Apr 29
Moscow, we’re going to Moscow!
Match report to follow 
[EDIT By RR]
Great stuff by the lads. Outstanding support from the crowd. They won’t be able to talk for a week, I’m sure. Let’s savour these moments for now. I’ll put some videos or pics as I find them, but the match report will come up only tomorrow. Hang on tight, and feel free to rant your guts out.
Over to you…
Found this on video Youtube, don’t know if it’s relevant, but enjoy!
The defining moment… the Ginger Prince!
… and the video…
Yes! We are going to Moscow, for real!
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Tags: Match Reports · UEFA Champions' League
Craig Mc (195)
RedDevilEddy (170)
Opti (135)
Moscow is my heaven (96)
Ian (95)
Ronaldo losing the ball too much is probably the thing that has frustrated me most about our team this season but it ended up setting up the goal that got us to the final. I can’t wait to beat whoever we play
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oh yes! what a day of tension to culminate in that.
We’re in the final, thank you thank you thank you Fergie and the lads.
Football will be the death of me, i thought that tonight was the night. Fair play to Barca for having a go, they lacked any real composure in front of goal though. It was great to see our lads collectively upping their game to overcome Barca.Not gonna go into the match in depth, but PAUL SCHOLES, he scores great GOALS Three w’s to go, West ham, Wigan, and whoever!
Moscow here we come!
Red till the day i die.
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Tell me this is not a dream.
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Glory, Glory Man United
Glory, Glory Man United
Glory, Glory Man United
AND THE REDS GO MARCHING ON!!!!!!!!!
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So who is actually going to try and go to Moscow anyone? I live down in Australia, but i’m thinking if my CEO can secure me a ticket (he loves a challenge), then i’ll take a weekend off a go, once in a lifetime opportunity!
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BLOODY INCREDIBLE! WOW! I am just overwhelmed by the heart and commitment shown by the lads tonight. Fergie called for it and called for the team to show their pride and respect for the club’s history and boy did they deliver. This performance although far from our best offensive showing of the season was once again the blueprint by which every CL team should play team defense in such a high stakes atmosphere. Incredible organization, desire and discipline. Add to that the fact that unlike at the Nou Camp, they were able to blend a few passes together and make things happen offensively. Even though Barca once again had the ball a lot 60/40, they didn’t have the best chances. And that is an incredible thing to say over two legs. The mighty Barca had two good scoring opportunities in 180+ minutes of play. Unheard of.
For all the criticism Fergie has received about his tactics and squad selection during this tie, he once again got it right because lets face it, not only did we win, but we deserved it. I’ll always be upset with him over what happened at Stamford Bridge but I have been his loudest advocate over the two performances against Barcelona. Master Class in tactics, patience and defensive setup.
Now it’s off to Moscow where barring major injuries I feel we will win the European Cup. I do believe it will be Chelsea. And they will be the harder team to beat because they simply match up better against us and because they have far superior players overall to the Scouse.
I want revenge for Sayurday and there is no better place to hand AV Grant a lesson in managing and tactics than in the CL final. Lets see how he plays outside that fortress of his known as the Bridge. Lets face it, they are a terrible “team” but they have excellent individual players. Our team and excellent players will defeat them. I am sure of this. They lucked out once but they will not do it twice. Provided we don’t get a terrible injury or two in our last two games of the season.
PLAYER RATINGS:
EVDS 8/10 – Very steady and always positioned in the right place. Made a few tough saves but really was not tested in the way one would have expected. Did have a few anxious moments though and a few uncharacteristic poor clearances. Still, never wavered.
HARGREAVES 7/10 – He too worked very hard and made numerous strong tackles and some good runs up field. He was however a little susceptible to Iniesta’s cut backs in towards the box, but that I think was to avoid him getting wide and crossing in. He also showed a lot of physical grit which was nice to see. I am beginning to get very used to the idea that he could be our RB of the future. He certainly does not fit out of place.
