Jun 08
Manchester United 08/09 Season Review – Part I: The Attack
With transfer rumours in full tilt, let’s behave like nothing is happening in the world around us — apart from acknowledging that Roger Federer is destiny’s only child — and decide to look at the world that happened in the past year.
Since this is a trilogy — with a chance of a bonus part; either, for purposes of completeness, or due to the commercial success of said trilogy — we will devote a post each for attack, midfield and defence. Waffling will cover performances of individual players, and a few words thrown around to talk about the collective.
In this post, attack refers to the attackers which, for our purposes, encompasses the strikers and the wingers. Yes, sorry to disappoint, but Park Ji-Sung will be considered an attacker; even Tevez. Such is the complexity of the beautiful game.
Nani:
His fans, and there are quite a few of them around, will argue that he’s been misused, misunderstood, mishandled, and any other words that could go with that prefix. In fact, if Nani were to one day hang up his boots after a distinguished career, and tell the tale of his footballing career to his grandchildren, he would describe his 2008/09 season with one word: a miss. (alright, alright — two words!) In the limited opportunities he got to show his wares, he sizzled in some, and simmered in others. Mostly, it was nothing spectacular that would force the manager to make him a guaranteed started like Rooney or Ronaldo. But then, none of our other attackers are ever guaranteed first team slots anyway.
It is inexplicable why Ferguson would use Nani so sparingly, whilst he gave the other summer 2007 arrival, Anderson, a good run. I hope he gets a better chance next season, otherwise, his time at OT will fast run out.
Rating: 5.5/10
Park Ji-Sung: Also known as Ji-Sung Park — some would say, the Energizer Bunny. He represents the quirks of the game. Not nearly talented like Ronaldo or Rooney, and yet he’s a winger; limited in creative abilities, so he has to make up for it with work rate. Jonathan Wilson, the great ‘football nerd’, attributes the emergence of players of his ilk to the advent of the defensive striker/winger. He has had as good a season as he had last time. A few good performances, a few average ones and a few poor ones. He is a good squad player that would do well when called upon, but to view him anything more than that would be pushing it a bit. He will never be the greatest player that wore the famous red shirt (the one with the AIG scribbling, not the Carlsberg one), but his role will be respect by most United fans once they look beyond the derision.
Rating: 6/10
Dimitar Berbatov:
A £30m striker will come witl £30m expectations. It could be unfair, but when someone spends that much, they’d expect their money’s worth at the least. In what form that comes, is open to debate, but it still is out of the hands of everyone but the person in question. While there was overwhelming noise made about attackers running like headless chickens, they weren’t ready for an ambling mongoose either. His skill remains unquestioned, but one tends to wonder what might have been had he had a few yards of pace in him. Bollocks to the clamour to get him to track back. He’s led the assists chart in the league, but he needs to get a better return than the 9 league goals. One hopes a good pre-season can see a better second season from him at the club.
Rating: 6.5/10
Wayne Rooney:
His continued success with England recently, and his talk about his favourite position made it clear that Ferguson needs to get Rooney’s role sorted out. True he’s had some excellent performances on the left. But the manager needs to see where Rooney needs to ultimately play — the role of the second striker — in order for us to see the best of the lad. The barnstorming season all United fans hope for from Rooney continues to be elusive. He’s had a string of excellent seasons for us, and there is a strong argument to be made that he’s gotten better every season, but we need to see the step up, where he hits the next level as a footballer. This would not only suit him as a player, but Manchester United too. Everyone at the club must realise that Wayne Rooney, in the long term, is United’s most important player — not Ronaldo — and his growth as a player will define our future successes.
In short, another very good season. But falls short of outstanding.
Rating: 7.5/10
Carlos Tevez:
Refer Nani but add some whingeing to it. He’s scored some crucial goals this season whenever he’s played — the goal against Porto comes to mind — but while there was a lot of sympathy afforded to him because of his extended time on the bench, his constant tendency to go to the press at every given opportunity has annoyed a minority (surprisingly an overwhelming majority still are behind him) of United fans, including yours’ truly. His commitment on the pitch is without question. But his overall contribution falls short of his £25.5m valuation (which was what Liverpool paid for Torres). He is a good player, but not world class by any count. In all likelihood he’ll move to City, and I’ll wish him the best — as long as he doesn’t score against us.
Rating: 6/10
Cristiano Ronaldo:
For a normal footballer, he’s had an excellent season. But he’s not your average footballer. He’s been one of the few to emerge with any credit in the Champions’ league final. But the Real Madrid saga played out over last summer, and his tantrums on field continue to make it very hard for United fans to reconcile Ronaldo, the person, and Ronaldo, the footballer. It’s always a factor needed to keep in mind while making any assessment of his season, but I’ll attempt to talk only about his on-pitch contribution. Ronaldo continues to be very important to United’s creative energies. We can talk all we want about our squad depth, but he remains our main creative spark. Macheda was the hero against Villa, but Ronaldo’s contribution in that game was equally vital. He absolutely owned the second half of the season, once he completely shrugged off his injury. Added to that, he remains an unbelievably fit player, considering the amount of kicking he takes. Which brings us to the question, of whether to hold on to him or to cash in — it’s something, thankfully, I wouldn’t have to deal with in my season review.
Rating: 8/10
Honourable mentions: Macheda’s made the headlines with his goals, but it’s still not enough to review his season. Danny Welbeck caught the eye with a blinding goal, but whilst he’s obviously got the talent, he is still far from the finished product. Both players are for the future, and that’s all can be said about them for now.
And that ends our review on the attack. Join us tomorrow for Part II of the season review.
Related items from Red Rants:
- Manchester United 2006/2007 Season Review
- Sepptic Blabbermouth Opens Gob + Roundup
- Manchester United 07/08 Season Review: The Defence
- Manchester United 08/09 Season Review – Part II: The Midfield
- Manchester United Season Review | Part II | The Engine Room
Tags: Opinions/Columns
June 8th, 2009 at 9:45
Very nice post, bravo.
June 8th, 2009 at 10:18
that just about sums it up – the ratings are hard but fair… if they all looked to adding 1-2 points to their ratings next season it should be a romp to the title.
June 8th, 2009 at 12:18
Anyone know why we are bothering with Dodo for £5.4m when Micah Richards is available for £6m? Seems like a no brainer.
June 8th, 2009 at 12:24
That Dimi Berbatov gets only 0.5 poits more than J.S.Park is a bit harsh. Park creates little whereas berbatov is a born creator. The relative creative weakness of our midfield this past season has made it that the strikers’ performances suffered.
I expect the ratings for the midfielders – except for Fletch maybe- to be at least equally as harsh.
And also it is very revealing that our wing players are considered as attackers. 10 years ago Beckham and Giggs would be considered as part o the midfield, despite their creative weight. Tells much about the lack of creativity of our midfield nowadays.
P.S: Tevez should have been deducted points for his off the pitch antics.
June 8th, 2009 at 12:29
@Traverse: Agree that we are paying way over the odds for unknown quantities these days but Richards?
Isn’t he a brainless thug?
June 8th, 2009 at 12:34
@NicoQB: He is big and broad and not too shabby on the ball. He is a battering ram, and just turned 21. I think Vidic is the perfect mentor for him. Evans is more of a Ferdinand than a Vidic, and I think they could make a quality pairing for the future.
June 8th, 2009 at 12:49
@Traverse: Richards just had a horrible season.
June 8th, 2009 at 12:51
@Traverse: Maybe yo;’re right. I wouldn’t change anything tho the state of our central defense and its personnel, but if Rio’s back is not sorted out next season and Brown still doesnt sort out his own injuries then maybe we should consider another signing.
By the way Corry Evans is also touted to be very good…
June 8th, 2009 at 12:54
Carlos tevez is definitely world class
June 8th, 2009 at 13:07
@tevez: I think I’d have a terrible season if I was only 20, and the team I’ve been playing pretty well for was taken over by billionaires and linked to about 20 other defenders, and it was made pretty clear to me I wasn’t welcome anymore. That’d do anyones nut. I think there is alot of promise there. Definitely more than Dodo.
