Jul 28
Jose Mourinho CAN succeed Ferguson at United
OK so it’s hardly the best kept secret in European football but Jose Mourinho has admitted that he fancies a crack at succeeding Sir Alex at United. At 67-years-old, Ferguson clearly doesn’t have too many more years of management left in him, but does the former Chelsea boss really tick all the right boxes? I honestly don’t think he’s a bad shout you know.
“I would consider going to Manchester United but United have to consider if they want me to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson,” Mourinho told the Daily Mirror.
“If they do, then of course.”
Now I know many of us have our reservations about the Portuguese and his management methods but there’s no arguing with his credentials. First things first, taking over from the most successful manager in the club’s history will prove to be the tallest of tall orders for the eventual chosen one. Just imagine the pressure! Well while Mourinho is undoubtedly as arrogant as they come, that is arguably the principal trait that Ferguson’s successor will need. A manager that doesn’t wholeheartedly believe they have what it takes to match the Scot’s achievements at Old Trafford is probably destined for failure. Jose Mourinho would claim he could surpass Sir Alex’s accomplishments and it’s that sort of egotism that could handle the whirlwind of inevitable pressure.
There have only been three other managers that have tasted Premier League glory during Fergie’s legacy. Kenny Dalglish with Blackburn in 1995, Arsene Wenger in 1998, 2002 and 2004 and Jose Mourinho most recently in 2005 and 2006. My point is that Mourinho has been there and done it in England’s top flight and he knows what sort of ingredients are required to deliver a Premier League title. The likes of Martin O’Neill, Steve Bruce and David Moyes haven’t, which is one of the reasons why I would put the charismatic Portuguese at the front of the queue.
A UEFA Cup and Champions League success with Porto and also a Serie A title with Inter Milan in his first season in Italy only add to Mourinho’s already impressive CV. His record in the transfer market isn’t half bad either with the signings of the likes Michael Essien, Didier Drogba, Arjen Robben and Florent Malouda. OK so there have been some pretty terrible acquisitions too but not even Ferguson gets it right every time (Taibi, Djemba-Djemba and Kleberson all spring to mind).
I know many of you will call Mournho’s tactics into question arguing that he would abandon the free-flowing, attacking football we have become accustomed to seeing at the club. Well I’m confident that he would adapt his management style, accommodating the player’s he has at his disposal and I really don’t see a great deal of change in that department. Mourinho isn’t stupid. He will know the likes of Nani and Wayne Rooney are at their best when they are given the freedom to go and express themselves. I’m sure he’d be capable of finding a suitable balance anyway.
The main worry I have for Mourinho would be that he would have to hit the ground running. Every Manchester United fan with half a brain trusts Sir Alex in whatever he does where every decision is supported as we know that he will always have the best interests of the club at heart. Like Wenger at Arsenal, Fergie is part of that rare ‘job for life’ breed and when he does eventually call it a day, the whole mentality of the fans will change. Even the slightest whiff of failure or ill judgement and the majority of supporters will turn against Mourinho. Jose, you’ve been warned.
So there you have it. I’m happy to throw my cards on the table and admit that I would be cautiously optimistic if Jose Mourinho was installed as the next United boss. With the biggest job in football comes even bigger responsibility so do you feel that the 46-year-old is capable of becoming the extra ‘Special One’ at United? I guess that’s a question for David Gill to answer.
Related items from Red Rants:
- Man Utd v Inter: Preview
- Mourinho, Shut it!
- Sir Alex Ferguson’s Successor
- Annoying Mourinho Leaves | United After Another ‘Hole’ Player? | Saha | SAF Quotes
- Deadline Day Approaches. So, United vs Chelsea: Who Spent More?
Tags: Opinions/Columns
July 28th, 2009 at 11:32
Good article with some valid and great points, but personally I wouldnt like Mourinho. Not only his tactics, but his personality just makes me pissed at times. Although, he seems to be a United fan, ad that is what we need at this club right?
Cantona>Mourino as next United manager for me.
He may not have got the experience of Jose, but Cantona can do everything if he wants to! 
July 28th, 2009 at 11:53
I am totally on it RR. For a long time to be precise ever since he has left Chelsea i am raving about it that Jose should be the next Man UTD manager.. I will put it in few pointers…
). One thing that happens that normally if he gets on top of the table he keeps it till he seals it. And I think that is a crux.
1. Age. We all agree on one point that all the managers who we think can take place of the gaffer are not having lot of years left with them. For e.g Hidink, Lippi, Capello all of these people have CV to get that job but definitely do not have the age on there side. All they can give are 5-7 yrs that all. Whereas Jose can be manager for another 15 yrs if given opportunity.
2. Credentials: I don’t think i need to talk about it. I mean the man has done everything in his life. He has won every competition that he has been part of. Real Winner.
3. Arrogance. Like RR pointed out the man really has that arrogance that is required out of United manager post Fergie. I mean he has that attitude that I am special and i don’t commit mistakes. I like it a lot in him… Strong Character…
4. Dressing Room presence. The man will command all the respect in the dressing room no matter how big the player. Such the character he has.
5. Tactile Acumen. I think some of you may actually agree with me if i say that the man is tactically better than even Fergie is.
6. Debts. With so much talk about debts in last few articles and comment i think its an imp point for his appointment. I mean we all agree that to survive we need to keep on winning it. So, Jose is must because he is a instant success. He will literally guarantee you trophy every season which will help you to serve your debts.
