Aug 21
Easter Island Head To Arsenal: Funniest. Transfer. Ever.
So everyone knows this by now. It’s not an April fool’s joke because, well, it’s not April. It’s cold hard truth.
Excuse me for a moment.
Hahahahahaha!
Ahem. Ok.
Now I don’t know what’s so funny but I can’t help but laugh at this transfer. Mikael Silvestre has passed up on a chance to get a testimonial next season and the chance to leave on a free to favour a move to Arsenal. So he will move from playing for the United reserves, to sitting on the Arsenal bench — which is an upgrade. You can’t blame him for that, really. Also I’d be shocked if he got a testimonial.
As a player, he’s always made my heart skip a beat with the ball at his feet. His terrible marking in a corner where he let Gallas score the opening goal for Chelsea in that puke inducing 3-0 hammering at Stamford Bridge in the 05/06 season remains fresh in the head. I can’t fault his attitude toward the club though. And I am fairly certain tears wouldn’t be shed at this move anyway.
But two things were laugh worthy. First, the Gooner reaction. Just yesterday, when they got wind of the Silvestre deal being an imminent possibility, Arseblogger (of Arseblog) had this to say:
I have these strange and weird dreams that make no kind of sense to me at all. Vivid motion picture dreams but at the same time I’m convinced that I’m not asleep. It’s all terribly confusing. I mean, last night I dreamt that we were about to sign Mikael Silvestre from Manchester United.
The fish-faced, Freddie Ljungberg head-butting cunt from Manchester United. I must be eating too much cheese before bed time. Still, it’s good to have a cup of coffee in front of me, open up my browser and check the morning news to get a good, healthy dose of reality.
I’m really not sure how to feel about this. On one hand Silvestre is an experienced defender, he’s won titles, played many times for France and would provide better cover at left back than Armand Traore who could then go out on loan and get experience. On the other hand he’s a poxy fucking cunt who can’t seem to close his mouth. Why would we want to sign a player who can’t close his mouth? Many of his injury problems at United have come from swallowing insects as he runs along with his big open gob. I mean, look at him. He was once out for three months when a bee went right down his throat like Luke Skywalker’s bomb in the first Star Wars and stung him on the Adam’s Apple.
Read that piece. It’s hilarious, and in between the hilarity, it reveals the conflict many Arsenal fans will feel about this signing.
The second laugh worthy bit is Arsene Wenger’s thoughts on Silly:
“We have a strong squad but a young squad and Mikaël’s versatility, experience and calibre will provide the extra depth we need to reinforce our challenge for honours this season. His defensive adaptability will serve us well and it’s a big plus that Mikaël has top-level experience and a great understanding of football in the Premier League.”
He actually said all that about Silvestre with a straight face.
Seriously though, he will add some depth to their squad. Good for them. I will bid good bye to him.
Meanwhile Wes Brown expressed shock at Silly’s move. Also, apparently, with a straight face.
In other news, everyone is carrying Berbatov signs for United in their headlines in the hope that they get a little bit of the Newsnow action — when, in reality, he signed an autograph on a Manchester United shirt. Cheeky stuff.
And that’s about it for the day. Oh, and England drew luckily for them and I can’t give a toss to be honest.
Related items from Red Rants:- Easter Island Head’s NYC Visit | Ronaldo Goes Top | Fergie’s Double/Treble Aim
- Fulham v Man Utd: Preview
- Grant “Believes” | Capello on Rooney | Queiroz Loves Ron
- Man Utd v Liverpool: Preview
- Globally Red
Tags: Daily Roundup
August 21st, 2008 at 10:09
Selling that useless piece of shit, is Fergies most inspired piece of transfer dealing since signing Cantona from Leeds, we get rid of the player with worst concentration in the Premiership, and to sell him to one of our biggest rivals is genius, Fergie the Great!
August 21st, 2008 at 10:27
It is a funny signing to be sure.. and that Arseblog piece is very funny, but I think many gooners will be pleased that ‘le boss’ is adding a bit experience to the dressing room. It also shows that players don’t think at all like fans do.
Anyway, I hear that we are about to send Senderos in the opposite direction as a thank you. In fact bus is due at Old Trafford coach station later this morning.
August 21st, 2008 at 10:27
Don’t knock Tweety. He might not be world class or even Premier League class. In fact, I might be better than him, but he was the second best left back in the squad. Now, if something happens to Evra (touch wood), we are stuck with O’Shea at left back and while he is better playin there than anywhere else, I do not think he is better than Silvestre.
August 21st, 2008 at 10:36
@Andrei: Fabio, surely will get his chance, I agree , its a lot on young shoulders but Silly, was a liability. I do agree with O’Shea, who I don’t know where his best position is, probably on the bench!
