Jan 12
Man Utd 3-0 Chelsea: Blues Swatted Like Flies
Flashback to 2006. The month was April, if my memory serves me right. United were in with a chance — the minutest there may be, if any — of staging a miracle comeback to win the title. The task was always going to be improbable. Impossible, even. We had a sizeable point deficit with the league leaders Chelsea, who were in their peak, impenetrable days. We lost 3-0 at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea ran away with the title.
What was I thinking anyway; our midfield had Giggs and O’Shea!
The details escape me, but the margin of defeat hurts to this day. I always craved for the day we would humiliate them similarly. True, we beat them 2-0 in Avram Grant’s first game in charge, but that was 11 against 10 — Mikel’s red card mitigated the level of joy I’d have got.
But not yesterday. And we had Giggs and Fletcher in midfield. Of course, I had reservations about that selection but more on that later.
Fergie’s formation this season has been fairly predictable. He’s reverted to 4-4-2 unlike the more fluid formations of last season. I was befuddled with Giggsy’s selection. In pre-match talk Fergie went on about how Giggs seemed to get ‘better with age’, and indulged in showering praise on his old guard in a way we’ve grown accustomed to. The only difference this time being he meant every word of it. Or at least we saw what he meant, when he said the things he did about Giggsy, when the match played out.
The match, however, started in a way that was expected — cagey, both teams erring, passes going astray etc. And I was afraid that United’s lack of creativity shown in the past few weeks against lesser defences might prove to be their achilles heel. Moreover, Rio’s absence against a top side will always be a cause for worry. Yet, we created chances in the first half, while Chelsea with all the big names in the centre of the park, couldn’t do much of note. Which leads me to the next thing.
How absolutely shocking were Chelsea?! Now this is not to take anything from United’s victory, but I haven’t seen a more toothless Chelsea side. No, sorry, scratch that. I haven’t seen a more meek Chelsea side than this. They are generally boring to watch but when they go behind you can always count on them to show some heart and bounce back. This Chelsea side went down rather easily without much of a fight. And the defending! Oh my! Schoolboy stuff. Little wonder we scored all goals from set pieces.
Regarding the first disallowed goal, I am not sure if the kick taker is supposed to tell anything to the linesman, so I wouldn’t go into it. Suffice to say, if United planned it as a training ground exercise, then they ought to have known the rules regarding letting the linesman know before taking the kick. This would certainly be a talking point had that disallowed goal been precious, but we scored immediately from the ensuing re-kick, so all’s well.
A word on the crowd which was absolutely mental. Since I watched it from my living room I’m not in a position to judge, but I think this might have been the loudest our fans have sung since the semi-final against Barcelona. Season ticket holders, feel free to correct me on this. Kudos to the lads who froze their arses off in the terraces.
Another major talking point of the game, which got swept under the rug thanks to the result was the treatment meted out to Ronaldo. He had an excellent game, first of all. But I was livid when I saw the way Carvalho was tugging at his shirt only to see the ref give Ronaldo a talking to and award Carvalho (and Chelsea) a free kick. Ridiculous, and it’s stuff like this that makes players with footballing ability lose their trust in referees.
A very moving moment in the game was when the ‘Argentina’ chants gathered steam as Carlos Tevez warmed up along the touchline. The player applauded the fans’ continued support and it’s stuff like this that remind us how special our club is. I thought it might have been a nice touch to reward Tevez with some game time when we were already in cruise control.
This game has also been about incidents leading up to it. The Tevez contract rumours, John Terry’s ‘homecoming’ following his Moscow heroics, Evra’s return from his four match ban [which, of course, has a strong Chelsea connection] or something as recent as Benitez’s rant against Fergie — everything was brought up during the match at varying stages.
On individual performances, Park had a stormer defensively, and while he’s not the best when an open goal presents itself, he does other things that is absolutely crucial in games like these. Countless interceptions, persistence chasing lost causes, and work rate as good as anyone in modern football. And he was also good going forward. Evra made a much welcome return to the team and he proved his freshness with his relentless bursts of pace forging ahead. In fact, we seemed to miss that impetus he gives us on the left in December. His cross for our second goal was laser guided in it’s trajectory, with due credit to Ronaldo’s umpteenth back heel.
Rio’s absence has come as a boon for Jonny Evans. The young centre back was facing his greatest test in a United shirt against a certain Didier Drogba who’s known to wreck careers of fledgling defenders — ask Senderos. The clean sheet will give him confidence like no other game. But more importantly, he had a Serbian master by his side, to show him the way.
Which brings us to Nemanja Vidic. He was my man of the match by a mile, regardless of Giggs’ performance. This was perhaps Vidic’s best game of his United career. He’s known to be non-compromising in his defending. But yesterday he was the whole package. His reading of the game, tackling, organising of the defence and distribution was flawless. He’s had a stormer of a season already, but he’s taken up the mantle in Rio’s absence and, alongside an able deputy in Evans, our defence is in safe hands. A masterclass in defending from the Serb. And he’s been as good this season as Rio was last season. It’s reassuring to see our defence holding up despite Rio’s absence.
Overall though, it must be said that we won’t be afforded the kind of space we had yesterday, against opposition like Wigan and Bolton. January is a big month for us, and all these wins count for nothing if we can’t win against the lesser sides. Wigan is up next, and they are a side to be taken seriously. Brucey’s built a very good side that’s the right mix of graft and inventiveness. So Wednesday and Saturday will be good measures of how much our side has turned the corner. Bolton and Wigan will test us. Interesting times ahead, if you are a United fan. Not sure if I can say the same about Fat Spanish Waiters.
We’ll never die.
And just to remind those living under a rock the past few hours, congratulations Ronaldo on your own personal treble! So now that you’ve won everything I suppose it’s time for you to head off to Spain, eh? I kid, I kid.
Another announcement for those not aware, the writing competition is still on, and I still welcome entries. I have received some and will post them in the coming days, when time and space provides. Those of you interested, click here to read details about how to go about posting your pieces to the Red Rants writing competition.
Related items from Red Rants:- Sporting Lisbon vs Man Utd – Preview
- Rooney Out For A Month
- Porto it is then…
- United* 1-1 Chelsea: First Blood to the Reds
- Man Utd 2-0 Chelsea (FT) : Tevez, Saha Score
Tags: Match Reports
January 12th, 2009 at 22:10
is evra ok, with him limping off and all? i haven’t heard anything about the matter, good or bad.
January 12th, 2009 at 23:38
Excellent stuff! How wins make the week better and better!
Also, how about we refer to the Fat Spanish Waiter as Manuel (Fawlty towers)?
MANUEL!!!
January 12th, 2009 at 23:50
Yeah, Chelski well and truly sucked. But I wont take anything off the lads performance. I have not seen the team wanting to win this bad since the game against Bercelona! Fighting for every ball, attacking when they get the chance, using tactical brilliant moves(corner(disallowed) and free-kick goals) and everyone played at least 8/10. But my Man of the match is no question Nemanja Vidic! Didnt put a foot wrong, and after watching a reply of the game I am sure that if he was English it would be fuck off John Terry! His game has improved in so many aspects, he is faster, stronger, better positioning and what really impresses me is his goalscoring!
5 goals in 5 months for a defender, a centre back, is huge! Really huge, if he continues like this he may end up with 10 goals! Dont think so, but it would be nice. Nemanja is for me our player of the season so far, not only because no one else really has set the world alight, but because he simply has been magnificent. He is so good I cant find good enough superlatives! Well done Vida, you really are awsome!
Now, about the disallowe corner kick goal. Ive watched some replies of the incident and I really think Wayne should have Muhammed Ali`d the linesman.
It was legitimate, and if the assistant ref had been watching the game and not watching Bosingwas one eyebrow who covered his whole view, that would have ben put as a masterpiece of a goal. Such tactical thingys is not something you see very often now a days. Brilliant by Fergie and the lads! Even though it didnt turn out to a goal that time, I am really happy to see that our team is still capable of doing such unexpected things. Keep it up lads!
Berbatovs goal was true class. Really true class! Ronaldos free-kick was pure perfection, and what about that touch?! What about that finish! With the goals Berbatov is scoring at the moment you would think he was Chinese with all those kung-fu kicks! I still cant believe how he hit that ball so purely from that power on Ronaldos shot/cross. Credit to Vidic, who did brilliantly(again), but my mind still cant make up how he honestly hit that ball so purely so quick at that place. In the air, very many miles p/h and he hit it with the “sweet-spot”. I really cant think of any other player than Berbatov that can do that! Very good tactical match and Kevin Benitez better watch out. We are coming to get you…
Lastly, Ronaldos award. I really am happy for him. He has done brilliantly and you could see on his face when he recieved the price that this was something he wanted more than anythign else. It really looked like he had reached his goal in life! But he keeps saying that he always looks to improve and thinks he still can get better. I really hope so. He may not have scored against Chelski, but I think there is so much more to his game now that just dribbling and drustrating opponents. He is clever, working for the team, choosing the right options, playing the ball perfectly and using skills when he needs to, only. Plus, his heading and goalscoring skills are still there. His two disallowed goals were of the highest quality. Had not the linesmen been blind… Oh well! But what really surprised me today was his speech! He was really modest and kinda shy. He didnt speak so highly of himself, nor did he make any sign of arrogance. Has he grown up? Too soon to say for me. But I really think that car-crash has changed his life. He showed in the game against Chelski that every touch he made ment something for the outcome. I think and hope that he will appreciate every second of life from now on, and that he will stop these arrogant and pity statements. Because life can end in a flash! This car crash may have a really big thing to say in Ronaldo the person- and the player. I wish him everything well and I hope the game against Chelksi is the game he really found his confidence and form. VIVA RONALDO!!!
January 12th, 2009 at 23:53
lol the you coudn’t have written a better title!!
now, i predict another trashing next wednesday. This time wigan on the receiving end
Oli
January 12th, 2009 at 23:56
Everything “Manuel” is saying backfires at him!
I wish he would stop embarras himself… Come to think of it, I really dont! 
Keep it up Manuel, you are just a few more words from checking into the mental institution!
January 13th, 2009 at 0:24
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mo1XhP7Q1EE
Viva Ronaldooooooo!!!!
January 13th, 2009 at 1:11
Nice write-up, RR. I would only add that Gary Neville reminded me why I love United so much. He was an absolute monster, unbeatable – and the look on his face after the 3rd goal was pure passion – he was out to destroy Chelsea. Awesome. That game will go some way to addressing the goal differential – not that we’ll need it.
A final pleasure was beating Chelski in front of that cynical prick, the arch-enemy of entertaining football, Jose Mourinho. God, I hope we crush Inter.
January 13th, 2009 at 1:19
Any news on Evra? The only thing I found was that he might miss Wigan game, which isn’t much.
Good post RR and congrets to Ronaldo, it makes it even better that Man Utd again makes a history for England.
January 13th, 2009 at 1:32
Very nice review RR. What I liked the most about the win was that we scored three but that we did it against a Chelsea side that was missing only one man from their full “A” squad. But boy did they ever miss the presence of Michael Essien. I think it’s official, he is the glue that keeps that outfit from totally falling apart.
January 13th, 2009 at 1:44
@Aleksandar Macedonia: hahahahaha that was good did you see ronny himself at :21 “i think hes the best player in the world mate” hahahaha this fucking guy i wish he was a friend of mine cuz he seems funny and a jokster but what balls this fuck has i guess i love him thogh.
January 13th, 2009 at 2:39
Any news on Wes Brown?? Seems like he just dropped off the face of the earth! I thought he was key at the end of last season and could be again this. With him & Gary Neville that right side could be shut down, period!
January 13th, 2009 at 2:42
Ronaldo should remember one VERY important fact. As good as he is there are very few clubs he would have been able to win those individual player honours with and Real Madrid is not one of them.
I also think this will be great publicity for the club. I think in the past there was a feeling you couldn’t win the individual awards playing in England and perhaps that put players off going to England even when the English league was in the ascendancy. But now any aspiring young player should know that if he wants to develop into the best player in the world Old Trafford is the place to do it!
It is such a shame Ronaldo pulled that shit this summer because my pride that we possess the best player in the world is tempered by a sadness that his heart is not at Old Trafford.
I guess it is the same sort of feeling you’d have if your girlfriend won a beauty contest but you knew she didn’t love you.
I really hope these individual awards make Ronaldo appreciate everything United has done for him. We took him in as a raw talent and in just five years we helped turn him into the best player in the world.
I do not know how long we will be able to keep him because it is very hard to keep a player against his will and while he seems happy to continue to play for us for this season and maybe next season sooner or later he’ll try and force the move and not accept no for an answer.
If that is the case I hope these individual awards add twenty or million or so to the selling price because I will not tolerate us selling Ronaldo when the day finally comes for anything less than 100 million.
January 13th, 2009 at 2:43
@Mountfort: Absolutely agree about Neville. He looked just like his days-of-yore. DESIRE, DETERMINATION, PASSION. If he could keep that up….. wow!!
January 13th, 2009 at 4:18
@colver: you mean 70 million pounds right… 100 million pounds is impossible – at least in the coming decade.
January 13th, 2009 at 6:27
@colver: Very good point. It’s important for all players around the world to know that if they attain greatness with an English club, especially from the North, that the awards will come their way now. I also think yesterday’s game did a lot for healing any wounds that may opened and which may have turned other players off from ever considering signing for United. But humiliating the Russian moneybags will go a long way in selling United as the in team and the choice for ambitious players looking to play in England.
January 13th, 2009 at 6:30
@Redrich: Neville had a great game and lets face it, both he and Giggs had lots to prove and were very pumped up for this game. Lets see how often this kind of performance comes out from both of them the rest of the way. Giggsy was spectacular but lets face it, he doesn’t have the legs anymore to do that on a consistent basis. Still, it’s great when he can rise up in a very big game and show flashes of what was once a world class super talent.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:18
Guess that was the longest blog by you in a long long time RR. Same goes for you Eddy, big one. And nice too. Didint get the chance as yet to listen to Ronaldo’s speech but I really thought he did well the other night. He played on when Carvalho kicked at him the first time. There were several times that I noticed that he actually played on even after being kicked. Now, that might really be a sign of Fergie doing his stuff with Ronaldo.
The point now is that, now that we have won, Fergie doing his homework seems to be very apparent. I mean, he said that he told Giggs and Fletch that they would be playing the Chelsea game like two weeks in advamce and that he was saving them for this match. And boy did they not pull it off spectacularly. After that match there must have been a lot of supporters who would have thought that Fergie was a tactical genius. But then, all of this looks good when it comes through. Had Chelsea played like they used to play a couple of seasons ago then perhaps we would all be baying for Fergies blood, not that literally.
Coming to Berbatov, I thought he had a relatively quiet bordering on a bad first half. He let a lot of passes get away. I felt he was trying too many tricks. Just like Ronaldo, who I think tries too many tricks. RR was spot on when he said his umpteenth bakc heel. I really feel that most of Ronaldo’s tricks dont come off. But then he does so much else that his little back heel give away doesnt hurt the team much. Coming back to Berba, in matches of this stature, even if you have a quiet half and in the end produce two assists and a goal then wow! I mean what else can a manager ask for. That goes to show that if we only logically interpolate his performance to him being effective for the entire match then I guess United will be 10-0 up every game. The guy is an absolute genius who can turn around a match with little sparsely placed pieces of genius.
I also thought that Tevez must have been brought on atleast for a couple of minutes. The crowd chanting his name and singing about Argentina and he warming up on the sidelines and then not playing must have been slightly embarrassing.
On a side note, was just going thu the premiership table and Wigan are a point away from Hull
January 13th, 2009 at 11:22
Congrats to Ronaldo. well deserved award. now show us what stuff yo made of in the second half of the season
RR i also have to mention that Neville had a comfortable game.The way he fought for every ball and intercepted Chelseas’ play was good to watch. I thinks he was more comfortable sunday night but still he needs to have more games like that to completely win my heart back. I’d have still played rafael.
good post match report
January 13th, 2009 at 12:04
Few thoughts:
1. Ronaldo was good at the reception, and lord knows he deserves the award, but I’m not kidding myself. As Guillem Balague is reporting (and others have said recently) Ronaldo and his agent have apparently agreed a deal for him to go to Real this summer. I had hoped that seeing how crap Real are, and well we’ve done over the past year would convince him, but I don’t think his heart is still here. He’s a good pro, so will play on at his high level, but I’d just like to get it over with. And I have no idea how we’re going to replace him.
2. We won 3-0 and probably deserved that, but some of our issues were still apparent. Hopefully it’s a step in the right direction, but a win against Wigan is an absolute must. A Wigan who are the most in form team in the league, have virtually no injury problems and a day more rest. So don’t think it’s going to be easy.
3. Evra dedicated the performance against Chelsea to the FA. Cute, and surely he can’t get into any trouble. He says his foot is okay to play Wednesday.
4. Evans is going to have a career defining day Wednsday, imo. Off the back of owning Drogba and Anelka, he’s going to be in the spotlight against one of hte most inform players in the prem (Zaki) and one of hte most physically dominant (Heskey). A solid showing from him and he’ll have won me (and probably a lot of other fans) over as a viable option, right now, for CB.
5. I think Nani is going to score on Wednesday. Just feeling it…
January 13th, 2009 at 13:14
@Beachryan: Guillem Balague is the worst scum of this earth a.k.a. lowest grade spanish journalism! Give ronnie transfer rumors a break man!!!
January 13th, 2009 at 13:30
Fucking yes! It’s very important victory and I hope that Man Utd will win witch Wigan ang Fulham and it will be great!
BTW: check this out Watch MUTV for free
January 13th, 2009 at 13:33
I’m really glad about the win, but moreso over the way we won it. The last 20 or so minutes was really bordering the type of entertainment we have come to expect from United over the years.
To me, the game had 2 real magical moments:
1. Rooney’s goal through Cole’s legs
2. Vidic blocking of Terry and Ballack (I think) like an American football player protecting his quarterback for Vidic to score. I think he should be granted the assist for that goal.
