Jan 11
Man Utd v Chelsea: Match Thread
The big game today; some would say the defining game for either side, but I’ll leave the building of hubris part to the folks at Sky.
But before talking about the game let me talk about yesterday.
Yesterday was beautiful. The day before yesterday was hilarious. Fat Spanish Waiters should stick to waiting on orders in Spanish restaurants. Not write/give speeches. It would be a stretch to link said fat waiter’s bile with the 0-0 draw at the Potteries yesterday, but there couldn’t have been a better sight for a Manchester United fan.
Liverpool’s 0-0 draw at Stoke was frustrating on only one count: the inability of Stoke’s big men to put one of Delap’s laser guided missiles into the net.
Anyway…
Chelsea have a decent away record this season. However, their early season euphoria seems to have been all but wiped out. Their record against the big sides has been nothing to bleat about, while serious doubts have been cast over Scolari’s tactical nous and ability to influence a game when things aren’t going right.
Their only saving grace is our own poor form this season.
We have struggled with many things this season. ‘Harsh fixture lists’, injury to some of our stars, integrating a new signing, rotating players, sometimes, without apparent regard for tactics. Travels to competitions like the Super Cup and the World Club Championship haven’t helped our fixture cramp either — which is more punishment than reward for our outstanding last season. [Someone must consider having these tournaments before the season starts. It's really odd trying to switch to a tournament that is a reflection of our previous season's achievement, when we are really busy defending our titles in the current season.]
Chelsea would likely start Drogba upfront and follow their usual strategy of playing three men in midfield to cramp our style (rather the lack of it this season). But Drogba starting today would mean we need Rio back in defence. Evans has been an excellent deputy so far, but people the size of Drogba would need defenders of Ferdinand’s ilk. In short, I am not really sure if Evans is ready for Drogba, yet. If Ferdinand is fit, Fergie will play him.
Upfront it’s likely Rooney and Berbatov will play while Evra is, according to Fergie, ‘our freshest and fittest man on the pitch.’ His return is welcome as always.
I am not going to guess how our central midfield will be so I’ll leave the discussion to you lot.
Prediction: 1-0 to United.
I’ll leave you with some quotes from Fergie, before I end this [I'm sure I don't have to elaborate on it's context]:
‘People say every season, it’s going to be three or four teams challenging for the title. But I’m of the opinion it comes down to two teams when you enter the last month. Chelsea have contested the league for the last four years and I think they have the experience to be our main rivals again. You have to think that will count for something. It’s a change for Liverpool fans and players to even be talking about winning the league. They haven’t been able to do that for 19 years, or at least a good few years. It was important for a team like Liverpool to get a good start. They needed it and it has given them a greater expectation. Experience is important, though. It’s been proven every team will drop points. Experience teaches you to not drop as many as the rest.’
Related items from Red Rants:
- Man Utd v Spurs match thread
- Man Utd v Stoke: Preview
- Man Utd v QPR: Preview
- Aston Villa v Manchester United: Preview/Match thread
- Derby Man Utd: Live!
Tags: Game Preview
January 11th, 2009 at 15:01
We must win this match but Chelsea will be very difficult opponent
Manchester United vs. Chelsea – live streams
January 11th, 2009 at 15:25
just curious… do u guys think park should play for this match?
Do you think man utd will be focussing more on attack or defend?
January 11th, 2009 at 15:27
2-1 to United
January 11th, 2009 at 15:28
@Ahbaj: we are at home, we are the current champions of the world.
we attack.
January 11th, 2009 at 15:30
1hr and a half to go…
January 11th, 2009 at 15:33
@Ahbaj: Definately. Park MUST play. Otherwise, we got no scape goat.
January 11th, 2009 at 15:37
@scrtls: let me ask you something, how long have you been a united fan?
January 11th, 2009 at 15:42
@scrtls: Park is hardly a “scape goat”… he could make the difference between one points and three points (and I don’t mean three points for Chelsea!).
January 11th, 2009 at 15:42
@dan(u-ol): Oh, cant remember exactly. But must be close to 2 decades.
January 11th, 2009 at 15:47
@dan(u-ol): You do realize that was said in jest.
January 11th, 2009 at 15:49
@scrtls: then you would know that manchester united prides its self on good attacking football against anyone, any side
you tell me how its attacking football if we have a winger that cant cross, pass or shoot but is their to cover the defence?
im sorry but i dont believe you at all.
January 11th, 2009 at 15:52
@Red Ranter: yes, but scrtls generally believes park should be starting and as there really isnt anything else to debate about, might as well start one.
January 11th, 2009 at 15:53
—————VDS——————–
Big Nev—-Big Rio—Big Vid—Big Evra
-Ron—–Carrick—Scholes—–Park—-
——-Roon—-Dimitar “Vampiric Aura” Berbatov—
prediction- 2-1 (ronaldo, scholes – ballack)
January 11th, 2009 at 15:54
@dan(u-ol): Dan, Sorry mate, as RR said, I wrote it in a jest. I hate to see Park playing for us. But again, I am very sure he will be starting today and screw up everything for us, again.
January 11th, 2009 at 15:59
@scrtls: oh well fair play, sorry. my bad, i honestly thought you saw park as a player deserving of a starting place.
January 11th, 2009 at 16:01
@dan(u-ol): yeah it’s not like Park did anything the last time we played Chelsea is it
Face it, at the current moment he is a better option than Nani.
This will be a tight game. 2 goals at most I’d say. Prediction 1-0. A Rooney thunderbolt
, wait actually I don’t want to jinx this game or Rooney so scratch that, oh well I’ve typed it now so there’s no going back 
January 11th, 2009 at 16:02
Great my last comment is awaiting moderation
January 11th, 2009 at 16:04
@Liam: haha, have you got 3 smiles in it?
January 11th, 2009 at 16:04
I hope Park and Fletcher play today.
You guys heard me, I want Stumpy and Godson to play today. Why? Because we need warriors today. We dont need sissy Nani or even brilliant Rafael, we will need Neville, Fletcher, Park and Rooney playing today. This is the first, and hopefully last time you guys hear me stating that I want Fletcher and Park to play. I promise! 
I remember our latest games against Chelski. CL final, 2-1 loss in April, 2-0 win in September, every game back to November 2005. Our MOTM in those games have been players like Alan Smith, Michael Carrick, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra and Wayne Rooney. No Ronaldo, or Ruud, or Silvestre. No, true warriors like Vidic and Rooney, players that are willing to lose a leg to win a game. Even though Park is one of the few United players I hate to see starting, today is one of the very few days I want to see him wearing the red shirt of mighty Manchester United. I think we will play this team:
VDS
Neville-Rio-Vidic-Evra
Ronaldo-Carrick-Fletcher-Park
Rooney-Berbatov
Score prediction: 2-0 to United. Ronaldo and Evra to score.
COME ON YOU REDS!!!
January 11th, 2009 at 16:05
Umm… suggestion: when you are a Manchester United fan, or a fan of any other team, do not base your judgements of your team’s players on:
-what the media says (they are cunts who will do anything to sell some bullshit)
-BBC Player Rater
-what Alan Hansen says
-the commentators
-MOTD highlights.
Watch the bleeding game for yourself and turn the commentary off and then maybe you will see what Park does.
_
Rooney: better than Ronaldo.
January 11th, 2009 at 16:06
@RedDevilEddy: nevilles hardly a warrior! chances are he’ll cost us just like he did against arsenal!
January 11th, 2009 at 16:07
i honestly hope Fergie goes with a 4-3-3 as well to match the rentboys, because i can’t stand park in the starting line up and if Giggs starts i might seriously contemplate shooting my self (i love the guy and he is one of my favourite players of all time but he has become a liability on the pitch this season). Nani for me isn’t the answer today, because he is too fucking frustrating when he is on the ball and is downright atrocious when it comes to decision making in the final third.
I’d have a Carrick, Scholes and Anderson/Fletcher trio in midfield with Berba, Rooney and Ronnie upfront. Now that’s a forward line that should cause enough havoc to make that crying twat shit himself.
I really want a performance out of us tonight. I have been sick and tired of watching the timid displays that we have grown accustomed to this season. I want to see passion in the players, and i want to hear the terraces be as loud as ever, giving those fucking pensioners the roughest atmosphere that they have ever experienced.
If i get that I’ll be more than happy with tonight. In fact I’d take 2-2 draw as long as I see a real response for the players. Man am I pumped up for the game tonight!!!!
C’mon United!!!!
Btw my prediction is United 2 – Chelsea 1
January 11th, 2009 at 16:08
@Andrei: yes, run around like a headless chicken.
the guy has the natural ability of a dog! the quicker you and fergie realise this, the better!
January 11th, 2009 at 16:09
@dan(u-ol): Arsenal was November. This is January…
And to be honest, Neville has probably been our best player lately. Since we returned from Japan, he has impressed me the most. He cost us against Arsenal, but he has shown massive improvement and I really think he will be vital for us if he plays. I still have faith in Neville, and I would choose him over Rafael for a game like this. I luv Rafael, but for big games I dont think he is ready yet.
January 11th, 2009 at 16:11
@RedDevilEddy: sorry i havent, rafael is the starter for me.
January 11th, 2009 at 16:11
Prediction: 1-0 to Man Utd…I fancy Nemanja to grab the winner in the 76th minute with a bullet header from a corner.
January 11th, 2009 at 16:12
@Sidharth: Then we are both really pumped. Im up for this game!
I really hope the lads put on a performance for us today, but Id be please with a Barcelona, May 2008 like 1-0 win today too.
January 11th, 2009 at 16:13
I know its one of two extremes with Nev & Raf at right back…..damn i miss Brown!
Im PRAYING for Carrick & Anderson in the centre today….they provide the perfect balance
nervous as fuck…
Hope “BerbaRoo” have a fruitfull afternoon
January 11th, 2009 at 16:13
ferdinand not fit, evans starts.
giggs and fletcher start in the middle
, park on the wing 
this will be comedy.
say bye bye to the league lads.
January 11th, 2009 at 16:14
@Nino: And when he scores he beat Tiny Tears in the duel and leaves him crying.
January 11th, 2009 at 16:14
vds
neville evans vidic evra
ronaldo giggs fletcher park
rooney berba
January 11th, 2009 at 16:14
@realred: both on the bench unfortunately…
January 11th, 2009 at 16:15
@dan(u-ol):
January 11th, 2009 at 16:16
So Rio is not starting. And Giggs in the midfield…
January 11th, 2009 at 16:16
@dan(u-ol): Yes, but unlike Ronaldo or Berbatov, he plays for the team, he runs, he is never afraid, he is a nightmare for the opposition.
You would NOT want to play against him… you do not get a yard with the ball if he plays on your side.
January 11th, 2009 at 16:16
@RedDevilEddy: LOL
January 11th, 2009 at 16:16
@Viz: Bench?
January 11th, 2009 at 16:17
@Andrei: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
yes im a right back and i would rather play against a player that can cross and pass instead of a player that cant
January 11th, 2009 at 16:17
Subs: Kuszczak, Anderson, Carrick, Scholes, Welbeck, O’Shea, Tevez.
Anderson, Tevez, Carrick and Scholes on the bench?
January 11th, 2009 at 16:19
c’mon fergie get a fucking grip! fletcher instead of carrick? you senile twat!
January 11th, 2009 at 16:19
Liam, is it just me or is dan a bit like Rhian?
January 11th, 2009 at 16:20
Fucking fergie has lost his mind…thats al..
January 11th, 2009 at 16:20
I am not sad/angry/nearly suicidal because of Evans, Fletch, Neville or Park. Its because of Giggs. He can do a fine job, but against Chelski?! I really doubt that, but to be honest Giggs had proved me wrong lots of times. Good luck, ey lads!
January 11th, 2009 at 16:20
OMG! Giggs starts too.
Doomed I tell ya. Doomed!
January 11th, 2009 at 16:21
@Andrei: im sorry who?
January 11th, 2009 at 16:21
@Andrei: do you mean ryan??
January 11th, 2009 at 16:21
@RedDevilEddy: LOL…I’m actually thinking of buying this season’s blue 3rd kit and getting ‘Terry’ printed on the back…as a tribute to the man who singlehandedly won us the European Cup.
January 11th, 2009 at 16:21
@dan(u-ol): I think Giggs over Carrick is worse…
January 11th, 2009 at 16:23
@RedDevilEddy: all i know is, our midfield is weak, really weak.
lets hope chelsea dont turn up…
January 11th, 2009 at 16:23
@Nino:
Nice, good idea! 
Ive got the blue third kit with Anderson back on it. I just wish he was as prolific as me…
January 11th, 2009 at 16:23
Liam’ll know… just a lad from the Soccerlens forum. He’s a bit like you and you’re a bit like him: stubborn as hell, but so passionate it makes up for it
January 11th, 2009 at 16:24
@RedDevilEddy: Yea, Fletch always turns up for the big games.
January 11th, 2009 at 16:24
@dan(u-ol): According to newspapers in England, there was aa firealarm at Chelski players hotel that went off this night. They were awake in 50 minutes during the night, so they might not be as up for it. They might be tired. Evra will be a huge boost for us.
January 11th, 2009 at 16:26
@Andrei:
i havent been on the soccerlens forums for about a year and half you know!
January 11th, 2009 at 16:26
@dan(u-ol): Fletcher turns up for the big games… So he might be vital as hell today! Giggs is a bummer though!
January 11th, 2009 at 16:26
what the fuck!?!?!
Our best central midfielders are all on the bench…We are sooo going to get fucked in midfield tonight. I can’t believe SAF just came up with that line up. We’ll be lucky to escape with a win tonight. I have never questioned Sir Alex’s judgement ever because I’ve always had faith in the man. But tonight I am absolutely appalled by the team selection.
But hey I wouldn’t mind seeing Park and Fletcher combining to get the only goal of the game and winning it for us.I’ll gladly say sorry for questioning you Fergie!!.Must admit I’m pretty anxious about the match now.
but nonetheless c’mon u Reds!!!!
January 11th, 2009 at 16:27
@dan(u-ol): I tell ya, if Giggs scores/gets an assist today, I will dance nude in my garden.
January 11th, 2009 at 16:28
@RedDevilEddy: ill confirm that its untrue, not a single tabloid let alone broadsheet has said that. something like that would be on sky sports news(tv) and it hasnt.
January 11th, 2009 at 16:34
@RedDevilEddy: not in daylight, please!
January 11th, 2009 at 16:35
anyone else thinks saf picks his team our of hat?
January 11th, 2009 at 16:36
@dan(u-ol): Sometimes… but everytime we have doubted him, it turned out great, so have faith!!
By the way, what is Mour doing at OT today? Talking to Gill, I hope.
January 11th, 2009 at 16:37
Just saw the team on SSN, WHY THE FUCK IS CARRICK NOT STARTING. Sorry about the caps but this basically means that Berba and Rooney will have to play MF today. They are up against some very attack minded midfielders today and he leaves our best midfielder out. Just a thought, Rooney/Berba may be a third man in MF. Maybe, because it is idiotic to play giggs up against Ballack and Lamps. I’m not one to criticise formations before games but this gives me a bad feeling. Craig’s probably sold his ticket if he’s gone
January 11th, 2009 at 16:40
@Liam: i thought you liked our strikers playing in midfield? thats what we did last season and thats why you have been wanting berba to get dropped for tevez.
