Sep 18
Man Utd 0-0 Villarreal: Ronaldo Returns
I couldn’t get to see the entire match because of work commitments so I’d suggest readers to look over yesterday’s comments to get varied opinions on the game.
But, by and large, despite the result, I wouldn’t be too concerned about the result and I would take positives out of the game. Also from Ferguson’s comments post match, it appeared so too.
Firstly, we did play well overall. There was good movement and some players showed enough desire to want the ball. Park was especially impressive in that regard.
We didn’t have the spark for all our efforts, and it would have been a shame had Villarreal gone in front. Ronaldo’s entry changed that, but more on him later.
Nani’s performance was encouraging, and the likes of Berbatov would be encouraged by the consistency of his delivery over the crap service of the likes of Aaron Lennon.
Hargreaves started which was good to see because we need his presence in midfield against Chelsea. I would say the same of Fletcher too — and it would be unfair to drop, arguably, our most consistent performer of the season so far. He’s a big game player too — in the words of the boss himself — so I hope Fletch starts against Chelsea.
Jonny Evans was impressive and whilst Villarreal cannot possibly compare with the physicality of Chelsea, with Neville looking out of sorts, it looks like his steady performance today could tempt Fergie into taking a chance on him against Chelsea. I am not sure about the need for the chance, but I don’t see a better right back at the moment than Brown. Neville, despite my love for him, has done little to suggest he belongs in the first XI.
Finally, Ronaldo’s entry: the moment he warmed up and stepped on to the pitch he was applauded and more importantly I am pretty sure I heard Ronaldo chants [correct me if I'm wrong].
I am sure I am going to get detractors jumping on my back, but then I can’t be too bothered about saying what I want to say here anyway. The applause was heart warming, but Ronaldo chants already? Give me a break! Can players get away with anything then? Personally I just can’t imagine dedicating chants for him yet.
Ronaldo’s prescience proved right “When I play the fans will love me again“. You win Ronaldo. Oh well… it’s something I’ll have to live with then.
On to Chelsea and while this game was about testing waters with players returning from injury, I would have preferred a win like any fan would. Chelsea is a different beast in every sense of the word. John Terry got his card rescinded (un-fuckin’ believable!) and the US treasury is now our official shirt sponsor (since it now owns AIG). But more on that tomorrow.
Adios Red Chums!
Related items from Red Rants:
- Porto it is then…
- Rooney Out For A Month
- Manchester United’s 08/09 Champions’ League Opponents
- Man Utd Blog 2007/2008 Home Kit
- Liverpool 2-1 Man Utd: Questions Galore for Fergie
Tags: Match Reports · UEFA Champions' League
Opti (542)
Stephen (490)
RedDevilEddy (462)
Craig Mc (349)
Moscow is my heaven (272)
what ship will never dock in the ports of mersey?
-the premiership
Like?
0 
0
@jason: its not like the Glazers have been holding out with regards to transfer fees. Was it 50 or 60 million last season. But hey spending that much every year is perfectly acceptable. Its not like we’re in debt or anything…
Like?
0 
0
Being realistic our squad players are as strong as anyone. We only know the first team players of most of our major rivals so do not notice that their squad players aren’t exactly stellar either.
We get our fair share of injuries and haven’t exactly being doing too badly the past two seasons: two titles, semis and winners of Champions League.
My only gripe is that when we need to call on our squad players they are invariably injured so it seems like we have less depth than we really do.
Players like Hargreaves and Ji-Sung are dead weight if they cannot stay fit.
Like?
0 
0
Its Official!
Mike Riley is the Referee for Sunday!
Like?
0 
0
3-0 to manu. rooney 2 ronnie 1. rooney scores 1 volley and 1 chip. ronnie scores 30ish yard freekick.
REMEMBER: YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST!!!!!!!!!
Like?
0 
0
Its official Spurs are the strongest team in the Premier League………………………. They are holding another 19 teams above them
Like?
0 
0
loooooooooooooooool
Like?
0 
0
@Craig Mc: your point at 56 is spot on. Everyone who seriously thinks rooney is on the same planet as ronaldo is either A)Delusional B) English or C)Both.
Rooney comes back from the break smoking cigarettes and looking the second coming of Fat Frank. Ronaldo comes back a month ahead of schedule from his injury with a freaking 8 pack!
Now I am not suggesting that a 8 pack makes one a better footballer, but the difference in the two players physiques tells me one thing. Ronaldo is always training and trying to improve. The same cant be said for rooney. I think this is why we arent seeing the growth in rooneys game like we all expected. I think Rooney knows he has unquestioned talent, and because of that he doesnt think he has to work as hard as everyone else.
Ill admit that I have never seen rooney train before, but as a person who played high level sports I know that people who are serious and dedicated to their craft never take the offseason for granted. Ill accept that this could be an annomally because he got married this summer, but I dont suspect that is the real reason.
Like?
0 
0
@Red Diablo: At least it’s not Bennett!
Like?
0 
0
New post up!
Like?
0 
0
Like?
0 
0