Jul 09
Fletch For Everton? Pako for a ‘Thrilled’ Queiroz?
… and pigs flying? Too many questions. So little time. Well there is plenty of time but, you see, I have to run off on an errand or two after this so I’ll get right into this straight away without much waffling.
There have been stories that Darren Fletcher has caught David Moyes’ fancy. I think Fletcher should not move because players like him is the reason why we are where we are.
It’s funny in a way because he was, along with O’Shea and Silly, among the most ridiculed players, not so long ago. But when it came to the crunch games — be it against Chelsea at Old Trafford in the 05/06 season, or against Arsenal in the FA Cup this year — he has always shown up. Enough reason for Fergie to call him a big game player.
But besides that it’s his readiness — much like O’Shea — to be able to come on whenever Fergie deemed it right to call him and do the job without any fuss that makes him so important to the squad balance. These players know they’ll never be first choice. But it is not a sign of resigned defeat. When called they give everything they can with their limited abilities and, more often than not, do what is required of them.
Fletcher’s early promise never materialised, and his inconsistency can be infuriating but he still has qualities that makes him guaranteed to play an important role for us next season. His tireless running and tenacity are the kind of attributes that may have impressed Moyes. I personally don’t want United to sell him.
Please Fletch, stay with us.
Meanwhile there are some rumours that United might line up Pako Ayesteran (the former assistant to Spanish waiter-cum-part-time football manager Rafa Benitez) as assistant manager if Queiroz. I don’t know how true that is, but I am fairly certain that Queiroz is indeed leaving. Losing him would be like losing a father figure for the likes of Ronaldo, Nani and Anderson. And I already mentioned why I thought he’s very important to us so I won’t expand on it further.
About Pako Ayesteran, I don’t know if it carries much weight. We’ve already had Blanc and Cantona linked to us.
Other than that not much else to talk about other than wishing Anderson best of luck for his involvement in the olympics.
Till tomorrow.
Related items from Red Rants:
- Why Carlos Queiroz is More Important than Ronaldo
- Brand New Centre Forward……
- United sign new Rooney…
- Fletch Wants To Stay. Do You Want Him?
- What Will Sir Alex Do With Rodrigo Possebon?
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@Grognard: I’ve never really been a fan of buying too many African players due to the ANC being played every 2 years. However a few more players from France, Germany and Holland sure would be nice. We also used to get a lot of players from Scandinavia such as Ole, Berg Johnson and Schmeichel(not quite Scandinavia but didn’t want to leave him out)
, what happened to that as a place for getting players? I definately agree that our whole transfer strategy needs to be looked over because we only seem to be buying Latin or English atm.
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here is think for Brazilian-twins
Brazilian twins
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I think Fletcher’s one of those players who won’t leave until he’s pushed and since Fergie just said a few days back on goal that he’s our big game player and will have a role to play next season, i don’t see him going anywhere just yet. On transfers, it would be nice to get busy, but since Fergie said he only needs one player, the three players shortlisted for the striker position(Benzema, Huntelaar and Berbatov) aren’t really running anywhere and theres still a month and half left for the transfer season, i’d say we’re pretty good, we’re not having a massive exodus from the club so we don’t need to panic buy. Instead of counting down the days after the Euro’s, i prefer to use August 16th as a countdown till when we’ll sign someone, cus Fergie said he’ll sign before the season starts and i’ll hold him to that. I just simply refuse to believe we’re broke until i see concrete evidence.
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Fletch is no Phil Neville or Nicky Butt! Those two got lpenty of time to prove themselves but we all knew that they never had the ability to make them great players.
Fletch on the other hand has it, he has a skill set far superior to Phil Neville or Nicky Butt in the sense:
- He can run
- He can defend in midfield (without committing 10 fouls a game which was the trademark or Phil and Butty)
- He’s a good header of the ball, especially in attacking play
- He’s a decent passer (Butt was a horrible passer from what I recall)
- His technique is ok (not very good but just ok)
The first time I saw him play I also thought he had great teechnique, but I get the impression he never tried to develop this aspect of his game…
Its just a shame that he was not blooded early on in his career in the same way Anderson and Nani are, and was a bit unlucky with injuries, else i’m sure he would have turned out a great player, better than Carrick at any rate! But he has to stay!
Oh and Eagles is going? Good… As he always seemed to underperform when given the chance… Though I have the suspicion he plays better when not under the pressure o millions watching…
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@Traverse: The problem with Berg is he doesn’t speak the language of a country that’s known as a footballer factory. Blanc being French has the advantage of knowing the French talent pool which has lots of great young talent and as well, the African pool from French speaking regions. Although I don’t dismiss Norway, Denmark, Sweden and countries like that, their players are rarely world class caliber or with that kind of potential. It’s not just about coaching and training, it’s about contacts and influence these days.
