May 02
Links of the Day
With it being Friday, and me having to wrap up quite a bit of work for the week, I’ll take a break from the blog for the day. But not before I link you to some interesting articles and news bits to keep you clicking and discussing. Also feel free to link to other articles that interest you — on United, of course. Although interesting football related stuff can also be linked to.
On to the list:
- Chelsea fury as Curbishley says Ferguson is ‘Mr Amazing’ [The Guardian]
- Kevin McCarra: Ferguson must fear Chelsea’s freshness [The Guardian]
- Another award for Ronaldo [Sporting Life]
- James Ryddel: How United can beat Chelsea in Champions League final [A Kick in the Grass -- Manchester United Blog]
- James Lawton: Fergie must fight Chelsea fire with skill and adventure of old [The Independent]
- Short Thursday Roundup
- International roundup and a link fest
- Some Links for the Day
- Quiet Monday Roundup
- Manutd.com: Reds Announce Tevez Capture
Tags: Daily Roundup
May 2nd, 2008 at 12:09
Tabloid rumours link us to a bid for Dean Ashton to add some “physical presence” to our forward line, and a 15 million bid for Bosingwa. They must be really bored….why would we spend 15 million on an average full back when we have Brown and Hargreaves able to play that role?
I agree with the team suggested in the article:
EVDS
Brown Rio Vidic Evra
Anderson Carrick Hargreaves
Ronaldo Rooney Tevez
Of course in reality Scholes will play instead of Hargreaves, Fletcher will play instead of Anderson, and Ji Sung will probably get the nod ahead of Tevez with Tevez being brought on for the last half hour.
May 2nd, 2008 at 13:30
For the West Ham game Vidic is out, Rooney will most likely be on the sub bench and Evra is good to go. Let’s hope Vidic bounces back for the Wigan game so he has a game under his belt before the CL Final. Most likely to see Hargo at RB and Brown and Ferdinand at CB with Evra at LB and the defence should be kept that way until Moscow unless Vidic returns.
May 2nd, 2008 at 13:50
Colver, I don’t know if there’s any truth in the Boswinga story or not, but there’s no way that Brown and Hargreaves are acceptable as right-backs long-term. Brown is a centre-half who rarely gets forward and cannot cross when he does, while Hargreaves is a ball-chasing midfielder who can get sucked out of position in a way that a natural defender wouldn’t.
They’re both great to have as cover, but when we’ve had one of the all-time great full-backs in Gary Neville (who may be back to his best next season) at right-back, not to mention the best left-back in the premiership on the other flank Brown and Hargreaves simply won’t do in the long term.
May 2nd, 2008 at 14:42
Chelsea look fresher that’s for sure and we have most of our players who played more than 45 games
this season while drogba and ballack have only played a few and interestingly joe cole whose played 43
this season looks like he’s hit the wall.
May 2nd, 2008 at 17:55
no, hargreaves could be a rb, and we would be using hi 2 best attributes, in tackling, and crossing, when he plays at CDM, we waste a 1/3 of his game.
May 2nd, 2008 at 18:20
Hargreaves id more than capable of being a full time RWB. And regarding his “getting sucked out of position”, that will disappear after a few more outings at that position. It’s not about getting familiar with it as much getting comfortable in it. He is a quality player with pace, drive and excellent marking skills. Add to that his dribbling, calmness under pressure and ability to move forward, overlap and cross makes him an ideal selection. For me, he is already in the top three RB’s in England when he plays there. He has the intelligence and ability to become one of the best at that position in the world in just a very short time period. And to be honest, I prefer there because of the fact we already have too many central midfielders to juggle around and the rumors that more could be on the way.
Dan is absolutely dead on correct about Hargo losing 1/3 of his game at DMF position. He is an excellent holding midfielder but his offensive skills are diminished in that role. I like seeing him move forward and crossing balls in etc. From a RWB position or even a RMF position he could be far more dangerous and still maintain a strong defensive edge to our game.
