Nov 11
Man Utd 2-0 Blackburn: FT
Hit by, what we have now come to learn as, a ‘freak injury’ to Wayne Rooney, we take on a very good Blackburn side who are riding a wave of success. Sparky’s team have done a very good job nicking points off three of the big four and would hope to continue their habit of giant killing this season. And they have done it by playing some good football too. Their reputation as a ‘dirty team’ has been unfair on them as Hughes has plenty of creativity in his side — thanks to some judicious forays into the transfer market this summer.
Roque Santa Cruz from Bayern has been a good buy, while Christopher Samba has been rock solid in defence.
So it is little wonder when SAF says that Blackburn are the side that could actually break the hold of Big Four on the Premier League.
“Blackburn’s form makes it a really tough game for us on Sunday,†said Sir Alex. “They have been absolutely tremendous this season. “I think they can challenge the top four,†he added. “What they are showing at the moment is that nobody turns them over. They’ve drawn with Liverpool and Arsenal at home, and going away they are a handful, too.â€
True. And that’s why we must be wary today when we take them on. They wouldn’t roll over like Wigan or Aston Villa and they will match us at every step. Our confidence might have certainly taken a beating with Rooney’s injury which, for the uninitiated, was caused when his leg got caught on a piece of training equipment. [Link] What really is annoying is that he was in terrific form so far. Anyway, we hope he does get back to his groove soon, once he returns.
Meanwhile, Scholes seems to have had a successful operation on his knee. The boss says that he’s got ‘the knee of a 20 year old’ now — which is good to know. Remember when Scholes returned from blurred vision and the manager said he was like a new signing? Every one scoffed at him only to be proved terribly wrong. We hope he’s a new signing when he returns in January too. That would be a crucial time, as the second half of the season is the business end, and Anderson/Carrick could certainly do with a breather.
But let’s get back to talking about today. It’s just a day since SAF claimed that he planned to use Saha in a super-sub role and, now, he may have to change his plans slightly. If Saha does start, I wouldn’t worry about our team too much. If he manages to play through unscathed, we should be comfortable in our free flowing style. Saha would complement Tevez perfectly. He is an intelligent player, great in the air and can hold up the ball very well.
It’s the central midfield that would be very interesting. Would he go with Carrick and Hargreaves? Or would it be Anderson and Hargreaves? Giggs (due to his experience) and Ronaldo would take their customary positions on the wings. Evra, Rio, Vidic and Brown would form our back four. A proper 4-4-2, without doubt, should be the order of the day.
It is also the last game before the international break comes in. For a change, I am thankful for the break, what with Rooney’s injury. It couldn’t be more timely, especially if we survive today’s match.
On second thoughts, I wonder if it is a clever ploy by the boss to declare Rooney out for four weeks, instead of two to avoid McLaren calling him up for international duty.
Oh well, I’ll let the conspiracy theories rest for now.
Enjoy the game today. Come on you Reds!!!
Prediction: 2-1 to United.
And before I end this, just a reminder to those who haven’t been in the loop, or haven’t been looking through our comment threads (which you must if you haven’t). We have signed Ghanaian-born German John Cofie from Burnley. He’s, of course, not to be mistaken with the giant from The Green Mile as some people had been suggesting. And don’t get ideas, he’s just 14 years of age. So there will be plenty of time before he actually makes it.
- Rooney Out For A Month
- Blackburn v Manchester United - Preview
- Man Utd v Everton: Preview
- Barclona v Man Utd: Preview
- Boro v Man Utd: Preview
Tags: Game Preview
November 11th, 2007 at 10:34
it would be jokes if saf played him when he becomes 16. i shall hopefully be watching the match on fsc(TVU), loaded it up at about 8.00 today to avoid any disapointments later.
November 11th, 2007 at 10:55
“I wonder if it is a clever ploy by the boss to declare Rooney out for four weeks, instead of two to avoid McLaren calling him up for international duty.”
You know what, i thought exactly the same thing when i read the story. Or more like i really HOPED it was that when i read the story…lol
And Ronaldo better step up to the plate today, especially coz Arsenal is going to spank Reading.
November 11th, 2007 at 10:56
yh thats a good idea dan, everytime i try to load it up just before the game i always end up missing half the match
November 11th, 2007 at 11:26
ever try sopcast? google it up..it seems to be better than tvu..at least there no connection limit
November 11th, 2007 at 11:38
ive got sopcast, but it hasnt been working for me lately, your lucky chris you get to see half the match, i dont see anything when i do that.