January 11th, 2009 at 16:43
how can he leave Carrick out in preference to Giggs? A midfield so uninspiring. Not many from the mess that was Derby. Maybe that’s in his head? I no longer understand his head though.
January 11th, 2009 at 16:46
@the three Rs: hes senile, thats it.
January 11th, 2009 at 16:50
wow no carrick thats a shock
January 11th, 2009 at 16:50
just saw an interview of Sir Alex on Espn Asia and he claims the form of Giggs “unbelievable….just seems to get even better by the day”…how fucking blind can 1 man get!!!…..the match hasn’t even started and I just get a horrible feeling about tonight!!…I’ll be really pissed if we lose this match because of this fucked up line up!!!!..
DAMN I’M PISSED!!!! (sorry for the caps,RR)
January 11th, 2009 at 16:51
Come on guys let’s judge Fergie’s selection after the game…if we get battered 3-0 then let’s lay into and lambast the boss. I don’t agree with Giggs over Carrick either but let’s see what happens eh?
January 11th, 2009 at 16:53
For those of you beating up park and fletcher, might I remind you of the only goal scored against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge earlier this season by united was scored by Park, and Fletcher has come up big and scored the winner against Chelski a couple a years ago at Old Trafford…as for Giggs over Carrick…ufff! I am at a loss.
January 11th, 2009 at 16:54
Today’s midfield is a complete mindfuck. If we win today it is not–as some have suggested–a testament to Fergie’s genius. It will be nothing more than one of the most fortunate results we could ask for.
January 11th, 2009 at 16:54
@Nino: I agree! Well put. We NEED (sorry RR) to get behind the boys. Come On United!
January 11th, 2009 at 16:54
Guys..guys, relax. Let’s not thrash SAF just yet ok. It’s a very different lineup to what we expected, and therefore Chelsea must be surprised as well. He must have something up his sleeve, so let’s just wait and see ok?? I think Anderson and Carrick should have been playing…Park I agree with. But let’s hold on to our horses for a lil longer….
January 11th, 2009 at 16:55
One of my buddies is a Chelsea supporter and I just texted him that we were starting Giggs. He responded, “Yeah, I heard we’re starting my grandmother to counter.”
January 11th, 2009 at 16:57
on a lighter note, I heard Giggsy’s been smashing 30yrd screamers into goal this week in training, and running faster than Evra… hence his inclusion I presume
January 11th, 2009 at 16:59
@antsBoy: Yeah, Vidic told me the same thing.
January 11th, 2009 at 16:59
@antsBoy: it would be nice for him to do it today…
January 11th, 2009 at 17:01
no Rio and Giggs is on huh? Good luck to all of us
January 11th, 2009 at 17:02
I AM SO EXCITED I AM SHAKING
January 11th, 2009 at 17:02
@dan(u-ol): If it happens, you heard it here first!!!
January 11th, 2009 at 17:03
What an Atmosphere! Stick It to those rentboys lads!
January 11th, 2009 at 17:03
Redlog not working for me, how annoying.
I do think this lineup is based on the Derby Match. Scholes was so poor he was subbed, so SAF has decided not to start him. Carrick obviously didn’t impress either!
January 11th, 2009 at 17:05
I think we will sneak a late equalizer and draw 1-1.
January 11th, 2009 at 17:08
streams?? please? none are working!?
January 11th, 2009 at 17:09
ski are taking notes from the minnows on how to kick ronny
January 11th, 2009 at 17:11
@weezy: Just go to fcfootballblog.com…I always watch United matches there.
January 11th, 2009 at 17:14
I’m not sure if I’m liking this…Rooney and Berbatov hitting long balls upfield to…..nobody. They’re both playing too deep.
January 11th, 2009 at 17:14
calm down boys
January 11th, 2009 at 17:23
giggs is actually playing better than my expectation….
January 11th, 2009 at 17:31
@vikas: but no one seems to be. Park and Fletch are shocking. We cant control anything in the midfield
January 11th, 2009 at 17:32
Someone is gona get sent off at this rate. Ref is far too card happy. Ronaldo didn’t just deserve that one!
January 11th, 2009 at 17:37
@Nino: yeah..me too…but it all choppy and no sound…but beggers cant be choosers i guess
January 11th, 2009 at 17:38
Dive from Ballack! Sorry Grog, but Ballack IS a WANKER.
January 11th, 2009 at 17:43
Cant help getting ahead of myself, especially against the rentboys.
January 11th, 2009 at 17:44
We deserved a pen there. Webb is afraid to make the big decision. Wonder why?
Ronaldo gets booked for being pulled down and Ballack doesn’t get booked for a blatant dive
Oh and by the way on his performance so far Giggs deserved to play, but probably not ahead of Carrick.
Also Berbatov should have scored but he did well to get the chance so I’ll let him off
Everyone looking for streams should go to myp2p.eu and start looking. If you have sopcast or tvAnts then you’re better off. I’ve got a great one with Setanta commentary.
I should end by mentioning Evans. I’ve been critical of him but he has been sublime
January 11th, 2009 at 17:46
gigs has had a couple good runs threw the midd
January 11th, 2009 at 17:47
terry looks like he has mange
January 11th, 2009 at 17:48
AAWWWWW FUCK!
January 11th, 2009 at 17:49
YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!
January 11th, 2009 at 17:49
YES WE SCORE!!!!
January 11th, 2009 at 17:49
2 corners. 2 goals. 1 – 0 up. Woo hoo1
January 11th, 2009 at 17:49
fuck you
January 11th, 2009 at 17:50
Vidic!
January 11th, 2009 at 17:50
YEA VIDIC
January 11th, 2009 at 17:50
yessssssssssssssssssssssss
January 11th, 2009 at 17:50
yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
January 11th, 2009 at 17:50
vidaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
January 11th, 2009 at 17:50
rafa just shit himself
January 11th, 2009 at 17:52
no one from united speaking to the officials, fact.
January 11th, 2009 at 17:52
LOL did I not say I had a feeling Nemanja would score today????!!! With a header from a corner too. Refer to comment 25 lol.
January 11th, 2009 at 17:52
the refs were boooed off the field
January 11th, 2009 at 17:52
Maybe Nani should have started….for Ronaldo.
January 11th, 2009 at 17:52
HE’S FROM SEERRBBIAA!
January 11th, 2009 at 17:52
Sweet. Have to say, Giggs has been very good today. Park has been bad, though and it is great (GREAT) (sorry) to have Evra back.
Rooney has also been very good.
January 11th, 2009 at 17:52
giggs and park have been two of the better players for us in the first half……..
January 11th, 2009 at 17:53
He comes from Serbia!
He’ll fucking murder ya!
January 11th, 2009 at 17:54
And that goal was directly from SERBERBIA. Berb’s flick to VIDIC. Well deserved. Chelsea, you’ve been Nemanjanized.
January 11th, 2009 at 17:54
Wish I was watching an English stream
January 11th, 2009 at 17:55
@gator: Rightly so
January 11th, 2009 at 17:55
@Andrei: andrei i think park has played well, defensively as well as OFFENSIVELY….
January 11th, 2009 at 17:56
First of all, let me saythat the Ref’s a disgrace, how Carvalho got away with the rugby tackle and Ballack with the Swan dive, i’ll never know.
On the game, the players are responding well to midweek’s debacle, but I still think picking Giggs is a mistake. He has given the ball away on numerous occasions and his passing has been wayward. His corners and free kicks have been good though. The defense has been magnificent, even Evans, even though he has made a few mistakes looks to be keeping dogbreath quiet. On the whole, the midfield has done a good stifling job, and Evra has been brilliant with the overlapping runs. I have been a big critic of Park, but I think today, he is playing very well.
But we need to keep up the tempo until the end of the game, the midfield will have to be refreshed, Giggs cant keep up.
January 11th, 2009 at 17:56
Vidic and Evra have been massive in this game and I even have to say Park has been good in the first half. Rooney has to stop being so petulant.
January 11th, 2009 at 17:57
If u want commentary (and you live in England) tune in to KEY 103 Fm, good United focused Commentary
January 11th, 2009 at 17:59
@dan(u-ol): It’s because Fletcher has had a history of playing his best games against Chelsea. You go with history in these kinds of situations.
January 11th, 2009 at 17:59
Oh…and Vida’s the man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
January 11th, 2009 at 18:00
rooney is lucky that he isn’t booked yet……..calm down rooney!!!!!
January 11th, 2009 at 18:00
Vidic is having a stormer of a season! That must be like the fifth or sixth goal he’s scored this season no? What a player!
January 11th, 2009 at 18:00
park has been poor, get him off!
January 11th, 2009 at 18:01
What a clever sneaky corner! Goal should have stood. If we hadnt scored straight after we’d all be fucking livid about that. What’s wrong with these fucking officials? They appear to have forgotten the most basic rules of the game.
January 11th, 2009 at 18:01
Hope we now go for the jagular
Tosic and Ljajic will learn from the very best 
January 11th, 2009 at 18:01
Best players of the half – Evra, Park, Vidic and Rooney. FACT.
January 11th, 2009 at 18:02
He’s been very helpful but misplaced too many passes
I think we will see O’Shea in the second 
January 11th, 2009 at 18:03
@Vivek: United have also gotten away with a couple of yellow cards, a la Rooney.
January 11th, 2009 at 18:07
Ronnie’s goal should have stood, it was a training ground routine. Rooney rolled the ball off, then giggs walked over and crossed, Ronaldo scores. Its perfectly legal as the ball was in play as soon as Rooney rolled the ball over. Typical ref stupidity
January 11th, 2009 at 18:07
http://footysports.tv/content/sports/
http://tvsoccer.tk/
skysports ustream a liverpudlian speaking in the box
speed required atleast 512 kbps i gues coz its sticking for me here
enjoy
January 11th, 2009 at 18:07
Good news: Anelka is coming on to play with Drogba. That always turns out as a disaster for Chelski as they can’t play well together. We can only hope it continues.
January 11th, 2009 at 18:12
Apparently Deco is out with a calf problem…good news for Man Utd.
January 11th, 2009 at 18:25
RRRRROOOOOOOOOOONEYYYYY!!!!
January 11th, 2009 at 18:25
YEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!
January 11th, 2009 at 18:25
Woooo hoooooo!
Brilliant move on the left, Ronaldo, Evra, Rooney
January 11th, 2009 at 18:25
Woohoo!!
January 11th, 2009 at 18:26
rooneyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
January 11th, 2009 at 18:26
Evra injured? Ach noooooo!
January 11th, 2009 at 18:26
GAME OVER BABY!
Absolutely shocking marking by a Chelsea team on that goal. SHOCKING! 
January 11th, 2009 at 18:27
thank you rafa……..its because of you we are back!!!!!!!!!!
January 11th, 2009 at 18:27
Evra out?
January 11th, 2009 at 18:28
Well Played Evra! Take one for the team! You’ve earned your rest!
January 11th, 2009 at 18:29
Fuck! whats the word on Evra?
January 11th, 2009 at 18:29
its amazing how a short player like park wins header against giant players on consistent basis
January 11th, 2009 at 18:29
Game opening out now. Giggs getting space in the middle, good to see him running around edging out towards the left.
O’Shea. Well, should be more defensive at least.
January 11th, 2009 at 18:30
Next Sub.
Berb off. Tevez on.
(In my opinion)
January 11th, 2009 at 18:32
what a great atmosphere in the stadium!!!
Hats off to OT faithful for singing their hearts out today.
January 11th, 2009 at 18:39
I would love us to get the killer third goal and wrap the game up….but I feel that United will sit back and invite Chelsea to pull one back. Hope that doesn’t happen.
Also Ronaldo should stop taking the free-kicks…it’s soo bloody annoying when he blasts them into the wall even from 40 yards out.
January 11th, 2009 at 18:42
Well Played Ryan! Fucking Fantastic!
January 11th, 2009 at 18:43
well played giggsy…..
January 11th, 2009 at 18:46
@Patrick: Fuck off, mate. You don’t know what your talking about.
January 11th, 2009 at 18:49
berba fucking tov!!!
3-0 it is!
January 11th, 2009 at 18:49
BERBAAAAAAA!
YEEEEESSSSS!
HAVE THAT YOU RENTBOY SCUM!!!
YEEEEEESSS!!!
January 11th, 2009 at 18:50
the god scored
January 11th, 2009 at 18:50
Rafa, Oh Rafa, We’re coming for You!!!!!!!!
January 11th, 2009 at 18:50
berba………1 goal 1 assist awesome…….
January 11th, 2009 at 18:50
Berbatov. Wooo.
January 11th, 2009 at 18:53
Yeah baby!
January 11th, 2009 at 18:55
3 goals, 2 assists, 1 bulgarian
January 11th, 2009 at 18:55
All of our beloved United players, take a fucking bow. And you Sir Alex. Brilliant. Thank you soooo much.
January 11th, 2009 at 18:56
FULL TIME!!
YEEESSSS!
January 11th, 2009 at 18:58
Yesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Seeing Terry cry again would make this day perfect
January 11th, 2009 at 18:58
Are You watching MERSEYSIDE!
Dont Cry John!
January 11th, 2009 at 18:59
Alright….now where the fuck are those people who were bashing SAF’s team selection earlier??! loooool ….Although Chelsea admittedly played like shyte, it looks like the Fergster knew what he was doing all along!
January 11th, 2009 at 19:01
MANCHESTER UNITED 3 – 0 CHELSEA
LOOKS GOOD doesn’t it
January 11th, 2009 at 19:02
GIGGS was magnificient today and evans too.
January 11th, 2009 at 19:02
@Nino: As always, as always!
What A fucking weekend! Never one like it in my Life!
January 11th, 2009 at 19:02
That was actually 5-0 when you think about it. Genius! Normal service is resumed. Now for the traditional surge to the title in May.
Chelski…what a fucking disgrace. Bunch of diving cheating prima donnas totally UNDRESSED by the mighty reds.
The scousers will fuck it up now because despite Fergies ‘mind games’ what he said was actually RIGHT. They do not have the bottle. Ha Ha Ha. Im so happy Im gonna go for a skip down our street!!! :
January 11th, 2009 at 19:03
A message to all Fergie-bashers: cheers!!!
That’s why he has been the manager of United for the last 20+ years. Never forget it. Today I felt proud supporting this team. HIS team.
January 11th, 2009 at 19:03
I certainly questioned the selection of Giggs and I’ve never been happier to have been proved wrong. What a glorious run for the iconic Giggs. Just when I was about to count him out for good he showed such class and composure. Filling in in the holding roll at times: unbelievable. Couldn’t be prouder of the team and happier to be a supporter. A glorious day and a sensational weekend for all of us.
