Mar 20
Man Utd 2-0 Bolton: Ronaldo Usurps Best
One thing we ought to have learned yesterday is that Ferguson is a tactical genius (in case anybody ever doubts him anymore). I doubted him. Reading the line-ups before the game, I was shocked: Ferguson was being experimental!
In case you did not see the game, there were four interesting aspects to it: 1) the starting line-up seemed to be weak; 2) Ronaldo was given the captain’s armband; 3) Ronaldo scored a peach of a goal; 4) the tough-tackling, powerful, determined mountain-man that is Vidic left the game with a… um… nosebleed.
After Ronaldo’s first strike (on eight minutes), Bolton seemed to have no way back, but after his second (and oh, so magnificent) strike of the game — and his 33rd of the season (moving him past Best’s record) — there was no way back. Fergie’s boys had no problem seeing the game out without breaking too much sweat ahead of their crunch clash with Liverpool, although Bolton did have a strong spell in the beginning of the second half. As things were, Manchester United might have won by 20 goals had Nani been willing to pass and Tevez able to score.
Thus United managed to move three points clear at the summit of the Premier League and five points clear of Chelsea courtesy of three glorious comebacks by Tottenham in a game which ended 4-4.
It did not promise to be that easy for Man Utd fans before kick-off. The changes that Ferguson made from the side that beat Derby (seven in all) seemed to weaken the team severely in preparation for the Liverpool game.
For one thing Kuszczak was brought back in place of Ben Foster, who had a pretty impressive performance in the weekend. To be fair Ferguson struck a chord right there.
Kuszczak might have his critics. Some United fans think that he is not good enough to even be a United backup, but against Bolton he showed us exactly why he is at Old Trafford. He made four exceptional saves and a case for his place in the team. He also justified Foster’s absence.
Of course Ferguson might have thought that it would be better to have a more experienced goalkeeper with the defence he sent out there. Nothing wrong with Fletcher, Pique or O’Shea, but all three of them in the back-line is just asking for trouble. Fletcher had a torrid game, he kept well in defence, but his exploits forward were pointless and we have now seen a player who cannot take a throw-in. Hargo is amazing, but he should never ever play at right back.
Pique was neutral, perhaps a good sign from a young defender. But O’Shea showed that he is Man Utd material. Not the best midfielder, or centre-half, right-back or goalkeeper, but a solid left-back. He was brought in to use his strength against the Bolton bullies and made good use of it.
There was not much surprise in the selection of the attacking front other than Rooney being left on the bench, which was expected in such an easy much given that Saha returned to fitness (albeit only for 70 minutes) and apart from Anderson’s first really bad game at United, hardly anything went amiss.
Sure the finishing was truly disastrous and Nani seems to be more and more like Ronaldo everyday (speaking of which, anybody know why Ronaldo was not so desperate to get his precious hat-trick tonight?). But all in all it was a fair performance with some very nice spells from United which kept us moderately entertained and the players rested for what will surely be a nail-bitter this coming Sunday.
Related items from Red Rants:
- Rooney Out For A Month
- Bolton vs Man Utd: Preview
- The need for a right-back and a forward | Title race blown open
- Wigan 0-2 Man Utd: CHAMPIONEEES!
- Man Utd v Bolton: Preview
Tags: Match Reports
March 20th, 2008 at 10:15
I agree with you. Anderson didn’t have a good game and Fletcher was….did he play? Tevez was very good …but like Nani, was a bit selfish. We could’ve gone 3 or 5 goals up if both of them were willing to pass the ball. Ronaldo was superb esp the Free Kick. Hargreaves did well..but kinda wasting his talent playing right back. O’Shea did well again. I’ve always said that he can do very well as left back. He came into our ranks as a left back. Saha…hamstring again? =_= glassman is back
March 20th, 2008 at 10:19
you say 4 but I’d say 2 great saves and 2 saves that every good goalie is supposed to make. Anyway his shot stopping was good but his kicking was abysmal! Did you see that clearance that went 100 miles up in the air and fell just 10 yards out of the box! Somehow he doesnt exude confidence with his clearances! Otherwise a good game for him.
I’d still maintain he is NOT man utd class.