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@Red Ranter: I’m more concerned with Frenchman than I am Africans to be honest. Look RR, nobody is going to bring 100% loyalty and commitment to one club. It just helps to go elsewhere in my opinion to better fight off the Spanish clubs that are clawing at our door like predators looking to pounce on a player who speaks their tongue and who understands what living there will bring them culturally as well as financially. French speaking players are not 100% immune to this but I think we stand a better chance than the others thats all.
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About Laurent Blanc:
From what I gather – (TV interviews) His style is that of being close with players , establishing a relationship and yet managing also at boardroom level. He has an assistant who does all the technical day-to-day aspect of the job, i.e. coaching, also tactics… Which makes me wonder whether he’ll be good as he looks more like in the Ferguson mould than the assistant one. However, there is no doubting his skills as a manager..
Anyone has any props about this guy René Meusterler (???)
I know he works at United at some coaching level and have heard good things about him. I think he might just be better than Choccy…
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redrants can you give me a responce please, what are your thoughts on the idiot sepp blatter and what he has said about saying man utd have kept ronaldo has a slave. did you lot know that sepp blatter is a member of real madrid I know it because I have seen it on tv.
here is the link
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/article1402718.ece
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@Red Ranter: It’s not a grudge about Ronaldo leaving after five years, it’s how he has gone about it. His arrogant and ignorant attitude is unforgivable but what gets me is his disrespect for Fergie and the team by not giving them a little time to find his replacement. Basically he doesn’t give a damn and that absolutely drives me into a mental rage. I’m sorry but I cannot appreciate his five years and play for us if he up and leaves in the middle of the night without a warning. No class at all. And I’m still one of the few who believe he has played his last game for United. Burned bridges take years to be rebuilt.
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@Krishnan: Sorry but I can’t agree with you. And if you have read my posts from day one you would know that I have commented many times on the successes of SAF, but like a few other here, you pounce on the isolated statements that I make that are not necessarily negative but show a concern over what he is or is not doing. I have stated that his inactivity is probably got more to do with the Glazer’s than with him. How is that putting down SAF? Honestly!
And I am a lot more old school when it comes to signing players. I expect commitment and dedication but most of all, I expect a desire to stay and loyalty to the club. I am sick and tired of the mercenaries in the game and I want us to sign good players who have Manchester United and the EPL in their hearts and minds. Not too much to ask. These Latin players have La Liga and Real Madrid or Barcelona on theirs.
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@Grognard: Huh?
That was precisely what I was saying — the exact same thing as you did.
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@Liam: I totally agree.
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@Red Ranter: No RR, you seem to be happy that he has given us five years and he can now leave and thanks a lot. I have no problem with the five good years and I am extremely grateful. I have no problem that he wants to leave for Spain. I have a problem with him dropping a bomb on us after we have just won the CL and still hasn’t clarified his stance two weeks after the Euros. He’s holding the team hostage and showing a great deal of disrespect and lack of appreciation. He needed to not sign a 5 year contract and he needed to meet with Fergie after the CL and tell him that his wish is to leave for Spain in one or two years and thus giving the Boss a reasonable amount of time to plan a strategy of style and player purchases that can ensure the team doesn’t skip a beat upon his departure. He has not done any of these respectful and classy things to better endure me to him and to better respect the five years he has given. What he has done is nothing different than being married for 5 years and coming home from work one day to find your wife has left you. It’s absolutely disgusting and I for one hate him for this.
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thats why I wish our squad was like the 99 side, got to say having the worlds best player at man utd does not work, its best to have underated down to earth players like neville irwin keane scholes butt giggs yorke cole solkjaer sheringham, even the likes of beckham may have been in the lime light but he never asked for a move away from united or even hinted it. its time to get our academy sorted because we benifited more from that.
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@Grognard: Are you kidding me? All I said was he has not handled the situation with any dignity. I said the same thing as you did. How can you ever think that I was happy with how Ronaldo has handled the situation this summer? It’s an insult to all that I’ve been harping about Ronaldo till now. God help me!
I am honestly surprised you seem to have no idea on my stance on Ronaldo. Let me make it clear to you: He has burned his bridges for me, and it will take a herculean effort from him to make me accept him again. Jeez! I wonder why I even made the effort to write my post on Ronaldo.
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And to make it clear to you because it looks like I haven’t been able to get this across to you — maybe my bad — let me break it down based on what you’ve written.
I have no problem with the five good years and I am extremely grateful. — same here.
I have no problem that he wants to leave for Spain. — same here
I have a problem with him dropping a bomb on us after we have just won the CL and still hasn’t clarified his stance two weeks after the Euros. — same here
He’s holding the team hostage and showing a great deal of disrespect and lack of appreciation — same here
Where I mildly disagree, that he is not accountable to anyone if he desires to leave. This is how I’d want it to happen: He goes to Fergie, tells him he wants to leave, Fergie talks to him and tells him his plans and then he decides accordingly.