January 11th, 2009 at 19:04
The best game for me the whole season and lets pay our dues to SAF for his great formation. I have to say I was the st one to doubt, but man it was great. Great game from Giggs and let’s not forget that Rent boyz center mid had nothing the whole game. Hope it’s not a big problem for Evra, cause he was immense as always. Once again would like to state SAF genious plan for this tough schedule. Now we need to win our games in hands. Congrets again to everyone.
January 11th, 2009 at 19:05
Right, So this time I managed to jinx Chelsea
The first time this season I’ve complained about Fergie’s selection before a match and we produce a performance like that. Maybe that’s the problem with us this season, I’m just waay too optimistic 
. As soon as a little bit f pessimism creeps in we are back to our old selves.
January 11th, 2009 at 19:05
Hey we are forgetting evans performance today .he was brilliant today with massive blocks .
January 11th, 2009 at 19:07
Only one thing that i wanted more today was tevez getting few minutes.
January 11th, 2009 at 19:09
Oh and there’s something thats been bugging me since it happened. Did Park dive? The ref went back and booked him for diving but it looked a pretty bad tackle and I didn’t see a replay. Drogba dived about 5 times: no yellow, Ballack pulls off the worst attempt at a dive I’ve ever seen: no yellow. Park falls over: yellow. I mean WTF!
January 11th, 2009 at 19:11
Giggs is MOTM.
He fucking deserve it.
January 11th, 2009 at 19:12
What a screamer of a third goal… Welcome back, Manchester United..
January 11th, 2009 at 19:12
SAF knows!
January 11th, 2009 at 19:13
we haven’t conceded for last 760 minutes in the league…and that too when evra and rio haven’t played many of the games…..
evans, rafael and o’shea stepping up to the plate…..
and neville deserves a special mention too…….
well done reds….
January 11th, 2009 at 19:14
@james f: Clearly luck, according to most, the man is a tactical idiot afterall, lol
@Johnsom33: You were saying???
A moment to laugh at this wonderful result and the fans who thought Fergie had gone senile. If 22years of success doesn’t seal your faith in the man, nothing ever will
January 11th, 2009 at 19:15
Wow..this win is making me emotional!!! What a win, what a performance. Take a bow United…Makes me realize once again while I love United and football!!!
January 11th, 2009 at 19:15
@vikas: It’s a testament to the lads you mentioned, but also to what a monumental force Vidic has become. Easily my favorite player in the side.
January 11th, 2009 at 19:19
Now Mourinho was watching(taking notes), I wonder what he will be telling his chaps ………….more like “guys we are in trouble”
January 11th, 2009 at 19:19
@Liam:
The reffing today was terrible.
First Carvalho rugby tackles Ronnie in the box, gets away with it and then gets Ronnie carded. Then Ballack does a swan dive and gets away with it. we lose 2 perfectly good goals from Ronnie, and Park is booked for what??????
On the game, we were magnificent, totally dominated the rent boyz throughout the game. Giggs did surprise me, I admit i was skeptical of him in the midfield, but him and Fletch totally dominated the 3 man much vaunted chelski midfield. Ronnie had a good game, nice to see him shelving his greedy ways and playing more for the team. Even Park was excellent today, really kept Bosingwa in check and made a few good runs as well.
In defense, Evra showed today why he is so important to us. His attacking play, especially in tandem with Ronnie, was sublime. Vida was a rock as always, and a brilliant header. john “i am a little girl” terry should lern from Vida on how world calss CB’s are…Evans, after a few early mistakes, grew into the game and made a few important tackles.
Berba is starting to win me over, he was very good today, importantly he played like a No 9 today, lead the line well. Rooney, taking the petulant antics aside, worked the Chelski defense and we are starting to see the BerbaRoon partnership bloom.
All in all, an absolutely wonderful day, the best since that night in Moscow…….
January 11th, 2009 at 19:20
Funny thing is Ronaldo should have had two goals today, but both were disallowed…too bad for him! But he looked up for it today.
Special mention for Park too..how come I can’t hear anyone thrashing him today..this has been coming..I’ve always said he’s been one of our top-3 performers for the last month or so. If this performance doesn’t convince his bashers, nothing will.
January 11th, 2009 at 19:20
i love watching berba score , i might change my nickname!
January 11th, 2009 at 19:21
I invite you all to re-read the match thread right from the beginning – it should make for a hilarious read, from the doomed “we’ve already lost” comments to the fregie’s a genius ones!!!
Oh, and I came…
January 11th, 2009 at 19:21
@Patrick: no doubt…he is our best player at the moment…be it scoring crucial goals or being a rock solid defender….
but i am not that nervous about him missing the inter game because evans has played really well specially in big games…..
January 11th, 2009 at 19:22
@Rd: I remember my fight with other people on this board month ago, who were calling SAF senile and all. The only thing I asked at that time was to be more patient and more faith. I am curious how they will react
.
January 11th, 2009 at 19:25
Hmmmm…brilliant performance, but let’s not get too carried away! I’m still not convinced by our patchy form this season. We have had other great displays this season like Shitty away too but it’s been pretty stop-start so far. Hopefully United can use this win as a platform to build upon and if it ignites our traditional 2nd semester surge then I can’t see anybody else but us claiming the title once again.
January 11th, 2009 at 19:29
@Nico QB: *cough*, *cough*…too much information in your last line.
January 11th, 2009 at 19:31
@Orez: My point exactly, after 22years of Fergie, its just amazing that some fans start questioning him after just half a season.
January 11th, 2009 at 19:31
any news on evra’s injury…. godDamn today he showed us why we missed him…
i wonder if he wasn’t on the pitch today. .. these celebrations wudn’t have been a reality….
i was surprised when Fletcher was picked above Carrick.. but he proved his merit.. Fletcher is a like an elite trump card.. he performs his best against our fierce rivals ONLY..!!
January 11th, 2009 at 19:32
J.S. Park needs to be resigned by Sir Alex! His movement and industry was brilliant once again today. Because of his efforts Bosingwa and Cole had difficulty pushing forward. Also, giggsy was brilliant! I would love to see the same line-up against Wigan, minus Giggs for Carrick. Come on you Reds, hopefully the goals will now come thick and fast…Rafa must be going throught the pastries rather quickly right about now
!
January 11th, 2009 at 19:33
Glad I’m typing this, because my voice has gone with all the shouting and chanting
. To see the Chelski players after the game – they looked totally dejected as they went over to their fans. Ballack who talk bollocks, saying pre match L’pool are more title challengers than Man Utd – hahahaha – LOSER. He looked like he was gonna cry as he was walking off, I Can’t tell you how I derided him 
. I so look
forward to Wigan now, and hopefully another 3 points. It won’t be easy at Bolton away, but if we get that we will be top of the league, before the Scousers kick another ball. Come on you Devils.
Rafa – your lads lost you two points, Our lads gained us three – THAT IS A FACT. Feckin digest it.
January 11th, 2009 at 19:35
Rafa must be having Keegan shaped nightmares
January 11th, 2009 at 19:35
Just saw SAF’s and Scolari’s interviews after the game. Wow, just the interview shows the difference between a man who’s one of the greatest managers of all time and another who’ll probably get sacked at the end of the season.
January 11th, 2009 at 19:36
A few things need mentioning I think:
1. Neville – clearly our no.1 RB as of now. Wes would take time to get back to form after injury and Rafael is still shaky at times, especially in terms of positioning.
2. Giggs – a cover at LB??? (seriously) Today his defensive performance was formidable in midfield and showed commitment to defend that some youngsters (I’m looking at you Anderson) should take notice of. Still some of his passes went astray (perhaps the team mates could not read his intentions) but he’s clearly our best set-piece deliverer.
3. Park – justified his inclusion ahead of Nani. Has developed more understanding with his team mates than LMN.
4. SAF – take a fucking bow!
5. Vidic – THe next PFA player of the year? I was perplexed last season when many fans rated Vidic ahead of Ferdinand. I still think that Ferdinand was our 2nd most important player last season, but nowadays it seems that Vida – he’ll fucking murder ya – has reached another level: last season he was a brute of a defender, alveit a very good brute… Today, I feel that even his reading of the game and distribution (which were his weak points) have improved!
January 11th, 2009 at 19:37
fergie is at it once again.
quintruplet here we come
January 11th, 2009 at 19:40
@Nino: Agreed Nino, but if we can win our next TWO games convincingly, then It will convince me that we want the PL again. The lads looked like they wanted it, bit shaky start, but 2nd half push was just magic
.
January 11th, 2009 at 19:40
While we are in celebration mood gentleman, let’s all have a laugh on Rafa’s behalf. His rant makes this win so much better. Someone should tell Rafa The Waiter that he should concentrate on his team and not on keeping a diary on SAF
.
@Nino: I know what you mean man, but today is for celebration
January 11th, 2009 at 19:40
Any news on Evra’s injury???
January 11th, 2009 at 19:41
Hey Dan & Patrick, don’t I deserve a special mention too? I told ya Giggys was superhuman in training all week!!!
My sources are “good”, very “good”. 
January 11th, 2009 at 19:42
@vikas: Evans doesn’t seem to play as well away from home though, he is ok, but in home games he is really great.
January 11th, 2009 at 19:42
Luved it!!! Every fucking second of it!!!
Best game of the season, and the players showed their true self today. Couldnt be more proud to be a United fan!
Vidic was immense, MOTM by a long way. Won every tackle, every duel in the air(GOOOOL!
), positioning was always perfect and made Drogba his bitch. He for me is our player of the season. His 6th goal for us this season? Or is it 5th? I remember Zenit, Hull, Sunderland, Osaka and now Chelski. Is there any more? Still, brilliant by a defender. Just had a feeling a defender would score today.
Evans, Park, Rooney, Giggs and Berbatov… All get a 9 from me. Ronaldo was an 8 because he played his role, played his game and did what he needed to do. Should have had 2 goals today too, but Ref were cunts as usual. Brilliant free-kick on Berba goal! If you search for “class goal” in the dictionary, that goal will show up.
Manchester Unted 3-0 Chelsea FC. Says it all! Total domination, total control, could have score more, 2 goals dissalowed, Terry getting cheered by fans on every touch(I was just waiting for him to cry during the last 10 mins!), Ronaldo heel-flick between the legs of Belletti in the last minute made my day. Best United performance in a long while, and I am delighted. We are gonna win it all this season!!! :determined:
January 11th, 2009 at 19:42
I’ll give each player individual comments:
VDS: Looked very assured and composed but didn’t really have yoo much to do. Some bad clearances but they were more to do with bad backpasses. Rating: 7
Neville: Great performance from our captain. Was defending brilliantly and getting into good overlap positions. Could have gotten forward a bit more but I’ve absolutely no problem with him as our first choice RB. He is a master of the position. Rating:8
Vida: also a great performance. Was his usual self at the back, snuffing out Chelsea attacks and he scored the opener which was the best moment of our season for me. Rating 8.5
Evans: What can I say? I doubted his ability to play in high pressure games last week or something and the Southampton and Derby games were making me lose faith in him. But today was a masterclass in defending. He was blocking shots, making good interceptions and looked composed on the ball. 2nd best player on the pitch today. Rating:9
Evra: Just what this team has been missing. His runs from LB pinned Cole and Bosingwa back and nulified the threat on that side. He also did something unusual for him: produce a good cross! consistently on of our top performers this season. Rating: 8
Fletch: had a good game in the center. he provided cover while also producing some great passes. maybe overshadowed by his partner in CM. Rating 7.5
Giggs: What a performance! I thought Carrick should have started ahead of him and how wrong was I? Giggs looked faster, fitter and more up for it than I’ve seen him in a long time and if he can produce more performances like that then he’ll be even more of a legend than he already is. Great defensive play and some good interlinking up front means I’m very tempted to give him a 10 but some misplaced passes brings that down to a Rating:9.5 and MOTM
Park: Was a constant menace to the Chelsea defence and was just everywhere. Unlucky not to have scored in the 1st half when Terry blocked his shot. Rating: 7.5
Ronaldo: pretty average display by his standards. However was good going forward and got in some good crosses. He even tracked back! good performance overall but not a case of controlling the game. Good team effort if anything which did make us more effective. He was only really stupidly selfish once that I can think of. Rating: 7.5
Berbatov: Good performance but could’ve gotten involved the game more. Had more chances than normal and stayed up front a lot more. Dribbled out of a few tight corners and was generally a lot more lively than usual. He seems to be reasonlbly good at beating a man and holding him off and has a decent burst of pace that we really should see more. His run for the 3rd goal was great and what he needs to be doing more. Rating: 8
Rooney: Was involved in all of the good link up play up front and his goal killed the game off. He usually produces in the big games and today was no exception. There were also some very Scholes-esque moments with his passing. Rating: 8 (added .5 for the goal)
O’Shea: good shift he put in after Evra went off. Chelsea were attacking more and he was very solid. Rating: 6.5
Carrick: did what was required of him after he came on. looked assured and gave us a bit of energy. Rating: 6
January 11th, 2009 at 19:44
@ROOOOONEY: please don’t, Berba doesn’t need fairweather fans. Stick with Rooney.
January 11th, 2009 at 19:44
@Patrick: Clearly, that person had absolutely no clue what he was talking about!
(Mind, I thought exactly the same thing!
)
January 11th, 2009 at 19:46
@antsBoy: Ants boy, imagine if the disallowed had been allowed, Chelsea would have ended up punch drunk
. They were already DAZED as it was – poor sods.
Bet the scousers were crapping their pants
.
January 11th, 2009 at 19:48
@Craig Mc:
I bet the scousers are already stocking up on tissues…..they will need them come May
January 11th, 2009 at 19:50
@Vivek: So glad you are beginning to see Berba’s class mate
.
January 11th, 2009 at 19:51
Did anyone see Vida blocking off Berba’s marker for the third goal, that was bloody brilliant.
January 11th, 2009 at 19:52
What a great game today….. The first goal made Chelsea come out more in the second half and the introduction of Anelka for Deco created a space in midfield we started to exploit. Best second half performance of the season and I think Vida was brilliant. He has assumed responsibility on the field in the absence of Rio and the way he blocked off Terry and Di Santos to make Berbatov free for the third goal was class.
And BTW here is a good article in the Guardian. An interview with Sir Bobby Charlton.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/jan/11/manchester-united-bobby-charlton
January 11th, 2009 at 19:53
@RedDevilEddy: @Liam: IMO, Berba went AWOL in the first half, but he clearly made up for it in the second.
On this kind of display, I really can’t see Tevez pushing in the side except for resting our starters. It may be a bit controversial, but I’d like the United fans – those on the terraces I mean – to keep the Argentina chants to a minimum and instead hail other more important players – Evra for instance. Wasn’t he supposed to get his own chant?
January 11th, 2009 at 19:53
@Craig Mc:
I hold my hands up, I was skeptical of his usefulness to our attack, but he is beginning to convince me otherwise. I would still like to see a bit more predatory instinct from him, add that to his game and he would be unstoppable.
January 11th, 2009 at 19:54
@Craig Mc: yeah but i think in big games (like CL) he has done well away from home too…….
