Jun 04
Do United Need Another Left Back?
Yesterday’s major point of debate was on right backs; at least that was the idea. There was a point raised in the comments that rang true to me when I read it, so I decided to put it up for debate.
United were indebted to the lung busting runs of Patrice Evra — who has become one of the best left backs in the world — last season. We were also lucky in a way that Evra didn’t pick up any serious injury. John O’Shea is an adequate cover, whilst Silvestre may leave the club before the start of the season. This leaves our left back spot rather thin. While O’Shea does the job when called upon, he may not give us the consistency nor the ability to overlap on the left flank. Relying on one specialist and a non-specialist for one position all season may not be a risk worth taking. So isn’t the left flank a bigger priority to plug than the right.
Or should we say, isn’t it of greater importance to buy a young decent left back to give Evra a breather, than buying a big money right back?
Meanwhile, don’t forget to sign up for the RR Euro 2008 fantasy league. No prizes for winning — at least not yet — just pride. Head over to UEFA.com -> go to the fantasy league section -> create an account -> create your team -> click on leagues -> search for this group code 98380-18218 and join the group.
I won’t do the customary round up for today because it will involve people I don’t want to talk about for now. Other than that we are in direct competition with Arsenal for Aaron Ramsey, with personal terms needing to be worked out; according to reports, we are also the favourites. Updates, if any, would certainly pop up in the comments section. So watch that space.
And that’ll be all for now. Take it away…
Related items from Red Rants:- Why Moving to Liverpool Won’t Help Heinze
- Heinze loses arbitration for Liverpool move, what’s next for him and United?
- Chelsea vs Manchester United: Preview
- Which Players Should United Sell?
- The Hargreaves Situation
Tags: Discussions
June 4th, 2008 at 10:21
kor, you’re up early, or late. . assuming you live somewhere in north america
June 4th, 2008 at 10:50
Perhaps then someone in the mould of a lahm who can play both positions?
June 4th, 2008 at 10:54
RR,
i agreed that the left flank is bigger priority than the right. rumours linking us with Lahm certainly about that left-back spot (perhaps he is versatile, can do a job on the right as well). but we already knew that Lahm will commited himself to Klinsmann. other than him…i prefer we tussle with Liverp*** for Dossena! hehe
June 4th, 2008 at 11:18
no way, Evra is the best in the world in this position - and we’ve got Silvestre who can play here as well. Evra bearly ever gets injured, his main focus is defending while helping out with the midfielders. And he can run backt o his position super quick as well, out left side is FINE! But I’ve been thinking maybe we should use Brown on the right in smaller matches and Heargreaves in massive games like against Chelsea or Liverpool.
June 4th, 2008 at 11:22
Young fullback to learn from Evra?
How about the young Brazilian kid coming with his brother this season.. Everyone seems to have forgotten about them…
June 4th, 2008 at 11:23
if/when silvestre leaves then we need a replacement for Evra, aswell as a rb. lets see how the euro devolops and pick out some adequate replacements, prices might go up but we’ll be buying proven quality
June 4th, 2008 at 11:28
why cant that young left back be fabio/rafael?
June 4th, 2008 at 11:39
i know this is off the subject, but i’m happy to see Roque Santa Cruz as one of our transfer targets, think he would do very well with United, ref Man Utd official site
June 4th, 2008 at 11:58
Anyone notice how Chelsea try to poach players so we don’t buy them. Mikel, Branislav, Anelka even Malouda and Robben weere targets of ours at some point! Branislav would have been the nail on the head given he plays across the back 4. He hasn’t kicked a ball for Chelsea though…
June 4th, 2008 at 12:03
Abu, any idea why, I was only thinking that the other day. Ps there now two Stephen’s on the site now how confusing!
June 4th, 2008 at 12:37
We don’t need another full back at all. Full backs won’t do much rotating throughout the season so i see no reason why a left back with any sense would come here as they aren’t going to be first choice. At right back, neville will return next season i hope. As long as he doesn’t get injured he will be first choice, assuming we don’t bring anyone in. He will have to be replaced sometime though so if the right player is available then it may be time to bring in a new right back.
Evra is our established first choice left back, which means we cannot buy a proven quality left back. He wouldn’t get a game and would soon be out the door. As for a young full back, we have the twins. I think it is accepted that fabio, the left back, is the stronger of the two.
John oshea’s not bad going forward. He is competent as cover for evra. For the defense in general, we have brown and oshea as cover. Hargreaves can help out here as well if needed. Evans and simpson may develop into good squad players like brown and oshea, but i doubt they can become first team regulars. So even if silvestre leaves, i can only see us signing a right back because of neville’s age and because the chances of him getting injured are significantly greater than the other three first choice defenders. This would have to be someone like dani alves though, so i doubt this will happen either.
June 4th, 2008 at 12:55
The thing is that we still have Silvestre, and unless SAF plans to let him go, there’s absolutely no reason to invest in that part.
Now, SAF has said that he wants to strengthen the squad where needed and that he would buy 1 maybe 2 players. We all know, he’s after some kind of striker. I bet he has his heart set on signing Ramsey as well, but does that make it up for the 2 players, he’s after? Difficult to say. I think, Ramsey is a bonus acquisition. That leaves us still with a striker and, possibly, one more.