7. Playing style. I am a firm believer that he won’t be as bad as some people make him out. I mean i will again take you back to the 2 PL winning season of chelsea. They literally dominated it. And if my memory serves me right then Chelsea was the highest scoring and least conceding team at that time. I remember there were so many matches where Chelsea won by scoring 3-4 goals. I don’t think by any stretch of an imagination it was boring. Many it was for us but not for Chelsea Fans. To at to that he also knows how to win ugly if required which is necessary for champion side (which is essentially what Arsen Wenger lacks
I mean depending on all the points that i have pointed out I think he should be the man to take it over fro the GAFFER.
July 28th, 2009 at 11:57
He has trophies to back up his ego in his time at Porto, Chelsea and Inter Milan but there are too many reasons which, as far as I’m concern, totally rule him out of being our manager.
1. He does not play attacking football. He had all the money in the world to spend at Chelsea but chose not to create a team that played attractive football. Just because he is good at playing a more controlled/defensive style does not mean he would be anywhere near as successful when trying to employ attacking tactics, something he’s never done.
2. He has never paid any attention to youth.
3. He spent £100s of million at Chelsea and the squad he left them with was worse than the one he inherited. Over four years, Essien, Drogba and Carvalho were the only great signings. That is a dreadful return for the money he spent – United don’t have that kindof money to burn! Fergie has made bad signings, but in his entire career at United I’d argue he signed less mistakes than TNSSO did at Chelsea alone.
4. He got in to a war of words with someone young enough to be his son (Ronaldo), talking about his upbringing, education and class. It was disgusting. He’s just not a nice guy. As United fans do we really want a manager who’s going to lay in to a 21-year-old via the press because they’ve got a bruised ego?
Having a “big personality” and “charisma” do not make up for his failings. He’s a good manager but all he’d be good for at United was handling the big egos… and given the way Chelsea have behaved on the field since being injected with Mourinho’s cockiness and ego, I’d rather not have that influence on our players!
July 28th, 2009 at 12:02
@Scott the Red: Please bro can you give a name of a person who will fit in to you description
..
July 28th, 2009 at 12:03
@Scott the Red: You said it Scott!
Cantona>Mourinho
July 28th, 2009 at 12:03
@Onkar: Eric Cantona
July 28th, 2009 at 12:14
@Scott the Red: +1.
July 28th, 2009 at 12:16
@Footy4Eddy: Can’t digest that one for sure… Manchester with no debts and affordability of going for few season without winning trophies then fine.. But like i said before a Debt laden company needs to perform so no point and time in experimenting… We want guaranteed and instant success… So, i feel King can be Gamble…
July 28th, 2009 at 12:25
I think it would be silly for us United fans to expect success right away when Fergie quits. Fergie himself needed 7 years to win a Championship, and even Sir Matt needed time for his players to develop. The next manager is going to need time, and a guy which mentality is in the long run. TNSSO would probably win a in his first season, as he did with Chelski. But in 5 years, 10 years, who knows? He wont buy young players, and he wont develop young talent to world class players. He failed at Chelsea because he made some bad buys, and his players became older. He was not able to create a “new team” when his team grew older, and that is a major flaw if we are going to get a manager that will stay here in the long run…
Truth is, there will never be another Sir Alex Ferguson. He is the greatest manager ever, and what he has done for this club would never be surpassed. What United should look at is one who can try to keep the United philosphy, invest in youth and try to win by playing attractive football. There we can rule out Mourinho. He does neither of those things. Moyes is probably the one who fits that bill best, as he has done wonders with the squad he actually has and the players he has “made” at Everton(Rooney, Rodwell, Gosling…) and the positions he has got to with Everton with THAT squad. No offence to Everton, but their players arent as good as Tottenham or even Newcastle last season! But he makes them work as a team, and he gets results. As current managers he is my best bet, not only for his “philosophy”, but his charachter as well. And he is Scottish!!! As Uniteds history show, that is reason enough for us to hire him!
Still, I want Cantona as he is a God and would be respected. And we all know he would insert a style of play that would entertain both fans and players. He is inexperienced, I know. But as I said, we should not expect success right away. We should give the new manager time to find his own style, how to play his game and to get the players he need to do that. He also needs to be given time so the players can get to know him better. Its one thing being THE BOSS, but as far as I understand Fergie is also a father and friend to the players. I dunno where we can find that, and I doubt we will find it. But we have to try and try to find one who is as close as possible to Ferguson and knows how he does things from the “inside”. And that man is ERIC CANTONA!!!
July 28th, 2009 at 12:27
@Onkar: ^^
July 28th, 2009 at 12:52
I think it would be insane to make Eric Cantona manager. There is no chance of that. It has got to be someone with a substantial amount of management experience and a proven winning habit.
July 28th, 2009 at 13:02
I think that Morinho has an excellent CV. He has won multiple league titles in every league he has managed in. I think it is unfair to say that he doesn’t give youth a chance. I don’t think that was his choice to make when he was at chelsea. His remit was win the league and win it now.
July 28th, 2009 at 13:02
everton manager MOYES will be good or even aston villa ’s…
but no to Maurinho…no way…
so much attitude will not be tolerated…
July 28th, 2009 at 13:08
I suspect that we won’t get a traditional manager as such when Sir Alex retires. We’ll probably get a first team coach.
July 28th, 2009 at 13:22
I think cantona is one of the greatest legends of all time IMO. I love the guy and think he is a genius. But if you think about it mourinho is the only manager when he was at chelsea to have outclassed fergie twice by winning the PL, with a team that he completely re constructed (meaning he signed msot of the players to win make a great team, yes some of them were already there, e,g John crybaby and Frank). Yes wenger and dalgliesh did it as well but the thing is mourinho was something else when he was at his best at chelsea. i fucki*g hated him because he was that good. He would be the ideal replacement for fergie because he is guaranteed titles and he has a lot of yrs left in him. Cantona is not really guaranteed titles.