March 20th, 2008 at 10:26
All i can say bring on the scousers.
Hopefully no excuses from them since they are the form team at the moment and Torres is at the top of his game.Should be a tough game but we have the key psychological advantage that should turn the tie in our favour.
March 20th, 2008 at 10:44
This guys clearly is an idiot: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/football.html?in_article_id=540270&in_page_id=1779
I know he doesnt always perform great against top teams, but this is to push it too long. He has been great in the CL this season, played well against Arsenal(1 goal, 1 assist) and Chelsea, but the only game he hasnt showeed up in this season was against Liverpool away, which I must say, none of the top four in the field played well. Best player in the world by miles!
March 20th, 2008 at 10:47
Kuszczak is a world class shot stopper but his positional sense leaves alot to be desired. We saw last night that he hesitated coming for balls which saw him then flap at crosses (he had a couple where he was lucky to get a freekick on) and then there was the issue of him rushing out and making a mess of it again, luckerly this time the Bolton player was offside as he flattened him and surely if the pompy ones was a sending off that would have had to be.
If something can be done about his positioning then he could be a top class keeper but otherwise he isnt united quality
As for Saha, he really has to go. Picked up a knock again doing what a striker should be doing, taking a shot. He just isnt right in the head imho and isnt trying 100% due to it as he fears injuries and while he is like that he is just going to keep getting injured
March 20th, 2008 at 11:28
Good result and job done on the night but I wouldn’t be as generous with my praise.
For one, I thought Hargreaves was dreadful and I have no idea why we bought him when Carrick was doing the same job with the added dimension of passing ability. Hargo has yet to put in a performance reminiscent of his displays for England which brought due respect.
Anderson was non-existent, Nani & Tevez had their own agendas & poor old Louis huffed and puffed but ended up with nothing but another hamstring injury.
I guess the rest of them did their job & Ronaldo was fantastic but considering they had two goals disallowed and more shots on goal, I would think we were quite lucky on the night.
Job done, move on but lets get a consistent formation & squad evolving for the run in.
March 20th, 2008 at 12:08
2nd game in a row that Vidic has had a nosebleed.. maybe he has ebola!
March 20th, 2008 at 12:14
U forgot to mention our glass man, Saha got injured? Well he was holding his hamstring after the shot he had and he kept lookin at the stars, hoping it was just a strain. But clearly, he couldn’t run well after that and he was substituted soon after. i don’t know why can’t he last for atleast 3 games without picking up a small injury.
I have a ‘cute’ feeling that Gary Neville with play against liverpool this weekend, or atleast feat at some point tho. Maybe its too soon, but i just feel he might be in…
March 20th, 2008 at 12:23
http://forums.mirror.co.uk/viewtopic.php?p=1138423#1138423
March 20th, 2008 at 12:24
More importantly, Rio might miss the match. Huge loss. I wasn’t that impressed with us yesterday, Bolton should have scored, indeed their last ‘goal’ was disallowed for who knows what. We didn’t keep possesion well, and conceeded alot of territory. Oh well, wins a win
Can’t help but feel like a team like pool would punish if we play like that. Tevez for all his skill is wasteful for a striker, and Nani…well…at lesat he was doing more than Giggs!
March 20th, 2008 at 12:29
Ronaldo is the best footballer no doubt about it
And what exactly is wrong with Rio?
March 20th, 2008 at 12:43
Rio has a back injury. ManUtd.com story here.
Hopefully he can make it, but if he doesnt, Brown is good nuff to step up.
@RedDevil – that Mirror guy is not just an idiot, he’s playing the part of an absolute cunt and clearly enjoys pissing people off.
March 20th, 2008 at 12:49
Last time we saw Rio he was wearing his keeper shirt so whats this back problem why is it this bad he didnt play derby or bolton and sunday would be 2 weeks since ha last played??
