Feb 16
FA Cup Preview: Man Utd v Arsenal
Today is a big game in terms of the rivalry the two sides have had for the good part of the last decade, but surprisingly, and thankfully, there isn’t the over the board hype surrounding the fixture as has normally been the case in United-Arsenal fixtures. Maybe it’s because it’s the BBC that is showing the game and not Sky. Or maybe it’s the FA Cup itself, which has dwindled in importance and relevance for many Premiership clubs over the years. Who knows!
The managers have also decided to be a little low key in the build up to the game. Arsene Wenger has good reasons as well to be cautious about the fixture as he’s got a host of injuries to deal with. However, I think as long as they have a midfield containing Fabregas, Flamini and Hleb, and a strike force that has Adebayor, they are always going to be a threat. I personally don’t rate Adebayor as much as I would rate van Persie — who, by the way, is an outstanding player — but his aerial presence presents an awkward proposition for our defence. Eduardo seems to have a clinical efficiency about him that might again help their cause, but it is the centre of the park that would decide the game.
And for once, SAF has to get it right as far as midfield combinations go.
We don’t have any major injury concerns. Yes, there is talk of Saha making a return, but we all know that any playing time he would give us could only be termed a bonus. Rooney and Evra return from suspension, which is a good thing to hear. Rooney has been under a lot of heat lately, over his ‘poor form’. While it is reasonable for fans to worry about his lack of goals lately, I think some of the criticism he’s been getting is either unfair or downright ridiculous.
Crucially we have a game in midweek against Lyon, while the Gooners play Milan, so there has also been talk of managers fiddling around a bit with their line-ups.
I have mixed feelings about today’s fixture. On one hand, a victory could be good as we can get the psychological edge and head over to the next round with renewed confidence at the same time, however, ending up playing more games. On the other hand, a defeat would relieve us from the FA Cup and let us concentrate on the League while leaving the Gunners to compete in the cup. Either way the last thing I, and I am sure many Gunners, would want is a draw and a replay.
While United-Arsenal fixtures usually throw up good contests, I have a feeling that today one would have to be prepared for a session of attritional football.
Prediction: 2-1 to United
Related items from Red Rants:- Man Utd v Everton: Preview
- Roundup: Recycled, Unsubstantiated Trash Dominate United News
- Man Utd v Arsenal: United End Arsenal’s Season
- Man Utd v Tottenham: Preview
- Manchester United 2006/2007 Season Review
Tags: Game Preview
February 16th, 2008 at 10:40
really excited and looking forward for the clash, fixtures cant get any bigger than this, really wating to see who fergy plays as he has stated that he also has his eyes set on the lyon game, am still an optimistic fan and am sure the derby game will be put behind and that man utd will go for a win..my prediction,,man utd 2 arsenal 0,,its tym for them to payback the 05 final game which they undeservedely won,
February 16th, 2008 at 10:47
i have 1 question are eboue and toure going to play???
February 16th, 2008 at 11:00
Todays game should be amazing. I’m not sure if anyone mentioned this but last week at Old Trafford all I could hear for the most part of the game was City fans, I HOPE TO GOD WE OUT-SING THE GOONERS!
Personally I think we’ll go with more or less the same team as we played at the Emirates and I hope we’re fired up
February 16th, 2008 at 11:12
Who knows Olliey! They are tired after being in the ACN, and Arse Wenger will want to rest some oBrown?f his stars. I think Fergie will rest some players too, but I dont hope it is Rooney, Ronaldo, Tevez, Anderson or any of our defenders. I hope he will use Nani, Anderson,Carrick and Ronaldo as our midfield. I think it will be a great attacking game, since none of the sides wants a replay! Since Arsenal will field an inexperienced team, I think we will win. Depends on our team as well, but we have a better, deeper squad, so we should field a nearly first 11. VDS, Wes, Rio, Vida, Evra, Nani, Carrick, Anderson, Ronaldo, Tevez, Rooney. That is the team we should field today! 3-0 to United. Rooney and Ronaldo to score… And I just have a feling that we will have an unexpected scorer today, maybe Anderson, Evra or possibly Brown?
February 16th, 2008 at 11:15
im my eyes it’s simple hargo and andy in the centre, ronny and giggs on the wings and rooney n tevez upfront its a toss up between welbeck and saha on the bench but it will probably saha on the bench.
