Apr 09
Man Utd v Roma: Preview
Welcome back. Yesterday, Liverpool beat Arsenal 4-2. Yes, the ‘dippers actually scored four goals. How they manage to turn it in Europe is beyond me. I didn’t get to see the game but from reports, they were helped by a dodgy looking penalty decision. I really can’t feel too happy nor too sad about the result. I heard that Wenger looked like he was going to kill himself by digging his head into the turf. Meanwhile Chelsea completed a robotic win against a Fenerbahce side that showed little ambition going forward.
So there you have the first semifinal decided: 90 minutes, and perhaps a little more, of shit slinging orgy. But all that’s an aeon and a half away. So let’s get to today’s game against Roma.
Team news first, and there is good news about Rio. Surprisingly he has an outside chance of playing against Roma. It is nice to hear, but to be honest, I’d rather nurse him till he’s 100% ready for the Arsenal game rather than rush him today. A 2-0 cushion going into a home game should be defendable even with the sort of players we have stepping in. In fact, since Roma will have to attack, I think it should suit our counter attacking game just fine.
One of those defenders who’ll step in and be expected to play his part is Wes Brown, who thinks we can’t afford to sit back on the lead. It is really not in our nature to protect leads, at least not at home. Ideally we should score a goal early on and just play kick-about and practice for Le Arse.
Park Ji-Sung, who has actually had a couple of good performances the last couple of games, chimes in too:
“In a couple of matches we’ve changed the team around but still managed to get good results. We can win the league as well. We can do the double.â€
Nice to hear talk, but it would be nicer if we saw it happen.
The manager had his ideas clear though,
“We need to make sure we don’t do anything silly. There are 90 minutes to get through, and the clock is ticking against Roma. They have to do something, which may suit us.”
Keep your heads down, and do your job. He will have drilled this a million times now. I would expect a conservative start from United, even though we’re playing at home. The idea would be to build up slowly and cause some urgency in the Roman camp, hopefully leaving us with some open spaces up front.
I think, based on his performances recently, Hargreaves should get a look in. Where he would play, however, is a good question to ask. If Rio won’t play, then Pique and Brown could take the centre back spots, while the right back could be a toss up between Hargo and O’Shea. If he opts for a 4-3-3, then Hargreaves will play in central midfield giving the added shield for the defence. Carrick and Scholes also appear sure starters, but with the Arsenal game in the weekend, some one will be given a breather.
Park may start this one ahead of Giggs because he gave a good account of himself in the first leg. And, Ronaldo and Rooney will start.
Prediction: 2-1 to United.
Related items from Red Rants:- Rooney Out For A Month
- Derby County v Man Utd: Preview
- Man Utd v Stoke: Preview
- Roma vs Man Utd: Preview
- Man Utd v Everton: Preview
Tags: Game Preview · UEFA Champions' League
April 9th, 2008 at 10:21
Good assesment. I think it will be 3-1 to United.
April 9th, 2008 at 10:48
Should be an interesting game, to be honest I’d have more confidence if we didn’t have a lead - it’s just not our style to sit back. If we do we’ll conceed free kicks, corners and opportunities, and I can see us going 1-0 down quite quickly. Plus, if spaletti did his homework, he’ll of seen our inability to deal with route 1 from boro, and vucinic is pretty good at that style.
We need Scholes and Carrick to sit in the midfield, with Hargo behind them, and just hold the ball. I don’t care where it goes, for the first half we just need to be calm, and slow, maybe even dull. Tire out Roma with passing around the back 4, up the wings and back again. We have the right players to do it, and with Carrick/Scholes we also have the ability to ping balls over the top ala the Nani goal at Arsenal. What we cannot, CANNOT afford to do is invite pressure. But I have a bad feeling that’s exactly what we will do. Try to lure them in and send Rooney and Ronaldo speeding away at pace. Too risky for me. I say dominate, pass around, if you see an opportunity take it, if not, pass it back again. We’re good enough to get 60% possession at home, which is all I want to see from us tonight.
April 9th, 2008 at 10:58
Now we can try playing the Milan style like we did against Lyon. Should suit the occasion well.
April 9th, 2008 at 11:25
van der sar - brown , o’shea , pique , evra - ronaldo , park , carrick , anderson , scholes - rooney
and 7:1 for us
April 9th, 2008 at 11:28
i have always said it nicely,but fergie.DONT PLAY THAT SELFISH PRICK GIGGS.who shows no desire to see the team move foward but to break sir bobbys record.U R NOT THE PLAYER BOBBY WAS RYAN.dont touch his record you are not even fit to lace his boots.
on the plus side tho i hope pique does well he needs confidence
April 9th, 2008 at 11:36
RR-Love the”Chelsea completed a robotic win” part.Can’t stop laughing at that one.Anyway Im not as optimistic about 2night as others.The match will simply be decided by whoever is given defensive responsibilities in midfield. If its carrick alone then we will need a bit more fortune than the dam-full we had in rome.If its hargo then im a bit more relaxed but still worried because that would mean neville or brown or o’shea at rb.Neville has been out too long to play such a high stakes game,Brown at RB means a central pair selected from o’shea,silvy and pique and i shudder at the thought.This game is not as easy as it seems.Injuries suck big time
April 9th, 2008 at 11:40
donibrasco someone should wash your mouth out with soap and water.
April 9th, 2008 at 11:42
ok, i am not that happy with giggs like most fans are but that was uncalled for donibrasco, and if it wasnt for redranter, i would have you for dinner right now. you are not fit to tie the shoes of bloody rhein davies you insensitive jerk(sorry redranter it had to be said) how dare you say that about giggs, sure he’s of form, but that was not necessary and it does not help. Please RR dont ban me again, it just had to be said.
April 9th, 2008 at 11:44
Well said Julio, why disrespect such a LOYAL PLAYER WHO LOVES THE CLUB MORE THAN MOST. Think before you say something (or in this case write something) Giggs has served United fantastically and DESERVES that record. And i think most will agree with me.
April 9th, 2008 at 11:49
The thought of all those Arsenal fans out there being so happy and jubilant when Adebayor scored
and then a minute later to get deflated like that and so quickly, was SOOOO funny!!! I laughed so
much it hurt.