March 20th, 2008 at 13:56
we’re 3 pts ahead of arse, top of the league again at last! lastnight was a workmanlike performance, i agree with other ranters in that we never got out of second gear, but we didn’t have to. The question arises, can we get away with it (2nd gear) against better organised better finishing teams? And we’ve got a few of them coming up! Some of our players seem like they need concentration, relaxation and teamwork exercises! i’m referring to behaviour in the last third of the pitch, mostly. We know they have great skill and technique, but our overall potency needs to be honed further. The sooner we loose our piece of waterford crystal the better! SAHA, not O’Shea by the way! its a fuckin joke, except its not funny. i saw a photo cartoon about mr glass months ago in RED NEWS about our fragile striker, saha gets injured signing for united, hurts himself holding the shirt up, ect. quite funny but not now. I’ve said it before, we need a tall, FIT holder of the ball, threat in the air, someone to complement Rooney or Teves. And from what i saw in the african nations cup, we already have him! MANUCHO, to me is a star waiting to shine, he’s even got MAN U in his name! But seriously, does anyone know how he’s doing in greece?whats the work permit situ? Our boy RONALDO, what a player, fuckin amazing,what a goal tally already for a winger! Superb! go on you good thing! Sorry, letting my irish vernacular take over there. His single mindedness is lethal, but i think he could lift his head up sometimes to pass to someone else. NANI needs a little kick in the arse in this reguard too. I cant wait for the dippers, this is the crux for the run in, we’ve got to beat those scouse bastards and i think it’ll be the make or break of our season, things are getting very squeaky in the bum department! FOLLOW FOLLOW, WE’RE THE BUSBY BOYS!
March 20th, 2008 at 14:15
If some of you have the opportunity to watch Ronaldos celebration after his first goal, you will see that when he turns to Anderson he says: “Yeeah, another goal! Amazing, eah?” Its quite funny when you watch it.
March 20th, 2008 at 14:21
phew, needed a breath after that rant! btw i was talking about the run in for the Champions League aswell as the Premier League. a big thank you to Robbie Keane for his fantastic equaliser lastnight. nice one
March 20th, 2008 at 15:29
Rio’s absence could be extremely bad. Vidic doesnt have the positional sense nor the speed to deal with Torres. Without Rio, Id almost back Torres to be 1st goal scorer. Seriously.
Good game, very much like the Pompey match earlier in the season, blew them away in the 1st 20 minutes. Should of got more. All in all, a good 3 points with little effort expelled.
This weekend is obviously crunch time. We could go into Easter Monday with a 5 point lead, or we could limp away from the Easter weekend, top on goal difference. It wouldnt be too over the top to say it could be the biggest game of the season. If we beat the dippers, the games against Chelsea and le Arse could almost be an irrelevance. Atleast avoid defeat in both would almost guarantee the title. Time to perform!
March 20th, 2008 at 15:51
For Hargo to put in the performances he did for England, HE NEEDS TO BE PLAYED IN THE POSITION ON THE FIELD HE PLAYS FOR ENGLAND. I do not agree that Fergie got his tactics right, I think he sometimes just throws the feckin players into the team like he’s shaking up a Kaleidoscope – rubbish. As someone else mentioned, Bolton were given enough chances by our defence and midfield last night to have scored a few goals. A few of their shots were on target too, unlike a few of ours. Anyway, we won and that’s all that matters when all is said and done!. Hope Rio is fit for the L’pool game.
March 20th, 2008 at 16:05
all i no about manucho since hes been in greece is dat he scored on his league debut, he seems 2 have an eye for goal looking at his track record in the african cup of nations n his 1st game in greece! lets hoppe he can resume it in the theatre of dreams!
March 20th, 2008 at 16:34
About the England, Carrick has not been included. One of the finest passer of the ball is not considered worth enough to be in the provisional 30 men squad is a joke.
March 20th, 2008 at 16:52
wazza, carrick’s problem is that he hasn’t played that much recently. capello probably wants players who are at least playing regularly for their clubs.
March 20th, 2008 at 17:27
I’ve just read that Kuszczak played last night to give him more experience because Foster is not registered for the CL. Which worryingly means that theres a chance that EVDS may not be ready for the game in Rome, never mind the game this weekend. Thats a worry, whilst his performance against Roma in the 1st leg of the QF last season is one he wont remember too fondly, I’d rather go there with him between the sticks rather than Pig, who is dodgy, to say the least. He was lucky not to get sent off again last night.
March 20th, 2008 at 18:04
Yeah, Kuszczak is registered for Champions league and Foster is not, i wonder who are we going to put in for the backup keeper if EVDS doesnt make it back in time.