May 2nd, 2008 at 18:30
Based on the way Chelsea play I fully expect us to go 4-5-1 or 4-3-3 with Tevez on the bench until the last third of the game. We simply need the midfielders to snuff out the quality midfield linkup of Chelsea with Drogba. My perfect lineup for this match provided everyone is healthy would be;
EVDS
BROWN
RIO
VIDIC
EVRA
HARGREAVES
CARRICK
SCHOLES
NANI
ROONEY
RONALDO
Subs;
TEVEZ
PARK
PIG
PIQUE
O’SHEA
FLETCHER
GIGGS
I’m sure Fergie will go with sentiment though and start Giggs over Nani which I feel will be a big mistake. Lets face it, Giggsy just hasn’t got the pace anymore. After a long season it’s clear his legs are gone. And there is no way Fergie will keep Hargreaves out of the lineup this time. He was hoping to rest him the last time but Vidic got hurt. Hargo on the right side of midfield could really spread Chelsea wide open with some great runs and crosses. No way that idiot Ashley Cole will be able to keep up with him. And Tevez will come in after 65 minutes when we really need him and his energy and terrier like qualities, as well a late game heroics could be the difference
May 2nd, 2008 at 18:36
- Hargo on Football Focus talks about the West Ham game
- Dean Ashton shares his views
May 2nd, 2008 at 18:43
…No sign of Anderson in youre squad Groggy?!
Despite his age i feel he’s the key to our success. We NEED his strength & energy in our
midfield to combat Essien, Ballack etc. We need him somewhere in that midfield three…..
Personally i’d drop Carrick for the lad.
Apart from that youre spot on. I think Nani has to start purely for his delivery from corners etc. Rooney OR Giggs aint up to his standard.
Im a bit worried for tomorrows game though….. TEAM PREDICTIONS ANYONE?
May 2nd, 2008 at 19:07
Team prediction for tomorrow:
EVDS
O’Shea Rio Brown Evra
Nani Carrick Scholes Park
Ronaldo Tevez
Reasoning: I think Hargreaves will be rested as playing him for the fourth successive game in two weeks will aggravate his injuries. I think we will go for a Carrick and Scholes midfield because they are a tried and tested combination and should be able to run the midfield against an average West Ham side. Scholes will probably tire after an hour to be replaced by Anderson or Fletcher. Nani and Park will be played on the wings as they are probably the freshest players we have and we could use some second wind. Ronaldo and Tevez are the only forwards we have.
May 2nd, 2008 at 19:35
colver, its funny, we played scholes and carrck last year and west ham did a double on us…
May 2nd, 2008 at 19:47
[Dan]
Your point? We also played Rooney, then.
May 2nd, 2008 at 20:55
I dont think Scholes or Hargreaves will be able to play three times a week. Carrick has started every game for us since the Bolton game, so I think he will get a rest too. My team for tomorrow:
VDS
Oshea Rio Wes Silvestre/Evra if fit
Nani Fletcher Anderson Giggs
Tevez Ronaldo
I dont think it is our best side to play tomorrow, but I have a feeling that this will be the team against West Ham.
May 2nd, 2008 at 21:23
Personally, I have no doubt that SAF will favor experience over any other factor in deciding the CL final starting XI. The Scholes spot is a given, but I’m also inclined to believe that he would start Park over Anderson. However, I’m not sure I would include Park. He played a key role in the Barca tie, but I think a lot of his success had to do with Barca’s style. His pace was able to neutralize their skill and he, along with Evra, did an excellent job of keeping track of Messi. But Chelsea plays a completely different style. Although I think it would be better to bring on Giggs for the last 30 mins, I would not be surprised to see SAF start him. Assuming everyone is healthy, I would expect to see a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-5-1. My bet is this:
VDS
Brown-Rio-Vidic-Evra
Hargo-Carrick
Ronaldo-Scholes-Giggs
Rooney
All of these players have substantial CL experience (even though we are playing an English side) and are well capable of scoring. I think our excellent defensive form this year (especially against Barca) will have SAF looking for the early goal, then playing defensively.