February 16th, 2008 at 11:25
Since Fergie thinks about the Lyon tie, I think Andy and Carrick will be the CM pair with Nani filling in for Giggs. I think Fergie will rest Scholes, Giggs and Owen for wednesday.
February 16th, 2008 at 11:27
owen andy giggs ronny rooney tevez that is what it SHOULD be
February 16th, 2008 at 11:33
United fans are so arrogant arsenal to win 2-1
February 16th, 2008 at 11:41
oliey pliz, no more giggz..better nani in that position, andy and hargo should start, hargo to stiffle out fabregas and andy to supply our attackers with the ball…its good having evra back, i think the lad should get his payrise
February 16th, 2008 at 12:06
ooooh! how can i forget to mention that rooney is also back.
February 16th, 2008 at 12:08
Scholes and Giggs I think will be rested along with Tevez….as they are the three whose fitness is poorest. Perhaps Hargreaves as well.
I think Ferguson might stick Saha up front with Rooney. Play Nani, Anderson, Carrick, Giggs and a standard back 4.
February 16th, 2008 at 12:38
listan to this arrogant quack. Can someone please explain to me how its only the top 5 who are battaling for europe and the rest are fighting a relegation battle? last time i checked theres about 7 clubs batttaling for 4th spot. thats 12 clubs right there battaling for a place in europe.
February 16th, 2008 at 12:42
Hmmmm I agree with the writer, as an Arsenal fan I’m delighted that we are top of the table and for the first time this season think we could win the title, which is better than I thought at the start. Whilst I want us to win the game I also realise from past seasons that the more comps you are in the more it affects your overall form. Don’t feel as fired up about this as the the game against you at the Emirates and have to say I won’t be as gutted if we lose(unless it in a repeat of the Spurs thrashing a couple of weeks ago)
February 16th, 2008 at 12:48
I dont think that dickhead knows anything about the Premier League.
February 16th, 2008 at 12:59
If you think hes an arrogant dickhead, listen to this guy: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/article809275.ece
BTW, who celebrated like maniacs when they got a draw aginst us?
February 16th, 2008 at 13:01
6 players is a bit much,maybe 6 players in a squad of 17.But 6 players cant start(although Id like too see what would happen to arsenal…walcott? ha ha ha.And what the fuck is he sayin?that every team should fight for the title?spain have only 2 teams,france have 1!Italy have 2 or 3.holland have 2.the scottish league is full of scottish players but only 2 teams can win it.It would make football full to have all these rules.Rooney,carrick,ferdinand,hargo,welbeck…the rest are old or leaving.
February 16th, 2008 at 13:01
Sorry RR, I didnt get how to post the link any other way..
February 16th, 2008 at 13:05
oh yes i already read that, pathetic.
February 16th, 2008 at 13:24
Don’t know what Gallas is going on about there. We celebrated because we were so relieved not to lose, it was a big draw to get, it’s not like beating you is unheard of for us we beat you home and away last year. What was interesting was that you paid us a lot of respect, last years games were very open games of football, whilst the one this season reverted to a more cagey type of game that we were seeing a few years back. Today’s result? I think United will win and Rooney will score
February 16th, 2008 at 13:25
Today we have to win.If we dont itl be sad,and if we lose,sheer horror.We need a big game from ronaldo.Everytime we play arsenal,clichy seems to have him in his pocket so I hope he doesnt play.Rooney loves this game.He was made for this game.Today I have a feeling he will put on a performance.The defence needs to stay compact and watch the runs.I hope hargo and andy start.I like runners in midfield because this arsenal team can move the ball around.And fuck gallas!
February 16th, 2008 at 13:26
vds
brown,vidic,rio,evra,
ronaldo,andy,hargo,nani
rooney/tevez
on my way to watch the match, enjoy
February 16th, 2008 at 13:27
i have 3 wishes for this game
1.anderson and hargo start
2.ronaldo plays at his best, enough of playing shit against decent opposition
3.we win and out “flair” le arse
February 16th, 2008 at 14:44
it seems we have an ace in the hole in capturing that congo starlet. Man Utd offer Mpoklu a trial he’ll join especially if bonsingwa does join us in the summer which is likely.
