am sure
August 9th, 2009 at 2:30
@jamie lee: With all the injuries we have in the back line, we’ll get to know the mettle of Evra, Evans, Fabio, Brown and De Laet.
At least we are quite deep here, and it appears we have cover at most positions. If Evra impresses he’ll keep his job, but one too many goof-ups and he may want to buy a cushion for the cold United bench!!
August 9th, 2009 at 3:01
@Red Ranter: Mmmmmm, so the player who told my friend was right, that Ronnie AND Nani were offered employment in top football clubs in Spain
. Ronnie obviously wanted Real M, but why did Nani refuse Barca? It seems like United turned down the Barca offer and not Nani – mmmmmm the mind boggles. Nani seems to want to make it at United more than Ronnie, who was always Real Madrid minded. I hope United don’t let Nani down mind. He deserves to be SAF’s prodigy, seeing as SAF refused his transfer to Barca. I knew what the United player said was right, that Ronnie and Nani were off to Spain this last summer. Now we see that Nani hasn’t gone because United refused to transfer him to Barca.
August 9th, 2009 at 5:59
@Craig Mc: And as much as I like De Laet, I still prefer Wes Brown for now. I think Rafael has a lot of upside but in my opinion those two are much better right now.
August 9th, 2009 at 6:03
@Redrich: Agreed but I feel we all can grab quite a bit from his two games with the big club. He’s very good at tackling and has the ability to go forward and make timely runs. That’s no fluke. You either have it or you don’t. I think the kid is a revelation and even Capello was so enthused he was hoping the lad was English.
August 9th, 2009 at 6:07
Like I have been trying to say for months but nobody would listen, well read this and watch your heart sink.
http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/443807/Owen-Hargreaves-crocked-United-star-faces-six-months-out.html
August 9th, 2009 at 11:30
@Footy4Eddy: I wonder how much of an impact his fooling around with CR7’s girlfriend had to do with Fergie’s decision to ship Smith.
@Grognard: That’s just cruel. Funny, but cruel. Let’s give “The One” till the end of this season before we discard him. I too will write him off (I think) if he does not live up to expectation.
@Grognard: That’s why I said, this was a stupid transfer in the first place. Not because of his ability, because he is just the best in his position, but for his injury record compared to the price paid. He was injury prone before we got him. He was injured when we got him. With our medical history of players ‘regularly’ getting injured (even before a game), what on earth made management think Owen would turn out different? Thinking about it, on a sidenote, with Nani/Anderson/Owen’s (and Carrick’s)transfer fees (before the great inflation), we could have gotten Kaka at the time and look for some freebies like Arsene.