Mar 19
Man Utd v Bolton: Preview
A midweek game against Bolton is just a few days before we entertain our very dear friends. Fergie would like to take it one game at a time, and hope that the team doesn’t falter while looking to the weekend tie against ‘Pool. They, of course, don’t need too much reminding; we did lose to Bolton this season, and their uncompromising style (which is being generous) will test the tiring legs of the players.
Like it’s been ever since we’ve had fit midfielders, the starting lineup will be anyone’s guess. However, I hope that Rio starts today alongside Vidic. Also, murmurs abound about Ben Foster getting another start, while EVDS continues to recover from injury — which makes this all the more interesting considering Kuszczak is fit. I have one more thing to talk about goal keepers, but I will talk about it in a moment, after getting this preview out of the way.
Tevez could start, and maybe — just maybe — Louis Saha could be air-lifted and brought into the Old Trafford pitch by the Flying Doctors. Ronaldo will start and Nani might be back in reckoning for a start. Since, I can’t be too arsed to predict Fergie’s central midfield pairing, I’ll give my esteemed opinion instead: Anderson and Carrick in the middle.
Getting back to ‘keepers, the Guardian, like all broadsheets/rags/media houses, has in its midst some black sheep. And said black sheep, in the Guardian’s case, goes by the name of Daniel Taylor — unfortunately, their resident Manchester United journalist. This perennial pot-smoking (presumably), dreamy-eyed, joke of a journalist has just come out with yet another gem from the vestiges of his gifted imagination. The article is for you to read here, I’d suggest you to read it first. Go on, I’m waiting…
… done? Okay, let me still, for the benefit of those who couldn’t be too bothered to be clicking away at the link, quote some of the things that he wrote in the article that I felt was outrageous. The theme of the article was about Paul Robinson, England’s keeping, Fabio Capello etc. On the surface, it wasn’t too bad, to be honest. But it was the latter part of the article that veered into imagination-land, that got me a little worked up. Here, let me quote (I’ve italicised parts of it for my emphasis):
[Ben Foster’s] emergence has given Edwin van der Sar serious cause for concern. Van der Sar is contracted to United until 2009 but the Dutchman, who plans to retire from international football after this summer’s European Championship, is understood to be contemplating a return to the Netherlands this summer. The popular belief at United is that Foster will establish himself as Ferguson’s first-choice goalkeeper next season and it is doubtful whether Van der Sar will tolerate being a substitute.[…]
Otherwise Foster will remain in goal ahead of Tomasz Kuszczak, who has struggled at United and is likely to be moved on this summer.
Huh?! van der Sar to move to Holland? EVDS can’t tolerate being a sub, in his last year of his contract before a possible retirement, and the knowledge of having to aid the transition from the old to the young ‘keeper? Kuszczak to be moved on?
Now all these may be true. But where is responsible journalism if there are no quotes from any authority? EVDS will be in his last year, why would he want to leave? And while Ben Foster could eventually replace EVDS, there is no guarantee that he will, indeed, start next season. And where did rumours of Kuszczak moving on crop up from.
Unfortunately, it’s lazy journalism like this, that rubbish websites like Tribal Football feed off, and it was little surprise to me when I saw TF run two stories — one with the headline “Van der Sar ponders quitting Man Utd” and “Man Utd expected to listen to Kuszczak offers”
Absolute bollocks! And on that bollocksy note, I end this rant and advise you all to enjoy today’s match, where we’d look to put some daylight between us and Le Arse. (Although, in case you are interested, you could read another of my rants on Dan Taylor, where he thought Anderson was a waste of money.)
Come on you reds!
Prediction: 2-0 to United
Related items from Red Rants:- Bolton vs Man Utd: Preview
- SAF Sounds Words of Caution | Safety Arrangements for Roma
- Man Utd 2-0 Bolton: Ronaldo Usurps Best
- Man Utd v Everton: Preview
- Grant talks nonsense, Excellent Brian McClair interview, SAF on Bolton
Tags: Game Preview
March 19th, 2008 at 11:08
where there is no news you do the
next best thing make it up
March 19th, 2008 at 11:24
no giggs please
March 19th, 2008 at 11:25
wont be too displeased if kuszack moves away from the club! has never done enough to impress me at all!
clear him and get some good young keeper like Nueur/Ochoa/Adler to compete with Foster.
March 19th, 2008 at 11:59
One good game from Foster and he is better than the great VDS? I mean, come on, even PIGs first game for us against Arseanl was great. He saved a penalty and made other magnificent saves. But he is shite and doesnt even deserve to be on the United bench! Still, I think Foster can be our number 1 when VDS retires but that wont happen in a year or so. For todays game I would like to se Foster in goal with PIG on the bench. Simpson and Pique hasnt played in some time so I would like to see one of them on the right back. The usual Rio,Vida and Evra defense would be great. Since the Liverpool game is this weekend I think Giggs and Scholes will be rested along with Tevez. The player I hope is going to play is Ronaldo, he is in great form at the moment. With him and Nani on the wings, and Saha and Rooney äs the front two, United really should be able to put in high balls, something Nani does great. Again the midfield is the doubt, but I think it will be Fletcher and Anderson. We should create some chances and score some goals, but I would settle for a 2-0 win to United, with Ronaldo bagging a brace. And if Chelsea drop points against Spurs, today would be one of my best birthdays ever!
March 19th, 2008 at 12:32
I have a few thoughts about this blog and the guys in it
Well since im not english i cant fully understand they way an english fan thinks and to be honest i didnt start loving man united but 4 years ago so i cant understand the way old fans think
I will get to the point now i have noticed since finding this blog last september that some of the people writing comments are weird no offence i swear im sure ive read from the same person DEMANDING letting go of carrick some time ago and then a little later says he is the best medfielder we have and the same to hargo nani rooney and just recently tevez and even andy
(Players are human they cant and will never be perfect so they will never always perform the way they can everybody has bad spells and that goes for hargo carrick nani rooney)
Now tevez has scored 3 of the most important goals to us this season from the top of my head i swear it didnt take me a whole 5 seconds to remember
1 at tottenham when we were 1-0 down
1 at lyon when were also 1-0 down
and most importantly 1 at liverpool with what might be one of the most important 3 points this season how can anybody in his right mind say he is not man u material or “not worth it” and these goals are in his first year at united and only his second in the epl
And more importantly Anderson (gods gift to football) the boy is a genius with and without the ball he is the best medfielder we have had this season
and now he is being targeted as well whats wrong with you people?!!
