Nov 15
Man Utd v Stoke: Preview
Open thread again… I’ll add my two pence worth when I can. Till then, rant away.
Oh my, Rory Delap can throw, can’t he?!
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- Man Utd v Everton: Preview
- Man Utd v Spurs match thread
- Porto it is then…
- Rooney Out For A Month
- Man Utd v Middlesbrough: Preview
Tags: Game Preview
November 15th, 2008 at 11:26
6-0. . statement game
i wish. .
November 15th, 2008 at 12:05
has anybody seen these new nike boots that are meant to pink?
November 15th, 2008 at 12:22
Really RR? This is what we have to work with?
Don’t mind me, i’m just teasing.. I know ur busy and I pray the fruits of thy labour shall be prosperous 
About todays’ game, I am really looking forward to it. It will be interesting to see how we handle Delap’s long balls ( no homo
). We need to come back from the disappointment of last week and prove our intent on retaining our titles. So far, I’ve been hearing battle cries from OT and I hope they come out looking for blood. Seems everyone is fit apart from the long term absentees and maybe Rooney and Brown.
I hope we play a steely, but purposeful midfield. As in, a midfield capable of putting a tackle in and contributing productively to the attack. I reckon Carrick and Fletch fit that bill. Fletch is a tough tackler, but is also capable of making intelligent runs into the box, esp when they park in their half. Carrick is also a good screener, but also capable of releasing the ball early for counters and directing play from deep in midfield. Here’s the formation I hope for:
———- Foster ———–
Nev — Rio — Vida — Evra
—–Carrick —- Fletch—–
Ronaldo —————- Nani
—— Tevez —Berbatov —-
Foster, IMO, will be a better option in this particular match. We need a keeper who can confidently come off his line and properly deal with Stoke’s set-plays and unfortunately, VDS hasn’t shown that confidence so far this season. With Brown presumably out, I reckon the Nevster will be the right option for this game, although, if Stoke decide to camp in their half, Rafael would contribute more to attack and not have to worry too much about defending. The other three in defence are constants.
Ronaldo and Nani should provide pace and supply from the wings. I expect a fair amount of counters in this game, especially after Delap’s throws. This is where Carrick and our attackers need to resonate. Berba and Tevez should do well up top. Maybe Tevez should stay further up the pitch as Berba is a better creator and supplier. However, Tevez, it seems, is incapable of remaining in the box, so I guess Berba will have to do the No. 9 duty.
November 15th, 2008 at 12:24
From a Benzema interview in L’Equipe this morning:
Real Madrid or FC Barcelone ?
«There are a lot of clubs, Barça, Real, but also Manchester, Milan.
They are all huge clubs that make you dream. I like Spain a lot, but Manchester, Milan, you can really progress a lot there too.
I want to progress at a very high level, to get to be at the top level in the world and have the necessary baggage to leave for another club.»
What he says isn’t totally clear, but he must mean that he wants to progress with Lyon, become one of the best players in the world, allowing him to leave for one of the clubs he mentioned.
P.S. This isn’t tabloid translation, I did it myself.
An interesting read, the guy is very determined and has the assurance (some call it arrogance, I don’t) of someone who knows he is gifted, from the interviews I’ve heard from him, he is moody but quiet, hates being benched, doesn’t really like playing as a lone striker…from watching him many times he’s not going to head the ball much and he runs with the ball into the box rather than hangs around waiting for the ball to come to him. But I’m sure you knew that already. He’s not a greedy player like Ronaldo though, but greedy enough to take shots from outside the box…which he does very well…he’s not a trouble maker but he isn’t what you would call mature, not a leader, bit of a sulker.
November 15th, 2008 at 12:31
@magno: I hope ur not his PR guy, cause ur not doing a great job selling him with that post
November 15th, 2008 at 12:33
Gabriel, how about O’Shea at RB? he might prove to be effective considering his height. The others pick themselves really, with the exception of rooney, tevez has to play.
November 15th, 2008 at 12:33
its a game i wont tevez to start but rooney will since he is fit… line up
should be in my view … FOSTER (vds in goal has conceded a lot this season, not givin the same confidence as earlier affectin the back four)
GARY NEVILLE RIO VIDIC EVRA
RONALDO FLETCHER CARRICK NANI
TEVEZ BERBATOV
SUBS OSHEA RAFAEL PARK GIGGS ROONEY KUZACK ANDERSON
im going with gary neville cause we are playing at home and expect rafael to play in cl. Nani on the left cause stoke just going to attack and he poses a better aerial threat then park. Same reason for choosing fletcher over anderson. Tevez will look to prove a point after scoring a penalty and we need him. He scored so many important goals last season. Like we heard so many times. Form is temporary, class is permanent. I expect Stoke City going to face our Wrath. Even though i would like it to be 6-0 like Jonny said. It will be 3-0. Ronaldo Fletcher and Tevez to score.
Over to you all…Enjoy the Game. if we win 5 points is not bad being behind with our team still to play with its full potential.
November 15th, 2008 at 12:36
You should the comments that follow that interview! They all think he’s got a huge ‘melon’, a big head, and that he’s incredibly arrogant. I like his arrogance, but I don’t like his price tag
November 15th, 2008 at 12:41
@Gabriel: I’m trying to lower his price tag
November 15th, 2008 at 12:43
@UnitedUnited: I thought about that too mate, but give the Nevster some credit, he was poor against the gunners and generally fast opposition, but he is still a good RB. Stoke doesn’t have pace down the wings, neither do they have nifty wingers and full backs so Gary will do OK. O’shea might be a good option actually, but I’d still stick with Gaz.
Gary will play some crucial part for us this season and these are the sort of games we need to let him gain his confidence and form back. Putting him in those high pressure, speedy games was a blunder by Fergie as those are the exact scenarios he doesn’t need given his age and relatively poor form/fitness due to injury.
