Oct 29
Man Utd v West Ham: Preview
I despise mid-week games. One, work schedules (and time difference on this side of the pond) make it difficult to catch the action on a work day. Two, it gives about three days from the weekend prior, to regroup and play. But a player pocketing about 90k a week shouldn’t complain these days and that’s how it should be.
Before talking about today’s game against West Ham, let’s talk briefly about the whole Heinze-Fergie science fiction story arc that’s grabbed column inches lately. These were Fergie’s comments:
“When we sold Gabriel Heinze to Real Madrid we knew it was going to happen, because Ronaldo was very close to Heinze. I knew what they were doing. I don’t believe they were interested in Heinze - good player though he is. The end-game was to get Ronaldo. What made it really obscene was that Madrid, as General Franco’s club, had a history of being able to get whoever and whatever they wanted, before democracy came to Spain.”
Now, whilst the manager may be right about the sense of entitlement that engulfs everything about Real Madrid, the club, it seems a bit far fetched to consider that Heinze was a pawn used as a bait to lure the star man, Ronaldo.
It was obvious we were looking to flog the Argentine to any club but Liverpool and Madrid came in for him. Considering Roberto Carlos wasn’t getting any younger, Heinze looked like an able deputy. It is possible that Fergie may have gotten carried away as well as fed up with the way Real Madrid have behaved and thought of adding some spice of his own in his assessment of the club. I really don’t buy his reasoning regarding Heinze, and I honestly think it is a load of bollocks — although a calculated one at that.
Back to the game, there has been talk of easing Carrick into the fold and it would be a sign of relief to see the midfielder make his come back from injury.
Today’s XI though should contain EVDS, Rio, Vidic, Evra, Neville, Giggs, Fletcher, Ronaldo, Nani. Rooney and Berbatov up front. I do, however, hope Fergie starts Tevez instead of either Rooney or Berba.
As I said, I don’t like midweek games and hence don’t enjoy writing previews either. So I predict a 2-1 and sign off for now.
See you after the game… cheerio!
Related items from Red Rants:- West Ham v Man Utd: Live
- Tevez Update: Is a Solution Finally In Sight?
- West Ham v Man Utd: Preview
- Man Utd v West Ham: Preview
- Man Utd vs Birmingham: Preview
Tags: Game Preview
October 29th, 2008 at 10:35
I too despise midweek games thanks to time diferences.anyway i do really hope we will be more focused in this game and hope tevez and rooney start for me to see a bit of their last season’s chemistry. I predict a 3-1 victory.vidic to score
October 29th, 2008 at 11:18
notes about this game
Big Match Facts
Champions Manchester United have won their last four in all competitions at Old Trafford, but know they will not return to the top four, even if opponents West Ham suffered a fourth successive league defeat
Sir Alex Ferguson’s side are eight points behind Liverpool at the summit with a game in hand, and will want to return to winning ways, having been held by Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday
Victory for the Hammers would take them level on points with the Red Devils.
The Eastenders started promisingly under Gianfranco Zola, but now are in danger of slumping to their longest losing league sequence since March 2007 when they lost five on the spin in Alan Curbishley’s first 12 games in charge. His reign started with just one victory in the opening dozen, that being 1-0, home to Manchester United
West Ham have dropped more Premier League points to Manchester United than any other club (59).
Manchester united
1. Undefeated in nine in all competitions; won six and drawn three in league and cup.
2. Won three and drawn two of the last five Premier League matches, since losing 2-1, away to Liverpool on 13 September; their only league defeat this season, and sole loss in 10 Premier League outings.
3. Been replicating last season, but now two points behind their eight-game total of 17 points last term.
4. On a league high 45 matches without a no score draw; the goalless stalemate, home to Reading on the opening day of last season, 12 August 2007, being the most recent.
5. Scored in each of the last 32 league games; the 1-0 defeat away to Bolton on 24 November 2007 was the last occasion in which they failed to score.
6. Also on the longest current run in the highest league of 86 matches since a loss by more than a single goal; 3-0, away to Chelsea on 29 April 2006.
7.The lowest placed of the three remaining clubs with unbeaten home records in the highest league.
8. Won their last five home Premier League matches against London clubs. The only London club to take any points off United in eight matches at Old Trafford since the beginning of 2007, was West Ham; 0-1 on 13 May 2007.
Man Utd Player Notes
Rio FERDINAND is the only remaining player to have been on the field for every minute of every one of Manchester United’s Premier League matches this season.
Wayne ROONEY, who’s scored nine goals in his last eight games for club and country and five in six appearances for United, needs one more to total 100 club goals (Everton and Manchester United).
Edwin VAN DER SAR will be playing on his 38th birthday.
FERDINAND will be facing the club where he began his professional career. The 29 year old England defender made 158 appearances (127 in the league) and scored two league goals for the Upton Park club in five years from November 1995, until his £18m move to Leeds.
Michael CARRICK will also be opposing the club where he was a trainee. The 27 year old England international made 159 appearances (136 in the league) and scored six league goals in six seasons for the Eastenders until his £3m move to Tottenham in August 2004.
Carlos TEVEZ will be facing former club-mates. The 24 year old Argentina international made 29 appearances (26 in the league) and scored seven league goals for West Ham in the season before last.
If on the field from the outset:-
Dimitar BERBATOV will be making his 100th start for an English club (Tottenham and Manchester United).
John O’SHEA will be making his 150th English league start (Manchester United and Bournemouth).
Head To Head
The Hammers are pursuing only their third Premier League victory at Old Trafford, having lost 11 of 13 visits.
United’s 4-1 victory in this corresponding fixture last season ended West Ham’s three-game winning sequence over the Red Devils.
The Hammers’ joint biggest Premier League defeat was 7-1 away to Manchester United on April Fools Day 2000. Since 1999, they have conceded four goals three times in games with the Red Devils, five once, and seven once.
Home and away
League (inc PL): Man United 46 wins, West Ham 37, Draws 23
Prem: Man United 15 wins, West Ham 4, Draws 7
at Man Utd only
League (inc PL): Man United 35 wins, West Ham 12, Draws 6
Prem: Man United 11 wins, West Ham 2, Draws 0
___________________________________________________________________
im looking forward to thia game im hope im back home in time to watch it, i have a good feeling 3-1 to the boys from Salford
October 29th, 2008 at 11:22
i prefer to rafael and tevez in the team. Rafael will do well coz he know that is his chance to shine. to add, he also offers better attacking option.
Tevez must play…im sure he will score
October 29th, 2008 at 11:32
Short preview from me. I think this will be the team:
Kuszcack
Rafael Rio Vidic Evra
Nani Fletcher Anderson Park
Rooney Tevez
Carrick to come on. Ronny needs a rest, Tevez needs games as do PIG. Fergie seems to play Rafael every third game so I think he will start.
Score prediction: 4-0 to United. Tevez, Rooney, Nani and Rio to score.
COME ON YOU REDS!!!
October 29th, 2008 at 11:36
8 points behind L’fool, fook me. What a fooking embarrasment, lagging behind that lot at Anfield. So ASHAMED
.
October 29th, 2008 at 11:37
@Craig Mc: Were behind Hull too, that describes how early it is in the season.
October 29th, 2008 at 11:40
Fuck me we need to buy a left midfield player! We have no balance.
October 29th, 2008 at 11:54
I hope Foster gets a start today, it’s still clear to me he’s our best bet for a future keeper, and if he doesn’t start getting games he’s gonna leave. But it is Edwin’s birthday so who knows…
I fully expect a win tonight. Was pessimistic about one at Goodison, but we’re 8 points behind Liverpool. LIVERPOOL. If that’s not enough to get the boys out playing their socks off, they should all be shipped off from whence they game, and we can play the local kids in the reserves who get it. Okay, a bit extreme but you know what I mean.
I think Ronaldo’s going to bag a hat trick if he plays. I wonder what kind of odds I can get…
October 29th, 2008 at 12:00
I wouldn’t get too worried about Liverpool guys, they always slip up, they entertain (maybe not the right word for the dippers) Portsmouth tonight, thay are away at Spurs on Saturday, not an easy fixture now that H is at the helm.
That always have a er dip in form they have come back from being down about four times this season and their luck will run out. Our main title rivals are Chelsea and if we win our game in hand we will only be 2 points off them, so keep the faith.
@Beachryan: @RedDevilEddy: I personally don’t think it is time to mess with the squad especially in goal, lets put our best team out and win.
October 29th, 2008 at 12:10
Well, at least Hull have been punching above expectations - hopefully they will do so again today
Tevez really needs a start, United to win this on only just. Hull is up next and the team needs to be full on confidence when playing a top 4 side
October 29th, 2008 at 12:14
just a thought… Fergie v Heinze … Star Wars?!!?
October 29th, 2008 at 12:27
Has anyone found a single web-based place the match will be showing? My usual source (myp2p.eu) doesn’t have a single link - first time i’ve ever seen that!
