Jun 09
Manchester United 08/09 Season Review – Part II: The Midfield
Part II of this odyssey takes you to the realms of middle-earth, also known in modern times as the middle-field, or simply, midfield. The concept of the midfield here has been tweaked ever so slightly to consider only the positions in the 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 haven’t.
Central midfield for United has been in a state of constant flux. And that can be reflected in the almost impossible task of trying to predict the players that will play there for us for any given game. Fitness, and Ferguson’s inner voice alone, decides who gets to start on a given day. To some extent Michael Carrick has been a relatively permanent fixture.
Ryan Giggs:
It’s amazing to see the man still strut his stuff in United colours, yet it’s also sad to see his player of the year award dismissed as nothing more than a sentimental lifetime achievement award. It’s not his fault that the voting was held at the time when he was stringing in great performances while re-inventing himself in the centre of midfield. It is a clearly obvious shift in his role this season to a purely central one (whilst he did it in bits and pieces in the 07/08 season) that he has been included amongst central midfielders in the end of season review. But despite the hyperbole that came his way when he had a few very good performances in end December, January and mid-Feb this has been a season which has shown it glaringly to the manager that Giggs cannot do it anymore on a consistent basis. I love the player to bits, but I can see that he cannot be considered a starter for us anymore. He’s reinvented himself against the tide of doubt on countless occasions, and he did show us another avatar of himself this season. But he has to be no more than a squad player next season — and I think even he, surely, would recognise that fact.
He’s done well on occasion to roll back the years, but he’s also found wanting on quite a few — not entirely his fault when the manager expected a far greater load on him than was warranted of a 35 year old.
Rating: 7.5/10
Paul Scholes
*cliche alert* Another great servant of the club but, in his case, his time was already up last season. He’s been rather average, and age and physicality of the league has finally caught up with him. His highlight reel will undoubtedly hark back to that volleyball red card against Zenit St Petersburg, and the sending off at Fulham. He showed flashes of being able to do it in short bursts, but to me, this ought to have been his last season — and I don’t mean it as disrespect.
Rating: 6/10
Darren Fletcher:
Stepped into the giant Hargreaves shaped, tendinitis afflicted void seamlessly. He just grew with every game right through the season. The Chelsea game stands out as well as the Champions’ League Arsenal game, before being sent off. The fact that there is even a debate over what might have been had Fletch played in the Champions’ League final is testimony to the way he has grown in stature at the club when, not too long ago, he was one of the objects of Roy Keane’s ire following our 4-1 embarrassment against Boro.
Oh, how the tide has turned!
Rating: 7.5/10
Anderson:
When Anderson came to the club in the summer of 2007, he was a virtual unknown, despite papers hailing him the next Ronaldinho. The fact was no one in the club seemed to know what his position was. Expectations weren’t much to talk about, which was why when he was not intimidated against the likes of Gerrard and Fabregas in his first season, he was hailed as the next midfield magician. 2008/09 has been a more sobering realisation of his talents. He has blown hot and cold this season. On occasion he seems to make killer passes, on other occasions he seems to pass the ball right back to the opposition player. It’s been frustrating to watch him play. He missed the early part of the season to injury and took a while to get going in the second half. His performance in the final was diabolical, but again, it’s unfair to single him out in a game when everyone was generally poor.
Ferguson calls him the natural successor to Paul Scholes. I don’t agree with it, because he is a completely different player to the Ninja. He needs to work on keeping the ball, looking up for the right pass to make, and run less often with his head down. Quite a few traits that he needs to work on (apart from his terrible shooting) if he is to become anyone approaching Scholes. They say he has age on his side. I hope he does. It will be fantastic to see him become a good, consistent player, but he needs to work on his game a lot more than one believes.
Rating: 6/10
Michael Carrick:
It’s been a long journey for the former Spurs man. He is now the heart beat of United’s midfield. He has shown consistent improvement over the seasons and this year he’s shown more offensive ambition than the past. Having a very good midfield enforcer would be even beneficial to the man’s talents because it would free him up to move up the pitch. He’s also added a few goals to his tally, and hopefully that would improve next season.
A very good season for the man — if only there was a stable partner who could reliably do the dirty work in midfield.
Rating: 8/10
Honourable mentions: Rodrigo Possebon showed some glimpses of technique far superior to the fare English clubs churn out in their academies. He is in the mould of Carrick, but would benefit from a loan spell in a Premiership club. Another shout goes to Darron Gibson who, in his limited appearances, actually showed a lot of drive going forward. However, it looks like he might see his future elsewhere, and we wish him the best wherever he goes.
This ends Part II. Join us tomorrow for Part III — which should be the last part, unless I decide otherwise.
Related items from Red Rants:
- Manchester United 2006/2007 Season Review
- Manchester United Season Review | Part II | The Engine Room
- Sepptic Blabbermouth Opens Gob + Roundup
- Man Utd Headlines: 25 May 2007
- Manchester United 07/08 Season Review: The Defence
Tags: Opinions/Columns
June 9th, 2009 at 7:44
Edin Dzeko
.. anyone?..
…. Sneijder better than Scholes ….
June 9th, 2009 at 7:44
@Merlinus: AC Milan
June 9th, 2009 at 8:07
IMO, Anderson is certainly not a CM. He played LW for Gremio and Porto!. Making him play in CM for his hustling quality and his ability to pick out long range passes, is Fergie – restricting the players ability to dribble:
and high speed dribble is something which he does best. Also if he’s able to pick out arial balls like that, then i have no doubt he’ll be able to deliver cross after killer cross(from right wing against spurs- first half of the season which rooney floundered)!.. Now why has left wing been a problem at OT this season, i wonder! 
June 9th, 2009 at 8:12
To those who say we need a “box-to-box” midfielder that will get us 15 goals a season, gibbo has got 3 goals in 15 games this season, and thats being a bit part player. Give the boy a chance.
June 9th, 2009 at 8:18
@Dan: Gibbo is definitely not world class.. Nor do i see him developing into one (we do have possebon who has that vision! and ability to think different).. and do you seriously think we should go into next season with,
)
)
1.Carrick
2.Hargo (fit?
3.Anderson (LM
scholes and giggs (almost finished for now)..
I mean, just look at the state of our freakin’ midfield
..
June 9th, 2009 at 8:59
@Dan: You amaze me how you build up these reserves to be modern day Johann Cruyff’s but a proven goal scorer like Huntelaar gets no respect at all. You say he played in Holland and in Spain and they are weak leagues but your reserves play most of their games in the reserves league. Are you trying to tell me that the reserves league is better than Holland or La Liga in class? And 3 goals in what 15 Carling Cup type games is not impressive. 3 goals in 15 EPL games would get more of a look from me. Much ado about nothing I’m afraid.
June 9th, 2009 at 9:01
RR, Far too kind to our entire midfield. None of them and I mean none of them deserve more than 7. Not even Giggs and Scholes. Not enough consistency. And Anderson is a borderline 5 for me. Not because he deserves a 5, but because I know it will piss off my buddy Eddy.
Also the thing about Carrick is still consistency. He needs to show more of it.
June 9th, 2009 at 9:21
@Grognard: I’d say Fletcher deserves an 8 personally. I think he’s had a great season and was a huge loss in the CL final.
June 9th, 2009 at 11:02
I’d say, pretty much spot on, except for of course Anderson. He should get 9/10
(only reason for not 10 is the fact that he has not yet scored a goal).
Seriously though, I agree that he is not being played to develop to his fullest.
Gibson, apart from his goals, did not really tickly my fancy this season. He was pretty woeful in midfield during the games he played in the senior team (unlike his not too bad performances for the reserves).