And it’s not a bombshell. He’s always talked about moving to Spain. It’s Fergie’s fault if he didn’t see this coming and discern it after daily meetings with the lad.
And to be honest, if United stand firm we are going to have Ronaldo for another season.
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@Grognard: You don’t have to agree with me. All of us would expect loyalty from someone who we are paying in millions. But you are ignoring the fact that if you sign players only with a long term perspective then you are surely going to miss out on talent. It is like the investment strategy that I mentioned, for longterm growth you need to go for stocks with the potential and for short term success or money you need to go for stocks with a high growth rate( which means they are expensive but they would more or less assure you of money). Its the same with players. Utd being an English club the core of the team has to be British and is. But you also need the Ronaldos and the Nanis and the Tevezes to add flair and bring success in the short run which means that it would help the club in the long run.
In today’s world 95% footballers are mercenaries and I just want you to come out of the old school ideology and accept the reality.
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@Red Ranter: Sorry mate if I got you all hot under the collar. Your statement today I took for letting him a little off the hook for giving us five good years. I am more than aware on your stance regarding him but I thought you might have mellowed your stance a bit. So sorry I underestimated your anger towards him. Still, you do write the following “He has burned his bridges for me, and it will take a herculean effort from him to make me accept him again.” That’s fine and all but the difference between you and me is not Hercules nor any God could get me to like that prick ever again. I’m like an old dog and a scorned woman, I never forget and I never forgive when somebody does something terrible to me or to somebody I care about. As you know, I am stubborn as Hell and when you have done me wrong, I hold a grudge.
Ronaldo is most certainly 100% certifiably dead to me. And further more, the last thing I want to see is his candy ass playing for us at Old Trafford for another year. Not after the Hell he has put us through and the betrayal he has committed. Let him take his Spanish whore and get the fuck over to Real so we can meet him in the CL and have somebody take a Kean-like run at him to show him we hold no grudges.
Up until the CL final I don’t think there was anyone on this blog that showed the love and loyalty as well as appreciation and admiration for Ronaldo that I did. He was the Special One for me and I will always remember his contributions fondly. But as much as I love history and the past, I live for the future and he has no place in it. I honestly cannot understand how anybody can welcome him back to the club, even if it is for one year. Lets not forget he signed a contract for 5 bloody years. If he was so bent on going to Spain, why then did he sign that contract less than a year ago today? WHY? WHY? Because he was playing Fergie and United for fools. His arrogant little winks and vague statements just epitomize an arrogant self centered cunt who seems to have forgotten where the Hell he came from and what the Hell he had before Fergie showed an interest in him. He needs to be taught a lesson and not thrown into the starting lineup with all his treachery forgotten.
I have said this before, the only way I will forgive him is if he signs a personal commitment contract for at least five years which stipulates that he cannot breach it under any circumstances not agreed to by the team. A show of intent and commitment on his part that won’t be as easy as a standard contract to renege on. Sorry for the rant but I just get so hot thinking about Ronaldo. And sorry for reading something else entirely in your comments. I’m tired and sometimes my speed reading betrays me.
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Great, so it sounds like we can just all agree…to agree.
As much as I dislike all of the selfishness, I would still like to see him at OT for @ least 2 more years. If only to give SAF time to come up with a gameplan and secure proper replacements.
As an aside, I remember quite often towards the end of the season when all of the praises for the young man were flowing, how much he would talk of the team effort. And when Portugal come crashing out of the Euro’s, he talks about how it was everyone elses fault but his. Just an observation I (and I’m sure many others) had.
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@Krishnan: This is football, not the stock market. I really don’t care for banking and financial analogies when it comes to football. Because even with the millions that are being tossed around, this still is a people’s business. It’s about people (players) and the physical, emotional and professional quality they bring to a team. When you invest in a player, it should never be short term unless previously agreed upon (ex Henrick Larsson). When we sign a 18 year old Anderson, it is my hope that the lad grows and matures to be a great player and that through this growth and maturation process he builds a desire to win for the club, a love for the club and a commitment to establish himself in the club’s history. Not to use the club for a few seasons in order to get experience and then bolt for brighter and sunnier climbs. Loyalty and commitment are vital if one is to build a top flight team and maintain the team’s style and consistency. Always changing players because you keep losing players is not a good thing. The lesser clubs are the teams that young unproven players go to gain a little respect and experience and then when they make the jump to a team like Man Utd, it better be with the intention of staying for the long haul. Any other kind of attitude is unacceptable to me and I know that many managers think the way I do. We need to stop the revolving door policy that is beginning to really show it’s ugly head in the game today. Contracts need to be lived up to and honored and teams need to strictly penalize players for trying to breach them. We cannot let this mercenary tactic used by Ronaldo to become an epidemic with the club or with any club in the EPL for that matter. What happens in Italy or Spain doesn’t concern me in the least. Nothing bad that happens there will make my heart bleed.