October 29th, 2008 at 12:28
i say dont play giggs in midfield.for such a creative player,he is lightweight and his inclusion means we have to saccrifice either one winger,or a striker to accomodate another defencive midfielder.
against everton,though he was our best player,they totally dominated the midfield.him and fletcher were second best.
another issue is park.so talened but not united quality.just like nakamura.he always works so hard but the end result is less.people say nani is immature but atleast he has end product that neither giggs nor park can offer.
ronaldo.he set the level so high that even if he has 2 goals and 2 assists in five games,people still criticise him.
rooney.for all his fans making noise about his importance,look at adebayor at arsenal.not trying to compare but as a single player he influences the game,and quite frankly,rooney is due a performance for united.
berba.new player,i wont comment.
fletcher.so good in the middle,but no creativity.perharps anderson should push up more.
October 29th, 2008 at 12:33
I wouldn’t change our team too much. But I think this would be a game to let Tevez start-he’d be fired up playing against his old club and he deserves a proper game after being restricted to half hour cameos. I’d also like to see Nani and Ronaldo on the wings. Their pace could give us some amazing penetration against a team that will probably defend most of the match.
The Heinze thing is ridiculous. Heinze sounds really really bitter. It is a shame I used to love the player but Evra has been a legend for us so I have not missed Heinze at all.
October 29th, 2008 at 12:52
At what time is the game starting??
October 29th, 2008 at 12:53
I think Heinze has every right to be pissed off. He didn’t ask to be brought up by Fergie, and then to have his professional reputation pissed on by Sir is just nasty. I always like Heinze (until his random request to move to Pool) and thought he was a good pro. No reason for Fergie to come out and say he was just a bargaining chip. No reason at all.
October 29th, 2008 at 12:55
Ya i too liked him, until i saw him crawling against ACMilan in the semi… that was really awful to see.
October 29th, 2008 at 12:58
@Stephen: If we win our game in hand we will be five points off the dippers. That if we they keep winning everything from now on. Sounds real bad. We desperately need either Chescum or loserfool to drop points now.
October 29th, 2008 at 12:59
@donibrasco: where do you get these ideas from
Yeah let’s drop Giggs, Rooney is due a performance (really not understanding that one). You say Park is like Nakamura. I honestly can’t think of 2 different players. Its comparable to comparing Beckham to Roy Keane. 3 goals means that ‘creativity’ or not fletcher knows where to be at the right time. Nani despite his decent stats hasn’t played well over 90 mins this season. He does his best Stevie Me impression and doesnt seem to like Rooney enough to pass to him when he’s wide open.
As for tonight no point in playing anyone but our strongest team and that means Neville and hopefully Rooney, Tevez and Ronaldo up front. I hope Fergie doesnt start Carrick because he needs to be eased in to avoid incidents like with his last return to the team.
October 29th, 2008 at 13:01
@UnitedUnited: Don’t Worry mate, they are going to drop points, it is evident if u see last few seasons, Only getting our points matters. As loserfool still has to come to Old Trafford and Matches against Gunners are pending.
October 29th, 2008 at 13:02
@ALL : Anyone time??? i don’t wanna miss the game.
October 29th, 2008 at 13:12
@Liam: I agree on all your points mate.
we need to win simple!
We just need to get on a winning run, we aren’t playing badly and there is ne need to play a different keeper or bring on Rafael, why whats the point
October 29th, 2008 at 13:12
@Stephen Stephen Bro, tell the first 2 words of the line of your post to your girlfriend
. But Grrrrrrrrr, we got Nani to play LMF, if Fergie would get him on the damn field 
.
October 29th, 2008 at 13:15
@Stephen: You say we need to win - SIMPLE
. Famous last words 
. Don’t know about a winning streak though mate, more like we NEED to learn how to hold onto a fookin lead in tight games away from home.
October 29th, 2008 at 13:19
@Liam: Nani doesn’t seem to like Rooney enough to pass to him - WHO THE FOOK DOES ?
.
October 29th, 2008 at 13:19
@Craig Mc: Ha Ha she loves me being aggressive!! It is a worry but having Hargo and Carrick back will help us as we havn’t really been playing with a holding midfielder to give the back four some security, are you going tonight mate?
October 29th, 2008 at 13:24
@Andrei: Hull a top 4 side - how bloody ridiculous that that sound
.
October 29th, 2008 at 13:26
@Stephen: I am going - they better turn it on as well, or I’ll be giving some of them some shit from the stand
.
October 29th, 2008 at 13:34
@Craig Mc: I think we will, mate our record at home against the Hammers is good, not so away.
We just need a fast start, play Carlos and Nani and get in their faces we will be fine, still need a left winger, we have 3/4 right sided players if you count Hargreaves, and really know one on the left.
October 29th, 2008 at 13:52
Last five games we have DWWWD. Only Hull and Pool top that. With West Ham and Hull our next two games we should really be aiming for 6/6 and then Arsenal away I’d accept a draw and by that time we should be firmly in the top 4 again with a game in hand!
I get excited because we’ve played some sublime football this year even with a makeshift central midfield (Fletch, Giggs), our star player short of match fitness and our new signing getting used to our system. We just need that killer instinct back. We need to take our chances when we are playing well, and stay in control when we are playing badly. For me those are our main faults this season.
We will come good I just know it. It is just a matter of making sure we keep pace and that is why West Ham and Hull are crucial games we need to win and I’m certainly not going to gamble reserve keepers or Rafael or make the same mistake as earlier in the season and play unfit players returning from injury.
Our team at the moment works we just need to take our chances and not let the quality drop in the second half. Giggs and Fletcher is good in the middle and we have Anderson to provide needed bite. Carrick and Hargreaves can be the cavalry in good time.
Nani needs time on the wing. Park is great for big games because he makes us more solid. But we need to attack West Ham and Hull and against Celtic Nani demonstrated his ability to make lesser full-backs look foolish.
Tevez should come on for Berbatov. Berb has had time to settle in and letting each of them start once a week will keep them fresh and give Tevez the chance to show what he is made of. Also since Ronaldo cannot take free kicks at the moment I’d like to give Tevez a decent chance to get some goals under his belt which will do wonders for his confidence.
Slave boy should keep things simple until he finds his game again. I’ve lost count of the number of shots he’d made that have gone wide. He should wait until he is in the zone and everything he does turns to gold. Until then he should get the ball to the form players like Rooney.
October 29th, 2008 at 13:56
GRRRRR!!! The game’s not on TV
We should destroy West Ham at home. Nothing else will satisfy me… after a performance like that in the 2nd half of the everton game, the team should bounce back big time, especially at home.
I reckon this will be our team:
——–VDS (birthday boy
)
Brown —– Rio —– Vida —– Evra
Park —– Fletch —- Ando —– Nani
————Tevez — Rooney———–
Subs: Kuszcy, Nevster, O’shea, Carrick, Giggs, Ronnie, Berba
Our back five is losing it’s rythm because Fergie keeps tinkerig with it, esp at the RB spot. We should try and keep it consistent for the next few games.
Wingers should be Park and Nani with Ronnie coming on for Park. He would definitely receive a rousing round of applause from the fans in recognition of his FIFPro award. He deserves it! To think we have just three wingers??? what if one got injured? We need to start looking for another young prodigy or backup at least.
Middle of the park should be Fletch and Ando. I want Fletch to try and adopt a disciplined holding role so we can see what Ando can do attacking wise. Ando has not showed any glimpses of attacking prowress tbh, and I’m beginnig to feel he is a creative, combative centre mid, that’s even where he plays for Brasil!! Carrick should come on for either one that is more burnt out.
Strikers should be messsrs Rooney and Tevez. Berbatov should come on later for Rooney, keep both of them fresh. Tevez should start in the next few games.. this match might be the one which will spark him into a goal-scoring run. All this talk about him being unhappy is bull, that’s the one area where Fergie is great at, ‘Man-management’, that’s why I don’t believe all this rubbish about him being unhappy, Fergie has assured him he will get his chance and I think it might begin today.
All in all, I expect us to dominate today, we have some steel in midfield with Ando and Fletch, plus when Carrick comes on he can bring that composure he usually does to our centre. Score should be 3-0 nil to United… I don’t expect us to be conceding at home, that’s just not on.
October 29th, 2008 at 13:59
@Beachryan: It’s a bit early for links to be surfacing yet fella, give it a couple hours and check back. I’ll post some in-browser streams nearer the kick-off time. Hoping for a Wonder show tonight from Nani - fingers crossed.
Peas out.
October 29th, 2008 at 14:16
I’ve stopped buying Heinz ketchup…
gg…
Joooodasss
October 29th, 2008 at 14:16
I’ve stopped buying Heinz ketchup…
gg…
Joooodasss
That was the lowest possible blow Fergie could’ve laid on him by the way..loved it!!!
October 29th, 2008 at 14:20
VDS
Raphael, Evans,Vidic, Evra
Ronaldo,Fletcher, Giggs, Nani
Teves, Rooney
with Carrick coming on for Giggsy @ half time
I’ve a funny feeling O’Shea will feature too!
October 29th, 2008 at 14:48
Despicable.
Game starts at 20:00 BRST. so woek out your time zone
October 29th, 2008 at 14:50
@M34ch - Thanks, fair point re: timing. Am optimistic it’ll be on somewhere. Should be a cracker…
October 29th, 2008 at 15:39
@phoenix red: He won’t play Raphael and Evens be realistic, we need experience tonight and Vida and Brown should start.
October 29th, 2008 at 15:51
I think SAF comments about Heinze to be honest were a load of rubbish. Real have a history of notoriously bad defences so the opportunity to buy Heinz a quality defender was a no brainer, besides we’re the Real Madrid feeder club.
