Sep 07
David Gill gets top role
David Gill has been elected into the top executive board of members in the European Club Association which, many of you might remember, was formed under the auspices of the UEFA following the dissolution of the G14.
“I’m obviously very pleased to be elected,” Gill said. “The ECA has a very important role to play in the relationship with Uefa and other bodies within European and world football. We are the people who run the clubs, we understand the issues. All parties need to work together to come up with a set of rules and regulations that everyone buys into.”
Perez added that he was: “Very happy to be able to work for the clubs inside the big European football family.”
Florentino Perez’s influence (as someone known to favour a European super league) cannot be ignored, and it would be interesting to see what holds for the future of European club football in the coming years.
Related items from Red Rants:
- Roy Keane on leaving Manchester United
- Gill on City and Ronaldo
- United to Sign Another Striker
- United plan an Evil Empire of Online Domination
- The Louis Saha Question and United 6-0 Newcastle Goal Videos
Tags: News Snippets
September 7th, 2009 at 23:30
PS: Regular blogging will resume soon.
September 8th, 2009 at 1:15
What else can the most valuable sports franchise in the world wish for, but more wealth, and more value!
This appears to be a partnership that wants to to lead the big clubs toward a Euro Super League and toward an exclusivity that would completely change the map of European football.
Exciting in a lot of ways, but scary at the same time. To navigate these new waters, would put a tremendous amount of financial pressure on the “less exclusive” clubs – and what that may do, will undoubtable change the league structure as we know it!!
With the idea of the top teams competing together in a season long league, you just have to salivate at the prospect of most of the worlds top players going head-to-head on a regular basis. Every game could be like a CL quarter or better!!
However how would clubs like Bolton, Wigan, West Ham, Fulham feel about all this. Their shinking budgets already hindering their oppotunities, this further blow could really make a difference in their survival stakes!
The evolution of the European game in inevitable, but could things perhaps move in a more delicate direction??
September 8th, 2009 at 1:25
@Redrich: I thought the Dallas Cowboys were the most valuable sports franchise in the world
September 8th, 2009 at 1:51
@fuzzy: http://www.goal.com/en/news/9/england/2009/09/04/1480278/manchester-united-named-worlds-most-valuable-sports-club
September 8th, 2009 at 2:41
Being worth £1.144bn, and havign a debt of £0.6bn We are worth almost double what we owe, a much better position than Liverpool, Arsenal or Chelsea.
September 8th, 2009 at 2:51
@Traverse: Yep, it certainly looks better than for most, but I’m unconvinced that we are in a position to spend any of it!!
The wealth of of team will only impress me if that is translated into to wins/trophies!!
September 8th, 2009 at 5:40
@fuzzy: If you don’t count debt they are. But if you don’t count debt, United are. It’s rather misleading. Personally I think if everything is really checked, the New York Yankees have got to be up there with Dallas.
September 8th, 2009 at 5:49
@Redrich: There was a time when I used to think the idea of a European Super League was nothing more than a greedy and terrible attempt to destroy the fabric of the game. But after having watched how FIFA and UEFA operate and how corrupt and uneven their policies and operating apparatus performs, I no longer an opposed to such a creation as long as they no longer have to answer to these governing bodies.
Honestly, I am not sure how such an entity would work and if it would be completely separated from the control of those two governing bodies. While I am in agreement with the idea of FIFA and UEFA in theory, I cannot back them while corrupt, greedy and self serving men like Platini and Blatter are in charge of them and while their agenda is to cripple the British game, the top British clubs as well as pander to the whims and desires of a select few from Spain and Italy. Problem here is that this organization was formed “under the auspices” of UEFA. Unlike the G14 which was a splinter and separatist movement, I’d really like to know what this group is all about? Why would UEFA be part of this as this stands to derail the Champions League and everything UEFA stands for. Truthfully, I don’t get it and if any of you out there know more, please illuminate me because I do not see the point of this unless it’s a breakaway movement decided to exorcise FIFA and UEFA from meddling in the affairs of the top clubs in Europe?
September 8th, 2009 at 8:40
@Grognard: that makes no sense
September 8th, 2009 at 8:56
I’ve always figured we’re worth exactly how much someone is willing to pay for us. Silly economics…
Can’t believe we’re shouting back at le Havre. Not like us really, so I figure Gill et al must be pretty sure of their position. So happy days.
Not been mentioned much, but apparently O’Shea is injured and definitely out for a couple of weeks. Some kind of clot in his thigh muscle. Not good, but hopefully will force Fergie to play a RB at RB – strange as it might seem.
I think the Tottenham game is a big one for SAF. So far this season we know that:
a. United are always slow starters, so maybe their form is normal
b. Fergie is going to use a 442, except when it matters, when he’ll cowardly resort to some strange 4-4-0-1 where I discount the 0 as it’s a poor Ryan Giggs. Tottenham away is not an easy fixture, so will Fergie have the balls to play 442?
September 8th, 2009 at 9:06
@Beachryan: We played 4-3-3 against Arsenal simply becuase we matched them up like for like, which I agree isn’t especially ambitious but understandable.
If I recall it was Giggs who crossed the ball for the own goal and it was his through ball that set up the penalty, if he was 0 then what was everyone else?
September 8th, 2009 at 9:29
@Stephen: minus
September 8th, 2009 at 9:30
can’t help that one. But it was how I felt about the game at the time.
September 8th, 2009 at 9:38
@Karl: I wasn’t a joy to watch especially being surrounded by Arsenal fans in a London pub, I must say.
September 8th, 2009 at 9:47
Sounds like Judas Tevez won’t be fit for the Citeh game at OT, thats is a shame I was looking forward to pouring scorn at the little Argie bastard.
September 8th, 2009 at 9:53
Some people on this site seem to just want to bash certain players no matter what.Even if said player plays well, and contributes. But thats not good enough for some of the FMs on here, for fucks sake, what happened OBJECTIVITY? And what happened to getting behind your team? Isn’t that what supporters are supposed to do? Ok, so have your favourites, but dont think you know more than Fergie, cos you’re not even close. Ever heard of form? for instance. I’m not saying that the negative whiners on here dont have a point, some people just got to whine all the time, it makes them happy!! And to all these people who THINK they’re right ALL the time, a word in your ear, (thats the organ stuck on the side of your head used for hearing/listening!), you’re not! And its so fuckin annoying reading such pomposity. And to those who say, just jog on, i have recently, cos reading some of the tripe on here, is pretty tiresome. Sometimes its like opening a door to a bunch of bitchin women locked in a room! Sorry to the slight on women btw.
September 8th, 2009 at 10:22
@Phoenix Red: “bunch of bitchin women locked in a room”
ROFLMAO!!!! 
September 8th, 2009 at 11:06
@ Stephen – His through ball to Rooney was perhaps the first forward pass he completed all day. And his cross to Diaby did exactly what all his other crosses had done – went to the opposition. I’m sorry but 1 decent pass in 85 minutes does not fill the bill for a support striker/attacking midfielder. I love Giggsy, but anyone could see it wasn’t going ot be his day, he was a posession-losing machine! Anyway, all done now, my point was that I want us to line up in a 442 if that’s going to be how we play this year.
@ Phoenix Red – while I agree to some extent, it’s worth remembering this a rant site, and we have very little to talk about right now
September 8th, 2009 at 11:09
@Beachryan: I agree more 4-4-2 would be most welcome!
September 8th, 2009 at 11:47
@ Stephen, @ Beachy, i agree, more 4 4 2 pls! Its not like we can afford to weaken our midfield!
@ Beachy, i know its a rant site, i’ve vented my frustration manys a time here myself. Its just the blinkered view of some people who cant see beyond their own negative bias that pisses me off.
I’ve learned from my own jumping the gun on players, Darren Fletcher being a case in point. Its the knee jerk thing that winds me up the most though, although mostly its just too comical to get annoyed.
September 8th, 2009 at 12:09
@ RR, so the prospect of a euro super league might be looming ahead?With Perez on this “commitee”, he has been a proponent of the Super League, and will surely try to push his case. Brings up loads of questions of viability. I like the way things are tbh, although i think the Premier League could do with some restructuriog. Maybe less teams, therefore less games and less pressure especially at the business end of the Champions League.
I suppose though at least we have our man in place when the big decisions are made.
September 8th, 2009 at 14:03
boring.. Hey Eddy, can you come up with one of your fifa 09 videos for entertainment.. Will be able to see how good you are by the quality of your through balls
September 8th, 2009 at 16:11
@Grognard: @Grognard: lads sorry to take you back to history. i’ve been away and had little access to internet. on the issue of calling SAF a racist, c’mon lads in my post i didn’t mention anywhere as SAF being a racist, being a patriot isn’t anywhere close to being a racist and that’s what i exactly meant.
For all those who haven’t been in football management at all, every manager wants to retire and feel proud for having brought up so and so and more so if the player is from his country or region. Par example, Fletcher is good now but how many players have left that were better that him then, being a home boy SAF had to be patient with him. So that when he retires on top of doing alot to the english game, he can hit on his chest and say “i groomed a captain fantastic for scotland”!
Qtn: Does anyone recall the statement Sparky made when he was signing Craig Bellamy? Can anyone tell me why there was an influx of British players when Brian Kidd was SAF’s assistant? Why there was an influx of Latin players to Man United in Carlos Queiroz reign as SAF’s second hand man?
Let any of you go to football management and you’ll all know what i am saying. It all goes back to patriotism and people you’ll easily work with and the myopic people will call that racism if anyone talks about it.
Anyway, dont you guys see what’s happening at Arsenal, what happened at Chelsea during Mours time, aren’t you seeing what Martinez is trying to do, arent you seing what Zola has always tried to do though he’s always failed due to problems at the club.
As fans we are to be objective whether certain issues pinch us hard or not.
As for the Ronaldo issue, he was favoured alot because he was Mr. Everything for SAF, he scored for him the goals he wanted, he won him the points he wanted, he won for him the trophies he wanted and he respected SAF, so why not favour the boy. And his price tag tells it all.
September 8th, 2009 at 16:56
@Jay Jay: “just coz he’s British. we all know the favours the british lads get from SAF. i know this will offend many but let’s face it. Its a fact, when the Gibbos start to seem to be better than Ando not by what they do on the pitch but by what we are told and read”
You were implying that simply because he is “British” he was picking players soley on their nationalities which is absurd but is also racist, patriotism is the support of ones Country not ones island as Britain is, I am not Scottish, Welsh or Irish I am English and Fergie is certainly a proud Scot not Irish, Gibson was born in Northern Ireland but plays for the Republic of Ireland which isn’t even classed as Britian.
September 8th, 2009 at 18:14
@Dan: Well I cannot help you there mate. It’s in plain English. I fail to see what is difficult to understand. Perhaps if you asked some valid questions about what is confusing you rather than just offering a vague reply about not understanding it, I could explain more.
September 8th, 2009 at 18:20
@Grognard: UEFA is a good idea, but it need regime change. If I were in charge things would go as thus :
There should be an election for President and Chairman every 2 years. Every professional football club in Europe should get 1 vote each. You can only apply for the post if you are a football person. No lawyers or businessmen who know dick about fotball.
There should be a panel that reviews contentious decisions and disputed red/yellow cards. Both referees and players should be held accountable. On top of this referees should be paid more, but it be made performance related.
Goal line technology (hawkeye) is 100% accurate and fast (10/15 seconds) and leagues who can afford to implement it’s use should be allowed to.
Players under 17 shouldn’t be allowed to move countries unless they have been in the first team for 1 year and it is a club agreed transfer. Youth academies (Centres of Excellence) should be run by the countries FA’s (as in France, long suggested in England) with clubs paying a fee for players to the relevant FA at 15.
And probably more things….
September 8th, 2009 at 18:20
@Phoenix Red: And some people have just got to whine about the whiners, never ever taking into consideration their right to do so. Instead they feel it is their duty in life to scare us straight or to put us down for our views and beliefs.
I suggest you stick to your views on football and Manchester United and not worry about what others think. This is not a forum for personal or indirect digs or insults at others who do not share your personal mantra. Deal with it mate and stick to football. The world is a large place and not everybody goes to happy camp with you. Some of us see things differently and react differently. Let me guess, you’re a Republican right? If not I am shocked. Because a Republican is a die hard control freak who likes to tell others how to think and stink while showing intolerance for others views. And if I am incorrect in my guess, then I am sorry but if the shoe fits……………
September 8th, 2009 at 18:23
@Grognard: It’s ok mate, let him vent. Let’s not get political for the millionth time eh? Not everyone vents because they feel they have to control everyone’s feelings. Negativity can have an unnerving effect on some people whether you like it or not. Oversimplifying it to people’s tendencies to “control” others isn’t always right.
There was a deliberate reason I chose to not interject yesterday, some of you seriously need to renew your annual subscription to “thick skins”.
September 8th, 2009 at 18:24
@Phoenix Red: It’s a rant site mate. Respect the right of others to rant. It’s a pretty boring world if we were all so god damned positive and in total agreement don’t you think? Show others the same respect you want them to show you, regardless of their views.
September 8th, 2009 at 18:44
Can u throw some light on this Eddy:
September 8th, 2009 at 18:47
@Red Ranter: I agree, let him rant……about football, girls, movies, Obama etc. What he shouldn’t be doing is ranting and bitching about his fellow ranters and their right to express their views. I generally like the rants of Phoenix Red but he never used to lash out at his fellow ranters. This was not even directed to me specifically but I’m not an idiot and i know who is the leader of the Gloom Platoon on this site.