The first question is, what position we then need to strengthen the most besides the striker position. My guess is still right back. Or just a versatile defender. SAF offloaded Pique, whom I think, he would have liked to have kept. But Pique wanted to play, and SAF had no choice but to sell him. So that leaves us with Brown as 3rd choice central defender, but he’s also either our 1st or 2nd choice right back. So while we have 2 certainties for left back (Evra and Silvestre), we only have 1 for right back - who has been injured the entire last season (Neville, obviously). So the perfect choice for this situation would be a defender, who could play both right back and central defense.
First name to pop up in my mind is Micah Richards. He’s played both positions, he’s young, fast and physical. On the downside, he may have a problem with injuries, he’s expensive and he’s not as technical, as SAF likes his players. All in all, I doubt, we’re in for this kid. My problem is that I’m not too familiar with defensive talent around the globe, but what about a player like Vincent Kompany? Anyone got any info on him?
Any other players?
June 4th, 2008 at 13:00
also off the subject! good bye Ronaldo, if he doesn’t want to commit then bye bye, lets get £60 million and buy Bentley, Santa Cruz, Benzama and Alves
June 4th, 2008 at 13:05
we’ve just signed Ramsey! nice one! Man Utd off. site
June 4th, 2008 at 13:09
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/jun/04/manchesterunited.realmadrid?gusrc=rss&feed=networkfront
He wants out folks. I say get what we can. 100 mil and Casillas. or pay off all of our debt. Either way, we all go home happy.
June 4th, 2008 at 13:17
Phoenix Red: Can you provide the link? Its nowhere on the site!
June 4th, 2008 at 13:22
Sorry to jump back onto an old subject, but Valencia have out David Villa up for sale for 17m
Seems not bad value how about a double swoop for him and Miguel, seems sensible, as Benzema and Huntelarr look at the moment out of reach.
June 4th, 2008 at 13:22
What are you on about Pheonix? I’ve been refreshing all morining…nothing. I thought Ramsey is a winger what’s all this about Ramsey being a CM? We really don’t need one I’d rather we have a winger.
I remember a certain Scouser sympathizing Argentine getting injured in September causing us to go in for an Evra. Its vitally important we get support for that Left side because we were extremely fortunate last year with injuries…
June 4th, 2008 at 13:35
Wow, if that’s true, Villa for 17m would be a great buy. I could see him fitting in well.
As far as left backs go, I hope we keep silly. He’s liable to moments of madness, but he’s also quality in between those moments, and has always sat on the bench happily - which is what we need. His delivery is actually quite good, and he’s quick too. Makings of a great backup! Problem with a new left back is how to blood them, and how to keep them happy.
Re: the twins - does anyone actually know anything whatsoever about them? Where have they been playing the past few years? Have they done well?
June 4th, 2008 at 13:39
Yes, he is up for sale, 31 games for Spain 14 goals, 101 games Valencia 58 goals, seems to fit the bill!? and only 26 years old.
June 4th, 2008 at 13:42
Ps Everton have joined the race to sign Ramsey, mmm Man Utd, Arsenal or Everton!, difficult choice not!!!
June 4th, 2008 at 13:44
I thought the twins were only like 15/16, if so then I don’t think they’ll be an option for a few years yet.
As far as Ramsey, the site had posted a statement stating that they had signed him yesterday, but have pulled that statement because it was only a bid offer that was accepted. I think he is yet to choose where he will go.
June 4th, 2008 at 13:46
Re: our favourite Real Madrid fan - if (as I predict) a certain ex United number 10 has a great Euro tournament for Holland, what would you guys think of having Ruud as part of the package coming back to United? Proven, world class hold up play, good poacher, but too old? I’d love to see him back in Red…especially if it was for ‘free’. Robinho, Ruud and £50m…hrm…
June 4th, 2008 at 13:48
BeachRyan:
No.. no ways!!
June 4th, 2008 at 13:49
Certainly not Robinho, he would get kicked all over the place, they think he is too light weight for the Spanish league!
June 4th, 2008 at 13:56
Um…lets keep it lucid guys. Anyway why have you lot written of Ronaldo? He’s on a 4 year contract, we aren’t say Everton or Sevilla where our prize assets are on the auction block as soon as they are ripe. Imgine Beckham is the only real sale we ever really made, everyone else has been used for value and then moved on with compensation packages that simply reflect book value. Think about it rationally. Fergie has even gone as far as to threaten benching Ronaldo just to keep him…that of course will never happen by the way. Ronaldo is not going anywhere!! Forget Real player connections.
June 4th, 2008 at 13:59
And anyway all I hear is talk from all sides, nothing has happened and all these talks of big money moves…Real don’t have the cash for Ronaldo anyway. Its like buying Ronaldinho in January 2006…Impossible!
June 4th, 2008 at 14:05
Beachryan>>
The Brazilian twins Fabio & Rafael Silva signed from Fluminense in 2006. This prevented them from joining the squad as they were 16 at the time. This July they turn 18 and able to join the Man Utd set-up(youth/reserves)
They never represented Fluminense as Utds deal prevented them from featuring in the Campeonato Brasileiro, but have featured in Brazils youth set-up from U15-U17.
Fabio is a highly rated right footed left back/winger who captained Brazil U17s and scored 3 times in world cup finals. He featured on the most promising footballers under 20 list last year.
Fabio is a right wingback who also featured in both the U17 world cup and South American tournament.
They will both join this summer but are likely to be in the reserves for 2008/2009. When they were signed Utd also bidded for Alex Teixeira but the bid failed as Vasco were unwilling to sell.