July 28th, 2009 at 13:49
Mourinho didn’t sign most of the successful players. Even Cech was a Ranieri purchase. I don’t think Mourinho’s record in the transfer market stacks up at all.
But who cares. Whatever team he’s been given, he’s succeeded with.
When Fergie leaves he is the one manager that would be able to crack on and keep momentum up. There is no one else that could do that. Cantona is a legend, but unless you want him to strap up the boots and get out there, he’s not a legend where it matters. O’Neil, Moyes, even Blanc are unproven and so would be faced with tremendous pressure.
Jose is arrogant, annoying, and pure f*cking football managing genius. I’d love to hate him as our manager.
July 28th, 2009 at 13:51
Oh, I take back some criticism of Mourinho in transfer market – he just got Eto’o, Hleb and £40m for Ibrahimovich. That’s even better than our Ronnie transfer….
July 28th, 2009 at 13:56
Great Article RR!
@Scott the Red:
Most important for the manager succeeding Sir Alex will be his handling of pressure. Mourinho never left the pressure get to his players. And he did that well (certainly not the FSW way). A trophy or two in the first season would naturally ease the pressure. And for that I think he’ll be a great temporary solution. If he does not get the youth policy right or does not manage to get our players play attractive football, we can always fire him before it does great damage. Going by today’s quotes, David Gill would make sure of that.
The one succeeding him wouldn’t exactly have the pressure of replacing Sir Alex Ferguson.
July 28th, 2009 at 14:21
@Scott the Red: I’m in total agreement with you. Enough is known about Mourinho to suggest he’d abandon our desires to stamp his own mark…his way.
Not many may join my chorus, but I see David Moyes as the best candidate. I’ll present my case and leave the objections (many of which I am aware of, but not going to articulate) to the rest of you
He doesn’t have an extensive CV, but from what he’s done with Everton the following characteristics are obvious:
1. He’s ambitious-: far more so than Martin O’Neill who’s appears more Wenger-esque by the day. Moyes, however, on the basis of league finishes, cup runs, and a tranfer activity in the past several seasons clearly sets high goals and develops measureable, definable plans to achieve them.
2. He’d play attacking football-: Everton, by and large, play an attractive brand of football. Not as free flowing because the foundation of his attackmindedness centers on being organized and gong-ho. Still, i rarely watch games where they aren’t looking to get forward.
3. He has a great eye for young talent (and gives them a chance), demonstrates the ability to attract talented, if underated, players and develops them into established players. He also knows how to keep them-: Arteta, Lescott, Jagelkia, Cahill, Howard [Man Utd's trash is Everton's treasure
] Felliani, all players with enough ability to be playing higher up, but who he’s made want to play for Everton. Great negotiation skills and his enthusiasm would see him put a fresh frame on what the opportunity to play for us represents.
4. He has experience in Europe-: Yes, the UEFA Cup was shite, and may well contine to be shite under its new name and format. BUT he is, at least, privy to the challenges and requirements of having a squad that participates in europe. Some experience is better than none.
5. He understands how to build a team, and develop its culture, ethic and identity-: the three above traits have been essential to everton’s rise from the minnows of PL futbol. Everton as it is today was his brain child. All those things require intelligence, being meticulous, and settled in philosophy..
6. Man Utd is not Man City. Mark Hughes inherited a club unaccustomed to success and wealth; thrust into an environment where money came first, the inevitability of which was his good qualities and work at blackburn being undermined. Moyes would inherit a far more stable situation, despite the debt. High expectations yes, but the proper tools, personnel and support would be at hand.
July 28th, 2009 at 14:21
And for those Owen Hargreaves junkies…more good news…
Among other things, the boss was asked whether Owen Hargreaves would take part in the tournament. His answer: “He won’t be playing. He’s still in America, actually. We were hoping he’d join us here but he’s still undergoing his rehabilitation. Remember, it was a major operation in both knees. He’ll come back once he’s fully fit but we won’t be rushing him.”
July 28th, 2009 at 14:22
I agree with Scott Red, Moaninho is no doubt a very good manager but has too much attitude and ego.
If not Moaninho, i think Moyes might be the one SAF might recommend. He has done a tremendous job at Everton and he seems like a straight forward hardworking guy with no attitude. He also brings out the best from his team and signings and that too on a limited budget. No wonder he has been voted as best manager by many managers for a couple of years at least (if am not mistaken).
Capello after his England experience might be a good bet. dont know his exact age but he might be around for awhile.
July 28th, 2009 at 14:23
I would like Guardiola to be our next manager.
July 28th, 2009 at 14:26
@Cyclops-Red: i wouldn’t. he’d sign Ibrah and give away £40million and darren fletcher!
July 28th, 2009 at 14:36
@Will:
I think Ibra’s signing had more to do with the President,Laporta, and the fact that Real Madrid are stealing the limelight from Barca. At United he wouldn’t have this political interference.
July 28th, 2009 at 14:39
TNSSO will only give us success for the 1st few seasons with us, 2 or maybe even 3. But what about 5 or 10 years to come. I mean we cant afford to be buying players/stars every season and neglect youth development which is TNSSO’ great weakness. the man is good with working with established stars but not in making them. I really doubt it if he would have made Ronaldo,Vidic or even evra be what they are today. he simply does not have that patient. look at how he wrecked careers for SWP, robben, Gudjohnsen etc
July 28th, 2009 at 14:41
@Scott the Red: Excellent points, especially number 2 – He doesn’t pay any attention to youth.
The only young player I recall him giving a chance to was that Inter kid, the Right Back, Santon or something. Other than that, nothing. Giving kids a chance is United tradition and Mourinho doesn’t tick that box.