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@ManUtd10Titles: Fergie is only going to be with us for another two or possibly three seasons. If Ronaldo goes, he goes now. For him to leave just before or just after Fergie could cause chaos. Fergie needs two or three years to rebuild the team that Ronaldo will break. Without Fergie and Ronaldo at the same time, we will be in dire straits. Get rid of him now and give Fegie to build a team his successor can work with and that won’t need a major overhaul. Putting off the inevitable is a recipe for disaster. Come on people! Don’t let Ronaldo get away with this scott free. United fans unite and show the fucking turd that we are better without him. We should all unite and tell the Portuguese cunt to just PISS OFF! Boo him like crazy at OT. Make him cry. He deserves worse.
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grognard we would all love our main flair to be British like what happened with scholes beckham and giggs but that is never going to happen, nani and anderson if they turn out to be world class I think will have different attitudes then ronaldo, for me ronaldo at times makes me sick the way he has treated the club who he has taking the sting out of our success and we have to hear guys like grognard moan, yet the media useless pundits some man utd fans who act like glory hunters give no credit to the real heroes the man utd defence. We hear rival fans say now you have seen the real face of ronaldo well it was not our fault he done so well for us, what we going to do boo him.
I never liked the ronaldo songs though they were rubbish and were almost designed to beg ronaldo to stay, do we hear past greats like schmeicheal irwin and gems like giggsy and the ginger genius scholes get their names chanted countless times not a chance, only on a phew occasions and the songs are not even that creative about them anyway which is a disgrace in itself, who have done far more then ronaldo will ever do.
can someone explain this to me how did man utd act the same has madrid buying players, what does everyone use to justify the opinion that ronaldo going to madrid would be a step up, all we hear is the hot weather ronaldo’s image and awards he will win how he can expande the ronaldo brand and real madrids history thats all they use, not what is going on the pitch which has been the downfall of most players thinking going to madrid will be great, their two la liga titles papers over the cracks that they are a poor and tactically inept side with poor defenders a rubbish midfield and an ageing front line, they may have a youngish side but the three area’s of the field are largely poor with players they dont even need. how did real madrid do against roma out classed, yet we beat roma countless times even almost beat them with our back up side.
one last thing if ronaldo is that good why didnt Portugal bring home euro 2008 explain that one ppl, no one man team can win the double that is impossible there is other qualities to the side that won them the trophies, rival fans need any crumb of comfort because they know they cant beat man utd at the moment.
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@Grognard: “The fact that they don’t show interest especially since he is only under loan, tells you what they think of him” so according to you, if no clubs show public interest in a player then he must be rubbish?
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Hello everyone. I just wanted to introduce myself to Red Rants and say how lucky I am that I stumbled upon this site. I’m a college student in the US who has supported Manchester United ever since I lived in England for some time about ten years ago. I would like to improve my writing and critical thinking skills so I will be posting my thoughts from time to time. Please don’t hesitate to provide criticism for my posts, as I would like to get better at making clear and definitive points. I enjoy the articles and many of the comments on the site, including many from Grognard, who is one of the most passionate United fans I’ve come across. I also must thank Red Ranter for putting together such a terrific site, a place where I can get real news instead of the tiresome newspapers. Anyway, here is my first thought:
I come from a town near Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland is a mid-size city that has regressed in size and stature since the days of steel. As a result, our sports teams are classified as “small-market” and often cannot afford to pay for star players. Although the NBA and NFL have put together some kind of salary cap system, many players do not want to come to Cleveland due to its lack of prestige. Manchester United is the one team I support that has the prestige and financial power to draw some of the world’s best players. Sometimes I feel almost embarrassed at the tradition of success and spending power that United has. Due to this fact, I really do appreciate being able to watch and support some of the best footballers on the planet. It is also why, although I’m disappointed at how he has handled himself, I’m having a hard time getting upset with Cristiano Ronaldo. I remember after United sold Beckham they were on the hunt for Ronaldinho, and we all know how that worked out. Instead we signed the young prodigy Ronaldo. From the first match he played, I became entranced with his game. He provided such energy to the team, and I cherished his flair style of play. I hoped he would blossom into a superstar.
Success has its price however; the traits that make a footballer great often lead to character issues. Ronaldo’s ego has grown enormous, and some of his mannerisms on the pitch have become hard to watch. As a Cleveland fan, I rarely get to watch true superstars operate on daily basis, and Ronaldo’s example hasn’t been the best. The constant complaining to the ref, the diving (although he has improved), and look of entitlement on his face is hard to watch and I often find myself wishing he would just get on with it. But then he scores. Or he makes a man miss. Or he scores a goal like the one against Roma away that screams passion and dedication to the game. I cannot fault Ronaldo for effort on the pitch, which is something you can’t say about every superstar.
