May 03
Man Utd v West Ham: Preview
Two games left. Two wins, and the title will be ours.
But again, as they say, it’s one game at a time.
Bogey Team United visit Old Trafford today and the reds know there’s no more excuses for slip ups from this point. The gaffer will also know this fully well, and so would everyone in the footballing fraternity.
Which is why — considering it’s just the two games that needs to be played out — the boss will most likely go with his best possible XI for both these games. The Champions’ League final can wait, and it has a 10 day rest period anyway.
But even with that assumption I’d be hard pressed to name our exact starting XI. Let’s see… Rio and Brown will most certainly start at the back since Vidic is still not expected to make it. It would be tempting to rest Evra, considering he’s probably lost a lung running so much in midweek. But I think SAF might persist with him, although the temptation to play Silvestre might linger. I don’t know what shape Owen Hargreaves will be in considering he’s played a lot over the past week — keeping in mind his injury troubles. If he’s not deemed fit, O’Shea will get a game at right back. I doubt Fergie is as confident playing Neville in that position.
In central midfield, Carrick will play and, alongside him, there might be Anderson. (In my opinion that is a stronger midfield than with Scholes in it, considering he has played a lot of late.) Nani and Ronaldo will take the wings and Park will partner Tevez in attack. I know this is a rather strange suggestion, but I don’t see how else we can have a potent attacking 4-4-2 without Rooney. Oh, which reminds me, Rooney, it appears, might start on the bench; which is still good news. I don’t think starting Giggs would be a good idea, and I also don’t think 4-3-3 to be a bright one at home either.
But what I don’t want to see from Fergie is “resting players for the future”. This is the bloody future: it’s called the present. There are just two games left. So send the team out with specific instructions to take the game by the scruff of the neck and never, ever relent. West Ham are with, perhaps, the largest injury list in the league. So we must win the game today. No excuses, bogey team or not.
Enough of the stodgy displays of the past couple of weeks; at least some excuses could be dreamed up on those occasions. Today we are at home against a weakened opposition with not much to play for. Can we think up any more reasons for motivation?
Come on you reds!
Prediction: 2-0 to United — Manchester United, that is. (You know, that chant about there being only one United.)
Related items from Red Rants:
- West Ham v Man Utd: Live
- Man Utd v Stoke: Preview
- Man Utd v West Ham: Preview
- West Ham United vs Manchester United: Match Preview
- Tevez Update: Is a Solution Finally In Sight?
Tags: Manchester United News
Opti (541)
Stephen (479)
RedDevilEddy (459)
Craig Mc (345)
Moscow is my heaven (272)
same i was thinking, 5 yellows are meant to be a suspension?
Like?
0 
0
can anyone explain to me why chalton record of 759 game was reduced by one game?
Like?
0 
0
The cut off point for a suspension with 5 yellow cards was end of February/start of March as far as I know, you now need 10 yellow cards for a suspension.
Dan; Anderson has as much of a party attitude as Ronaldo and Nani, this has nothing to do with why he hasn’t been chosen to play in the last few matches. It is because out of our 5 centre mid’s he is the most out of form, and Scholes and Carrick are the most in-form. Saying Scholes hasn’t been consistent recently is senseless and just gives me the impression you are trying to defend Anderson because you like him so much, forgetting that Carrick and Scholes are actually better players.
Pratyush; That is because Charlton was named in the team sheet for an FA Cup game back in the 60′s only to have to pull at at the last minute because of an illness.
Like?
0 
0
thanks conor
Like?
0 
0
http://www.redcafe.net/f6/ronaldo-pissed-200440/ this one is funny
Like?
0 
0
Man, my prediction was close. I was right that Ronaldo would score a brace, United would score four, Tevez and another former West Ham player would score against them. The onlt thing I missed in my prediction was Carrick scored, not Rio, and United conceded.
And what do you guys think about Ashton? Amazing goal, I think he would be a good signing.
Like?
0 
0
Its kinda justifiable to be pissed at Nani.. Not for losing his head but to go down and pretend to be hurt.. That was ridiculous and not befitting a Unitedplayer… But he is still young… Will improve…
Like?
0 
0
so how many games giggs still has to play/appear in to beat Bobby Charlton’s record? I read he needed to appear in each United game including the final of CL to equal the record…is that correct?
Like?
0 
0
conor, before the barca match, scholes was of form. And i doubt nani and ronaldo AS MUCH as anderson or else they to would have got a talking to as well.
Like?
0 
0
So…. Who do we think will get relegated to the Championship? Except for Derby that is, they already are. Who do you think the other two teams will be? I think Reading and Brum.