February 16th, 2008 at 15:57
the team=
vds
simpson/rio/vidic/evra
ronaldo/carrick/andy/nani
tevez/rooney
February 16th, 2008 at 16:04
First of all Ronaldo doesn’t play that badly against big teams it’s just he doesn’t follow the ball around the pitch he just stays on the right wing and cuts inside or crosses the ball. This prevents him getting on the ball as much as we are used to and thus being ‘quiet’ compared to all the other games that we see. Apparently he had a bad game the last time against Arsenal but he set up one goal and scored one.
secondly, how can Blatter say that about the PL when in Spain nobody ever wins the title except Madrid and Barca(and maybe Valencia) in Italy it’s Inter Milan,Juve or AC (in the past). So how come he’s not going after these leagues?
Today I pedict a 1-0 win or a 1-1 draw with Rooney scoring for United.
February 16th, 2008 at 16:10
This is the 1st of a set of really big games. Lose today and have a bad game on Wednesday and our season could well be over. I know thats a bit doom and gloom, but it is a possibility. Not to mention the game away to Newcastle, not always a happy hunting ground for us, plus they will have had 2 full weeks to prepare for it. Whilst the FA Cup can be viewed as a load of extra games not needed, losing to a (probably understrength) Arsenal side would be very bad for our already dwindling confidence and would give them a boost when they return for the league game in April. So, hopefully a good game, a win and no injuries. The next 3 games could determine or end our season. Arsenal did it last year when they went out of everything in just over a week. God I hope that doesnt happen to us.
February 16th, 2008 at 16:46
I don’t agree with the “rest” we might get if we lose today.. The equation is simple for me and SAF and the players.. You can’t win the treble if you’re out of the FA Cup..
February 16th, 2008 at 17:27
Team News:
GK: VDS
RB: Brown
CB: Ferdinand
CB: Vidic
LB: Evra
RM: Nani
Cm: Fletcher
CM: Carrick
CM: Anderson
LM: Park
CF: Rooney
Subs: PIG, Scholes, Saha, O’Shea, Tevez
February 16th, 2008 at 17:28
And the Arse for good measure:
GK: Lehamn
RB: Hoyte
CB: Toure
CB: Gallas
LB: Traore
RM: Eboue
CM: Fabregas
CM: Gilberto
LM: Hleb
CF: Eduardo
CF: Bendtner
Subs: Fabianski, Senderos, Clichy, Flamini, Adebayor
February 16th, 2008 at 17:32
I think Anderson will play up front with Rooney instead of a 5-man midfield. But, WHERE IS RONALDO??
February 16th, 2008 at 17:34
Fletcher…park….ooohhhhhhh shit…what the fuck is he doing?I hope he knows what hes doing.
February 16th, 2008 at 17:48
Obviously the Lyon game is of more importance.
February 16th, 2008 at 17:50
And Liverpool are out! Fan-Fucking-Tastic!!!!!
February 16th, 2008 at 17:54
No sign of Ronaldo in yesterdays training pics and the Portuguese press was running the story that he was injured and would miss the game this morning.
February 16th, 2008 at 17:57
Thats bye bye to ben…ohhh nooooo!
February 16th, 2008 at 18:00
Just got the chills watching that Barnsley win. Simply amazing.
February 16th, 2008 at 18:37
If that doesn’t get us going (and Rooney for that matter) I don’t know what will! Oh, and I haven’t said this much, but Anderson looks great! Honestly, with the confidence Carrick is playing with now, Carrick and Anderson are our best midfield pair. Now Fletch made it 2-0!
February 16th, 2008 at 18:37
SAF knows!!!!!!
February 16th, 2008 at 18:41
I don’t know why we didn’t and don’t play this inspired all the time, especially when we are top of the table. When we play like this, no one can beat us!
February 16th, 2008 at 18:52
fletch is being immense today, good to see
February 16th, 2008 at 18:59
This is too good to be true.
February 16th, 2008 at 19:02
I eat my fucking words!fletcher has been brilliant.mom so far!even parks played well.
February 16th, 2008 at 19:03
what the hell !!! 3 -0 nani. were destroying them
SHIT
go man utd
February 16th, 2008 at 19:07
i smell rump!
February 16th, 2008 at 19:08
with ronny coming in for park, this should be are starting line-up always!!
February 16th, 2008 at 19:09
I smell Roma x2!! What a game! Anderson is MOM, closely followed by…wait for it…FLETCHER! Let win with many,many,many more goals!