June 9th, 2009 at 11:15
[...] Red Rants reviews the midfield of 08/09, following on from the attack. [...]
June 9th, 2009 at 11:30
I’d say that Fletch was our best player last season in midfield.
June 9th, 2009 at 11:37
Good assessment I would say and the conclusion is “could do better”
Call me old fashioned but looking at our midfield and it is very pretty, Scholes, Giggs, Carrick even Anderson can be put into that bracket, with Gibbo and Possebon young and lacking experience. Being without Hargo who nobody knows about what future if any he has with us, I certainly hope he will be back but call me a pessimist, we are lacking a player who can put his foot in.
I like midfielders who are generals, Keane, Robson, Butt, Judas Ince were all players who you would want in the trenches, leaders of men which in my view is important in arguably the most important position on the pitch. Liverpool have Stevie Stepdad, Mascherano, Chelsea have Lampard who isn’t a tackler but influencial, Essien, Ballack and Mikel. Even Barca have Yaya Toure and Busquets who put their foot in, who do we have Andy?
We seem to be all obsessed either a striker or winger when compared to the real need we are plentiful when a nasty centre mid is what we need, with ideally De Rossi or Flamini the obvious cadidates.
June 9th, 2009 at 11:40
[...] the rest at RedRants.com: Manchester United 08-09 Season Review Part 2 – The Midfield Topics: English Premier League, Manchester United Discussion – No [...]
June 9th, 2009 at 12:20
Yes really the central midfield is the main area of the team that needs an overhaul. Giggs cannot be expected to play more than a bit part role and Scholes needs putting out to pasture. Fletcher is a useful squad player but we are crying out for someone with real quality to play alongside Carrick.
We presumabely passed up the Tevez deal. That means we have £25 million. I want the majority of that to go on a central midfielder.
June 9th, 2009 at 13:00
..Sneijder better than Scholes..
..Rooney better than Ronaldo..
..Hunter better than Berbatov..
June 9th, 2009 at 14:08
When fergie calls anderson the natural successor to scholes, i think he means positionally, as a central midfielder who will attack and support the strikers. His style of play is obviously very different.
Anderson’s style does not suit the negative, conservative tactics that we employed last season. In a team with more emphasis on attack and faster, more direct build-up play anderson could have a future in our midfield. If we stick with the rather boring style of play then we’d be as well selling.
June 9th, 2009 at 14:34
@Merlinus: As long as we stop wasting Rooney on the wing!
June 9th, 2009 at 14:38
Valencia really wants to come to United. SO I think we can take that as read, since we’ve had an offer accepted, and the player disparately wants to come here. With that in mind (and no other possible in or outs included) what would be the team you want to see start the first game of next season?
VDS
Brown Ferdinand Vidic Evra
Ronaldo Carrick Anderson Valencia
Rooney Berbatov
2 Wingers. 2 Strikers.
June 9th, 2009 at 14:38
@tevez: Agree.
It is not that he is not creative, he’s just not gelling because, of what I’ve seen so far, he wants to make things happen quickly…sometimes too quickly for those around him. If you look at the games he played, a lot of his ‘misplaced passes’ were not really mis-placed passes at all. The runner either decided to stop running, or did not anticipate the pass Anderson decided to make. He tend to think ‘too quickly’ for the current setup. I think he will do well in the manner of play of Arsenal.
@Stephen: Agree.
I also miss a player like Keane, Ince, Robson. I think that’s why I crave us signing Essien so much. Pity it will never happen though.
June 9th, 2009 at 14:41
@tevez: What tactics does he suit?, he can’t shoot zero goals in 41 games isn’t exactly Frank Lampard territory so all he does is use his body strength, hassle and dribble into opposing players.
but everyone blames tactics for players lack of form but they have to take responsibilty themselves, the before mentioned Lampard played under Grant and Scolari who were far from popular and heavily critised but scored 40 goals, Anderson has scored none.
Karl will be seathing reading this sorry mate
June 9th, 2009 at 14:44
@Stephen: Have to agree. Our midfield is weak on all fronts, but it could be much better if we had a Diarra (any one of the two, I don’t care) since creativity can come from Carrick and, when needed the attack (Rooney, Ronaldo, Berbatov).
@Merlinus: Taking a page from my book?
I like what you are saying, but the Hunt better than Berbatov is a bit off the canvas. I mean, I watched Real Madrid a few times this season and he is very, very far from Berbatov as a player in all aspects except finishing.
Anyway, have to end it with:
Rooney, better than Ronaldo!
June 9th, 2009 at 14:48
Why do you think there is so much of hype around Real Madrid? Why do you think that Madrid supporters are so proud of their team – bordering to the point of emanating intolerable arrogance at times?.. Even though there has been a lack of champions league trophies why do they still brag that they are the best team in Europe?..
..
I seriously think its because of the style of play..
Admittedly the defence is rotten.. but the way they attack, not the quickness or the incisiveness, but the randomness and the unpredictable chaotic way in which they attack – that brings a certain amount of beauty to their football
Marcelo scores freely, how often do you see evra score?..
Sergio Ramos scores, How often do you see wes or Gary Neville score?
Guti,Sneijder(WOW),Gago even De La Red at times.. They won three primiership titles with two aging forwards well above 30 – and dead slow!.. why? Don’t give me the reason that they play in an inferior league – cause thats just hypocrisy..
Its because of the style of play, its ordered chaos – thats what it is.. Vidic and Ferdinand with Madrid they would win Champions league after champions league with that kind of play..!
June 9th, 2009 at 14:48
@Karl: How would he suit Arsenal mate, would that lazy fucker Adebeyor run onto his over hit passes??
June 9th, 2009 at 15:06
@Dan: I like Gibbo Bro, he has the sweetest shot, which if he could practice his arse off, on getting it on target, he would be great for us. My Dad told me that Bobby Charlton told the media that his short and especially long shots at goal, were so accurate, because from being a child, he determined every shot was going to be on target. He drew a picture of the goals on a wall at his home, and circles on that wall. He practiced continuously shooting at those circles until he became so bloody accurate at it. He turned out to be a fantastic goalscorer. Some of these young lads need to listen and get practicing by themselves on their game.
June 9th, 2009 at 15:08
@Stephen: Speed and strength with the ball at his feet and plenty of energy. Play him in a team which will attack aggressively – direct passing and committing plenty of bodies forward. Up the pace of games, try to stretch teams and open up space. Play anderson in midfield with someone who is happy to sit and spray passes, freeing him up to drive forward.
June 9th, 2009 at 15:10
@Stephen:
True, players need to take responsibility. But, when you’re under orders, what do you do? I have a suspicion that is why Nani ended up in the doghouse in the first place. For defying orders.
When Anderson is on the field, you can clearly see the instructions he was given. Don’t you think it’s strange that sometimes he has an opurtunity to get into the box, but opt to cut back and fill in for the overlapping full-back? His instructions are clear, and only in the last 2 or 3 games were he given instruction to play more forward. Same goes for Carrick.
From the last few games I’ve seen, Arsenal players actually react quicker than ours. They game is also much faster than ours. Not saying they’re a better team, but they do play much faster than us. Anderson loves one-touch football. Problem is, we don’t play one-touch anymore.
Bias aside, who’s lazier, Adebayor or Berbatov???
(I was kinda joking about Anderson in my first comment, but please don’t let me try to defend him?)