July 28th, 2009 at 14:43
@Cyclops-Red: I second that but what are the cahances of that happening. Guardiaola is to barca what cantona is to us.
July 28th, 2009 at 14:53
@Will:
July 28th, 2009 at 15:09
@Sir Red: He gave the then 19 or 20-year-old Carlos Alberto a start for Porto in the Champions League final and other than Santon, Balotelli has been given a chance at Inter too. But I do agree that he didn’t give youth a chance as much as he should of done at Chelsea.
Although when you are expected to bring success like he was at Chelsea, I can’t say I blame him for going with experience. Ferguson has earned the right to throw in a few youngsters and he knows even if they fail to live up to the hype, he won’t be held responsible and facing a possible sacking.
July 28th, 2009 at 15:19
@Stephen Darwin: Stephen! Why havent you been writing articles!
July 28th, 2009 at 15:35
@Dan: This was written by him mate!
July 28th, 2009 at 15:36
Everyone, credit where credit is due — Stephen Darwin wrote this article, not me
July 28th, 2009 at 15:46
@Red Ranter: Well arent i knob.
July 28th, 2009 at 15:53
@Dan:
PWND!!! 
July 28th, 2009 at 15:55
@Stephen Darwin: This.
@Scott the Red: Whats young these days though? How many top teams have kids like Macheda and Welbeck, who are years above where they should be but still not quite first team material? He didnt exactly buy young, but Obi Mikel and Essien were relatively young. How many players will realistically get a shout with a squad he had his first two years there?
July 28th, 2009 at 15:58
@Stephen Darwin: Fair enough but wouldn’t that mean he’ll follow the same philosophy at United? Because he will be under immense pressure to deliver and unlike Fergie, he wouldn’t have “the job for life”? I’ll take Cantona from the inexperienced batch and from the current crop of managers running around, Moyes would be my first choice, followed closely by Martin O’Neill.
But I would prefer a Cantona/Ole Tandem. How awesome would that be!
July 28th, 2009 at 16:53
“Someone with a proven track record at the highest level”. That was the basic requirement laid down by the Club when the whole succession issue came to the fore a few years back. It should still be the basic requirement and therefore many will be excluded as candidates as a result. Mourinho definitely qualifies on the definition but does he qualify on other grounds. Is his ego bigger than the club he will manage ? Will he fully appreciate the history and tradiions of United as Fergie has done ? More particularly, will his team play in a way that upholds those traditions ? Those are the issues which need to be addressed first.
July 28th, 2009 at 17:03
Redcafe has died again
July 28th, 2009 at 17:06
@Dan:
Hoping to do a lot more this season mate, have you had a good summer so far?
July 28th, 2009 at 17:11
@Stephen Darwin: Been Ok, for the most part.
July 28th, 2009 at 17:12
How about you?
July 28th, 2009 at 17:12
@Beachryan: yea but not better than 80m and owen for free
July 28th, 2009 at 17:24
@Dan: Yeah not bad, although crap weather’s been annoying. Wanted to go on holiday with the missus too but couldn’t find a late deal
@Red Ranter: What’s your stance on Mourinho mate?
@Sir Red: My argument to that would be that the likes of Rafael, Welbeck, Macheda, Gibson etc will either already be established or would have left the club by the time Mourinho potentially takes over (what are we talking, 2-3 years?).
It does remain to be seen whether he would be bold enough to keep blooding new youngsters though. As you say, I doubt he would to be honest as the pressure will be there to consistently deliver results. Personally I don’t think that’s a strong enough point for him not to be considered though.
July 28th, 2009 at 17:58
Logically, city have a good team:
Given
Fullback1
Toure
Kompany
Lescott(if they get him)
Barry
De jong
ireland
SWP
Robinho
Petrov
Adebayor.
Thats a Top4 worthy team tbh, they just have to gel.
July 28th, 2009 at 18:14
what the hell..he will make man u miserable…and pls dont rave abt his signings…he use to get guys who were already in eye..he didnt discover any…essien..everyone including manutd and arsenal wanted to buy him..
July 28th, 2009 at 18:25
@Dan: I think they will line up like this:
Given
Richards Toure Kompany Bridge
Barry De-Jong
SWP Ireland Robinho
Adebayor
Tevez, Santa as subs, it is a good team on paper. But so are Tottenham, and so were Newcastle.
Good players dont necesarilly make a good team. 
July 28th, 2009 at 18:30
@adc: Who are this “man u” you speak off?
July 28th, 2009 at 18:30
@Footy4Eddy: That team is more likely to get picked then mine as ive picked 12 players
July 28th, 2009 at 18:35
Ole to take over from SAF!!!
July 28th, 2009 at 18:38
@adc: like everyone wanted to buy Ronaldo, Nani et la
July 28th, 2009 at 18:46
Anyone else having trouble connecting to redcafe?
July 28th, 2009 at 19:07
@Venu: +1
Ole would be the greatest gamble and I believe the best shot at MUFC. He is currently coaching the youngins.
He may be too nice, however.
July 28th, 2009 at 19:14
@Dan:
July 28th, 2009 at 19:16
@Dan: Fullback1 would be Micah Richards no? (assuming he recovers from swine flu)
@Stephen Darwin: I am a little tied up with work right now. My stand on Mourinho requires a little more time than I have right now — perhaps a separate post.
July 28th, 2009 at 19:19
@Red Ranter: Yea, i guess
July 28th, 2009 at 19:20
@Footy4Eddy: Eddy, I just looked at your Ronaldo video (great work). I especially like when the commentary is added… makes the clip even better.
On another, I am leaning towards Ronaldo as a legend. Seeing him do his thing is just so far above everyone else. Yes, he dived but he was also abused by other players and not given protection from referees.