On a completely separate note, I really don’t think our bid for Boswinga is a good idea. He’s good, but at 25 I dunno how much better he can get. Brown is obviously not as talented as the rest of the back line, but he hasn’t really done much to hurt us this year. Plus, we have ample youth talent as the position with Simmo and the Brazilian twins coming up the youth ranks. I think we would be fine next year platooning Brown and Neville and maybe working in the youngsters for a few matches. The true pressing need of the squad is an out and out striker in the mold of RVN. From what I’ve seen of Huntelaar, he seems like he could be a good fit. I’m sure SAF and Carlos will do a good amount of scouting at the Euro Championship this summer.
May 2nd, 2008 at 22:36
RealRed; That was just a brain drain on my part. I just goofed. He would not start a game like that for me but he would be much more preferable to Pique on the sub’s bench. He along with Tevez and Park would be the three subs I would use in a close game to add some fire and pace to the game.
Now versus West Ham I am expecting a big game from the lads and at least 3 goals. West Ham will be using some kids so I think they are ripe for the picking. My prediction, 4-0. If we can keep clean sheets against Barca twice, West Ham should be no problem.
May 3rd, 2008 at 1:19
Well I’m up for it, and I predict a 3-0 win for United against the Hammers. If anyone lies down for the opposition, I think it will be “I’d love it Kevin Keegan” and his geordies. West Ham always bring a good support with them, and always want to beat us, BUT THEY HAVE HAD THEIR DAY!. I just hope Man United fans are buzzing again, and as up for this as we all were on Tuesday. Ronnie neeeds to get scoring again. So 3-0 win will do for me. Keep em out Rio my man. We had to beat Barca, we did!. We have to beat the Hammers, WE WILL!. sO GET READY TO CELEBRATE.
May 3rd, 2008 at 2:04
Their names are Fabio and Rafael …
seems to me that we should know our own players at least
May 3rd, 2008 at 2:13
Hargreaves is better playing defensive midfield rather than full back or wide midfield. He’s not very comfortable on the ball, he’s not calm in possession, he certainly doesn’t have dribbling skills. He does have a good cross on him and he has lots of energy, so he can help out in these positions when needed. However, he won’t play either position permanently.
Also, ashley cole not being able to keep up with hargreaves - you’re having a laugh mate.
May 3rd, 2008 at 2:39
Anybody with a link to the west ham game tomorrow?? I REALLY NEED HELP, CANT HANDLE NOT WATCHING THIS GAME!!
May 3rd, 2008 at 2:59
[realred]
Whoa realred, easy on the caps mate. Watch the game here: http://livefooty.doctor-serv.com
May 3rd, 2008 at 3:08
did i miss something red ranter. whats wrong with capital letters?
May 3rd, 2008 at 3:47
[realred]
It’s just not good commenting practice in my opinion. I don’t mind use of caps for emphasis on certain words etc. But writing entire sentences makes it appear like you are screaming at someone. Anyway, if you really want to know what I think of caps it is already in my comments policy.
It’s just a request to people to type comments normally.
May 3rd, 2008 at 4:35
tevez; Nearly everything you said in my opinion was wrong mate. Clearly you have your own opinion and that’s fine but to say that Hargo is not calm when in possession and not comfortable on the ball is just not so. In fact he may be too comfortable on the ball. He’s also very good dribbler. And Ashley Cole runs out of gas very quickly. Having to run up and down the pitch with Hargo for 90 minutes will be too much for him. It’s not about pace, it’s about endurance. Hargo can run forever and Cole simply can’t. I’ve watched Hargo for years and so I feel I know of what I basing my opinions on.
May 3rd, 2008 at 9:15
I myself am not over the victory on Tuesday night and we have another match today. Hopefully the injuries to Anton and the other fullback should be enough for us to go forward.
I think Carrick and ANdo would be a better idea than Flecth and Ando, but I think SAF will go with da l8r.
May 3rd, 2008 at 10:03
West Ham don’t need to park the bus for a draw, so hopefully they’ll try and play a bit.
I’m hoping for the most energetic team possible, close them down, stifle them, then break.
Please, no waiting for them to come at us nonsense
I want to see Tevez, Nani, Park and Anderson…I don’t want to see Giggs, not at the start any way…sure they could win with O’shea and Fletcher playing but this should be about making things happen not hoping things will be okay…
Do a Puyol on them, don’t even let their goalie breathe for a second