November 11th, 2007 at 11:52
I think there’s a good chance, Saha will start today. First of all there is the break coming up, and second we’ll play Bolton, Fulham and Derby in the coming matches, where he’s not as needed as is the case today.
I’m sure Saha can play the first 60 minutes, and hopefully we have the game tied down by then.
Another option is playing Anderson behind Tevez with Carrick and Hargo filling up the midfield. Problem is we’ll miss Saha’s power up front.
I think SAF will go with Saha.
November 11th, 2007 at 12:27
How bad is Neville’s injury? I couldn’t get any info on how long he’ll be out? Any news guys?
November 11th, 2007 at 12:38
I’m sure he’s ‘just two weeks away’ redevil, as he has been for about 6 months. And yeah wick3d for some reason about 2 months ago sopcast stopped showing matches in the uk, it doesn’t work in the uk but works everywhere else, not too sure why though, it was the best one.
By the way RR, how come the time is 1 hour ahead? I mean, where it says:
Conor says:
November 11th, 2007 at 12:38
?
November 11th, 2007 at 13:45
quite day 2day aint it.
November 11th, 2007 at 13:57
must be the daylight savings time conor
November 11th, 2007 at 14:09
Dan: Did you manage to get any of your streams working on TVU or Sopcast?
November 11th, 2007 at 14:13
yep jb, TVU on the fox soccer channel, ive had it up since 8.00 this morning what are you watching it on?
November 11th, 2007 at 14:48
im so anxious for this match cannot wait, we better win
November 11th, 2007 at 14:59
any channels on TVU thats showing the match, the signal on fsc has just become utter crap.
November 11th, 2007 at 15:03
of course an hour before the game and it stops working.
November 11th, 2007 at 15:13
Team News:
GK: VDS
RB: Brown
CB: Ferdinand
CB: Vidic
LB: Evra
RM: Ronaldo
CM: Hargreaves
CM: Anderson
LM: Giggs
CF: Tevez
CF: Saha
November 11th, 2007 at 15:37
im tottally uninstalling tvu and sopcast lol,it was working fine for the day then an hour before kick off, the signal becomes shite and tvu stops working, and soppy dosent even let me watch the dang channel
November 11th, 2007 at 16:05
u should shutdown the computer for min and start it again cause ur internet connection might be running slow.take out the plug. that what i does do when tvu player run slow
November 11th, 2007 at 16:12
live comentary ftw
November 11th, 2007 at 16:13
nah, ive already uninstalled it
November 11th, 2007 at 16:26
i just installed tvu, it took me 5 mins, the game was p in a few seconds, why people start so early i dont know, p.s smaba had a crazy shot
November 11th, 2007 at 16:28
i start around 5 mins before the game start.
November 11th, 2007 at 16:37
RRRRRROOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNAAAALLLLLLLLDDDDDDDDDDDOOOOOOOOO
November 11th, 2007 at 16:37
1-0ronaldo scores a header from a corner
November 11th, 2007 at 16:39
2-0 ronaldo again
November 11th, 2007 at 16:39
2-0
November 11th, 2007 at 16:39
RRRROOOOOONAAAALLLDDDDOOOO again, tevez set up, nice tap in, perfect counter attack
November 11th, 2007 at 16:54
good pace.. that ronaldo
November 11th, 2007 at 16:54
half time analysis, though i joined the game from the 20th mintue since sopcast stopped working and had to install TVU, i must say, its an even game, where the team with the boy in number 7 has been the difference, ronaldo has been amazing in thi game, best of all thats 24 points at least in my fantasy league
negatives, to many loose passes, defence is creeky, anderson needs to stop rolling, though he is pushing up front alot more
and we were lucky to escape that samba shot
bring on the second half
November 11th, 2007 at 16:59
FT: Chelsea 1-1 Everton Cahill equalises in the 90′. Brilliant stuff!!!
November 11th, 2007 at 17:06
That Samba shot should have never been. There was a foul on a United player before the shot. Would have been very unlucky if that had gone in.
November 11th, 2007 at 17:07
It’s worth watching Cahill’s goal
http://www.d1g.com/video?sorting=recent&category=19068
HOLY HELL
and the foul before Samba’s shot was on Ronaldo.
