Aug 12
It’s Make Or Break For Michael Owen
The brochure worked then. Brochure? What brochure? The Michael Owen brochure ofcourse. Yes Sir Alex has taken a gamble, of sorts, in bringing the striker to Old Trafford, offering him the chance to resurrect his career.
It’s make or break time for our new number 7. With a World Cup only just around the corner, Owen will know that a successful season for United will see him creep into Fabio Capello’s England squad that, bar an absolutely catastrophic collapse, will be heading to South Africa.
I’m hesitant to say that the signing of Owen is a gamble. I mean we haven’t had to shell out any sort of transfer fee for the former Newcastle captain and with a pay-as-you-play deal in place, we won’t be out of pocket even if he does turn out to be the flop of the century.
What we do have is a man that is chomping at the bit to go out and prove his doubters wrong. We also have a striker that loves playing for his country and with a World Cup approaching, he will be desperate to be on the plane jetting off to South Africa. Surely that can only be good news for United.
So just how important will Michael Owen prove to be in our hunt for silverware this season? Well we all know just how much Ferguson loves to show the world that he is the daddy when it comes to decision making of the controversial kind. Therefore I certainly expect Owen to get a fair crack of the whip. Whether that’s in the earlier stages of the Champions League, the Carling Cup or against the so-called lesser teams of the Premier League, Michael Owen will get games in a United shirt – if he stays fit ofcourse!
Given Owen’s injury past, I’m rather surprised that I’m not even a little bit worried that he may just turn out to spend more time on the physio’s table than on the pitch. Whether that’s because we’re getting the 29-year-old for free or that I’m using his decent pre-season as an adequate benchmark, I’m not so sure but, perhaps somewhat strangely, I’m really not concerned.
I don’t think I’m alone in suggesting that I wouldn’t consider Owen a part of our strongest eleven. At the likes of the Emirates Stadium and Stamford Bridge, although perhaps not Anfield, I would feel much more comfortable with Berbatov and Rooney heading up the attack. That’s not to say I don’t see him playing a part and with four goals in pre-season (albeit against mediocre opponents), he’s shown that he knows exactly how to find the back of the net.
Words can’t describe just how utterly brilliant it would be if Owen notched against Liverpool in front of the Kop in a United win at Anfield. You can be sure that Fergie will give him the chance to do just that and I’ll end the season a happy man if that’s his only notable contribution of the season!
There’s no question that this season is set to be a big one for Michael Owen, if not his biggest. While I’m not expecting a hatful of goals, a few here and there would certainly be a bonus. It’s just about last chance saloon for the striker’s England prospects too although with competition from the likes of Carlton Cole, Emile Heskey and Peter Crouch, I wouldn’t bet against him eventually being a part of Capello’s World Cup plans.
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- Manchester United v CSKA Moscow: Preview
- United are on vacation, you should be too
- Featured Video: Hargo’s Crackers
Tags: Opinions/Columns
August 12th, 2009 at 11:47
I probably is last chance sallon for his International chances no doubt, but he is on a two year contract with us and he will certainly see that out.
Personally it is last chance saloon for Nani, Anderson and Hargreaves they all have something to prove, well in Hargo’s case his fitness and with Nani and the Andy it is their futures with us, I hope the two lads make it with us, and Hargreaves actually plays this season as we need all of them firing on all cylinders if we are to win our 19th.
August 12th, 2009 at 12:05
One thing is sure…
Goals scored/Minutes played ratio will be the highest for Owen in the whole season
August 12th, 2009 at 12:15
@owen: I do have to agree with that, I can see him coming on late a la Tevez and nicking a few late on.
August 12th, 2009 at 13:08
I was so impressed with Owen in the Valencia game at OT, because he was through on goal on at least 4 or 5 times. Yes he missed the mark, and it is hard to see why really, but he is a genious at finding space. I felt for him that night, because I do not believe he will ever miss that many opportunities again. In other pre season games, Owen put the ball in the net in one in two opportunities made for him. He just has to break his duck at OT, and he will be away. Berba and Rooney have still not proved to me that they are a good partnership really. I have my doubts about that partnership being a winning combination for us, but I really hope that I will be proved wrong, and having to apologise come end of season, if SAF makes them his No1 striker combination.
I see those dicks at City are prophesying A United Fan revolt, with demonstrations on the field, shouting in SAF’s face if we have a lean season. Yeah right – would expect that happening at classless CITY, rather than OT
. I would love to put up a poster revealing the City chant on Tevez, while he was a Man United player – because it is VILE, and would remind Tevez of the puke in the hearts and heads of City fans.
August 12th, 2009 at 13:13
By the way, John Terry is claiming that signing Michael Owen could result in Chelsea still not winning the PL this season. He expects Owen to come good for us. He said at Wembley Owen was only on for 17 mins, and yet he was menacing
.
August 12th, 2009 at 13:24
The one thing I can’t decide about Owen is if he still has that pace to scare the last defender. When he was younger the centre backs would have to step off of him and give him 10 yards of space, or else a simple ball over the top and they’d never catch him. With Rooney having slowed down (lots, in my opinion) and Berba/Macheda not exactly speed demons, we no longer have a real pacey threat. And sometimes you need that to create space in the midfield.
If he stays fit he’ll get some goals. My prediction for goal tallies:
Rooney – 25
Berbatov – 17
Owen – 12
Carrick – 8 (Because he’ll be taking penalties)
Nani – 8
Park – 5
Valencia – 4
Macheda – 4
Fletcher – 2
Tosic – 1
Scholes – 1
Giggsy – 1
August 12th, 2009 at 13:26
It will also he a big season for Rooney he will finally have his chance to prove to SAFFY that he is a central striker and can score goals on a consistant basis, Fergie has said he will play through the middle this season and touch wood if he can retain his fitness he should net around 25 goals.
Also it is make or break for Berba, in my eyes he is class but opinions are divided he will have a full pre season under his belt and now there are no excuses.
August 12th, 2009 at 13:31
I see Owen being used as an impact striker. Give him 30 minutes and one chance and he’ll score. That is exactly what we need. His overall game is nothing compared to Berbatov or Rooney. But when you need a goal his instincts are second to none. As long as he doesn’t pick up a long term injury he’ll be a success. If he gets injured for a few months, and being Michael Owen Id expect him to miss at least a few months through injury we still have Macheda, Welbeck able to come off the bench…so no biggie.
The real trick is ensuring that Owen and Rooney aren’t injured at the same time. If that happens we are screwed especially if it happens at crunch time.
August 12th, 2009 at 13:38
@Beachryan: Is that Premiership goals? We would need to score more than 88 goals in all competions if we are to win anything, last season I think we scored something like 113 on all fronts.
August 12th, 2009 at 13:42
You are right Stephen. It is make or break for Berbatov as well. The fairest assessment of his first season is he did the minimum expected. Every striker deserves allowances during his first season with a club and with Berbatov I think it was difficult fitting into a system built around the pace and counter attacking instincts of Rooney and Ronaldo.
What Im curious to find out is if Berbatov is capable of making the step up on shining on the biggest stage. With Ronaldo gone he’ll be playing more Champions League games and we’ll be reliant on him for goals. As a minimum Berbatov should be scoring 20 a season, although ideally closer to 25. Same applies to Rooney.
August 12th, 2009 at 13:47
@colver: I agree, we also need more goals in big games from him, I love the guy and believe he is a “United” player but he has to prove it, and getting a regular partner in Rooney and a settled system will help him.
August 12th, 2009 at 13:47
@Beachryan: Beachy, I believe Owen will score more than 12 goals if he stays fit and gets the playing time. As for Macheda, if as you think we can only get 4 goals out of somebody who is one of our main four strikers, and who according to SAF is better at finding the net than any of our strikers in training, then I would have to question his ability to make it on the big stage! I cetainly expect double figures from any main striker
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August 12th, 2009 at 13:52
@Craig Mc: Also Anderson must score this season, three years without a goals for United is an almost imposibility, I could play for United for three years and a least net one!
Plus he is in my Fantasy Football side so he better, because I know where he lives!!
August 12th, 2009 at 14:02
@Stephen: Two things I want Fergie to SORT this season is our bloody woeful penalty taking. Where its down to penalties to win a MAJOR trophy comp, then our lot need their heads sorted. We are fast becoming the PL butt of the jokers for our penalty attempts. 2ndly, SAF needs to decide who is going to take free kicks and penalties in Ronnie’s place. This is a vital area, because many of our goals came from pens and especially free kick set pieces. Carrick should take the penalties, he wants too, and has done so for his teams in the past. If Andie can reproduce his magnificent set piece kick in the Audi cup, then go with him. Otherwise, somebody needs to be practicing free kicks in extra training, as Becks and Ronnie stayed behind to work on that area of their game!
August 12th, 2009 at 14:08
@Craig Mc: I agree, penalties should be Carrick, freekicks Anderson maybe as he is a left footer and would create a different angle, but Rooney and Nani should also be in the mix for me, or Hargreaves but I am dreaming.
August 12th, 2009 at 14:09
on goals -
Ron-Ron scored 18 league goals last season; not to be sniffed @ but not the 37goals Alan Shearer scored in 95/96 or the 34 scored by Andy Cole in 93/94 (though he played 40 League games that season) or even the 31goals Ronaldo, scored himself in 07/08; i’d also like to hazard a guess that @least 5 of those goals came from set pieces (i can think of @least 5 free-kicks/penalties he scored from last season – one of you guys will know the exact amount. . . HELP!); so UNITED are looking @ filling of void of a maximum of 13 goals from free play last season; when i take into account Rooney was out for a period before Christmas, then ddn’t play up front for the last 2 months of the season & Berbatov was pretty much benched for the latter parts of last season i think it’s ‘fair’ to believe Rooney can score @least 5 more, Berb’ @least 4 more & lets expect 4 from Valencia too (from free play) – now all this is ifs-&-buts but my point is that last season proved that UNITED don’t need the super-hero of the 07/08 season to win the League.
Ronaldo shall not be replaced & although i think some of the talk of him leaving is overly sentimental i don’t under-estimate the effect he had on the team but the Ronaldo of 08/09 should not be confused with the Ronaldo of 07/08; especially statistically. Ronaldo was a great player but this team will move on & will score plenty of goals – i haven’t even mentioned what i expect from Welbeck & Macheda yet.
EDIT: OR OWEN!!!!!!!!!!
August 12th, 2009 at 14:47
@Stephen:
, your not dreaming mate. Nani, Anderson and Carrick haven’t missed a penalty for United yet, but any player has that susceptibility to miss one. All depends if they have the balls to still step forward for the job after they have missed one. Ronaldo didn’t let his penalty misses stop him from stepping forward to take others did he? Just got to make sure you get the next one after missing one 
. Andy seems to take the missing of goals too lightly, whereas he should be more concerned about missing the target all the time – I know I would be. Or am I being a tad too picky there 
.
August 12th, 2009 at 14:50
We’ll see on Owen and Macheda. And my list was supposed to be total goals, not just league, so I guess it’s a bit low. Add in a couple more for Giggs and Anderson (ha) plus the typical randoms (Vida is prob good for 4, Rio, Wes Brown etc) and you’ll get near the 100 point mark, which is realistic. I can almost guanratee we won’t score as many goals as the 07/08 season, when we were simply awesome.
August 12th, 2009 at 15:09
@Beachryan: We also only coneeded 22 goals that season a club record, the season before 06/07 we scored more goals in the league, 83 compared to 80 in 07/08.
August 12th, 2009 at 15:28
@Beachryan: How do you know Cazza will be taking the penalties?
August 12th, 2009 at 15:30
@Stephen: I remember us scoring 87 in the Premier League alone back in 2001-02 (the season we signed Veron and van Nistelrooy?) but conceding 42 as we had sold Stam and brought in Blanc.
August 12th, 2009 at 15:32
wat is the GMT timing for todays England match
August 12th, 2009 at 15:33
@owen: 19.45 matey.
August 12th, 2009 at 15:36
@Craig Mc: Since when did we become the butt of jokes from the rest of the PL for missing penalties? This is the first I’m hearing of this mate
August 12th, 2009 at 15:38
@colver: He scored 23 goals a season for Tottenham didn’t he? Would love him to hit that total again!
August 12th, 2009 at 15:39
@Nino: There really is no reason why he shouldn’t, he will get a to start most weeks and we will certianly create chances.
August 12th, 2009 at 15:49
thanx
August 12th, 2009 at 15:51
I don’t think Berba will get that high. I hope he will, and he’s in my fantasy football team, but he just never looks like scoring to me.
I’ve left off Welbeck completely, where is he? Is he still being touted by Fergie as a 1st team striker/winger?
August 12th, 2009 at 16:04
@Nino: TV and radio sport programmes mate. Talk sport (a big sport broadcaster here) asked yesterday if fans would phone in or email IF they would pay to see Man Utd training each week. Money to go to charity. Reply – some would pay to see United players take penalties – as it is pure comedy! Others progs and blogs are MEGA LAUGHING at our attempts at penalties now – but then it is fodder for the ABU brigade – all other fans in fact
.
August 12th, 2009 at 16:30
My biggest worry next season is we are going to leak more goals. The presence of Ronaldo kept many teams on the back foot and gave our defenders a break. Now that fear factor has gone and teams will have a go at us a bit more and will find out our defence isn’t impregnable. Vidic struggles against pacey strikers. Ferdinand has attention lapses. Evra cannot handle a pacey winger. Rafael gives away fouls too easily. Our midfield can be cut through like a knife through butter against a quality team.
I still think we need that defensive midfielder to help us shore up the team especially if Fletcher fails to recapture last season’s form
August 12th, 2009 at 16:37
@colver: I hope sides do have a go at us a bit more, it will enable our strikers to score more goals than park the proverbial bus.
Vidic and Rio are the two best centre backs in the country, Rio doesn’t have the lapses he used to and Vida had only a couple of poor games all season, Evra regardless of what people say is still a top left back and hopefully Wes will be back to full fitness so I am not at all worried there.
August 12th, 2009 at 16:46
Im more then confident owen will do the business. And i would be surprised if he scored 20 goals.
In other news, id like to remind everyone how the crappiest keeper at man utd did on his debut:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuqmTPlrOa4&feature=player_embedded
No one can drop the youtube makes everyone look better excuse, its on game.
August 12th, 2009 at 16:55
Now please don’t laugh. I have taken a few days to sit back, think and contemplate my decision to quit Red Rants and I have realized that I was far too harsh with myself and everyone on the blog and overreacted (which as you all know, is nothing new for me).
The bottom line is I am over sensitive and this may be a symptom from something a little more serious like depression and just not dealing well with many of the stresses and pressures of my life these days. The fact that I am old school and not one who has willingly taken to the personality of the Internet has been an issue that I have not conformed to yet and have to if I am to survive on it.
What I am trying to say is that although I feel justified in reacting to some of the comments and even attacks that come my way, I need like what some of you have said, to grow a thicker skin. I think what was the biggest problem with me in the past is that I naively and stupidly accepted a number of you on this site as Internet friends of mine. Sure we have never met but over many conversations I felt I knew many of you and that we would have no problem being friends if we lived close by and met regularly for an ale at the local pub.
I’m generally a very friendly and outgoing person and I make friends easily and so it was my fault to basically accept many of you as long distance friends (almost like pen pals). I realize now that none of you are truly friends because the bottom line is we don’t know each other and and have never met in person. Basically, I was guilty of trying to make the Internet something it is not, a real social gathering spot. In reality I’m just a stranger to all of you and I needed to accept that. So trying to be overly friendly and to expect others to share those same sensibilities was naive and stupid of me.
I have to admit, I expected many of you to show a loyalty and bond towards me if I was backed into a corner. On many occasions I have seen some of you attacked or put in a situation where you were on the defensive with a newbie or even in trouble with Red Ranter for some kind of blog offense. I often defended you or backed you up. When some of you got really upset and threatened to leave the blog I pleaded with you not to. Did I get the same consideration when roles were reversed? No. Did it affect me? I’d be a liar if I said it didn’t. The truth is none of you really cared and to be honest, why should you? None of you know me and I was really naive to believe that you did.