August 21st, 2008 at 10:55
I visit this site regularly to read the posts and the comments. The posts are really good and i look forward to a good read being a ManU fan since many years.
But what i can never understand is why are fans ALL the time talking about ‘HATING’ players from other teams. I would understanding you not liking certain players and certain teams of course. But saying that i ‘HATE’ someone is really kiddish for grown ups. HATE is too big a word especially for someone you havent even ever met in real life or dont know what sort of person he is in real life. On the field, fine, there are selfish players, cunning players, players who indulge in mind games, but i still would not HATE anyone. Its just too puerile i think. I used to be a bike racer and we had our own mind games to play with other riders but never did we HATE anyone. there was always respect for the talent that the oppontent might have but saying that i HATE SOMEONE is really childish behaviour. And not, its definitely NOT about passion or commitment to your football club. Hate and passion have got nothing to do with each other. Its like recently Grognard calling someone a ‘lesser’ fan just because he did not feel as passionate about certain issues. I think its time you guys introspect and see if there is a need to act in a more mature way and not as obsessed kids.
August 21st, 2008 at 11:11
Awesome article RR
Have never seen you get so excited!
Reading the Henry to United rumors, Wenger would have thought that it’ll be cool to buy a player from United. And, there you go…. he has signed a really “versatile” player. I would love to see Senderos and Silvestre team up in central defence. Oh, what a show that would be!
August 21st, 2008 at 11:19
Thank God!!!
That was the first thing I said when I saw the story on Eurosport, but after thinking about it I hated O’Shea at left back and if Fabio doesnt get enough chances, we are screwed so lets hope Evra never gets injured.
On the other hand it doesnt matter what happens with us, if Clichy gets injured than I can safely say Arsenal will not compete for the top 4 let alone the league, so Im hoping for a bad season for Clichy and a good season for us hopefully.
August 21st, 2008 at 11:20
My heart also skipped a beat when Silvestre had the ball at his feet, and when he scored the opening goal against watford in 06/07 I was obviously high and happy that we scored but at the same time I felt indifferent to silvestre scoring it which just shows how little I thought of him. But maybe its a good signing for arsenal in that he may be able to provide some composure when the season reaches squeeky bum time. Something that is disturbing me is how often John O’Shea and Darren Fletcher get sworn and spat at by the other United fans on this site. I agree that they’re not the most talented players in our squad but I think they deserve a little more respect than what they get. O’Shea has saved our asses a few times in the past (re: Liverpool away in 06/07) and Fletcher has also done the same (re: Newcastle last weekend). The thing that disappoints me the most about how fellow United fans consider Fletcher and O’Shea is that both those players have been loyal to United…more so than the likes of Ronaldo. Yet when Ronaldo says he wants to leave, we ask for loyalty and swear him, when he says he’ll stay we rejoice and drop the issue but when we have players who show loyalty like Fletch and O’Shea, we swear them endlessly.
August 21st, 2008 at 11:24
Rafael has got his first team shirt, but Fabio had not. Looks like he will get one now.
And Fergie would never allow transfer of a player to another premier league team and especially to title contenders, if he felt that player would improve them Heinze->liverpool anyone?
So, good to see Fergie hopefully imposing faith once again in youngsters coming through a la the batch of 94-95.
the carling cup team this time is defo not going to be beaten in the second round again :), with we having fabio, rafael, possebon, wellbeck, manucho and campbell this time around.
August 21st, 2008 at 11:25
I wonder what Wenger has got up his sleeve
. as for the Berbatov situation, tottenham should just sell him
August 21st, 2008 at 11:28
@DarkDevil: “I agree that they’re not the most talented players” I think that is the main problem with O’Shea and Fletcher!
But seriously they are good squad players and would not want either to leave, as the provide flesh on the bones, but it can’t really be that hard to be loyal to Manchester United, if you are not one of the most talented of players?
August 21st, 2008 at 11:30
@DarkDevil: I would like to have O’Shea or Fletcher in my team more than Ronaldo, but then again, that is my stance on posers when compared to real, hard working people. I did not mean to discredit JOS, but he is just not an exceptional player.
August 21st, 2008 at 11:32
Personally, I wish him all the best. He’s been a good professional, and for a while, while Rio was wondering whether to be the best defender in the world or the richest chav in the world, he held the defence together. For two seasons at the start of the 2000’s, he was our most consistent player. And now he gets a move which suits everyone - he gets two years and possibly first team football, we get a fee for a fringe player who’d be picking up wages for sitting on the bench and then leaving on a Bosman, and the Arse get a good defender to give them a bit more strength in depth. Good luck to him. You want a real inconsistent prick who was a liability half the time and then shat all over us, look at Gabrielle Heinze.