This is not about having a thick skin. It’s about being sick and tired of personal attacks when what we should be disagreeing about or fighting about is football. Trust me, my skin is thicker, but I will not EVER allow someone to personally attack me or others like me who have rights on this site as well. I honestly think it’s time you really stamped down on this kind of crap. It’s your turn to be FIFA or UEFA and this is your diving controversy. You either let them continue with these unnecessary attacks or you get tough. Personally, I am sick and frakken tired of having to defend my personality on this site. I’d rather defend my stand on football issues. For example, in the past thread Spizzy disagreed with my viewpoint on my long post. No problem. I replied and explained myself more fully. If he still disagrees, I have no issue with that. That is fine. But Traverse on the other hand couldn’t just disagree with me. He basically had to call my ideas and beliefs garbage and me a garbage man for offering them. Now I have a thicker skin but how on Earth am I supposed to sit here and take that without telling him to go fuck himself? Seriously, I ask you? I am tired of the personal insults mate. They need to stop and only you can stop them with some hard justice.
September 8th, 2009 at 18:54
A level is a Bitch….
September 8th, 2009 at 19:07
@Darth Red Diablo: Huh?
September 8th, 2009 at 19:11
@Stephen: Stephen, thank God you are English and this is your language, please kindly interprete this “when the Gibbos”. it doesn’t take a rockect scientist or someone with a PhD in English or literature to internalise that.
You seem to be a racist mate, the way you interprete your things is bizzare.
September 8th, 2009 at 19:21
@Grognard: Calling someone’s beliefs garbage is alright in my book. You’ve been guilty of the same (and not as a reactionary measure – I can go back in past and quote the number of times you’ve called someone’s argument and beliefs rubbish/one-eyed garbage etc, but you think that will be “cheap” – even though it’s meant to give context.) You will have to deal with that part of it. Bite your lip and swallow that.
Phoenix red could just be plain frustrated with the negativism — and whether you call that being realistic or not, negativism can have that effect on people, so let him have at it. He vented it out, and if it makes him take a load off his chest with that, it’s only healthy. Don’t have to filter every such rant down to being a republican/control freak/fascist etc. Not everything is black and white like that.
You will have to learn to pick and choose your fights and in some cases even ignore.
September 8th, 2009 at 19:27
@Grognard: “If you don’t count debt they are. But if you don’t count debt, United are. It’s rather misleading.”
it is misleading, you said the same thing twice. maby it should read like this
If you DO count the debt they(dalas) are, but if you don’t count the debt, united are.
that is probably what you meant to type.
but do we actually know the level of debt that dalas is carrying now? they just built that new stadium with the worlds largest tv. and i heard that the reason for the huge screen was for ad revenues bc they were in financial trouble. so we still dont know.
September 8th, 2009 at 19:46
it is encouraging to see that even with the debt united are far from the poor house that many of our fans see us in.
ps i know this is a theoretical valuation but it puts the club in a good position should the Glazers have problems and need to sell. they look to have made a good purchase financially speaking
September 8th, 2009 at 19:48
@Grognard: “If you don’t count debt they are. But if you don’t count debt, United are. It’s rather misleading.”
Please, as i cant speak english according to you, tell me how that could possibly make sense?
September 8th, 2009 at 20:01
@gator: I typed it late last night when I was half asleep. Sorry.
September 8th, 2009 at 20:17
@Red Ranter: I occasionally get like that also, I admit that. But, and this is a big but, I do not make a point of getting into discussions with others by first putting them down personally. Like anyone, I occasionally lose it if somebody says something I see as idiotic but I really think the number of times I have done that as opposed to the times I have reacted to abuse are minuscule in comparison.
I don’t make myself to be an innocent saint here. But I do believe that everyone, including myself needs to use a little decorum and proper manners in responding to people, especially when they disagree with them.
One can disagree with someone without calling him and idiot or saying he is full of garbage or in my case, when I accused someone of being full of rubbish. It’s damned wrong and you are wrong to condone it. Venting does not give one license to come on here and violate others with their anger, intolerance and hatred. And it saddens me that you seem to think nothing is wrong with that. If that’s the case, then I too will stop being a nice guy and being cordial and respectful of others when I disagree with them and I will then get abrasive and personal too when I see fit to do so. Why not? I might as well get with the program. As they say, if you can’t beat them, join them. So as for having a thick skin, I am developing one, believe it or not. But that doesn’t mean that I can’t act like antisocial muppet and start dissing everyone that pisses me off. And as I am sure I piss a lot of people off with my views, you have no idea how many people on this blog piss me off and frustrate the bejesus out of me with their stupid and narrow minded views on the game and on life in general.
If you won’t respect or protect someone who is asking for your intervention, then I will protect myself by becoming like the others. You want me to be an asshole, you got it (although you probably think I’m an asshole already). And then after you ban me for spewing my venom, consider why this happened and what you could have done to prevent it?
People say stupid things, I’ll let them have it. People insult me, I’ll insult them back and with a satisfied smile to boot. I’d call that being thick skinned and as anti social as you are trying to let this blog get by allowing others to abuse on the basis of “VENTING”. Well them, lets vent to our heart’s content.
September 8th, 2009 at 20:21
@Dan: I fone does not include the debt that Manchester United have on their books, they would be considered the most expensive team in the world. But as I see that debt as a debit and not a credit, I therefore would not place them above the Dallas Cowboys. Then again, I am not privy to the Cowboys books as they may very well be in massive debt themselves since their owner just built a state of the art new stadium that is an amazing thing to see. Is that better for you mate? Sorry for the confusion. Sometimes my brain goes south late at night when I am well passed my bedtime.
September 8th, 2009 at 20:25
@Jay Jay: Fuck off you mug, don’t call me a racist you twat, of course I’m not I have never said anything of the sort.
September 8th, 2009 at 20:35
This I attribute to the lack of football. That’s when things get personal and nasty. Fun to watch
September 8th, 2009 at 20:42
@Jay Jay: You are trying to make something out of nothing. Thats not racist in the slightest and you know it.
Fuck right off this blog if you are going to be racist and then have the cheek to call others racist.
September 8th, 2009 at 20:52
On more relevant issues I think this whole Pogba deal has been blown outta proportion by the media. The issue however on a general level is a very material issue in football. The poaching of young players by English clubs. We can all shout about how the other “foreign” clubs are doing worse. Real Madrid is often pointed out. However I see a general trend in football blogs of just mentioning conspiracy theories and negligence of factual report. Ppl just hate the likes of Madrid (I have zero luv for them too) and just say things without facts. Why would other clubs not complain about the likes of Madrid if they’re also practising this poaching with the consistency of Man Utd and other English clubs? Well because they’re not”guilty”. Clubs all over mainland Europe seem to have excellent youth setups of their own and it’s only the English clubs that are falling short in that dept. As much as the ethical part of this whole debate can be argued to eternity, the reality is there’s a major concern over the youth set up in England. It is extremely poor. That’s why in general English players are some of the most technically incompetent around. The issue is obviously not that England just produces crap players. No. It’s the coaching system in the country which needs address. In terms of technical aspects of football England is firmly lodged in the 80s. So this makes it hard for the talented youngsters to develop to the same level as the 16 year olds coming from the continent. They’re technically superior and it’s not about talent. Let’s take a leaf out of the likes of Marseille , Barca, and others and put some competent technical teams
September 8th, 2009 at 20:55
I don’t know why I said “let’s” take a leaf out of. I’m not even European
September 8th, 2009 at 20:58
@Dan: Thanks Dan.
September 8th, 2009 at 21:43
@Jay wire: Innit?
September 8th, 2009 at 21:53
@Jay wire: I think “we -at United” have one of the best youth set ups around, not only in england, but in europe.
I already mentioned this in a post some time back, I thik that technical skill has more to do with culture and appreciation of the gmae than the actual skills-honing process of coaching staff.
Just think about it – just about every world class (offensive) player had superior level of skills and technique since early childhood. You could count on hand those who made the grade from average early on to world-class later on. Right now I can only think of Lampard.
but Giggs,
Scholes,
Zidane,
Iniesta,
Rooney,
Ronaldo,
were all freakishly talented and precocoius kids from all accounts…
September 8th, 2009 at 22:02
@Grognard: I think, maybe wrong, the stadium was paid for mostly by state tax payers money that was agreed by a vote.It looks like a great stadium, I wish he people of Manchester (or is it Trafford) could build such an iconic stadium. Unfortunately it will never happen by that means.
September 8th, 2009 at 22:21
@Jay wire: What bothers me is that FIFA and UEFA make it sound like we are kidnapping these kids against their will and against their best interest and selling them into slavery. When in reality the fact is that we are doing these kids and their families a fantastic service and giving them the once in a lifetime opportunity to play for a great team and also to make much more money than they would have staying with clubs like Le Havre for example. The reality is we are taking many of these kids out of poverty and giving them a chance based on their talent and potential. WOW! What a crime!
What I consider far more disgusting is the allowance of certain teams like Real Madrid to continually tap up players and screw with their heads while they are under contract with another club. That and the use of the media to unsettle players and teams so that it opens the door for them to legitimately pursue the player. It reminds me of marinating a steak before you actually cook it so it will be more tender.
The fact that players making millions who are under contract and are being tapped up and unsettled is far more grievous a crime than helping out a young lad who is making nothing and who hasn’t even got a pro contract yet. FIFA and UEFA better get their house in order because their form of kangaroo justice and double standards is sickening and I think Gill should do a lot more than just sue the president of Le Havre for filling the media with BS. I think they and Chelsea should sue FIFA and UEFA over their adoption of kangaroo justice and not playing fair or doling out justice evenly and fairly to all guilty parties. And I will always feel like this until I see Real Madrid fry for their crimes.
September 8th, 2009 at 22:29
@Cyclops-Red: You may be right. I remember a year ago Jerry Jones the owner of the Cowboys say that he dreamed of building this stadium for two decades and has put a lot of time and blood into it. I took that for putting in his money. It’s rare these days when North American franchises are not stuck with most of the bill when it comes to building new stadiums or arenas. But I could be wrong. And if indeed he is not in debt over it, then I can be very sure that he does not carry a debt that looks anything like United’s. The NFL is has a strict salary cap and therefore buying and selling of players is strictly monitored and keeps teams from carrying massive debt. A club like the Cowboys who have sellouts every game, great corporate boxes and the best licensing in North American sports are probably not even close to being in debt. Therefore, in my books, they are way ahead of Man Utd. If only some money bags Arab would buy us up and get rid of that debt, then United could take back number one spot on merit.
September 8th, 2009 at 22:32
@Cyclops-Red: Man if I was a state tax payer living in Houston or San Antonio for example, I wouldn’t be too happy having to pay for the Dallas Cowboys stadium. I mean would Liverpool and Blackburn or Leeds feel like paying for a New Trafford based on the fact that they are all situated so close to each other in North East England? Makes you wonder. Texas knows Jerry Jones has the money. I find it hard to believe now that I think about it, that he wouldn’t want to build that and own it all on his lonesome. He’s got the deep pockets and the ego to do it.
September 8th, 2009 at 22:43
@ Grog, so this is a site just for the whiners then? First of all, was i addressing you? No i wasn’t, but since you’re the self appointed king of doom, your reply is not suprising. I admit that some of my references could be directed at you, although you’re far from the worst, at least there’s reason behind most of your football philosophy.
Calling me a republican is laughable and really says more about you than me.(Apart from the fact that a republican means something entirely different in Ireland!) Do you call every one who disagrees with you a fascist?
Where i come from thats a serious insult, laughable though to myself, considering i’ve been fighting fascism all my life. Your pomposity knows no bounds. The ironic thing is i find myself agreeing with you more often than not. As far as “happy camp” is concerned, you obviously have not read my rants.
My point, which you seem to have glossed over with your diatribe, is that many of uniteds players are recieving unwarranted criticism, in my opinion, so soon in the season. Its the blind, “i hate John O Shea, Anderson, Berba, Evra, Giggs, Scholes, ect” even if one of them has a good game or offers something positive, that really pisses me off.
So next time i suggest you read properly, before you accuse someone of being a fascist. Also could do with following your own advice, i wont bother to elaborate this point, but i think you’ll get it.
Oh, btw if i havent replied to your upcoming reply, its only because after a certain no of posts, my phone(which is my only access to www at the mo.) wont post any more.
September 8th, 2009 at 22:44
Phoenix what new with you Bro? You getting over to any of the games from the Emerald Isle this season then?
We had 10,000 empty seats at OT for the Arsenal game. I mean when did you ever see empty seats at a game between Man United and Arsenal. SAF needs to ponder this before he starts wanting to increase the stadium capacity yet again. Maybe we are about to lose all the hangers on – HURRAH! Now more locals will be able to get tickets
.
September 8th, 2009 at 22:52
@Phoenix Red: Hey Phoenix, NOWT wrong with HAPPY CAMP mate, I love it there! So much better than dressing in sackcloth and ashes and lamenting everything within hitting distance. Roll on the City game, so all we happy campers CAN ROCK THE STANDS AGAIN
.
September 8th, 2009 at 22:54
@Craig Mc: Hey craig, i recently moved to manchester because im going to uni here. PLZ PLZ tell me where i can get man utd tickets? Also how far back does it usually have to be? Like 2 weeks before a game or what? sorry about my lack of knowledge about this, but this is the first time i want to get a ticket for a united game, and i have no idea how…
September 8th, 2009 at 22:54
September 8th, 2009 at 23:00
@mike: 1st of all contact ticket office at OT – obvious sorry. Also TICKETMASTER are usually a good place on line or by phone to buy from. I know the Man City game is completely sold out, as you usually have to buy tics well in advance. It is not easy to get tickets usually, but as I mentioned in a previous post, 10,000 empty seats went begging for the Arsenal game so you could have got tics for that game. Keep phoning Old Trafford, because some folk who can’t get to games, send tics back to the ticket office on the last minute!