April 9th, 2008 at 11:53
Wow.Donnie brasco what a ridiculous thing 2 say.He doesn’t deserve 2 tie charlton’s boots?I don’t think u understand football at all.We are the only british team 2 have one the treble and i dare say giggs got us there with absolute magic and a sheer determination 2 win at all costs.Why?Semi final goal vs arsenal to get us 2 final of fa cup.Why?Trailing at home to what was then the best team in the world in the semi of CL juve, giggs didn’t give up until the FINAL min to level and give us a chance into the 2nd leg in Turin where we won 2-3.Why?Last season when we were in danger of not progressing 2 the knockouts vs benfica who came in and changed the game and even scored to make sure we went thru?Just coz giggs has been struggling in a few games this season some peeps just run their spoilt mouths.I had 2 rant guys
April 9th, 2008 at 12:02
After the dissapointment from sunday, I think United will win this one. Maybe not convinsingly, but win. If Roma go into this game attacking and opening rooms that United can take advantage of, this could be a really entertaining game. Maybe more entertaining than yesterdays game. That Rio is fit is great, but if he is a risk I would rather save him for Sunday. Scholes can get his 100 CL game today, but I dont think so. He has played 4 games in two weeks and I think that is too much for him. Giggs defo cant play three in a week, so he should be on the bench. My team for today:
PIG
Neville Brown Pique Silvestre/Evra
Ronaldo Carrick Owen Anderson Park
Rooney
subs: VDS, Oshea, Rio, Silvestre/Evra, Scholes, Giggs, Welbeck
United to win 4-1 with Ronaldo(2), Pique and Rooney scoring.
April 9th, 2008 at 12:04
If giggs is such a selfish pr*ck then what would that make Cristiano Ronaldo?Even bloody charlton said he deserved 2 break his record so who in the world are u to deny him.Leave that 2 saf.Anyway i believe u got the point and u are probably taking a shower to cleanse yourself. Lets move on
April 9th, 2008 at 12:10
Score draw is what I am guessing. With our defence a bit dodgy we will concede, while we should be good enough to score a goal. Against Lyon and Roma in the first leg we got exposed on the counter attack. So I expect we will play a bit more cagily and soak up pressure and then try and hit on the break. Definitely Hargreaves is needed in midfield as Carrick has a tendency to let players ghost past him.
April 9th, 2008 at 12:15
Red devil-I agree with most of your selection but Tk should not start.The only GK I’ll have 2 replace VDS is Gianluigi Buffon thats how serious im taking this game.And could people stop calling him Pig .I don’t care what it means its classless,tasteless and has derogatory all over it.I don’t see a 4-1 win 4 us especially with roma this season.
April 9th, 2008 at 12:33
i dont think PIG will start, the match is to important. there is nothing wrong with saying polish or pol in goal. black peop;e call them selves black people, so if we had a black goalkeeper, there would be nothing wrong in saying BIG, the same with white people, polish call them selves polish poles and there is no rudeness in us calling them what they are.
April 9th, 2008 at 13:16
Here’s something Bobby Charlton said about Ryan Giggs at the start of the season.
about the lineup:
EVDS, Hargo, Brown, Pique, Evra, Ronaldo, Scholes, Anderson, Giggs, Rooney, Tevez
Hargo’s inclusion depends on Rio’s fitness - if Rio starts, Brown will move to the right and Hargo will probably start in the middle ahead of Anderson.
Giggsy will start if Nani is considered fit for Arsenal, otherwise Park will take his place with Giggs held back for Sunday.
Scholes could be rested, but I don’t think he’ll be as effective against Arsenal as he would be against Roma so I’d pick him now and save Carrick for later.
April 9th, 2008 at 13:17
A few weeks back people were harping on about Scholes being finished & ready for the scrap heap. His form over the past few games has been excellent. Giggs won’t destroy teams as he’s done in the past but he is a very intelligent player with bundles of experience. I’d be the first to admit his performances have been poor at times but I also believe he is handing down very important ethics, intelligence, experience and confidence to the younger players. He will step up to the plate when needed & I think some people will be eating their own words come the end of the season.
Ryan Giggs is a living legend and the most decorated footballer in English history.
April 9th, 2008 at 13:29
Dan-Then why is Tk the only recipient of that acronym?Its like that chant about the dog eating korean.Just because crowds sing that doesn’t make it right.Why did we not have DIG and FIG in schmeichel and barthez cases resp.?Becoz TK was not a popular signing and someone disguised a dig at him in the name of shorthand and everyone jumped on the ship.You can always call him TK as insightfully suggested by grognard I believe.Its even shorter than PIG.
April 9th, 2008 at 13:42
I agree with Jay Wire on this one. Does that mean I agree with Grognard?! WOW!
April 9th, 2008 at 13:47
Here we go again
Anyone care to enlighten me on how the term PIG has any racial connotations in it? It should be noted that the term Pole in Goal was also used by Liverpool fans in their song for Jerzy Dudek.
April 9th, 2008 at 13:48
Ahmed, I think your line up is a bit disrespectful to roma.Yes we drew them in rome with the likes of dong and eagles but that was a dead game of fulfilling contractual obligations with platini.To have both scholes and anderson in a 442 is assuming quality of exeter city standards on our opposition.Considering that was the partnership vs derby some weeks ago taddei,de rossi and perotta will be booking hotel rooms in barcelona as soon as they see the midfield they’ll be facing.Those 3 players will destroy us esp considering the very low defensive qualities of scholes and CR7
April 9th, 2008 at 13:50
“It is really not in our nature to protect leads,” - I agree RR, because we are so feckin bad at it that’s why!. We need to play players tonight who are good in keeping possession, and Beachyryan’s post was spot on in regards to tonights tactics. That would be a good debate for us, wouldn’t it? Who are our players that are good at keeping possession, and not giving the ball away loosely in close and important games like tonights?. You may not all agree with my choices, but these are the ones I think are not bad at it. Anderson, Evra, Rio, Nani, Hargo(obviously), Pique whom I’ve only really seen in the reserves. Scholesy (if he is having a good game.) Carrick is not bad. Nev is v good when he is playing regularly. The players that tend to let the ball run away from them, or are dispossessed easily running into opposing players, The Roon, (although he does seem to be coming into much better form now.). Giggsy, Park, but only because he is such slight frame, O’Shea very much so at times, Brown (Wes has trouble finding one of our players even when he takes a throw in!.). One thing is for sure, we will need to play possession football tonight, but I know that’s stating the bleeding obvious. Come on you mighty reds.