August 21st, 2008 at 13:00
I just want to know what happened to John O’Shea. He was really quite good in his first year, demonstrated skill, not terrible pace, vision - now his first touch is also his third and fourth and he’s probably the slowest person on the pitch. I don’t like him at LB cause he cannot cross, which seems a pretty big deal to me.
So no new signings for Pompey it appears. Hopefully everyone will return without knocks from international duty. Rooney looked mildly better in terms of touch yesterday, but still woeful in terms of positioning. He’s turning into Dirk Kuyt… :(!
August 21st, 2008 at 13:22
@Beachryan: I saw O’Shea at Stamford Bridge I think it was his debut, and he was superb, I suppose he has been used as a utility player which can’t help your game, but a handy squad player.
August 21st, 2008 at 13:26
When will Fergie sell that god damn o’shea?! He’s another silly in the making. As for Berbie, I think that was just a sign of courtesy to the fan asking his signature. I remember Paul Ince POSINg with a united shirt but that is completley different from berbie’s case.
August 21st, 2008 at 13:41
Now I’m beginning to get worried with the way we are handling our transfers, why are we only selling our players and we haven’t buy a single player. Can somebody tell me who will cover for us if Vidic and Ferdinand in case they get injured which I forbid but let us face it, it happened last season. I guess all of us are only concern about getting a striker but I think we need more than one signing, we need about two more signing. We need a cover at the back as well as getting a Striker.
And for Silvestre, I thought he might have waited one more season so that he might have a testimonial cause I think he deserve one and Wenger would have been wiser to wait one more season so that he can get him on a free transfer. Too be honest, I dont think selling him is a good idea provided if SAF is planning to get someone else to cover for Vidic and Ferdinand in case anything happens. For now I will stay calm until the first of Sept until then…..Peace
August 21st, 2008 at 13:54
i think it is best for the lad to go cos he needs 90 min football which he can not get under utd but i think he should have wait for another year so that he can get honours and testemonial match and also going to our arc rivals in league is another something else but i which him best of luck like brown said……
August 21st, 2008 at 14:11
@Cocxxy: We have Evans, Brown and O’Shea as cover so not too bad, we do need a litle cover all over I think.
August 21st, 2008 at 14:19
easy to slate silvestre but when our own fat wayne is firing blanks,no problem.all we need is a real striker not clowns like fat wayne.whats his goal ratio for england by the way?
August 21st, 2008 at 14:34
@donibrasco: Rooney goal record is 14 in 43 which equates to 0.32 goals per game, better than his strike partner last night Defoe who has 5 in 28 at aratio of 0.17 per game, with support like yours next season we will have no problems.
August 21st, 2008 at 14:34
@ Donibrasco - Go do some digging into his stats for United, then come on back with a retort. You’ll find over the last 2 years he is only behind Ronaldo in terms of combined goals and assists. That’s right, he’s been the second most effective player int he best league in the world. So who should we get to replace him then?
August 21st, 2008 at 14:42
@Stephen: yeah stephen i was just gonna say about jonny evans. nobody seems to be talking about him but i really think we should cos he is a quality player. he can fill in at left back and plays very well in center too. he has great ball control and doesnt panic. i may be slightly biased being from norn iron myself but i honestly think fergie rates him and thats why he didnt want to sell him to sunderland, or even put him out on loan again.
as for silly, genius tranfer by fergie. the guy is a muppet.
@DarkDevil: i have been guilty of the JOS and DF slagging in my time, and to some extent i feel a bit bad for that. but at the same time, i do not think they are good enough to be starting for us. i dont want to look at the team sheet and see fletcher in midfield and john oshea anywhere. im sorry, but i dont. and i know we all need good squad players and blah blah blah. but john oshea makes too many mistakes to be in the top team in england, and europe. and like Stephen says, it is very easy for someone like JOS to be loyal to united when hes getting 50 grand a week, for playing occasionally and winning silverware! If we picked a position for JOS, say left back, would he be good enough to start there for any of the top 6 teams even? We seem to like gloss over the fact that he is not very good at any position by calling him “versatile”…meaning he is mediocre at all positions.
August 21st, 2008 at 14:48
@jstar7: I hope he doesn’t turn into another Pique because he was top draw for Sunderland last season, by the way Chimbonda, Diouf and now Cisse what is Keano doing!!
August 21st, 2008 at 14:54
@Stephen: He’s obviously buying players who have arrogant, ‘always expect to win’ personalities in the likes of cisse, diouf, and chimbonda. This can be infectious and if it rubs off onto the other players then it could prove a valuable asset in building a winning mentality with hopes of not only surviving but pushing up the premier league table.
August 21st, 2008 at 14:59
@Jay: Yes but there is a yang to that ying, if they get off to a bad start and don’t win their first few games and the ego’s start then Keano could be a very early casulty, I hope not but its a posibility.