January 11th, 2009 at 19:56
@Liam: Errrm thats because MOST of our performances this season have been quite shite Liam. Hence the cause for pessimism. Now I hope we are in for the United we know and love to come forth again, as they did today.
I hear they are dishing out Aspirin tablets on the Chelsea coach, as most of their players are going home with MASSIVE HEADACHE
.
January 11th, 2009 at 19:58
Guys, isnt the Fifa World Player of the Year announcement in a few hours???
January 11th, 2009 at 19:58
Oh by the way, did you guys see the replays of the 3rd goal..Look carefully, Vidic goes and whispers something in Berba’s ear…Berba THEN makes his run and Vidic steps in to block Di Santo who was marking Berba while Terry looked lost in between. Training ground routine again and it worked!
Oh and Chelsea had Di Santo marking Berba????!!! HAHA HAHAAA!!
January 11th, 2009 at 19:59
@james f: Errr James, don’t get carried away mate, we haven’t had TOO MANY games like todays for one whole half of a season. One swallow doesn’t make a summer, but it is a great start
.
January 11th, 2009 at 19:59
Absolutely Fucking AWESOME!!
I have waited a year for this team to wake up out of it’s slumber and since before the Mourinho to see us really take it to Chelsea in the play as well as the scoreline. This was a majestic performance that should go down in the annals as one of Manchester United’s finest hours….or should I say 90 minutes.
What can I say but sheer perfection. I wasn’t even upset that the first 30 minutes of boring cat and mouse didn’t distract from what ended up being a thorough butt kicking of the team I most despise second most in all of world football. Sorry but Italy will always be my most hated team.
United controlled this game from the beginning and totally enforced it’s intent on a Chelsea team that looked back on their heels and lacking in confidence. So before I get into my only player ratings of the season (frankly the game deserves it), let me make my observations of the game that I wrote down as I was watching the game.
1. Carvalho deserved an early yellow card and United deserved a penalty due to his shirt grabbing and foul of Ronaldo in the box. Instead, the muppet known as Howard Webb decided it was nothing. RUBBISH!
2. Rooney needs to grow up and cool off. His petulant attitude has cost this team too much and yet again he did enough today to not just get his one needless yellow card, but should have received a second earlier for a bad foul and then mouthing off to the ref. Webb’s Muppet moment #2
3. United need to work on free throws. Players don’t move into space and make it easier for the thrower. We always lose the ball within a second of a free throw.
4. Ballack my favorite should have gotten a yellow for a bad dive in the box. Howard Muppet moment #3
5. The first 30 to 35 minutes had me very concerned because both teams had parked the bus. A rarity indeed. But then United created a few chances by Berbatov and then Park which seemed to inspire them and kill Chelsea’s confidence.
6. The game was an interesting tactical display in the first half. Like I said earlier, both teams sat back in their own thirds of the pitch and defended like Stoke or Sunderland. But in the middle of the park there was plenty of room to run and pass and both teams seemed to relish the room because the game had pace, up until they would run into the wall just before the box. Both managers utilizing the exact same strategy and both waiting to see which team would crack first. It reminded me of the first moves in a chess game when the middle of the board is empty and the back squares are all filled.
7. I have to say that I now feel I really can figure Fergie out in a big game. The team he fielded was exactly as I thought as I felt he would be concerned about Chelsea’s overlapping fullbacks more than Ballack and Lampard so starting both Park and Giggs made sense from a defensive standpoint. Who knew these players would also make their mark offensively. A rarity indeed.
8. Watching the Drogba was fun because to me he is a shadow of his former self. No commitment, intensity and a terrible first touch. I loved it because as many of you know, other than Terry, he is the player I hate most in the EPL.
9. The first goal was satisfaction indeed coming just before the halftime whistle. Vidic was awesome up to that point and deserved to be rewarded. On the other hand Berbatov was quiet but like I have always said, he is a lot like Cantona where he can disappear from a game and then make one touch that turns things around. His flick on was a massive boost to this club’s confidence and morale.
10. See how much better we play when we are focused, hungry and allowed to run and gun. The room that we were given in the middle allowed us to build energy and momentum in our attacks and that alone eventually was too much for the very static Chelsea back four as they could not handle our speed and movement off the ball.
11. The Rooney goal was the killer and it was massive because I have not seen a Chelsea team so embarrassed in marking than on that goal. Absolutely shocking marking by A Hole
, I mean Ashley Cole. This would never have happened in a well organized and gritty Mourinho run Blues side.
12. Ronaldo then scores what should have been the third goal but the referee’s assistant rules him off side. Replay shows he was on side. Webb lets it go and therefore has Muppet moment #4.
13. The third goal was right out of the Boston Celtic’s playbook. THe old pick n roll play. Vidic did a great job picking off Dos Santos and allowing Berbatov the freedom to head for the near post. Ronaldo skinned his defender and delivered a sublime low cross and GAME OVER BABY.
14. Beletti deserved a straight red card for a terrible foul from behind on Ronaldo. He had already fouled him a second before and got away with it. The second could easily have injured Ronny. Webb’s 5th Mupet moment of the game.
15. Finally, Scolari’s tactics in this game were very questionable. You go to OT to play a rival who is better than you and you park the bus but allow the wide players room to cause havoc. On the other hand the home team’s manager plays the same tactics but places wingers in the game who will stop the overlaps and not give Chelsea the same gift. This game was won by the wingers and the fullbacks who so thoroughly manhandled the wide players of Chelsea that it was sublime and awe inspiring to see. This was a master class by the legend Ferguson as he taught the Gene Hackman a thing or two about strategy and tactics in club football. Even I have to admit that sometimes it’s not about putting out your eleven best players but the players who will handle the specific tactics of the game the best. I may not be a Park fan or be down Giggs of late but those two performed marvelously today in the role they were handed. On the other hand, Joe Hole, Oops!, I mean Joe Cole, Deco, Beletti, A Hole Oops!, I mean Ashley Cole and Bullshitwa Oops! I mean Bosingwa did not perform their duties in the same manner or with the same ferociousness and desire. Hats off to Fergie for an old school lesson in managing and a wake up call to not only his team but perhaps himself as well. Yes folks, Grognard thinks the Gaffer still has the old magic based on today. What a difference a 4 days makes.
January 11th, 2009 at 20:00
Where are all the wrist sliters now. When you read this speak after me,.. I will not doubt judgements of those who are in this business for…. fucking 20 years….. Something for our teenage and some exceptions to remember.
January 11th, 2009 at 20:01
@themec: You’d have to be happy to go for a skip mate
. Did you whistle United songs on the way 
.
January 11th, 2009 at 20:02
@Nico QB: I think that was because Chelsea had employed Mikel to basically stop Berba and Rooney from dropping off. In the 2nd half Chelsea pushed up and it gave them the space to do their worst in the hole.
January 11th, 2009 at 20:03
RedDevilEddy …….great prediction
today, mate……everyone….just look at the comment number.18. 
I was shocked with the line up
but you and fergy were 100 % right…
January 11th, 2009 at 20:05
@jos: Jos I said that the anti United rants usually Unite the United faithful as nothing else does, AND I WAS RIGHT. The stands were ROCKING
.
January 11th, 2009 at 20:09
@Craig Mc: yeah there has been a distinct lack of arguing amonst ourselves since then. This is boring! eh, Nani is rubbish!
January 11th, 2009 at 20:09
My random observations…
Why did Bellatti only get a yellow card for taking two clear chops at Ronaldo’s legs? He missed with the first one, then sprinted after him with the sole intention of tackling him from behind, which he did. Disgusting.
Horrible dive from Ballack. What a cheating pussy.
Thought the back five were all excellent. Its hard to single out any of them when they all hardly put a foot wrong.
Amazed at Giggs. He was playing as a Defensive CM!!!! And he was killing!!!!
Rooney had some brilliant passing and had some good link up play.
Well done Berba getting his goal, that will only get his confidence up and hopefully get him on a scoring streak. (thought he could have been involved a little more in the first half…)
And thought it was one of Ronaldos better games. Hopefully it is a sign of him turning it on late
January 11th, 2009 at 20:11
On a side note, Bosingwa’s unibrow is DEVASTATING. It was the most threatening part of the Chelsea’s side.
January 11th, 2009 at 20:12
@R: The wrist slitters are all in accident and emergency having stitches inserted. Still, don’t puff your chest out too much yet mate, because it has not been without just cause that some fans have complained at nearly half a season of poor for. This is probs the best performance we have been granted in first half of a season. Lets hope our performances continue in this TRUE UNITED STYLE.
January 11th, 2009 at 20:14
How the first comments were wrong is very amusing!
Neville, Giggs, and Fergie – Bravo bravo!
But to be honest, the first half was a nerve-wrecking encounter until the impossible happened. We scored 2 goals from two corners… this has not happened this year!
This win makes my 3 days so much better. Can’t wait to see an enlightened United take on a dangerous Wigan.
January 11th, 2009 at 20:14
No disrespect to the boy, but Rooney really played like A. Cole’s middle leg!!
January 11th, 2009 at 20:15
@Liam: Now Liam mate, don’t get me started, I like friendly on a day of celebration like this. Oh and Berba class Liam – you feeling a bit coy then
.
January 11th, 2009 at 20:16
Also, let’s not call the scouser chief Rafa benitez. I call him Fat Manuel (from Fawlty towers).
Fat Manuel is shivering…
January 11th, 2009 at 20:19
@Drew Vader: Drew mate, you didn’t know bollocks Ballack was a Ballet dancer then?
. Oh how I loved his face post match – he was sicker than a sick parrot suffering a painful disease.
January 11th, 2009 at 20:22
@Craig Mc: ‘One swallow doesn’t make a summer, but it is a great start
‘ 
January 11th, 2009 at 20:33
Fergie: “I think (Rafa) was an angry man and I think he was disturbed for some reason, that’s all I’ve got to say about it.”
January 11th, 2009 at 20:33
OK, here are my player ratings. And as an added bonus, I will offer ratings for Chelski scum as well. So that one can compare the massive disparity between the two teams.
EVDS; 6/10 – frankly, he never had to do a thing all day. Does he even deserve a rating. Talk about taking the day off and enjoying a spot of tea. Take your back four out for a great steak dinner to celebrate your night off mate.
NEVILLE; 8.5/10 – Poor job of throw ins but he was the old Big Nev tonight. A blast from the past. He defended well and I for one would have selected him over Rafael for the defensive reasons and because he totally had Joe Cole and And Ashley Cole in his back pocket all night long. Don’t start him every game but on occasions like this, it’s good to see he still has what it takes.
EVANS; 8.5/10 – Yet another statement of intent and a shout to the world that yes, he has arrived and yes, he is the real deal. Showed tremendous composure on the ball and made some massive clearances. Rio who?
VIDIC; 10/10 – Sheer perfection and a master class in central defending. I now feel guilty about selecting Martin Buchan instead of Vidic for my all time team. Simply the best defender in the world on his day and that even includes Rio. Massive job of defending and making the Drogba invisible while still neutralizing Ballack and Lampard at every turn. And to top it all off, he scores the game winner. PERFECTION
EVRA; 9/10 – Too bad he got injured because up to that point it was a tossup between him and Vidic for man of the match. Great presence with his runs. Was given space to run and dribble and he looked very dangerous. Also defended very well. Hope his injury isn’t bad. You could see he was pumped up for Chelsea because of the ban he got.
PARK; 9/10 – WOW! What can I say, the lad did his job and did it to perfection. He will never light my fire offensively but as a role player and defensive pest, he is fantastic and was awesome in this game. How many times did he win the ball or strip off of the feet of Chelsea players today? His runs were also very encouraging and he was unlucky not to have scored thanks to John Fucker Terry save. His contribution in this game was immense and based on this game, one can see what Fergie loves about him. Problem is, he doesn’t always deliver such outstanding performances, although I too would have picked him today for the job he was to do and then went on to do exceedingly well. Bravo!
FLETCHER; 6.5/10 – Truthfully, the quietest United player on the pitch. Didn’t do anything wrong but never really enforced himself on to the game.
Made some nice defensive tackles and started a few nice fast breaks but other than that, quiet.
GIGGS; 8.5/10 – No this was not a blast from the past as he clearly does not have the pace or touch in the attacking zone anymore but his tracking back tonight was sublime. Great defensive work ethic and his crossing from corners was great and paid off in a goal. Again the wise decision over Nani due to the necessity to manage Chelsea’s fullback and winger threat. Had young legs out there today. Loved it.
RONALDO; 8/10 – A very quiet first half other than a disallowed header goal. He looked out of sorts with his teammates. But come the second half he was the Ronny of old. Scored what should have been a legit goal and came close a few other times. His crosses and passes started to find their targets and his cross to Berba was fantastic. He seemed to find a spark and an extra step in the second half which made his game.
ROONEY; 8/10 – Was a pest all game and his petulant attitude could have got him in worse trouble than he eventually found himself. His goal was well taken but lets face it, you and I would have scored that one with the crappy marking that he received. He did run hard and cause grief for defenders all game.
BERBATOV; 7.5/10 – What can you say about a player who has a quiet game yet scores a goal and sets up another with a timely flick on. Generally quiet but in the second half he looked a lot better and more decisive. His trapping and first touch on a few long balls sent to him were breathtaking. They seemed to stick to his boot. Still, he needs to become more aggressive in the box.
O’SHEA; 7/10 – Did what was asked of him once he came in. Nobody got around him or delivered any killer crosses while he was out there.
CARRICK; Not enough time to judge.
By a country mile this was the team’s greatest performance of the season. Long overdue and vital in making a claim for first. A vewry positive and enforced statement of intent from a team that may have very well found their missing MOJO tonight. Lets hope they smell the finish line now and give these types of performances the rest of the way with no letdowns. If they do, I have only one thing to say to the rest of the teams in the league. I pity you fools.
The Grognard is indeed in ecstasy this evening.
January 11th, 2009 at 20:35
i am just glad nani didnt play , he is the only one who could have ruined us
January 11th, 2009 at 20:36
@Nino: A very true statement mate and very sobering words on a day we all need to get pissed to the gills from joy.
January 11th, 2009 at 20:37
@ROOOOONEY: A little antagonism to liven things up?
January 11th, 2009 at 20:40
its just a bait for my friend other there
January 11th, 2009 at 20:41
Yeah, it’s almost too grand a day to spend it taking digs at Nani. But with that said, our fluidity and movement on offense today was partly due to the fact that the ball didn’t die for 10 seconds every time it found its way to the left wing.
January 11th, 2009 at 20:46
Gary Neville was a fucking MONSTER! Passion. Determination. The look on his face after the Berbatov goal was telling – he was out to destroy Chelsea. Haven’t enjoyed a game so much in a very long while.
Patrice Evra is a joy to watch – fast and committed and clever (though profoundly one-footed) his attacking play brings the speed back into the side.
Really proud, and the fans sounded fantastic.
January 11th, 2009 at 21:00
A couple of observations that really struck me after this game.