March 20th, 2008 at 18:23
Carrick is just not good enough for England. He is a good midfielder but he is not better than either Gerrard, Lampard or Hargo. I like him but there is no place for the lad in the England set-up. Quite interesting that Ferdinand was chosen. Hopefully he will be fit or dropped from the set up. The last thing we need now is an injured defender.
I really think that you are all being ridiculous to think PIG is not good enough for Man Utd. He has done nothing to say that he is not better than either Carrol or Howard and he most certainly is better than Bosnich!
March 20th, 2008 at 18:38
Yes, but Kuszczak was bought with a view to becoming #1. We all know EVDS needs a replacement and thought that he was bought perhaps to do that. The simple fact he’s a long way away from doing that. Thus he’s a disapointment and gets some abuse.
March 20th, 2008 at 18:41
Hey, Vidic had a second nosebleed in a row, it might be something bad for someone like him to leave the field. Just hope he and Rio are fit for the crunch clash against the scouse.
Today’s game left much much much to be desired. We just sat on our backsides after the Ronaldo brace. Profligacy cant be tolerated, and Nani needs a harsh talking to from Sir Alex for being selfish when he could have easily passed it to Ronaldo, Tevez or Rooney, all of whom were in better position than Nani who ballooned the shot a mile away from the sticks. That wasnt the only instance of his selfishness either.
Nani has obviously got enormous talent, and desire to impress, but Sir Alex needs to show him the way
March 20th, 2008 at 19:52
[Andrei]
Hmm Fergie a tactical genius???
No way! For the last 4-5 matches everybody’s been qusestioning his inclusion of Giggs and Scholes and the extent that sentimentality affects his judgement.
We all know that until recently United could only really play in a 4-4-2.
He’s tactically able, makes astute and sometimes bold choices which sometimes pays off and sometimes not. But he’s far from, say, Mourinho (as much as I hate to admit it) or Lippi, in terms of pure tactical know-how. His strengths are elsewhere i.e. in man-management, motivation…
For instance when I look at the raw talent Joe Cole possesses I always wonder how he would have faredunder SAF’s helm, considering Fergie was interested in the boy when he was at West-Ham. Certainly better than at defensive-minded Chelski. But I digress.
Anyhow,
I always wondered why Bosnich was always remembered as a bad keeper. I remember him as having excellent reflexes, was very good when it came to stopping penalties, a decent shot stopper. Yes, his off-field antics were crazy. But was he that bad on the pitch? Hey I’m still young (20) so I just wanna know why many united fans don’t like him.
March 20th, 2008 at 21:08
[Nico]
I understand that people have been questioning Ferguson’s team selection and tactics and that Mourinho and Lippi is more tactically sound than the old man, but:
-We are sitting here and wondering why on earth Scholes is kept in the squad, but Fergie is there everyday and looking at the players and making tactical decisions. For us it is very simple to say: we need power and speed against Liverpool so we will play Anderson, but for a manager it is different.
He sits down and thinks about a multitude of variables and tries to balance them: psychological aspect, defensive qualities and the possibility to be influential in a game among others. We cannot even begin to asses these qualities in a player (I don’t think), but he is there and he knows better than us, so if anybody is questioning his team selection it is like that either because he has no other choice or because he thinks it is the bast possible choice – and give him credit. If it doesn’t come off, them criticize him, but as long as results go our way, leave him be. This is not Football Manager.
-Mourinho and Lippi are better than him tactically, true, but that does not take any sort of credit from him. Mourinho does not know team selection, Ferguson does, so they balance each other there if nowhere else. Lippi: well I do not know enough of Italian football to judge him.
March 20th, 2008 at 21:31
Andrei: I would agree with your first point almost every time. But the CM selections have been unusual to say the least. I like to think after all the years I’ve spent watching football that I have a reasonable knowledge base. Normally when SAF makes a decision that I disagree with, I can at least see and acknowledge the reasoning behind it. However with regards to the CM selections lately, I really for the life of me cannot see any discernable patterns or logic to them no matter how hard I look. Personally, I am deeply concerned with the fact that we have hit the business end of the season and no one (quite possibly including the manager) has a notion of what our best 11 is.