RIO 9/10 – A rock, plain and simple. At present he is the best Center Back in the World with or without Vidic. Never got a thing wrong and was even adventurous up field. Reminded me of the great Jaap Stam tonight in his doggedness and determination.
BROWN 9/10 – Like Rio he was simply fantastic. How many great blocks and defensive headers can a guy have in a game? He was stupendous at times and even seemed dangerous on corners and set pieces at the other end. Saved our bacon on numerous half chances that barca were handed by clearing, tackling or blocking the ball away. It’s clear to me that he is a CB and not a RB because he was very comfortable in there tonight.
EVRA 9/10 – Another incredible effort and heroic performance by the little Frenchman. Was on Messi like a bad rash in the summer heat. Many many big tackles and clearances and some great runs and upfield probes that caused problems for Barca. Hope his cheek is not fractured. He has become an iron man of consistency.
PARK 7.5/10 – Really played well and delivered some killer crosses that should have been finished off. His work rate and ball retention were very good under such pressure and trying circumstances. People often say we need a backup to Ronaldo. We have a backup to Ronaldo and Nani and his name is Park. Becoming a very reliable alternative.
CARRICK 7.5/10 – Tonight Michael elevated his game as well as his commitment by 50%. His passes were decisive and his marking and tackles were top notch. Nobody made a fool of him tonight. Still needs to show some more pace and head up field a little bit more but from a defensive point of view, he did the job.
SCHOLES 8/10 – Hail Hail to the Ginger Ninja. What a goal and where the Hell did that come from? I thought that part of his game had long been put to bed. A stunning strike and a very solid performance. Showed a willingness to attack and pass with the express point of attacking the opponents tonight. Yet he still was efficient and tidy with his passes except for one bad pass just minutes before he scored.
Defensively he worked hard but committed a few fouls in threatening areas for Barca. He also let Deco free a few times to threaten us but other than that he was very solid nd was definitely a game winner for us. That goal was worthy of a final. Now barring injury, he will get his just desert. A chance to start in CL final, which has long been overdue him.
NANI 7/10 – Many may find fault with his game tonight as he still gives up the ball easily at times and he doesn’t always make the smart play. But lets remember that Ronaldo was just like that in his first year. Fergie knows better than to stifle the creative instincts of an artist. We just need to be patient. He worked very hard and tracked back well. With some luck his fine header off of Parks cross could have killed the game off. Better game than Chelsea, that’s for sure.
TEVEZ 8/10 – He didn’t score, he never assisted on a goal but he worked his bloody ass off all night both on defense and on offense. He was a royal pain in the ass to Barca tonight and he really came to play. Unlike last week, he was not confused about his role and he knew exactly what he had to do. Was a bloody pit bull out there. Tremendous. Now if he could only have gotten into a position for a few goal scoring chances too.
RONALDO 8/10 – A very mature and very team oriented performance. Sacrificed personal gain for a strict team philosophy tonight. Was never selfish and yet he still was dangerous and very tidy with his control and his distribution. Our style tonight took away a lot of his offensive mojo but he never complained and he worked as hard as anyone. He also never whined and cried after being fouled countless times and even a few times where he looked hurt. Our boy is growing up mother.
GIGGS 6/10 – Didn’t do much and seemed to be out thinking his teammates on a few occasions and some stray passes. Has really lost a step in the last few months. It really is noticeable. Still he did work hard and the team’s defensive structure never suffered when he came on.
ANDERSON 5/10 – Never really made his presence felt.
SILVESTRE Not enough time to judge.
Well there you have it. And now we are off to Moscow but first, we have some unfinished Premiership business to attend to. This win has to be a strong shot of adrenaline for the lads and their confidence should be sky high for West Ham who I hear will be playing some kids. Kick their asses and lets hope the Toon pulls off a minor miracle and helps us out a bit. I don’t just want to win the BPL. I’d also like to have more points than Chelski. It’s a pride thing. I’ve never been a fan of goals for and against being the decider. It’s a stupid way to solve things. If tied, they should play one game to solve things like they do in baseball. It’s only fair. Still, I won’t complain if it happens because we have that advantage on them now don’t we?