August 21st, 2008 at 15:00
Say all you want guys, but I think this is a terrible deal for United. We’ve now sold 2 backup defenders and not replaced either of them. It’s funny how we weren’t willing to sell Heinze to Liverpool for good money, but accept a pittance for Silvestre to closer rivals.
This is an excellent buy for Arsene, you just can’t get such an experienced player so easily these days. The only circumstance I would accept this decision by United is if it in some way helps push the Berbatov deal through.
August 21st, 2008 at 15:01
@donibrasco: less of the fat wayne jibes mate. and like many have pointed out, if you are going to use stats to make your point…make sure you have them right or you will look quite foolish.
August 21st, 2008 at 15:06
@Ronak: sorry ronak but i dont agree. and you cannot compare this to the heinze thing cos heinze was good! yes he has experience, but so does john oshea
August 21st, 2008 at 15:07
@Ronak: Liverpool will be a bigger threat to us than Arsenal next season, and Liverpool are our biggest rivals full stop.
August 21st, 2008 at 16:03
@Stephen: LOL about your earlier comments 1 and 4, especially comment 4 about O shea’s best position being on the bench because I totally agree. Really though I don’t know how much faith Fergie has in Fabio because any injuries to Evra and recalling that we would have to RELY on John Oshea would really be threatening to the team. Anyhow I am reserving my sanity for bigger issues like the BERBATOv saga. Levy is a prick, and I mean that only because I bleed red.
August 21st, 2008 at 16:05
@Stephen: Of course! I don’t see Roy as a manager who would be tentative and play it safe all too often though
August 21st, 2008 at 16:09
@Stephen: I never really see Arsenal as our rivals. I fucking hate Martin Keown all the same, don’t get me wrong, but I hate ALL scousers.
Gary Neville is a red……
August 21st, 2008 at 16:09
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/7574920.stm
hang on?
August 21st, 2008 at 16:11
why are my comment not appearing?
August 21st, 2008 at 16:15
sorry, that’s supposed to be *comments
August 21st, 2008 at 16:18
@Traverse: One of the best feelings ever was watching G Red running towards the dippers kissing his badge when Rio scored the winner @ OT!! I do hate Keown as well, monkey head!
August 21st, 2008 at 16:24
@WhiteY: We have achived a record 31 comments until the Bulgarian Cantona was brought up!! God I hope we sign him………
August 21st, 2008 at 16:42
@Stephen: Except for comments 10 and 27
August 21st, 2008 at 16:42
@Traverse: Yes bar those ones!
August 21st, 2008 at 16:47
Cannot see a new striker being brought in before the game against portsmouth, and i think if we bring anyone in it will be a last minute signing with hours of the window left. We have taken so bloody long. Why did we not just sign berbatov during the euros as our silence during the euros made me think we were going to sign a player who was involved in them.
August 21st, 2008 at 16:48
@Stephen: One of my best was my girlfriend getting us tickets for United vs the dippers at OT for my birthday, which took place on my birthday, and was the first match I went to. Scholes scores on his 500th game and Rio plants one in the top corner with his left. totally perfect!!
August 21st, 2008 at 16:50
On another note, i know it is probably bollocks but according to bulgarian press berbatov is jetting into Manchester to sign for us.
August 21st, 2008 at 16:52
@Traverse: I was at that game to, it was priceless!
@Matthew: With every ticking minute its looks less likely I must say, if we don’t bring anyone in I think it could be a tough season ahead.
August 21st, 2008 at 16:53
@Matthew: yea i have seen that also, but unitl its on sky sports or bbc, im not believing it.
August 21st, 2008 at 16:53
I know this is off topic but is it just me or is Sky TV getting worse. Just flicking through and there is nothing on. Not just sports but anything. What the hell am i paying for. I remember years ago when i first got sky there were always games on the monday evening and internation games. I really cannot give a crap about England games but i see they have now pulled those games off and have gone to setanta. Sky are just a waste of money now.
August 21st, 2008 at 16:57
@Matthew: It does seem to be Chelsea TV to me.
August 21st, 2008 at 17:01
Certainly the sky commentary seems to have an anyoine but united attitude. Martin tylor seems to scream everytime someone scores against us yet when we score he just speakes calmly.
August 21st, 2008 at 17:04
@Matthew: Is it me or does he wear an Arsenal tie when he is on the gantry, or am I being paranoid!
August 21st, 2008 at 17:09
@Stephen: prob Woking colours….
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Tyler
August 21st, 2008 at 17:13
@jstar7: I used to live near there a few years ago how odd! So I was paranoid!!