In my eyes, he will become legend.
July 28th, 2009 at 19:21
@Footy4Eddy: Isn’t Kompany a DMC/MC? I figured Dunne would still be in the defence – he was their captain right?
July 28th, 2009 at 19:37
@Footy4Eddy: I reckon Tevez will start to be honest alongside Adebayor.
July 28th, 2009 at 19:40
@Dan: http://status.redcafe.net/maintenance.html
July 28th, 2009 at 19:56
@Red Ranter: Who needs RedCafe when you have got RedRants?
July 28th, 2009 at 20:00
@Red Ranter: Thats from the last black out from a few weeks ago.
July 28th, 2009 at 20:09
@Footy4Eddy: Its nice to be apart from both.
Redrants is far more, polite shall we say, but if you want a good laugh, there is some shit on the caf that will have you in tears!
That doesnt mean Rants isnt funny either, it is, but take today, i think i saw the funniest football related thing ever!
It had arsenal Celebrations, but the posters took the piss. Ill give you an example.
Arsenal Celebrate a draw with united:
July 28th, 2009 at 20:10
http://www.thebusbusiness.co.uk/pictures/Arsenal/arsenal.2.jpg
Arsenal Celebrate Draw with united.
July 28th, 2009 at 20:18
Man City will play a 4-4-2 I can guarantee it. You don’t buy four strikers and only play one of them. Id imagine it would be
Given-Richards, Toure, Kompany, Bridge-SWP, Barry, De Jong, Robinho-Adebayor, Tevez
As for Mourinho. Im not sure. His transfer record is not great and so much of our success has been from identifying the right players to add to our team to keep it fresh. He does seem to have a bias against youth. And I think he has itchy feet and wouldn’t stay here more than a few years.
His biggest strength is that if you give him a settled team he will manage it and win trophies. So he would be great to have in the interim. But long term we need someone who can build new teams so we can re-invent ourselves and be successful over the long haul.
July 28th, 2009 at 20:29
@colver: Wrong, they wont live out ireland, or barry, or de jong even.
There going 4-3-3.
July 28th, 2009 at 20:54
Morhino would be welcome but I think Fergie deserves another 5 years!
July 28th, 2009 at 21:00
Im playing FIFA 09 on Xbox Live right now. How do I have time to comment you say? Well, Im playing against a filthy Italian who made a glitch in the game. After he led 3-0 against me, I now lead 4-3 after 2 minutes of first half extra time. But instead of taking a kick off, he did something that doesnt allow me to control my players. Heck, he cant even controll his own players! Its difficult to desribe, but its obvious he did this on purpose as he has not left the game. The ball is still in the centre circle, and the clock has stopped on 92:56. He is just waiting for me to dig in, to leave so he can get the win on a forfit. How pathetic can you actually be?!
Typical…
But Im not gonna leave, Im gonna annoy him so he has to leave. Even if it means I will have to wait until tomorrow!!! Im not gonna lose, IM NOT GONNA FUCKING LOSE TO THIS SHITHEAD!
July 28th, 2009 at 21:10
Yeah, Im stubborn as fuck!
Or call it winning mentality, I dont care. I just dont wanna lose to a dickhead who uses dirty tricks to get points…
July 28th, 2009 at 21:11
He left…
I! NEVER! LOSE!!!
July 28th, 2009 at 21:14
@Footy4Eddy: Fucking 10minutes lol.
July 28th, 2009 at 21:22
@Dan: More like 20…
July 28th, 2009 at 21:24
Playing Shitty as United right now. Team?
VDS
Anderson Rio Ronaldo Evra
Nani Hargreaves Carrick Giggs
Rooney Berbatov
July 28th, 2009 at 21:34
Anderson right back? ronaldo CB?
July 28th, 2009 at 21:35
@Footy4Eddy:
July 28th, 2009 at 21:38
I won 3-1.
Berba brace and a Rooney blaster.
July 28th, 2009 at 21:41
@Dan: Fuck natural position, Ronaldo has been a monster as CB for me!!!
When facing Torres, Etoo, Messi and Zlatan, he easily catches up with them. Andy is quick as well, so that also works. Only place I actually need speed is in defense, in attack I am just a monster! 
If you think that was a weird team, look at the one I played against Barca earlier today:
VDS
Anderson Ronaldo Evra Giggs
Nani Hargreaves Carrick Rooney
Berbatov Vidic
Vida scored a hat-trick from headers…
July 28th, 2009 at 21:52
@Footy4Eddy: Challenge!!!
How would you fare with that line-up?
Anderson
Berbatov Nani Ronaldo Rooney
Rio Vidic Evra O’shea
Neville VDS
Fifa 09 video time???
July 28th, 2009 at 21:57
@NicoQB: If it was PES it could work, but you cant put keepers in outfield positions, vice versa.
July 28th, 2009 at 21:58
@NicoQB: Im not even gonna try to do that… But I would promise you a clean sheet, because all the guys out there playing seems to be noobs. Its pass-pass-RUN FORREST RUN!!!
Their way of scoring goals is a through pass to a fast attacker(Messi, Etoo, Torres or Villa) then they try to finish. The day someone actually challenges me in the air and trying to score from crosses I will feel happy to see that its not only me that try to play the beautiful way… At least people could try to have more than one dimension in their game, it gets so predictable and boring at times… 
Back to your question, If you switched VDS with Rio and Neville with Macheda I would guarantee a win.
July 28th, 2009 at 21:58
@Dan: Yes you can…
July 28th, 2009 at 22:00
@Dan: Ive often scored goals with Rooney as a goalkeeper on Xbox Live…Its not difficult, only gives me another dangerous attacker on the pitch.
