Nov 03
Fergie’s Wind Up Act, Levy and Not Much Else
It will be a quiet couple of days before we pay a visit to Celtic Park for a Champions’ League fixture. The weekend’s given us much to cheer about: if you are a United fan, which you’ll invariably be if you are reading this, you’ll be happy about the results at Stoke and White Hart Lane. If you take a more than passing interest in cricket (and delight in England’s failings) then you’d be chuffed about the way England were humiliated in an abomination of a Twenty20 outing. Of course, Man City stay true to their comedic type, this time against lowly Bolton.
There are reports in the media that Fergie has asked Gill to offer Ronaldo an improved contract approaching £150,000 a week. [My personal opinion is the figure is insane, but when have my personal opinions mattered anyway?] Of course, I don’t see quotes directly mentioning that, but I think Ronaldo might stay beyond this season. Or as long as Fergie stays here.
On a related note, it’s worth talking about Fergie’s comments to the media over the past week that I haven’t got the time to bring up on here. At first, I felt it was crass to be speaking about players who no longer play for our club (Heinze), however, at the end of the whole series of comments emanating from Fergie and the reaction from the Spanish capital, I think his intent is clear for all to see. He’s still mightily pissed at Real Madrid’s shameless pursuit of Ronaldo all summer and, in a pre-emptive measure, he wants to say stuff that serves to wind Calderon and his cronies up so bad that they may have to rethink their moves on Ronaldo.
Ferguson is alive to their tactics now, and seems infinitely more in control of Ronaldo than he seemed in the summer. And whether Ronaldo goes this summer or not, it will be on Fergie’s terms. Based on Ronaldo’s recent comments in the media, Ferguson’s noises and my own humble hunches I think Ronaldo will stay beyond next summer.
Also, can someone put a sock in Daniel Levy’s mouth? He’s been finding time to shift the blame on his manager, scout, sporting director, players, pencil sharpeners for his team’s dismal start to the season. But more importantly he’s found enough time to blame Berbatov the most. And if he said that Berba wanted a move for over a year, it made little sense to keep him in the first place, no? And, if he knew that Berba wanted a move for over a year, it made sense to move him on at least early in the summer, thus having the money to buy a striker who could gel with the team, yes?
So what the fuck is he on about Berbatov being the cause of world hunger? Daniel Levy, please, shut up. Just. Stop. Talking. Make love to your wife. If that doesn’t help, then see if the 4-4 draw against Arsenal gives you an orgasm. Do anything you want, but leave Berba alone. On current evidence, he already seems too good for your little club. This may seem cocky, but you, sir, are certainly not likable by any stretch of the imagination. So fuck off, please. Warm regards.
And other than this I have little else to talk about. Will be back tomorrow, hopefully. Till then, feel free to vent your spleen in the comments.
Over and out.
Related items from Red Rants:- Some More BerbaTalk
- Spurs, Levy, Ferguson and Berbatov
- Easter Island Head’s NYC Visit | Ronaldo Goes Top | Fergie’s Double/Treble Aim
- Fergie Happy to Take Second Bite
- John Terry, AIG and Fergie’s Rant on Hackett
Tags: Daily Roundup
November 3rd, 2008 at 10:16
Lol, levy isnt getting a Christmas card from you is he
November 3rd, 2008 at 10:23
Nice one RR, if Ronaldo really does get that pay-rise, i’ll have to do some voodoo on him, cause he can’t keep all that cash to himself.
Fergie has exposed Madrid and it’s minions for the scum they are. What annoyed me was they were trying to take the high road with their ‘United is a friendly club’ rubbish, and the littlest baiting by Fergie got them all so hot under the collar. I mean Calderon called Fergie ‘old’ and Marca depicted him as General Franco!! If that’s not bitter, I don’t know what is. Just glad Fergie is not taking their arrogance lightly this time.
On Daniel ‘Cunt’ levy, I absolutely cannot find a despicable enough word to describe him. I feel it’s an insult to the Tottenham fans’ intelligence the way he is spewing all this diversionary blame. I mean, the whole world knew the situation with Berba, so why did he play it out to the detriment of the team? Then he has the nerve to blame everybody else, whom he all sacked btw, plus berbatov and even left some room to praise his own efforts. Geez, this guy is scum. How the Tottenham fans haven’t called for his head is beyond me…..
November 3rd, 2008 at 10:39
Some thoughts:
1. I’m not sure it’s a great time to be playing Arsenal at all, seems to me they’ll be a bit caged animal-ish. Our first XI is better than their first XI, I wouldn’t have minded that.
2. An intresting fact stolen from F365: Ronaldo has more goals on this date this year than he did last year.
3. Another interesting fact, we’ve won more games at home in the league over the past 3 years than Chelsea have.
4. I’m beginning to believe we didn’t get a ‘real’ number 2 because it’s believed Quieroz will be fired from Portugal. Just a hunch, unfounded, but it seems a massive oversight..because..
5. As someone said on here, Fergie seems to make non-tactical subs only. I think we don’t give him credit for his pre-game preparations: we’ve been awesome in the first half of matches so far. It’s changing things after the break that he seems to be letting us down.
6. Ronaldo is the best finisher, the best in the air, the fastest and one of the strongest players in our team, how long before he becomes an out and out CF?
7. If Rooney can’t keep his cool at home, in a great run of form against a newly-promoted not dirty side after three years at United, what hope do we have of ever actually controlling him? His immaturity is embarassing. He could have really hurt that player after the drop ball.
8. Watching Berbatov play is like a drug. It stops me thinking about anything else and slows down time. He’s also the league leader in assists already.
9. Celtic are gonna kick lumps out of us, so I’d like to see our ‘real man XI’ on Weds: VDS, Brown, Rio, Vidic, O’Shea, Fletcher, Ando, Carrick, Park, Tevez, Berbatov.
November 3rd, 2008 at 10:44
Maybe next week Levy will blame Berbatov for him not getting any from the wife.
He’s had to sell two of Spurs’ best players recently, Carrick & Berbatov, to United. He got a lot of flak for selling Carrick, so now he wants to play safe and ‘blame the player’. Its surprising how no one gives him the axe!
