Aug 05
Can Foster Capitalise On Lucky Break?
Luck isn’t really a word you would associate with Ben Foster. He’s had more than his fair share of misfortune during his stop-start career thus far although this could be the chance that the England international has been waiting for and, if you can excuse the pun, I’m sure he’s ready to grab it with both hands.
Yes I’m sure the news will have filtered through to you by now but for those not in the know, our number 1, Edwin van der Sar, has been ruled out of action for up to eight weeks meaning he will inevitably miss the start of the season.
Van der Sar suffered the injury when he saved a Daniel Pranjic penalty in the 7-6 spot kick defeat to Bayern Munich in the Audi Cup last week. The 38-year-old has therefore undergone surgery on what has been diagnosed as a broken finger and bone in his left hand.
So step forward Benjamin Anthony Foster. This really is his big chance, or so you would have thought. I know we have Tomasz Kuszczak waiting in the wings too but to be honest I’d be more confident if John O’Shea was the man put between the sticks.
OK so that last statement was a tad harsh, I agree, but Foster does look the obvious replacement. When the now 26-year-old signed a new deal last month that will tie him down at Old Trafford until June 2013, Sir Alex confirmed himself on the club’s official website that: “Ben is seen as one of the best young goalkeepers in England and we genuinely see him as a successor to Edwin.”
Does he have the credentials then? Well I don’t think that’s really up for debate. We all know that Foster has the ability as he proved in the Carling Cup Final victory over Spurs. I believe it’s a question of whether he is capable of handling the pressure and stepping up into the limelight. In fairness, as a Manchester United goalkeeper, you’re rarely faced with a barrage of opposition attacks but on those few occasions he will be called into action, it remains to be seen whether Foster will keep a cool head and cut out any potential errors.
Ben Foster certainly deserves his chance and while most United fans are undoubtedly reeling at the thought of van der Sar being missing for the first bundle of games this season, Warwickshire-born Foster will be secretly delighted at the chance he will have, or you would expect him to have, to step-up.
I mentioned that luck isn’t really Foster’s forte and for the countless occasions he has been particularly unlucky, no one can begrudge him this stroke of good fortune. Unfortunately injuries have been the fundamental stumbling block in the progression of the career of a truly promising goalkeeper.
After a broken finger here and a twisted ankle there, Foster is now back in contention having missed the back end of last season. With a World Cup just around the corner, the next couple of months could prove the most crucial in the career of the former Stoke City keeper.
An error-prone Pole and the recovery rate of the highest capped Dutchman in the history of international football stands in the way of Foster staking his most potent claim yet that he is ready to permanently vacate the number one jersey for both club and country.
Related items from Red Rants:
- Free tickets for United v Villa final
- Man Utd 1-2 Man City: City Do the Double
- United are on vacation, you should be too
- United’s debt situation explained
- So How Good Is Ben Foster? — A Watford Fan’s Perspective
Tags: Opinions/Columns
August 5th, 2009 at 10:55
Oh shit…I think were in trouble…We need a miracle if ben is too not fuck up his ‘chance’…Rather have Kuszczak…ben gets beaten too damn easily
August 5th, 2009 at 11:17
Could be a sly move for the Fantasy League, at least for a while.
August 5th, 2009 at 11:27
It is good to see Manchester United use local talented.
August 5th, 2009 at 11:45
all he needs is a good run in the team, he is good enough, at least for now, dont sweat it
August 5th, 2009 at 12:05
It is good that he will have the chance to prove himself by playing in the first team for a number of consecutive games. I guess that at the end of it he will be playing for England or on his way back to Watford.
I, myself, am keeping an open mind about his chances.
August 5th, 2009 at 12:33
This is Ben Foster’s big chance and he’ll want to do well. I’m hoping he’s learnt from previous errors and will perform well
August 5th, 2009 at 12:35
Apparently,Wazza started out as a goalie so we have plenty of strength in depth.
August 5th, 2009 at 12:49
well lads fergie doesnt put his faith in people he doesnt think will deliver.
he clearly is a fan of foster
August 5th, 2009 at 13:02
Foster is a bit of an enigma to me. Clearly a superb shot stopper, his time at Watford proved that. He’s also big, atheletic and can be dominant in the air. Oh and he’s got a great delivery, both from al ong throw and possibly hte longest kick I’ve ever seen from a keeper.
But.
He still gets scored on. Almost every time he plays. Other than one or two (such as the bobble screw up in Asia) it’s never ‘his fault’. It’s down to defenders leaving men open, fluked deflections or moments of utter brilliance from an opposing attacker. But still, he gets scored on. At some point that has to stop being a series of events, and start being a trend.
I wonder if he has the same command as Edwin did over his back 4. Clearly he speaks the language, but he has a very unique background into the game, and maybe that subconciously affects the way hte defenders listen to him. (ie, Rio will trust whatever Edwin says instantly, he might htink about Fosters barked commands).
I guess we’ll find out!
Tonight’s line up should be a preview of hte first XI for Sunday – I’d of hoped. Not clear if Vida and Brown are fit, but assuming they are I hope it’s:
———–Ben———–
-Wes—Rio—-Vida–Evra-
——Carrick-Fletch—–
–Valencia———Nani–
——-Berba-Roon——–
August 5th, 2009 at 13:11
Who the hell is Benjamin Anthony Foster? Man, I want Ben Foster in net for United next season, not some weird kid.
‘Tis a joke.
Quite happy about the whole situation actually – this could be the opportunity that Foster has been waiting for all along. He can now have a run of games and if he does well (I’m sure he will), I don’t see VdS reclaiming that no. 1 spot.
August 5th, 2009 at 13:13
This is Bens chance and I hope he grabs it with both hands. Though its sad that VDS will be out for such a long time.
August 5th, 2009 at 13:14
Go ben,its time we knew if we have a decent replacement for EDVS or if we should buy a GK. Anyone here on skysports fantasy football, i’d like to join your private team n kiss some butt.
August 5th, 2009 at 13:27
“if I can get 25 games out of him I’ll be very happy.” Fergie talking about Neville…honestly he wants him to play 25 games? He needs to let go of these oldies…only giggs should be playing a few games this season…how will others be groomed…I hope Fergie doesnt rotate us out of the League…And Foster must play every one of the games available till EVS gets back. If he really is too show something….that is if he doesnt,break a finger,dislocate his shoulder…or get cruciate damage to his knee or become partially blind
August 5th, 2009 at 16:16
Like I said on Twitter, we should have bought akinfeev this summer. Foster isn’t a number 1, and I don’t think he ever will be. As for PIG, he should be shipper off asap. That guy is pure trash.