November 15th, 2008 at 12:45
come on you reds, we need to make a statement a signal of intent that we are not backing down and we can’t convert, last night i scored in united colours
, i hope united can score today
4-1 dimi kills of his demons
November 15th, 2008 at 13:03
@magno: dude, Benzema is the star of my United wet dream
He is the player I wanted us to obtain during the summer. If we didn’t get Berba, i’d still be dreamin about him in a United shirt. The lad has every quality needed to become a star at OT. Some say he’s overrated, but I don’t think so. He has been doing the business for Lyon both in the CL and French league for a couple of seasons now.
He is young, talented and determined to be the best. Remind you of anyone?
He is a quality striker and contrary to popular belief, he does play excellently as a lone striker; something he did frequently for Lyon last season and scored 26 in 47 games. This season, he is on 11 in 15. He also heads the ball well and gets tap-ins and goals a fox-in-the-box stiker usually gets.
His biggest strength is his vast array of skills and his versatility. The boy can play excellently in any forward position. He is tall and agile, can dribble, playmake, score(both head and feet, in and out the box) and is quite fast. Seriously, I can just imagine his pace, vision, creativity and lethal finishing complementing our attack which coincidentally share those traits… Pure magic, and at only 20, the only way he’s going is up
November 15th, 2008 at 13:56
@Gabriel: Have you ever thought about becoming an agent, you just convinced me to watch some vids of Benzema, and i must say, the guy is pretty good, hes like a ronaldo de lima light
November 15th, 2008 at 14:01
If we bloody start Gary Neville, I’m off to support FC United of Manchester…..
November 15th, 2008 at 14:04
@Traverse: LMAO funniest post of the year, a bit extreme, gary has been a loyal servant of our club and (unfortunately) is our captain) at least show some respect and patience as he regains some form,
November 15th, 2008 at 14:22
@Mr.Muhozi:
In markerting, we call that a complete pitch. 
Seriously, the lad is hot fire and if Fergie had a chance last summer, there’s no doubt we’d have fought tooth and nail for him.
@Traverse:
A bit extreme mate, but i’m sure you won’t be able to abstain from supporting the best team in the world 
c’mon, give the Gaz a chance, esp in a game where his weak areas won’t be exploited much. I fully expect him to redeem himself in this game.
November 15th, 2008 at 14:43
Man Utd must win this match! There isn’t any other possibility…
BTW: live streams from this match
November 15th, 2008 at 14:47
I hope the players step up in this game.another lacklustre perfomance will be unacceptable. Any lineup news?
November 15th, 2008 at 14:48
we have blackburn in the league cup next round…
November 15th, 2008 at 15:05
can anyone tell me why Fergie has not played rooney and tevez up front together once this season?
these are the boys that won us the fuckin double last season!!? its hard for me to understand!
midfield of Ronaldo, carrick , anderson and nani We cant lose…….surely not
November 15th, 2008 at 15:10
team news?
November 15th, 2008 at 15:11
We should demolish this lot ffs, no more time for namby pamby bullshit, Keeper- command your area, Defenders- fucking defend, Midfielders- earn your stripes and dictate the pace of this game and control the area between the two large boxes at either end of the pitch! Strikers- score fucking goals! Am i asking too much?
Come on you reds! lets see the devil in you
November 15th, 2008 at 15:18
Hi Chaps and Chapettes,
Hope youre all well with 45mins to go to kick off.
Hoping for some Goals!!!!
Oh, and Arsenal are coming up here to Turf Moor in the next round of the cup too! Can you imagine….first Chelsea then Arsenal! (Sorry, my Claret blood showing through a little there hehe).
Peas out for now!
November 15th, 2008 at 15:19
@phoenix red: Agreed! Nicely said.
November 15th, 2008 at 15:21
Lads, I think should be showing the match, anyone else got any other links?
November 15th, 2008 at 15:21
Team news:
VDS
Oshea Vidic Evans Evra
Ronaldo Carrick Fletcher Park
Tevez Berbatov
subs: Foster, Anderson, Nani, Welbeck, Manucho, Rafael, Gibson
November 15th, 2008 at 15:23
Wierd. No Rio, Neville, Giggs or Rooney on the field or bench. Maybe Fergie think his reserves are better thant he first team.
Heres for United to win!
November 15th, 2008 at 15:25
at least welbeck might get a game.
November 15th, 2008 at 15:31
the thing about united these last few weeks, is that we’ve been all balls and no penis. we have the gear but lack penetration.
hopefully that will change today
November 15th, 2008 at 15:32
hmmm.. justin tv is down or at least not able to show any vids…
anyone else got a good link?
November 15th, 2008 at 15:34
@dan(u-ol): tut tut.. this is not the time and place dan… hope u get the thrust of my point
November 15th, 2008 at 15:37
todays the day……. 5-1…
November 15th, 2008 at 15:45
@Gabriel:
November 15th, 2008 at 15:51
@phoenix red: In-browser stream;
http://www.ustream.tv/videoplayerpopup/channel/343147
November 15th, 2008 at 15:52
@m34ch: i have that on a tab, but nothing’s showing? Is urs working?
November 15th, 2008 at 15:56
than k god no rooney. atlast we are seing a good game
November 15th, 2008 at 15:57
@Gabriel: marketing you say, thats my weakest point in business, i can analyse the economy financial or anything to do with enterprise, but when it comes to marketing, it’s like paul scholes and tackling (funny how that rhymed)
Fergie, the only way nani will improve is if we play him, and hes taller than park, and stoke are a set piece team so we need height
Nice to see welbeck on the bench, i hope he gets around 20 minutes can’t wait to see the player grow into a world beater?
November 15th, 2008 at 15:58
@Donibrasco: did you just say thank god no rooney, man are united getting more and more childish/fickle with each game?
November 15th, 2008 at 16:04
If the going gets tough and physical, I would like to see Manucho come in and show some African raw power and strength to some of those defenders..!!
Pretty sure that Tevez will not mind getting in a fight or two!!!
November 15th, 2008 at 16:06
ronaldo!!!!!
November 15th, 2008 at 16:07
Oh my fucking god, DDDDDDDDDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMMMMMMMMMMNNNNN
goal of the season, unbelievable, blooody hell
viva ronaldo
November 15th, 2008 at 16:10
ronaldo is smelling blood tonight, i feel for the team in yellow
November 15th, 2008 at 16:16
whew!
freaking rory ‘long throw’ delap!