July 28th, 2009 at 22:18
@Footy4Eddy: Really, you couldnt do it in previous fifas, so i naturally assumed you couldnt do it with this one and never tried!
July 28th, 2009 at 22:37
@Footy4Eddy: The point was to put players the least suitable to a particular position and try to win the game.
As for trying to play te beautiful way, back in the days, I used to refuse to score easy goals on fifa99 (or was it 2000) because it was not gratifying enough. No multiplayer in those days, but I think I would have adopted the same attitude as you do.
But don’t tempt me now!
July 28th, 2009 at 22:39
@Dan: Well, Ive done it many times myself on FIFA 09. Its quite fun actually, you should try it!
Its just that you cant switch when the game has started, it has to happen before the game. When it has started you can only switch outfielder with outfielder and goalie with goalie.
July 28th, 2009 at 22:45
@NicoQB: Got it, but I dont think it would be possible to win a game that way(unless penalties required), because VDS and Nevilles finshing has an average of 26. Which would be impossible to score with. But I could use the midfielder though…
Dont think Im gonna try it though, the guy I played against would leave in humiliation for losing to a side like that.
July 28th, 2009 at 23:08
@Footy4Eddy: I will
July 28th, 2009 at 23:13
@Dan: Great!
Wanna play a game?
July 28th, 2009 at 23:14
My guess at the line-up tomorrow, based on the asia tour.
Foster
O’shea
Ferdinand
Vidic
Evra
Valencia
Gibson/carrik
giggs
Park
Owen
Rooney
I think im right in every department except for centre mid, it could be any of them, gibson, carrick or giggs.
July 28th, 2009 at 23:15
@Footy4Eddy: Must be mad
Maybe Tommorow, cant now because the cock, sorry, brother is playing on the xbox.
July 28th, 2009 at 23:17
@Dan:
Got it, I might just try the formation Nico pointed out. Gaz is gonna go goal crazy!!! Its gonna be fun watching Neville doing summersaults. 
July 28th, 2009 at 23:18
@Dan: My guess:
Foster
Brown Rio Vidic Evra
Valencia Gibson Anderson Park
Rooney Owen
Not very different from yours.
July 28th, 2009 at 23:27
@Footy4Eddy: I think the most difficult place to predict is midfield. We know the strikers, wingers, goalkeeper and most of the defence, its just midfield.
I think o’shea edges it, as i think hes played less then brown through out the asia tour.
July 28th, 2009 at 23:37
Footy4Eddy on Sweetpatch TV!
Link
July 28th, 2009 at 23:39
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZGQurj4AUs&feature=rec-HM-r2
This must be the worst goal celebration everrr!!!
July 29th, 2009 at 0:00
Dan, do you seriously think they will leave two £20 million strikers on the bench (Tevez, Santa Cruz)? One maybe, but not two.
July 29th, 2009 at 0:11
@Dan: The drawback (for me) with redcafe is that its quite labyrinthian. As a newbie there I wouldn’t know where to start.
At redrants its very easy, just drop by on the day’s thread and you’re done!
Unless you have some advice to give me…
July 29th, 2009 at 0:21
For me, Mourinho at United is a nightmare scenario. Totally without class or sportsmanship. I can’t think of a game in the premiership where he gave his opponents any credit. All setbacks for Chelsea were due to poor officiating or cheating opponents – and through it all I remember a succession of dull, grinding affairs where he would slowly bleed his opponents of self-belief as one or another of his 80th minute specialists were subbed on and somehow made the difference. I really couldn’t bear it.
Mourinho for England? Maybe.
July 29th, 2009 at 0:27
I’m sad that there’s only one mention of Laurent Blanc in the replies. Personally I think he’s the ideal candidate, especially if he can have a season or two of European football with Bordeaux and get them to the quarterfinals or so, which they are capable of if they don’t lose all their best players.
He broke Lyons’ hegemony in Ligue 1 in two seasons, and did so playing attractive football with limited resources and a young side. He is well-acquainted with United and understands the set-up of the club as well as its history and philosophy. He is enough of his own man to withstand the likely huge shadow of Fergie, and while I will accept that we can’t afford to wait 6 or 7 years for success anymore, he comes with similar experience to that Fergie had at first, with the added bonus of having played at the highest level for years and experiencing everything. Coming to manage a club like United is hard, but he won’t want for resources or players, and I really feel he could do it.
July 29th, 2009 at 0:28
@colver: When a manager has to choose between two equally talented players of approximately same value he always goes for reputation. So I think Tevez would just edge it.
@Footy4Eddy: Fail?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vt4X7zFfv4k
FAIL!!!
July 29th, 2009 at 0:34
@michael: I wonder where all this love for Blanc is coming from. Admittedly the guy is class, but Bordeaux have yet to show some really vintage stuff, as in all guns blazing attack the united way. They also have a worrying tendency to score from set-pieces.
I personally still need convincing.
First I wanna see how Deschamps is going to do at Marseilles.
July 29th, 2009 at 0:53
@NicoQB: Adebayor and santa cruz are very similar players. If adebayor has a starting place in the team already, tevez will be favoured over cruz not due to reputation but because he is a more suitable strike partner. It’s tevez with one of the other two. And adebayor’s the least talented player of the three. Obviously tevez is the most talented.
July 29th, 2009 at 2:28
@tevez: Doesn’t discout the fact that he’s a twat!
July 29th, 2009 at 2:32
@tevez: And reputation plays a huge part in a manager’s decision to start players or not. Raul starts ahed of RVN and Huntelaar purely on reputation.
Scholes and Neville start games at united when clearly they can’t cut the mustard anymore.