November 11th, 2007 at 17:10
I am very happy to see Ronaldo step up in Rooney’s absence. Defensively we still have issues and are lucky to not have been scored upon. I have to say that I have a lot of anxiety about starting Saha along with Tevez. If either gets injured (and it would probably be Saha) then we are really in the shite. So far so good though.
November 11th, 2007 at 17:12
Den; If you are reading us today after your little debacle; HOW BOUT THAT CHELSEA MATE? 1-1, and you were predicting 4-0 against Everton correct? Also, I believe you were predicting them as EPL chances, correct? And pigs fly.
November 11th, 2007 at 17:16
david dunns off, blackburn down to 10 men, perfect timefor man u to strike fear into the premiership, i hope anderson can score now
November 11th, 2007 at 17:18
http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1522391
the 1st goal by ronaldo
November 11th, 2007 at 17:38
This second half has been Anderson’s half.
November 11th, 2007 at 17:44
i agree nuke, shame he hasnt had a shot yet
November 11th, 2007 at 18:07
actually cahill’s goal is this link
http://www.d1g.com/video/show/1522403
November 11th, 2007 at 18:07
good win by united.at times blackburn were ok but united are the best.we relax after the sending off dunn. we should have attack more and try to get more goals.great to see ronaldo coming up after rooney got injured and scoring .Cristiano Ronaldo has now scored 26 goals in 51 matches for club and country this calendar year - not a bad strike rate.
November 11th, 2007 at 18:38
i was listening to commentary and the guy said judging by this performance theres no way anderson can be droped for carrick, was he playing that well.
November 11th, 2007 at 18:42
dan, in the second half, anderson was just crazy, passes splitting open defences, creating space, starting attacks, he was dribbling well, controlling the pace of the game, always fighting for 50 50 balls, he was just incredible in the second half, i cant judge the first because i only started 20 mins in thanks to issues with sopcast and the need to install TVU, so yeah, carrick has his work cut out to drop anderson
November 11th, 2007 at 18:48
anyone see andersons little flair move just before he got fouled ive seen youtube vidios of him doing it for porto but he was moving forward more today and that little move was about as creative as he has tried to get for us.
November 11th, 2007 at 19:17
A very satisfying win for the lads today. WARNING! My review may be too positive for many to stomach. Diabetics beware of high sugar content.
I’ll summarize this efficient and very professional win in point form and then grade the performances.
1. The club showed great organization, patience and imagination today.
2. One would think that they would have had a problem breaking down Blackburn without Rooney but that was not the case.
3. If both teams were to score on just half of their strong opportunities the game would would have ended 5-2 for United.
4. Blackburn played a very strong game and a lesser side would have collapsed after Ronaldo’s 2 goals and Dunn being sent off.
5. Blackburn were very physical and deserved the wrath of the referee. However, their tackling and nipping at ankles probably saved three goals.
6. United’s movement and ball control was tremendous.
7. Dunn’s Red Card seemed a little harsh but it did basically kill off the game. Even so, I though United’s SECOND HALF performance was outstanding. Great chances created, unlucky not to get two or three goals and exceptional ball control and defending other than on Samba’s header.
8. I liked United’s tactics today and I do not think they relaxed after the red card. They just slowed the pace a bit and played a much more controlled game. They respected a good opponent.
9. Ronaldo really stepped up today in Rooney’s absence. We really need these kind of performances from him.
10. A major obstacle out of the way and with Chelski drawing, things are looking very good indeed. Hopefully the break doesn’t take away their edge.
11. I liked that numerous players attempted free kicks to see who can win the permanent job. Ronny is good but his kicks are one dimensional. Pass the responsibility around until someone earns it full time.
RATINGS:
EVDS: (7) Very strong positioning and reflexes. Some strong saves, especially on Samba’s late header. I still think he is caught ball watching on long shots and I would have liked him to at least make a diving effort on Samba’s shot that went of the bar. Still, he was strong out there.
BROWN: (7) He showed some quickness, strong recovery skills and was efficient.
RIO: (7) Very calm smooth and efficient performance on defense and could have had a goal or two in the second half with some luck.
VIDIC: (8) As usual he was a rock on defense, had very strong control and possession and truly dominated in the air up until Samba’s late header.
EVRA: (8) Although I am often critical of the Frenchy, I thought he was terrific today. Made some great runs and showed a lot of flair. He also defended well. More of that kind of stuff and I will have to eat some humble pie.