Because we won a game of this magnitude so emphatically, I will reserve criticism of our players (and manager). I only want to state that Vidic should get a rating of 10/10 for his performance.
January 13th, 2009 at 14:20
Just checked and looks like the Wigan game isn’t televised. Boo.
January 13th, 2009 at 14:48
Personally I am really don’t want to be negative, but I thought Fletcher played Ok, no fantastic. Giggsy was superb especially second half, but recently Fletch’s performances have been Ok, but not as good as he was first half of the season.
We are reliant on him playing at his capacity, which is all well and good because he is an intelligent lad and plays with heart, but if he falls below that level, and to be honest relies off his ability then games might bypass him somewhat, you could say the same with Giggsy, firstly he isn’t a natural centre midfielder and also he is 35.
Are we saying now this is our first choice pairing? Or are we still going to rotate, and leave out £37m worth of talent on the bench.
Maybe I am being negative and I certainly hope not because Sunday was amasing and all credit, but I feel we need a settled partnership in there and am not sure if Giggsy and Flectch are it.
January 13th, 2009 at 15:04
The important thing for us is to dominate Europe. Ambitious young players not only want to win the individual awards they also want to win the Champions League. Once every ten years or so and not even being runners up is just not good enough for a team of our stature.
Real Madrid won it three times in 1998, 2000 , 2002. AC Milan won it in 2003 and 2007 and reached the finals in 2005.
That is the sort of dominance we should be looking for. This year could be tough because Barcelona are so strong and Bayern and Inter will not be pushovers. But we have a strong defence and so long as we don’t get overrun in midfield and our forwards convert their chances we can beat anyone. Those are some big “ifs” but we have a good chance so long as we have Fergie and Ronaldo.
The big question is what are we going to do when Ronaldo goes? My hope is that we can delay this for at least another few years and hope by then a new wonderkid winger will emerge and we’ll be able to snap him up because other than Ribery I do not see anyone at the moment who could replace Ronaldo on the right wing.
January 13th, 2009 at 15:13
@Stephen: I guess it was apparent that this pair was saved for this match. Also , Fergie said that he wanted a midfielder who would sit in front of the back four and another one who could take on players. This might be the reason why Giggs was chosen ahead of Carrick. Carrick is good at defending but since the Chelsea midfield was crowded, it would’ve been difficult for him to pass it and get out of trouble or probably create chances. We know that this is not our first choice midfield, we’ve been playing with horses for courses in every match of this season. Anderson will more likely start on Wednesday alongside Carrick.
January 13th, 2009 at 15:13
it certainly is going to be a big loss if ronaldo goes, but what man utd has taught me over the years is that no player is greater than the team. we’ve lost ruud,becks,keano,stam, name them but evrytime man utd always comes back even stronger so i believe ronaldo can be replaced.
the trickiest of the two games is bolton, i aint saying that Wigan will be a walk over but coming from the big win sunday,morrale and momentum we should see wigan off comfortably.
Next time i look at that table i wanna see the scousers below us. Thank you benitez for playing with the tail of the devil, you made us roar..
January 13th, 2009 at 15:18
@Manchester United Fan: Will be intersting if they do start, more likely Carrick and Scholes? I just feel Fergie has lost faith with Anderson and Nani.
I agree horses for courses, good point, I am debating really with myself, do we need a settled midfield, or do we rotate the player we have?
January 13th, 2009 at 15:26
F365 reporting that Evra is out for 3 weeks.
http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_4788343,00.html
If true, its a major blow to us, especially in a crowded January schedule
January 13th, 2009 at 15:30
@Beachryan:
It is being shown in India on ESPN
January 13th, 2009 at 15:30
The corner kick was perfectly legitimate.
How would Rooney have told the linesman if it was on the other side.
Thee linesman just had a bad day at the office…..twice!
January 13th, 2009 at 15:44
@Vivek: Yeah, Skysports and other big newscentres bring it now. Evra is out for three weeks with a sparined metatarsal. Maybe a chance for Fabio to shine?
January 13th, 2009 at 16:12
Evra being out is a massive blow. O’Shea is a central defender being forced to play as a full back, in a system where full backs are crucial to the offense. And unfortuantely he offers very little.
I’ve got no idea if Fabio is ready, or if this is a good time to find out, but I believe we’ll struggle without Evra. Maybe the best bet is play the half with O’Shea and if we’ve not managed a lead, consider bringing on Fabio (or even Giggs if he’s ready to go again) as a more attackign option.
I wonder if Wigan will line up 442. Not many teams do at Old Trafford these days.
January 13th, 2009 at 16:26
With Wigan, Bolton, Derby, Spurs in the cup and then West Brom, he might be worth a look at, can’t be any worse than O’Shea.
January 13th, 2009 at 18:04
@Stephen: I just hope to feck that PIG is not in goal against Wigan, because he is rank bad at geeting to balls from corners or set pieces. Wigan will have big players in the area, and with Rio not being in defense I am concerned. Keep Edwin in there.
January 13th, 2009 at 18:10
@Stephen: I know Giggsy and Fletch are NOT IT, especially away from home, Giggsy is not the best in away games – sorry Giggsy lovers.
January 13th, 2009 at 18:16
@Beachryan: Beachy mate, Real M are reported as offering 115 million euros to United for Ronaldo. Personally mate, and I know all of the regulars on here will know how much I love and have supported Ronnie, but unless HE IS PREPARED to extend his contact with us and commit, then I think we should SELL while the price is sky high, because after next summer, he won’t have much time left on his present contract, and monies will drop dramatically. What does everyone else think. I think his agent is pushing this, because of all the money he will get for his cut, plus the extra under the counter in a brown paper bag.
January 13th, 2009 at 18:18
@colver: I’d go for Maxi Rodriguez off Atletico Madrid. Every time I’ve seen him he has been spectacular. He has a great shot on him with either foot and if given freedom can be an extremely effective player. It’s just when big clubs look at Atletico now all they see is Aguero but Maxi is their captain and a great player. Although I think he’s 27 or 28 so not a long term option
January 13th, 2009 at 18:18
I like this kid already!
January 13th, 2009 at 18:21
@Craig Mc: I’d fly him to Spain myself for that much money. I’d do my nest to bring home Aguero and Maxi Rodriguez too
January 13th, 2009 at 18:25
Well if Ronaldo goes we will have 105 million ideas of how to replace him. I love him and I don’t want him to leave but if any team is daft enough to pay 105 million for a player who this season anyway, looks in decline, by all means, let them have him. And with that money I buy Benzema or Aguero, Adler a few other players who can fill major holes and several blocks of fine real estate for the Glazer’s to play with.
I mean come on folks. If anybody is buying this, they need help. 105 million and then they plan to pay him 220,000 a week? That would go over good with Raul and the Real Clique Mafia he has kissing up to him. It’s fantasy bordering on science fiction. Although I do hear that scientists are fast at work developing a highly lethal virus that Fergie plans on presenting Senior Calderon as a gift for his continued rude and unprofessional behavior. As for his trained monkey Guillem Balague, it’s time the Sun hired him full time as he fits in well with their style of sleazoid journalism. What a fucking wanker!
January 13th, 2009 at 18:30
Craig for 115 million Euros, especially while the exchange rate is going against us we should accept rightaway. The fact is one day we will be forced to sell and if the player makes it clear he is unhappy and wants to leave it will be very difficult to get full value.
However IM not sure i believe it. This summer Real were talking £50 million which was well below his value. Real are so arrogant I think they believe that they can get Ronaldo on the cheap because he wants to join them.
We should take a lesson from Tottenham. Berbatov wanted to leave them and was sulking all summer and being such a jerk over it that Tottenham were forced to leave him out of the side.
Tottenham HAD to sell Berbatov but they managed to get well over his full value. I mean Berbatov is a great player but he is 27 with limited resale value. But we had to pay over 30 million!
We have to do the exact same thing to Real Madrid. We have to fleece them for every penny they have and leave them in so much debt that after Ronaldo they can forget about buying anyone else for at least a few seasons.
January 13th, 2009 at 18:36
@Karl: Jeez mate, sounds like you have been reading and borrowing from my post a few days back.
I totally agree. I already posted my ratings and like you I gave Vidic a perfect 10/10. I mean did he ever get anything wrong in the game. It was perfection. It must have felt like school yard football for him when he was 13 and the kids he was playing against were 6. That’s how dominant he was. I also wrote that I felt his performance at CB on Sunday was the best performance by a central defender I have ever seen. Only Stam’s performance against Arsenal in the epic 1999 FA semi-final comes close. I don’t count many a performance by Franz Beckenbauer over the years because he played sweeper which is in theory a central defensive position, but for me he always played the role like DMF and his greatness was God-like. Although, I would be challenged to remember back and recall him playing as good a game too. Vidic was awesome wasn’t he?
January 13th, 2009 at 18:36
@Grognard: Grog Ronnie has never denied his desire to play at Real M though has he?. He did the interview on mutv and said he is happy and staying with us, but that could be because he learned the cost of upsetting United fans by his comments etc last summer, and so has learned fast the diplomatic game. But the Spanish are complaining they want United at all cost, and are prepared to pay up to 115 million as I said. I believe we could lose massively if Ronnie really does want to go, but Fergie insists again he stay for another season. The price will go down. Soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo, strike while the irons hot, or take a chance on selling for less in final year of his contract?. Only thing I wish, is that it was anyone but Real M offering us this monetary deal
.
January 13th, 2009 at 18:37
@Beachryan: Where do you live mate because I am getting it on Setanta here in Canada?
January 13th, 2009 at 18:40
@Liam: Hahahahaha – Liam Bro, I thought you would say that
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January 13th, 2009 at 18:43
@Liam: By the way Liam, you’d fly him to Spain yourself?. Mate are you a pilot then?
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January 13th, 2009 at 18:43
@Stephen: You could say that about every player in the game mate. Intensity, focus and determination has to be at peak for all players to perform up to their capabilities. That’s why a long season is such a long grind. Ask yourself this as a spectator and supporter. Are you in form every time you watch a game? I know I certainly am not and it has alot to do with the moods I’m in when I sit and write on this blog. So for my money Fletcher has been pretty decent this year but yes, he’s no world beater. But for me Carrick isn’t either. Hopefully Hargo returns next season healthy as heck and rejuvenates the energy and drive that we have been missing in the middle of the park. If he doesn’t come back, then we need to seriously stop focusing on Benzema and start focusing on a player like Senna or DeRossi. Fletch has done what was asked of him and I think he has made tremendous gains in his overall game this season, but he is not a future full time starter for this team. If he is, Fergie is settleing for hamburger instead of steak.
January 13th, 2009 at 18:54
@Craig Mc: Totally agree mate. Look at him this season. As far as I am concerned I feel the best he has had to offer is behind him. His play this season has me thinking diminished return. Sure there have been valid reasons for his poor play compared to last year but ask yourself why it has taken half a season to find his form? Is it also possible that the league, how they play us now and how they concentrate on him is going to continue to hurt his game and keep him from ever attaining the heights he reached in 2007/08? I think for the best to still come out in him he needs to go to a League that doesn’t have 75% of the teams park the bus and also try to cripple him. He has also made enemies in this league of every referee and that does not help his future development. Signing him up for an extension may seem great when we first think of it, but accepting ludicrous money from Madrid for a player who I feel is on a decline while here in England is too good to pass up. with 105 or 115 million, whatever the total is, this team could delve into the player market and nap some real gems that would help us forget Ronny and help build our depth and dominance.
Those were just my thoughts on an alternative way of thinking. Personally, I hope he stays, but if he leaves this summer, I will not be as enraged as I was last summer when I never saw the betrayal coming. I am prepared for it now and in a sense, I am prepared for United to betray both Ronaldo and Tevez and take the money and go in a different direction. I just hope that part of the deal for Ronaldo calls for my boy Huntelaar to come to us. Why the Hell not?
January 13th, 2009 at 18:57
@Liam: Sorry to disagree with you mate but if Maxi was so great he wouldn’t be stuck playing with Atletico for what seems forever. I’ve seen him play many times and for me he is a ball of confusion and an incredibly inconsistent player who occasionally shows a moment of genius. Hardly worth the money or the risk I feel. Sorry to disagree with you on him but hell, I get the same from many about Riquelme, so sometimes I have to give back with love.
January 13th, 2009 at 18:58
@dan(u-ol): I don’t like anyone until they play and show that they are up to the task and that through their play and attitude on the field, they are committed to United. Words are frakken easy, actions are much harder. I reserve my love for when I see him actually play for us.
January 13th, 2009 at 19:05
@Craig Mc: Bingo, you are absolutley right mate. Real looks at Ronaldo’s season this year and aren’t panicking because they attribute his drop in form to lack of pre season training and conditioning as well as recovering from his injury. They also need to recognize the repressive style of play in England is cramping every great players style.
However, should he stay another season and his form does not improve after a summer’s rest, then I can see his value and stock take a massive dive. From a business point of view, United would be muppets not to take this kind of an offer now. I personally think the offer is just journalistic cheese but on the chance it is genuine, then damn it Fergie, sell him yesterday. Craig’s volunterring to drive him using Roony’s new Ferrari to the airport as long as he gets to keep the car. Sounds like a plan.
January 13th, 2009 at 19:15
100m Euros? I think we could all get together and carry him for that. No way will it be that high. I’d love it (absolutely love it!) if it was, but don’t see it.
I guess we’ll be left hoping that Nani makes the big step up (and doesn’t decide he also wants to leave) and that Tosic doesn’t suck. I really don’t want Benzema, his heart wouldn’t be in it from the start.
For the past 2 years Pool have suffered for not having real pace on the wings, and this year Chelsea are too. It’s shown that wingers are a valuable commodity, so we will need someone to come in. Just wish there were more English options, don’t want to go through this crap again.
Ribery is making noises about wanting ot leave. Now that would get me excited.
January 13th, 2009 at 19:31
Is it possible that Fergie has begun to wake up and listen to the Grognard?
Apparently Serbia is beginning to become the new Portugal in the minds of United’s hierarchy. Perhaps all the problems with Ronaldo, Nani and Tevez have made Fergie look for players from cold weather places that are well known as football factories. Here is part of an article which I was very glad to read. I think it’s showing a significant shift in United’s scouting policy for the future. Less emphasis on South America and more on Eastern Europe. I for one hope so.
“Manchester United plan to add to their Serbian contingent by signing another of the country’s outstanding talents. Filip Djuricic, a 16-year-old midfield player, attended United’s 3-0 victory over Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday as a guest of the European champions, who are considering a late bid to beat Ajax to his signature.
Since signing Nemanja Vidic three years ago, United have established a strong scouting network in the Balkans, led by Budimir Vujacic, the former Yugoslavia forward. Vujacic was influential in uncovering Zoran Tosic and Adem Ljajic, who last month agreed to join United from Partizan Belgrade in a combined deal worth a projected £17.3 million, and he has now proposed a deal for Djuricic, who hopes to leave Radnicki Obrenovac, his home-town club, for a small fee. Ajax were expected to sign the teenager, but United, having been alerted to his availability and potential, may make a counter-bid.”
January 13th, 2009 at 19:35
By the way,what is Fergie thinking trying to sign a Brazilian defender by the name of Anderson? Why is he trying to confuse us. Anderson passes to Anderson who gives it back to Anderson etc. Apparently he is a hot defender prospect that other teams are chasing as well, especially Liverpool. Message to Fergie, why not waste your team’s time and money going after players we need. Right now I don’t see the need for another central defender. On the other hand, we could always use wingers and central midfielders or even a great prospect at in goal.
January 13th, 2009 at 19:38
@Beachryan: Ribery would be fantastic but I honestly don’t see that happening. He is too important to Bayern and the only reason he is making noise is to force Bayern’s hand in signing a few players to fill what Franck feels are weaknesses on the team. Like goalkeeper and attacking central midfielder. Right now the central part of Bayern’s midfield is playing weel but both van Bommel and Ze Roberto are over 30 and on their last legs. Toni Kroos is a few years away from being a dominant player and they need a Diego type badly. Ribery can play in the middle but he rules on the left side. Rumors are strong that they will pursue Adler and are looking to get a midfielder like Tymoschuk from the Ukraine. This would ensure Ribery’s loyalty until the end of his contract.
January 13th, 2009 at 19:45
If true, this could be mixed blessings for United. It would allow these players to get rich and valuable international experience but would also increase their fatigue and possibility of injury due to the increased chances of playing.
“Portugal have applied pressure on Brazil after Carlos Queiroz offered Manchester United’s twin full backs Rafael and Fabio the chance to play under him at international level.
Although the outstanding prospects have represented their homeland with distinction at youth level, Queiroz is hoping to convince them to follow Deco’s lead by switching their allegiance.
Both hold Portuguese passports, which facilitated the switch to Old Trafford, and the opportunity to link up with Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani for Portugal has not been discounted out of hand.
Fabio, whose progress has been hampered by injury, is rated as highly as Rafael, who has already enjoyed plenty of first-team action at United.
“He [Queiroz] worked with us and really likes me and Rafael,” declared Fabio to Globo Esporte.
“He really wants us to play for Portugal but I don’t know. Every kid dreams of playing for Brazil at a World Cup.
“I prefer to wait a bit. There is nothing decided.”
Rafael is also keeping his options open despite Queiroz pledging that they need only play a couple of games at Under-23 level before being elevated to the senior squad.
“I still believe in playing for the Brazilian team,” the right back commented. “I am young and still have much to prove.”
January 13th, 2009 at 19:53
this is just great news NOT
January 13th, 2009 at 20:01
I have been thinking this for awhile now, but I didnt want to ruin everyones good mood(and Mine
).
