Apr 21
Hot News Ahead of Barca | Gattuso and the Usual Nonsense
Lads, plenty of stuff to talk about, with the Barca clash round the corner. So let’s get on with it quickly.
First of all some Barcelona news, as Eto’o apparently has threatened to leave the club if they end up trophyless, and that he would move to another country (England, perhaps?). Now he may be an excellent striker, but his attitude just about stinks. I read this at FCB News and I suggest you all keep tabs on your Barcelona related news from there for the next couple of weeks, as it is a pretty reliable source right out of Barcelona.
Nic, of FCB News, has also written a Barcelona perspective on how to overcome United, so it’s a good gauge on their view point. You can comment there, although be nice and avoid winding people up there. 
We’ve had enough wars here already!
Eidur Gudjohnsen has warned that Scholes could be a bigger threat than Ronaldo. I personally think Fergie might not even play the Ginger prince, given he’s not been particularly good over the last few games, although the pace might suit him. Eidur does have a point, though; on his day Scholes would easily be the best player on the pitch and a greater threat, but sadly, those heady days are now few and far between. Carrick would be a better player in Europe on current form and the pace would suit him. But more on formations and tactics later when we preview the game.
As an aside, if Fergie wants to play Scholes in the final (whether we agree with Fergie’s sentimentality or not), he would probably look to play him only on the home leg and protect him from picking up yellow cards like he did in ‘99. But these things are irrelevant now and way ahead of what things are at the moment — and I am digressing anyway.
Gudjohnsen, meanwhile, also reckons that United fear Barcelona. Hmm… I think there is mutual fear and respect when two big sides clash anyway. So I really don’t see the point other than trash talking.
Some transfer gossip now. Doesn’t the Gattuso to United rumours strike as a little odd and silly. True, he is much admired by SAF. True, he still runs like a terrier and basically stomps over everyone with his displays. But we are already blessed with a surfeit of midfielders, and I really don’t understand what it would do to us other than unsettling the midfield. Someone would have to be shipped out. A Hargreaves/Gattuso midfield would be good, but that would mean one of Anderson and Carrick would have to be dropped. I just don’t think it’s worth getting him.
Mind, he is a bloody good player, but central midfield is the last position we’d be interested in this summer.
There is some worry in defence as Vidic is still feeling the effects of his return from a knee injury. But he says that he would be fine for Wednesday’s game. So hopefully he turns out right.
Ronaldo wants win in Barca. Now what would I give to see that happen!
Barcelona’s main man, the young Lionel Messi, seems very motivated and had a few kind words for Ronaldo. But he seems fairly determined after missing out on playing the final when the won the Champions’ League. It goes without saying that he is the most important player, and Brown/Evra will have their work cut out on Wednesday. I wonder how Fergie would look to counter his threat. Barcelona are a much better side with the Argentine (and Iniesta) in the team. Carlos Tevez would also be one of the first to recognize the importance of tackling is Argentine mate.
And that’s the end of a Barcelona heavy post. It has to be — after all it’s the semi-finals.
More tomorrow and over to you. And it would be nice, if we take a break from our usual striker debate. Just a suggestion, is all.
- Why Becks and van “the man†were sold so cheaply to Real
- Manchester United and the Champions’ League
- Derby County v Man Utd: Preview
- Gattuso, Berbatov, Owen - Debunking Some Rumours
- Rossi vs Nani Videos from Portugal vs Italy U21 game
Tags: Daily Roundup
April 21st, 2008 at 10:48
I can not wait i think we’ll walk over them this week it’s gonna be a really good game and i just feel their defence with puyol is WEAK!!! I think we’ll win 2-0!
April 21st, 2008 at 11:45
As Barca plans all sorts of ways of how to overcome United, i think its in our limits to also find out possible ways on how to maul them. As most United games are always on on saturdays and Barcas on sundats, i’ve gotten more than enough chances to watch Barcelona games. One thing i’ve discovered is that they are so weak in set pieces and most especially corner kicks and any other situation that requires aerial presence.
Its therefore time that we used Ronaldo, Tevez and Vidas aerila superiority to punish these carbrones.
Furhter more i encourage our strikers and midfielders to shoot and shoot and shoot. why? because Barca’s man between the sticks is sh*te.
April 21st, 2008 at 12:10
Barca use a formation very similar to United’s 4231/433. Most times the 3 in the midfield are Iniesta, Deco and Xavi. One of the most creative partnerships in Europe at present. The front threat, much touted, is simply one Lio Messi. Henry is tricky and Eto’o is deadly but they are shite if the midfield is snuffed out.
If I haven’t missed my guess, Fergie will play Anderson/Hargreaves, Scholes and Carrick in the midfield, and try to keep a close tab on their midfield trio.
The key then would be reduced to simply keeping Messi out of the game. Now that is a job that nobody in europe is able to handle at the moment. Anderson perhaps might give him a run for his money, but Messi will eventually pull out all stops.