August 21st, 2008 at 17:16
I do think that i heard that as a child and young adult he was an arsenal fan. I was just watching the semi final fa cup game in 99 between us and arsenal and you could tell he wanted arsenal to win. Beckham scored an absolute beauty and he didn’t even raise his voice, yet when bergkamp scored the equaliser he absolutely screamed.
Anyone also remember the comeback against everton 2 season ago. Rooney scored to make it 3-2 and complete an amazing comeback and he barely raised his voice. And as for andy gray, well the less said the better.
August 21st, 2008 at 17:22
@Stephen: so did i actually…even more odd!
@Matthew: dont get me started on andy gray!!
August 21st, 2008 at 17:24
@jstar7: Bloody hell small world!! I also hate Andy Gray, tic a booo!
August 21st, 2008 at 17:28
I have heard that David Gill is the favorite to replace Barwick, fuck me we will have know one left at this rate.
August 21st, 2008 at 17:40
Typical manutd fan behaviour. Calling Silvestre a muppet. Are we that spoiled that we can throw decency and all due respect out of our high rise apartment windows. I never really liked Silvestre’s inconsistencies and esp his back passes which were all too often. But on his day he was the business. Everytime he played last season he was near flawless. Selling him 2 Arsenal makes zero sense on our side ito pragmatic forecasts of success. We needed him at LB. It makes sentimental sense perhaps since he has served the club admirably and might have harboured dreams of better chances in London. Is it laughable transfer? Yes. Only because of the fee(if its official). The guy suits the Arsenal game due to his pace. And when AW makes a signing, I look up. Trust me its a regrettable transfer on our part
August 21st, 2008 at 17:51
On another note,England as a football team are simply rubbish. But we all knew this. I rejoiced when they failed to qualify 4 euro. Along with Italy they exhibit the dullest football displays on the planet. At least Italy do it in an organised manner.
August 21st, 2008 at 18:06
@Jay wire: good one Jay
I also thought while Silly was a bit silly when it came to defending, he was actually as good as Evra while bombing forward and his crosses were actually much better than Evra’s. The only nagging flaw in Evra’s game (that stops him from being the best leftback in the world) is his quality of crosses. Anyway I still thought he was good enough for a bench role, certainly better than my namesake Big O’Shea! Anyway probably fergie wants to give some quality playing time to the likes of Fabio et al which means we are back to good old days when we did see some quality youngsters coming out of our youth setup. Fabio, campbell, Rafael etc might not be world beaters today but they certainly possess the quality to become one. With proper exposure they might really reach that promised land. It is worthwhile to give them that chance, for they have shown the kind of confidence in our club to hone their career by joining us so young in their life. I am all for giving youngsters a chance this season (even if it means no PL) and really targetting CL & FA cup honors rather than premiership. lets try to focus on some european domination for a change (while chelsea, pool and l’arse fight for PL… we have enough of those trophies already)
probably some people might not agree with me but thats ok with me.
August 21st, 2008 at 18:17
Jay Wire, not a nice thing to say mate for one reason!. Rio, Hargo, Carrick and Roon were really sick at missing out on the championships. It wasn’t down to our players that we didn’t win that final match against Croatia. We should have won that match, and would have done easily if Steve McClaren has listened to Terry Venables. McClaren made such disasterous and elementary decisions. In a game where we should have played whatever experienced players we could, he used it to blood new members to the squad. Especially Carson in goal. We lost two goals due to that mistake. Also he had experienced players on the bench, especially Hargo who Venables was shouting at him to get him on the pitch. But McClaren didn’t respond and we all know what happened. Listen Jay Wire, I am English thru and thru, and its an insult to some of the patriotic English fans on this board. The shame is that all United fans are not patriotic. But then a lot of United fans have this bastard Argentina chanting mentality, which makes me as someone who loves my country win or lose, want to throw up. I will chant Argentina to support Tev, no problem, but not Argentina at International matches. Anyway each to his own, but I think more national fervour should be shown on this blog by English United fans.
August 21st, 2008 at 18:27
@Craig Mc: He also played wing backs in Croatia, which surely as bad. We should be proud to be English but sometimes watching, Lampard, Terry, Gerrard and A Cole is hard, but England are not rubbish, just too many players playing for themselves and no unity, unlike United. To rejoice @ the country of the team you support for not qualifying for a the Euro’s makes you sound like a City fan.
August 21st, 2008 at 18:29
Jos, if we all had your mentality to concentrate on other things than the PL, we definately would be lucky to finish in the top 4, and that might count out your lets focus on CL thinking. The teams that finish in the top 4, are the teams fighting for EVERYTHING!.