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Grogs
Anderson 5/10!!??
When did he come on
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I forgot to add my grading for Fergie and my man of the match.
FERGIE 9/10 – Never ever will I question the Gaffer again. I’ll even forgive him for the debacle at Stamford Bridge which I’m still not over. He got it right and all along he knew exactly what he was doing and none of us including the media knows shit. The man is a legend.
Hail to the Chief SAF! Hurrah!
Man of the Match: Very tough one to select but lets face it, any one of 6 or 7 lads could have been picked tonight. But for me the Man of the Match is WES BROWN. He was huge for us tonight filling in for Vidic. His clearances, marking and above all tackles and blocks were just fantastic to behold. His performance tonight was better than Rio’s and his was bordering on perfection. World class performance by Wes tonight. Well done.
Russia Beware! The next Red Wave is ready to overtake your country. The Red Devils are coming baby and they aim to kick some Scouser or Chelski ass right in the heart of Moscow. I hope it’s Chelski so that we can do Russia a favor and once more break the heart one Roman Abramovich. Where better to do that than in the country he raped and pillaged on his way to billions.
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Jos; Sorry about that. I meant Fletcher. And he didn’t play poorly. You just can’t expect much from 15 minutes of play.
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I was so surprised that Brown could play that well in that position. He really did so well in this game. Nani had lots of confidence for himself, but he didn’t play so well. I was extremely worried when Giggs was up since I didn’t want they down to 10 men. Anyway, they all did tremenous job last night. Great work!!!
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[Grognard]
Excellent review mate. Glad to see that you’ve got your faith back in Fergie too.
I think you missed out our 12th man though, the CROWD. They should get a 10/10
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Special praise tonight must go to the supporters at OT. They were in top form and they were the 12th man. They made the difference. What an atmosphere. It was electric and I would have given my left nut to be there.
Also many thanks tonight to the German referee who I feel called another fantastic match. This referee should ref the final because he is fair and above all very competent. He is this consistent and good every week in the Bundesliga and despite the fact he looks like Simon Cowell, he isn’t and asshole. A very good job. How much better would the BPL be with refs like that?
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AntsBoy; Wow! You are in my head mate. I was just writing a post about forgetting to congratulate the crowd as you posted that. You are absolutely correct. they were a 10/10 and deserve all our thanks. Anfield at it’s loudest would have been envious tonight I think.
And I always had faith in Fergie in Europe. It’s his squad selection and tactics in the BPL that have me a little frustrated and confused. But I still have faith in the Gaffer even if I occasionally twist off on him. It’s like a son occasionally talking back to his old man. It doesn’t mean he doesn’t respect or love him. Fergie is DA MAN.
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WERE GOING TO MOSCOW WERE GOING TO MOSCOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
UNITED!!!!!! CANT SMILE WITHOUT YOU!!!!!!!!
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Ranter, FCB, it is clear for today, one day, there was only one Best Player in the World. Don’t be confused by Best Team in the World or Best Manager in the World. We know United won. We know Sir Alex won. But we don’t accept Mourinho’s standard for Best Player. This is not a collective title. It is individual. And the most beautiful individual on the pitch today at Old Trafford was Messi. Most beautiful. Best. In the world. For today. Over to you CR7. Raise your game. Lead. Are you more than a Beckham? Or are you equally limited. Lead CR7, like Messi today, or even Scholes damn it! – and then you will really, truly be The Best Player in the World… (Congrats btw from a neutral – United deserved Finalists!)
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Grognard:- you missed Fletcher who had a decent game when he came on ..Anderson didn’t even come on….