June 9th, 2009 at 15:12
@Merlinus: Evra score
, joke of the season mate. Evra wastes so much bloody energy stampeding up and down the left side of the field the whole game, and I never saw him get a decent cross into the box for all his effort. He cannot beat the defender or get passed him to the touchline, and he cannot if his life depending on it – SCORE 
. The hilarious thing is though, that Evra said he was always a striker until he joined Monaco 
. Why am I not surprised that Monaco kicked his striker roll into touch?
June 9th, 2009 at 15:13
@tevez: “Play anderson in midfield with someone who is happy to sit and spray passes”
Michael Carrick?
June 9th, 2009 at 15:18
I saw something amazing on MUTV last night. Sheasy taking a throw in, and he had three players nearby to throw to. Two players were stood ten yards away, either side of Sheasy, and that left one player facing Sheasy, but he had opposing defenders either side of him. Guess who Sheasy passed to? Yeah you got it in one
. He passed to the player double marked, and the defenders sausage squashed the player and came out with the ball. I was pmsl 
. United players esp Evra, but a few good more than him, cannot seem to find a United comrade even from their bloody throw ins.
June 9th, 2009 at 15:19
@Karl: “Bias aside, who’s lazier, Adebayor or Berbatov??? Bloody hell that is a tough one”, Adebayor is lazy mate, Berba has always played like that, Adebeyor at least used to run.
Mate Anderson passes the ball backwards because he has no confidence in his shooting, Ronnie, Carlos and Rooney shoot from anywhere, I undersand he is a favorite of your mate and I respect that but blaming the entire system for his poor performances all season is a little bias bro.
We do play one touch, rooney Berna and Carlos do it all the time, Andy simply over hits he passes of late due to his form going hitting his confidence.
I am not anti Andy, as I am not anti any player and hope it works out, but mate Fletch had a great season, Carrick also was superb in spells Andy was just poor, hopefully he will have a better one next.
June 9th, 2009 at 15:20
@Stephen: Yup. Carrick. That works.
June 9th, 2009 at 15:24
I’m surprised at all this moaning about our tactics employed this season. It’s not like we had a choice people. Remember when teams used to park the bus against us late last season and early this season? Was our cavalier approach working then? I think not!! Fergie then tried to adopt a more controlled and gradual attacking setup aimed at dominating the other team into submission while at the same time curbing the opposition counter-attacks which were common with bus-parkers. It worked, especially in europe and fergie stuck with it. Granted, it did not flatter like our previous styles or even produce the same amount of goals, it still got us the wins we needed.
That was, I believe, one of the main reasons Fergie acquired Berbatov, because he could thrive in that slow-prodded attack, what with his lovely control and ability to pick out killer passes. The sad thing is, I feel we have forgotten how to attack with the same devastating venom we had in the previous seasons, esp 2006/2007. If we can re-eneact that attacking spirit, I believe we will have a blind-storming season next time around. The defeat against Barca might help us in that aspect, as in, teams will be more adventurous against us rather than park the bus. This courageousness will fortunately be their downfall if we have our atacking ethos back on point.
What I feel we need to do is play Fletch as a Defensive midfielder. Full stop. No two Centre mids rubbish. Just fletch as the screen for the back four and let Carrick get on with his playmaking duties upfront. God knows he has every quality needed for an attacking mid. Two attacking Side midfielders; Ronnie and Nani. Two forwards; Rooney and Berba. It’s that simple!! If need be, in europe, we can still use our 4-2-3-1 crap formation, as it definitely works there. Just stick with a healthy and attacking 4-4-2 in the premiership. I know Liverpool employed the 4-2-3-1 formation to great success this season, well that’s because few teams parked the bus against them and they had a mobile, lethal (with both head and feet) forward uptop; torres while we had tevez. Plus they had Gerrard in the hole who wasn’t as reluctant or as shy as Berbatov is of shooting.
The 4-4-2 is the formation for us. We have all the right players for it. Fletcher has proved himself this season, so can be responsible for the defensive mid spot we were so cautious about giving him. Also, Hargo (touch wood) might be coming back, so there’s decent backup. Plus, I believe Ando might develop better if he was just cradled with attacking duties, hence be a reliable backup for Cazza and maybe even score a few (touch wood also).
June 9th, 2009 at 15:29
@Karl: We would play ‘one touch football’ Bro, if any of our players had a touch
. How many times you see The Roon, Tevez, Andie, Evra, Carrick etc etc, bring the ball down, or receive the ball, but somehow always allow it to run away from them. The best ‘one touch’ player we have is Berba.
June 9th, 2009 at 15:31
@Gabriel: Our cavaliar approach may have not been working Bro, but in the few games we played it, and I mean Few with a capital F, at least it kept me alert and excited with the game. The SNOOZE football I think most of us can do without.
June 9th, 2009 at 15:33
@Gabriel: And we really dominated the other team into submission in Rome when it really mattered, didn’t we Bro (NOT).
.
June 9th, 2009 at 15:38
@Gabriel: Point taken.
@Craig Mc: True.
Just one question. How come Nani’s not on that short-list of players
June 9th, 2009 at 15:40
For next season, all I ask for is 3 consecutive good games.
Is that too much. I promise, if that happens, I will not complain about tactics ever.
June 9th, 2009 at 15:42
@Gabriel: Hey Gabriel, I believe the Terrestrial Beings in outer space have been trying to contact OT, because their collection of footballs from Anderson’s skyhigh shots, are getting too much. They don’t have enought storage space up there for them
. Ebay-ers are complaining that the Roon is now scoring more goals, because his skyhigh shots, falling into the car parks of stadiums all over the globe, used to be a great source of revenue for them 
.
June 9th, 2009 at 15:44
@Craig Mc: True !!
It was sort of a boring campaign football-wise but overall, I really enjoyed it; the trophies, the comebacks, the late goals, they were all great. Too bad about the ending though. Fergie cocked up big time there and it just proved what I was saying about us forgetting how to attack with that venom we had circa 06/07. Fergie set up that team to attack uninhibitedly and after we conceded that first goal and more importantly, possession, we just crumpled under confusion. Which is why I questioned after the match why Fergie just didn’t stick with the boring,rigid 4-2-3-1 approach that got us that far during the season? I mean, his switch to 4-4-2 at half time was just laughable. It’s over though, which is why I suggested we just stick to our 4-4-2, especially in the prem and leave that 4-2-3-1 to Europe where it works. 
June 9th, 2009 at 15:44
@Karl: You’ll be doing a lot of complaining then I’m afraid Bro
.
June 9th, 2009 at 15:49
@Gabriel: Yeah Gabriel, the trophies are always welcome Bro. I still maintain that we were fortunate in the PL in a good few games this season. Yet Looserpool were more so, because they played 10 games against 10 men! They sure know how to reduce the odds against them, surround the ref waving aggresively imaginary red card. Sly but cunning bastards those dippers!
June 9th, 2009 at 15:51
@Craig Mc: Haha, don’t let RedDevilEddy read that, he’ll just combust with anger!!
Btw, is that a back-handed compliment for Rooney?? 
I’ll take it!! lol Rooney has developed just a bit, but we will never see him reach that next level we all expect if Fergie keeps exploiting his versatility and more importantly, his tolerance to this misuse. I mean, a more arrogant player would have gone ballistic being played so frequently out of position, but not Rooney. The guy just loves to play man, which is why I love the lad!! Btw, the knee-jerkers are more angry after every non-performance from the team as lil Man Nani never plays anymore, so they have no one to blame for our bad performances!! 
June 9th, 2009 at 15:52
@Karl: Awwww come on Karl bro, Lil man Nani has an exquisite 1st touch
. Not to mention he didn’t get enough games to judge him this year. The lads a genious mate 
.