April 9th, 2008 at 14:01
Jb-It is a worldwide accepted fact that the dippers’ and their supporters were transported across time by a botched nasa experiment 2 acquire fossil fuel from 10 000 B.C. It would be folly on our part 2 copy behavioural patterns of such a civilasation.Seriously though,put yourself in “Pig’s” shoes.Would u appreciate such a “complimentary” term as affection whatsoever the meaning?All British players have favorable names eg scholesy the ginger prince,wazza,giggsy etc.Its always foreign players who get funny names.
April 9th, 2008 at 14:02
thats ok jay wire, i’ll stick with PIG, the reason there was not dig and big is because barthez is easy to spell and i doubt this blog was alive when the great dane was playing for us.
April 9th, 2008 at 14:08
i know what you mean jay wire, ronny is such a funny name.
April 9th, 2008 at 14:09
“dont think PIG will start, the match is to important. there is nothing wrong with saying polish or pol in goal. black peop”;”e call them selves black people, so if we had a black goalkeeper, there would be nothing wrong in saying BIG, the same with white people, polish call them selves polish poles and there is no rudeness in us calling them what they are.”
Good on ye sir, very good arguement indeed. But be warned such inense thinking can melt metals in near proximity.
April 9th, 2008 at 14:39
I meant 2 say foreign players who were not particularly popular signings.And i never suggested racial connotations its only dan who decided to use BIG completely out of context.You can argue all u want but noone wants 2 be called Pig 4 whatever reason and if a chant 4 Tk is formed will it include a brief summary of what Pig stands for when chanted at OT.I don’t think so.So how will the player feel when he hears such reference.However since u are not likely 2 consider it call him what u wish.By the way if his name is difficult 2 spell Tk is easier and short
April 9th, 2008 at 14:53
decide what you want to call Kuszczak and then move on, please
Scholes and Anderson were, at one time this season, considered our best midfield pairing. Of course hargo was injured and Carrick was a tad out of form but still…
Fletcher would have started this game if he was fit. Anderson gets my vote for the same reasons (hopefully at Old Trafford he’ll have a better handle on things than he did at Stadio Olimpico).
Scholes - why would you leave him out of a Champions League game where the pace is more likely to suit him?
April 9th, 2008 at 15:03
——-EVDS—-
JOS-Brown-Pique-Silvestre
–Hargreaves-Carrick—
Ronaldo Scholes Giggs
——-Rooney——
This is a pretty poor line up, but I think it’s how we should start tonight. Many want Harg at right back, but I think we need him shielding our new back two. Then Carrick and Scholes instead of Anderson because he hasn’t yet learnt how to slow games down when they need to be. That’s why Giggs is in there, I feel his experience is important. However, if he has a mare again, either Tevez or Park are perfect replacements. Silvestre is only in because Evra is one yellow away from suspension. However I’m not sure about that. I really don’t trust Silvestre. Ronaldo is also only one away from suspension, but we can’t leave him out…If Neville is fit, we should play him instead of JOS, but I heard that Fergie looks set to bench him, thinking he’s not ready for a start yet. Finally, I wouldn’t put in either Nani or Rio even if they’re ready- save them for Le Arse.
Feel free to disagree, I’m sure many will- as I said, it’s a pretty poor line up, and a gamble. I feel it’s good enough though, and Hargreaves will be crucial in screening the back four.
April 9th, 2008 at 15:03
when people talk about saha,then its okay.giggs,then fans are fickle.sometime back,would someone say that against giggs?he is forcing our hands.legend or not.remember bergkamp?as good as he was,(a class ahead of giggs)he chose to play as an impact player.did it make him less of a player?
we do not want to remember him as a shit player but a legend.for us to do so,he doesnt have to pull the team back.
intelligence this intelligence that,when was the last time you saw him contributing to the teams cause?
i would love to wait for an answe but 2020 is very near
April 9th, 2008 at 15:11
saha has only been with for a couple of years, and has made minimal impact because of all his injuries, giggs has been with us for his entire playing career and has been a vital part of our recent success(from when the premier league started to be exact)
April 9th, 2008 at 15:27
You don’t really hear many people esp on this blog saying saha is a selfish prxck like your poor and vile assessment of giggs. Ahmed besides the wigan game were we faced a team eager to be embarrassed,when did u see scholes and andy playing well together?Were will we get defensive cover 4 a very fragile back four?Your whole midfield apart from andy will be a defensive liability esp CR7 and The Prince
April 9th, 2008 at 15:38
Actually Sam, your team makes sense esp with evra on the road 2 suspension.And the idea of hargo in DMF is simply logical.I’d go as far as 2 say he could be the difference between saf’s 2nd trophy and another “if only”season.Yes he is that critical imo.
April 9th, 2008 at 16:47
Jay Wire: Scholes and Anderson weren’t bad in the game away to Villa either
April 9th, 2008 at 16:52
I think I would want to start Hargo at RB only because I don’t think Neville should come back when defending a lead is crucial. Plus, I feel like having a back 4 with him at RB would still be more effective than a back 4 with Silvestre at LB. However, if/when we score tonight, it will likely be off a counter, so Hargo would have to be sure to get up the line effectively and make some good crosses. Other than that, I would start:
VDS
Hargo-Brown-Pique-Evra
Carrick-Fletcher
Ronny-Scholes-Park
Rooney
United to win, but all I want to see is Ronny nutmeg Pizarro.