Like?
0 
0
Fulham and hopefully Bolton though I think Birmingham will go.
Like?
0 
0
By the way, I’m pretty sure Ronaldo scored with his crotch. He’s just that good.
Like?
0 
0
Whoever it is, hopefully Wigan is safe by the time they play us. That way they’ll have nothing to play for when they play us.
Like?
0 
0
I know Nani shouldn’t have reacted that way, but did any of you notice the fact that Neill actually slapped Nani when he was getting up. You can see it in the replay.
Like?
0 
0
Nani was stupid and knew he was in trouble due to Neils OTT reaction. Neil was trying to get him sent off, he nipped him then slapped him and Nani shouldn’t have reacted to it but when he did he knew he was off and I would assume he went down to try and ensure that Neil was deservedly sent off for his provocation and slap.
Hope Fergie has read him the riot act and if the FA stick more games on it it will be deserved but if Neil wasnt booked like Sky later suggested I hope Neil finds a ban heading his way too considering the bans handed out for simerlar things by others
Like?
0 
0
It also looked like Neill had a little nip at Nani when he was on the ground before he stood up, very Dennis Wise esque. Still, Nani has to rise above it. Think Rooney early in his career…
Like?
0 
0
Either he’s been partying too hard or Fergies just sittin the boy down for a while. Its v. easy to forget he is only jst 19. Wasnt meant to be playin too much this season. Guess he doesnt want him geting ahead of himself or anything…?
As big of a Nani fan i am- i hate seeing that kinda wanky diving usually attributed to the likes of Drogba.
Again though hes young aint he? cant expect too much from these lads just yet.
Great performance though, so happy.
Surely itd sone now……?!!???
Like?
0 
0
Looks good for the Wigan game. They are up 2-0, so it won’t be do or die for them next week.
Like?
0 
0
Wakey: Him going down to ensure Neill got a deserved red card? For a start Neill did nothing to warrant a straight red and secondly you are giving Nani too much credit. He took the cowardly option to attempt to cover his own error in judgement. It is annoying for players to lose their cool but the least they can do is have the balls to stand up and take their punishment like a man (see Silvestre when he took a dislike to Ljungberg back in 2004/05).
Dan: Bottom line is that SAF sees the players on the training pitch every day. Much of his decision making process will be influenced by what he sees on a normal day to day basis. And as the season comes to a boil cool, experienced heads are the order of the day. For example Pique not been put in while Vidic has been out.
Like?
0 
0
JB, I’ll reiterate. Neill slapped Nani. That warrants a Red card.
Like?
0 
0
yea he put brown in the centre, the brown fucked up and ashton made our defence look like shite.Even though it happens rarely, saf does fuck up on team selections/tactics, he is after all, just human. for instance it took him near half a season to see that giggs needed to be benched…
Like?
0 
0
Dan: What I was saying is that he is valuing experience at this critical point of the season. As for Giggs, you can still see why he was persisting with him. None of our wingers have an eye for a defence splitting pass like Giggs.
TinManUnited: He touched the back of his head with his two hands. What he did was no more than a yellow card at absolute worst.
http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1971034
Like?
0 
0
Wether it was soft or not it was still a swing at him. The headbutt wasn’t exactly hard either. I’m not condoning what Nani did, I’m just looking ofr consistency. Anyways it doesn’t matter. 2 games to go. WOOHOO
Like?
0 
0
It wasnt a hard slap but it was a slap with both hands, not to mention seconds earlier he nipped him in a very Dennis Wise way which is what annoyed Nani in the first place.
No matter how weak the slap was other players have been sent off for such petty slaps this season yet Neil got away with a nip, and then a slap on Nani’s face with both hands
Like?
0 
0
I’ma fraid if you look at that video he does not slap Nani’s face. The key point for a red card in a scenario like that is striking an opponents face not the sides of his head. If we had a player sent off for the same offence the place would be in meltdown.
Like?
0 
0
What about Scholes redcard against Alonso. He didn’t even get close, but the intent was there. You’ve got that one wrong.
Like?
0 
0
Wigan is safe and Bolton needs to bit Sunderland to be safe
Like?
0 
0
i dont know what u guys saw, but if someone did to me what they did to nani, i woulda lashed out too…. but i wouldnt fall on my back and pretend….
shows a lack of cajones and i was disappointed with nani then… scholes lashed out at alonso and saf backed him up because scholes didnt disgrace himself later by pretending to be injured…
being honest, nani was not stupid for lashing out, anyone would have… but he was a prick for following neil in acting like he was injured… and neil was acting for sure… disgraceful from neil and nani
Like?
