Oct 21
Man Utd v Celtic: Preview
Pre-match prattle: The usual media bollocks about the battle of Britain. As if United and Celtic are the English and Scottish first eleven, respectively; get England to actually play Scotland in a friendly in the first place, for fuck’s sake!
Ok, that’s the anger part out of the way… now let’s get a little quotesy.
Ferguson talks about Rafa da Silva and how he’s given him a good selection headache:
“In football, when a guy turns the corner you cannot do anything about it. Rafael is a great talent and his performances are telling me I have another problem at right-back. It is a learning process playing against that power and experience. Premier League football is not easy. I didn’t realise how big Brunt was and what a nice left foot he had, so that presented a challenge for Rafael. For periods in the game he was finding his way and it was only when I was going to take him off that he started to play the way we know he can. He was excellent. The positions he took up and the penetration from deep positions was absolutely superb. It gives me a selection problem that is good for the club.”
The other bit from Fergie was about the prospect of playing Tevez, Rooney and Berbatov in the same starting XI:
“My torment… It is very difficult trying to gauge whether I can play the three of them together. I have been thinking about it for a couple of weeks now. It is possible, with one of them playing in behind. It is a very difficult situation because they are all terrific players.”
There is some more from the boss, but then I am done being quotesy.
In team news, Anderson and Tevez return to the squad while there are reports that say Fergie might rest Ronaldo. This should pave the way for Nani to get a start — something that’s been rare for him this season — and give him a chance to remind the gaffer of his ability.
I think Tevez will start alongside Berbatov although, I suspect, Rooney wouldn’t like to be benched against a team like Celtic. Perhaps, he could play all three in which case someone would have to be shunted wide. Which, to me, isn’t a bright idea. I think it’ll be Nani and Park on the wings, Tevez-Berbatov upfront, Fletcher-Giggs in the middle and Neville-Rio-Vidic-EvraO’Shea at the back with EVDS taking his place between the sticks — in a 4-4-2.
Prediction: 2-0 to United.
I suppose that’s enough preview. This thread’s open folks, as always. Over to you
Related items from Red Rants:
- Man Utd v Stoke: Preview
- Man Utd v Everton: Preview
- Man Utd v Spurs match thread
- Porto it is then…
- Rooney Out For A Month
Tags: Game Preview
October 21st, 2008 at 17:46
I just wish rooney scores a brace today.For me ronaldo siiting out could be a blessing in disguise and maybe NANI would atlast show us why we paid 19mil for him…BTW did you guys read about Gordon Strachan going behind Fergies back and signing for another club during his time as a player both at United and Aberdeen….Wily little prick would say …HE and ronaldo might have something in common after all…..
October 21st, 2008 at 18:10
Start tevez and rooney today, just so Rooney keeps his form up. Then I say bring on Berba around the 65 mark for Rooney, cause he surely needs a break.
October 21st, 2008 at 18:12
Ive seen a few 3-0 predictions on here but I really think its going to be a lot tougher than some of us are anticipating…This is going to be Celtics cup final and they are going to play out of their skins so we’ll have to come out firing and match their intensity right from the off. We’ll just need a Fletcherinho crunching tackle to get the blood flowing!!!
And oh yeah, saturday will be Evertons cup final so thats going to be another difficult as shit match…
October 21st, 2008 at 18:36
my starting XI would be
EVDS
nev-rio-vidic-oshea
park-fletch-nani
tevez
rooney-berbatov
cant wait
October 21st, 2008 at 18:37
I dont think rooney will be dropped with the form hes finally found…i think fergie will play rooney and berbatov,tevez on the left,nani on the right or ronaldo and fletch and anderson in the middle…2-0 united
October 21st, 2008 at 18:52
Man Utd 4-0 Celtic
We are gonna kick some serious green-and-white ass tonight!!
Last season we beat Wigan 4-0 and that kickstarted a run of games where we scored 4 goals or more for 5 games in a row (I think…) and I can see something similar happening here too….
October 21st, 2008 at 18:55
Agree with Maroon 14 – Ronaldo resting this one is out is perfect chance for Nani to turn it on, and I’ve got high hopes for this lad – especially as when (if) Ronaldo packs his bags, Nani is our starting right winger who hopefully will get better and wiser with his decision making, however i am fond of the lad. Looking at Fletcher too tonight, he’s surely one of the most underated in the League yet it’s hard to remember when he last playing a bad game.
3-1 United my prediction – Rooney, Nani and Tevez to score!
Peas out lads!
Oh – and for those who can’t get ITV for some reason, here’s an in-browser link to the game;
http://www.ustream.tv/videoplayerpopup/channel/327975
Over n out.
:0)
October 21st, 2008 at 18:56
Team
VDS
vidic evans oshea gary
ronnie anderson fletch nani
roon berba
October 21st, 2008 at 18:58
Subs
PIG,Brown,Giggs,Park,Rafael,Gibson,Tevez
October 21st, 2008 at 19:01
@m34ch: u can watch da match on itv website coz da match iz cumin on ITV
October 21st, 2008 at 19:07
team news?
October 21st, 2008 at 19:08
GRRR!!
C’mon!! 
could time move any slower?? geez, I’m like a kid waitin for the cookies to bake 
Anyone got team news, something, anything, just gimme somethin, I need a fix!!!
October 21st, 2008 at 19:08
No Tevez, Evans for Rio and G Nev, Andy, Ronaldo, Fletch, Nani, Berba, Rooney
October 21st, 2008 at 19:12
Madness, i want rafael, not neville.
October 21st, 2008 at 19:12
@RedAllTheWay: Yeah I know fella; was just thinking of any outside-UK IP’s might not work on the ITV website, I wasn’t sure. Better to be safe than not being able to see United play! Or for any other silly reason people might struggle to view the game thats all.
Come on the lads!
Peas out.
October 21st, 2008 at 19:16
@dan(u-ol): Fergie probably thought too risky playing Evans and Rafael.
October 21st, 2008 at 19:18
@m34ch: Thank you for the link.
October 21st, 2008 at 19:18
Ronnie playing today… and Tevej again on the bench…
October 21st, 2008 at 19:19
@Stephen: good point, makes sense.
October 21st, 2008 at 19:25
Fergie: Ronny you need rest
Ronny: Shall i go to Real Madrid Then?
Fergie: NO NO PLS DON’T….YOUR PLAYING
October 21st, 2008 at 19:33
Come on nani my son. Prove all the haters wrong. Have a blinder son.
October 21st, 2008 at 19:36
@dan(u-ol): Why caps son? You don’t get it, do you?
October 21st, 2008 at 19:38
@m34ch: soz. didnt think like that
October 21st, 2008 at 19:38
DAn:Spot on mate looks like nobody can trust fergie’s pre-match interviews nowadays he seems to send the wrong information all the time…LAst time he said rooney was injured and would not make it to the Blackburn Game….well This time it is Mr.Slave’s turn….
October 21st, 2008 at 19:40
@Red Ranter: son?…
Sorry about the caps, its from 606, copied ‘n’ paste. It made me chuckle a little, so i thought i should post it on here. i didnt take notice of the caps, sorry.
October 21st, 2008 at 19:45
Breaking news… Both Ronnie and Berba found laughing…
3-0 to United…
October 21st, 2008 at 19:55
@dan(u-ol): It was a figure of speech mate. You clearly are not my son.
October 21st, 2008 at 20:02
October 21st, 2008 at 20:16
Berbatov come on!
October 21st, 2008 at 20:17
Ah Daniel-son!!
October 21st, 2008 at 20:21
Haha silvestre scores an own goal!they are still winning though…
October 21st, 2008 at 20:21
Dimitaaaar Berrrbatov
October 21st, 2008 at 20:24
offside! Linesman just ruined the game
October 21st, 2008 at 20:27
the goal stands mate!!!!1
October 21st, 2008 at 20:28
@Gabriel: O’Shea has been one of our better players, no need to criticise him! He’s been better than Anderson anyway
October 21st, 2008 at 20:30
and then he does that
October 21st, 2008 at 20:32
@Liam: not critisising mate, just a playful dig at him
u have to admit, his passing does raise some question marks, doesn’t it? 
October 21st, 2008 at 20:32
Whats HAppened with Andy this year he looks like SHITE!!!
October 21st, 2008 at 20:36
@RedAllTheWay: No worries mate, and btw I reckon 3-0 now not 2-1 like I said before ha!
Nani’s have a blinder too; well pleased!
Peas out, come on the lads!
October 21st, 2008 at 20:37
United are on form tonight. I can see us scoring a hat full if they can really click.
Nani has been brilliant this half, taking it past people and putting in crosses at the correct time instead of holding onto the ball for half an hour. Now all he needs to do is cross with accuracy and he’ll be there!!
October 21st, 2008 at 20:38
Nani’s been so impressive… Berba tried hard to smile…
Now we know one difference between him and Cantona… Cantona can act and Berba cannot…
October 21st, 2008 at 20:39
Anderson hasnt done anything wrong…hes passed the ball well..its just he hasnt been involved too much.And his surging runs are nowhere to be seen..sometimes i feel he would blossom better in a team where he has less defensive responsiblity…nani looks fantastic.
October 21st, 2008 at 20:39
1st Half summary – We haven’t looked lethal at all, some good touches but no end product. Celtic have packed midfield but have created 2-3 chances of their own..2nd half should be more of the same but it will become more open after 60min. We should win 2-0 or 3-0. Man of the match so far – Nani (surprise!)
October 21st, 2008 at 20:40
And who says O’Shea is playing shite… he already has one assist…
October 21st, 2008 at 20:41
@maroon 14: Um…what has he done to be called Shite? He is doing playing neat and tidy, not setting the world alight but thats not his role in this team. Get off him
October 21st, 2008 at 20:41
@maroon 14: Andy’s comin into form, don’t worry ’bout it mate…
October 21st, 2008 at 20:43
Good corners from Nani, they are all going into dangerous areas with a good amount of pace
October 21st, 2008 at 20:45
I can’t help myself, I’m rolling on the floor watching O’shea pass the ball, bless him
He’s great defensively, but his offensive technique is just awful 
October 21st, 2008 at 20:45
So far hasn’t been Waynes best game…giving the ball away too easily for my liking. Oh well, hopefully he’ll get on the score sheet thought to keep his hot streak going and keep his confidence up
October 21st, 2008 at 20:54
Drew vader: I was talking about the vast difference we see from last year…Don’t tell me he had an attacking role last year!!!
October 21st, 2008 at 20:54
Game over !
October 21st, 2008 at 20:57
3 awful decisions by the linesman
at least one was against us.. wanna bet the papers ignore that one 
October 21st, 2008 at 20:58
D.I.M.I.T.A.R. Poacher extraordinare. Both offside goals in my opinion but the thing is that’s the kind of advantage a great poacher gives you. A guy who plays like that quite often gets the benefit of the doubt in situations like that. Memories of RVN.
October 21st, 2008 at 20:59
Berbaaaaaaa,,,BAd luck rooney
October 21st, 2008 at 20:59
Stupid fucking linesman! The Irish commentators are pissing themselves laughing at him. Let’s both of Berbatov’s offside goals count and rules out Rooney’s perfectly good goal. Unbelievable!
October 21st, 2008 at 21:01
@Grognard: and people said he wasn’t a goal scorer
his positioning and touches are just fantastic!!
