Apr 02
Featured Video: Manchester United Reserves v Newcastle and Citeh
It’s the day after beating Roma, and boy doesn’t it feel nice. Today will see another pair of Champions’ League games with three other English teams on duty; Liverpool take on Arsenal and Chelsea play Fenerbahce.
The reaction from the media has been positive, although some have gone overboard in their praise. Paul Doyle in particular declares that Fergie has finally found the answer to winning European games away. Now I find such effusive over-the-top praise as a little unnecessary. Fergie got things right yesterday, the team played well. End of. But that does not necessarily mean that he’s found a cure for everything in the world. If unfair criticism can infuriate, over the top praise is on the other extreme end of the spectrum — and is no less annoying.
Trust the Guardian bloggers to barrack Fergie the next time he manages a tame away draw in Europe — these people excel in Orwellian doublespeak.
Anyway, today we take a break from all the frenzy the media is sure to kick up about the superiority of English football — and not for the first time — and we show you some video from reserve team action. Credit goes to a certain charleysurf, who uploaded a couple of recent clips from United’s reserve fixtures against Man City and Newcastle. I happened to find these videos while idly browsing past clips on Youtube. The videos are surprisingly clear, compared to the grainy ones you usually encounter on Youtube.
The teams feature a good mix of young future prospects, most prominently Danny Welbeck, Federico Macheda and Rodrigo Possebon (also with an interview of the young Brazilian) as well as old heads, like Gary Neville and Oh-I-almost-forgot-he’s-still-at-OT, Mikael Silvestre.
So without too much more talk, I’ll let you watch these videos and let you share your opinions in the comments.
April 2nd, 2008 at 11:48
You have been very active today, 2 different post in day? uhhmmm, its been sometime since i saw 2 post in the same day, couple of hours apart. lol, i kid, i kid Red Ranter.
Anyways, hope u keep this posting reserve matches. Its particular hard seeing them future stars playing since i’m no near Old Trafford or UK.
Anyways, any word on Vidic’s imjury? Soon after he signalled he was hurt, i’ve been having these strange heartaches. I’m fearing the worst, but hopefully its a strain and he would be back by next week. Also, when a door closes, i believe god opens another. Maybe this the time Pique could step up and be judged! i’ve been waiting for him to prove his worth. And please, don’t allow Silvestre back into the team at any cost! Maybe Brown would go back to central and Gary back to right back. Anyways, i pray and hope he comes back soon.
ps; i’m from malaysia btw. Fuck, chelsea is comin here this July, i hope it was man utd tho. i missed the last time they came down, couple of years back, when Beckham was still playing for us tho.
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:19
Silvestre is a good defender better than wes brown.
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:48
m i the only one who is secretly hoping for global warming to kick in over Manchester?! all these brazillian/ portugese lads love their sun………Poor Rodrigo feeling the cold already!!
April 2nd, 2008 at 13:32
silvestre made a poor mistake in the 1st video for the first goal as he was marking Mcdonald he let him through to score a header. i dont think he has the mental fitness yet to come back into the first team.
welbeck looks impressive at times when he is given a bit of room but that wont happen in the premier league. he needs to bulk up a bit aswell he gets pushed off the ball too easily. he has very good finishing though.
im impressed with rodrigo, he seems calm with the ball at his feet and has a good passing instinct choosing the right ball on most occasions. could be one for the future at old trafford. too bad we have so many centre mids i doubt he will get a chance for a long time now.
April 2nd, 2008 at 16:06
[Spitfire]
Actually Ahmed posted the last one. Hence you feel there has been more activity. I have still been posting one article a day.
April 2nd, 2008 at 17:18
I’ve been fortunate this season to catch quite a few reserve games through Setanta’s MUTV program here in Canada. Yes Welbeck looks like a very promising talent but this is the reserve league he is playing in and lets face it, the kind of space is only found with the occasional game against a bottom feeder in the BPL. Still he has a lot of determination and an instinct for goal. He also makes the most of his opportunities and rarely does he shoot right at a goalie. He hits the corners of the goal well. The player who has impressed me most this season has been Chris Eagles. He has been a combination of both Scholes and Carrick as he shows great discipline and talent both in passing, creating and actual goal scoring. But where do you fit him in at United? We are so stacked with quality central midfielders that I cannot see him ever breaking in to the big club as a regular. It’s a shame to because i do believe the lad has loads of potential.
April 2nd, 2008 at 17:39
Grognard- I, unfortunately, have not seen much reserve action this year. Is Eagles being deployed as a centre mid? I always thought he was a winger…?