August 21st, 2008 at 18:34
I admit that I don’t really want to see Fletcher or O’Shea in the starting lineup for most games but I feel that they add depth to our squad. O’Shea isn’t a brilliant player and he makes mistakes more often than not but he’s been with us for a while and he’s played some part in our success over the years. The same goes for Fletcher. He’s no Roy Keane and Anderson is a much more exciting prospect for me but Fletch has improved over the seasons. When we played AC Milan in 06/07 at OT, Fletch was pretty outstanding, so was O’Shea. Fergie himself said that Fletch is a player who performs well in the big games (Chelsea at OT in 05/06 anyone?). So as far as that goes, I just feel that tho they aren’t our best players, they show up when we need them to and that’s something a lot of people forget. As far as the loyalty thing goes, I think it’s more than just about winning silverware. O’Shea and Fletch could’ve easily asked for a transfer to another team where they may end up getting more playing time. But they haven’t done that yet. Ronaldo on the other hand, is almost always in the starting lineup when he’s fit, is payed 120,000/week and is experiencing success and yet he still wants to move. I don’t want to seem anti-Ronaldo and I’m glad he’s decided to stay but I think we should sell him eventually if for no other reason than the fact that every summer and every January, the Real Madrid - will he wont he fiasco is gonna kick into gear until he’s sold.
August 21st, 2008 at 18:35
Stephen, ffs I am ENGLISH, and I am PATRIOTIC. I love my country and support all our sportsteams, football or otherwise, win or lose. That’s what it is to love your country. You don’t turn on it when things aren’t going well. England will come good again, and feck all those having a go at our country and national football team. The scots, Irish and welsh support their teams thru thick and thins, thru good and bad times. I will do the same, If it means that I have the same mentality as City fans in this love of my country, then good for the City fans, I have something in common with them at last.
August 21st, 2008 at 19:10
a roll back to comment 53 54;
Andy gray is the biggest cunt in sportscast business. Anything anti united makes him throb,…. like a c***t.
August 21st, 2008 at 19:43
Was Silly goin to Arsenal Fergie’s BIG surprise
August 21st, 2008 at 19:54
Craig sorry mate the City jibe was not meant for you it was @ jay wire I agree with you, I am also like Rooney English and proud sorry bad typing on my behalf.
August 21st, 2008 at 22:35
Im a bit pissed we sold Silvestre. He can be a liability but he has a lot of experience and when he filled in last season in the big European games he did a job for us. 750K seems peanuts. Now outside of our back 4 we only have Neville and O’Shea with a decent amount of experience.
England were terrible. No width and completely destroyed on the counter attack. Barry is NOT a holding midfielder. Gerrard is a midfielder not a support striker. Rooney and Defoe do not work.
August 21st, 2008 at 22:52
Stephen - No problem mate, it’s okay.
August 22nd, 2008 at 0:12
whats going on!!!!!!!!!!! when are we signing berbatov!! come on! im fed up of this bullshit now.
August 22nd, 2008 at 0:19
@colver: I’m pissed we sold him to ARSENAL, had it been Sunderland, I wouldn’t be bothered much, but honestly, this is one transfer is sit here, scratching my head on, cus i can’t get head or tails of it and why Fergie would do that. O’Shea is good at LB(better than the midfield thats for sure), apart from him, who do we have, Fabio? Is he really ready to step up to take that position? We’re looking a little short in that position, but I heard Anderson can play there too(not sure how correct this is).
).
Anyway according to the press, this could also be good news as some are speculating that selling Silvestre would help us clear some wage bills, he was on £50,000 per week, so thats £18million saved and could be used for something better(like Berbatov
@Shreyas: I think he did, check on the United website, I’m not sure, but i could have sworn i saw Fabio had a shirt number too.
August 22nd, 2008 at 1:07
@RD this may be a precursor to us getting Henry
August 22nd, 2008 at 1:08
@Rd: Surely not 18 mil, mate. More like 2.5 mil by my calculations, but accoring to the press that is exactly how short we are in the evaluation for Berbatov, so it’ll be fine I hope.
Fuck! Berbatov is the new Ronaldo. Everybody is talking about him and it is bugging me!
August 22nd, 2008 at 1:43
its smart to build good trading relationships with Rivals to prevent them from doing what we did with the Heinze to ‘pool. Arsene knows this and bought Diarra off Chelsea and now Silly off us.
August 22nd, 2008 at 2:57
@Andrei: Yeah, damn I’m not idiot, lol. I multiplied by 365 instead of 52…so yeah that makes £2.6m saved which is close to the £3m the press were taking about + £750,000 made off the sale, thats in excess of £3m the press claimed we were short of, if this is really Fergie’s strategy, it makes a whole lot of sense
August 22nd, 2008 at 2:57
Theres a report on tribalfooty (I know its tribalfooty, not reliable but in these dark days anything looks good, even tribal…) that now Benzema is considering playing in PL!!!