Come on people if we dont stand up and support our own squad who will?!!
let us be thankfull for what we have what i think is strongest team ever in all of footballs history we were 19th after 3 games and now look at us top the league again we will win we can do it
On a side note YES YES and YES Mr.Ronaldo is one selfish sob and he annoys me at times and its unexcusabe in my opinion rooney is underpreforming because of ronaldo and dont tell me when ronaldo didnt play rooney didnt get goals or when ronaldo plays rooney gets goals because ronaldo making his selfish shots on goal a habit rooney forgot how to shoot practice makes perfect not just practice during training but in a real game
March 19th, 2008 at 12:37
daniel taylor is their manchester-based correspondent and along with shaun custis of the sun, is the DEFINITION of what’s wrong with football journalism.
March 19th, 2008 at 12:39
oh, and on behalf of pot-smokers everywhere (although I’ve never smoked pot, but you know, my friends have), I take offense at being associated with Daniel Taylor…
March 19th, 2008 at 12:41
oh…and Kuszczak is a decent second-choice keeper, wouldn’t mind a Foster-Kuszczak pairing at all…
March 19th, 2008 at 12:52
1: Don’t read Tribal Football
2: What is the actual quoted story about our keepers? Only one; Ben Foster is expecting to still go out on loan for the rest of the season.
If both stories were true, United would have one keeper, a (mostly) untried Ben Foster just back from injury. Do you think that is even likely?
March 19th, 2008 at 13:59
Mr. Saudi Red Devil, i loved your comment. United is a team and it should not matter who get the goals. I feel Ronaldo is been hyped a lot. Ronney does more team work than Ronaldo, and i feel with time guys will begin to appreciate his worth. Anyway, its UNITED all the way
March 19th, 2008 at 14:09
Does anyone know, which channel will show the game tonight?
March 19th, 2008 at 14:13
A early goal for United should kill off any Bolton hopes leading to a simple 3 points
March 19th, 2008 at 14:21
It’s pretty simple, but Olliey’s right. Early goal should settle us and we’ll be fine. I hope dearly we can come out of the gates like last years match against Bolton, and take care of business in teh first half. Letting us cruise control ahead of pool.
I expect:
——–Foster———
-Wes-Vidic-Rio-Evra
–Carrick-Fletcher-
–Ronaldo—–Nani–
—-Rooney–Saha—-
With Anderson, Hargo, Scholes, PIG and Tevez on the bench. We’ll look to take the lead, bring off glass-knee and rest Ronaldo in the second half, I would guess/hope
Assuming whatever was wrong with Rio is worth resting him in t
March 19th, 2008 at 14:36
I’d rest some players ahead of the weekended game with Liverpool, especially as the scousers will have had a full week off. I also think O’Shea should come in for Evra, as Bolton will bombard us with aerial balls which are bread and butter for Johnny. Keep some great options on the bench should we need them.
——————-Foster
Brown—Ferdinand—Vidic—O’Shea
Park—–Fletcher—-Carrick—–Nani
————-Tevez—-Saha
Bench: PIG, Evra, Anderson, Ronaldo, Rooney
March 19th, 2008 at 14:38
Scholes and Giggs must be dropped for the match tonight. They are legends and I love them to bits but they just don’t cut it anymore. Giggs may have had the worst game of his career against Derby and Scholes was completely invisible. Michael Carrick must start against Bolton. he’s been our only consistently performing central midfielder for a while now, he actually passes the ball forward - quickly! I’d like to see Tevez up front with Rooney as well. Rooney’s finishing has been awful lately, so I hope he can get a goal.
If Rio doesn’t make it and Wes starts alongside Vidic we could be in for a rough ride. I mean, when Derby twice came one-on-one with Foster, imagine what Bolton could do.
Still, I expect us to win. Maybe we even put on our shooting boots again tonight. 4-1.
March 19th, 2008 at 14:46
I was not intent on ranting until i discovered another with perspective.Saudi red devil u know the game 4 sure.I’ve always highlighted the high degree of amnesia that is present on this blog.I’ve seen it based on criticism of players eg Rooney, carrick,hargo,tevez and anderson(the last 3 being the most unworthy 2 criticise).Even scholes noone shows any sympathy.Coming from a long injury and then having 2 deal with different mid partners every week is not likely 2 induce inspiring perfomances.Giggs was among the best 5 players in epl and his game was based on intelligent passing and movement but can that interchanging take place when ronaldo won’t simply budge from the centre forward position.Ronaldo has killed our fluidity along with our strikers’ game and our unpredictability.So he should take the blame.
March 19th, 2008 at 14:47
>O’Shea should come in for Evra
No, Evra should play. He will be totally up for it after the kicking he got in the previous games, and hopefully Davies will be sent off if he tries it again.
March 19th, 2008 at 15:06
You know I had a dream (more nightmare actually) last friday that we drew with derby but we won so thank god but the problem is i had the same dream last night with a draw with bolton hope they win this time too
Anyway back to reality in my opinion the team should be
Foster
Brown Rio Vida Oshea
Hargo
Fletcher Carrick Nani
Tevez
Saha
Carrick and Fletcher can go back and forth giving hargo back up and supply tevez or saha and tevez would play assisting attacker to saha
This way we rest Rooney Ronaldo Anderson and Evra for those dirty Liverpooleans
Hope we win
March 19th, 2008 at 15:37
In other news, Fraizer Campbell, who is on loan from us at Hull, bagged another brace yesterday against Colchester, brining his total Championship League goals to 13 in 27 games.
He seems to be doing very well, and i can he being on the Sub bench next season.
March 19th, 2008 at 15:39
Why do some of you want to rest players? This is a crucial match, just as important as the match against Liverpool. We need our best team out there tonight. Fergie decides when it’s approriate to rest players based on factors that us fans couldn’t possibly have information about, such as how they’re doing in training etc. fitness levels. So we shouldn’t worry about that.