So from now on you will know a different Grognard. I will still be the highly opinionated and often negative and cutting Grognard that you are all used to. Will I give a damn what some of you think? Yes but I will not allow it to mess with my head and my emotions anymore and I will not let anyone intimidate me. I will say my peace and move on and I will be a much colder cookie than before. I needed to realize that none of you really give a damn about me and that’s OK, I needed to get that kick of reality right up my Nicky Butt and accept the fact that at the end of the day, I am just a stranger and so are all of you.
We all do share a like minded interest and that is why we are all here. We are not here to bond or to become best friends and I sincerely apologize for my mistakes in expecting you guys to be for me something that you just aren’t willing to be or are capable of. I guess I was being a needy git. So from now on I will participate on this site with my usual manner but I will not get overly emotional and my expectations will be different. From a friendship point of view, you are all dead to me. From a mutual interest point of view (Manchester United fans) we are all brothers. From now on it’s all about football and nothing else. So sorry for past offenses and for being such a pussy. I love this sport and Manchester United far too much to cut myself off from a like minded community like the one on here. And Red Ranter does a great job with this blog that makes me seriously think twice about starting up with some other blog. So I am back for good or bad and I’m sure to the chagrin of many, but perhaps my new attitude and perspective on Internet life will be a breath of fresh air to many of you. Sorry for the long rant but I needed to get this out of my system and explain fully, where I was coming from.
Cheers.
August 12th, 2009 at 16:56
@Grognard: Welcome back mate.
August 12th, 2009 at 17:04
@Dan: Bro I think too many people have already made up their minds with regards to Foster
August 12th, 2009 at 17:05
Thanks for the honesty Grogs, welcome back.
*group hug*
August 12th, 2009 at 17:07
@Grognard: Welcome back.
Regarding the internet, we might find friends online, but that is a by-product and not an end in itself. The real world is where one can truly make friends because we can really gauge the person from a face-to-face perspective.
At least that’s how I view it. I have met quite a few people over the internet who’ve turned out to be good friends in real life, but that happened on its own and not with me looking to make it happen.
Anyway, your honesty is appreciated. Perhaps the perspective with which we view the internet has been the main reason for the frequent sparring. Hopefully this dies down.
August 12th, 2009 at 17:11
@Grognard: Grog – FIRST welcome back! 2nd – when you talk football UNEMOTIONALLY, in statement or responses, there is no one better. That’s all I have to say. Onwards and upwards with Man United!
August 12th, 2009 at 17:13
What’s going on here??
When did you decide to quit Redrants Grog?? 
Anyways, just like Craig and the rest of us, you know Redrants is like a drug man, and you will always need your fix. You can’t stay away mate!! 
August 12th, 2009 at 17:17
@Dan: Didn’t know you were an Owen fan Dan! I hope your right, as I like him, and I would love for him to score 20 goals. 20 Owen goals, would prove SAF a genious again wouldn’t it.
Thanks for the you tube clip of Foster, and I think it’s admirable the way you BELIEVE in so many of our young players. Great for us if they all make it as BIG stars!
August 12th, 2009 at 17:18
@Gabriel:
.
August 12th, 2009 at 17:20
@Grognard: Welcome back! Now to get you started on a rant. What do you make of our supposed interest in Neuer? Does he rate higher than Adler in your book? I realize this is probably just dribble from the Manchester Evening News, but at least it is something to ramble about.
August 12th, 2009 at 17:23
Speaking of ‘fixes’ and ‘addictions’, I can’t wait for Sunday!!! All this small talk before the season is just not helping!! I need to see United play!!! The Community Shield was like one of those tasteless appetisers you have at a third-rate diner; useless and just makes you hungrier for the main course
… I can’t wait for my sirloin, served on a platter, with warm peppercorn sauce drizzled all over 
Here’s hoping to an enjoyable victory over Birmingham, maybe a hat-trick from Rooney, a first OT goal for Owen and a first competitive Utd goal for Andy!!! 
August 12th, 2009 at 17:24
@colver: Got any positive comments you’d like to make mate
, Nah – it will be up to our strikers to put that fear factor back, and if defenders don’t fear us and come out because we don’t have Ronnie, then Valencia, Nani, Rooney and Owen can have a bit of a field day I’d say 
.
August 12th, 2009 at 17:26
@Gabriel: Or maybe a double HAT TRICK from the one and only Luis NANI
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August 12th, 2009 at 17:26
@I_Bleed_Red: If @Craig Mc: It would be silly to believe that they can all make it. But IMO, we have the best set of youngsters at the club now, since the class of 95.
August 12th, 2009 at 17:28
@I_Bleed_Red: Hey lighten up on the Manchester Evening News mate, we Mancs like our evening circular rag
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August 12th, 2009 at 17:29
@Dan:
Well that failed. That was a response to craig.
August 12th, 2009 at 17:29
@Dan: AGREED!
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August 12th, 2009 at 17:37
Thanks to everyone for their kind words upon my return and your encouragement. Now on to ranting and Hell raising.
August 12th, 2009 at 17:39
@Craig Mc: hehe… even with his dislocated shoulder???
Actually, out of our current players capable of a hat trick, lil’ man Nani will be one. I hope he gets a runout on Sunday, but he’ll probably have to wait till the Burnley game as he has unfortunately given SAF an excuse to play Park or Rooney on the left 
August 12th, 2009 at 17:45
Apparently Park scored for Korea in a friendly today. No idea where it was played, against Paraguay, but figure that might rule him out this weekend if it was in Asia (or S. America). With Nani potentially injured, could leave us a lil light on the wings.
Also, from Redcafe, apparently Scholes has featured in every one of our season openers since 1994. So expect him out there, and that’s some record!
August 12th, 2009 at 17:48
@Gabriel: Mmmmmm the Old Fecker SAF will probably play Goran TOSSER on the wing against Birmingham won’t he? Or Park on his arse maybe. Valencia will start on the right surely?
Regards mi Luis NANI, I have looked online to try find someone transmitting the Portugal game, but every other game but Portugal was posted for transmission
. I wanted to see if Nani was playing for them, and how he did, to see if his present good form and confidence continued. When you have football writers saying that Man United lost something in the game in the 2nd half when NANI had to go off injured – WELL , I mean I am not used to that about the boy – am I? 
.
August 12th, 2009 at 17:52
@Beachryan: Beachy – Anderson must play in the Birmingham game surely? Otherwise, SAF will not be SAF, because he likes to give everyone game time
.
August 12th, 2009 at 17:53
@I_Bleed_Red: Unfortunately mate, the Neuer rumor is just as you claimed, dribble. We all know Fergie for being a very stubborn bloke and he is not one to panic. Foster for me is definitely not the answer but he will be given a chance to sink his own ship. If we are to go after a player of Neuer or Adler’s class, it will be after EVDS has officially retired. Fergie still has a lot of confidence in the Dutchman and he isn’t going to sit him down for a new heir like Neuer.
Now regarding Neuer, for me he is the best young keeper in the world. Better than Adler because he is more aggressive than Adler and better at handling crosses and high balls into the box. Both are fantastic shot stoppers and very strong positional keepers. Fundamentally strong with no real obvious weaknesses. Neuer seems to me the better communicator and more aggressive of the two. Both use both feet to clear and never look as ridiculous and as amateur in clearing and kicking the ball as Foster showed last Sunday.
Many believe I have a bias in favor of the German keepers but this is not the case. The bottom line is that Germany produces the best keepers in the world and has generally done this for 40 years now. Maier, Schumacher, Immel, Kopke, Illgner, and Kahn are just the famous ones because they were the first choice keepers for the national team, but Germany have had many great keepers who never got the chance to play for Germany. Their training and developmental techniques are revolutionary and very aggressive. Petr Schmeichel grew up idolizing Maier and Schumacher and he patterned his game after both, especially Schumacher because he was very aggressive, physical and a real intimidating presence. Lightning reflexes but great courage and fearlessness is the most common traits all these keepers share.
I prefer Neuer over Adler but Adler is probably the more willing to actually come and play for us because he is a United fan. Therefore, he will never play for us because like Aguero, Pogrebnyak and other United fans, Fergie has no use for them. He’d rather chase players who dream of wearing the white of Real Madrid. Cynical comment, but true. Anyway, don’t expect anything this season. Fergie does not panic and make knee jerk moves over one poor performance.
August 12th, 2009 at 17:55
Btw, wat’s all this bad-mouthing Foster??? The lad is frackin nervous man!!!
I say give him a consistent run in the team, let him get comfortable and reduce the tension/anxiety he is currently feeling.
We have three relatively inferior opponents on the bounce before we face Arsenal, Tottenham, then Man City; three tough games. I say, we blood him properly in the three easy games against birmingham, burnley and wigan. Let’s face it, those three won’t provide much attack that our defence can’t/won’t be able to deal with. It’s either him or Kusczak !! No offence to Kuszcy but his shot stopping abilities is all that he has ever so slightly over Foster. Foster is better at everything else and VDS’s injury could have been a blessing in disguise; Fergie can no longer play it safe by replacing Foster with VDS in every other game. Foster can get that consistency he craves and I reckon he’ll do very well.
August 12th, 2009 at 17:56
@Gabriel: I dislocated my shoulder once playing hockey and I played the following week. It really depends on the severity of the dislocation. If there was no tearing or damage to resident tissue or muscle, it is no big deal. From the sound of it and from the way Nani has reacted to it after the game, it sounds very minor and so I would not be surprised to see him start. Dislocating is different than separating a shoulder, and far less serious. Nani is a trooper and he will come back with fire and determination to not lose his spot.
August 12th, 2009 at 17:59
Fuck SETANTA!
All week they were advertising the Germany game and instead I get up to see Scotland. Talk about nauseating. 
August 12th, 2009 at 18:01
@Grognard: Have you seen the news about neuer?
I dont think its true personally.
August 12th, 2009 at 18:02
@Grognard: Don’t say that too loud, Eddi is listening, BUT then he will be at the game, as Scotland are playing his beloved Norway. come on Fletch – oops – sorry Eddi man
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August 12th, 2009 at 18:04
@Grognard: NANI is a trooper – why am I so pleased to hear that?
.
August 12th, 2009 at 18:09
@Gabriel: Inferior oppents 1st three games – Mmmmmmmmmmmm famous last words
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August 12th, 2009 at 18:16
I’m off now guys. I did most of my job work in my insomniac hours, i.e. midnight to 5am
. So pissed about the rest of the time. I will be watching England game with a 2 or 3 cans of beer – HONEST 
. GF’s family (Male side) will be round, emptying our beer crate and enjoying the game too. It’s so good the GF being heavily pregnant now, because she is tired in the evenings, so goes off to bed with good book or portable tv & her soaps 
. Hahaha – this means Craigmeister can do what he wants minus the henpecking. I love it. Enjoy it while I can eh?
August 12th, 2009 at 18:22
@Craig Mc:
c’mon mate, are you not expecting is to win those three games?? Birmingham at home, Burnley away and then Wigan Away. I don’t know about you, but supporting United breeds a certain arrogance, an expectation bred from constantly being on top. 
It’s the least I expect from the team 
August 12th, 2009 at 19:04
Welcome back grog! Glad that youre back.
What we need is a good young keeper cause VDS is going at the end of the season and when you are in desperate need for a keeper its harder to find one. I think we shd get Neuer now and get him used to OT and the lifestyle and see how he does is the PL.
August 12th, 2009 at 19:18
Any link for the today match
August 12th, 2009 at 19:39
has the match started
August 12th, 2009 at 19:41
did anyone else hear that caller on 606 say that the reason the glazers didnt give SAF the money this summer is because this is his last year at the club. has anyone else heard anything remotely like this?
August 12th, 2009 at 19:42
@Grognard: Welcome back big guy, I knew you didnt have it in you to quit RedRants.
August 12th, 2009 at 19:45
link plz???
August 12th, 2009 at 20:01
@owen: Try itv.com if you are in England!! or myp2p.eu
btw, Rio is back to his day-dreaming best, has just cost England a goal
August 12th, 2009 at 20:01
Owen – try Iraq goals.com or Channelsurfing.com. Also ITV.com/iplayer. Good luck.
August 12th, 2009 at 20:12
@Dan: I’m sure it’s BS. Fergie is too stubborn and loyal to his choices to give up on Foster so quickly. He also has EVDS coming back so I cannot see him going after a keeper like Neuer until EVDS is retired. Just wishful thinking and major BS.
August 12th, 2009 at 20:14
@Craig Mc: Nothing against Norway but I want to watch my Germans play. Norway just murdered Scotland. Fletcher was invisible all game and the Scots were an embarrassment to their country.
August 12th, 2009 at 20:16
@Grognard: It’s good to see the Grog back where he belongs amongst the United faithful, read all the posts as they were happening but couldn’t put in my own due to work blocking my posts!! But the jist of the posts was Ballack yes he’s a cheat but was he in the wrong? the answer would be NO. cockend foy was for being so inept at fairly refereeing a game. As Grog said Keane often did the same thing except for the dropping to the floor like a bag of old german shit as often as possible now that he’s getting on a bit.
So on the up and onto the new season. not watching the games tonight stuck with the missus who doesn’t like football
how did i end up with her 
my hope for this evening is none of our boys get injured before we Kick of the new season in style against Birmingham.
Regarding the Neuer rumour.. I feel slightly evil for saying this but we should go for him and drop foster, i know he really wants to be number 1 keeper but he really needs to get a grip of those nerves of his. The more games he plays nervous the worse he’ll get due to poor performances. Granted if we fans get behind him he wont feel so nervous and would no doubt get better but i hunger for an impregnable Net and Neuer is the key to that happening.
Long live SAF.
UNITED TILL THE END OF ALL TIME, DEATH IS BUT AN OBSTICLE!!
August 12th, 2009 at 20:16
@Craig Mc: I’ve always been pro Nani and you know that. I’m glad that he is Hell bent to win his starting spot and won’t let an injury derail his ambition. That’s a difference from last year’s passive Nani who seemed to accept his state and not argue for more. Now he has the shadow of Ronaldo removed from over him and he is determined to make his statement. I’m pulling for him.
August 12th, 2009 at 20:20
http://www.justin.tv/slpk7
August 12th, 2009 at 20:21
@Anthony Los: Neuer is among the top three keepers in Germany right now and he’s only 21. He is a certain starter for Schalke and Bayern wanted him bad to be their #1. He is not going to agree to any move unless he is guaranteed the #1 keeper slot. With EVDS around, that will not happen so we have to bide our time and hope he or Adler are around next Summer when I feel EVDS will have retired or moved back to Holland. Right now we just have to hope and pray Foster doesn’t completely implode and if so, that Pig can do the job. Very scary times for us as our keeping is poor and our defense has been woeful in general. Hopefully we can solve the problems and it will help with the return of Vidic and then EVDS to be sure.
August 12th, 2009 at 20:23
@Monkwahhdo: YES AT MYSELF!! LOL BTW grog didn’t say this section “except for the dropping to the floor like a bag of old german shit as often as possible now that he’s getting on a bit.” that was my opinion. lol my bad.
August 12th, 2009 at 20:23
@johnsom33: I just looked at the Red Rants blog and went all Brokeback on it and just shouted out “I cant quit you”.
Not all addictions are terrible things.
August 12th, 2009 at 20:30
Ingurland back to their usual self!!
Two careless passes and Holland are 2-nil up!! Despite England dominating!! 
August 12th, 2009 at 20:35
Rio’s playing stoned. They are in Amsterdam after all. This match is serving as proof that Gerrard>Lampard every day.
August 12th, 2009 at 20:42
@Monkwahhdo: Thanks for the kind words mate. I must say that I really think having watched the incident over and over that everyone overreacted regarding the Ballack body check. That’s all it was was a typical hockey style body check. It was a foul, no doubt but it didn’t even deserve a yellow card yet alone the red most were screaming for. Evra made a meal of things and faked serious facial injury when he wasn’t even touched in the face. There was no elbow thrown and Ballack has been made to look like some cheap assassin. Sure he is my favorite player but I say this without any bias whatsoever and lets not forget that my first loyalty is to Man Utd, not Ballack.