April 9th, 2008 at 17:03
Donibrasco
Every time that I’ve seen your posts on this blog they have been all negative. A few weeks you were constantly calling for rooney to be axed and now it seems you have jumped on the latest bandwagon. I agree that Giggs isn’t the force of before but he is still a decent player and was great last season. Players go out of form and that doesn’t make them bad players- look at Ronaldinho. You showed great disrespect to Giggs’ contribution to this team because if it wasn’t for him United wouldn’t be where they are today
I think that the problem with this team is that there are to many plastic fans who began supporting United because they were winning and because of this they expect perfection week in week out and when they don’t deliver this they turn against them
April 9th, 2008 at 17:09
Jaywire, Pole in Goal rhymes, think about it, a rhyme normally would be looked upon in a good light, and it also explains why Barthez wasn’t called FIG, or Schmeichel wasn’t called DIG. However I do agree it’s not the most complimentary nickname. Although I’m fairly sure Tomasz doesn’t care much at all.
2-0 tonight. Don’t agree with people who think Vucinic is anything more than decent, he can barely get a game for Roma unless Totti’s injured, and his scoring record for Roma is woeful 7 goals in over 50 appearances for Roma, and for Lecce, where he hit ‘top form’ he scored 34 goals in 111 appearances. Roma’s goalscoring threat is very limited without Totti. Aquilani can score wonder goals regularly, Perrota comes up with the odd few, Mancini doesn’t have a bad record for a winger but he’s off form, and De Rossi rarely scores.
April 9th, 2008 at 17:36
Very tricky tie tonight, do not rule Roma out of this just yet! If they get a goal, I can see us getting very nervy…. best thing is to try and get an early goal to settle us down and wrap up the game so we can rest people for Sunday. So this is the team I would go for:
VDS, Hargo, Pique, Brown, Evra, Park, Carrick, Scholes, Ronaldo, Tevez & Rooney. Subs = Ferdinand, Wellbeck, Giggs, O’Shea, Anderson, Neville & Silvestre. My thinking here is Hargo & Pique seemed to calm the defence down on Sunday at Boro and I feel not to risk Ferdinand/Neville and to get them 100% for Sunday. No way should O’Shea be played from start & Giggsy should come from the bench later on. Have Wellbeck on the bench as that extra striker, hopefully he is given a chance too! Go for the early goal and then take off the big guns. My Prediction 2 - 1
April 9th, 2008 at 17:52
[Ahmed]
I have to say, I don’t recall any poll to my knowledge (or a majority opinion), or even a great performance, from a midfield pairing of Anderson and Scholes. From popular opinion it was Anderson and Hargreaves first, then Anderson and Carrick and now Scholes and Carrick.
April 9th, 2008 at 17:56
Lets be honest Jb, Wigan and Aston villa are not exactly roma and they seem eager 2 maintain what I assume must be a proud record 4 them of dismal performances against us. So playing scholes and Andy in a 4-4-2 which includes CR7 and giggs in front of a back 4 which desperately needs good fortune in a CL quarter final vs 2nd best in Italy.No thanks.Ahmed’s line up should never be used unless we play nottingham forest youth team.
April 9th, 2008 at 18:01
I’ve read this blog for a while now, and have always been wondering why everyone called him PIG.
“Was it because he might look like a pig?” I thought to myself, or “because he isn’t as good as van der sar,” or “because he has a wider frame.”
All that I know is that from the perspective of an outsider looking in, it has never looked good to see Utd supporters calling their back up keeper a pig. Now that I finally know that it is “Pole in Goal,” I might change my mind, but the suspicion of it being a bit derogatory is still there.
I, for one, have no problem spelling out his name: Tomasz Kuszczak. Just have some respect for a player’s name…
April 9th, 2008 at 18:05
ENOUGH WITH GIGGS ALREADY! It’s gone on far too long and has enraged too many people, me included. Let Giggsy be and just deal with it for crying out loud. Lets talk about the game instead shall we.
Depending on how Rio feels and who plays beside him is key. Another poor outing from Brown could be curtains. Roma is not Middlesbrough. Hargreaves better be starting or I for one will be very pissed off. I play Rio and tape his toe up real well. We are protecting a lead and caution is the key. Still, I think that Roma will come out with a lot of fire. My prediction is 1-1 but I can see United getting a late goal to win it on a counter with Roma pressing. No Totti is a real blessing indeed. And Conor, have you seen Vucinic play other than against United? Probably not. Otherwise you wouldn’t say that he was just decent. Vucinic is a Hell of a striker and the reason he doesn’t get more action or goals is because of Totti. Spaghetti (his new nickname) the manager insists on using Totti as a lone striker where I on the other hand feel he is more useful as an AMF or second striker. This would allow Vucinic to play more and he would be able to show you just how good he is. I’d take him on United no questions asked. Not my first choice but quality none the less. Remember that Torres wasn’t exactly a goal machine at Atletico either and he started all the time. Quite often the number of goals one scores has a lot to do with the style and defensive tactics. Selling Rooney on the basis of his goal total wouldn’t get you much now would it? Other things have to be factored in as well. It’s no different for Vucinic.
April 9th, 2008 at 18:38
—————————Evds/TK——————————
Hargo———Pique————Brown—————–EVra
Ronaldo——–Carrick———Scholes————–Park
—————-Rooney———Tevez—————————-
We can only win if we are going for this one.
April 9th, 2008 at 18:51
United vs Roma lineup!
GK:VDS
RB:Brown
CB:Rio
CB:Pique
LB:Silvestre
RM:Park
CM:Hargreaves
CM:Carrick
LM:Giggs
CAM:Anderson
ST:Tevez
Subs: TK, Neville, Oshea, Ronaldo, Rooney, Scholes, Welbeck
You must be happy to see Welbeck in the team Dan? Taken some time, hasnt it. Anderson will play just behind Tevez tonight. COME ON YOU REDS!
April 9th, 2008 at 18:52
Team News:
GK: VDS
RB: Brown
CB: Ferdinand
CB: Pique
LB: Sivestre
RM: Park
CM: Carrick
CM: Hargreaves
CM: Anderson
LM: Giggs
ST: Tevez
Subs: PIG/TK, Scholes, Neville, O’Shea, Rooney, Ronaldo, Welbeck
April 9th, 2008 at 18:54
WOW :smile:! welbeck might actually get a chance in Europe.
April 9th, 2008 at 18:55
I didnt see that coming!wow no rooney and ronaldo.And welbeck!Will he make his debut in the champions league quarter finals?Cant wait.
April 9th, 2008 at 18:57
Real team Dan!