Also, this should be every rightminded footballer’s dream. Important matches twice a week. Isn’t that what they live for? They should be relishing the opportunity to play, not worrying about having rest.
March 19th, 2008 at 15:45
Pique should be given his chance. Wes brown was awful aganist derby.it was because of him that miller got that much space.last year i saw pique playing at right back for zaragoza and he was better than wes brown who was playing for us at right back at that time. His crossing is better than brown and his long balls are superb if you compare him to brown.
March 19th, 2008 at 15:56
After having watched every match United has played this season I am shocked to see that I cannot find the Bolton game anywhere on todays Setanta Canada schedule. Instead they are offering the London derby between Chelski and Spurts. Not even on tape delay. Jeez am I pissed. My goodness, we even get to see the reserves play every week over here. Not only that but this stupid Setanta coverage into Canada has also been depriving us of the Special One on “I’m On Setanta Sports”. Fortunately there is YouTube. This past Mondays shtick with Sven in Afghanistan was just too funny.
March 19th, 2008 at 15:59
I completely agree with pratyush >We have not given a proper run for pique.Just in case we have one of our boys injured
we need him to be fully match fit.And BTW can any of you in this blog tell me who is suited best to play along with scholes
Coz he is a brilliant player but of late he sems to have lost his touch.
March 19th, 2008 at 16:00
Gorgnard,
are you aware of sopcast? you can stream football straight off the net. quality isn’t always fantastic but it’s better than nothing, eh?
March 19th, 2008 at 16:31
Why do need to rest?weve been resting since nov/dec.Bolton aint an easy side.Weve lost to them already.Pique cost us last time at the reebok and I dont want more points dropped.Pique has no future at united.He is too slow and the premiership is too much for him.He struggles even in the reserves.Today we must play our full squad and if were winning(hopefully) by 2-0 or more then sub important players.Bolton are the most physical side in the premiership so we shouldnt rest nobody.Now is not the time to play pique or whoever.Full squad.No giggs or scholes.We must play people that track back and those that can cover ground.
March 19th, 2008 at 17:00
i will predict a 3-1 win today.
March 19th, 2008 at 17:10
Happy birthday Reddevil!hoping chelsea drop and united win!
March 19th, 2008 at 17:13
[Grognard]
Mate, I hardly ever watch games on TV. As someone pointed out, you must download sopcast. It’s a software with which, provided you have good internet connectivity (which I assume you have), you can stream the games to your computer for free. In fact, a lot of commenters on this blog watch them on internet streams. If you’re interested in details, feel free to ask here in the comments. I am sure there will be plenty around to help out.
March 19th, 2008 at 19:19
livefooty.com is the place to watch the game, well I am going to watch it on FSC.
O’shea for Evra???Are you out of your mind, well may be you missed our last game. Everybody says “players are tired…players are tired”. Let me put this straight. The only people who can complain about being tired are Ronaldo, the old timers(cause they are old) and the back five. Everybody else should just shut it (Rooney specificly) and also Tevez scored the 1st goal against Chelski too, so all of you get of his back.
March 19th, 2008 at 19:24
(Grognard) downloaded sopcast.
http://www.sopcast.org/
u can check www.myp2p.eu after u downloaded sopcast
go to live sports.click the football tab and look for the game.then click on the little tv icon on the right hand side and and click on the sopcast channel u want to view.
March 19th, 2008 at 19:28
Thanks Taehr!
hope we win today! Would be great present!
March 19th, 2008 at 19:35
[Grognard]
The procedure as ebrahim said, and I’ll add one more word: view it on Internet Explorer. It won’t work on Firefox
And Taehr, it’s not livefooty.com It’s http://livefooty.doctor-serv.com Livefooty.com takes you to some spam site.
March 19th, 2008 at 19:37
my team for today
foster
brown vidic rio evra
nani carrick anderson/flecther ronaldo
tevez saha\rooney
subs o’shea,park
March 19th, 2008 at 19:40
Red Ranter is right. My bad was lazy to go to my favorites for the correct address
and yes I am ton the Taehr
March 19th, 2008 at 20:09
[Taron]
oops! sorry mate, my bad.
March 19th, 2008 at 20:10
Team News:
GK: PIG
RB: Fletcher
CB: Pique
CB: Vidic
LB: O’Shea
RM: Ronaldo (c)
CM: Hargreaves
CM: Anderson
LM: Nani
CF: Tevez
CF: Saha
Subs: Foster, Evra, Brown, Scholes, Rooney
March 19th, 2008 at 20:14
fuck fergie is taking a chance, i was about to say why no foster then i saw are defence, at least fergie is taking initiative by benching brown and rooney(brown as we need to start grooming a right back, rooney self explanatory)
March 19th, 2008 at 20:17
i would imagine that if pig makes mistakes today they will be chanting “by buy polski by buy polski sell him to chelski by buy polski”
March 19th, 2008 at 20:18
Well I am happy that the old timers are not on, but where the hell is Rooney (I know, I know I bashed him a lot, but still) well at least this time SAF put him on the bench
March 19th, 2008 at 20:22
Fucking captain ronaldo?
March 19th, 2008 at 20:25
I hope fergie knows what hes doing today.ferdinand out,evra out.Fletcher right back? shite…
March 19th, 2008 at 20:30
Why bench Foster after that great performance against Derby? PIG has not done anything to impress since he came to the club and he can’t be trusted. Decent shotstopper but he’s his fieldwork is sub-par, to say the least.
I don’t like that team but hopefully they’ll get the three points tonight. Come on!
March 19th, 2008 at 20:30
Ferdinand is apparently now doubful for Sunday.
March 19th, 2008 at 20:33
For once I agree with the midfield.Although Carrick was in the form of his life.
March 19th, 2008 at 20:34
What!doubtful?fuck no!we need him for torres
March 19th, 2008 at 20:38
Ronaldo captain? I think that is great! The defense worries me and I wonder how it reaaly will be.
RB: Fletcher, Oshea, Owen or Pique?
CB: Pique and Vidic or Vidic and Oshea
LB: Oshea or Anderson(he said that he enjoyed playing left-back)
Wierd move by Fergie, but hopefully he knows what he is doing. I am more worried about Rio not being fit for Pools visit, he always seems to play his game-of-the-season against them! I still think we can win, predict 3-0 with Ronaldo, Vidic and Anderson to score.