The guilt is completely at the feet of the ref Foy. It was an obstruction foul and he should have whistled the play dead immediately and cautioned Ballack. The fact he didn’t while allowing no similar breaks for United earlier in the game only makes United fans overreact and justifiably feel screwed over. Will we ever see competent, fair and consistent referring in the EPL ever again. These muppets destroy so many games and screw up so many results over a season that one must wonder what the final standings would really look like had a flawless computer camera made every call in every game. They are human after all and they will make mistakes but compared to refs in other countries, they are total rubbish.
August 12th, 2009 at 20:50
@Monkwahhdo: Ballack wasn’t wrong, WTF – he ADMITTED he was wrong. He admitted he deliberately fouled Evra to prevent him getting the return pass, and that the REFEREE made the wrong decision in not stopping play. Ballack is the biggest fucking cheat in the PL, how come you can’t see that mate – sorry Grog – this is not personal against you – but really!
England – just like Man United – fucking obsessed with the backpass to the goalie all the time, anf fucking it up
. Serves them right they are 2-0 down, because they made the goals for the dutch. On their own merit the dutch didn;t even look like scoring. Rio and Barry, hang your fucking heads in shame. Rooney is playing his balls off out there, and Beckham has been fucking great – regardless of what the naysayers have to say. Ashley Young is useless, and not international material. He had 3-4 oppotuniteies and fucked up every time. Heskey should IMHO NEVER be on the pitch for England. I wish also that Englands answer to the dutch MF playing football, was to hood the fecking ball up to a non existent Heskey. Positives, Rooney, Lamps, Becks, and definately the supreme GK Green. Oh well, typical England away performance.
August 12th, 2009 at 21:08
Rooney’s off! I’m always glad to see him walk off the pitch during an England match. Now Rio and Carrick need to get through unscathed.
August 12th, 2009 at 21:16
in other news tosic scored twice hopefully he can do a good job while nani is gone.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUfg_04Qv_c
August 12th, 2009 at 21:21
@ROOOOONEY: Come on mate they were playing rinky dink S. Africa
. If Tosser can do that against the Top teams, then maybe I will say yeah – ok – maybe we got ourselves a player. Until then he is still proven to be Tosser to me, and that is in the wilderness of our Reserve games, where I have watched him avidly. 
August 12th, 2009 at 21:35
I didnt say he was god, i said he scored twice
August 12th, 2009 at 21:36
@Craig Mc: Ballack did commit a foul, there’s no doubt about it. But it was just an average foul that was made out to be much more than it was because of Evra’s play acting and the major fact that Chelsea broke out and scored on the counter. Had nothing come of it, nobody would have given it a second thought. Therefore, who else can be blamed for it other than the ref? To call Ballack a big cheat is really laughable considering you like me have followed and cheered on players like Keane, Ince, Ronaldo and others who were infamous for their forms of cheating. Ballack has never had a reputation in his entire career in Germany as being a cheap shot artist. Yes he has a big mouth and can be a real bitch towards a ref but he is not a dirty player. He can be physical though. My point is had he been doing his stuff for United, we’d all love him. But he is playing for the enemy and because of that, he’s fair game. So let em have it.
August 12th, 2009 at 21:41
Good second half performance by England. I was especially impressed with James Milner and Defoe. Glen Johnson is just rubbish and I can’t wait to see him continually screw up like that for the Scousers. I hope Rooney is not injured because he came off early. Robert Green looked a lot more confident in goal than Foster. Good judgment and common sense. Good character and heart shown by the lads to come back against a good side on the road.
August 12th, 2009 at 21:42
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!
Some seemed a little drunk though… But whatever! It took great charackter from a Scot who said to me after the game that “The better team won, son.”
Sorry to any Scotsmen on here, but we owned the game! But I gotta say, the Scottish fans are incredible! Vocal, brave, and never stopped yelling!
IMMENSE!!! I dont have any voice left right now, hard competition with the Scottish…
August 12th, 2009 at 21:44
The good news about tonight’s game is Glen Johnson is shit, not a patch on Wes Brown. Looks like Rafa’s got himself another bargain.
Also Ryan Babel is still shit
August 12th, 2009 at 21:52
@Grognard: Grog I am not arguing though that the players you mentioned from United were not cheats, and you know that mate. I just think that Ballack is a cheat of the worst kind, and it has nothing to do with you loving him or not. I am only calling him as I see him. Grog he is well known in England as a cheat, and he admitted himself that his main intent was to STOP Evra getting the return pass, and so CHEAT by illegal body checking. But I have watched the video again and again from the Chelsea website, and Ballack did hit Evra in the face, because 1st he hit the chest but then his flaining arm continued upwards and caught Evra’s face. FFS Grog, even Ballack himself apologised to Evra for what he did, said the Ref had got it wrong, that he did DELIBERATELY foul Evra, and even Dogba wrapped his arm around Evra to pacify him, and prevent Evra from getting into trouble by decking Ballack. Grog – Ballack doesn’t know how to win fairly, and if you can’t see that, then fine. Most German greats didn’t need to do what Ballack does to win, because THEY WERE GREATS. Anyway Grogster, we are never going to agree on Ballack – I hate the cheating fucker – sorry! Then I accepted that you hated what Nani did in the headbutting situation, and I agreed with you. I have never supported Keane’s aggression either, but Keane wasn’t a cheat or sneaky, he was a dirty fuck and never bothered to hide it. I would like to like Ballack because you do, but I can’t – he is such a disgrace to all those german greats who were so good, they didn’t need to cheat!
August 12th, 2009 at 21:57
@Footy4Eddy: Scotland were robbed –
. Aaaah Eddi – good for Norway, but England will fuck your Norway if we meet in the world cup. Anyway, just like those Scots I am a little drunken – not too much though 
.
August 12th, 2009 at 22:00
Oh feck, I just realised this is not an RR article thread – it is Steven Darwins. I know Steven doesn’t like swearing, but I can only assume that he doesn’t understand what goes on on the terraces, because we do swear like feck Steven, all of us. So sorry if I desecrated your thread mate – it truly is nothing personal.
August 12th, 2009 at 22:00
@Grognard: Wellcome back Grog!
I wont have the opportunity to read that long post right now, cause Im tired as feck after the game… 
Will read it after a quick rest, but welcome back anyway! 
August 12th, 2009 at 22:02
@Cyclops-Red: Aaaah Cyclops, a man after my own heart where the scousere Johnson and Babel are concerned
Rio didn’t exactly cover himself with glory though did he? 
.
August 12th, 2009 at 22:07
@Craig Mc: Norway were robbed, what the fuck?!
We should have had a penalty and a finish from Carew crossed the line but wasnt given! The ref was horrible, I will admit maybe for Scotland too, but he was just horrible!! Got major and epic boos from both crowds, and why the fuck do FIFA insert a ref from luxemburg, a linesman from Lativa and another from Belarus?! It didnt make any sense. Feel bad for Fletcher though… Waited for him after the game and told him he is soon a United legend if he keeps doing as he does. He said thanks, but didnt seem to bothered about it and went into the bus kinda angry/sad… Felt bad, but the Scots didnt take it too bad. They were screaming all the way!!! 
And yes, if England meet Norway you will kick our asses!
No doubt about it. If England come to play a game agaisnt Norway one day, I will be in the crowd! You better be there as well! 
Cause I know Englishmen and Scotsmen are the best fans in the world, and Italians can lick my delicious ass because they are shit! 
August 12th, 2009 at 22:13
@Craig Mc:
I’m going to blame his mistake on Johnson’s dreadful pass to him in the first place, not that I’m biased of course.
I thought generally speaking England were the better team. Keystone cops defending just keeps letting them down against the better sides.Wright-Phillips would be a great player but doesn’t have any body strength. Defoe may be pulling his finger out now he knows Owen might be breathing down his neck. Barry and De Jong look like City players.
August 12th, 2009 at 22:14
@Footy4Eddy:
, are you sober or pissed Eddi – own up now. Norway did good, but shame about the sending off – ruined the game eh? Glad you enjoyed yourself mate, and had good banter with the scots fans 
.
August 12th, 2009 at 22:18
@Cyclops-Red:
, you got that right mate about Barry and De Jong. But Rio, Rio, Rio, I was mortified he GIFTED them the 1st goal. I have to say that Defoe was more effective than Roon, and now that does worry me. Milner miles better than Ashley Young too. Glad for the draw, but it should have been 2-0 win but for the sloppy goals we gifted them 
August 12th, 2009 at 22:18
I heard Nani came on in the 70th. If he plays this weekend, I’d love to hear the fans sing
Nani are you ok, Nani are you ok, are you ok Nani
repeat
You’ve been hit by, you’ve been struck by, a rent boy criminal
to the the tune of Michael Jackson’s Smooth Criminal
August 12th, 2009 at 22:20
@I_Bleed_Red:
August 12th, 2009 at 22:26
@Craig Mc:
Rooney doesn’t look totally match fit to me, hopefully it’s just pre-season rust.
August 12th, 2009 at 22:45
@Craig Mc: You mistake the term cheat with whiner. Ballack in England has been nothing more than a baby and a whiner always crying to refs. I have not seen the cheating you are talking about. I have watched this player play well over 200 games for his clubs and 80% of his internationals for Germany and to call him a cheat is ludicrous. This is not me sticking up for him because I like him. This is the truth and what you are talking about is just bitterness because that one body check cost us the match. And no he never got him in the face. Check your eyes bro. Everybody in the media has agreed that it’s a foul but also, everyone agrees that there was no elbow to the face. If he grazed him a bit, I hardly think that constitutes Evra acting like he got shot.
Ballack plays for Chelsea and for me that means he is scum every time he plays against United. But I am also fair and your comments towards him are not. Still, I understand where they are coming from and by no means am I upset. Quit apologizing for insulting him or hating him. That’s fine with me. All I ask is to be fair to him. He is not a cheat but he is a whiner. No doubt he fouled him but he never murdered him like you and some die hard United fans are claiming. The murder was created buy Chris Foy.
August 12th, 2009 at 22:47
damn fights in the us mex game mexicans are dirty fuckin players from what i can see on this shit stream. looked like he was trying to snap a downed players neck
August 12th, 2009 at 23:28
@Craig Mc: Im sober, but havent had an opportunity to watch the game on the Telly. I was sitting on the other side of the red card incident, so its hard for me to tell whether it was right or wrong… But whatever, we beat the Scots 4-0, and I had some banter with the Scots!
They sure love their football… 
August 12th, 2009 at 23:29
@I_Bleed_Red:
August 13th, 2009 at 1:10
@Grognard: I think what incensed people the most about that tackle was that play was not stopped. Unlike the tackle on Ballack, when play was stopped and United had good possession!
You’re right though the challenge on Evra was hard, maybe illegal, but far from OTT. In fact Evra’s payback tackle a little later on, was monstrous and quite dangerous!!…. also a joy to watch.
Welcome back dude.
August 13th, 2009 at 1:40
watching the england game.. the first half at least i have come to the following conclusions…..firstly glen Johnson is actually shit… from the first second gave the ball away and was all in all inept… bring back wes. secondly, lampard is also quite shit when played totally out of position (there is a reason he scored on sunday and it has something to do with being played in the top of a diamond formation, not paired with a def mid who was so dopey tonight it was rediculous) thirdly when when england learn that the long ball over the top is sooooooooooooooo out of date… for gods sake we have midfielders who can pass the ball ON THE FUCKING FLOOR so why don’t we use them, rather than giving the ball the beckham and hoping heskey times his jump correctly… Young needs to get himself down the gym if he’s gonna play at international level and Rio needs to WAKE THE FUCK UP!
August 13th, 2009 at 1:48
@Will: errrr… the reason Lampard scored on Sunday was because Foster couldn’t handle his shot!! Otherwise he was quiet and mostly uninvolved.
Chelsea managers have pampered him for years, giving him his ideal playing position (and for good reason), but when playing out of his comfort zone, like with England, it exposes his limitations!!
August 13th, 2009 at 4:19
I don’t think you’re going to like this Craig,
http://www.slbenfica.pt/Informacao/Futebol/Noticias/CompraRedPass.asp?Adepto=NANI
It’s from Benifica’s official web site and it says they’re about to finalize a deal for Nani.
August 13th, 2009 at 5:15
I think MO will score goals for United and so if you have to equate a value for a goal, he comes as very good value to us!!
The Owen resurrection is a good deed for “him”, for “United”, and for “England”. And it’s a good “deed”, rather than a “smart piece of business”, because, really it is a pure act of charity – we pay him when he plays, we pay the doctor when he gets hurt, and we pay the piper when he under-achieves!! Now if we had gone out on a limb, and put a little bank on his acquisition, the terms would be a little different. We pay him when he plays, we pay him when he gets hurt, and we pay him again when he under-achieves!!
So it’s easy to understand the difference, and of course, the reaction of most is to choose the former over the later. Absolutely, we are helping a wayward England star find his shining light again, and at a price we can afford and at a risk that can only be calculated by the clubs medical team.
To be perfectly honest, and regardless of his performances, it will take me a while to warm to the idea of an ex-filth mingling in our ranks. Call me old fashioned if you like, but there was once a time when the red of Old Trafford and the red of Anfield, was only separated by the the amount of red spilled during the game. When United lost to the POO 1-4 last season, that hurt me more than all cup final losses totaled together. Just utter humiliation…….fuckers!!!
But anyway, we have this man, and I would have to admit, we need this man. We need him to score goals this season – lots and lots of goals, and I’m hoping like hell he can punch in a few! With any luck, and a redeeming stroke of karma for our magnanimous gesture to Michael, he will again prove the genius of our already proven genius, Sir Alex Ferguson.
The thing that unsettles me most about this is the downside! “What downside”, you say. Well, it’s the idea that MO looks like he is the best forward we could
purchaseacquire this TW, and for likes of Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Citeh, domestically, and Madrid, Barca, Inter in the CL we have showed them an Achilles heel of massive proportion.They are our main obstacles to meaningful trophies this season and they will play to our weaknesses not our strengths. If MO falters of gets hurt, the rest of the bunch (and I include Rooney here) will become a far easier animal to tame, simply because of their predictability!!
I think, in the end, SAF will pay the price!!!
August 13th, 2009 at 5:19
I think its a prank folks. I’ve read on another forum that the Benfica website was hacked allowing anyone to post false information.
August 13th, 2009 at 5:40
@Redrich: Thanks mate. Like I said, the real culprit and cheat in my opinion was Chris Foy the ref. Just not fair and full of double standards the whole game. A ref needs to be consistent and if he calls it for the one team, he has to call a similar infraction the same way for the other team too. Watching the Prem today is very difficult due to poor reffing game in and game out. How the train these muppets and how they choose them is beyond me but one thing I can say is that whatever they are doing, it’s not working.
August 13th, 2009 at 5:52
@Grognard: I completely agree, refereeing in the entire game is abysmal – and it’s not really their fault!!
I remember watching an NFL game last year, and with all the stoppages and replays, blah, blah, blah, I was just amazed at how often the zebras called it right-on the first time!! Had to be 9/10 at least. Then watching a PL game the following day, I would have imagined they got it right less than half the time. It’s fucking pathetic!!
What is needed is more of them, at least 1 more on the field of play, and absolutely goal-line camera’s to take the burden away from their work load. Just can’t understand why they can’t move forward in this way??
August 13th, 2009 at 6:37
@Grognard: Anyway Grog, I’m glad you came back. I like to have a “generational” compadre here!!
With all thats been said and done, I would be sure you and I would hit it off face to face too. I like your passion and your prose, and I agree (somewhat) with most of what you have to say.
I’d like to have an Ale or two with you dude but distance is a big prob. Next time your down the pub have one on me. I’m gonna do the same mate!!
August 13th, 2009 at 8:10
the Neuer rumors are spreading…
From the Sun
BBC is amplifying the story as well…
PLEASE BE TRUE…
August 13th, 2009 at 8:20
I know Im very new to RR but in the brief period I’v been around I have come to appreciate, though not agree with the comments of some people, Grog,footy4eddy,craig and cyclops and stephen. I sometimes skip through some comments but I read the additions from the above group, even though some are nauseatingly long, i say KISSS,keep it short and simple stupid
. Anyway I’d just like to jump on to the welcome back grog bandwagon, hope it’s not full.
On to today’s topic, i think most of us have come to terms with Owens signing, whether he flops or not, and most expect him to get injured at some time during the campaign so if he doesn’t great, if he does,well we all expected it.Personally i think he’ll go through most of the season.