Also, Tevez has gone to Man City. The deal is done. Maradonna told him he needs first team football if he wants to get picked for the World Cup. Expect an announcement before the day is out.
June 8th, 2009 at 13:12
4 striker policy.
1.Berbatov – main striker
2.Rooney – second striker
3.Tevez – not sure of staying.(certainly not world class)
4.Ronaldo – Although winger, he can destroy physically weak teams by playing up front.
Backups : Macheda & Welbeck.
If Tevez leaves, and assuming Ronaldo is “put in his place” by fergie – RW
Then that leaves out Rooney and Berba to step up as world class forwards.
Berba? – world class forward(25 goals a season)? :-> Benzema or Huntelaar is the question now!.
This is, assuming we play the real United way with two strikers up front and not give into the italian way of playing with a lone striker and two supporting wing forwards.(Park being one of the wingers is a catastrophe
)- what we saw against barca..
June 8th, 2009 at 13:20
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bgzg_NrCPZ8
i heard tevez signed for city on youtube, not sure if its true or not
June 8th, 2009 at 13:34
@Traverse: He played regularly so he can’t have any complaints. They have money so they will be linked with every name under the sun every transfer window. That should be expected.
Tevez going to man city works out better for everyone. City get a world class striker, tevez gets first team football and united don’t waste £25 million on a squad player.
June 8th, 2009 at 13:37
@ROOOOONEY: Apparently City will wait now for Tevez to get back from international duty so they can unveil him standing next to Hughes with a shirt and all that jazz. Deal was agreed 2 weeks ago. United met the requirements set by Joorbachian, but Tevez has chosen City for first team football reasons.
I’m fine with this, as long as by the end of the week we’ve signed Benzema!
June 8th, 2009 at 13:42
m i d f i e l d e r p l e a s e !
June 8th, 2009 at 13:47
My ratings would be:
Nani 5 Did nothing this season. All the inconsistency of last season but without the assists, the goals and occasional standout performance. Hampered by lack of playing time but even in the cup appearances didn’t do enough to impress.
Park Ji Sung 7: Played some excellent games and as responsible as anyone for our good defensive record in the middle third of the season. OK his attacking qualities are lacking but he played a valuable role this season and deserves more credit. Bad game in the final, but really like Rooney he was isolated as Barca attacked through the middle rather than using the flanks like last year.
Berbatov: 6.5 Still hasn’t fitted in to our style of play. I wasn’t sure what to expect. Watching him at Spurs I always thought of him as a lazy player who neverthless had an impressive goal to game ratio: exactly what we needed! Then people started comparing him to Cantona with his sublime skills and ability to turn a game. The reality: his goal total is unimpressive, aside from the occasional bit of skill he is quiet most games he plays, and the assists dried up in the second half of the season. His most impressive attribute we’ve seen is his control and ball retention but we need more from a striker worth 30 million.
Tevez 6 Woeful most of the season. Hampered by lack of confidence, lack of game time and generally feeling rejected. Started pre-season on fire, got dropped and never got his game back. Nevertheless some important goals and played very well in the crucial run in games against Tottenham and Man City. But has to go as he is needs regular games to play at his best
Ronaldo 8.5: Without him our season would have been a disaster. Continued to score twice as many goals as anyone else and in the knock out stages in Europe showed his pedigree saving us on many occasions. A bit more luck and he might have been able to get a goal in the first 10 minutes against Barcelona and I have a feeling if that had happened we may have managed to stay in the game and even win it. We are worryingly dependent on Ronaldo and it is time others stepped up. By the way last season he was a 10.
Rooney 7.5 Played out of position, never really gelled with Berbatov and still not a consistent goalscorer. But the heartbeat of the team and I just wish Ferguson would play him in the hole all the time and let him show what he can do. A poor champions league final partly because played out of position. Buying Valencia will hopefully give Rooney more time in his preferred position.
June 8th, 2009 at 16:09
I have seen nothing so far aside from message boards that suggest Tevez has signed for city, but in the event its true here is what I want to see…
It was reported that we were willing to meet his 25m asking price, but he opted to leave. So assuming we have 25m lying around now and that we need a striker We should lodge a bid for these guys.
1. Eto, for whatever reason Barca are looking to sell him and he was huge for them this season.
2. Huntelaar, it turns out Grognard was right all along about this Dutch goal machine. He is the next best thing to a vintage Ruud and I cant imagine his goal record drying up if he suits up for you.
3. Kun Aguero, not sure if 25m would be enough for this kid but I would atleast test Atletico Madrids resolve over the player.
4.Benzema, again Im not sure if 25m would prise him away from Lyon but I would atleast test the waters. I know he isnt everyones cup of tea but he is a big strong lad with decent ball skills.
June 8th, 2009 at 16:13
This is also highly unlikely but I would offer Bayern 30-35m and Nani for ribery. I think bayern would atleast think it over, but doubt they would take it.
June 8th, 2009 at 16:17
@johnsom33: Huntelaar hasnt proven anything in my books, the fact that forlan is top goalscorer in THAT league says it all to be honest.
June 8th, 2009 at 16:38
@johnsom33: I guess the reason why Eto’o is made available is ACN (african cup of nations) in Jan-Feb! Eto’o would be out for 2 months on international duty. He’ll be 30 next season as well.
June 8th, 2009 at 17:28
@jos: eto’o is 28, he is 2 months youngetr than Berbatov.
June 8th, 2009 at 17:34
Kaka undergoing medical in Brazil for Madrid. Maybe they’ll fuck off about Ronaldo now.
June 8th, 2009 at 18:07
@Traverse: Thats what I’m thinking, plus ronaldo’s ego wouldn’t like sharing the spotlight with Kaka. I think he wanted to be the saviour of Madrid.
June 8th, 2009 at 18:42
@jos:
Eto’o is entering the last year of his contract and has already rejected a new deal offered by Barcelona. If they don’t cash in on him now, they’ll probably have to let him go for free next year. Figures being thrown around are in the region of £20 million, but he’s asking astronomical wages. There’s only three clubs around that don’t really have to consider their wage structure. There’s no way he’s going to Real and Chelsea seem to have made Villa their primary target so that just leaves City. There’s also the outside chance he’ll be involved in some sort of swap deal with Ibrahimovitch.
Anyway, good season ratings, I pretty much agree with them completely, looking forward to the rest (and the sequel, even though it will probably just be hastily thrown together in an attempt to squeeze some more money out of fans of the original thrilogy
)
June 8th, 2009 at 19:22
@Dan: Why was I sure that when somebody brought up Huntelaar’s name and praised him that Dan would be the first and usually the only person to stand up and say negative things about the Hunter. What happened to you owe me one for last week Dan?
Remember after supporting you I said you had to be nice towards the Hunter?
June 8th, 2009 at 19:24
@Dan: The same league that has the European Champions you mean? Yes as usual Dan another strong argument.
June 8th, 2009 at 19:26
@YDR: The guy scored over 30 goals this season and is regularly over 20 goals a season over his career. Pay him what he wants is what I would say. He delivered for them and skinned the best CB in the game so I say pay him. He’s worth every penny.
June 8th, 2009 at 19:37
Nice post RR. Agree with most of it. I’d tweak it a little myself as I would add or subtract a point or a half point for what a player meant or didn’t mean to the team directly with his contribution. Not so much what he meant to us with his contribution. For example, Park would get a surprising 7/10 for me because he was very important and highly successful performing the role that he was put on the field for. He was a terrier that worked his ass off and did everything Fergie asked of him. He blanketed opponents best wingers and attacking fullbacks and never complained.
Sure he was limited offensively but like Jonathan Wilson made very clear, the game has evolved into creating wingers that play defensive roles primarily and are not expected to conform to the standard demands and expectations that the role of winger has been known for for generations. If one qualifies the role of winger according to Wilson’s model and Ferguson’s tactical demands, Park warrants another point from me at least. I personally can’t stand him because he isn’t what I want on the field other than late in a game when we are protecting one goal lead or even draw on the road in the Champions League.