April 2nd, 2008 at 18:05
I think Rodrigo Possebon and Chris Eagles both might have to be very patient for their chance in the first team as carrick and hargo are arnd 25-26 and andys just a kid. A replacement for Scholes perhaps when Fletcher is out injured like in the current scenario? Maybe…
I was reading on Soccerlens about David Bentley and his burgeoning ambition to play Champions League football. Perhaps he could be Ronaldo’s understudy in case Park leaves? Certainly Bentley has got the crossing ability and brings creativity, perhaps more than Park. But then, Park had a stellar game against Roma yesterday, and is a livewire so I dont think he is going anywhere.
The striker department does seem promising with Macheda and Welbeck both playing excellent in the Reserves, especially Welbeck! What great close control and composure, and the passing with Eagles in the Newcastle game, truly outstanding!
Manucho will be at OT next season, so do we really need to buy another striker??
April 2nd, 2008 at 18:39
I’m as optimistic as anyone, but I do feel Manucho is relatively unproven. You can cite the time at the ACN, but really, the premiership is a unique beast. The good news is that he has a lot of the physical attributes, but only time will tell if he’ll be world class, ie, United class!
Then again, if we end up winning the league this year without a fourth (hell without a third!) recongised striker, if I were the Glazers i’d be reluctant to splash on a big name!
April 2nd, 2008 at 18:47
I watched the Manchester/Newcastle reserve game, it was woeful?. Our lads were continually losing possession of the ball. I am not really impressed with what we have got outside our extended first team squad. I don’t rate Welbeck really, he’s gangly and his balance is dodgy. Eagles is not bad for the reserves, but after his goal for the 1st team at Everton, he has done nothing in other mini appearances. Macheda I think is going to be brilliant, he seldom misses scoring in one on ones. Brian McClair looks so miserable most of the time, I don’t think I ever saw him smile. He seems to enjoy games about as much as watching paint dry. What does he do really?. New reserve coaching staff - PLEASE!.
April 2nd, 2008 at 19:27
Rodrigo speaks better english than ronaldo
April 2nd, 2008 at 19:53
Craig; You can’t expect much from a lad when he only makes a few token appearances late in a game. Eagles has a lot of skill and I think he has a very bright future. I just don’t think it will be with United.
Sam; Eagles plays many different positions in midfield and he has played wide also but most of the time he is in the middle stoking the engine like Scholes or Carrick.
Mihir; David Bentley would never come to OT to be a reserve. He is England’s future replacement on the right for Beckham and so the bench is not where he will want to be. Yes he is a good crosser and a lot of his other skills have improved also but his style of play belongs with teams that still play that old English style of football. He certainly has no future at United, Arsenal or Chelsea. Rafa still likes to play the long ball a bit and so does Ramos so he could end up at Liverpool or Spurs. I’d take Bentley if Fergie decided he wanted to Ronaldo to play more of a central second striker role, but I don’t see that happening.
April 2nd, 2008 at 20:49
Nah,eagles has been playin upfront with welbeck this season.He looks good but its the reserves.Welbeck I think will make it.Theres not much talent in the reserves really.2 or 3 have a chance.
April 2nd, 2008 at 21:15
i for one hopes that Manucho lives up to expectations. Hopefully he can get a work permit soon, and begin to acclimatise to english football. I’d still love to see Berbatov at united next season too.
April 2nd, 2008 at 22:44
Grognard mate, Eagles is nearly 22 yrs old - if he was good enough, he would be in the first team squad and playing regularly. Nani 21, and Anderson 19 are in there and just here 2 minutes. From what I have seen, I don’t believe Eagles is ever going to make it with United. But the lad loves the club, and doesn’t want to move on. Then, who does want to move on from United to other graveyard clubs. Still pretty good money to be earned though, but not many if any trophies.
April 2nd, 2008 at 23:05
Yea agree with CraigMc. Eagles is indeed a winger if i’m not mistaken and everytime I saw him deployed in the first team (for these league cup matches) he has been less than satisfactory.
He supposedly has a good cross. But for me he’s to Beckham what Chadwick was to Giggs.
And to that add the dodgiest haircut in the whole EPL!
April 2nd, 2008 at 23:49
Craig; Read what I said carefully next time. I too feel that there is no place for Eagles. He’s good but there are players on the club right now who are better and farther along. As for moving on to a graveyard club, that’s a bit harsh. I think the lad could star for a number of decent clubs because he is skillful. I love United but if my future was to be on the bench or on the reserves I would say thanks a lot, love ya now transfer me. Every player should have the ambition if skilled enough to want to be a regular on a club. What bugs me is when guys like you and Nico get to watch the kid play a few minutes with the big club and by that small intro, can make a rash judgment on the lad. Bollocks! If he could have played a few full games I think he may have been able to show something. And he is a good crosser of the ball. Nobody is Beckham so it’s really unfair to compare him to the greatest crosser the game has ever seen, don’t you think? And as for his haircut, it’s obvious that in his spare time he is an elf.