November 3rd, 2008 at 10:52
@Beachryan: Fired or whatever.. I just hope Quieroz comes back soon.
November 3rd, 2008 at 11:14
@Beachryan: Don’t get me started on Rooney’s behaviour on saturday.. totally immature and embarassing. I mean he’s 23 now!! Geez
Fergie better have a talk with him. I know it’s all passion and all that, but some restraint has to be shown. He can’t go about amassing yellow cards and throwing tantrums at everyone within earshot.
He’s supposed to be a role model, yet he’s behaving worse than the spoilt kids he’s supposed to inspire. So what if you didn’t score your 100th goal, so what if your team mates miss goal scoring passes to you, so what if you wrongly get called offside? Grow some set of balls and take it like a man. He’s in a team where he knows the opportunities will continue to come and if he’s busy throwing a fit, where will his composure be when he does get a chance to score? Nowhere, that is. AARGGH
Wayne does my head in sometimes. He is a way much better player when he is calm and level-headed, I don’t understand why he and Fergie can’t realise this…
November 3rd, 2008 at 11:25
CQ has left us twice and I think out of principal he should never be allowed to darken out door again.
November 3rd, 2008 at 11:43
Yeah what a sporting weekend! To top it all off, the craziest finale I’ve ever seen to a F1 championship!
November 3rd, 2008 at 11:45
@antsBoy: It was worth watching simply for Hamilton’s girlfriend, she is hot!
November 3rd, 2008 at 11:48
WARNING! united fans pls take time and read carefully- These are a few hometruths
1. Manchester united are in serious danger of finishing trophy less, and it hurts me, there is an arrogance in the teams mind, which is messing us up. My guess, is that they think they are better than they actually are, yes the did the double. we need to move on and focus winning the treble and every other bloody trophy. this team without a doubt has the most potential in world football. and really should dominate the world fot the next 5-7
November 3rd, 2008 at 12:10
@one united: mate, i hear you.. been thinking along those lines recently. Arrogance is good for a team if managed properly cause it gives you confidence and a certain swagger which breaks down opposition. However, when not managed properly, it eliminates the hunger and fight needed to succeed at all costs. We have seen examples of this against Zenit and some other teams.
I think this can be resolved in two ways:
1) Fergie needs to give the players a kick up the back side and stop singing their praises. He seems to be enjoying our potential too and is oblivious as to how that potential is dropping with every arrogant, complacent performance.
2) We need a permanent, vocal captain who can spur the players on when they get lazy. All this shifting of the armband is rubbish. We need someone to shout at these players, because, honestly, they are mostly young and will rather stroll to victories than stay focused (look at arsenal). Ferdinand will be my choice, but he can’t take full control of the team with Neville and Giggsy ahead of him.
You are right in saying we can dominate for the nxt couple of years, but only if we instill that hunger and drive like we had last two seasons and the one Chelsea have now.
November 3rd, 2008 at 12:56
i just have to say, berba just looks like a player born for united
November 3rd, 2008 at 13:03
@one united: Agree. Our defense is where I’ve seen the most glimpses of this new found cockiness. Despite shipping in goals from set-pieces & corners, marking and preparation is becoming dodgy by the day.
@Gabriel: Good point you make. I’ve got this apprehension too that Fergie isn’t knocking anyone hard. But then again, he knows when the right time is to give the team a kick up their arse and how to get them back on track. He has seen too much over the years to be overjoyed by mere potential. That gives me hope.
November 3rd, 2008 at 13:05
We have played well in stages this season, only second half peformances have been below par. I said the Dippers will slip up and they have, Chelsea are playing well but if we win our game in hand we will only be two off the leaders.
We havn’t hit top gear yet and still in contention which is good thing surely? We have had Scholes, Carrick and Hargreaves out and Ronnie is now only starting to slip through the gears in tandem with Berba so things can only get better.
I think sometimes we look for problems when really we have had injuries, new personnel to accomodate, so keep the faith guys.
November 3rd, 2008 at 13:28
Home truths part 2! United fans wake up. (Thanks Gab). Read if u truly love united
Our problems and answers to!
1. Wayne Rooney: we all must agree he is very inconsistent, once he finds his form and is consistent in his position, then I am sure he will be the world beater we all know he can be, I don think he needs to curb his anger or enthusiasm for I believe this characteristic intimidates opponents+ I think he was most dangerous behind a focal point and angry! We all remember Rooney’s directness in attack running, dribbling and barging opponents, striking fear into them and their keepers with venomous long range shots. He needs to rediscover himself, hopefully the berb will bring that back.
Was I the only one that got goosebumps when rooney kissed our badge. I love his commitment
2. Fergie and the future: Gab is 100% right, Ferdinand should be full time captain, he is vocal, a consistent player and very determined. None of this partime bull behind. Neville and gigs. Neville, gigs and even scholes should not be starting. They are too old and too inconsistent. Bring them on in the latter stages of the game when the opposition is tiring and they will be full of energy, where experience is needed and the game needs to be settled down. They would have been great against hull.
Sentiment aside, we know brown can cover right back 100%, and should start most games. He might not be the best attacking full back, but my god what a defender he is. Raf da silva on the other had is fantastic, he reminds me of a naïve Gary Neville it you like, young fearless and a fantastic attacking talent. Play him against the lesser teams, or when we really need to go for broke.
Fletch really should start, he has been our best midfielder by a mile, he has a fantastic work rate, can sit when necessary, he’s an ok passer, and get even get forward, we really wont miss Hargreaves. We know he is immense in the big games as well. What more do we need.
Nani is another one that should be starting, yes his decision making can be poor, but he is a good winger that needs consistence and some faith. He has a heck of a shot and a good final ball. Look where ronaldo has got with consistence, he might not be as flamboyant and as predatory as Ronnie but with consistence he can be a very effective WINGER like giggs was in his hey day. Bring park in when we are playing against very good attacking team because his work rate is great and he on the other hand is v disciplined. Nani will def frustrate us, but when he masters his decision making what player he might end up being. As for now switch between him and park depending on the opposing team.