Berba has incredible foot skills and can hoodwink defenders who think he’s slow with his pace, like when he played at the wing last week.He’s looking much sharper and it seems to me now that CR7 has left, most players want to shine, they are putting extra effort in their game. CR7 was like a large canopy blanketing all our other players. Now that he has left, the club doesn’t have a special player who’s favored above everyone else,so everyone is fighting to be the next special player.
August 13th, 2009 at 9:18
@Redrich: You know Red I was just talking to a friend of mine who doesn’t contribute to Red Rants but often goes to see what’s happening or to see if Grognard is cooking up a mess. Anyway he was asking me what the heck was happening and I explained to him that I need to as you put it, grow a thicker skin. I actually brought you up to him and gave you most of the credit for kind of waking me up with your comments on growing a thicker skin and realizing that as much as I would like to think of many on the blog as friends, at the end of the day we are still justy strangers because we really don’t each other.
So thanks again for shaking some sense into my head. Coming from somebody of my generation is important because I often cannot relate or see things from the point of view of young people who have different reactions to things. Red Ranter has often become frustrated by me because of the generational gap because as much as I want to, i just don’t take advice and wisdom directed at me well when it comes from somebody who is less than half my age. So your intervention and wake up call was really needed and I thank you. And I’ll definitely have an extra ake in your name the next time I hit the pub. Thanks again.
August 13th, 2009 at 9:22
@spizzy:
, agree about the longwindedness sometimes. Also think your right about Berba too, he just needs to be able to maintain it for a WHOLE match!
August 13th, 2009 at 9:23
@[OPTI]Madschester United: If we were to get get Manuel Neuer I would call it the biggest signing the team has made since Cristiano Ronaldo. He is the second coming of Schmeichel and is worth the 20 to 25 million it will take to get him. In fact, I would want him more than Aguero or even more than I wanted Huntelaar or Arshavin.
Fergie won’t do it. The cheap bugger will hold on to the cash and watch Neuer eventually be bought by Bayern Munich (which would also be fine with me). His stubbornness and unwillingness to come across as wrong when it comes to rating Foster so high will keep this from happening. And signing that useless bag of shite for 4 years before he ever proved himself has got to go down as one of the poorest examples of bad business ever done by United.
August 13th, 2009 at 9:31
@Grognard: How is Fergie a cheap bugger?
Does he pay the transfer fees out of his own pocket? As far I as can see the Glaziers have slammed the vault shut after throwing in the bags with the £80m to service the debt.
If the money was available Fergie would have no problem spending it, what manager wouldn’t? If any chaitman told a manager he has vast sums of money to spend they wuld be a kid at Hamley’s, for me the real “cheap buggers” are the Americans.
Also saying that Foster was the orst piece of business the club has ever done is a knee jerk to over promote your point, Djemba x2, Bellion, Milne, Kleberson, Miller and the worst keepers Goram and Taibi.
August 13th, 2009 at 9:32
@[OPTI]Madschester United: I need the positive strokes here so I’ll just remind everyone about who brought up the name Neuer and even Adler well over a year and a half ago? Nothing would do more for my ego and for my forgiving Fergie for all his non moves than if he was to sign one of my two German uber keepers. For 18 months I have made the case for both Neuer and Adler and have been on the rampage against Foster speaking many times about his poor technique and terrible fundamentals. It’s funny that other than Dan, everybody seems to finally be coming around to my thinking on both Foster as well as Neuer. And if Fergie was to actually stun me and sign up Neuer, I would consider it a personal victory because I am the scout who raved about him the very most over the guys that are actually on the United payroll. And I started this a long time ago. Nothing feels better than when your good taste and judgment is validated. I just hope the rumors are true. I just don’t think they are because Fergie just doesn’t operate like that. Panic is not in his DNA.
August 13th, 2009 at 9:39
@Stephen: There are rumours on Radio sports that SAF isn’t using the money, because this is his final year before retirement. So money reserved for new man & his player choices
.
August 13th, 2009 at 9:43
What are you guys thoughts on Mark Shwarzcer as a keeper?
I like how he’s been for Australia and Middlesborough,
he’s got good hands and confidence
August 13th, 2009 at 9:44
@Craig Mc: It will only be his last year if we win the 19th league Championship.
Also the board would trust whatever players Fergie believes in, so would have no problems in letting him spend it, in my view he simply does not have it availbale.
August 13th, 2009 at 9:45
@Natzca: He is 37 in October.
August 13th, 2009 at 9:58
Thoughts from internationals:
1. Rio made a very poor decision, glad to see he’s doing that only in friendlies, but worried he’s doing it at all.
2. Far from being finished, Becks is still utter quality. With terrible tatoos. I know it’s just sentimental, but we could do much worse with him as an option on the bench for a year. (if he was free)
3. Frank Lampard is actually quite good. Barry and Carrick were not.
4. The dutch were awful. If England hadn’t gifted themt wo goals, they probably wouldn’t have had a shot all match. Oh and VDV is (rightfully) distracted by affairs at home, and defo won’t be coming to the UK because of that. Apparently Sneijder was playing, but I couldn’t tell.
5. Tosic seems a smart little player, with a sweet left boot. Probably not enough to succeed at United, but he’s not as bad as people make him out to be.
Oh and there is no way we’re selling Nani this season. No fooking doubt aboot that.
August 13th, 2009 at 10:08
@Stephen: fair enough
August 13th, 2009 at 10:21
I believe Owen will do his best as this is his best opportunity….
You can see his performances on Community Shields against Chelsea.
He is intelligent striker..
He deserves for another chance!
August 13th, 2009 at 10:26
The Neuer rumors are really picking up the pace. Now Sky are running the story with direct quotes from Felix Magath.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12876_5488150,00.html
I hope the story is true as I don’t think Foster and PIG has what it takes to succeed VDS. But I don’t think we’ll make the move this season though. Foster is apparently fit for the start of the season and we have VDS for this season atleast. I think Fergie will use this season to gauge Foster’s performance when he shoulders the pressure of keeping the English champions’ goal. Playing for Manchester United is very different from playing for Watford. I have yet to see a confident performance from Foster in a United shirt. Yes, he did play well against Spurs in the Carling cup final, but he doesn’t exude the confidence and calming influence which VDS does.
I sincerely hope Foster does well, that would save us a lot of money and effort. But he doesn’t strike me as someone who could handle the pressure of being keeper for a top side. Also, I think PIG is underrated by many. He is atleast as good as Foster and the only reason Foster is receiving more adulation is because he is English.
August 13th, 2009 at 10:34
@Craig Mc: Ole will take over
August 13th, 2009 at 10:35
@Grognard: First of all, as I said yesterday, welcome back mate!
Second, I really think I should apologise for my behavior on Sunday. Its just that when my friends get all upset or angry of some sorts, Im not exactly the kind of guy to comfort one. I usually drive them on to be more “competetive”, stand up when they are kicked on the ground. Lets just say Im one to fire one up, and that may come from the football captain in me. And it seems to be the same with every captain Ive ever played against, or with for that matter, here in Norway. We come from different cultures, so when it seemed like I tried to piss you off, I actually wanted you to be more fired up to give a crap in peoples opinions about you. Like I said on Sunday, thats what I do. So I apologise for that mate, some times I need to open my eyes and use my brain better!
Lastly, even though this may only be the internet I consider you my friend. I consider many of you here as my friends! I dont see any harm with that, as it gives me a different angle on how people are outside my social landscape. They seem boring as hell sometimes, you guys are so funny!
So about that “not being friends on the internet” thing, I wouldnt think too much of that mate. We all come from different cultures and behave differently, doesnt mean we cant be friends. 
August 13th, 2009 at 10:37
@Craig Mc: I hope it’s wrong. I can’t imagine life without Fergie.
August 13th, 2009 at 10:38
@RDJ: They are not reporting it, they are reporting what the manager has said, there is a difference. Managers talk bollocks to the media all the time, so take this with a pinch of salt.
The BBC arent either, its in the gossip column.
August 13th, 2009 at 10:38
@Craig Mc: If we got the 19th title I wouldn’t bet against it. It would also make sense that we are buying up loads of good young players, so that we are guaranteed quality regardless of who comes in after him.
August 13th, 2009 at 10:45
@RDJ: Me neither RDJ, it’ll be a sad day – and we’ll have another ‘black arm bands’ and a ‘minutes applaud’ for our genious of a Manager. One thing is for sure, it is indeed very strange that we have stashed over 100 million away, because SAF has only spent his normal allowed quota of money, he would have spent anyway for this season. I hope the rumours are truly wrong, because the media often get it horribly wrong. I don’t think SAF would announce his departure this time though, because of all that happened last time he thought he was going
.
August 13th, 2009 at 10:47
@Traverse: Maybe Trav, but I thought that SAF wanted at least ONE MORE CL trophy before he signed off
.
August 13th, 2009 at 10:48
Lots of rumours going on about Neuer… Although I like Foster, if we get this lad I will tell every United keeper, even VDS, to fuck off to the bench because the German lad is absolutely immense! A class act, and one of the best keepers Ive seen. I bet he could also be our new penalty taker, with him being German and all…
Neuer is the second coming of Schemicel. They are blonde, tall and strong. And the best goalkeepers of their generation.
August 13th, 2009 at 10:53
@Craig Mc: Well, it will be a sad day when Fergie retires. A truly sad day, and I cant imagine United without him. But unfortunately, it will happen some day. And its in the near future, as he gets 68 in December. You can already see he doesnt have the same spirit or drive he had when he was younger, he sat on his ass the whole game in Rome and its been a long time since I saw him walk down the touchline and shouts stuff to fire the players on… He will retire some day, and it will be the best if he retires when at his best. Which is why I think he will retire next summer, if we get the 19th title. Then he has well and truly knocked Liverpool of “Their Fucking Perch!”
I vote for Eric and Ole to become our next manager team.
August 13th, 2009 at 10:53
@Traverse: By the way Trav, it would be strange wouldn’t it, if SAF’s swansong (if it comes in next two seasons) coincided with Giggsy, Scholesy and Red Nevs swan songs? Like they are the last of the Fergie old boys and to sail into the sunset together? Feck me, anyone think I should take up script writing and make millions
.
August 13th, 2009 at 11:04
@Craig Mc: You are right craig Ballack was wrong but What i meant by Ballck not being “in the wrong”, He was being skinned by Evra and his team were being battered. He did only what any agressive player would do in that situation. As Grog said Keane did the same thing in many matches. Yes it’s dirty and cheating but it’s the Ref’s job to caution players for this and to see the incidents in the first place. Players are free to make these challenges at the risk of being booked in a sense it is part and parcel of the game granted much less these days. Ballack is wrong but then so is Fletcher,Keane, Viera, SCHOLES! etc the “VILLAN” however is the Ref in this situation. We should blame only the ref for making such a poor call not the player for commiting a Professional foul to save his teams(and his own) blushes. That’s all i meant by my comment.
Rumours are Neuer for £5 mill?? damn even at £10mil SAF should be jumping through hoops to get this guy. It’s a bargain that after the world cup will no longer be valid. Neuer £5 mil now after world cup (which he’ll get called up for i expect) £20 mil?? Save money and our fast approaching season. With foster the defence will be shakey not just him. they need a strong keeper to give them confidence that the keeper is good enough to stop a potential goal if they take a chance on rushing the approaching attacker and fail to get the ball. At the moment they’ll be far to conservative and will let the opponents have more time on the ball to make there move.
Foster needs another carling cup season under his belt before making that step up.
August 13th, 2009 at 11:04
The atmosphere is so thick with pomposity, the air is so full of bull-shit.. Knock, Knock, Who’s there? … Its Grognard back @ Redrants
August 13th, 2009 at 11:05
@Craig Mc: That’s what makes it more likely, and easier for someone else to come in and for it to be their team. Scholes, Giggs and Neville will stop playing, but start coaching. Fergie will ‘move upstairs’, and Mourinho will come in with Ole as #2. Seems so obvious to me.
August 13th, 2009 at 11:12
@Dan:
Dan what are you? You probably think Ole will make all his young reserves the 1st team too, don’t you? 
.
August 13th, 2009 at 11:13
@Traverse: I thought SAF wanted David Moyes?
August 13th, 2009 at 11:15
@Merlinus: A BARD you are not mate
.
August 13th, 2009 at 11:26
@RDJ: Mate I’m probably sticking my head up here to the PIG snipers, but I personally believe that he would not have let those two goals in at Wembley. It just wasn’t Ben Foster’s day, that’s all.
August 13th, 2009 at 11:32
Fergie please buy this keeper! Iv never seen him but he cant be worse that what we have now….Plus if he is 6ft 4 then hes a giant
August 13th, 2009 at 11:34
@Craig Mc: Yea definately esp the second 1. That was an easy save
August 13th, 2009 at 11:36
@Taehr: Yep, frank lamapard with a free shot in the penalty box, definitely an easy save
August 13th, 2009 at 11:37
@Taehr: Well thats not pathetic at all then is it.
August 13th, 2009 at 11:38
@Craig Mc: does anyone know how much intrest £80million would make in the bank ?
August 13th, 2009 at 11:46
@Stephen:
Fergie did call himself a Scottish skinflint only a few days ago so he obviously must read Red Rants.
Regarding the transfers this is my understanding;
We made an initial enquiry regarding Ibrahimovic but were told he didn’t want to play in England.
We made an initial enquiry to David Silva’s agent but thats all , we didn’t make an official offer to the club.
We made an opening offer to Valencia for David Villa for £25m which was rejected. We did not pursue negotiations because he does not want to come to England.
Bayern were seriously considering offloading Ribery to us until Madrid started to turn his head. Bayern were furious with their approach and decided to take a hard line.
So we are trying to spend the money it’s just that Fergie won’t pay over the top valuations and also the players we wanted don’t want to come.
August 13th, 2009 at 12:00
@Cyclops-Red: You missed 35 million Benzema offer off that list Cyclops
.
August 13th, 2009 at 12:03
@Will: I understand from media reports that SAF has banked over 100 million. It won’t make interest for us if we have used it to take 100 million off debt owed. Others who understand better about high finance, might have more of an answer for you than me
August 13th, 2009 at 12:07
I wonder if quite a bit of the money accrued, has been used for the extension of players contracts, which always costs a tidy amount? A good few of our players have had their contracts extended, and some have started on contracts, like Macheda, Welbeck, Da Silva twins etc etc etc. Soon eats up the money available doesn’t it?
August 13th, 2009 at 12:16
@Craig Mc:
Yeah, I forgot Benzema.
No not the transfer money but I think the salary savings from the Judas and Ronaldo will go mainly on improved contracts, Ji-Sung, Macheda, Evans, and Vidic etc.
I’ve got this horrible feeling that Vidic may be off next season.
August 13th, 2009 at 12:32
@Taehr: Fergie please buy this keeper! Iv never seen him but he cant be worse that what we have now
Fergies retirement will spell the end of this run of trophies, the team will take some rebuilding under the new manager. I think quiroz should come back,we did win the treble under his tenure as assistant amd he did work with fergie for several years so he must have picked up a thing or two from the old geezer. Quiroz would definitely make the transition seamless because we wouldn’t visibly notice the changes.
August 13th, 2009 at 12:47
@Craig Mc: It won’t be used for debt clearing for 2 reasons.
1) The Glazers have a clear plan for that.
2) Fergie has already tried to spend most of it, only for players values to skyrocket! We’d have spent most it all on Ribery, Silva and Benzema if Real hadn’t gone batshit crazy.
August 13th, 2009 at 12:48
@spizzy: eh? Are you mental?
It was Steve McClaren who was assistant when we did the treble!
August 13th, 2009 at 12:49
@spizzy: CQ management history is apalling, he lost his last 5 games at Real and finished 4th, and his record with Portugal is awful, good number 2, but not a number 1.
Also I have been banging on about this for ages, he has walked out twice on us and for me it would not be third time lucky, for me he has burnt his bridges.
August 13th, 2009 at 12:52
@Cyclops-Red: Yeah, the £200,000 a week we save on Ronnie and the Mercenary has been shared out a bit to players who deserve a bit more.