Either way nice dig by SAF because we took Heinze in and as fans gave him big utd status because of the way he played. Full hearted all or nothing Tevez, Rooney like. It took Evra’s brilliance to lodge him off the LB position and then when we went to let him go he wanted to go to the Dippers, feck that and feck you Gab!!
Not going to stop buying Heinze ketchup though its the ticket.
I love mid-week matches its like getting 2 weekends in a week.
By the way I see “Legend” being banded about alot on this blog and for me far too often.
What exactly are the credentials to be a Utd Legend. Someone earleir said Evra is a legend. To me he is not and before I get my head taken off I love the guy best LB we have had since Irwin who in my eyes is a Utd legend. Evra has the potential no doubt but not yet.
I dunno I think its a word used too much in football like world class. Too many players are called world class.
Beckham was always called world class. I don’t think he was. Fantastic as he was and I loved him as a Utd player but not world class.
October 29th, 2008 at 16:02
@scoop: i agree, evra is not a legend, but he could become one. But, even though i dislike the guy as a player, JOS is a legend. Only player to play in every position for united, 2 CL medals, about 4 or 5 P: medals, a coupe of FA cups, and a 1 club man. believe it or not, he’s a legend.
October 29th, 2008 at 16:03
@Stephen: If I see rafael in our starting line-up tonite, I’ll explode!!
talented as he is, we need the back five to re-establish that chemistry we had, and tinkering with line-up in every match will just disrupt that. VDS, Brown, Rio, Vida and Evra should start consecutive games for an extended period.
October 29th, 2008 at 16:04
@ Scoop - It’s a good question, this ‘World-Class’ moniker. Obviously bandied about far too much, but the way I think of it is if I had to put together a first XI from anyone players in the world, who should go in there. And it wouldn’t be a form thing either, because to even be considered as the best RB in the world you’ve probably shown it for a while.
So to my point, I do believe Becks was ‘world-class’ when judged on that criteria. He was the best right-sided midfielder in the world at his peak, in terms of delivery and performances. Plus you add in his not too shabby set-pieces and effort (if only Ronaldo could learn from his tracking back!) and you have the total football package for his position.
For example, in our current squad I would say we have only 2, maybe 3 world class players, and that’s hte team that won the prem and CL. One would be Rio, the other Ronaldo. Evra for me is the only other arguable case.
October 29th, 2008 at 16:05
@Stephen: i dont think those two are such a “drop” from the original but i get your point, but the reason i included them is our young players need game experience, what better way than against lower competition at home? Rio looked jaded from what i saw at the weekend, needs to be fresh against Hull!! So Evans! Raphael was a pure punt! Teves needs more game time as does Ronaldo, give Berba a break.
October 29th, 2008 at 16:09
@Gabriel: Raphael to a really good prospect mate, I agree you are spot on about getting that chemistry back from last season.@phoenix red: We need continuity back there mate, a settled back four, we are also missing our first choice sitting midfielders, hopefully Carrich will play at some point tonight.
October 29th, 2008 at 16:10
@scoop: true, those words are banded around carelessly nowadays… However, I feel Beckham was world class. In his area of play (Right mid) where his job is to provide crosses and accurate passing, he was excellent. Not to mention his free-kick taking, shooting and leadership skills. He might not have been the best dribbler, but his contributions to the game were more productive than most dribbling right mids. That was the nature of his game and he was world class in that aspect. To say he wasn’t, is like saying Messi isn’t world class because he can’t tackle, track back or head the ball.. sure it would be nice if he could, but the skills he does possess are very productive and world class in their own respect.
October 29th, 2008 at 16:13
Beckham was the best crosser in the world around 1999-2005, so surely if you are the best at something you are world class?
October 29th, 2008 at 16:18
@Stephen: I do like Rafael, but our defence has looked jaded this year season compared to last. Last year, we had our regular back five starting almost every game together, they were on a telepathic level of understanding because of that continuity. We have recently let in some howlers because of this lack of chemistry and it has cost us points.
I’m all for given youth experience, but we have a lot of less important games (early carling cup, early fa cup, world club tourny) in which the youth can get their chance. Nowadays, a team can’t afford to slack in the prem, you’d be out of the race, it’s that intense and competitive.
October 29th, 2008 at 16:24
MOTD on at 5 to midnight, will probably watch that as my part time job seems to merge my hours with United games
October 29th, 2008 at 16:29
@dan(u-ol):
Like I said Evra, definite potential.
You put a good argument forward for JOS but I have to disagree with you big style there. He just doesnt have the ability to be a legend. When he goes I won’t remember him like I do say for Robson (legend), Whiteside (legend). He will just be a player who was great for the squad and was pretty versatile.
A legend for me is someone at the club 5 years+, great ability, wore his heart on his sleeve and lived and breathed United
@Beachryan:
Its a big talking point but for me Beckham was never world class because he had no left foot and couldn’t beat a player. Credit to his strengths to be the player he was in the abscence of these critical components.
George Best world class, Zidane world class, pele world class. I just wouldn’t put Beckham or a lot of supposed world class players today in this group. For me very very selective.
World Class players in our squad for me would be Ronaldo, Scholes (when he was top of his game), Rio is def getting himself there big improvement over last couple of seasons but needs a big character beside him like vida.
October 29th, 2008 at 16:35
@scoop: Ronaldo has no left foot, Messi has no right foot and they are World class.
Rio is the best centre back in the world, no doubt so is and has been world class for years.
O’Shead certainly isn’t a legend, Davis May was a treble winner and he certainlt isn’t a legend.
October 29th, 2008 at 16:38
Sorry about the bad spelling!!
October 29th, 2008 at 16:45
@ Stephen - Have to disagree if you mean our Ronaldo. He’s one of the most two footed players on Earth. I’m pretty sure his goals from open play are actually split almost perfect between left/right foot. He can cross shoot and pass with his left almost as well as his right. Hence why he’s so awesome on the right, he can either hit hte byling and zip in a cross or cut in and strike a shot with his left. That’s why they need at least two to mark him
October 29th, 2008 at 16:46
@Stephen: actually Ronaldo has a left foot. He has scored some screamers with his left
I get your point tho, but I think I also get Scoops’ point, the player must exhibit exceptional ability in every aspect that his position of play encompasses. The pool of world class players will be very little if this is the case, current players; Ronaldo(both), Ronaldinho, Rio, Torres… just a few that came to my mind, as they do not only have specific talents, but can pretty much exceptionally execute every aspect of the game their various positions require.
October 29th, 2008 at 16:48
@ scoop - Fair enough, I’d never put Becks in the top 10 players ever list, but I guess we just disagree on what World Class means
Happy to agree to disagree.
Thinking back to that squad, with Becks, Keano, Neville, Butt - so much heart in there. Today I’d only put Tevez and Rooney in the same boat in terms of pure passion. And Hargo, but I find it hard to count him in our first XI these days.
October 29th, 2008 at 16:52
@Beachryan: @Gabriel: I am not as confident as you guys about Ronnie left, but that is just my opinion.
Totti is also world class in my view, but surely Beckham was world class you cannot be the best crosser in the world and not be, and I am not his biggest fan.
October 29th, 2008 at 17:00
FIFPro World Player of the Year
FIFPro World XI
PFA Player of the Year
PFA Fans’ Player of the Year
PFA Premier League Team of the Year
Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year
European Golden Shoe
Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year
United Players’ Player of the Year
United Goal of the Season (v Portsmouth)
Barclays Player of the Season
Barclays Golden Boot
Barclays Merit Prize
UEFA Club Player of the Year
UEFA Best Forward
That’s not even including the two Barclays player of the month honours which he got last season and the Ballon D’Or he’s gonna recieve.
WOW, now I see why some fans couldn’t deal with his departure… 
October 29th, 2008 at 17:04
@Stephen: He scored a stunning 25 yard left footed goal a couple of seasons ago. I’ll find the video when I get home from work.
October 29th, 2008 at 17:11
@Beachryan:
Football has really changed since then!
Absolutely mate. Its a fine line but happy to agree to disagree and there was something magical about that Becks, Keano, Scholes, Neville, Butt squad
At least we can agree on the greatest football team in the world
@Stephen:
Not so sure about Rio being world class for years. There was a few years there when Rio was very iffy at the back and was prone to big lapses in concentration. He’s really just showing his true ability since Vida has been put beside him. He makes a big difference which then asks the question is Rio world class at all if he needs to rely on another player to bring the best out in him. Together Vida and Rio are a world class CB partnership.
As for Messi your right there. World class and one footed mainly.
Beckham was a world class crosser but not a world class player. Big difference there for me
Thats just the point I was trying to make World Class and Legends. There is no definitive answer but everyones got their opinion on what it is.
Always makes for a great talking point.
Just for the record Im just playing Devils advocate here for me Rio would be one of the first players down on the team sheet
October 29th, 2008 at 17:12
@dan(u-ol): JOS has 2 CL medals??
October 29th, 2008 at 17:20
@nagraj:
, good for you mate.
October 29th, 2008 at 17:21
@scoop: Mate it is a great debate, most defences are made of units, Rio bails out Terry when he plays for England, if and this my view, Rio the best centre back in the world and has been for a while then certainly he is world class.