Is he the secret Fergie was indicating earlier last week!!!
August 22nd, 2008 at 2:58
@jos: Who do you think is the best LB in the world? Personally I rate Evra as the best, I cant think of anyone I would rather have than him.
August 22nd, 2008 at 2:59
*an
August 22nd, 2008 at 5:07
@johnsom33: He is definitely not the best! I think Lahm is better (although he can play both left and right back positions) and there might be 2 or 3 others (Zambrotta?) who are also better! Evra is definitely very very good, among the top 5 but he has to have a great end product every now and then for all his excellent runs in the final 3rd. A lot of times he is in great positions to provide excellent crosses but he consistently fails. Lets have a look at his assists over the last 2 seasons (if anybody has got them).
Evra is so good still he is not first choice for his national team!!! If he was best leftback in the world surely he would be first choice for France national team.
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:28
@Craig Mc: you say teams that finish in top 4 are teams that fight for everything!!! have you ever seen liverpool fight for PL?
i am not saying we should totally neglect PL. We are good enough to finish in top 3 even playing second team! come on we finished 2nd in ‘06 with a midfield of Giggs & O’Shea!!!
I am no way implying to give up on PL. But we have enough of those already. we have won it consecutive years many times. whats the problem if we dont win it this time but rather put wholehearted effort on winning world championship and UCL! If utd were to win Pl every single year then the league will become very very boring. And also one more truth is that on european stage we are still behind the likes of Liverpool, Real, ACM, Bayern despite all our dominance in England for last 20 years! Time to put that record straight dont you think?
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:53
I am kinda disgusted at the hypocrisy of Manchester United fans.
Everybody want to cry over what cunts Ronaldo and Heinze are for showing no loyalty and wanting to move on. Shit, we spent the past few weeks commenting on at least one article per day, criticising Ronaldo for being a selfish cunt. Now, one of our most loyal players are shown the door, the same player that held things together when Rio decided to “get high”, and we run him down like this? Where’s the loyalty now? What more, where’s the respect that I feel the player deserves?
I personally feel Arsenal made a good signing. It shows once again how good Arsene is at doing cut-throat transfers. Further, I hope there is a late twist to the Ronaldo saga in that he actually moves to Real Madrid (just to even the ‘Karma’ out). In fact, I am so pissed off with united fans that I wish Anderson goes to Barcelona (and take me with him).
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:19
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:04
Jos, I am not a believer in putting all your eggs in one basket. I believe in going for everything, and you have more options of winning something. Besides I love making history Jos, and no other team has won PL and CL back to back. If we don’t do well in PL, at least make a fight of it, the MEDIA will have a feckin field day. When the media gets on a clubs back, whether we like it or not, it does chip away at players confidence. Look at what is happening with the England team, the players are afraid to play, they are afraid of the backlash if they fail. I don’t want this scenario for United.
With regards to L’Pool not fighting for the PL, let me tell you something. If L’Pools form of 2nd half of season was maintained for the first half, they would be always in the running for PL title. That’s why they want a good start. A good start gives you confidence and boosts moral. And Jos seriously, if you think that we can repeat winning PL with a 2nd string team, or even get into to top four, then go make a bet with the bookies, a large one, cos they will make a feckin mint from you lol!. Everyone has strengthened their teams in the top 4, and those beneath the top four. Fergie says he wants to make history, from his own mouth he has always maintained that you strengthen when your winning, but he hasn’t strengthened the striker department for two years. We will not win CL again with our present strikers, but that’s only my honest opinion, and you all on the blog may feel very differently. So we will wait and see. We supposedly have strength in depth - strength in depth my arse!.
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:14
RD, Johnny Evans was sensational playing for his national team midweek. The press are calling him a real star. Although he played Centre half for them on wednesday, he normally plays left back for his country, where they say he is excellent too. So he could cover for Evra with no problem, and he has more experience in PL with Sunderland.
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:17
Stephen- For your own info,im not English. Im not even European while we are at it. Of course i agree with ur stance in defending your country. However im not attacking your nation at all. God forbid. Im not that low. Im however clearly not a fan of your national team. Football that is. They are just extremely dull. And the media is all over them like they are the Argentina of Europe. Like Italy they have an abundance of talent. Just dont expect any joy in watching either of them. And until they improve on their dull football. Well they can just stick to meaningless friendlies. Dont waste the space at the coming World Cup. If that makes me(a non-European) a City fan coz i dont applaud England(football team),then viva City coz i wont change.
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:22
@jos: with all due respect, if you actually watched the national team you would know that, that over rated piece of shit named abidal was placed at left back, when it was clear that evra was far better. i think evra is the best left-back in the world to be honest, and i think lahm is the best right back.
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:24
@Karl:
Well said Karl. Double standards and hypocrisy at it’s best.
