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:
- Rooney Out For A Month
- Man Utd v Stoke: Preview
- Man Utd v Everton: Preview
- Man Utd v Spurs match thread
- Porto it is then…
Tags: Manchester United News
Opti (541)
Stephen (479)
RedDevilEddy (459)
Craig Mc (345)
Moscow is my heaven (272)
What’s the problem with Ronaldo. he is the captain of Portugal and we all know he can handle a presure
Like?
0 
0
I don’t know that looks to be a potentially exciting midfield. We’ll see though.
Like?
0 
0
Drogba scores. All 3 teams level on points at top of the league
Like?
0 
0
Maybe we’ll play a 3-5-2..
Like?
0 
0
here’s my formation with this squad:
3-5-2
Pique Vidic O’Shea
Hargo
Nani Fletch Ando Ron
Tevez Saha
Like?
0 
0
OFFICIAL RONALDO=LEGEND!!!or BEST…
Like?
0 
0
1-0
Ronaldo
Thats the captain
equaling George Best record
Like?
0 
0
that boy ronaldo!!! done it again…wrap this game up quickly boys
Like?
0 
0
the d is a little shaky, but I love the midfield.
Like?
0 
0
Ronaldo Ronaldo Ronaldo!!!!!
Like?
0 
0
1-1
Woodgate equalised for the Spurs
Like?
0 
0
That’s the early goal i was talking about!!!
Like?
0 
0
What a Goal!!! fantastic
Like?
0 
0
Holy Sh$t!!
Like?
0 
0
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
Like?
0 
0
well, that’s a wrap. 3 points ahead, off you go
Like?
0 
0
maybe they can tell bolton to stop playing and give both sides a much needed rest before the weekend?
Like?
0 
0
1-2 to Chelsea
Like?
0 
0
wat a fantastic free kick from cristiano. my my watch out looserpool.
Like?
0 
0
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.
Like?
0 
0
good half, looks like it will like the pompey game though.
Like?
0 
0
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!!!!!!!!!!
Like?
0 
0
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…
Like?
0 
0
I don’t know how Ferguson does it. I would have given Saha his walking ticket long ago.
Like?
0 
0
oh great saha is injured, anderson was a bit quiet today
Like?
0 
0
Yes!3-3 what a goal!
Like?
0 
0
Nani and Tevez is hopeless..
I don’t think we should stick with Tevez until he leaves us.
Like?
0 
0
Shit!
Like?
0 
0
Robbie keane motha fucka!what a game 4 fuckin 4!come on spurs!
Like?
0 
0
Oh dam berbatov could have won it!its all good!4-4!
Like?
0 
0
o wow never use tevez again because of 1 bad game? you make me sick and pissed.
Like?
0 
0
Spurs VS Chelski 4:4. Shit should have watched at least the 2nd half
Like?
0 
0
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.
Like?
0 
0
oooooohhhh what a fukin night lads. Here we go here we go here we go
Like?
0 
0
Oh, you can do whatever you want, sick, pissed, shit.. But is there anyone here thinks he is worth 30mil?
Like?
0 
0
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.
Like?
0 
0
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.
Like?
0 
0
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)
Like?
0 
0
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.
Like?
0 
0
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.
Like?
0 
0
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.
Like?
0 
0
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
Like?
0 
0
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.
. All in all it was a good day, but it should have been 4:0 or 5:1.
Positives are 3 points, rest to some players, good lesson for Nani(who is really selfish) and more arrogant Ronaldo
Like?
0 
0
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!
Like?
0 
0
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?
Like?
0 
0
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.
Like?
0 
0
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.
Like?
0 
0
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?
Like?
0 
0
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.
Like?
0 
0
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……………..
Like?
0 
0