Much has been said about Fergie having the last laugh and that he is a genius for getting right against against chelsea for playing giggs, fletcher, neville and park. I am not so sure it is a stroke of genius. How many times has he played they guys and they were shite? If I took 10 shots at a target and hit the bullseye one time would you proclaim me a master marksmen? When I am being honest, Fergie has gotten his tactics wrong quite a few times this season, and for my money I am going to need a few more results like this to proclaim him a tactical genius.
Now before you all jump on me, let me just say this. How many of us questioned fergies line up on sunday? I know I did, and pretty much every commentater has shared my feelings. Why would eveyone question the line up? For me, the answer is because based upon what we have all seen thus far this season, thos players have not gotten it done.
January 13th, 2009 at 20:12
@Mr.Muhozi: Bad news indeed. As if we never already missed him due to that stupid ban.
By the way my fellow Yankees fan, what do you think of NY’s wheeling and dealing this winter?
January 13th, 2009 at 20:15
not sure if my comment will show on here, been having a couple of problems lately, but i will post anyway and just confirm if you can see this mesaage if you can.
My thoughts on ronaldo are that if these reports are true on this absolutely outrageous offer then we should definitely accept this offer. We must remember though that it was apparently £77million at first with a potential £105million available in add ons which would include set number of games, trophies etc that are not neccesarilly going to come into force for us so we have to just say that the offer will be 77mil at first. That is a massive amount of money easily breaking the previous world record bid of something like £45million that real previously paid to buy zidane. In this time of financial crisis going on i have 2 thought on this could be offer:
1- if this sort of offer was made we would be mad and stupid not to take it and
2- can real afford this kind of money, for my bet they do not have this kind of cash and would probably have to sell a couple of their better players or maybe offer us player trades to afford ronaldo.
If the second point was true and they did offer us players who would you all like. I know grognard likes the hunter as do i, but i doubt they would let him go after only a few months. I would love us to get mahmdou diarra (sorry if his name is mis spelt i just havent heard his name for so long). This guy is an absolute beast. During his time at lyon he was apparently known as being much the better player out of him and essien, but he has lost his way a bit and would be a gamble but if he can regain his form we could have a great player there who i believe would compensate for hargreaves when he is injured or possibly sold if he cannot regain fitness. With tevez going out probably in the summer that could mean we find ourselves with 2 key players leaving that need to be replaced which is where madrids cash could help.
Its very simple really, ribery for ronaldo, and then agbonlahor/podolski to replace tevez. I dont really want ronaldo to leave but atleast if he does we know we have a massive amount of cash available that can bring in 3 or 4 excellent players and make us potentially stronger.
January 13th, 2009 at 20:41
@johnsom33: you need a few games this season before proclaiming Fergie a tactical genius… are you 1 year old? Or do you have retro-grade amnesia?
For the last 16 years Fergie has been an absolute Genius!
But of course, if it takes you this one extra season for you to see it, then you need to watch some old videos…
Serious, never say Fergie is not a genius!
January 13th, 2009 at 22:00
God, Evra out for three weeks. That is going to make a difference because Evra singlehandedly provides an attacking threat on the left flank. It is such a shame Fabio was injured this season because in those cup games it would have been great to groom his as a fill in because O’Shea is solid enough defensively but I cringe when he tries to pass or cross the ball.
January 13th, 2009 at 22:17
@Madschester United: He is the master of man management and setting up the opponent with the brilliance of his mind games, but he is not exactly a genius from the perspective of on field tactics. Then again, he isn’t exactly and idiot there either. There are others who are tactically superior to him but lose to him or cannot match him due to his ability to motivate players and his use of mind games towards the opposition managers and their players. That for me is the twelfth man on the field and is a tremendous advantage for our team. When he leaves that will be an element that will be sadly missed unless a Mourinho can take over who is pretty good at playing those kinds of games also.
January 13th, 2009 at 22:21
@Madschester United: Actually on this forums, all Fergie’s achievements for the past decade have been luck, cus the concensus here is that Fergie is tactically inept, Its really amazing that a manager has rode his luck for so many years.
@Grognard: I’d agree with this too, for one they seem to be 100x the professionals the Iberian penisula players will ever be.
@Craig Mc: In my opinion, it that price is true, then Fergie should bite their arm off. But hey, its Gulliem BALLache, the idiot who reported that Torres to United was pretty much a done deal…we all know how that ended.
January 13th, 2009 at 22:23
@johnsom33: I agree with you mate. I’m not going to be taken in by one great game. I want to see if we continue pulling out performances like yesterday
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January 13th, 2009 at 22:33
@Beachryan: Beachy, if this is true, then the United player who talked to a friend of mine that Ronnie and Nani would be off to Spain in the summer, might just become a confirmed tip off
. If it does come to fruition, don’t say I didn’t warn you 
.
January 13th, 2009 at 22:35
@Grognard: Hahahahaha – what a nice thought Grog. I could use a new ferrari
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January 13th, 2009 at 22:59
@Rd: true true… it’s funny how a manager who has been leading a team to so many trophies and success over the last decade can be tactically inept. This season, we hit a bumpy patch, what with a key new signing being integrated into the team, the adoption of a new system to accommodate this signing and the crucial injuries to some of our reliable 1st-teamers. All of a sudden, it was because of CQ’s departure!! When we were dominating in the 90’s, was CQ here? Maybe it was because of McLaren?
It’s always funny to see how the cynicism overflows during the bumpy times. This thread on Sunday was the biggest example of this. It was interesting reading the match thread from the when the line-ups were announced all the way till after the match ended. There was a lot of feet-tasting humble-pie being digested after the match.
While I will admit Fergie does come across a bit naive, I put most of this down to his natural stubbornness and reliance on his trusted players. Fergie trusts the players he puts out on the pitch, most times too much. You can see that he actually believes they have the capability to obtain or reverse a result. This is why he is usually reluctant to alter formations early during games and most times when we are trailing, he usually opts for the players he believes have the mental fortitude, experience and composure to reverse that scoreline/performance.
In my opinion, we have been gradually adjusting to a game-plan this season from opposing teams where they just sit back and defend. This has never happened with such frequency before. Even in Europe this term, all teams did it against us thru the group stages. However, we are beginning to show improvement against these 4-5-1 formations and as far as we can get some early goals like we did against Chelski, the opposition will open the game and then we can see what United is really made of. If noticed, our best/goal-ridden performances this season came when we obtained an early goal and the opposition was forced to come out and attack.
January 13th, 2009 at 23:10
Interview with Tosic on MUTV. Listen to the fucking translator, he is fucking scary!
“Dracula”! lol
January 13th, 2009 at 23:19
@RedDevilEddy: LOL The translator sounds like Sven from I’m on Setanta.
Is that directly from MUTV or did someone do a voice-over, cause that’s funny as hell 
January 13th, 2009 at 23:41
@Gabriel: Directly, from what Ive heard. Its hillarious, thought it was Dracula or something that had come to doa crazy translation!
And yeah, really sounds like Sven. Only a little creepier…
January 13th, 2009 at 23:42
Oh and here is a video that explains most of my feeling towards United and football in general.
January 13th, 2009 at 23:58
@Gabriel: I heard it was Nemanja translating, he was tanked up with swallowing a whole crate of strong Manchester ale
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January 14th, 2009 at 0:02
In the 90s we dominated because we had a first XI that was vastly superior to the other teams. That had to do with Ferguson’s ability to put together a winning team and impart a winning mentality into his teams. That in itself is a real achievement. Look at teams like Arsenal who for all their skill and pretty passing football have no steel and bottle under pressure.
However I think a major reason for our lack of success in Europe is tactics. With the players we’ve had over the years we should have a much better record in Europe.
January 14th, 2009 at 0:03
@Rd: Well Rd, I am waiting to see if the tip off by THE UNited player, that Ronnie and Nani are off to Spain in the summer comes to fruition
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January 14th, 2009 at 0:04
@colver: I agree mate
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January 14th, 2009 at 0:04
@Gabriel: Early goals is what I have been saying all season have been Uniteds biggest problem. I dunno if you guys remember this, but the first goal in a match is always the most important one. And if we cant score that in the first 70 minutes or so, its not only the oppositions fault when we have 20 plus shots in the game. If Vidic had not scored that goal just before half time, I think we would be craving for Fergies head to be cut off!
We might have paid for playing Giggs and Fletch in midfield as they didnt really play well until Anelka came on for Deco. And I doubt that wouldve happend if Vida hadnt scored. I think Vidics goal has been our most important so far this season. Other people might disagree and think that Rooney against Shitty, Vidic against Sunderland or Berbatov against Boro is the most important so far. But I have to disagree. I can honestly say that I think that if Vidic hadnt scored that goal just before half time, and that the ref would still disallow Ronaldos goal, we would not have won the game. Simple as.
I can honestly say that winning means most to me. I dont remember what kind of crazy stuff I said that I would rather see United lose 5-4 than win 1-0, that was only shite coming from my mind because around new years I kinda become insane an mental. lol! No, honesly new years is something I love. But my grandma got ill and my friend broke his leg, and I think I smoked a little too much weed on new years, so I was only talking piss around then. But winning mean everything t me. Of cource, I love it if we win 4-0, 3-0 or 5-1 and such. But if I had to I would take a 1-0 win everyday. I am a defender, and my mentality is most important of all to keep a clean sheet, as well as helping the team to win. But I love watching United, but boring games where team play 9-1-0 is becoming so usual in all of Europe, not only England. I remember watching a game between to teams in the Spanish league a little earlier this season. One of them were Barca. The other team played with almost 10 defenders. But Barca won that game 6-0. Why? Because they seem to have learned from their game at Old Trafford in May how to score a goal and win a game when teams are defending with big numbers. We also create lots of chances in these kind of games, the only difference between us and Barca is that they take their chances. Something we much become better at. I think we will win the Prem, and if team stop playing 8-1-1 against us at their home in Europe too(I am looking at you Celtic!), I think we can win the Champions League as well.
And yes, I have 100% faith in Fergie. What Ive learned from my years as a United supporter, all from selling Ince, Hughes and Kanchelskis, to playing a CM combo of Ryan Giggs and John Oshea, is that even though he does the maddest and most crazy things that I would not even dare t dream about, they most often work. Convincing Ronaldo to stay in 2006? Master piece! Mind games with Keegan? Best thing ever! Taking Eric Cantona from Leeds to Old Trafford? Could not have done anything better in his whole life! And lastly, subbing on Solskjær and Teddy for the CL final in 1999? Smartest tactical change ever made by a living, breathing creature! We must have faith in Fergie, because he can make a catterpillar look like God sometimes. Ronaldo only 3 years ago was one of the most frustrating and annoying players in the world. No end prduct, only some good skill, rolling on the floor like he was hit by a RPG even though he only hit air, doing the most silly stuff you wont even see circus artists do. And look at him now! FIFA World Player of The Year. First United player ever to claim that award! I have faith in everything Fergie decides, even though I think its mad. Starting Giggs and Fletch against Chelksi? Wouldnt even have crossed my mind! Selling Beckham? I would never have done that! Making injury hit Saha a first team starter over top scorer Ruud? Simply madness. But look what only those three decisions have done for this club! A game that we won 3-0(should have been 5-0), the worlds best player, and a Premier League and Champions League trophy. And I could go on and on and on and on and on and on………. till the end of time. In Sir Alex Ferguson we trust!
January 14th, 2009 at 0:06
@Craig Mc: Or maybe he was ‘Merked’ by the lads.. wouldn’t put it past them.
He did look happy and I hope he puts in the hard work he’s promising to, as he might need to bulk up a bit to brush off the thuggish hit men currently plying their trade in the Premiership (yes, Belleti, I’m looking at you)
January 14th, 2009 at 0:24
I want Ronaldo to stay. I lost all kind of respect in him until the car crash. And something that happend to me, but lets not get in on that.
I think he is the worlds best player, and he is a United player in every sense. Just think of it. His kind of football is what describes Manchester United! Attractive, fast, direct, unpredictable, total football, full of surprises and a will to win even though we lie under 3-0. Simple as. Everything that is in Ronaldo blood makes him a United player. He can do everything, we all love him and he has the metality to keep improving even though we all think it has all been fulfilled. Ronaldo will want this award again next year, and the year ofter that, and the year after that and so on. Just like United want the Premiership year after year after year. We will be dissapointed if we dont win anything, just as Ronaldo. Most of you guys that know me from this site know that I am not one of Ronaldos biggest fans. But the day he leaves, if he leaves, I will be incredibly saddened. 
The number 7 shirt is what describes Manchester United in that era. Cantona: Will to win, directness, unpredictablilty, hard work and “shexy futball”. Beckham: Fame, accuracy, around teams, youth to experience and popularity that grows by the day. Early Ronaldo career: Faults, inconsistency, to much fancy stuff, not enough effectivness, no sense of style and no real determination. United from 2006: Beautiful football, consitently good matches, unpredictable, fast football, scoring in every possible way and a determination to become better by the day every game. And to add to the spice, people that hate United say its because of Ronaldo. And some people say they like United because of Ronaldo. lol! How people can have different views or what!? People love to hate United, just like they love to hate Ronaldo. Am I sounding like a madman here, or do you get what I am saying?!
Rooney, Neville, Giggs, Scholes, Rio, VDS, Carrick… Of cource, every player in Manchester United matters. Every player has his own role in the team, and is a part of the big “family”. No matter what the press wants you to think, Ronaldo is not unhappy here. What he wants is not to move to Real Madrid, neither leaving Manchester United. I think you should understand that. Its not because f love to a club, or hate to another, respect for opponents or wish for a better clime. Its just as simple as facing new challanges! Ronaldo is a very ambitious person, and he will never stop looking for ways or places to find new challanges or ways to improve. His wish to move to Spain could be as simple as just he thinking he had done all he could do for Manchester United. He even admitted it himself. But Fergie, the master motivator as he is, must have convinced him to understand that at United you face new challanges all the time! That is why I have come to believe that Ronaldo will stay with us at least until Fergie retires. Call me crazy, say it will never happen, even write 2 hours long articles or show me pictures with Ronaldo talking to Calderon, I will not believe that Ronaldo will leave United until the day I see him wear a Real Madrid shirt at Santiago Bernabeu with Ronaldo on the back, playing next to Ramos or Robben or Drenthe or whatever.
January 14th, 2009 at 0:47
Ji Sund Park has some critics. Actually alot of them! Me included. But I realised something. On my soccer practise today I played against one of the most annoying lads I ever have met. I am a left back, he was a right winger. But he didnt posses the skills, speed or vision that I usually see in wingers I face these days. Maybe the wingers here in Norway arent of the highest level, but they still possess a lot of skill and speed. But this guy, a skimpy African 13 year old… A winger that reminded me incredible much of Park! He didnt allow me to breath, he didnt allow me to think with the ball, he chased after me on every Evra-like run I made, he didnt even give me space to hit my long shots. I felt frustrated and in the end I only felt like cutting his legs off. I didnt do it though, because I know it was only a practise game. Didnt matter much, actually very little, but I want to win even though its only a game with my mates in the park(Ji-Sung lol)(sorry
). When I was in the shower I didnt think of Cheryl Cole or Megan Fox as usual. 
My thought fell to Park. Okey, that sentace may have come out wrong, but listen. I felt like I understood what Ji is all about. The reason Park plays gives our attack so much that is not easy to see for the naked eye. I am gonna tell you what.
First of all, when you play agaist a winger/attacker that doesnt run at you or test your defensive skills, it may sound as a walk in the park. But it isnt. Instead it makes defenders rely much more on their attacking and passing skills. I didnt get in a tackle that whole game, but the African kid tackled me lots of times. Playing Park against a player like Ashley Cole is like playing Ronaldo in defense with Van Persie being the striker. With Ronaldo running at RVP, the dutchman has to use his defensive skill to win the ball back, or not boil over by frustration. When Park plays against a defender, its not the tackling that will be important. Not the speed, power or force of the defender, but the vision and passing skills of the defender. Defenders are supposed to be good at tackling, positioning and in the air. Do you have any use of those if you play against Park? NO! What you need is a cool head, know what to do with the ball before you get it and play it quick and accurate. You need a player like Scholes or Carrick to play against Park! And very few defenders can do such stuff.
Second fact. Park is a hard worker. I said he was useless a couple of weeks ago, but Ive changed my mind after playing this game today. I still go by the thought that Park is useless if we play at home to Boro or Sunderland or West Brom. But against Chelski, Arsenal or Liverpool. where both teams want to score and attack, Park can be the most important man on the field. After watching the game against Chelski in reply, when I was actaully looking for how good Vidic was(10/10 should be an understatemnt after Vidas performance. They should make a new rating for such good performances!), I also noticed Park play when Chelski, or he, didnt have the ball. When you watch a game in its full-blooded heat, you dont notice such stuff. But now… Park was absolutely amazing! He was tackling Drogba in one second and then taking on John Terry in the other. Ashley Cole got frustrated because Park was marking him so close that neither did Ca$hley get the ball, but he didnt go on any attacking runs either because Park was always very, very close to him. It is frustrating and its great for the team that the marker plays for. I have to give credit to Park. Even though he is a useless wank sometimes, he can be one of the most vital players in other games.
January 14th, 2009 at 0:52
@Gabriel: What do you mean by MERKED Gabi –
.
January 14th, 2009 at 0:54
@RedDevilEddy: Eddy mi man, so you got THE HOTS for Cheryl Cole – hahaha, watch out Ashley you loser, Eddy is on to your woman
.
January 14th, 2009 at 0:58
@RedDevilEddy: Completely agree with you there Bro, nice one
January 14th, 2009 at 1:10
My mind has changed so often this season about so many things. In the summer I wanted Ronaldo to stay, then to leave, then to stay and in the end I just couldnt care any less. First I thought Berbatov was brilliant, then lazy, then class, then a waste of space and now I think he is one of the best players in the club. I though Wayne Rooney would be our best player this season, i thought he would be top scorer, I thought he would be below Tevez in the pecking order and I thought he would not play as many games as he has. I thought Park should be selled, Anderson would win Ballon DoR(I know!