As for your other ratings, I agree although I would give Wayne Rooney a half point more due to the sacrifices that lad has had to make to his game and his ego by being moved around and all over the place by a manager who as great as he is, just doesn’t seem to understand what he possesses with a lad like Rooney. Play Rooney as a striker or second striker and you will be giving him a 9/10 because in that position, that’s how good he is and it’s not all about goals. Rooney offers so much more.
June 8th, 2009 at 19:54
@Dan: Careful, that’s the same league where Torres could only get a goal every 3 games. Different horses for different courses and all.
June 8th, 2009 at 20:31
For some, the left testicle is larger than the right one. For Nemanja Vidic, each testicle is larger than the other one.
Vidic invented the spoon because killing people with knives was too easy
Vidic’ calendar goes straight from March 31st to April 2nd; no one fools Nemanja Vidic
Nemanja Vidic does not hunt because the word hunting implies the probability of failure. Nemanja Vidic goes killing.
Vidic is the only person to count to infinity… twice
Nemanja Vidic can hear Silence
Nemanja Vidic can kill two stones with one bird
Nemanja Vidic doesn’t chop his grass he dares it to grow!
When Vidic falls in water, Vidic doesn’t get wet. Water gets Nemanja Vidic.
The world’s fastest car has 7 gears. 5, 6, and Nemanja Vidic
If you wake up tommorow, its because vidic let you live.
If you see Vidic in bed with your wife…….tuck him in.
If you can see Vidic, he can see you. If you can’t see Vidic, you may be only seconds away from death.
Vidic is the reason Wally is hiding.
Nemanja Vidic will never have a heart attack. His heart isn’t nearly foolish enough to attack him.
Vidic can drown a fish
Luke Skywalker uses the Force. The Force uses Nemanja Vidic
Nemanja Vidic smells what the Rock is cooking… because the Rock is Vidic’ personal chef
Nemanja Vidic once challenged Martin Skrtel in a “Who has more testicles?” contest. Vidic won by 5.
Vidic can skeletize a cow in two minutes
June 8th, 2009 at 20:33
@Grognard: No, the hunter will never be good enough for me till he comes to thte league with the best team in the world in it, the premier league
PS, id rather have tevez
June 8th, 2009 at 21:03
http://www.goal.com/en/news/12/spain/2009/06/08/1313385/breaking-news-kaka-tonight-then-we-go-for-cristiano-ronaldo
uhh
June 8th, 2009 at 21:10
They’ve been reporting on talk sport ALL EVENING that Tevez HAS IN FACT signed for Man Pity. Their reporters say, they have it confirmed on very good authority that Tevez has already signed a contract to join Man Pity. On MUTV tonight on Paddy Crerand show they were saying that talk sport were reporting the deal had been done, but United haven’t made it official yet. MUTV were saying they were in the dark, but talk sport were certain of their contacts that confirmed the deal. Sorry if you have discussed this already, but if not, what’s all ya thoughts?
June 8th, 2009 at 21:13
@Traverse: They won’t fuck off about Ronnie Trav, because Perez just announced to the spanish press that Ronnie was NEXT to sign. If all this is true, Tevez to Pity and ? Perez feeling confident Ronnie is in the bag, then why the fuck is United keeping the fans in the dark, and saying fuck all?
June 8th, 2009 at 21:17
i really dont care about tevez.
June 8th, 2009 at 21:18
ronaldo will be missed as a player not as a person
June 8th, 2009 at 21:26
@Traverse: Micah Richards sux!
June 8th, 2009 at 21:33
@Craig Mc: Because that is what United like to do. I have siad for a long time that the club is run like a mystery machine and that it treats it’s supporters like shite when it comes to giving them any news or relaxing their fears. They don’t give a rats ass about us. All they care about is the money we bring them.
I am not saying we should be meddling idiotic and obsessive fans like Newcastle that demand and intimidate their owners into naming former stars as manager’s. I’m just saying that they should comment on all the rumours and let some of us know what’s going on. Even if they don’t know themselves, let us know rather than have us live with all this doubt and anxiety. Like I said, they do not respect us one little bit.
June 8th, 2009 at 21:36
@ROOOOONEY: I care if he returns because that means the money that could go to a player we really need and could use will not be available due to the Tevez purchase. He’s clearly not worth what they are asking and we shouldn’t even be in a bidding war with Man Shitty. Let him go and all the best to him.
June 8th, 2009 at 21:43
grog the wave that tevez gave really summed it up for me that he was leaving, and then he goes thanking the fans and joins city lol~ “MAYBE”, this should be a fun summer, next season please!
June 8th, 2009 at 21:46
@Craig Mc: And how will Ronaldo feel being second fiddle to Kaka? Kaka is being given Zidane’s number! It’ll be the Kaka show featuring Ronaldo. At United he is the Big I am. The main event. He won’t be that at Madrid, and his ego wont allow him to be anything else. He’s going nowhere.
June 8th, 2009 at 22:16
Ronaldo wouldn’t have joined Madrid if Perez didn’t gain control again, they arre currently an absolut shambles. Perez is gonna ry to fix that by implementing his Galacticos philosophy. It might not work out, but it will undoubtedly attract the biggest stars.
For this reason I feel Ronaldo would be tempted to join them this transfer window to be part of new regime.
If he does go, would also be great to see him play second fiddle at times. Especially when it comes to taking free kicks (which he so gredily does!)
June 8th, 2009 at 22:19
Would be a crazy transfer window if we didn’t sign Tevez and we sold Ronaldo! We’d be guarateed some big name deals to go through.
I’m sure Fergie has some back up plans…
June 8th, 2009 at 22:40
@Traverse: Hey don’t shoot the fucking messenger Trav! I am only reporting what Perez is saying. He is confident of getting Ronaldo, and it concerns me a little that OT is so feckin quiet at the moment, with every club in the world taling about buying our best players. We only just got a denial from Vida’s agent, that Vida will not be going anywhere, but then went on to say, and I quote, “unless SOME ARABS come up with something too mind boggling to refuse. Guess who he is talking about????????????
June 8th, 2009 at 22:42
@Craig Mc: @Grognard: United have said it a million times that Ronaldo is not for sale. I don’t think they need to waste their energies commenting on meaningless speculation. I’d rather they do their transfer dealings like a mystery machine. Too many times in the past when they were a public listed company when they were answerable to shareholders, they had to confirm/deny speculation and that only served to make things more difficult to cut deals in the transfer market, more than anything. The advantage of being privately owned is it allows the club to make unilateral decisions based on the powers vested on fewer people. The fact that we have still ended up paying over the odds is more due to our reputation and in part down to the way our men have managed to haggle over deals.
I’d rather stay in the dark as long as we get the job done in the market — based on the plan they chalk out, whether it is buying x number of players or none at all. Transfer strategy must have clear vision, and it’s best done under the shroud of secrecy. We fans can speculate as much as we want, but in reality, I think this fans “deserving to know” palaver is a bit over rated to be honest.
June 8th, 2009 at 22:46
@Grognard: Yeah Grog, we didn’t realise when we became United fans, that we were entering into some secret covenant group, so fucking secretive that diehard fans are informed by the press before we are informed by our club. I mean before anybody starts pontificating, the press were actually reporting rightly on Ronnie’s wanting out to Madrid last season, and Fergie somehow managed last minute saving. Fuck it, who cares anymore. Seems clubs these days, follow the God called the pound – give me the dosh MENTALITY.
June 8th, 2009 at 22:50
@Red Ranter: Well you just keep on believing in the mystery Bro, whereas I would rather know upfront if my club are negotiating to sell their best player. What’s all the fucking mystery anyway RR, every fuck in the press knows before the fans do. They must have their PAID informers in the United camp eh?
June 8th, 2009 at 23:02
O and another interesting tit bit of news, Ronnie exacerbated his groin hernia playing for Portugal, and is ruled out of the next International on wednesday. He is wanting an operation straight away, to be fit for start of new season. WTF, this lad knows how to get an extended holiday during the summer, have surgery
.