March 20th, 2008 at 23:03
we do have a best eleven, just that we dont know the best cm pairing. andy and scholes = no, andy and hargreaves = yes scholes and hargreaves =no scholes and carrick=yes andy carrcik look like a hell yea!
March 21st, 2008 at 0:04
Dan: That is part of my point, we don’t know the CM pairing therefore we don’t know the best 11. We also don’t know if we would be in a 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 formation. If we are in a 4-3-3 we don’t know the left forward, if it’s a 4-4-2 we don’t know the left winger.
It comes down to this, if we were going to the Nou Camp or Stamford Bridge tomorrow would anyone be confident in calling the team?
March 21st, 2008 at 0:13
yea i see what you mean, there are a few ifs and buts in the team.
March 21st, 2008 at 0:23
i was just thinking, all you fans who say it was a mistake to buy tevez and let torres go, how do you know that torres isnt going to get the good old SSsydrome(second season syndrome) next year? you could of said the same thing in the summer about tevez but thats irrevelant now as he has proved he hasnt got the illness.
March 21st, 2008 at 0:50
I hate it when people defend fergie by saying he is there and he knows better
Well are all there and we all see how bad giggs have been playing and not in a couple of games but so far this season he only has a couple of good games all the rest he showed us how being old looks like I myself believe in second chances hell even third and fourth chances but giggs was like given more than 20 chances and he blew it in 90% of them I wont talk about scholes because he didnt get his chances so Ill give a few more but giggs shouldnt even be benched well thats my opinion anyway
And about the medfield pairing I think Andy + Hargo and Andy + Carrick were the best this season so I think fergie should stick with these more often and about SS syndrome I hope Andy doesnt catch it he is phenomenal truly shits on fabregas
And I also think 4-4-2 is our best formation I love the things Rooney and Tevez do together did anybody else feel that they sometime get ronaldish (Im sorry about this but I mean selfish and Im going to use this word untill hopefully he starts opening his eyes more) and what I mean they sometimes pass to each other even when someone else seems in a better position?
March 21st, 2008 at 1:03
Anderson still has a fair bit to learn before he can be compared to Fabregas. Just because he and Hargreaves shut him down at the Emirates (forget the FA Cup game, Arsenal just didn’t turn up on the day), does not make him a better player. Phil Neville did a job on Patrick Vieira on occasssion, that however did not make him a better midfielder.
March 21st, 2008 at 1:10
I am sorry saudi red devil, but if he did not know better than us, then he would be a bum on the street and i would drive a Rolls Royce to Old Trafford every alternate saturday or so, head to the changing rooms and give my team tactical instructions to justify my 6 million quid annual salary.
March 21st, 2008 at 1:23
My point was only about him playing giggs when he is clearly not up for it other than that he is the best in the world and sorry if I upset you JB for saying that about fabregas didnt know you were that soft on him I was just showing some love to my homie Andy
March 21st, 2008 at 1:28
[JB]
Agree JB. Anderson has got the plaudits he deserved this season, but of late he’s having a bit of a dip. He’s getting by passed easily, and tries to either run with the ball too often or always looks for the killer ball when a simple pass would have sufficed. That said, it could also be that he’s been played a lot for his age. I expect an even improved and consistent Anderson next season.
[Andrei]
I think he is pointing out to some flaws that seemed more glaringly wrong to him. So I’d give him that. It’s not as if he’s nitpicking Fergie’s every single tactical move.
[saudi red devil]
Okay, but it would be easier to read your comments if you added a few full stops here and there, you know.
March 21st, 2008 at 5:29
thanks wilson! somebody knows something of Manucho, would love to see more of him. 4 4 2 is our best formation, with the fab 4, nani, carrick, hargo, ronaldo, teves and rooney are my team to play the dippers, with scholes/andy as sub choices, sincerely hope rio is fit, but o shea loves a game against the scouse! o shea to score winner in final minute, united to win 3-2! come on you red devils!
March 22nd, 2008 at 2:50
I’d like Fletcher to play in Right midfield… With Ronaldo striker for the dipper match
January 19th, 2009 at 20:56
I will say the best is playing with feletcher and carrick make all things different.