Being the best in the world at something must make you world class, for example messi has no right foot, not good in the air, mainly due to his size I must say, and scored I think 10 goals in the La Liga last season in 28 games not bad but not world class, so really he is the best dibbler in the world, well that is arguable as our Ronnie is in with a shout, so surely is he world class? I think yes, because he would walk into any world 11, but I suppose there is an argument saying he isn’t then?
October 29th, 2008 at 17:29
@jonboi: 1999, 2008….
October 29th, 2008 at 17:31
@jonboi: sorry my minds playing tricks on me, he has 1 CL medal, brown has 2 i think it is?
October 29th, 2008 at 17:33
He has one he wasn’t in the squad he was only 17!!
October 29th, 2008 at 17:35
anyone know a link for tonights game?? cheers
October 29th, 2008 at 17:43
For me world class means a player would walk into any team in the world. Ronaldo would definitely fit into that category and you could argue Ferdinand would also. Beckham in his prime would have as well although as he was slow and his assets were his crossing, his set pieces and work rate he’d have fared better in teams with tall forwards.
Talking about a world XI is more complicated because you need to think about balance and teamwork. So I prefer the definition of “being able to walk into the first XI of any team in the world in that player’s preferred position”.
Having said that players like Ronaldo are world class because they are part of a team that ensures he gets a lot of the ball, gets chances to score and is spared from onerous defensive duties. Would Ronaldo have won all these awards with a lesser team? Probably not and he should remember that.
Messi and Ronaldo basically play the same position so would be difficult to fit them in the same team without making one of them less effective. Perhaps 4-3-3 with Ronaldo on the left, Messi on the right and someone like Torres in the middle. Now that forward line would kick ass! But Id still feel sad dropping Rooney
October 29th, 2008 at 17:48
@Beachryan: best bet to get the match is http://www.justin.tv …just go to their sports section and u shld see a link for our match there
October 29th, 2008 at 17:53
@Stephen:
I hear ya mate its a big statement saying someone is worldclass for whatever the reasons.
I just think its sometimes used too casually.
With messi can you say a 21 is world class with his injury record as well. Big potential with Worldclass status beckoning but can you say it now.
Like you say there’s an arguement for and against
October 29th, 2008 at 18:17
@ t_reason - thanks much!
October 29th, 2008 at 18:17
@colver:
yeah, a forward line of Ronnie, Messi and Torres should def kick ass, but will even be better if they were supported by Lampard, Xavi & Essien in midfield and Casillas, Ramos, Rio, Materazzi and A Cole in defence. Now, that team WOULD kick ass!!!
It pains me to include Lampard, but he scores goals for fun and his runs are perfect in a 4-3-3. Xavi can be the creative component, with Essien the enforcer in midfield. Casillas is my favorite keeper, would call him a more complete Shay given. Ramos is the most complete RB, attacking and defending, in the world at the mo. Rio is the complete package. Materazzi is just an animal, I hate him, but if you think Vida was tough tackling, have a watch of some of this guy’s games. A Cole was close with Evra, but I think Cole edges it on defensive aptitude.
October 29th, 2008 at 18:31
@Gabriel: Not Lampard, and could argue the Matrix also, Carvalho and Vida would be more my shout.
October 29th, 2008 at 18:40
I too hate midweek games. It doesn’t give any of the teams a chance to rest and heal up. Nevertheless, United should deal with West Ham very easily I think. 3-0 is my prediction. We need to see the real Ronaldo show up ASAP. He just hasn’t been himself yet and I can understand the rust and the lack of fitness but come on, it’s been a month now. Also, there is no excuse that I can think of for how poor he has been in his free kick taking. I almost wish Hargo was healthy enough to take over the responsibility. It’s kind of funny but Ronaldo has struggled taking free kicks for me as well in my FIFA 09 season but then I decided to give Hargo a crack and he scored two big goals against Everton in a League Cup Semi-Final. So much easier to bend and finesse the ball around the wall in that game than trying to drive one over the wall like Ronny does. Ahhh, once again if only art imitated life.
October 29th, 2008 at 18:49
Lets hope and pray we do the business, I am off for a few scoops before kick off, keep the faith, in Fergie we trust!
October 29th, 2008 at 18:53
@Stephen: Thought about Carvalho and Vida too, more Vida tbh, but the Matrix is a beast!! He can literally outmuscle/bully any player in the world, he might not be better overall defender than others, but as I already have my ‘brains’ in Rio, the matrix will be my choice for the ‘brawn’.
Lampard is by a long shot not the best midfielder in the world, but as a goal-scoring attacking mid, there is none better. His runs into the box are phenomenal, in a 4-3-3, this would be most useful, as is evident at Chelsea. Xavi can pick up on his creative slack.
October 29th, 2008 at 19:24
BBC rumours say Foster to Tottenham. Probably a load of rubbish but he’d easily push Gomes out of the team and it would do him good having some first team football at a slightly higher level. Kuz is fine for backup this season but if Foster wants a shot at number 1 he needs a lot of first team football after such a long break from the game.
October 29th, 2008 at 19:29
By the way with Carrick back we have a really nice central midfield model with Giggs/Carrick providing the creativity and Fletcher/Ando providing the grit. I wouldn’t want to rush Carrick back but im sure he’d like some gametime against his old club West Ham. People forget that we are missing Scholes who I still consider first choice even if he cannot complete 90 minutes.
October 29th, 2008 at 19:44
Now let’s get a few things right. This Beckham debate has got me riled. Nobody would question a Ryan Giggs at his peak as being world class. Yet some of you are questioning Beckham?
Remember that at his peak Beckham was seen every bit as good as Giggs even though his assets were very very different.
And a fgew more things, and I just have to stress these points:
AT his peak Beckham was not a one trick pony!!! His game was not limited to set pieces and crosses. His thrrough ball was every bit as good as that of Michael Carrick (yes, hard to beleive nowadays), he worked his ass off to regain the ball despite limited defensive skills (he had the best stamina I’ve ever seen in any one player, bar pehaps Mendieta at his peak, Three lungs Park can’t even stand the comparison), his on the ball technique was very very good, and sometimes his interplay with other players could be desdcribed as telephatic. What brought him down I think is that he believed his own hype and slowly his game changed to reflect general opinion about him, i.e. that he is only a crosser and a set-piece taker.
Simply put, the year Rivaldo won the golden ball, he did it because one eye candy bicycle kick goal. Beckham should have won it that year.
October 29th, 2008 at 19:48
@Grognard: Hargo 2 big goals against Everton
, pity he wasnt playing last saturday then Grog, we needed his 2 great goals 
.
October 29th, 2008 at 19:52
@NicoQB: Your right about your comparison of Beckham to Park. Comparing Becks and Parks performance is like comparing a ferrari top model, to an old mini minor
. Ferrari Becks was like a laser beam when on the park, he could PINPOINT the ball to every player he aimed at with ease when in his prime, and he is still bloody good at it now 
.
October 29th, 2008 at 19:56
@Gabriel: Well if Fletcher keeps up his present good runs into the box, he could give Lampard more than a run for his money. Hope Fletch keeps it up, but he doesn’t have the muscle that fat Frank has does he?.
October 29th, 2008 at 20:00
Right, my mates have arrived, so I am off to the game. Here’s hoping we kick some arse. Come on you red devs
.
October 29th, 2008 at 20:15
Team News:
GK: PIG
RB: Da Silva
CB: Ferdinand
CB: Vidic
LB: Evra
RM: Ronaldo
CM: Fletcher
CM: Anderson
LM: Nani
ST: Berbatov
St: Tevez
Subs: Foster, O’Shea, Carrick, Giggs, Rooney, Neville, Park
October 29th, 2008 at 20:20
@JB: Nice looking line up… Let’s hope that my connection doesn’t let me down…
Link anyone?
October 29th, 2008 at 20:30
Rafael..!love that kid!rooney dropped?hes in such form..
October 29th, 2008 at 20:34
Surprisingly no nailed-on, guaranteed links as of yet, could be a tricky one as it seems no major broadcaster is showing it. Dont fear though, I’ll post what I find - still quietly optimistic there’ll be a stream or two out there on the Interwebaloids.
Peas out for now…
October 29th, 2008 at 20:37
link: http://www.ustream.tv/videoplayerpopup/channel/335313
Not 100% sure but it’s a starter - I think they’ll flood in thick and fast, just read the incomings and theres a few listed for our match tonight.
Watch this space…
Come on the lads!
Peas out.
October 29th, 2008 at 20:38
This is a really exciting lineup!
Rafael! Tevez!
Hell yeah.
October 29th, 2008 at 20:39
@JB: I like everything but PIG in goal to be honest.
October 29th, 2008 at 20:41
@JB: Thats a strong bench too if we need to step it up in the second half in search of a winner…..God I hope not…
Come on Pompey!!!!!
Come on Hull!!!!!
October 29th, 2008 at 20:55
Good team… but why Rafael over Brown again??? I enjoy watching the lad, but we need the back four regaining that chemistry of last year and that means playing them together frequently, unless Fergie is planning to utilise Brown more as a CB this season
Would have preferred if Ronnie came off the bench as he is showing signs of fatigue, hopefully the juice from winning the FIFPro award will keep him going like the energizer bunny
Or maybe Fergie is expecting rougher treatment from Hull this weekend so might rest Ronnie then to prevent injury? who knows…
Rooney coming off the bench for Berba, that’ll be great. Carrick also coming on too… Our squad is looking strong apart from the clear lack of wingers.. look at our subs, Park is the only winger there. We need some new blood in that area.