The same scout has also watched Kerlon, Renato Augusto, Thiago Neves etc although Utd have never bidded for these players.
The ‘Twins’ are for the future and will only really feature in the Carling Cup, Fabio looks more likely to succeed but Rodrigo is another brazilian likely to fight for a place next season.
June 4th, 2008 at 14:05
I really didn’t want to get on the subject, but what really pisses me off the most about all this is the fact that we just had one of the best seasons ever at this club and it seems like it never happend. We should all be happy and gloating all summer against our opposition, instead here we are worried about this crap.
June 4th, 2008 at 14:43
Hey, guys, if the unnamed one does leave (which is seeming more and more likely somehow), what do u think of replacing him with Ricardo Quaresma, like for like right winger.
He has really improved in consistency last season, and he also wouldn’t want to go to Spain like our very own Mr.Spain since he did not enjoy a good time at Barca.
If Mr.Spain really wants to go, I say let him go. Fergie confirming he is leaving after 2 years is a good reason for this. Our team is right now build around the unnamed one (intentionally or unintentionally).
So, If he leaves next year or along with Fergie (realistically we cannot hope of keeping him after that), then rebuilding would become difficult.
I say sell the guy off, so Fergie the master rebuilder gets two years, within which he can mould a perfect team to hand over to the next manager.
So, according to me:
Sell Mr.Spain now for atleast 70 M pounds.
Get:
1. Quaresma (Right Winger/Left Winger) 25 M pounds
2. Richards (CB/RB) 20 M pounds
If Micah Richards is available, we should go out and buy him. he can right now occupy the RB spot and cover for CB, and would be the logical long term replacement for Rio/Vidic.
3. Aaron Ramsey 5M pounds
long term replacment for scholes. We seem to have collected a lot of CDMs with hargreaves, fletcher and anderson, carrick and rodrigo turning out to be more defensive that attacking.
4. A top class Striker
If we do sell Voldy, we would have enough cash to go for a bid upto 35M pounds according to me.
Gomez, Huntelaar or Benzema should be the top priorities.
June 4th, 2008 at 14:49
With regards to the delay in bringing in any new signings, I am sue the Voldy story dragging along is a big reason for this.
Though in public, Fergie and David Gill appear confident on him, if he does put in a transfer request United will have no choice but to let him go.
And our transfer target priorities will change drastically depending on whether he stays or not.
So, along with causing heartburn to millions on United fans, Voldy is also big time hurting our transfer strategy for this summer, according to me.
June 4th, 2008 at 14:53
Hughes for City
June 4th, 2008 at 14:59
Benzema doesn’t want to come to England and wouldn’t sit on the bench anyway.
Richards is expensive, overrated and players for our rivals.
Why, year on year do people keep suggesting players just because they read their names in the daily mail? do some research before you spout off names. Fabiano? jeez.
June 4th, 2008 at 15:24
Stephen - I think you are wrong about Robinho..He was a lightweight for Spanish league 2 seasons ago..But last season and starting of this season he has unotuchable and the creative focal point of the team..He definitely is one world class talent and i def wont mind him getting him part deal with some hefty sum…He might not be any match for the hunger,physical presence or goal return of Mr “I will move” …but definitely a player who can put in match winning performances…
June 4th, 2008 at 15:34
[Ron]
Benzema did not want to come to England befre United became champions of Europe. The draw that european champions have in the transfer window immediately after the triumph is immense.
Also, if he does come it would be one of the two support strikers (rooney/tevez) on the bench most of the times, not him.
Richards, if available for 20M pounds or less would be a very good buy, though I don’t see it happening with Sparky on the verge of being appointed citeh manager.
June 4th, 2008 at 15:49
i thinkl that we are ok for left backs with evra,silvestre,oshea and fabio although we do need a new right back and great news about david villa up for sale i would get him straight away and with ronaldo announcing he is leaving end of next year we could use a big chunk of that money to get messi? and we got ramsey
June 4th, 2008 at 15:55
villa is a steal at 17 mil, even if he is another midget striker. I think we should get a back up lb but I’m not sure who. I am fine with wes brown at right back, he has completely won me over this season. But I think it would be worth it to spend big on Richards as a long term replacement.
I am also pleased to see us linked with the Latino Santa clause. To me this shows that fergie believes in the Rooney-tevez partnership. Santa cruz proved he can score on this league and is a perfect fit as a 3rd striker.
June 4th, 2008 at 15:59
What about this Jesus Navas kid from Sevilla (I think?) Would he not be a good ‘replacement?’
Edit: I just read somewhere that he suffers from ‘acute homesickness.’ WTF is that shit? Grow up peter pan.
June 4th, 2008 at 16:00
Isint Rooney Tevez Villa and Manucho a good enough strike force? Manucho provides ariel prowess (so does Tevez
) and Villa the clinicality in front of goal. Tevez and rooney do all the creative work. We can play any 2 or 3 of these in a game.
I say if Ronaldo leaves, bid for Kaka!!! Lets see if he would like to come and play in CL next season or is happy fighting for UEFA medal!