August 5th, 2009 at 16:39
@Taehr: Yeah i couldnt believe it when i saw that about neville 25 games for him, huh 2.5 games is more like it. I really dont like speaking badly about a legend of this club but there is a time when you need to look at the players for who they are now and not what they have done in the past. Nevilles last good season was 06/07 when he was mainly first choice RB until he got injured to bolton i think it was in april time 2007. Now thats well over 2 seasons worth of football he has missed, and for a defender especially i feel this is way too long.
Imo he finds himself as about 4th choice RB behind brown, rafael and oshea and even at CB (no idea why he gets played there cos hes absolutely dire there) he will still find himself about 5/6th choice there. The only reason he will see any games at all will be out of sentimentality, to fergie neville and scholes (who any1 who watched the pre season will also see are finished) are like his children, they have been in his life for near on 20 years and he will find it hard to just get rid of them.
Its like having a football match down the park with a few people, your mate might be the worst player there but you feel some sort of loyalty to him so you pick him anyway maybe even over someone more talented, whilst im not saying the same thing is true in the professional sense i definitely think there were times last season where neville and indeed scholes were getting games over others more deserving of a start simply because of the sentiments involved.
I really will be disappointed if we see any more of neville or scholes in the big matches, they can probably get awat in the home games to a team who will sit back all day no problem, but i will despair if i see neville at the emirates like last season.
Just a final point of the two of them though i do have to say i am surprised the pair have not already decided to retire because of their perfomances. Surely they can notice how bad they have been the last year or 2 and yet they still stay on and probably halt the development of a younger star. Maybe its an addiciton and they cant let go theyve been here near on 20 years but it does have to be said they will need to go at some time and i just think fergie praising them even when its not warranted will do them more harm than good as they will continue to play on and erase all our good memories of them when they were at their peak.
August 5th, 2009 at 18:01
@Matt: Definately- neville is playing at united purely on sentiment now . Im sure there are better players in the reserves than him. De laet,iv seen once but he cant be worse than neville. Rafael needs to playing as many games as he can and if nev gets 25….he is soo bad its painful
August 5th, 2009 at 18:31
@Taehr: If Neville gets anywhere near 25 games we won’t win a thing.
August 5th, 2009 at 18:58
@Taehr: Honestly danny simpson is a better choice than nevs, i can see in a way why he is kept around because for the younger sqauad players he must be a big influence but surely he could also be a big influence if he was a coach of some sort, whatever maybe of the reserves, 1st team coach whatever but i think he wud be more beneficial there than on the pitch where he can have a cock up and cost us points. Like traverse says if he gets any where near 25 games then i think were seriously messed up and we wont win a thing. Would be interesting to know how many games he played in and how many points he cost us last season. I know we cant blame these things on 1 person but its safe to say you can blame the 2 villa goals in our last min 3-2 win on nevs and also the shocking 2-1 defeat to arsena. Scholes likewise with the stupid hand ball at fulham, how fergie can say these 2 have something to give is beyond me, giggs still has something to give but scholes and nev no way.
Its obvious sentiment but i have to say this sentimental side to fergie is concerning me, playing these 2 or park in the champs league out of senimental reasons isnt the right actions, i know hes mellowed with age but seriously a few of these sentimental decisions could and very likely will mean missing out or dropping on a few points.
August 5th, 2009 at 19:03
FUCK!! its that other bird on MUTV, not hayley!
August 5th, 2009 at 19:05
@jamie lee: well lads fergie doesnt put his faith in people he doesnt think will deliver.
Whilst I am willing to give Foster the chance to prove himself I have a problem with that line of reasoning. Fergie put his faith in Alan Smith becoming the next Roy Keane, and he thought the same of Eric Djemba-Djemba. So he is fallible.
But, by and large, I agree with the feeling that Foster should be given a chance to prove his worth — although I am not sure of how things will pan out.
August 5th, 2009 at 19:05
The team i want to start
Foster
Fabio
Ferdinand
evans
Evra
Valencia
Gibson
Carrick
Nani/tosic
Owen
rooney
Note, this is the team i WANT to be played, not the team im predicting.
August 5th, 2009 at 19:13
@Matt:
I think we need to start playing the younger lads before Gary.
Here are some stats I came across.
http://www.blogunited.co.uk/players/gary-neville/gary-neville-statistics/2008-2009
August 5th, 2009 at 19:17
haha @Dan: wats her name mandy ?
August 5th, 2009 at 19:18
@Taehr: @Matt: Definitely.
I just knew it. Everybody was just “expecting” that they’ll be smoothly transited to coaching staff and played very occasionally but Fergie has definitely mellowed of late.
Back in the days I remember McClair sitting on the bench with no qualms abut playing just the odd game, and he has been justly rewarded. Wish Fergie would do it too nowadays…
August 5th, 2009 at 19:20
@Taehr: I havent got a clue, i call her girl thats not hayley! Im bloody pissed lol!
August 5th, 2009 at 19:22
My sources tell me, young de laet will start at RB.
August 5th, 2009 at 19:23
@Matt: I thought simpson would left have left by now with rafaels emergence. Scholes is a strange 1 though. At Old Trafford against a team like fulham or blackburn he could put in a masterclass, but he cant do it against teams that clog up the middle. But Nev….Geez
August 5th, 2009 at 19:24
Foster
De laet
Ferdinand
Evans
Evra
Valencia
Carrick
Fletcher
Tosic
Owen
Rooney.
August 5th, 2009 at 19:27
Kick off time anyone?
August 5th, 2009 at 19:29
@Dan: Actual line up?
August 5th, 2009 at 19:30
Apparently, Owen played more league games last season, then aqulini played in the last 3 years
Thats injury prone!
August 5th, 2009 at 19:32
@Cyclops-Red: I never realised nev played that many games, 29 in total. I really do hope he gets no where near that much this season, as with the team today i would much prefer de laet at RB than neville and thats after only seeing him play once.
@Dan: Not a bad team, would have liked to see nani and berba but i guess theyre being saved for sunday. Can you tell me if silva and villa are playing, not cos we will be buying either of them its just theyre good players and i like seeing them play.
August 5th, 2009 at 19:33
@Taehr: I still have hope for Scholes. Mainly cause his position and the way he plays (foot on the ball) does not require very high fitness levels. I think it may be more of a mental sort of thing.
For neville though… And the damning thing is he basically admtted it himself. He said something like “the mind tells you to do this, but the body doesn’t respond…”
August 5th, 2009 at 19:35
@NicoQB: Yes.