But then this is similar to what we will be facing up front. A pacy Ronnie and a tireless Rooney and a comfortably slow Giggsy should prove threat enough to keep them occupied at the back and not push too many forward.
Both teams, on paper are as evenly matched as any, and then some. The difference is simply going to be in intangibles. Who will pull off a miracle. Which manager can inspire his team better to go out and put in everything. And lastly, which team shows more spirit.
I doubt FR has better aces than SAF. It is going to be one cracker of a match, goals or no. Contests all over the place and end to end counter-attacking stuff. Watch.
April 21st, 2008 at 12:38
Funny think is, if you read the link to the Barca blog that RR posted, it indicates that the fans are more worried about Rooney than they are of Ronaldo. What does that tell you?
April 21st, 2008 at 12:39
Great point won on saturday lads! Thank god for tevez! he is a legend!!! As for Wednesday, my team would be VDS, brown, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra, Nani, Hargreaves, Scholes, Carrick, Ronaldo & Rooney. I think three in midfield is essential to combat their three and Nani is so much more dangerous than Giggs going on Saturdays match. I feel we must score over there as I feel they will score in Old trafford, bring on tevez later on in the game when it opens up a bit. Come on lads… three more big wins and we are in Moscow as Champions!
April 21st, 2008 at 12:54
Ron*
If Barca fans seem more worried about Rooney than Ronaldo, then that tells only one thing: They are plain stupid!
The only credible goal scoring threats in utd side right now are Ronaldo and Tevez.
April 21st, 2008 at 13:20
I think fergie should go with
VDS
Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra
Ronaldo, Hargreaves, Carrick, Anderson, Rooney
Tevez
I think gives us fire pover but defensively we should be good with rooney and tevez tracking back
but nani deserves a shout as well as scholesy, a goal in barca is what we need, a win would be brilliant i really feel we can do it this year and i like how tevez rooney ronaldo it’s an awesome front three, 73 goals in all competitions show’s why we’ve been excellent this season!
April 21st, 2008 at 13:21
All the adulation for tevez is deserved…really?
If he hadn’t missed his 7-8th tap in of the season in the 5th minute, we would have probably won easily..
I’m just saying, you know, plus Rob Styles is a C8nt
Rooney needs to round the keeper more often , or lob he ball, why wont anyone tell him that..all keepers now know he’ll just try to shoot on the ground on either side of them
April 21st, 2008 at 13:42
they are fearing rooney than ronaldo because according to them, ronaldo is dangerous when allowed and they think they have what it takes to kill all this space he runs into. however, they fear rooney because of his tireless runs up and down as well as defending, they go on to say he does his thing whether allowed space or not.
And the way i see it, they are quacking because they have no one in their back line who can race with rooney in terms of pace and energy.
according to most of their postings, many of them watched the arsenal United game and remember, rooney was all over united and give chaance any of l’arse’s full back to make over-laps.
April 21st, 2008 at 13:57
i’d personaly like to see Scholes and Carrick in the middle for the Barca game with Hargo at right back… Could he run with Messi i don’t know?
I think Messi will play LF instead of RF cos Evra can cover him for pace anyway.
I’m hoping for a massive game from Wayne Rooney and i’m hoping we play Tevez to partner him.
Good luck United… Biggest game since Milan ehy
April 21st, 2008 at 14:00
well, presently it seems to be a Ronaldo show. I hope Rooney rises up to this occasion and proves his critics wrong. I believe we will win, it might not be a Ronaldo vs Messi or a Rooney vs Eto’o showdown, i guess it’ll just be down to the very little things that people often neglect. In big games, the very little things count.
April 21st, 2008 at 16:03
everyone is going on about messi and how he will be our main threat, he is 1 of the main threats against us but there is one more threat in bojan, he is better then benzema hands down and can be more of a hand full then messi as well. bojan and messi will both cause us problems so we will have to isolate the both of them.
April 21st, 2008 at 16:03
I think its a foregone conclusion that we will see a 4-3-3 or 4-5-1 to contain Barca, especially as we are playing away and we have all seen Fergie’s tendencies in team line-up when playing away.
I wonder if Nani will get to be in the attacking 3 upfront. The midfield 3, in my opinion should be
Hargreaves(right)—-Carrick—-Anderson
If we are level or leading, we can take off Carrick/Anderson later in the game inorder to bring in Scholes to slow down the game and run a tight ship.
Attacking 3: Start with the HOLY TRINITY!
Seeing Nani’s influence in the game against Blackburn where we played a 4-4-2, I think he can play a deciding role at Barca. He has the passion, creativity and tracks back well too, something I am afraid to say Giggs won’t ever be able to do anymore. I love Giggsy to death, but I don’t want Fergie to use him in this game at all.