March 19th, 2008 at 20:38
What kind of injury does Rio have? If he doesn’t play on Sunday we’re fucked.
March 19th, 2008 at 20:42
This is nuts! The team is worrying me:
Kuszczak
Fletcher
Pique
Vidic
O’Shea
Ronaldo
Hargreaves
Anderson
Nani
Saha
Tevez
March 19th, 2008 at 20:42
Jaaskelainen and Nolan is not playing for bolton.
I expect a tight contest as Bolton is fighting for survival.
March 19th, 2008 at 20:57
why not give vidic captincy? or saha or even fletcher/hargreaves…
March 19th, 2008 at 20:59
What’s the problem with Ronaldo. he is the captain of Portugal and we all know he can handle a presure
March 19th, 2008 at 21:02
I don’t know that looks to be a potentially exciting midfield. We’ll see though.
March 19th, 2008 at 21:08
Drogba scores. All 3 teams level on points at top of the league
March 19th, 2008 at 21:09
Maybe we’ll play a 3-5-2..
March 19th, 2008 at 21:09
here’s my formation with this squad:
3-5-2
Pique Vidic O’Shea
Hargo
Nani Fletch Ando Ron
Tevez Saha
March 19th, 2008 at 21:10
OFFICIAL RONALDO=LEGEND!!!or BEST…
March 19th, 2008 at 21:10
1-0
Ronaldo
Thats the captain
equaling George Best record
March 19th, 2008 at 21:11
that boy ronaldo!!! done it again…wrap this game up quickly boys
March 19th, 2008 at 21:11
the d is a little shaky, but I love the midfield.
March 19th, 2008 at 21:11
Ronaldo Ronaldo Ronaldo!!!!!
March 19th, 2008 at 21:15
1-1
Woodgate equalised for the Spurs
March 19th, 2008 at 21:16
That’s the early goal i was talking about!!!
March 19th, 2008 at 21:21
What a Goal!!! fantastic
March 19th, 2008 at 21:22
Holy Sh$t!!
March 19th, 2008 at 21:22
my god ronaldo is having a game and a half, save some for the pool please, come on anderson i hope you score today, with this formation, i can see fergie playing carrick and scholes in mid for the dippers, which kinda scares me, because they have no pace
March 19th, 2008 at 21:23
well, that’s a wrap. 3 points ahead, off you go
March 19th, 2008 at 21:24
maybe they can tell bolton to stop playing and give both sides a much needed rest before the weekend?
March 19th, 2008 at 21:24
1-2 to Chelsea
March 19th, 2008 at 21:27
wat a fantastic free kick from cristiano. my my watch out looserpool.
March 19th, 2008 at 21:33
Going well, isn’t it ? I’m doing a live update type thing at http://www.unitedonfire.co.uk/2008/03/19/manutdvbolton/ if anyone is interested.
March 19th, 2008 at 21:49
good half, looks like it will like the pompey game though.
March 19th, 2008 at 21:55
Anyone else questions Ronaldo captain idea? I hope that the Spurs will do smth…When did we got here? Worrying about Arse the whole year and now cunts Chelski is back? I hade enough headache with Arse…GO SPURS!!!!!!!!!!
March 19th, 2008 at 22:03
ok ok, truly, ronaldo is the greatest player on earth right now.
But it pleases me to see Saha and Pig having a decent game.
I for one stand by Pig as I think it would have been horrible for his morale to drop him in favour of Foster. I also rate Foster but Pig also did put in good perormances when he had a few games. Foster still have years ahead of him.
Pique worries me as he seems a bit unsure on the ball.
Let’s wait for the 2nd half…
March 19th, 2008 at 22:30
I don’t know how Ferguson does it. I would have given Saha his walking ticket long ago.
March 19th, 2008 at 22:31
oh great saha is injured, anderson was a bit quiet today
March 19th, 2008 at 22:37
Yes!3-3 what a goal!
March 19th, 2008 at 22:45
Nani and Tevez is hopeless..
I don’t think we should stick with Tevez until he leaves us.
March 19th, 2008 at 22:46
Shit!
March 19th, 2008 at 22:51
Robbie keane motha fucka!what a game 4 fuckin 4!come on spurs!
March 19th, 2008 at 22:56
Oh dam berbatov could have won it!its all good!4-4!
March 19th, 2008 at 22:56
o wow never use tevez again because of 1 bad game? you make me sick and pissed.
March 19th, 2008 at 22:57
Spurs VS Chelski 4:4. Shit should have watched at least the 2nd half
March 19th, 2008 at 23:01
that’s 5 points ahead of chelsea, and 3 ahead of arsenal.
I think Fergie just used Saha because he wanted Rooney rested, not because he has faith in him or anything
Kuszczak is a decent keeper, United are lucky to have 3 excellent keepers on their books.
March 19th, 2008 at 23:02
oooooohhhh what a fukin night lads. Here we go here we go here we go
March 19th, 2008 at 23:02
Oh, you can do whatever you want, sick, pissed, shit.. But is there anyone here thinks he is worth 30mil?
March 19th, 2008 at 23:05
1.st we are not sure that it’s 30 mil 2nd he prices are inflated more for ManUtd. We paid 30 mil for Rooney do you think he is worth that much? I am not sure about being sick hiepdh, but I know that you don’t know shit about football.
March 19th, 2008 at 23:07
Cristiano Ronaldo: the worlds greatest player at the moment! He and Spurs made this a great day. But it was the Pompey game all over again. Ronnie has now scored all of our last four goals. But he is amazing, if there is any player worthy of deleting Bests record, it is him!
And Tevez is one of the worlds best players, just so you know.
March 19th, 2008 at 23:07
we will not be paying that trype of money, we’re getting him on the cheap and do YOU think that rooney is worth 30 mil based on current performances, tbh tthe only players worth 30mil is rio(ronnys worth more)
March 19th, 2008 at 23:08
Errrrr…
Didnt watcch the 2nd half of Utd. because my operator decided to swap for Spurs vs Chelski. Good game there too!