United 3-0 West ham… expect a dominant display from the lads after that pansy performance at Everton last week.
October 29th, 2008 at 21:00
http://www.justin.tv/psnx3
apparently this is a link it says so but as of yet nothing there, oh an are ya there rob rob?
October 29th, 2008 at 21:02
http://www.ustream.tv/videoplayerpopup/channel/335313
Link is good - fox Soccer network; US stream.
4-1 Im saying, Tevez to bag first.
Peas out.
Come on the lads!
October 29th, 2008 at 21:18
Does anyone have another link? That one is really jerky for me
October 29th, 2008 at 21:19
whey 1:0!
October 29th, 2008 at 21:20
Roooonnnalllldoooooooooooooooooooo…
October 29th, 2008 at 21:20
RONALDO!!!!
October 29th, 2008 at 21:20
The Spurs goal
October 29th, 2008 at 21:20
CRISTIANO RONALDO!!!!!!!!!!
October 29th, 2008 at 21:22
& he celebrated
October 29th, 2008 at 21:23
Bentely’s goal was classssss…
October 29th, 2008 at 21:24
five cantonas
It’s that time of year again chaps.
October 29th, 2008 at 21:28
@JB: lol
October 29th, 2008 at 21:33
I cant watch the game right now, How did ronaldo score? was it a sitter, or did he earn it?
October 29th, 2008 at 21:34
FUCKING HELL
what a goal, what a fucking goal,this day keeps getting better and better
October 29th, 2008 at 21:35
OH SHIT!!!!!!!! BERBA TO RONALDO!!!
October 29th, 2008 at 21:35
That’s what £30mil buys you… FECKIN QUALITY!!!
Berba is the shit!!!!! 
October 29th, 2008 at 21:36
30 million pound goal…
October 29th, 2008 at 21:36
Dear Mr. Berbatov. I love you.
October 29th, 2008 at 21:36
http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=2409690
first goal by ronaldo…for pleasure of those who cant find a working link
October 29th, 2008 at 21:36
How the hell did he do that
October 29th, 2008 at 21:36
Why didn’t i put money on my earlier prediction of a ronnie hat trick…
October 29th, 2008 at 21:39
A new word has just been added into the English dictionary.
Berba, meaning CLASS.
October 29th, 2008 at 21:40
btw Ronaldo hasn’t gone down even once…
October 29th, 2008 at 21:42
u can watch the game on this link, i cant guarantee it will work for all, try it
http://www.justin.tv/kgsworld
October 29th, 2008 at 21:43
superb shit. West Ham are horrible.
October 29th, 2008 at 21:44
@antsBoy:
Class indeed!!! Boy was that awesome!!! 
October 29th, 2008 at 21:46
and the second goal
http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=2409726
p.s: thanks to fbtz.com
October 29th, 2008 at 21:48
What is it with West Ham and injuries??? they should consult a witch doctor or sumthin
October 29th, 2008 at 21:51
@t_reason: Thanx for the links. I cant watch the game so… VIVA RONALDO!!! And a smile form him too.
October 29th, 2008 at 21:51
its incredible but fletcher has been incredible…i mistook him for scholes couple of times…
October 29th, 2008 at 21:52
Oh and Silly equalised for Arsenal. And what a goal by Bentley!
Berbatov is class, pure skill, and Anderson should have scored.
October 29th, 2008 at 21:54
I feel like we’re cheatin.. like takin candy from a kid or sumthin!! Our quality is just way superior to theirs
October 29th, 2008 at 21:58
ronaldo, berbatov fletch and anderson have been great this first half, anderson should have scored, berbatov is just class, worth ever penny with each match i see him play in, ronaldo good to see him score, and fleth, man the guy is so underrated where have we been hiding him?
October 29th, 2008 at 22:02
and why giggs starts ahead of anderson i wonder?
October 29th, 2008 at 22:05
Who said midweek football is boring??!!? We’ve seen some extreme pieces of skill tonight - Berba, Bentley and Lampard…and we still have another half to go! Yippeee!
October 29th, 2008 at 22:05
Quality half
October 29th, 2008 at 22:06
@Mr.Muhozi: “and fletch, man the guy is so underrated where have we been hiding him?”
The boy is proving his class mate… Fergie was so right in saying his retention this season was vital. He is probably gonna be a mainstay in the centre even when Carrick, Scholes and Hargo return.
October 29th, 2008 at 22:10
Fergie and Zola walking out together like best buddies from the tunnel. Conversation goes like this -
Zola: Please tell me you told your boys to not humiliate us, a 3-0 would be enough.
Fergie: I tried, but Ronaldo wants his hattrick and Berba says he just can’t stop oozing class, sorry mate. Oh, and Rooney wants a goal too, so…
October 29th, 2008 at 22:12
@RMJ: anderson has been out of form, he is slowly coming back into form, i think his confidence took a bit of a knock a while ago but hes coming along, slowly but surely
October 29th, 2008 at 22:12
Feckin Class from the Count Berbatov!
And i want to see Carrick now!
October 29th, 2008 at 22:19
Wow, Berbatovs assist was amazing. He really is a special player. Most people were crying out for a target man, but Berba is so much more than that.
October 29th, 2008 at 22:22
wow, that move(berba and tevez 55th minute) deserved a goal, berbatov can do anything with one shift of the body, its amazing, an exceptional player
October 29th, 2008 at 22:22
no luck for the scousers yet, lets see if they can ride w/o it today
October 29th, 2008 at 22:29
I knew spurs would fold… I didnt even flinch when they were 1 nil up. they are shite.
October 29th, 2008 at 22:35
Now Rooney, Tevez, Berba and Ronaldo are all on the field. Fergie, I love ya!
October 29th, 2008 at 22:36
Couldn’t catch the first half and some… But just saw the 2nd goal.
.
.
.
Jeez, the keyboard’s all dirty now!!
October 29th, 2008 at 22:36
Ha-ha, Wazzas head is awsome!
October 29th, 2008 at 22:37
@NicoQB:
October 29th, 2008 at 22:37
@NicoQB: you nasty little bwoy!!!
October 29th, 2008 at 22:37
And Liverpool lead. And from a penalty!
October 29th, 2008 at 22:38
damn it, scouse just scored, dippers really riding their luck
October 29th, 2008 at 22:38
@t_reason: you shouldnt have said anything…….
October 29th, 2008 at 22:40
Anyone got a lo-res link for the match? Shit internet connection means I’m watchin a bloody slideshow…
October 29th, 2008 at 22:41
Chelski beat Hull 3-0. Well, didnt expect anthing else tbh.
October 29th, 2008 at 22:45
Go on Rooney lad - he wants one.
Fletcher awesome again too.
Peas out.
Also love the skinhead on Rooney, go on fella - he’s a man on a mission this Season.
October 29th, 2008 at 22:51
GRRR United know how to make my blood boil!!
After such a whirlwind 1st half, we just fizz out in the 2nd, instead of controlling the game and compounding on the opponents sorrow, we let them take control of the game. If this was a better side, they’ll have got a goal by now 
October 29th, 2008 at 22:54
Looks like Ronny is back.
October 29th, 2008 at 22:55
Lennon! T=Spurs FUCK Arsenal!!!!
October 29th, 2008 at 22:55
Arsenal = Joke…
October 29th, 2008 at 22:56
fucking yiddos,
October 29th, 2008 at 22:56
4-4! At the Emirates! Oh my God! Spurs were playing like demons POSSESSED!
October 29th, 2008 at 22:57
tevez needs a goal, ronaldo needs a goal, roone wants and needs a goal, berba deserved a goal, great game
October 29th, 2008 at 22:58
I didn’t know Fester of the Adam’s Family was a united player!!!
October 29th, 2008 at 23:06
Rooney could almost pass off for Minimee! lol
October 29th, 2008 at 23:07
OK, I missed the first half plus my shite internet connection means I couldn’t catch much of the second either…
So how did the boys play? I hear the first half was vintage and the second was foot off the gas?
I’m interested in Tevez’s performance, and who really clicked with Ronaldo in teamplay… apart form the obvious Berba caviar… How was Rafael, our CMs and PIG? Was Rooney back to his old self - i.e. I only play well when Ronaldo doesn’t???
Thanks…
October 29th, 2008 at 23:08
Question: Who is the most confused man in the world right now?
Ans: Juande Ramos. He must be scratching his head and thinking, “Now why didn’t fairytales like that happen when I was in charge!”
October 29th, 2008 at 23:09
The reflection of his head was ridiculous.. probably oiled it up at half time!
October 29th, 2008 at 23:12
@NicoQB: I was only half watching the game but I thought Tevez was so so tonight, certainly I didn’t see anything to say he will win his place back quickly.
Fletcher wasn’t as good as he has been this season but the difference now is that he isn’t a liability when he is underperforming. Rafael was good but I wouldn’t trust him in the big games yet, but he is fine in these situations. PIG didn’t have much to do and Rooney was like a man possessed when he came on.