), Liverpool would suck donkey dick right now and I thought that Tevez was better to be sold. How many weird things have happend this year? The game against Chelski actually is the perfect describtion of our season, by the fans. From saying Fergie has lost it, we are gonna get killed, he is senile and we are never gonna win the game, to Fergie is a master tactician, we are the best in the world, Giggs should play more games and we will no doubt win the league now in only 1 1/2 hours. I myself thought Fergie was going mad by that team, but again I was proved wrong, something I really appreciated. 
I think things can change in a flash. If we dont beat Wigan tomorrow(or tonight I should say) we will be back to the “we are not good enough to win the league”. Things can change in a flash, and I think we should not get ahead of ourselves. We may have beat Chelski by 3-0, but that was only one game. We win 7-1 agains Roma once, only to lose 3-0 to Milan only 4 weeks later. Small margins decide big situations. Couldnt have been a better time to say that than this season.
I think we have been good this season. Not incredible, breathtaing or unbeatable, but good. But I think that is what makes a good team, a winning team. We have been very inconsistent, something that really worries me. I hear people say we have 2 games in hand, and that we will leave Liverpool when those games are over. I think people should calm down! Wigan is not an easy fixture. History at Old Trafford says 4-0, 3-1 and 4-0. But that should not make it easier. Wigan is the in-form team, and with players like Heksy, Zaki, Palacios and Valencia they will prove a stern test. Forget Chelsea! We won the game, its over, we have another game against Wigan very quick. I think that it is possible for us to draw with Wigan. I can see them nick a 0-0 result. I dont hope so, but football is a game of small margins. Pompey game in FA cup last season is all the proof you should need to understand that. And yes, this really is RedDevilEddy speaking. The oh-so-optimistic happy fella is talking about gettin down to earth. Yes I am doing that. Because I see some guys believe that just because we beat Chelski 3-0, we will now win every game from noe until the rest of the season. But I have a messgae for you! We will drop points, we will concede goals, we will lose games and we will not score 3 or more goals every game. It doesnt work that way! Dont get all PMP about it, its just the truth. Be happy and enjoy that we beat Chelski. Because there will be a time when we will rue a missed chance, a lost game, an own goal or even possibly a lost final. I dont hope so, but I have to be realistic. Good news is that Liverpool and Chelski will also drop points, and they will have injuries and suspensions. Gerrard may go to jail for a couple of weeks, Rafa may check in to the mental institution pretty soon and Dirk Kyut might die on the operation table for plastic surgery. Who knows? In the famous words of the shy and modest Latin kid: “Only God knows!”
January 14th, 2009 at 1:20
@Craig Mc: “Newspapers all over the world have reported that Cheryl Cole, former Cheryl Tweedy, was seen in Norway with a young man during her time away from Ashley Cole because of his cheating. Cheryl and the young man, a blond masculin boy who looks very similar to Fernando Torres, have been seen in various resturants and night clubs. The young Norwegian, currently going by the name of Eddy, is said to be very comfortable with the sex-bomb. Cheryl on the other hand is glowing and have found back to her perfect body thanks to the happiness she has found in the young footballer. Cheryl, who seems to be attracted to footballers, is said to be very happy with Eddy. However, sources close to her say that she feels intimidated by all the beautiful girls Eddy has drooling around him. She is therefor doing everything she can to plesure his every need.”
January 14th, 2009 at 1:24
@RedDevilEddy: Although having said that, don’t know about Ronaldo? After the slave bullshit, i lost alot of respect for him(like alot of united fans), at the time i made no secret of this! I’m not playing football manager here but €105 – €115 is alot of money and you could buy a few top class players with that lolly, no doubt.This is hypothetical of course, i dont believe 99% of the bull that comes from Real Fascists. Everytime they have a presidential election/candidate, there’s another Ronny exclusive.
Now as the season has progressed my attitude to the former slave has softened, nothing to do with the awards/accolades he’s been getting, but i feel he really wants to do his best for the team now and this is evident from his play of late. And i expect him to get better as the season progresses. Is he finally growing up?
That said, the question is would you sell him for €115 in the summer? I most definitely would. But after Fergies’ comment about the virus, i dont know. I’d tend to believe the Glaswegian though.
January 14th, 2009 at 1:34
@phoenix red: The question is not wether United will accept a bid on £100 million. The question is wether Real Madrid are disoriented enough to even think about spending that amount of money on a footballer. If they really even bid that much on Ronaldo, I will personally fly to Real Madrid with a huge poster of poor African children in need of food and medicine. For that kind of money they could sace millionf of small children, and adults. Lack of medicine, hunger and hospitals are somethings that are more important than buying a player. I swear to God, if Real even bid more than £50 million for Ronaldo, or any United player in that respect, I will personally fly to Madrid, cause havoc and if that doesnt work I will run towards the manager when Real play a game and give him the huge poster with dying African and Latin children with illness and diseases that can be done something with. I dont care if I go to prison or custidy for someting like that, Reals board should go to jail because of their ignorance and stupid dickheaded mentality. Fucking twats/cunts/dickheads, I just wanna kill them all.
January 14th, 2009 at 1:38
@phoenix red: Oh and yeah. I really dont think Fergie will ever sell Ronaldo to Real. Two spesific reasons:
1. He hates Real Madrid to guts and will not want them to have success any kind of day. Not even over Liverpool I think!
2. He is stubborn as hell and wont let get beaten so badly, something he has fought for in over a year, because of some silly money. We all know Fergie gets his will in the end, wether its keeping Ronaldo or buying Hargreaves after chasing him for a year.
January 14th, 2009 at 1:51
@RedDevilEddy: DREAM on my friend, DREAM on
. You’ve been taking altogether too much of what you shouldn’t be taking Eddy mi man, and it is addling your brain like scrambled eggs. Now back to reality eh 
.
January 14th, 2009 at 1:53
@phoenix red: Have no-one here learned anything from this season?!
“I’m not playing football manager here but €105 – €115 is alot of money and you could buy a few top class players with that lolly, no doubt”
When are we gonna fully understand that Fergie is perfectly happy with his squad? He doesnt want Senna, we have Fletcher. Neither does he want Diego because we have Anderson. He is happy with the players, and if anything I think he has trouble enough keeping the player he has now happy. What is gonna happen to Tevez? Okey, if we sell Ronaldo for that amount of money what will happen? Will we buy players like Shweinsteiger(?), Benzema or Leo Messi? Or will Fergie go for more players like Tosic or Nani? When we sold Beckham we bought Ronaldo. A 18-year old Portugeeze! Unknown, unproven and no experience at all in world football. If we sell Ronaldo I am confident we will save those money for something and maybe opt for young, unknown kid. Its not about how much money you get, its how much in need you are of the money. If we sell Ronaldo we will get very much money right away. But there is a big chance we wont win a trophy. We need time to give the new player time to fit in, as even a top-class player needs time to settle at a club like United(Berbatov example). But if we keep Ronaldo, we might win more trophies and get that amount of money during 1-2 years. We have a problem of keeping our player happy! We are benching Nani! We have 6 midfielders! 5 strikers! 3 right backs, 3 left backs and 4 centre backs! We have 3 goalkeepers, 4 wingers and we have many upcoming talents like Gibson, Possebon, Welbeck, Ljajic, Fabio and Chester. We have enough trouble trying to keep hold of Tevez, not becuase we suffer with lack of money but because the club understands he is too good to be a sub! Do I want more players? To be honest, no. I think we have a perfect combination of young and old, flair and calmness, determination and temperament. We have Ronaldo. Why replace him with lets say Nani for 3 years. No Aguero, Benzema or Messi, but Nani. Because we all know Fergie wont spend £50 million on a player. Keep hold of Ronaldo is what I say…
January 14th, 2009 at 1:54
@Craig Mc: Just tying to be funny mate!
Worth a laugh, innit? 
January 14th, 2009 at 1:55
Going to sleep now, got school tomorrow.
And Craig, I may dream… 
lol
January 14th, 2009 at 1:57
@RedDevilEddy: the important word i’ve used is hypothetical, i agree its silly money, thats 100- 115 million Euros btw, still silly money! But lets face it the worlds best player is gonna cost alot. There’s not much point comparing football fees/wages to reality, but you’re right to highlight the insanity of it with respect to whats happening around the planet in real terms.
And Fergies stubborness is famed worlwide
January 14th, 2009 at 1:59
The yankees just spent $180 million on a borderline all-star first baseman, so perhaps 100m Euros for the world’s finest footballer is under market value.
January 14th, 2009 at 2:03
Alright Craig? hows the voice now? Enjoy the visit of the rentboys? I certainly did
January 14th, 2009 at 2:52
@phoenix red: Phoenix mi man, are you kidding me – I love slapping the rent boys around. We did them proper
. I loved seeing their heads down post match, but especially Bollox Ballack, after his L’fool are our biggest foes now, not United. Hahahahahahaha – that guy was totally brought down to earth, and saaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad. Feck off BallAck, I can’t stand the fecker Phoenix. I delighted in his post match MISERY. i HAVEN’T FORGOTTEN HIS bitch SLAPPING Tev with Drogba in CL final – what a tosser. Glad we nobbled him at OT 
. I would love to kick him in the Bollocks, but our team did it for me. 
.
January 14th, 2009 at 2:53
@phoenix red: Back to normal Phoenix mi man
. What a feckin result eh?. Ballack was shellshocked. I loved that 
.
January 14th, 2009 at 4:02
I have to say if I was Cheryl Id be more bothered about how much her husband’s team SUCKED on Sunday than his infidelity.
Hypothetically if we sold Ronaldo for 115 million Euros Id buy a great world class keeper to replace EVDS when he retires, Id put Hargreaves on the right midfield and buy someone promising and young who’d be ready to own the right flank in a few years time, then Id spend some money on a playmaker for midfield because I think we are missing that kind of player
January 14th, 2009 at 4:37
@RedDevilEddy: Jeez, did they dig up Bela Lugosi to do his translating? Why didn’t they just get Count Berbatov? Or maybe that was the Count himself.
January 14th, 2009 at 4:38
@Gabriel: Except he doesn’t say “Ah wella” before starting every sentence.
January 14th, 2009 at 4:50
@RedDevilEddy: Sorry mate but I hate it when people use the term “total football” anytime some players does well. It’s a term that goes back to the 70’s and there is a theory and a system behind it that is too complex and team oriented to just hand it around whenever a player does well. Total football is owned by the Dutch masters of the 1970’s, the infamous Clockwork Orange as well as the West Germans of the early to mid 70’s. Thats where it started and that’s where it ended because the negativity of Italian football took over and gave mediocrities a way to fight the big teams and survive. And that style of play has grown into the cancer that is football today. Technical, boring chess played by fat little waiters sitting on the sidelines using players like pawns and kicking the stuffing out of the game’s beauty and majesty.
“Total Football” was a short lived revolution which for some inexplicable reason, died. Perhaps it was because it demanded more skill and skill in all facets of the game from all it’s players and there just weren’t enough players who could cope and produce. One day I’ll write a piece on “Total Football” because it’s something nobody today seems to understand and often mixes the term up with other aspects of the game or when a team plays really well. It’s a topic in the game that is very dear to me because I was one of the fortunate ones who studied it, watched and appreciated it for it’s brilliance. I would love to see a team or a league movement that would bring it back. I doubt it will ever happen.
January 14th, 2009 at 5:05
@RedDevilEddy: Park is a useless git when it comes to playing in a game or system that demands optimum concentration on the offensive side of the game. But he serves a purpose and he does his job well when he is put in games against good teams who have speedy and skillful wingers and fullbacks.
Before the Chelsea game I would have bet my house on the fact that Fergie was going to start Park. With players like Joe Cole or the strength of overlapping runs from players like Ashley Cole and Unibrow Bosingwa, the club needed a player who could contain these types of players and limit their space and opportunities to cross or cut inside. Park runs on batteries and never dies down. He is our Energizer Bunny and his work ethic and enthusiasm can never ever be questioned. He may not be my cup of tea but had I picked the squad on Sunday he would have started. But you are right, starting him against the Stokes, Sunderland’s and other ass wipes of the Prem is a waste of a position. When teams park the bus on us, the last guy you need taking up space on the wide left or right, is a player like Park who just hasn’t got the offensive skill or imagination to be of any use. In games like that you have to play Lil Man Nani and now Tosic. There is little to fear defensively and there is lots to lose offensively by playing him. But I will say this, when he plays poorly against a poor team I often get to upset with him and I instantly want Fergie to sell him. It’s my frustration getting the better of me. In reality, it’s Fergie I should be screaming at for using the boy improperly. Park has his uses and I find that against the Chelsea’s and Barcelona’s, the boy does his job and is a very valuable foil for us to use. On Sunday he was brilliant being a pest and working his socks off. And for that he gets my gratitude and respect. But don’t play him against Wigan Fergie. Play the poor lad Nani. He’s a talent who needs some love and to build his confidence.
Last night I put in last season’s home tie vs Liverpool in which we clobbered the Scouse 3-0. I loved watching Nani score that wonderful third goal. He’s too good a talent to be wasting away on the bench. He needs an extended run of games to build up stamina and confidence and I believe he will pan out. Now give him his chance and make Craig’s life that much more Utopian. Craig want his girlfriend and his Nani too. And why shouldn’t he have. Greed is good.
January 14th, 2009 at 5:09
@Grognard:
“Is it possible that Fergie has begun to wake up and listen to the Grognard?”
I hope you’re fucking joking mate. I love your provocative comments and ideas, they do create a very vibrant conversation here, but to even consider yourself as an informed authority for the club and that they should even read, consider and adopt them is outrageous.
Take a pill, mate. Rub some fucking snow into your face and then shut the fuck up until you can come up with something that your fans, here, can latch on to.
January 14th, 2009 at 5:11
@RedDevilEddy: If they offer the team over 100 million, which by the way I think is just fantasy, trust me, it’s not Fergie who will have the final say in the matter. The Glazer’s will step in and say fuck this, and take the money. Fergie is near the end of his run and the Glazer’s will not allow his ego and pride to get in their way when they are in massive debt and having lost millions in the market crash. I think they will say sell him, take 50 million and find a few player to replace him and they will take 50 million to help pay off their loans. As for Fergie, he’ll be pissed off enough to probably quit right on the spot and then he will be shocked that a day after he announces he has quit the team the Glazers introduce Jose Mourinho to the media as their new manager. Don’t laugh, in today’s sports culture, that is more than possible.
January 14th, 2009 at 5:16
@Patrick: My God, if soccer starts following the trends set by the Yankees, the game is headed for disaster. That said, I’m a hopeless Yankees fan but even I think they have been idiots paying that kind of money to Teixera, Fat pants Sabathia and the accident waiting to happen known as Burnett. And this in a league that has a luxury tax system that is there to prevent teams like the Yankees from spending overboard. Go figure!
January 14th, 2009 at 5:17
@Craig Mc: Hey watch it with the Ballack digs bro. Stop messing with the Grognard’s feelings.
January 14th, 2009 at 5:22
@Redrich: I was joking you stupid dick head. Get a grip yourself. As if I would ever seriously think that they would be listening to me yet alone know that I exist. How on Earth you could take that comment and believe that I was serious absolutely mystifies me and boggles my mind. Wake the fuck up and stop telling me to shut the fuck up until you learn to read and comprehend. Unfucking believable. Honestly.
January 14th, 2009 at 6:28
@Grognard: Nice thoughtful reply!! Your choice of words are stunning. I just don’t what to say!!
January 14th, 2009 at 7:55
@Grognard: Please explain the term “total football”. I am not 100% sure what it is…
January 14th, 2009 at 8:03
@Grognard: I really doubt that Real, or any other side would bid £100 million for a footballplayer. Its a disgrace if they do! Of cource, if that kind of bid arrives at Old Trafford I just know the Glazers are gonna accept it, and I know that Fergie wont be happy about it. Look at my comment 91, says most of my feelings there.
January 14th, 2009 at 10:45
@RedDevilEddy: Explanation for Total football can be found here.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Total_Football
January 14th, 2009 at 11:09
any idea when will tosic’s debut game will be?
January 14th, 2009 at 11:19
@Grognard: I agree on all those points mate.
January 14th, 2009 at 11:22
@Redrich: How about you’re sorry for unfairly accusing me of being a moron. That would be nice for starts. And don’t go accusing me of poor language when you basically told me to shut the fuck up, so perhaps you should practice what you preach. Your attack was unfair, uncalled for and very rude, so if you didn’t like my reply, it came across just the way I wanted it to. If you couldn’t tell that I was jesting over Fergie listening to me, then you need to be the one to take a chill pill and stick your face in some snow and grab a dose of reality. What more can I say. I was stunned my your attack.
January 14th, 2009 at 11:24
@scrtls: Thanks.
January 14th, 2009 at 11:25
@RedDevilEddy: Give me a few days mate because I am planning to write a long but interesting post on the topic. I think it would make an interesting topic considering the way the game is played these days. So be patient for a bit, it’s coming.
January 14th, 2009 at 11:26
@RedDevilEddy: Well if you think that one is crazy, how about 175 million for Kaka? That’s the rumors coming out of Man City. NUTS!
January 14th, 2009 at 11:35
@Redrich: Listen, Redrich. You dont talk like that here, no matter what. Or you are gonna get banned. If anyone is gonna shut the fuck up its you, so dont come here and start critisising others.
Grognard is one of the most respected people on this blog, and he like everyone else is entitled to state his opinions. So wank off… 
January 14th, 2009 at 11:36
@Grognard: Thats all right. Scrtls put up a link that helped. But please state you opinions on the term “total football” too, I want to know how you look at it.
January 14th, 2009 at 11:45
@Grognard: Shitty are not regular human beings. They are wankers!
They are honestly the most embarassing people on earth, and I believe that their wishes and dreams are more crazy than Hitlers. 