But he has changed. When he scored a goal in that first campaign that look of joy on his face was truly wondrous. Now when he scores (and so often!) he has the look of expectation and aggressiveness. He has become a monster of sorts; so talented but perhaps enjoying himself less. Maybe it’s the price one has to pay for success. This is why I feel his time at United is over. The progression from the bolt of energy we saw against Bolton five years ago to his tears at the halfway line in Moscow has been a joy. I’ve seen a player evolve from a boy to a man, and to me he will always be a United player in my heart. It does hurt to see that he doesn’t love United as we all do, but few footballers do these days. Unfortunately due to my Cleveland experiences, I can’t say that I’m not used to it.
So, I’ve decided to remember Ronaldo at a certain moment in time. The scene was Highbury, and he had just scored a wondrous goal with his left foot to give United the impetus in the match. His simple gesture was poignant; a solitary finger to his lips to quiet the Arsenal horde behind the goal. At that moment, I remember dreaming about the player he would become. Hope turned to reality, and I for one can’t say that the reality is all that better. Whether he becomes a success or failure in his future years is out of my hands, all I can control are the memories. To me, Cristiano Ronaldo will always be that wide-eyed youngster with his finger to his lips; a moment in time where his progression was limitless and hope sprung eternal. I wish I had that moment back, but the Ronaldo that was is now only a memory.
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End of Euros +10 and all is quiet.
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@steve: Steve, where did I say they had to be British? I just want them to be loyal and devoted to the team. I don’t care where they come from. They can come from Mars for all I care. Just show the devotion to the team like you would your family. And Ronaldo going to Madrid will be a major step down for him. He may be culturally, sexually and spiritually more happy, but he will never win championships like he did with us. Madrid is a show pony team with little substance or spine. They will not do well in the Champions League and they will be dethroned in La Liga as well. I am not a Barca fan but I am pulling for them to give them a right good bollocking this season.
Finally, to be fair to him, he did not bring Portugal Euro 08 because it is a team game and one player is not capable of doing that on his own. The rest of the squad was not up to snuff and Scolari insisted on playing players like Petit, Simao and others over much better talent like Nani, Quaresma and Veloso. Ronaldo often had 2 men on him and nobody was able to pick up the slack and carry the team when he was double covered. Not really Ronaldo’s fault and also, lets not forget he was carrying a serious ankle injury that I’m sure hurt his preparation as well as his form throughout.
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JUST A FUCKING OUTRAGE!!!
First it was the ass clown Platini and now it’s the mouse that roared. Read on from today’s Sun.
“ALEX FERGUSON was last night accused of treating Cristiano Ronaldo like a SLAVE — by the most powerful man in world football.
Manchester United boss Fergie was told he should let Ronaldo join Real Madrid, even though the winger has a four-year contract to stay at Old Trafford. The amazing outburst came from FIFA President Sepp Blatter, who raged: “In football there’s too much modern slavery.
“I’m always in favour of protecting the player. If he wants to leave, let him.
“If Ronaldo stays at a club where he does not feel comfortable to play then it’s not good for him or the club. “The important thing is that we should also protect the player. “And if they want to play somewhere else, then a solution should be found.”
Am I missing something here? I cannot believe the leaders of the two largest and most powerful governing bodies of football are accusing Fergie and United of slavery and illegal and unethical practices. Why not just throw contracts away and to Hell with laws, rules and regulations, the Bosman ruling ete etc. If the governing body of world football does not find it in their mindset to support and promote the sanctity of a contract and the fact that an athlete should be bound to his word, as teams are to theirs, then we are living in a sick age and this is an absolute disgrace and a black day for the world game. Lets not forget that this slave makes millions of dollars a year playing in front of an adoring 70,00 supporters who sing his praises and chant his name, who makes miilions more dollars prostituting his image and his fame and who gets all the glamour and freedom a God could want. If that’s slavery then please place me in irons and lock me away in Old Trafford too.
I sometimes ask myself why I bother with this sport and the faggots that govern it when I can cozy up to my tv and watch the NFL, NHL and baseball to experience real men playing a sport without diving, play acting and disgracing the game. To not have to tolerate a corrupt governing body that doesn’t consider a business contract binding and clearly shows favoritism to certain leagues and choice teams. My God I am incensed. It’s like I just stepped into a parallel universe where everything was upside down. Total madness! Is there anything to protect the game from the Real Madrid’s of football who have the money and the power to buy influence and keep power brokers allied to their cause and in their back pockets?
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Someone should tell the Blatter to remind Real Madrid to let Robinho go then.
This saga is getting stupid, and it just shows how desperate (and possibly powerful) Ramon Calderon is.
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@PO13: Welcome mate.
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grognard, i saw that, an i was pissed, but then i saw this, link, and parker has suddenly become my third most favorite ex-united player.
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I wonder where the class has gone. Where has it disappeared to?