August 5th, 2009 at 19:36
@Matt: Villa is, silva on the bench.
Juan mata is also playing if anyones interested.
August 5th, 2009 at 19:38
@Dan: I like Mata and I hope there is a good reason (such as overly-cautious Ferguson not wanting his next start to pick up an injury) that Silva is on the bench.
August 5th, 2009 at 19:40
It will be an interesting match, we will, for the first time in a good few seasons, have 2 out and out, direct wingers on the pitch at the same time! Expect crosses!
August 5th, 2009 at 19:41
I’m glad Silva’s on the bench. Don’t want him getting injured and jeopardising his transfer.
August 5th, 2009 at 19:43
Anybody else reckon eddy is playing in the manchester premier cup?
August 5th, 2009 at 19:50
can i have the link for the game please
cheers
August 5th, 2009 at 19:53
Please guys any one care to share some links for the game?
August 5th, 2009 at 19:55
@Anthony Los: Try this one mate:
http://www.iraqgoals.net/ch1.html
August 5th, 2009 at 19:57
I feel sorry for the sucker playing at LW for valencia. He has to play mini-vida
August 5th, 2009 at 20:04
please any links?
August 5th, 2009 at 20:10
Link died on me….
sigh.. anyone else got links?
August 5th, 2009 at 20:14
anyone got a link????
August 5th, 2009 at 20:15
@Dan: Have a hunch that De Laet might end up another bargain buy for SAF. Hope he’s the next Irwin!
And he’s supposed to be very versatile too…
We’ve got to be the best academy for defenders in Europe.
August 5th, 2009 at 20:16
http://redlog.pl/2009/08/05/ostatni-przedsezonowy-test-wideo-z-meczu-manchester-united-valencia/
August 5th, 2009 at 20:18
nvm it died
great link here
August 5th, 2009 at 20:36
This link is ok right now:
http://www.p2p4u.net/watch-live-sports.php?id=3653&link=1
August 5th, 2009 at 20:51
De laet…hes so fast looks good…owen too.. should be 3-1 up!
August 5th, 2009 at 20:58
De Laat FUCKING IMMENSE, the rest fucking WOEFUL. If we have to depend on Rooney to score the goals or make them WE ARE FUCKED. Tosic the tosser. Delaat, doing the work that Valencia should be doing – i.e. FAST WING PLAY, can tackle like fuck, and with precision, and blistering pace, and the mentality of a winner. Valencia has failed in his 2 big games against Bayern and Valencia so far. I am NOT impressed. I don’t give a fuck if you don’t agree with me.
August 5th, 2009 at 21:00
@Craig Mc:
back with all guns blazing, eh Craig??? 
August 5th, 2009 at 21:05
@Craig Mc: There you go. That’s the Craig I know. Not the one that disappeared because this place was too negative.
Welcome back mate! Can’t wait for the new season.
August 5th, 2009 at 21:11
@Gabriel: Hahahahaha – love ya mate in the nicest possible FAN way – whooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
August 5th, 2009 at 21:13
@Red Ranter: Hahahahaha – well feck me RR, I am appalled at the effort put in against the teams that mean anything so far. Waiting for Grog to have the biggest fucking go at me, but I’m big enough to take it – Bring it on GROGmeister
.
August 5th, 2009 at 21:17
Rooney!!!valencia will be a star!
August 5th, 2009 at 21:18
Spoke too soon craig!
August 5th, 2009 at 21:19
@Craig Mc:
love ya to mate (no homo 
)… Never diss Rooney man!!! The dude will fire us to glory this season!!! 
August 5th, 2009 at 21:21
Taehr, tell you what, if Valencia is a star – then Eddie and I will throng the london Marathon in United colours and strip half way thru – thats how confident I am he wont be. I will love it if he proves me wrong though
. Come on Grog, get your fecking oar in mate!
August 5th, 2009 at 21:22
Fuck valencia is quick…my lord
August 5th, 2009 at 21:22
@Taehr: Dont think so mate – but we will see! Come on you feckers, this board has been tooooooooooooooooooooooooooo deaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad. Well INHO anyway.
August 5th, 2009 at 21:25
Anybody think Richie the feckin magnificent Delaat could take Hargo’s place just in front of the back four – because I do. Lets at least try, because Carrick and Darren Fletch good as you think they are, are still both pedestrian!
August 5th, 2009 at 21:26
come on craig its his 3rd game for us…he hasnt even played a full 90 min yet…are u watching him beat players the way he is and cross the ball? nani should take note…he is our fastest player with da laet in second place
August 5th, 2009 at 21:29
Rooney is back terrific performance!
August 5th, 2009 at 21:31
De Laet is great….im a fan now,this is a quality team not hull and hes still performed
August 5th, 2009 at 21:40
Im loving this game,valencia is MOM his pass through to macheda was beautiul and that ball to cleverly was too…
August 5th, 2009 at 21:44
the fing streams suck who got the second
August 5th, 2009 at 21:44
@Taehr: Mate you are a tad biased! Delaat IS FASTER than the supposed fast Valencia. As for Nani – he is FAR FAR FAR FAR FAR FAR FAR FAR FAR FAR FAR FAR FAR FAR FAR FAR FARE BETTER THAN TOSIC, but Fergie has to open his feckin eyes to this!
August 5th, 2009 at 21:44
Is nani on?
August 5th, 2009 at 21:46
@Taehr: Valencia MOTM, ffs Taehr I love ytou Bro, but you are so bad a judge if you think Valencia is MOTM.
August 5th, 2009 at 21:53
@Craig Mc: Maybe I am biased but hes been terrific if not then hes behind rooney. Cleverly looks good too!
August 5th, 2009 at 21:58
so valincia 2 assists and red rants still slating him. no place like home huh
August 5th, 2009 at 21:59
I have heard comments in this site about Valencia.. “no fit to tie laces in united”..etc etc….give them a video of the first 60 mins of this match…Awesome performance..
August 5th, 2009 at 22:01
@gator: “Red Rants” isn’t slating him. One person on here is.
August 5th, 2009 at 22:02
@NicoQB: Fackt!
August 5th, 2009 at 22:04
@Craig Mc: Sounds to me someone is upset because their favourite player will again be overlooked this season, by a certain ecudorian
August 5th, 2009 at 22:05
@Shyam: Well said…People were writing him off before he evn got to old trafford…
August 5th, 2009 at 22:05
De laet>neville
Gibson>scholes
valencia>ronaldo
Tosic>nani
August 5th, 2009 at 22:05
Valencia started off well, tailed off towards the end of first half but had a very good second half. I think he’ll do very well for us.