September 8th, 2009 at 23:10
@ Craig, hows it going Bro? Empty seats in Old Trafford? Thats not on! Got to tell you bro, lifes shit at the mo. Breaking up with the missus
there’s not been much positive going on right now. But i’m not going to dwell on personal shit.
, hows tyneside?
The positive angle of all this is, i’m definitly going to OT soon, very soon. I’ve actually been thinking of moving to Manchester!! If it wasn’t for my young fella Fionn, i’d be there already. Enough of my doom and gloom
September 8th, 2009 at 23:23
@Grognard: i knew what you meant bro
but i think jerry jones is in up to his ass with dalas that screen is only 90′ high and kickers are hitting it on the reg. dumb dumb idea but hey anything to sell more ads
September 8th, 2009 at 23:44
@Craig Mc: Contact the ticket office by telephone or give them a visit personally? thanks mate
September 8th, 2009 at 23:45
@Phoenix Red: Sounds like your going through some tough shit at the moment Phoenix! It would be tough moving to Manc land when you have your young son. Glad you are able to get to OT though, when your domestic situation is sorted.
Nothing changed in Geordieland mate
. The Geordies believe they are coming straight back up again into the PL, because they have won all their championship games thus far. We shall see. At least the doom and gloom has lifted a little for them 
.
September 8th, 2009 at 23:54
@mike: Yeah and don’t forget ticketmaster.co.uk either – online or better still telephone. You should contact both the OT official ticket office, and ticketmaster.
Tel No – Ticket office at Old Trafford – 0161 872 0199 OR 0161 868 8010
Tel No – Ticketmaster – 0870 534 4444 or visit Ticketmaster .co.uk
MUTV also advertise tickets for cup games etc – so visit MUTV website too
Good luck mate!
September 9th, 2009 at 0:09
@ Craig, as they say, if it doesn’t kill you, it can only make you stronger!
Am looking forward to OT though, probably gonna go with my Brothers, thats the tradition anyway. Havent a clue which game but dont care.
September 9th, 2009 at 0:11
@Craig Mc: thanks alot mate.. appreciate it
September 9th, 2009 at 0:38
@Phoenix Red: I have read your rants in the past but I took exception to your latest because it was referring to ranters who don’t always see things from the bright side. Yes I did take the mantle in leading them and replying to your comments which I felt were insensitive and intolerant. However, I am not about to take this time to get into a heated battle with you. I had a difference of opinion with you and things were said by both of us which border on total crap and childish bullshit (I should not have called you a republican because that was wrong ) but I seriously have to howl in laughter that you would call me a fascist. Simply because to have read so many of my posts and to see how bleeding heart liberal I am and the fact that I fight for freedom of speech and freedom of rights is the exact opposite of what you are accusing me of being. If anything, you would be more accurate in calling me a communist. Still, I am not going to let this get out of hand. Peace and apologies and lets get beyond this like grown adults. I guess we were both in shitty moods and that sparked the hostility. Well I’m man enough to stop and apologize for my part in it.
September 9th, 2009 at 0:42
@Phoenix Red: And one more thing so that I am perfectly clear. This is a Man utd rant site mate and no player is protected or immune to criticism or negative comments of any kind. They are fair game. It doesn’t even have to be polite or respectful criticism. Anything goes. But we really all should try to get together with each other on the site. Players and teams are public domain for praise as well as criticism. Christ mate, they make millions of pounds more than you and me and up to now have done a shitty job of entertaining us. So you have to allow that kind of abuse even if it upsets you or your senses.
September 9th, 2009 at 0:49
@Grognard: Look, if you want to be an “asshole” go ahead. All I am trying to do here is to take context into account. If you can’t let me do my job and throw a hissy fit everytime I point something out and threaten me I’m sorry. I am not that sort of guy.
I look for context before saying someone to behave; like you gave the referee analogy, you don’t penalise every foul you let play continue at times, so I sometimes let the conversation flow as a heat of the moment thing. You look at individuals; some of them don’t have a vicious history like Phoenix for instance. Everyone says a lot of things when they get pissed off, so I try to identify some of them and interrupt only when things get out of hand.
It’s been over two years you’ve seen me run this thing and if you want to throw all that away be my guest.
September 9th, 2009 at 0:51
@Craig Mc: 10,000 empty seats at OT
You mean we don’t have the drawing power anymore or is the economy that screwed up in The UK??
September 9th, 2009 at 0:52
@Craig Mc: I wasn’t aware that there were 10,000 empty seats at that game bro. My God, it’s gotten worse than I ever imagined and a Hell of a lot faster than i expected too. It just confirms some of my previous posts where I said many fans would turn and walk away because they are not stupid to be paying escalating prices for a diminishing return. I’m glad. Serves the money bags right for stealing the 80 million from the Ronaldo sale and not putting back into player development. I’ll bet you sales are well down world wide when it comes to United merchandise as well. I bet you those Owen #7’s are just picking up dust and lint sitting in boxes and shelves. This is alos a warning to Ferguson to stop with the arrogance and conceit and start treating the fans with some respect and giving them the credit they deserve. He could start building back his tarnished popularity and destroying his corporate lackey image by making a big signing in January.
September 9th, 2009 at 0:55
@Craig Mc: Man Utd have 10,000 empty seats vs Arsenal and Man City are SOLD OUT?
This sounds like an episode of the Twilight Zone. Sorry but that is scaring the shite right out of me mate. Do you mean the Man City game at OT or do you mean Man City games are sold out?
September 9th, 2009 at 1:02
@Red Ranter: Well perhaps I feel a little like Ronaldo. Persecuted by the referee on every play. I don’t like getting in to it with you because you never see my point of view and you only belittle my feelings on the subject, so I really don’t care to discuss it further. There are enough guys on this site who like to make me feel like shit. You do not need to encourage them by adding your condemnation of my attempts to fight back. I’ve cooled off and decided to temper my threats to go ape shit over anybody and everybody. Just call it common sense kicking in. Still, you’re wrong. Peace.
September 9th, 2009 at 1:13
@Redrich: Lets put it this way mate, I am a die hard fan yet I am so disenchanted with the quality of the team and the attitude of the manager that I have watched the last two games on delay broadcasts. I used to get up at 5:00am in the morning to watch the team but right now I cannot be bothered. What for? To see them drudge out a boring draw or 1-0. Hell no. In fact I have stopped recording games to ad to my collection. I couldn’t care less anymore. Why waste discs for games I will never watch again? For a team who I do not get motivated for anymore and who doesn’t light my fire? I feel insulted and ignored as a fan and I want my Ronaldo back. Now I know I won’t get him back but for me the day we lost Ronny was the day the team lost it’s mojo and so did I.
My point in all this is if I am able to react so harshly and so combatively against my beloved team of choice, then I can imagine many like minded and enraged fans who live in Manchester saying to Hell with this, I’m not paying to go see our team bore us to death by throwing JS Park and Ben Foster at us. It’s a fan backlash and frankly, they deserve it. The brass need to know that when you disrespect the fans and offer them a sub par product, there will be repercussions. Supporters are not stupid and in these hard times they do not take well to increased prices for tickets and decreases in player quality and player spending. It’s all about winning and winning with style. When Fergie realizes this, he and others may understand why fans like myself are so enraged and so bitter this early into the new season.
September 9th, 2009 at 1:54
@Grognard: I think it’s difficult to support a team at a fever pitch for the amount of years you and I have put in. At some point the adoration has to be tempered by an element of moderation otherwise the peaks and valleys become very tiresome to traverse!
In other words, you just can’t get too high during a good period and too low during a bad one.
No one would like to see United win everything every year more than me. But as a sports fan since as far back as I can remember, and a United fan in particular, I just know it’s not gonna happen. The laws, deemed appropriate by the sports gods, don’t allow us continuous nirvana.
They make us suffer during the bad times so that the good times seem so much better!
I know you’re beating your head against the wall, trying to fathom what gives with this current team and it’s managing element, and although I’m not loosing sleep over it, I’ve scratched my noggin enough to know that things are not quite as they seem!
We may be faced with a season of disappointment this year, and I’m sure we’ll all have plenty to say about here, but I do think that your eternal tone of doom doesn’t serve you well. Who would want to sit next to the guy in the coffee shop that perpetually predicts to end of the world.
Who knows he may be right, but no one wants to hear it!
Cheer up, mate even if we don’t win things this year, we could take revenge on the filth, and perhaps put Tevez firmly in his place.
September 9th, 2009 at 2:19
@Grognard:
I mean the Man City game at OT is sold out!
September 9th, 2009 at 2:22
@Grognard: I’m only going by what the papers are saying about this. There didn’t seems that much empty terrace spacing to be honest though! P’haps somebody else on here has the attendence for that day!
September 9th, 2009 at 2:30
@Craig Mc: According to this though we were full.
Have been listening to the bartenders, cousins, aunt again??
September 9th, 2009 at 2:34
@Craig Mc: AS far as this is concerned, we were full up.
Did you here this from the bartenders, cousins, aunt, boyfriend??
September 9th, 2009 at 2:38
@Craig Mc: OK, this site http://www.soccerbase.com/results3.sd?gameid=590295 is saying we were full.
Did you get this from your girlfriends, aunts, husbands, nephew??
September 9th, 2009 at 2:54
RR, I’ve posted several times, but it’s not showing up mate! What gives??
September 9th, 2009 at 3:10
@Craig Mc: Anycase, what I was trying to post was that after checking a couple of sites the attendance was reported as 75,000 plus, so no we were full!!
September 9th, 2009 at 4:04
Well 78, 79 & 80 just showed up here so please ignore, if you all are as confused as I am!!
September 9th, 2009 at 5:43
@Redrich: Profound words of wisdom to be sure mate. Seriously, you made a lot of sense. Man Utd for me has been a hard core passion for a long time. Perhaps I have been over compensating and putting far too much dependence on United and football season to take over for other missing elements in my life. I really need to chill and to stop taking it so seriously.
I really blame Fergie for a lot of the problem with me which is both good and bad. The good is he has delivered 20 years of incredible service to the team and to it’s supporters by becoming the greatest club manager of all time in the process. Frankly speaking, he has spoilt us all to death and made it almost impossible for his successor to ever get a day’s respect or a fair chance. I love the man and I admire him much the way I did an old math teacher I had back in my teens who took a keen interest in my life even though I sucked in math. He always had interesting and inspirational things to say to me and I really admired him and respected him despite the fact he was not my father.
Well Fergie is a man who I just have loved from afar for such a long time. Having read his book I felt I really understood the man and as the years have passed, there has been something special about the man that makes you just love him, respect him, trust him and follow him into Hell. And yet, something has happened over the past year or so that I find difficult to explain but his actions, his change in personality, his change in the way he manages games, deals with players and his constant loyalty to the owners of the team has caused me to get more and more irritated with his every move. He’s gone from a man who can do no wrong in my mind to a man who can do no right. His squad selections are a joke, his tactics are those of gun shy Italian shoe salesman and above all, his attitude and indifference to the fans and their needs has become the thing of legend. His arrogance and refusal to admit his mistakes has become legend but the fact he has lied to us over the Ronaldo business and the subsequent money just sits badly with me.
I have gone from love, envy and respect to scorn, bitterness and contempt and the fact is despite what many may think, I am not that fickle. I feel like he has shown all the loyal; fans who followed him for decades the middle finger and the up yours sign. He has sold his soul to the devil for another Champions League honor and in the process coached himself out of contention for the prize he so easily destroyed himself for. He knows as well as I and millions others that you cannot replace a Ronaldo but to never even try. Well, I suppose that is at the root of my malaise and deep rooted anger. I have been angry before but it never lasted long because United so often found a way to excite me and bring the passion back into my heart and soul. But now, in the span of six months, Fergie and United have sucked the life out of me and totally depressed beyond what my ex was capable of doing after ten years of marriage (common law). I trusted her and she betrayed me. I trusted Fergie and he has betrayed me. She gave me ten great years but Fergie and United gave me twenty. They gave me something to really look forward to and really entertained me. At the end of every season we usually won something and even if we didn’t, we played the game the way it was supposed to be played and we went down fighting. And after all that, Fergie would tinker and buy players to improve the team. He always strove to improve the team beyond what it was. Even with Ronaldo in tow, he tried to make it better. Nobody felt going after Berbatov was a bad move because we believed in Fergie and Fergie wanted to make the team better. So what happened?
In May we were crushed and demoralized. Destroyed by a Barcelona team that in my heart of hearts I believed were inferior and softer to us. Another Arsenal that we would have our way with. Well we know what happened there. In twenty yearts I cannot remember feeling so low after a loss. Sure it was a CL final but it was the way we went down that upset me. We played with no fire or passion. Our tactics were ridiculously out of place and out of sort. Nothing we did on the night made sense or seemed to fit what we knew and what we expected of the club.
After twenty years I saw something in a United team that night in Rome which I had never seen before. A spike had gone through the heart of the lion. United died that night without an ounce of fight and without the desire I had grown to expect having watched Bryan Robson, Mark Hughes, Steve Bruce, Peter Schmeichel, Gary Pallister, Eric Cantona, Roy Keane, Dennis Irwin, David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Teddy Sheringham. The team that I knew would never say die and would always go down fighting never even showed up after the half to make it a game.
Perhaps I am overreacting but that game was a symptom of a change in style and approach that started late the previous season and that lethargically spread through the whole team over the entire season. Slow, plodding, boring and cowardly football played to perfection with ill conceived squads including muppets I wouldn’t start on my local pro side the Vancouver Whitecaps like JS Park, Anderson and the over the hill Neville and Scholes. And this season I have been force fed the utterly useless and bargain basement find of the century in Ben Frakken Foster. We have gone from buying Cantona, Keane, Yorke, Sheringham, van Nistelrooy, Veron, Stam, Rio, Rooney and Ronaldo to JS Park, Anderson and Ben Frakken Foster.