Dont worry, if Kaka really joins Shitty(City, Slippy, Klitty, whatever!) he really has got his privileges wrong. I mean, what kind of player with ambitions of being a legend and the world best player would move to City unless they are raping and abusing him at the club he currently is?! Im looking at you Robinho. I seriously doubt that Shitty will get Kaka, because he is a very smart guy. Ive met him before, like I have asid earlier my family has relations to Milan. The granfather of my aunts husband was very instrumental in Milan. Ive been at the San Siro before, even talked to some of the players. I was there in 2004, I believe. Met Kaka, Shevchenko and Maldini. Some of them. My aunts husband is not exactly working with the Milan staff, but he is best friends with a director in the board(then). Kaka is a nice guy, and I didnt understand him then but my uncle translated what he said to me. Ive got a signed kit from Kaka, Maldini and Crespo and some others. It was during the Christmas holidays in December 2004, so I didnt have anything against them then.
Anyway, I dont think Kaka is stupid enough to got to Shitty. Would surprise me a lot!
January 14th, 2009 at 11:52
@RedDevilEddy: Well there you go, Wikipedia stole my thunder, sort of. There’s is a more technical definition, but it is correct. To see it in action is really a beautiful thing. Watching players move around freely and have others move into their vacated spots and play that position like it was second nature to them was a beautiful thing to behold. Imagine Ronaldo starting on the right wing but having the freedom to move anywhere their is space to exploit. Now once he has moved, the nearest player to his vacated spot (probably the RB moves into his wing spot and the CB moves into the spot of the RB and so the domino principle take place. It may sound confusing but it is actually simple common sense. The hard part is finding and training player to be comfortable at multiple positions. When it works it allows your most talented player to have a free roaming role where he exploits space and creates overloading headaches for defenders which other players moving into open spaces can then take advantage of.
Back in the 70’s watching Holland was an incredible treat because of their movement, patience and ball control. String 12 to 15 passes in a row was normal and done dozens of times in a game. Today if a team strings together 15 passes and scores at the end, it’s considered a wonder goal. Well Holland used to do it all the time. Having Johann Cruyff move around and dictate the play like a General was a thing of beauty, but it required him and his teammates to have great skills and finesse. This system cannot work with a Stoke or Wolverhampton. They don’t have the skilled players to rotate positions on the field. Too many teams today play a direct style due to their inability to string more than three or four passes in a row.
Argentina is probably the best at that slow kind of buildup but they don’t rotate players around the pitch the way the Dutch did, so they cannot be accused of Total Football, even if they allow Riquelme or Messi to have a free role. Today a free role is exactly that. A player going wherever he wants on the pitch, but rarely does another player cover for him and the same happens down the line as each player shifts one spot to fill the other. They just hope that the space created by Messi leaving his designated area is not used against them. Without the ability to adapt to another position on the field immediately, the system breaks down. This is the reason why I think the style died in the 70’s. Only a handful of teams could really use it. Holland, West Germany (to a lesser degree), Ajax, Feyenoord, Bayern and Monchengladbach were the biggest and best proponents. As good and as exciting a system as it was, it was not perfect. The teams that used also were more prone to giving up goals too. Because no matter how great the players were in filling other positions, the fact that those secondary positions were not their specialty, hurt them once in a while. But because of their attacking prowess and the overall attacking them behind the concept, they scored way more often than they gave goals. 5-3, 4-2 and 6-3 scores were common back in those days in both the Bundesliga and the Eridivisie. Ah how I miss those days.
January 14th, 2009 at 11:56
@RedDevilEddy: Thanks for that mate. Unfortunately the bloke did not understand that I was making a joke. I mean really, how stupid must one think I am to believe I put myself in equal status with SAF? Ludicrous!
January 14th, 2009 at 12:01
@RedDevilEddy: Money sometimes talks, and with £500k a week that is a lot of money.
January 14th, 2009 at 12:42
@Grognard: Hahahaha Grog, well Bro you hate who you hate, and I hate who I hate. Well perhaps hate is TOO strong a word for me, I don’t really hate anybody, strongly dislike as in Ballack, I really do not like the bloke Grog
. He was responsible for the total fracas in CL that saw his team mate sent off. Ballck should have gone first, because he leapt in shoving Tevez around, when Terry and Tev were just debating and had it sorted. Ballack is a NASTY piece of work from what I can see. So sorry Grog, I am not trying to make you 
. Not deliberately!
January 14th, 2009 at 12:48
@Craig Mc: I hate:
Ballack, Terry, Lampard, Ashley Cole, Mikel, Drogba, Gerrard, Caragher, Benitez, Mourinho, Dunne, Thatcher er that is about it.
January 14th, 2009 at 12:53
@Grognard: Grog Bro, you wont believe this
. In his MUTV press meeting yesterday, Fergie said that Tosic is not like Ronnie, as Ronnie is very good at dribbling with the ball. Tosic he said, is more direct, with a good left foot, and good crosses to find players in the area, and good at set pieces. Then, and here’s the shock to me, Fergie said, I would say he is more like Nani in these things. So it begs the question then Grog doesn’t it? If we have already got a Nani, why did we buy Tosic? The mind boggles. Perhaps the tip off from the United player is right, Nani is on his way to sunnier climates come the summer. OT will never be the same without the Little Man.
January 14th, 2009 at 13:10
@RedDevilEddy: I think it was just a misunderstanding Eddy mi man. RedRich is new to the blog, and doesn’t know the Grog or any of us yet
. So as he said in his post, he wasn’t sure whether Grog was being serious or not. Perhaps also, like me, he didn’t read the blog policy in joining, so he wouldn’t be aware that criticism of other bloggers is banned on here. We can hit the team and United staff with the verbals, but not attack each other. Which begbs the question Eddy, you were demanding RedRich stop attacking Grog, which I agree with, but you attacked RedRich 
.
To be honest though, truly honest Bro, we do have examples where we do the forbidden, and have a scrap with each other. I am one of the guilty ones at this – so I hold my hands up.
January 14th, 2009 at 13:14
@Stephen: Not very many then Stephen
. I prefer a big LOVE IN to a big HATE IN, the LOVE IN is so much more rewarding 
.
January 14th, 2009 at 13:17
Oh and Stephen, I have to be careful when I talk about ‘love ins’, because Grog gets me into trouble with the GF when he talks about all the Nani love – hahaha. Grog do you like me getting in the dog house then?. It’s a very cold and lonely place to be you know
.
January 14th, 2009 at 13:29
@Craig Mc: Ha ha the only thing with Nani and Tosic, Nani is right footed and Tosic is left!
But like you feel his days are numbered.
January 14th, 2009 at 13:34
@ Craig MC – Presumably because one is left footed, the other right footed?
On the odd chance that Cronaldo stays, I think Fergie is picturing him moving central, either as an AMF or even a forward. Or maybe Tosic is just a backup. Who knows. Interesting that Fergie views Nani/Tosic as ‘real’ wingers, and Ronaldo as something else though…
January 14th, 2009 at 13:55
@Craig Mc: I supprot my friends. Simple as. I do not know RedRich, because I have never seen him on this blog. But to come here and to tell someone to shut the fuck up?! Ive been at this blog for more than a year, and I know most of you. We all know eachother, and never should the phrase “shut the fuck up” be seen here, unless it is against Benitez, Mourinho, Ballack, Terry and such. “I disagree”, “I dont understand” or “can you explain it better?” are things that can, and often are seen here. I stand up for my friends, I wont let them be harrased or feeling stepped on. That is who I am. I would do the same for you Craig.
January 14th, 2009 at 14:02
@Craig Mc: Ronaldo is not a winger. How mad it may sound, Ronaldo is not a winger. ONly at the start of the season when he needed time to get used to Berbatov and his role, but he does not play as a winger. I have said that sometimes now, havent I?
Ronaldo is more of a LF/RF kinda player. He will never be an AM because of the United way of playing. Maybe in a few years, when Fergie leaves, Ronaldo may be shifted to another role. It depends on the manager. But dont be afraid, LMN will play games. Dont be worried about that, Fergie seems to rate him. Not in the games against Chelsea, Arsenal or Liverpool, but against Boro, West Brom, Hull kinda teams. I like Nani, and I want him to stay. He will never be a new Ronaldo, like many people think. But I do think he will be the first Nani… 
January 14th, 2009 at 14:07
@RedDevilEddy: Nothing wrong with supporting your friends Bro, but I was referring to the spirit in which it is done – anywayz no problems – we’re cool
.
January 14th, 2009 at 14:11
@RedDevilEddy: I’m not entirely sure that he cannot play in the BIG games though Eddy. As Grog said in his post in this thread – Nani played great in the L’Pool game at OT and scored. He also made vital assists when we needed to grab a winner in a good few games last season, including CL ones. You would need to watch UNited end of season review CD to understand what I am talking about.
January 14th, 2009 at 14:13
@Beachryan: Beachy and Stephen, one is right footed the other left footed, now why was I too thick to think of that
.
January 14th, 2009 at 14:14
@Redrich: RedRich, I do not know you. I cant remember to have seen you on this site before, so that makes you new in my eyes. If you become a regular commenter here, you may understand my views on things. Ivs got many friends here. And I satnd up for them as I stand up for my regular friends. Talk bad to me and will be replied. Talk back to them and I will hit back at you. Be nice and dont act all arrogant or rude and you will be accepted here. Im not saying you are any of those things, Im just giving you a warning. You see, there was this prick coming here just to piss a certain mr. Grognard up some weeks ago. Just to irritate us and it was quite annoying. I want to apologise for telling you to fuck off(indirectly), but I will not just stand here and watch new guys on this site think they own it. Im not saying you did this, but anyway…
It takes time to understan Grognard. At first you may think he is a prick. Or arrogant, cocky and without any sense of happiness. Sorry Grogs.
But when you get to know him you will see that he is an intelligent guy with a unik view on things. However good our performance may be, he will still go by the thought of “it could be better”. Maybe annoying, but true. I also think like that, so should all of us. We win the double? Why not the treble?! Ronaldo scored 42 goals? How many assists did he get? 
These are just examples, but this is a winning mentality. Always improve, always try to stay at the top level. This is one of the most annoying thing Grog has, but when all of us are happy for a win or something, and we all fly high and start talking about best in the world, unbeatable and such, he somehow manages to make us all down to earth. Kinda like a wife! 
It may sound bad, but its actually a good thing to have. And this is not kissing the arse of Grog, Im just saying what is true. Sorry for the long comment, but I think I needed to say it.
Cheers, and welcome to this site.
January 14th, 2009 at 14:16
RedRich, I do not know you. I cant remember to have seen you on this site before, so that makes you new in my eyes. If you become a regular commenter here, you may understand my views on things. Ivs got many friends here. And I satnd up for them as I stand up for my regular friends. Talk bad to me and will be replied. Talk back to them and I will hit back at you. Be nice and dont act all arrogant or rude and you will be accepted here. Im not saying you are any of those things, Im just giving you a warning. You see, there was this prick coming here just to piss a certain mr. Grognard up some weeks ago. Just to irritate us and it was quite annoying. I want to apologise for telling you to fuck off(indirectly), but I will not just stand here and watch new guys on this site think they own it. Im not saying you did this, but anyway…
It takes time to understan Grognard. At first you may think he is a prick. Or arrogant, cocky and without any sense of happiness. Sorry Grogs. But when you get to know him you will see that he is an intelligent guy with a unik view on things. However good our performance may be, he will still go by the thought of “it could be better”. Maybe annoying, but true. I also think like that, so should all of us. We win the double? Why not the treble?! Ronaldo scored 42 goals? How many assists did he get?
These are just examples, but this is a winning mentality. Always improve, always try to stay at the top level. This is one of the most annoying thing Grog has, but when all of us are happy for a win or something, and we all fly high and start talking about best in the world, unbeatable and such, he somehow manages to make us all down to earth. Kinda like a wife! 
It may sound bad, but its actually a good thing to have. And this is not kissing the arse of Grog, Im just saying what is true. Sorry for the long comment, but I think I needed to say it.
Cheers, and welcome to this site.
January 14th, 2009 at 14:22
@Craig Mc: I usually dont use these words on this site, because I follow the rules. I respect everyone, but if someone tells my friend to shut the fuck off just because he has a different opinion I would usually point a gun to his head!
I go by these rules(not in football!):
Show respect and get respect.
Friends stand together.
Use you common sense.
Dont be too cocky.
Tell me to fuck off and you will pay. Tell my friend to fuck off and you will not be alive long enough to pay!
Girls and boys fulfill eachother(Girl with boy and boy with girl).
Never stop believing in yourself!
Always look for improvement.
An unknown person is just a friend you havent met.
FEEED TO SCOOUUSERS! LET THEM KNOW IT`S CHRISTMAS TIME! lol
January 14th, 2009 at 14:26
@Redrich: Redrich, this is your last warning on this site. What you just did was clearly uncalled for. The stick you got was well and truly deserved.
You have something to debate about, you’re welcome. But if you think calling names is going to be a fruitful endeavour on this site, you are mistaken.
January 14th, 2009 at 14:28
Oh, that comment came twice…
January 14th, 2009 at 14:29
@Red Ranter: I want to apologise for talling RedRich to shut the fuck up. But I want you to understand RedRanter, that I just wanted to stick up for my mates.
January 14th, 2009 at 14:33
I am looking forward to tonights game, and in an attempt to fire us up: Last time Berba played against Wigan he scored 4 goals. Before that, 1. And in 2006 he scored 2. I am drooling!
January 14th, 2009 at 14:37
@Craig Mc: If you look back at our big games last season, you will see that Nani played a pivotol part in our wins. In the FA cup vs Arsenal he scored 1 and set up 2. That for me was his best game for us. Against Liverpool he made an assist and a goal. Against Lyon he came from the subs bench to get us the qualiser from his cross. Against Barca he created many chances for us with his movement and silky skills. I have faith in Nani, but in realy close games when we need players all over the field to defend, I would opt for Park. But in every other game? Nani for sure. Come on Michael Jackson!
THRILLER!!!
January 14th, 2009 at 14:43
Can you believe that while Ronaldo gets a yellow card for being held to the ground by Carvalho with a sumo-wreatler kinda hold, this team gets a penalty for this?!
January 14th, 2009 at 14:43
The problem with Nani is that his decision making is awful, shoots when he should cross, cross when he should shoot. He has all the ability in the world and needs a regular start, but he hasn’t done himself any favours.
I feel the same with Anderson, when he has had his oppertunities which like Nani havn’t been frequent, he simply hasn’t taken them, which for both lads is a shame as I said they both have tremendous ability.
January 14th, 2009 at 14:44
@RedDevilEddy: Thats exactly what I was saying Eddy mi man – so why the Feck is Fergie not giving him the long run of games he deserves?.
January 14th, 2009 at 14:45
If the rumours of the Madrid bid is true, I think United should grab the opportunity to try to whore him off to City. I feel we should do to Madrid what Spurs did to us. We will be stupid not to do that.
Talking of CR7, I watched his interview on MUTV and am truly impressed with him. He really comes accross as an intelligent person. I’ve always liked the way he behaved during interviews, but this interview gave me renewed respect for slave.
@Grognard: I feel for you for all the bad-mouthing you get. I just browsed through the other articles and comments that I missed and found that even when positive, you get a lot of abuse. I think it’s unfair. But, don’t let people wind you up like that. Ignore them.
I’m sorry, I agree with most of what you’re saying, but I utterly dislike with anything Ballack. Hate is too strong a word, but everytime I see him, I feel I want to vomit. I especially dispised his dive on Sunday.
Something else that I’ve been wondering about:
Everybody is on about how teams park the bus in front of goal and we cannot seem to break through…well, last week we encountered a team that really took the game to us, and we again had no answer. I don’t think the problem lies with the teams defending, it lies with us not having potent strikers. I would really have thought that a FORWARD line-up of 180 MILLION POUNDS (Rooney-30, Tevez-32, Berbatov-31, Ronaldo-70, Nani-17) should be able to produce more than what they do currently??? More to the point, any manager with that type of ‘ability’ at his disposal should imo produce more. Hell, our forward line-up alone is more than what Mourinho splashed for his entire Chelsea team.
January 14th, 2009 at 14:46
@Stephen: Stephen, Nani wasn’t confused last season tho was he?. Maybe he is just confused as to why he isn’t get the run of games this year, as last. So he is trying too hard to impress, when for me all he has to do is play his NATURAL game.
January 14th, 2009 at 14:49
@Karl: Agree with you totally about our strikers mate.
January 14th, 2009 at 14:51
@Craig Mc: I agree he needs a run, Fergie seems to have lost faith, personally I would play him ce soir.
January 14th, 2009 at 14:53
@Karl: Well, we do not have a trouble of breaking down teams that park teh bus in their field. We get too many chances to do that! Maybe its bad finishing, bad decisionmaking or just really abd luck. What I know is that this team can beat anyone on a good day, and we have the players to win every game by 3 goals or more.
January 14th, 2009 at 14:55
@RedDevilEddy: Eddy quote “an unknown person is just A FRIEND you haven’t met”, so what about RedRich then
. Is he not an unknown person?. Or am I not understanding, maybe I am wrong in assuming RedRich is a newcomer to the blog. Because if RR is giving final warning, I must have missed something 
.
January 14th, 2009 at 14:57
@Craig Mc: He is not unknown to me. If you tell one of my friends to fuck off you are not unknown to me.
January 14th, 2009 at 14:59
@Craig Mc: I agree with you also mate that he is trying too hard, if he got a run then he would relax and let his natural game flow.
January 14th, 2009 at 15:01
guys any idea which channel is telecasting todays game for India? thnks ppl..love this blog
January 14th, 2009 at 15:03
@RedDevilEddy: Errrr Eddy mi man, when did your get your degree in humanity then
. You got a sofa at home for your counselling sessions mate? – haha.
January 14th, 2009 at 15:09
@Craig Mc:
Yeah, Ive got a sofa. But if you want to have a session with me you have to ignore the naked girls that look like Cheryl Cole, Megan Fox or Katherine Heigl walking around in the room. 