The revelation of this match for me is Ritchie De Laet. Now he’s not a revelation, per se, but excelling in the reserves and against Hull was one thing, doing it against top opposition like today is a different matter.
We have an excellent defence; an embarrassment of riches actually.
In midfield, Darron Gibson has an attribute none of our other central midfielders have — he is not afraid to shoot, and he has a great shot.
August 5th, 2009 at 22:06
Gibson surely can hit them.boy!!!..what a hit that was from Macheda’s cut back!!…but he needs to improve his overall game a little more to be in United’s midfield…Owen impressed with his movement and runs….Berbatov and Macheda need to be more close together upfield when they play…i think they were far off and kind of made it hard to make the game move forward!!
August 5th, 2009 at 22:06
Oh, and Foster>PIG
Pigs kicking was bit better today in fairness, but there was still a few shockers.
August 5th, 2009 at 22:07
Game over 2-0, i gotta say im a bit disappointed overall. Fair enoguh we won 2-0 and in the 2nd half we did look awesome but that was to their 2nd string side, they made 10 changes at half time, so yes the 2nd half was good but lets not forget it was their weakened team. For me in the 1st half we were extremely poor, what is it about us now that we seem to play long ball all the time, valencia played quite beautifully at times, keeping possession and making some lovely passes, i really wish we were more like this.
De laet was just immense, the guy looks a star, great performance at LB against stoke and great performance today at RB, apparently he plays well at CB too so we have a very versatile player here, i really hope we start seeing this guy some more, if neville was watching he just seriously retire tonight, if nev is getting ahead of this guy then its a disgrace, this guy deserves to start over neville anyway, definitely forced himself into the squad (just mean the 21 man squad in general not first 11) and thats a real testement to him, well done to him.
But going back to the first half i do have to say it worried me, we were second best for long periods of that half and we were just playing long ball after long ball with nothing coming off. Fair enough its a pre season but if we play like this in the coming season then we reallt are gonna be disappointed.
But looking to sunday i will be eager to see which team shows up, the 1st half united or the 2nd half one, i hope its the latter, but as i say the 2nd half showing was against valencias 2nd string so im really not too optimistic against a strong chelsea side.
And seriously fergie, what the hell does nani have to do to start a game, i seriously hope we starts on sunday cos i think he could have a great season for us if hes given a good run out and shown alot of faith.
August 5th, 2009 at 22:07
@gator: Valencia was quality the whole game. Him on one wing and Nani on the other are going to be immense. Owen’s looking sharp, just a bit unlucky. Looks 20 times the player he was at Newcastle, but that’s not hard when you had a 50year old Nicky Butt as your best midfielder. Gibson is the new Gerrard. Berba was classy when he came on, but Macheda is not the right partner for him. All in all a good run out with Chelsea to come on Sunday, and then the real business starts in 10 days.
Also, Cleverly>Tosic. It’s so obvious we’ve signed Tosic as Ljajic’s minder!
August 5th, 2009 at 22:09
@Craig Mc: Hi Craig and welcome back!
FYI Nani is FAR, FAR, FAR, FAR, FAR, FAR, FAR, FAR, away from a starting role with United!!
Have a nice day!!
August 5th, 2009 at 22:15
2-0, not bad, but by the sounds of it, we’ve still got some work to do. Didn’t see it
but from what i’ve been told, good performances from De Laet, Rooney, and Valencia, but the overall gist was we should have scored more.
August 5th, 2009 at 22:18
@Dan: @Red Ranter: And I just had to miss the first half…
But anyways about Gibson… He’s so infuriatingly frustrating!!!!
Everytime he plays I’m on the brink of dissing him for his utterly ordinary play in the middle of the park… But then he has that shot.
Dang, I don’t remember a player in our colours having that good of a shot from distance since vintage Scholes… (yep, that’s oncluding Ronaldo)
August 5th, 2009 at 22:19
VALENCIA IS FUCKING IMMENSE!!!
Good to see you back Craig Bro, but I think your comment towards Valencia is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay off!!! He is an ultimate winger, and Im glad people are finally getting the feeling I had when we first signed him. I dare you, go back to the day we signed Tony and read my comments about him. Do it, I dare you!
He is a fucking immense player, faster than light. And he can certanly cross. United legend in the making, and if I may say: FUCK RONALDO!!!
De Laet looks incredibly like me…
Just not really the rough approach I have, but h certanly is fast and knows how to tackle! Adventourus, but doesnt get caought out of position too often. He played a blinder, and I look forward to seeing more of him in the future.
Finally, Im delighted to see that the true Wazza is back!
A masterclass performance, but I stil think his fitness should be worked on. Still looks a little lazy and tired, but it will bug off quite soon.
August 5th, 2009 at 22:20
@Dan: ….
August 5th, 2009 at 22:22
David Silva, even though he didnt do much, reminded me an awful lot like a really fast Scholes at his prime… He was ghosting past our players at time, and his vision was immpecable! Some really nice passes, and I think he would be a realy good signing!
Right now Im waiting for Fergie to have his post match interview and reveal to us all that he has signed Silva.
August 5th, 2009 at 22:22
@NicoQB:
, Gibson is a good passer i feel.
But even if he wasnt, look at frank lampard, take away his goals, what are you left with?
August 5th, 2009 at 22:26
That Gibson sure can shoot!!!
If you passed Gibson shooting and Cleverlys composure into Andersons body, you would have the ultimate footballer!
August 5th, 2009 at 22:27
Aaaahhhh…
This place suddenly feels much better!
Welcome back, Craig, bro!
And no, Valencia has not been shit, but then neither has been Nani.
One person I feel kinda sorry for is Park. The minute Korean has just announced he will not play in an international just to make sure he can stake a good claim for a starting spot in our eleven, but the way Nani and Valencia have been playing, I doubt very much it will be the case.
Oh, and Centre of midfield -at least from what I gatherd in the 2nd half- should have once again brought their lounging chairs. THey just love to roll over don’t they. Thank god for our defence. How a certain Arsene must be envying us.
And David Silva is bloody good. Has the passing quality of an in-form Carrick except he can play at pace. Funny, as I seem to remember him as a winger with Spain when they won the European Cup.
August 5th, 2009 at 22:29
@Dan: Agree. This side is crying for a CM who can shoot. Which sort of explains us signing him up for another 3 years.
August 5th, 2009 at 22:29
Stoke must be eating their shit after they let De Laet go so easily!