And now we are also expected to tolerate the mediocrity that is Luis Antonio Valencia and instead of Huntelaar or Aguero or Pogrebnyak, we are settling for the biggest ?????? of all time, Michale Owen. Well I gues I just finally had my meltdown.
Sorry for this long rant mate but I am carrying a lot of United baggage with me and I have to admit to having developed an addiction and a sweet tooth when it comes to Man Utd. I love them to death and they are seriously killing me. They have gone from one of truest and most rusted things that give me joy and pleasure to scornful ex wife who haunts me and plagues me by constantly stabbing me in the back while whistling sweet nothings in my ear and asking me to think back at what we had.
So now I am left having to cheer on a team that has lost it’s mojo and who I have a hard time relating to. A team that is owned by a family I despise and even though I do not suffer from antisemitism I can’t help but imagine terrible and painful ways of making them suffer for what they have done to my team. Manchester’s team, the supporters and community’s team has become a corporate lizard and an unpalatable entity that I often feel ashamed and disgusted to support. I’m not asking for my dads United. Hell, I’m asking for my United. The team I have supported since 1976. The team that played beautiful fast paced entertaining football and that never compromised itself no matter if the won or lost. The team that made you feel emotion and love for the players because they made you feel like they were warriors on the battlefield going to fight for king and country.
Yesterday I watched a “Captains Log” from 94/95 Where they lost the league on the last day of the season as well as the FA Cup to Everton. To see all those great players and a young Giggsy and Scholes play hard, to see a younger Ferguson so committed and so confident in his side and to see warriors like Keane and Bruce suffer through injury and and pain but give their all was wonderful to experience. All this while the King Cantona had to frustratingly spend in street clothes due to his suspension. What I saw was a bygone era a time when i felt a real connection to the team and where I felt I knew these players and the manager very well. I knew what I could expect from them. It was not about money, it was not about agents, it was not about licensing or spreading the brand around the world. I miss those times and I miss those players. Sure we still have Giggsy, Scholes and Neville but lets face it, they are all past it.
All those images of yesterday keep filtering through and for me, they mess with my present reality. The reality of a team that has less passion, no t as much talent and that I feel is soft in the belly. Many of them champions I know, but trust me when I say, that with all his flaws, United was carried by one Cristiano Ronaldo. He was that great and he elevated this good team into a great team. And losing him is more than I can bare and perhaps that too is why Fergie has not bothered to try to fill his shoes. How can you really. His greatness was never appreciated by the many United fans who hated him or disliked his attitude or diving. What they don’t understand is that Ronaldo’s and Bests come around once every thirty years. And the thought that we have thirty years to wait for another magical player like that to come along and almost guarantee us success is more than i can take.
It’s a trying time for the club but it is a trying time for blokes like you and I RedRich. We’ve been around and we have seen it all for a long time. And speaking for myself, it has been a roller coaster of a ride that I have loved and that i have become intoxicated with. And now I am being forced to endure mediocrity and go cold turkey watching the tosh and garbage we are being fed every week.
Man, so many just don’t get it.
September 9th, 2009 at 5:47
@Craig Mc: Ah, I thought so, but I wasn’t sure. The idea of Shitty selling out all their games and we have 10,000 empty seats at OT vs Arsenal is more than my heart can handle.
September 9th, 2009 at 5:50
@Redrich: That’s a relief although the Glazer’s need to be taught a lesson. Still, I’d hate to see the supporters bail on the team and Fergie. Despite my anger with Fergie these days, the man deserves a full capacity stadium after what he has accomplished.
September 9th, 2009 at 6:34
@Grognard: Stop bitching about at Phoenix and getting incensed with every little remark he makes. RR gives a little freedom for ranters on this site, which is much appreciated. You cannot ask him to curtail mild remarks of a person who was fed up with all the negativity around and who did not directly throw any verbal abuse at you.
So swallow it and start acting like the grown up ‘man’ that you should be by now.. Getting emotional and OTT
for every little thing – I’m tired of it..
September 9th, 2009 at 7:07
Grogy… Before I start on what I want say I would like to point out one thing as disclaimer that I am not as experienced as you are nor have I seen as many things as you have (including United) in my life. I never had privilege to see united with all those people like Brucy, Robson, Cantona and all in live telecast. They are all in my memory through all the collection that I have made over last 10 years of United matches in Fergie era (though had to spend lot for that). So I can see where you are coming from.
So, before I put my point forth, I would like to take you some time back when we had a discussion in which I said there are people who followed these superstars (Ronaldo) in everything they do such as from hairstyle to attitude at that time you replied that you are too old and matured that you won’t do that. But, as I see GROG the problem is the same that I have mentioned. I know many people, who worshiped Ronaldo and when suddenly he went, they took a shock of it. You are going through the same thing right now.
I mean it not just about Ronaldo or Man UTD. It’s a general tendency of a human being that we always try find something in these people, sports personality, clubs and team that we are missing in our life. As we have that vacuum which, we want to fill we resort to all these things. I don’t know anything about you personally but the passion with which you talk and write, I always thought even though you say that you are very objective and to the point kinda fan, you are not. The whole Man UTD things, the people related to Man UTD and even this rant site have a personal place in your life. That’s why even after so many fights you are still around and keep coming back with more venom.
The thing here as I see is, for me, you are not just a FAN but you are what I call as a FANATIC. I mean you and me both why we like Man UTD? Because, we both know when things are not going well, it can give you that little happiness that you and me deserve from people in our life. So, when people in our life fell to deliver we get more and more into our beloved Man UTD. But, then what if Man UTD can’t deliver then comes the time when all this gloom doom and bitching starts. Why because we don’t get the kinda satisfaction that we want to fulfill our needs.
Now, getting back to whole Fergie thing bro… I know and I can totally understand where you are coming from. I don’t want to get into all this Glaziars issue but as far as playing style is concerned I have few comments.
I mean we all know that the time is running out fast for Fergie and he has that thing in him that he wants to have that 19th and may be couple more CL. So, what he is doing is just to achieve his personal goals he has changed everything about him. He has gone the way where he will get that success no matter how and what cost it comes. He has become more adamant and rude because now he may not be in his mental condition to think what fans and club is all about. He may be thinking of only one thing to achieve his own goals that’s all. (This is just my sense).
But then bro… Like you have agreed that the man has given so much to the club and all fans if he thinks of himself then he fully deserve it. He has earned that right for sure through all what he has done. I mean it’s like an old person in our family. When they get old and fear for there life due to there age they start all the crap, they only do whatever suits them never mind about the family. They start with all the bitching and whining about the things. They live with there no bother attitude. That’s exactly what is happening with the MAN himself. I mean he is most respected OLD MAN in our large Man UTD family. Now, he realizes that sun is setting on his career so he doing only what he wants never mind what others (FANS) think.
So, I would say bro bear this…. as he has given us something that no one I repeat no one could in 50 yrs (I hope I am right) of your life and 25 years of my life that is “ETERNAL HAPPYNESS”. Smile on our face when nothing seems to go right in our life. Something to cheer when our closest people have backstabbed on us and right to die peacefully knowing that, we have enjoyed may be the best in the history of the greatest club of all time…
We all know that we may or may not be around but MAN UTD will always be. And it will spread the happiness around for many more generation to come even after we will call our day….
Give it a thought bro… You may get what I want to say…..
September 9th, 2009 at 7:17
@Grognard: long, long, looooooong post,but well said mate.
September 9th, 2009 at 7:30
@Merlinus: Why are you trying to bring back old fights, didn’t grog and phoenix kiss and make up a couple of post ago?
September 9th, 2009 at 7:48
@spizzy: Well, there was only “lets get on with it like grown ups do”.. My problem is, there was no kiss and make up part
.. Grog: “I love you Phoenix” will be nice to hear 
September 9th, 2009 at 8:00
@Merlinus: Mind your own business. The rant was not addressed to you so know your damn roll and shut your trap when it doesn’t concern you. Pathetic busybody.
September 9th, 2009 at 8:11
@spizzy: It’s ok mate. Some people like to be assholes and belittle the efforts and thought of others while struggling to offer a coherent thought or idea about football themselves. They hang around like Lampreys do on sharks. Parasites feeding off the thoughts and ideas of others and then having nothing to offer about the topic of discussion but criticism or agreement with the individual who took time and effort to write something meaningful.
September 9th, 2009 at 8:13
@Merlinus: I apologized up to a point because that was all I was willing to do. I feel I made peace. Only Phoenix can say whether I was successful. Who are you to put your nose in where it doesn’t belong? If you want to talk football with me and disagree with what I have to say without being insulting, by all means, go for it. Other than, keep your other comments and personal jibes to yourself if you want any respect from me.
September 9th, 2009 at 8:17
You have got to love some fans for without them you would not appreciate this great club.I know and everyone knows that we played crap in Rome but coming out to say,the former players had a never say die attitude than the current crop is funny to me.Arent those the same players that were mediocre in Europe?Hasnt this crop reached two CL finals winning one in the process,3 PL trophies in a row in a much more competitive league?How about judging issues objectively?I used to watch in pain losing to leverkusen,deportivo and did anyone see the Madrid game at the Bernabeu?
Then some players get bashed and others don’t,but what amuses me is some fans bashing Anderson especially and abusing him and their favorite players are Ballack and Huntelar.Now forgive me if i am wrong but i have never understood whether ballack is an attacking or defensive midfielder,and i have followed him since his Leverkusen days. I mean ever since he came to Chelsea,does he strike you as a very good midfielder?Going to Huntelar, i will ask.At 26 what are his highlights?Maybe you might say he wasn’t used properly at Madrid,is he lighting the stage at Milan?
September 9th, 2009 at 8:27
@Onkar: That was beautifully put mate. You really captured a lot of what I am and who I have become. United has become this fanatical passion of mine that is a surrogate for the things in my life that are missing. At 50 I have lost more things than many others have had and life for me now is not terrible but it’s also not great. Issues with my mother, financial setbacks, health problems and a lack of pussy have made me a bit of an ogre I guess. Still, I have had a great life but the last few years have been tough and yes, United have gone a long way to helping me cope with those times. So now that United is offering me more grief than fun I find myself and my personality becoming more and more sour by the day and almost resentful of the ones I used to love, namely Fergie. It’s my problem and it’s my life and i have to deal with those disappointments better but make no mistake, United matters greatly to me and maybe a little too much for it to be healthy.
I like what you said about me being a fanatic. I think you are right. I really need to step back a bit and get a calmer and extreme perspective of the happenings at OT. It’s tough though. Trust me, I hate feeling like crap and being negative about all things United but I just cannot help myself. I cannot come onto this site and lie about how I felt about a game or performance when I know I feel differently. Yet many on here would love for nothing more than for me to come on and give thumbs up for everything. My question to you and to them is thumbs up for what? I presently hate the team we are fielding. I just hate them. Not in the way I hate opponents but in the way I hate and ex wife who I loved but who betrayed me and broke my heart. And I cannot help myself because I feel that is exactly what they have done.
Fine they couldn’t prevent Ronaldo from leaving, I get that. But they should have spent the money they got for him. I hate bringing that up continuously but it drives me nuts and leaves me frustrated, bitter and angry. That bit of business has soured me on the team like you cannot imagine. Perhaps if we hadn’t made such ass clowns of ourselves in Rome for all the world to see, I wouldn’t be pressing the panic button so much. But the fact remains, in the past six months we have gone from champs to chumps, from heroes to zeros, from it to that.
What I need more than anything is the end to this awful and tedious international break and for the club to go on a truly impressive winning and goal scoring run. I dare them to do it and to shut me up.
September 9th, 2009 at 8:30
@donibrasco: You are forgiven and you are wrong.
And further more, we were lucky to make the last two CL finals and were even luckier to win the one we did win. We never got there on style, that’s for damned sure.
September 9th, 2009 at 8:34
@donibrasco: love you donibrasco! Take him out..
Huntelaar was shown the door because he was never good enough for madrid.. All he can do is put the ball in the back of the net. He doesn’t have passing ability, link up is very bad, off the ball movement is not good, he doesn’t read the game at all.. Infact, RVN is miles better. Huntelaar is a poor man’s Inzaghi..
Ballack has a big head, which enables him to come up with half decent headers – thats the only thing that he does properly.. He’s not worth the value.. Ballack to put it bluntly is a slouch with poor sportsmanship.. No pace or nimbleness – lampard and deco have better vision.. He’s a poor man’s NOONE..
September 9th, 2009 at 8:42
@Grognard: BULLSHIT.. just because you are an old donkey doesn’t mean that you have wisdom.. Experience doesn’t mean that you have better tactical analysis.. therefore you cannot belittle me saying that i’m a scavenger preying on sharks.. TBH i think sharks don’t live as long as you have and they don’t become as senile either
.. Donot disgrace the aquatic mammals by comparing them with your pessimistic self.. you are a disgrace 
September 9th, 2009 at 9:07
@Merlinus: Boss… Huntelaar was sencond RVN in the making.. If you can’t understand what is out an out RVN strikers are all about then keep your mouth shut… I don’t remember RVN was ever a prolific passer of the ball. But yet, he was prolific in what he used to do…
And as far as finishing the ball in the back of the net from in and around six yard box… he is one of the best if not the best striker in the europe and world today….
As for BALLACK I agree with what you have said….
September 9th, 2009 at 9:17
@Grognard:
Bro… I could totally understand where this venom comes from… I could get what you are all about because you are a FANATIC as I am. But, then what we both need to understand that is this is a world which runs on the cyclical phenomenon. I mean, what ever has gone up either consolidates there with some sideways movement or comes back down. Like, you yourself have experienced in your life that if you can’t consolidate on top then you are going to have trouble in future.