June 8th, 2009 at 23:11
@Craig Mc: He’s not going to be doing alot of sitting on sun loungers after a hernia operation tho
June 8th, 2009 at 23:58
@Craig Mc: What the press report may or may not be true. It doesn’t matter one jot to the clubs negotiating the deal. But if United start to be upfront about everything, then it makes it difficult for them to get deals done with the negotiating club. We can’t thrown money around like City and Real. Why do you think Arsenal manage to get their deals done without going on about it in public. Wenger almost always keeps mum about any deals. Arshavin was played out in the press, but the official word was to not give much away. For clubs like us heavily in debt it’s better for us not to be upfront about it. It makes business sense. Sending tidbits to the press is all well and good, but given the questionable integrity of some of the rags, there’s no way of knowing the truth. And what’s this talk about the press knowing everything? They’ve got more transfer stories wrong than not. So much for their apparent knowledge.
June 9th, 2009 at 0:26
It’s official!!! Kaka is a Galactico!!! I have to say, that Perez guy does do some good business. Hopefully, he meets his match when he tries to snare Ronnie away from United. He is already making noise about signing Ronaldo, just days after he was spouting (rather like CalderMORON) all that nice and friendly inter-club relationship crap
. Hopefully, this signing will free one of their midfielders which could do some good for our team; Sneijder, M Diarra. Both are good enough to rotate in the squad, I think. 
June 9th, 2009 at 0:50
@Traverse:
, your so right mate 
.
June 9th, 2009 at 0:50
@Gabriel: Gabriel FFS, where have you been Bro?
June 9th, 2009 at 0:51
@Red Ranter: Don’t baffle me with science Bro, I want to know what’s going on
.
June 9th, 2009 at 1:42
@ROOOOONEY: I don’t know if he was loyal to United or the city of Manchester???
I mean really, does he have any7 idea what a Pandora’s Box he has opened up for himself by signing with a cross town rival? You just don’t do that. You’re better off signing with Liverpool because at least you are out of the town that is infested with United supporters who will hate your guts. If he thinks he will be welcomed back to OT with open arms and love when City visits next season, he’s got a rude awakening awaiting him. The guy has sawdust for brains. 
June 9th, 2009 at 1:46
@Traverse: Good point. If I was Ronaldo I would be mad about them going after Kaka and I would be doubly mad that they went after him first. Why? Because his ego will be telling him that Madrid valued Kaka more and wanted to make sure they got him first. I’ve said it all along, Ronaldo is not going anywhere. Unless Real break the bank and honestly, how much money do they have to spend? Last year they were conservative with their purchases. Now all of a sudden we are talking about spending 200 million? I think it’s BS. They will fail trying to get Ronaldo and will then attempt to get Ribery. Say they buy a couple of central defenders and a defensive midfielder. They have total shit for brains.
June 9th, 2009 at 1:53
@MoYa: There’s only so much great talent available. Just because we get 75 million for Ronaldo doesn’t mean there are any available players worthy of spending it on. After all, we are trying to replace the best player on the planet and a legend. I probably would hold off until next year and go after somebody early like Madrid did with Kaka. The longer this takes to happen the worse it becomes for United. And for whatever reason, there seems to be a negative tide amongst world class players in Europe not wanting to play in England for numerous reasons. Just because we want somebody and just because we have the money, doesn’t mean crap. If Barcelona offers Benzema a contract, he will choose them over us, I guarantee it. Manchester just hasn’t got the allure that Madrid and Barcelona have or even Milan, Rome or Turin. And their crushing loss in the Champions League final knocked the luster off of their armor and made them look less attractive to play for. Seriously Fergie, did you think you could get players to come and play in cold and wet Northern England by playing unattractive pedestrian football? Fergie made impossible for us to attract great names from warm climates.
June 9th, 2009 at 2:02
@Red Ranter: They don’t have to spill the beans on their negotiations or dealings mate. All we are asking for is some reassurance that all is well and that we aren’t going to have a mass exodus of talent and very little talent joining us. Let us know that the club is actively working on things and monitoring situations very closely. Something vague like that can go a long way in reassuring people that the Old Trafford offices are not vacated while everyone is on vacation and all around us Rome burns. And the memories of Rome are definitely burning vividly in my mind and in my heart. Just show us that there is a heart pulse emanating out of the old stadium. I honestly don’t think that’s too much to ask mate.
June 9th, 2009 at 2:08
@Craig Mc: Beautifully said mate. When did professional sports start acting like some super secretive covert intelligence agency hiding behind the once dreaded Iron Curtain? Football has become like the the KGB vs MI6 or MI5 with a little CIA for good measure. They take themselves far too seriously and they think that because they throw money around like it’s a bag of marbles, that somehow we need to respect their greatness and omnipotence and bow down to them as they are Gods and we are unworthy serfs or plebes. Next time we see Gill or Fergie lets get down on our knees and yell out “Yowsa Masser, we come to shine your shoes der Masser”. Unbelievable arrogance and snobbery. They forget who really puts food on their table and jewelry on their wives.
June 9th, 2009 at 2:10
@Craig Mc: It’s not like Real Madrid is veiled in mystery. They openly tell everyone what their plans are and what they want to do. They answer to a board and to investors and thus are not allowed to keep silent. It’s the way things should be. I hate secrets and organizations that keep them. And in sports it’s just silly.
June 9th, 2009 at 2:13
@Red Ranter: Look RR, we’re not asking for info on their attempt to get Valencia or Benzema etc. What we want to know is what is the deal with existing United players. What’s the deal with Tevez and especially Ronaldo. And are they or are they not going to sit down and listen to offers for him? Not too much to ask. We aren’t asking for numbers or any sticky details, just let us know if you plan on listening to offers or is he not for sale?
June 9th, 2009 at 2:14
@Craig Mc: You can’t know until they want to tell you what you need to know. Simple as that. Since you expect to know, good luck with that. Expect to be disappointed.
I’m surprised you all are acting as if this is something new.
June 9th, 2009 at 2:15
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1191613/Fantasy-football-Florentino-Perez-Real-Madrid-chief-picks-dream-XI–Ronaldos-there.html?ITO=1490
This is believed to be Perez’s wish for his ultimate Galacticos team. I noticed that Huntelaar and Sneijder are not in his plans as well as some others. Need I say more?
June 9th, 2009 at 2:17
@Red Ranter: It’s the last two summers having to deal with the anxiety that has been created over a possible Ronaldo departure. We are on pins and needles and the wait is torturous. If it’s going to happen, now better than later. If it isn’t going to happen then come out and say so and stop torturing us like this.
June 9th, 2009 at 2:17
@Grognard: Grog, RR doesn’t seem to understand that, he is a laid back, cool fucking dude
. You and me Grog, we demand that Man Utd management spill the fucking beans 
.
June 9th, 2009 at 2:18
@Grognard:
.
June 9th, 2009 at 2:21
@Grognard: Regarding Tevez, they’ve mentioned that they have offered a deal and his ownership is a sticky issue. I don’t know what other assurance I need. I know that much, and Tevez deciding either which way to go won’t surprise me the least bit.
Regarding Ronaldo, the club’s official stance is well known and they’ve been saying it for a good 2 years like a drone that he’s not for sale. David Gill continues to say that and so has Ferguson in countless press conferences and even once in the post season. What part of ‘he is not for sale’ can’t we understand? But of course, we want to read between the lines of the PR BS. Well, tough luck there, you can’t expect a club to come out of the politically correct stance. Which is why my contention is official statements from the club mean little when a whole lot of things behind the scenes can change all that overnight.
June 9th, 2009 at 2:22
@Grognard: They do forget Grog – the BASTARDS
.
June 9th, 2009 at 2:23
@Grognard: I have it on good authority, that SAF and Gill are putting the finishing touches on a block buster deal that will bring Eto’ and Benzema to OT. The combined cost is in the region of 45m, with the sale of Nani and Cambell and the 25m savings on Tevez’s purchase, covering the costs.
Also negotiations are going on with Blackburn to finalise the deal for Valencia.
On the Ronaldo front, I have learned that Madrid has backed off because of the Injury to his groin. Perez was quoted as saying “Christiano will cost us a lot of Euro’s, and we cannot spend them on damaged goods”. So I would imagine that puts pay to that!!