February 16th, 2008 at 19:16
If fletcher could play like this everyweek I would love the lad!What the fuck was gallas saying about us thinking we were too good.Yea gallas!thats right we are too good.What has van de saar done?Old trafford is like an orchestra today!Truly a theater of dreams
February 16th, 2008 at 19:19
hey guys, you know what would make this season absolutly perfect? thte scouse getting knocked out the champions league leaving them with nothing.
February 16th, 2008 at 19:20
who knew fletch had this in him?
we are playing like champions champions ole ole ole
anderson is amazing carick is killing it also nani wow im going nuts.
February 16th, 2008 at 19:29
RED CARD EBOUE LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL
February 16th, 2008 at 19:30
The only way this could get any better is if someone injures fabregas!
February 16th, 2008 at 19:34
WE should bring on tevez to destroy that right hand side
February 16th, 2008 at 19:49
just wondering…if we can play like that against a team like arsenal..and play around with their midfield and defense like that….wats lacking in those other EPL games…….
February 16th, 2008 at 19:50
Can we play like this every week? Fletcher again! Unbelievable.
February 16th, 2008 at 19:53
Fletcher MOM
February 16th, 2008 at 19:54
Fletcher LOL
February 16th, 2008 at 19:59
I fukin’ love nani
February 16th, 2008 at 20:02
A team full of youth and passion! A real United team. SAF is the Emperor of world football.
February 16th, 2008 at 20:10
dudes
its like Lehman is second MOM in this match! he is the diff b/w l’Arse losing “respectable” 4-0 and a 10-0 disaster!!! Rooney cud have scored 5 goals today!
my my, how good has Carrick been today! Fab who!!!
February 16th, 2008 at 20:10
wow!
February 16th, 2008 at 20:14
Ha that’ll show arsenal wat we can really do.
February 16th, 2008 at 20:15
fletch the scottish sensation
dont call it a comeback weve been here the whole time.
February 16th, 2008 at 20:17
Oh My God! Who didn’t have a blinding match today? Anyone? Nani MOTM unquestionably his best performance in red. The service, the finish, and the way he got under Arsenal’s skin. Way to go Fletcher 2 well deserved goals. I can’t wait to hear the “it wasn’t our strongest side” moaning from the gunner fans. Well, it wasn’t our strongest side either, and yet, it was probably the most emphatic and comprehensive victory of the season. I’m ecstatic. Nobody played poorly. What a hell of a match.
February 16th, 2008 at 20:22
First with appoligies to SAF. When I saw the lineup I was like “What in the hell?”. But SAF showed me again that he is the man and I am just a fan. good game from everybody. I know I shouldn’t say anything bad about anybody but if Rooney and Park weren’t so waistfull the score was going to be 7-0
February 16th, 2008 at 20:27
To everyone who asks why we dont play like this every week? James f nailed it, youth. Every time we force Scholes and Giggsy into the starting 11, or even onto the pitch, we lose drive and spark. No offense to anyone, but we lost something today when Scholes and Saha came on. The Anderson Carrick partnership looked unstoppable today. With Nani and Ronaldo on the wing and Tevez and Rooney up front, there’s no way we can’t score.
Im not saying Scholes and Giggs arent good, but they tend to slow things down a lot. How many times today did Scholes stop the ball on a break just to pass it across the midfield? Or just to one time it back to whoever passed it too him?
February 16th, 2008 at 20:31
brilliant! pure class.
and i can see arse fans coming out with excuses for this trashing
nani and fletch MOTM.
the lads played with much freedom and creativity cos oldie giggs and scholes weren’t on the field. simple as that.
February 16th, 2008 at 20:32
ARE YOU DERBY, ARE YOU DERBY, ARE YOU DERBY IN DISGUISE, ARE YOU DERBY IN DISGUISE!!! Wow 4-0 get in!!! Im going to have a field day on monday HAHAHA 4-0 TO THE CHAMPIONS!!!
February 16th, 2008 at 20:35
i say this should be are starting line-up.
February 16th, 2008 at 20:35
I kinda feel sorry for Fletch, I mean he can play like that and still be our 5th choice CM it must be heartbreaking for him. he was definately MOM today with an honorable mention to Nani and Rooney. Carrick’s passing was just unreal, Anderson did really well too, the defence as always was rock solid.