RONALD: (9) What can I say, the man is magic, and he is so much fun to watch thanks to his jestures and facial expressions. Stepped up big time today. He could have had 4 goals with a little luck. His header was just sublime. Truly awesome in the air and the main reason that he could always play the role of striker in a pinch. WORLD CLASS.
HARGGREAVES (7.5) An efficient if unspectacular performance. Did his job well although I think he could have covered Bentley on a few shots in the center of the box. Worked hard.
ANDERSON: (6.5) Worked very hard, tracked back and showed some ambition in attack but his telling passes were missing the mark too often. Needs to take some shots, which means he has to put himself in deeper positions more often. Still lacks the confidence to let himself go, unlike Ronaldo when he arrived. He is showing more common sense and discipline than Ronaldo circa 2003/04.
GIGGS: (8.5) What can I say but I was overjoyed with the real Ryan Giggs showing up today.
He was quick, imaginative, decisive and offered us more flair and nimble footwork and dribbling than I have seen from him in two seasons. Against a strong opponent too. He too stepped up in Rooney’s absence with this confident and assertive performance.
SAHA: (6) Not much to say I’m afraid. Didn’t really impose himself on the game and still lacks the match fitness to really make a mark. He also needs to spend more time bothering central defenders in the box. Too often he was found 20 or 25 yards out where he is not a threat. Relieved he wasn’t injured, or so it seems???????
TEVEZ: (8) For a forward not scoring a goal I thought he was exceptional. His non stop running, ball control and creativity was too fine and was rewarded by his world class pass to Ronaldo for the second goal. I love this player’s tenacity and work ethic. He is not a classic goal scorer but he does so many little things well. Would like to see him take some free kicks as he scored number of goals last season for the Hammers.
NANI: (6.5) Made a decent impression in limited time on the pitch. Controlled the ball well. His free kick although high, showed quality and I think he may be a good alternative to Ronaldo in this department and was positive out there.
CARRICK: (6) Played too little to make a dent and really did nothing out there than play his position properly and not make any mistakes. Did not assert himself though.
November 11th, 2007 at 19:35
Agree with most of the assessment. But I would give Anderson a 7.5.
He totally owned the second half.
November 11th, 2007 at 19:40
I guess we have a different definition of ownership. He was good but not spectacular. Again I emphasize that nothing matters in a buildup when the telling pass is poor. His passes lacked that sharp quality of Scholes or Carrick on one of his rare in form days. Don’t get me wrong though, I love the lad and I prefer him to the aging Scholes or Carrick. The difference between 6.5 and 7.5 is connecting on two of those probing passes. He can only improve.
November 11th, 2007 at 20:14
Grognard: Thanks for the breakdown. I got home late from work and only saw the last 25 minutes. Really good win for Man Utd. Difficult game out of the way. Chelsea drawing today and for tomorrow I will be supporting Reading.
How did Tevez and Saha link up?
November 11th, 2007 at 20:53
you know grognard, ive always respect you but your commen about diabetics was uncalled for, plenty of times has my mother been in hospital crying and plenty of times the doctors say she could of died, next time think about what you are saying please.
November 11th, 2007 at 21:09
Dan; SOD OFF will you. I’m a type one Diabetic who takes insulin every day and has to deal with a lot of Hell, so blow your PC BS out your ass. You just crossed the line with me pal. If you could not figure out that that comment was meant as a light form of humor and an analogy to signify that my comments were sweeter and gentler than usual, than you have a bigger problem about being over sensitive than me. From your reading and comprehension skills I guess you also may be illiterate.
Sorry for the harsh words but that political correct Bullshit doesn’t wash with me. Especially since my father and Grandmother both died of the disease and that I too will eventually perish from it. In the future before you start accusing people of insensitivity, be sure you don’t fall into a trap of your making. At least you haven’t lost to loved ones and a close friend to the disease. Go hug a tree if you are so frakken sensitive.
November 11th, 2007 at 21:26
Anderson was never going to be brilliant straight away, because there aren’t many players who settle into the clubs and adapt to the pace of the Premiership that quickly. It’s true that he can only improve, and I think that is very exciting. We were probably saying the same about Ronaldo when he first arrived. If Anderson can become anywhere near the player that Ronaldo is, the midfield will be formidable.
Hoped that Saha would prove himself today but again didn’t look match fit. Sometimes I think a second striker isn’t needed though, with Tevez’s running covering enough ground for two!