My sources have yet to release this news to the British press because of new, stringent regulations regarding printing unsubstantiated facts has just passed the House of Commons!!
June 9th, 2009 at 2:24
@Grognard: The last two seasons has actually hardened me and desensitised me to the endless crap that agents, clubs, and other sources trot out. I am not going to care until I see a player’s photo in flesh and blood unveiled with Ferguson by his side in the official site.
June 9th, 2009 at 2:25
@Grognard: Grog, come on now Bro, we know there isn’t a pulse emanating out!
. That is one bit of knowledge we don’t need them to tell us 
.
June 9th, 2009 at 2:27
@Redrich: Why would we buy two strikers? I hope all that is said in jest. Anyway, as I’ve said earlier — I’ll just look at these things as pure fun and get seriously excited by this only when I see something official.
June 9th, 2009 at 2:31
@Grognard: That’s what I completely despise about Madrid, doing their business through the media, unsettling players. That’s the very nature of them doing business that rubbed most United fans the wrong way the past two years, and I, for one, can never forget that.
June 9th, 2009 at 2:32
@Grognard: Lord if he thinks that we will give him the welcome he got when he went back to West Ham and they cheered him from the rafters, he is indeed in for a rude awakening. But you know what, I am not at all worried if he signs for the pities. I just hope he realises, that he will be cheered on by men with teatowels on their heads, pretending to be Arabs –
. When he comes back to OT with Man Pity, we will all be chanting BRAZIL, BRAZIL, BRAZIL. The argies and the brasilians hate each others guts. I don’t hate Man pity’s guts, cos they don’t incite any passion of emotion in me, and haven’t done for years. I think it would have been EXCESSIVE hatred if he had signed for Looserpool, at Anfailed – 
.
June 9th, 2009 at 2:34
@Red Ranter: No, but you can also NEVER forget that more often than not, IT WORKS –
.
June 9th, 2009 at 2:35
@Craig Mc: True. I won’t care one jot if he moved to City. But if he moved to Pool then he can expect a far more boisterous reception.
The Stretford End would be unrecognizable to him, if he returns in the red shirt of Liverpool.
June 9th, 2009 at 2:37
@Craig Mc: It works for clubs that have piles of money lying around. Not for clubs like ours and Arsenal. When we got the likes of Vidic and Evra, we got them on bargains because it was quick and other clubs didn’t even get a chance to get into a bidding war with us. Berbatov was played out like a soap opera in the media, and look what we ended up doing. You can say it worked, but with our debts, that’s not a long term strategy for all our targets.
June 9th, 2009 at 2:41
@Redrich: Pull the other fucking leg Bro, it plays Old Lang syne
. Man pity seem to think they have Tevez and Eto’o tied up, so who the fuck knows where your sources got their info from. With Berba, Rooney, Ronnie and all, I cannot see us bringing in both Benze=mard and Eto’o, but hey who am I. The Ronnie injury, that must be why Ronnie wants urgent surgery then, so that he is fit for the coming season.
June 9th, 2009 at 2:43
@Red Ranter: Ok boss, I’ll take your word for it then
.
June 9th, 2009 at 2:45
@Craig Mc: I convinced you so easily.
I must be getting better at this. 
June 9th, 2009 at 2:47
@Red Ranter: Well 2 strikers because we will re-sell Eto’ to Citeh in return for Micah Richards and Barry. The master plan all ties in with Tevez’s move to the Eastlands. SAF has called in 15 years worth of favors with Mark Hughes on this one, mate.
This is a really good deal for United and lots of fun too!!
June 9th, 2009 at 2:47
@Red Ranter: Poor little lamb, he will be met by stone cold silence, total indifference from the United faithful IF he returns in Pities blue shirt. But had he followed thru on his threat to join Looserpool, the ABUSE he would get would be something he would need full body armour for, and then he would still feel the wrath
.
June 9th, 2009 at 2:48
@Red Ranter:
.
June 9th, 2009 at 2:51
@Redrich: Where the fuck do you DREAM all this stuff up mate, it is so far fetched, your contact must be ET!
June 9th, 2009 at 3:01
@Craig Mc: In all honesty,
my contact has gotten first hand details, from close sources, with all parties concerned. DT has confessed that, should his real identity be revealed, it could well scupper all dealings mentioned here.
So please don’t press me for more details, all will be revealed by August.
Sorry about the leg mate, must be a problem for you!!
June 9th, 2009 at 3:43
Now that Real have Kaka, I suppose Snider (whatever the spelling is) will be sidelined. No way they can play both (unless Kaka plays as a striker!). How about a sneaky bid for snider (lets try to unsettle him at least). He is really a Scholes clone!
June 9th, 2009 at 4:37
The attack as a whole gets a 3/10 for boring me to piss nearly every freaking game this season. Least entertaining United side in my time as a fan.
No flair, panache or guile for the most part. Its amazing how shit we’ve gotten in attack since 06/07.
Hopefully the football improves next season because this season felt like a massive waste of time more times than not.
June 9th, 2009 at 6:38
@Redrich: That deal doesn’t make sense. If we wanted barry we would have bid for him. And if city want eto then they would go get him. None of this middle man bullshit. Your sources are having a go at you.
June 9th, 2009 at 6:44
@Johnsom33: He’s taking the piss mate. I thought it was obvious.
The moment he started talking about the master plan it was fairly clear to me. Premier League regulations won’t allow that by my knowledge.
June 9th, 2009 at 7:14
@Craig Mc: Why are you upset with Tevez for apparently signing for City?
If United management don’t want him, then good for him. He’s then at a club where he can make an impact and hopefully live to his potential.
If United management wanted him, then they only have themselves to blame. They knew 2 years ago what the price was and had about 2 years to clinch the deal. Look at how quickly Liverpool secured Mascherano?
I say, if the news of Tevez off to City is true, as sad as what it makes me, Good for him! I wish him all the best over there. He will always have my vote when he comes over to OT.
June 9th, 2009 at 7:18
@MUFC Fan in America: I agree. 3/10 for me too. (2007/2008 season were much better).
June 9th, 2009 at 7:20
[...] centre of the park. The wings were covered in chapter one of this epic trilogy, so kindly proceed here to read it in case you [...]
June 9th, 2009 at 8:04
@Craig Mc: Damn straight and we’ll bring out the nunchucks if they don’t right?
June 9th, 2009 at 8:08
@Red Ranter: The stance you have made clear a year ago needs to be reemphasized in order for Real Madrid to get the message. Madrid had a new regime change at the top and that changes things. They don’t stop asking for him therefore, we shouldn’t stop telling them to sod off and that we’ll sell him to them when Hell freezes over or when Liverpool win the league. Which ever comes first. I’m betting on Hell freezing over.
June 9th, 2009 at 8:15
@Redrich: No offense to you or no disrespect intended, but that stuff sounds like the work of Britain’s Marca “Vital Football”. Sorry but it just sounds like BS. Having said that, if it comes true (and I ‘m talking about the Etoo and Benzema part), I will write a sincere heartfelt letter of apology to you on this site for ever doubting you. As for Ronaldo, he can break his leg, pull his groin or have his dick sucked by a Tranny. In the end he’ll still be a United player. I just wished United would come out and just say so. But I do agree that the injury could scuttle Madrid’s plans for this year. It only means they’ll start again this time next year.
Also ask yourself one question. What do you do with Wayne Rooney if you buy both Etoo and Benzema? And why would they do that when they need to address their midfield and left wing side. Sorry but I think your source is full of it. But I will apologize if you are proven right.
June 9th, 2009 at 8:16
@Karl: Well good for you mate. I am not upset with Tevez, as I said I feel indifferent to him anyway. I don’t like cry babies who go to the press every few minutes, and badmouth our club and manager which is what Tevez did. A Fergie decision has never been boo-ed at OT for subbing a player, as it was recently with Tevez, nor has Fergie trying to address the crowd been outshouted by OT fans, chanting for Tevez. I hope I never see that again at OT. I don’t appreciate the way Tevez has gone about things, if you do that’s up to you. Jeez, he’s not that great as he thinks he is, nor is he worth the money his slave owners were asking.