I hope that wont ruin your consentration. You dont mind them kissing, do you? Because if you do we might have a problem. They really like to get close. It costs £100 for one hour.
January 14th, 2009 at 15:11
@Stephen: So true Stephen, so why aren’t you and I trusted to do United team selection then?. Also I saw Man(u)cho on MUTV training with the lads, and he was really one of them, and giving it large to the rest of the lads. I can’t understand when he is training with the first team, why he isn’t given a chance either, especially in the early rounds of the cups
.
January 14th, 2009 at 15:15
@RedDevilEddy: £100 pounds for a kiss?
, I don’t think so mate. And yes, having naked girls strolling around would definately distract my concentration, as it would with any red blooded male who is a slave to his Gonad hormones 
.
January 14th, 2009 at 15:18
@Craig Mc: £100 for the counselling session! Not for a kiss. The kisses are not to be bought, but to be seen. And possibly won…
January 14th, 2009 at 15:22
@RedDevilEddy: So Eddy I am right, you are a massive slave to your male hormones
. I don’t understand why those girls don’t get wise though, instead of letting you take turns to kiss them. They should have more respect for themselves, although I understand it is a treat for you 
. I hope you got respect for the females who seem to frequent your sofa room Eddy, otherwise shame on you Bro – hahahaha.
January 14th, 2009 at 15:24
@RedDevilEddy: By the way what do you mean the kisses are for free or to win – you sound like a PIMP mate
.
January 14th, 2009 at 15:32
@Craig Mc: Probably worth sicking him out on loan, ideally to a premiership club.
January 14th, 2009 at 15:35
@Craig Mc: Just joking mate!
I have a very nice girlfriend that I feel comfortable with and that I really like. She gets kinda jealous when im at the Gym though, she never lets me go there by myself! 
There are many fit girls there at my age, up to 20 sometimes. Last time she came unsuspected, when I was talking to this 16 year old girl. She only came for a second to ask me if I knew how to change weights. But my girlfriend didnt know and just came to me and started kissing me. She said she was gonna watch me the whole time and never let me go alone to the gym. She also says that she trusts me, but its the girls she doesnt trust. Nice though, it feels good to know that someone that you like so much want to keep you close all the time. Kinda annoying sometimes, but she is really cool so it doesnt bother me. We feel equal about eachother, I cant say I am not kinda worried when her ex, who is best mates with her brother, goes to her brother to study(or smoke some weed, I dunno! They are not the type that are in my gang). But I trust her, and I cant say Im bother to help her with training. grin!
January 14th, 2009 at 15:40
Well, it seems Fat Rafa is back in Hospital.. maybe the mind games were too much for him or the FACT that United is a way better team than his was just too much for him to handle
Redrich, you really are a piece of work, aren’t u? Talk about misplaced anger, if ur angry at something online or offline, pls direct it somewhere else, not at fellow bloggers. This site is called Redrants, not Redpunchingbags. Ironic ur avatar is called Redrich, when u come across poor socially.
Unto relevant topics… I can’t wait for United to play tonight… It’s like I plan my tasks around Uniteds’ games lol. Hopefully, we can carry on some momentum from the Chelski game. Wigan have Titus Bramble in defence, so that should automatically be 1-0 to us
We might see Cazza and Ando in midfield, with Tevez partnering either Berba or Rooney upfront. Nani might start along with Rafael (although, as Wigan do have some pacy wingers, G Nev might be a good idea, but we are at home, so Raf might be preffered as the Nevster can’t play three matches in one week). I’m really worried about central defence though.. Vidic and Evans have been stellar, however, we have a lot of games in such a short space of time, and with Rio out, I’m hoping Burnout wouldn’t lead to a decrease in their concentration/performance levels.
Also, O’shea would get a start, what with Evra out for three weeks. If fabio is fit, it might be a good idea to try him out at OT. If only we had done the job against Derby at Pride park, the return leg at OT would have been a perfect place for him to make his first senior competitive debut. Ronnie is a definite. No way is Fergie not gonna let him enjoy himself after picking up the award. Ronnie is really a gem and it sickens me that so many people despise him. The guy is a gift to United and those wishing or suggesting he leave or be sold will be the first to miss him when he’s gone.
I expect a stern test tonight and Wigan will actually come to play. The game would be open and I expect a few scares from their players, however, we should be able to cope and hit them on the break quite frequently. Maybe 2-0 or if I’m being wishful 4-0.
January 14th, 2009 at 15:46
@Craig Mc: I am fairly popular with the girls, and Ive got lots of mates. As Ive said earlier my girlfriend plays handball. And I play footy. Her best friend changed school this summer, but they keep meeting eachother. I know her bestfriend too, and I know some of the girls that go to her school. Ive set some of my friends up with some of her friends, and at the time I was single I nearly had to wear a black cape and a fake moustache so I wouldnt be stocked by girls!
My girlfriend trusts me with her friends because shes known them since kindergarden. They were the ones who helped me with styles and check-lines. One of them does my hair, she wants to be a hair-stylist and I think she does a pretty good job! 
Im kinda good at staying friends with my exes, dunno how I do it. Call me a pimp if you want, all I know is that I am enjoying life and feel in control.
January 14th, 2009 at 15:49
@Gabriel: “This site is called Redrants, not Redpunchingbags.”
Luved it! ROFLMFAO!
BTW, is Bramble really playing for Wigan?! The ref better watch the game closely, because we may get some penalties tonight! Bramble=Comedy!
January 14th, 2009 at 15:50
Boys think we should leave it now.
January 14th, 2009 at 15:55
@Gabriel: Quote from Gabriel, “this site is called Red Rants NOT Red punching bags”, Mmmmmmmm – you could have fooled me sometimes mate
. Listen, and I know you’ll all give me a kicking about this, but I didn’t think RedRich’s post was all that angry. Somewhat unnecessary yes, and needed to be corrected, because he thought Grog was saying something he wasn’t, or was saying but was only joking. Not everybody who first comes onto the blog knows Grog and understands his posts like we have all come to do. I sometimes have a problem knowing when Grog is being serious and when he is joking. I am not saying that we should accept telling people to shut the fuck up, because all are here to express their opinions, so that is not the best thing to say ANYTIME. Anyway, Grog knows he is supported, and I think RedRich is aware of that now. So all I have to say, before you all jump on me, IN the words of Fergie “I come in peace, I love you all.” 
.
January 14th, 2009 at 15:57
@Craig Mc: When did Fergie say that? Cant remember it. I think you are thinking of E.T. mate.
January 14th, 2009 at 15:58
RDEddy, interesting thoughts about a full back against a winger that does not provide the conventional problems. Park was everywhere on Sunday, (kept thinking he was going to appear and run across the room!) However, would we choose a middle 4 in their prime of Gigggs-Scholes-Keane-Beckham
or go with the midfield of Sunday? If that is the no-brainer I think it is then why are we not playing with an attacking winger? Sunday was also successful because Evra is probably as dangerous going forward as most left wingers in the game.
I am relieved to know that Fergie had his game plan for Sunday constructed 2 weeks before. Giggs showed that he can still beat players and caused mayhem going at the heart of their defence. I’m still in two minds as to whether it can continue to work.
This CR9 crap doing the rounds today. Thoughts… Christiano has been lucky enough to wear the legendary 7 of Manchester United and has been awarded world player of the year in it. It’s not his shirt, it’s on loan and he joins a list of awesome players to have thrilled crowds in it.
The winners’ medals he has have come as a result of being surrounded by outstanding, hungry footballers, gelled together by probably the greatest football man manager ever. He has not had to do shed looads of defending because he has one of the greatest defences of all time behind him. His most recent speech acknowledged some of these points and it would be so great if he and fans could become close again. If he was to quit the histionics as well(signs against Chelski despite being clobbered) . Bugger, just woken up……what did I say
January 14th, 2009 at 16:02
@RedDevilEddy:
I didn’t say you were a pimp mate, I said you sounded like one from what you were saying. I was just teasing you Eddy. Re your GF, she DID trust you mate, but if she comes on this blog and reads your comments, you will be in real shit mate 
. As for being STALKED by lots of lovely girls, you should be so lucky Bro – haha.
January 14th, 2009 at 16:07
@Craig Mc:
January 14th, 2009 at 16:07
@RedDevilEddy: Eddy, Fergie said it to a whole press room filled with hardened journalists in pre match interviews on MUTV. And no mate, ET was not in the room at the time
.
January 14th, 2009 at 16:11
Oh Hech, I gotta go lads. The GF has just returned from her shopping trip, arms LADEN with packages – is there really a credit crunch
. I better go give her some attention, because it won’t be long before I have to take off to meet the lads down the pub, and on to the match. Peace out – COME ON you Red Devils.
January 14th, 2009 at 16:14
The only changes I foresee is O’Shea for Evra, Carrick for Giggs, and Rafael for Neville. It doesn’t make sense to make too many changes to a winning team and when Fergie plays Rafael he seems to prefer giving him some protection by playing Park on the same flank. I would imagine Fergie would plan to use Anderson and Nani and possibly Tevez as substitutes in the second half.
Bear in my mind I am predicting what Fergie will do.
January 14th, 2009 at 16:20
@Craig Mc: First of all, being a pimp doesnt faze me. I know who I am and what I am. Still, the thought of being a pimp sounds a little cool…
Number 2. My girlfriend knows about my history. My past with my exes, current situation with other girls and all the girls watching me doesnt bother her- anymore. To begin with she was annoyed by it, she was afraid I would leave her for a cheap bitch with big boobs. She doesnt care anymmore now, because she trusts me. At least that is what I feel and what she tells me. I keep telling her that she is the only girl I am thinking about. If you refer to the “Cheryl Cole and Megan Fox are hot” kinda thing, she just laughs it off. If I say Megan Fox is hot she says Fox has her flaws and who she likes, just to tease me. She once said Ljunberg!
I couldnt bear laughing, I was nearly pissing myself! Of all people she mentioned Ljunberg!? It was hilarious. A gay wanker who is playing for West Ham, doing underwear commercials just so people can remember who he was. Fuck sake, he had red/purple hair during his best days! LOL! She understands that guys like me are into the Cheryl Cole kinda girls. But should thaty make her mad? Fuck no. I dont get mad if she says she thinks Beckham or David Villa are hot! That is more of guy talk though, but she may come in and say she thinks Elena Santarelli is one of the hottest women. Kinda cool actually…
Number 3. Yeah, Im kinda lucky. When I think of my life as a full I should be delighted. And you guys may understand that I am enjoying life because of my positive comments. But when you are walking home from school, or want to go to the gym and to some training sessions girls can be quite annoying. I dont get to do my full routine, I dont get the space, nor the time to do homework! But my life is pretty cool, even though it can be stressful sometimes.
January 14th, 2009 at 16:21
great now that tosic is here lets sell nani
January 14th, 2009 at 16:23
@Craig Mc: Are you sure you didnt see ET in there? Or at least something that looked like him, like Dirk Kuyt or Manuel Almunia?
January 14th, 2009 at 16:28
@Grognard: Also wouldn’t mind taking a punt on Flamani, he is not a regualar starter for Milan, but obviously depending on the fitness and future of Hargo, God I miss him!
January 14th, 2009 at 16:30
@ROOOOONEY: You gotta be kidding. Sell Nani because of Tosic. First of all, why did we buy Tosic? To have another winger. Park cannot play on the left, and Ronaldo is most of the time a right winger. Nani is our only natural left winger, and now that we have Tosic we have cover there. You want Nani to be sold? Thats like saying “Now that we have Welbeck, lets sell Tevez!”.
We need first-class cover in every position in the field, and now that we have got it its not time to sell.
And why do people think Tosic is bought as first choice left winger? Dont come to me with the “he cost a lot” thing, because Nani cost nearly £20 million too! I still think Nani will become first choice LM in a short while, with Tosic being back up. Since Nani and Tosic are kinda similar, I think Fergie will rotate them. Maybe its like it goes with Rafael and Neville at the moment.
January 14th, 2009 at 16:32
we’ve got RedDevilEddy, lets sell ROOOOONEY
January 14th, 2009 at 16:35
I keep getting some questions from my mates at school how to make sentances longer. There is this one guy that needs to write a school report on 1 page, but the thing only lasted 5 minutes or something. I am gonna give an example if anyone is interested in this.
How to make short sentance longer:
“We did some math and found out that the result was 985.”
“While we were looking at the numbers we had in front of us we were thinking of the many different possibilities we had. We used our brain, which is inside the cranium, in latin ?????, which is inside our head, as well as a calculator, to find the answer. After some precious thinking and sharpening our pencils, we came to the solution that the answer was 985.”
If anybody has a report to do of any kind, this may help.
January 14th, 2009 at 16:36
@Traverse: I didnt get that…
January 14th, 2009 at 16:38
@Stephen: Flamini is an overrated piece of shit. My principal, who is 59 years old, could do a better job in midfield! At least he is tough…
January 14th, 2009 at 16:42
@indianred: I’m worried this isn’t going to be on anywhere. None of the places I frequent that usually have this sort of info has anything… probably because of the FA cup replays..
January 14th, 2009 at 16:43
@RedDevilEddy: I don’t agree mate he was superb in his last season for ARSEnal and played superb out of position in the previous one, he has a great engine and can play in several different positions, sounds like Fergie’s sort of player!
January 14th, 2009 at 16:46
@Stephen: Was it he that made Arsenal look good or was it Arsenal that made him look good? He has been very bad for Milan this season, and no where near United quality. Let me put it his way: Flamini was considered a star player for Arsenal. Silvestre is considered one of their best players tight now. Difference in quality, I say! I really dont think Flamini was all that good. I think Darren Fletcher is doing a better job for us.
January 14th, 2009 at 16:49
@RedDevilEddy: Think you are being a little harsh there mate, he worked his arse off and did all the dirty work so Fabregas looked good, Silvestre is shit and always has been!
Fletch is doing well, but should never be considered a fist choice in my view, I like the lad but to me he is a decent squad player.
Flamani has been poor for Milan, but he hasn’t has a run in the side, but it all depends on Hargreaves when or if he comes back.
January 14th, 2009 at 16:50
@Rd: Luck does not last for 22 years… If something happens in a pattern, it is not luck. Sorry, but if we were just lucky, we would be Blackburn – who were lucky once winning the title.
Today, we have to win. A draw is not an option.
January 14th, 2009 at 16:52
@Stephen: Ive never rated Flamini. He has always been a croch licking frenchman in my eyes. Never liked him, never will. To see him in a United kit… Well, I would rather see Drogba in there.
January 14th, 2009 at 16:57
@RedDevilEddy: Lets not go too far, Drogba warrant for a better word is a cunt.
He is only 24, but I would obiously prefer De Rossi, actually I would prefer a fit Hargo to anyone, but lets wait and see.
January 14th, 2009 at 17:04
score predictions anyone? It’s Wigan, which usually ends up 4 – 0, so I’ll go with that. Tevez to get a brace, Berba one, Ronaldo one…
January 14th, 2009 at 17:05
@Traverse: Would take one nil to be honest.
January 14th, 2009 at 17:06
@Madschester United: here, here!I think he was being sarcastic there, at least i hope so!Amazing how some people want to use Fergie as a scapegoat though!It just shows how spoilt some fans are
or is it because when we cant figure out his cunning plan, some jump to the conclusion that he must be mad. Lads, none of us hangs out in Carrington day in day out, so really we dont know the form of each and every player, Fergie does, its his job!
The win against the rentboys will mean fuck all if we dont follow it up with another 3 pts tonight. So its back to the grindstone, we need to spank this lot!
January 14th, 2009 at 17:09
@Stephen: well yeah, I’d take one nil with an own goal off of heskeys left testicle… I’d like a 4 – 0 demolition.. what with bramble playing, anything is possible. We have to watch Zaki.
January 14th, 2009 at 17:11
@Traverse: He is good mate so is Valencia, but a win tonight and one on sunday will make me a happy boy, Bramble is shit isn’t he!
January 14th, 2009 at 17:17
@Grognard: hey i just visited maxxed football forums.but i cant register,registration is disabled.and i cant find any videos of classic matches.can u help me about how to download those games??thanx
January 14th, 2009 at 17:28
@Traverse: Wigan is the most in form team in the Premiership at the moment. They have taken 18 points from their last 7 games(6 wins, 1 loss
). But I dont expect them to really test us tonight. They have great players like Palacios, Valencia, Heskey and Zaki, and I think the latter two will prove a stern test to Evans and Vidic. Our 3-0 win against Chelski will mean fuck all if we dont win tonight. And I think we will get that…
The last time we faced Wigan was when we won the league. Yes, 11th May 2008. We won 2-0, Ronaldo(of cource) and Giggs scored the goals. just to mention, Ronaldo has got 7 goals from 5 games in every competition against Wigan. And Berbatov has got 6 in 3. Rooney has also got 4 goals from 6 games, but that doesnt matter much does it. Its still a nice fact to have, because it can give confidence to the players. I hope it will.
Well, Wigan are good in the air. Having Scharner, Hesky, Zaki, Bramble and Figuero supports that theory. We cannot play PIG. We simply cant! He is a good shot stopper, but his play in and around the box is the worst Ive seen from any goalkeeper. And that is gonna be important tonight. I really hope VDS plays, and his form has been fantastic lately. I expect Giggs, Neville, Park and Fletcher to get a rest. Giggs is old and tired, so is Neville. If Park really can play 90 minutes after running for a whole game without any pauses so quick, I will be surprised. This is not a question to his stamina or will to play, but wether he is human or not.
No real human being can play against Wigan just 3 days after doing what Park did against Chelski. Therefor I expect Nani to step in. Evra and Rio are injured, Fletcher has played waay to many games lately and Neville is simply just old and cannot play two games in a 3 days.
Team perdiction:
VDS
Rafael Evans Vidic Oshea(Fabio?)