3. Anderson: when you speak of a bright star or a footballing gem, this kid is that. Strong, fast, fastastic touch, great technique, dribbling and passing ability and the magic eye. Really this boy has it all. Typical united, we are in danger of killing his attacking and creative flair. Imagine ronaldinho after his big money move to barca being asked to play defensive midfield WHYYYYYYYY???? . this boy really should be spearheading our midfield, or an attacking role of some sort. He is really that good. In poro he was a second striker/ attacking midfielder. We have Carrick (who I love) to be the deep lying creative midfielder- the pirlo if you like. Pls we need Anderson further up the pitch. I hope Fergie realises this soon.
4. Martin O’Neill: eventually when our beloved chooses to retire, this is my choice to succeed Fergie. He is building a similar type team at villa (wingers, big centre forward, passing and destructive midfielders, experienced goalkeepers, attractive football), he is youngish, still has a point to prove in football, understands British football and mentality, has premiership experience, is firm and can give us the 10-15yrs consistency we need from a manager
WE ALL LOVE UNITED!!
ONE UNITED
November 3rd, 2008 at 13:30
@Stephen: I share the optimism about our league position bro, and also understand the implications of our injuries.
But conceding 3 goals against Hull city (never mind they screwed Arsenal, everyone does that these days) is not a worry for you? I’m not one to pan the team for nothing or to look for faults, but I do have apprehensions that maybe complacency is creeping thru.
Playing a good second half is surely as important as it is to play the first half well. Let’s even not ask for a proper second half, but at least don’t ship in goals!! Isn’t that a fair ask?
November 3rd, 2008 at 13:39
@Rahul: Obviously it is a worry I would be lying to you if I said I wasn’t, but we are not Chelsea of Liverpool, we attack teams and leave ourselves open.
We have been lacking a natural holding midfielder also which hasn’t helped, but we are playing some great stuff, mostly in the first halfs!!
November 3rd, 2008 at 13:40
@one united: Agree about Rooney’s disposition & Ferdinand for captaincy. Also agree about Nani & Park and that Neville & Giggs shouldn’t be starting.
But Scholes not to start??? Definitely disagree.
November 3rd, 2008 at 13:44
Scholes still is a class act, no doubt, but does it really matter who wears the armband?
November 3rd, 2008 at 13:51
@Stephen: Stephen Bro, it is not a case of us keeping the faith, but United players keeping some kind of fookin composure when under the cosh
. I mean when under pressure, too many players now just start kicking the ball anywhere in panic, they STOP playing their football. This is why Barca officials were saying that United played dreadful football against them in CL semis. The nervy, hoof the ball anywhere type. And we just can’t out of loyalty to our team DENY this, because you and I know it was a fact. My nerves were feckin shredded in those games 
. Yet, truth be told, in the OT game, we could have and should have been 3 up if our chances had gone in. Composure, composure, feckin composure, in front of goal and when under pressure - Fergie work on it please.
Levy really does want to shift the blame for all HIS stupidity onto others doesn’t he?. Has anybody ever heard him apologise for anything, or admit he was wrong, even to the Spurs fans. I hate snakes like him. Not man enough to shoulder blame for his wrong decision making. By the way, ever wondered why it is only Berbatov he bitterly complains about, but never Keane and L’Pool. He hates United, especially as we bought the right forward on evidence so far. Berba has highest assists in the PL, and Goals, whereas Keane has yet to get off the mark in the PL goals for L’fool.
One last thing, I bloody love the player Zaki at Wigan - he is scoring plenty, almost every game for them. They are good goals too, did you see the two crackers against the dippers?. He is only on loan, everyone seems to want him, WHAT ABOUT US, any thoughts everyone?. I love the guy so far
.
November 3rd, 2008 at 13:54
@everyone
Scholes sill class act but he would be better brought on to show class, remeber tottenham, arsenal, he was largely ineffective because he had younger, faster, more energetic midfielders playing against him, on the other hand look at fletcher and andersons performances against the liver pools and the chelseas.
November 3rd, 2008 at 13:56
If this is the way United going to play they should consider themselves LUCKY to finish THIRD this season…
Lack of FOCUS for 90 minutes …. no proper MIDFIELDER COMBINATION to organize play (if the rumor about DIARRA is right, it will be a welcome addition)….no continuity in team selection….i feel sad for TEVEZ (my favorite player of last season) & BROWN …it seems the team is selected to please BERBATOV & RONALDO …
if United play like a TEAM of last YEAR then they will be a team to reckon…as of now I dont think this is the case
November 3rd, 2008 at 13:58
@one united: Anderson and Fletcher have had some poor games too.
Scholes is still our only world class centre mid.
November 3rd, 2008 at 14:00
@Stephen: when?
November 3rd, 2008 at 14:03
Andy hasn’t been brilliant this season, and Fletcher wasn’t brilliant last.
November 3rd, 2008 at 14:17
@Craig: Zaki would be a killer good weapon in our hands!
November 3rd, 2008 at 14:26
I concur that both Andy and Flech have been alright this season, but when you compare their performances to (throws up violently into mouth) Lampard’s (shudders) you have to say they’re just playing well. Not world class.
The good news is, in a lot of games our defence is world class, our attack is world class, so our midfield duo just need to do a job. Which they’re completely capable of.
November 3rd, 2008 at 14:47
@Vignesh: Don’t get so negative. How do you propose a “proper MIDFIELDER COMBINATION to organize play” when 4 of them have been injured (Carrick just returned)???
If we play this way for the rest of the season we’ll be at the minimum 2nd (Liverfool & Arsenal are gonna crap at more games than you think). Without needing any luck. With the adequate amount of luck we’ll finish tops (like if Lampard is injured for the rest of season). (Its another thing completely that we don want a 2nd place finish.
)
I agree Brown should never have been out of the lineup. Tevez is getting less airtime than he deserves, but that’s because Berbatov & Rooney have been playing well. His time on the pitch will come.
And Fergie selects teams to please himself only, no one else. Not even fans. Deal with it.
To the midfield again, Carrick is back. That alone makes half the midfield a class above what it is. Both or either of Fletch and Andy will up their game. Problem solved (on paper
)
November 3rd, 2008 at 15:08
I think the simple fact is that Sir Fergie made a horrendous substitution. Nani for Tevez.