By the way, Mascherano didn’t get signed until very late by Looserpool, because the very same slave owners were whining thru the media, as they were with Tevez. Same owners, same tactics. Maybe Tevez will get the respect he moans continuously about at Man Pity, poor little mite. But he won’t get it from me mate. You obviously didn’t read my post properly, I said I couldn’t care less about Tevez going to City, because I feel INDIFFERENT to it all. Looserpool now would be different!
June 9th, 2009 at 8:23
@MUFC Fan in America: You said it mate, and I mostly agree with your sentiments of our attacking players ineptitude this last season.
June 9th, 2009 at 8:26
@Red Ranter: I just can’t be like that RR. I mean if I was working and stressed out because of work like I am sure you are, maybe then I’d feel less concerned too. But i have too much time on my hands to constantly check on what my team is up to and the silence is maddening. I have been conditioned for years by baseball to look forward to the post season because that is when teams work a lot of trades and all the free agents are bought up. It’s lottery time and it’s great for guys like me who play fantasy baseball. Being Yankees fan, I always look forward to it because you know the Yankees are going to spend big. This year they really outdid themselves with Sabathia, Texeira and Burnett and how could any Yankees fan be disappointed and complain that their team did nothing and that they were quiet and never let them know what was on their minds.
The off season in North America is the Hot Stove League. A term that started in hockey and referring to the dealing and trading of players from one team to another. It gave lesser teams reason to hope and dream and it gave better teams reasons to lick their chops and drool over the possibilities. Well in the last two years Manchester United has just tortured it’s supporters by doing very little in terms of buying players but doing even less in letting us know what their plans and desires are for the club. What is the problem for that manager to come out and say I think we need a striker and central midfielder and we will try to see what we can buy. What’s with all the secrecy? We are talking about football here, not national defense. We’re not asking Fergie to come out and be the “Fourth Man” or Kim Philby. My God, can you imagine the tremors that will go around the world if we tell the world we are looking for a striker? God help us. I just think it’s all so silly and disrespectful to those who pay their salaries.
June 9th, 2009 at 8:29
@Red Ranter: Seriously mate, why do you watch the game whne you can just read about the score afterwards? That’s what you are sounding right. Far too cool and composed and lacking the passion and child like anticipation of a die hard supporter. Now I know you are a die hard supporter but where is your passion and lack of patience mate. They go hand in hand. You are being awfully Mr Spock about this all while I am being Bones McCoy. Damn it Jim I want answers.
June 9th, 2009 at 8:32
@Red Ranter: I’m not advocating that United to that, not at all. I just want them to come clean to the fans about what they can spend and what kind of players or positions they are looking at? And most importantly, I want reassurances about Ronaldo and Vidic and I want to know what is going on with Tevez? We have a right to know.
June 9th, 2009 at 8:42
@Craig Mc: What I’m going to love is if he signs for them and they go on to sign Santa Cruz, Etoo, or any other duo. He’ll be back on the bench before he knows it.
And the news is now trickling out that he has signed with Man City. So good riddance to Carlito. Poor bastard. He just didn’t know when he had it so good.
June 9th, 2009 at 8:46
@Redrich: Thats just crazy fantasy football crap. I’m sorry but City didn’t buy Barry to sell him to us. That just doesn’t happen in footy. That’s North American fantasy football stuff you are spewing. No way.
You’re just playing with us, it’s clear now.
June 9th, 2009 at 8:47
@Craig Mc: I understand. but, maybe the fans had reason to treat Fergie the way they did. not saying it was right, but that they had reason.
In all fairness to Tevez, the way he’s been treated the entire season, he never went to the media. The media only came into play now during the last week or two before the campaing ended. Given it was not the most ideal time to go to press, but I can’t blame him for that. He kept quite the entire season. If someone piss all over you, should you just smile and ‘get on with it?’
No one is supposed to be bigger than the club. And, that includes our beloved manager.
As greedy and evil as what Tevez’ owners are, they are not the bad ones here. They made a deal. United knew before they signed the played on loan 2 years ago what the terms of the deal was. They stuck to their deal. Whether we believe he is/was worth the money is irrelevant. Some other club (in this case City) thought he was. Why should the owners change their mind (or valuation)? If United were serious about signing him, they would have sorted it our long ago. We over-paid for all our major players thus far, and I am convinced we will continue paying over-the-odds for others still to come to OT. Truth is, they were not sure what Tevez’ value was/is and were not sure wether they want him or not. ‘Wanting to knock the price down’ had nothing to do with it. Even if we do end up signing him, I am still convinced that management is still uncertain about whether they want him here nor not.
June 9th, 2009 at 8:49
@MUFC Fan in America: And yet we won the league, and a pauper’s treble with such a useless attack. It wasn’t up to snuff but it wasn’t horrible. Horrible would have been scoring 50 goals all season.
June 9th, 2009 at 8:51
@Redrich: And Mark Hughes owes Fergie diddly squat. He doesn’t even like the Gaffer from what i have gathered from quotes and comment sby others over the past few years. Like he’s going to jeopardize his job and standing with his team and supporters in order to make Fergie’s day. Like that will ever happen. I swear, you must think this is April 1st.
June 9th, 2009 at 8:53
@Karl: I guess it’s the unwritten law that you don’t sign with Liverpool or City. It’s the rivalry thing.
June 9th, 2009 at 8:54
@Karl: I’d say 5/10. Last year was 7/10. 1994 and 1999 to 2001 was 8/10.
June 9th, 2009 at 9:05
@Grognard: In fairness, our attackers’ performances themselves were not that bad. (By now, we’ve gotten used to the idea that only Ronaldo score goals). It was their deployment that was bad. On individual effor and performance, I’d say 5-7/10, but if anyone of United’s coaching staff reads this blog, I would like to go on record 3/10 (mainly due to tactics)
June 9th, 2009 at 9:32
@Karl: Carlos is not worth £35m full stop.
To say he was “pissed over” is a joke, he earns £75k a week has won two championships, a champions league, carling cup and world club championship.
I like you mate a lot, but you sometimes seem to have a vendetta against the manager, to say because we have over paid previously so we must do again is not right. We are in a different climate now, and £35m for 5 league goals is not good value bro.
He signed a two year loan with an “option” to the end to sign, not had to sign, he isn’t worth the money we tried to neg the deal and he has sold his soul to the fans and signed for Citeh, I am looking forward to derby day more now next season.
To give the management a 3 for tactics, we won three trophies last season mate, far too unfair they got some of the tactics right obviously.
June 9th, 2009 at 10:40
[...] the rest at RedRants.com: Manchester United 08-09 Season Review Part 1 – The Attack Topics: English Premier League, Manchester United Discussion – No [...]
June 9th, 2009 at 10:48
@Stephen:
Stephen, you’re right. Sometimes I do have a vendetta against the manager. My only gripe against him is that we play UGLY football lately. I don’t care much for his hypocrisy, but this entertainment value cheeses me off. If you read any of my posts for the past couple of years (my contribution on this site incidently started with an “Open letter to Sir Alex Furgeson”, you will notice that this “vendetta against him” as you call it, only came up this past season. The reason, I hate the way we are being entertained. To say that I don’t care about the titles, etc. would be a lie. I do. But, I used to take pride in the fact that we won by still playing beautiful football. This past season, since kick-off, we’ve abandoned beautiful football. That is my gripe. Change that, no gripe. Barca to me was testement that you don’t have to give up beauftiful football in order to win.
If you can recall, earlier this season I made a comment that I’m so fickle, about 2-3 good performances in a row, and I would have forgotten all about the “bad displays”. Well, management could not even manage 2 or 3 consecutive entertaining games in a full season of football.).
I don’t want to be negative, but I cant smile this shit away.
You, management, and many others believe Tevez is not worth £35m. Good. City believe he is. Good for them. Tevez’ agent believe he is, good for him. Tevez believes he is, good for him. Everybody win, everybody happy! My point is, why must we begrudge him? He was not a wrongdoer.
Btw, regarding your 5 goal comment: incidently, he scored more goals than our ‘£32m + Campbell’ Berbatov).