Got in on UEFA.com.
Roma team:
GK:Doni
RB:Panucci
CB:Juan
CB:Mexes
LB:Cassetti
RM:Mancini
CM:De Rossi
CM:Pizarro
LM:Perrotta
CF:Taddei
ST:Vucinic
Prediction: 3-0 to United. Anderson, Pique and Welbeck to score! It is youth in this team, and it is youth that will score
April 9th, 2008 at 18:57
this match sounds much more appealing now.
April 9th, 2008 at 19:02
i don’t know about anyone else, but I am extremely unsatisfied with the line up. I know that resting people might be a good idea, but then y play ferdinand. I hate to question SAF, but I am a little worried about tonight
April 9th, 2008 at 19:03
Grognard, it not over before its over, you just can’t say enough with Giggs when he still puts up such lame performances. We don’t want to see SAF fire fighting at the end of the day because of being “i hear royal” to giggs.
Every one in support of giggs has to say how a legend he is to the club and what ever he’s won with united. so does that mean that we bring back Cantona, Charlton, Hughes, name it… United has too too many living legends to name but we cant bring them back to play for united just because they are legend and gave their all to the team.
eh, why cant giggs learn from Larsson, they still had some pace and brilliancy in him but he stood upright and said what is left in him isn’t enough for a team with demands like those of United. However good Giggs still is, he aint go no more for the requirements of a United player and to make matters worse an offensive player.
C’mon mates the gaffer should retire when he still has mega ticks in the fans note books. As a wise saying goes “that even the one who is cultivating on a soft piece of land has to stop at the end of the day”.
April 9th, 2008 at 19:03
Hum the team seems a bit weak. I would rather we start with Ronaldo and Rooney and take them off once we have the game under control and have maybe scored a goal to give us a cushion. Also Roma have decent wingers who could give a non match fit Silvestre a hard time and playing Ferdinand seems a bit of a risk. Still we should have enough to beat Roma
April 9th, 2008 at 19:04
I think we are taking this game way too lightly. 2-0 is not insurmountable for roma. I think he should have started rooney, cause he is just starting to get into goal scoring form and him playing up front with tevez is a partnership that has great potential. anyway I’m hoping for the best.
April 9th, 2008 at 19:04
Yes Grognard I thought you were the one who was praising him and I also remembered you saying you would welcome him in our team. You also said he is one of the best young strikers around? Far from it! Yes I know that goals don’t say everything, but even Rooney’s goal total is better than Vucinic’s, the only thing Vucinic does well is strong running in short bursts and he holds the ball up well. I watch Italian football every weekend, with Roma on pretty much every second week, and Vucinic has never been great, never. You said yourself that what you want in your striker is a goalscorer, that is what they’re paid to do right? Yet his is woeful, and he brings very little else, and you still want him? That is slightly hypocritical don’t you think? I agree Totti is keeping him out of the team, and that Vucinic should play ahead of him, but he’s still not my cup of tea. And it really surprises me that you think so highly of him. Roma are very very similar to us in their style of play, and they are anything but defensive in comparison to the rest of the Italian teams, as they are known as the ‘Arsenal of Italy’ for their passing style, so I think if you consider that, even if he was good enough and just didn’t fit Roma’s style of play, then he wouldn’t fit ours. I have to ask what you see in him, really?
April 9th, 2008 at 19:08
Jay Jay, let Ferguson go? I would understand if he wasn’t winning games with us and we were in turmoil, although still completely disagree, but to let him go now when he is in the middle of building such a great team is madness. Most fans can’t bear to think what life will be like without Sir Alex yet you can’t wait to kick him out?!
April 9th, 2008 at 19:12
hargreaves will definitely be drifting to the left alot to give easter island more protection.
April 9th, 2008 at 19:15
anderson to get the first goal inside 15 minutes.
April 9th, 2008 at 19:17
Hope so Dan! Hope so…. Been praying for that for almost 5 months
April 9th, 2008 at 19:22
Ha dream on lads. If Anderson gets a goal this season, never mind this match, I’ll be very surprised. No matter what people say about what they’ve seen of him on Youtube videos etc. he is a terrible striker of the ball and he is only likely to sscore if it’s in the box, which he gets in very rarely. Still one of my favourite players
April 9th, 2008 at 19:23
here is the real line up lads
EVDS
Rio Ferdinand
Wes Brown
Mikael Silvestre
Gerard Pique
Ryan Giggs
Owen Hargreaves
Ji-Sung Park
Michael Carrick
Anderson
Carlos Tevez
April 9th, 2008 at 19:24
what the hell are you about lol?
April 9th, 2008 at 19:26
Conor you are mad or day dreaming! I NEVER WROTE ANYWHERE THAT SAF SHOULD GO. ALL I SAID WAS THAT GIGGS SHOULD RETIRE HARMONIOUSLY.
SINCE WHEN HAS ENGLISH BECOME A PROBLEM TO YOU CONOR.
AM OFF TO THE GAME NOW.
April 9th, 2008 at 19:28
“C’mon mates the gaffer should retire when he still has mega ticks in the fans note books”
No need for the insult about my english 
I just need to use my common sense a bit more 
So I’m clearly not going mad, you just meant to say Giggs rather than the gaffer, should’ve realised that
April 9th, 2008 at 19:33
Donnie Brasco
I haven’t read any of the other replies to your rediculous rant, but I wanted to say my piece. Ryan Giggs is the most decorated player in English top flight history. You don’t achieve that by being shite, or greedy, or whatever the hell else you said. You get there because he is one of the best players to ever grace the game. thats all.
April 9th, 2008 at 19:33
Okay, Fergie knows better than me, but what the fuck is that lineup? If we go down 1-0…what does he do? I’m shocked. Utterly shocked. It’s either taking the piss or just arrogant.
April 9th, 2008 at 19:43
I’m afraid that Mancini is going to turn Silvestre inside out.
April 9th, 2008 at 19:46
Mancini won’t be playing against Silvestre, Taddei will. Uefa.com must have got the formation/line-up slightly wrong as it will be more like this:
GK:Doni
RB:Panucci
CB:Juan
CB:Mexes
LB:Cassetti
CM:De Rossi
CM:Pizarro
RAM:Taddei
CAM:Perrotta
LAM:Mancini
ST:Vucinic
April 9th, 2008 at 19:57
Hargreaves looks good.Dam he can cross!