June 9th, 2009 at 15:53
@Gabriel: Why was it laughable?, Andy wasn’t playing well and we needed a goal, with the system we deployed to start with was to nick one and hold on, after the goal we didn’t look like scoring so we went more attacking, which also didn’t work but was certainly the right thing to do.
June 9th, 2009 at 15:53
@Stephen: Sorry, but the way a player is deployed has a huge effect on his form. Have you ever played or coached in sports before? One of the biggest jobs of the manager is to put players in their best position to succeed or help the team succeed. What kills me is when people like Roney are sacrificed for the better of the team and then the player gets slagged off for not reaching his best form. The biggest sin Rooney has commited is by being so loyal to the team and not being selfish.
June 9th, 2009 at 15:53
@Gabriel: He had to change it at half time against barca, we were being completely outplayed.
June 9th, 2009 at 15:55
@Craig Mc: “The best ‘one touch’ player we have is Berba.
“
The Berba I saw doesnt play 1 touch football, more like recieve the ball and hold it till the d has a chance to get back in position.
June 9th, 2009 at 15:58
@Craig Mc: He played 30 games bro, but he didn’t get a consistant run in the side especially towards the end of the season.
It will be sad if he leaves especially if we buy fucking Valencia, which I hope we do not, what is the point in buying him with Nani in the squad and the real need is to spend the money on at least one centre mid, odd to say the least.
June 9th, 2009 at 15:58
can someone please post a link saying Tevez signed for City? Everyone acts like its common knowledge but as of this morning no one is reporting it.
June 9th, 2009 at 16:01
@johnsom33: It is the worst kept secret in football mate, give it until Friday when you will see him being paraded in the blue shirt.
June 9th, 2009 at 16:01
@Gabriel:
, I forgot about Eddy, I better make sure I got my body armour and crash helmet when he comes on the blog tonight. I think even Eddie is honest about Andie’s lack of goal scoring prowess. Andie does have other good qualities going for him though. I am dying for the lad to sneak that 1st goal, I don’t care how it goes in. Well when Fergie comes out on MUTV and says that all the roman catholic United fans are going to Mass and lighting a few candles that Andy will score, (and yes SAF did really say that), then I think a good few fans want that 1st goal from Andie 
.
With regards to the Roon, I see he has started to react now, and publically stating that he doesn’t want to be played out of his natural position anymore. Most fans are with Rooney on that one though. So Fergie are you listening?????????????
June 9th, 2009 at 16:05
@johnsom33: No one is reporting it mate, because neither United or Man Pity have made official statements yet. But Talk sport said that their sources at Man City have said the deal is already done, and Tevez has signed already for 5 years with Le blues.
June 9th, 2009 at 16:07
@Stephen: Errr Stephen do you mean Nani??? He played 15 games Bro!
June 9th, 2009 at 16:10
@Craig Mc: @Stephen: Let me get this straight, its the worst kept secret in football and no one is reporting it because neither team has made a statement yet… COrrect me if Im worng but when has not having the facts ever stop the english media from reporting it? They make up shit everyday, and I really dont see why they would be mum about this one, especially since they all love taking the piss out of United.
I wouldnt be suprised if he did sign for them, but Im not buying it that its a done deal.
June 9th, 2009 at 16:12
@johnsom33: Johnsom Bro, that’s because of the type of football United play. Everybody back to defend, so when Berba gets the ball in an advanced position he has to hold on to it, BECAUSE that’s what Fergie has stated from the beginning that Berba can bring to the team, hold on to the ball, to let OUR players not opposition defenders get back
. If you watch Berba for Spurs all their players don’t get back defending, I mean our strikers are on the bloody goal line sometimes, the oppositions, when they should be on ours. Berba was very good at Spurs with one touch football, that is why Keane scored so many goals for Spurs, but failed at L’fool.
June 9th, 2009 at 16:14
@johnsom33: It has been reported mate a few weeks back, but it is so obvious that he will sign for them it is untrue, Talkshite reported it was a done deal yeaterday.
June 9th, 2009 at 16:15
@Stephen: @tevez: It was laughable because playing only two midfielders against four barcelona midfielders (yes, four!! Messi was playing in the hole and as effectively an attacking mid) was just game suicide. Personally, I feel we needed players who could keep hold of the ball a bit more on the pitch. In particular, Scholes and Berbatov. Fine, Fergie had his initial plan and played his sentiment card with Park and Giggs but as soon as it wasn’t working, why not stick with the 4-3-3 but put on more possession players so as to prise back some of it from barca? I mean, Park and Giggs were pretty much nxt to useless in that game, giving away the ball at every opportunity and they stayed on for soo long, why?
I would have had a trio of Cazza, Ando and Scholes in midfield. A perfect combination of pace, power, possession and passing. Enough to stifle Barca’s midfield just like Chelski did!! Upfront, I would have had Berba spearhead the attack, keeping hold of the ball with Ronnie attacking the old and slow Silvinho and Rooney on the other wing giving Puyol a headache, with both wingers switching frequently. It’s that simple man, but like they say, hindsight is very convenient. I just feel Fergie picked his most reliable players, told ‘em to repeat the arsenal show and had no back up plan. Call me ignorant but that is what it looked like given our collapse after the goal and fergie’s subsequent substitutions.
June 9th, 2009 at 16:16
@johnsom33: Errrr if you go on News Now quite a few of the media HAVE said that Tevez has made a decision for Man City. All bloody day yesterday they were discussing it, and today they were interviewing many pros in the game talking about it. MUTV announed it in the Paddy Crerand talk programme, and quickly followed with but although it is being reported on Radio, it has not been CONFIRMED officially yet. Don’t shoot the messenger mate
.
June 9th, 2009 at 16:19
@Craig Mc: Mate he started 23 games in total and came on in a further 7 bro if I am not wrong.
June 9th, 2009 at 16:22
@Gabriel: Well playing Giggs and Fletch against Chelsea worked well mate, also Park did not play through sentiment he played because he had a performance against Arsenal, rightly or wrongly.
Also Carrick and Andy were injured, so playing the two of the was probably too much to ask for.
June 9th, 2009 at 16:27
If Tevez signs for Man City, that would serve all those fans, who drowned Fergie’s victory speech, right!! I mean, after playing on their emotions and using their affections for him to try and lobby the club, he goes and signs for our local rival??? Shows the kind of lad he is, doesn’t it? an arrogant prick who thinks he is better than he is and has no regard for anyone but himself!! I have been saying this for ages and I was glad when Fergie said something similar; Tevez is a fan’s player, a trier, a player that excites the fans, nothing more. Just like Smithy, they fight for every ball, put in a 100% but at the end of the day, the end product is always lacking. I would be glad to get rid if that means we could get a more complete striker in the Saha (when fit
) mould.
June 9th, 2009 at 16:32
@Gabriel: totally agreed, I was at that game and was amazed with the amount of fans booing, it was embarassing, although I thought he was subbed too early.
Carlos has played a game, he has played the fans a merry tune, he has in my opinion always wanted to leave, and his first choice was the Dippers but they could not afford him. His second was City, as he would not have to move house, he has said openly he is settled and he would get regualar first team football. But he has not wanted to be a vilian in the eyes of the fans so he has been playing the game, but thankfully we are not that stupid.
June 9th, 2009 at 16:33
@Stephen: Which is why I said, after it was evident it wasn’t working, especially with park and giggs who were constantly conceding possession, why not bring on the two players who could keep it? Scholes and Berbatov? Mate, that game was lost because we couldn’t get enough possession and the few times we had it, we gave it back to Barca. Instead, we bring on tevez, another player incapable of even trapping a ball properly, and leave our midfield one-man weaker against the best midfield in the world??!!??