October 21st, 2008 at 21:02
does anyone have another stream link
besides this http://www.ustream.tv/videoplayerpopup/channel/327975
it freezes every few seconds
October 21st, 2008 at 21:04
Wow what a pass!dam berbatov is quality…
October 21st, 2008 at 21:22
October 21st, 2008 at 21:46
Seriously, berbatov is a key player in this team now. His presence and passes bring the team to another whole new level…
Good performance from the lads, but not great. We never got out of 1st gear but still got a comfortable win due to negative tactics from Celtic. When will all these teams learn that playing 9 men behind the ball doesn’t make a difference at Old Trafford, our quality will always prevail!!
I reckon we need an extra winger, I mean we literally just have three now, with giggs employing a central role now. What if one of them got injured? We will seriously be short in numbers there.. not overly urgent, but worth looking at…
October 21st, 2008 at 21:49
@Grognard: i thought the same bro, good memories of RVN mixed with Eric
@Liam: Its just been a matter of time, some people don’t have any patience, fucking glad Fergie wasn’t one of them!!
“met a lad the other day
he said he met the white Pele
i said to him who was that?
he goes by the name of Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney, Wayne Rooney
he goes by the name Wayne Rooney”
pity he doesn’t wear green on international duty!
October 21st, 2008 at 21:52
@Grognard: “D.I.M.I.T.A.R. Poacher extraordinare. Both offside goals in my opinion but the thing is that’s the kind of advantage a great poacher gives you. A guy who plays like that quite often gets the benefit of the doubt in situations like that. Memories of RVN.
”
My sentiments exactly, play to the whistle. Thats what I was tought.
Good show from our lads today, and how many miles did Tevez cover once he arrived! F***king awesome to watch; nice to see a desire from the lad, I really hope we do sign him long time.
Peas out.
October 21st, 2008 at 21:56
@Liam: I agree mate! His finishing quality has been terrific these past few games…should have had a brace today (denied due to brilliant linesmanship).
Second half was just as expected, similar to the first. Celtic only started playing with more attacking intent once they knew the game was lost. Berba is just brilliant and we looked weaker when he was substituted. Nani became poorer in the second half with his crosses and wasn’t involved as much. Ronaldo looks to have Rooney’s problem of last season – he seems to be thinking too much with the ball at his feet rather than taking instant action.
October 21st, 2008 at 21:56
anderson and fletcher had a great game, bossed the midfield. Can someone please explain to me why o’shea is still at our club? we have had 3 bench warmers since the CL1999 in fletch, o’shea and brown. All considered good players, but not really united quality, but can still do a decent job when called upon. Now, brown is englands first-choice RB, and is a CL winner in which he played the majority of the games, and fletcher is the scotland captain and arguably deserves a place in the starting line-up, where as JOS, does not. He has no technical ability at all, he’s the crappiest RB i have ever seen. and is only semi-decent at LB.
October 21st, 2008 at 22:01
Johnny Evans, outstanding prospect.
Berba, outstanding decision making and awareness.
Rooney, like a kid in the playground, outstanding enthusiasm.
October 21st, 2008 at 22:04
@dan(u-ol): O’Shea has played every single position on the football pitch for United at one point or another! Yes, even keeper – he’s a f**king legend, albeit a B-movie star appearing at the Theatre of Dreams
Me, I like the fella – he’s a good lad and anyone who’s played every single outfield position and Keeper has got to be given a bit of a big-up, even if he cocks-up now and again. Lest we forget his goal at Liverpool in the last minute last year! Get in!
Peas out.
October 21st, 2008 at 22:04
I’m still not convinced about Tevez though..why does he try to hold on to the ball when he could just pass it? A prime example being when Ronaldo could have easily scored today from 5 yards if Tevez had just sidefooted it to him instead of trying to get past the defender when he had nowhere to go!
October 21st, 2008 at 22:06
@antsBoy: because tevez has been on the bench for over a month and has got something to prove. if he was playing regualarly, he would pass more instead of doing everything himself.
im off to bed, night.
October 21st, 2008 at 22:07
@dan(u-ol): Bring on Fabio!
October 21st, 2008 at 22:09
@dan(u-ol):
John O Shea had a decent game for fucks sake, do you know more than Fergie? Its been said before, he is our ultimate utility player. He’s played in every position in a red shirt, including goalkeeper! He’s scored important goals, remember against the scousers and saved us at times. OK he doesn’t set the world alight, but he did the job that was asked of him, well.
October 21st, 2008 at 22:09
Is it me or when Fletch and Ando play together we switch to two Center mids with Anderson the deeper one? Why not play Anderson like we did Giggs and let Fletch continue his role as a holding player? Maybe it’s a seniority thing and Fletch just goes forward when playing with Ando, but keeps his runs in check when with Giggs
who knows, but I would like to see Ando roam more up the pitch like Giggsy has done the previous two games he has played. I reckon he can do a more effective job in that role if given the freedom to play there consistently, it’s all about confidence.
The ‘Roonatov’ or should I say ‘Berney’
connection is really flourishing at the mo… this is why I wanted Berba over Huntelaar. Both great players, but one brings more to the team than the other. Apparently, he suffered a minor hip injury (according to Fergie) but I hope he’s alrite to play our next game. We should give Rooney a rest, he was gasping for air in the final few minutes. Give Tevez a run out with Berba against the blue scousers on Saturday.
October 21st, 2008 at 22:11
@dan(u-ol): He’s been benched for only three matches – against Allborg, Blackburn and Celtic. Getting an assist first would be a step in the right direction according to me.
October 21st, 2008 at 22:12
@m34ch: now thats funny bro! same comment almost!
October 21st, 2008 at 22:13
How good is Jonny Evans?
And he was our best player in the last 15 min of the game, imo.
On the one hand Celtic were pretty toothless upfront, yet it seems we barely missed Rio!
Ronaldo – clearly he has lost a yard of pace, as he can’t seem to turn around defenders as easily as he did last year.
I’ll just have to ask – is there a “I can’t play well when he’s playing well” syndrome between Roo and Ron? Oh, well I’d take Rooney everytime over Ronnie!
October 21st, 2008 at 22:20
@m34ch: @phoenix red: John O’shea is simply awful in midfield! However, he’s actualy decent at LB, and I reckon he could even do the job at CB. Howver, considering the number of excelent options we have everywhere in defence, I’d only consider him at LB, and that, only if Fabio is unavailable.
October 21st, 2008 at 22:21
@antsBoy: I think Tevez in that instance was just taking a cue from Wayne Rooney’s book. Rooney was shooting at every chance he got and scored, and I reckon Tevez thought he might do the same. Besides, he knew he needed a goal, if anything, just to relieve the pressure mounting and regain his confidence. An assist is alright, but a goal would have been better.
I think he’s gonna get a run out this Saturday, SAF said after the match (when asked about Roonatov) that it was also important to establish a relationship btw Berbatov and Tevez. Tevez has been speakig about his goal -scoring instincts deserting him and I personally think he should try as many shots as he can so his goal scoring confidence won’t be shot down. He will definitely score, just a matter of time.
October 21st, 2008 at 22:24
@dan(u-ol): @antsBoy: Actually even when Tevez was playing regularly his decision making was already suspicious. Now its even more so blatant because our two starting strikers are bloody good at both finishing and passing at the moment.
October 21st, 2008 at 22:27
@phoenix red: Haha – almost word for word!
Niceone.
October 21st, 2008 at 22:30
@NicoQB: Evans is pure class mate!
I said this some time ago, he plays and moves so much like Rio; elegant and effortless. It’s like he doesn’t have to break a sweat. The boy definitely has a future at OT. I think we’ll see a regular rotation btw Rio, Vida and Evans this season with maybe Brown deputising in extreme emergencies.
With regards to Ronaldo’s pace, I think it’s down to two things; fitness and confidence. He is not up to full fitness, hence cannot execute most of the moves, skills and tricks we have become accustomed to seeing. This will only affect his confidence negatively, especially for a winger whose main job is to dribble and beat defenders. It’s all a matter of time, and you can see the frustration on his face. According to Fergie, he was the one that persisted the gaffer into playing him, he’s that determined to get back to his regular form. I wouldn’t be too worried mate, he has started all the games for club and country since his return from injury, so if anything, he is also a bit fatigued, like CQ said.
October 21st, 2008 at 22:33
Okay, here comes the view from the noisy feckin terraces
. My MOTM without any feckin hesitation, Johnny (the fighting Irish) Evans. He was solid and brilliant. Celtic would have had a couple of goals, when their players broke through, but Johnny did a Rio, knicking the ball off their toes in the nick of time. Bloody magic.
Little man Nani, cannot believe he had a better game than my man Ronnie
. Got some great balls into the box, from corners and beating the full back. His first half was better than the second. If he can get it right, with his decision making when loitering just on edge of box, and improve his vision in this, he will do us proud. They are saying on MUTV at this moment about the lad, that the thing he needs to improve his decision making even further, IS MORE GAMES. So they agree with you on MUTV Grog 
.
Ronnie’s fancy dan footwork dribbling is not comeing off for him at the moment, but he did good with the free kick that led to Berba’s 2nd goal. Otherwise, he wasn’t really in the match.
Edwin was sound tonight. With Vid and Evans in front of him mopping everything up. I thought our right side was tightened up when Wes came on, for me Wes should be 1st choice for that position. Gary is great on the overlapping, but his defending seems to have gone a bit to pot.
Rooney was feckin robbed again. His goal should have stood, so he would have two tonight, and he would have deserved it. Started again with his maurauding all over the bloody pitch again though, in latter part of 2nd half. Still, he had the best 2nd half, but was quiet and not solid on the ball in 1st half. Can’t complain about him though. His 2nd half was sensational. Count Berbatov, always in the right place at the right time in the box. Players just need to get used to finding him more. His reaction volleys are superb. Go Berba. Tevs final ball always seemed to fall short tonight, but couldn’t fault his effort.
The fans were in full feckin throttle tonight. Banter, chanting, shouting, screaming, swearing, laughing, joking, giving it large to the Celtic fans. I have come away bloody exhausted
. The Celtic fans credit to them though, made it a fantastic atmosphere and sang for the green and whites til the last minute of the game. Celtic park here I come 
.
October 21st, 2008 at 22:38
@Gabriel: And that’s precisely what bugs me in the first place . You’re spot on, on your take of what’s going on in Tev’s head, but the fact is if that if he starts taking all chances that falls in his way, chances are that little will come out of it as more often than not, his shooting is off target…(as opposed to his finishing, that is directing the ball without much power).
Still he’s not as bad as Ando
What I personally think Tev should improve most in his game is his passing, as his diminutive presence means he’s never going to be a front line striker, hence either a SS or left sided or right sided striker, requiring at least some passing skills. Its the fundamental diference with Wayne Rooney- when Roo is having a “bad” game or a bad patch of games, we can still expect him to provide a few assists, which is not the case of of Tev.
October 21st, 2008 at 22:44
@antsBoy: Ronaldo could have scored too, when Fletcher blazed the ball over, instead of getting the sitter of a goal available to him. Ronnie was stood two feet away, and would have slotted that home if Fletch had given the ball to him
.
October 21st, 2008 at 22:46
@NicoQB: Oops I think that sounded like some bashing exercise..
not my intention 
October 21st, 2008 at 22:49
@Gabriel: @Craig Mc: And the arse struggling to get real taleted defenders (Senderos, anyone
), nipping easter island head from us for him to do us a favour too! 