November 15th, 2008 at 16:16
this team still can not cross for love or money, its disgracefulas i type dimitar makes another splendid move, shame park could not finish
November 15th, 2008 at 16:19
Anyone got a sopcast link?
November 15th, 2008 at 16:21
@DB9: decent sopcast link
November 15th, 2008 at 16:21
If your still struggling for links guys, its on Soccer2 in TVUplayer – best Ive found so far, all in-browsers seem jittery today.
Peas out.
November 15th, 2008 at 16:22
http://myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=23743&part=sports
November 15th, 2008 at 16:22
m34ch- you got a link?
November 15th, 2008 at 16:22
m34ch: a link please!!!!
November 15th, 2008 at 16:37
too many short crosses and attempts at flicks and intricate moves for my liking. we’re giving away the ball in the hopes of coming off as sublime. we need to find a way to score against a team that puts 10 men behind the ball!
November 15th, 2008 at 16:37
veetle link
November 15th, 2008 at 16:39
Darren Scholes and figO’Shea are on fire so far.
November 15th, 2008 at 16:40
It’s just really hard to score against teams that defend like this, for anyone. Stoke are tight and organised. But dull as f*cks.
November 15th, 2008 at 16:43
see what i mean? why was ronaldo so quick to get rid of the ball with acres of space ahead of him?
November 15th, 2008 at 16:44
wee need to stretch them more. I hope we see Nani for Park 2nd half….
November 15th, 2008 at 16:47
Goal Carrick!
November 15th, 2008 at 16:49
!!!
November 15th, 2008 at 16:50
man, do i love carrick!
November 15th, 2008 at 16:50
great finish, 2 goal in 2 games for carrick
i guess we are starting to see united get more goals from their central midfield
November 15th, 2008 at 16:52
who knew carrik could produce a left like that hahaha
November 15th, 2008 at 16:52
Any links anybody……….Love United
November 15th, 2008 at 16:53
@SRAB: tvu://10006
Assuming you have TVUplayer already installed. Or failing that, theres a little search bar at the top that searches as you type (in TVUplayer application when running) just begin to type in ’soccer2′ and youll see it.
Glad Carrick scored, go on lad!
Peas out!
November 15th, 2008 at 16:53
hay groggy, you said you wanted goals from midfield, need i say more…
November 15th, 2008 at 16:56
Or, to stay In-browser use this one; http://21501soccer.blogspot.com/
Hope the Second half is a cracker!
Come on the lads!
Peas out!
November 15th, 2008 at 16:57
that was brilliant,
that’s what happens when we play direct attacking,
no need for the fancy footwork n passes all the time,
carrick doesn’t mess about does he?
November 15th, 2008 at 16:59
What’s Park doing out there? He was hardly on the wing..almost playing like a striker..making O’Shea play and cross most of the time on that wing!
November 15th, 2008 at 16:59
glad our midfielders are scoring some goals, now for our strikers…….
November 15th, 2008 at 17:01
feckin carrick
, straight to the feckin point!!! doesn’t mess about with all that flickin and running 
Why is it that all our strikers are playing as midfielders at the moment?? Just watch the replay of that goal and non of our strikers are anywhere near the penalty area!!! How are they supposed to score if they can’t even be in the box and hope for rebounds, jeez!!! 
November 15th, 2008 at 17:01
It was hilarious to see O’Shea “copy” Tevez’s backheel too!!
November 15th, 2008 at 17:04
if only park could learn to shoot…
sigh!!!
November 15th, 2008 at 17:10
Berbaaaaaaaaa!!!
November 15th, 2008 at 17:12
BERRRBBBBBAAA love it, absolutely love it
November 15th, 2008 at 17:13
all we need now is a goal from tevez.
November 15th, 2008 at 17:22
holy shit!
November 15th, 2008 at 17:23
bring on welbeck
November 15th, 2008 at 17:25
YES WELBECK IS ON WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
November 15th, 2008 at 17:26
Gibson and Welbeck for Park and Fletch… didn’t see that coming!!
November 15th, 2008 at 17:36
also, 20 mins of Manucho
November 15th, 2008 at 17:36
you’ve got to love it,manchester united bringing through british talent
Welbeck-english
Evans-Northern ireland
Gibson+o’shea-republic of ireland
Fletcher-scottish
i think arsenal should take note,
November 15th, 2008 at 17:36
manucho is coming in!!!!!
November 15th, 2008 at 17:37
the ref is giving ronny nothing and the comentators are anti mu
November 15th, 2008 at 17:38
arsenal 0 villa 1…..
November 15th, 2008 at 17:39
Manucho……….
November 15th, 2008 at 17:42
arsenal 0 vila 2…
November 15th, 2008 at 17:42
Manoucho! at last we can have a little look at this lad
November 15th, 2008 at 17:45
we’re toying with them now. vidic and evans have been immense.
November 15th, 2008 at 17:46
GOAL Arsenal 0-2 Aston Villa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 15th, 2008 at 17:46
wellbeck!!!!
wtf? strike of the game!
November 15th, 2008 at 17:47
Goal
November 15th, 2008 at 17:47
Wellbeck!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a screamer
November 15th, 2008 at 17:47
TAKE A FUCKING BOW!
November 15th, 2008 at 17:47
you see why i wanted him to come on and i speak so highly of him, man i should become a scout
lovely strike goal of the game, every goal today top quality
p.s he’s crosse actually beat the first defender
November 15th, 2008 at 17:48
And Frazier Campbell just scored for Spurs too!
November 15th, 2008 at 17:50
oooooooh fuck!
Ronaldo the welbeck!! what a game!
Come on manucho
Ronaldo’s got another one!!
November 15th, 2008 at 17:51
ronaldo then welbeck btw
November 15th, 2008 at 17:51
ronaldo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
u bloody legends!!!
November 15th, 2008 at 17:55
fucking hell, fucking hell every goal, this is more like it united
back in business
November 15th, 2008 at 17:55
I would definately have traded my QPR ticket 4 a Stoke ticket.
Hoorah! The arse lost! (methinks)
Well played boys, we controlled from start to finish.