April 21st, 2008 at 16:04
There is one word I have for all of us (and for SAF too), watch out for E’TO. Alot of praise, and rightly so, has gone to the Messiah (Messi), but I really think the African has a point to prove. He has allready declared his desire to leave Camp Nuo, and want’s to prove to alot of teams that his worth the Benjamins, besides the mere fact that he is such a threat infront of goal. Alas, he has had a bad run this season, but by God let’s not get carried away with all this talk of “take care of Messi and you’ll win the game in both legs” !!!
Another worthy note, is the furociously fast and immensely talented mid feild Barcalona have. Without naming any, I also think that we should stop all creativity bursting from them, therefor we need Harggo, Anderson, Carrick to be at their best defensivley, with Nani and CR doing their usual on the flanks (notice no sign of Giggsy nor Scholsey).
Having said all that, I firmly beleive that SAF will field his strongest squad, hence; leaving out Giggs and Scholes. Now I know we need the “experience”, but honestly I don’t think the young guys need it anymore. Why? because they are instructed by the two most experienced managers in the EPL, and the world for that matter, all season. What Giggs and Scholes can offer in the pitch, is offered on the side lines everygame. proof? Just look at SAF and CQ shouting their lungs out, when need be, to the players, including Ryan and Paul.
Hopefully we will get the game we all expect, but somehow my gut feeling is that someone very influential will be sent off in Spain. Ohh, and by the way … is Rooney starting!?
April 21st, 2008 at 16:19
[Dan]
Bojan is not yet better than Benzema. I wonder on what basis you are saying this. True he’s scored 800 goals in reserve league. But he’s yet to prove himself and been a little lightweight and is still finding his feet in La Liga. He is a deadly finisher, but Benzema has other attributes that are superior to Bojan at the moment.
He could turn out to be a top quality striker, but at the moment Benzema is better. Saying he’s better than Benzema “hands down” is a little premature, and a rather strange suggestion.
And you can’t just isolate Bojan and Messi because they also have Eto’o who plays well alongside Messi. So you can’t really pick out specific players. Then you also have Iniesta who’s been their best player in midfield over the season. So if it is one person it is always Messi.
Bad form or not, they still have plenty of quality in their ranks. And man marking may not necessarily be a smart strategy. The best way to beat them is to hit them at their weak point which is their defence. If we show fear and stay negative, we will miss out on hitting them where it really hurts them.
April 21st, 2008 at 16:57
I hate to throw cold water on everyone, but I think we’ll lose this game. We haven’t been playing well for the last 4 games in reality. But we have been nicking late goals (Boro, Bburn) and winning games when not fully deserved too (Arsenal). For Barca, this game is more crucial than for us with their season already gone and they’re gonna come out with all guns blazing.
My prediction: Two early goals to Barca and then we nick one. (2-1)
Believe me, I would love to see us win!!! But I just can’t see it happening. (even my FIFA pre-game results say so, and it usually turns out right :P)
April 21st, 2008 at 17:01
Wow, doesn’t it seem weird that Barca and us have the EXACT stats in the CL this season leading up to this match (played:10, won:8, draw:2, gf:18, ga:5). Two “equal” teams in a literal sense too! It can’t get better than this!
April 21st, 2008 at 17:32
i think its unfair to say he hasnt found his feet in la liga this season, him (and messi) have been the bright part of a rather poor season for barca by their standards. i remember a few weeks ago, i was watching the last 30 minutes of a barca match, and i remember seeing the reaction from the barca fans when he was substituted. the whole stadium was pissed, they brought white hanker chiefs out as a sign of disbelief. thats how i highly the barca fans rate him.
April 21st, 2008 at 17:58
There is nothing wrong saying he’s still finding his feet in the La Liga — after all it’s his first full season. It’s a compliment more than anything. But it is unfair to say he already beats Benzema hands down. Because that would mean he’s superior to Benzema in all departments. I can think of a couple of key striker attributes that the Frenchman is superior to the Spaniard one of them being his strength, and ability to score from anywhere, and his power. Bojan is different on current evidence. He is good in the box. Plus Benzema has way more goals this season. Which is why the “hands down” phrase used is more unfair.
Bojan could be better in future, I am not saying that is not a possibility. But at the moment he still has to prove himself more. And he has plenty of time to do that. The lad has potential. But right now he doesn’t beat Benzema hands down.
April 21st, 2008 at 18:08
Not fully deserved? Winning against the arse? You leave me speechless haha
April 21st, 2008 at 18:13
Dan-U: r u sure with what you are saying. Borjan better than Benzema? You must be kidding. Have you noticed that Benzema is key to Lyon’s success this season, infact he’s a starter in the french team as well.
With due respect, Borjan is a good player but not yet better than Benzema. He has great finishing capabilities but in an all rou nd game, he just cant come close to Benzema!