June 4th, 2008 at 16:26
Do we need another LB? Yes and no. Let me explain. Yes we need another LB because although very reliable, Evra does go down once in a while and if he was to get a serious injury we would need adequate cover at that position. No because if it’s for a game or two here and there John O’Shea will do. If it were for longer Silvestre would do nicely but chances are we are losing him to a French club this Summer. It’s all nice and romantic to think that Fergie can scour the transfer market and find a excellent or even close to world class LB out there but it isn’t that simple and as well, no player worth his price in gold will want to come and back up Evra. The solution is simple. Keep things as they are and scour the planet for a promising and and ahead of schedule LB who is under the age of 20 who can come in and make a difference. In a year or two he will be much much better and still be considered to young to displace Evra but in 4 years time he just might be the next generation LB we want. We missed out on Gareth Bale but we do have one of the two Brazilian twins right now. So perhaps we have our solution already. If these twins are everything they are reported to be, then our quest is over.
June 4th, 2008 at 16:32
I feel the biggest need for another full back, is we need cover there so Hargreaves doesnt have to play there. Dont get me wrong, he is a solid player back there, but he is so much more influential in the middle of the park or as he proved in the CL final a force on the right. Playing him at RB just cause he can, is just as wasteful as chelski playing essien at RB.
also, if we bought quaresma this summer, I would forget all about “******”
June 4th, 2008 at 16:36
‘Oranje Fantasy’ has joined the Red Rants league.
June 4th, 2008 at 16:43
[joninjapan]
I am in N. America, and I write these posts before I go to bed and time them so that they automatically get published early morning.
June 4th, 2008 at 17:00
Tomas; I’m unaware of Micah Richards ever playing the LB position as I have only ever seen him play CB and RB. Please feel free to let me and others know when he in fact played that position. Also Vincent Kompany is exclusively a CB. I watch Hamburg play once in a while and I also subscribe to KICKER magazine from Germany and in the lineups box scores he has never lined up on the left side. He’s also a little to big and slow for that position although he is a top quality CB who I believe Arsenal has looked at closely.
Stephen; If in fact Valencia have put Villa up for sale for only 17 million I will be shocked and totally bewildered if Fergie doesn’t go for him. He’s not first on my want list but he is definitely world class and would be a great buy. Also, anything to keep him away from Liverpool because honestly, the thought of him and Torres teaming up for the Scousers scares me.
Also regarding this Ramsey kid; His main position is CMF but he is capable of playing SMF as well. My problem with him is I’m not sure he is getting the best advice from people close to him. The fact that he has not signed for us yet is a matter of concern for me because I just for the life of me cannot understand why any lad would pick any of the other teams to play for over United. Fine Arsenal I can somewhat understand but the kid will have to learn French in order to communicate with anybody on that team. Everton, he’ll have to learn scouse and buy added insurance and protection for his home in case of burglary. United is the greatest team in the world and his idol is supposedly Ryan Giggs. So what the fuck is the delay already? Wake up you dumb tosser and sign with us already. Scholes and Giggs are soon to retire and there will definitely be place for you on this club if you are everything you are billed to be. Honestly, I just don’t get it sometimes why anybody with common sense doesn’t choose United over the bottom feeders of the game. I want winners not whiners.
If this kid has an ego and delusions of grandeur, he’s certainly never going to fulfill them playing for Everton or sitting with the English speaking B-Side at Arsenal. Wake up and smell the coffee already Aaron.
June 4th, 2008 at 17:03
[Grognard]
What is SMF?
June 4th, 2008 at 17:03
Beachryan; Ruud van Nistelrooy didn’t just burn his bridges when he left OT, he nuked them as well. The fallout was felt for a year afterwards because he wouldn’t shut up about how unfair Fergie was to him. This after Fergie supported him and signed during major leg surgery. Talk about gratitude. No I’m afraid that ship has sailed.
June 4th, 2008 at 17:11
TinManUnited; We worry and are not enjoying the great season because just like he who shall not be named, we are all greedy and we want more and more and more. We can’t get enough. This is always the problem with champions or the supporters of champions. To caught up in repeating to take time to enjoy the last victory. It does actually make you wonder if winning is all it’s cut out to be? WHAT? O f course it is, even if it’s just for a few days of total ecstasy. CR7 has definitely put a major damper on things with this post season garbage and the fact that we are seeing no major signings is also making us nervous and antsy. Fergie and the board need to get a move on things or many of the supporters may die from heart failure before the season starts. Enough already. We want results.
In Canada when the hockey season ends another season begins called the Hot Stove League. It’s all the stuff we are doing right now. Wondering who will be signed, who will leave etc. It can be more grueling and taxing than the real season.
June 4th, 2008 at 17:21
Croggy, he seems logical, but he is another hobbit I think he is only 5′9!!!
I still think Robinho is too lightweight and I R#####o does leave we should go for Ribery, I personally think he is class.
June 4th, 2008 at 17:22
Shreyas; That’s actually not a bad idea if Ronaldo plans on leaving now or in one year. But if he were to stay for just one more year he would give Fergie a realistic window to survey the arena of world football and find what he feels will be the right replacement for Voldemort. Quaresma is a decent player but I think he is a little older now and for me he has never shined at the very highest level. Remember he was a bust at Barca. There are players who are up and rising who by the end of next season may have come in to their own and maybe very suitable replacements for Voldy.