Overall a difficult game to assess since we went to sleep in the second half.
October 29th, 2008 at 23:16
Four more Tottenham goals on Saturday would make me a happy man!
October 29th, 2008 at 23:18
How did the holy trinity + 1 work together?
October 29th, 2008 at 23:22
@NicoQB: T’was a good match… similar to Everton’s as in a tale of two halves. We were sensational in the 1st, always pressing forward, counter attacking and we got the goals. Then the 2nd was just lethargic, maybe Fergie told ‘em to take the foot of the gas a bit, as the nxt match is in three days, who knows? but it was definitely not as exciting as the first.
Everyone performed OK, especially Fletcher!! That boy is the shitz!!!
Rio is probably telepathic and can definitely see into the future cause his reading and interception of play is impeccable. Nani, Ando, Evra, Vidic, Kuzcy, all did well. Rafael is definitely coming to terms with prem footy and I expect to see Wes return in our next game.
Berbatov is just pure class and is looking like money well spent. His touch, flick and pass to Ronnie was sublime, one for the archives. Ronaldo too was hungry for a Hat-trick and in the 2nd half seemed like the only one interested in scoring more goals. Tevez did ok, but for all his comments about not scoring enough, he sure wasn’t hovering in the right positions to score. I mean, take a cue of the new, improved Rooney and stay up front, in and around the box, at least then he might get tap-ins.
The subs were quietly effecient, with Carrick and Rooney picking out some nice passes. It’s nice to have Carrick’s repertoire of passing back, he really can pick out some peaches. All in all, a good performance, but could have been a great one if we decided to put in a 100% in the 2nd half!! West ham were there for the taking….
October 29th, 2008 at 23:23
On an aside, FIFA has released the 23 man list for WPOTY.
Chelsea has 4 players in it, Arsenal has two, even Liverpool has two.
We have just one, you know who.
WTF!
October 29th, 2008 at 23:24
@JB: OK thanks.
Awaiting some detailed player ratings… But for now, I’m off to sleep!
October 29th, 2008 at 23:33
@Gabriel: Thanks thanks. Twas a bit what I thought.
Tevez would really benefit from a dress up talk by Mr Capello. 
@antsBoy: How Gerrard and Deco (who was virtually inexistant for Barca last season hence his offloading) make that list is beyond me. I think its just the politics nowadays requiring that so and so club get a certain quota of players in the list… Perhaps most continental pundits and big heads are tired of seeing United dominate the league and want some change, so they press behind Chel$ki.
Oh well…
October 29th, 2008 at 23:35
@antsBoy: I know right!!
I mean, how the heck did Didier ‘Grace Jones’ Drogba make the list and Rio didn’t??? It’s just getting ludicrous now and it shows FIFA and UEFA have something against Rio, prob’ly to do with his previous 8-month ban. At least the FIFPro guys recognised true Talent and put him in their star 11. If he can get in there, how can’t he even be nominated for FIFA Player of the year?? Then the fact that john feckin terry manages to get in just infuriates me more… 
AARGGHH 
October 29th, 2008 at 23:41
berbatov=class
October 29th, 2008 at 23:41
@NicoQB: Maybe he does
Really does need a goal as this can become a dry spell if he’s not careful. Maybe another start will do him good and lift up his confidence. The thing is, Rooney looks like he can score in every match and Berba has proved to be almost indispensable. It’s definitely a tough one for Fergie, but I personally would give Berba a rest against Hull and let the Roovez temporarily get back in business. 
October 29th, 2008 at 23:45
Stephen mi man, did you get to the game at all?. We were feckin freezing our nuts off on the terraces, and United once again didn’t even turn up for the second half
. Why the fook can we only manage to play for the first half of games?. West Ham (if they had their strikers available) would have swallowed up the two sitters they missed. To be honest they kept the ball a damn lot more than we did 2nd half. Well you would know that if you were at the game. We seem so much off the pace in second half of a few games. We seem to think we have things sown up and start being sloppy with keeping the ball and passing. Ronnie’s goals were fab, right place, right time 
. Berbatov always has been class, but then Grog and I said that from the beginning. He can see things others could only dream of. Ronnie seemed to have upped his game tonight, so pleased for him. Hope it all comes flooding back, and he keeps away from the cheating and falling down every time anyone comes near him. He stayed on his feet tonight, so hope thats a sign of things to come. Enjoyed the Nani assist, and shame he didn’t get the second one. You could tell the crowd were so feckin bored with another United dilitary and inept 2nd half display again. The singing was less, and quieter. The fervour had gone. So not only did we have numb nuts from freezing weather, but cold emotions too from drop in team performance 
.
October 30th, 2008 at 0:40
just saw the clip of the second goal,
that was simply sublime from berbatov,
didn’t get to watch the whole match, but how was it with the berbaroovezdo attack?
any thoughts?
on another note - chelsea have 5 players?!
politics aside, that’s a bit much, seriously we’re looking at the WORLD player of the year,
not just the prem…
October 30th, 2008 at 0:43
@dan(u-ol): Are you serious???? I really think the term “legend” is being tossed around a lot? So what if he’s played every position for United, besides that what else about him stands out??? He’s nothing close to being a legend…i can’t really imagine listing him among the likes of Giggs, Robson, Schmeichel. Seriously? Legend?
@Craig Mc: Second half wasn’t THAT bad, it wasn’t really as if they were threatening to score, it’d have been nice to get out of second gear, but it was not as if we needed to, West Ham looked only interested in holding possession instead of doing anything with it.
Anyway good performance, West Ham never looked like threatening, so I’m not so disappointed we slowed down in the 2nd half.
October 30th, 2008 at 0:57
Looking at the league, we don’t have much to worry about.. If we win our game in hand (against Fulham) we’ll be 3rd.. 2 behind Chelsea with them to come to OT and 5 behind Liverpool with the still to come to OT. Are we going to be 2 points better than Liverpool from now till the end of the season? Damn right we are. Villa are hot on the heels of the top four, and playing some lovely football. I’d take Agbonlahor off their hands if they fancy
October 30th, 2008 at 1:07
@Craig Mc:Alright bro, ah hem! Berba is class, being saying that for a long while myself. So happy to see his genius in a red shirt
Are ya watchin MOTD? did ya see Bentleys goal?
October 30th, 2008 at 1:35
@Rd: Rd Bro, were you at the game?. Because I go to a game to be entertained from the go get to the end mate
. This going off the boil in the second half of games seems to becoming a bit of a habit. I know you may feel we weren’t in any danger, but to be honest, a West Ham player was thru one on one twice in 2nd half, and should have scored. If they has Ashton or Carlton Cole fit, they would have scored those chances. So I would say we were in danger of getting caught. If Boa Mortes chance hadn’t been missed, we could have had another Everton type fight back on our hands. Anyway, tickets are not cheap Bro, and we deserve to see a game played fully to the end, not switching off at half time 
. Keep this up in the 2nd half of games, especially away from home, and we will drop a lot of points mate. It truly was a miserable 2nd half.
October 30th, 2008 at 1:36
just saw ‘Pool highlights on MoTD. Honestly how lucky are they?
October 30th, 2008 at 2:10
@Craig Mc: ya got to be pretty happy with that bro, ok not quite vintage(2nd half again?!) but looking good none the less.
Berba was sublime, he’s gonna be a legend 
i replayed that clip a hundred times 
Teves needs to play closer to the six yard box,although when he does no-one passes to him!! he was sitting wide open waiting from a pass from Nani! mmmmmmmm 
Rooney was unlucky not to score and did ya see Carricks inch perfect pass to the Roon? More of the same with the verve in both halves please
Nani played really well(from the highlights!), Ronaldo got 2, and he celebrated
I’m starting to feel happier about our chances of retaining the league. Does Ronaldo read Red Rants cos he seems to get the message about staying on his feet?
October 30th, 2008 at 2:22
@phoenix red:
. If Ronnie doesn’t read Red Rants, the MEDIA research teams do, and then bring things to OT players and coaches via the paps. They were all carrying on about Ronnie’s body language AFTER we said it on here, and his lack of celebration, or relating to the fans. I bet Fergie reading it got Ronnie by the dangly bits, and said Celebrate when you score OR ELSE 
. I think all UNited blogs were going on about Ronnie’s embarrasing rolling all over the place, cheating at Everton, so Fergie probably had a go about that too.
Bythe way, I did see Bentley’s out of this world goal, probably a once in a lifetime kinda thing
.
Glad your feeling positive about our chances of winning things again. I might need a little more convincing. But most of your comments were quite right Bro -
.
October 30th, 2008 at 2:25
@Liam: I think L’fool deserved the win though Liam, on overall play. But then I only saw the highlights on MOTD
.
October 30th, 2008 at 2:51
@Craig Mc:i understand your sceptism esp about the 45 min nap we seem to like these days
Did i mention Fletcher, Anderson and Raphael? good positive play from them. Did you see the reserves sorting the bitters out 3-0? read that Possebon and Manucho played well, hope the Baggies dont get the Angolan, want to see more of him, and Rodrigo, i believe, is going to be a star
October 30th, 2008 at 5:37
Sometimes it looks like we’re trying to be the Harlem Globetrotters out there. It really frustrates me when they start doing the show off flicks and shit when its only 1 or 2 nil. I would much rather see them put teams to the sword, then when the match is well and truely out of hand, then maybe start the party pieces. Oh well. Nit picking at the extreme I guess.