BTW it’s about time Eboue got sent off for one of those challenges. That’s about the 3rd or 4th time I’ve seen him do that this season and some of the other ones were worse and he got away with them.
February 16th, 2008 at 20:39
comma
the game was already won! second half we just tried to get arseholes as many bookings as we cud (didnt u enjoy Nani doing that seal dribble! not once but twice!!) and just try to pass time (how many chances did l’arse had today?) theres still nobody in england better than controlling the game than the ginger prince.
theres a place for giggs n scholes in the team and sir alex knows that! he is a wilier fox than any of us idiots
February 16th, 2008 at 20:52
Moment of the match?
1. Nani’s seal dribble..
2. Rooney’s booking.. it was hilarious, the way he was poking fun
3. Adebayor’s dive. Probably the worst. Must be awarded the worst dive in history. I could make out on the tele that it was a dive//
February 16th, 2008 at 21:00
jos
I agree with you that there is no one better at controlling the game than Scholes. And that giggs also has more to offer the team than anyone (me included) gives him credit for. But without them in the game, we showed that a faster pace to our play results in the game being over before the realize who’s on the pitch.
That said, since the game was already one, why not take the chances you wouldn’t normally take when up 1-0? Why not have Scholes press? He looked average. And we still were pressing when Carrick didn’t think he had to pass to Scholes.
All bias aside, and forgetting what anyone did in the past for united, when you take into account who is doing what for the team RIGHT NOW, Carrick, Anderson and Nani all deserve to be in the starting 11. All parked in the midfield with Ronaldo on the right of them. Until Fletcher shows more of this every time hes on the pitch, I kinda tend to write his mind-blowing performance off as a one off. I know he has it in him, but it doesnt always show when he wants it too.
February 16th, 2008 at 21:07
WOW just wow, if you told me that we would beat arsenal 4-0 whilst playing carrick brown park and fletcher i would laugh in your face and ask if your reading the scoreline wrong, but anyways on to my match analysis
EDVS- if edwin was a 10 year old, his mum would be very proud of him, why, because his jersey was spotless and no washing up for mum
Evra- strong as usual no gaps, played goaline to goaline perfectly as usual, nullified EBOUE (said in a thick african accent) so well he got angry and tried to injure the poor lad
Vidic +ferdinand- was really strong when asked upon they answered with perfectly placed headers back to VDS
Brown- when man utd are playing excellent he really must make a name for himself by being the worst on the pitch, the amount of space he was leaving the wingers and attackers if arsenal was on form we could have been in trouble, but still his crossing if improving and so is his link up play but he still has a long way to go before i am calm whenever a team is attacking our right hand side and he is there defending it
Carrick- few missed passes, thats the only negative thing i can say about carrick he was great today he seems to like to rise against big teams, i. chelsea earlier this season. today he was sparying passes, starting attacks and great link up play, i wish he could do this on a consistent basis
Fletcher- tied for man of the match along with nani i could not pick who was better, this guy play with his heart on his sleeve a little more skill and flair he would be a first team regular, hes a good player any team would be lucky to have him to be honest im happy we have him, and he seems to be great in the air aswell
Park- please park learn how to shoot kthxbi. on a serious note he was too much for traore to handle, he twisted him in and out link up play was excellent and so was his movement shame about the finishing
Nani- tied for man of the match with fletch, but i would give it to him, want to know why, 4 goals scored by our team, nani 1 goal and two assists nuff said, he was perfect we did not miss ronaldo to be honest, he made hoyte look like a conference player, his crossing decision making, movement virtually everything has improved even the goal celebration which left my jaw dropped even lower then the sublime goal he scored, he was excellent credit to him for sticking the hour on the training pitch and its paying dividends. now i hope fergie plays him regularly instead of giggs, i love giggs but sub appearences are more then enough
Anderson- played fantastically, i think john motson summed it up when he said, anderson is shaping up to be a world class star , and i could not agree more, he was not controlling the midfield,instead he was the link between striker and midfield, whilst tracking back, his performance deserved a goal though he did set up rooneys goal, making something out of a 50 50 ball credit to him, i wonder where the boo boy who said he should be sold or he is a waste of money, what are they saying now
Rooney- outstanding, like mark lawrence said, a man possessed on the pitch he just wanted the ball, and he single handedly terrorised the alleged best centre back pairing in Europe, well i hope he keeps playing like that it was amazing, i remember i once read something posted by someone on this blog saying rooney plays badly because he has to cover up for all of giggs’s mistake,well in this game there was no giggs and rooney if it wasn’t for bad finishing unlucky bounced or lehman could have scored 5-7
Saha- each time he was on the ball i was praying dont get injured, dont get injured, and should have scored that chance shame he did not ah wells just stay fit please
scholes- did not do much so not much to comment on
in conclusion 1 1/2 of my wishes came true thankfully it was the ones i wanted the most cheers fergie i should never doubt you of to lyon we go
February 16th, 2008 at 21:19
Anyone notice how many headed goals Fletcher has scored in his United carrer? Southampton, Boro, Chelsea and Arse(2)I wonder if Fergie will think about playing him as a striker in the future? Hes a great header, and good finisher. Positioning today was great.