Hey Grognard! I doubt there will be any WOGs awarded today!
November 15th, 2008 at 17:55
5-0 gotta love it!
November 15th, 2008 at 17:57
5-0 for fergie’s 50; quite fitting
November 15th, 2008 at 17:58
oh yeah, that was satisfying… excuse me while I wipe down my keyboard
November 15th, 2008 at 17:58
Newcastle beating themselves up according to the BBC.
November 15th, 2008 at 17:59
what a strike, what a strike. wel, take a bow, roo, take notice on how to finish.
November 15th, 2008 at 17:59
i’m not going to do a match report, read the scoreline and scorers, thats my match report, ronaldo, welbeck, berbatov, carrick, all magic today
November 15th, 2008 at 18:00
Hurray! 5:0 for Fergie’s 50! Great!
BTW – Danny Welbeck goal is insane!
http://tinyurl.com/5fyf8v – goals from this match!
November 15th, 2008 at 18:00
man this guy ronaldo is just made for scoring 2 goals every fucking game!!!
cud have had a hat-trick easily today. but what a drubbing!
And to think we lost to l’Arse that day
November 15th, 2008 at 18:01
Great energy and TEAM play, Carrick just turned a corner there, a new even better Carrick, same for Fletcher…unexpected but brilliant. Evans brilliant too.
November 15th, 2008 at 18:06
Agreed. So glad Carrick is back and playing well.
Only disappointment coming out of the game is that I want Tevez to score so much. I love the little guy, he just needs a goal.
November 15th, 2008 at 18:12
Absolute SHITE, I’ve never seen such abysmal football in my fecking life – from Stoke that is –
got you there people 
.
Johnny Evans is a feckin magic footballer. So utterly composed, and MASTERLY defending – I love this lad.
If Ronnie goes, we are fecked. He is a different breed altogether, who should walk that Worlds’s best trophy. If he doesn’t we will have been ROBBED yet again.
November 15th, 2008 at 18:15
Fletch went into some of his tackles today like he had firecrackers up his arse. He had really good game.
What’s with Fergie playing the kids, do we have injury problems????.
November 15th, 2008 at 18:15
5-0 for Fergies 50th…Only United could have pulled that off! lol
Brilliant match, and Wellbeck’s goal was awesome! Carricks really evolving now as a complete player – very impressive today, good lad; glad he’s back!
Ronaldo Man of the Match though, he got kicked and pushed, and hounded but he still gets himself 2 goals and an assist – he really does deliver!
Get in!
Peas out.
November 15th, 2008 at 18:16
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!! Shit, gotta clean my keyboard now!
WELBECK! I love it when United youngsters score because I feel like the heritage of the club moves on and on. Frazier Campbell is for me a brilliant player. But after watching Welbecks last two games, I have to say something else. Welbeck is gonna be massive, his goal today was brilliant! Goal of the season so far in the Prem! Luved it, absolutley luved it! 
We are back on track… 
Who would believe we lost to Arsenal last week? 
Seriously, our best performance of the season. Ronaldo with his first free-kick goal(s) of the season, Berba with a poachers goal and Carrick with a power-drive. And… wait, did I forget someone? Oh, yeah!
And a mention to Villa for proving why Arsenal should not be considered title-candidates. Brilliant, I look forward to Monday.
November 15th, 2008 at 18:19
@Craig Mc: Rooney has a chest infection and a calf strain, Rio and Giggs have injured their hamstrings, Neville got a knock during the week and Welbeck is brilliant.
November 15th, 2008 at 18:19
Well you see it all guys. Great game all around. I think we should have more
, but Oh well. I would have preferred if Anderson and Nani played. Putting youngsters in is all good, but I think they should be prioritized. I just can’t believe that we lost to Gunners who just got smacked by Villa. Villa played a good game and it should be used as blueprint for every team. I mean they outplayed them on their background.
November 15th, 2008 at 18:21
@Gabriel: Gabriel mate, did you notice in the cameo though, Man-u-cho and Welbeck did get into the box?. And Man-u-cho made some really slick through balls to put others in. We won’t be able to tell how he’ll do though, until he has much more time on the pitch
.
November 15th, 2008 at 18:21
Anybody dare bet against me for Ronaldo being top scorer again?
Question: Is Welbeck now Manchester Uniteds youngets ever scorer? He is 17 and 10 months. Has anybody at an earlier age scored for the Mighty Reds? Rooney scored when he was 18, Ronaldo the same, Giggs was 18 and Becks/Scholes 18. I only know the brief history, but was Whiteside, Charlton or anybody else younger?
November 15th, 2008 at 18:26
@RedDevilEddy:
– thank you.
November 15th, 2008 at 18:26
When wellbeck came on he drifted on wide on the right, does he usually play there? I like 2 watch him in the reserves last year but he seems to play as a main striker in the reserves so i dunno. He looks quality tho.
November 15th, 2008 at 18:30
@Craig Mc: I had a feeling Fletch was up for this game.. he was the one singing the battle cries before this match. I expect him to play a major part and make us forget we lost Hargo this season. Carrick, I think, has been instructed to move forward more now he is playing with a more defensive player in Fletch and we can all see what he is capable of. The lad can score, assist and playmake, really happy for him. Maybe now he can play regularly in a position that gets him the accolades his performances deserve.
About the youngsters, Fergie as usual is just giving them games, esp with the World club comp comin up. We need to spread the matches out amongst the whole squad, plus it’s valuable experience. Also, apart from the injuries, it might be a warning to some of the ’seniors’ that there are players hustling for positions and if you don’t step up, you don’t play.
November 15th, 2008 at 18:30
@RedDevilEddy: Eddy, you can really GIVE it large to those lads at school, who gave you a hard time over United’s loss to the arsenal. Seeing we won handsomely today, and they lost. It will be good for you to kick some arse when you get back in school, but no physical violence, steer clear of that mate
.
November 15th, 2008 at 18:32
now after todays amazing game, what will be cappellos squad? if foster had played, i think he would of been it. with carricks goal and overall play, surely he should be in it. campbell, 3 goals, 1 assist in 2 matches, maybe deserves recognition. should be, interesting…
November 15th, 2008 at 18:33
@Gabriel: I’d say that is about right Gabriel. I agree mate
.