As per wednesday’s game, if we are able to stop the full backs from overlapping and negating Iniesta, i then dont see why we cant leave the Nou Camp heads high. Killing overlaps by the full backs means Messi has a lot to do in picking the ball from deep in his half and negating Iniesta kills the supply of whoever is played in cental striking role, be it E’to, Borjan or Thiery.
My prediction United 2 Barca 1. Barca to score first.
April 21st, 2008 at 18:21
pretty fair, what you say, but 1 of the main reasons i rate bojan higher then benzema, is that he’s been fat more consistent then benzema, despite all of barcas struggles he’s still scoring goals, lyon where knocked out the CL by us and benzema hasnt been the same since.
but i do see why you say what you say though.
April 21st, 2008 at 18:29
It would be surprising for Ferige to play Scholes nd Giggs in these games, given his attitude towards form and players earning their place. I would be shocked if Giggs starts, he had unfortunately been poor in the last few games, although I would understand us playing Scholes as he has only been a shade off his normal form. I think that away we will set up the team for pace on the counter, with Rooney on the left, Ronaldo on the right and Tevez in the middle. Nani can replace Tevez when he’s running out of energy and then Rooney can go through the middle. I reckon we’ll play 4-3-3, with the obvious back 4, then Carrick, Hargreaves and Anderson in the midfield.
Although Scholes and Giggs would have a lot to offer in this game, they aren’t quick enough to hit Barca on the break, and Scholes’ tackling can be a liability. With Hargreaves and Carrick we’ll have two midfielders who can close play down if we get a goal but who are both capable going forward. I’d expect Hargreaves to sit deep and then close down their wingers, leaving Evra and Brown to deal with their respective fullbacks. The pitch there is huge, though, so space souldn’tbe too hard to find for either team.
I expect a close game, but I think we’ll lose by a goal. If we get an away goal I’ll be happy. Really don’t see Barca winning at Old Trafford. I think getting a positive result at Chelsea could end up being psychologically key to this game, especially if we lose at the Nou Camp.
April 21st, 2008 at 18:38
Dan; Bojan more consistent? I admit he’s come out of pretty much nowhere and played very well for a team ’struggling’, but look at the stats:
Benzema: 38 games; 21 goals.
Bojan: 41 games; 10 goals.
Would that not imply Benzema has been more consistent? And think about it, Bojan has only really hit form from around February onwards, so about a quarter of the season. Benzema was consistently good over the first half of the season up until January, then lost a bit of form. Benzema has been better this season. Bojan does look like he will become a top, top striker though.
April 21st, 2008 at 18:44
Dan-U: why do yo always get your stats wrong. Ever since we knocked them out of the CL, the lad has netted five times in the league. do u call that a bad return keeping in mind that we knocked them out in mid march.
As per the same stats with barca in the CL, yes they are unbeaten but one concsolation i’ve got is that through the knock out stages, Barca has had to beat weaker oponents compared to ours,so by virtue of that i guess they would have been out already had they taken United’s route.
Guys the lads struggled to beat Rangers later on Schalke 04, if only we dont believe in our team but i dont find it much intimidating playing against a Barcelona of today. Rijkard seems not believe in himself as well. Other than Messi he’s still contemplating whether to play eto or thiery of borjan na dhe doesnt know who to start with in the midfield along side Iniesta, Yaya, Xavi, Edmilson or Deco. Its not because these guys are on form that Rijkard finds it hard who to play but its because they are all underperforming.
If we cant beat Barca by what we have on the pitch then we should be able to beat them by what we have on the coaching bench. I for one have never rated Rijkard among the best Managers in erpe. He’s another Avram Grant with a good side and when thing aint happening for the team, he has nothing to add or tell the players in order to get thosse crucial points.
April 21st, 2008 at 18:44
Hey Red Ranter. Thanks for the link
I’m surprised none of you think Park will play, but of course I don’t watch United as much as you guys. I’ll also be surprised if Tevez starts. I think SAF will go for a more conservative 4-4-1-1 with Ronaldo in a free role behing Rooney. At least he keeps us guessing unlike Rijkaard. Seems the only doubt is whether he brings back Henry who missed training today with a cold, or whether he sticks with Bojan. Oh, he also has to chose between Abidal and Sylvinho at left back. On current form this would be my Barça team: Valdes, Zambrotta, Marquez, Milito, Sylvinho; Xavi, Toure, Iniesta, Messi, Eto’o, Bojan. If Barça were to win then in the second game I’d put Iniesta forward in place of Bojan, and play Deco or Gudjohnsen in midfield. Also Puyol will be back (in place of Marquez) for the second game.
April 21st, 2008 at 18:48
I personally don’t care about talking proposed lineups and whether Bojan is better than Benzema because frankly it doesn’t interest me in the least. Messi, Iniesta and Eto are our true threat. As for Scholes, I hope and pray he does not play as we really need the Hargo and Anderson combo on the pitch to create havoc and Carrick to pass and start our counters. I’m pretty sure we will start with just Rooney up front in a defensive 4-3-3. But then I really don’t care who plays or what lineup Fergie conjures up. As long as we leave Barca with a positive result and a good advantage going in to the home leg. I’ll save myself and rants (be they positive or negative) for the post game. In Fergie we trust.