Over the year we’ll have saved £10.4mil of wages by offloading them.. although that’s not accounting for Owen, Obertan and Valencia’s wages. Like Tesco says, every little helps.
August 13th, 2009 at 12:52
@Cyclops-Red: Fergie won’t pay or the Glaziers won’t pay? And is that fact those offers? Of course not just paper talk.
August 13th, 2009 at 12:53
@spizzy: Cq wasnt our assistant in the treble winning season
And hes a pants manager anyway.
August 13th, 2009 at 12:55
@Beachryan: I though Carrick played well when he came on, twice the player the overrated Barry is.
August 13th, 2009 at 12:57
@Stephen:
Fergie won’t pay and it’s based on what Fergie,Gill and the Glazers have said.
August 13th, 2009 at 12:58
@Stephen: Tbh, i think the funds are there for him to use. He just a stubborn old man who believes in value and all that nonsense.
August 13th, 2009 at 13:01
@Cyclops-Red: Fergie is a company man he is playing by the house rules, towing the party line, he has never balked at paying over the odds in the past, Berbatov, Carrick and even Rio are case in point sometimes you have to read between the lines, he is not allowed to spend over the odds.
August 13th, 2009 at 13:02
@Dan: It is just not the norm though mate, we have spent silly money in years gone by, why not now, my yhoughts the Glaziers have binned the money, if Fergie wants someone the price usually isn’t an issue.
August 13th, 2009 at 13:03
It was straight at him dan….it wasnt even that hard…
August 13th, 2009 at 13:06
@Stephen: Agreed.
August 13th, 2009 at 13:08
@Taehr: Casillas is 6′1 does that make him not as good?, and Foster is 6′2 not exactly an umpa lumpa is he?
August 13th, 2009 at 13:10
@Stephen:
Mate, he’s clearly got a budget of £60m. He will pay what he sees as value for a player. He won’t blow £60m just on one player. This year there are a lot of question marks that need answering;
1) goalkeeper
2) DM will Hargreaves comeback
3) Will Nani step up
4) Will Owen remain fit and score enough goals
Only some or none of those questions may be answered this season which means he may have to spend on two or three different areas next season.
August 13th, 2009 at 13:12
@Taehr: And he managed to get a hand to it and was unlucky for it go in. It could have gone either side of the post.
August 13th, 2009 at 13:13
@Cyclops-Red: £80mil actually. He was given i
his regular budget AND the ronaldo money.
August 13th, 2009 at 13:14
@Cyclops-Red: Sorry how has he “clearly” got a £60m budget?
Fergie will spend and this has been proven that in the past what it takes to get the player he wants, regardless of the price, we have never been concerned with “value” in the past Berbatov £31m for a 27 year old isn’t value, it is what he wanted.
August 13th, 2009 at 13:24
@Stephen:
£80m operating profit + £25m profit on transfer sales=£105m
£105m less £45m interest payments = £60m
Fergie will never spend £60m on one player for thec reasons I have already stated £30m yes maybe £40m but not £60m.
August 13th, 2009 at 13:41
@Stephen: Difference is stephen, berbatov was around £5mil more he wanted to spend. The likes of villa and aguero where considerably more then he wanted to spend.
August 13th, 2009 at 13:53
@Cyclops-Red: We are £700m in debt, we are in a reccession they have pulled the purse strings tight.
August 13th, 2009 at 13:53
@Dan: Ot maybe mate he simply was not intersted in those players?
August 13th, 2009 at 14:03
@Stephen: He said he was interested in players, but their respective clubs where asking for too much. He said clubs where asking for £50mil and he wasnt prepared to pay that.
August 13th, 2009 at 14:15
@Stephen: He was prepared to pay £35 million for benzema. When talking about top players, i think round about £30 million’s when we start to draw a line, and top players are requiring a whole lot more than that right now.
August 13th, 2009 at 14:40
@Stephen:
I agree with your point about the debt, it’s an issue that really concerns me and I am not a “spokesman” for the Glazers nor will I blindly idolise Fergie nor will I stupidly believe everything that is written in the press at face value. I’m just trying to put my opinion on the current situation we are faced with vis-a-vis the transfer funds available.
August 13th, 2009 at 15:21
Oops, my bad, I meant CQ was assistant in 2007-08 season when we won the champions league.
All those trophies from last year must have gone to my head.
August 13th, 2009 at 15:23
@tevez: Hence my poiny money isn’t available, but nobody really knows to be honest we are all just giving our views.
August 13th, 2009 at 15:27
@tevez: @Dan: My point is that it is not “his” money so really he would not be bothered really what the club spends, in my view Gill does the negging, Fergie just gives him the players to target so blaming Fergie in my opinion is wrong.
August 13th, 2009 at 15:33
Oops, my bad, I meant CQ was assistant in 2007-08 season when we won the champions league.
All those trophies from last year must have gone to my head.
The news about fergies departure may not be so far fetched if you consider his reluctance to rebuild the team. He probably wants to work with the boys he’s been building and keep united within the top four, then bow out gracefully next year.Kind of like a retirement party, no one wants to celebrate their retirement party with the new faces in the office, you’d want to be surrounded by people you’ve been with for years.
Since all of you have rubbished CQ i now have to go back to Jose Mourinho as our next coach. Or Moyes if he can finally knock those gooners of the fourth spot they’ve been holding on to.
August 13th, 2009 at 15:35
@Stephen: I was just saying that 6ft 4 is very big… I
s brown fit for the weekend?
August 13th, 2009 at 15:44
@Taehr: I don’t think so mate.
August 13th, 2009 at 15:46
@spizzy: Please do not start banaging the Mourinho drum again we will be here all night.
August 13th, 2009 at 15:49
@Natzca: He’s not United class. Decent keeper, better than Foster and Pig but not what we should be looking for. We are Man Utd, we deserve the best out there. Casillas and Buffon are not available therefore, the next best thing out there is Neuer and then Adler.
August 13th, 2009 at 15:57
@Footy4Eddy: Thanks for that Eddy. No apology was necessary. Although you did get under my skin the fault was mine because I overreacted and I am realizing that I am too high maintenance at times emotionally. I let little things and the separation and coldness of the Internet get under my skin.
As for being friends, sure I consider you a friend but the reality is we really do not know each other and have never met in person. That lack of bonding and the distance will always cause friendly and outgoing individuals like yourself and me to suffer a bit under the restrictions and barriers the Internet creates. So forgive me if I do not come across as outgoing as I used to be. I do not need the pain of feeling friendly with individuals and then have them turn on me or not support me when I fully expect them to. It’s not their faults, it’s the Internet and my unrealistic expectations and I’m not placing myself in that kind of emotional jeopardy again. An example of that is threatening to quit the blog and not one person feeling upset enough to try to convince me to not stay. They did nothing wrong, it’s my expectations and beliefs that were wrong. So fear not Eddy, Grognard is no longer going to be the big baby of the past.
August 13th, 2009 at 15:57
@Taehr: According to latest news snippets Brown, Foster, Evans and Nani are fit for selection against the Brummies. If SAF has them in mind to play
.
August 13th, 2009 at 16:02
@Craig Mc: It makes perfect sense because if United want to coax a great manager away from another club, they need to be able to offer him a very impressive first season transfer kitty to go out and get players HE wants to build around. Fergie can’t go on forever and I would not be surprised if this summer and the disappointment of losing Ronaldo and all has not taken a little of the mojo out of Fergie. He is closing in on 70 and this season’s early disappointments may be a message to him to finally hang up his boots and go home in peace. I hope it’s not the case but you never know. Only Fergie really knows and even if true, a great season and new energy shown by the team may motivate him to stay longer.
August 13th, 2009 at 16:10
Any news on Rafael? He missed all preseason and has barely been mentioned.
August 13th, 2009 at 16:24
@Traverse: No news at all on Rafael, its a mystery
.
August 13th, 2009 at 16:30
@Grognard: I agree Grog. I think Bobby Robson’s death has really affected SAF too, because he said that he would put nobody before Bobby in the football world
. Contrary to what people think about SAF, he may fight like fuck when cornered, but he is a really caring man with a big heart. Fergie – Man United’s biggest legend, with Sir Matt Busby.
August 13th, 2009 at 16:35
@Footy4Eddy: Neuer is beyond world class. This guy is the second coming of Schmeichel, believe me. Lets look at some of the major skill sets that goalkeeper needs to be successful and see how I rate Neuer vs Foster and EVDS to get a feeling of how good he is.
DIVING: EVDS 7/10, Foster 7/10, Neuer 9/10, Buffon 8/10, Casillas 9/10
REFLEXES: EVDS 7/10, Foster 8/10, Neuer 10/10, Buffon 9/10, Casillas 9/10
DISTRIBUTION: EVDS 7/10, Foster 5/10, Neuer 8/10, Buffon 9/10, Casillas 8/10
COMMUNICATION: EVDS 6/10, Foster 3/10, Neuer 8/10, Buffon 10/10, Casillas 9/10
LEAPING ABILITY: EVDS 6/10, Foster 5/10, Neuer 9/10, Buffon 8/10, Casillas 9/10
FOOTWORK: EVDS 8/10, Foster 3/10, Neuer 9/10, Buffon 10/10, Casillas 8/10
COMING OUT TO CUT OUT ANGLES: EVDS 6/10, Foster 6/10, Neuer 10/10, Casillas 8/10, Buffon 8/10
DEALING WITH CROSSES AND CORNERS: EVDS 8/10, Foster 4/10, Neuer, 9/10, Buffon 9/10, Casillas 8/10
PROPER POSITIONING: EVDS 7/10, Foster 2/10, Neuer 8/10, Buffon 10/10, Casillas 8/10
INTIMIDATION: EVDS 8/10, Foster 3/10, Neuer 9/10, Buffon 6/10 Casillas 8/10
SHOT STOPPER: EVDS 8/10, Foster 8/10, Neuer 9/10, Buffon 10/10, Casillas 10/10
FOCUS & CONCENTRATION: EVDS 7/10, Foster 3/10, Neuer 8/10, Buffon 10/10, Casillas 9/10
PARRYING SHOTS: EVDS 7/10, Foster 2/10, Neuer 10/10, Buffon 9/10, Casillas 9/10
FISTING THE BALL (Don’t think dirty): EVDS 8/10, Foster 5/10, Neuer 7/10,
Buffon 6/10, Casillas 8/10
LEADERSHIP: EVDS 8/10, Foster 1/10, Neuer 6/10, Buffon 9/10, Casillas 9/10
QUICKNESS AND RECOVERY: EVDS 6/10, Foster 7/10, Neuer 9/10, Buffon 8/10, Casillas 8/10
These are honest ratings based on my many ours of watching all these keepers and my experience at analyzing keepers and their skills. For me Neuer is the closest thing I have seen to Schmeichel and even better, Sepp Maier. I am especially amazed at his quickness and recovery abilities after making saves. He’s quickly back up and in position to make another save. I remember two seasons ago a flurry of about five saves he mad in a Bundesliga game over a ten second span that was amazing to behold. And that flurry actually contradicts one of his other great abilities and that is to avoid rebounds and prevent teams from getting second chances. In the last year he has eliminated his mental errors and he just does not give rebounds up. The first Chelsea goal this weekend by Carvalho would not have happened with Neuer in goal. When he parries or fists a ball, it is usually out of play or as far away from opposition as possible.
Also, I think he is an amazing shot stopper with great reflexes and diving ability. Some of his saves remind me of Schmeichel in their sheer audacity and he always makes the effort. You never see him ball watching like Foster or even EVDS. Even if he misses it, he will go after a ball, and most of the time, he gets to it. Finally, I like his ability to handle high balls into the box. He is aggressive and he comes out with force and intimidation. He also does this when coming out to cut out angles and beat opponents to balls. Very quick, instinctive and very smart. I just can’t say enough about him. If I had 100 million to work with, I’d pay 25 million for him and that is an absurd amount for a keeper but he is worth it and he would be the last line of defense for United for a decade.
PS Too Foster fans out there, I wasn’t trying to be mean or spiteful. I was giving an honest evaluation of his skills as I see them. I have never seen a goalkeeper in the top flight of football with worse fundamentals and with so many bad habits. I really hate Almunia and consider him very useless but even he has better fundamentals. He’s just not that good. Frankly, Foster has too many weaknesses to worry about and that makes him a real albatross around Fergie’s neck.
August 13th, 2009 at 16:38
@Monkwahhdo: 5 million is a ridiculous price tag. I don’t know where that came from. It will take 20 million for us to beat out Bayern and get Neuer.
August 13th, 2009 at 16:40
@Merlinus: Not nice mate but the new Grognard is not going to care if you don’t like him much.
August 13th, 2009 at 16:43
@Craig Mc: Transfer money is never used to pay out wages to players. So we should have 100 million ready to spend if we are to believe Fergie and the Glazers.
August 13th, 2009 at 16:48
@Cyclops-Red: You do not subtract interest payments off our transfer kitty mate. It’s not part of the Glazer’s debt account. It’s separate. If anything, putting it in the bank increases the amount, not reduces it. We have a minimum of 80 million having spent the 20 million that was already allocated to Fergie for his yearly transfer business. In theory, all the money for Ronaldo as well as the sale of Campbell, Eckersley and others is in the bank waiting to be spent.
August 13th, 2009 at 16:52
@Craig Mc: The death of a friend can only make a man like Fergie think about his own mortality and he has always said that he needs to devote more time to his family. I see him saying goodbye very soon. But I also know that he would like to go out a winner and I do not believe this season will offer him that. So he could be back for next season and that I believe will be his last.
August 13th, 2009 at 17:04
@Grognard: I know none of us want to lose SAF, and ALL opposition fans can’t wait for the day they can party when hearing that SAF has gone, but I do believe that one can go on too long. SAF said that he wanted to spend more time with his children, and espcially his grandkids. He wanted to travel, and enjoy many experiences, and classics outside of football. Whether he will ever do that in the end – who knows?
August 13th, 2009 at 17:05
@Grognard:
original page on bbc which then links to:
the sun page. i know it’s only rumours but thats where the figure came from.
dont shot the messenger of tabloid shit.
August 13th, 2009 at 17:05
@Craig Mc: He will only leave when he has “knocked Liverpool off their fucking perch” That means when we have won 19 titles, and knowing him then he still might want to continue.
August 13th, 2009 at 17:27
@Stephen:
. I know what you mean mate. We don’t want a Jock Stein ending though do we? Or a NEAR MISS Houlier, which from all accounts SAF was first to race to Gerrard’s hospital bedside!
August 13th, 2009 at 17:30
@Monkwahhdo: Get used to it mate – the messenger is always getting shot by someone or another on this blog
.
August 13th, 2009 at 17:32
This club does not really work with budgets. Under the Glazers I do not believe money is ever a defining issue. If Fergie can identify a player he wants that represents good value we will buy him. Clearly the transfer targets Fergie has are not available at a good price. So we have not brought in any big names. Presumabely the feeling is that if we show clubs that we will pay over the odds, we will get ripped off every time we go for a player. So this is a new hardline United stance refusing to play the crazy prices of this summer and instead getting Valencia, Owen and Obertan for a combined sum of £20 million. Every time Fergie gets asked by the press why he is not buying Aguero/Villa etc he says something along the lines of because they would cost £50 million.
I respect this transfer policy. But I do feel that we need a star name if we are going to win anything next season and if that means paying £10-15 million extra so be it. After all I was expecting us to be forced to sell Ronaldo for £50-60 million but we got £80 million. So we are benefiting from player price inflation. I see nothing wrong with spending half of the Ronaldo money on a player like Aguero, Silva or Ribery.
As for Neuer…well we have this money lying around. Lets spend it on a young keeper who could continue Schmeichel and EVDSs legacy. From what Grognard has been saying he could well develop into a player superior to both of those legend keepers we’ve had. £20 million may seem a lot but for me a good keeper is every bit as vital as a good defender and you won’t get many top defenders for less than £20 million.
August 13th, 2009 at 17:33
@Craig Mc: Probably to revive him, as he was doing such a great job at Shitefield!
Wealso don’t want a Clough ending either!
August 13th, 2009 at 17:36
@Grognard:
Mate, I’m looking at the transfers in the financial year ie Berbatov, Tosic, Ljajic, Valencia, Obertan less all sales Ronaldo, Campbell etc.