I wonder if Fergie told the players before the match that they werent allowed to score after having more than two touches! I mean; Rooney, Nani and Fletcher didnt take more than one touch before shooting. Rooney could have scored many more goals if he had taken three toches instead of the two when he had good time! Exellente!
My ratings:
VDS-6
WES-8
RIO-7
VIDIC-7
EVRA-8
NANI-9
CARRICK-8
ANDERSON-9
PARK-7
FLETCHER-9
ROONEY-9
February 16th, 2008 at 21:39
I think as soon as Anderson gets his first goal, he’ll be doing it for fun. He’s an incredibe talent and I’ll think we’ll see his full potential on wednesday night. Mark my words if he gets a run out he’ll score.
February 16th, 2008 at 22:31
My initial thoughts were that motm is a toss-up between Nani and Fletch, but on second thought, I think the whle team deserves it. It will be kinda unfair to award it to one person. Everybody stepped up today, but Wow! that boy ANDERSON!!!
February 16th, 2008 at 22:31
you know, if fletcher played like that from the start of his united career, he would be the one taking over from scholes and we wouldnt have even bought andy.
February 16th, 2008 at 22:39
Apparantly, Fergie is dissapointed with Nani because of his showboating today. But when u are 4-0 up against a team that call you arrogant and not that good as you think, I think he is right to torture them! Amazing display, and just a question: How many assists has Nani got this season? It must be 15 plus!
February 16th, 2008 at 23:16
why did we let steele go?
February 16th, 2008 at 23:17
Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro - PFA Player of the Year - again!
Anderson Luis de Abreu Oliveira - PFA Young Player of the Year!
And notice how Fletch tends to play well in big matches - Chelsea and Roma last season, Arse this year…
He’s a very valauble team member and can be swapped for Ronaldo in certain big games…
Now… After this performance, where does hargo fit?? Clearly, we’ve yet to see him at his peak, and Carrick, at the top of his game, tends to bring more to the team.
Funny how for me , our most expensive player for this season is yet to deliver, not so much in terms of individual performance, but more in the lines of bringing team coherence.
GREAT GAME ANYWAY!!!
February 16th, 2008 at 23:41
Steele was beastly today.
February 16th, 2008 at 23:51
I would say we should play this team every week, but we had Ronaldo and Tevez out so that would be a challenge! Keep the Old Guard out Fergie, it’s Nani and Anderson’s turn to become legends. Totally shows the importance of Rooney; he can step up in big games which is something Ronaldo can’t do. Let’s start playing Fletch instead of Ronaldo in the big games, at least he plays well.
February 16th, 2008 at 23:59
Well I’m back!!!
Sorry Grognard haters but I have returned from my sabatical. Truth is I was suffering from an injured back that wouldn’t allow me to sit down for even a minute. Bit I have recovered enough to add my thoughts once again to the best Man U blog out there.
I was going to contribute last week but I wanted to post on a positive note and last week was just a nightmare. Well what a difference a week makes. Over the past couple of seasons United have had some very memorable matches like the Roma trouncing and the more recent destruction of Newcastle. But I must say that for me tonight’s performance against Arsenal was the best performance the team has given in recent memory. The hunger, desire, teamwork, and total commitment was a treat to the eyes. What makes this victory even sweeter was that we beat a major rival without the best player in the world. Whether he is inured or not, Ronny needed a rest and United needed to prove to its fans as well as Fergie that they could play well and win without his great contributions. And boy did they deliver.