I’d like Rio partenering Evans against Everton!
October 21st, 2008 at 22:53
@NicoQB: Mate, I’ve been saying this about Tevez for quite some time, Tevez just needs to work on his passing and positioning, that’s all. He is a great dribbler and can beat opponents, but as a striker or supporting striker, he needs to assist(pass) more or be in more goal-scoring positions (he’s been complaining about scoring, yet he still drops deep). People put me down when I say this because he shows tenacity and desire, but these are traits he fell back on when his striking instincts were not working effectively for him.
He never played this deep or with so much ‘tenacity’ in Corinthians, I watched a few of his games, he was always in and around the box. He should adopt that mentality here and work on his passing game, he is still young and can improve in that aspect. If he could assist, coupled with his dribbling skills, he could become a very great striker. He can shoot and score, we all know that, but he’s never in those positions anymore. Maybe in the next game, we’ll see him adopt a more disciplined forward position, cuz that’s only when his performances are gonna yield the tangible results(goals, assists) that he yearns for.
October 21st, 2008 at 22:57
@NicoQB: agree with you there bro, Jonny fuckin awesome Evans, he was class today, composed and in control of the box. We didn’t miss Rio today and thats saying something
For me a sad Ronaldo isn’t good for him or his football, i feel like Rooney before, he just needs a couple of good goals to get him going. I noticed on Sat that no songs were sung until he scored, make no mistake he’s feeling the scorn of the OT faithful. There hasn’t been any booing but the unbridled adulation he recieved in the past is over. I was so pissed off at him this summer, i wanted to sell him to the fascists. But Fergie had a chat and he’s ours for one more season. Now, I’m starting to feel sorry for him, not because of his “dream”, but because of his performances. We all need Ronaldo to start playing near his best, for the good of the team and our ambitions this year, i dont heed any of the Rooney verses Ronaldo bullshit.As long as he wears red he gets my support, but i completely understand why some fans dont sing his songs so much. Isn’t it ironic how he looks like he needs a couple of goals to win us back?!
October 21st, 2008 at 23:03
@NicoQB:
the ironic part was what Wenger said about Silvestre before the game, “He is the one who can lead the defence and the team. He has experience. I believe he has played on every single pitch in Europe… He is a very professional guy and I am confident he will be the guide of the back four.” 
October 21st, 2008 at 23:04
Evans better with Vida IMO.
Have only seen parts of the game, but we seemed to outclass those Scots; really glad Rooney scored again and I think Berba is hitting top form. If he can keep Rooney on form and score like that, he will have been worth about 40% of the 30 mil we payed for him. Jokes. He’s a really good player.
October 21st, 2008 at 23:08
@Gabriel: Hehe, I always thought I was alone (ok perhaps grog too took this stance) in this appraisl of tevez. Its just frustrating, because someone not watching play regularly would think he’s a great player becvause of his energy and skill.
It seems to me that he too could benefit from a rollikicking from Don Fabio!
October 21st, 2008 at 23:12
@Andrei: Agree that Evans should probably partner Vida when he plays (the tried and trusted class+tough man partnership), but I’d like to see how we’d fare with two “classy” defenders! For once…
October 21st, 2008 at 23:18
@phoenix red: Oh I do agree, he better start banging in the goals, else his market value is sure to drop, meaning real scum would get him on the cheap!
Just wondered also if Ronnie’s the one who gains the least now that we have a confirmed forward line up. Oh well, it just proves that in no way he would have scored 35 at real, where raul is the living god.
OK guys, me tuck in now…
October 21st, 2008 at 23:32
@Craig Mc: hows the craic bro? Good to see “your little? man Nani” having a good game, he’s coming along nicely now. He needs to be a regular starter and more composure will come.
and he brings more, intelligent football. We are watching the dawn of a new Legend.
Berba was fuckin class tonight, he is now a must in our starting lineup, Count Berba alright, count the fuckin goals and assists,
Those Celtic fans are something!! I was over for Keano’s testimonial and they really impressed me then, they could teach manys a fan how to support their football club. Some passion
October 21st, 2008 at 23:33
Three champions league matches. Three clean sheets. Impressive stuff. After looking shaky at the start of the season I am delighted our defence is starting to be shorn up. Anderson and Fletcher are very solid in the middle and helped us dominate possession.
I do not know why Anderson was sold as the second coming of Ronaldinho. To me he seems like Edgar Davids: solid in possession, lots of energy, good tackler, no nonsense.
Ronaldo looked very subdued. None of his dribbles were really coming off and his shots were wild. His passing was really good though and he was doing some nice one-twos. Nani on the other hand made some amazing dribbles and some pretty decent crosses but his passing just isn’t there.
Berbatov made an amazing contribution. He will never be really involved in play but the touches he made were sublime and the goals were well taken.
Tevez is looking like Rooney early in the season. He is trying much too hard and playing too deep. For me his main attributes are his dribbling and his shooting and his ability to win the ball. But he cannot do any damage with either of those qualities if he plays so deep.
October 21st, 2008 at 23:34
I just love seeing Berba in red. I know the site is called RedRANT (excuse the caps… there for emphasis) but I feel some people are too quick to criticise on here.
Ando: So much drive and energy, as strong as anything going and keeps possession almost all the time.
Nani: Decision making shocking at times but other times looks incicive, pacy and very clever at creating space for crosses and shots.
Both gave more than expected last year so stop bashing them and be happy we have too of the best young players in Europe.
October 21st, 2008 at 23:38
I still dont think there is anything to worry about on the Ronaldo front. He doesnt look happy playing for club or country. That is clearly form-based.
If he were laughing it up on the field for Portugal and sulking for us, then yeah, I’d say he isnt happy with us.
Look at the training pics. He’s having a great time with the team and he’s been very professional and humble and has gone about his job since he came back.
I dont know what else you can ask of him. Kiss the badge (like Adebayor)? Nani flip? Suck up to the fans? That simply isnt who he is.
October 21st, 2008 at 23:58
and did i mention thats 2 out of 2 for me in score predictions,
maybe i should start giving the bookies some of my hard earned cash 
October 22nd, 2008 at 0:00
Well that was a very nice and very deserved win even though we scored two offside goals. I had to go out and so I missed most of the second half as well as Rooney’s goal. Still, I thought United had their way with Celtic even though the opponents came close a couple of times. Poor Ronaldo just seems snake bitten. The only luck he has is bad luck. Coming back from a foot injury is tough because you cannot keep your self in shape. He has struggled to find his cardiovascular conditioning. You can see times where he looks a bit winded. Believe me, I can relate of late. The difference is I feel when walking from my bedroom to the kitchen. Hopefully he will regain that form soon. Don’t panic. It took him 7 or 8 games last year before he started to score in prolific manner.
I’ll offer more on how I think everybody played after I watch the game over again. I will say however that I love Dimitar Berbatov and I want to bare his children. I love poachers. They may not always score pretty goals but they win games.
October 22nd, 2008 at 0:03
Massively impressed with Evans..seriously when a 20year deputizes for the best CB in the Premier league and one of the best if not the best CB’s in the world without the teams game suffering any major defesnive lapses in a Champions League match you’ve gotta stand up and take notice. High hopes for him.
October 22nd, 2008 at 0:05
Some of you guys need to lighten up a little. O’shea, andy were shite, Ronny lost a step, tevez runs all day… Its almost as if you are just looking for negatives.
October 22nd, 2008 at 0:06
@Craig Mc: I guess that proves the Grognard’s wisdom is extremely high if the MUTV gang sees things the same way. Hold on while I bite on some humble pie……….OK, that was good.
Nani is showing better decision making sense out there. It’s only a matter of time before he is first choice all the time.
October 22nd, 2008 at 1:09
@johnsom33: give me some examples of O’Shea being shit. He was quite good today and clearly all the players on the team don’t think so because they were only too happy to pass to him at every opportunity. Jesus, its like all some players have to do is be picked to immediately be given a bad performance tag whereas players like Rafael can do whatever they like and still be called amazing (nothing against Rafael its just people get carried away too easily when youth is involved re:Nani and Anderson)
October 22nd, 2008 at 5:22
I think Ronaldo plays pretty well when he combines with someone like Evra. O’Shea is crap going forward (or lets say he fears going forward) so ronnie is often on his own when playing with him. teams would double mark him and subdue his influence.
Just my two cents. Wonderful win though yesternight.
October 22nd, 2008 at 5:45
i just watched the highlights, what a game for the count.
i heard that God made an 11th commandment, and i’m doomed with it, “dont use the count’s name in vain” and that is why i’m stickin my name with sheasy again..
October 22nd, 2008 at 6:03
did the over-rated casillas and the rest of the madrid scum lost to the old lady? i watched the arsenal game and both teams play no defence in the first half so i didnt watched the bloody 2nd.
October 22nd, 2008 at 7:08
@john freakin’ o’shea: Nice one about your name change yo!
Yup, Madrid lost to Juve…but I’m pissed that Zenit didn’t manage to win against Bate, that would have been awesome and then Madrid’s chances of going thru would be look slim. Zenit’s team motto seems to be “Create 1001 chances, take less or equal to 1 of them!”
October 22nd, 2008 at 8:29
Saw the Silvestre own goal. Twasn’t too embarassing for ol’ Silly
Well, so far, Ronaldo hasn’t seemed as high on life as he did last season. As has already been discussed, it could be a couple of reasons. But I don’t think its something as immature as not getting his wish of moving to Madrid. Just wait till he scores an insane free-kick or a header against Arsenal on 8th of Nov, he will be blazing his million dollar cheeky smile all over the place. Its more to do with how confident he is feeling about his ability than anything else, I believe.
I did see him sharing a joke with Berbatov when the teams lined up at kick-off though. A genuine laugh after a long time!
October 22nd, 2008 at 9:00
Player ratings:
VDS – 8: Had little to do, but his two big saves were at 0-0 and neither were routine. Concentration is the name of the game when we’re playing like that, and he stood up to the test.
Gary – 6.5: He’s getting there, but still not back in form. He seemed slightly vunerable, and his crossing was still poor, but he is now getting into the right positions, and providing an outlet. His runs are much smarter than Browns, unfortunately he can’t seem to use them to any good affect yet.
Evans – 8.5: Succeeded every time he was called upon, looked composed and barely gave the ball away. He wasn’t against truly world class centre forwards though, and until then can’t get a 9 IMO
Vidic – 7.5: Barely noticed him playing, which I guess means he had a good game!
Sheasy – 7: Getting some flack on here, but I thought he was good and solid. Even pulled a couple tricks out. He’ll never have the speed and attacking ability of Evra, but he offers a strong option on the flank.
Fletcher – 8: If he’d scored his sitter, would have been close to my MoM, but it was so poor I’ve knocked him down a point (
) He bossed the midfield, made countless important tackles, set the attack on its way…dare I say it but he’s starting to look class out there.
Ando – 7: Quiet, but useful. Had lots of good idea passes, but few came off. Did pressure well and also was ever present as a passing option. Showed great energy and a few moments of classy touches, but he’s definitely not reaching form yet.