June 9th, 2009 at 16:34
@Stephen: Stephen he only played 15 games in the PL, and was subbed in one or two of them. His other games were cup games. The lad said himself that he got his PL medal because he just played the 15 PL games needed. Thats what he said Bro! Less he didn’t understand the question
.
June 9th, 2009 at 16:35
@Gabriel: Couldn’t agree with you more mate!
June 9th, 2009 at 16:37
@Gabriel: We lost because we played poorly, simple mate. I agree though Scholes and Berba should have been used earlier or ahould have started but I agreed with the starting line up at the time.
@Craig Mc: Sorry bro I was talking all comps!
June 9th, 2009 at 16:40
@Stephen: Park was played thru sentiment only Stephen. Fergie said “I left the lad out last year, so I am playing him this year for sure.” Exactly the same as he said about Scholes last year. That is why Scholesy came out and said this year, don’t play me out of sentiment, because he only wanted to play if he merited his place.
June 9th, 2009 at 16:44
I know this might sound crazy, but if we don’t sign Tevez, why not get Santa Cruz, if not for his target man ability but as a stop-gap until Welbeck and Macheda develop properly. The guy is a proven goal-scoring target man, something we are in dire need of. He will be more willing to be part of a rotation system, can head in a crossed ball, can shoot on target, is fast, bigger and in general, a way better ‘centre forward’ than ‘Callous’ Tevez.
June 9th, 2009 at 16:45
@johnsom33: Talksport started reporting it as ‘a doen deal’ according to their sources. They are never wrong. When they say something has happened, it’s because something HAS happened. City are waiting til Teve
The facts are these : United offered the £25.5mil the contract we have with them states we can buy him for. City have offered the full amount of £33million. Both were accepted. Tevez went to Maradona for advice, with the World Cup next summer, and Maradona told him he needs to be playing regular first team football. So he has chosen City over United.
I for one am glad.
Lets spend that £25mil on Benzema and get on with it. Or offer £10mil for Huntelaar and see if Real bite. Looks like we won’t buy another Midfielder until Giggs/Scholes retire at the end of the coming season.
June 9th, 2009 at 16:53
@Stephen: No player who was carrying an injury no matter how slight, should have been in our team that night. We had Rio (what a fibber) insisting he was fit – he wasn’t and is still unfit NOW with the same injury. Carrick had a nasty foot injury, he tried to play thru the pain, and failed, and he is still out with it now. Andy was so out of the game due to his injury. There’s no way I would have picked them in such an important game. It COST us big time. SAF is always saying how our squad is deep and is the best he ever had. This is the team that should have been played.
EVDS, Wes Brown (fully fit and played a blinder at Hull). Johnny Evans – (fit and MOBILE where Rio and Carrick Hampered.) Vidic, and Sheasy instead of Evra, who was done for Barca’s 2 goals. Gibson, Scholesy and Park in MF, Anderson wasn’t fit, and SAF insisted on starting with Park. Ronnie, Rooney, and Tev ot Berba. Those players were all fit and I think Gibbo would have done better for us than injured Carrick and Andi.
June 9th, 2009 at 16:53
@Traverse: who the fuck are talksports? I have seen nothing on the BBC, Sky, Guardian, The Daily Mail, Times eben the GodDamn Sun hasnt jumped on this one yet, so forgive me for being a little skeptical.
June 9th, 2009 at 16:53
@Gabriel: Did I mention he would be cheap too!!! Maybe ol’ pals Fergie and Big Sam could settle a low fee over a bottle of some vintage pinot noir.
June 9th, 2009 at 16:56
@Craig Mc: I agree sort of mate I suppose, but he was pretty much a regular all season, so it wasn’t exactly a suprise, and played well in the semi’s.
June 9th, 2009 at 16:56
@Craig Mc: I would prefer Oshea over Evans if Rio wasnt fit. Evra is scary, but I ust dont trust evans in this big of a game. He is still young and I wouldnt want to damage his confidence in the event of his error.
June 9th, 2009 at 16:57
@Craig Mc: Spot on.
June 9th, 2009 at 16:57
@Merlinus: No, possebon is not in any way shape or form better then gibson, the only thing going for that player is where he is from. People cant accept the fact that an irish lad might possibly be better then a brazillian, italien want to be.
@Grognard: I can see your point, but gibson has showed he can play because he has played in the league and FA cup, if i really wanted to big him up, i could say he has 3 goals in 8 games for us in the league and FA cup, the 2 main competitions in england, and the carling cup doesnt matter, but i didnt.
You know my main beef with huntelaar(and dutch strikers in general) is the fact they are prolific in holland but when they come to england, they can hit a bar door from a few yards away, kuyt, alves, kezman, babel, all examples of this, so im sorry if you think im being unfair, but this is what holland have to show for themselves in england.
Then you say he plays in spain, diego forlan was worse then ryan babel in england, but is top scorer in spain, you dont think im right for saying spain isnt a good place to show you are good enough for united, when a united reject is top scorer?
June 9th, 2009 at 17:01
@Dan: I totally agree if his name was Gibsoninho people would be saying differently.
June 9th, 2009 at 17:01
@johnsom33: Talk Sport are the biggest and most listened to Radio network for all things sport in the UK. All their reporters are ex pros or people who work with and have many contacts in all sports. Maybe if you believe hard enough they will be wrong, but usually they don’t quote things as definate unless they ARE SURE there contacts and info is correct. They don’t deliberately try to deceive mate. But we shall see. You keep the faith if you want a Tevez stay at OT bro, me I couldn’t give a monkeys after Tevs whining to be honest!
June 9th, 2009 at 17:02
@Dan: Who would you prefer to Huntelaar?
June 9th, 2009 at 17:08
@Dan: Gibson has also played for Ireland, and against the top international teams, where he gave a good account of himself, when playing with GOOD players around him. So he had some experience of playing international games against top opposition. I don’t know why Fergie wants him to go!
.
June 9th, 2009 at 17:11
@Stephen: thank you stephen!
June 9th, 2009 at 17:11
@johnsom33: But Evans has played TOP international football for his country, and against Spain he was outstanding, and if I remember correctly Northern Ireland beat Spain in the qualifiers.!
June 9th, 2009 at 17:12
@Craig Mc: You are way too harsh on Tevez, yes he did run his mouth the last few weeks of the season, but you give him zero credit for keeping quiet the entire season. No matter how many times he got dicked over he still put in 100%. The only time he shot back is when he was tired of getting thrown under the bus.
Karl pointed out quite rightly that Tevez didnt slap the pricetage on himself, he didnt write up the contract, he didnt ask to come to us on loan. all that happened between his owners and United, He was the one with least control in this situation. The one thing he could control, was how he played and no one can dispute that he tried his hardest. didnt score enough goals this year, fair enough. But I was satisfied with his goal production in his first season where he actually played regulary.
I would challenge any of you to be in Tevez shoes and keep your mouth shut for as long as he did. Nobody is perfect and everyone has their boiling point. Its just a shame that people only remember the last 3 weeks and they forget how he didnt say shit the previous 30+ weeks.