August 13th, 2009 at 17:39
@colver: Saying we need to buy a “star” name is very generic.
Paying $40m for David Silva is ludicrous, simply he is not worth it and secondly Valencia are in the shit.
Ribery would be worth the money but he will not leave Bayern this season.
Augero for £40m, do we need another striker? he is a very good player no doubt, but £40m is too much for him and maybe Fergie has had enough of Argies, we need to give Berba and Rooney a chance this season to see if they can cut it, we have Owen as a back up and Kiko and Welbeck will get their chances to develop which could save us long term, so we have 5 strikers already, for me the only area that we should look at is the centre of the park.
August 13th, 2009 at 17:41
@colver: The othwer thing to consider is that keepers can play up to 40. So at 21 we can safely say that if he’s happy at United, he could stay with us for over 10 years at least and that is a security that you cannot put a price tag on.
August 13th, 2009 at 17:43
@Cyclops-Red: Every team has a year end accounting wise and Berba and the two Bosnians do not count for this season. They were last year’s business. This year’s business is everything that has happened since the end of the season.
August 13th, 2009 at 17:45
@Stephen: I wish you could have seen the Argentina vs Russia match yesterday mate because you wouldn’t be saying Aguero isn’t worth it. He was exceptional in that game having scored on a real cracker from outside of the box and assisting on another goal not to mention his general great play throughout.
August 13th, 2009 at 17:45
@Grognard: They are Serbian, but what’s the difference.
August 13th, 2009 at 17:45
I also think that Fergie should think about moving on. In an act of selflessness he has secured the long term future of the team by investing in youth. But right now we are in a transition phase. Our defence is still top drawer (until EVDS leaves). Our strike force is also pretty impressive. But our midfield is very average. It will be a few years before Nani and Valencia even approach the levels of Giggs in his prime and Ronaldo. The jury is still out concerning whether Anderson will ever turn into a quality player. Same applies to Gibson, Ljajic, Possebon et al. It remains to be seen if Hargreaves will ever return. So we are stuck with Nani, Carrick, Fletcher, Valencia as our first choice midfield and unfortunately right now that is just nowhere near good enough to win trophies.
August 13th, 2009 at 17:47
@Grognard: I didn’t watch it mate and I have always said he is a good player, but my real point was to give Rooney and Berba a chance to develop a partnership, Owen as a back up and Welbeck and Kiko will get game time which will help them devlop.
August 13th, 2009 at 17:49
@colver: Move on after winning three league titles in a row with one Champions league, and a league cup
Jeez I bet you think Mourinho should take over then?
August 13th, 2009 at 17:50
@Stephen:
, shitefields 
.
Gosh No, poor ole Cloughie, went downhill when Forest went downhill. Hard to decide which came first – chicken or the egg!
August 13th, 2009 at 17:54
@Craig Mc: I think the Vodka or the Gin came first in that one mate.
August 13th, 2009 at 17:58
@Stephen:
, you said it not me!
August 13th, 2009 at 18:03
@Grognard:
I agree if you mean the £60m carried forward plus any potential transfer kitty for this season dependent on profit which could range from £20m to £40m which could give us a war chest of £80-100m between now and till the end of this season. BTW welcome back
August 13th, 2009 at 18:13
@Cyclops-Red: With the windfall of the Ronaldo money they may just choose to pay off some of the debt, or stick the money into their pockets rather than enter into a over priced transfer market, when realisticly we don’t need that much.
August 13th, 2009 at 18:25
@Stephen:
I can’t discount that the fuckers will stick their snouts in the trough and fill their pockets with loot but it makes no sense from a business point of view to use any residual value from the Ronaldo sale to reduce the debt.
August 13th, 2009 at 18:26
Anyone read Rio’s online magazine??? It’s really good!!
Here’s the 2nd edition…
http://5magazine.rioferdinand.com/1K4a489c3c379dc012.cde
Enjoy!!
August 13th, 2009 at 19:06
Allright, I did a bit of Googling and found
1. Neuer’s idol is Jens Lehman
2. Adler’s idol is Peter Schmeichel
Does this mean that Neuer would rather not play for United as opposed to Adler???
Also, Arsenal and United both approached Adler before his first Bundesliga match but Adler wanted to stay with his team (I respect that).
August 13th, 2009 at 19:07
RUMOR ALERT
: Neuer signs for United. To be revealed on Monday for 12 million pounds.
Source: Gut feeling
August 13th, 2009 at 19:10
Addendum: Sources are gut feeling and a swarm of internet chatter building into more respected sites.
August 13th, 2009 at 19:11
@Stephen: Sorry, my mistake. Lets call them Yugoslavs and really piss off the politically correct.
August 13th, 2009 at 19:16
@Stephen: Meanwhile we have lost the best player in the world and have done nothing to replace him with somebody who has that kind of potential. It’s not about being fair or giving somebody a chance. It’s about winning and building the best team possible. Modern football is not an environment that breeds patience and giving people a chance. United have lofty expectations and to believe they can continue to have those type of expectations after losing Ronaldo and Tevez and replace them with a couple of dirty socks is laughable. Even more laughable are the optimists that expect us to be as good if not better than with Ronaldo. I can only laugh out loud at this and just patiently wait for my post season I told you so rant. We need the injection of a superstar to make us truly better. To be honest, buying Neuer will make me feel very good because it will truly solidify what is already an awesome defense. That might be all we need.
August 13th, 2009 at 19:19
@Cyclops-Red: Thanks. It’s good to be back and with a different mindset than before. Still negative and gloomy though.
August 13th, 2009 at 19:25
@[OPTI]Madschester United: Adler is a confirmed United fan. Neuer has never come out and said he had any love or desire to play for us which makes him perfect in Fergie’s eyes.
Schmeichel idolized Maier and Schumacher and Adler idolizes Schmeichel. Thats quite the lineage. I always like Lehmann myself even though he played for Arsenal. I think he was a quality keeper and his greatest moment was against us in the FA Cup we should have won easily but lost in penalties due to his incredible day between the pipes. Prone to the odd mental gaff, he was otherwise very strong technically with great ability in all areas.
It would be interesting to know what Neuer thinks of all this. You never know, he may choose Bayern over us. Many Germans dream of playing for Bayern. However, as Lehamnn never, that may bode well for us. Hope Wenger doesn’t enter the bidding war.
August 13th, 2009 at 19:26
@[OPTI]Madschester United: Don’t ever tease me like that again mate. That was cruel.
August 13th, 2009 at 19:59
@Grognard:
I would never have it any other way
Interesting analysis, on the “keeper” situation.
I hope Frgie doessn’t try his usual trick and try and identify some bargain basement alternative.
August 13th, 2009 at 20:16
@Grognard: you are welcome on the tease
Is Bayern really perceived by Die Deutsche to be greater than United or Arsenal? And Arsenal just got Fabianski after Adler rejected ours and Arsenal’s efforts and will likely not bid for Neuer.
Maybe he figures he can get more playing time at Bayern but above that I do not see a reason for joining Bayern?
August 13th, 2009 at 23:08
@Cyclops-Red: No, I expect Fergie and United to do their usual song and dance and come out and say that they are monitoring Neuer situation closely and then do absolutely nothing. They are pathetic this way. They want to buy world class players but only offer bargain basement bids and then wonder why teams say no to them. Then they get all hot and bothered and start bitching to the media that players are way too overvalued blah blah blah. Fergie and united are skinflint bargain basement leaches. They need to open their wallets wide for a change and buy a player that is worth 20 million and not dicker about the price like a bunch of Chinese grannies at farmers market.
August 13th, 2009 at 23:13
@[OPTI]Madschester United: In General Germans will always choose a top German side over another foreign side. Sure there are exceptions but they generally take great pride in their league, clubs and they also feel it is best for their chances in making the national team.
For decades now, moving to other clubs in other leagues has been frowned on by the German FA. Sure it’s OK for the Ballack’s of the world because they have paid their dues and established themselves but in general they really frown on younger players leaving Germany because they feel that these players owe a certain allegiance and loyalty in helping establish and promote the success of the Bundesliga. If we were to actually get a player like Neuer, trust me, it would be a major coup.
August 13th, 2009 at 23:24
@[OPTI]Madschester United: Bayern is a great club mate. In fact, when it comes to the Champions League, they have a richer and much more successful history of success than Man Utd. And they did win it last in 2001 so their success isn’t just ancient. They have played in 7 finals and won four times. They have an incredible pedigree and have produced far more world class players and European Players of the Year than United. Also, they have won more domestic league titles than United too. You also need to remember that Germany’s Bundesliga was considered from 1970 up to 1983 0r 1984 as the top domestic league in the world and this was before teams could carry more than 2 foreigners. I would put the Bayern juggernaut of the early to mid 70’s up against any team in history and expect them to win. Only the Cruyff led Ajax team’s of the same period come close.
So no bad mouthing Bayern. They are a massive club with tons of money, pedigree, self esteem, success and they play in a state of the art stadium that is a modern marvel. They are sheer class. Any player with something going on between the ears would consider playing for them.
Unfortunatley the Bundesliga has consciously decided to be frugal and fiscally responsible over the past 5 or 6 years in order to make ticket prices for fans affordable. This has caused the league to slip in comparison to Spain, England and Italy because German teams other than Bayern cannot afford to compete with those other leagues for big name talent. So that takes a little luster off of Bayern’s accomplishments knowing that their domestic league although exciting and entertaining, is not as good. This doesn’t stop Bayern from going after big names though and the capture of players like Ribery and Toni is proof that they mean business.
August 13th, 2009 at 23:26
@[OPTI]Madschester United: Also,I do not remember a time when Adler rejected Man Utd. When was this? He is a massive United fan so I find that hard to believe.
August 13th, 2009 at 23:40
Hello all.
I’ve not been well recently, so just dropping by quickly.
Grog – glad you’re back btw
– a question for you: is it Marcus Neuer (as manutd.com claim it to be) or Manuel Neuer?
August 13th, 2009 at 23:48
@Grognard: Dont forget 12-1 against Sporting. That itself should be taken a lot of prife of!
Still, Roma 7-1 > Bayern 8-1 Sporting.
August 13th, 2009 at 23:48
@NicoQB: Get well soon.
August 14th, 2009 at 0:13
@Footy4Eddy: Thanks.
August 14th, 2009 at 0:49
@Grognard: Dont fall for it Grogs, SAF has broken your heart too many times by teasing you with potential signings. You and me both know he is not gonna get Neuer, so PLease dont get your hopes up. I dont want to see you get hurt.
August 14th, 2009 at 1:05
I also doubt we’ll get Neuer. Fergie has made this big fuss about how Foster is going to be amazing bla bla bla and I do not expect him to eat his words and buy Neuer this summer. Perhaps when EVDS retires and it becomes obvious that Foster doesn’t have the right stuff he’ll buy but by then Im sure Neuer will be with Bayern
August 14th, 2009 at 6:02
@NicoQB: Sorry to hear you haven’t been feeling well mate. Hope you are better now. And it’s Manuel Neuer, not Marcus.
August 14th, 2009 at 6:06
@Footy4Eddy: Do I need to bring up the conquests of Bayern Munich in the 70’s? 7-1 vs Roma is impressive but lets not forget we lost the first game in that tie. At least Bayern destroyed Sporting in both games. Both mean nothing as they were knocked out in th e next round. Milan destroyed United and Barca did the same to Bayern. When one judges the greatness of a franchise, they must look at the team’s entire history, not just the past 3 or 4 years.
August 14th, 2009 at 6:10
@johnsom33: I totally agree. I know he is just teasing and as I said earlier, monitoring the situation which of course means squat. Why would I expect Fergie to wake up to my desires. Aguero and Neuer is all I want and I will get neither even if I would settle for one.
August 14th, 2009 at 6:13
@colver: One bit of optimism in all this is that Schalke and Magath would like nothing more than to screw over Bayern Munich and so if he is sold this season, United have a better chance than Bayern. Magath is still bitter over getting the sack while managing Bayern.
August 14th, 2009 at 7:39
Bad new for grog and any one who wants a new keeper, mike phelan just backed up fergusons support on dan hoaxster, when both coaches support a bad player it can only be bad for the team, we need someone to whisper something to fergie’s ears to the effect that foster is trash and we need a better back up keeper for EDVS.
August 14th, 2009 at 8:35
The way I’m viewing the goalkeeper situation is a bit different. It’s August. Neuer isn’t going anywhere until next season. So. Foster gets his chance for the first two months of this year. Maybe he’s got what it takes, maybe he doesn’t. Either way, we’ll never ever know until he gets a real run in the team. So he gets his chance.
If he’s good, stays injury free and looks up to it, great we have a quality keeper. If not, we go out in January and shop.
At lesat this way we know. Fergie tends to give players a chance before turfing them out, and personally I’d much rather not see Foster turn into a world beater in a year of regular playing time with another team. He’s clearly focused on being a United player, and deserves a shot. You can’t judge him based one or two fleeting performances here and there. If you do that you might as well also judge him by his great performances.
Anyway, I get the distinct feeling that Fergie feels the same, and we’re not getting anyone right now. So deal with it, and friggin support Ben Foster!
So, Brum ahead. Will be very interested to see what squad Fergie uses, as we have Burnley right after on Wednesday and some players won’t be able to handle two so close together. Expect the full range of midfielders to be used between the two matches, which means some Scholes time in one match. He’s been nothing but dissapointing the past half year, so that scares me.
Would be great to see us blitz Birmingham in teh first 30 minutes. A real statement of intent.
Anyone else starting to get excited…?
August 14th, 2009 at 9:11
@Grognard:
August 14th, 2009 at 9:21
@spizzy: Foster wasn’t trash in the the League Cup final last season, good to see the Red Rant “jump on the back of a player bandwagon” is up and running already even before the start of the season, jeez.
August 14th, 2009 at 10:07
To everybody on this blog who is willing to help me!
Its only 14 hours left to vote for the July Goal of the month competition, and believe it or not, I am losing to some guy who scored a goal on amateur!
So to everybody willing to help me win that vote for Footy4Eddy on the right side on this site: http://www.sweetpatch.tv/index.cfm?articleid=4714
On forehand, thanks a lot!
August 14th, 2009 at 10:38
@spizzy: Grow up. Seriously.
August 14th, 2009 at 11:39
Man United are beating the shit out of Man City on the official PL credit ratings, how the feck did that happen? Check the list on news now Man United page lads, and CHUCKLE!
August 14th, 2009 at 11:58
It appears we are being linked with El Kun again, only this time the price seems reasonable (£30m). Of course this is just my own speculation at work. But when transfer rumours are accompanied by realistic figures it tends to mean there is some truth to it. I dunno, it’s prolly nothing and once again Fergis is gonna “monitor” another player and we won’t get him.
August 14th, 2009 at 12:31
@Dan: When he folds,I’m composing a special I told you so just for you mate.
August 14th, 2009 at 12:34
@Footy4Eddy: Hey I have voted for u. You are leading now by 41% and i love all of your youtube videos dude
August 14th, 2009 at 12:35
Sneijder might move to Inter
August 14th, 2009 at 12:38
@spizzy: Because it will really affect me
August 14th, 2009 at 12:42
@spizzy: What’s up with you mate? It’s like you are really willing for Ben Foster to fail
.
August 14th, 2009 at 12:53
@vanderberg: Thanks mate.
@spizzy: And when he succeeds, I will save a special “I told you so!”
August 14th, 2009 at 13:02
So Danny Simpson has moved to Newcastle for the rest of the year, and Drinkwater has been loaned out to Huddersfield…
August 14th, 2009 at 13:07
@Footy4Eddy: Yeah they have, and it makes me wonder why Tom Cleverley hasn’t gone on loan as SAF said! Fabian Brandy and Tom Cleverley scored 2 goals each recently in the Holland tournament I think? So I am hoping the lad is at least going to get into the elite crowd of youngsters to train and be involved with the 1st team squad. Same goes for Fabian Brandy too! At least let them have their chance for a go at inclusion with the 1st teamers. Both these lads are FANATICAL Man United thru and thru
.