Nani – 8: Brilliant in the first half, some of hte best winger play I’ve seen from us in years. Stuck to his touchline and got quality balls into the middle, often skinning his man with ease. Faded in the second half, but if he can just realise he doesn’t need to be Ronaldo part deux and just be a world-class winger, he could be ont o something.
Ronaldo – 6.5: Hopefully it’s the injury, but he seems to have lost some directness this season. In his first two years he spent way too much time holding the ball up, dancing around for a few seconds then falling over when touched, and he’s back to that. He was devestating last year because he did everything with pace and directness. His first touch is still silk, and his passing was good, but he just needs to go straight at his man rather than waiting for them to get backup.
Rooney – 8: Dominating second half, fairly quiet first one. Took both of his goals (ahem) brilliantly, and played some magical passes. I think he’s learning to conserve his energy, and if he can put a performance like the second half in week in/week out then it’s fine with me!
Berba 8.5 (mom): Just class. From his hold up play, his distribution, his first touch and his wonderful bit of poaching – he looked the real deal tonight. Hope that hip gets better soon!
October 22nd, 2008 at 9:38
@phoenix red: The craic on the terraces was in full flow last night. We taunted Celtic players and fans mercilessly, so I think we are in for a verbal scourging revenge bout up at Celtic Park
.
October 22nd, 2008 at 9:56
I thought we were superb last night, Fletcher looked like the reincarnation of Bryan Robson @ times, Anderson really looks off his game which is worrying considering the potential he showed last season. Nani was terrific, a real wingers performance, and Berba is class no doubt.
The person who said Evans is better than Vidic, give me a break one swallow does not make a summer, and Vida has been superb for us, how the memory fades so soon. jeez
October 22nd, 2008 at 10:28
@antsBoy: did giovinco played against real?
October 22nd, 2008 at 11:02
dint watch the match but by following the hread and taking a neutral point of view seems lyk it was a comfortable win even though we dint move from gear 1… thats encouraging to here,,all we need now is for mr slave to start perfoming as we all know he can…otherwise,,the results puts a smile on my face
October 22nd, 2008 at 11:05
@john freakin’ o’shea: I just saw the highlights, but I think he was an unused substitute. That’s what uefa stats say anyway – link
October 22nd, 2008 at 11:18
@antsBoy: thanks for the info.
that giovinco kid plays better than overhyped pato. 
October 22nd, 2008 at 12:48
@Craig Mc: Just out of interest, did I hear Ronaldo’s song sung a few times last night? Or was it another song to the Viva tune (if so, which?) ? I was watching on TV and it wasn’t clear…
October 22nd, 2008 at 12:54
If you guys are feeling bored, check this out – link
Some awesome Spurs jokes in there!
October 22nd, 2008 at 13:35
@Penguin: yeah I heard it too it definately wasn’t the Ronnie song-I am pretty sure Celtic fans sing a similar one so it was probably them
October 22nd, 2008 at 13:46
It was probably Viva John Terry.
October 22nd, 2008 at 14:28
“I was playing Scrabble and had enough letters to make ‘Tottenham Hotspur Football Club’. I was gutted when I found out it was only worth two points.”
-hahaha! absolute quality!
October 22nd, 2008 at 14:35
@Penguin: Penguin, Viva John Terry was sang a few times. Ronnie’s version was sang once or twice, but with only a little more gusto than it has been sung of late
. Ronnie didn’t acknowledge the crowd at all when he was subbed last night, as Red Nev did. So he was criticised on mutv, not just by fans, but David May had a proper go at him too 
. I believe as far as Ronnie is concerned, his love affair with the fans is OVER. Guess we have pissed him off as much as we have shown ourselves to be pissed with him. Well some of us anyway Penguin 
.
October 22nd, 2008 at 14:43
@Craig Mc: You can’t blame the fans for being pissed offf with him for his summer antics, but we should all support him and any player who wears the shirt.
If the players start to feel unrest in the crowd it could effect their performances as we do have a lot of young players, and OT can be an intimidating place even for more established ones.
Lets get behind every player who wears the shirt and be UNITED!
October 22nd, 2008 at 14:44
Stephen mi man, I would not say that Johnny Evans was better than Vidic, if that is what someone said. Yet he is as good, and hardly has let us down in the few games he has played for us. Lets be glad, we have 3 very good centre backs now – yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
.
October 22nd, 2008 at 14:46
@Craig Mc: Shame that – it’s going to get a bit boring if it goes on all season, and I’d love to see a ceasefire…guess it ain’t going to happen anytime soon.
October 22nd, 2008 at 14:49
@Craig Mc: He played well mate, but someone said he is a better player, I agree he played better and looks a real prospect.
Bet you were pleased with Nani, he looked superb last night, an old fashioned winger which we all love at OT.
October 22nd, 2008 at 16:12
Give Ronaldo a break. He is depressed because he is not over his injury yet, lacking in match fitness, playing well below his stellar standards and as a result got hauled off before full time. My heart goes out to him. You cannot fault his effort last night and Celtic gave him a rough time fouling him every time he got the ball. Usually he’d brush those knocks off but when you are low in fitness those sort of knocks can take the wind out of your sails.
You can fault him for ignoring the fans but the way I see it Ronaldo is concentrating on his game. Once his game is back to his best and his tricks are all coming off he will start to enjoy his football again and will be smiling, entertaining us and we will be unable to help cheering for him.
October 22nd, 2008 at 16:18
@Stephen: Pleased as punch for Little man Nani – yes
. If he can now just develop an eye for the pass that makes a difference, and an awereness to release the ball to other players in better positions than him, he will be the feckin bomb 
. I hope United coaches see this and help him develop better decision making. I love the lad. Someone needs to work with him on these things. Wish he was English and Capello could get his hands on him. For sure Capello would bring this lad on trillions 
.
October 22nd, 2008 at 16:22
@Craig Mc: I think that will come with games mate, if he gets a run in the side his decision making will gwt better with his confidence. When you only get the odd game and also being young you try too hard, if he gets a run you will see what a quality player he is, same with Carlos, he looked like he was trying too hard. Fergie did say after the game he wanted to see him play with Berba, who was superb last night, didn’t know he was a box to box midfielder!
October 22nd, 2008 at 16:26
@Penguin: Penguin Bro, I think Ronnie has just gone into ‘Feck you lot’ attitude with the United faithful at the moment. It is like his ’stand off’. Instead of letting himself hurt which is the fans intention he should be, because they were hurt during the summer, he just seems to have withdrawn and cut himself off emotionally, and doesn’t get involved in any dealings with the fans anymore
. Perhaps this is just the way he feels he can best handle the situation.
October 22nd, 2008 at 16:30
@Stephen: I think your right Bro
.
October 22nd, 2008 at 16:35
@Craig Mc: It will be intersting if he and Carlos play on Saturday and Wes come to mention it, as they all seem to be slipping down the pecking order for some reason. It will be a tough game and a bit of Nani magic might make all the difference, it was good with him on one flank and Ronnie on the other, really good balance which we have been lacking.
October 22nd, 2008 at 17:01
@ Stephen – Other great thing of having Nani and Ronaldo on is that Ronnie can get onto the back of deeper crosses, provides a bit of aerial threat we often lack.
October 22nd, 2008 at 17:25
@Stephen: I think Fergie will want to play his EVERGREENS at Everton – Giggsy and Red Nev. One things if for sure, we will need combatants out there, because Everton need points really badly, and will be going all guns blazing to get one over us
. I don’t think he will play two wide men in away games, but he should play Nani on the left IF Evra is out, because Sheasy is not good at getting beyond the last man to get the ball across as Evra is 
. Anderson didn’t have a bad game against Celtic, but he is nowhere near his excellent form of parts of last season. He is trying to get back to his combatant best though. I guess it is hard for some players to get the level of consistency we love to see from them, when they are in and out of the team all the time. I think Tevez needs a full game, and might get a start. Also, can you imagine Rooney not wanting to play at Everton?. World war 3 will break out, and he’ll make sure Fergie is shellshocked if he doesn’t get to play 
. Suppose it depends on Berba’s hip injury. I cannot imagine Berba will be risked if he still has twinges.
October 22nd, 2008 at 17:27
@Beachryan: Very well done. I couldn’y agree with your ratings and comments more. Possibly a little too generous to EVDS. Yes he made a couple of good saves but an 8 rating is deserved for a guy who who basically had to stop at least 6 or more shots in my opinion. He wasn’t overworked to that point.
And I agree with your comments on Ronaldo. For me he has lost a step and his take off from a standing or jogging position isn’t what it used to be. He’s having a Hell of a time trying to get past people in his typical Ronaldo style and part of that is his waiting around. This causes more defenders to enter the area and it really gets congested. Yes he is diving more but in fairness, every time the poor lad gets the ball somebody fouls him. The word is out. To stop him and to get him off his game, you need to get him off his feet and upset him. It’s working. His injury has really caused him to get out of shape and it has slowed his overall game down a half a step. That’s enough to make him human to all the other teams. Still, his sharpness in shooting or free kicks has also taken a real hit. You don’t have to be in peak condition to hit a free kick or to direct a pure sitter on goal but he has had problems. I think he is tired out there and I think he is feeling a lot of pressure to return to form and to perform in order to get the fans that hate him off his back and to win the fans back. He will get all of it back, but the question is when? This surgery and the garbage that went on during the summer has taken it’s toll on Ronny. I’ve forgiven him even though he’s on double secret probation with me.
It’s time the OT crowd showed him some love and let bygones be bygones. Hell, there are worst things that can happen to all of us in the world than to have a footballer declare desire to play for another team. I don’t think his moodiness is unhappiness about playing for us. I think he is frustrated with himself because he is a perfectionist and he knows he is not playing up to par. Scoring a goal just annoys him more because he thinks about the other ones he missed. He has an ego and pride and I for one can relate to him even though my sporting exploits can not be measured with his. All I know is when you have high expectations of yourself, 75% is not good enough. Sometimes 100% is not good enough. And like I said a few days ago, when I did something well like scoring a goal (hockey) or score a touchdown, I acted like I’d been there before. It was a pride thing. Especially when I was playing poorly. Doing something good in those circumstances just made me feel like it was about time and I was just to disgusted to celebrate. It’s like when you score the consolation goal for your team after they are beating you 6-0. You don’t feel like celebrating because your pride and your ego has taken a beating. That sums up Ronaldo. Hopefully the real Ronny will be back soon.
October 22nd, 2008 at 17:42
@Stephen: It’s funny how everybody seems so concerned with whats up with Anderson. The truth is nothing. He wasn’t that good to begin with and all last year I was stating the fact that he was all energy and drive with very little talent to show for himself. Yes a couple of nice through balls and strength in dribbling and fighting off tacklers but his lack of finesse, shooting ability and short passing vision had me believing that all he was cut out to be was a prospective CDM.
I got flack for those comments and I probably will receive them again but the fact remains, Anderson is a decent footballer but he is vastly overrated and his contributions and skills have been blown way out of proportion. I like the lad but he really doesn’t light my fire out there and he never has. In fact, if I was choosing the lineup out there Hargo, Scholes Carrick and even Fletcher would get the nod from me over him. Hell, I’d have no problem picking Possebon over him too.
Quite often everything Andy does right up to the time when he has to deliver the telling pass or take the shot is quite good. But that’s where it ends because the shot is usually shite and his telling passes lack the vision and precision because he is always playing at top speed. He needs to have better body control and his speed and desire do not lend themselves well to precision and finesse. That is where his game really falls off. And this season it’s showing because Fergie has lost a bit of confidence in the lad. He sees that the boy has regressed rather than progressed and at Man Utd, there is no time to for that kind of stuff.