That’s where the point of view comes or our way of looking at comes in the picture. I mean, I may look at this thing and say OK. Evan though, United is not as good as they once were still they are in that consolidating phase and once this phase is over they will break out for yet higher tops.
Where as you are looking at things other way around which makes you feel that our years at top arte over and we are going in downward direction.
That’s why I bring all the positivity to this place where as you bring all the negativity to this place. All I am wishing to say just change the color of your specs mate and world may become different (may not be immediately but in future).
At the end of the day all of us So called Optimist and So Pessimist have a common agenda that we want UNITED to on top forever………….
September 9th, 2009 at 9:23
@donibrasco: If I remember correctly almost everyone on this site and media across were cribbing about the fact that we missed FLETCH. I mean what does he brings to the table???
Does he give goals?? NO.
Does he gives you those killer passes?? NO.
Then what he brings to the table????
He brings Character, Courage, Hostility, Fighting Spririt and i think If I want to summerise the whole thing then I will say “FIGHTING SPIRIT”.
I think thats what we lacked…….
September 9th, 2009 at 9:29
@Onkar: RVN was not only a good finisher he also could hold the ball and bring others into play.when you have an exceptional quality,people forget the rest of your qualities,but Huntelar?@Grognard: Luck was when porto won it.Actually the reason we got dis appointed in Rome was more because we were the favorites and it showed in the first 15 minutes.
September 9th, 2009 at 9:37
@Grognard: Getting there on style i agree,at times i felt we were cowardly in approach and were very negative but not lucky.I actually believe we were unlucky in Rome and for all the chances our saviour Ronaldo created,had we scored the first goal,we would be singing from a different hym book.
September 9th, 2009 at 9:59
@donibrasco: I agree that we were bit unfortunate till they score the on there first opportunity. but, that’s what essentially crosses your own statement and proves mine we lacked fighting spirit….
I mean after being 1-0 down we never showed the ability to fight we almost resigned to fate and that what the whole point was.
And when chips are down thats the time show your character and thats what we lacked….
September 9th, 2009 at 10:04
@Grognard: Then tell me to go fuck myself, if that’s what you believe! Don’t pussyfoot about it!
September 9th, 2009 at 10:09
@donibrasco: These current crop of players didn’t get us to the two finals. I think you mean 1 player, CR7.He got us to the final and he won us two of those three premier league titles.
United had a very mediocre start last year when ronaldo was out injured and only begun winning comfortably when he returned,they did the same when he had a three match ban in 06/07. Thats shows that without ronnie the team rarely perfomed. If it wasn’t for his goals against inter and porto united might have been knocked out. But there is not a single player left who can deliver for us like he did, and only three in the team seem to even try to win us games, they are giggs, roonie and fletcher, but giggs is old and he fails when he tries, fletcher’s major contribution come defensively and the jury is still out on whether roonie can fill ronnie shoes. I have to say that most of the players don’t have the commitment level and the love for the club that the old guards did. They wouldn’t bleed for united like players of old, and recent reports about anderson clearly prove my point.
But don’t get me wrong I personally think ballack and huntelaar aren’t worth all the hype, and even adding them to our squad wouldn’t help but fergie should have atleast gone out of his way to get a world class player into the squad.
We are now like arsenal after henry, we all thought arsenal were a great team till one man left, they haven’t won anything after that, the same might just apply with united unless something is done in january.
September 9th, 2009 at 10:24
@Stephen: yeah, i can see adrenaline is moving up, call me whatever you like, i dont give a shit, i remain Jay Jay. But what you think makes you who you are. You started the racist thing i didnt, you misinterpreted my post and all my attempts to make you understand what i meant didnt matter.
Anyway, you entitled to your opinions but when you get to judge other peoples opinions be ready to take the shots as well.
yeah, call me a twat or what but when i open up you most likely will break the PC/laptop screen in front of you.
September 9th, 2009 at 10:25
FIFA are busy… Fiorentina have made a complaint about our signing of Michele Fornasier this summer (but seeing as pre-contracts aren’t legally binding and he is under 18 there should be no case), and United have complained to FIFA that the Italian FA are yet to release the documentation of Empoli youngster Alberto Massacci. Interestingly, they are still yet to receive a complaint from Le Havre.
September 9th, 2009 at 10:30
@Dan: cut the crap mate, who started it anyway. if you aint understand what yo fella is sayin then ask for eraboration dont just judge and when yo judged you make it look like its gonna be the end of the world.
eeh who said that yo the one to tell me to leave the blog, buddy yo a ranter as i am. if you dont like my rants then swallow it and die with yo pain i got nothing to do about it. OK
i not going to start using the language you and stephen are using towards me coz i can get nasty, n i just dont feel like doing that now.
September 9th, 2009 at 10:30
@Jay Jay: Look if I misinterpreted your post which you say I did then I apologise, no hard feelings, but calling me a racist annoyed me to say the least I am no way shape or form that way inclined.
September 9th, 2009 at 10:36
@Craig Mc: true am not from that part of the world but atleast i understand most of the lingos, i actually am the one who used the phrase “the Gibbos” but stephen who’s a Manc of all people misunderstood me.
thanks mate for clearing the cloud.
September 9th, 2009 at 10:37
@Redrich:
, No mate it was being reported in one sunday paps. The reporter actually said in his comments, United say that City are a small club, well not judging by the Arsenal game vs upcoming Man City game – OT gate 10,000 down for Arsenal game, but already fully sold out for City game. Nevertheless Bro I should have checked around like you did before reporting. SORRY 
. I just whipped myself if that hels RedRich 
. Naughty Craig – misleading the people – should check before believing reports. I’m learning 
.
September 9th, 2009 at 10:53
Lovely rant Grognard. I still haven’t got over the way we lost in the Champions League final. We had the chance to make modern history. Winning two Champions Leagues in a row would have been an incredible feat. Yes there was an element of luck that got us to both finals. But in a cup competition luck does come into play. But we were not “unlucky” in the final. We just rolled over the moment they got a goal. Everyone says we were missing Fletcher, but Barcelona were missing most of their backline but the difference was that their makeshift defence played like heroes while our supposedly superior defence made two stupid mistakes which led to goals.
With Ronaldo gone it will be a while before we get to another Champions League final. The balance of power has shifted from England to Spain. Perhaps in five years time all the youngsters we’ve poached will mature and become our future stars. But I do not see why in the meantime we have to tolerate the mediocrity of Carrick, Anderson, Valencia and Foster and the senility of Giggs and Scholes and the incompatibility this team has with Berbatov.
September 9th, 2009 at 10:55
@Grognard: every team that gets to final has labelled to have had luck somewhere in the run in, which actually is true. Luck has to be yo way to win this thing. Look at us in ‘99, would you rule out the fact that we were lucky. If you say that the last one we won was out of luck then all that we’ve won has been due to luck.
Wasn’t it luck that took Barca to the final, one team is unluckily robbed and the other is luckily gifted. I guess that’s the scenario.
September 9th, 2009 at 10:59
@Onkar: RVN can hold up the ball better than huntelaar, He has better vision and RVN understands the flow of the game mate..
One reminder for you: RVN’s 360 turn and a pass in one motion releasing Robben off in an ‘orange rush’ of a counter attack which led to Netherland’s Third goal!, remember that???
Huntelaar again i reiterate – “a poor man’s Inzaghi”
At one point of time when he was young we may have felt Hunter was the next RVN in the making.. but not anymore.. I feel bad for him.
September 9th, 2009 at 11:47
@Merlinus: At least we agree that RVN was something special that we have seen in modern football. For me he was the BEST when it comes scoring..
For rest I think we should happily agree to disagree I suppose.
September 9th, 2009 at 12:58
@ Grognard : You may like Huntelaar too much but the fact is that he is the best one to get on the bench where ever he plays…
For Madrid, on bench…
For Holland, on bench…
For Milan, on bench…
hahahha
September 9th, 2009 at 13:01
@owen: Mate his record is:
Madrid – 20 games 8 goals
Holland – 25 games 14 goals
Ajax- 92 games 76 goals
Not to shabby I would say.
September 9th, 2009 at 13:03
@Jay Jay: Just out of curiosity, are you black?
By the way, I think maybe you’re mistaken about “the Gibbos”
Does the word Gibbos mean something derogatory to you?
Most of us equate Gibbos wioth Darron Gibson, or players of similar quailty and status in the team that Gibson enjoys.
September 9th, 2009 at 13:09
@Stephen: Thats the point mate. Whereever he has played he has proved that he is a true goal scorer and will score what ever comes his way.
I mean if my memory serves me right when he was starting regularly Madrid was on 8 matches winning streak. But then started the Raul drama and then poor Hunter was relegeted to the bench. We know what happened aferwards….
He is just plain UNLUCKY in my view…..
September 9th, 2009 at 13:16
@Onkar: I like the lad aand always have, I can see peoples reservations about him for us as the premiership is very quick and one thing the Duchman doesn’t have is pace but his goals record is very good.
For us though through the middle we should have a reasonable amount, Wazza will start every game if fit, in my view Berba will start more often now “he” has left us and should do as he needs a run in the side. Owen will provide a different option and decent back up, we also have Macheda who will only get better and Welbeck hopefully will get his chances and he looked good last season, so touch wood we should be fine
September 9th, 2009 at 13:33
@NicoQB: you lousy chap, go back to the origin of the argument and see what the matter is, i used the phrese “the Gibbos” and people said i called SAF a racist. that when i brought it back trying to show you that what i actually meant wasn’t racial at all.
and y ask abt ma skin colour, idiot. stop poking yo noise in issues you dont know how they started, between me and Stephen everything is sortd out, we all now know it was a mere misunderstanding so why bring back the shit in the graveyard!
September 9th, 2009 at 13:43
@NicoQB: and y ask about my skin colour, do you want to give me a BJ?
September 9th, 2009 at 14:24
@Jay Jay:
For what it’s worth, I totally understand what you meant. I don’t think you were being racist. You actually had a legitimate point (which I share to a large extent) and I find it a bit difficult why people cannot grasp your point. Maybe it’s because of other comments you passed.
This comment to NicoQB I personally feel is a bit uncalled for. I can understand that you are now on the defensive, but not everybody is trying to attack you.
I would say, lets just all agree (esp. yourself and Stephen) that you did NOT call SAF a racist. Perhaps then you can start over again.
Btw, Stephen, I think you mis-interpreted what he meant when ‘accusing’ you of being racist. Why not overlook those disagreements and start over?
September 9th, 2009 at 14:35
Why we r discussing abt Huntelaar here….
He is in contract there for 5 years…
better we discuss abt our own players…
we have got too many in the squad
September 9th, 2009 at 14:37
@Jay Jay: What’s with the attitude mate? I was just asking a question.
I asked whether you are black, as I think that many black people throw (unwarranted) fits, and very often read too much into harmless comments. Claiming that such and such comment is racist when it is could not be furthest from the truth. Its been getting truly ridiculous.
For your information, I am black.
September 9th, 2009 at 14:54
@Karl: I have said one thing at him since then I have apologised for misinterpreting what the lad said, he seems to have accepted it, whats the big deal?
Dan and Craig are my mates and I would back them also, so really I can’t see what the fuss is about.
September 9th, 2009 at 15:04
@Stephen: Understood. No big deal. It just seemed like this thing was getting out of hand with the comment to Nico.
I actually felt he had a legitimate view and would have liked to see the responses to the view, instead, everybody focussed on racist garbage (which I feel was a misunderstanding in the first place).
September 9th, 2009 at 15:07
@Stephen: To be more direct, I wanted to see your response to his statement
That’s why I addressed the comment to you as well.
September 9th, 2009 at 15:12
@Karl: My take is that a English or British, Italian, French, Spanish ect side needs a spine of players coming from that country, Chelsea have Terry, Lampard and A Cole Liverpool have Gerrard and Carragher Barca have Iniesta, Xavi and Puyol who are from the shores of the country where the team is from.
There is no bias in Fergie playing lads from England or Britain he sees the necessity of that hence playing Rio, Fletch and maybe or hopefully Gibson in the future who know the culture of the club.
September 9th, 2009 at 15:15
@Jay Jay: Yeah mate – ’shit in the graveyard’ is a pretty accurate description for this particular THREAD at the moment. It wouldn’t surprise me if when RedRanter sees some comments, they will surely be deleted, and I think rightly so. I know I would delete most of them if it was down to me
. Now anybody who would like to delete me – FEEL FREE 
.
September 9th, 2009 at 16:00
@Stephen: Maybe we should take it further
I agree on the need to play ‘local’ lads. What I disagree with is the favouritism. Personally, I do believe there is favouritism involved, which is not directly related to the players’ technical ability.
I understand also the ‘patriotic’ view. I don’t feel there is anything wrong with it per se, but it does seem to be the case.
September 9th, 2009 at 16:01
@Jay Jay: English isnt your first language is it?
I though you were greek!
@NicoQB:
September 9th, 2009 at 16:05
@Karl: Who is favoured above whom elaborate? Also techinical abilty is only so much of being a footballer, there are plenty of good technical players playing for poor clubs.
September 9th, 2009 at 16:51
@Redrich: Couldn’t have said it better myself.
What unnerves people is not negativism as such, but a tendency to go to the extremes, and spell doom — justified or not. Sometimes people react to negative thoughts unfavourably because of the effect it can have on their mind. They might be going through a bit in their personal lives and negativism on the blog too, might push them over edge. Which is why some times even normally “sane” commenters could react to negative remarks the way they did. 
September 9th, 2009 at 17:04
@Karl: There is indeed favoritism – and the old guard are the ones benefiting from it. THey’ve turn out poor perfrmance after poor erformance, yet they continue to start for important matches.
While we’re on the matter I also agree that there is a need for a core of British based players. THey are the ones who are most likely to generate positive team spirit and pass on the values of the club.