April 3rd, 2008 at 0:55
eagles has no future at United agreed but I belive he is more than good enough to be at any club outside the top 6 or 7 in the EPL…welbeck looks good but i dont see any of these kids ever making it at united…we seem more adequate in producing excellent defenders than anything else from our academy
April 3rd, 2008 at 3:32
‘He is the star at Old Trafford and until he wins a Champions League and some more Premier League titles they are not going to allow him to escape.’
Comparing 23-year-old Ronaldo with the reigning World Player of the Year, Schuster said: ‘For me, Cristiano Ronaldo is already better than Kaka after the Brazilian’s loss of form at Milan this season.
‘Some day he will be with us…’
-That type of shit makes me sick! Real Madrid never do anything with class.
‘Escape’ please…. Ronaldo will not want to leave, if we keep winning.
As Fergie says no one ever wants to leave old trafford.
April 3rd, 2008 at 3:46
Anyone heard anything on Vidic?
April 3rd, 2008 at 3:51
I also see a few rese games on Setanta.. Danny looks the goods…
But much like Rossi.. He’d need to bulk up considerably to make it in the EPL.
April 3rd, 2008 at 4:00
You make a good point Shannon. In the past the threat of Spanish and Italian clubs snapping up great players in the EPL was a real threat, especially if they spoke Spanish, Italian or Portuguese. That threat is passing more and more now as the BPL is establishing itself as the Lleague of choice not only for the money, but the prestige and opportunity to win trophies in Europe. Back when British clubs could not compete on the field or off with the Real Madrids, Barcelonas, Milans etc it was always a threat. But Manchester United is now acknowledged as the biggest club in the world as well as the most popular. Most great players in history have not been known to change teams to often so I see Ronaldo as cementing his legacy as well as his name for ever with Manchester United. While Fergie is in charge and all is well with the club, I can’t see him going anywhere. He might want to give Real Madrid (his favorite team as a boy) in his late 20’s or early 30’s but I rather doubt it. He is happy at United, with SAF and with the freedom the club gives him to play as he sees fit. He is also beloved by the supporters. Nothing is guaranteed at a volatile environment like Madrid. They turn on their own over there and managers change on a yearly basis. Besides, they have won very little lately and have been a joke in Europe.
April 3rd, 2008 at 4:31
No doubt him hopefully winning the golden ball this year should alleviate some of his concerns about playing in England also.
April 3rd, 2008 at 6:22
The fast open style of play in England is a motivating factor over the continental style which was on display in Rome the other night. If I was Cris I would want to play in a league that allows me to dribble at full speed and sprint into areas more than they do in Italy and Spain.
His 36 goals would probably be around 20 goals in the other leagues because they just don’t give away space like the BPL.
April 3rd, 2008 at 8:11
welbeck looks like a great prospect.
April 3rd, 2008 at 10:22
I’ve got a not so popular comment 2 make so pliz feel free 2 attack.Ronaldo is one of the only hated best players.After bashing pizzaro 4 his anti futbol anti CR7 remarks lets get some perspective.Before another big match Rooney was again pointed out as the main threat by the opponents.Maradona last year said kaka doesn’t deserve the award and said rooney is the best.Noone speaks of CR7 why.Because he has one of the worst attitudes of any footballer in history.Very few people in football like him and i realised its with good reason.I took off my permanent manutd contact lenses and i saw an overly selfish player,one who RARELY acknowledges team mates or seeks 2 learn from more experienced players like giggs,constant whiner,and regular diver yes diver.How many players have u heard speaking of his greatness in the way they did 4 ronaldinho?I’m not sorry 4 saying this but ronaldo the player is the best but ronaldo the man is the worst.Take a deep breath and analyse before attacking
April 3rd, 2008 at 13:20
Constant whiner - Yes (Throwing his arms up and making a whiney face when decisions dont go for him. Yes, he frequently is fouled upon and that would frustrate any player, but this kind of behaviour has a negative effect on the team)
Goes to the ground at the slightest touch - Yes (I look at this in shades of grey. Although earning a diver’s rep is going to follow him everywhere and opposition fans will always throw that argument at us when we speak of Ronaldo’s greatness, his perceived dives are what has helped us gain the upper hand in many many games. Now its not so honourable winning a game through a penalty won by a dive, but then chivalry is useless sometimes when Rooney just stays on his feet although he has been very clearly fouled upon, like in the liverpool game in the penalty box.)