Silvestre was loyal and tried his best regardless of how anyone feels about his ability. I don’t think he was an amazing defender but his heart was in Manchester United.
In the end he decided to move on to get more first team football and I can’t argue with that at the stage of his career.
I can’t agree with the whole Ronaldo and Anderson leaving though!
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:26
@Rd: The united website had him as no.99, and mentioned that anyone with the number 99 means they have not yet been given a first team shirt no.
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:27
not wanting to disrepect anyone here but!
since when did this blog turn into nationalteams-r-us.?
all i think that is relivent from the mid week fixtures is that rooney got a run out so he might be better for portsmouth.
that and nani scored a goal.
all in all tho, these nation vs nation friendlies are in my opinion a complete waste of time. i just don’t see the point of it…. give the under 21’s a run out instead.
ps when are we signing berbatov.
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:35
I’m English, and despair over the national side. Lampard and Gerrard in the middle. Heskey coming off the bench? I thought we fired Steve Maclaren?
We have no stand out goal keeper. James can still go wondering. Robinson can’t catch from 40 yards, Carson was ruined by Maclaren and needs to sort his head and Green/Foster aren’t there yet.
Defensively we should be strong. Wes and Rio on the right. Terry and A.Cole on the right. Woodgate, Neville, Johnson, Lescott, Bridge are all decent backup.
However, midfield is where our problem lies. Stop picking 4 central midfielders, and then complaining about lack of width and pace!
Bentley, Hargreaves, Gerrard, Joe Cole is a balanced midfield. Beckham, Lampard, Barry, Gerrard is not. Central midfield we are very strong.. Hargo, Carrick, Gerrard, Lampard, Barry, Jenas… all capable, but for the love of god pick 2.
I don’t know what the hell is keeping Agbonlahor out of the England team. Him and Rooney as the 2 upfront would be brilliant. He is fast as hell, is tall, can head and use either foot. Hell, I’d take him for United if we can’t get Berbatov. Ashton knows where the goal is, Crouch somehow always scores, Owen (if fit and bothered) can still the best finisher in the country.
If every single person in the country is aware that Lampard + Gerrard = bad, why the hell do people with the correct qualifications keep bloody picking them!
August 22nd, 2008 at 13:21
The national side is a joke, Capello promised much but is going the same way as everyone else. The funny thing is EVERYBODY except the England managers can see the problems! Its bizare. Anyhow I think i’d line up some thing like this this -
———————Foster———————
Richards——Rio——Terry——A.Cole
——————-Hargreves——————
Bentley———–Gerrard———–J.Cole
————-Rooney——Owen————–
Subs
Hart
Brown
Lescott
Young
Carrick
Walcott
Agbonlahor
Back to united, looks like were gonna have to wait to see Berbatov make his premiership debut away to Liverpool, what a game to introduce yourself!!
Also a note on Silvestre, not the best defender we have seen but he had his moments and would like to thank him on his contribution over the years. (especially the 2 goals against Liverpool on Rio’s return which gave us a 2-1 win).
August 22nd, 2008 at 13:22
traverse for england! forget cape…capell…cappellio?
August 22nd, 2008 at 13:25
“Also a note on Silvestre, not the best defender we have seen but he had his moments and would like to thank him on his contribution over the years. (especially the 2 goals against Liverpool on Rio’s return which gave us a 2-1 win).”
I’d just like to echo that.
August 22nd, 2008 at 13:36
Ryan- Im sorry 2 disagree but Berbatov’s chances of playing 4 us are closer to nil than anything else. And if Ferguson is not planning on taking the plunge with the twins a replacement for Silvestre is absolutely necessary. And it must not be John O’Shea or Evans. The former because he is not very competent there and the latter because his best position is CB and i dont want him playing everywhere then end up like the former. Hope that makes sense
August 22nd, 2008 at 13:45
Jay wire I still think we will get him, Spurs wont keep a player who’s head is not at the club, he is useless to them now and after the signing of the united shirt the fans dont want him either. Its like a stand off at the moment and I think it will be us who back down and give spurs what they want.
I think thats why everyone is suprised by Silvestres move, I thought he was perfect back up. O’Shea will be used there but if Fergie doesnt sign a back up then he must have complete faith in the Da Silva twins……
August 22nd, 2008 at 14:21
@Will: As long as I don’t have to sleep with Nancy delolio, i’ll do it….
@Ryan: I too think we will still get him. Sky sports are reporting Ramos is going to be meeting with him today when he returns from international duty. I think if he gives them see same answer he’s been giving them for weeks, ‘I’ve had 2 years here, I need Champions League football, I want to go and play in Manchester’ Then I think the deal will be done over the weekend. Ramos knows he needs enough time to bring in