June 9th, 2009 at 11:13
@Karl: Firstly mate Carlos scored one more goal than Berba, but 6 of his goals were in the league cup mate, Berba scored 9 in the league 4 in the champions league and 1 in the FA cup.
Carlos scored 6 in the league cup, 5 in the league 2 in the champions league and 1 in the FA.
So 6 in the league cup which included 4 against Blackburn reserves.
City have stupid money are not run as a business, they are are a rich mans hobby.
We all want to play great football but it is not easy, Barca are not the norm, they are a complete one off, no other side plays their brand of football.
The premier league is so competative and a win at all cost philosophy is ingrained into all clubs and we are no different, also a can’t go down attitude is also there with sides defending deep, do playing fast flowing football tearing teams apart is a lot harder. This maybe an excuse but it is a factor, but also I do agree with you, Iam a season ticket holder nad want to see great football, but the manager has done a great job and getting on his back in my view is unfair.
You want great football but have mentioned that you want Mourinho at the club??? He is the king of anti football, win at all cost regardless of style and behaviour!!!, And really who else really is out there mate???, who else could we trust???, in my view Fergie is still the only person I trust in charge, and will always support him as he has done more for our club than anyone.
June 9th, 2009 at 12:48
@Stephen: Don’t get me wrong…
I’ve always said ‘Mourinho, but with a more attacking style of play’.
In terms of winning trophies, Mourinho is the best, especially at the brand of football that we’ve now become accoustomed to. If what you say holds value, then we are truly fucked. This means he is certainly the best option to guarantee success.
In terms of playing style, I’ve never been an admirer of his. I always stated that ideally he should stay on at OT for at least a year before taking charge, with Fergie, to learn how to play beautiful football.
I personally like someone like Ruud Gullit (which I doubt many others likes) to bring ’sexy football’ to our club. Another person whose football I also like is big Phil Scolari.
I respect Fergie tremendously for what he has achieved for us. He has NO equal.
But, that does not mean I should hang on to every silly decision of his. He’s human, and he err. When he does, it should be pointed out.
I don’t agree with the decision to play so defensive and dull. I cannot condone that. HE always states that no man is bigger than the club…that should include HIM. (I’m not saying he should leave or anything, just change his current policy).
You cannot be serious in telling me that Barcelona is a better club than ours? I don’t buy this one-off stuff about them. We’re better. Fergie has always managed to combine flair with grit. That was what made us special and made us stand out above the Barcelonas and Arsenals of this world. This season the flair deserted us. Without that flair, we’re just another Wimbledon, which was exactly how we performed in the CL final. I cannot accept that this is our club’s future. If so, are you then seriously going to re-new your season ticket?
June 9th, 2009 at 12:58
@Stephen: I don’t want to belittle Berbatov because I belive he is a good player. But for the sake of argument, he’s 4 CL goals were against dudd teams, of which 2 were actually off-side.
If you discount Tevez’ goals, in all fairness, he’s 4 should also go.
Even the PL goals were against weakened opponents. Not saying that he is not better than Tevez, but that the goal stats is silly at best. NONE of our forwards lived up to expectations.
“City have stupid money are not run as a business, they are are a rich mans hobby”
Strange…that’s similiar to what they’ve been saying about us all these years. Remember, paying “over-the-odds” for players and “buying the trophy” and such?
People said the same about Chelsea. Is it perhaps jealousy?
Successful businessmen like that don’t go into a business venture without having a clear strategy on making a profit. Just too much money to lose. They know, you lose money, you lose power. Let’s not kid ourselves.
Would have been better just buying a few Ferrari’s
June 9th, 2009 at 13:15
@Grognard: I’d say on percentage OF SHIT versus non shit, the shit wins hands down.
. Oh and don’t blame me for demanding great football from our team, as I would like to quote SAF’s OFT QUOTED words, “we are Manchester United, we don’t just play football, the fact we are United, means we HAVE TO play football the United way!.” Sooooooooooooooooooooooooo what the fuck happened this year to the playing football the United way? I don’t think we seem to have a way anymore, and the way that we employ our players in all kinds of different positions and formations, confirms this surely? Can SAF fix it, only if he sees it through our eyes I suggest. SAF keeps telling us what GREAT football we have played all season, but he obviously has a different pair of eyes to a good many United fans, who were bored out of their minds on a good too many occasions this season.
June 9th, 2009 at 13:19
@Karl: I don’t begrudge City their money, and if we were in that position, I would want to start our own galacticos here in England. But just because you buy a whole lot of great players, doesn’t mean that you will have success. All those chiefs and no feckin indians to do the leg and spade work
.
June 9th, 2009 at 13:32
@Karl: Errrr excuse me for asking, but do you live in England mate? If you do, have you been holidaying at some remote location for most of this season? Tevez and his slave owner NEVER stopped going on about this in the media for a hell of a long time now. It wasn’t as nasty as it got these last few weeks, with Tevez telling anybody in the world who would listen, publically crying and whining to all media outlets that he didn’t like the way our club was managed. He also didn’t like “THAT OLD MAN’s WAY OF DOING THINGS”, that Old man being SAF. He cried about being disrespected, yet disrespected our club and management. He made what should have been a great post game celebration, to be ALL ABOUT CARLOS TEVEZ. Fergie was boo-ed, something I hope I NEVER see again at OT, and his post match address to the crowd was interrupted, ruining the day. Course all the ‘rent a mob’ fans that sometimes frequent the Strettie end, well they were not appreciated that day. The whole South stand where I was stood, were sickened by it. Anyway, RANT OVER BRO
.
June 9th, 2009 at 13:40
@Grognard: I think you’ll find that his slave owners have had an Affa davit signed promising that Tevez MUST start every BIG game, or he would not sign up for them. Well this shouldn’t be hard next season should it, because they won’t be having any BIG games
. Wonder if Man Pity will pay someone off, to get into the other european competition, thru the fair play rules, like they did last year – 
. Greasing palms when you have a LOT of Money to throw about is a good thing Grog 
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June 9th, 2009 at 14:32
@Karl: I agree mate about our forwards and you are right about Berba’s goals.
But we have won trophies, so that brings in tremendous revenue mate, Chelsea and City are totally different, rich men having fun, the Glaziers are business people.
June 9th, 2009 at 14:44
@Craig Mc: I think that is why they want Tevez. To do the spade work
June 9th, 2009 at 14:56
Tevez certainly not World-Class? 3 times South American Footballer of the year, not World-Class? You must be kidding me! About his performance this season, before anyone judging him, first you have to “thank” Fergie for causing all his misery. When he played superbly in some games, like scoring 4 against Blackburn or 2 against Fullham, Fergie “consistently” disrupted his scoring momentum by sitting him on the bench for the next games, but let Rooney start ALMOST ALL THE TIME. I even suspect Fergie DELIBERATELY lower his performance (cunning old man), the reason could be to lower his value (25m to 18m), or ready to get rid of him but not wanting other clubs to get him as well (as his value become lower other rival clubs may be hesitate signing him too, but Fergie get the backfire, Man City and Liverpool are interested, they may notice the “trick”)
Those who try to be so smart thinking that he is not World-Class, I suggest you to wait for next season to see it with you own two eyes. Man Utd cramped his style, but I bet he will soar high with other club like Man City. Why? Regular Football will bring out the very best of him.
June 9th, 2009 at 14:57
@Karl:
, not at that price mate! If that’s the case, its a hell of a lot of dosh for a spade digger 
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June 9th, 2009 at 16:36
@Craig Mc: I said it many times before mate. SAF so wants to make a name for himself in Europe and so wants to shutup Liverpool one dominance over us which is European Cups, that he literally sold his soul to the Devil known as Italian football in order to get those much needed European Cups. It worked for him last year against Barcelona and Chelsea but this year it blew up in his face in Rome when his team never showed up. All he seems to care about now is his legacy in Europe and to further pad his legend. Out the window goes United football and entertainment.