My man of the match was Darren Fletcher but I also give 9.5’s to Carrick, Nani and Anderson. The midfield so dominated the Gooners that it appeard we were playing a bottom feeder from Division 2. Arsenal looked worse in this game than they did against Tottneham in the League Cup. United were just awesome. Speed coupled with desire and skill cannot be defended against. One might suggest that the man of the match could have been Lehmann because the score could have been 7-0 or 8-0 had he not robbed Rooney and Saha on about 5 chances. Fletcher played like a world class midfielder tonight. My God he was brilliant.
Nani showed the skill and delivery that we have been waiting for. He attacked defenders tonight with desire and venom. Anderson’s ball control and speed was a feast to the eyes.
Please Fergie sit down Scholesy and play Anderson as your starter. For me he was the real difference in the middle of the park. And finally what can I say about Carrick? As many of you know I have been a vocal critic of Carrick for a long time. When he plays a game like tonight where his precision passing completely disected the Arsenal defense, then I get even more frustrated and ask the big question, why doesn’t he do that more often? His ball to Nani for his goal was a thing of beauty.
As for Rooney, he worked his socks off as usual and scored a goal but his finishing in the last month or so has been very poor. He should have had a hattrick today but blew too many great chances. We really need that extra striker to give us that depth. Saha will probably be injured within a fortnight. For me, United would be unstoppable if they had a clinical striker up front. A true goal scorer would be the cat’s meow for me. Nevertheless, well done to the lads for playing a fantastic game and making Arsenal look like the pretenders they are. This game should build enormous confidence and should do the opposite for Arsenal. Truth be known I would have preferred this result in the upcoming league match against the Gooners. I hope we still have some left for the rematch. Still, this was just tooooooo sweeeeeet.
February 17th, 2008 at 0:12
Good night everybody! This win will make me sleep well!
February 17th, 2008 at 0:20
During the night, I want to hear witch team you want United to meet in the next round. I hope we play Barnsley at home. Just to show Liverpool how to beat them!
February 17th, 2008 at 0:41
Brizzle rovers would be good, at home though. Knowing our luck, we’ll get Chelsea. Thats the way our FA Cup draws have gone lately.
Welcome back Grog.
February 17th, 2008 at 2:42
WOW… What a night…
First Liverpool continue the year from hell, then we win 4-zip.
That boy anderson is right! he is tremendous, but doesn’t Rooney give alot to our team… although he should have had at least a goal… Give him the armband please!
Isn’t it great to have a bloke like Fletcher in the team though… Captain of Scotland but he has never publicaly winged about not getting starts and then has a performance like that.. He does love playing Arsenal.
The boys at the back were superb.. Another Evra on the right with a Brown tackle would be brilliant next season.
Carrick was showing his vision and i feel asleep at about the 55th minute as it was about 5:30am Australia time… what was the issue with Nani? The goal celebration or was he freaking em out towards the end with his tricks?
February 17th, 2008 at 2:44
Praising Carrick now are we Groggy?
February 17th, 2008 at 2:46
Sorry mean’t Rooney should have scored at least 2 with the chances he had.
It wasn’t just Carricks passing which was so good last night he also shut down Fabregas and that allowed Anderson to do his own thing in the middle of the Park…
February 17th, 2008 at 3:12
Great performance. Ronaldo can turn it on against average teams but in the big games Rooney is the player United rely on. He has so much energy and his link up play and running is so good that when he is playing we just have so much more fluency and vibrancy. But really everyone was on song and we made Arsenal look very average and out of their depth.
Also renewed hope for the league as Arsenal have shown with key players missing they are as vulnerable to blips as we are.
February 17th, 2008 at 3:54
Great to have you back Grognard! I’ve really missed all of your input. Totally agree on the topic of a clinical striker, but it would be difficult to fit him into our team. Glad to see our midfield contributing more to goals like SAF wanted. Anderson really needs to start scoring, that would really boost us. Wish we could play a 5-man midfield like this in every game, but our strike force isn’t good enough with a lone Rooney.
February 17th, 2008 at 6:26
K9; I may not be the biggest Carrick fan but I am fair. He played very well against Arsenal and he deserves my praise. Now if he could consistently produce performances even close to this we would be unbeatable. It’s days like this when it is heaven being a Man U supporter. Now what I would give for them to repeat this performance against the Gooners in the league fixture coming up soon. That one will be massive in terms of winning the league.