@Dan: Once again mistaking me for that guy Nikos…
Long time since he’s posted here.
September 9th, 2009 at 17:22
@NicoQB: Giggs is the current PFA player of the year, Scholes and Neville are hardly regular starters for big games. Young players like Anderson have not stepped up to the plate when needed, if we talk about poor perfomaces then when was the last time Anderson played well?
If we say certain players do not get dropped when their form dips then Evra is one, Rooney to some extent in recent seasons has played when he is clearly off form, Park and Carrick currently.
People keep saying the “old guard” are favoured, Paul Scholes only started 23 games in all competions last season Anderson started 29. Gary Neville started 13 league games Rafael started 12, O’Shea started 20 even Wes started 6 games.
I agree certainly that Red Nev is finished but Rafael has promise but was exposed somewhat defensivly last season he he needed time out of the side, Scholes I still believe has some role to play maube league cup and certain league games at home if we have big games mid week and injuries, Giggs also has something to offer but again would not start him in the bigger matches.
All I am saying is the older players sre not holding the younger ones back as much as people think, Anderson is an ongoing debate but Fletcher and Carrick are in his way and so hopefully will Hargo less in my mind Giggs and Scholes and for me the future is Gibson.
Wes, Evra and O’Shea are in the way of De Laet, Rafael and Fabio rather G Red, so the hammering the old guys get me is is somewhat unfair.
September 9th, 2009 at 17:43
@Merlinus: WOW! Was that ever witty. Truly juvenile shite. What a punk.
September 9th, 2009 at 17:54
@Grognard: I’m appalled you are dissing the shark.
September 9th, 2009 at 17:58
@Onkar: Trying telling that to my detractors. I’m convinced by what you say. They aren’t. I don’t tolerate United losing or looking mediocre. My detractors don’t tolerate me. What more can I say? For every 5 people who read and appreciate my take on football, I have 3 ass clowns who don’t just disagree, they make it a personal quest to personally piss me off and they get away with it because the moderator of this site has also had it with me and cannot be bothered to do the right thing any longer. But, I am thicker skinned than I was before. I see the double standards, the lack of fairness and the lack of respect and appreciation I get for my contributions. But you are right, I am a fanatic and a fantatic needs his forum. Therefore I can take anything they dish out at me and I will do so with a scathing reply and a laugh.
As long as their are individuals like yourself around who are great to converse with and who are appreciative of my efforts and time, then it’s all worth it. I don’t need a majority consensus to feel appreciated. A few kind words of acknowledgment and appreciation usually gets me through the day. But still, I have to put up with the muppets of the world who have a hard time forming a coherent sentence and rather than debate me on the football issues I am bringing up, they dig deep into their bitter souls and unimaginative minds and come up with what they think are weapons of mass destruction. “Lets put down Ballack and Huntelaar, that’ll piss him off and put him over the edge”. Can you imagine the kind of mind that thinks like that and actually expects a grown man and an adult to fall for such a juvenile attempt at revenge. Like what they think matters to me, when all it is is hatred spiked with envy and jealousy because they haven’t got the skill to form a sentence or write a paragraph that makes any sense or offers anything of substance to this fine blog?
Thanks for your support and words of wisdom mate.
September 9th, 2009 at 18:06
@donibrasco: The thing that get s me is most on here haven’t seen enough of Huntelaar to comment. They see a game or two and they think they have his skill set down. They don’t. They saw enough of RVN to get a better feel for what he was and wasn’t able to do, and there were plenty of things he couldn’t do.
As for the CL final, we may have gone in as favorites because we were defending champions and because We looked so good against arsenal while Barca fluked it off vs Chelsea. But we were not the better team by no means in that match. Yes we played well, or should I say Ronaldo played well in the first fifteen minutes until they scored. Once they scored we played what I feel is the worst United game I have seen in 15 years. Yes we lost other games on the road to Arsenal or Newcastle or even Blackburn where are we were bad but this game was so not United. Everything about it smelled of Fergie’s changes in style, tactics etc going south all at once. It’s almost like the football gods had said, he needs to be stopped and this kind of garbage he has been feeding the loyal fans of United for over a year needs to be put to an end. Well even the football gods had no idea to the lengths of pride and stubbornness of the old Scot. Now we are without Ronaldo and he’s still dishing out the same kind of football that saw us so soundly defeated in Rome. Sorry, but it brings out the negative in me.
September 9th, 2009 at 18:15
@donibrasco: That’s a lot of could have should have would have in my opinion. The fact is we never scored and we then fell into a hole and played terribly. All that terrible passing and lack of energy and movement was there mate. I seriously doubt things would have been different. In fact, had we scored first I fully expected Fergie would have sunk into a defensive frame of mind and we would have played like we did against them the year before in the semi’s. The difference was we weren’t as good as we were the year before and our movement and focus was not in tune on the night.
People need to stop making excuses about this team and face facts. We are slipping rapidly into mediocrity and we play a terrible brand of football. This would be expected and almost predictable had Fergie retired and some other manager took over and implemented these changes in our game. But for Fergie himself to have done it, well it’s a bitter pill to swallow for me because I admit to being spoilt rotten on a different brand of football for the previous 19 years under his leadership. Fergie has spoilt me and he has to answer for giving me too much candy and then all of a sudden taking all the candy away and offering lumps of coal instead. I’m not a Liverpool fan or an Arsenal fan. I’m not a Chelsea fan or a Spurs fan. No, I am a Manchester United fan. I have grand ambitions and demand attacking flair, excellence and championships. Let the rest fight for the scraps
September 9th, 2009 at 18:18
@Stephen: I agree!
But really Scholes would have started more games had he not been injured for parts of last season.
And Giggs won his PFA player of the year mainly on account of his good performances against small teams, and I’m perfectly fine with that.
I also don’t rate the Brazilian twins as much as most people do, and thought that Eckersley looked more solid as a defender than them.
De Laet is a monster though.
September 9th, 2009 at 18:19
@Onkar: We lacked fighting spirit, we lacked leadership on the pitch, we lacked focus and concentration and it really looked like we lacked a good night’s sleep before the match. Above all, we lacked pace and imagination. How often did we stay back and try to soak up all the pressure Barcelona gave us and all we could do the few times we had the ball is either loft a long direct ball to nobody or just give the ball away. On the night it was Manchester United vs Hull City and we played the role of Hull. It was a disgraceful evening and above all, it was embarrassing. The Champions League final is not the stage one wants to lay a complete egg in.
September 9th, 2009 at 18:22
@Traverse: Nah, what’s the point. Actually I generally have no problem with you most of the time. This got started because you got personal. I need to stop letting people like you to get under my skin to the point where I get all bent out of shape and angry. What’s the point? So you don’t like me, so what? I don’t even know you and I am going to give a damn that you dislike me. No, that’s your weight to carry mate. I don’t wish anything bad on you and I am not going to get into it with you because it’s just not worth it. I’d rather talk football with you even if you disagree with my views.
September 9th, 2009 at 18:33
@NicoQB: Nico Bro – did Richie Delaet play for Belgian 1st team or for the under 21’s? You happen to know that mate? If he played for the 1st team, how did Belgian do & Richie?
September 9th, 2009 at 18:37
@Grognard: I have problem with you at all, I just thought the ‘best teams over the last 40 years’ qualification idea was rubbish is all.
September 9th, 2009 at 18:41
@spizzy: Well said mate. In fairness to United though I have to say in all honesty that it is virtually impossible to replace a player of the caliber of Ronaldo. He was not just the world’s best, he was out of this world. It speaks wonders of how bad Portugal are as a team when even he can’t elevate their game. Rooney himself has said the most amazing thing he has ever seen was Ronaldo’s play in the 2007/08 season. You just cannot replace a player like that. But here is where we agree 100%. At least you have to try.
Sergio Aguero would have been the one player that would have put life back into our front line. His skills were world class and his finishing sublime. But even he could not replace Ronaldo. In order to maintain the winning and the status quo, Fergie needed to see how to best fill Ronaldo’s shows by fixing the other weaknesses on the team. I really have no problem with his obvious decision to go for an out and out winger in Valencia. Not Ronaldo but a player who can deliver runs and crosses.
So where else can we upgrade to help us get better and get past the Ronaldo era? Well as I see it it was and always will be in central midfield. Fine I will concede that Fletcher is the new Hargo without the offensive skill. His defensive skill and basic DMF play is needed. But the real problem are the muppets and old men who play alongside him in the middle. Giggs and Scholes are past it. I am not going to say an negative thing about them other than they haven’t got the legs anymore to start.
Carrick for me has been a languid, almost lazy performer who has never been able to incorporate both defense and offense together in a game. He is slow and very slow footed. He also seems like a slow thinker. It takes him too long to figure out what to do. He is not the box to box player we need. When he is on form he is great but how often has that been? For me he has been inconsistent with flashes of brilliance. No good enough. And he just disappears against the best clubs, especially in Europe. And I won’t even bother speaking of Anderson other than to say that never in my 34 years of being a Manchester United fan have I eve run into such an incredible waste of space and time as this player. He is utterly and completely useless and the fact that so many don’t see it, amazes me to no end. And his attitude and commitment to the club sucks as well.
Until the manager deals with these issues and fills these spots in our lineup as well as figures out that Ben Foster should be plying his trade for Doncaster Rovers or Exeter and actually goes out and buys a quality heir to EVDS, this team will struggle like Wenger’s Arse did after he lost Henry. The one positive in all this is 80 million that is supposedly there for the spending. I personally believe it isn’t and that it has gone to service the glazer’s debt, but I’d like to be proven wrong. Only time will either prove me right or wrong. And how I miss Ronaldo.
September 9th, 2009 at 18:47
@colver: I’ll give Ferguson credit in this one case. We know he will probably retire in a year or so and for all the buying of young players I find it confusing that he doesn’t buy more accomplished players knowing he won’t be around the club for much longer. And for this I actually commend him for it. He is seeing past his own tenure and personal ambitions and trying to build a good young team for the future and for his heir. But as for his own ambitions, he has pretty well flushed major trophies down the toilet with his purchases and lack of.
September 9th, 2009 at 18:48
A name keeps cropping up here amongst the Geordie 40 yr old plus age group! That name is Martin Buchan, who they see was a legend any absolute hero for United
. I have never heard this guy mentioned on MUTV, but the Geordie/Scots here RAVE about him. Say he was a magnificent player, and never put a foot wrong at United. Was a United stalwart apparently – anybody care to further enlighten me – cos he seems to be a hero around these parts???? 
September 9th, 2009 at 18:48
@NicoQB: Thank god to, he was a prat of the highest order!
September 9th, 2009 at 18:53
@Jay Jay: Luck plays a major part in all sports but the great teams find more of it. We have had our share of luck over the years, thats for sure. But to have that kind of luck you have to make it. In 99 we were 1-0 down going into injury time but we made our luck because Fergie was smart enough to bring in the right two players to make it happen. We also never quit and kept on coming at them while Bayern hit two crossbars just minutes before. And lets not forget the gift John Terry gave us in Moscow. Had it not been for those two instances of luck, we would be 0-3 in European Cup finals under Ferguson. In my opinion we have never ever played a great game in a European final under him. Why? Because he focuses on defense and caution and does not let us loose on the opposition. Just my opinion. That and a little more luck. However, I see no luck being a factor in Rome. We had none on that night but even if we had, we did not deserve to win that game. We were thoroughly beaten and embarrassed in the match.
September 9th, 2009 at 18:54
@Grognard: you dont have to watch a player for five seasons to know how excellent he is.
if i may ponder a question, for all the million bucks that’s been exchanged during the just concluded tranfer window and with the lack of world class strikers on the globe at the moment, no club was going for Hunteelar, except the wounded Milan (and even as the last resort purchase)… now is it because no big clubs knew he was available or he just aint as good as we are made to believe?
September 9th, 2009 at 18:59
@Merlinus: Just as I suspected, everything is based on what you’ve seen in big international tournaments. Youaren’t in a position to judge anyone based on that small criteria. As for Huntelaar, he is nothing even close to Inzaghi in playing style. Right there you pointed to all of us what a moron you are and how little you know about the game. All you are concerned with in the past 24 hours is what you can come up with to piss me off. Well it’s not working. If anything, you are making me laugh my head off due to your incredible lack of knowledge and idiotic evaluations.
Grow up and shut up you silly little fart. Stick to talking about things you know like marbles and smelling girls panties. 
September 9th, 2009 at 19:06
@owen: Everywhere he goes he gets involvved in anumbers game and a pecking order. All these teams other than Holland never needed him. He was nothing more than a luxury. With Madrid he had the team leader Raul in front of him as well as RVN, Higuain and when he got his chance to play, he delivered a goal a game. For Holland he has to bide his time because the formation they play does not suit him and because that team is also deep in strikers with RVN who is asking to come back, van Persie and others. With Milan there is Pato and of course the never aging Inzaghi. Once again, patience isneeded to get past the pecking order. Tenure and comfort zone is something difficult to attain for players who are on the fringe. Huntelaar is a Dutch player from Ajax. He is not Spanish, Italian, German, Argentine or Brazilian and so he will struggle to get the same kind of chance as they do because it is perceived that Holland is a weak league. Look at the disgraceful lack of usage Real Madrid gave world class players like van der Vaart and Sneijder. Even Drenthe is far superior to Heinze but he isn’t getting a chance either. It’s a real enigma to me.