Ronaldo Carrick Anderson Nani
Tevez Berbatov
Score prediction: 3-0 to United, again. Ronaldo will score at least once. I have to tell you, the lack of penalties we have had this season really worries me. We should have had 1 against Boro, Chelski, Spurs, West Brom, Arsenal and Villa. If the ref had not been blind we would have gotten at least 3 penalties from those 6 games. I cant demand that the ref gets everythign right, but to miss so many blatant penalty claims is a disgrace. And to think that our only penalty in the Prem this season was a wrong decision for Samuels faul on Ronaldo against Bolton! I really hope we get a penalty for United tonight. It will mean a lot to Ronaldo, who hasnt scored a premiership goal since the 5-0 hammering of Stoke in November. Yeah, its been that long! I really hope he scores tonight, and what better time to do it than today?
January 14th, 2009 at 17:29
Oh, and with Bramble on the field we are ound to get the penalty I crave about.
January 14th, 2009 at 17:33
Guys, I ended 4th in the FIFA 09 Top 10 goals of December.
Its the third Top 10 vid that has been, and I have ended in these places: 2nd, 3rd and now 4th. How good am I? Dan? 
I kinda proud of my FIFA achievements, and I would like to play against one of you guys. If anybody here got a Xbox 360 and live membership, as well as FIFA 09 just tell me if you wanna play. Cheers.
January 14th, 2009 at 17:34
Check out my new goal and say what you think.
January 14th, 2009 at 18:26
@Craig Mc: C’mon Craigy, you know I’ll do the same for you cause I love you man (no homo !
). We do have our scraps but we never resort to such crude and spiteful comments. That post by Redrich was damn right spiteful and hurtful. It wasn’t meant to come across any other way and that’s what was bad about it. Maybe a bit of an overreaction from moi, but in the words of Ringo Starr, ‘Peace & Love’ 
Ps: I see monsieur ROOOOONEY is trying to get a rise outta you, insinuating we sell Nani now we got Tosic. How dare he? I’ll be happy to ride rough shod over him too if you like… lol
January 14th, 2009 at 18:45
I love the optimism but given our two games before Chelsea were 1-0 affairs against midtable opposition I doubt we’ll win by more than a goal or two. Wigan will defend with ten men behind the ball and players like Zaki and Heskey will be a sterner test for our defence than an impotent Drogba who clearly did not want to take part. Also like Eddy said Wigan are in a run of good form.
My prediction would be 2-1 with goals from Ronaldo and Rooney.
I do not see Fergie resting Rooney. The Tevez-Berbatov partnership is unproven and I do not think it really works because Berbatov enjoys playing deep for United and Tevez is a lot worse at leading the line than Rooney. Tevez was also as bad as anyone against Derby.
January 14th, 2009 at 19:09
@Craig Mc: No problem Bro. I was just having some fun with you. To be honest, if he wasn’t still playing for Germany I would have wiped my hands clean of his smell myself. It’s hard to stomach a player you like playing for such an evil entity as Chelski. Almost unforgivable. I also cannot forgive him for leaving my beloved Bayern. But when he did, I would have forgiven that betrayal had he chosen United. Instead he decided to party with the Russian. For me that was almost the last straw. I love him but I hate him too. I cannot really blame him for that night in Moscow though because as a good teammate, you want your brother in arms to back you no matter what. He may have been wrong, but he was a good teammate. Had he been on our side and did that, we would love him for it.
January 14th, 2009 at 19:44
@Stephen: That’s a good list. I’ll add my list of the most hated players and managers in Grog’s mind. Henry, the Drogba, Terry, Lampard, Vieira, Asheley Cole, Benitez, Everybody except Huntelaar and RVN at Real Madrid, Maradona, Every Italian manager and player that was ever born to play or manage for the Azurri except for Luca Toni, Paoli Rossi, all referees, FIFA, UEFA, Michel Platini, Dunga (for bringing ugly to Brazilian football) and Ronaldinho. For those that I have forgotten, I curse you all.
Now for the players I most love. Everybody who has played for Manchester United and Bayern, Sir Alex, Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Mueller, Karl-Heinz Rummeningge, Sepp Maier, Jeurgen Klinsmann, Lothar Mattheus, Johann Cruyff, all players who suited up for Germany, Glenn Hoddle, Michale Ballack, Juan Roman Riquelme, Socrates, Falcao, Zico, Juventus, AC Milan, everyone who ever played for Arsenal and Liverpool and most players who have played for Chelsea, the Scousers and the entire city except for the Beatles. They get a free pass for their music and the fact they were smart enough to get the fuck out of that hole.
January 14th, 2009 at 19:51
@Craig Mc: I read that too mate and to be honest it disturbed me. I see one of two scenarios here. Tosic was brought in to fight it out with Nani for the starting spot or, Nani is on his last legs with the club and Fergie sees no way to coach this lad and bring out the best in him. I hop it;’s the former rather than the latter. Perhaps Nani needs a player of equal or close to equal skill to really push him because right now he is demoralized losing his spot to a Korean dust buster. How do you compete against a player who plays a completely different game than you and serves a different role? At least Tosic is true competition for him. But like you, I see the the transfer of Lil Man Nani out of Manchester and to Spain or Portugal. lets hope not.
January 14th, 2009 at 19:54
@Grognard: please see comment 198
January 14th, 2009 at 19:55
@Craig Mc: Redrich has been around before mate and he has also admitted to following the blog even though he doesn’t contribute much unless it’s of an insulting nature. From what he wrote, he seems to have studied my posts in the past so I wouldn’t be so easy to cop him a break here. He was way out of line and daft as nails to assume that I was serious. With that said, humble apology would have put things to rest. Did you see one come from his lips? Instead he hit ran just like a typical snake in the grass.
January 14th, 2009 at 19:58
@Craig Mc: I hate it when you are in the doghouse mate because it’s never great being cut off……if you know what I mean. But there will come a time when you will have to choose between the GF or the Nani Love. Juggling both will become impossible. But let me guess, on the wedding day Nani will be the best man and the honeymoon suite will have an extra bed placed in it.
January 14th, 2009 at 20:02
@Beachryan: That’s funny because if Fergie is serious about doing whatever it takes to sign Benzema, I feel that his ultimate move will be to turn Rooney into the second coming of Paul Scholes. There is no way he will have harmony with Rooney, Berbatov and Benzema up front with only two starting spots. Rooney is destined to become an attacking midfielder and either Welbeck or Campbell will become the third striker. Lets wait and see if I’m right on this because I truly believe that is the future of this football team. Then again, I think Fergie has a 20% chance of signing Benzema.
January 14th, 2009 at 20:04
@RedDevilEddy: And that friendship is gratefully appreciated mate and as well, you can always count on me to to be in your corner too. Thanks
January 14th, 2009 at 20:07
@RedDevilEddy: A very accurate statement indeed. He is a classic LF or RF simply because of his strong aerial game and the fact that his crossing is good but not exceptional enough to be an out and out winger. When he first arrived at OT he was a winger. He hadn’t fined tuned the other aspects of his game but over the last three seasons it is clear that his game has changed and he is more like Thierry Henry cutting in from the left side than a pure winger who stays put and just channels balls into the box. Great observation mate.
January 14th, 2009 at 20:09
Anybody have team news?
January 14th, 2009 at 20:14
MUTV says Berba and Rooney starts. No Tevez! Feel sorry for the guy…
January 14th, 2009 at 20:16
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/110786-ryan-giggs-a-true-legend
something fun to read
January 14th, 2009 at 20:17
VDS
Rafael
Evans
Vidic
JOS
Ronnie
Carrick
Scholes
Nani
Berba
Rooney
Sub: PIG, Nev, Fletch, Anderson, Park, Tevez, Welbeck
January 14th, 2009 at 20:19
@Craig Mc: The skill is there. We have all seen it but two things have derailed the Nanimeister this season. Fergie’s tactical shift to a more defensive ans more plodding style and his head getting all screwed up by the benchings and lack of use. Nani is a form player who needs an extended run with no interruptions to once again find his Mojo. Fergie isn’t patient with him and frankly he has been in Fergie’s doghouse ever since that season ending red card he received last year. Hell I wanted to string him up then but I have mellowed since then and forgiven him. His head is at issue here, not a lack of skills. For this you can blame Nani for some of it but clearly the lack of Queiroz and his calming influence is the real reason for a dip in form. It’s really a shame because his moments of brilliance last season led us all to believe that we had another possible Balon D’Or candidate on squad. Just look at how well he plays for Portugal. Scolari and Queiroz let him play his style and never cramped it by demanding him to restrain and repress his natural instincts. Fergie knows what he is doing generally but it’s not like he has never failed with players. Veron, Djemba Djemba, Forlan are examples of that. Many who have failed at OT have gone on to do well elsewhere. All I have to say is one name, Giuseppi Rossi.
January 14th, 2009 at 20:21
To quote BBC:
1913: Manchester United can go second and within two points of leaders Liverpool should they beat Wigan tonight. They’ll line up like this: Van der Sar, Rafael, Evans, Vidic, O’Shea, Ronaldo, Scholes, Carrick, Nani, Berbatov, Rooney. Wigan team to follow.
Pretty strong (and pretty much all of 1st team except defense). Good to see Rafael (and Nani) start. 4-0 to united it is!
January 14th, 2009 at 20:24
@RedDevilEddy: “At first you may think he is a prick. Or arrogant, cocky and without any sense of happiness.”
Have you been speaking to my mother?
January 14th, 2009 at 20:26
no reception at my place. guys suggest some radio commentary links (not mutv/manutd.com as it is paid
January 14th, 2009 at 20:28
Damn, no Fabio even on the bench. That’s a shame. But a strong side with a lot of attacking skill and ability with a creative midfield.
There will be space in midfield created by having two teams playing 4-4-2 as Wigan will be playing with two up as opposed to the usual 4-5-1 we get stuck playing against. This should hopefully mean our creative midfield will get an opportunity to work their magic. I’m looking forward to tonights match.
January 14th, 2009 at 20:29
@Stephen: And have you noticed that the decision making process has gotten worse this season than it was last year. Again I bring the name up of Mr Queiroz. I always said that it would be our Portuguese speaking as well as Spanish speaking contingent that would be hurt bu his departure. I still cannot forgive Fergie for hiring a muppet like Phelan instead of looking for another Portuguese or Spanish speaking coach to take his spot. Language and culture comfort is so important these days with young immature players.
January 14th, 2009 at 20:32
stuck at work in New York City, anyone have a live feed for me?
January 14th, 2009 at 20:32
any links for tonights game lads
January 14th, 2009 at 20:33
Whoa the match is showing on Sky Sports at 10. Better switch the internet off or ill be too tempted to look up the score before then.
Congratulations Craig on Nani making the team. I hope he plays a blinder.
My prediction is unchanged: 2-1 with goals from Ronaldo and Rooney. But I can see an assist from Nani.
January 14th, 2009 at 20:35
yeah pls, any links?
January 14th, 2009 at 20:35
4-0
rooney or berba hattrick
January 14th, 2009 at 20:38
@Grognard:
January 14th, 2009 at 20:41
@Karl: Thanks for the support and advice mate. You are right and it’s not like poor old Red Ranter hasn’t told me to ignore them, but at my age it’s difficult to ignore as I am a little too old school for my own good. Forums are and always be a foreign concept to me as I like one to one conversations with people.
As for your theory that the problem is our forwards, I agree in part. I always felt Tevez was the wrong type of player for this team and it looks like Fergie has come around to my kind of thinking. Rooney has never been prolific but lets face it, he does so many things well and really makes his mark in a game even if he doesn’t score. Berbatov was always going to be a Cantonesque style player who would set up more goals than he would score. He is elegant, not prolific. Tevez was the big mistake when we should have gone after a Huntelaar-like poacher. Now he wants to make a wrong right by going after Benzema. A player with talent but a bad attitude and desire to play for Real. Do we really need a player like that? Well we need a prolific striker but not one who will be crying to leave after a year.
If you ask me the problem we have mostly is the weakness on the left side but the need for a Diego-like central midfielder that has skill and finesse and who can also score the odd goal. This would take so much more pressure of the second striker and Ronaldo and create more space. A finesse play maker also has the ability to break down a parked bus defense because of imagination and the ability to lob, chip passes and make through balls with a delicate touch. Anderson makes nice through balls from midfield but he has yet to master the finesse through ball in tight spots or the chip lob etc. What we need is a Glenn Hoddle. He is the prototype perfect player for our needs. I call players like this safe crackers.
January 14th, 2009 at 20:43
@Craig Mc: He’s been around before Bro.
January 14th, 2009 at 20:45
Links to the match please?
January 14th, 2009 at 20:47
@Gabriel: I agree mate. Evra will be missing three weeks but that is six games. I think it would be a good opportunity to see what Fabio has to offer. My God, the thought of O’Shea crippling our offensive style for six games is frightening. Injuries are truly the most frustrating thing about sports. They should be abolished.
January 14th, 2009 at 20:49
@RedDevilEddy: In parts of London and in Liverpool, Fergie is compared with an evil ET.
January 14th, 2009 at 20:51
Links please?
January 14th, 2009 at 20:52
@the three Rs: It’s important to remember that Ronaldo started his career as an out and out striker back in Portugal. He is very tall and has all the striker qualities one would want. I see him moving there as the years move on and he loses a step over or two. He could then redefine his career much like Lothar Mattheus did when he went from being an attacking midfielder and became a sweeper for both Germany and Bayern.
January 14th, 2009 at 20:55
ah crap. wrong links… 1 sec
January 14th, 2009 at 20:55
@RedDevilEddy: I have to agree with you on that mate. Flamini is a piece of crap and Milan have realized that too, having benched him for Becks.
January 14th, 2009 at 20:56
Links:
http://www.myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=28129&part=sports
January 14th, 2009 at 20:59
for those of you with sopcast, try channels 30017, 22508, 6003 or 48608.
January 14th, 2009 at 21:00
@sunny: Once you register a menu shows up of options that are not available if you aren’t a member. As for the the problem of registering, I am not aware of it but perhaps the site is under some minor construction and that is down temporarily. I’ll check on it later as I am about to watch the big game. Hopefully you will get on there soon and really take advantage of the Classic Matches section. It’s a vintage footy fans greatest wet dream.
January 14th, 2009 at 21:00
@RDJ: i cant find any media player ones
you need to download sopcast and then look on myp2p.eu for the channel
good luck
January 14th, 2009 at 21:01
Prediction for tonight’s game. To quote MR. T, PAIN. What the heck, I want 4-0 but Wigan is a good side so I see it ending 2-0 for United.
January 14th, 2009 at 21:02
@Grognard: Agreed. One player I really would love to see at United would be Franck Ribery (as a few people have already also said earlier in this thread)…a pacy, dynamic and inventive player like him would really give us a spark in attack…and he can play both on the left (I’m looking at a long-term world-class replacement for Giggs/Ronaldo/Tevez) and in the hole – a better, French version of Joe Cole essentially. Whether we can prise him from Bayern is another matter entirely – Hargreaves Mk. II?
January 14th, 2009 at 21:02
chan 6186 is in english with decent quality video
January 14th, 2009 at 21:03
Goal! Get In!
January 14th, 2009 at 21:03
what a pass from berba for the goal
January 14th, 2009 at 21:04
WOW! that was fast. Change that to 4-0. This changes Bruce’s whole structure and I now believe the floodgates may open.
January 14th, 2009 at 21:04
rooney in 52 seconds!
January 14th, 2009 at 21:04
damn i switched channels and missed it
January 14th, 2009 at 21:05
While I was typing SAF means business and Good luck to all, we get Rooney!!!!!!!
January 14th, 2009 at 21:05
rooney!!!!!!!!
January 14th, 2009 at 21:06
What a frackin start
The ‘RooBerRon’ in tandem there 
January 14th, 2009 at 21:06
Talk about being quick off the blocks! lol
January 14th, 2009 at 21:08
@Nino: Franck Ribery would be a dream. Talk about finesse and skill and he has also become a very prolific goal scorer for a winger or attacking midfielder. I’d hate to see him leave Bayern unless of course it was to come to United. He is true class and the ugliest disowned member of the Neville brothers.
January 14th, 2009 at 21:08
@gator: Yeah me too! dang it!
Rooney’s injured! Shit!
Step up to the plate Tevez!
January 14th, 2009 at 21:08
nooooo MY ROOOONEY
January 14th, 2009 at 21:11
SHIT!! Rooney did his hamstring
January 14th, 2009 at 21:12
@Grognard: yea thats the only reason i wouldnt want him we already have some ugly players if we add rib we will scare all the hot chicks to Chelsea
January 14th, 2009 at 21:13
Thats a couple of months at least. crap. Lets hope he’s back for Inter.
January 14th, 2009 at 21:23
thats not a foul this fucking ref
January 14th, 2009 at 21:24
Goddamn! our players are falling like flies! Please be okay Jonny! Neville cant play centre back!
January 14th, 2009 at 21:25
bad timing, great for carlos though i guess
January 14th, 2009 at 21:26
how did tevez mess that one up
January 14th, 2009 at 21:26
just found this link, ustream link (1st one works)
January 14th, 2009 at 21:27
Come on Tevez! should’ve been a goal!
January 14th, 2009 at 21:30
can nani hold the ball for like 3 secs
January 14th, 2009 at 21:31
he stumbled goalie might have caused it
January 14th, 2009 at 21:33
What a miss by Tevez!! Oh Nani, where have you left ur brain? Jeez, i wish someone could amalgamate Park’s Football brain with Nani’s physical/technical ability… now that would be the perfect winger!!
January 14th, 2009 at 21:35
@Gabriel:Indeed it would be! imagine that with Ronaldo every week! Heaven!
We NEED a second goal
January 14th, 2009 at 21:39
Oh Scholesy! Unlucky! Damn you Melchiot!