February 17th, 2008 at 6:31
I think pretty much everything has been said….how bout nani’s celebration though?…too bad the cameraman couldn’t get a better shot!
February 17th, 2008 at 9:18
Good morning everybody! Anderson and Rooney are big-game players. Theyve shown that. Andersons best games has been against Arsenal(h,a) and Liverpool(a). Rooney always seem to find his goalscoring touch against Arsenal, and yesterdays goal was a really poachers goal. Delighted for our team and Nani, Flethcer, Anderson and Rooney especially! They were all playing football from another planet(or u can cal it the United way, its the same) and with Nani and Anderson playing like this, I wonder why Fergie dont use them more. If Anderson and Scholes is our CM parnership, United have great vision, amazing passers, speed, tackling skills and some shooters in midfield. And if Giggs cant start playing well, Nani should be our left winger every game!
February 17th, 2008 at 9:30
we played really well and it would be great if we can play like this always. welcome back grognard.
February 17th, 2008 at 9:49
I hope this is a lesson to SAF that Anderson should definately start and Nani is ahead of Giggs, I am a big admirer of Giggs and as much as it hurts me to say it Nani is now a better player and should start ahead of him. And most importantly Rooney is more than capable of playing the lone role by himself as an out and out striker for United and England.
February 17th, 2008 at 11:00
Good, No Great Morning people.. Now that great euphoria is slowly wearing off in me…
Let have an objective look at the highlights of the Arsenal and Man Utd match…
1. Praises to the United midfield.. I was almost angry seeing the line up at the start.. But the SAF proved why he’s there for 22 year. O’what a masterclass… A 5 man midfield, all floating except Carrick
2. Fletcher was on dope last night. I havn’t ever seen that fellow do what he was doing last night. MOTM contender. He was on the left, the right, centre sweeping, striker, crossing….
3. Carrick. He’s faced alot of flak recently with him being labelled not United materiel, 18 mill waste.. But he literally kept Fabregas without a touch.. Only time Fab got the ball was in his own half… And his passing.. And the assist ti Nani… whoaaaaaaaaaaaaa
4. Nani… Another MOTM.. Made Hoyte look like a 5th grader… Hoyte looked as if he wanted to go home… Plus to add to that SEAL dribble in our half just made the entire match worth it…
5. Rooney… First things first, he scored with his head…. He made for a living nightmare for the Arsenal CBs and Lehman (Somebody count his miskicks?)…. And his yellow card was worth it..Fun to watch
6. Anderson: Just proved how he turns up for the big matched.. Another match and another star kept out.. Gilberto looked like he din’t want to play…
7. Park, Brown, Vidic, Ferdinand… Didn’ have much to do… Park played well..
8. Evra.. Did somebody see his show boating skills? The back heels, the step overs…
8. Van Der Sar: Sorry, but I don’t know how his match was.. Didn’t see him at all….
As for Arsenal:
Majority of the team looked like they were in Saudi Arabia playing a friendly… Don’t want to count the people playing yet missing… How ever, don’t despair.. They will definately put on a much better show at OT in the BPL
A word for Armand Traore.. that fellow is a future star… He had a bad game lat night, but one for the future…
Adebayor’s Swan Dive: Need I Say more??
Eboe that fellow’s tackle on Evra was deplorable to say the least.. 2 red cards…
The excuse that the pitch was bad so they couldn’t pass around (as said by Mr Wenger) stands no ground… Thats why away matches are considered tough…
Add to all this ‘Pool losing to Barnsley and yipeeeeeeeeeee!!!
February 17th, 2008 at 11:04
YESSSSSSSSSSSS HAHAHAHAHA…. last night was enjoyable. It just shows that are squad is just so much stronger… Arsenal will get knocks against Milan. no doubt about it
February 17th, 2008 at 11:36
i have a funny feeling we’re gonna get barnsley in the 1/4 finals then chelsea in the 1/2 finals followed by us and pompey in the grand finale.
February 17th, 2008 at 11:36
nice, 100th comment, arsene is just representing his fans, anytime they loose theres always an excuse, he first said it was an off-day(not he got outplayed) now he’s blaming the pitch.
February 17th, 2008 at 19:31
good to see you back grognard. It just wasnt the same without. And, for once, I agree with 100% of your comments. Spot on.