But did Tevez do wrong in the 2nd half of the Bolton game, because I thought he was ok in the first half.
March 19th, 2008 at 23:15
Well I couldn’t watch the game but from what I have read at the Guardian and from the posters on this site, sounds like we played like shit and Ronaldo once again saved our bacon. I don’t know what they are paying the lad but he is worth even more. If all we can do is score two goals against tossers like Bolton and one on total wankers like Derby, then we are definitely in trouble. More troubling is the fact that Ronaldo the Savior has scored all three goals. More troubling than that is the fact that we our springing leaks on defense and better clubs would have scored a few goals in the last two outings.
Rooney, Tevez and Saha are major disappointments right now and I do not see them recapturing any real form anytime this late in the campaign. Our finishing is just horrible. FRAKKEN HORRIBLE!!!
I just finished watching a bloody classic between Spurs and Chelski. What a game. The quality of the Tottenham goals was exquisite. Keane’s equalizer was top notch but for me Berbatov was absolutely world class. His header was of the highest quality and the move he made with seconds left to give him what seemed was a sure winner was sublime. Give credit to the Chelski keeper for a wonder save. Dimitar deserved better. Spurs are woeful defensively but boy can they play offensive football. Say what you want about Chelsea, but it takes quite the team effort to score 4 goals on them and to come back from 1-3 down, WOW, most impressive.
I have been one who has not been to warm on the idea of signing Berbatov because of his attitude early in the season. Right now he seems totally rejuvenated and motivated to succeed. If we were to sign the player that played today, we would have a tremendous striker who can make something out of nothing. I love the mans finish and his imagination and finesse. Send Saha packing and Tevez to the bench and sign a bloody striker who can score goals as well as create for others.
Now based on what we have seen the last two outings, what do you all think is going to happen against a very in form Scouser side? Truthfully, I’m scared. Rooney will have to get specially motivated to beat his fellow scousers.
March 19th, 2008 at 23:25
I can’t believe you are all so critical of United when they won so comfortably. Tevez was pretty good, and Saha was alright until he came a cropper again. Nani is just Ronaldo from 3 years ago and will learn. We saw tonight how that turned out.
United played well within themselves tonight, and will up their game for the scousers.
March 19th, 2008 at 23:26
Well another good day at Old Trafford who ever doubted we would win?!!
I didnt see the game sadly so I will not judge it at all and I dont know if Ronaldo was as selfish as usual saw his goals though brilliant I wanted andy to score but he is just unlucky at the moment
And as usual people are dissing players because he is just having some bad spell I just want to say who else do you think would be better than tevez exactly 30 mil or not (which isnt out of your pocket by the way) Tevez is a great player with lots of potential yet to come I believe in him lets just give him a chance
Now we should focus on liverpool I think we are far superior than they are we should just be mentally prepared lets hope arse and chelsea draw AGAIN and we win
March 19th, 2008 at 23:28
Grognard the game wasn’t bad at all. Tevez missed couple of chances, but he also created and the keeper saved (who had a really good game I must add). No comments on Saha, Rooney played only 20 minutes or so, but even at that time gave a really good pass to Tevez and if it wasn’t for Nani’s gread he could have a really good chance. The problem was deffence, even though they did fine for the most part, they gave Bolton some chances. PIG had a good game. we didn’t have bad players however everybody was average, except of Ronaldo that is, who won another game single handedly.
Positives are 3 points, rest to some players, good lesson for Nani(who is really selfish) and more arrogant Ronaldo :). All in all it was a good day, but it should have been 4:0 or 5:1.
March 19th, 2008 at 23:29
oh and in the 1st half of the chelski game Ashley Cole did a Martin Taylor on some player. Very lucky not to have been sent off.
And Arise Owen Hargreaves, the £17million right back!
March 19th, 2008 at 23:33
In regards the scum it depends. We need our deffence, so we must get them no matter what. My guess is that Carrick and Hargo will be at center and Ronaldo and Giggs on flanks with Tevez and Rooney up front. I hope that our players will get their act together. I think we will win…it will not be easy, but then again what game is?
March 19th, 2008 at 23:40
Hmm, the amount of money needed to sign Berbatov I would prefer to be spent on Benzema or Lahm for that matter. And cover for LB.
Surely on current form he’s better than Saha or Rooney, or arguably Tevez, but still has tendency to drift out of games.
March 19th, 2008 at 23:42
I’m not too scared of the game on sunday. Yes the scousers are in form, but you really can’t go by the game today. We ended up playing none of our regulars in defense (Brown was played out of position when he came on), and the midfield wasn’t as strong as it’ll be on sunday (change Fletcher with Hargo I say). Plus we’ll have a fresh Rooney back. There will be 7 or 8 changes for the next game, and I think we’ll be too strong for them. A lot of people are afraid of Torres, but he’ll never get the space he needs against our defenders. Their defense will have a hard time coping with our quality, and it’s all a matter of whether we can kick the ball into the net.
As I have written before, it’s a matter of who are the better at winning, and I think, we’ve seen our team quite good at that this season. Can’t see Liverpool scoring against us (hopefully Rio is fit and ready), so we’ll just have to put one in. Also remember that our recent record against the scousers is very good, so the lads will be confident going in.
March 19th, 2008 at 23:42
We had a ligtweight midfield and a dodgy defence but Fergie got away with a bizarre team
selection. Is me the only one that thinks that Pique is not good enough?
March 19th, 2008 at 23:46
Grognard: It is hard to discern whether that was poor form or taking the foot of the gas a bit too much after a couple of early goals. I wouldn’t say Ronaldo saved our bacon again, we scored early and to be fair we looked to be capable of moving up a couple of gears if it was really necessary. And the minute you start expecting cricket score lines against the weaker teams in the league, you will invariably be disappointed.
A few general thoughts on the game. Tevez was very poor, his head was always down, running into cul de sacs, taking too many touches and average passing. To be honest his bad spell has been going on for some time but I only really have noticed it in the last few weeks. He is a great little player but I can see why SAF has been benching him lately.