I sincerely hope one day the lad can prove me wrong but right now I once again come across as prophetic in nature as I was one of the few voices in the wilderness who made the claims that Andy was not everything many made him out to be. Some fans just get enthused far to easily for my tastes. Anderson for me was much ado about nothing. Sorry.
October 22nd, 2008 at 17:43
@Craig Mc: If that’s the case and Ronaldo has gone into ‘feck you lot’ mode as you say, then that will be very sad, for him. I personally don’t think that is the case rather it has to do with his performance but if he is actually adopting that said attitude, then he would prove all his detractors right in saying he has an over-inflated ego and offensive arrogance.
The fans have been very gracious to him, given his actions this summer. He was greeted on his return with a standing ovation and his song is still sung on the terraces, although not as much, but what did he expect? If he is expecting the crowd to automatically cheer like they did last season, then he is being naive. In fact, he has done nothing on the pitch this season that warrants cheering of last season’s magnitude, yet he does get cheered and got a round of applause when subbed off last night, in recognition for his desire to play despite fatigue. If that’s not the fans showing enough love, I don’t know what is.
All this talk about the fans not showing him love… I don’t know where it comes from, so far they have showed him more than his recent performances warrants and that is because they are still grateful for his services to the club. I know some fans are cross with him, but the fact that he stil gets these standing ovations, songs and rounds of applause at OT fans means that a majority of fans still love and appreciate him. I personally, feel he knows this and is just upset at his performance levels… some people are just sensationalising this issue and making it seem like it’s Ronaldo vs the fans when it so clearly isn’t
October 22nd, 2008 at 17:50
@Grognard: I sort of agree mate, he was excellent against Liverpool and Arsenal but was very poor in the champions league and the latter part of last season.
I suppose he is still young and learning what his game is, and I am not sure is he a want to be Davids or a want to be Ronaldinho? and I am not sure if he knows.
He certainly can’t score which for an attacking player is a worry, but has lots of energy, what do you think about Yoann Gourcuff, I have always been quite impressed with him and looks like a player again under Blanc, and would probably would be quite cheap?
October 22nd, 2008 at 17:59
@Gabriel: Look Gabriel, don’t blame me. People were talking about Ronnie on the terraces last night. That he wasn’t since he came back interacting with the crowd. Few around us believed it was down to him being upset because he hasn’t hit form yet, and is unhappy with himself. It has been very noticeable, and if your blind to it, or don’t want to admite it fine. Last night people were phoning in to mutv questioning Ronnie’s snubbing of the crowd when he scores and especially when he came off the field being subbed last night. As I said David May commented at some length about it, so it is not just coming from me. So you think what you like Gabriel. I have seen what I have seen, and heard what I have heard on the terraces. When the crowd is acknowledging coming off the field, he hasn’t responded as others players have and did last night. His relationship with the fans is fucked, and you can say its because he is not performing well, but I know what I see. So we each have our opinions, lets leave it at that. I thought I was alone in perhaps imagining things about Ronnie, but on the terraces I realise I am far from alone
.
October 22nd, 2008 at 18:05
@colver: Well said mate.
October 22nd, 2008 at 18:06
It will take time to heal, he will start to reach the levels of play of last season, the fans will aknowledge him again but it is just a matter of time.
We all know he wants to play for Real and if you think he doesn’t then people are being naive, but he still wears a United shirt and should be supported. He won’t be my favorite player, but thats life the fans are also so pleased with Rooney that he is getting all the songs and Berbs is a crowd favorite in the making.
October 22nd, 2008 at 18:12
@Grognard: @Stephen: Poor Ando, he fell into the cliche, of ‘Brazilian Kid wonderkid (insert name), next (insert Brazilian legend)’ . The lad never played a lot of games for Gremio and Porto, in fact, he played more games in his first season at United than he did for both clubs combined!!! Both these factors have hindered his progress as he was hailed as the second coming of Ronaldinho when in truth, he never played many games in ronaldinho-esque positions or fashion. In truth, i’m starting to realise that he might just be a Centre mid after all, that’s even where he plays for the Brazilian squad!!
I think his strengths have to be identified and his role defined for him. He is quite young and might be confused about this, but he is about 20 now and these are the years a player’s footballing niche is established. If he doesn’t have the skillset to be an attacking mid, then play him where he has the skillset to flourish and vice versa. Rene Meulensteen(our former technical skills coach, now first team manager) needs to take charge of this boy’s footballing skills and utilise them effectively. If not, I reckon Ando would turn out to be another statistic in a list of overhyped Brazilians.
October 22nd, 2008 at 18:13
@Gabriel: All one has to do to is look at how his teammates are reacting to Ronaldo. They all love him and that right there is a sign that there is nothing wrong with Ronaldo’s attitude. In fact many photos have been taken of him in training this season and they show him smiling or laughing it up with the team. This does not look like a guy singing I wish my heart was in Madrid. It’s time we all cut the lad some slack and support him. Save the venom for the day he does betray us. And that day may never come. But in three or four years if he wants to go to Madrid I will say to him thanks for the memories and wish him well. He paid his dues by then and his service to the team has been long enough and glorious enough to let him leave with class and dignity and a fond farewell. Lets be positive for crying out loud. The guy is the best footballer on the planet and he plays for us. Is he a greedy cunt or are we greedier cunts for not letting up on him and for expecting far too much from him after he has returned from injury? And lets not forget he returned a full 40 days sooner than he was estimated to be back. I think that speaks volumes of his desire to play for us.
October 22nd, 2008 at 18:13
@Grognard: i think you’re right with the assessment of anderson regressing, but a bit to harsh on the flop statement.
i’ve watched the kid since his breakthrough at the fifa u-17 world cup and i have to say, he has taken a few steps back, and it’s to do with one thing, being played out of position, the boy is an attacking midfielder thats playing defensively, it’s like asking platini to play defending midfielder, it could work, but it’s not using him to the best of his abilities, and that is what is happening to anderson, long gone are the days when he would start incredible runs and make defenders look like idiots before making the telling pass, he has now been restricted to a one touch game, he is not comfortable with the ball, it’s as if someone told him not to be expressive, and one thing you can not do to a canarinha member is restrict them and fergie is doing that to the poor boy, he needs to be given a free role with licence to roam to a certain extent where he still must have responsibilities.
i remember posting on this blog under the name adil alhinai, that we should buy anderson back in 2007 just before we bought hargo, and i was over the moon when we did, but this is not the anderson i wanted to be bought, the anderson who was bossing midfield in portugal with porto
let the boy play
Nascido para jogar futebol, and we are not letting anderson do that
October 22nd, 2008 at 18:17
@Gabriel: I agree but he is starting to look more and more expensive by the game!
He also needs someone to play with him in a difined role, he has played in a 3 man midfield and in a 2 man midfield all with different players, like Nani he needs a run and someone he can play with and get to know.
October 22nd, 2008 at 18:23
@Craig Mc: Yes but everyone in the terraces is a drunken bastard. That’s three strikes against them mate. One is not going to find logic up in the terraces amongst a couple thousand drunken bastards who need their loyalty reinforced by silly signs of acknowledgment. Christ give me a break with all the shite that goes on up there. Ronaldo is frustrated and pissed off with himself and the last thing he is thinking of in that state is a bunch of fools pining for affection and respect. They should start singing his name rather than cursing it and maybe then he will take notice and acknowledge them. You can’t have it both ways up there mate. You can’t be cursing him and insulting him and calling him a traitor and then have him laugh and clap and blow you all kisses. Perhaps I’m cynical because in my culture and where I come from players are not expected to show fans any attention whatsoever. In fact they are trained to basically block the noise of the crowd out and concentrate on the game. Football fans are such fucking women. Never satisfied and always demanding more and more foreplay and sweet talk before they spread their legs. God give me strength.
October 22nd, 2008 at 18:30
@Mr.Muhozi: I’m sorry mate but I don’t see him that way. You see, if he was an offensive player playing defensively, his offensive skills would still show themselves to be high and defined. They aren’t. In fact his defensive skills have been impressive. The bottom line is he was unfairly billed as another Ronaldinho when in fact he is another Denilson. Did I say he was a flop? If I did I retract that remark. He’s not a flop but he sure is not what we expected and he has not matured or progressed in a manner that gives me great confidence about his future for Man Utd. In fact, his style and his temperament may be suited more for Spain because he seems to play better for Brazil than for us. And their style is slower and more continental than ours. In that environment he stands out more with his energy. In England he is one of a couple of dozen that play like that in the Prem alone. I hope he pans out but I have serious reservations and I think Fergie does too.
October 22nd, 2008 at 18:33
@Craig Mc: And what excatly am I blaming you for mate?
No need to get ur panties in a wad, I was merely using your comment as a premise in which to annunciate mine. You might not acknowledge the fact that Ronaldo is probably unhappy with his form and fitness or you might feel he is being purposefully distant to the fans, that doesn’t concern me. All I was commenting on, which might or might not reflect on you, was that the fans have shown Ronnie enough love and he is just frustrated at his performances. The fact that some ‘people’ (like the callers into MUTV) decided that his frustration or rather his ‘lack of zest’ towards the fans in particular were signs of his relationship with them collapsing or him not wanting to be here, IMO, is just exaggerated and really much ado about nothing.
October 22nd, 2008 at 18:45
@Grognard:
mate, we’re singin the same tune 
I fully support ronnie, I was merely playing Devil’s advocate for the sake of my point. The lad is happy to be here, his team mates are also happy he is and so are the majority of the fans too. What I was complaining about was the minority of the fans/media that are setting it out like the relationship is fucked btw ronnie and the fans, that he doesn’t want to be here and he is purposefully being spiteful or ignorant towards the fans etc Where does that come from? Like you said, many photos have showed him smiling and laughing with the team and his recent interview demonstrated that he wants to be here!! All that Ronnie is unhappy with the fans’ talk is just stirring up more animosity towards the lad, that’s all I’m saying. I love Ronnie and I know that grin will return when he satisfies his inner desire to be back at his best. 
October 22nd, 2008 at 19:14
Just returned from Manchester. An amazing game! The crowd was up for it and it was a lot of singin from both fans I must say. I enjoyed the game, got a perfect view for the second and third goal. I could see the Rooney wasnt offside when he was 1-on-1, but I didnt realise that Berbas second was offside because it all happend so fast. I love Old Trafford, it was a great game. And the crowd is much more vocal on CL nights than PL games. I enjoyed it and the game was amazing. Anderson, Rooney, Berbatov, Nani and Evans really impressed me. Fletcher and Vidic were very good too. Next game, Everton away! Hopefully Rooney scores his 100th club goal against them…
VIVA WAYNE ROONEY!!!
October 22nd, 2008 at 19:37
@RedDevilEddy: Eddy Nani impressed you
.
October 22nd, 2008 at 19:42
@Gabriel: Absolute shite mate. Nobody is saying Ronnie isn’t happy at the club, Terrace talk is that he isn’t happy with the United fans response to his staying. I know the United fan terrace response has not been too forthcoming, and so does every fucker who attends the game. But you have it your way Gabriel, you always do. RR I am waiting for your SLAP for these comments, but I don’t care, because I know I am saying it how it is.