1/ Evans was so much better in this game than in his previous two outings. Confident in defense and much more fluid in his distribution. Could it be that, being surrounded by the poise and experience of Vidic, Evra and Neville, he no longer felt the spotlight. He’s still a very young kid to hold that key position.
By the way Neville seems to be improving as time wears on. This could be key for our late season successes.
2/ Is SAF now going to use our old workhorses, Giggs and Scholes, in holding positions? Bolstering a lackluster attacking midfield. Giggs was huge in that position today, smart and virtually error free. He sure made Park and Fletcher look good in their respective roles didn’t he!!
As a side note to this, Scholes, IMHO, would be a disaster here with his poorly timed tackling and his hesitation to play the quick decisive pass.
January 11th, 2009 at 21:07
all tose fergie doubters and apparently “football experts” next remeber Fergie, the staff and the players are the football experts are the football experts and professionalls.
so STOP talkin like u knw the game inside out, its alrite 2 have an opinion but as fans it hs 2 b a QUALIFIED opinion.
FERGIE knows best.
January 11th, 2009 at 21:09
@Patrick: Hey mate, careful about Unibrows! I have one myself, or rather if I let it grow, it might look akin to that of the Gallaghers or Martin Scorcese!
January 11th, 2009 at 21:14
I forgot to give my ratings for Chelsea, so just for laughs here they are.
CECH; 1/10 – Never made a save all night and looked completely disinterested the whole afternoon.
BOSINGWA; 4/10 – Made a few nice runs but was found very wanting in trying to contain both Evra and Ronaldo. To me he is an overrated RB and the only thing that scares me about him is his unibrow. What’s with that monstrosity anyway?
TERRY; 7/10 – Generally had a poor or average game but made some saving blocks and tackles that would have led to goals. God how I hate given this fuck anything but 0/10.
CARVALHO; 4/10 – Simply the worst game I have ever seen this fine CB ever play. Should have been yellow carded for clutching and shirt pulling on Ronaldo which for me was a penalty kick. Was out of position all night and looked a foot slower than usual.
ASS COLE; 4/10 – Was totally embarrassed by Rooney ont he second goal and Park and Neville had their way with him all afternoon. Was invisible except in moment s where he screwed up.
JOE COLE; 4/10 – Was even on the pitch? When was the last time Joe Cole so disappeared for an entire match. No wonder why the Gene Hackman has been sitting him down so much.
BALLACK; 9/10 – Only because he’s my favorite player. I cannot show disloyalty to those I love although sometimes I question myself and ask why I chose such a total Chelski shitbag to love. Truthfully though, he was a 5/10. Made some nice passes and was dangerous in the box but really never got much done.
LAMPARD; 5/10 – Yet another enigma and mysterious disappearing act. What, no ring kissing tonight Franky you fuck. Sod off you overrated and useless Ballack wannabe.
BELETTI; 2/10 – In his few minutes on the field he should have received a straight red card for a terrible tackle on Ronaldo and was to blame for the last goal by being skinned alive by Ronaldo. Thanks to the Gene Hackman for putting him on.
ANELKA; 2/10 – As soon as I saw the Sulk come on and Drogba stay on I knew this game was ours. Those two just don’t play well together. Sulk was useless to say the least. He did fuck all and was a disgrace for his ability to vanish in thin air despite his height. AMAZING!
DECO; 3/10 – He started but you wouldn’t know it unless you saw the lineup card. Clearly hasn’t got the bottle for the Prem and needs to go back to spain where they let the artists paint.
the DROGBA; 3/10 – Clearly a dim shadow of his former menacing self. Never got one touch right in the game and his one true scoring chance he fanned on. Clearly, he is got to be gone from Chelsea because his atitude looks bad out there. No effort at all.
OBI WON MIKEL; 3/10 – So this muppet is the replacement for the great Essien or Makelele? HA1 HA! HA! Don’t make me laugh. He’s nothing more than cheap shot artist wearing blue and had no impact on the game whatsoever.
DOS SANTOS, DI SANTOS Whatever?; 1/10 – Came on for a few moments and let a schoolboy trick cost the team the third goal. Way to go rookie.
Now the Chelski scum can stick their tails between their legs and crawl back to Stamford Bridge and face the wrath of Roman. I frakken love it. Today was a very good day indeed.
January 11th, 2009 at 21:16
Ironic that our best performance of the season comes straight off the back of our worst. And people were telling me there would be a hangover!
Player Ratings:
VDS: Not one shot on target to deal with. Commanded his area well and distribution was effective. Needs to keep a deck chair behind the goal. 7
Neville: Didn’t get forward too often to support the attack but didn’t let anything get past him down his flank and commanded the back line well. He has now put in a number of good performances since the World Club Cup and deserves his slot back for now. Will be interesting to see how he copes when he starts facing more pacy wingers again. 8
Vidic: Immense performance from the Serb, completely dominating the Chelsea frontline and even finding the time to score. He has really stepped up his form in the last couple of months and is the form defender in the league (although think it is presumptuous to call him being the best defender in the world or the team). God knows how teams are meant to score against us when Ferdinand returns. 9
Evans: Couple of shaky performances here and there but generally solid, with improved distribution from normal. The decision to go with Evans over Pique in the summer continues to look like an excellent call. 8
Evra: Superb performance and strong attacking impetus kept Boswinga pinned back for most of the match. I can’t give the assist for the second goal to Berbatov because it would be daylight robbery on Patrice. Has stated that he doesn’t believe his injury is too serious and the sooner he is back the better. 8.5
Park: Committed, disciplined and hardworking as usual and kept the Chelsea full backs pinned back. His passing and inter play were excellent by and large and he showed a couple of good pieces of skill. His movement continues to trouble opposition defences. His second extremely good performance against Chelsea this season. A major achievement since he is a talentless, no-mark. 7.5
Fletcher: Worked hard and was diligent in his task. He always made himself available however I felt he was a bit slow in moving the ball along at times and got himself caught in tight situations as a result. Form has dipped since the start of the season but a solid enough showing. 7
Giggs: Inspirational. A 35 year old, weedy winger verus Chelsea’s numerous, younger, power houses in the middle of the park? It wasn’t even a close contest. Some of his passing was off but on another day a couple of superb bursts through the middle would have created chances. Excellent set piece delivery an added bonus. 9 and MOM
Ronaldo: Worked hard today and looked lively and dangerous. His efforts should really have yielded a goal but he played his part in two of the three and give the Chelsea RB’s some real problems. Nice to see a happy Ronnie today rather than the snappy, snarling version we have been seeing in recent weeks. 7.5
Rooney: See the first line of Ronaldo. Linked up play well and excellent invention for the disallowed goal. Still petulant at times but he probably needs to be playing on the edge to get the best out of him, so I would call it an occupational hazard. 8
Berbatov: Hard one to mark. Officially marked with two assists and a goal and produced a couple of nice pieces of play. That said he barely registered as being on the pitch for the first forty minutes. Really came into the game though when play got stretched. Needs to get involved more when things are tight but other than that a good showing. 7.5
Subs:
O’Shea: Solid and ensured nothing got past him. 7
Carrick: Held his defensive position and played a couple of nice passes. 7
SAF: Really pulled a left fielder with the CM selection but apparently this was planned two weeks ago and Fletcher and Giggs had been saved for the game accordingly. I was personally in disbelief when I heard the team news on the way home. Tactics were spot on in neutralising the Chelsea full backs and funnelling the play down the middle and, to be frank, he made Scolari look like a novice. In conclusion, SAF’s footballing knowledge > every contributor’s on this blog put together.
January 11th, 2009 at 21:16
@iamfootball: I’m sorry, I couldn’t understand what you were saying with SAF’s balls in your mouth.
January 11th, 2009 at 21:26
@iamfootball: Sorry, mate. That was classless.
January 11th, 2009 at 21:29
PATRICK-
understand this………..YOUR MUM…….lol
AND WHT IS IT WITH YOU AND THE HOMOPHOIC JOKES are u comin out of the closet?
and b4 u ask, im STRAIGHT and NO i dont want 2 have my balls in ur mouth
January 11th, 2009 at 21:30
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Fact is Chelsea have regressed under Scolari. They can swat away bottom half of the table teams but defensively they are very suspect this season and they also are really unbalanced and their wingers suck.
Few more observations:
1. We were really balanced out there. I feel that was a key factor in our success. Before the games some of us were whining about a midfield with Giggs, Park and Fletcher but they all did an amazing job for us and I do not think Anderson and Nani would have the same discipline and positioning that underlined our dominance.
2. Red Neville is back! The right back position is going to be his own at least for the rest of this season. What he lacks in ability he makes up for with his determination, his leadership and his experience. We should forgive him for his slips earlier this season. Defensively he is now as solid as always and it is hard to believe based on today that he was out for a whole year. It seemed like he had never been gone.
3. We were producicng some great work from set pieces and crosses. This makes a refreshing change. Last season we were moving away from that sort of game in favour of a more continental approach, which is a shame because an aerial game can be really effective! There are loads of teams on the continent who are defensively suspect and Inter and Barcelona definitely come into that category and if we show the ability to mix it up and play the ball along the ground and in the air, crossing and passing, we have a real chance!
4. Berbatov is starting to really convince me. The first half of the season I was disappointed with his goal total and performance in big games. But today he was quiet but very productive and that is absolutely fine by me. I hope he can build on the last few games to continue in this vein and provide a dozen goals and assists in the second half of the season.
5. Ronaldo looked as good as I can remember this season. He produced a sterling wingers performance giving us the width Chelsea lacked and getting some great crosses into the box. He was also very unlucky with the disallowed goals. I can see him becoming a big game player for us because the big sides aren’t quite as cynical when it comes to fouling him and that gives Ronnie the space to operate.
January 11th, 2009 at 21:38
Absoluteley priceless listening to Ferguson calling Benitez “disturbed” in the aftermatch interview.
Senile my arse!!
Also priceless Giggs and Neville ramming it down the throats of all the Johnny come lateleys on this board who have been calling them shite this season.
I thought Chelsea had cornered the market on the the Johnny come lateleys but we seem to have our fair share.
Also what is it with the negative comments about Nani today. Apart from Vidic on Wedensday he was our best player. Didn’t achieve much admittedly but he was trying his heart out.
January 11th, 2009 at 21:40
watched the game in a shanty pub in rural Lagos,Nigeria, roar’d the house down!
mad team selection INCREDIBLE result!!
Thats all there is to say…
oh wait…..
CHAMPIONIES CHAMPIONIES! were on our way lads
January 11th, 2009 at 21:44
Excellent game, and an even more amusing comments thread. One of the most entertaining ones I’ve read through. Good job guys
And I mean this in a positive way. It’s a reflection/study of the human mind and the way we jump at things, at times. I too was dumbfounded with Fergie’s midfield selection, so count me in as among the doubters.
Great day over all. Match report later.
January 11th, 2009 at 21:53
For me it really was 5-0. Anyways, look at this. Chelsea had their best team minus Essien. But Obi Mikel more than filled in for him. We had a squad player, a 34 year old legend, who still has it in him (sometimes, he does) and a Korean who according to most isnt fit to start in the other three of the Big four. We dominate the game, win it 3-0. We were sublime, Giggs was amazing.
This shows that all that we need is a nice kick up the backside and some motivation. I mean, playing against Chelsea was always a motivation and look what happened. We absolutely steam rolled them. Plus Liverpool dropped points. Isnt life just wonderful?
Grog, you were so right, when Scolari brought on Anelka for Deco, we knew that it was desperation because he himself admitted a few days ago in an interview that Drogba and Anelka dont gel. Getting Bosingwa off for Beletti was another sign of desperation. Only shows that Scolari doesnt have a plan B at all. Chelsea are now a point adrift. We have three games in hand. Liverpool are what four away? five? NOW it seems like we are title contenders, serious ones. Our season needed this push.
One other thing that I observed was that, Chelsea had their strongest defence in years, Bosingwa, Terry, Carvalho and A Hole. All world class. Yet we steamrolled past them and we struggled against a Sunderland team who parked the bus. I think the only thing between this team and the title now is the necessary tactics to beat a team who park the bus.
January 11th, 2009 at 21:55
@stuart allen: Since you are a johnny come lately to this board, you may not have been aware that the Nani negativism was light hearted piss take by some of the members on here.
Regarding Giggs and Neville, the 08/09 season has been far from stellar for them regardless of today’s performance. Neville’s had his share of stick, some undeserving and some deserving, and so has Giggs. So if your contribution here is to harp on how right you were all along — presumably — then I suppose you don’t add much value either. I’m sure most people would have been surprised, in the least, by Fergie’s selection of his starting XI today.
January 11th, 2009 at 21:58
@stuart allen: You know the definition of a Johnny come lately is not he numerous supporters like my self who have endured half a season of mediocrity from this team and have commented on it. Johnny come lately’s are silent blokes on this blog who come out of the woodwork and offer their views on all of us when the weather is fair, yet offer nothing when the team has struggled. Look at yourself in the mirror and you will see that that mug is the same one as the face next to the dictionary definition of a Johnny come lately.
January 11th, 2009 at 22:09
Who is Stuart Allen?
January 11th, 2009 at 22:13
My prediction prior to the game (prize was a signed Ballack shirt):
“2 – 0 to United, Vidic to score from a corner and Rooney with a late second on a counter as Chelsea throw everything forward in search of an equaliser”
I’m so happy with the team’s performance I’ll forgive Berba for scoring that third goal and costing me the money I would’ve made selling that signed Ballack shirt
Best game of the season imo, made even sweeter by coming right after that horrendous performance against Derby. I admit I was sceptical (mildly put) when I found out Giggs was playing in the centre of the park, but sure am glad he proved me wrong. In Fergie we trust…
January 11th, 2009 at 22:14
GET OUT JCL
January 11th, 2009 at 22:24
During the Milan match today, the commentator called Beckham “Milan’s Spice Boy.” I don’t know if that was a common dig during his time at United, but I almost doubled over laughing.
January 11th, 2009 at 22:24
@Patrick: comedy
i hate it when silent readers post and act like they know shit all and everybody else doesnt, complete knob ends the lot of them!
But dont let my little outburst stop you from making your first comments
January 11th, 2009 at 22:28
Credit were credit is due, Park and Fletcher, who I have been critical off, both played well today, but this came as no surprise to me coz both have had good games against Chelsea in the past and I think thier defensive qualties merit thier inclusion in games like these.
Giggs was the surprise package for me today and was my only pre game concern, but hats off to him, his passing was average, but he ran with the ball fantastically well today and the Chelsea centre mids had no answer, good performance.
SAF was tactically spot on today, but for all you people who are bashing the people who have criticized him this season, his team selection today begs the question, if He can get it right against Chelsea, why cant he get it right against some of the lesser teams who we have dropped stupid points against.
But I dont want to start arguing with fellow United supporters who want to score points against each other, everybody is entitled to their own opinion, sometimes certain peoples views will be vindicated, the next week someone elses will, lets just enjoy one of the rare times this season, when most of us can be totally satisfied with our teams performance.