Fletcher the enigma continues, stamps himself on games that you wouldn’t expect him too and then fails to make an impact against the smaller teams. Please, please, please SAF start Carrick!!! Pretty please
Finally the defending has been poor the past couple of games. The difference Ferdinand makes to us is like the difference between night and day. His calmness, composure and anticipation are absolutely invaluable to us. You can find defenders like Vidic fairly easily, albeit you would have problems getting your hands on one as good Vida. However players like Ferdinand are like absolute gold dust, just let us all pray that he is fit for the game on Sunday.
March 19th, 2008 at 23:48
Well, well, well…. that £12.24m we paid five seasons ago for a then unknown, raw teenager seems like a ridiculous snip now! I for one certainly wouldn’t be surprised if he hits the 40-goal mark by May at this rate, which in the history of the game, probably no winger has ever achieved. But what frustrates me most, and most probably fellow United fans too realise this, is come Sunday, he will revert to his ‘Mr. Invisible’ alter ego and take a back seat, with the real big-game players, like Rooney, Tevez, Anderson etc. having to step up to the fore to get us anything. Heres to Ronaldo, for once, hopefully having other ideas….
Also good to see Balsa Boy on the pitch getting minutes. Although I must admit I did cringe (with embarrassment) when he hit that snapshot in the second half and appeared to pull his hamstring as a consequence. No comment……………..
March 19th, 2008 at 23:56
I dont know where to put this so Ill just put it here this ladies and gentleman is a statement for all Tevez haters out there
He is only 24 years old, He won the Argentine Championship (2003), Copa Libertadores (2003), Intercontinental Cup (2003), Copa Sudamericana (2004), and the 2005 Brazilian league, he won the award of best player of the tournament by the Brazilian football federation, becoming the first non-Brazilian player to win that award since 1976, During the 2004 Olympic Games, where he won the gold medal with his team and scored eight goals in six matches to be the top scorer of the competition, He has 15 goals in 31 games with united, 2003, 2004 and 2005 – South American Player of the Year, He scored the opening goals against Chelsea Wigan Sporting Tottenham (home) which later won the match
Now Im not a fan of his form lately he is clearly doing really badbut give him a break I mean is one of the best players we have he has a lot of contributions to the team and is a true team player and in most games better than rooney (I love rooney but its true)
March 19th, 2008 at 23:56
About today’s game. I think there was some really excellent attacking football in this game, but I’ll agree with SAF that we’re not the most efficient team in front of goal at the moment. Luckily we produce so many chances that some of them are bound ot go in. That’s what happened today. To me, we could have scored 10 today. Bolton could have had a few as well, had TK not had a really good game (never seen such safe hands on him before). He made at least 2 world class saves, which is very good news.
Nani showed some terrific stuff, but he also showed that his decision making still needs work. It’s no wonder, the boy’s only 21 - he’ll get there. What thrills me is his ability to beat a man and his directness, which is why he fits so well into this team.
I think Saha played well. Unfortunately he got injured. Hopefully it’s not too serious, but he felt it immediately after his right foot strike and couldn’t run afterwards, which isn’t a good sign… looks like another 2-3 weeks out for our powerful frenchman.
Tevez worked his socks off and made some good direct moves, but it didn’t work for him in the second half, and he got frustrated. At least he shows determination and fighting spirit, which is the only way to get back in topform really.
Rooney looked alive when he came on and should have had the ball from Nani, when he ran 80 yards following his own clearence from a corner. He didn’t look impressed with Nani in that situation, and neither did SAF. And rightfully so. Ronaldo even made a fantastic run across clearing up space for Rooney, but Nani wanted to score for himself. As the comentators at Sky said “there’s no “I” in team”. I don’t blame Nani too much, even though he should have passed it, but I guess he would have had he seen how open Rooney was. It was more a lack of patience than selfishness, I think.
But we won the game, and it really looks good now. With any luck, we’ll win on sunday, and Chelsea will draw Arsenal, which practically brings the trophy to OT again.
March 20th, 2008 at 0:01
[saudi red devil]
Fair enough mate, but then Veron was all conquering before he came to OT. I also like Tevez and will attribute his dip more to fatigue (he’s been playing continuously for a long time now).
And in case you are bothered why some people are so hard on Tevez, then welcome to Red Rants — the place where a player just needs to put one foot wrong to be absolutely massacred.
March 20th, 2008 at 0:09
The first half performance was good, but we definitely took the foot off the pedal in the 2nd half, and let Bolton have some chances. I think Tevez ONLY plays well when Rooney is playing alongside him. It will be interesting to see if Fergie goes with those those 2 up front against the dippers, or if he has a 3-man midfield with Rooney up top on his own.
Nothing needs to be said about Ronaldo - he’s brilliant. Saha was disappointing and should have really seized his opportunity better. Nani had flashes of brilliance coupled with frustrating wastefulness, a bit like a young Ronaldo (which I suppose is no bad thing). Anderson started brightly, but faded, and was rightly subbed by Fergie. Fletcher didn’t seem to seize control of the midfield as he has done in other recent performances.
The defence were creaky enough. Very make-shift it has to be said. Hargreaves was energetic at right-back and it’s good to know he can fill in there if we have injuries. As JB mentioned, our main issue is Rio’s absence. He seems to bring alot more organisation and calmness to our backline. I pray he’s fit for the dippers, because it improves our chances of victory hugely. One word on Kuszack. He had an alright game tonight, but he seems to be a bit like vampire i.e. scared of crosses. A few times he should have come for the ball tonight, and whilst he pulled off some good saves, he needs to command his area better.
All in all, it was a pretty routine win with a very make-shift side. Hopefully Fergie picks the right side on Sunday, and we can put some more daylight between ourselves and the trailers. I’m looking for a big performance from Rooney after he got rested tonight. How great it would be for him to get back amongst the goals against the rat eaters.
March 20th, 2008 at 0:09
Nino - when Ronaldo doesn’t show up at big games, it’s usually because he’s marked by several players. This is also why you see the others doing well, because there’s more room for them to move in.
Now, lesser teams would like to close Ronaldo down as well, but their players aren’t as good, and therefore they are less succesful. But on sunday, watch Mascherano closely and see how quickly he arrives when Ronaldo gets the ball. And so will Gerrard and the 3rd midfielder, because Liverpool will play with 3 central midfielders simply to eliminate Ronaldo from the game. Hopefully the others will make the most of the extra space. What is amazing about Ronaldo is that even in games when he’s taken out by tatics, he often shows up when we need him the most, and that is a very very rare quality… and why he’s the best.