October 22nd, 2008 at 19:53
@Grognard: Grog, I’m sorry but your talking shite too. Nobody was drunk on the terraces last night. For a start they didn’t have enough time to get to the game after work, let alone stop for a pint on the way. I give you the Celtic fans were well oiled, but United fans weren’t. So no need to assess the state of fans when you weren’t on the terraces to witness it.
You have missed the whole point of what the terrace talk was about, because you weren’t there to hear it, and it was nothing like you think it is. People were concerned not that fans were not giving Ronnie love, but that since he came back the responses was not what it has been in the past, and the fans think they have just cause – so fair enough. What they are concerned about, is that Ronnie has felt a fan backlash, and whether REAL or feckin imaginary, he has withdrawn into himself. He celebrates with the players, and in training, but he has little interaction with the fans, and how you can see otherwise amazes me. Anyway Bro, like RR says you have your opinion together with Saint Gabriel, and I have mine. That is something which thank God is allowed on this blog. I hardly agree with Ganriel at all over anything, and he with me, that’s life. And in this thing Grog, I strongly disagree with you – sorry.
October 22nd, 2008 at 19:55
@Craig Mc: Yeah. I think Nani is going to be a real vital player for us in the future. If he improves his decisionmaking, I think we might have the best winger in the world in our hands. I dont consider Messi or Ronaldo as wingers.
October 22nd, 2008 at 20:05
Sorry, meant ONE of the best wingers in the world. I doubt he will ever become the best.
I want to say two things.
1. We have already matched a feet we did last season- scoring only three goal in a game. We have done it against Aalborg, Boro and Celtic until now. In 2007/08 we only did it three times. Spurs(3-1), Fulham and Liverpool(both 3-0).
2. Dave is gonna go mental on Saturday. AMEOBI SCORED!
October 22nd, 2008 at 20:06
@Craig Mc: and what response will he not be happy with? The standing ovation he got on his season debut, the singing of his songs, the round of applause he got yesterday in recognition of his effort?
Ronaldo has said it himself, “In the game when I came back against Villarreal I wasn’t nervous, but just a bit excited to see how the fans would react to me,” said Ronaldo… Thank God things went well… This shows people have not forgotten all the good things we’ve done together and I’m very happy with that.”
Again, I see no reason for Ronnie to be unhappy with the fans or the way they have reacted as they have been nothing short of gracious. That is why I maintain it has something to do with his personal performance.
I’m not circling you out for criticism, I’m just making general comments on the sensationalist nature of some people’s reasoning to Ronnie’s recent lack of ‘zest’. You don’t have to take offense as it is not aimed directly at you…
October 22nd, 2008 at 20:07
Fuck Liverpool, they lead.
October 22nd, 2008 at 20:16
@RedDevilEddy: Eddy mi man, you keep on talking that sweet music Bro – I am glad you think Little man Nani will make it big. I so hope so mate
.
October 22nd, 2008 at 20:29
@Craig Mc: I know that… Youre like Dave, just about Nani instead of Ameobi.
). But now my favorite player outside United is Benzema, I really hope we go for him next summer. That is of cource if we get him for under £40 million. Good thing about Benzema is that he can play as a LAM, something that we could use if Ronaldo leaves. I can think of a team like this:
I have high hopes for many of Uniteds youn players. I have big hopes for Anderson, Nani, Evans, Possebon, Campbell and Rafael. I havent watched Fabio yet so… But I dont think Gibson, Cleverly, Welbeck, Eckersley or Hewson are good enough to ever play in Uniteds first team. They dont have that extra spice that I see in players like Rafael, Evans or Anderson. I hope Im wrong, but I usually aint. I thought Torres, Benzema, Podolski and Anderson all would become great players before any of you guys probably had heard their name. I am really discusted with Torres cause he was my favorite player outside United until he moved to Shitville. I hate him more than Carragher. But still not more than I hate Gerrard or Terry. I hate them so much…(Homer voice.
Foster
Rafael Rio Vidic Evra
Nani Carrick Anderson Benzema
Rooney Berbatov
Would be my absolute dream team…
October 22nd, 2008 at 20:55
United reserves did good tonight against the Bedouins – Man Shitty. Cleverley scored a stunner, Gibson a penalty and Possebon a good goal too. The Bedouins are top of the reserve league, so now we are only two points behing them I believe
. Our young warriors did good, and glad I got to see the game on good ole MUTV 
.
October 22nd, 2008 at 21:32
Simao equalised!
October 22nd, 2008 at 21:50
@Craig Mc: Craig you took me far too seriously when I referred to them as drunken bastards. I was just picking on them for picking on Ronaldo. Tit for tat I guess you can call it. They need to get over their animosity for the good of the team because if they continue to act like spoilt babies they will literally be buying Ronaldo’s plane ticket to Spain. I cannot imagine the height of stupidity involved with going after the best player in the world when he has come out and apologized and stated his claim to stay with the club. Who cares if his dream was to play for Madrid. He said he was being naive and he now knows better. Like none of the blokes in the terraces have never been confused about something in their personal or professional lives. They need to lighten up and show Ronny some love. If he doesn’t return the love they need to relax and understand his reasons. He’s just not happy with his play and conditioning at the moment and it’s affecting his focus and his mood. The fans at games need to support and show confidence in the lad rather than play tweny questions. Sorry mate but I’m not talking shite. I’m talking common sense and fairness and that’s not something a lot fans in terraces do even if they are sober. They let their emotions control their minds and then stupid and unreasonable things come out of their mouths. I’m sure OT has an atmosphere that’s different than the hockey and football games I go to here and back in Edmonton but I doubt they are that different than the NFL and baseball games I have gone to in Seattle. Those fans can be the epitome of drunken bastards because of course they sell beer at games. The shite that comes out of their mouths when their team or a specific player isn’t playing well is unbelievable. So I am not naive to the situation or atmosphere. And really, calling them terraces anymore is incorrect because there is no more standing room in Prem stadiums. Correct? Anyway, don’t be too upset with me bro as I am just trying to convey some common sense and fairness in regards to Ronaldo. Should he come out and betray that confidence and trust in the summer, then I will put a hit out on the bastard.
October 22nd, 2008 at 22:09
@Grognard: Grog, I bloody love you mate
. Thing is, although you saqy there is no more terraces, there really is Bro. I was supposed to be sitting, but come on. Around me was the Little Hulton, Walkden & Worsely Massive. The Whalley Range and Old Trafford Crew. The Salford Reds and Manchester gobsters. A few foreign visitors et al too. In other words a bunsh of fanatics, and believe me Bro, they were not feckin sittin much at all. In fact the stewards were gesticulating like feckin frenzied maniacs, but we couldn’t give a toss 
. We were terraces Gorg, in every sense of the word. 
. People werent miffed about Ronnie not responding, they were just concerned Big Time, because that is not Ronnie Grog, and you know in your heart it isn’t don’t you Bro?. We are concerned that he is hurt by the way the fans have viewed him, and he has withdrawn into himself as a result. Call us what you like, but we love the lad Grog, and we SENSE there is something wrong. That’s all I am trying to portray Grog. Plus eveyone, including me, WAS STONE COLD FECKIN SOBER. 
. Should we not care about a player who we have always loved Grog?. I know you know we should 
.
October 22nd, 2008 at 22:12
Grog, apologies for all the feckin spelling mistakes in my last post, I am dog tired today. Too much work and not enough play. You know all about that don’t you
.
October 22nd, 2008 at 23:31
@Liam: Thats my point, I was telling everyone on the board to lighten up. After every match I swear people rush to their computer to say how awful someone did. I wasnt slating Oshea I think he is a valuable and loyal member of the club. I just find it funny that one person can say somebody was shite in a match and then someone else can say they played brilliant. but I wasnt slating any of the players, I was just highlighting some of the stuff I saw posted earlier.
October 22nd, 2008 at 23:44
@Grognard: “And lets not forget he returned a full 40 days sooner than he was estimated to be back”
Excellent point(especially coming from the prince of darkness). I am a Ronnie fan and even I have forgotten that he came back so soon. At this point everything he has given us has been a blessing.
October 22nd, 2008 at 23:48
@Craig Mc: But I’m confused, what exactly did he expect from the fans??? They cheered his name and there were no booing incidents, what else does he want the fans to do? How can he not be happy with the fans? Look Adebayor, he put Arsenal fans through a lot less than what Ronaldo put us through this summer and still got booed in his first game for Arsenal after the transfer fracas, Ronaldo got a much better reception, so what else does he want? He hasn’t given the fans anything to cheer about, they haven’t booed him either, so it really bugs me on why exactly he’s not happy with the fans?
@Craig Mc: But WHY should the relationship go back to the way it was when his form hasn’t gone back to the way it was? I mean you’ll probably hear Rooney’s song been sung more than it ever was last season because he’s hot right now and if(though i hope not), he experiences a lapse of form again, singing his songs will go down a notch, same with Ronaldo, the fans applauded him when he got back, still cheer him a little. He’s a bleeping idiot if he expects his name to be sung like it was last year, theres nothing to sing about yet.
October 22nd, 2008 at 23:56
I have changed my stance on Tevez, I dont think we should keep him. Rooney Tevez and Berbatov are all too good to be rotated and its a waste of our money and their career to make one of them a squad player. I believe that Tevez is worth the money, but only if your gonna play him week in and week out. I still think someone like Roque santa cruz would have been perfect, because he is quality but he would be fine being a 3rd choice striker on a winning team.
October 23rd, 2008 at 0:38
@Rd: Rd mi man, the fans applauded him, because Fergie emcouraged them by saying United fans will forgive Ronnie. Lets face it Rd, everyone follows Fergies lead. I don’t know if you were there or not Rd, but you had to be there, to understand what I am going on about
. Why do you think Fergie came out in Ronnie’s favour Rd?. Because the fans up to that point hadn’t come out in Ronnie’s favour, and Fergie was just making sure that they did. Don’t you know how official-dom works Rd?.
Rd Bro, if you don’t understand the Ronnie or the latin mentality, I can’t explain it to you. I could try, but I wouldn’t do Ronnie or the fans justice. I am not blaming anybody. All I am saying, is that Ronnie does not seem to feel the relationship with the fans anymore. But lets wait and see IF Grog and Gabriel are right. Lets wait and see if Ronnie and the fans interaction improves when Ronnie is firing on all cylinders again. My mentality is obviously different to yours RD, a player doesn’t have to be performing on top form for me to support him. I support everyone who is in a red shirt on the pitch, as I did with Rooney when he was out of form
. I will say if I think a player isn’t on form, or i he is everywhere he shouldn’t be – and I appreciate all of you who think Ronnie is out of form. But he has been contributing even when out of form. As Grog says, Ronnie came back several weeks sooner than he should have done. Whether we like to admit it or not Rd, the fans have not been the same with Ronnie, and I think he is just protecting himself against the conflict of feelings he has since last summer. I am not saying he or the fans are right. I am just trying to understand how he feels Bro. Basically that is it.
October 23rd, 2008 at 4:00
Hey! Did anyone notice that when Red Nev came off, he gave the armband to Wes Brown!
Do you think that Rooney would forgive Fergie?