October 30th, 2008 at 5:40
Fletcherinho was my man of the match. I thought he controlled things, won quite a few tackles and broke up play nicely, rarely gave possession away, and covered every blade of grass.
I really cant wait to see a CM of Fletch and Carrick. I think it has the potential to destroy teams this year, and possibly for a few years to come. That is of course, unless Rodrigo doesn’t come in and upset my plans.
October 30th, 2008 at 9:49
@phoenix red: Phoenix, No I didn’t see that reserve game mate
. What do you mean about the Baggies and Manucho?. Surely we are not thinking of packing him off again, when he has hardly been given a chance for us to see what he is like 
.
October 30th, 2008 at 10:19
Player ratings:
Thomas - 6 - Was he playing? Actually thought he should have done better on their one chance, he gave Boa Morte all the time in the world, no more than 4 yards in front of him. Shoudl have come at his feet. Didn’t matter.
Rafael - 6.5 - I know there’s a lot of hope about the kid but I thought he was poor. Yes he runs a lot and yes he gets on up the field but he did very little with that space tonight, plus he dove into a number of tackles he had no reason to, leaving us painfully exposed in behind him. Plus he feigned injury a couple times up the pitch, again forcign a reshuffle of the back 4. No doubt talented, but doesn’t have discipline yet for a serious game. But he’s also an infant, so there’s time
Rio - 8 - Not called upon often, but when he was, spot on. Late in hte game had a very important touch in the box that most defenders would never have the agility or speed of thought to get to. Glad to see his temporary mind-f*ck is over.
Vidic - 6.5 - Again not called upon often, but everytime he was looked like giving away a foul. Everytime a player beats him his instinct is to grab and kick them. Could have given a penalty on another day, despite Evra covering, and it was absolutely needless. Am worried his hard man mentality is taking over. Oh and his passing is really really bad
Evra - 7.5 - A pretty nasty challenge for his yellow, but other than that was solid. Bombed forward and almost set up Ronaldo for his hat trick. His energy is just awesome, a joy to watch.
Fletch - 7.5 - Very, very good first half, was everywhere and played some decent passes. Even made some into the box runs but was never picked out. Definitely in the form of his life. Quiet in teh second, and stopped harassing players, I presume because he was told to play zonally. Also started playing passes behind Nani/Ronaldo on potential breaks, not far enough that they went out of bounds, but enough that they slowed it down.
Ando - 7 - I fear I’m falling out of love with the lil Brazilian. No questioning his work ethic and his intentions, but he does seem to lack that little bit of class that makes the difference. Firstly his shooting is actaully embarassing, but I can let that go. I can’t quite put my finger on what wasn’t working for me, but I just didn’t think he did anything very special. That said, he and Fletch prevented almost any chances, so defensively must have been good
Nani - 7.5 - Again faded in the second half but was immense in the first. Almost every attack came down his side and he was well up for it. I really, really hope whoever it was that said he’s defo off with ronnie in the summer is wrong, because he’s gonna be a seriously good winger, maybe already is. And is it me or is he bulking up? Seemed to ride out a few challenges.
Ronaldo - 8 - Getting there. Two well taken goals (first was not easy at all) and stopped diving. Maybe I should give him .5 extra for that. Always looked ready to run at defense and I even saw him make a tackle in his own box. Craziness.
Tevez - 6.5 - I’m sorry but for all his running about and nifty dribbling in front of the 18-yard box he did very little. He’s clearly low on confidence so I say we keep playing him, because he’s quality, but at the moment not in the first XI. His passing wasn’t good enough for me to want to sit him behind the front two either. Does get credit for somehow getting a header on target sandwhiched between two defenders who were both double his height.
Berbatov - 7 - I guess this is what we get with him. A moment of class so genius it could almost be a 10 on its own - and then nothing for the rest of the match. Yes it can be what wins games, but I’m convinced he wasn’t playing in the second half. His skill is terrifying, probably the best first touch I’ve ever seen, but does come in and out of games. Hopefully that’ll change with time.
Subs: Carrick - 7.5 - Not enough time to realyl dictate play, but my lord the boy can pass. I don’t think he ran the entire time he was out there, but controlled the tempo brilliantly. Great to have him back.
Rooney - 7.5 - Didn’t score but did just about everything else. Even shot from distance, something we’ve not seen for a couple years. Would have gotten an 8, but his head is ridiculous. Dr. Evil indeed.
Fergie - 7 - Absolutely nailed it in the first half - use the left wing. Second half clearly said take it easy, which sucks for the fans but hey it’s a long season.
October 30th, 2008 at 10:33
@Craig Mc: Yes mate, I was freezing mate, we were to only playing for 45 mins, we really could have taken them to the cleaners, there were poor but couls have nicked a goal.
Berbatov was superb, was worth the entrance fee alone, I thought Andy played well, did you see the bit of skill between him, Ronnie and Nani in the first half!? supberb.
Carlos worked his socks off but was trying too hard, oh did I say Berba was class.
October 30th, 2008 at 10:50
do anyone know where can i download the whole Manchester united matches???
October 30th, 2008 at 11:06
i know what we as fans expected was to see the team put like 10 goals past hammers, but i think the second half was more of a strategy to preserve enrgy. i mean why sweat yo *ss off when yo leading comfortably and the opposing team dont pose any threat to you. Lets also consider the amount of games this guyz have played over the last couple of weeks. I think the second half was more of the rest everyone was crying for esp for slave and berba to avoid them getting burned out. Hull will def find us fresh and ready to kick some *ss
October 30th, 2008 at 11:47
@Beachryan: Good ratings Beachryan.
I agree about the Rafael part esp - still seems very raw and immature..he seems to love those all-out tackles too, might get him in trouble soon. But he is young and you can’t expect it all from sucha young land.
About Tevez, funny but he does seem to not have enough vision as Roon or Berba, so he tries to make up for it all huff n puff style. Can’t fault him for that but it does not work always and hopefully he can learn a thing or two from our other two forwards.
Yeah, n about Fergie, seems he actually listened to what Zola said in my previous comment.
October 30th, 2008 at 12:20
Surprising nobody has mentioned this so far:
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/s/1076750_perfect_timing_for_reds_hublot_deal
October 30th, 2008 at 12:31
@Beachryan: good ratings, I laughed so much for the Rooney one
October 30th, 2008 at 14:06
@Stephen: Stephen
, yeah Bro you DID say Berba was class, and it is not an obvious out and out classness that can always be clearly seen, but it is there for sure 
. He gave us that fabulous piece of Berba magic last night, obvious to everyone watching. I thought he had let the Little man Nani down when Nani set up an absolute sitter for him, it looked like he blazed it over the bar. I was cussing honestly, but when I watched it back on MOTD, I saw he didn’t blaze over, but that it richoted off a hammers defender and was diverted over 
. As for noticing the bit of skill between Andy, Nani, Ronnie, come on Stephen mi man, you should know by now I never miss anything involving Nani boy 
. He should have had two assists to his name last night, not one 
.
October 30th, 2008 at 14:18
@Beachryan: Yes Beachyryan, Namanja is not really a FOOTBALLING centre back is he?. He is a no nonsense player, a hard man which I love about him, but when he wins the ball, like you say, he gives it away all too often by either booting it up the field to nobody in particular, or booting it into touch. He doesn’t seem to know what it is to play himself out of trouble. I think Johnny (fighting Irish) Evans is another in the Rio mould, and can play himself out of trouble. So eventually if Johnny stays with us, and I truly hope he does, we will have ideal replacement for Rio, when injured or if he hangs up his boots (not for long while though.) I do think last nights game was the type of game, where JOhnny should be allowed to play, and he wouldn’t have let us down, and Nemanja could have been rested. What do you all think?.
By the way, Kuz’s goalkeeping decision making is very suspect. He is a ditherer, often his decisions halting between two opinions. He scares me
.
October 30th, 2008 at 14:25
Leave Vida alone or you will have to explain yourselves to my girlfriend!!!
I think he was good last night, Evans remonds me of Woodgate a bit, without the injuries obviously. PIG is a nightmare, I always think he is going to do something stupid and when Fozzy is fit we probably need to move on.
LMN was great last night, and was unlucky not to score, he does need to develop his decision making somewhat but that will come with more games. I really hope he gets a run because he an Evra linked really well last night and the Ammers couldn’t deal with him.
Lucky fucking scousers again, didn’t watch the highlights but I heard the pen was comedy, their luck WILL run out, trust me.
October 30th, 2008 at 14:36
Evans is pretty good, but probably won’t partner well with Rio, for the reasons that Vida works well with him. I think it helps knowing that one of your defenders is going to get stuck in, and the other can calmly cover. Both Evans and Rio are more of the calm, collected classy types, and probably need the tough man for certian opponents.
That said, I’m just worried about Vida’s moments of rage. The fact that he can’t pass is nothing new, that’s not what he’s there for. But he has made some really rash challenges this year, and while I appreciate a good hit as much as the next guy, I’m worried about him getting us in trouble. Particualrly in matches where the opponents only hope is a set piece…
@ Stephen - I agree with the Pool. I’m still not overly worried. This time last year City were up there, and Arsenal led the whole damn season. They don’t play great football, and eventually that’ll bite them on the ass.