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Grog: that would be sweet. I hate Cheating Chelsea. But I’d rather not invite them to Moscow. They might steal it. More appropriate to beat Liverpool there for they are truly a Big Red Machine. They are scary good at winning matches but they are not the beautiful game. That would be what I’d want in Moscow: a victory for the beautiful game; a knife in the heart of heartless football as embodied by Rafa The Accountant Benitez. Yes, that would be a fitting end to this season of beautiful football: a victory for a team that at least aspires to beauty…
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useless giggs….cant start in moscow!
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also noticed pique isnt on the on the bench!
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i am so happy, i could cry……. yeah! eat that nay-sayers….
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Well done lads, well done!!! Moscow here we come! Scholes Thunderbolt was exceptionally fantastic. Moscow here we come!!!! Tevez, Rio, Brown, Carrick well done!!!!!!!
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Glory Glory Man United,,
Glory Glory Man United,,
Glory Glory Man United,,
Glory Glory Man United,,
As The Reds Go Marching On On ON
Were Da Boyz In Red And Were Going To Moscow,,
Where Da Famous Man United And Where Going To Moscow,,
Glory Glory Man United,,
Glory Glory Man United,,
Glory Glory Man United,,
Glory Glory Man United,,
As The Reds Go Marching On On ON
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If Chelsea do in fact go on to the final in Moscow, won’t it be a bit like a home match for them?
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my man of the match of course park and tevez…
their presence really made a huge impact on the team…
does anyone agree this? u have too!!
Hell yeah to Moscow!!!
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On a personal level I want to get revenge on Chelski for that win on Saturday. But they are only a recent rival of significance. A truly great match for the ages would be Manchester United vs Liverpool. This game has all the history and rivalry of epic proportions and would be a total spectacle. I also think it would be a better game as I am sure Chelsea would resort to negative and slow tactics to kill the game off and hope for a break like in last year’s FA Cup. Liverpool does that all the time but it doesn’t work against us because they just don’t match up well against our players. If healthy we should beat Liverpool 3-0 or 3-1. Chelsea would be a hard fought 1-0 win or possibly a draw that goes to penalties. And we would win that because Peter Cech couldn’t stop a penalty if his life was at stake. He’s a great keeper but he has poor technique and just guesses on PK’s. EVDS on the other hand is pretty decent if it goes that far.
Another great scenario would be to play Liverpool but without Gerrard and or Carragher or both. One more yellow card for them and they miss the final. I’ll tell you right now that without Gerrard we would murder them. Absolutely kill them. And no Carragher would make things very difficult for them because their depth and quality at CB is not great. And it’s very possible because of the diving that Chelsea players get away with, and because it will be a very physical contest. Just things to think about. Also, Lampard is expected back tomorrow so this could mean Chelsea’s play bogs down again if both he and Ballack are on the field at the same time.
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Beautifulgamer; Neither Chelsea or Liverpool will be an advert for beautiful football in the final. And their style may force United to be defensive and physical too. But I doubt it. I think that if Rooney is 100% fit, United will come out to entertain and win the game with style and class. No reason to hold back and be cautious then. Ideal scenario would be for Chelsea to lose this week at Newcastle and for us to win against West Ham. That would clinch the BPL for us and allow Fergie to play the reserves against Wigan thus giving all the starters a well earned rest before the CL final. And it could happen because of Chelsea’s poor history at St James Park and with the Toon’s latest form being good. Lets all keep our fingers crossed.
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ManUTD9tTitles; Not really because Abramovich is despised in his homeland for his business practices and very shady dealings. There was a time it was considered dangerous for him to go back there. I wouldn’t be surprised if he isn’t there should the Blue’s make it there.
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Just curious…do they have artificial turf in Moscow?
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[Grognard]
I doubt there will be problems with Abramovich coming to Moscow considering how much he’s investing in Russian football. It was through his influence that Hiddink came to Russia. The Russian FA is eating off his palms at the moment.
Just hope he doesn’t buy off the referees if they qualify.