January 11th, 2009 at 23:12
@Craig Mc: haha man i f’ing hate him so much!! It was great to see him/fat frank and Deco all chasing a 35 year olds shadow!!
January 11th, 2009 at 23:16
@Grognard: Give it a rest man. Don’t jump on him for offering a valid comment.
January 11th, 2009 at 23:33
I think it’s the imagination to try new things that has been missing from our play. Those 2 set plays were inspired. The first one was pure brilliance. Rooney rolls it in and Giggs walks over with great composure and delivers a pinpoint cross onto Ronaldo’s head. If the linesman knew the rules of the game we would have scored there instead of 30 seconds later. Rooney, Giggs and Ronaldo gave the linesman some abuse afterwards
he looked like he was going to shit himself! Vida’s screen for Berba was great as well, although probably illegal 
January 11th, 2009 at 23:46
lol Rafa’s comments have only ignited United’s fire power. I wonder what he must have thought during them match! Probably the worst own goal he could ever make
Come on United!
Oliver
http://utdtillidie.blogspot.com
January 12th, 2009 at 0:00
@stuart allen: Seeing as you are a Nani fan mate, I will go light on you
. People on this board have been complaining about the form of Giggsy and Red Nev being shite for many games this season, because their performances on the whole have been shite mate, compared to what they can produce, e.g. what they gave us today. I don’t think you understand a rants board mate, it is not just to froth at the mouth to find all kinds of happy things to say and think about our players, when in fact most of them (and not just Giggsy, Red Nev), have not produced the goods for most of a whole half of season. So when the times come to froth and slap them on the back, such as todays magnificent performance, they get it in abundance. Doesn’t mean we don’t support them in the bad times though, because those who are able to get to the games every week, do so, and cheer to the rafters, win or lose. This site is a good place though to vent your frustrations when we feel like the players are not giving their all.
Anyway, if you love Nani, your ok with me mate
January 12th, 2009 at 0:05
I for one am really happy for Giggs, Park and Ferguson…
All have been bagged by our ’supporters’ on this site of late… But all came up with the answers today.
Ronaldo looked like his old self… Wayne was good… Vidic and Evra were monsters…
Bravo Rafa… Great start to the thread Red Ranter Fat Spainish Waiters should stick to waiting tables ha ha …
Go United – Pending Three Time Champs… Which Manager has done that?
January 12th, 2009 at 0:15
@Drew Vader: Why don’t you give your persecution of me a rest first? I wasn’t the only one nor was I the first one to bring that up so why don’t you give it a rest and cut me some slack or does the dark side truly infect your thinking Mr Vader?
January 12th, 2009 at 0:19
@JB: Fergie’s knowledge, every contributor on this blog put together??? – No way Jose
.
As for Berba, you have to give him the assists on both goals that weren’t his, because he did in fact get his head connections on the ball to move it on to our scorers. You know what, I am telling you, the way he is positioned in the area facing the incoming balls from corners or set pieces, and sending the ball on with his heading ability, reminds me very much of Teddy Sheringham. He could become an equivelant Teddy for us – watch this space
.
January 12th, 2009 at 0:21
Now I have to admit this is one time I was hoping for a pat on the back from some of you. Since I am forever known as the Mr. Doom and Gloom and the Prince of Fucking Darkness around this blog, I would think that after spending a good hour writing nothing but positives after positives in my reviews of the game today, that somebody would make a frakken comment about them. All that energy and effort gone to waste and not a bloody peep out of any of you. But should I write a negative review or comment a deluge of comments come my way and some which point out my weaknesses, and moments negativity and despair. What about handing a bone to the Grognard when he writes something uplifting and positive for a change. I’ll remember this day when the next clown who knocks me for being negative all the time. I am truly frustrated and a bit hurt by this. One who takes so much abuse sometimes likes a little love shown his way.
January 12th, 2009 at 0:24
@iamfootball: You have a real problem with your grammar mate – sorry!. With regards to Fergie and his merry coaching men ALWAYS being right, NO mate, they have got it wrong a good few times this season
. So we will continue to bug when necessary, in the hope of reminding them of the performances that we love, such as todays.
January 12th, 2009 at 0:30
@Grognard: Spot on, I to grow tired of people only popping up when everything is good. Neville was good today, but he has been absolutely shocking for the most part. Even Fergie said that Rafael is now first choice, so is Fergie a Johnny come lately?
While I will admit that Park and Giggs played well today, I felt Fletcher was a wast in midfield, Personally I would have prefered Anderson.
Lastly I think Ronaldo deserves a lot of credit today. He was a constant thorn in chelsea side and linking up well with other players. His set piece cross to Berbatov was a thing of beauty, it was inch perfect. It is just a shame that he nevers gets credit unless he scores goals.
January 12th, 2009 at 0:31
@Mountfort: Anytime the scousers have a go at United, that is a red rag to the BULLISH Gary Neville. He will play like a man possessed to get us above the scousers. No way will he want them to get the PL title from us
.
January 12th, 2009 at 0:32
@Craig Mc: You’re right, he has ten times the knowledge of everyone on this blog put together
On a more serious note it just annoys me when someone starts calling him senile or inept when he makes a decision they don’t agree with. Sure he doesn’t get everything right but generally there is a method behind the madness, even if we don’t always see it.
As for Berbatov, I am happy enough to give him the first assist. On the second there doesn’t seem to be much movement on the ball after he touched it and since it was such an excellent cross by Evra, I’m crediting him with the assist
And I’d like to think he will be better than Sheringham for us (no offence Teddy!!)
January 12th, 2009 at 0:34
@Patrick: Think you’ll find Patrick that when a team starts to come into form, and the goals are flowing, it sets other players alight, and they come onto the field all charged up too. So if we keep up todays form, expect Nani, Andie, Tev and others to join the party
.
January 12th, 2009 at 0:35
@Craig Mc: Well said young Craig, well said.
Listening to some in here you would think because you criticize someone you are less of a supporter, which is nonsense, coz most criticism on this site is usually backed up with reasoned arguments, the reasons might not be right all the time, but they are honest opinions borne not out of personal dislike, but a desire to see United play well.
Man Im getting good at this blogging lark
January 12th, 2009 at 0:37
@ROOOOONEY: Friends?
, I hear you aint got any friends – 
thats the door 
.
January 12th, 2009 at 0:38
@ROOOOONEY: Friends ??? I hear you aint got any friends –
.
January 12th, 2009 at 0:43
@Liam: Hahahahaha – touche mi man, touche
. A nice worthy piece of banter there Bro 
.
January 12th, 2009 at 0:43
@Grognard: To be fair you appointed yourself the ‘Prince of Fucking Darkness’ so you will have to live with the image as you are probably stuck with it now. People tend to respond to comments when they disagree with something. A negative comment will tend to be more controversial, rile people more and have more points for debate. Ergo you get lots of responses. Praising the team after today’s excellent performance doesn’t really have many bones of contention in it so you aren’t really getting much debate.
As for your responses, in terms of player ratings I really have nothing to disagree on other than a couple of minor scoring differences. On your Chelsea ratings (I’m not sure how seriously to take them to be fair) I would say you are being harsh on Cech and slightly generous with Terry. As for your general reactions to the game the only problem I have with them is that it is harsh to blame Webb for his linesman making an incorrect offside decision. Other than that I am in agreement by and large.
January 12th, 2009 at 0:45
@Redrich: Translate this comment of your for me Redrich PLEASE.
January 12th, 2009 at 0:47
Why do people always have to compare players? Nani will be the next Ronaldo, Anderson the next Scholes, now Berba the next Teddy?
Every player has their own style, you should not try to copy the style of another player. Evans is not like Rio, of cource he is a lttile like Rio because they are both defenders, but they are not similar in many, many ways. They have different attributes. Berbatov is Berbatov, Anderson is Anderson and Evans is Evans. Lets leave it to that at the moment. We will want our current players to emaluate legends from the past, like Cantona, Bruce or Best. Fact is they are all different players. With different styles, different tecnique and different mentality.
We have 6 different CMs now that all bring new things to our game. Anderson, Carrick, Hargreaves, Fletcher, Giggs and Scholes. Possebon and Gibson in some years too maybe. It is a real challange for Fergie to keep them all happy and give them game time. We usually only play with 2 CMs, and from what we experienced today, there is no first choice pairing. It all depends on opposition, form or style. That means that it will be very hard to pick a midfield pairing from now on. Im impressed by what Fergie has done, his tactics were spot on and awsome today! I still wish we would have a first choice midfield pairing…
January 12th, 2009 at 0:48
@Fred The Red: You might want to read the first 70 or so responses for some of the more ‘reasoned’ arguements
January 12th, 2009 at 0:49
@johnsom33: Have to agree with your assessment of Ronaldo today.
The fact is we have become spoilt of Ronnie’s performances, and if any other player apart from him did what he did today, he would have probably been MOTM. I can easily picture Park or Nani hailed and being given at least 9/10 ratings if they performed like Ronnie did today – uh, yesterday, that is…
But we do tend to dismiss such a performance as what is expected from him, such are the standards he has accustomed us to.
January 12th, 2009 at 0:50
@JB: Whi is that then Jb, can’t referee’s over rule their linesman when they see they have got it wrong anymore?. If so, when did that new rule come in
.
January 12th, 2009 at 0:51
@Grognard: The reason I havent replied to your positive comments is because I simply cant believe it is you.
No offence! But Im just used to you being all Doom and Gloom, so when I see these comments I simply cant believe it is you. But if so really is, Im really happy your are being positive. Luved everything you said in you comments! And if I can help you getting a little happier about today, and to spark our domination, here are the highlights of the game.
January 12th, 2009 at 0:52
@JB: I did read some of them mate and found them to be a little bit extreme, usually when two opposing extreme views are stated, the truth is somewhere in between and is called being balanced.
January 12th, 2009 at 0:52
@RedDevilEddy: Eddy mi man, I’ll make it simple for you – Nani will win the ballon d’or next season
.
January 12th, 2009 at 0:54
@Craig Mc: Of course they can still overrule the assistants but in this case it was because a referee is virtually never in a position to make a judgment on an offside decision for which there linesman is in a far better position to call.
January 12th, 2009 at 0:56
@Fred The Red: Balanced?!?! Nah it will never catch on in here
January 12th, 2009 at 0:57
@Fred The Red: Fred I wonder if those who have been carping about the fans who have opinions which differ to their, and have the audacity to mouth off about them, have ever been into a pub pre or post match. Lord knows they will really get an earbashing of negative opinion, as well as positive. So I don’t understand, why they don’t understand this, unless they live on planet pluto, with the rest of the worlds hermit aliens
.
January 12th, 2009 at 0:58
@JB: Well get off the scales, and stop tipping them Jb
.
January 12th, 2009 at 1:00
@JB: This too close to call thing, and ref’s not being anywhere near where they should be happens too often though Jb
. We should be able to exterminate the inefficients.
January 12th, 2009 at 1:00
@Craig Mc: Are you calling me fat
January 12th, 2009 at 1:01
@Grognard: OK, here’s a bone.
Without you this blog would be dull and pointless. You constantly offer adjacent points of view that both, stimulate and in a certain way, exaggerate all of our feelings. God bless you for your passion.
BUT WOULD LAY THE F..K OFF SAF, HE’S A GOD!!!!
I say this true affection for your cause.
January 12th, 2009 at 1:02
@JB: the problem with some people on here is they let their passion and emotions run riot, particulary after games, probably better to give an opinion the day after a game, but that still doesnt excise the first few on here today, who wrote before the game.
January 12th, 2009 at 1:03
@Craig Mc: I am talking about Ronaldo’s late goal being disallowed for offside here by the way. You really need to be in the linesman position to make an offside call accurately and I can’t see how a referee could counter it with any real confidence in his decision being better than the assistant.
January 12th, 2009 at 1:05
@Fred The Red: Very true, it is always amazing what a night’s sleep does for your perspective.
January 12th, 2009 at 1:07
@Fred The Red: Passion and emotion? the nerve of some people!!
January 12th, 2009 at 1:10
@Craig Mc: They wouldnt even have to go into a pub or bar, just go to OT and listen to the divided opinions in the stadium, its a subconsious misconception some people have that all the supporters who go to football matches all think the same way, they dont, as Im sure you know more than most on this site seeing as you attend more than most.
January 12th, 2009 at 1:12
@Redrich: I can be as guilty of it as anyone, particulary after a bad performance, of which there has been plenty this year.
January 12th, 2009 at 1:15
@johnsom33: I agree with you on everything except Anderson. When you play against midfielders of the quality of Lampard and Ballack, you need a defensive minded player to watch over them. I would have preferred Carrick to Fletcher but Fergie went with history and history had shown Fletcher to be a titan against Chelsea.
January 12th, 2009 at 1:15
@Grognard: If it makes you feel better I think that most of us read your comments and appreciated them. I think that because the game was so good, most of us feel lazy and we try to avoid arguments, but when we play bad and you put negative comments, a lot of other people, including me, will try to argue with you. I know it seems unfair, that we always want to share our negative thoughts, but are very greedy with positive once, but that’s just human nature. As i said I did appreciated you comments and everyone else’s for that matter.
January 12th, 2009 at 1:20
@Fred The Red: Well heck, what a roller coaster each and every season is. What was reality after the Derby game is now ancient history and if we don’t get the result against Wigan, so will today be. As fans we have to respond emotionally always, or we just wouldn’t be fans!!
January 12th, 2009 at 1:21
@JB: I was meaning he was like Teddy in the sense of those gliding headers he can make across the box.
January 12th, 2009 at 1:23
@Fred The Red: Well said. Some on this board feel we are not in any position to criticize or question the players or the Boss. I for one think that’s BS because it is the supporters who pay all the salaries and they should be allowed to question things. We do not always feel we are 100% right and we rarely have all the facts presented to us, but we have a given right to voice our opinions and not have others police us in to silence. I don’t expect nor am I naive to believe that Fergie reads Red Rants and takes offense to anything I or Craig or Dan or Eddy etc have to say. We are loyal and believe it or not we are intelligent supporters that dare to challenge the status quo and the trained followers who never dare whisper a word of criticism. They do what they do because they believe in being blind, faithful and loyal followers and we raise Hell and question things because we are faithful but inquisitive followers always seeking the truth or knowledge. And if questioning or challenging the methods and motives of players and coaches is part of that, then let me quote Battlestar Galactica when I say “so say we all”. The condemned.
January 12th, 2009 at 1:24
@Redrich: Emotionalism come from PASSION mate, and emotes highly charged comments when our team dishes up shite. If we fail against Wigan, things will go flat, but I think we will win against Wigan.
January 12th, 2009 at 1:30
@JB: I gave myself that moniker JB as a light way to deflect all the negative criticism I was getting for telling things as I felt they were. Right or wrong, I have not always been negative but it is the negative and exploratory comments I have made that seems to get noticed, and not the positive and enlightening ones.