Darren Bent and Pavlyuchenko were favoured at Spurs in front of Campbell because of their transfer tag. Rossi didn’t play at Newcastle because he was a no-name at the time.
The list goes on and on and on.
July 29th, 2009 at 4:23
It is good to see Mourinho in charges MU one days as he consider one of the best manager now…
July 29th, 2009 at 7:03
New away kit to be unveiled at manutd.com at 8:00 am BST which is roughly one hour from now.
Link
July 29th, 2009 at 8:10
@TurkishRED: just seen it… meh!!! It prob would have looked better if the stripes were red as opposed to blue!! I mean, we are the Red Devils!!
Anyhoot, I reckon Evra could be a model if and when he decides to quit footie.. the guy sure knows how to strike a pose!! Zoolander’s got nothing on Patrice I tell ya!! 
July 29th, 2009 at 9:18
i would like to see mourinho at united, he could simply continue where ferguson left off.I think chelsea got him so as to simply win trophies for chelsea at whatever the cost.He was given the job because they wanted instant success in the league and in europe.At united that pressure would be off because i don’t think the board would give him such responsibilities and not back it up with an incredible amount of transfer cash.He would have to work with whats there and also build on youth as he did at porto.He’d probably have a grace period of two to three years.Coupled with a good assistant like quiroz he would definitely work wonders.
July 29th, 2009 at 9:23
@spizzy: Mourinho hasn’t got the class to manage our great club, he plays awful football does not promote youth not he is anti United, I would burn my season ticket if he darhened our door.
Also I would never want CQ back, he has walked out twice and that is enough for me.
July 29th, 2009 at 9:56
@Stephen: Who would you want then? Other prime candidates seem to be MON, David Moyes and Laurent Blanc…
July 29th, 2009 at 10:02
@Stephen Darwin: There arn’t many glaring candidates available, O’Neil and Moyes seem obvious ones.
The issue with TNSSO is he would cause more problems than he would solve, his record in the transfer market is open to heavy debate, he would drag the club reputation through the mud, like he did with Chelsea with his false claim about Frisk ect, he has no class and that is not what I want at my club.
July 29th, 2009 at 10:08
@NicoQB: Theres a newbie section that, if you havent joined before, you wouldnt know about. Its closed from the public, but its a much smaller place(only 2 forums in the section, Football section and a general chat section) but arguably just as good if not better then the main part of redcafe.
July 29th, 2009 at 10:16
@Stephen: Unfortunately i strongly disagree with this bro… Like i have pointed out before in Comment 2#
7. Playing style. I am a firm believer that he won’t be as bad as some people make him out. I mean i will again take you back to the 2 PL winning season of chelsea. They literally dominated it. And if my memory serves me right then Chelsea was the highest scoring and least conceding team at that time. I remember there were so many matches where Chelsea won by scoring 3-4 goals. I don’t think by any stretch of an imagination it was boring. Many it was for us but not for Chelsea Fans. To at to that he also knows how to win ugly if required which is necessary for champion side (which is essentially what Arsen Wenger lacks
). One thing that happens that normally if he gets on top of the table he keeps it till he seals it. And I think that is a crux.
Moreover, I don’t buy into what most of the people are saying about the youngsters and all. I mean people can’t just see from what he has done at Chelsea they should also see what he has done at Porto as well. He did built a team which was a champion. I mean his team at Porto and Chelsea clearly suggest that he is capable of both Building team (Porto)with limited resources ala Porto, and where he was asked to buy success he showed he can ala Chelsea (Mind you all its not that easy like Scolari showed us)…
So, for me he has clearly showed that he is capable of what ever you ask to do from him… And people talk about his big ego.. For me that’s his biggest strength… Imagine who so ever is going to take the baton he will have to deal with Tabloids in England as Man UTD boss for me the toughest job… He can do it with its big ego… For me He also has the record to back that ego as well… So he is the MAN for me to take it over and may CQ as the No. 2 the Cracking pairing… The winner…
July 29th, 2009 at 10:20
@Stephen: If you have any plans of burning the season tickets then Pass it on to me plzzzzzz
I would rather put it on E Bay and do an auction (as i can’t come to OT every alternate week from India)..
July 29th, 2009 at 10:45
@Onkar: Mourinho yens for spotlight. He is such an arrogant man, he would put himself above the club, I believe.He would want a victory to be called ‘ victory for Mourinho’s men’ rather than ‘a victory for United’.
Some fans are saying that if given the time, Mourinho might actually get the youth players into our first team. It’s all speculation, isn’t it? At Chelsea, Inter and Porto he has not shown evidence of it. At Porto, he did not the get young players through. Carvalho,Deco et al were already established first team players. The only trait he possibly shares with Fergie is his winners mentality and the desire to be on the top. Also he is better tactically.
But just looking at Chelsea players’ behaviour since he took over just makes me cringe. I would never want United players to behave in such a way. We do want to win all the times but in a fair way. Mourinho doesn’t give two hoots about that.
July 29th, 2009 at 11:09
@Scorp: I am just fed up of this Youth policy and all talk…. Look at Arsenal Team I mean they are all youth… They have probably the best in the business in term as far as spotting the young kid is concern.. They play may be the best brand of football.. I would say second only to Barca (and definitely better than MAN UTD) but, the question lies that What have they won??? None…
And tbh I would like to Mourinho in my dugout any given day rather than having that Kid loving Arsen Wenger (no disrespect to the man he has constraint due to its rubbish board)….
And its not about Youth only its about the building the TEAM and to be honest he has proven at Porto that He Certainly Can!!!!
And to get you back to point by having youth and giving time to build a team and all Man UTD will call for a trouble. As 4 yrs without trophy and then imagine the Level of Debts….