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Fergie Post Match
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7374635.stm
Rijkaard Post Match
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7374640.stm
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[Best Player]
United had more team work. The strategy involved playing the way Ronaldo did. Messi just seemed better because
1. United intentionally allowed him to run with the ball rather than foul him.
2. Barca just kept giving Messi the ball hoping for something to happen.
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What a game i have to say i was bricking it, I thought the injury time would drag. I think we should congratulate the squad, rename the site redspraise for today and all try and pick up a dodgy visa!!
Rijkaards sour grapes concerning are tactics= You have to feel sorry for him, hes pretty much out of a job. Barca clearly would have ran away with La Liga if they showed their CL form.
God bless Fergie he’s a true don, i think he nailed the tactics. The great man deserves another Euro trophey!! and in his words ‘We Have A Marvelous Chance’.
Now bring on the Scouse!!!
p.s Any word on Pat??? injury update please!!!
Rio for captain!
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What team work…just brilliant… that is what won us the game. Everyone was giving 110%, hustling, chasing, and closing down. Determination and the hunger from all 11 (+SAF +FANS) won us the match.
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Yea, theres fucking artificial turf in Moscow…
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Does anyone know why Ronaldo has chosen this particular moment 2 say he “doesn’t know” about his future at MUFC and he will only discuss his next step after Moscow?
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[Best Player]
You call Messi the best player in the world. And was he that great yesterday???
I could see him doing only one thing whenever he got the ball…
And its getting the ball on the left foot…
At least I don’t call a player-without-weak-foot-ability the best in the world…
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Good points Gustav and Andy, perhaps we focused more on Messi because everything went through him and it is true that he didn’t finish the job…and he did shank a few shots. More to consider then in deciding who is best. I’d still like to see more leadership from CR in Europe – like Scholes’ leadership. But he’s young…and so is Messi. I’m not taking sides. And btw I’m not the only one celebrating Messi this morning. A lot of folks, including those giving player ratings, are in this camp. But The Best Player in the World cannot be made in one day…
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kal and andrei,
the turf at luzhniki is artificial but a natural one will be laid for the final.
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Red Ranter; The Russian FA may be eating out of his palms but President Putin has a completely different agenda when it comes to these instant billionaires who made their wealth on the blood and guts of Mother Russia and who then, didn’t give Putin himself, a piece of the action. I remember seeing a long documentary on this subject and Abramovich was one of many of these young self made billionaires that were on Putin’s hit list for having financially reaped rewards for literally raping and pillaging the land after the fall of Communism. All I’m saying is that it will be interesting if Roman shows up or not. Working with their FA is easy to do from his office at the Bridge.
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Regardless of what some of you may think Lio Messi is currently the second best player in the world. And had he been healthy all year (which he certainly was not) he would have shown his greatness more. And there is no rule that says a player has to be two footed to be great. Maradona was one footed and is considered by many to be the greatest. Messi is a very special player and he played very well last night considering his teammates never followed his example. He can’t do it all alone and yet, he almost did yesterday. And like Ronaldo just two seasons ago, he needs a little more experience and refinement in his game. Once he has that, look out.
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Primachenko; We can only hope that the natural turf takes properly before the final or we will have a pitch similar to that junk pile at the new Wembley. That looks to be a disaster to play on and it favors slow buildup teams like Chelsea and Liverpool. That is a definite worry.
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Okayyyyy… If Kiiistiyano
Ronaldo is not the best player, then I would say he is a Complete player…
He is a aerial threat…
He can score with both feet..
Extraordinarily amazing free-kicks
…
and etc etc etc…
And a team needs a complete player more than a best player…
Oh by the way Messi is not that bad a player… He is also good…
One more thing… Only best players are most fouled…
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i hope they water it down nice before the match for a free flowing game
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Brilliant stuff for us.
Unfortunately, its now a repeat of the boring FA cup final of last year.
Hope SAF don’t show too much respect to Chelsea.
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