August 5th, 2009 at 22:30
eDDIE – hahahahahahahahahahaha – we will see in the long run just how good your Valencia is – I think he is NOT GOOD AGAINST THE TEAMS THAT MATTER!
Matt – the only one with any feckin insight on this blog with regards to some players at this point – and we will see whether we are proved right or not mate – lol!
Red Rich – well we will see if you are right, and IF our team will come good without Nani on the wing. From what I have seen Tosser tOSIC AND vALEBCIA CANNOT HOLD A CANDLE TO nANI – BUT EACH TO HIS OWN EH?
August 5th, 2009 at 22:32
@Craig Mc: Ok. Now that you’re back, and your welcome’s over, go easy on the caps.
August 5th, 2009 at 22:33
@Dan: +1
As much as I hate to admit it!!!
August 5th, 2009 at 22:33
@Footy4Eddy: tHEY WILL ONLY BE Eating their shit, if SAF has the insight to see that De Laet DESERVES a place in his starting X1. But SAF and his sentimentality selection – will cost us big time this season – and yes I will wager you anything!
August 5th, 2009 at 22:34
IF, and there is a big IF, we sign David Silva, I cant see what more our team needs! Honestly! He would be a perfect CAM for us, fuck left winger, that guy was fucking immense!!! He could play with Carrick in the normal games, Fletcher in the big games, and he could play on the wing when I feel its right for Anderson to play.
This would be my team then:
Foster/VDS
Brown Rio Vida Evra
Valencia Carrick Silva Nani
Rooney Berbatov
Foster could easily be our first choise goalie if he does well this time when Edwin is injured, and like I said Carrick and Fletcher rotated alongside Silva. Owen instead of Berba in the big games!
*drools*
August 5th, 2009 at 22:35
@Red Ranter: But I love the caps – you gonna ban me then my friend?
August 5th, 2009 at 22:37
Match ratings
Foster- was not tested but he was steady and he can kick the ball far 7
De Laet- this lad…has suprised all. If he was signed for 10 mil he would be in the first team. He should be playing more..terrific performance 8.5
Ferdinand-class but a few balls went through and a few players unmarked 7
Evans- same as ferdinand and brought the ball out of defence well 7
Evra-good performance good tackles 7
Valencia- MOM. Pace,power,intelligence,crossing…the lad has it all. He beat men like they werent there and delivered good crosses…actually they were great. He will shine this season! 9
Carrick- a few loose balls spread the play well got forward quite a bit 6.5
Fletcher- Did what he always does…ran and ran 7
Tosic- Good pace,should have scored,looks to be getting stronger 6
Owen- Ahhhh he had chances…bout 4…the valencia keeper was excellent and made it difficult but should have got at least two goals but that said he was always there to be on the end of them 6.5
Rooney- The boy is bang on form,missed an early chance but took his header from valencias cross superbly,he looks back to his best 8.5
Cleverly- another player to add to our big squad,looks quick and comfortable,took his goal well 7
O’shea- solid as usual 7
Berbatov- good pace on the wing looks good to 7
Kuzchak- good game good save…id have him in goal on sunday
August 5th, 2009 at 22:38
I’m not sure why Valencia is being slated. Do we miss Ronaldo that much to simply dismiss a good performance by his supposed replacement? I was really impressed. He is extremely fast. The fastest man on the pitch today. He can cross the ball well. I mean if you can get Wayne to score with his head you must be quite accurate. He can beat players one on one and even two on one. He can shoot well and makes the right decisions. Excellent player. Owen. Missed 4 sitters. That’s the only time you’ll ever hear that. Once off. Movement was great and clever. Rooney. Okay and bad in the 1st half. Played like his 2004 self towards the end and in the 2nd half was brilliant. Tosic should be sold to avoid further embarrassment. De Leat was brilliant. Super performance 4 a youngster. Nani should be played more often for crying out loud. Is he being punished for some reason? Anderson is improving with every game and brings urgency and ideas. Overall. We haven’t imploded since the departure of Carlos and Ronaldo. But we haven’t improved either.
August 5th, 2009 at 22:38
@Craig Mc:
Good to see you back bro! 
Still think Tony will do wonders for us, even in the big games. He is strong, skilful, incredibly fast and really can cross. Not very unlike Nani, who I hope starts every game possible on the left wing instead of Tosic(who just sucks, how the fuck can he be in United?!) and Park(even though BigDick should be used agaisnt Arsenal to get all the attenstion from their meterosexual kids 
). You know I love Nani, but I also love Tony! In fact, I love wingers! So I hope for more Nani-Valencia action! 
August 5th, 2009 at 22:40
@Dan: What sort of fucking logic is that eh? Frank Lampard GOALS win games, and if he wins games, WTF else matters eh?
August 5th, 2009 at 22:40
@Footy4Eddy: Denis Irwin, I tell you!
Seriously, was it a repeat performance of the game against Hull?
If he’s that good, and if he can play as full back on both sides then we’ve got Philip Lahm’s soon-to-be master.
@Dan: To be fair Lampard is a much, much better passer than Gibson. When Gibson hit the bar, I was half annoyed with him for not spotting an open Berbatov. If it was for any ordinary CM the choice of a shot instead of a pass would have drawn moans all round. Can you imagine the frustration of Anderson shooting and finding row Z when Berba was open for a tap-in?
August 5th, 2009 at 22:40
@Footy4Eddy: ando will score 5+ and gibbo 5+ we dont need silva
August 5th, 2009 at 22:41
@Jay wire: To be honest I think we have improved a lot! Our general team play has improved, and we look a lot more unpredictable. We have a new dimension in the team thanks to Owen, and Valencia who looks like a combo of Becks and Ronny. At this moment: Tony>Ronny.
August 5th, 2009 at 22:42
@Footy4Eddy: Eddi mi man, I thought Antonio was ok in the pre season against the minnows – but I am amazed that you are impressed with his play against the BETTER teams, because I am not. I have to watch the caps, because RR loves to kick my arse in these things!
August 5th, 2009 at 22:44
@Footy4Eddy: Antonio – A combo of Becks and Ronaldo – are you fucking drunk my friend?
August 5th, 2009 at 22:44
@Jay wire: We haven’t improved? Maybe its a bit early, but the signs are looking good.
August 5th, 2009 at 22:47
Anyone here can clear up the confusion?
Is David Silva a winger or an Attacking central midfielder?
August 5th, 2009 at 22:48
@Craig Mc: Why do you hate valencia so much?
He is better then nani.
August 5th, 2009 at 22:49
@NicoQB: He can play across the midfield and off the striker. Hope that helps.