How can people with so much power show no class what so ever. Don’t they know how many people they affect with their actions.
We all know that Real have no class. It’s government run and out and out corrupt. But how is it allowed? Who could do something… probably only higher instances in the EU, but that won’t happen, because in these terms football is a small matter… and it is.
That Platini and Blatter so openly support Real Madrid in their quest of signing Ronaldo is so dispicable that one can only associate them with the Italian mafia. And so it’s done… only of course the Italian mafia shouldn’t be connected with a matter based on Spanish soil. It’s just so indecent, and it sickens me that such powerful people exploit their power in stead of using it for something good. People who can’t control their power are rich in numbers, and they should be put away for all eternity imo.
A club matter is one thing, but when the people supposed to be objective and decision makers on behalf of others take sides, something is utterly wrong, and there’s only one word for it: corruption.
All I want to know, is how much Real Madrid are paying these fuckers? What’s an adequate amount for someone to sell their decency and soul? I don’t know.
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And that is not even the worst part, the corrupted powerful men of football, is it?
I assured myself, I wasn’t gonna touch on this, because this is a football rant site, and football is still only football – there’s no lives at stake. Yes, maybe some people put such a big part of their earnings in supporting their club that they struggle financially, but that is their choice. Football can’t be blamed for this. But I can’t help myself. It’s a type of therapy, I guess.
Blatter’s remark of footballers being modern slaves… that’s what I’m talking about. Grognard pretty much summed up, what I think about that a person like Ronaldo is supposedly a modern slave. The only thing he’s tied down to is a contract, he on his own free will signed last summer. Everything else in his life is pure freedom. Yes, one may argue that football is his life, but it sure isn’t the worst of lives then, is it?
My remark here is more on behalf of those people actually living as modern slaves, because Blatter’s remark was so deprived of respect for human lives that he should step down immediately.
Many people make the mistake of putting workers in low-wage jobs or inhumane working conditions in the category of modern slaves, but that is not the case. For Blatter’s sake, I hope he made this mistake, and then he can only be accused (once again) of being unenlightened and stupid.
Now, let me explain what modern slaves really are:
They are people, often children, who are held against their will either with actual shackles or with a gun to their head. If they don’t do as ordered, they’re killed. They are also people, who have nothing. They get fed so that they can continue to be slaves, not for them to continue to live (only because their lives are necessary for them to be slaves). They are considered, by those who enslave them, as lover than the lowest. They experience no love, and no one takes care of them.
Yes, it sounds like the slaves of old times, and that is the case. This form of slavery takes place many places around the world, and Blatter is indecent enough to compare poor Ronaldo to these people. It sickens me, and I’m ashamed on behalf of the human species that a person with Blatter’s influence has the nerve to utter such a thing. He should have his tongue cut off, just like slaves have their’s cut off, if they speak when not supposed to.
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Blatter = bellend
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http://www.oleole.com/blogs/theweekinfootball/posts/sepp-blatter-should-shut-up
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On another note. Juventus are set to sign Christian Poulsen from Sevilla, which means Liverpool won’t sell Alonso to them, since he’s too expensive, which means that Barry’s move to Liverpool might be in jeopardy, unless Liverpool can find another buyer for Alonso. Not the best development for Barry, who’s now in dire straits in Villa.
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Had a nice remark typed, and lost it during the submit…
(forgive the duplication of opinion if the other one appears)
Blatter has no right to to about moral or ethical issues.
I am still pissed of with him, and FIFA for their role, in what happened at the Worldcup 2006 host country elections. Blatter was instructed by his federation (whom he represented) to vote for South Africa, he voted Germany. On his own accord, most probably under the promise of a FIFA presidency afterwards. South Africa lost by his one vote. What did FIFA do? Award him the presidency. Now he want to talk about moral issues like slavery??? Pathetic!
One small issue we tend to overlook is that Ronaldo’s value will drop when we sign a good striker. He scores many goals because he is often the focal part of attacks. Should we sign a good striker (who will now also share the limelight), he will be required to provide more crosses and take less shots.
If Ronaldo want to leave, let him leave.
If it is his dream to play in Spain, let him fulfill it. I received and accepted a noew job offer. I am waiting on the person to throw loyalty at me (after spending 12 years at this company). This is exactly the same with Ronaldo and United. Fans should be loyal. Players…well…no!
We want to critisice player-loyaly…the same people that are quick for the club to let go the likes of Fletcher, O’shea, Saha, Park, Richardson, Kleberson, etc.,etc.,etc. What happened to loyalty there?
On Ronaldo’s move…
for him personally it will be good in the sense that he achived a dream of his. For his performance, I believe it will be bad (for reasons I mentioned in another post). For us, well, if the team is really centered around one person, then I would like SAF to sell Real our League and Champions League trophies as well because it must go with Ronaldo. We don’t deserve it. But, I believe it was a team effort, so, we’ll survive without Ronaldo.