This left us with 4 players upfront trying to win the game on their own, and Anderson struggling to cover the whole of the midfield.
On Wednesday, we should deploy the workhorses to midfield. Carrick, Anderson, Park. I’d just tell Anderson not to let Nakamura have the ball as he is their only good player (Only Celtic fans and the Irish think McGeady is any good), then watch Anderson harass him all night. Great fun.
November 3rd, 2008 at 15:38
@Stephen: Scholes was World Class, he is too inconsistent now. He is great when he is firing on all cylinders but those games are coming less and less with his advancing age.
November 3rd, 2008 at 15:56
@Stephen: i disagree, i think both where great last and have been great this season. fletcher was amazing last season, as was andy.
November 3rd, 2008 at 15:58
@benjd: That would be a great sight. Anderson will be vital to United in the future and I agree with One United cause I think Fergie is using him in the wrong position. Andy is good defensifly, but if we would let him play in the old Scholes role, or Lampard/Ballack now he would be unstoppable. He doesnt have the best shot, but he is a total midfielder. If Fergie could just give him a type of a free role then Anderson, and United, would be unstoppable.
ANDERSON!!!
November 3rd, 2008 at 16:01
@dan(u-ol): Fletcher great last season?
Bro, what have you been smoking? 
Anderson was magnificent and won many of our hearts, but Fletch?! He was terrible. The only good game he played was against Arsenal in the cup, except from that he made Oshea look like Gerrard! No, Andy was amazing, Fletch was horrible!
November 3rd, 2008 at 16:06
Nani happy at United!!
That one’s for you Craig and your conspiracy theories… 
November 3rd, 2008 at 16:12
@Beachryan: Surely Bro if our defence and attack are world class, our midfield should be as well?. Imagine if we had a world class midfield - we’d have no worries
.
November 3rd, 2008 at 16:12
@dan(u-ol): I agree mate but Andy’s form stuttered after Xmas, which is understandable in his first season and Fletcher was only good in spells, Fletcher has been great this season but Andy is only now getting going.
November 3rd, 2008 at 16:14
@Craig Mc: I agree we lack a truely world class centre midfielder.
November 3rd, 2008 at 16:20
@Gabriel: Gabriel don’t get too cocky mate, they are not MY conspiracy theories
. They came from a United player who knows one of my mates - sooooooooooooooooooo. Anyway, since when did WE start believing reports on Goal.com?. RR warned us about the shit they spout, altho I already knew that. If Nani can turn it on this season, I know he has it in him, then perhaps Fergie will wake up. Also, Fergie will then have a battle to keep him out of the hands of the Spanish, if as the UNited player says, they are already after Nani as he is now.
November 3rd, 2008 at 16:21
@Stephen: You are very wise Stephen mi man
.
November 3rd, 2008 at 16:33
I think we really bought a pup in Hargreaves, I really, really like him don’t get me wrong, and I was so happy when we signed the lad because he was ideal, but he has now been injured for going on 18 months and could be out for another 6, so he could be injured for 2 years.
Firstly how the fuck did he pass a medical? secondly Fergie is sometimes so stubbon and must get his man regardless of a plan b, did he turn a blind eye to his problems? God only knows but I really hope he gets back to full fitness, but it seems unlikely.
November 3rd, 2008 at 16:39
I can’t believe people are labelling Fletch’s ‘limited’ performances last year as ‘horrible’. He was injured for most parts of the season and the lttle time he was available he put in excellent performances. How he was ‘horrible’ while Anderson ‘amazing’ is lucicrous. Just cause he’s not called Fletcherino or speaks latin/portuguese doesn’t mean we should rate his performances lower. I hate to compare United players, but Fletcher’s performances this season and last have been better than Anderson’s. He has scored more goals, provided more assists and been a bigger presence in midfield.
All this talk about Anderson being an attacking mid is a bit ill-conceived. Let’s not forget he played a total of 27 games combined for Gremio and Porto; less than his first season at United. Hence, has not had a wealth of experience in this attacking position people presume he should be occupying. In fact, in the Brazil squad, he plays Centre mid, with Diego or someone else doing the attacking. All the qualities he has displayed so far in his career point to him being a creative, combative centre mid, like a tough tackling Xavi.
If he was more attack minded, it will have shown by now. He would have had productive runs into the box (ala fletch
) and scored and assisted more. Alas, he hasn’t, why? Not because fergie shackles him, but because those are not his strengths.
November 3rd, 2008 at 16:46
@Craig Mc:
ur easier to bait than Calderon and Heinze 
take it easy bro, was just pointing out that our man Nani is happy at United, like Ronaldo, Tevez and Anderson.
They all recognise it’s competitive and they gotta earn their stripes. It would only do them good, as it has done Nani.
November 3rd, 2008 at 16:49
I think the thing with our centre midfield is that we don’t play a formation that allows for those 2 to be attacking powers. Our style when defending tends to be to leave at least 2 but normally 3 up front, and have the 2 CMFs cover the back four, trying to release out to the attackers, supplemented by one of the two wide-MFs. This works pretty well as if the attack comes dwon the left, we can comfortably handle an overlapping fullback without having to bring all our forwards back, and therefore we’re ready to break with numbers. So when on defence, our CMFs should be biting at heels, closing passing lanes and looking to release the forwards at pace.
Our attack takes two forms: countering and the rest. When we counter hte midfield tends to be barely involved, relying on Rooney/Ronaldo to be freed by Berbatov. The ‘rest’ tends to be slow buildup down the wings, where the main responsiblity of the 2 CMFs is to provide support and an outlet to shift play from one wing to the other. Now I know there have been a couple of exceptions (Fletch’s excellent goal against Everton comes to mind) but we don’t play a penetrating midfielder. Partly because we already have at least 4 in and around the box and partly because it would leave our back 4 short of support.
Anyway, my point is that with our 442 setup there’s no scope for a Deco/Kaka/Cahill kind of player, and therefore Anderson/whoever can’t be used as one. The CMFs are there to provide a shield and support the attack, but not really get involved.
Of course if we were to play a 433 that would change, and an ‘in-the-hole’ kind of AMF would be helpful. So far this year that appears to be Giggsy as first choice.