August 5th, 2009 at 22:50
@Craig Mc: There is a fine line between using it for emphasis, and overusing it to annoy people. I trust you know what that is
August 5th, 2009 at 22:50
@Craig Mc: I know you’re kinda excited from being back and all…
But if you really want to make your points clear just use bold. Highlight your text and click on the small arrow above the text box and click on Strong.
August 5th, 2009 at 22:51
@Taehr: Berba GOOD pace on the WING. he is supposed to be a centre forward FFS my friend!
.
August 5th, 2009 at 22:52
@NicoQB: I wish I could my friend, but my computer is fucked up lol
.
August 5th, 2009 at 22:53
@NicoQB
I wrote abt Silva in that Audi cup post …
Actually lot of people talk abt Silva as a pure winger when he aint one.
That is one of the reason why he did not figure that much into Valencia`s starting 11 however fits into Spanish team right away.
He is a rare breed of mid-fielder/winger .
His style of play is almost the same as Iniesta .
Excellent dribbling skill , small accurate passes , enough pace to beat rb/lb and capacity to shoot and cross consistently ..
He will never be replacing Nani as LW ! He is a damn good creative player with the capacity to play in wings , below the striker & “Defends very well”
He will fill the void we were always talking abt , the need for one more proper creative mid-fielder.
He will keep on passing and moving !!!
He will fit in into 4-3-3 style very well ..
Today Silva showed his class …(did u see grognard ??
)
His short passes with both legs, runs , thro passes were cutting edge.
Hope fergie takes a interest in him !!!
August 5th, 2009 at 22:54
@Red Ranter: I am sure you know me well enough to know I am not trying to ANNOY people, or do you lol?
August 5th, 2009 at 22:56
@NicoQB: Mmmmmm – I wouldn’t use the word excited mate! Think that is a misnomer!
August 5th, 2009 at 22:56
@Dan: bang on Valencia is better than nani!
August 5th, 2009 at 22:58
@Dan: I don’t hate Valencia mate – but I cannot agree that he is better than Nani – and I think this season will prove it. So lets wait and see eh?
August 5th, 2009 at 22:59
@Taehr: Now I know you talk SHIT. Why did I doubt
.
August 5th, 2009 at 23:00
@Craig Mc: What does nani do better though?
Valencia is rgw better dribble, more direct, more likely to put a cross in, stronger, tracks back, better decision maker, much faster.
Valencia is an ultimate out and out winger. Nani is a poor mans ronaldo.
August 5th, 2009 at 23:02
@Dan: Thanks.
Wiki concurs too: “…Silva is capable of playing on either wing or as a traditional number 10, and sometimes as a supporting striker…”
Its just that its the rarest of things to have a player capable of playing on wings as well as in central positions and this effectively.
August 5th, 2009 at 23:02
@Craig Mc: Ok, are you Craig or his mate/brother commenting from his ID. I thought you made your peace with personal attacks of this sort. What’s with the high testosterone today mate?
August 5th, 2009 at 23:03
@Dan: Well this season is going to REVEAL all, and I think we will see who is right? You have faith in Valencia, I in Nani – so lets see eh? This season will tell us all we need to know!
August 5th, 2009 at 23:04
@Craig Mc: Overuse of caps annoy, intent or not. Especially when you capitalise an entire sentence.
August 5th, 2009 at 23:04
@Craig Mc: I know but he did ran down the wing like valencia! i was suprised!
What are the odds of neville playing more games than de laet? i would make that bet
August 5th, 2009 at 23:05
@Red Ranter: ?????? personal attckas – please RR reveal them, cos I have no idea what you afre referring too – seriously. Please enlighten me –
.
August 5th, 2009 at 23:07
August 5th, 2009 at 23:07
@Red Ranter: Craigs on viagra….
August 5th, 2009 at 23:08
@Rick: Thanks, great piece of info there. Appreciate the effort. If he’s half as good as you claim him to be I’m all for singning him.
Else, as an aside not many people mentioned, Carrick has not been looking good recently, but Evra looked sharper, at least tonight. Hope he carries this form into the start of the season.
August 5th, 2009 at 23:08
OK craig Nani is better…thats why he started today and created two goals…And thats why he will start more games than valencia this year…
August 5th, 2009 at 23:09
@Taehr: I love De laet mate – he is massive – end of!
August 5th, 2009 at 23:11
@Dan:
True, but I actually agree with him that this blog needs a little lightning up. Its been dire for the last few days, from what I see…
August 5th, 2009 at 23:11
@Taehr: Dont be sarco mate – SAF said on MUTV that those playing today were in need of more minutes to get them match ready than those who did not play. So wouldn’t look too much into it mate! Please yourself though, I love the deluded!
August 5th, 2009 at 23:12
@Dan: Come on just because Valencia’s been good, doesn’t necessarily imply that Nani’s crap.
As a matter of fact Nani’s been one of the best players in the pre-season. There’s love for everyone here.
August 5th, 2009 at 23:13
@Craig Mc: Get your point mate, and agree to some effect.
August 5th, 2009 at 23:14
@Dan: I dont need Viagra mate – my GF is well satisfied with things how they should be – ask her! I don’t need false boosting, I am already the REAL DEAL – sounds like you aren’t Dan, seeing as you know all about Viagra!
.
August 5th, 2009 at 23:15
@Footy4Eddy: Knew you would Bro – you and me on the same wave length
.
August 5th, 2009 at 23:17
@Craig Mc:
August 5th, 2009 at 23:17
@NicoQB: Nico SAF agrees with you, he was just saying on MUTV tonight that Anderson and Nani have done so well, and he believes they will be great for United this season. So I don’t argue with the blind, we will see eh?
August 5th, 2009 at 23:19
@Dan:
, yeah mate – plenty of the you know what, and no need for help from Viagra or any other drugs 
.
August 5th, 2009 at 23:19
@NicoQB: yea why do we have to choose one why not have them on ether side and switch as often as they like threw out the game.
August 5th, 2009 at 23:21
I’ve been thinking…Gibson? The new Lampard? No way.
All his shots are on target without needing “the odd deflection”
August 5th, 2009 at 23:24
@Craig Mc: If Park gets more games than Nani this season I promise you I will personally swin over to England, walk to Manchester, and tell Fergie to open his eyes because he is ruining one of the greatest talents in world football.
And if Tosic gets more games than Nani, I am going to kidnap Zoran and send him back to Serbie after an extreme makeover! I cant tolerate such nonsense!