And that is the prime reason I want him… Because for Man UTD’s survival the continuing success is the necessity which the Self Proclaimed Special One can Guarantee…
After who can say such things (quotes about Chelsea and Himself)
“Since I left I became champion again but they have not been champions again. I keep winning and they don’t.”
I just love his Arrogance, Attitude, Ego and moreover the CV to back all of it….
July 29th, 2009 at 11:29
@Onkar: Well if we want to have him as the manager because purely of the success that we crave for , then it is like we are selling the soul of the club to the devil.
No one wants Mourinho to bring up kids like Wenger does, that is not what we want, a mix of the two. Yes, you do get in world class players when they are available but do reap the rewards of having an academy. That is what Sir Busby and Sir Ferguson stuck to all their years, isn’t it. Mourinho is a damn good manager, no question about that but somewhere down the line we do need to question if he would fit in with the ethos of the club.
July 29th, 2009 at 13:24
@Onkar: Mate, best team in the world are barca, the key players from barca are xavi, iniesta and messi. All brought up from their youth.
Thats a reason why we should develop youth and save money, rather then paying £30mil for 30 year olds!
July 29th, 2009 at 13:37
@Dan: I never said that we should stop developing talent did I? All i am saying that I don’t find any substance in these things of youth and all… OK fine.. I agree that Barca is the best team in world today but then can this be only thing that should be the criterion for the next manager.. I mean the fact is They have so called academy players in abundance but still they are spending mad money for big match bottler IbrahimoBitch.. And that says a lot as well…
Secondly, when you are giving Barca’s Example try and see what we have… We can’t stand anywhere close to Barca in terms of player development in last 5-7 yrs and that’s also a Fergi era as well.
And after the class of 94 just tell me any player who has been world beater.. I mean there are potential star but still no final product… So academy is not good enough… Can’t compare this example and that why can’t really provide any substance to your point…
July 29th, 2009 at 13:55
@Onkar: Mate, those players developed into world class players by playing in the first team, it didnt happen over night.
Fucking xavi played against us in the treble winning season, he was hardly world class then, look at him now! If you look at your previous post, you are basically implying that less youth development is better if we get big name players, and now in this post your saying that our youth system doesnt work. Wouldnt common sense suggest, we should try and make it work rather then bring in mourinho who wouldnt even play youth players in the carling cup? Bringing in mourinho would halt our youth progress even further!
July 29th, 2009 at 14:10
@Dan: Don’t just throw comment which oppose the name Mourinho but also give a name of the manager which will substantiate your point. I mean i don’t know what you took out as a implied meaning of things.. My point is simple I care a damn about all these things as long as our club is alive to the full health. If we don’t win it will be dead soon and we may end up like Leeds did. So, no time for experimenting with Managers Post or else no club…no youth system…
If you can’t agree then Give me the name of One manager which will fit the bill….
July 29th, 2009 at 14:28
@Onkar: Martin O’Neill, David Moyes, Pep Guardiola, Frank Rijkaard.
Then theres the wild card of Cantona. Apart from cantona, these players have all enjoyed success at the highest level. O’Neill, and Moyes have has limited funds to spend as well, so have had to buy the right players that would fit into the team, and develop youth as well. Young, Agbonlahor, gosling, rodwell, have all had enough chances at a young age whilst their respective team still keeps its flow.
July 29th, 2009 at 15:06
Mourinho is odds on favourite with betfair punters at 4.8. Next candidate is a mile out at 9.0 – David Moyes.
http://www.3nil.co.uk – like digg, but for football
July 29th, 2009 at 15:50
A lot of this debate is people do not want Mourinho rather than who will replace Fergie that is a different argument.
Mourinho took over Chelsea when they finished second in the league and had limitless money to spend, and Porto when he took over also finished second, also he took over Inter when they were champions, wow isn’t he great!
Also CQ is a turn coat who has walked out on us twice, I never ever want him back because he would do it again.
July 29th, 2009 at 16:18
there is only one man u should replace fergie and that in my opinion is martin oneill. he has done really well wherever he has been, his man management is good and he is loyal and ambitous
July 29th, 2009 at 17:06
imho: I would like MOYES to become the next manager, this guy drives a hard bargian in both selling and buying players, he has great vision and does not deter from that vision. He sets his goals and he damn well trys to achieve them with what little rescource he is given. At OT he would have an established youth system to which he could improve. A half decent war chest every transfer window. Granted the team may need to carry him for the first season whilst he gets on his feet so fergie best start whipping this team into full blooded champions of the world in time for the day he finally take his final bow as our legendary Manger!
Cantona: Great player no mangaing experience
MON: poor mans MOYES
Mourinho: Shiney talisman that would not stand the test of time. Like to win at all cost which would include the youth system and also a lot of money.
Blanc: errmm not to sure what to say. don’t rate him that highly (yet)
rikjaard: ??? nope not for me, just don’t figure him a premiership manager.
Peace out
July 29th, 2009 at 22:27
what a bloody disgrace this person is. if what is reported is true no he shoud be immediately sacked from his current position as inter coach and be left on the sidelines until saf retires and then be told his not wanted by united. this man thinks hes above everybody. what sort of person would announce his interest for another club. anyway he is not a united coach. his style of coaching relies on keeping a clean sheet and using the best strikers in the world to score the winners. often teams that he coaches give up alot of the play and soak pressure. this suited chelsea as they were hunting for their 1st glory but not after. in italy winning is the only thing that matters and therefore any playing style will be tolerated as long as yhe team is winning. inter will keep on winning regardless of the coach because of their squad. i’m an inter fan i hope they sack him straight away and charge hin with disloyalty instead of paying him the highest salary in football management.