April 21st, 2008 at 19:02
I’ll tell you what I am really sick and tired of reading. Chelsea should be the most hated team in the world because they eve surpass Real Madrid in the unmitigated nerve department. Today I am reading these ludicrous reports of players that Chelsea
are going to attempt to but this summer. Lahm, Benzema, Toni, Ribery, Henry, Ronaldinho, Messi, Eto, Deco, Alves, Gerrard etc. Christ all mighty but this is absolutely ludicrous journalism and if by chance most of it is true, then they are being run by idiots of the first order. Most of the names on that list are not available period. Secondly, I think the ones that could be had, will think twice about going to a poorly managed, poorly coached and totally dysfunctional outfit like Chelsea. I mean who aren’t they going to buy and does the Russian Mafia leader who owns them want to spend the 400 million pounds to buy them all? It’s crap like this that has made me sick and tired of reading various site’s rumor pages. Just total rubbish. If I didn’t already think that Chelsea was a cancer on the game with Mourinho, I certainly think they are now.
April 21st, 2008 at 19:12
I’m worried. Like antBoy said, we haven’t been particularly well lately and most worrying is that in all these matches, we did not find our passing range, like RR reported after the BBurn game.. Hope they show up for Barca tomorrow. Thier midfield is so packed with dangerous players.. Im surprised noone has mention Xavi till not. He too has been superb for them this season..
April 21st, 2008 at 19:12
[Grognard]
Finally you realize that it’s ridiculous journalism. Welcome to the big bad world of British tabloid journalism. They are among the worst in the world. Let me give you a tip on skipping the rubbish: ignore Tribalfootball completely. Others include the Mirror, the Sun, the Daily Mail etc. BBC is reasonably reliable, so is the Guardian. But beware of articles that have no quotes and mere speculation.
April 21st, 2008 at 19:15
Grognard… go here http://www.football-rumours.co.uk/ … Its for a daily dose of laughter as far as rumours go…
April 21st, 2008 at 19:33
Utsav; That is the worst site on the web. It’s wild and imaginative fantasy writing. Even I know not to go there unless I need a laugh.
RR; You are right. Actually although I don’t always ignore some of the others, the only ones I take seriously are the BBC and the Guardian. The worst of course is the one Utsav mentioned.
Also, regarding the Barca game. I’m not as worried about how they show up for that game as I am for the Chelsea game later in the week. Correct me if I’m wrong but United are historically not great in the EPL the weekend following a CL match. And the Chelsea game is certainly no time to lay and egg due to fatigue. Fortunate thing is that Chelsea are in the same boat, although I haven’t noticed how well they play in that same situation.
April 21st, 2008 at 19:40
Having a feeling that a surprise appearance of Ronaldinho would happen! maybe everything was a Barca ploy to keep him under wraps and off the media spotlight to prepare him for their game of the season! what do u guys think?
April 21st, 2008 at 19:55
oh yea jay jay, 5 goals in 4 months is such a great record. had he be playing for united since january, and been in the form that he is in now, you and the rest of the united support would want him axed from the team and asking your selves why did we buy him?
April 21st, 2008 at 19:56
Eto’o coming to Man Utd this summer!!! Finally gets fed up with the racism in Spain.
April 21st, 2008 at 20:07
Hahaha, don’t quote me on that. I do believe Eto’o to be a prime striker about to enter the zenith of his career and would be the perfect addition to our squad. I hope he makes his case against us and convinces Sir Alex to acquire him. I consider him a threat on the level of a Rooney with a finishing touch. I do however worry about Messi, he’s a football genius, he sees what others can’t and its so clear to him what to do when he has the ball (this from the little I’ve watched of him of course).
All that said: We have the best defense and steel in our balls and I expect out back 4 to show these kids (Messi and Bojan) what football is. I would feel highly aggrieved if these kids take it to our resolute defense. BRING THE BITCHES ON!!
April 21st, 2008 at 20:19
SAF, just go with a attacking minded 443, keeping hitting shots on goal from the word go and show these Catalonians how to play the game! Bomb their asses with free flowing football and laser guided passing!
Am just SO tired of visiting all these sites and looking up news and rumours and previews…I can’t wait anymore! The wait is killing me! In the highly apt words of Abu, BRING THE BITCHES ON!!!
April 21st, 2008 at 20:23
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rd7X0wANj9E
A nice promo vid hyping up the match
April 21st, 2008 at 20:24
Dan; thats 5 goals in 10 games, 1 in 2. Not 5 goals in four months. And anyway with Benzema, it’s not the amount of goals he scores, its how he scores them and everything else he does.