November 15th, 2008 at 18:33
welcome to the big time Mr. Welbeck!
can anyone tell me how manucho looked when he came on?
anywhere i can watch the game even tho its finished?
cheers
November 15th, 2008 at 18:35
@Craig Mc: I know that. I usually dont start the armwretsle, I only start the mocking!
(Eddy meeting his mates on Monday: “Wazzup guys…. How do you feel? Have you recovered from the game on Saturday? Well, you should have. Its beggining to become a habit this season innit? Fulham, Hull, Stoke, Villa…”)
UNITED!
November 15th, 2008 at 18:37
Ronaldo goal number 1: Free kick vs Pompey
Ronaldo goal number 100: Free-kick vs Stoke.
Ronaldo goal number 101: Free-kick vs Stoke.
Do you guys also see the pattern?
November 15th, 2008 at 18:39
@RedDevilEddy:
, you go lad, give them the MIGHTY verbals, and rattle their cages a little bit. Watch out for the wounded Bear syndrome though, those animals can BITE back 
.
November 15th, 2008 at 18:41
@Craig Mc: The little mice at my school? If they really ite, I wouldnt notice it.
November 15th, 2008 at 18:48
@RedDevilEddy: Yeah give ‘em hell m8. Just as I will be doing when the dippers fall of their lofty perch.
November 15th, 2008 at 19:19
@edi: Lets give those wannabes a hell mate!
November 15th, 2008 at 19:22
This weekend would have been perfect if Chelski dont win today. Arsenal are as good as out of the title race and Liverpool are gonna drop points during the cource of the season. Unfortunately it doesnt look like Chelski will lose, they lead 2-0 already. Well, you cant get everything!
November 15th, 2008 at 19:25
United played really well today.i was really happy that they didn’t stop at only two goals and went on to destroy Stoke.The fact they didn’t show complacency was a good sign.Today our midfield was solid and really fletcher has been one of our most consistent players this season ,His passing ,ball control and decision making has improved to a considerable extent.Welbeck’s goal was pure class and this only shows what can he turn out to be in some seasons. But the only fact that only bothers me is their counter attack which is not good.In previous successful seasons we have seen that United score many of their goals on counter and have been devastating on counters but with berbatov we lack the pace for it.So i think it’s high time SAF start to play rooney,ronaldo and Tevez together.
November 15th, 2008 at 19:26
wheres the prince of fucking darkness? i bet he’ll say welbecks goal was average and doesnt see what all the fuss is about.
November 15th, 2008 at 19:28
@Manutd forever: so you prefer scoring on counter attacks rather then your team playing proper football?
November 15th, 2008 at 19:33
@RedDevilEddy: And What would they reply: “Yeah it has become a habit! But do you remember Samir Nasri? So in the equation it should be that Hull, Stoke, Villa, Fulham ARe BETTER THAT Manchester United? We Beat you 2-1 and that should be enough for you fucking cunts!”
November 15th, 2008 at 19:35
@dan(u-ol): Must be special for you to see Danny score. I remember before the Shitty game in February you said Danny was gonna become a great player. He is still young, but you have craved about him for a long time. How does it feel to watch him score that amazing goal, in front of the Stretford End? I am delighted to say the least!
November 15th, 2008 at 19:36
Did Anyone Notice that when WelBeck SCORED HIS SCREAMER that Fergie had a chat with Tevez in his ear and after this Tevez was left frowning and Fergie was laughing? Well I cant imagine waht that would be about?
Probably: “Who says that you are no.3 in the striker’s rankings at OT?”
Love Fergie! Now this will keep on teasing Tevez and his heart will be I’ll SHOW HIM in the next game!
November 15th, 2008 at 19:37
i just realized something , that people on this website ” including me ”
waits for the prince of fucking darkness to post after every match.
November 15th, 2008 at 19:38
@Red Diablo: Reply: “I think the difference shows with you losing 2-1 to Stoke and us beating them 5-0 only two weeks later. And if you wanna talk about scorelines between the two sides, lets talk about the 4-0 in February.”
“That was a long time ago!”
“Its a long time ago since you won a trophy too! 4 years, is it? Cunt…”
November 15th, 2008 at 19:38
@Matthew: he plays like henry winger cum striker, but he can play right winger, his main position is striker
November 15th, 2008 at 19:39
Danny “The Kid” Welbeck interview.
November 15th, 2008 at 19:41
If Torres is fooking “El Nino” then Welbeck is the English version: “The Kid”!
November 15th, 2008 at 19:45
@ROOOONEY: My Master Takes his time! Till that time you can have a chat with the apprentice of the Master Of Fucking Darkness!
November 15th, 2008 at 19:46
@Red Diablo: I have an answer to everything they can throw at me! But if I go lost for words or replies I only need to say: “CHAMPIONS OF ENGLAND, CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE!”
They are about to lose the title of “having the best youngsters in the country”.
Its brilliant being a United fan at an Arse school…
Possebon > Wilkshire
Welbeck > Vela
Evans > Nordtveit
Rafael > Ramsey
Anderson > Fabregas
November 15th, 2008 at 19:47
@Red Diablo: I thought you were the prince, not the apprentice…
November 15th, 2008 at 20:01
@RedDevilEddy: King=Master! Prince=Apprentice! Keep up with the acronyms Eddy my boy!!
November 15th, 2008 at 20:11
@dan(u-ol):IT’S not that i prefer playing on counters rather than open play.It’s just that in certain games when you are just one goal up and the opponents are pressing hard on you then you can rely on the counters to get you the killing goal and especially with rooney,ronaldo , Tevez and berbatov you can form a striking partnership which can break down any defense whether they play defensively or through open plays.I like counter attacks just for the sheer pace and quality involved in it.I like counter attack’s but i don’t like the counter attacking style of play i.e. When teams go into a match to defend and rely on counter attacks rather than open play.AS for tonight’s match United Could have scored 8 or 9 had they capitalised on the breaks.