To me there’s no debate whether he’s the best or not. It’s not even a contest. There are other great players, but why would you ever chose Messi or Kaka over Ronaldo? I can’t think of a reason. If anyone does chose one of the others, it’s because they’re confused by Ronaldo’s reputation as a diver and a winker with an arrogant personality. But none of it’s true, and even if it was, it shouldn’t affect the judgment of his footballing skills, which are outstanding. When you watch him move, there’s noone like him. And frankly I think that in 10 years we’ll say that he was probably among the 3 best players ever in the game.
Oh did I mention… I really like Ronaldo:-)
March 20th, 2008 at 0:11
Well I did mention his important goals this season I mean an opening goal against chelsea and saving-the-team-from-defeat-or-draw goals against tottenham lyon and liverpool are good enough goals to justify my defence
In the end to me its about the team and if the time comes when we have to pay the alleged 30 mil and it was a common feeling amongst us that Tevez isnt good enough for us than I wouldnt buy him for free
March 20th, 2008 at 0:13
Saudi: Voicing concern over Tevez’s form does not make anyone a Tevez hater. My biggest issue with him at the minute is poor decision making and a tendancy to hold on the ball for far too long. To be honest I’m surprised it is an issue, it is something I would expect of a Nani, but Tevez had been round the block a few times and I would have thought he would have grown out of that by now.
As for the list of accolades you have posted, what good are they in pursuit of a CL and League double? What matters is the here and now, not the past. Shevchenko was one of the most decorated footballers to step on these shores yet he was also one of the biggest flops. What matters is what you do in the red shirt.
On the question of who has played better between him and Rooney, I would say Wayne but it is certainly a debatable point. However who is more important to us? There is absolutely no argument on that one for me.
All that said, he is probably just in a dip of form and as we all know form is a funny old thing, there one minute and gone the next. Let us just hope he (and the rest of the team) finds his form soon because tonight’s match marked the last game before the business end of the campaign kicks in.
March 20th, 2008 at 0:49
Please pursue Berbatov SAF. You’ve seen our poor finsishing, now act!
March 20th, 2008 at 0:53
I think from the sound of things that there is one continual problem with United’s skill players. They all like to showboat and hang on to the ball too long. Ronaldo gets away with it because he has the class and instinct to finish off the play. Tevez, Nani, Saha and even Rooney have been caught many times this year with their heads down trying to do the impossible. This is a training ground and discipline problem that has to go back to Ferguson and Queiroz. They need to enforce the law and punish players for wastefulness and selfishness. I accept that they let Ronny get away with it because he is the greatest talent on the planet and one does not put shackles on talent like that. But the others are a mismash of talent at different degrees. They must understand that they must think team first.
JB, I agree 100% about Carrick starting over Fletcher or Anderson. I too have had my doubts over Tevez as a long term solution up front. He just doesn’t have the necessary tools to score enough goals from a striker position. Yet I think his energy and enthusiasm has proven to make him a very good substitute (aka OLE) off the bench. And finally I so agree on the value of Ferdinand. He is the glue that keeps the ship afloat. I value Vidic equally and the Dynamic Duo should never have to go it alone. But everyone gets injured or needs a rest. Rio’s presence and calming effect is massive to our team’s defensive cohesion.
March 20th, 2008 at 1:05
RedAddict, About Pig being scared of crosses — VDS too if I remember well has occasional complete misjudgements of crosses. Yet nobody questions his no1 jersey except for his age factor. But he does lack in natural charisma, i’ll admit that.
My rant would be one of Ronaldo-dependence. As much as I love the boy, I personally never did like to watch a team relying on a single individual to win things. This team is far from matching the treble winning side in the sense that that side had potent goalscoring threats from all over the pitch.
Tevez - its true has his decision making has been poor recently, yet at the start of the season he was a great team player but could not finish, mid season he was excellent all round and now suddenly he’s not made for Utd?
JB I agree that on the whole, I too would rate Rooney as a more important player for us, but still on current form, as far back as, say for the last 2 months, Tevez has been a much better player than Rooney. I personally feel that he should not have been rested so often, as this slight dip in form coincided with the periods of rests.
Remember he’s a great passer, a great dribbler, an able finisher, but it seems that in the end it does seem that what people have feared at the start of the season, i.e. Rooney and Tevez are too similar to play together, might finally be true.
And please SAF, start Carrick!!
And settle once and for all for a definitive midfield four. Mine would be:
LM:Nani
CM:Carrick
CM:Anderson/Hargreaves
RM:Ronaldo
And play Fletcher for big matches and rest him for smaller run of the mill encounters!
March 20th, 2008 at 1:07
eh, why are people saying that we should be afraid of the dippers? Should it not be them who are afraid of us? We are top of the league for fuck sake. We have a bunch of players who can run the show against them. They will probably play a 5 man midfield with Gerrard meant to be supporting torres but will end up playing like a DM. Ronaldo will be ‘invisible’ because he will stick to the wing and try to play like a more generic RM he will track back more and pass more than he usually does. I think that we should play with Carrick and Andy in CM because Hargo would be too defensive minded. We have had their number for a long time now and I think we’ll win comfortably if we have a positive mindset.
Btw has anyone got highlights of tonights game?
March 20th, 2008 at 1:28
Grognard,
Further to your point about players hanging onto the ball too often, another problem is first touch. Sometimes it’s just hopeless. Often the reason these players are taking too many touches is because their first touch hasn’t been good enough and they have to compensate by taking more. It really is rather frustrating at times, it has to be said, especially when you consider we’re used to seeing players like Rooney have an exquisite touch. I get frustrated sometimes because it often feels like we completely let teams off the hook, attack after attack. We seem to have no problems winning the ball and starting a move from midfield, but we’ll fuck it up as soon as someone takes a bad touch, or in other instances, play a poor final ball. We can look so menacing but then just hand the initiative back to the other side.