November 11th, 2007 at 21:35
What going on?diabeties and all.come on lads this is a football blog.we talk about football.todays game was aite.(was hoping for 4 0 though.dam us spoilt united fans)i get the feeling anderson needs more confidence to start running at defenders again.nani needs to be more urgent with the ball and start running at defenders.giggs had his best game(especially his run).tevez worked as usual.saha was aite(hes still fit!)theres only 1 thing left to be said. GO READING!
November 11th, 2007 at 21:55
ha, “If you could not figure out that that comment was meant as a light form of humor” this coming from you, you know nothing about me, just that my mother is diabetic, how do YOU know that it isnt biological inheritance in my family, exactly you dont, for someone who says they’ve lost close friends and family, its a bit wierd to be making a mockery out of it.
November 11th, 2007 at 22:30
Dan; If you can’t digest a joke that is meant in good fun, you have serious issues. What’s with all the biological inheritance BS? If anyone would know about that stuff it’s me. Lets just forget about it and accept my apology although I am honestly offering it begrudgingly so that we can get back to talking about football. I may know nothing about you mate but if you knew me you would think twice about about your little tirade directed at me. It takes a big person who can laugh at his own calamity or disorder. No need to continue on this. Just accept that I above all people, never meant offense and live with it.
November 11th, 2007 at 22:32
Taehr; Honest to God man, I didn’t start it this time. And I do hope that Reading can come up with a miracle. It’s possible because I think Arsenal are not in great form over the last two weeks.
November 11th, 2007 at 22:37
Gotta feel sorry for Ronnie he seems destined to never get a hat trick for us. Other than that the most impressive thing about the team today was the fact that it swatted aside one of the form teams of the league (and a team that the rest of the big 4 have struggled with) without so much as breaking a sweat.
Betfair Kid: Saha wasn’t great today, but it must be difficult for him to reach a proper level of match fitness given the stop nature his season has followed to date. I’m not sure if he has been called up for France but if he hasn’t he at least has 2 weeks of solid training to work with.
Grognard: I was under the impression that you did not resort to personal insults, or has there been a policy change since yesterday? Maybe before you start typing take a minute to cool down first.
November 11th, 2007 at 22:49
JB; The policy changes when I feel it necessary. Why don’t you go back and carefully read what I wrote to start this mess and why I am justified to comment the way I have BASED ON MY BLOODY CONDITION (bad pun)? If you can’t see my point of view, I think it’s because you already have a built in dislike for me and you totally disregard my feelings. So I suggest you drop your snide remarks directed at me right now because I honestly prefer to talk football. You’ve been on my case for a while now and it’s beginning to unnerve me a bit. So kindly lay off OK?
To lighten things up a bit we really haven’t heard your analysis of the game just played.
November 11th, 2007 at 23:07
Which one is the good diabetes again ?
November 11th, 2007 at 23:15
Alright children. Calm down. From what I just saw Grognard’s wasn’t directed at anyone. And Dan took offence. God! Does everyone have to take offence at everything?!
Dan, it’s bad what you went through. But I certainly didn’t think this was directed at you at all.
Anyway, on to the football, please.
November 12th, 2007 at 0:11
wow theres no point arguing, dan and grognard you are two regulars of this blog you should know what its all about.
only just caught some of highlights on MOTD as i have just got back from birmingham, im really pleased with the result today, i thought it would have been a lot tougher with blackburn being on good form and rooney being out. but i suppose we were ok without him.
November 12th, 2007 at 2:47
Just quietly how good is cahill?? Those aussies are a talented lot arent they?!? Didnt see any of the game so I cant really comment, just great to get a result against what I think should be one of the hardest matches in the Rooney-free period.
November 12th, 2007 at 5:02
WTF Dan are you freaking insane or are you just shit-stirring?
Groggie’s joke was clearly not directed at mocking or disrespecting anyone, and could not possibly be construed as offensive to any individual even by a halfwit.
Clearly you were just having us all on; either that or you represent exactly why everyone hates political correctness gone wrong.
If you had your way every time someone even MENTIONED a disease there would be a lawsuit. Think before you type, son- otherwise you just end up looking like a moron.
November 12th, 2007 at 8:42
Nukeleus; I really appreciate the support. It’s good to know that some people out there can read. I couldn’t have said it better. Thanks mate…..
November 12th, 2007 at 11:40
shut it nuckleas, dan is right
November 12th, 2007 at 17:42
Supporter of Dan; sounds like Dan in disguise. Really juvenile!