We will never ever fully replace Voldy adequately enough with another winger or side midfielder. He is one in a billion and players like him come around once every two or three generations. The last one like him was Best I believe although many may throw Ronaldinho in to that mix. Fergie will have to restructure the team and it’s attacking emphasis away from Voldy and perhaps through the center of the park to an AMF or to a traditional striker which means we will need a winger who can cross the ball more than be able to score. A search of this kind may take time so that all the pieces fit in well with each other. I have numerous names already on my radar but they don’t seem to concur with Fergie as nothing about players like those ever seem to leak out of OT. So only time will tell what will happen but suffice it to say, I do prefer one more year with Voldy rather than getting into major panic mode this off season. The lad owes Fergie that much I believe, not to mention all of us supporters who will feel let down and forgotten by his decision.
June 4th, 2008 at 17:23
RR; SMF means side midfielder.
June 4th, 2008 at 17:36
JOS; I like your way of thinking. Why shouldn’t we bid for Kaka if Voldemort leaves. In fact, Fergie should be in talks with his agent and Milan right now just in case. But he probably isn’t. We need to do two things if Volty vaults out of OT. We need to get much dinero from Real Scum as well as a few world class players. After that we need to replace the loss of Ronaldo with the purchase of a world class striker and the proper replacement for Voldy. Kaka would be a great choice. Why should Chelsea be the only team linked with him? I think he has a certain feeling of uncertainty with life in Milan right now and he has been quoted in the past saying that playing in the EPL would interest him. How about trying out the European champions for starters?
Stephen; Like I said he is not on my priority list but at that price I’d learn to live with his other assets. Height is nice but this boy has skill that’s out of this world and at a decent price instead of the over valued Benzema and Berbatov. I also think Huntelaar will command at least 25 mil if he is even still available. I know Real Scum want him bad. Besides, it would do me a lot of good to see Fergie get one up on Rafa for poaching Torres out from under Fergie’s grasp. I still think Fergie’s smarting from that one. Especially after the season Torres just had.
June 4th, 2008 at 17:37
Grognard - To be fair to Ruud, Fergie was a bit out of line with the way he treated him. We never found out if the “no7″ insults were true or not, and Ruud went from being regarded in the highest order to shipped out on his rear for throwing a strop - at not being in our one final that year at the expense of, if I remember, Kieran Richardson (as a sub). He’s also spoken of massive regret at never saying goodbye to teh OT faithful, and regret in the relatinoship breakdown with Fergie. If it was beneficial to both sides, I think they’d forgive and forget. But if Villa is available, screw Ruud I want a younger model thanks
My point with him remains though, that we would be a better team if he stayed. Easy to say given our success, but he struggled only when the rest of the team was crap. He was world class in every sense of the word, and would succeed anywhere. If you gave me a choice of a starting XI with him or Tevez playing as the striker, I’d take Ruud every time. Anyway, the point will hopefully be moot, when Ronaldo comes out tomorrow and declares his undying love for a local girl he found doing charity work in Salford. Ahem.
June 4th, 2008 at 17:38
Comma post 38, you just made me laugh so hard mate, your post was feckin humour at it’s best. Recommending Navas kid, and then having to quickly edit, because you discovered his home sickness - Peter Pan - hahahahahahahahaha! Feckin love it mate - so funny!.
June 4th, 2008 at 17:53
so Lads, what about Roque Santa Cruz, and Bentley? Should we go for them?
June 4th, 2008 at 17:56
Not a big fan of Bentley, personally a bit of a poser and no pace. He is a good crosser must say.
Santa Cruz good squad player definate, but would’nt pay big money for him personally neither are United class.
June 4th, 2008 at 18:00
Grognard
Re your Aaron Ramsey rant, there’s an obvious answer to why he might go to Everton over us - number of first team games he would play in the near future. Being realistic, he’d hardly play for us next season at all unless he has some Anderson-esque rise to prominence.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for him signing, but I can understand why he might prefer a tier 2 club in the first instance. Just look at Walcott - straight to the elite, barely started a game for 2.5 years.
June 4th, 2008 at 18:46
i personally do not thimk that we should go for kaka as we already have enough cms and he isnt getting any younger and i agree with stephen if r****do does go we should go for ribery he is a top player and robinho would be a great buy imagine 3 up front robinho,rooney and tevez unbeatable
June 4th, 2008 at 18:53
dont mean to change the subject but i have just heard of news now man utd.com that ronaldo wants to leave and next year will definatly be his last what a f***ing t*at disloyal pr*k but look on the bright side we will get loads of money and hopefully decent new players
June 4th, 2008 at 19:03
joined the league… got confused when i could only pick zenith or rangers players… then realised i was in the wrong competition, it was hard not to pick a team with he who must not be named in it… so i just replaced him with the next best thing… Nani!
June 4th, 2008 at 19:15
Villa is clinical which we could use at the moment and we have Manucho if we need to throw on a big guy. But really he’s not all that different from what Rossi could have offered us. Well maybe a bit less lightweight.
Benzema would be my dream come true. Maybe us being Champions of Europe would tilt it in our favour. It would also allow us to keep our overlapping forwards model which worked so well for us this year.