November 15th, 2008 at 20:18
What is Benzema Boy saying? http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/nov/15/lyon-manchesterunited
November 15th, 2008 at 20:22
@Traverse: If I said something like that there would be 50 replies telling me how ungrateful and disrespectful I have been and that I am too negative. But I didn’t say it so I can stand by and rejoice.
November 15th, 2008 at 20:24
@dan(u-ol): Ronaldo doesn’t count mate but it is really nice to see Carrick move forward more and his goal was very well taken.
November 15th, 2008 at 20:32
@RedDevilEddy: you have no idea how happy he was to score. ive been spouting my nonsense about developing youth for about a year now, and im glad people have seen what it can do.
November 15th, 2008 at 20:36
you know, me and welbeck share a lot of traits; the same name, both born in the same month, both great footballers who love united
November 15th, 2008 at 20:44
I’m really delighted for Welbeck to at least get his name in the Premier League score- sheer. Plus the goal difference is starting to look a lot better now. Nice that the “Rooney curse” didn’t happen today and we didn’t miss Rio too.
November 15th, 2008 at 21:08
So how is the Prince of Fucking Darkness supposed to post a reaction to a game where we win 5-0? It’s not as tough as you think. At the high risk of being plagued with even more negative feedback for being negative and full of doom and gloom, I had major problems with the way we performed today. The score flatters us for numerous reasons. First off regardless of their long throw in ability, Stoke is nothing more than big physical oafs who don’t belong in the Premier League. They are total shite and an embarrassment to the British game. I’d rather watch a Bundesliga Division 2 game than be forced to watch a a bunch of uncoordinated and talentless fucks like Stoke. Is it Stoke City or Stink City?
United once again played like shit in the first half. Fortunately they were playing an underachieving and poorly equipped pub side from Stink City. Our lack of pace and urgency and our inability to show our class, style and finishing in the last third of the pitch was getting me down. Ronaldo finally scores form a free kick and I was happy as Hell for two reasons. First, he actually cleared the wall and secondly, the goalkeeper made a meal of what should have been an easy save. But Heck, it’s nice to get a break like that. But can’t it ever be against Arsenal or fucking Chelski?
The second goal loosened the lads up just before half time. Loved the goal by Carrick and loved the fact that he and Fletcher showed more attacking enterprise today. Yes they were playing complete muppets but they at least didn’t sit back and just defend. Carrick was very good all day. It’s nice to see him adding goal scoring to his passing and marking abilities.
The big problem that I had in the first half besides Fergie’s lineup was the team’s lack of urgency. This team should have turned up the speed and played Samba ball from the beginning because Stoke is a physical and slow team. Anderson and Nani should have started. There is no way we should be starting Park or O’Shea against crapsters like that. Sure they have a weapon like long throw ins and so Fergie felt more comfortable with a tall O’Shea over Rafael but this is the problem that we have been dealing with all season. Fergie shows opponents far to much respect and he fields a team from a defensive perspective and not an arrogant offensive perspective. Come on, Stoke is coming to OT and we need to fear them? Fuck that noise. Give Rooney a rest and play Tevez, fine. But not playing Anderson and Nani at least against these slugs makes no sense to me.
In the second half we turned on the charm a little more but I still feel we were slow in our buildup. We often waited until Stoke got back an into position before we attacked them. But today we actually had some finishing. Berbatov’s goal was a true strikers goal and well taken. He was unlucky not to have a few more. Ronaldo was magnificent and he was doing a great job of setting up others all day. One thing that was making me sick to the stomach was being able to hear the crowd (or one section of the crowd) loudly boo him. In fact they were very loud just before he set up Carrick for the second goal. In the first half he and Tevez were really the only players doing much but Ronaldo gets booed after a goal and an assist? Some fans are fucking hopeless. Go ahead you fucking dunce caps, boo him, make him feel unappreciated. Make him feel like playing for us is nothing more than a pain in the royal backside and a forlorn hope because many of those cunts realize that he chose us and he plays for us. Forgive and forget is a tough thing to embed in the mind of total Neanderthals. Really smart to make the best player in the world hate playing for us. Why don’t you all chip in with you Welfare money and buy him his plane ticket to Madrid? Fucking assholes.
Now regarding Ronaldo’s play. He was fantastic again although sometimes he tries to do too much. He is working his heart out for us and I can only applaud him for that. Another promising aspect to his game is that he seems to be finally getting his touch and approach to free kicks down properly. Not just because he scored two goals, (the first one was lucky, the second was sublime) but he has realized that he needs to change up his approach. He actually hit a few by trying to goal around the wall today. The second of his goals was a nice low one to the right of the wall. That’s one way to prevent hitting the wall. Keep them guessing Ronny.
Now my comments on Fergie’s substitutions. Just yesterday I was claiming that Welbeck should be among the players on the subs bench. With all due respect to Tevez, he cannot be counted on to come in as a sub and get us a goal because he is not poacher. His style and skills are more general than that. We need a goal scorer to come in who not only can finish but who has a nose for the goal. Both Welbeck and Manuch have that and aren’t they a much better alternative in a game than bringing in Giggs or O’Shea?
Welbeck’s goal was fantastic but I also want to see him in tight games control the ball with great first touches in the box and the ability to finish against top teams. Stoke are shit and Gary Neville’s grandmother could have scored tonight with half a chance. Manucho badly missed a sitter created again by the play maker Ronaldo. It’s all about handling pressure and showing composure. In that regards, Welbeck looks like he is coming around well based on his last two appearances. Hopefully Manucho will follow.
It was nice to see Gibson play but I much prefer Possebon and I would like to see him come into a game like that. Perhaps the fact that Stoke are physical and somewhat dirty, Fergie decided it wasn’t worth the risk with such a great young talent.
So we won comfortably but even at 5-0, I found a number of things wrong with the squad. But we still won comfortably and that should be positive enough to keep me from sicking the dogs on the team today. But I make no apologies about the fact that I expect a whole lot more, because I know and believe the team is capable of a whole lot more. And finally, when will Tevez actually score a goal from anywhere other than the penalty spot? He just wants nothing to do with the 18 yard box. I just don’t get that player’s style of play.