0 
0
Nani is a professional footballer, discipline is part an parcel of his trade. If every player reacted like he did then there would ever have been a game in which Savage or Wise played in that ended up 11 men a side. Scholes was an idiot for both his sendings off last season and the extra effort expended against Roma away may have proved critical in the run in. But anyone can loose their head, it was the reaction afterwards that leaves a bad taste.
TinManUnited: Scholes took a swing at Alonso, violent conduct and a red card no argument. Go and find me red cards for tapping people on the side of the head and then we can call the ref inconsistent and wrong. That type of offensive does not draw red cards, headbutts do.
Like?
0 
0
Nuff Said, Here’s to the Geordie’s doin one on the BooBoys.
Like?
0 
0
no jb, nani had just lost the ball so he would be upset, then neil(knowing this) pinches him just to add to his anger, but then when to get up and be greeted by a slap in the face? its a red, dont go into technicalities like it was the side of his head not his face because its the same thing, if you get a punch or slap on your head, its a card, a red card.
a solid example of this would be aliadeares(is that how you spell it) sending of, he gently slapped macherano on the cheek as a reaction and got a three match ban.
Like?
0 
0
Video Highlights: Man Utd v West Ham
(including Nani Red card incident)
Like?
0 
0
Dan: It is a technicality, most of football’s rules are. You are tripped inside the box you get a penalty, you get tripped elsewhere and you get a free kick. A ball hits someone on the hand or arm and a free kick is given, if it hits them on the shoulder or side then it’s not. The rule that has been applied for some time is that if you raise your hands to your opponents FACE it is a red card. That is the way it is consistently applied by refs. You see a fair few ‘clips behind the ear’ in football matches which go both unmentioned and unpunished as they are not deemed serious enough for red cards. But because it was provocation of one of our players and we have a red tinted specs on, some people are making a meal out of nothing (including Nani).
Like?
0 
0
jb, i think your using football rules over common sense, if you try and hit someone its a card no doubt.
Like?
0 
0
Nani should get the book thrown at him. I’m just disgusted by the cowardice and lack of manliness shown by the little faggot. If there is one thing I absolutely detest in the beautiful game it’s this drama queen cowardice and theatrics shown by European and Latino players after an incident. What a total diva. Gutless and totally pathetic and all of you would agree with me if he was playing for any other team. It’s one thing to dive to get a foul called against your opponent, but it is something entirely different to head butt an opponent and then fall to the ground and act like you were shot. Honestly, I don’t tolerate little fucking bastards like that playing for United. What a little piece of shit. He could have cost us the title with that act of selfishness and stupidity. He may cost us the champions League final because Fergie will now be forced to start Giggs, who we all know is in terrible form of late. And some of you had the nerve to demand that Neill get the red card too. No, Neill should have been allowed to kick the crap out of the little bitch cunt. Christ am I pissed. Where is Roy Keane now when we need him? He’d take him in to the dressing room and give him a right good bollocking.
Many of you may say that I am overreacting but in fact it was Nani who was overreacting. His upcoming punishment is going to hurt the club short term and referees will be even more on their guard against our players than before. Are English, Scottish, Irish and Welsh lads the only players that can play the game like men and not like girls wearing skirts ready for a cat fight? Remember, I am from Canada and although I have watched and loved the game for 35 years, I must say that this is the part of the game I and others from my continent cannot handle about the sport. Sports are primarily watched by alpha male men who expect their heroes to act like men and show courage, dignity and a form of machismo on the pitch, court ice etc. Footy is the only sport that has players who are far removed from this alpha male persona. Many of them I believe slide in to the realm of feminine characteristics. It’s just disgusting to watch. In fact womens football shows less feminine characteristics than the so called mens game. This shit has to be stopped for the good of the game. Today I am ashamed to be a United supporter with a player like that on our side. I’ll get over it but it may be a long time before I warm up to that little shit Nani. I say ship him off for a player with some gut and a pair of bollocks.
Nobody should forgive him for that kind of crap. It could have cost us big time, and it certainly hurts our chances next week and for the CL final as well. And everybody wanted to crucify the player who hurt Eduardo for a one time bad tackle in his entire career. Nani has been pulling this kind of crap all season. ENOUGH ALREADY!
Like?
0 
0
Grog, I read the first sentence of your post and didnt bother anymore. What a stupid generalization you just made about Europeans and Latinos. And some of your other comments are just absurd. I know we’re not supposed to jump on other people’s comment’s RR, but you need to drop this post for sure!!
Like?