If we got someone like Huntelaar or Gomez we’d end up having to play them as a target man and our play would lose some fluidity
June 4th, 2008 at 19:16
Beachryan; I’m the first to yell and shout my dislike over the way Fergie treated Ruud because there is nobody and I mean nobody who was going to tell me that Saha deserved to play that Carling Cup final over Ruud. You don’t punish your players if they miss a few games due to injury and then make it impossible for them to win back their first team spot. This happened to Ruud. To be honest I felt that in his last year his form did dramatically drop off. He scored a fair amount of goals but he looked disinterested and at times invisible. Playing Sha was somewhat understandable especially as we found out later that Ruud was fighting an injury. His pride and ego was totally shattered in that Carling Cup final and the relationship with the Boss was shattered from that day on. I also never liked the way Fergie treated Beckham who for me was always a dedicated player who wore and bled red and still does. He never asked to be transferred but he was not happy with the way Fergie treated him as it seems he made an example of him to wake up the whole team. Fergie also always had a problem and bias with Beck’s lifestyle and marriage. He was wrong and way out of order on that one. Beck’s marriage is none of Fergie’s business especially since I didn’t notice it hurting Beck’s play. It was selfish protectionism by Fergie and again I say it was wrong. But lets face it, Fergie’s first responsibility is to the team and he will not allow players to make a fool of him or to jeopardize the harmony of the squad if he feels their is an imminent threat. Fergie also overreacted regarding Stam and he admits that selling him was a mistake. And finally regarding forgetting and forgiving, that’s never been Fergie’s style. He is stubborn, proud and he holds a grudge. Just ask the BBC. Also, Ruud is too old to waste time and money on right now. I want a player who can give us at least 5 years of top performance.
June 4th, 2008 at 19:20
Penguin; A fair point on Ramsey but I am sure Fergie’s intention is to loan him out for a year and then bleed him into the side next season. Giggs and Scholes are on their last legs so if he is is as good as they say, he should have no trouble making a statement next year. Loaning him out back to Cardiff is probably the best thing for him. He stays with his teammates and has a future with the great Man Utd. The best of both worlds I think. The lad must have patience. Just as GAZA about what lack of patience and signing for a tosser side will do to your career. Gaza could have been a United legend and possibly avoided all his problems had he served under the tutelage of Fergie. Instead he went for the quick and easy fix and the night life of London. And as for Walcott, the reason he has sat for so long is he’s not French.
June 4th, 2008 at 19:27
Is there a rule that we can’t talk about Ronaldo? Not even mention the name of the great Portuguese player who is a fucking traitor since he was born and the only thing he wants is money and fame?
June 4th, 2008 at 19:28
mufc; We don’t have enough cm’s especially when we know Scholes is on his last legs. The season is long remember. Also Bayern will not sell Ribery for anything less the 50 mil. The chap was player of the year in Germany and was immense for Bayern. Bayern are no minnow and they will not be bullied in selling a player. Even Hargo had to stew a year before Bayern let him go because they stuck to their principles.
Rummenigge and Hoeness are very stubborn and arrogant follows and they are dreaming of CL success. We as well as every other team can forget about Ribery. It’s just not going to happen. Plus, Ribery unlike Voldemort has come out and said he very pleased with Bayern and life in Germany and has not claimed his love for no other team other than France.
Colver; Fluidity vs Goals????? I think I’ll select the goals thanks
June 4th, 2008 at 19:32
Nikos my Greek brother, lets not bad mouth he who shall not be named to much as we should be very grateful for the five years he has given us. He’s young and like all of us at that age, we are very susceptible to temptations and egotistical ambitions. He is only human and we are being just as greedy by calling him a traitor because we don’t want to part with our asset. Something to think about. Kalimera
June 4th, 2008 at 19:45
Wow……though this maybe way out of the subject but I have to express my joy. As a fan from Nigeria I just read there will be a pre-season match in Nigeria, I was so happy to read that. I have to say a very big THANK YOU to David Gill and SAF for appreciating us. I will definitely be at the match, and to all other United fans all over the world hoping for this it will surely come. I cant wait to see our players in person.
June 4th, 2008 at 19:46
Just a wild thought and perhaps it’s just whimsical fantasy but if we were to sell Voldemort next season for a large and I mean large amount, no team could stand in our way to go after the only player who can truly replace Voldy and not have United skip a beat. His name is Leo Messi and I for one believe he can be had for anything around 60 to 70 mil or probably even less. I know he loves Barca but many changes and a diminishing side may force their hand as well as his. Boy I would love to see Mesi in Man Utd red. WOW!
June 4th, 2008 at 20:02
lol Grongard, Barcelona saved his life pretty much. We say that we made Voldy(haha) who he is today, well Barca REALLY made Messi who he is today. They took him in and gave him the growth hormones he needed to become the player he is today. I don’t think he’d ever leave.
June 4th, 2008 at 20:18
[Grognard]
Unlike Mr X, Messi has humility and values his club. Plus he’s latino, and likes the weather. Why would he want to move to a place like Manchester? And Barca is not a bad club. Plus considering his injury prone-ness, the premiership defenders will kick lumps out of him and he’ll become Saha Mk II.
June 4th, 2008 at 20:24
On the RVN issue it is worth noting that he played the three games preceeding the cup final against Wigan. If reports are correct SAF was set to drop him for the Liverpool FA Cup game but was talked around from it by CQ. SAF was then meant to have lost the rag big style when RVN stopped chasing a catchable ball in the game. Given Saha’s form in the League Cup a start for him was understandable. What was questionable was the decision not to bring RVN off the bench.