April 21st, 2008 at 20:28
Extremely optimistic I know, but got a strong feeling that Manchester United are about to turn in one of their greatest ever performances and teach those Spanish cabrons a footballing lesson on Wednesday!
April 21st, 2008 at 20:37
I believe that the world will witness the game of the century on wednesday! This is a game that neutrals dream about! Two attacking, fast and young sides playing like nothing else than a win matters. Barcelona are so unpredictable. On a bad day they can lose 5-0! On a good day they can win 5-0. Wonder how they will approach this game. Will they open themselves up and give United room, or will they be careful and wait for United to attack them?
Im just so fired up! Like Joe from “Family Guy” says: BRING ÈM ON!
But we have to remember that it is two TEAMS playing against each other. Full of big names, but still teams! Ronaldo will be important, Messi will be too. But I think wednesdays most deciding players will be Anderson, Vidic and Rooney for United. Puyol, Iniesta and Etoo for them. I will be surprised if United dont score against them. Barcas defense suck and with Rooney, Ronaldo and Tevez/Nani to attack them, how can they possibly keep a cleen sheet. Anderson and Hargreaves has to play together. United have not lost a game when those two are the midfield, and on wednesday United will need speed and defensive in midfield. My team:
VDS
Brown Rio Vidic Evra
Ronaldo Hargeaves Carrrick Anderson Nano
Rooney
Prediction: 4-2 to United. Scorers: Vidic on corner, Ronaldo free kick and Rooney will prove that he can finish. Call me optimistic, or unrealistic, I dont care! I think this game will be filled with goals and with Barcas defense almost as bad as Derbys, United wil score some! COME ON YOU REDS!
Oh, nearly forgot that the game is on wednesday, not tonight!
April 21st, 2008 at 20:46
oh conor stop, it not the amount he scores, its how he scores them, your saying you would rather have striker that scores cracking goals, but not a lot of them, rather then a striker that just scores, often.
Or is it just me misinterpreting what your saying.
April 21st, 2008 at 20:55
Sounds like a Rooney fan to me….
April 21st, 2008 at 21:07
Dan: Now I can’t say I have watched any French league games lately but have you actually watched Benzema since we beat Lyon? Or is your assertion that his form has dipped based on the fact that his name hasn’t cropped up much in the press lately?
On the lad himself, he is built like a tank and is a excellent dribbler. His movement and work rate are top notch and even in his limited career he has shown the ability to perform on the big occassion. He scores all types of goals, can create things out of nothing, is an exceptional leader of the line and has potential world class stamped all over him.
April 21st, 2008 at 21:08
I am indeed a Rooney fan Abu
, you aren’t?!
so it’s my fault! No well I’d rather have a mix between the 2, and Benzema does mix the two, he scores cracking goals and he scores a cracking amount of goals. But I meant he also does so much other than just score, so you can’t really just judge his recent performances by goals. I’ve seen highlights of the Lyon matches on a weekly basis and he does so much more for the team than just score. So much more.
Dan; You did slightly misinterpret what I said, but I think i often make my points unclear
April 21st, 2008 at 21:22
Have got to be controversial here, so sorry in advance OK?.
1. Rooney’s one on one attempts at beating opposing GK’s, have become as ludicrously legendary as Rob Styles refereeing. Farcical and somewhat more and more embarassing!. I feel shamed for the ‘Roon’ as his colossal misses for several months now have become farcical. Hate opposing fans laughing and jeering at him. Yet if he is fully fit, I think he just might score against Barca.
2. Was Friedal really that good, because watching the game again on mutv, I think our forwards made him look good shooting right at him most of the time!!!. It seemed from the stands during the match, that Friedal was having a scorcher, but my opinion is, we helped him out really.
3. I hope Fergie plays the ’sunshine guys’, Evra, Anderson, Nani, Ronaldo, and Tev, in case the temperature is hot on the day. These lads are used to playing in sweltering heat. They will revel in it. Scholesy and Giggs may well struggle in sapping heat if it is boiling on the day. The Portugeezers, and Samba boys etc, will love to be in sunnier climates of Spain. So let’s hope that’s the case. They deserve a bit of warmth lol.
4. A score draw will do us - so hope we snatch one.
April 21st, 2008 at 22:00
ah craig you have picked up a good point on the climate. it would make sense to play the samba
boys in a hot climate in barcelona. and trust me, when it gets hot, it is scorching.
April 21st, 2008 at 22:17
Craig;
4. A score draw would be good, but then again I can see Barca getting a score draw against us, settling for a draw is pretty risky in my opinion.