August 14th, 2009 at 13:09
@Beachryan: The only problem with that logic is that Neuer is wanted by other clubs too, and they may not be willing to wait until next summer. Sometimes you have to strike while the iron is hot. Anyway, I think if there is any serious interest by United in Neuer, it’s more because of the rave reviews he’s gotten by scouts and the fact he is being compared to Schmeichel and not so much Foster’s poor play.
August 14th, 2009 at 13:14
@Stephen: He’s shown himself to be rubbish on more than one occasion. Yes he was good in the League Cup final but then again, Almunia was good against us in the first leg of the CL final last season as well as the last game of the season. And we all know what total shite he is. Every keeper that is average or even poor occasionally has a great game. Foster is average at best. The reason is he has very poor technique and fundamentals. Check out my post #200 where I rate his skills. Sure it’s just my opinion but that is how little I regard his talents, and I think many more are with me than are against me.
August 14th, 2009 at 13:19
@Dan: It seems to already have affected you mate. You defend him like he is something special when he is far from it. You are setting yourself up for a mighty crash, and I’ll guarantee that too. The guy just isn’t good enough and all the wishful thinking and loyalty towards him on your part isn’t going to change that. Then again, that is my opinion and I too could be wrong…………but I doubt it.
August 14th, 2009 at 13:24
@Footy4Eddy: Foster will fail mate, I guarantee it. Why am I so sure, because of his poor fundamentals and goalkeeper mechanics. You cannot correct such major flaws in a player’s game. It’s like asking Titus Bramble to become Nemanja Vidic when he just hasn’t got the skill to do so. United just blew it in assessing him. He was overrated simply because he was an adequate shot stopper. Well as you can see form my ratings comparisons, there is a lot more to a keeper than shot stopping. That is why he will fail. Untrained eyes will cheer him on and call him great if he makes three or four top saves in a game but it’s his poor positioning, footwork, lack of focus and distribution that are at fault. And above all, he is far too timid coming out to challenge for crosses or wide balls in the box. Just not good enough.
August 14th, 2009 at 13:26
@Footy4Eddy: Who the fuck is Danny Simpson and why should I care when we have ten guys in front of him at RB? Good luck to him and good riddance.
August 14th, 2009 at 13:45
@Footy4Eddy: Just voted for you, you are way ahead of anyone else.
@Craig Mc: I’m not willing him to fail, I just don’t have the patience to wait and see if he makes it or not,(probably not)
and I’m a bit sick of everyone who’s going on about “ohh lets give him time”,”ohh he’s quality”,ohh he just needs some game time”,time for what? what does he do in training that he suddenly needs time, and if he’s that good in training(assuming that’s where he perfomed and fergie saw his “quality”) why is he finding it hard to transfer that to the pitch.We need a quality keeper now, especially since we are testing players on most areas of the pitch.Any transition is gradual,while we wait for anderson, nani, roon, and berba to deliver we should at least be sure that our keeper will stop a few goals from going in. And anyone who thinks our defense is the best in the world is in for a real shocker, that defense is leaking more and more with each match, it like a bad roof that goes from a trickle to a downpour.
Can we move to a new page, this one is taking me ages to load. please
August 14th, 2009 at 14:08
@Grognard: Hey Grog, Danny Simpson is one of us Salfordians – so forgive us for loving one of our own!
August 14th, 2009 at 14:47
@Johnsom33: I saw that article being mentioned on manutd.com. Imagine us getting Kun and this Neuer?
Can’t really see that happening, but I’m sure it would send the same derillium that was originally experienced with the Tevez capture.
August 14th, 2009 at 14:52
@Grognard: Read yesterday that you left, and now you’re back?
Well, welcome back.
I also took a hiatus for a while, because I figured that the people on this blog needed some positive vibes. I feel somewhat uninspired with everything United at the moment. I’m getting used to it though.
August 14th, 2009 at 15:42
@ Grognard – Actually the Titus Bramble comparison is quite a good one, but not for your argument. Technically, he’s a very accomplished player, one of the best for a defender. Unfortunately his mind isn’t all there, hence the big mistakes. He had a great season last year for Wigan.
I just don’t think you can judge a keeper so quickly. Especially a United keeper, who spends the vast majority of his time doing nadda.
August 14th, 2009 at 15:59
@spizzy: So your arguamnet is that we can wait for Nani and Anderson, who have played in access of 70 odd games ecah for the side but not Foster who has only played about 11?
August 14th, 2009 at 16:18
Bad News; Vidic and Evans out for game
Good news; Wes and Nani passed fit
Good/bad news?; Foster and Neville passed fit
August 14th, 2009 at 16:27
@Cyclops-Red: It fills me with great regret G Red, part of me wants to see him lift the Premiership trophy above his head and part of dep down wished he retired at the end of last season.
I love Gary to bits and always will, but if it wasn’t him Fergie would have let him go seasons ago, I will never disrespect him and believe no one should, but his time has gone and really he should hold his hands up and admit that to himself.
August 14th, 2009 at 16:39
@Stephen: Yep,totally agree with that.
August 14th, 2009 at 16:49
@Karl: Ha ha, “because I figured that the people on this blog needed some positive vibes” then say, “I feel somewhat uninspired with everything United at the moment” you are a lovely shade of black there, said the pot
Good to have you back mate, also I have put Anderson in my Fantasy Football side, that should put a smile on your face! 
August 14th, 2009 at 16:59
@spizzy: You are absolutely right. This is Manchester United, not Burnley. There is no time to wait and see if a player comes around at such a vital position as GK. It’s now or never as far as I’m concerned and the team has everything to lose and very little to gain by giving him the opportunity everybody else who supports him wants. Sure, sacrifice the season to give Foster a chance and after we have finished out of the top 4 and he has failed what then? Is it then time to just say OOPS!
Nope, what United must do is not go down that road at all. The team cannot afford to experiment with a keeper who is so clearly not up for the job.
August 14th, 2009 at 17:01
@Craig Mc: Fair enough, I am not aware of his personal history. All I know is he was 6th in the pecking order at RB and so it is better for him to have left United to be given the chance to play because he was never going to beat out the likes of Brown, Rafael and De Laet.
August 14th, 2009 at 17:05
@Grognard: I remember people criticising Schmikes when he first came to United, he had a terrible start but worked out Ok if I recall.
August 14th, 2009 at 17:07
@Karl: If we were to get both players, I would do a nude dance around BC Place Stadium here in Vancouver and take pictures. It’s never going to happen. Fergie would never sign two of the top three players I have coveted for United for two years now (the other is Huntelaar of course). Fergie would not want the Grognard to have that kind of satisfaction and to look so wise and completely ahead of the game like that.
After all, it is about me isn’t it? 
And besides, trust me when I say that the last thing the world wide web needs is photos of me dancing nude. That would require medication for the entire planet in order to cope with such a horror.
August 14th, 2009 at 17:11
@Karl: Thanks for that Karl. I think the reason I left when I think back on it was because I was getting turned off with all the negativity too, and I was one of the main sources of it. I just need to calm down and stop taking things so personally. I still have my opinions and feel like United is going in the wrong direction but I am not going to get overly upset and get into scuffles over the season. Well I hope not to. I am still supportive of the team 100% and behind Fergie even though I do not like the direction the team is taking and their reasons for not spending the money just doesn’t wash with me. Still, only time will tell who is really right here. Somehow United could finish fourth this season and still nobody on here would give me credit for being right. That’s just the nature of things I guess. Anyway, good to have both of us back mate.
August 14th, 2009 at 17:12
United sell out all season tickets, I thought there was supposed to be a recession?
August 14th, 2009 at 17:13
@Beachryan: OK, lets go with David Wheater instead.
Problem is Foster wastes his time doing nada at times when he should be doing something. His focus and concentration is also a major problem with me.
August 14th, 2009 at 17:14
@Cyclops-Red: Are you surprised?
August 14th, 2009 at 17:18
@Stephen: I woulds say yes to that. A midfielder and a winger are not going to hurt you out there as much as an incompetent goalkeeper. In hockey the most valuable and vital player on the team is not the goal scorer or the play maker but the goalie. He is the last stand defensively and he is counted on to defend the fort. I’d say GK is a vital position in football because all a team needs is one good chance and that could win them a game. If the keeper is caught sleeping or unprepared for that moment or if he just doesn’t have the ability to make the save when called upon, then everything falls apart.
What I see is a number of games where United score a couple of goals after having over 10 shots on goal but where we give up a couple of goals on only two or three shots against us. Do you get my point now?
August 14th, 2009 at 17:24
@Stephen: The difference is that Schmeichel was technically and fundamentally competent. All aspects of his skillset were strong so if he got off to a poor start it was more due to nerves which is fine. But Foster has major holes in his game that have been exposed before but which came out to play on Sunday. Poor distribution, poor focus and concentration, poor positioning, poor footwork, poor punching and terrible at dealing with crosses. His only real strength is he is a decent shot stopper if he gets a jump on the player and reacts quickly. Even that is betrayed sometimes when he is caught ball watching on his back heels and doesn’t even make an attempt to save. He’s terrible, just total rubbish and just because he is a United player does not mean we should coddle him and defend him. If he was a Liverpool or Arsenal keeper we all would be lambasting him for being south of shite.
August 14th, 2009 at 17:24
@Grognard: Well we will all find out in the next 8-10 weeks if Foster is up to it because we certainly will not be buying another keeper, and deep down we all know that to be true.
I am not saying he definatly is 100% up to it, but he deserves a chance becuase he has ability it is up to him if he takes his chance becuase in two months he could be our new number one or his United career could be over.
August 14th, 2009 at 17:26
@Cyclops-Red: When one is an addict, you scrounge and do whatever it takes to feed your addiction. And Man Utd is a major addiction for all of us. If I lived in Manchester I would choose homelessness over season tickets.
August 14th, 2009 at 17:29
@Stephen: I agree with you 100% on that. The Neuer rumors are just noise and nothing more. I find it hard to believe that I could know so much about both Neuer and Adler for so long and Fergie was just clued into their greatness by scouts this week? He knows about Neuer but is bent on being proven right about Foster. And that will be proven to be one of his major mistakes. Of that I am sure. Sorry for the negativity but rarely have I come across such a poor keeper at such a high level.
August 14th, 2009 at 17:30
@Grognard: It costs a lot more than it did before the Glaziers, I will say that.
August 14th, 2009 at 17:31
@Grognard: We are all entitled to our views mate, if we all agreed then this site would be very boring matey!
August 14th, 2009 at 17:34
@Stephen:
Not really, just interesting after price increase and losing best player in the world, etc. How many clubs could manage that, probably zero.
August 14th, 2009 at 17:39
@Grognard: Yeah, I’m rambling to myself, think I’m suffering from pre-season nerves.
August 14th, 2009 at 17:41
@Cyclops-Red: I agree but we all still spend the money!! But it is worth it, few beers with the chaps and a game of footy got to be worth £750 of anyones money!
August 14th, 2009 at 17:58
@Grognard: But Foster is such “good value”!
This way, Ebenezer Ferguson doesn’t have to let the moths out of his pockets.
August 14th, 2009 at 17:59
@Stephen: That is sad considering how popular the team is world wide and how much money that brings the team from outside of OT. They really should have better ticket prices other than the corporate boxes that is. Fans are always the ones that get it up the you know what. All the more reason why not spending the Ronaldo money is unforgivable. They charge all you poor blokes so much money to see a game live and they parade Michael Owen and Valencia out there as replacements to the God Ronaldo. Then they ask you to pay more? It’s just not right.
August 14th, 2009 at 18:06
Oh happy day. Today is the day I am finally buying my LCD TV. Yes my two weeks of primitive Hell is over and i hope to never have to watch a regular tv again. I’m off to Best Buy later this afternoon to purchase a 40″ SONY Bravia as well as a flat panel wall mount. I have gone long enough without quality tv and playing my XBOX 360. The crappy 29″ tv I was watching was so ancient it had only one input in the back so I could not hook up either my dvd or XBOX because it was taken up by my cable box. Why would anyone build a tv with only one input? It was a tv my friend gave me to use after I had to get rid of my 56″ monster due to it not fitting in my new flat. Ahhhh! My imprisonment is finally coming to an end.
Now I will have a quality flat screen tv to watch United draw with Birmingham tomorrow 1-1. Honestly, that’s what I feel will happen. 10 men behind the ball, frustration and Birmingham gets one chance to score all game on Foster and guess what?
Hopefully they will win 4-0.
August 14th, 2009 at 18:06
Just heard that Rio is a doubt for Sunday. So we won’t have him, Evans or Vidic.
So possible back line would be Fabio, De Laet, O’Shea, Evra and PIG in goal.
We better have our scoring boots on boys!!
August 14th, 2009 at 18:07
@Grognard: I dont normally agree with you Grog but on Foster i do COMPLETELY. He must be the luckiest guy in the world to be such a poor keeper playing for United. Its mind boggling. I bet it will take blunder after blunder for Fergie to realise this. Maybe more than Barthez. It might not come against the poor teams like Birmingham but it will happen definately. I have no idea why people support him…what has he done good for United?one game against spurs? Apart from that…shit…oh and hes had every injury possible…He can never be number 1 with injuries that last 5 or 6 months…He is a poor keeper! If PIG played like him my word… He cant kick,cant control the ball nothing!
August 14th, 2009 at 18:09
@Stephen: I totally agree there.
August 14th, 2009 at 18:11
@Redrich: Actually he’s poor value. Didn’t we sign him up for 4 frakken seasons? If so, that is a colossal waste of money unless we can find some douche team that will rid of this piece of refuse.
August 14th, 2009 at 18:11
@Redrich: Thank God we are playing Birmingham then. At least we have a chance.
August 14th, 2009 at 18:12
@Grognard: You’re gonna be real happy with that Grog.
Wish FSC and Setanta would increase the quality of their broadcasts though. It gets so bad sometimes, it’s like watching a bunch of fuzz-balls running around!
August 14th, 2009 at 18:14
@Grognard: I know, I was just being snarky!!
August 14th, 2009 at 18:18
@Taehr: OK lets handle the important stuff first. What do you mean you “normally don’t agree with me”?
In fact, how could you disagree with me? 
Seriously though, if Foster was not English and his name was Taibi, he’d be playing in the Coca Cola League. It amazes me when I look at the elite teams in world football and I see who is in goal for them and I have to endure and tolerate the future keeper for Man Utd is some useless muppet named Ben Foster when our main competitors have Cech, Reina and other teams have Casillas, Buffon, Frey, Neuer, Adler, Boruc, Akinfeev etc etc? It’s just doesn’t wash with me. We should never settle for a dried out hamburger with moldy cheese over prime rib or a filet mignon.
August 14th, 2009 at 18:22
@Redrich: Yes I am totally shocked that both Setanta and GOLTV do not offer their games in HD. I pay $15.00 a month for Setanta which is the only channel that really matters to me as it shows all United EPL games. At $15.00, it’s a great deal, but I would pay $30.00 if they were in HD. Only the Champions League games on another local channel and World Cup or EURO games are HD. And this is the year 2009? Man they really need to get with it. Everything should be offered in HD now.
August 14th, 2009 at 18:54
@Redrich:
De laet Cathcart brown evra
Still miles better then brums defence.
August 14th, 2009 at 19:12
@Redrich: SAF said on MUTV that Rio only has a bit of stiffness in the back, that it is not a recurrence of the old back problem. He said Brown can play on Sunday with O’Shea. That Rio will be available, but Evans he doesn’t want to risk before Wednesday. He said De Laet has been great, and will do ok if called on. Evra if fit. Also SAF said, with a great smile on his face, that NANI has amazed him and he will be avaiable for the Brum game. SAF smiling and talking like Lil man like that – well wonders never fecking cease. Loving it
. Just hope the lad can have a good season, otherwise I will be 
.
August 14th, 2009 at 19:13
@Grognard: Yea it’s frustrating because footy seems to be one of the last bastions of SD sports broadcasting in N. America. I think there’s hope on the horizon though.
http://www.multichannel.com/article/231365-Gol_TV_Nets_Bundesliga_Renewal.php
http://www.epltalk.com/hd-coming-to-fox-soccer-channel/3924
I did read some reports that the CL games on FSC would be in HD starting at the end of this year. I wouldn’t hold my breath on it though.