November 3rd, 2008 at 16:56
@Stephen: The hargo situation is really wierd isn’t it? I think ur analysis is right, Fergie was determined to get this player and any injury wouldn’t get in his way. Any other player would have been looked at twice if they were injured as such. I mean, we put off Nistelrooy for a year to make sure his injury was gone before he came. Maybe after all that chasing, Fergie couldn’t leave him hangin like that.
The chances of him playing are almost none this year, if he is to undergo surgery. That is just not acceptable. Why wasn’t this surgery done during the summer? We bought him because we needed a combative, defensive midfielder and now we have none that truly fits that description. The annoying thing is that he is also captain material and a player capable of leading the team; look at how quickly he took to settle at the club, it’s like he’s been here for ages.
November 3rd, 2008 at 17:02
@Gabriel: I agree mate it is a real shame for him because he is ideal for us, and he hits a mean freekick.
I don’t understand why this situation has dragged for so long, posibly because there is no awnser, which is the big worry.
November 3rd, 2008 at 17:06
@ Gabriel - yeah the thing that gets me is that he could have had this operation in May, it’s not like England were up to anything at all in the summer. Would have been a perfect time. I guess the good news is that he would have all summer in 09 to recover this year.
But then he’d be 28 (9?) and not have played a competitive match in like 18 months. and he’s not exactly a Scholes-type player - his physical abilities are his greatest strength. All a bit worrying. Personally, I’d like to see him just push it for a couple weeks. I mean, fine he wakes up sore as all hell the morning after but maybe he can learn to cope with that. Otherwise I fear he’s gonna short circuit what could have been a great career
November 3rd, 2008 at 17:11
@Beachryan: If you’ve never SUFFERED the agony of Tendinitis Bro, don’t talk. It’s excrutiatingly painful, and REST is only cure, but it flares up again so easily after the rest. I don’t know how Hargo played the games he did with the pain he must have endured
.
November 3rd, 2008 at 17:20
@Gabriel: Gabriel, I was just correcting your lies about a conspiracy. And what you are pointing out, is that Goal.com SAY he is happy. When were they an authority on anything. I saw the interview on mutv, and he said he was happy that his English had improved to the degree he could join in some of the jesting with the other players. He said he felt his game was improving and that he was happy with his performances and the goals he got. He did not say he was happy at United, and would never want to leave. And if you believe I am easy to bait, why do you fookin try - sadist!.
November 3rd, 2008 at 17:22
@Gabriel: i agree. Both are excellent midfielders. Also, fletcher is highly versatile, he can play as a CDM or a CAM, because of his excellent running off the ball. Andy on the other hand is a deep-lying playmaker, he plays in between a CM(carrick) and a CAM, so just ahead of carrick. He creates/starts plays of, and if he does run into the box, its with the ball, or with a 1,2 pass.
November 3rd, 2008 at 17:26
@Beachryan: I don’t reckon he can push it bro, Fergie said that resting the knee is what is needed, but he can’t do that if he intends to play, especially competitive football. Any little exertion flares the stuff up, that’s why he usually gets his setbacks in training, before he actually plays.
Shearer had the same problem, underwent surgery and it was cleared till his retirement. Maybe, hargo should go down the same route. He will be 28 by the time he is recovered, but i’m sure he can still exert the same tenacity and energy levels if he finds ways to keep his cardio-vascular fitness in check.
November 3rd, 2008 at 17:33
@Craig Mc: name calling, really Craig? If you can’t realise those comments were in jest and good nature then it’s regrettable. Why you even have to resort to calling me a ’sadist’ is so sad it’s ironic. But, if that’s how you feel man, it’s a free world.
November 3rd, 2008 at 17:35
@ Craig MC: I’m not denying that it’s painful, I’m sure it is. I’ve battled with tennis elbow back when I was training, and I was under the impression it was a similar thing. For me it was an ache the next day and being unable to properly use the muscles (couldn’t close my hand etc). I figured hte knee would be similar, sorry if it’s not.
What I was trying to stress is that sitting around not getting surgery isn’t doing any good, and neither is not playing, so, erm, pick a solution and get on with it. I love Hargo, he’d be my first choice CMF in almost any match. But that doesn’t disguise the fact that an non-playing world-class player is just as useful as a fit Djemba Djemba. I think Saha is a quality CF but he couldn’t stay fit long enought to help us. I don’t want to see Owen go the same way.
November 3rd, 2008 at 17:44
@Beachryan: I agree Bro
. Hargo does need to consider surgery, but as someone already said, there is a big chance surgery will not work, and could make matters worse. It is a big decision having surgery in these kinds of options. Alan Shearer had a similar problem, he had the surgery, and could play on, but its not the same for everybody, the luck of the draw I guess Bro.
November 3rd, 2008 at 17:58
@Stephen: Stephen, we don’t know that Fergie bought him knowing he had a knee problem. In fact we don’t know if he had a history of tendinitis while at Bayern at all. I know hw broke his leg, and had hamstring strains etc, but perhaps he only developed the tendon problem in the summer he signed for us. Like you said, he passed a medical, and doctor’s know how long term a disability tendinitis can be. So I cannot imagine if he had a history of it, it would not have delayed his transfer to us. Perhaps Grog will know better whether he had this tendonitis at Bayern. He has been a follower of German football, and knows most histories of their players
.
November 3rd, 2008 at 18:01
@Craig Mc: I was just speculating mate.
November 3rd, 2008 at 18:08
@Stephen: I guessed that Stephen, but I would like the answer to that myself, and hope that Grog or somebody in the know can enlighten me
. Will you be on the Celtic terraces then Bro. I think this is going to be a really fierce and enjoyable game. Course the Celtic fans will be giving us some stick, after what we dished out to them at OT. I wouldn’t be surprised if we get chanted at with “Are you Man City in disguise” after our Rangers rattling 
.
November 3rd, 2008 at 18:17
@Craig Mc: I won’t mate unfortunatly wish I was, will be at the Emirates on Saturday and looking forward to it, hopefully a win will spring board our season.
It will be a superb game on Wednesday, and to be honest we should win quite comfortably, but if we only play for 45 mins, they could turn us over, like last time.