June 4th, 2008 at 20:26
Is Ronaldo -Robinho + cash a bad deal for us??…Why i am the only one who think Robinho is a top top player
One thing is for sure that he is going to be one who does not dream of playing in Spain anymore :-))…(seems like our team is full of players dreaming about playing elsewhere)….I say get that deal done, get as much cash you can get out of RM and buy Gomez/Huntelaar/Benzema….Then we change our style to a target man and trio out of Robinho,Rooney,Tevez,Park,Nani play behind him to provide the “fluidity” and the creativity to break down teams..
One thing we have to admit is that we cannot expect our CMs to join in the goals tally…our CBs i think are better than them…so let these attacking midfielders and our target men (Benzema/Huntelaar/Gomez and Manucho) share the goal burden…
Ronaldo provided us two things in attack - pace,trickery,goals….lets divide that load among the team and enjoy the team doing the work rather than one man himself…
June 4th, 2008 at 20:27
[Shyam]
Robinho was the next Pele until he went to that graveyard of talented players that’s Real Madrid.
June 4th, 2008 at 20:31
Groggy:RR:Given the season Ronaldo had this year,I highly doubt Ronaldo Scoring 42 goals next season.
So say he stays for one more season then maybe score a fewer Goals Then his value would free fall,
so don’y you think we should take advantage of the situation and sell him for 70 mil or so coz i think
Real Madscum are desperate to have his services and that this is probably the best timeto offload
him and maybe buy a winger and build the squad around Rooney and Co…
June 4th, 2008 at 20:33
I think a young up and comer for cover at left back is a must. Who that player is, I dont know.
Now, as to he who shall not be named, we should go ahead and get the absolute most from him this summer. This shit he says about staying for another year at the maximum and then leaving next summer can only hurt united. Lets say he has a mediocre season by his standards and only scores 20 goals and we get bounced from the champions league in the quarters. Then, in the summer, we would have absolutly no bargaining power, the ball would be in reals hands alone and we would end up getting much much less than what we could get now. This would be terrible. But of course, i am very pessimistic and he could go from strength to strength, score 50 and win us another double then we could make real pay 100 million pounds.
I just think its a better business decision to thank him for the back to back titles and then cash in for around 60-70 million. Then we send out Lucca Brazy, i dont know how to spell that name, and tell him to make Benzema an offer he cant refuse and put a contract in front of him and tell him that either his signature or his brains will be on the contract. I wish we could do the same to get Ribery but someone put it well up there that he wont come and thats far fetched. So as a replacement winger, I have no idea. All i do know is that i give a big FUCK NO to getting quaresma. I am actually praying some idiots like chelski or pool sign him so he can fail horribly for them and not us. He is terrible, and his diving is terrible, same thing for dani alves, he is downright embarassing with his acting. So please, stay away from them.
Also, just a comment open for discussion, i think foster should start over vds next year. if he doesnt, he will leave.
June 4th, 2008 at 20:48
STOP COMMENTING ABOUT BS ARTICLES REGARDING ” “. I am sick and tired of it, there is no breaking no news! he didnt definately say this or that. he has said nothing, not even to his girlfriend(if you believe tribalfootball;-0). please i beg of you people, LET IT GO! we will all find out sone enough.
Regarding ramsey, I think the hesitation on his part is prolly because he is worried about getting playing time. I personally havent seen him play, but being good at 17 doesnt mean your going to be good at 18,19,20. If I were a youngster and had to choose between arsenal and United, I would prolly choose the gunners. simply because I have a far greater chance of playing first team football.
To change the subject, is anyone else getting worried about United’s policy regarding their young strikers? We let rossi go, without really giving him a chance and he looks to be a quality player. Now I am reading that Hull can have campbell for just 5 million. Personally I would loan him out 1 more year then give him a run out in the first team. If he isnt good enough then thats that, but atleast give him a chance. Hopefully Welbeck can get some games this year, he looked impressive in the reserves, but the EPL is a different beast. Lets see if he can make the jump.
June 4th, 2008 at 20:49
And guys Robinho is Crap,Just ask Real’s Head coach he has stated our pal is too weak for the Spanish League
Well that statement should put and end to all the Swap deal involving Mr.Robinho….
June 4th, 2008 at 20:56
Mas_ter: Odd comment from Schuster given Robinho chipped in 11 goals and 14 assists in the league last season.
June 4th, 2008 at 20:57
[drew vader]
Have u seen Quaresma play, he is spectacular. He is a bit of a diver but that is only cause diving is part of the game in portugal. Playing in the EPL I am sure he will learn quickly that diving is a disgrace(even tho Gerrard never seemed to get that memo). And dont judge Quaresma from his failure at Barca, he had a falling out with Rijkard and was never really given a fair shake.
He is by no means a Ronaldo replacement, but he is a World class winger. Having said that, there is no Ronaldo replacement on Earth. Messi is immense but he just isnt big enough to cope with the physicality of the Premiership.
June 4th, 2008 at 21:04
GUYS! GUYS! I made it pretty plain and clear that it was just a FANTASY. I for one also believe that he would never leave Barca but then again I never expected Henry to leave Arsenal or Keane and Beckham to leave Man Utd. Strange things do happen in this game that often defy logic. Still it was just a what if fantasy of mine. He would be the perfect replacement though wouldn’t he?
June 4th, 2008 at 21:20
[Grognard]
I know it was a fantasy. I was just thinking aloud too. And I said I don’t think he’s the perfect replacement and gave my reason for it.
