Mar 30
Have a break, have a Premier League title
While Red Ranter drowns his sorrows in a skanky C-list celebrity (his excuse), Stephen Darwin, who hosts the Soccerlens podcast and the Manchester United podcast for Football FanCast steps, into the breach with a look at what Manchester United’s finest did during the international break.
An international break tends to frustrate me something chronic. Especially when key players are involved in meaningless friendlies against little-known nations with absolutely no chance of getting anything from the game (bar the match-day shirt of one of their prestigious opponents).
Although after two consecutive defeats (need I remind you), this international break may have actually arrived at just the right time. The lads can now go away with their respective nations, clear their heads somewhat and return with that burning desire to compete on all fronts once again.
So with much of the United squad involved in international matches over the weekend, here’s a brief round-up of who, what, when, where, why and how.
England 4-0 Slovakia – Wembley, International Friendly
United representatives: Wayne Rooney, Ben Foster, Michael Carrick
An incomparably pointless friendly other than to acknowledge the record-breaking 109th cap for David Beckham but I’m sure you will all join me in praising a former United great on the fantastic achievement.
With Rio Ferdinand already ruled out with a back injury, Wayne Rooney commanded the headlines with an excellent performance and two goals to boot.
Ben Foster made his second appearance in the England goal as a second-half substitute but against a strike-force less potent than Anderson’s right foot, United’s Carling Cup hero was a relative on-looker.
After Heskey came off, followed by Carlton Cole and then Peter Crouch it was time for rival Premier League managers to wince but also time for Michael Carrick to get 15 insignificant minutes and the chance to add another England cap to his CV.
Northern Ireland 3-2 Poland – Winsor Park, World Cup qualifier
United representatives: Jonny Evans
In a match with slightly more at stake, Northern Ireland were victorious over Poland to claim top spot in Group Three.
Jonny Evans could be the key for the Northern Irish if they are to take up a place at South Africa 2010 and he proved just how valuable he is to Nigel Worthington’s team by claiming his first international goal against the Poles.
Argentina 4-0 Venezuela – Buenos Aires, World Cup qualifier
United representatives: Carlos Tevez
Any team comprising of Messi, Tevez and Aguero shouldn’t really struggle to score goals, and in Maradona’s first competitive game in charge, that proved to be the case as Argentina cruised to victory.
Carlos Tevez hadn’t scored in his six previous competitive outings for Argentina, so he will have been delighted to have found the net after Messi had ghosted past the Venezuela defence to create the chance.
Portugal 0-0 Sweden – Estadio Dragao, World Cup qualifier
United representatives: Cristiano Ronaldo
A World Cup without the best player on the world on show? Unthinkable right? Well that could quite conceivably be the case if Cristiano Ronaldo and co. don’t pull their socks up in the coming months.
Former United assistant Carlos Queiroz seems to be having a tough time of it as Portugal’s top man with his side four points adrift of second placed Hungary.
With Nani watching on from the bench, Ronaldo failed to captain his team to victory in a match which Portugal will feel they should have won.
Lithuania 0-1 France – Kaunas, World Cup qualifier
United representatives: Patrice Evra
Patrice Evra played the full ninety minutes for France as they eased past Lithuania to improve their chances of World Cup qualification with Franck Ribery grabbing the decisive goal.
The two sides meet again at the Stade de France on Wednesday and Evra could be in for something of a rocky reception after he slammed French fans for making it feel like every home game seemed like an away match. You tell ‘em Patrice!
Romania 2-3 Serbia – Farul Stadium, World Cup qualifier
United representatives: Nemanja Vidic
Serbia overcame Romania in an eventful qualifying match with Nemanja Vidic in inspired form at the heart of the Serbian defence.
Vidic, arguably our Player of the Season, impressed throughout for the Serbs and picked up the man of the match award for his troubles.
Republic of Ireland 1-1 Bulgaria – Croke Park, World Cup qualifier
United representatives: John O’Shea
The Republic of Ireland and John O’Shea were frustrated by a Bulgaria side without the injured Dimitar Berbatov.
The Republic took the lead inside the first minute with O’Shea heavily involved although Bulgaria fought back and grabbed an equaliser courtesy of a Kevin Kilbane own goal. A cracking finish from the Hull man it must be said.
Holland 3-0 Scotland – Amsterdam Arena, World Cup qualifier
United representatives: Darren Fletcher
Darren Fletcher played the whole match for the Scots in Holland but he was powerless to help the Tartan Army avoid defeat against a strong Dutch side.