November 3rd, 2008 at 18:17
@ Beachryan.: I agree with what you said “But that doesn’t disguise the fact that an non-playing world-class player is just as useful as a fit Djemba Djemba” There’s no denying Hargro’s a world class player with bundles of experience at top level. The odd games he did play for us last season he was excellent, very versatile and fitted in to our style of play very quickly. But we need him playing regular games. Now we can either rest him often, but the problem will still be there, or he can have the surgery and hopefully have him come back a rejuvenated player with 3-5 good seasons left in him. This is of course if the surgery is a success. SAF and hargo need to make up their minds and come with an answer pronto. By the way it was great to see carrick back in the team we missed him big time. Don’t get me wrong I think fletcher is great for cover and can pop up with a few goals but IMO carrick is a better player with better vision and link up play. And what he lacks in work rate he makes up for in excellent positioning. I only wish a fully fit hargo was able to partner him. Although Carrick and anderson do complement each other very well. What do you guys think??
November 3rd, 2008 at 18:22
@Aron84: @Beachryan: Is he really world class?
November 3rd, 2008 at 18:36
@Stephen: I think it’s subjective mate.
Does he have the attributes to be considered world-class in his area of play? Maybe
Can he walk into any team in the world that accomodates his style? Maybe
So maybe he is world class, but he hasn’t really diplayed world class ability for an extended period so it’s hard to say he is. He definitely has the attributes to be, but when he doesn’t display them consistently, it’s really overstating it to say he is world class.
Others might have their own views as everyone looks for different attributes with which they use to label players as world class, so, like I said, it’s all subjective.
November 3rd, 2008 at 18:40
@ Stephen - at his position yes, I think he once was. He was a starter from a young age in a very good Bayern team, and is up there with the Sennas and Makeleles at the holding role. But I haven’t seen him play there in a long while, so I don’t know anymore.
November 3rd, 2008 at 18:41
@Stephen. I think so mate. I mean the guy was excellent for bayern on the domestic and european front. Bayern IMO had a stronger side during hargo’s reign there. And let’s not forget after a lot of criticism for England initially, he was our best player in 2006 world cup and if I can remember correctly he scooped England’s player of the year as a result. He is world class providing he is fit.
November 3rd, 2008 at 19:04
Our best central midfield combo is Carrick Hargreaves. Hargreaves lets nothing past him, Carrick could kick a tennis ball into your coat pocket from 70 yards with his eyes closed. That why Fergie spent £30 million on them. Anderson is one for the future, and Scholes is one from the past. Yes they are both brilliant, and on different ends of the career curve. From the bench to add a bit off something different they are perfect.
Throw into that Fletcher who is developing into a top class premiership player and with everyone fit midfield is the last of our worries.
The Hargreaves injuries prove to me that we push our players too hard in training, and if there is anything wrong with them it exacerbates it. Look at Saha! Fine at Fulham.. can’t string 5 matches together at United.. seemingly fine at Everton. Hargreaves (as far as I know, he was always available for England when called on) didn’t have these problems at Bayern. Solskjaer was plagued with injuries. When Berbatov came United stated there was a difference between Premiership fit and United fit. It works well enough for players who have no major problems, which is why Scholes and Giggs have lasted so long at the top, but Nevilles return kept getting hampered with niggles, and I put it down to our training regime…
November 3rd, 2008 at 19:10
Totally agree Scholes is still a world class central midfielder but you have to play him with someone like Carrick who is willing to sit back as otherwise Scholes is too much of a defensive liability. Scholes and Carrick is still a great partnership but we need to look at other partnerships as Scholes can only play so many minutes before age gets the better of him.
Anderson is not the next Ronaldinho. He could be the next Edgar Davids but he can be anonymous and while he has bossed a few games, other times he can look completely out of his depth. The consistency will come with time.
Hargreaves should just have the bloody operation. We can get through this season without him and then next season we’ll see if he is world class or not. Regardless a fit Hargreaves would be useful to have for European competition as Anderson just doesn’t have the head for it yet.
Fletcher needs to keep getting game time. I think he has come good this season because he is getting to play almost every game. For me it is between Fletcher and Anderson for the spot next to Carrick in midfield. If Scholes is fit he should get however minutes he can cope with alongside Carrick before being hauled off for Ando/Fletcher.
Giggs is a liability in central midfield. He can play the odd defence splitting pass but loses possession too easily.
November 3rd, 2008 at 19:13
@Traverse: lol.. well Berba thought he escaped Ramos’s crazy training regime and came to one even tougher. Apparently, Ramos was starving the players, putting them on diets and workin them extra hard, prob’ly why Berba refused to practice or play
With regards to our training regime, i’m not on the inside, so I don’t know, but if that was the case and injury prone players were suffering as a result of it, then i’m sure the staff would have found a way around it. I mean, what’s the point of pushing the players that much if they are gonna get injured at the end?
November 3rd, 2008 at 19:24
The doom and gloom birds are out in full force today.
November 3rd, 2008 at 20:14
@Beachryan: Excellent post. But, what do you think about a CM partnership of Fletcher and Carrick. I think this would allow for a system where they both have clearly defined roles. Carrick would sit deeper ala Pirlo and could pick up the ball from the back four and start attacks, or just operate as you said switching play to opposite wings, or just generally providing the constant outlet to let us keep possession. Then, Fletch could be there as the all action energizer bunny running around like a mad man. I think this could allow Fletch to make more of those well times runs from deep into the box, like a Scholes of old. Scholes in his hay day knew he could gamble on taking more of his runs into the box because he knew without a doubt that Keano was behind him to pick up the pieces. I think the same could happen with Fletch and Carrick.
November 3rd, 2008 at 20:57
OK. Guys Gears Of Wars 2 Is officially THE BOMB! I mean this really is DO or DIE! I just killed a hot load of locust! Nothing better than killing some Locust! And this time, The boss is just Pure SCARY!
November 3rd, 2008 at 20:59
@Beachryan: OK so Chelsea have Lampard and Ballack in the middle but their wings are not as strong as ours Ronaldo, Nani and either Giggs or Park beats Cole and Malouda any day, so it evens things out. They attack through the middle and we use more width.