June 9th, 2009 at 16:43
@Craig Mc: In fairness to Tevez mate, Gill came out early last season and made comments to the media about wanting to finalize a Tevez contract and make it permanent. This began even before they signed Berbatov so you cannot blame Tevez for feeling a little slighted. He was wanted and good for them when the season started and he was told a contract was in the works and the then weeks went by and then weeks turned into months and then you realize the club was playing with you and that in my opinion was so unnecessary and very low on the part of United. They literally played Tevez out of that contract demand by benching him but telling him that he was wanted.
I am not advocating that we keep Tevez as I believe he isn’t worth half the pricetag placed on him. But United are not faultless here and their treatment and teasing of this player for an entire season was terrible and brought on the theatrics to the fans and the big mouth to the media. To be totally honest, I cannot blame Carlos one bit for feeling betrayed. But if I am also fair, I said before the season started that if Berbatov signed with United, that would mark the final season here for Tevez because he would definitely become the third striker. He just wasn’t worth the money being asked for him.
June 9th, 2009 at 16:47
@Craig Mc: Any team that would sign their future and freedom away buy promising a player starts through a contract is as Mickey Mouse an outfit as there possibly is in any professional environment. Can you see any player’s agent getting that concession from Fergie or Hoeness or Guardiola etc? What is this game coming to? Players no longer have to earn their starting position. They just have to be smart and arrogant enough to demand it in a contract.
June 9th, 2009 at 16:54
@Karl: Truthfully, the spade work should be done by our central midfielders. As we do not have a spade carrying player of the Roy Keane mold, then we destroy our form and style of play by forcing attackers like Rooney and Tevez to do spade work and further destroy our style by placing an inept talentless spade working rice paddy specialist by the name of Park to completely turn our team in to a pedestrian outfit incapable of playing with great skill and finesse. Spade work must be placed only to one person, a central defensive midfielder. Some teams use two of them and attack from the side. So be it, but never force forwards or wingers to do spade work. That’s not what they are there to do. Tevez was great at spade work because that was all he was great at. Goal scoring at a standard rate for a top line striker was certainly not his forte. And I’m sorry, but goal scoring is what we need the most form a striker. W e have Wayne Rooney to do a lot of those extras. Two Rooney’s are definitely not necessary.
June 9th, 2009 at 17:02
@Alan: I don’t care if he was named as President of Argentina mate, he’s not a world class player. He’s a world class worker. Big difference. A world class player doesn’t have feet of stone and a fist touch resembling mine. A world class player can thread passes to teammates , not continually have the ball stolen from him, a world class player has finesse and a deft touch around goal and doesn’t try to score every goal by blasting it up high into the roof of the goal. Add tot hat his short stubby legs and lack of killer pace and I really would like to know what is world class about him. Have you seen the lack of actual world class talent presently paying in South America? There isn’t much. They are all playing Europe. Tevez is a cut above many but he lacks the finesse skills and the prolific finishing of a forward to be mentioned in the same category as Aguero, Torres, and others I consider to be world class strikers, or at least very close to that. It amazes me what world class means to certain people. To some it is what I just mentioned. To others it’s a hard blue collar work ethic and the desire to run around the field and be a pest. Sorry mate but there is nothing world class about that. World class is comparing players to Pele, and Mueller, Rummenigge, Baggio and Ronaldo and not Carlos frakken Tevez.
June 9th, 2009 at 17:18
@Grognard: Have you people ever thought why you (yes you!) think Tevez is not worth the money 25m or 32m (or whatever price it is)? Why people think it that way? based on what? Based on performance and scoring record like this season Tevez scored 5 league goals, 15 goals in total.
When people see the performance or statistics of him are below expectation, they will mostly think Tevez is not worth the price. But what surprise me is that, these people never think of the reason why Tevez’s performance suddenly became “unexpectedly” low (thus not worth the price). They just keep saying Tevez is not worth that much, but never find out why Tevez’s performance seemed to have dropped. They think Tevez’s statistics are not good just because of his own doing, but ignore the fact that there was one man who made all the selection that VERY LIKELY affect his performance. That man is Fergie.
Think about it. A good player never drastically has his performance dropped suddenly without reason. In fact some of you can see Tevez wasn’t that bad after all, especially the last few games when he got to PLAY MORE REGULARLY. Before that (be4 FA CUP Semi-Final), it was “irregular play” for him, Fergie did this to him.
Can you see it clearly now? Can you see why you say he isn’t worth that much money makes no sense at all? If he had played regularly and thus played at his best, would you doubt him not worth the price? You say he is not worth the price but have you thought of why he seemed like unable to play his best?
Fergie dropped him most of the time (intentional or not we don’t know), thus affect his performance, thus affect his statistic, eventually affect his value, thus almost everyone think he is not worth the price. Fergie’s WISH has fulfiled, very successfully indeed.
June 9th, 2009 at 17:29
@Alan: Yes that man is Fergie. And under him he is unlikely to become world class. So there’s no point signing him. We can’t surely sack Fergie now, can we? So it’s good for all parties concerned that he be moved on. However, none of all this justifies the constant whingeing to the press. I’ve put enough thought to this argument, since you asked.
June 9th, 2009 at 17:48
@Red Ranter: Yeah, in fact I really hope that he moves on, joins other club. What I am trying to do here is just trying to make a point to some people: just be fair to him.
And since you said: none of all these justifies the constant whingeing to the press, I also want to say: if he didn’t say anything to the press, EVERYONE would never understand anything behind-the-scene. I bet he wouldn’t want to keep quiet on the “suspicious” unfair treatment of the club to him. Saying all this was just to let people understand. I can understand, albeit not much. But some people choose to ignore it (because they love the club very much?). If he kept quiet and suddenly switched club and never said anything about how the club treated him, what would most of the fans think? Most fans would not understand and would immediately brand him betrayer. Can you see it now?
June 9th, 2009 at 18:18
@Grognard: Find me a player who was so influential (like almost single-handedly) and inspirational in helping a club fight a seemingly impossible relegation survival, in this case West Ham. Find me a player who dare to join a brazilian club and in just 1 year he won them a trophy and won himself the Brazilian footballer of the year, in this case Corinthian. Find me a player who can win 3 times in a row South American Footballer of the year, the last and only player who did this is the legendary all time best Chile footballer Figueroa.
I bet present day only Messi has the ability and talent to achieve what Tevez has achieved. Not even Torres, Rooney, Ronaldo, Berbatov and all other World-Class players that you mentioned can achieve that. It takes a special type of world-class player to do that. If you want to ignore all these, suit yourself.
If you doubt his skill, how would you explain how the hell did he scored that superb second goal against Fulham? Fluke? How about that goal against Man City? How about him get past 2 defenders including Dunne in that games? How about that flick against Wigan? You think that was an easy goal? That flick was from a shot from Carrick, not a pass at all. It took tremendous quick respond, instinctive, strong and incredible skill to flick to the left side of the goal with an almost 90 degree angle.
Tevez’s skill is different than others that it was somewhat raw, or you can call that natural. Not like others, others sometimes try to be “too clever” for eg Berbatov. Tevez uses his instinct or intuition more.
If you still have doubt, doesn’t matter, like i said, just wait and see. Hope he joins a new club to see if you will eat your words.
Staying with Man Utd Tevez will forever be second best.
June 9th, 2009 at 19:15
@Alan: No. I was actually fair to him till he started opening his mouth. It was plain obvious to everyone that he was not started in enough games. Any player with little self respect would be unhappy with that. I would have backed Tevez to the hilt if he’d kept his thoughts to himself or to Fergie than try to play the victim card. Sorry, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to discern the problem with his contract — it didn’t need Tevez to ram the “I am the victim in this” card down our throats, not once, but several times. That too, to any random radio station/press outlet that cared to ask him. I could see that in December itself. Talking to the media about “ill-treatment” would be his agent/owner’s job.
Also to think everything would be quiet and we would somehow one morning wake up to see he is in man city blue and not having seen that coming is very naive. There are agents/owners that can send quotes into the press to ensure this sort of deal does not go quietly.
June 9th, 2009 at 21:38
Spot on about Rooney and Ronaldo, but Tevez definitely deserves a better mark than Berbatov, his effort and work rate and crucial goals had more of an impact on our season.