1. Agreed, he just can’t finish one on ones, even when on form he doesn’t finish that many.
2. A bit of both, he still made some saves that he had no right to get to.
3. The match is played at 9 at night…
April 21st, 2008 at 22:31
Craig; Friedel was that good. His positioning was excellent and his reflexes were top quality as well. A few shots were right at him but he dived fro two of Rooneys’ shots, made a reflex save on Ronaldo’s header and made a diving save of Tevez that was also a beautiful reflex save too. The O’Shea shot was straight at him and a few others were at him but he kept United from scoring 5 or 6 certain chances. This is not the first time Friedel has been unbeatable in goal. He is a phenomenal goalkeeper who should have been signed by United five years ago instead of Tim Howard. Part of his success is also because he is a big tall physical lad and his presence in goal is intimidating to shooters because he gives you very little to shoot at.
Finally all this silly talk about Benzema is nauseating. I am not a big fan of his but the player is quality. He is a better player than Bojan at this stage in their careers. Bojan has a knack for being in the right place at the right time and thus he scores a lot of easy goals. All the credit to him because that’s what good goal poachers do but, he does not have the same skill level of Benzema. The Frenchman can turn a game with his cracking shots, turns and imagination. Right now there is no comparison. Benzema has fallen off a bit in the last ten games but he still has scored goals and has caused much havoc to defenses with his presence. He makes all those around him much better. Having said that, I still prefer Huntelaar or Gomez for United.
April 21st, 2008 at 22:35
Also, Sam Eto has said he will leave Barca after NEXT YEAR if things don’t improve with the Catalans. With guys like Ronaldinho and Henry vacating Barca, I doubt very much that they would let Eto go too. So Eto fans stop dreaming. I don’t see him coming to United.
April 21st, 2008 at 22:50
[Grognard]
“Silly talk”, “nauseating” eh?
I don’t want to go on a rant about ignoring it if it nauseates you. I hope you see why sometimes some opinions can sicken/nauseate people. And you know that you don’t need to say it here.
Just saying this in case there is another “war” in the future.
April 21st, 2008 at 23:41
The subject matter is nauseating and silly, not the posters, therefore I don’t see why you are concerned. It was a generalization not directed at any one individual. I find it funny that you red flag me on that yet so much that’s directed at me specifically gets through without the same kind of policing. Do I have to feel like I am walking on glass from now on? I don’t know RR???????
April 21st, 2008 at 23:50
“The subject matter is nauseating and silly”
Exactly. You don’t need to tell fellow commenters that they’ve brought up a nauseating and silly point. As long as there are people discussing it and seem interested it’s OK. For that matter I could say the whole “which striker should we buy” subject is itself a very silly thing to talk about now, couldn’t I? But it’s not right to do that.
And about your theory about you being victimised. I didn’t delete your comment in the first place so I allowed it to stand — which is itself something you should note. And the offending comments that you’ve managed to see against you are usually when I am away (I don’t sit refreshing page every second you know). I have lost count of the number of hate comments directed at you that I’ve deleted before you could even get your eyes on them. You give me very little credit. But then I won’t hold that against you.
And remember, I am not stupid to side one commenter against the other. It’s not good for this site. And it makes no sense really. If I really didn’t like a commenter I would have kicked him off a long time ago. And I have kicked a fair few off the site, trust me.
April 22nd, 2008 at 0:02
Am I the only one who thinks the game will end up 0-0?!
With the way Sir Alex sets us up in europe the key will be not conceeding a goal. If we can nick a goal on the break then great, going back to Old Trafford with a 1-0 win would be a brillaint result.
I think the team will be -
VDS
Brown Vidic Rio Evra
Hargreaves Carrick Scholes
Park Ronaldo Rooney
I think Ronaldo will play up top with Rooney starting out on the left with park chosen to play down the right because of his energy, workrate and experience.
If we need to change things then the bench will look good - Tevez, Nani, Anderson, Giggs, Pique, O’Shea + TK
April 22nd, 2008 at 1:51
Grognard: got to say I find it funny that you rip on Bojan for “being in the right place at the right time and scoring lots of easy goals” when you want Huntelaar at United. Bojan will become a player like Huntelaar, but with a bit moepace and probably better all round. Benzema is the type of player that United could do with: quick, strong, decent in the air, clever and involved. But I will say again that Aguero would be a fantastic signing for us. We need a player who can break at speed and finish, not a player who can wait until we cross it to him. Ideally we want a Rooney who scores consistently, and Aguero is the closest I’ve seen.
April 22nd, 2008 at 2:40
playing giggs and scholes will be a huge mistake for this game, and I am not slagging them off either. When Nani is fit, he is hands down our best left winger. I think it is his form that has made giggs look horrible in comparison(that and we all have fond memories of giggs at his best.) While scholes is much more effective with the ball than Anderson, he just cant control the middle of the park like the young brazilian can. Its been said before, but when ever hargreaves plays with Anderson they absolutely control the game, which is critical against Barca.
I also think Ferguson should start Tevez, I know there is a temptation to play conservative which usually means tevez starts on the bench. But I think we should attack Barca, cause if we can get 1 or 2 early goals I dont see them having the character to fight back.