November 3rd, 2008 at 21:08
@RedDevilEddy: Fletch was far from horrible mate. In fact when he came back from his injury you could see a massive improvement in his game which has carried through to this season. Quicker, more confident on the ball, better first touch, vision, better passing, imagination and above all, ability to finish. Lets be fair. Anderson is just runs and protects the ball well. Other than that i have yet to see a really definable asset to his game. I like him but I am not in love with his style or lack of offensive diversity. He couldn’t score a goal if his life depended on it. When was the last time he actually found himself in a good scoring position with the ball at his feet inside the box? Try never. I think he shows great energy and really knows how to use his body to shield the ball and occasionally makes a good long through ball but other than that he leaves me cold. Fletcher does not have the pace or the dribbling skill but he is as good a passer and his vision and skill in shooting, heading and creative passing has surpassed Andy in my opinion. And it appears that I am correct because Fergie has chosen him consistently this season over Anderson. Now that Carrick is back I doubt Fletch will play as much because we can’t afford two slow footed players in central midfield so this Anderson’s time to wake up and finally make a statement of intent. Based on his first half last week, I think he is getting there.
November 3rd, 2008 at 21:11
@Gabriel: It’s just words mate. Big deal. Ronaldo said he was happy at United a week before he told everyone he wanted to go to Real Madrid. Honestly though, what do you expect Nani to say? “I’m unhappy and Fergie is tosser”. Of course not. The lad wants to play and the way to do that is by making a statement on the pitch. Words of happiness to the press aren’t going to sway Fergie but as long as they aren’t negative, they can only help.
November 3rd, 2008 at 21:15
@Stephen: The fault is not his but United’s handling of him. He should have gone under the knife as soon as it was determined that this problem was chronic and the only possible solution would be surgery. Instead they have dragged out this problem for 18 months when he would have been recovered from his surgery by now and there would have been at least a 50/50 chance he would be 100% today. I also think that they misdiagnosed Saha and other too. They are far too conservative in their treatment methods and even Saha has come out and said that he was questioning their methods. I just don’t know.
November 3rd, 2008 at 21:15
@Gabriel: Great point and very accurate to.
It appears with some out there that bias and favoritism takes the drivers seat while fairness is in the trunk.
November 3rd, 2008 at 21:21
@Stephen: They need to stop looking at the glass as half full and look at it as half empty. Patience and physio has not worked. Surgery is no guarantee either but it’s the only one United and Hargo have in regards to saving the lad’s career. The problem is optimistic greed. They hope the inflammation goes away so they can benefit from him this season like he helped towards the end of last season. It’s selfish, greedy and wrong. Operate on the lad and see if you can benefit from him at 100% next season. Or find out once and for all if he is the answer or if United need to look towards another for that role. Enough procrastinating already.
November 3rd, 2008 at 21:26
@Craig Mc: There are different forms of tendinitis. Most are treatable with rest, some need surgery. The problem with tendinitis is that the more you play with it while it is even partially inflamed, the worse it gets and the more chronic and long term it becomes. Hargo played with this problem for a few years now while at 60% to 70%. Yes he was still outstanding but he was doing more damage to the tendon through the playing. Now he is paying for it and all the rest in the world won’t correct it if it has reached it’s apex in chronic mass.
Bottom line is surgery may not even correct it, but at least there is a 50% chance that he could play again at 100%. Both he and the team have dropped the ball on this problem. This should have been dealt with when he was bought. I love the player too much to say he shouldn’t have been bought, but perhaps that would have been the wisest thing knowing what we know now about the problem. It’s sad and incredibly frustrating for Hargo, United, Fergie and for us fans.
November 3rd, 2008 at 21:29
@Gabriel: I don’t think the Craigster meant it with any malice or negativity. To know him is to love him cause he’s so lovable, cute and cuddly.
November 3rd, 2008 at 21:31
@Craig Mc: He needs to take the chance and have the surgery though. Without his career is over anyway. It’s really a no brainer at this point in the whole fiasco.
November 3rd, 2008 at 21:34
@Stephen: The question was not directed at me but I will be happy to answer it. Yes he is. You don’t have to be a Ronaldo or Kaka to be world class. What Hargo does, he does better than most and then you add his incredible versatility and ability to take a free kick unlike any other Canadians I know.
November 3rd, 2008 at 21:38
@Aron84: Just remember how hard Bayern fought to keep him. They went to war with their friends United (historically a very friendly relationship) over not wanting him to leave. In the end Hargo’s demands, not United’s were the reason he was finally sold a year after the first knock on the door. Bayern loved him and he actually loved Bayern. He was never interested in signing for no other team in England or anywhere else other than United. That was a major enticement for Fergie to get a player who performs a role you need badly but who is also world class and dreams of playing for you exclusively. If Hargo was cut loose today I honestly think he would go back to Bayern, and they probably would take him too. That’s of course not taking into account what may be a career ending injury.
November 3rd, 2008 at 21:39
@Traverse: I totally agree. Hargo and Carrick in the middle was the combo I have always favored.
November 3rd, 2008 at 21:43
@colver: If Scholes is too much of a defensive liability and he is too slow and old to really contribute to our attack like his old self, then how on Earth can he still be world class? He’s not world class anymore and he hasn’t been for 4 years now. In fact he’s a liability offensively more than he is defensively simply because he sits back so far and never moves forward enough or deep enough to really help out. Other than his occasional bonehead tackles, his defensive game has come a long way.
November 3rd, 2008 at 21:45
@Red Diablo: That’s a game I need to stay away from until my heart condition improves more. The first one was intense enough. Man how I wished we had Roy Keane with a GOW saw gun in the middle of our midfield. Bring Frank Lampard and the Drogba on then
November 3rd, 2008 at 22:23
Ok. There is one thing for debate that I’d like to put up. When Ronaldo does leave, we will try to buy Ribery. And it is most likely that he wont come.
So how is this option? We ship Nani off to the right, I mean he is a right footer. And for the left we call up Aston Villa and buy their no.7, Ashley Young. I mean say whatever you like, but the guy is young, English and Class! His crosses are inch perfect and he can score from free kicks as well!