August 5th, 2009 at 23:25
@Taehr: Same here, as much as it pains me to say so…
August 5th, 2009 at 23:27
To the Oh, Teddy Teddy tune!
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH, Nani nani
Nani came from Sporting and he won the lot!
Oh Nani Nani
Looked like Michael Jackson but with better moves!
What a goal, what a goal, Nani what a goal!
He scores the goal, flip-flaps them all, NANI SCORES GREAT GOALS!
———————-//———————
August 5th, 2009 at 23:28
@Craig Mc: If your contribution to livening up the blog is to tell people that they talk shit, I can’t help you. I am fully aware that I am not the be all and end all of blogs, but I am so on this blog. You know fully well how to play well within my rules, and still enjoy banter but I can’t understand why you would revert to telling people off like you just did with Taehr.
Regarding you enjoying the banter at Republik of Mancunia, it’s fully your prerogative and I haven’t chained you here. All I’m saying is as long as you are here, you cooperate by going with the flow here. It’s not too much to ask if you think about it.
August 5th, 2009 at 23:29
@Craig Mc: You told Taehr he talks shit. Leave it now, and let’s move on now shall we?
August 5th, 2009 at 23:30
Anyway, hows our wee little Craig jr doing?
August 5th, 2009 at 23:31
Surprised nobody noticed this but…
Is it any wonder that Valencia was MOTM against… Valencia???
And about Owen, I think he knew Capello was watching and he got the nerves.
August 5th, 2009 at 23:36
@Craig Mc: Nani has looked good in preseason… I feel its his chance this season he will be on the left with tony on the right…Ill stop comparing the two..i know who I like n u do urs and anyhow they both play for united so….@Footy4Eddy: No need to worry Tosic will not play more Nani….he just cant maybe CC
August 5th, 2009 at 23:45
@Red Ranter: I told Taehr he talks shit – what ?????? – where was that, I love Taehr, even though I dont agree with what he says sometimes and vice versa. Feck me, I drank too many lagers with the friends watching the game with me tonight. I cannot see where I told Taehr he talked shit, but then maybe HE DID or I did, according to the hearers
.
August 5th, 2009 at 23:46
If De Laet makes it at united it would also be a great commercial opportunity.
As you all know, we are fucked in france with the media bias and Arsenal osbsession. But having an up and coming player secure a place at the united line-up would open up a vein no big club has truly tapped in.
August 5th, 2009 at 23:47
@NicoQB: WTF – Valencia was MOTM – the mind boggles – who the feck decides these things Nico
.
August 5th, 2009 at 23:48
@NicoQB: Nico – De Laet is from Belgian mate
.
August 5th, 2009 at 23:48
@Craig Mc: You told him that here:
@Craig Mc:
August 5th, 2009 at 23:51
@Footy4Eddy: Aaaah Eddi man after my own heat – Oh Nani Nani etc – love it mate!
August 5th, 2009 at 23:52
@Craig Mc: You drunk mate?
August 5th, 2009 at 23:53
@Craig Mc:
August 5th, 2009 at 23:54
Valencia looks really shy… But also really cool!
I can picture him becoming a mafiaboss when he retires football. Looks like a real killer, assasin in the making I believe! 
August 5th, 2009 at 23:56
@Dan:
, fuck me, so I did mate. But in what he said there to me it was shit, but that diesn’t mean everything he says is shit, and vice versa. 
– O fuck Dan mi man, I should come back when I am sober right? 
August 5th, 2009 at 23:57
@Footy4Eddy: Eddi WTF mate – Valencia mafiosa, he is a feckin pussy cat mate
. Soft and scared as shit!
August 5th, 2009 at 23:58
@Craig Mc: Craigmeister, BRO,
Man am I glad to see you back. You had me a little nervous there thinking you had vacated us for good and that my negatosis was the root cause. I’m elated that you have returned and with some fire and brimstone too. Hopefully that pussy routine you put on a few weeks back is a thing of the past. I love the Craigster when he has passion, piss n vinegar in his veins. It’s great to have you back mate, seriously. And don’t feck off like that again OK. 
August 6th, 2009 at 0:01
@Craig Mc: I bet you wouldnt like to turn into him in an alley one night you were in Manchester. Or perhaps, you would?
Nothign scares you eh Craigy!? 
August 6th, 2009 at 0:03
@Craig Mc: Nothing to bring on mate. I’m just glad to see you have come back and grown a penis again.
Truly, your input was really missed on here and even i was away for a week because I was moving. But we are all back now and ready to rumble. 
As for today’s game, I never saw it. It was not televised live here so I am hoping to see it at a later time this week. Sounds like De Laet, Valencia and Rooney were the big stars of the game and Owen choked on a number of sure chances. That wads a lot of pressure on Owen as it was his first game at OT as a United player. I think he will do much better in the future as long as he stays healthy. Good that we won though. Positive stuff leading into the weekend.
August 6th, 2009 at 0:05
The toothferry just told me Silva isnt going to return to Valencia with his mates, but is gonna stay in Manchester…
Thank you toothferry!
August 6th, 2009 at 0:08
Guys, just a heads up from me. I wont be able to spend as much time on this blog the coming days because I am “working” on a “mission”. Top secret stuff, and I wont be spending much time at home or near an internet cafe. But as soon as I get close to one I will be on here, just promise me you will keep this place alive!
And you all know I never miss a game, so I will be back on Sunday for sure!
August 6th, 2009 at 0:11
@Footy4Eddy: Eddi mi man, bump into Valencia in an alley in Manc land – with my Rugby mates,
, Valencia would be shitting himself and sob sob sobbing 
. Mafiosa my arse!
August 6th, 2009 at 0:12
@Footy4Eddy: Top secret stuff WTF??????
August 6th, 2009 at 0:15
@Grognard: Grog mi man – De laet was a star mat – fuckin immense, but Rooney and Valencia – Noooooooooooooooooooo. Good to see you in fine feckle Grog!
August 6th, 2009 at 0:16
@Grognard:
.
August 6th, 2009 at 0:17
Regarding the future contributions of one Antonio Valencia it is really important to forget Ronaldo. He is not replacing Ronaldo, he is a replacement for the position. Nobody in history has played that position quite like Ronny so to compare Valencia and his contributions to Ronaldo especially when it comes to goals, is going to be extremely unfair.
Although I haven’t seen today’s game it is clear from what I have read that the lad did his job very well and performed the duties of a true winger. Above all, he showed he could cross the ball. So lets lessen our expectations and welcome the lad and his contributions without expecting him to do the unbelievable.