November 15th, 2008 at 21:10
@Rd: We could have sat down the entire starting best eleven and would have won by three goals. Stoke were shite.
November 15th, 2008 at 21:21
@Grognard: the thing with gibbo, everyone thinks hes a CDM because of his size, but really, he is a CAM. hence why carrick was dropping a lot deeper when he came on. possebon, is a CDM, and but people think he’s a CM, he is far more defensive minded. had it been possebon on the bench, carrick would of gone off and not fletch.
November 15th, 2008 at 21:23
i wish we had loaned out heaton to spurs…
November 15th, 2008 at 21:46
The Norwegian Vålerenga striker Moa, who was their top scorer and best player in 2008, is watched closely by Manchester United. Ole Gunnar Solskjær thinks that Moa, 23, has the skills, temperament and ambition to make it at United. In the Norwegian cup final Moa scored two goals, and set up one more in the 4-1 win over Stabæk. Connections in Vålerenga that stand close to Solskjær and Sir Alex Ferguson confirm that United have followed Moa closely during the cource of the season. They have been impressed of what they have seen and are thinking about an offer in January.
Source: Norwegian paper Dagbladet and Ole Gunnar Solsjkær.
November 15th, 2008 at 21:52
To be honest, Ive wathed Moa in the Norwegian league. He is a left footed striker with pace, power and an unbelieveable ball control when he is running. He doesnt have the skills of Ronaldo, but his ball control when running at full speed is really impressive. Still, I dont think he is United quality. If there is any player in Norway that is even close to United quality it is Alanzinho. He is a left winger that can do everything with the ball at his feet. Not United quality yet, but can become. About Moa, he is young and has played well this season. But like I said, he is not the a player that we need. If I would try to give you an image of what kind of player he is I would compare him to Benzema. Good control, power and an eye for goal. NOt Solskjær style, but so-so.
November 15th, 2008 at 21:53
@Grognard: Stoke fans were booing him… not United fans.
November 15th, 2008 at 22:10
@Grognard: The Stoke fans were boing Ronaldo. During the game they yelled “Wanker, Wanker, Wanker, Give us a wave, Wanker” to Ronaldo. The United fans were singing “Viva Ronaldo” and “He plays on the left, he plays on the right”. According to my sources, the Stoke fans were singing about abusing United players more than cheering for their team. The only song that wasnt about United was “We support ou loval team”. Ronaldo is becoming as popluar as ever at United. VIVA RONALDO!!!
November 15th, 2008 at 22:12
@dan(u-ol): Why… I think Gomes is doing a pretty good job at spurs.
I cant wait until we pay them! Hopefully Ronaldo get some free kicks..
November 15th, 2008 at 22:19
The score line was indeed flattering. Some selection concerns i had before the game. I agree with Grognard. Y play Oshea and not rafael..teams should worry about us…not we..especially at old trafford. Coming to the game… ronaldo and tevez were working hard .. wish tevez had scored..bugger deserves a goal…
Manucho looked promising…with a few games in the carling cup and world club championship i honestly think he cant fit as 4th striker… he just hovers around the box like berbatov …. carlos querioz last jewel should shine if given the right opportunities which he surely will… Im just worried about one thing… we have a team of incredible quality…any team would be shittin their pants playing us…but i think we get it tactically wrong most time then not…. Our strengths have to be envisaged… querioz was the master at that…whose doing it now…phelan or the dutch bloke…. i thought a new assistant manager would be a breath of fresh air…but ah well ..sir alex knows best… wellbeck take a bow…what a goal….certainly provides confidence to the junior lot that they can make a mark at the highest level… with all that pre match conference about delap blah blah… he can shuv a ball where the sun dont shine… his behaviour was dispiccable… ronaldo guilty of divin once too many but credit to the boy for pickin him self up…stoke were rubbish but im glad they came to ot… their supporters might have just signalled the return of the old ronaldo… aston villa will be a good game… lookin forward to the preview… and hope we dont get any injuries over the week…with the internationals…portugal goin to brazil…wtf…. hmm peace ..
November 15th, 2008 at 22:55
I find it hard to fault the team. Grognard and Taran with players as young as Rafael there is something called nurturing, so they are slowly bled into the team. He played midweek and against arsenal so fergie felt he needed a break. Also O’shea had a good game don’t you think? is really playing well. He seems to be 5 times fitter than everyone else!Grat goal by Welbeck but now he must push on and continue learning.Great game otherwise 5-0…Cant complain!!!
November 15th, 2008 at 22:58
So Rio, Rooney, Giggs, Neville, Fletch, Hargreaves and Scholes are injured. Ronaldo, Vidic, Carrick, Evra and Anderson are hitting top form. Youngsters Welbeck, Gibson, Possebon, Evans and Rafael are proving themselves United quality. We are missin a real assistant manager. Phelan is no good.
November 15th, 2008 at 22:59
*Fletcher is really playing well!!
November 15th, 2008 at 23:00
@Taran: you…certainly…like…your…dots…
November 15th, 2008 at 23:17
@dan(u-ol): I don’t care who comes off and I am more than aware of their positions. I just wanted to see Possebon instead of Gibbson.
November 15th, 2008 at 23:21
@Red Ranter: The broadcaster even commented on the the fact that the “home” fans were still riding him. And I find it hard to believe that few Stoke fans could be that loud. Our fans should be drowning out Stoke fans anyway. I don’t know, obviously I wasn’t there. Perhaps Craig was and he can let us know who was booing who.
November 15th, 2008 at 23:30
@Grognard: Ive heard from Scott on ROM that it was the Stoke fans who were booing Ronaldo. He was at the game, and he often is, so he can confirm that for you.
November 16th, 2008 at 0:16
@Grognard: Surely there were some positives in the game??? No offense but if i didn’t know the scoreline, I’d have presumed we lost or drew the game after reading that. Thats your opinion though. Yes Stoke were sh!te, but we can only play whats put in front of us, West Ham was probably just as shit and we couldn’t put 2 past them, so while you’re ranting about the negatives, I’m just pleased to see the team putting more than 2 in the net and not being as wasteful as they’ve have been recently.