April 9th, 2008 at 20:12
Hargreaves is a revelation so far. I can’t see how Roma can cope with us today. But then, I couldn’t see Boro scoring two goals against us either.
April 9th, 2008 at 20:15
Hargreaves has been absolutely brilliant so far. He has been everywhere! Crosses are fantastic. Great to see us going for the kill and not kicking back.
Even Silvest is going for runs.
Fuck penalty lol… thats not a penalty
April 9th, 2008 at 20:15
This lineup is a total nightmare and I’m expecting a worse case scenario. Silvestre for crying out loud? Hopefully Hargo and Tevez play big games but without Ronaldo out there, Roma has nothing to fear I’m afraid. Saving players for arsenal by giving Roma a fighting chance to knock us out of the CL is not what I call smart planning. Fergie should have sat Rooney down against Middlesbrough and Ronaldo tonight or vice versa, but not both on the same night. Just asking for trouble. Hopefully this doesn’t backfire in all our faces.
April 9th, 2008 at 20:16
HAHAHA DANIELLE U FAG!
WHAT A MISS
Don’t worry Grog we are in the semi’s mate
April 9th, 2008 at 20:19
Grog, Roma is already out of the semis. They just don’t know it yet.
April 9th, 2008 at 20:21
Anyone saw that Giggs pass that started that counterattack? HARGO!! He’s been brilliant and so have the rest…even dare I say Giggs? But that pass was truly awful. But Fate dealt out an equalizing hand. In basketball we say BALL NEVER LIES! Daniele De Rossi penalty…lol!!
April 9th, 2008 at 20:21
I’m so pissed off. We are getting the game on delay at midnight tonight because the network here wants to broadcast the Masters pitch and putt tournament instead. I could understand a regular round of golf but pitch and putt? Sometimes I hate living in North America.
So De Rossi hosed one over the bar. Sounds like justice served because I hear the foul call was a disgrace.
And Shannon, don’t call him a fag too soon because I’ve read rumors that United are interested in De Rossi. Do you want a fag on United?
And Hargo is brilliant!!!! Like I’ve been saying for a year now but nobody wants to agree. He should be playing every bloody game no matter what.
April 9th, 2008 at 20:23
Park ji sung has been very good for us also, I’d like to see anderson play upfront
April 9th, 2008 at 20:32
Giggs has been fabulous… Good start to the match but now its like the most boring it has been
April 9th, 2008 at 20:34
Hargo, Park and Carrick have been very, very good. That penalty was almost as bad as the Hleb one last week, if not worse. And the ref had a great view, unobstructed 10 feet away. I don’t like conspiracy theories, but wow, what a decision.
We’ve not played well since pen, and Rio looks hurt. Goal kicks without a CF taller than Tevez are basically excuses to give the ball back to Roma. Seriously, not rocket science.
Still would have taken 0-0. We should be up.
April 9th, 2008 at 20:41
Come on guys, lighten up. We’ve done well considering that we’re playing mostly a second-string side with an unfit center-back. The central midfield has been a slight worry and I’d like to see Carrick and Hargo do more defensive work but other than that we’ve done well.
Pen - on one of the replays I *think* Brown hit Mancini’s foot first but Mancini milked it, full credit to him for that. Have to see more replays to be 100% sure but he wouldn’t have gone down under the force of that challenge anyway. Oh well, back to the 2nd half. Hopefully Rio’s taken off, he looks absolutely knackered.
April 9th, 2008 at 20:41
ander son son son has shown up as well he is a beast in close quarters with the ball they cant handel him when there is a corner or sideline by him. and he belted a shot that got saved but what a shot.
April 9th, 2008 at 20:42
I can´t believe how selfish Carlos Tevez is…
April 9th, 2008 at 20:42
Grognard, De Rossi would be a nice addition
That said… Hargo is playing a blinder tonight… and has been the last few games.
I think i was wrong to judge the player to quickly.. with tendinitis especially.
I’d like to see Rio off with the Arsenal game in mind. But can u imagine the outcry if we were to concede two
April 9th, 2008 at 20:44
Shannon; Please explain why you think Anderson should play up front? Is it because of his outstanding finesse, goal scoring instinct and fabulous finishing?
I think we will see the introduction of both Ronaldo and Rooney in the second half. I assume they are subs today. Man am I pissed with Fergie. This is risk taking to the max when it comes to the lineup and blatant cowardice when it comes to the formation and tactics. Play like this in Rome, not at OT. When you tactically give the opposition to attack you and not worry about their defense, you really open up yourself to a world of pain. Why not attack them and get that all important goal instead of having a lone attacker in shrimpkin Tevez up front. Huntelaar and Manucho where art thou????? I have had with playing Hobbits at striker.
April 9th, 2008 at 20:45
Hey Groggy… they’re showing that here in India as well… But luckily some other operator shows the UCL matches…
April 9th, 2008 at 20:47
Pedro; How has Tevez been selfish tonight? The only time i can think is where he tried to take on two, but he had no one near him for a pass
April 9th, 2008 at 20:48
Anderson, Owen and Park have been absolutely magnificent! Roma cant handle them. I got shocked when I saw Hargo 1-on-1 with the keeper three times! Should have scored though. And what about his crosses? Out of this world. Park has been tackling everything that moves today. What a performance by Ji! And Anderson has been running Roma to shreads, he counters them dead. If Tevez had passed a little earlier on some occasions, Anderson could have had 2 goals today. Fucking ref, wasnt a pen! Mancini should have gotten a yellow for diving. But great work by De Rossi to miss the pen! It was harder to miss than to score there. Keep up the good work lads…And try to nick a goal ;-D
April 9th, 2008 at 20:49
I think Anderson can tear up Roma’s defence at the moment… and play a killer ball into Tevez…
April 9th, 2008 at 20:51
Grognard - a bit over the top I think (apart from the hobbits comment, agree with that). In fact, I’d say you’re so pissed your usual logic has escaped you. Playing like this at Roma would have got us murdered. Playing this at OT gives us a shot at getting something out of this game.