June 4th, 2008 at 21:32
Mas_ter; I’d have no problem (well actually I would) if Fergie just decided one day to just sell him and cash in on his highest value period. Problem is I honestly don’t think he has reached his peak. And despite what it may look like, Voldy is not just about scoring goals. He makes everyone around him except maybe Rooney better. I honestly think he has two year left in him that are better than what we’ve seen even if the goal tally isn’t as high.
I am originally from a city in Alberta Canada called Edmonton. In that city there once played a God in our home sport hockey. He was far greater in his sport than Ronaldo is in his. Gretzky can only be compared with Michael Jordan, Pele, Maradona and Babe Ruth when it comes to athletes from team sports. In 1989 Edmonton had just finished winning their 4th championship in 5 years when the owner (a right fucking prick) decided to cash in on Gretzky’s name and abilities in his prime and sold him to Los Angeles for money (which he used to pay off outside business debts) and a few players who were average at best. Edmonton still had enough quality players to win a cup two years later but then after that the team slowly deteriorated into complete mediocrity. People were so incensed that the owner’s life was threatened, in fact he was actually held hostage in his home and wounded by an idiot and after that, the people of Edmonton so despised and vilified the man they literally forced him to sell his businesses and the team and get out on the first train to nowhere. Only players of the caliber of Maradona and Pele get that kind of love, devotion, and fanatical support. Ronaldo is not in that league and he never will be because all those players mentioned always showed their love to their teams supporters and country and acted with humility around them. Gretzky is the most gracious and humble individual you will ever meet and I for one have met him 3 times and discussed the game with him. Ronaldo’s deeds may not be forgotten easily but he will be forgotten the morning after he leaves because as a person, he did very little to endear himself with the United faithful. In front of the coliseum in Edmonton their is a 20 foot bronze statue of Gretzky built in his honor as well as a main freeway through the city is named after him. These tributes all came to be while he was playing for LA, not after he retired. When he came back to play his first game against Edmonton he was given a standing ovation that lasted for 20 minutes. When Ronaldo returns with Real in the near future I think he will have things thrown at him as well as every dirty chant sung for the entire time he is out on the pitch. He is a great player but he is not George Best nor is he Roy Keane or King Cantona. Give us a little time and he will be yesterdays news. But some names live on forever. I’d rather honor the loyal warriors of Manchester United. It’s too bad Ronaldo never wanted that legacy and that adoration to live with into his retirement and later years. I doubt very much he’ll ever get it in Madrid. They’ve already forgotten about Zidane, Ronaldo, Figo and other greats. It’s funny that their hero that gets all the love and adoration just happens to be Raul who has stayed loyal and been there from day one. Loyalty and respect for the team’s traditions and history are a lost virtue in todays game. And that’s really a crying shame.
June 4th, 2008 at 21:35
We can always get Gabby Heinze back when Ronaldo leaves. I heard he is a great LB. Throw RVN in the deal and Robinho and we will be fine for next season.
June 4th, 2008 at 21:48
just1n, you plastic, you heard he was a great left back?, surely if you where a fan before the CL final, long before in fact, you would know how good or bad heinze was, wouldnt you?
June 4th, 2008 at 21:51
Grognard
Just a quick thought, and this might sound like a stupid idea just because its from me, but what about the kid Kroos from Bayern? Is he not in the same mould as a Ballack? Or what about Lulinha? I’ve heard much about him here but never seen him play, so I dont know what hes like. But would he be a bad buy?
June 4th, 2008 at 21:52
Oh Dan get a grip mate. It was a joke. And chances are I have been supporting Man Utd longer than you…
June 4th, 2008 at 21:55
k, how did you work that one out?
June 4th, 2008 at 21:56
Must be your righteous indignation that fans post ‘99 have…
June 4th, 2008 at 21:58
[Dan]
You started it, so shut up.
June 4th, 2008 at 22:02
fine I’ll stop, supporters and fans i guess.
June 4th, 2008 at 22:05
Back to topic. We need a LB but one that will be happy playing second fiddle to Evra. If Sylvestre stays then we have that player already.
June 4th, 2008 at 22:39
Comma; Kroos is a super talent and I think it would take an incredible amount of money to pry him away. Besides, for whatever reason German youngsters don’t generally take the big step out of the Bundesliga because they first want to fulfill their dream of playing in the Bundesliga. Ask me the same question in 3 or 4 years. Lulinha I honestly don’t know much about. But Kroos can play as a left winger/lmf or in the cmf. He is free kick specialist and his passing and crossing is sublime. He also has great imagination and creativity for somebody that young as well as confidence to try things. He will figure much more prominently this upcoming season for Bayern. Also, Fergie doesn’t like Germans. In twenty years in charge and with the dozens and dozens of nationalities that have played for United and especially in the EPL, I find it a little funny that we have never had a German play for us under Fergie? Things that make you go hmmmm!
June 4th, 2008 at 22:55
So if he’s as good as you say he is, and nothing I’ve ever heard about him would make me believe otherwise, wouldn’t it be wise to try and pick him up now? Or at least know that we are more than willing to take him.
Also, is he the type of AMF you were talking about needing in the United side? The Ballack type player that can play right behind the front 2 and contribute some goals too?
June 4th, 2008 at 23:22
Grognard it’s simple … From the moment (mid November) I understood that he won’t celebrate his goals with his team-mates I had only one thing in my mind. Get rid of him. I have written it so many times before the Calderon-Real-money-fame flirt.
Kalimera gamo tin trela mou!