0 
0
Grognard: He is still eligible for the UCL Final
Like?
0 
0
Grognard, honestly you need to take a good look at yourself and then read over your posts this season praising Ronaldo. Ronaldo has done the exact same thing Nani has done today in the past; he has dived, he has play-acted, he has had some stupid red cards (against Man City a few seasons back, especially). For you to crucify Nani like this is not only completely wrong, but remarkably stupid, especially from someone of your intelligence. Yes, what Nani is wrong, and yes, it is embarassing. But he is young, and he comes from a country where this sort of thing is normal. Indeed, it seems to be trained in Portuguese players. You need to realise that United fans do support their players, even if they can admit their antics are embarassing. We disparaged Ronaldo when he dived, but we still supported him and we still sang for him.
Fergie will sort him out, and he will grow as a player and as a person. I just wish I could say the same for you.
Also: Nani can play in the CL final as domestic and European bodies do not carry each other’s cards over.
Like?
0 
0
Does anyone know what Rooney was trying to cover up on his head today?
Like?
0 
0
yep that post was pointless and not thought out. i like the way you said we have to start giggs, even though nani isnt suspended in europe, and even though we have 2 other wingers who can play…
Like?
0 
0
Anonyman; I’m far from stupid mate.
TinMan, I never insulted anyone on this blog. What I have to say about any player should be considered fair game. It’s my opinion and I am welcome to it. If you don’t agree with it, fine. It’s no skin off my ass. Move on. Not you nor anyone else will tell Red Ranter whose rants will be deleted. Believe me I already know this from past experience. The site is called RED RANTS. And I am guilty of nothing but ranting albeit negatively about one of our players. Who are you to tell me that I am out of line? I’ll say what I damned well feel like saying as long as I don’t say nasty things to any of the members on this blog. Have a nice day.
Anonyman; You seem to condone the actions of Portuguese players because you claim that it is something that is “normal” in their country. So, my question to you is that because of that, we should tolerate that garbage in the English game? I say Hell No! It’s complete bullshit and you confirm what I said about players from Europe or Latin America having this childish and almost androgynous element in their personalities. Also, Ronaldo has never head butted anyone ever. Yes he dives and believe me, I don’t like it but he has never head butted an opponent. At least not yet. On that alone I give him the benefit of the doubt.
Perhaps my temper has gotten to me a bit today but I am embarrassed for the club. We all constantly berate Arsenal players for these kind of antics yet some us want to turn the cheek when one of ours is guilty. For this I’ll use my favorite new word. Some of you are hypocritisizers. Unitel he proves to me that he can act like a mature footballer with no selfish tendencies and stupid behavioral lapses in judgment, I consider Nani dead to me. Perhaps a titanic 30 meter bullet into the old onion bag may change my mind. Until then, enough said on that topic.
And some of you out there learn to respect other people’s opinions if they don’t agree with you. Disagreeing is fine, but name calling and shouting abuse back at somebody for their views is not.
Like?
0 
0
Dan; I don’t know what feed you got today on your tv but the commentator on mine said that if he gets a three game ban, he would miss the CL Final too. Immediately I questioned that comment myself but then I thought to myself, this guy is a pro. Maybe he is right. Am I missing something. So, the fact that he doesn’t miss the game is is fine. It still doesn’t take away from the fact that he could end up costing us big for his brain drain. And I have to laugh at you first statement. Pot, kettle, black comes to mind. Coming from you Dan I just have to laugh hard and long about that one.
Like?
0 
0
Well, you did insult people on here, anyone who is European or Latino. And geuss what dumbass. England is part of Europe aswell. So that makes all of them Europeans. That’s what i was telling you to stuff it for. And geuss what, i just added you to my fantasy team, so that gives me the right to say you are a worthless individual, and you need to be shipped off.
Like?
0 
0
Not just Grognard, I think all of us thought what Nani did was pathetic. But the usage of words by Grognard, well I agree mate ranting is what is done on this blog and you have all the rights in the world to call Nani a little faggot, but when anyone reads something like this about a team member of a team we love, it just gives a sharp jab. I frowned when I read that.
Let me make it clear though, that I read all your comments and everyone’s for that matter, diligently and everybody has a right to say whatever they want. It might hurt someone, but then what the hell, some agree and some who don’t NEEDN’T do anything about it.
Like?