Although that said, Fletcher did play a delightful lofted through ball perfectly into the path of Kenny Miller early on but the chance was eventually squandered.
Korea Republic 2-1 Iraq – Suwon World Cup Stadium, International Friendly
United representatives: Ji-Sung Park
Korea Republic prepared for their massive World Cup qualifier against Korea DPR on Wednesday with a friendly win over Iraq.
Despite having only seen the goals in this game, I’m led to believe that Park had a decent game and looked lively throughout.
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Tags: Manchester United News
Craig Mc (195)
RedDevilEddy (173)
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Ian (97)
Moscow is my heaven (97)
@Dan: So that’s like saying that out of three turds in the sewer, it’s the best one of the three right?
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@Stephen: From past experience, Ronaldo has always sucked playing as a striker.
Also bring Macheda on on 60 minutes, whatever the score!
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@Rahul: And that is why you don’t have that as your job. That’s Carlito playing mind games and trying to seduce his boss into offering a nice contract. I wouldn’t buy too much into it. Lets see if Carlito’s asking price comes down enough to show serious intent.
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@Beachryan: This Berbatov injury is perfectly times as it means that Rooney and Tevez will be reunited for the Champions League double vs Porto. That should give us some pace and energy up front and not the lethargy that comes with Berbatov’s slow and languid pace and positioning.
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@Karl: You’re going to end up with a collector’s bottle of whisky, ageing well and all, what with the wait you’ll have to endure before he scores!
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If we play Ronaldo up front on sunday , which is most likely in my books, we need to play ANdo and Nani on the wings…..
VDS
RIO
EVANS
EVRA
NEVILLE
FLETCHER
CARRICK
ANDERSON
NANI
TEVEZ
RONALDO
Strong team.
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My team:
Foster(C)
rafael
ricky e
evans
fabio
Nani
gibson
possebon
tosic
welbeck
kiko
that team would win the treble…
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@realred: When have we ever played Anderson on the wings? Park over both of them imo, him on one wing Ronnie on the other and Giggs playing in front of Carrick and Andy/Fletch is more likely.
Also is Rafael fit? G. Nev wont be able to play 90 mins imo
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@Dan: yeah, the reserves league, the reserves cup and the Carling Cup treble
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@Liam: Damn skippy!
In reality, i think, if that team had at least 2 experienced players, either in defence or in midfield, it would be a top 8 team.
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@Grognard: Why so fractious Grog
?? I don’t have that job cuz I didn’t do my badges!!! 
Anyways, I just loved the bit cuz I think he means it.. and as much as I love Ronaldo, I could do with him saying stuff like that and mean it!!
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@Rahul: I’m too cynical in my old age. I don’t trust anything players and managers say anymore. I actually wished they would all shut the fuck up and just do their jobs.
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Liam, My team was intnded to have ANDERSON, FLETCHER & CARRICK in midfield three
with Ronaldo, Tevez and Nani up top
Strong team
can anyone tell me where Gibson has dissapeared to btw??
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@Grognard: Aston Villa would be a test of who can do their jobs. Lot of “We’ll fight back and show that it was a blip” talk has come out recently.. We’ll get to see who could walk the talk!
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Id go for a 4-3-3
EVDS, Neville/O’Shea, Evans, O’Shea/Rio, Evra, Fletcher, Giggs, Carrick, Ronaldo, Rooney, Tevez
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@Grognard: grognard i remember a while ago you told me about a website where you could download classic football matches, if possible, are there matches of the either the 1970 1962 or 1958 world cup cheers
btw baseball season is starting SOON, can’t wait to see C.C pumping 97mph fastballs
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Anyone checked this out??
I think we could squeeze them for another 10mil. Hope all the funds go to the transfer kitty!!
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Folks new post up. Finally!
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Here’s the link, it didn’t appear last post.
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@Mr.Muhozi: Yes there is mate. The place to go is http://www.fbtz.com/forum/
It’s over at the Maxxed Football Forum. Become a member (it’s free) and then go over to the “Classic Matches” section and you will find plenty from 1970. I958 and 1962 may be a bit tough but you may find some matches or highlight films. One thing is for sure, plenty of games from 1970 to the present. I myself have downloaded and copied at least 100 games onto DVD.
And I too am waiting for the season to start and get a good look at the new Yankee Stadium.
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@Redrich: It still didn’t mate. ??
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