Boro - we couldn’t have rested anyone then, in case you guys didn’t notice that’s a fkn tough fixture for us.
http://101greatgoals.magnify.net/item/PQG1KMGCJ6MBPC8T
Link to a vid of the pen - from one angle he seems to have taken it cleanly, the other he might have touched the foot, difficult to call.
April 9th, 2008 at 21:05
That was an excellent block by Silvestre. And Ronaldo is warming up!
April 9th, 2008 at 21:05
Ahmed; What I meant is that the style of play (overly cautious and defensive) is more suited for a road fixture. At United we should be taking it to them and going for the jugular. Damn the torpedos. Sitting both Rooney and Ronaldo plays right into Roma’s hands. If they weren’t so out of sync without Totti, we could get clobbered with so many quality players taking a break. So far so good but there is still 40 minutes left.
April 9th, 2008 at 21:06
Shannon; I’ll have to watch Anderson closely tonight to see what you are seeing because he just isn’t the forward type.
WHAT? Ronaldo is warming up, lords be praised.
April 9th, 2008 at 21:12
And now Gary Neville is warming up!
April 9th, 2008 at 21:14
EVEN HOBBITS CAN SCORE!
April 9th, 2008 at 21:15
YES YES YES, Barcalona here we come!!!
April 9th, 2008 at 21:20
Just to make it clear, the Lord of the Rings is my favorite book and series of films and my cat’s name is Mr Frodo. I love Hobbits. Even Argentinian Hobbits. Thank God! what A RELIEF!
April 9th, 2008 at 21:26
YUP ABSOLUTELY RIGHT, HOBBITS CAN SCORE Header”"”"
April 9th, 2008 at 21:28
It’s nice to be back, Gary. WE ARE THE PRIDE OF ALL EUROPE! You can rant as much as you like but SAF is having the last laugh, as always.
April 9th, 2008 at 21:39
Gary Neville is a red, is a red, is a red
Gary Neville is red, he hates scousers!
Barelona here we come! (Not to mention Moscow)
April 9th, 2008 at 21:42
Is it just me or was Hargreaves absolutely magnificent, brilliant, outstanding, etc.?
Sweet!! Watch out, Barca, we have a chance to reach the final!!!
April 9th, 2008 at 21:45
Hargo is my man of the match…
April 9th, 2008 at 21:52
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDWhf81iQfk&eurl=http://www.blinkx.com/burl?v=pQrgEARLBQ0ECNYN2jHFtkEDI8—tdi
April 9th, 2008 at 21:54
excellent disciplined performance.
thought park, ando, hargo were outstanding.
silvestre and pique slotted in perfectly and i hardly felt the absence of vida and evra.
will be interesting to see how arsenal perform after their defeat at anfield!
April 9th, 2008 at 22:00
My team for arsenal-EVDS,brown,ferdinand,pique,evra,ronaldo,carrick,anderson,hargreaves,park(if no nani),rooney.
April 9th, 2008 at 22:02
Andrei, chance? It’s a massive chance to get to the final! Barcelona again were fairly lacklustre against Schalke, and I know that Schalke are good defensively, Barca are out of form big time, and from being on a few of their blogs I know they are scared of us. We can beat them, and judging from recent performances, we should beat them. Hargreaves - Fantastic, best performer by a country mile. Great at tracking back, our most penetrative player(shocking) and his crosses were awesome, that should hopefully prove the doubters wrong. However I’m sure they’ll come out with “Oh it was only against Roma, we always beat them, they’re a nothing team”. I’ve always had faith in him, in truth, blind faith, because I hadn’t seen that much of him, but I just knew he was good. Probably thanks to you, Grognard
April 9th, 2008 at 22:13
my lineup for the arsenal game’d prolly be
VDS
Brown
Ferdinand
Pique
Evra
Hargo
Scholes
Anderson
Ronaldo
Rooney
Nani
April 9th, 2008 at 22:16
Your quite welcome Conor. And all though one game does not totally vindicate my faith and passion for Hargo as a starter, it certainly confirms that at the very least, this lad must be playing all Champions League games for us. He was born for this competition. Bayern prepared him well for the continental style of play. As for the EPL, you will get a real appreciation for him next season. I hope Fergie wakes up to what he has with Hargo and stops wasting time with projects like Anderson and to a lesser degree Scholes. I for one want to see a Hargo Carrick central midfield next season with two strikers up front at all times. Enough of this 4-3-3, 4-5-1 BS. With Hargo as a holding midfielder, two strikers will be seen as a reign of terror by most sides. And if he insists on playing Scholes or Anderson, then slot him in at RWB. You know he can defend, but now what do all of you think of the crossing I told you was one of the strong points of his game? I say Hargo for Mayor!
April 9th, 2008 at 22:17
what did it say on Tevez’s top when he lifted up his shirt after the goal?
April 9th, 2008 at 22:20
Mike- Happy birthday to his daughter.
April 9th, 2008 at 22:24
And guys, olde Ryan Giggs had a very fine match today!!!!
Donniebrasco, where art thou?
Who’s Man of the Match? Probably Hargo. Though Park and Anderson are not far behind!
Also praise for Rio, who while clearly not playing at 100%, marshalled the defense well, and Sylvestre for performing so well on his very 1st match after injury.
April 9th, 2008 at 22:30
My MOTM is Anderson! He was class today. Fought for every ball and ran Roma to shreads. Followed by Owen and Park.
April 9th, 2008 at 22:36
Ronaldo to Real for £100million? (Rumours)
I can only see three MAD entities here.
Real - for bidding such an outrageous amount.
United - If they were to let Ronny go.
Ronny - If he was to leave a stable and successful club to join the madmen at Real!!
April 9th, 2008 at 22:42
do you people finally see why hargreaves was worth 18mil, his crossing is right up there with beckham, he has pace, a bit of skill and is versatile, and i hope we buy Anthe CDM in the summer so hargo can take up the RWB position, i mean with crosses like that, he is a better defender then brown, he is a better attacker then brown, and iwould start him ahead of brown next season.