If he stays, like he said, a couple of good goals and everyone will forget about all this.
Funny how fickle and ignorant us fans are hey? What is embarrasing is that players view us as such
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I think CQ will take to Portugal job, stay till after WC2010, then when SAF retires, take over at OT.
Makes sense.
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@Karl: Hmm, can’t say I agree with much you write. Yes on the Blatter issue, I can.
About Ronaldo. His value won’t drop, if we sign a striker. A new signing will have nothing to do with his value, and he won’t make more crosses and so on. He has his own style, and he’ll never be a really good crosser anyway. He will continue to make his many runs at defenders on-ball and into the box off-ball… it won’t change with a striker added. And his price will certainly not drop because of that. His price will stay high, until he plays 2 bad seasons in succesion, and even then it won’t drop much – so big a name has he established for himself, both in footballing and merchandise terms.
I disagree that loyalty at our club isn’t rewarded. Most players that leave, do so because they want to – not because they are told to by the club. Most players are in the club, because they have been found good enough, and if they turn out not to be, they’re benched, and from there a lot of players want to move on. The truly loyal players like Fletcher and O’Shea remain at the club even if they don’t play much. It’s the same with the fans – we reward the loyal players, and even though Fletcher has been found not good enough by many fans, he’s now won many of them over through his loyalty. And it pays off, because most players, if they stay, get a chance to make a name for themselves. O’Shea against Liverpool two seasons ago, and Fletcher against Arsenal last season. Those are now legendary efforts.
I don’t think fans are so easily swayed by a couple of good goals, as you (and unfortunately Ronaldo) think. A lot of fans have lost all respect for him, and they won’t just turn like that again. The other type of fans, like myself, who don’t condone his acts but still would love to have him at the club, don’t need to be swayed, so I don’t think we’re fickle and ignorant.
Oh, and I do agree that if he left, we should be able to manage. I just hope he stays another season and lets SAF find a replacement (and lets Nani and Anderson develop for one more season).
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Sepp Blatter can SUCK IT! *crotch chops*
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I can’t believe we all still support CQ, he has or will leave us twice to persue a new job when it tickles his fancy, we welcomed him back with open arms at that point and when Fergie retires we offer him the managers job?
What happens after and and if he is successful at OT and then he decides he wants to leave for Barca? If he leaves us and he has done a great job he should know that he is severing all links with the club
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Yes ….we are free people, spending our lives in front of TV, writhing on blogs, reading 43875634857634857635873 stories on newsnow.com,buying wear with their number, spending our money on the DvDs,books, web sites and they are poor slaves earning week selary biger than our yearly salary…
REd Ranter you Should Be Ashamed? with all this
nothing similar with this 200 pounds “human rights” fighter – Blater 
“promoting slavery issies” on this blog …
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didnt anyone know that sepp bltter is a real madrid member I have seen him being presented has a member with calderon why is anyone suprised, to put slavery and a modern day footballer in the same sentence is the biggest pile of crap ever, go look at the 1800′s back then there was slavery.
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@Thomas, I actually meant to say “his value might drop” not will drop. Get your point.
On loyalty I mean OUR loyalty, not the club’s. The club is loyal to itself. If a player is perceived to be “not good enough”, then he will be let go. Why should it not work the other way around?
Why are we then loyal to “good” players only? Why are we not loyal to “bad” players. Where do you draw the line? A season or two ago, everyone wanted Silvestre sold (perhaps today still), same with Carrick. Those were players that were loyal to the club. Why did the fans not show the same loyalty?
In the work environment, there is a saying, “if you want loyalty, employ a dog”.
An example of “loyalty”…Rooney, a scouse, was signed from Everton. Why do we not see him as being dis-loyal?
I think, as fans, we should stop worrying about loyalty, and just appreciate whom are set out to play or entertain us. I am loyal to United (been supporting since I played under-10. It is however foolish of me to expect the same from players whose career span is pretty short…coupled to their often under-developed IQ’s, they deserve to get the most out of their career. Even if it means they don’t share my passion. When that’s the case, I say “I loved you, I loved being entertained by you, you are still a good player, now piss off and let’s get on with it.”
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Is Blatter for real! What a complete ballbag!
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Ronaldo being a slave? I think that most people would’nt mind being a slave if they were being paid £100,000 a week!
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Anyone able to catch skysports news try and tune in, they have the blatter debate running all day!!
I have my own thoughts on Blatter that echo many of you following ranters though 1 question keeps popping into my mind -Why has Blatter even spoke upon this matter?
THIS IS A MANCHESTER UNITED MATTER
I’m not gonna get into Blatter he’s said things out-of-tune before and is consistant in his idiotic jibes of modern day football(please research this lunatic). In fact the only member of the football governing body I can tolarate is William Galliard(UEFA spokesman) but even he today on Skysports skipped around the issue.