I’m not trying to be a crybaby here but it rather bugs me that I give a strong effort on a day that I have reason to feel positive and optimistic and everyone is too damned lazy to read my rants. Sure they are long but no longer than my negative stuff, and that never stops my critics then. So why not be fair towards me and give a dog a bone when he has earned it? Forgive me for the self pity but all I ask is to be treated fairly rather than some of the crap that comes my way that talks about me in such a dark and gloomy manner. Consider my ego a little bruised by the lack of attention and appreciation today. Boo Hoo Hoo for me.
January 12th, 2009 at 1:31
@Grognard: Plus I feel I have a right to call shite, shite when I see it, and I don’t take kindly to others trying to tell me I should tone it down. and call it something different than it is. What, out of some kind of misguided loyalty?. Because we say it as WE see it, doesn’t mean we are any less faithful supporters. Just not sheep. But I don’t expect everyone to see it as I see it. You don’t hear me complaining about some posters being positive, at times when I don’t think there is anything to be positive about.
.
.
All you positive thinking fans, you go right ahead sweetening your coffee with oodles of sugar, and we negatives will join you, when we see the positive as we did today
January 12th, 2009 at 1:32
@Grognard: Amen, but your criticism of SAF is really only based upon age discrimination. Your opinion says only that he’s past it and doesn’t have the where-with-all to grasp the modern game.
When all is said and done, SAF commands the field of Football Management today, in the past, and for however long he wants to continue.
January 12th, 2009 at 1:35
@RedDevilEddy: Ah now that really bugs mate. You and I have had a very friendly and cordial relationship on this blog and have shared many a joke and laugh. So why say that all I am is doom and gloom? Do I really need to copy and paste the dozens and dozens of positive statements I have made over the past two years and re post for all to read just to prove my point? It’s just so frustrating when my only goal in writing on this blog is to deliver my feelings and thoughts about the team and game I love. Trust me when I say that if I am occasionally negative, it’s not an indication into my personality, life and soul. It’s what I see to be the truth about the topic of which I write about. And if many see that as negative, then they have the problem, dealing with things that aren’t always joyful. I don’t have the problem as I do not take my feelings to bed with me.
January 12th, 2009 at 1:36
@Grognard: Grog they may have read them mate, but just not posted replies. That doesn’t make your posts any less valid
.
January 12th, 2009 at 1:39
@Redrich: It won’t be ancient history if we lose the replay mate.
January 12th, 2009 at 1:42
@Redrich: Thanks mate. And to make this perfectly clear, I have written many many times of my endearing love and respect for Sir Alex. Just the other day I wrote about my confidence on how he was going to deal with Chelsea and with Rafa after his stupid comments of a few days ago. Nobody commented and said anything. But when I say he has lost the bottle or going senile or needs to retire, I am crucified mercilessly by a few who feel it is their job to protect him when he has done a questionable job in games. Sure I don’t know as much about the game as he does and never will, but that doesn’t qualify for retard status either. I feel I often make valid points and criticisms and may have agreed with me. But the thing to remember is that when praise is merited and earned, I am the first and the loudest to applaud and congratulate. Read my responses today and challenge me on it. Fergie is a pop culture God but I have heard millions curse their real God millions of times in my life. Does that make them non believers? I have always believed in SAF.
January 12th, 2009 at 1:42
@Craig Mc: Oh I agree with all of that, ,including the beating Wigan bit.
January 12th, 2009 at 1:42
@Fred The Red: So true Fred, many are the verbal scraps on the terraces, and they are all part of the experience in my mind
.
January 12th, 2009 at 1:45
@JB: Jb Ronnies goal wasn’t disallowed for offside, but because Rooney supposedly didn’t bring the ball to a standstill. The linesman said he disallowed Ronnie’s headed goal for that. Is that the goal you are talking about, I am confused now
.
January 12th, 2009 at 1:46
@Fred The Red: What’s wrong with letting your passions and emotions run riot? Why is it so vital to sit back, wait and let all that energy dissipate? What and who does that serve? Is that why millions join up around the world and watch a game together in pubs, because they want to show no passion or emotion and stay silent so that they can logically reflect on a sport? This is not about genocide in Rwanda mate. This just frakken football. Let people be the way they want to be. All we need to do on this blog is respect each others rights and stop the digs and name calling, thats all.
January 12th, 2009 at 1:47
@JB: Hahahaha – I don’t know, but if the cap fits
. Just jesting Bro.
January 12th, 2009 at 1:49
Absolutely amazed by the energy of Giggs today. Had been wooried about him dropping deep and slowing play down but he really took it to them today and his covering was fantastic. He’s obviously been showing that on the training ground and he certainly did it for the boss today.
Another big difference was the fact that we scored goals, and good ones at that. We played great against citeh but the scoreline didn’t reflect our superiority.
Nev has been getting his A game back for a match or two and Fergie’s patience in giving him time has been rewarded.
Park too played his full part in the ritual dismantling of the wannabes from west London. Totally admit to being wrong in my pre match pessimism. What a great feeling tonight. That defence is awesome and I think may be a record for the number of minutes without conceding in the premiership era.
Fergie has had the last laugh on a few of us tonight, but I for one am only too glad to tuck into that humble pie.
January 12th, 2009 at 1:49
@JB: What do you think about making television instant replay part of the game like in the NFL? To do so, you would need to stop the clock to review but I personally feel that accuracy and getting things right and fair is much more important than the same old golden rule and excuse that it takes the human element out of the game. The referees in the EPL as far as I’m concerned are all subhuman, so I have no problem having a tool that challenges their calls and corrects their incompetence. Crikey, this 2008, not 1968.
January 12th, 2009 at 1:49
@Grognard: Well I just think you are at your least articulate when you talk about SAF. To me he’s off limits, like dissing Ronaldo for an errant pass, you can’t really slam the Boss in hindsight for shitty performances.
January 12th, 2009 at 1:50
@Redrich: Well said mate, I love that. Imagine the nerve of some of us eh. Is there anything more sad than watching the game like a chemistry professor or chartered accountant?
January 12th, 2009 at 1:53
@Orez: You are right and human nature really sucks now doesn’t it? Especially online when one is not in real contact with people to get a feeling for where they are coming from. It’s all so cold and clinical sometimes. I’m too old for this shit.
January 12th, 2009 at 1:55
@Craig Mc: I love you Bro.
Well said. I also think we will beat Wigan but it will be a struggle as Stevey will park the bus to stop our momentum..
January 12th, 2009 at 1:59
@Redrich: Redrich Bro, I am looking forward to the Wigan game, and I hope another storming win for United
. We have got to win our next two games, so we are right up the bums of the 
scousers.
January 12th, 2009 at 2:00
@Craig Mc: no one has criticized or pointed out SAFs shortcomings more than me on this site mate, but that does not mean that I dont appreciate his strengths and good points, and it these strengths and good points that make him the best in the buisness and arguably the best of all time, but hes not flawless, and certainly not above criticism.
His team selections in some of our games against lesser teams this year have been rubbish at times and have contributed to our slow start, so Im hoping that He knew something that we didnt in those games and now we will see the real United from now on, todays result could be the catylyst for our whole season.
January 12th, 2009 at 2:01
@Redrich: I’m 49 mate and much older than most on this blog so don’t give me that age discrimination crap ok. I have experienced plenty of age discrimination and I’m not even nearing 70. A few weeks ago I brought up examples in other sports of all time legendary coaches who once they reached a certain age, began to lose because they stopped being able to motivate and relate to the players who change from generation to generation. For example, kids who are brought up in the hiphop culture do not react to the same kinds of motivations and coaching styles as players from Steve Bruce’s generation. So if I criticize Fergie and question whether he has lost the dressing room, it’s through that perspective because frankly, the team and many of the young players this year have lacked fire and discipline.
January 12th, 2009 at 2:02
@Craig Mc: It does because they make sure to comment if I say something negative. It’s just feels so bloody unfair. I mean I took some time to write that stuff mate. How bout a pat on the shoulder for the effort? You know what I mean?
January 12th, 2009 at 2:02
@Grognard: Grog, we have a very good record against Wigan at OT. Remember last year they were coming to play us of a similar run of winning games for them, but we broke that win. Thing is, everyone is saying on Sky tv, that Fergie will do his usual all change for that game, and that if he does, Wigan will do a Derby on us, because they are nobody’s mugs.
January 12th, 2009 at 2:05
@Craig Mc: You know part of the beauty is trying tricks like that which catch teams sleeping but today’s referees just quash that kind of ambition and imagination. I remember having watched the Dutch with Cruyff try little tricks like that all the time and the referees never ever stopped the play or called it back. As if it wasn’t already tough enough to score in this defensive and overly technical age.
January 12th, 2009 at 2:07
@Grognard: I know Grog, but we should just post what we feel is right at the time, whether people make comments or not. You just press on mate. There will always be those who appreciate your posts, positive or negative. When you took your break, Man people were really missing your input to the blog, so it is not all doom and gloom where you are concerned Grog. I don’t care if people call me a negative shit, because as you know I bloody love a GOOD SCRAP. So lets thrive on all the comments mate, cos we are smarter than smart
.
January 12th, 2009 at 2:08
@Craig Mc: If my math serves me right, the scouse will be looking up our butt. How I would like to shit on them!!!
January 12th, 2009 at 2:08
@Redrich: Honestly mate, I don’t get that. Why not? Why is he so off limits? Hell nobody has a problem putting down our national political leaders and these people impact our lives in a much more serious manner. What we are talking about here is a football manager, not the man who will hold the future of yourself and your family in his hands. We need to get a bit of proper perspective on things. It’s only bloody footy.
January 12th, 2009 at 2:09
@Craig Mc: Cant see SAF making too many changes against Wigan, he will want to pile the pressure on Liverpool next monday against Everton by leapfrogging them in the table next saturday.
January 12th, 2009 at 2:09
@Craig Mc: Hopefully Brucey will once again know who his daddy is.
January 12th, 2009 at 2:10
@Craig Mc: How could you be a negative shit when you show such love to our lil man Nani?
January 12th, 2009 at 2:11
FUCK yeaaaaaaa!!!
evryone gets a pat on the back today!!!
gigsy’s weaving runs came back today and i nearly shit myself. i was like ohh no here goes the old man then he passed like three chelscum and delivered a decent pass. good to see those welsh legs still have some movement in em.
berba was great at times as well i think the draw woke everyone up for sure.
Ronaldo needs help from the refs or he is going to get hurt bad this is getting fucking ridiculous. the ref played advantage after the first kick and ronny kept going then the kid got scissor tackled from behind should have been sent off. not to mention getting rugby tackled in the box by a countryman.
all parks running actually came good today.
vida is a beast what more can you say he also has one of my favorite goal celebrations i just like seeing big men try to get down hahaha.
OH YEA and the GATORS won this week also how many trophies can my teams accumulate this year hahaha
viva john terry
January 12th, 2009 at 2:14
@Grognard: The only way SAF will lose the dressing room is if he has a white stick. By the way, I beat you by 6 years, Junior.
January 12th, 2009 at 2:18
@Grognard: Thing is Grog, that was an absolutely magical piece of inventive football, and the header from Ronaldo was of bullet speed and accuracy proportions. I was furious it wasn’t given, because that was legendary stuff mate, and stuff I hugely admire, and get very excited over.
January 12th, 2009 at 2:20
@Redrich: I agree, no way hes lost the changing room, Ive criticized him this season myself, but definately not for losing the dressing room.
January 12th, 2009 at 2:22
@Grognard: I would guess it has something with history. Looking back on SAF’s credentials he has made me and every other United fan jump high with joy with great regularity. Also he’s made every Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool fan seethe with anger and hosility at about the same rate.
I reckon I can give this guy some f..cking slack.
January 12th, 2009 at 2:24
@Redrich: If we beat Wigan and Bolton away they will
. Wouldn’t that be nice. Fergie better not mess about making too many changes though 
.
January 12th, 2009 at 2:26
@Grognard: Your not gonna start all that Nani stuff again Grog, and get me in trouble are you
.
January 12th, 2009 at 2:28
@Fred The Red: I sincerely hope your right Fred, but knowing Fergie this season……………………..
.
January 12th, 2009 at 2:32
@Fred The Red: I couldn’t agree more with these comments re Fergie Fred
.
January 12th, 2009 at 2:39
@Craig Mc: Just can only imagine that the team selection will reflect the best possible in each game. The Derby game that follows will probably side only the fittest players left. I think now that it’s preferable to be top of The PL than be at Wembley in February.
January 12th, 2009 at 2:56
@Redrich: Oh dear Redrich I can’t agree mate. It would be embarrasing to miss out on Wembley going down to a team at the bottom of the first division. Laughing stock comes to mind. We need to get our winning mentality back, and that means in EVERY competition, because that breeds confidence. I also don’t agree that Fergie has always picked the best team available this season, he has made some bloomers mate. He is human not divine
.
January 12th, 2009 at 3:03
So… hands up who saw that coming? Liars.
Hands up who sank their heads into their hands and proceeded to rant to anyone in earshot once they saw Giggs and Fletcher starting in the middle? That’s more like it.
We learnt a valuable lesson today. Whatever our problems our, everyone elses are worse!
January 12th, 2009 at 3:12
@Craig Mc: Who aren’t you agreeing with?? Team selection, has definitely been an area of my discontent. But if you think that SAF will save his players for the Derby game, them you are dreaming mate.
However with the second leg being a home game the advantage of a cup tie will be with us and a lesser-than-best selection should suffice.
January 12th, 2009 at 3:32
@Craig Mc: No mate, I wouldn’t want you to be cut of from the fun stuff.
January 12th, 2009 at 4:13
@Grognard: You also forgot our 12th man – the OT Crowd. They also get a 10/10 for the fantastic atmosphere!
January 12th, 2009 at 5:10
@Grognard: you took my comments about passion and emotion all wrong, of course people should be passionate during games, you wanna check me out at times, but what Im saying is, sometimes people say things when they are pumped up that on further reflection they think differently about, especially right after a bad performance.
January 12th, 2009 at 5:41
@Fred The Red: I got you.
January 12th, 2009 at 5:44
@Fred The Red: The problem about watching it on tv some twenty thousand plus away is that you don’t always get the benefit of great sound. The crowd sounded good but I’m sure being there was a completely different experience. Funny thing was that I had a dream that I was at OT just the other night. It was weird. Manchester looked a lot more exotic than I’m sure it is.
January 12th, 2009 at 5:52
@Grognard: Manchester and exotic, are not two words that really go together mate, not that I can talk, Im from Belfast which is something similar.
Bedtime, sweet dreams everyone, and may The Lord keep you safe.
January 12th, 2009 at 6:06
Fergie on midfield combo
January 12th, 2009 at 8:58
@Grognard: Sorry mate, but you know very good yourself that many here, me included, see you as the “negative” guy who is here to bring us down to earth. Its not hte Doom and Gloom that I think of you as, its the realism! You have been positive sometimes, I remember because I too have had fun and have laughed over many of our conversations. When I say you are all Doom and Gloom, I dont really think so. YOu are more of a realist in my eyes, someone who can bring me down to earth if I am like high or talking about going rest of the season unbeaten.
YOu are funny, positive sometimes and intellectual. But forgive me if I look at you as someone who is realistic and someone who brings us down to earth.