November 3rd, 2008 at 22:58
@Grognard: I don’t get it, you’re one of the people crying for Ronaldo to be forgiven cus he has come out and appologised to the fans, why is it easy for you to believe Ronaldo’s appologies when you yourself just implied in your post that players words mean nothing?
@Grognard: I had to lmfao at Saha’s questioning United’s medical handling, the same Saha that would get injured in training? Its not as if he had a recurring injury like Hargreaves and United knew this but didn’t take action. I hardly believe that Saha came out and questioned United.
@MUFC Fan in America: I agree, anyone know where Conor is? So far from reading his posts, he’s usually the sense of reason in some of the strange comments in this blog.
November 3rd, 2008 at 23:25
young well be an excellent choice for United to buy. He reminds me of the old Ryan Giggs. Although know where near as skillful he has the pace and directness that giggsy use to have to make defenders trip over their own feet. He is also an excellent crosser and free kick specialist. If ronnie does decide to leave we should go for Ashley Young. I agree with red diablo, can’t see Ribery who has been our target before coming as he would have been a United player by now if he really wanted to join us. Young and nani on the wings will be devastating. Another player that I have admired for a while and IMO would do well is Ricardo Quaresma.
November 4th, 2008 at 0:09
@Rd: I’d give Saha the benefit of the doubt and assume either a misquote or being taken out of context. The injury he had was meant to be a recurrent problem with his knee (something that was supposedly picked up in his medical but ignored). Still if he did come out with that stuff it is a bit rich, expecially since United were probably picking up the tab for the French medical centre he was at during the summer.
November 4th, 2008 at 0:41
@Rd: That wasn’t a players word. That was a quote to media. I’m happy isn’t exactly devoting yourself to the team forever now is it? I think you are overreacting to the comment a bit. Fact is players are quoted one thing while they do the opposite a hundred times a week. It’s all media BS.
November 4th, 2008 at 1:21
@JB: My thoughts exactly, it’d be really stupid and a little ungrateful of him if he came out to question the medical team, though i didn’t know that his knee injury was recurring.
@Grognard: Maybe I’m reading your post the wrong way, but the last line my point exactly. In one of your other posts about the fans and Ronaldo, you mentioned that both sides should move on since he has come out and admit he was naive to push for a move. I was just pointing out that why should the fans believe what Ronaldo said and whether he’s truly sorry since players words are mostly BS anyway
November 4th, 2008 at 1:45
hey, i’m guessing this a good a place as any to find out..
what’s the best way to get tickets to a game?
i’m going to be in the UK next feb, and there’s an away game at West Ham,
prob one of the only chances to watch a game live n don’t wanna mess it up!!
neway, any advice is much appreciated,
cheers,
November 4th, 2008 at 2:54
@Grognard: Lovable, cute and cuddly, you been listening to my GF then Grog, ‘cos thats what she says. I’m beginning to think your right about women Grog - the GF is fed up with Blighty and wants us to piss off to Spain
. Whatever will it be next eh?.
November 4th, 2008 at 2:58
@Grognard: Your report on tendinitis is exactly as I thought Grog. I really feel for Hargo, because he is a great player, even at 70%, but like Fergie said, that knee is too painful to play on now.
.
November 4th, 2008 at 3:05
So once again, anyone like the Wigan player Zaki, he seems to be scoring every game. He scared the shit out of L’fool. Wigan only lost that game at Anfield because of poor refereeing decisions
. I want Zaki, I love what I have seen of him.
November 4th, 2008 at 3:11
FM fans…the demo for 09 is out…i m dloading it!!!
November 4th, 2008 at 4:12
@Gabriel: I have to disagree with you on Andy. He is an attacking mid, he never played this current position until he came to United. True he didnt have a lot of club expeircne but in the Brazil youth national teams he always played an attacking role. Dunga only put him in the defensive mid role after he saw Anderson play at United.
Anderson has shown glimpses of his attcking potential but its obvious that fergie has him shackled. I think this is just his plan to make Anderson a more disciplined player, and eventually he will give him a little more room to roam once he matures a bit more.
November 4th, 2008 at 5:55
@Craig Mc: Run quickly if she says she wants a dog. That is a warning of much more serious things to come….if you get my meaning.
November 4th, 2008 at 6:01
@Craig: How I wish we sign Zaki bro. How much would he be on sale for after his displays at Wigan now? 10mil? 15 mil? 20 mil?
November 4th, 2008 at 10:39
@Grognard:
With an attacking line of Ronaldo, Nani, Berbatov, Rooney/Tevez; why is it so vital for Anderson to get into goalscoring positions? How many did Scholes really get into last season, or Hargo?
I might be wrong, but I really think you underestimate Anderson because of some sort of bias. How can you not see his vision during games? If anything, I would say his passing lets him down at times because you can see that the idea that we was trying to pull off was just amazing. To me, only Rooney shows that natural type of vision during games.
I think Hargo is a brilliant player, and when 100% fit, one of the best in his position. However, his buy was also an emotional one by SAF (more ego than anything else). I said it that time, and I will say it again; “what did he expect from a player who has been out for almost the entire season (and a bad medical track record before then) when he bought him for that huge amount of money?” We were solidly screwed by Bayern, though in fact it weren’t Bayern doing the screwing, it was Fergie himself. At the time I was being criticised for being negative in prediting that his sick-bay visits at OT will be similiar to his ones in Munich.
With all our talent in our squad, I fail to see why we should buy anyone, let alone a defensive mid???? If you think about it, SAF added Berbatov to the already best team in Europe and England (and I dare anyone telling me we don’t deserve those titles) whereas Chelsea - the secnd best team - added no one. I don’t understand the logic that we now need to add more?
November 4th, 2008 at 20:04
@Karl: It’s not vital but it is a worthwhile thing to do to add diversity and dimension to our attack and to his game. There is nothing wrong with a central midfielder attacking and scoring goals.
November 4th, 2008 at 20:06
@Karl: We are weaker defensively this season than we were last. I attribute that to no Hargreaves and no Carrick for most of it. Hopefully we settle down defensively while not hurting our offensive production.
November 8th, 2008 at 17:20
Our problem lies not in defense.
This is just a symptom of what the real problem is.