October 30th, 2008 at 14:43
@Beachryan: Your right about Vida working well with Rio, but I don’t appreciate his booting the ball up the field or always out into touch giving it straight back to the opposition again. It is okay in the easier games, but in the big games, all it does is invite the opposition to keep coming back onto us with inevitable regularity. I think you know what I mean. Still, he is a very safe defender in and around the area. I get what you mean about the hard tackling, and esp in games where opposition hope is set piece magic. So yeah, your right there mate
.
October 30th, 2008 at 14:44
@borakmanutd.com: I download all the games I miss from “mininova.org” your gonna need a bittorrent client tho.
October 30th, 2008 at 14:50
Drew Possebon is well down in the pecking order.
Our central midfield is interesting this year. Last season we had Scholes and Carrick as the first choice pairing and they kept possession and opened up defences. Of course the problem was Scholes is too old to get forwards much and tends to play deep and as he cannot defend Carrick had to play deep too. But as our style was counterattacking it didn’t matter,
This season we have a lot more energy in the middle with Fletcher and Anderson making forward runs and bossing the midfield and Giggs doing a good job as a creative midfielder in Scholes and Carrick’s absence. Carrick will fit seamlessly alongside Fletcher or Anderson and will offer the same creativity as Giggs as well as laser passing and defensive screening. Just from the brief appearance Carrick made yesterday you can see how well he fits into our team.
What I am looking forward to is Carrick’s pinpoint passes being matched by Berbatov’s exquisite control. I believe that combination will create many goals for us this season
October 30th, 2008 at 14:54
@Stephen: Stephen mi man, don’t set your girlfriend on me please, she has probably got lovely long FINGER NAILS, and if she’s mad and grabs my face, how am I going to explain the scratch marks to my GF?
. I am however not dissing Nemanja, God forbid 
, I am just honestly passing opinion on his effective clobberings, and lack of footballing finesse. Nowt wrong with that at times, especially when the clobbering is Chelski, L’fool, Bedouin Man Shitty, and Arse’s etc. 
.
October 30th, 2008 at 15:11
@colver: Colver, I agree Berbatov’s control is exquisite. He can pick the ball out of the air as it lands, and it hardly ever runs away from him. Hope he can teach some of our other forwards this skill, but it is probably inherent mate rather than learned
.
October 30th, 2008 at 15:34
Has anyone been keeping up with the mud-slinging contest btw Fergie and Madrid??? It’s feckin hilarious
Fergie is a wind-up specialist… While Real were trying to take the High road last week, calling us a ‘friendly’ club, Fergie baited them with the Heinze comment, and now their true colors have been shown with their responses….
Madrid are scum and I’m glad Fergie didn’t let them get away with that ‘holier than thou’ bullshit they were trying to pull… Even their own players can’t seem to say positive stuff about the club
October 30th, 2008 at 16:18
@Craig Mc: She does mate, costs me a fortune!!
I thought Raphael did well last night a bit naive I must say, but has sooooo much ability.
October 30th, 2008 at 17:10
@phoenix red: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lf2-bNnDnyU
October 30th, 2008 at 17:26
@Stephen: Rafael can’t get passed that last defender and get a decent cross into the box to save his feckin life though
. He is a fiery little tackler though 
.
Now, how did I know you GF had long nails
, cos they all do Bro.
October 30th, 2008 at 17:32
@Gabriel: Gabriel, Fergie’s bear baiting is not admirable though, and he deserves the flak he is getting back. If we dish it out, and Fergie did, we have to expect SOME back. The crack today by Calderon about Fergie losing it because he is getting OLD - rather genious I thought
. So back over to you Fergie for round three 
.
October 30th, 2008 at 17:38
@NicoQB: thanks Bro!,enjoyed that.Great to beat that Massive club at any level. Manucho looked busy
@Craig Mc: yeah Craig, apparently Tony Mowbray was at the reserve game against the bitters to check Manucho out, he’s looking to bolster the Baggies front line in Jan. £6 million was the sum mentioned! And the question is will Fergie take the money and run?
October 30th, 2008 at 17:53
@AndyCR7: And Arsenal will continue to be a joke as long as they have Aluminum in goal. Lets face it Almunia couldn’t make a big save if his life depended on it. He is for me the worst keeper in the Prem and I wouldn’t buy him if I owned a Coca Cola League team neither. The guy is just rubbish. Also, Arsenal need a holding midfielder. As long as they feel they don’t need one they will have what I call a very ordinary and very average defense. Wenger is a great manager but his stubbornness and inability to realize that money needs to be spent on some experience is letting him down. And yet, they are in the tick of things. Go figure!
October 30th, 2008 at 17:57
@Grognard: Gomes?
October 30th, 2008 at 17:59
@borakmanutd.com: use http://www.fbtz.com , register once with them, and they ve got the right links for all the games
October 30th, 2008 at 18:16
Well I am late for my reply or review of yesterdays game. Sorry guys but I on occasion even shock myself when I try to actually have a life.
I actually spent a good couple of hours recovering from the male orgasm I got from Mr. Berbatov’s sublime exhibition of class and style. That assist for Ronny’s second goal is exactly why he was bought and why he costs over 30 million. Sheer class and Cantonesque quality to the extreme. I keep replaying the moment on my dvd recorder because frankly, it’s better than sex. I never get tired of it because skill like that is what separates football from a lot of other sports. That kind of finesse, touch and vision is a gift from the Gods and right now United fans should be thanking their good fortune to none other than Daniel Levy for finally allowing the great Dimitar to ply his trade for us rather than Spurs. WOW!!!!
As for the game, great to see Ronaldo score a couple. I thought he played well and he really is starting to move better as well. What I like about his game this year is he will take his shots but he is more than willing to pass to teammates more than last year where he was a little more than selfish at times. With a little luck he could have had a few assists as well as two goals. Berba was unlucky not to have a goal or two and Carlito is just snake bitten. He can’t buy a goal for his life right now.
Rafael starting midweek is a smart move for Fergy as is giving EVDS a rest. He knows how to rotate players around a tight schedule and he does it like a master. Rafael gets another game under his belt against ordinary opposition and further prepares himself for the takeover of that position in a year or two. Red Nev and Brownie will just have to deal with that. He is the future at that position.
The game was a spectacle of domination in the first half. Two goals but clearly we dominated the ball the time of the possession and with some luck could have had four or five at half time. Then the second half came and United did once again what I am most critical of them for. They called off the dogs and coasted the rest of the way. I honestly wish this team would have the killer instinct to not just beat a team but to thoroughly destroy them. Too often the relax after a 2-0 lead and they just coast. When they do score 5 or 6 it often comes after they have played a poor first half and they have been read the riot act from Fergie at half time. But if they go into a half with a two goal lead it usually stays that way. I really would like for this team to smell blood. Their manager is class and does not like to humiliate opponents, but still, the teams above us need a message sent that we are hungry and intimidating. Beating West Ham 2-0 at home will hardly send messages of terror to Rafa Benitez or Big Phil. West Ham was ripe for a good ass kicking yesterday but we let them off the hook. I’m sorry but I just don’t get that. Why relax, why take the metal of the pedal????? Perhaps they were bit tired with a midweek game but then again, I am sure West Ham was too. At least we played a good game defensively. a clean sheet is always nice and sends messages to Arsenal that you can’t win the EPL by giving up 4 goals at home. Anyway, a win is a win and Ronny is back……I think. Great stuff and we will always have Berba’s assist to remember. Like I said earlier, better than sex.
October 30th, 2008 at 18:18
@Stephen: Gomes is a decent keeper who has had a bad year at Spurs. In fairness to him his defense in front of him is total shite where Almunia’s is not. Gomes also makes a lot of big saves. Almunia hasn’t made a save since 2005. I just hate him and think he is total crap.
October 30th, 2008 at 18:20
@Craig Mc: He’s just a kid Craig. Give him a bit of a chance to develop those skills more. Unlike Evra who can get by a fullback with help from his winger and who also couldn’t cross a ball if his life depended on it. Lets be fair to the boy.
By the way, I thought Nani looked pretty damned good in the first half yesterday. He did fall off like all the rest in the second half though. Still, very encouraging. He seems to be getting the message.
October 30th, 2008 at 18:21
@Grognard: Woodgate and King obviously when playing, are surely better than Gallas and Silvestre?
Gomes to me looks a clown, his decision making make PIG look good.
October 30th, 2008 at 18:43
oh, and the match report is up. in case anyone’s still interested.
October 30th, 2008 at 18:50
@Red Ranter: Sorry RR!
October 30th, 2008 at 18:56
@Stephen: Perhaps but he is still better than Almunia.
October 30th, 2008 at 21:23
@Grognard: We were very fortunate not to see the opposition get a couple of goals though Grog when we went off the boil and fizzled out at half time. Like I mentioned before, the hammer players had two outstanding one on one opportunities in the 2nd half, and had they had strikers they would have scored. Besides which, we need to remember how close it was last season to having the PL settled on GOAL difference. Chelski and L’fool are fairly well ahead of us in that department at the moment. So we need to give teams like Hammers a hammering and rain in the goals like you said Grog.