We have not replaced Ronaldo yet nor do I feel we ever will. So we just have to get on with it and make the best of it as our manager is a cheap skinflint who treats the Glazer’s money like it’s coming out of his own pocket. What a waste of an opportunity to get Ronny’s true replacement, one Sergio Aguero.
August 6th, 2009 at 0:21
@Craig Mc: My mood is better these last few days bro because I finished the move from Hell. It truly wasted me and stressed me out beyond belief. I still hold true to my views and beliefs but perhaps without as much venom. Amazing how a little less stress and some rest makes even Fergie’s cheap skinflint ways seem more tolerable.
August 6th, 2009 at 0:21
@Craig Mc: Exactly.
Marketing opportunity in Belgium.
August 6th, 2009 at 0:28
@Grognard:
Glad you settled in Grog! Its horrible moving home – so much to do, and feckin exhausting! You got it sorted now though mate!
August 6th, 2009 at 0:28
@Footy4Eddy: Hah.
We can all guess what it is!
Work hard, play hard, right?
August 6th, 2009 at 0:35
@Grognard: I hope you watch the game mate. Just count how many times Valencia lost the ball…I really want you to find a fault in his performance because if any one can its you mate… I cant see it!maybe he should have scored once when he cut in but apart from that…
August 6th, 2009 at 0:39
@NicoQB: You got it Sherlock!
August 6th, 2009 at 0:41
@Taehr: Uhhh… Valencia did lose the ball one or two times, but that doesn’t diminish the fact that he assisted both goals.
August 6th, 2009 at 1:32
@NicoQB:
August 6th, 2009 at 2:12
@Taehr: Just finished watching the game and Valencia was clearly the stand out player for United.
The thing that impresses me most is his speed. He’s definitely gonna put pressure on PL backfields. His cross for Rooney’s goal was inch perfect.
Rio looked very good and surprisingly so was PIG. Cleverley took his goal well and Evra looked sharp if a not a little over-cockey!!
CMF looked the same as always, slow & clumsy, but Gibson looks to bring a lethal shot to the proceedings.
Overall, we looked fairly good, but against a team that changed its entire outfield at halftime and then brought on a reserve Goalie to replaced an injured MF’er, I would hesitate to read too much in it!!
August 6th, 2009 at 2:48
@Footy4Eddy:
August 6th, 2009 at 3:13
@Craig Mc: See ya next year then???
August 6th, 2009 at 4:50
@Craig Mc: When you were away Eddy was busy involving himself in something potentially big, let’s say, for his career (that’s your biggest hint — you know what a young starlet like Eddy is capable of). I think he wouldn’t appreciate us saying anything more about his “top secret” stuff
August 6th, 2009 at 4:52
I actually do believe that SAF thinks that we can compete this season. He’s more than just sincere, he’s almost winking when he makes his statements/predictions as to our fortunes.
Could it be that once again he’s pulling off another “Fledglings” coup as he did in ‘95/96. Going against the grain, losing great players and not replacing them, putting his confidence behind a core of young, untested players who have no right to play at this level. My god if he pulls this one off, he has to be the god to all Football gods!
I just have the feeling though, that this is an act of bravado from the maestro. He has tried so hard, and yet failed so completely to convince CR7 to wallow in the Mancurian way of life, that he has now taken a the typical tact of embracing the “team” and dismissing the “individual”.
Who really knows where this could all end up. SAF, our boss, the man that has led us to all that glory over all these years, is telling us, once again, to trust in his judgment. But to me me, this is a hard one to swallow, and I sense a tone of desperation when he speaks up the likes of Nani, Anderson, Fletcher and Gibson.
We’ve had decent pre-season, and we have the prospect of an interesting first month without our beloved VDS and perhaps Vidic, but reality comes hard in the PL, and with the CL right on our heals, I think the time to recap will be in about 6 weeks!!
August 6th, 2009 at 4:58
@Red Ranter: I’m not sure craig was quite himself tonight!! Annoying as his drunken self is, he’s quite funny, really.
August 6th, 2009 at 6:54
@Redrich
The CM looked very bad didnt it ??
I think thats the only spot we lack one more quality player .
Almost any position we have fantastic youngsters:
Rafael-Delete-Evans-fabio
Wellbeck-Gibson-??-Obertan
Ljajic/Petrucci
Macheda/Diouf
That Youth team is as good as any. The problem we in that youth set up is lack of a proper CM. Gibson, Ljajic, Petrucci, Obertan are all attacking mid-fielders.
Actually what amaze me is the quality of defenders we produce. Almost all defendes from youth set up playing for United have looked so far most relaxed players. May be it is like Arsenal producing passing mid-fielders
I think signing one more player esp CM will come down to fergies call on Hargo, if he thinks Hargo is going to come back then no player is needed. However that looks bleak considering the nature of operation he has had .
If we can get another CM in form of Silva, we can UNLOCK rooney in big matches , big time like how Rooney helped us unlokc Ronaldo !
Against Tough away matches :
Brown-Rio-Vidic-Evra
Carrick-Silva
Fletch/Ando
Valencia-Rooney-Nani
August 6th, 2009 at 7:18
@Redrich: Apologies Red Rich mate – I watched the game while lager brain dead, with lager brain dead brother and mates up with him visiting for a week! Not to mention irritating male relatives on the GF’s side in party mood and all watching the game together
. I apologise to Taehr too, I don’t think I unintentionally offended anyone else did I?
August 6th, 2009 at 7:23
@Red Ranter: It doesn’t involve the NUDE streak around his local town does it?
,
August 6th, 2009 at 7:39
From what I remember – De Laet is great little defender, in his 2nd go in the first team for us. He tackles HARD and he’s precise, FAST and can beat oppo defenders up that wing, so now he proved he can do it on Rt and Lt full back positions. He is really a centre back
. This is Cleverley’s 2nd game for 1st team too, and he scored in both games – so perhaps he is ready to step up for cup comps etc. We had both Mr Plods in MF didn’t we – our slow pacers Carrick and Fletch together. If Gibbo could get his shots more on target most of the time – we might have a MF goalscorer on our hands 
. Valencia (Tony) didn’t do anything telling for us in the 1st half, I thought he ran, but couldn’t get by the opposition 1st choice defenders! Better against the lesser reserves 2nd half. I want De Laet to be given a chance to MOP up and break up play in front of our Back 4. Don’t want much do I? 
August 6th, 2009 at 8:17
New post up.
August 6th, 2009 at 8:36
@Red Ranter: Thankyou
August 6th, 2009 at 10:43
@Craig Mc: People who watched the match….