September 9th, 2009 at 19:11
@Stephen: Yes but in order for their arguments to have any weight, they quickly dismiss Ajax because in their minds, that league is easy. They are wrong. We have used the same argument here for players like Anderson, Nani and Berbatov. They need games and a nice run to find their form and confidence. Huntelaar is no different. He needs to get a regular run out on the first team and he will start scoring goals. When Raul was injured last year, he got a nice run and score 8 goals in 10 games. The rest of the games were as a sub and he does not do as well in that role because of the lack of time and chances. As soon as Raul returned, it was back on the bench despite his goals and despite the fact Real had gone on a ten game winning streak while he was starting. As soon as he was placed on the bench, Real then scuttled any chance they had of catching Barca and they subsequently went on a bad run of form and were history. I think that says a lot about their ass clown manager at the time, not about Huntelaar.
September 9th, 2009 at 19:13
@Onkar: You said it mate. You can’t hide behind facts. Rafa knows about facts.
September 9th, 2009 at 19:14
@Jay Jay: WOW! Classy.
September 9th, 2009 at 19:16
@owen: It’s because we are all so bored without any real football mate. We’ll talk about anything at this point.
September 9th, 2009 at 19:26
@Red Ranter: The only time someone should react negatively towards a comment is if the comment is a personal insult to that individual. If someone says something negative or filled with doom and gloom about football, that is where people should have a thicker skin. It’s about football, not our wives or families. Football teams and football players are nothing but a form of entertainment and in entertainment, one can be positive or negative. But to allow others to get personal because my negativity towards a football team is bringing them down, then I would suggest therapy be their first course of action, not lashing out at me. It’s all about perspective and being mature. When I’m negative, it’s all about football. So big deal. It’s all about just football. It’s not like I am distressed and bringing people down talking about health care, or home foreclosures or cancer. For people to continually dish out venom towards me because I am talking about football is bloody ridiculous and childish. What’s even worse is that you condone it most of the time as you seem to think it’s right for them to vent personal BS towards me. And why? Because I said something negative about a frakken football team. How childish is that? Seriously RR.
September 9th, 2009 at 19:29
@Grognard: and they get away with it because the moderator of this site has also had it with me and cannot be bothered to do the right thing any longer
You won’t drop it would you?
For the record, I haven’t “had it with you” — those who I’ve had enough of have been banned. I have my own way of dealing with fisticuffs, and while I may not get everything right, I think I am not doing too bad a job of it either. But if you want to go on about being persecuted always, be my guest.
September 9th, 2009 at 19:30
@Cyclops-Red: I didn’t, I dissed the parasites that cling onto sharks and follow them around like an entourage. For all my detractors I do find it funny how many take the time to read my stuff and then they sit down to write their venom against me. Funny because many of them don’t even get the time of day from me when they write stuff. Why? Because I don’t waste my time reading through diuretic diatribes.
September 9th, 2009 at 19:33
@Grognard: Mate, I don’t have a problem with negativity. You had a problem when someone said your opinions were garbage. I’ve almost always dealt with people having a go directly at you if they made personal insults. My emphasis is on personal insults. There were no direct personal insults, directed at you. Ergo, I didn’t feel the need to defend you one way or the other. As far as I can remember, you said “Fuck you asshole” at Traverse. If you can point out direct personal insult aimed at you, then I can revise my opinion.
People have problem with negativity of opinion just as you have a problem with blind faith fandom. I look at it from a moderator’s point of view and treat both equally. This is a fan site and there is scope for both here whether I agree with either or not.
September 9th, 2009 at 19:33
@Grognard: Thats true grognard, but havent you reacted at times when we have called bullacks a cunt, and huntelaar not good enough?
September 9th, 2009 at 19:36
@Traverse: I think you meant that you DON’T have a problem with me at all, correct? I have no problem with you disagreeing with my suggestion. But calling it rubbish was extreme because I don’t write rubbish. Controversial perhaps, but it is also an idea that deserves attention and has merit for many reasons which I gave. The fact you don’t agree with it ids fine, but it doesn’t make it right. I honestly believe if I put it out there for many to vote, the voted would be close to 50/50 for and against. Many love and believe in the history and tradition of the game and want the best players to showcase a World Cup. Others would prefer more teams from other regions and less of the same old same old. That’s fine too.
It was meant for debate during a boring period, not for condemnation and insult. Anyway, I have nothing against you either. Lets just forget about the harsh words said to each other and move on.
September 9th, 2009 at 19:38
@Red Ranter: I have to agree there.
Grognard, you’ve never been banned, never.
I have, i know RR hasnt got “it in” for me. You need to drop that.
September 9th, 2009 at 19:41
@Craig Mc: Matin Buchan was a fantastic center half who also played in the midfield once in a while. He was great in the air and was captain for a period while always commanding respect and was steady and very consistent. Both he and Gordon McQueen played together at the same time for United and for Scotland and I loved both these players. They were around in the mid to late 70’s when I first became a fan of the club and i have to say, they played with a lot of heart and courage. Buchan was so steady and so much a quiet leader of the team. I always strongly consider him on my all time top 11 for United. He definitely makes my second team as my first team is taken up by Bruce and Vidic. My second team would be him and Rio as Stam didn’t play for us long enough to get in there.
September 9th, 2009 at 19:42
@Grognard: i agree with you, when you say that we’ve never played well in any major European night under SAF. SAF fears continental teams and on those major nights, he often opts for defensive and negative tactics. On occassions when we’ve played well, it’s always been a few players not going by his defensive tactics and decided to go gang-ho.
the fear to attack your opponent at all costs has always been SAF’s un doing. Great a manager he’s but at times he’s lived in fear and in the past.
September 9th, 2009 at 19:43
For the record, I won’t do anything if anyone says someone’s opinion is rubbish/garbage/BS etc. Both sides have used it in the past, and opinions are attacked here and not people. Fair game.
If the person has nothing else to offer on top of merely saying “rubbish”, then the other person must see the sense in not engaging and move on to another who has something worth sharing.
Anyone who says a certain thing usually says it knowing he’s genuinely talking sense.
In a free society we have the right to trash someone’s opinions as long as there is no attack on his person. I will stick to this, and if people have a problem with this you can email me. I can’t waste anymore inches over here again. Anyway, I will have to explain all this again maybe tomorrow, the day after or a week from now.
September 9th, 2009 at 19:44
@Jay Jay: The game has changed a lot and the idea of an old school striker is not what a lot of teams use now. They prefer the Rooney’s, Aguero’s, Messi’s, Henry’s and pace driven players who track back a lot and who like the ball at their feet going forward. Huntelaar is old school striker who likes to live in the box and likes old school service. Nothing wrong with that but for many teams it’s trying to fit a square peg into a style of play that is a round hole. He would have been everyone’s delight even 6 or 7 years ago.
September 9th, 2009 at 19:46
@Red Ranter: Just call me Scott Evil. I just don’t get it. No mate, it’s you who just doesn’t get it or get me. But that’s ok because it’s your blog and you have the right to run it according to your standards, not mine. So I’ll shut up and move on.
September 9th, 2009 at 19:50
@Red Ranter: You’re opinion is rubbish
September 9th, 2009 at 19:55
@Red Ranter: I just don’t like my efforts and my thought process being reduced to rubbish and garbage by those who offer very little to this blog other than condemnation of other’s opinions. So call me sensitive about it. I see people calling my ideas rubbish or garbage as a direct personal insult to me. And yes, I have wrongfully erred at times and have done the same back at others. I admit to it, but the frequency in which it happens to me, far outweighs my rare outbursts.
The fact you exclude insults like someone calling another’s opinion rubbish or garbage or being called an idiot amazes me sometimes. Why you would think that is not a personal insult and why you don’t think I should react so badly to it confounds me and distresses me? Like you said earlier, I just don’t get it. Sorry, I don’t want to make your life miserable but when others are fucking with my right to write, you seem to ignore the do’s and don’ts of this blog. I don’t have to be agreed with, I just need to be respected for the time I put in and the views I give. To allow a small group of activists to continually put me down for my way of thinking is not only unfair to me, it’s unfair to the many who enjoy reading what I have to say, even if they don’t always agree with me.
September 9th, 2009 at 20:00
@Grognard: I do not have a problem with what you saw on the night and what you observed.All fans are in agreement that bar Ronaldo,no body showed up.What iam against is comparing these players with the Keano, becks era on account that they had fighting spirit,because realistically spirit can only get you so far thats why that spirited group was mediocre in Europe because bar 99,what other highlight do they have
September 9th, 2009 at 20:02
@Dan: Yes I have reacted but not in a personal manner. I would go out and make my case for the players and try to correct those people’s opinions with facts. I only get personal if people have gotten personal with me first 99% of the time. On the rare occasion I have said something nasty to people like yourself after you or they have said something that so incensed me, I couldn’t hold back. But that is minuscule compared tot he number of attacks I have received over two years. People’s intolerance to other ways of thinking is just amazing sometimes. It’s not good enough to just disagree with me and offer a counter point to mine, they need to establish dominance by insulting me first , then put down my idea followed by no argument of any validity or substance as to why they feel that way. Only that I bring them down and they can’t handle my negativity blah blah blah. It’s all so childish and pointless. It’s like debating with children or old people with Alzheimers sometimes. It just leads me to anger and frustration and then everyone sees the real dark side of me, which I am never proud of showing.
September 9th, 2009 at 20:10
@Red Ranter: Let me try to explain this and I hope you actually get the difference. If I say to Dan “Dan that’s rubbish”, that for me is a lot different than if I say “Dan you are full of rubbish”. The difference is in the tone and the direction of the insult. The first one claims that Dan’s comment or view on the subject is rubbish. The second claims Dan is rubbish. Do you see the difference. When someone says to me that I am full of garbage, he’s not just saying that my theory is garbage, he’s claiming I am garbage. that is a massive difference to me. I often will say to others in my comments that their idea is rubbish, and you have actually pounced on me for it, stating that i should know better because of all the attacks that i get. Yet you do not see the difference in how delivered the statement compared to when others deliver it to me.
I don’t mind so much if someone rubbishes my claim, they need to watch out that in doing so, they do not refer to me and my entire personality and beliefs as rubbish. All it takes is a decent understanding of basic English and thinking before one writes..
September 9th, 2009 at 20:18
@donibrasco: I’d blame Fergie for them niot getting farther in Europe until 99. His tactics and his stubbornness to change tactically to better serve the club in Europe was the main obstacle. And Fergie has admitted as much. In theory, they shouldn’t have even won in 99 because of the style they played but their fighting spirit and never say die attitude served them well on the road especially in Italy where they came from behind 2 goals to snatch victory at Juventus. This club has a number of missing elements to it and it’s not just fighting spirit. I feel the problem is tactics and lack of talent. Yes, lack of talent. We’re actually not that good. Without Ronaldo and even Tevez, we suffer from a major decline in talent and our old guard a year older. Now you can dismiss that all you want but that is my opinion. The lack of a true leader on the field and fighting spirit not being 100% is one thing, but the lack of a quality keeper in goal, a left back who constantly makes mistake after mistake and never gets punished for it and the lack of a central midfield talisman who can orchestrate our attack are all major problems. And then lets not forget that we did nothing to replace the loss of the world’s best player. For me, these are major problems and major holes that need filling. Until then, I’m sorry but expect me to bitch away.
September 9th, 2009 at 20:32
@Grognard: Yesterday Traverse was referring to your words/ideas as garbage. Not you. Which is my point.
I know the difference between saying you are full of rubbish and someone’s opinion/ideas/words are rubbish. And if it was the former I sure would object. Yesterday Traverse was referring to your words/ideas/opinions, and not your mental composition.
Moderation on a blog is not an exact science, and when I take steps against certain people it is keeping in mind their history and the way they have behaved in general. There are a lot of factors that I put thought into before coming down on someone. I don’t — correction, never — do it on impulse unless it’s obviously warranted.
Yes you are right, I have pounced on you in the past when you said someone’s idea is rubbish, and have done likewise on others too. However, I have also let you say stuff like “typical one-eyed rubbish from you… what else can I expect from you [insert eyeroll smiley here]” and let it slide. Later I decided to enforce a certain standard on use of words like garbage/rubbish. Which is what I am spelling out for the benefit of everyone.
You don’t have to necessarily agree with me on this, but as I’ve said before, here I’m always right, even when I’m wrong.
September 9th, 2009 at 20:47
England look the shit under capello!
And why are italy rated higher?
September 9th, 2009 at 21:05
Swithching channels watching England and France.
England do look very good. They look very balanced and would have been 4 up if not for Heskey.
France look hilariously average. But Lassana Diarra is amazing. He’s going to be Real Madrid’s most important player this season. He’s like a Makelele with good playmaking abilities.
September 9th, 2009 at 21:17
@Grognard: Yeah, meant didn’t. Speed typing and not checking what I’m writing afterwards. It should go without saying, but everyone’s post should be prefixed with IMO.
September 9th, 2009 at 21:34
Rooney will score those all day!
September 9th, 2009 at 21:50
England have qualified
September 9th, 2009 at 22:05
Feck me – how did Eduardo not get a penalty? Johnson assaulted him practically – def foul, and def penalty. If he had got that, it would have been very interesting because it could and probably would have been 2-1
. No denying the end result though. Just hope all our players return UNINJURED!
September 9th, 2009 at 22:17
@Grognard: Problem is Grog, some folk answer you, because when they dont, you complain with a “why isn’t anybody bothering to answer my posts.” Now you know you do Bro, and past threads of this blog testify to that
. Ahhh such is life eh mate 
.
September 9th, 2009 at 22:20
@Grognard: Thankyou – now I can talk with a bit of knowledge about Martin Buchan with the scots/geordie contingent down the pub, instead of nodding my head in agreement when I didn’t know who they were on about
.
September 9th, 2009 at 22:25
@Merlinus: While I give a little freedom here, I don’t expect you to butt into an argument between 2 individuals. And considering you got personal by calling him an old donkey, let this serve as a first warning to you.
September 9th, 2009 at 22:35
I thik we should play Park on the left of midfield as an anti-Lennon plan against Spurs – just for this game. Evra is still suspect of venturing too often forward, and if little Lennon continues on this kind of form he’ll own our left side.