January 14th, 2009 at 21:40
damn
January 14th, 2009 at 21:40
sooooo close
January 14th, 2009 at 21:40
http://mvp-funzone-livesports.blogspot.com/2009/01/football-channel-81.html
January 14th, 2009 at 21:41
is it me, or are we being over ran in the midfield?
January 14th, 2009 at 21:42
berba is getting frustrated by the heavy challanges
January 14th, 2009 at 21:43
good thing they suck
January 14th, 2009 at 21:44
@Mr.Muhozi:Yep, and Fergie Fuming.
January 14th, 2009 at 21:46
@Mr.Muhozi: Fergie is fuming. Typo.
January 14th, 2009 at 21:49
how did carrick not see berbas run there? nanis plkay has been tidy, dangerous crossing too as per expected
January 14th, 2009 at 21:49
Thank God! We made it to the break. Please drum some sense into ‘em Fergie.
January 14th, 2009 at 21:51
nani is contagious GET HIM OUT!
January 14th, 2009 at 21:51
ando on at least by 65 min for scholes unless oshey needs to come off injury
January 14th, 2009 at 21:52
At the end of the last game Vidic said in an interview that one of the main reasons why United don’t score as much is because they need to score early to open other teams up. I agreed with him. Based on tonight’s first half, we were both WRONG. Our problem is central midfielders who cannot break down a defense and strikers who are far too tentative in the box and who would prefer to pass when they should shoot. And how in God’s name could Tevez end up not even getting a shot on goal with that breakaway?
They are playing well but are so frustrating.
January 14th, 2009 at 21:53
@jos: which link’s working, nothing online is working for me at the mo
January 14th, 2009 at 21:53
I miss Park
January 14th, 2009 at 21:54
@ROOOOONEY: Nani’s playing fine so just get off his back already. It’s annoying as Hell when you can clearly see he is playing well and has delivered at least 4 telling and very dangerous crosses into the box. Offer some intelligence instead of the same old boring anti Nani tirade already. Come on mate.
January 14th, 2009 at 21:55
Unbelievable!!!We are being outplayed and our fucking midfielders don’t run. Did you see that moment when Wigan was 4 on 3 and Carrick and Scholes are just walking back. WTF? It’s not like that they played on the weekend. Tevex miss was just crazy. If we have just 1 goal by the end of the game, it’s gonna get ugly. Good luck to all of us.
P.S. Rooney must be unluckiest player ever. Every time he get’s couple of goals together, injury!!!
January 14th, 2009 at 21:56
@Vivek: Park is not what we need out there today. Wigan is parking the bus for the most part and so Park tracking back is not the most important ingredient we need. Nani has delivered more telling crosses of quality in this game than Park has in his entire career.
January 14th, 2009 at 21:57
For anyone who needs, this is a great website http://www.footballonair.com/?p=3424 you will need sopcast and some other programs, but the links are good.
January 14th, 2009 at 21:57
Grognard i am using a bait to catch the fish , dont ruin my fun!
January 14th, 2009 at 21:57
@AndyCR7: Please don’t feel sorry for anybody again. You’ve just caused Rooney to be injured
just kidding 
January 14th, 2009 at 21:57
@Grognard:
But Tevez, on the whole, is playing quite well. he is linking up well with Berba and Ronaldo. Only Nani is having a horror show out there
January 14th, 2009 at 21:59
@Mr.Muhozi: Scholes and Carrick are just too slow and when they move forward they are getting caught, but I still don’t see that much of a threat from Wigan except in corners. O’Shea has to stop panicking and giving away needless corners and throw ins. Just look at how composed Evans and Rafael are.
January 14th, 2009 at 21:59
@Grognard:
Nani is awful out there tonight. he is giving the ball away far too cheaply and in promising positions.
January 14th, 2009 at 22:01
@Vivek: I agree, he is linking up well and playing well in general, but he should have put that chance away. It wasn’t incompetence rather, it was just bad bloody luck on that second touch.
January 14th, 2009 at 22:02
@ROOOOONEY: I got you mate. Mums the word.
January 14th, 2009 at 22:04
@Vivek: I disagree mate. He is trying to make things happen and sometimes those things don’t pan out. Ronaldo, Berba and Tevez have also given the ball away but they are trying to make things happen. Nani has delivered a hand full of killer crosses that we have not been lucky enough to take advantage of. Lets be fair to the lad. He has played well and is doing more of what is expected of him.
January 14th, 2009 at 22:16
I am asking myself how in God’s name is Scharnwer not out of this game for having assaulted Tevez twice in three minutes?
January 14th, 2009 at 22:17
send the fucker off
January 14th, 2009 at 22:17
Ronaldo just can’t stop hitting walls
January 14th, 2009 at 22:18
@Grognard: The bird is the word.
January 14th, 2009 at 22:19
ander son son son
January 14th, 2009 at 22:20
ooooooooooooo nut shot
January 14th, 2009 at 22:20
what for nani
January 14th, 2009 at 22:21
not off side fuck ref
January 14th, 2009 at 22:22
@Gabriel: channel 81 is english commentary. channel 1 is french. both have reasonably good video
January 14th, 2009 at 22:24
i know what game are u watchin vivek, nani has been pretty controled. done thebasics well. unlucky to come off as its been SCHOLES who has been loosin the ball inmiddle of the park!!
January 14th, 2009 at 22:26
fuck the reff
this is bullshit send that fucker off
January 14th, 2009 at 22:27
Referee has been fucking awful. Get some glasses you blind prick. Sharner (or whatever the fuck his name is) should be off the field! twat!
January 14th, 2009 at 22:28
man wigan are tough
January 14th, 2009 at 22:28
steve bennet can fuck riiiigh off.
January 14th, 2009 at 22:28
Fucking hell Wigan are starting to scare me! We can’t seem to get a stranglehold of the game. I’ll gladly take the 1-0 at this rate!
January 14th, 2009 at 22:28
@realred: i second that but i think tht saf wanted 433 and nani is a wing or forward with carr ando and scho being mids
January 14th, 2009 at 22:30
Tevez has really been shocking. He really doesn’t know when to pass
January 14th, 2009 at 22:33
boooooooooo ref
January 14th, 2009 at 22:33
MOTHERFUCKIN PENALTY!!
January 14th, 2009 at 22:34
fucking hand ball where is the ref in wigans pocket
January 14th, 2009 at 22:35
We get all the refereeing decisions
January 14th, 2009 at 22:35
@Liam: is playing well he is just getting clattered over and not getting the calls
January 14th, 2009 at 22:41
osheys favorite move
January 14th, 2009 at 22:42
@gator: That’s because he’s holding onto the ball for way too long.
P.S. Vidic is a beast
January 14th, 2009 at 22:42
Why cant we keep the ball?
January 14th, 2009 at 22:44
nevil for ozhey
January 14th, 2009 at 22:45
damn that would have been a great goal by berbatov
January 14th, 2009 at 22:46
sooo close
January 14th, 2009 at 22:51
why are we jogging
January 14th, 2009 at 22:53
Thank God! Lets all hope Ronney’s alright. Night all!
January 14th, 2009 at 22:54
win is a win
January 14th, 2009 at 22:54
Vidic alone must be worth about 20-30 points a season. I wouldn’t sell him for any amount of money.
January 14th, 2009 at 22:55
uno mas hasta neumero uno
January 14th, 2009 at 22:55
Dear God John O’Shea gives me heart problems. He was beaten/conceeded a corner every single time they came down his side. Just not good enough at all. We need a back up.
January 14th, 2009 at 22:57
I should also praise Wigan. They really came to play tonight and deserve some respect for how they played.
Also can somebody please tell me how Steve Bennett is allowed to referee our games when he’s so clearly biased against us
January 14th, 2009 at 22:58
@Beachryan: Fabio should be fit by now… Even with one arm he’s gotta be better than o’shea. Lets hope Rooney isn’t out for too long.
January 14th, 2009 at 22:58
Win is a win and we were lucky. Very disappointing game from almost everyone but VDS, Vidic, Rafael and Rooney. I will add Tevez too, but he just can’t waste chances. also Evans wasn’t that bad, but man O’Shea was just shit, the same midfield and Berba. One unlucky bounce and we might have lost 2 points, that’s what I mean by lucky.
January 14th, 2009 at 22:58
VIDIC 1-0 WIGAN
January 14th, 2009 at 22:59
@Beachryan: Most full backs would struggle when they had absolutely no help against somebody of Valencia’s skill. After Nani was taken off Fergie basically gave Valencia freedom to do whatever he wanted down that side.
January 14th, 2009 at 23:02
phew! only saw the odd blip on ustream, thank God for Wayne Rooney. Its a squeeky 1-0 result, but 3 pts is 3 pts
January 14th, 2009 at 23:02
Thank fuck for that!!! Fergie was right, that was a tough game… Rooney is out, Tevez seems to have gotten a knock… we had it rough out there today. Hats off to Wigan, I said they were gonna come out and play and they did. If Tevez had scored that sitter in the first, maybe the game would have been more comfortable, but NO, he bottled it. He has no pace, fails to pick out useful passes
that £32mil isn’t looking like the right choice at the mo.
What a game by VIDA!!! This guy is a TITAN, easily the top performing defender in the world at the mo… Nani, oh Nani. Please look at how Valencia played today and take some cues, I mean, both look alike, so that’s a start.
That palacios kid is aces. The guy owned all our midfielders today, geez, even Ando couldn’t shrug him off the ball. No wonder ‘Arry is drooling for his sig.
Bring on Bolton… hopefully, they might be stupid enuff to follow Wigan’s cue and attack, then we’ll move in for the kill.
January 14th, 2009 at 23:05
@Liam: Good point mate and when it was clear that we were going to play 4-3-3, I started praying for O Shea. He is not a natural left back and just lets his man go on the outside everytime. Should’ve atleast kept Anderson on the left as the Wigan midfield wasn’t creating anything.
January 14th, 2009 at 23:06
Ok, we left 15 minutes before the end, mainly because we were bored shitless, and secondly we missed further boredom being stuck in traffic going home. WE parked the bus today, and I SAW we were carrying far too many feckin passengers. Scholes, Carrick, Tevez, Ronnie – yes Ronnie sorry people. You would have thought the ball was a feckin hand grenade, because our players just quickly shoved it on anywhere, and not to another red shirt I might add. Why Fergie took Nani off I will never feckin know, because we became worse shit after he went. His replacement Andie did feck all. We were feckin pedestrian, and far too easily dispossessed. We made Wigan look like Barcelona on one of their very BEST days. I don’t know who the feck our fitness coach is, but we look miles off the pace. I am so despondent about our MF players as a whole, that I feel like committing Hari bloody Kari. Somebody feckin shoot me please, and make sure your aim is better than that of our strikers tonight. Nani my son, leave United mate, because you did good lad, and NO crosses into the box after you went. You really don’t need to be at United mate – truly.
January 14th, 2009 at 23:10
@Liam: VIDA is feckin immense!! He is what is keeping our team watertight at the mo. We are now on 10 or 11 consecutive clean sheets in the prem. That’s incredible and Vida has had a massive part in that. Good to see he can be a leader as well. Also, Evans can learn more from him as Evans is already very similar to Rio in style.
Feckin Nemanja, did you notice Drogba tip-toeing around him on sunday? that was hilarious!!
January 14th, 2009 at 23:10
If Nemanjah or Edwin gets injured, we are feckin gone
, although Berba did okay tonight, he may not be speedy Gonzalez, but he ran his arse off.
January 14th, 2009 at 23:12
The most important thing tonight lads was the three points, Wigan are a tough, physical well drilled side who had won 6 out of thier last seven matches before tonight, it was never going to be easy, but all in all I never felt really troubled by them, they came to make life difficult and thats what they did.
A wins a win, and a vital 3 points are in the bag, 3 more at Bolton puts us in a great position and piles the pressure on Liverpool in the merseyside Derby.
January 14th, 2009 at 23:13
Ah good the doom and gloom is back
now this feels like Redrants
January 14th, 2009 at 23:14
@Liam: O Liam, I fuckin love you mate, so you saw Fergie’s almost catastrophic bloomer taking Nani off. WTF eh Bro. Seems like you need to give Gabriel and others some of your eyesight and tactical nous Liam
.
January 14th, 2009 at 23:15
@Fred The Red: Exactly
January 14th, 2009 at 23:16
Observations:
O’Shea: Time to start playing Fabio. O’Shea can barely cut it against middle of the park direct opponents -i.e. opposition RM- but it has been lain bare for all to see tonight. Valencia simply owned him. Truly I would have preferred Anderson in [place of O’shea, and I’ve saidf it before but I think Giggs could do a job for us as a back-up LB, in any case ahead of O’shea.
Carrick: Not the Michael Carrick of last season. Last season he was our third most important player after Ronnie and Rio. Recently he has not been making his defence splitting passes, which was his main asset. Perhaps Berba has been playing too clse to him for him to be able to pick his man but still… Added to that I could see what Grog meant by saying that he has two lead feet .
Tevez – I dare anyone to challenge that Tev should start ahead of Rooney. Still, he played well in the 1st half (except for that horror one on one) but I still can’t get over his decision making.
Vidic – Once again, easily our best player. I’m starting to really fear about the possibility of Vida getting injured. I can’t remember the last time he was rested. Perhaps it is time to promote a CB from the reserves…
Oh, and I missed the goal and missed the few replays (French t.v. – pfff) Any link for me please?
January 14th, 2009 at 23:16
@Craig Mc: “he may not be speedy Gonzalez”
very funny!
Rooney out for 3 weeks, not funny
January 14th, 2009 at 23:16
@Fred The Red: Oh Fred Bro, you are so easily pleased
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January 14th, 2009 at 23:17
Fergie, buy another STRIKER NOW.
January 14th, 2009 at 23:19
@phoenix red: I know Phoenix Bro, but he was bloody good tonight, and I think he may have borrowed some of Park’s energiser batteries
. Go Berba. He really wanted that win.
January 14th, 2009 at 23:22
@Fred The Red: true mate. They are a tough and solid outfit who can play beautiful and ugly at the same time. Palacios is a feckin monster!! That guy even with two men draggin him can still pick a 30 yrd diagonal pass, WTF? Hope they test him for performance enhancers after that
in all seriousness tho, he is pushing Vida for man of the match, simply awesome performance.
IMO, I think the loss of Rooney affected us big time. Some might not notice, but Rooney is the catalyst in this team. He makes the runs, hassles the defenders and picks out perfect passes to Ronnie and Berba. He also scores goals too
I really hope he’s not out for too long, our attack is definitely weaker without him. If he were on for the whole match, I seriously reckon we could have gotten two more goals.
January 14th, 2009 at 23:24
@Nico QB: Fergie got rid of Silvestre, and we NEVER have had a decent replacement for when Evra is out. Silvestre no matter what you all think is a million times better than Sheasy on the left, and he is faster, and always got forward. I feel that was a mistake to let him go when we hadn’t anyone to replace him. Also he let bloody Stoke have Shawcross and he is bloody brilliant, a real fighter, I love that lad.
January 14th, 2009 at 23:25
Is Campbell playing at Tottenham? There was talk of recalling him and with Fefoe join Spurs and Bent, and Pavlyuchenko, I think he’s fourth or fifth in the pecking order. I think he’d be getting more games here as I think he’s better than Welbeck.
January 14th, 2009 at 23:25
Well we got away with that one.
Wigan were totally the opposite of Chelsea. They were well up for it. In our faces all the time and had the edge in midfield especially in the second half.
I think he took Nani of because he was tiring. He was non stop all night. He was our best player outside the back four and even if his still makes the odd mistake you can’t fault his commitment and enthusiasm.
Craig. Can’t think why you want him to leave though. He is not having the best season so far but I think he is the real deal.
January 14th, 2009 at 23:27
@phoenix red: Oh, fuck!
January 14th, 2009 at 23:29
@Liam: I told you didn’t I that one swallow did not make a summer, and that I wasn’t going to get all excited out of the one very good performance to shout about of our season thus far. I said I will reserve judgement until I see whether we continue to PERFORM AS UNITED SHOULD.
January 14th, 2009 at 23:30
@Craig Mc: Im not pleased mate, i just believe that Wigan are a decent side who make life hard, bit if tou want me to be critical, go back and check my posts on our centre midfield pairings over the last year or so and you will see for youself my opinion, despite what some people on this site think, Scholes and Carrick CAN NOT play together, and when they do we tend to get overun in there, Ive been saying this for a long long time, thier strengths and weaknesses are too similar and do not compliment each other and I cant remember the last time we physically dominated the opposing teams midfield.
January 14th, 2009 at 23:32
@Craig Mc: i hear ya bro, is Santa Cruz available? I’d guess that Welbeck will get a go now
January 14th, 2009 at 23:34
@phoenix red: How do you know he’s out for three weeks?
Does that mean he’s gonna miss Inter?
Oh, Jeez, if that’s true he’s also going to take at least another 3 weeks to find his form….
January 14th, 2009 at 23:35
@gubby: Gubby Bro, I want him to leave only for his own sake mate, because Fergie does not value him as he bloody well should. Like you say, he was our best player apart from the defence, and Our Berba, but try telling that to Fergie and some of the know nothings on this blog. He will get all the football he needs, before his international manager comes out and tells him to leave us for his future’s sake, as Tev’s Int manager advised him to do. On Tev’s performances lately, I wouldn’t be averse to his move to Inter. I mean come on, Nani was so much better than Tev in every aspect tonight, but Nani got the flak – bastards. I don’t mean you Gubby – sorry
.
The bastards know who they are!
January 14th, 2009 at 23:36
@Craig Mc: Lol
Craigy my man, Nani did okay today, but he was poor in the first half. Besides, Wigan were owning us in midfield with cattermole and that Palacios monster, so Fergie needed to re-inforce the middle of the park and with Nani not contributing much on the wings, he was the fall guy, that’s all. It was well worth the risk, O’shea should be able to hold Valencia and he did a bit.
Wigan p