January 12th, 2009 at 9:15
@RedDevil: you havent been on in a while have you!
January 12th, 2009 at 9:29
@dan(u-ol): Dan, Im RedDevilEddy!
Its just that I use this name when Im at school. FUcking school…
January 12th, 2009 at 9:44
after watching the match, i will hardly ever doubt fergie’s selection in a game to be played at old trafford. Giggs and Vida were Men among Boys.
hands off to rafa though for going mental and drawing with stoke! that’s right you fat spanish rat bastard, go berserk and help us win the league. 
January 12th, 2009 at 9:45
@RedDevil: Actually that is a very accurate and good interpretation of what I am mate. I am a realist and I honestly call things the way I see them. Yesterday I was extremely positive because there was a good reason to be. But last Wednesday at Derby was one of our lowest moments as a team and for the supporters where one could honestly question the team and it’s current direction. Amazing what can happen in a matter of four days. Right now it’s hard not to be optimistic and sound fickle as Hell. Actually, I have more negativity towards the League and the game as a whole than I do towards United. And that viewpoint comes from many years of experience watching and studying the evolution of the game.
I actually think our first half record has been fantastic considering the brutal schedule we were handed and due to the fact that the League and most of it’s teams presently play a very depressing and ultra defensive style. As poor as the offense has been, one has to be delighted with our great defensive record. Now if the offensive side of our game starts to click, then I honestly think that winning most of our games is very possible. 19 games to go and all our tough games at home. I now like our chances because we have weathered a potential disaster creating first half very well despite not scoring at our expected prolific rate. I could be wrong but I think it’s a easy path to a third straight EPL title now. I just can’t see us losing more than another game, possibly two all season. The key is not to drop points on the road and minimize the loss of points to poor clubs on the road. If we keep the hunger and motivation up like today, not only can we win the League, but we should win it comfortably.
January 12th, 2009 at 9:46
berba’s goal was like a basketball play, a pick and roll between berbs and vida and kaboom! goal! haha fuck off di santo you cant guard a bitch!
January 12th, 2009 at 9:55
@john freakin’ o’shea: Today was a very reassuring performance. Fergie got it alright. I have to say that I never found his squad selection surprising at all. In fact the starting lineup was exactly what I thought it would be. I knew Fletcher would get the start due to his past strong games against Chelsea. Chelsea posed a threat wide that I knew would cause him to start Park, Neville and Giggs. Three players I have picked on all season but players who not only offer experience in a game like this, but vital defensive skills that we would not have had with Rafael, Nani, and some others. Carrick was a surprise but selecting Giggs over him turned out to be a master coup. Lets hope that Fergie continues to get it right. This game will be a great confidence boost to the entire squad and especially the players who have struggled this season but who played fantastic today. Man it feels good to be thinking positively for a change. This season up until today has been a real drag. So lets forget about the past and look forward to a resurgent and awesome second half.
January 12th, 2009 at 10:12
I need to say something today about Nemanja Vidic’s performance yesterday. After having watched the game again for the second time I still marvel at how awesome Vidic was in this game. I gave him a perfect 10/10 after watching the game live. But now I watch the game for a second time and i honestly feel like giving him and 11/10 rating. He was super human out there. For all the great performances Rio has given for us over the years, I cannot recall a performance by a defender that was more awesome than this. Not a wrong move, pass, marking decision, clearance the whole night. I would call it the training guides ultimate blueprint performance on how to play the position. The only time I have seen as good or as close to as good a performance was Jaap Stam in the FA Cup 1999 Semi-Final replay vs Arsenal. He was massive that night but still did not play as well as Vidic did yesterday. And lets not forget that Vidic scored a goal and was instrumental in the third goal as well with his fantastic basketball style pick that freed Berbatov. Truly an awesome performance by what must be the best central defender in the world at the moment. And I’m not trying to be disrespectful to the great Rio. Vidic has been great, a hard player out there who takes no nonsense and who shows equally as strong leadership as Neville or Rio. Dare I say that he too is great and very inspirational captain material. I say Fergie needs to extend his contract so that he plays out his career at OT.
January 12th, 2009 at 10:29
@Grognard: i hope this performance will open the floodgates. time to bang goals and get the W’s
January 12th, 2009 at 11:09
yesterday someone used the whole packet of condom in 90 mins, we did them good..oooh gosh
January 12th, 2009 at 11:15
@john freakin’ o’shea: I sure hope so but unfortunately we won’t come up against enough teams like Chelsea who try to attack and don’t park the bus. Where we struggle is against teams that shut of all our attack lanes by playing ten men behind the ball. If we could figure out a way to beat that, we would be virtually unstoppable.
January 12th, 2009 at 13:16
Gotta be a huge confidence boost for everyone at the club. Has also brought us a lot closer to Chelsea’s goal difference which has been a REAL cause for alarm given our normal stats in that regard.
Grog, I’m totally with you mate. Your posts are as objective as a fan can make them. They have raised issues based on team selection, the difficulty in scoring and the defensive nature of so many of the tactics employed in the EPL this season. To be fair to you also, you have stuck by Fergie, calling him the ‘glue’, when I for one recently raised questions about his continued suitability based on what we’ve seen this season.
Like me, you’ve asked that Berbatov be given the time his genius deserves ( have you noticed how much joy he is showing when we score of late?)
You also pepper your posts with parallels from other contact ball sports as well as football across the continent. Above all,your love of our club shines through. You also take time to respond personally to comments, whether they agree with you or not and beg to differ on occasion.
I apologise for not being nearly as prolific as yourself but enjoy thinking about what you write. It was no surprise to see you write favourable comments because the team played well and beating Chelsea so soundly was wonderful. I can understand you being somewhat dismayed when thinking you’d been ignored because we post, I think, to stimulate discussion.
One thing I love about this blog is that people of differing ages offer a lot of insight and after a period of time it does feel like being part of a family. There can be heated discussion but it’s the blood tie that holds us together.
We have not had an easy first half of the season and that followed a shit summer with all the crap surrounding Ronnie. That allowed other supporters to take the piss and did take the gloss off our great triumphs of last season. Then the city refused us our open top victory parade to pile shit on top of the dung heap. Play has been spasmodic and very rarely have we sparkled. Let’s hope we can kick on with fans and players alike walking around with big smiles on their faces.
But also let’s remember – these rants keep my cat safe.
January 12th, 2009 at 14:56
Superb result and performance all round, but the real key is keep this level of play up, we cannot afford to drop points to Wigan or Bolton. The ascendancy is now with us, but we use this to kick on.
January 12th, 2009 at 16:09
you gotta love this
http://i43.tinypic.com/20b1j5i.gif
January 12th, 2009 at 16:25
Guys, Ive checked some stats. Yesterdays game broke many Chelski records from the past.
Number 1: That was the first time Chelski lost a game by 3 or more goals since April 2002, when its was United who beat them 3-0 on their pitch.
Number 2: Chelski had not lost an away match in the Premier League since December 2007, when they lost 1-0 to Arsenal at the Emirates.
Number 3: First time Cech(up) conceded 3 goals for Chelski in his whole career there.
And some facts for us United fans:
Berbatov has scored all his goals with his first touch, with his right foot, and all inside the 18 yard box.
Wayne Rooney is the first player for us to reach 11 goals this season. He is our top scorer now.
Nemanja Vidic is only 1 goal away from becoming the first United defender to score more than 5 goals in a season since Steve Bruce in 1994. Blanc, Oshea and Johnson have all managed 5 goals in one season before.
Cristiano Ronaldo has now flewn high up in the our assists charts, his free kick to Berbatov was his 10th assist this season.
January 12th, 2009 at 16:26
@the three Rs:
January 12th, 2009 at 16:26
@the three Rs: Awwww your poor cat
, stay away from it three R’s, or should I be telling the cat to stay out of your way on match days 
.
Berba seems to be showing a bit of fervent passion when he scores I agree, oddly for the Berb as he is a real languid type personality. I was noticing yesterday though, that I think one important thing he lacks, he NEVER really mixes it does he, and gets STUCK IN where it hurts. He needs to start dishing it out a bit when going for 50-50 balls or loose balls etc. To show opponents he wants it more than them. Otherwise GO Berba. Tell me if you think I’m wrong on this point, as I am sure some of you will. I just think if he mixed it with those who want to easily dispossess him or beat him easily to the football, then he would be so much more a magic player. Come on Berba, let the Lion in you OUT.
January 12th, 2009 at 16:32
dont talk about berba stick with nani
January 12th, 2009 at 16:41
@Grognard: I was just going to say Grog after reading your post “how long is Vid’s contract.” I bet the Real Madrid’s of this world will be coming in offering all sorts of incentives for Vidic and Evra. Suppose it depends how much they love United really, and want to play for us. I was reading a newspaper article given by Tosic our new serbian player. He was saying that he is determined to be a LEGEND for United, and it was his dream to be with us. So it does seem like the Eastern Europeans are made of harder stuff, and not put off by the cold as some of our whining Latino’s
.
Other thing is Grog, the basketball blocking in the area by Vidic as you call it, came after Vidic spoke with Berba in their mother tongue, so Chelsea players had no idea what they were up too. I do believe that kind of blocking defenders is illegal, but quite a few defenders do it.
What United need to do to beat the ‘parking of the bus’ defences, is move the ball more quickly, and WORK on their FINAL ball. Boro parked the bus really, but we had 26 chances against them, and didn’t take one Fergie said. So we need to sharpen up in the box etc.
January 12th, 2009 at 16:52
@Craig Mc: Vida is top draw matey, also was really impressed with Jonny Evans, he was superb, is Drogba still in his pocket?
January 12th, 2009 at 16:52
@Redrich:
I wasn’t agreeing with what you said about Fergie not putting out a strong team against Derby, because of his PL desires having priority. I think Fergie will not want to lose this semi, even if he was playing for an egg cup, because by nature he is a winner, and wants to win EVERY competition United enter. In it to win it, even if it is just a game of golf, is Fergie’s nature mate 
.
January 12th, 2009 at 16:54
@Stephen: Hell I hope not Stephen, because his pocket would get INFECTED
.
January 12th, 2009 at 16:55
@Craig Mc: I agree, he will put out a strong side, he has never lost a semi final has he?
January 12th, 2009 at 16:56
@Craig Mc: Whoa, where did you get that info about Vidic and Berba conversing in their mother tongue? Is interesting no doubt…but did the players confirm it or is the usual media waves? Reminds me of cricket though..you always have this sorta thing happening between the keeper, bowler and the close-in fielders speaking among themselves.
January 12th, 2009 at 16:59
@ROOOOONEY: I have always routed for Berba since he came to OT, something that latecomers like yourself only get into on the aftermath band wagon. Grog and I were supporting and shouting Berba’s praises and talent a long time before you decided to join his club. By the way, the Berba club comprises only of the elite members of this blog, of whom I believe your not one – sorry.
And Roooooney, you do seem to mention Nani a real lot, as I see you want to get my attention. You do love to talk to me don’t you
.
January 12th, 2009 at 16:59
Going by Fergie’s usual tactics, we’ll see Nani, Andy and Tevez start on Wednesday no doubt. They will start again next Wednesday and will be rested for Bolton on Saturday. I’m worried about resting Ronaldo and Vidic for a bit though…Vidic especially deserves a game off with the monster effort he’s been giving every game.
January 12th, 2009 at 17:02
@antsBoy: Too risky we need to win the next two, and Vida is vital to that, Heskey and Zaki will be a handful.
January 12th, 2009 at 17:03
I wouldn’t mind seeing Tosic on wed night though!
Toxicity time!!!
January 12th, 2009 at 17:04
@antsBoy: Antsboy mi man, you didn’t know I was an expert in ESP, I can read minds even from afar
. Just jesting mate. I heard that the team United, get into their little groups for conflabs in their mother tongues. Ronnie gave the game away a bit in his interview on MUTV. He said they all like each other, but besides the banter between all the players in training etc, the different groups of players also get together to enjoy their mother tongue. Natural isn’t it?.
January 12th, 2009 at 17:05
@Craig Mc: So was I!!
January 12th, 2009 at 17:08
@antsBoy: I think Wes Brown is almost ready for returning, so that should give Vidic a break. In some games Vid doesn’t need to expend so much energy as he does in the high octane games like yesterday, so he should be okay. My fear is if he ever got injured – God forbid. By the way, any news on Evra’s injury yesterday?.
January 12th, 2009 at 17:12
@Stephen: Stephen mi man, I know you have always been a fully paid up member of the Berba elite club. Fret not my friend
.
By the way, are you trying to start a scrap?. Are you intimating that we will not beat Wigan if Nani, Andie plays. I know where you live
.
January 12th, 2009 at 17:15
@Craig Mc: Ha ha probably down the road from you!!
Carrick will start on Wednesday for sure, and maybe Carlos, Andy and Nani seem to be really out of favour at the moment, but still thinking about yesterday Viva John Terry!!
January 12th, 2009 at 17:25
i didnt dislike berbatov ever , i even ordered his shirt as soon as he signed only two shirts i have are rooney and berbatov! I WILL ORDER NANI SOMEDAY
January 12th, 2009 at 17:27
@ROOOOONEY: Christ, who took the jam out of your doughnut?
January 12th, 2009 at 17:34
I read this on another forum, haven’t checked to see if its true but if so its interesting, although except for Hull those games are very tough:
“Fletcher has missed 4 PL matches this season, in which United lost to Liverpool and Arsenal, drew with Villa, and let in 3 goals at home against Hull.
In his 15 PL matches so far, United have conceded just 3 goals, the last of which was in October!”
January 12th, 2009 at 17:36
@Michael: Liverpool, Arsenal and Villa away, not the easiest fixtures mate.
January 12th, 2009 at 17:43
I did point that out
January 12th, 2009 at 17:59
@the three Rs: i saw that at the caf mate!
January 12th, 2009 at 18:04
Wow, count berbatov suddenly has his minions already.. i’m pretty much sure it feels just like yesterday when half of the world is bashing the count, with only a few sticking for him. wow golly moses how things have change in such a short span of time.
January 12th, 2009 at 18:07
I wonder what language Berba and Vidic were speaking in? I just found out that ?????? ????? is Vidic’s actual name…
January 12th, 2009 at 18:13
@the three Rs: Thanks for the kind words and encouragement mate. Honestly, it means a lot when somebody out there gets me and understands where I am coming from rather than jumping to conclusions about me and feeling threatened by my personality or what they perceive my personality to be.
It has been quite a year for our club and we have had way more highs than lows but sometimes those lows do tend to bring us way down. I never want to experience an off season like the one that just passed again. And this season for me has been a wash from an entertainment point of view, until yesterday of course. Yesterday made up for four months of torture where you felt locked up in a cell, constantly beaten and teased with food, while only being given bread and water in order to survive. The bare minimum in sustenance. Sort of the way United has played. Always doing just enough to steal win or even just get a point but avoiding total death and starvation. Well yesterday felt like they cashed in the Get out of Jail card and they not only were released from their prison environment, but had the bigges