0 
0
Now about the game. Good performance by the lads today if not spectacular. The score tells us they gave West Ham a right kick in the family jewels but lets face it, the Hammers never got a break all afternoon. Two goals deflected in was really the difference in the match. Yes we outplayed them and deserved the outcome but I don’t think we were three goals better than them. Still, after Wednesday, the lads managed to make the most of the day despite their fatigue. They put the pressure squarely on Chelsea and it will be interesting to see if Newcastle can do us a favor tomorrow. Probably not. Wigan will be tough. Very surprised to see them thump Villa today by 2-0. Perhaps the fact that they are safe will help us out next week.
Player Ratings;
EVDS 7/10 – Not much to do and certainly was helpless against Ashton’s wonder strike. Was well positioned all day and seem comfortable.
HARGREAVES 8/10 – Once again is making a real claim for permanent status as our RB of the future. Wonderful cross for Ronaldo’s groin job. Also delivered some nice runs up the field and never got a thing wrong defensively. Bosingwa who?
RIO 8/10 – I’m really getting tired of rating Rio. Lets just say for the rest of the year he is an 8 or better. He’s just that damned good.
BROWN 8/10 – Vidic who? Seriously though, he is showing us where his comfort zone really is. He’s been great at CB for the last couple of games. Nobody could have defended Ashton better on the goal either.
EVRA 8/10 – More energy and great runs and dribbles from the fabulous Frenchman. If he isn’t the best LWB in the World right now, please tell me who is? I still have a problem understanding why Abidal gets the nod over him for France.
PARK 7/10 – Always works hard and causes havoc to opponents but he never really made any plays today to warrant his strong effort.
CARRICK 8/10 – Very composed and very strong down the middle of the park. Was in total command of the United engine room. Was lucky on his goal but hey, lets give him credit for taking a crack at goal. Hope he keeps it up.
SCHOLES 7/10 – Composed but solid performance basically backing up Carrick and dictating the tempo of the game. Looked a little tired but his smarts saw him through the game without any problems.
NANI 1/10 – Did shit before the 37th minute and then made an ass of himself after that. A total disgrace and a humiliation for Manchester United. Lately he has been selfish, stupid on the ball, indecisive and wasteful. That continued today. I’ll get over his red card but how well will he get over that embarrassment. I’m thinking we have seen the last of him for this season. He doesn’t deserve to start in the CL Final despite the fact we could use his talent. He let his team, his manager and the fans down today with his childish act.
RONALDO 8/10 – Sort of ran out of gas in the second half but his first half was a 10/10. Caused all sorts of trouble and as usual, his instinct and nose for the ball in a goal scoring situation, was second to none.
TEVEZ 9/10 – Was a royal pain in the ass for his former club today. Was really working hard and then comes a 30 yard masterpiece of goal that was as good as Scholesy’s effort on Tuesday. A great goal and a shot he has been trying more of lately. He just barely missed an effort like that a couple of games ago. Good to see him take chances since he doesn’t hang around enough in the box for my liking.
GIGGS 7/10 – Looked pretty good today in a short audition. Should have taken the shot rather than pass off to Fletcher when Daren hit the post. Looked a little faster and more in the game than he has in many a moon. Encouraging.
FLETCHER 7/10 – Unlucky to not have a goal but he played well when he was on. His passing and pace has improved since his return from injury.
O’SHEA 6/10 – Never really had much to do and never got into the game long enough to make an impression.
Now lets go kill off Wigan and have one Hell of a big party. Well done lads!
Like?
0 
0
Grognard, Nani is not suspended for the CL final, and Dan was probably watching on Sky Sports, where they made that quite clear. Your commentator must have been smoking dope, since when has a domestic ban impacted on Europe?
Like?
0 
0
See, something new happens every week, this place has turned into a soap opera.
Like?
0 
0
TinMan; You know damned well what I meant when I said Europe. I meant the continent and how dare you call me dumbass. You have made this personal. My wrath was not directed at you or anyone on this blog. I have a right to say what I feel. Yes perhaps I was a little harsh an overly critical of the boy today, but that was within my rights as a ranter. Having you call me “pathetic” and a “worthless individual” was was way out of line and my complaint to Red Ranter has been sent. Maybe it’s you who needs to be shipped off Notice, I’m refraining from calling you names. It’s called having some class. Buy some if you haven’t got any.
Like?
0 
0
grognard what rating did SAF get???
Like?
0 
0
Red Ranter: I think you should write a special article on Giggs some time in the next couple of weeks, seeing as he’s only two cameos away from breaking the all-time appearances landmark for United. How fitting it would be if the club’s most decorated player and such a loyal servant went out in a blaze of glory in Moscow i.e. retire on the spot after lifting the CL trophy. I reckon that would bring tears of joy/sadness/both to every United fan’s eyes.
Like?
0 
0