June 9th, 2009 at 17:13
@Stephen Darwin: Fletcher had a great season for himself. He came a long way but I rate a 10/10 to be a Maradona or a Platini etc. I am not grading on a strictly United basis. I can’t speak for RR but I think his 10/10 is universal therefore, to consider a journeyman plummer like Fletcher a 7.5/10 for me just doesn’t work. Gareth Barry gets 67.5/10, Mascherano gets 7.5 or 8/10 . Fletcher for me gets a strong 6.5 or even a 7. If you start giving the John O’Shea’s of the world 8.5/10 because they did their job and exceeded expectations, you cheapen the really brilliant work of stars like Vidic who deserves a true 8.5 or 9/10. And although Xavi and Iniesta are great, do I put them up against the best seasons of players like Platini at Juventus or Mattheus at Inter or Breitner at Bayern or Zidane at Madrid? Maradona at Napoli was the only 10/10 I can think of in the past twenty years. Those past legends would get 9 9.5/10 for their best years. I have seen enough of Barca to say that those two are solid 8.5/10 So to put Fletcher only one point behind them is ludicrous in my opinion. He doesn’t deserve that kind of praise. The highest grade I would give United midfielders would be a hard fought 7/10 for Carrick for starting so many games and for being steady if not spectacular.
June 9th, 2009 at 17:14
@Dan: @Stephen: True about Gibbo man… I do rate him too. The thing about him is he doesn’t really seem like a complete midfielder yet and he’s gonna be 22 this year. Are we gonna wait around for another fletcher or do we just cut our losses now and go for a more complete package. Will he get the chances with United to improve? Because, let’s face it, players who go out on loan, esp at such an age, basically are signing their transfer papers when going on loan; simpson, campbell, manucho etc I feel he’s just like Eagles and will sooner or later leave if he doesn’t make the most of the chances given to him like fletcher did prior to this season.
June 9th, 2009 at 17:15
@Craig Mc: Please dont compare playing for N. Ireland in a QUALIFIER to playing for Manchester United in the champions league final. Dont get me wrong, I rate Evans very higly, I just dont think its worth shattering his confidence when we have a quality squad player in Oshea ready to step in.
June 9th, 2009 at 17:15
@Stephen: Benzema, rossi, eto’o, ronaldo(when played upfront), gomez and although they are not better now, im certain that welbeck and macheda will be better then him in the future.
June 9th, 2009 at 17:17
@AlexOfMancunia: And that for me is not saying much about our midfield is it? So tell me then why Fergie is so blind to the fact that after getting destroyed by the best midfield on the planet, why he feels nothing is needed to fix our midfield? Scholes is finished, Giggs is nothing more than a bench player anymore and Anderson is totally useless with a capital U. Carrick and Fletcher is all we really have and they wouldn’t start for Barcelona, Chelsea, Liverpool, Real, Inter or Milan. Am I missing something here?
June 9th, 2009 at 17:18
@Stephen: Beautifully said mate, beautifully said. I could not agree more with a statement.
June 9th, 2009 at 17:18
@johnsom33: He is an employee who is being paid £75k a week for the privilege of playing for the one of the biggest clubs in the world, poor him.
It was HIS decision to sign for Joorabchian, it was HIS decision to sign a very handsome loan agreement, he tried his hardest, well good for him that what he is paid very well to do at least!
June 9th, 2009 at 17:19
@Gabriel: Gibson is gonna be a solid EPL player, but I feel he would never be quality enough to break into our starting XI. If he is willing to stay on as a squad player then so be it, but I reckon he has bigger goals than that.
June 9th, 2009 at 17:19
@johnsom33: right, so when your 3rd choice CB for an entire season, above the likes of brown and o’shea, and in a game against arsenal and ferdinand has pulled a back spasm again, but instead of playing him, you play o’shea, you dont think that will shatter his confidence more then playing and making a mistake(like all player do)?
June 9th, 2009 at 17:21
@Dan: I am a hunter fan bro, but to have a pop at the Dutch league and to say sign Benzema from the french is surely similar?
If we sign Valencia and I hope we don’t then Fergie will probably play Ronnie thru the middle more, and that will hopefully give Macheda and Welbeck the chance I hope they get.
June 9th, 2009 at 17:21
@Merlinus: There is nothing beautiful about the way they give up goals mate or the way they went trophiless. They are one dimensional and incredibly stupid in the way they play football. I am not an advocate of dumb football, even if their goals look nice.
June 9th, 2009 at 17:22
@johnsom33: People said that about Fletch and he was probably our best midfield player last season.
June 9th, 2009 at 17:23
@Craig Mc: Evra is a skinned sausage that gets burned easily and couldn’t make a pass if his life depended on it. The poster boy for the word USELESS.
June 9th, 2009 at 17:28
@Stephen: no, he is payed 75k a week because he along with his teammates puts 75k fans in the stands each game and cause millions to tune in every week. Football is big business, so im sorry if the people who make the cash money go, dont demand a fair slice of the pie.
Is it out of question that a employee could be payed well and still be treated poorly? By your logic of course not, I guess in your life money is the only thing that makes you happy.
And dont blame Tevez for his 3rd party ownership, it is the norm in S.America and Macherano signed the exact same deal as Tevez did. The only difference is that Liverpool decided early on they wanted Mascherano and they made the deal permanent. United agreed a poor fee for the player, then tried to sabotage him in hopes on renegotiating the deal. I agree the fee was way too high, but then again David Gill might be the worst negotiator in the world cause he over pays for everyone.
June 9th, 2009 at 17:28
@Grognard:
That’s the funniest put down i’ve read in a while man!!
Real madrid suck big time. I can’t believe anyone would want us to emulate their style of play.
June 9th, 2009 at 17:30
@Dan: But what you are saying is that being prolific for the reserves is a more accurate indicator than being prolific in the top tier of Dutch football and in La Liga. That just doesn’t was mate. Huntelaar is an out and out goal scoring machine who has done it for teams in Holland, Real Madrid and for his national side as well. Macheda, Welbeck and others have shown nothing to me yet that would make me pick them over the Hunter. And so what if some of these players performed in the Carling Cup. a useless little competitions usually against Coca Coal teams or bottom dwellers until the last round or two. I bet Gibson and them can play well id they meet up with Millwall or Coventry. Trust me, it’s tougher trying to score against Sevilla, Barca, Deportivo, Villarreal or even PSV, Feyenoord or Alkmaar. Hunter is a player mate.
June 9th, 2009 at 17:31
@Dan: Forlan wa snot used properly or enough tin order to find his confidence and his rhythm with United. He is a good player mate. Fergie has wronged many a good player in his day. Next thing you’ll say is Veron was a bum. Have you ever seen Veron play in Italy or for Argentina? Outstanding.
June 9th, 2009 at 17:32
@Dan: Wes brown is preffered over Evans when fit, it just happens he was hurt most of the season. I agree that all players make mistakes, but veterans can cope with it better. Younger players are still figuring out the game, and their naivety helps them cpe with the pressure, but when you get eaten alive at the highest you suddenly get a dose of reality and the naivety is washed away.
June 9th, 2009 at 17:32
Btw, anyone read this story. Talk about from graze to grass.
June 9th, 2009 at 17:36
Doubt Fergie is gonna sign a world class striker, if any striker at all. With Tevez probably going, I doubt we gonna see a Benzema or Eto’o coming to OT. We already have Rooney and Berba, plus with the probable arrival of Valencia, Ronaldo might be given even more time to play up front. Not forgetting our highly rated youngsters Kiko and Welbeck who will get a few chances. If we do sign a striker I would go for a Lisando Lopez type as he is an excellent finisher and can take on a player. But really don’t see us signing a striker.
I’m pretty sure a lot will depend on Hargo. If he doesn’t return you can bet we gonna sign a midfield enforcer. Too bad De Rossi wouldn’t leave Roma no matter how terrible they do! Perhaps Makoun or even Gattuso as a temp.