April 9th, 2008 at 22:45
I am here to eat a huge plate of crow. I slagged off park when he first returned from injury, but ever since he regained his fitness hehas been outstanding whenever called upon. Hargreaves was by far MOTM(but one could argue Doni). Hargreaves and anderson absoultely owned the midfield tonight they were everywhere. I hope they start against arsenal, along with carrick. as for Giggs, I have to say he had a rather poor game compared to the rest of the players tonight. we were unlucky not to score 2 or 3.
lets hope vidic gets fit along with Nani and Rio, then I say bring on Barca.
April 9th, 2008 at 22:51
What really is the value of the “Terminator” Ronaldo? 80 MIL, 100 MIL???? The reality is he is invaluable and thus, no price is good enough. Why? Because if you sell him, who replaces what he offers you? You can by a stable of depth and quality for the money but I seriously doubt that would happen. And even if it did, would we be as good? I lived in Edmonton Alberta Canada for most of my life and I had the privilege to be a season ticket holder during the Wayne Gretzky era. Gretzky was the greatest talent to ever play the game as many of you may know (although I still think it was Bobby Orr). He broke all the game’s records and led the Oilers to four Stanley Cup championships in 5 years. Then the owner decided one day to make a bundle of personal cash by selling the Great One to Los Angeles for money and a bag of hammers. The team still had enough to win one more championship without him but they quickly declined after that and have never ever recovered. That won’t of course happen to United but my point is that Cristiano Ronaldo comes along one in a lifetime. He is priceless and should never be sold. Undoubtedly he will want to move on one day as his roots may lie somewhere closer to Portugal but still, United would never be as good without him and a bag full of cash. Ask yourselves this one question. You have 10 men on the pitch and then you have Ronaldo’s position to fill. Who on the planet can fill that role and help us forget Ronny? Messi maybe, but his injury history and Ronaldo injury free history is not even comparable. There is nobody. Ronaldo is a God.
April 9th, 2008 at 22:52
Good victory! We got the job done, and broke a CL record on the way (11 consecutive home wins now isnt it?). De Rossi’s miss had me LOL’ing big time though!
Was flicking between the United and Barca games and I can honestly say that Ronaldo and co. should be licking their lips at the prospect of getting stuck into their crumbly defence. What a joke! Schalke had two or three excellent clear cut chances, which a much more superior and clinical team i.e. us, would have converted with ease and aplomb. We really have nothing to be afraid of!! Puyol and Ronaldinho are out of the first leg in addition, and I can easily see us winning at Camp Nou, never mind getting an away goal or two.
Conor, would be grateful if you could post some links to the Barca blogs you mention; it sounds interesting what they have to say about us…
April 9th, 2008 at 23:03
Yep Grognard you are right, the man is irreplaceable! No amount of hard cash can legislate for a once-in-a-generation talent like that!
I would go as far as to say that without his goals and moments of genius this season we would be probably be fighting for second/third place in the Prem. We are simply not the same team without him.
But if/when the time comes that we do have to part company with him, I’d rather see him go to Barca (just to piss Real off!!!) In addition, a talent like his deserves a stint in a technical league such as La Liga, where his style would be appreciated and he would be afforded much more protection too. A real football fan would want to see him prosper in a league like that.
April 9th, 2008 at 23:09
match report is up…
April 9th, 2008 at 23:12
Well. well, well Grognard - what do you know!. People are just beginning to wake up to what we have been trumpeting here for ages, HARGO IS ONE HELL OF A GOOD PLAYER!!!!. He was magic tonight - up and down the right of the pitch, the grass there must be bald now. The crowd was fantastic too, I thoroughly enjoyed the spirit of it, especially when Red Nev came on.
Grog, I think Ronnie has said himself that he wants to move to Real at some point in the future. He’s very close to his Mom, and she said she will move to live in Spain when he moves to Real, ‘cos she doesn’t like rainy Manchester. Well, letes face it, the foreign lads are used to Sunny climates, and boy have they had to face and conquer the elements here in England. I felt sorry for them a couple of weeks ago playing in a torrential downpour, and a blinding snowstorm in M’Boro. So guess we will just have to wait and see. Don’t think United will want to sell at all, but if he becomes unhappy and wants to go, we have never kept unhappy players!.
April 9th, 2008 at 23:23
That was the level of performance I was expecting from Hargreaves when we bought him. Full of drive and energy and he suported the attack excellently. If he wants to cement a place in the midfield he now needs to show this level of performance on a conistent basis. From an offensive point of view, it was easily his best performance in the shirt.
April 9th, 2008 at 23:27
Nino one that comes to mind is this one, when they were panicking after losing to Real Betis after going 2-0 up.
They were saying things like
“Sorry but barring some sort of miracle display from Messi, Man Utd will destroy us. I just watched them play Saturday and Ronaldo is unstoppable, plus Rooney and Tevez are not far behind. We couldnt keep BETIS from scoring 3 goals in 45 minutes, what makes you think we can stop Man Utd. Yes football is a funny game, and anything can happen, especially with a player like Messi on our team. However realistically it is a long shot, Messi will be just coming off a 6 week injury and he will need a few games to get back his form. Plus the problems we have right now are much deeper than simply Messi and while his presence will certainly help I dont see how even Messi can save our season now. Like Winterhunt said beating Shalke would be like putting a plaster on a bullet wound.
Would you rather lose to Shalke by 1 goal or Man Utd by 3 or 4 (maybe more)? Its a tough question, but I think I would go for the first option.”
and
“Even if we somehow get past Schalke and face a heavy opposition in Man United, will they trash us completely? Will Barca suffer the same humiliation as Roma did last year?”
Ahhhh fear, isn’t it great?
April 9th, 2008 at 23:55
JB; We were all expecting this kind of performance from Hargo much earlier but lets not forget that he is only getting over the knee tendinitis that has plagued him since last year. My claim was to defend him until he could prove his worth. I think he showed his quality tonight, correct? We are untouchable with Hargo and Carrick in the middle. I actually loved the fact that Hargo played to the right of Carrick and that Michael actually played the role of the holding midfielder. It allowed Hargo to make those great runs forward and above all, those lethal passes and crosses into the box. He was unlucky to not have a goal too. Just outstanding. HARGORIFIC!