Giving other players credit - Massively improved the last time I read his quotes after the Villa game. Can’t find the hyperlink now, but I was very surprised that Ronaldo was being so modest and spoke very highly of the team. This has been discussed here before as well and I think someone rightly remarked “Our boy has finally grown up!”
I always took Ronaldo’s fascinating goal-scoring form and all the praises showered upon with a pinch of salt, coz inspite of all that he did for United, I felt he was rather selfish on the pitch.
But you know what, Ronaldo’s last few games have been hugely impressive coz he proved that he can score, and be a team player at the same time. The way he created the assists for all the other goal scorers in the Villa game and his performance last night, indicate that he has indeed risen his game, risen up to the occasion against big teams (I would like to see that happen more consistently).
At the end of the year, if Ronaldo plays the way he is right now and helps United win even one of the two trophys we are going for, nobody has the right to take away the World player of the year from him. Diver, whiner, whatever…this man will deserve it more than any God-fearing Bible quoting chocolate boy next door that plays this game today, IF he makes himself BIG against tough opposition.
Many people would feel that Ronaldo already deserves all awards the footballing world has to offer for this year, but the above is what I feel he still has to do before he becomes the World Player of the Year for me.
April 3rd, 2008 at 16:35
Jay Wire; I can see your point and in part their is some merit to what you are saying although I think that Ronaldo has improved not only his willingness to dive but his attitude towards referees, bad calls and the way he celebrates his and his teammates goals. Earlier in the year he did come of as a little conceded and he wasn’t much for celebrating goals that weren’t scored by him, but I think he has made a constructive effort to change that kind of behavior. Recently I have seen him celebrate the goals of others and even smile a lot more.
Cris does not dive for the sake of diving nearly as much as he used to. Not that he has wiped it out of his arsenal completely, he still has matured tremendously and nowadays he really is fouled 90% of the time. It’s going to take time for most referees to get used to the new Ronaldo who doesn’t dive as soon as a breeze of wind passes by him. Right now he is still fighting his early career reputation as a diver, which he certainly once was.
The lad is very young and he has accomplished so much. Yet I still see a boy from Madira who is not so full of himself, who idolizes and respects Fergie and Queiroz and who has shown a willingness to learn, dedicate himself fully to his development and to the continued success of Manchester United. He has been tempted by the evil of Spain and has not flown the coop. He has faced tremendous controversy with the World Cup fiasco with Rooney and has grown from it and learned. He took it like a man and never ran away like so many others would have.
He has taken the time to get close to many of his teammates, learn English and be involved in the community, even if it meant the occasional rendezvous with a female escort. What else can be asked of this young man? Yes he is sometimes brash but my God, watch the kid play. Who wouldn’t wink at the camera a bit or celebrate with passion and confidence after some of his goals and exploits? Jealousy and envy is a terrible thing and there is plenty of it to go around when it comes to Ronaldo detractors. This ass clown Pizarro comes out and attacks Ronaldo verbally in the press for showboating. Well if Pizarro had 10% of Ronny’s skill he might do the same also. It’s crying sour grapes because both he and his team are just not good enough and not in the same league as Ronny and United.
Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in the world (although I still tend to prefer Juan Roman Riquelme) and players like that will always face many critics. Maradona, Zidane, Platini and Brazil’s Ronaldo and Riquelme all did. Certainly Ronaldinho did and is presently receiving a lot of criticism. Lets appreciate these players for their brilliance on the pitch and not expect moral and ethical perfection from them in the process. Sportsmanship is a two way street. Most of the people calling Ronaldo a poor sportsman, are indeed poor sportsmen themselves because they cannot handle losing and being destroyed by brilliance with any degree of dignity. It’s time the detractors of Ronaldo started to grow up themselves and with some humility become supporters of one of the great and true super talents to have ever graced this sport. As for you Jay Wire, I do see your point but I think you need to look at things from the perspective of fairness. The opposition will always put down a talent that they cannot stop. They will find fault because that is what they do. For a United fan to find fault with Ronaldo is fine, but lets be objective and fair. The lad has matured tremendously and despite his greatness, I think he has his head screwed on straight. Only time will tell us who between us is right and wrong. But right now, I have to say you were being a little harsh and unfair to our golden boy.
April 3rd, 2008 at 17:08
Good to see Dan(u-ol) back on the forum.
If Ronnie doesn’t get world footballer of the year this time around, THEN THERE IS A VENDETTA AGAINST PLAYERS IN THE EENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE. iT WILL BE DAYLIGHT ROBBERY BY ANYBODY’S STANDARD.