June 9th, 2009 at 17:36
@Stephen: Fletcher is a solid squad player, and saying he was the best midfielder we had this season shows how mediocre we were this season. I Like Fletcher, I just woudnt say he is world class.
June 9th, 2009 at 17:37
Grog what do you know of Russian player Pavel Pogrebnyak mate??? Played with Arshavin for CSKA Moscow. Arsenal are after him to play with Arshavin again, to replace Adebayor. However Pavlyuchenko at Spurs has said Pogrebnyak is desperate to play for Man United. He said that Pogrebnyak would kick anybody to get to wear the Man United shirt, he dreams of it. Wow a Man United fan! Apparently the guys contract is up in Novemeber, so we could get him for nothing. Clubs in PL already been chasing him, but he wants ONLY top 4, and is refusing all attempts by CSKA to get him to sign another contract extension. Wenger is really interested, but the lads dream is Manchester United 1st and foremost. Fergie could get him for nothing if he is great player, which his Russian team mates are saying he is. So what do you know Grog?
June 9th, 2009 at 17:37
You know i hate to say it but looking at the way barca operate in my opinion puts them a class above us. They just won the bloody treble, yet from the sounds of it they will be making quite a few changes. Eto’o maybe out for £30million, yaya toure out, with benzema, ribery and mascherano coming in. Now i know its only gossip but jesus if they really do go ahead with this its bloody amazing. Compare that to us when we won and brought in 1 player, we just seem to be stuck in a bloody still position. Fergie looks at the squad and sees weve won a few trophies so its absolutely fine, nothing else is needed. Im sorry but you always need a good few new players and i just feel players like valencia are not a step towards winning the champions league again.
17 million on valencia or the same on arshavin in january?
Come on it just annoys me how we always seem to be bringing in these sort of decent yet nothing special players cos we seem to think our team is perfect yet barca still want to make big changes and bring in more world class players. Mark my words this is why barca will dominate in europe for the next few years whilst we continue our domestic dominance but nothing else.
Forget valencia, we need a real proper winger if were going for 1. IMO we dont even need another winger especially 1 whos no better than nani. We need a bloody CM for gods sake so why are we spending 17 million on a position that is pretty well covered. Is it because we are pinning all our hopes on hargo, seems that way. Forget him, we dont owe him anything, i like him and all but we cant put all our hopes on him coming back. If barca really are in for mascherano then we need to go for yaya toure, for 10- 15 million he would be a bargain. Im not counting on it, we will just do with fletcher and wait for hargreaves to get back which could be anytime.
Thats the difference between us and barca, they add quality to their team even over other quality player while we stand still and wait for the youngsters and the crocks to get back. It just bloody annoys me.
June 9th, 2009 at 17:38
@johnsom33: I agree about Gill he couldn’t negotiate Jordan a boob job.
Also no need to get personal with me, as I have not with you, so please don’t.
Tevez has to live by his decisions, 3rd party ownership is common in South america and FIFA, football’s governing board, has taken steps to ban the practice.
How have we sabotage him?, what by not playing him in the odd game jeez, he started 18 games this season in the league came on in a further 16, he started 4 champions league games and came on in 4 more, not bad.
Out of his 18 league starts and subsequent 11 sub appearances he scored 5 goals, maybe he sabotaged himself, but that’s just me.
June 9th, 2009 at 17:40
@johnsom33: No, he wasnt, when he was fit at the beginning of the season, evans was always picked over him.
June 9th, 2009 at 17:42
@johnsom33: We simply don’t have a World class midfielder fit, Hargo when fit probably is, but will he ever be the player he was.
I have mentioned this in an earlier post, the midfield he the area we need to tackle this summer, not up front or out wide.
June 9th, 2009 at 17:42
@johnsom33: what if he was called fletchinho?
June 9th, 2009 at 17:44
@Dan: Evans is the future of our defence, he is top draw no doubt, especially since this has been his first season in the spot light very impressive, when Brown first came thru he was constantly making more mistakes than Evans, although I would play Wes at right back next season and continue to slowly blood Rafa.
June 9th, 2009 at 17:46
@Stephen: Why do you continually ignore his first season? its crystal clear that his performances dropped this season because he didnt play regulary. I say he was sabotoged because fergie didnt play him intentionally in the hopes of driving his price down. I say he was treated poorly because he wasnt given a fair shot at fighting for his place. He worked his sockes off in the preseason only for fergie to hand his spot to berba.
I apologize for the personal remark, it just kills me when people hide behind player salaries. People are worth whatever their employers are willing to pay them. If you have a problem with the wages yell at the men who are paying the money, not the ones cashing the checks.
June 9th, 2009 at 17:47
@Craig Mc: Grognard is a big fan of Pavlyuchenko. I rate Pogrebnyak as a far superior goalscorer. He was Russia’s top scorer in the Euro qualifying, but unfortunately missed the tournament due to injury. Used to rate him really highly, but of late he seems to be suffering of injury problems. He’s your typical box striker.
If he overcomes his injuries and gets back to his best, he’s still only 25, he could certainly make it.
June 9th, 2009 at 17:48
@Dan: “what if he was called fletchinho?”
before I respond, are you being serious or asking me as a joke?
June 9th, 2009 at 17:53
@Stephen: I agree about the midfield, its painfully obvious to everyone that our midfield is our biggest concern so far. I just hope that Fergie feels the same way and is addressing the problem.
June 9th, 2009 at 17:58
@johnsom33: No worries mate.
Fergie payed big money for Berba so probably had to go with him, I doubt the manager was that bothered about what Carlos cost maybe Gill was and Fergie being the dutiful employee went with what he said, who knows.
Berba offered us something different, tevez is very similar to to Rooney, a lot of effort but Rooney is a better player. Carlos did start 18 league games mate, not that bad and bagged only 5 goals, not great but Berba’s was hardly brilliant also starting 30 and scoring 9.
June 9th, 2009 at 18:00
@Grognard: you said it yourself! “their goals look nice
” football is ‘the beautiful game’ mate..
June 9th, 2009 at 18:01
@johnsom33: Mmmmmmm if you truly believe Stephen is only interested in MONEY, you aint seen his gorgeous Missus mate
.
June 9th, 2009 at 18:02
@johnsom33: Also mate what doesn’t help is the players we have up there, to blame Berba, Wazza or Carlos for their lack of goals is hard to considering they are really drop off strikers who really are not keen to play on the shoulder of defenders, the side is not set up for them but more to provide space for Ronaldo to run in behind I suppose.
June 9th, 2009 at 18:02
@Grognard: You don’t have to convince me about that fact Bro, I’m convinced already
.
June 9th, 2009 at 18:03
@Craig Mc:
June 9th, 2009 at 18:04
@Stephen: they differ in the number of assists don’t they? Berba and Tevez. And berba has got vision to start decent plays. Tevez keeps his eyes on the ground when he dribbles.. O does he dribble?
I remember someone saying feet made of lead or stone 
June 9th, 2009 at 18:07
@Grognard: Errrr Barca were raving about Fletch recently Grog, saying that he was the underated ENGINE of our MF. They like the lad
.
June 9th, 2009 at 18:11
@johnsom33: My point was that he equipped himself VERY WELL playing for N.Ireland against the best players of Spain, and Ireland won the game. I believe he would have done ok for us in MF, at a time when OUR MF was at half strength due to incapacitating injuries. A fit player should always play over unfit ones. A half fit player, cannot give us their all, and we needed those who could get stuck in and give it some wellie. Rio, Andi and Carrick couldn’t – end of!