August 14th, 2009 at 19:15
@Redrich: You need to take some happy pills mate –
.
August 14th, 2009 at 19:16
@Dan: Yea, on second thoughts I think WB will get a start.
August 14th, 2009 at 19:17
De Leat Ferdinand Brown Evra
I’d imagine us to start with that. Anything else is wimping out.
August 14th, 2009 at 19:21
@Craig Mc: If you’ve got some extra’s, I’ll take them!
August 14th, 2009 at 19:23
@Redrich: That’s great news about GOLTV but the Fox Soccer Channel is not available to me in Canada. I have to be content with Fox Sportsworld that does carry some of the Fox Soccer Channel feeds but not many. Therefore, I am concerned if Setanta is history who will pick up the games for Canada? And it’s a big concern because even if somebody does, will it be as an extensive a package as I am getting presently with Setanta. Right now I am guaranteed every game United and the Big Four play in the EPL and the FA Cup. I don’t want to lose that because I am a hopeless recorder of games and have every game United has played the last three seasons thanks to this package.
August 14th, 2009 at 19:25
@Craig Mc: The news update on MUTV said Rio is doubtful. So I’m just reporting that.
August 14th, 2009 at 19:26
Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh – the doomsters are out in full force.
Viva, viva Man United, and the Red go marching on – always
.
August 14th, 2009 at 19:29
@Redrich: What time was this though Bro, because I heard SAF say at 4pm that Rio should be ok for Sunday, as he only has a little stiffness.
.
August 14th, 2009 at 19:31
@Grognard: I’m shocked that FSC is not available up there. A lot of it’s news programming seems to come from Canada, and I’m sure their presenters are Canadian.
August 14th, 2009 at 19:34
@Redrich: I am the type who is happy after a few beers, but I’ll send you a crate of Manchester’s finest if it will help
. Friday night and the lights are low, I’m already started on the piss you know 
. My weekend beer days will be well and truly over when the little new arrival comes late September, so making the most of it before responsible parenthood bites me on the arse!
August 14th, 2009 at 19:35
@Craig Mc: It was the little news snippet on MUTV Online. The presenter clearly said that he is “doubtful”.
You should know better than to believe what SAF says!!
August 14th, 2009 at 19:37
@Craig Mc: ******WARNING!!, WARNING!!, WARNING!!*******
******LARGER HEAD ALERT!!, LARGER HEAD ALERT!!*******
August 14th, 2009 at 19:42
@Redrich: Well SAF looked sober to me mate – he wasn’t giving interviews to the journo’s with a glass of Champagne in each hand today
. He told the journo’s he was glad Man City was getting all the headlines and had taken the highlighting of every litlle nothingness reported about Man United. The journo’s said, to SAF nothing was happening to report at Man Utd, and SAF said that was because he tell them NOTHING, and that is why they have to invent stuff, and print garbage. Something along those lines 
.
August 14th, 2009 at 19:48
@Redrich:
, do you mean LARGER mate or LAGER brain dead head alert? 
. The GF’s Dad and Uncle are here visiting, and with shite beer called Newcastle brown – ugh. So I am a little more frazzled because I have had to drink Vodka/Red bull, well tastes a little better than that N’Castle brown shite. They are at present watching Man United end of season review, I think I am getting them CONVERTED. So I have left them to it at moment, because I watched that dvd so many times already 
.
August 14th, 2009 at 20:11
I had a horrendous nightmare… All of our keepers were injured and guess who was between the poles for us…
Rooooney…
Fergie is obsessed with playing him out of position anyways…
Rooney – the united goalie
August 14th, 2009 at 21:20
@Grognard: The CEO of FSC came onto Fox Football Friday show at the end of the season in May and promised full HD broadcasting from Jan 1st and onwards (Jan 1st is FA Cup, I believe). The ECL will be HD from the start I think… either way, I will be happy if Jan 1st + means HD footy.
Can’t wait for United – Birg’ham
4-2 … Foster plus Def errors lead + Owen, Rooney x 2, Nani scoring……… read my lips
August 14th, 2009 at 21:33
From CEO of FSC David Sternberg”
- Live Studio for Pre-Game and Post-Game on Champion League match days.
- Highlight Shows will be compiled by FSC.
- FSC will show UEFA’s weekly Champions League Magazine Show (which comes out every week throughout the season, even on non-match weeks)
- Online Interactive Viewing through Foxsoccer.com
- Commentary from the stadium by English language UEFA team.
- Launch of Fox Soccer Channel HD at the end of 2009.
- HD matches to be broadcast from the start of the Champions League 09-10 season on FSN HD, and the Final Match will be broadcast on FX HD.
- Tuesday match days will have 3 live matches: One game on FSN HD, a second match on FSC (in HD starting in 2010), and a third match on FOX Sports Espanol which will have an English language audio feed that can be turned on.
- Wednesday match days will have 2 live matches: One on FSC, and the second on FOX Sports Espanol.
- Fox Soccer Channel is in 35 million homes. FSN is in 83 million homes. FX is in as many homes as ESPN (98 million homes).
- All FOX Champions League programming will be in native HD, not a up-convert that ESPN uses.
-Starting in January 2010, FSC will broadcast three English Premier League games in HD, and 4 Italian Serie A games in HD each weekend.
August 14th, 2009 at 21:41
Lastly, I think FSC goes under the name Fox Sports World Canada in Canada. Grognard, you should be able to get FSWC (FSC in CA) if you can get Setanta Canada, no?
Anyways… counting down the hours until Saturday morning bliss – 6 hours of games!
August 14th, 2009 at 21:42
Lastly for real
US EPL Viewing schedule until November
August 14th, 2009 at 22:03
@Craig Mc You know why someone like me is a doomster mate? Because it prepares me for the worst case scenario and then when united win handily, I feel bloody surprised and elated. The great danger with being all positive and full of light is that when things go wrong, it destroys you because you just cannot believe it. Well I’m prepared for the bad stuff. It’s the good stuff that shocks me but in a positive way.
Being a doomster is nothing more than a defense mechanism that protects us from true misery. By always being miserable, we are immune to sudden jolts of bad.
August 14th, 2009 at 22:10
@Redrich: It’s the rules of the infamous CRTC which is Canada’s governing body when it comes to tv. They want a Canadian sports network to exist and do well therefore, they will not allow some competitors from the US to come up. We only recently received a Canadian version of HBO. And yes a number of programs on FSC are from Canada like the famous and daily Fox Soccer Report. What would I do without my weekly dosage of Bobby McMahon?
The problem with Fox Sportsworld Canada is it likes to dabble in many different sports and so I doubt very much that they would pick up the entire Setanta package from their parent company once they acquire it. But you never know. There is money to be made in Canada and so a way will be found. I’ll keep my fingers crossed.
August 14th, 2009 at 22:15
@[OPTI]Madschester United: I do get it but it’s not the same thing. It’s a channel that shows a lot of different sports from around the world and it also shows Serie A, and Argentine League football. Setanta has the rights for the EPL being shown in Canada and so the games that FSC show in the US are telecast at the same time by Setanta in Canada. Therefore, if we lose Setanta in Canada, who picks up those telecasts? I seriously doubt it will be Fox Sportsworld Canada. There schedule is already packed. It does have me worried.
August 14th, 2009 at 22:18
I just had my friend Tim visit me and he came baring gifts. He just returned from England where he purchased a great Manchester United scarf, mug and beer mug for me. Outstanding! I always wanted a scarf to go along with my Bayern Munich one. And those 2 mugs will be on my mantle never to be used. I am in heaven. You just can’t find stuff like that here in Vancouver.
August 14th, 2009 at 22:23
@Grognard: That’s great, but you can always get them online, can’t you?
August 14th, 2009 at 22:52
@Red Ranter: Yes but it’s usually a hassle ordering over seas and I find that sites like Amazon UK won’t ship certain items outside of England. So it was nice to receive something hassle free.
August 14th, 2009 at 23:08
@Grognard: World Soccer Shop is US based. So maybe in future it’s something you might want to consider.
August 14th, 2009 at 23:38
@Stephen: I read that Anderson comment before and thought you were joking. Real glad he’s in your team. Just hope he can deliver because if he don’t, you’ll go straight from your previous anti-Anderson to pissed-off-anti-Anderson. I don’t you’ll give me an ear to defend him then. I’m sure this is his season though.
Regarding the black united…
Can’t help it. I used to be lilly-white (in my support of United that is). Yesterday, my boy was playing with his ball and shouting like any normal 6-year old//and Ronaldo’s got the ball…and Ronaldo this…and Ronaldo that… Fuck it, that hurt. I still have not broken the news to him yet. Don’t know how to. I dread the next few United games when he surely will notice something’s not quite right when he sees some hobbit comming on the field wearing his no7. (My wife already stated that she want to watch some Shitty games because of Carlito). Seems like my family’s falling apart here
August 15th, 2009 at 0:10
New team photo ; http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00867/74_utd_682×400_867394j.jpg
August 15th, 2009 at 0:31
@Traverse: Where’s Macheda?? Hargreaves?? Tosic??
Btw, Obertan looks like an physically imposing winger, let’s hope he has some meat on his bones when he plays for us!!
August 15th, 2009 at 1:07
@Red Ranter: Thanks. I keep forgetting that they carry other things besides jerseys and kits.
August 15th, 2009 at 1:10
@Traverse: Thanks for that photo. I would die for a high resolution one however so I can use it as wallpaper on my iMac. The photo you linked us to is great but as wallpaper, it’s too small and gets fuzzy. Thanks anyway.
August 15th, 2009 at 1:30
@Karl: Your wife obviously likes those fucking hobbits then Karl. I can understand how you feel about Ronnie going, bur CARLA – NO sIR NEVER. He will be no loss in the grand scale of things
.
August 15th, 2009 at 1:34
@AndyCR7: We have the CAT Oshea! You do remeber him in goal for last 12 minutes don’t you Andy? What a fecking genious, saved 3 goals for sure – GO SHEASY –
. THE CAT !
August 15th, 2009 at 1:36
Der der der der der, der der der der der, its the FINAL COUNTDOWN!
We’re going to win the league 
.
August 15th, 2009 at 1:40
Chelsea fucking unbelievable little people mimics. Papers were full of SAF going for Aguero, and then what do we hear – Chelski offer 42 million for Aguero. Every time United do something, Chelski just have to step in – they are such Man United obsessed mimics. Think for yourselves you fuckers, instead of always going for whoever Man United go for 1st. Arseholes!
August 15th, 2009 at 1:50
anton ferdninand plans MJ tribute if he scores
I reckon it would go down much better if Nani did it
August 15th, 2009 at 3:54
I just picked up my flat screen Sony at Best Buy and wouldn’t you know it, the sales person’s name was Ronaldo. He was a Barcelona fan and a big Carlos Tevez fan but after ten minutes of me reading him the riot act he now agrees Tevez was not worth the money. Such is the power of the Grognard face to face. The guy also likes Bayern Munich, Riquelme and Huntelaar so I may consider adopting him, especially since he cut dollars of the tv sale too.
August 15th, 2009 at 3:56
@Craig Mc: Now I need help here bro. Please tell me how I am supposed to react if Chelsea get Kun Aguero after already stealing Ballack from our clutches and also signing another favorite of mine in Zhirkov? Am I not allowed to get pissed off and start railing on Fergie for being a cheap @$!@%%!$@%@%ER? Honestly, theres only so much I can take.
August 15th, 2009 at 3:58
@Craig Mc: Often imitated but never duplicated mate. Chelsea will never be united and will never match our class no matter how often they try to copy and steal from us.
August 15th, 2009 at 8:06
I’m going to be in a field in Newquay when the match is on. Must find a pub with skysports. I look forward to returning Tuesday night to talk about our crushing 5-0 victory, and Andersons first goal propper
August 15th, 2009 at 8:11
@Footy4Eddy: An exodus of Dan’s from OT? Welbeck to be next?
And what has our own Dan have to say about this?
Interesting for Drinkwater though. Always touted as promising but never really got a shot with the seniors. Hopes he does well. Though he could do with another haircut – he looks too much like Cleverley as of now…
August 15th, 2009 at 8:14
@Traverse: Anderson?
Lightning striking twice, me thinks not!
I’m predicting Owen to score.
August 15th, 2009 at 8:38
@NicoQB: Rooney hatrick and Ando from the spot, 4-1 United!!
August 15th, 2009 at 8:43
@Traverse: I’m out of town too mate, will have to wait until I get home Sunday afternoon to watch the game on the DVR. Might listen on MUTV Online though.
Can’t believe I agreed to go away this WE!!
August 15th, 2009 at 9:52
More of this and less of scholes please.
http://www.tribalfootball.com/man-utd-boss-ferguson-expects-big-season-gibson-263459
This is tribal but its straight from the gaffas mouth.
August 15th, 2009 at 9:53
Manchester United squad numbers 2009/10 has been announced!
1: Edwin Van Der Sar
)
2. Gary Neville
3. Patrice Evra
4. Owen Hargreaves
5. Rio Ferdinand
6. Wesley Brown
7. Michael Owen(still not used to that!
8. Anderson
9. Dimitar Berbatov
10. Wayne Rooney
11. Ryan Giggs
12. Ben Foster
13. Park Ji-Sung
14. Zoran Tosic
15. Nemanja Vidic
16. Michael Carrick
17. Nani
18. Paul Scholes
19. Danny Welbeck
20. Fabio Da Silva
21. Rafael Da Silva
22. John O`Shea
23. Johnny Evans
24. Darren Fletcher
25. Antonio Valencia
26. Gabriel Obertan
27. Federico Macheda
28. Darren Gibson
29. Tomas Kuszczack
30. Richie De Laet
31. Corry Evans
35. Tom Cleverly
37. Craig Cathcart
40. Ben Amos
August 15th, 2009 at 9:58
@Footy4Eddy: Sorry, i saw this yesterday and forgot to post it.
I saw a lad with the new kit on, but with “macheda 41″…
Bet hes crying.
August 15th, 2009 at 10:08
@Dan: You didnt unfortunately look into a mirror, did you?
August 15th, 2009 at 10:14
Well, yesterday made me happy and a little sad…
Bad news first, my team lost 5-0.
Weird thing is that for the 20 minutes I didnt play we conceded 4 goals, in the 60 minutes I did play only conceded one, and that was from a long range effort chipped over the keeper. Oh well, we still lead our table so no harm. Had a laugh about it really, since its the first game after the holidays. But didnt expect that result, to be honest… 
Then the good news, I finally got my new United kit. Red and black top, with Anderson on the back and the Premier League Champions 08/09 on the sleeves.
Gotta say, I look immense in it. 
Fuck, school starts on Monday!
Oh well, new school means new friends, new teachers, new system and just all in all a new life. Dont know whether to be happy or sad about it, but I am kinda excited…
August 15th, 2009 at 11:30
One day till our season starts in earnest!!! And just like last season we start our season without Cristiano Ronaldo. But this time we cannot afford to drop points because he is not coming back to save our season.
Hansen made an interesting point. For him Ronaldo’s ability to decimate smaller sides was vital to our success. This made up for our past tendency to create lots of chances but never finish any.
I didn’t agree with his conclusion that Liverpool will win the title. But I do think that it is vital we make good use of Owen and Macheda against the smaller sides because although Rooney and Berbatov are good players they can be wasteful in front of goal.
August 15th, 2009 at 11:48
@Footy4Eddy: Number 17 is the one to watch then – isn’t it?
. Love stirring things up 
.
August 15th, 2009 at 11:53
@Grognard: Honest answer Grog – NO – don’t get upset, because life is too short mate. Keep the faith
.
August 15th, 2009 at 12:11
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zLGkHS4DtA
Have you guys seen this?!
Looks immense, especially Rio and Danny. They just own it!!! 
Darren sounds weird though and Wazza sound a little weird, and Evra doesnt seem to open his mouth. 
Class act, class… 
August 15th, 2009 at 12:13
@Craig Mc:
Number 8
Numer 10
Numer 17
Its their season…
August 15th, 2009 at 12:45
@Footy4Eddy: Thats class
August 15th, 2009 at 13:14
And we’re back!
August 15th, 2009 at 13:16
@Footy4Eddy: Lets hope so eh Eddi!
Those NUM