October 23rd, 2008 at 4:17
@Craig Mc: Nice reply mate. Loved it. Sure the terraces may include the old gang but lets face it now, if they don’t come to the game pissed to the gills, then they have to watch the game sober. And even though I have never taken a game in at OT, I know the problem with the terraces everywhere in England in past decades was the fighting that broke out because of the booze.
As for Ronaldo, I honestly don’t see it the same way, honest I don’t. I think his ego and pride is all out of whack because he is struggling to find his form. Mark my words when he breaks out with a two goal game you will see the old Ronaldo. Especially after the second goal. He just needs to believe that he is back, and not struggling anymore.
October 23rd, 2008 at 4:19
@Craig Mc: I make the odd spelling mistake too but I am also to anal and to egotistical and proud like Ronaldo to tolerate the embarrassment so I spell check after I finish writing. See, I told you that I am a lot like Ronaldo in that department at least. I’m also pretty good in the air.
October 23rd, 2008 at 4:21
@johnsom33: I may be the Prince of Darkness but I am fair………except when it came to Louis Fucking Saha. That guy just brought out the evil in me. My dark powers begin tingling now just thinking of him. The farce is strong with that one.
October 23rd, 2008 at 8:23
@Grognard:
I make the odd spelling mistake too but I am also to anal and to egotistical and proud like Ronaldo to tolerate the embarrassment
The irony of that made me laugh out loud. Unless you intentionally put “to” where it should have been “too”, in which case I take it back.
October 23rd, 2008 at 8:47
@Red Ranter: You know when it comes to my grammar I have always mixed up too and to in my head. I never said I was perfect, just egotistical and proud. I just thank the good lord that when I worked for Government I had a good spell checker on my PC. I’m generally a good speller but I am losing it a bit in my old age. 49 may not be that old but I do find that I forget simple words that were automatic for me 15 years ago. The price you pay for not being a fan of brain food.
So you got me on that one. Funny how my gaff got you to come out of your work induced hibernation. Hope you are doing well RR. Cheers!
October 23rd, 2008 at 9:01
I wonder if Saha will be fit on Saturday. If he scores the winner against us, I’m seriously believing it’s not our year
With all this Tevez stuff, I really hope Fergie and Gill put it to bed asap. I don’t want us held hostage and I don’t want to hurt our finances but I really think we need to lock him in before the media start focusing on his every move. We’re all talking about how we don’t need him now that Rooney and Berbatov look good, but I can absolutely guarantee we’re going to need him for at least 25 games this season, and the next, and the next. He’s not just a squad player, he’s a first XI for some situations and a sub for others. He gels with the players, had never moaned too much about Manchester and puts in more effort in our shirt than almost anyone I’ve seen don the red. Sort it out Fergie.
October 23rd, 2008 at 11:20
@Red Ranter: RR, your not really that bloody schoolteacher are you, that used to rap knuckles and shout at us, “punctuation, punctuation, punctuation, grammar, grammar, grammar?”
.
October 23rd, 2008 at 11:23
Lets move on from the Ronaldo pantomime all will unfold in the next act I am sure, what is more important, is the team.
Has anyone noticed we have won our last six games, scoring 17 goals in the process, an average of 2.8 goals a game. Rooney has 9 in 7 for club ans country Berbs has 5 for us already, so guys its not all bad
October 23rd, 2008 at 11:25
What a sickener it will be, if Louis Saha does stick one past Edwin in the Everton game
. An even worse sickener if it happens to be the winning goal 
. I bet you, that just like all other long term injury players, who suddenly get miraculously cured the day United come to town, Saha will be FIT and WELL 
.
October 23rd, 2008 at 12:17
RedDevilEddy, You must be jocking with what you are saying on Cleverly and Welbeck. Those young gems are really good and Machester United material. Cleverly i see him as the exact clone of Paul scholes (Attacking Central Midfield). His movement and pass are second to noone in the reserves. Take time to view his goals. Welbeck although still 17 is very promising, his first touch and vision is reaaly good.
October 23rd, 2008 at 12:55
How can I put a picture like you guys do?????
October 23rd, 2008 at 13:13
@Red Ranter: “Hey, Teacher! Leave them kids alone! All in all it’s just another rant on this blog!”
October 23rd, 2008 at 13:44
@Craig Mc: come on Craig…. this is SAHA you’re talking about… all vida has to do is sneeze on him and he’ll be in the back of an ambulance faster than you can say “remember the name… wayne ROONEY!”
October 23rd, 2008 at 13:52
@Will:
, you got that right. Poor ole Louis, he has managed the occasional full game though Will 
.
October 23rd, 2008 at 13:55
@Will: Oh and Will mate, remember the name – Little Man NANI
. Don’t mock Bro, just you wait and see 
.
October 23rd, 2008 at 14:00
@Martin: I agree about Cleverly mate, he’s class
. I don’t see what in Welbeck though 
. Everytime I watch the reserves, and see Wellbeck, his balance is all wrong, he resembles the sugar plum fairy to me 
. Still, like you say, at 17 he has time to develop and MAYBE prove me wrong, I wait and see.
October 23rd, 2008 at 15:07
@ stephen..thanks for the little bit of positivity which is the main thing and it seems like bloggers here have forgotten that we are winning men! and winning comfortably and convincingly..bring on the toffees..2nil,,a rooney brace(rem he has a habit of scoring against his old club)
More positive news. Sun,either or all of the title fakers (non will win the PL) will drop points, so if we win at goodison,then we get to move closer pointwise still rem with a game in hand..praying for a draw on sun.
October 23rd, 2008 at 15:17
@Man Utd Jaluo: If Chelsea drop points at Liverpool, lets say a draw, and we win a Everton we will only be 4 points behind with a game in hand.
The press having been waxing lyrical about Chelsea this season and we have just got going, don’t forget we have played Liverpool and Chelsea away so far this season.
After Saturday we have West Ham at home and Hull away, not easy but I would bet on 6 points, so we are doing quite well considering the injuries to Scholes, Carrick, Sahagreaves and Ronnie who is just comming back to full fitness.
I know Chelsea look good, and I discount Arsenal from challenging, I will keep an eye out for the dippers, but Chelsea are our main threat, but I believe we are finding form, with Rooney and Berbatov starting to click.
October 23rd, 2008 at 16:06
@Stephen: Hey Stephen Bro – SAHAGREAVES?. Are you being cruel to our Owen? Shame on you
.
October 23rd, 2008 at 16:11
@Man Utd Jaluo: You say we are winning with comfort!. I think Bolton and Celtic may think its not without a little help from our friends – the kind ref’s who keep giving us the off side goals
. On the other hand, we could retort back, but they don’t give us the Rooney goals that are NOT offside, do they?. So swings and roundabouts I guess 
.
October 23rd, 2008 at 16:47
@Craig Mc: Nah, He makes me want to have curly hair to!!!
October 23rd, 2008 at 17:29
@Craig Mc: i’ve got plenty of faith in Nani, just needs to make some better decisions when it comes to offloading the ball… i.e. he should pass it sometimes instead of taking the ball for a pointless wonder… although since he got a goal the other day i hope he gets more starts… i mean he’s technically the only left winger we have, discounting ronaldo and park, who i would say are right wingers… even old giggsy has been demoted to centre midfield.
October 23rd, 2008 at 18:21
Saha will be invisible once Vidic and Rio do the bump with him. The boy has never liked contact you know. It always lands him a bed with a view at the local hospital. He doesn’t mind though as it allows him to do what he does best………which is flirt with the nurses. Saha is a hopeless case and he is the last player on Everton I would worry about. You see, ever since I came down with heart problems, I realized what Louis biggest problem was despite all his injuries. He has no heart. The guy had no fight in him.
Now regarding Hargo, Stephen Stephen Stephen. I don’t want to see that Sahargreaves written here again or I will send the Canadian Mafia to hunt you down and convince you that making fun of our boy is not in your best interest.
Hargreaves has frustrated all of us and especially himself with his knee problem but he has never ever shown a lack of heart and desire to play for United. Unlike Saha, he has tried very hard and played a lot of last year at 60% health. Saha would return after a lengthy stay in the health spa and a gust of wind from an opponent running past him would cause him to fall and wilt like a flower. The boy was a complete tool and a useless and heartless parasite. Good riddance to bad rubbish I say. Nothing better than to see one of the Scouser sides end up with him. Too bad it wasn’t Liverpool. And as for Hargo, his problem will never get better unless they try to cure it with surgery. No guarantees there either but so far both he and the club have resisted this measure which would mean he would be gone for sure for the season. Still, it would give us a better chance of having a fit Hargo to love and appreciate for the next couple of seasons if they made this decision to put him under the knife. I just don’t see how they can continue to go on like this?
October 23rd, 2008 at 19:40
@Grognard:
October 23rd, 2008 at 19:40
Does anyone else see this weekend as a potential banana skin? Goodison is never an easy place to go and they’re always up for it, plus they are in desperate need for points right now. I just see them playing out of their skin against us, not really threatening us offensively, but I see them putting out a defensive, cautious line up of a 4-5-1 and just working their f’ing socks off. I won’t be surprised if we see a 0-0 tie…which won’t be the end of the world I dont think.
Hopefully the rentboys and the dippers tie also so they both drop points also.
October 23rd, 2008 at 20:25
@Grognard: I was plagued with tendonitis thru out my basketball career. It never goes away but if your careful you can manage it. The key is to always warm up properly otherwise it will flare up really bad. I feel his pain about not playing 100% it is really frustrating when your mind sees the play to make, but your body cant execute it. as far as I know there is no way surgery can help, but I could be wrong.
October 23rd, 2008 at 22:00
@Drew Vader: With the form that United and Everton are in the really should be no doubt about who is gonna win! Everton are yet to win at Goodison. But football is unpredictable, you never know what might happen. Who would have expected us to beat Roma 7-1? Or Arsenal 4-0? Or us losing 4-1 against Boro in 2005? But I dont think Everton will be up for it. They have let in many goals in the last 15 minutes. Blackburn, Stoke, Arsenal and Liverpool all prove that. If it stays 0-0 until the 80th minute, I might get worried but United and Everton does not have one certain thing in common: Stamina. United never give up or stop, Everton do. I think Wazza is gonna score his 100th career goal and I think Ronaldo might score some. I think we will win 2-0, probably scorin late in first half and early in second half.
VIVA WAYNE ROONEY!
October 23rd, 2008 at 22:04
@Grognard: Owen is a great player. If he wasnt Fergie wouldnt have spent a whole year chasin him. But I am yet to see that little extra that you mention so often. I only remember him playing 4 good games for us last season, Liverpool away, Roma, Arsenal and Barcelona home. And 2 of those games he played as a CM. the other 2 were RB and RM. His best game war probably against Roma so…
Well, I hope he proves to be the player that you speak so high of and the player that United need in midfield- a hard man. Keano style. He is a great player, but he needs to stay fit to really prove that he is.
October 23rd, 2008 at 22:36
@johnsom33: I’ve had elbow tendinitis back in my football and basketball days and back when I pitched in baseball. You are absolutely correct that rest is the best way to deal with flare ups but in some cases of serious tendinitis, surgery is performed. Don’t ask me what exactly they do but it is a regular procedure on arms and on knees. It may be time for Hargo to go down this road as his problem is chronic like my heart condition and like some athletes who pull hamstring or thigh muscles a lot. After time, it can become a chronic condition and then either surgery or retirement are the options. I wish Hargo well.