September 9th, 2009 at 22:52
@NicoQB: Lennon was not a problem when Croatia doubled up on him, so whoever plays on our left side with Evra, will need to do that double marking. At OT last season Lennon was skinning Evra all the time, but often that is because Evra doesn’t stay back, but goes on his charges upfield. He won’t be able to do that at WH Lane!
September 9th, 2009 at 23:12
@Red Ranter: Yes you are.
As for the use of this smiley 
I think I interpret it a little differently than you. That may be my mistake not yours. For me it’s like saying “whatever” to somebody or just basically shaking my head in disbelief or confusion like they aren’t getting it or they should know better. If you see it as insulting whenever someone uses it, then it should not be offered on this blog. Sorry if I use it wrong but I don’t always see the right kind of smiley to best make point or emotion.
September 9th, 2009 at 23:24
@Grognard: you talk about supporters as if they are cold faceless investors, sure we don’t rate JS Park as highly as others, but who was it who scored against the arsenal in the champions league final? thats not the point im trying to make, but seriously be realistic about 1)Ronaldo’s gone. 2) SAF isn’t going to rush off and blow it on some foriegn superstar 3) if you don’t like that by all means submit your CV for the position when he leaves, and moan about it as much as you like, but don’t be erked when people have slightly more positive and optimistic thoughts about Man Utd. How many people thought with minutes left in ‘99 that we would be crowned Champions of Europe? have faith. True faith, not Blind faith.
September 9th, 2009 at 23:29
@Dan: Dan could you for the sake of old farts like myself speak common English when you say things because I for example assume when somebody says a team is playing shit, to mean they are playing horribly. Had I not known the score of the game, I would have assumed that’s what you meant. It’s nothing against you, it’s just that it is not clear to all of us what that means. Nevertheless, I will never understand modern talk like bad means good and shit means excellent. It’s really quite pathetic to be honest, but then again I am a baby boomer. We loved using terms like cool for great rad tubular and far out for outstanding.
Pop culture, you gotta love it.
September 9th, 2009 at 23:31
@Grognard: shit= shit.
the shit = top class.
September 9th, 2009 at 23:33
@NicoQB: You know whats wrong with the modern game mate? It’s the Diarra’s and the Makelele’s and all the other DMFS who have ruined the flow and attacking spirit of the game with their dogged determination, hounding of players, hard tackling and very little else. They have very little if any attacking skill whatsoever and can’t spell finesse yet alone show any. The invention of the DMF and in some circles the use of two DMF’s has ruined the attacking and free flow nature of the great game. I for one respect what they do but I sure do not like it or appreciate it.
September 9th, 2009 at 23:36
@Craig Mc: I seriously want to you to go back and find a mention of me crying about people not answering my posts? I may ask once in a while where the Hell everyone is because the blog is quiet but I doubt I have ever begged for others to read my posts. Maybe once a long time ago but it’s not a habit of mine nor has it happened more than once to be sure. I think you are mistaking me with RedDiablo who quite often does that.
September 9th, 2009 at 23:38
@Craig Mc: Jeez mate, just google his name and look in Wikipedia and you will learn lots about him.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Buchan
September 9th, 2009 at 23:40
Well done to England for qualifying. But they still look average against a good team. Croatia aren’t the side they used to be and the rest of the teams are even worse. The moment they come up against a good team they run out of ideas and fall back on the long ball and the back pass: English staples.
September 9th, 2009 at 23:44
@Will: See this is yet another case of BS I have to put up with. I have never ever bitched about people being positive. It is those who are positive who have bitched about me. The fact that we don’t agree is fine and we both have the right to feel the way we do. You trying to correct me is not right. Tell me why I should be positive rather than scold me for not being. Do you get the difference? Probably not.
I never have a problem with those who are positive unless they attack me for my views. Then I might just poke fun at theirs. So I’d ask, hell, I’d demand a little bit more fair play from you rather than the utterly predictable crucifixion notice I keep getting because I don’t share yours or other like minded individuals beliefs. We’re all free to think and feel like we want. Lets debate it, not condemn it.
September 9th, 2009 at 23:45
@Will: Interesting.
September 9th, 2009 at 23:51
@Craig Mc: So by that you mean play Nani on the left with Evra to double mark Lennon? A bit risky imho, what with Nani’s suspect defensive motivations!
I’d rather play Nani on the right and Park on the lft, just for this match as I mentioned.
@Grognard: From what I’ve seen of Lassana Diarra, he’s progressed in his offensive play. He’s still not an Essien, but he may well be a better passer than Essien. Just my thoughts. He would have been just what the doctor ordered for our dire midfield.
September 10th, 2009 at 1:21
@colver: We beat teh 9th best team in the world 5-1. Can’t do much more than that. Lets hope we play Brazil in November with a full quota of first team players to see where we are in comparison.
September 10th, 2009 at 1:44
@NicoQB: We may well see Rooney play wide to help Evra.
I know, I know, Rooney needs to play CF, but it’s an option that worked well for a few games last year.
Don’t be too suprised by this!!
September 10th, 2009 at 1:55
@Traverse: But as a friendly, it just won’t be a good yardstick. Don’t forget Brazil barely beat the US in the CC final this summer, and the US have looked anything but impressive in WC qualifiers since then.
Winning qualification this early may in fact hurt us in the long run. Maybe we could revise a mini Home International tournament with Scotland and maybe Ireland. They would certainly give us a run for our money!!
September 10th, 2009 at 2:01
@Redrich: So if England lose people won’t make much of it then…..
September 10th, 2009 at 2:21
@Traverse: It’s whether Capello makes anything of it that matters!! I’m sure the tabloids would be all over it though.
My point is that friendlies won’t prove to Capello who are the best players to represent us in SA. If Defoe has an impressive game, would you say then, that because he fared well against the Brazilians, in a friendly, he should be considered for SA. Similarly, if Rooney looks like shit would his place on the plane be in jeopardy??
Competitive opposition really does separate the comers from the pretenders, and would be a much more useful tool to assess our talent!
September 10th, 2009 at 2:32
@Will: I will call on you always to interpret modern, English street talk. I honestly had never heard of that one before!!
September 10th, 2009 at 2:38
@Grognard: Hey, Grog, what you think about this Spurs game? I think we’re going with a 4-3-3 with Rooney playing wide right and Berbatov and Giggs making up the line!
September 10th, 2009 at 2:41
@Redrich: <– Correction. Rooney playing wide left!
September 10th, 2009 at 2:45
@NicoQB: I have no problem with those kind of players if they can also attack. Keane and Essien are examples of DMF’s who were box to box. I love players like that. It’s the DMF who plays like a fifth defender that i can’t stand and every team seems to have them these days. I suppose this is why I am not jumping all over the Darren Fletcher bandwagon. I respected and appreciate what he does, I just don’t particularly enjoy watching it. Hargo is an exception too because of his well rounded game and ability to defend without crippling players.
September 10th, 2009 at 2:50
@Redrich: I agree. Park will probably start and play on the left side or Giggs will start and track back a lot because the thing that makes Spurs attack go without Modric will be Lennon. Evra can keep up with him and mark him out of the game if he concentrates on his defensive duties. But we know he won’t do that and chances are he’ll get caught upfield a few times or out of position on a cross into the box. I have no faith whatsoever in the Skinned Sausage.
September 10th, 2009 at 2:58
@Redrich: Red, the game is at White Hart Lane and I have become to predict Fergie far too easily these days. He’s going to put on his chicken shit shorts and come out with a 4-5-1 or a defensive 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1. I honestly would be shocked and amazed if he was going to get attack minded with a 4-3-3. Although, he is the manager that invented the 4-3-3 as a defensive formation with Park as one of the wingers and Rooney the other as they both tracked so far back that they played like wing backs.
In honesty I cannot blame him for being cautious because Spurs are very hot and full of confidence but their talisman and play maker Modric is injured and I think that makes them a little less of a threat as Krancjar will take time to settle in I feel. It’s taking a way their wide men like Lennon which I feel is the key. offensively I expect a big game from Berbatov. He needs to step up and do one on his old team and show us he can be counted on in a big game on the road. This is the kind of game i feel very happy coming out of there with a 1-0 win or a draw. Hostile crowd, good opponent and we need to keep doing well. Four games so far and no draws, I predict a our first draw this weekend. Call it 1-1 and the goal scorer will be Owen off the bench. If Evra does his job on Lennon, we will win.
September 10th, 2009 at 3:00
@Redrich: I thought that’s what you meant. I agree by the way, although he could be placed on the right in order to put the more pest like park on Lennon. At least that’s what i would do. I just hope Anderson doesn’t play. Fletcher and Carrick in the middle should do the job.
September 10th, 2009 at 3:45
@Grognard: Smileys? Where did that come from? Did I say something about smileys right now? What are you on about?
September 10th, 2009 at 3:59
@Grognard: Well I think he’ll play defensively against any team of note. Lennon scares the crap out of me, and it wouldn’t suprise if SAF double teamed him all game long.
You would think this is the game that Berbatov would step up and stamp his mark on the WHL faithful, do a little more than a nifty touch and bring down and put a few in back of the fucking net!! I dare him!!
September 10th, 2009 at 4:09
@Grognard: 4-3-3, mate. Protect the flanks and concede CMF. If Giggs plays up, you would put Valencia on the right and float Fletcher in the middle (box to box). I would put a vote in for Nani playing left, cutting in with Rooney,when possible, and threatening from 30 yards!
September 10th, 2009 at 4:13
@Grognard: The more I think of it, this is gonna be one hell of a game. Lots of end to end stuff and lots of goals.
My prediction 3-2 United, if we attack!!
September 10th, 2009 at 4:57
@Grognard: Now if I said things here are the shits would that then mean we are the very best??
With this kind of lingo, it’s no wonder the streets are a dangerous place!!
September 10th, 2009 at 6:47
@Red Ranter: “what else can I expect from you [insert eyeroll smiley here]”
That’s where I got it from plus the fact that you have mentioned it to me before regarding that specific smiley. It was nothing that upset me, I just got the impression my interpretation of that eye rolling smiley was different than your is all.
September 10th, 2009 at 6:50
@Redrich: The thing I really dislike about Fergie is his unpredictability in squad selection and also the fact that i could see him doing something dumb like not even start Berba against his old team which we all would expect him to be fired up for and perform well against. I could see him going with one forward up front and that being Owen because of his speed and ability to play off the shoulder of the last defender in a completely counter attack game plan.
September 10th, 2009 at 6:52
@Redrich: I would start Nani because I think Spurs are very ordinary defensively. But Fergie of late doesn’t attack other team’s weaknesses, he protects and plays conservative to protect ours. Therefore, I do not see Nani starting and i actually see Park starting instead.
September 10th, 2009 at 6:55
@Redrich:
Thats so true. I guess I should inform everyone that when I call United shit and Fergie a major disappointment what I really mean is United are awesome and Fergie is that greatest and still has the goods to succeed. When I say the team played badly and were a disgrace, I really meant they were world class and the cat’s meow. 
September 10th, 2009 at 7:12
@Redrich: Another one you might want to use is, I stink coz I’m the shit.
September 10th, 2009 at 7:17
@Grognard: I don’t have a problem with the eye roll really. It is there to be used and it can vary with context. And you and I are smart enough to know where it can indicate a harmless “whatever” and where it can indicate disdain. Anyway I didn’t have a problem with your use of the smiley in this particular instance.
September 10th, 2009 at 7:32
Also watch the main page for a new post – methinks a surprise is in store for you all.
September 10th, 2009 at 8:04
I for one would like united to have a go at totenham’s defense, no special tactics, just plain attacking football. Sure be mindful of lennon but let evra do his job and partner him with nani, let spurs change their tactics to try and stop us but let’s not cower and try defensive tactics, the league teams seem to have smelled blood after the rome debacle and the loss of ronaldo and they don’t really fear united, I remember burnley’s coach and how smug he was before we even played them, said he “We will just play our passing game”, so you can only guess how Arry is spoiling for a fight, coaches in the league have extra confidence when they play against united as opposed to chelsea or arse, we need to stop that, and make spurs an example, they have had a good start so if we could crush them it would really send out the message. Special tactics need not be applied, who is lennon really, and he alone shouldn’t be able to beat evra, vidic and evans. So IMO lets put an attacking team out there, let our best men represent us and let Arry worry about trying to stop nani, valencia and berba.
September 10th, 2009 at 8:05
@Red Ranter:
Yeah I was truly surprised RR as I am not seeing any new post on the MAIN Page or HOME Page its still the David Gill Story….
R u kidding or you are serious???
September 10th, 2009 at 8:11
@Grognard: EXACTLY!
Something i realized last season, fergie doesnt play to attack other teams weaknesses, he trys to protect ours!
September 10th, 2009 at 8:13
@Onkar: Look again.
September 10th, 2009 at 10:33
@Redrich: @Grognard:
Nevermind the streets. Try telling your lady that “she’s phat”
fat = bad
phat = good
September 10th, 2009 at 12:34
@Red Ranter: Hmmm.. If i’m a parasite on a shark(as he proclaimed first), then he’s the old donkey’s arse – most definitely not the shark
September 10th, 2009 at 18:06
@Dan: I’d rather he spent money to fix our problems rather than implement dull and cautious tactics to protect them. All the more reason why what I have been saying about him lately is correct, even if it is cruel and lacks the respect the man has earned over 20 years. It kills me to criticize him but somebody has to. Nobody on this planet is perfect…..except me of course.
September 10th, 2009 at 18:07
RR, Regarding post #231, I believe he was warned once already regarding the donkey’s ass comment?
September 10th, 2009 at 18:14
@Merlinus: Mate, do you want to continue behaving like this?