April 22nd, 2008 at 3:01
Michael; Go back and read what I wrote. For crying out loud, I never ripped Bojan whatsoever. I just said that I feel that at this point in their careers, Benzema is a better player. Where in that comment am I ripping him? The fact that I find a player or players better than him is far from ripping him. I called him a goal poacher and that he is. And that’s fantastic, but he is technically not as good a player as Benzema YET. I watch a fair amount of Lyon’s games and most of Barca’s so I don’t feel I am in error here. As for Huntelaar, Bojan is quicker and more elusive than Huntelaar but he doesn’t have his physical presence in the box. He tends to score easy goals by ending up at the back post for a tap in many times. I like players that are very strong in the air and cannot be physically intimidated. Huntelaar is far superior to Bojan in that department. Benzema on gthe other hand isn’t comparable as a goal poacher because that’s not his style but he has more skill than both players. That doesn’t necessarily make him a better goal scorer, just a better all round player. United simply need a goal scorer. We have enough all round players. We need somebody who specializes in bulging the the back of the old onion bag.
As for Aguero, give it up. We will never get him because his asking price outside of Spain would be astronomical. United won’t play that financial game. One thing many of you don’t seem to understand is that it is not good to have to many artists like Ronaldo on the field. Look at Real Madrid before last year. For five years they won nothing because they had a half dozen Picasso’s trying to gel together. It’s impossible. What we need as a striker is the anti-Ronaldo. A player who simplifies things and is very direct and less subtle. Huntelaar or Gomez are those kind of player that could be available for transfer. With Ronaldo, Nani, Tevez and Rooney on the field the last thing we need is a Benzema or an Aguero.
Johnsom33; I don’t think Fergie will start Tevez in a road game against Barca. He will want five midfielders to better control the middle of the park. The only chance Tevez has of starting is if Rooney is a scratch due to his hip injury.
This will be a very difficult fixture. Scoring one goal and limiting barca to 1 or hopefully none will be a massive victory for us. The key to this game is to not let Barca win or to score more than one goal. Even without Ronaldo or Puyol, caution will still be the key. Barca are shadows of their former selves but on a big night like this, they have enough quality and pride to lay a licking on us if we aren’t careful.
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:51
The great thing about the Barca game is that hand on heart, you can see any result. But United must play to win, because the tie can be virtually decided by what happens at the Camp Nou.
If it is to be a draw, United must make it high scoring draw because Barcelona will attack, attack, attack in the return leg at Old Trafford. They will score at least one goal at the Theatre of Dreams, possibly two. They will rest all their players at the weekend (like Milan last year) while United engage Chelsea in a life and death struggle in the Battle of Stamford Bridge. United have to play 3 massive games in just six days. Come the second leg, United will have some tired players and are bound to have the odd injury.
So, United must be brave at the Camp Nou. They will be at their freshest and virtually injury free. They must be Gladiators in the ampitheatre. Show that they are a great side, and put (if the Gods will it) Barcelona to the sword. A draw, particularly a low-scoring one, would be a dangerous result.
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:55
absolutely fantastic news to hear Brown signed his contract…
April 22nd, 2008 at 10:00
Someone above posted about Park, and I couldn’t agree more. He’s exactly the kind of player we want in a match against an attacking opponent - one who can out hustle almost anyone. His performance against Roma was a few first touches away from a standout performance of the season by a United player. Plus, if you play with him in a front 3 you essentially get another MF when we’re on defense, as he always gets back to help out. He is the answer to the Messi problem - he will both force Messi to come back sometimes when United have the ball, and also be there at his heels everytime Barca are attacking. You just can’t say that about Ronaldo, and Rooney is likely to take Messi’s head off if he’s given that responsiblity.
For me, we play to the highest energy level possible, because that’s just not what Spanish football is about, and they’ll find it hard to adjust. If we give them time in midfield they will pick us apart, just as we would to teh same. My second biggest concern is that Brown is slow, and our clear weak point. If you watch teams lately, they basically force the ball to Wes, leave him open, as he never does anything useful with it. Therefore I’d try Hargo there, especially as Barca aren’t a great force in the air, which is where Wes has the edge. This presupposes Fletcher is healthy, which it appears he is…
——–VDS———
-Hargo-Rio-Vidic-Evra-
—Fletcher–Carrick–
——Anderson——–
-Park——–Ronaldo–
——Rooney———-
Bench: TK, O’Shea, Neville, Tevez, Nani, Scholes, Pique
With a view to bring on Tevez, Scholes/Nani and O’Shea at some point.
April 22nd, 2008 at 10:05
Beachryan i like it alot mate… but for this one i’d put scholes in….
i don’t know i can just see him hitting a 30 yard diagnol ball and ronaldo latching onto it on the run and cutting barcas defence with us winning 1-0 eh