Fergie might have been expecting a physical game, maybe thats why he started O’Shea instead of Rafael, the former might be pants, but he’s still better equipped to handle Stoke’s tactics.
@RedDevilEddy: Sarcasm, i presume?(or at least I hope it is)
November 16th, 2008 at 0:50
With Ronnie hitting good form I expect MAdrid and their bitches Marca and As to start sniffing again aroun. Funny how they were mute when Ronaldo started slowly.
Good performance in the 2nd half but the first was actually pretty poor. We actually played much better against arsenal in both halfs than against stoke in the first half.
Also I remain puzzled at Nani’s recent omission from games. However I must commend O’shea’s performance today. While seeing Oshea in midfield is one of the sights I hate the most iin football, he definitely showed today that he has what it takes at full back. Or at least he’s still better than Neville…
November 16th, 2008 at 1:25
NicoQB, agree i was quietly surprised yet happy with o’sheas performance. I thought he wud play crap but he actually really impressed me 2day. Keep it up sheasy.
November 16th, 2008 at 2:40
@RedDevilEddy: Thanks for that. I’d hate to think that our fans were still holding a grudge. And our fans shouldn’t be so quiet that I can hear boos that see m so loud that I was certain it was United fans. We need to be louder than the visitors 100% of the time. Jeez!
November 16th, 2008 at 2:47
@Rd: I think I made my comments very clear and I even commented on the fact that I did not want to be negative but that there were things about the performance that I found perplexing. Having said that I did make positive comments as well. It’s amazing how none of the positive comments are ever brought up, but if I say anything that upsets the sensibilities of fair weather fans, I receive a fire storm of rebuttal’s and rebukes. I only state the truth, whether any of you want to hear it or not. From my point of view. It was a comfortable performance against a terrible side where our effort fell down towards the opponents level and pace. Fortunately our class was too much for them because our effort was nothing to write home about. Now if we could team skill, class and effort all together for one game, then maybe we would look awesome and maybe, just maybe, I would be positive. We this gang though, I wouldn’t bet on it.
November 16th, 2008 at 2:51
@Matthew: He better bloody well be impressive against Stoke. If he can’t play well against them, then he doesn’t belong in the Prem. He played well but for me, that was just a workmanlike performance and did not light my fire. It’s fortunate though that we have a player like that who can come in and give our starters a rest. I still would have preferred Rafael against Stoke.
November 16th, 2008 at 3:35
The reason SAF went for O’Shea instead of Rafael due to the aerial attack of Delap’s long throws. As awesome as Rafael is, he would have been incredibly ineffective against those long throws. As it turns out, O’Shea nearly scored an own goal due to the very reason he was picked though
November 16th, 2008 at 6:18
@ray_likethefish: Yes I realize that but then again, that’s picking players due to caution and fear. Perhaps Rafael’s offensive runs would have been more of a handful to handle for Stoke. We won and O’Shea played well but today was a good day to play a few of the youngsters because the opponents were such a pushover. O’Shea is fine but he is not the future at RB. I think it’s important to give the future playing time, not the past. Just my opinion.
November 16th, 2008 at 6:49
@Grognard : May be he was making sure we get a good win under the belt..I am sure we would have seen more youngsters if we were on last season’s form…
November 16th, 2008 at 10:03
@Jonny: so close
November 16th, 2008 at 10:45
@Grognard: grognard, o’shea was in the team simply because of his height. every one of the stoke players apart from the right-back was 6ft and over, rafael is smaller then rooney and tevez. he would get marked out easily with the long throws. i would rather us defend against their main goal threat, with one change, rather then us playing a shrimp at right back.
November 16th, 2008 at 11:21
@dan(u-ol): A Shrimp at right back? –
, that’s comical mate 
.
November 16th, 2008 at 11:25
@Grognard: I don’t have any problems with the team selection either. If Stoke are so bad, why not give a fringe player like O’Shea some playing time? We all know he’s not great on the ball but with Bebatov, Tevez, Ronaldo and Carrick playing we should have plenty of firepower to overcome Stoke…and so it proved. I agree that the 1st half was frustrating – we were trying to be too cute when it would have served us better to be more direct but we upped the tempo in the 2nd half. Overall, job done and a boost to our goal difference.
On another note, I just can’t understand how Sorensen has been a PL goalkeeper for the past 10 years. Every time I’ve seen him play he’s made some serious gaffes and his handling is atrocious!
November 16th, 2008 at 11:29
@NicoQB: I agree with you (OF COURSE) about Nani, at least he is not always knocked over onto his arse as Park is. Park is a good name for him, because he is ALWAYS parked on said arse every time he is tackled. Lightweight
.
November 16th, 2008 at 11:32
WTF is this friendly game coming up in midweek?????. Anybody enlighten me please
.
November 16th, 2008 at 11:33
A special mention to Vidic…we were playing against a physical team but he was utterly dominant in the air yesterday. I think he’s started slowly this season but it’s good to see him looking so sharp again.
November 16th, 2008 at 19:13
@Craig Mc: Yes, Park does goes to ground easily, but he does it very well, at least much better than Ronaldo!
I sometimes wonder how many goals Beckham would score on free kicks if he played in the same team as Park!
@Craig Mc: @dan(u-ol): A shrimp, yes, but make that a very good shrimp!
Let’s hope that the other shrimp turns out as good as this one! 
November 17th, 2008 at 0:24
It’s gonna be interesting for the next game at Villa, after they put Arse in their place,
that’ll be a better statement of our ability to take it to the end
November 17th, 2008 at 0:26
@Craig Mc: There’s an under 19 international friendly that Welbeck is on the team sheet for
November 17th, 2008 at 2:00
@Shyam:
This was my point exactly. Rafa Benetiz in the past has put out weakened teams against lower quality opponents and dropped points, only to go on and win comfortably with her First XI in the Champions League later on in the week. SAF obviously doesn’t want to fall foul of that trap, especially with us so many points behind at such an early stage in the season. Hence the trustworthy and tall O’Shea playing at right back
November 17th, 2008 at 3:25
umm and a friendly against germany,
both ferdinand and rooney are out for it,