I also just watched an interview with a top premierleague agent and sports lawyer who referred to blatter as ‘MAD’ and believes Man Utd have conducted themselves in a far more mature manner concerning Ronaldo than both Real Madrid or FIFA. This has to be sorted by FIFA and The sports governing body what an embarrassment to use the term ‘Slavery’ in a calender year so focused on abolishing racism from modern day football.
-Also check Paul Parker and Graham Hunters views on Ronaldo/Blatter very interesting.
-I have to again moan at United officials they should’ve been onto this topic from the get go!
Also where is the united supporters club? -If this involved the Glazers they would be up in arms and running the streets in huge protest.
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Hey ooohh if Sepp motherfukin blatter comes to my country i’ll have him assasinated that INBRED
motherfukin cunt of an asshole.Thats what happens to BASTARDS and retards ruling football FUCK FIFA
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Wanting to shift the subject to something we’ve not talked about for a while, what do you think Saturday’s starting XI will be? Feel free to correct me for Euro/other absentees, but I figure something like:
——–Foster———
-Gary–Rio–Vidic-O’shea
—–Hargo-Carrick—–
——–Scholes——–
-Fletcher——-Giggs-
——–Rooney———
With Eagles, Wellbeck, Kusczak, and others getting a good run out. Thoughts?
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Modern day slavery in developed countries is confined to wage slavery. This is when forced to pay off mortgages, feed the family and having no alternative sources of employment (because they are low skilled/there is only a single employer in the region) they are forced to accept work from an exploitative employer who pays low wages and offers poor working conditions.
Contracts exist in Europe but they act in favour of workers giving them job security. They are actually bad for firms because it means they have less flexibility to adjust the labour supply. For this reason Britain has got rid of long term employment contracts making it easier to hire and fire workers. For workers this means greater job insecurity, but at the same time more job opportunities.
Football is slightly different. With the Bosman ruling players have the power. Clubs want to avoid paying large amounts of money for a player only to lose him for free a couple of years later. So they push for longer contracts. To compensate players for giving up some freedom of movement they have to pay much higher wages, which is why wages have escalated since.
If Ronaldo knew he wanted to join Real Madrid he should have kept his options open by signing a shorter contract. If that contract offer was not on the table then he would have been able to leave for free this year or next.
He could walk away if he pays the financial penalties for breach of contract, or alternatively buys out his contract.
It’s like any contract. Marriage is a contract. If you want freedom from marriage you divorce but end up paying for your freedom. If you are a man you pay a lot! Of course marriage is a contract for life. A footballer has five years at most.
So really Sepp Blatter does not have a clue. He needs to study contract law and understand why clubs and players voluntarily enter contracts and why it is necessary for contracts to be binding to make any sense whatsoever. If he gets that far he’ll understand how ridiculous he is being.
Finally if slavery means staying in a job you love with an employer who you have fallen out of love with on a salary of 120,000 a week knowing you can walk away in four years or so to the employer you really want to work for, then I would LOVE to be a slave
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@Tomas, you said:
“I don’t think fans are so easily swayed by a couple of good goals, as you (and unfortunately Ronaldo) think”
I don’t want to pick an argument but feel I need to point out something.
At the beginning of the season before last season, most people at United wanted the club to get rid of him. They called him a “one-trick-pony”. Two years and a couple of goals later…he is the best player on this planet.
When Rooney did not score at all, everybody called him “overrated”. Then, he scored a couple of goals and everybody called him the “white Pele”. Then, he don’t score and people criticise him again as being useless.
People complained about Rooney/Tevez being too similiar. They scored 2 fantastic goals through interplay with each other, and everybody claim them as “a striker pairing made in heaven”. (at the same time the same people claim the entire team is dead without Ronaldo). Before last season, Adebayor was an absolute dipshit. Score a couple of goals this season and everybody view him as hot property. About 2 years ago, Andrei Schevchenko was regarded as the most prolific hitmen to walk the planet of football. Today, most think he’s an absolute flop. When United bought Cole and he misfired, everybody thought he was SAF’s biggest mistake signing. Then Cole started putting it in and everybody forget about his miserable first couple of years. When United sold Ruud, most thought he was past his prime and could not find the net anymore. Then he led Real to victory and people sing another tune. Two season ago, Cesc was regarded as the most “promising” youngster. Last season, he finally scored a couple of goals, and now most people think he is the “best” midfielder in the world (never mind the fact that he could not find the back of the net during the second half of the season). There’s lots more.
The point is, we are fickle and ignorant.
Last point, one of my greatest heroes of all time deserted us at a time I felt we needed him most. I can remember praying daily for a miracle that he might change his mind, maybe SAF can keep the door open and sign him mid-season. All to no avail. He really hurt me deep. Then, we win a treble and everybody think he was the most loyal servent to United. Really?
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