October 24th, 2008 at 6:01
@NiKOS: http://www.gravatar.com
October 24th, 2008 at 13:37
I agree we should dump Hargreaves in surgery for a year. We are not going to see him at his best if he is only able to play once a month. He needs regular games. We have the resources to do without him for a year and if he is back next year and stays injury free he’ll have a good chance of forcing his way into the side. Till then Fletcher is my first choice midfielder
October 24th, 2008 at 14:02
“It (a deal for Ronaldo) is not possible,” said Calderon. “That matter is over.We talked about that last season. Manchester decided they did not want to sell the player and we don’t want to do anything against a friendly club like Manchester.We accept that Ronaldo decided to stay at Manchester. It is forgotten. Not only for January but, I think, for ever.
However, Calderon admits that, if United decided to put the 23-year-old up for sale, Real would consider an offer.Only if Manchester decided to sell will we be talking about it,” he continued.But I would like to say clearly that Madrid is not doing anything to disturb a nice and friendly club like Manchester.
This is hilarious. Calderon is a smart guy. His tactic I believe is to wait for Ronaldo to force a move by making a transfer request and then getting him on the cheap.
October 24th, 2008 at 14:23
wow calderon’s comments are frackin’ hilarious!lol!
October 24th, 2008 at 14:24
@whezzy thanks dude
October 24th, 2008 at 14:43
@colver: I dont believe it, its jsut to make him less unpopular. He shit in his pants and knows he cant fix it. Just admit defeat! Until January at least. If Ronaldo can find his form of last season, Real will be back again…
October 24th, 2008 at 15:29
@Grognard: i know you retracted what you said about the fans/terraces and i know you weren’t conversing with me but i feel i have to add my 2 pence worth! I’ve been to a Baseball match(NY Yankees), many years ago, and although it was the closest sporting event to a football match in atmosphere, it still fell a long way short of any Prem fixture, indeed any championship match. The major missing link was any decent amount of away fans and therefore the banter between opposing fans! Ok, the sheer size of america could be the main problem! But i do think its more down to history and cultural differences. I’m not suggesting that north americans are not passionate about their fav clubs/sports btw. I just reckon that some english football fans have had a bad reputation and some of the passion can be misconstrued as aggressive neandrethal behavior.
I just want to point out that it is fans that pay wages and keep football clubs alive and they are entitled to voice their opinion or not when ever they feel like it. This is perhaps our last bastion of freedom/free speech, in the modern era where we have to drink the brand beer, queue for fuckin ages for a pie and a pint of budweiser! and are told what banners are/aren’t appropiate, nevermind ticet prices/ automatic cup scheme ect.My point is these are long suffering, die hard reds who love the club so much, they’re willing to part with an increasing amount of their hard earned cash and support our club through thick and thin. To brandish them as Drunken bastards, even in jest, is an insult. You might not agree with their point of view but to dismiss them like that is bullshit, not common sense. There seems to be alot of people making excuses for the slave, but don’t start pointing the finger of blame at the fans, they are entitled en masse to their views too!
October 24th, 2008 at 15:56
ManUtd.com (yes i do have too much time on my hands today) has an interview with Tevez who seems happy to fight for his place admitting Berbatov is just what we needed and Rooney is one of the best players in the world.
I feel bad for Carlos because he would make the first X1 of virtually any team but ours. But if he wants trophies this is the right club to be at!
October 24th, 2008 at 17:31
@colver: He’ll make the first XI about 20 to 25 times before the season ends so don’t feel too bad for him. The season is long and there will always be a place for Carlito.
October 24th, 2008 at 19:12
@phoenix red: You are talking about baseball mate. I love the sport and their are some classic rivalries but the emotion and behavior of the supporters is nothing like football. In fact, it is nothing like American/Canadian football, or even hockey in certain cities where rivalries are heated.
I remember years where battle royals broke out in the stands over hockey or football games involving heated provincial rivals Edmonton and Calgary in the Battle of Alberta. In fact I inadvertently got involved in a big fight during a Calgary Edmonton playoff hockey game where over 100 fans got arrested. I was lucky to not be one of them but still, footy does not have a monopoly on atmosphere, passion or fan violence. The Canadian hockey fan is extremely passionate and loyal and many of them are usually drunk enough to cause problems if visiting fans antagonize them enough. They are not as loud as footy fans because chanting silly songs in the stands is not a habit in North America. That’s just one thing I will never get. I got to a bloody game to watch it and cheer on my team. Not to join the choir in mindless singing. Sorry if that offends many of you that love to do this but it’s just my own cultural indifference talking. In Canada we cheer, boo shout out obscenities, throw things on the field or ice when enraged, ring out a few chants but we never ever ever get into a sing along. That’s just too gay for our liking. Still, being a footy fan I would love to be part of the atmosphere at OT but I doubt I would be a willing participant in a singalong. I hate having to remember the words to songs. Hell I have a hard enough time remembering jokes the next day after they have been told to me. Song lyrics are a pain in the ass. And I’m sorry but the songs are lame ass too. But to all of you who love to sing and participate in all that, fine and all the power to you blokes.
But to finalize my argument Phoenix Red, footy fans in England or anywhere else for that matter do not have a monopoly on atmosphere and supporter fanaticism at games. They only think they do. Many points of yours are strong and I agree with a lot of it. I just don’t buy into the atmosphere thing as being the be all that many claim it to be. Baseball can get very heated between Red Sox and Yankees fans or even Giants and Dodgers fans but baseball is a family gathering for many where Granny and the kids can go to the ball park and take a nap between innings. Go to a heated rivalry in college football or the NFL like a Chicago vs Green Bay game in ice cold conditions at frozen Lambeau Field and watch and listen to fans show their love and passion as well as stoke their heated rivalries with the visiting fans. Like I said before, footy does not have exclusivity in this arena. You just haven’t tasted enough of this stuff in certain regions where the home team’s existence means more than life to the supporters.
And the term drunken bastards was not really meant as an insult. It may have come out that way but I was joking just because of the reputation of the fans historically back in the days when there were stand only terraces. Back then many fans were drunken bastards. And today there are plenty of drunken bastards at games throughout North America too. Oh sure they love their teams and are loyal but they are also pissed to the gills and can really make an outing very unpleasant for the sober ones who have to possibly sit next to them and tolerate their bullshit and bullying tactics. So I was only crossing historical stereotypes when I made that comment to my buddy Craig. It was intended for him so I can see how others reading it may have taken it more seriously. It was not meant that way.
As for Ronaldo, yes the fans are entitled to their views on Ronaldo and so am I. I will stand up and defend him to the many I feel are being boneheaded and unfair towards him. It’s my right to defend him as it is their right to mistrust him. But it does Ronaldo and the team no good to not cheer him on and support him while he wears the colors of Man Utd. He is part of the Red Devils and the Red Devil Army is obligated to support all Red Devils up and till the day when they are no longer Red Devils. He made a mistake and many fans are still making him pay for that mistake because they cannot figure out the reasons for his moodiness and attitude on the pitch. I have news for all of them, it’s not his obligation to explain to any of them his feelings. He has rights too and his feelings and emotions on the way he’s playing or his feelings towards the fans may be very personal. He has a right to be treated well and respectfully now that he is still with our club and that he has come out an heartfully apologized for his summer behavior. That is all any of us should expect or need. This is not 1968 when you might be caught working with a fellow United player on the docks in the off season or caught having a pint at the local pub with Paddy Crerand. This is 2008 and players are multi-millionaires who are far removed from their fans lives. They do not act or behave the way we plebs would like them to but that’s just too bad isn’t it. Life is not fair but it goes on. Sorry for the rambling rant but fans seem to feel because they pay their tickets they deserve more than what they are getting on the pitch in terms of a player and team effort. For me that is total bollocks mate. Loyalty is double edged sword. It cuts both ways and it’s time the fans tested their loyalty towards Ronaldo rather than constantly questioning his.
October 24th, 2008 at 21:04
@Wheezy: I would love to see Carlos start this weekend at Everton, but I just cant see berba or rooney getting dropped at this moment due to their current goal scoring form. So, maybe that means Carlos will get the start on wed against the Hammers. But, I would imagine that if we drop points tomorrow (as I’m pessimistically predicting) then maybe that means Berba and Wayne will need to start on wed again to get the points…
October 24th, 2008 at 21:40
@Drew Vader: It would be a nice and classy touch for Fergie to start Tevez against West Ham so I really don’t see him starting against Everton. It’s funny that before the season started I made the claim that if we got Berbatov that it would be Tevez who would be the super sub and sit on the bench. I got a lot of flack from a lot of Tevez supporters who just could not see that happening. Not only did I feel that Tevez was not as good as Berbatov or Rooney, but I knew that Ferguson felt the same way. I am not sad for Carlos because frankly, he just doesn’t score enough for my liking. He is good at coming in and adding energy and vigor to a game late which may help us hang on to a win or gain a tie or win in tight games. It’s going to be tough for Tevez to win a starting position again and therefore I will be godsmacked and totally amazed if we see him in a United shirt next season. He’d be an idiot to stay as an overpaid bench warmer when his talent is good enough to start on any other team in Europe.
October 24th, 2008 at 23:47
@Grognard: I have to agree with you about Tevez. You all know I love him, but he is just too talented to sit on the bench. If he cant start here, he should move on.
October 25th, 2008 at 0:03
@Grognard: Any links to this appology you speak of??? All i saw was that “I was naive to push for a move”. I haven’t seen an “actual appology”. I’m not saying he needs to appologise to me as i never really cared for him(I’m not saying i hate him) even before the Madrid-brouhaha, but i haven’t seen any appologies yet.
October 25th, 2008 at 0:20
bad thing is we dont get anything for him ither. he leaves on a free.
October 25th, 2008 at 4:39
@Rd: God it was last summer and it was published by the main Portuguese newspaper and then translated into English by all the major media in England. I’m shocked you haven’t heard of it before now. Trust me, he sounded very apologetic and sincere and I for one bought despite the fact I was very loudly against him before that moment. I’m not gullible but I did find his apology to come from the heart. He realized he was wrong and later on he admitted to being very naive about the whole thing and also realizing that where he is right now is the best place for him and his career.
October 25th, 2008 at 4:39
@gator: Thats fine. We just spend the money on somebody else.
October 25th, 2008 at 6:58
you realize that all the hype rooney has been getting,he has only three league goals? then a brace against borats Kazakhstan and another country?and now fans are already thinking he is as good as ronaldo?i just love the fans
October 25th, 2008 at 7:12
hasnt that rooey bitch only scored 3 goals for united?are we supposed to care about england playing borats kazakhstan?
October 25th, 2008 at 9:04
@donibrasco: The fact that Rooney’s been scoring goals and finishing and also that he’s less all over the place than he’s been before are encouraging signs. I’d say give him an extended run of games free of injury before judging him. But then your anti-Rooney bias has been well documented here before… so I’ll pass on trying to convince you about Rooney.
October 25th, 2008 at 9:27
@Red Ranter: any chance of a reasoned debate with him was nullified with the ‘rooey bitch’ comment
I don’t understand the need for that 
besides, donibrasco, Rooney has scored 5 goals in his last five games for United 
Anyways, you putting up a preview RR or is work holding you up?
October 25th, 2008 at 10:01
@Gabriel: Preview was up about an hour ago