Someone above me mentioned Berbatov, and for me, he is a dream signing for this United team. This guy has the BEST first touch in the premier league. In fact, in terms of first touch, I’d put him in a league of his own. When he gets the ball into his feet, he almost always makes the right decision and you rarely see him gift him the ball back to the opposition. He lacks the raw pace (and workrate) or other players, but so did Cantona, and who cared about that? I think he could be a potent player at United, especially when you factor in the players who would be supporting him. Today, his agent has again hinted that he may leave, and if he does, we should pull out all the stops to make him our new front man.
March 20th, 2008 at 1:56
yeah, check out
http://www.fcfootballblog.com/2008/03/20/manchester-united-2-0-bolton-highlights/
March 20th, 2008 at 2:19
RED ADDICT; Excellent points mate. As a matter of fact I have been down on Rooney’s first touch problems for a while now and have posted my concerns before. Others like Tevez and Saha are guilty of it as well but none more than Rooney. Even Ronny has made a few one touch gaffs but then again, nobody’s perfect. Berbatov is not in a class by himself but lets say that the class is indeed small. His one touch skill under great pressure is fantastic as well as his subtle touches and finesse to get away from a defender. His finishing is great too but that is where other strikers like Huntelaar, Benzema and Gomez beat him out. None of them however, even come close to his touch. Much talk has come about Benzema and although he is an outstanding young talent, the nickname the “New Zidane does not fit. He’s not in that league, nor do I ever feel he will ever be.
March 20th, 2008 at 3:16
I think the ‘New Zidane’ tag is just something that has come with being the young French hope, and because of their shared Algerian heritage, rather than their styles of play. It’s rather like with young Argentinian talent who will get labelled the ‘New Maradonna’ no matter what position or style of play they have. Pablo Aimar, Saviola, Carlos Tevez, Aguero and indeed Messi have all been given the label, despite playing in different positions and having different styles to Maradonna - the nearest being Messi. You can expect every emerginging attacking talent in France to be labelled the ‘New Zidane’ for the next 20 years!
From what I understand and from what I’ve seen of Benzema, his attributes are a bit more like Ronaldo “El Phenomeno”. He seems to mix pace and close control with power and fantastic finishing. A great talent for sure, but a pipe dream for United. His new contract coupled with his stated desire to play in Spain, mean we should look at other options.
My knowledge isn’t too hot on Gomez. I know he’s a big lad, and is doing very well for himself in Germany. I haven’t watched much German football, but I’m looking forward to the Euros to get a better look at guys like him. Berbatov was obviously a major success coming to the Premiership from the Bundesliga, and from what I understand, he was nowhere near as heralded as Gomez. I certainly think a player coming from Bundesliga, like Gomez, would be less of a risk than someone like Huntelaar, coming from the Eredivise.
I also wonder how the situation is at Barcelona with Rijkaard and their supposed plans for overhaul of players and management. There is always the possibility of an Eto’o exit. Could be another option worth looking at should it materialise. More likely is that Eto’o will stay, however, and it will be Ronaldinho leaving. But we shouldn’t be interested in him. Has the trail gone cold on Quagliarella as well? He was flavour of the month for a while, but seems to have completely slipped off the radar. We really should not have let Rossi go either. Now there was a kid who knew how to find the net. How we could do with a 6 yard box finisher like him right now.
March 20th, 2008 at 4:52
Since a lot has been said already, just a couple of comments:
Both goals came from set pieces, rather than open play, which isn’t that good. Still, we created quite a lot of chances and I think (or at least I hope) it’s only a matter of time before the goals start coming again.
I thought Ronaldo was a lot less selfish compared to recent games, and we looked a lot more dangerous when we passed and moved, rather than when we tried to hold onto the ball and take on opposing defenders.
Hargreaves at right-back - someone at RedCafe asked if Hargreaves could play right back just a day before the game! Either pure coincidence or someone’s been talking to Fergie!
http://www.redcafe.net/f6/could-owen-hargreaves-play-right-back-wing-back-192151/
March 20th, 2008 at 5:03
Hargreaves played RB as well as sweeper for Bayern Munich over the years. Yes they actually had a game where they used him as a sweeper and I thought the new Beckenbauer had been born. He played great in that game and scored from a free kick. He has the pace and the marking ability to play RB/RWB and he is capable of dribbles and long passes. His crossing is also decent. Theres so much that United fans don’t know about Hargo. He can do so much well.
March 20th, 2008 at 6:41
Grognard: thanks for the insight. In your opinion, how does Hargreaves compare to G. Neville / Brown / Lahm at RB?
(Someone kick me if this has been asked before…)
March 20th, 2008 at 7:37
Grognard,
we had a very good game…we got what we wanted and didnt wanted more than 2 goals i think. First 20 minutes were very good, and rest of the game we were very comfortable, never looked in trouble. Plus in the second half for about 10 minutes we played with 10 men when vidic was getting treatment for a bloody nose.
As for the performances, i think kuszczak had a very good game, some real good stops from long range and one crucial stop to deny davies the equalizer, other than that his throwing (which i thought was crap before this game) was much better, he once threw the ball to midfield to ronaldo, and his throws had pace. Except for one or two occasion he looked good on kicking the ball too. I also observed one thing that both our central defender were avoiding to pass the ball back to him for first 20 minutes but they started doing that after sometime…
Pique also looked good, i think he is rio’esque defender and is more comfortable with ball on his feet, and SAF should try him more in future..
Fletcher was also good but he lost possession on one or two occasions, but he was good at beaking bolton’s attack.
And in the end Rooney, he had only 20 minutes on the pitch and he created on superb opportunity for tevez with a great pass almost from midfield, but tevez wasted it…he was good overall, he was getting into good positions but the ball was never passed to him, thanks to nani, who was very selfish and had so many long range shots( which was actually okay as we had a good lead already)….
And Thanks to keane for a superb goal
March 20th, 2008 at 16:28
Thanks for the game breakdown Vikas. Fortunately I managed to download the game and just finished watching it. I’m generally in agreement with you on the game.
REDD75; Hargo is fine at RB but he is certainly not as good as a healthy or young Gary Neville and not in the same league as the fantastic Philip Lahm who is world class either on the right or the left. He probably could do just as good a job as Brown though and thats not putting Wes down. Hargo is pretty damned good and very flexible.