June 9th, 2009 at 18:23
@johnsom33: Man United have NEVER been a club mate, where their players have tried to push their cause through the press and TV outlets. What he had to say, he should have said to those who he was grieved with, and that was the United board and SAF. I don’t like any player who disrespects the long held traditions of Man United football club. Any other player who did that, would be kicked out the door, with a flea in his ear. There is CLASS and there is BRASS, and the Tevez team fall into the last one. So trying to change my thinking on Tevez whining won’t happen mate. Also, you were wrong about Mascherano, his slave owners did the very same tactics to push L’fool into doing what they wanted, by pushing it thru the media. L’fool just CAVED in where United baulked at doing things thru the Media. That’s the difference between L’fool and Man United, we will not work at the level of the tactics of the Joorabchians of this world. If you can’t live with that Bro, you are supporting the wrong club!
June 9th, 2009 at 18:26
@Craig Mc: SO is it fair for United to Bash Tevez thru the media?
June 9th, 2009 at 18:29
How FAR away is August?
June 9th, 2009 at 18:37
@johnsom33: When exactly did they do that? Fergie has always said that Tevez wanted to stay with the club, and that the club wanted him to stay. There was some difference between Tevez expectations, that he should be a starter in EVERY one of the BIG games, which SAF said he was not willing to promise to any player. The only thing that could be construed as coming over against the Tevez team, was that SAF said the club were not dealing directly with another club, but with 3rd party ownership. Which he admitted was something alien to PL clubs, before the Tev/Mascherano debate. I don’t know where you live mate, what country or anything, so I don’t want to cause offence. Yet the thing is, that anyone who watched SAF’s interviews on MUTV and other media outlets, he is very careful not to criticise his players, or to get into club business like players contract, salaries, etc. Man United are very private where players personal deals and lives are concerned. No mate, what has happened with Tevez, is down to Tevez and his team mouthing off all things to the press.
June 9th, 2009 at 18:44
So does anybody know anything about this Pavel Pogrebnyak then, who is willing to kick anybody to wear the Man United red shirt?
.
June 9th, 2009 at 18:52
Good grief, how dumb can I be at times, Pogrebnyak is the player who scored the goals that beat us in the European Super cup
. I just looked at the videos, he looks a player alright. These Russian names all sound the same, can be very confusing at times. That’s my excuse for not recognising the player anyway 
June 9th, 2009 at 19:01
@Craig Mc: Yeah thats the one, scored a few at the euros for russia and all if im thinking of the right guy. From the little ive seen of him he does look very talented and looks a real goal scorer but ive heard he would be quite expensive, upwards of 15 million so maybe hes not the best target to go for, but who knows. Its good to hear someone mention another name, im a bit sick of all this lets go for benzema, etoo, villa crap, at least the russian is a realistic target that is if we want to pay the money for him.
Also where did you hear about him being desperate to play for us, must say a player like that really makes me appreciate them even more, they know the true value of playing for the red shirt after growing up in such a hard country, so they appreciate these things, well all expect for arshavin who sounds a right git from what ive heard.
June 9th, 2009 at 19:09
@Craig Mc: Was about to point that out to you, but you realised it yourself. He was an amazing target man for me in FM 2009.
June 9th, 2009 at 19:12
@Stephen: The sad thing is Gibson showed a lot more than the promising Possebon. But the fact his name doesn’t have inho at the end of it just ruins his chances.
June 9th, 2009 at 19:16
@Dan: Gomez is not in the same universe as Huntelaar mate and you know how much I like my Germans. Benzema is overrated and will show that when he is bought. Hopefully not by us. Etoo and Aguero are a few I would put up there with him. Rossi is a nice little player but he is so overrated and not prolific enough.
June 9th, 2009 at 19:17
@Matt: He wouldn’t cosy anything Matt, that’s the good part. His contract with CSk Moscow is up in November, and he is refusing to sign a new one. So if he holds out until then, United will get him for nothing, and the player will get a good salary offer. The article about this in on News Now, man united page. And it is another Russian player saying this, and not just the media speculating about this. I like players who truly want to come to play for Man United. We are to him, what Madrid are to Ronnie & other latin players
.
June 9th, 2009 at 19:20
@Red Ranter: RR, I think Grog will give us more of a low down on this player, but he looks a great player from what I have seen in briefly. Grog knows a lot about these Russians though. If he is as good as his team mates say he is, then even if he is going for 15 million, that’s not too expensive if he is good goal scorer. Grog where are you mate?
June 9th, 2009 at 19:23
@Craig Mc: Grognard has actually talked a lot about Pogrebnyak, if you were paying attention.
Here’s a link to one of his comments on Pogrebnyak in the past. Click.
June 9th, 2009 at 19:26
@Gabriel: And as much of a put down as it may be, it’s true, Real are a joke. I fully expect them to incorporate 1-7-3 formation next season. Ramos at the back and 7 attacking midfielders with three forwards. Christ if they want to play attacking and exciting football but win nothing, they should have hired Juergen Klinsmann. I think he has great ideas in innovative attacking styles, but look what happened to Bayern this season. They went from giving up 20 goals all last season to giving up 42 this season. That’s an enormous increase from one year to the other. And as exciting and fast paced as they were offensively, they didn’t score more goals than last year’s team. Why? Because as innovative as Klinsmann is, his lack of defensive tactical prowess creates stress and problems for a team that also affects their attack. Like falling behind and having to then beat a team that is just defending a lead. As ugly as Fergie has us playing, it is the tried and true way to succeed. We just need a striker, a left winger who can attack and a central midfield general to be complete and to elevate us once again to kings of Europe and the world.
June 9th, 2009 at 19:27
@johnsom33: Wes Brown is fantastic and highly versatile. I would never get rid of him and O’Shea. Great role players are needed and in Brown’s case, he’s a damn good RB as well as CB and could start for anyone.
June 9th, 2009 at 19:29
@Craig Mc: I seem to recall Tevez first voicing his frustrations because it was insinuated that he had been offered a new contract, but it wasnt true. I find it funny that the tevez gets blamed for the fans booing fergie.that isnt his fault.
June 9th, 2009 at 19:30
@Craig Mc: Bloody hell, well then i say sign him up, well get him in for november anyway. Never knew his contract ran out them, ive always thought he was good the little i saw of him was just a bit unsure of the price, but if his contract is up soon i think we must sign him up. Thanks for telling me that mate, i would never have known otherwise probably til it was too late so cheers.
June 9th, 2009 at 19:30
@MoYa: I for one don’t care if we buy a striker. I want to see more of Welbeck and Macheda but please Fergie, wake up and smell the coffee. We need one or two dominating central midfielders. If Barcelona is actively trying to by Mascherano, then get Keita or Toure of them.
June 9th, 2009 at 19:34
@Craig Mc: I wrote about both him and Pavlyuchneko before the season mate. I rated both high but I like Pogrebnyak more due to his high poachability factor. The guy is a natural goal scorer and is RVN when it comes to getting poacher style ugly goals. Remember the goal he scored vs United in the Super Cup? Exactly what I mean. I really like him a lot and he was part of my Russian revolution along with Pav, Arshavin, Zhirkov and Akinfeev. All great players and highly skilled. Oh yes, and Pavel’s got a great first touch and is strong in the air too.
June 9th, 2009 at 19:41
@Matt: What I admire about them and what I was teasing them about before they so demolished us in the final is their arrogant refusal to change their attacking style of play. They fear nobody and believe nobody has the players or the chops to beat them. This is what disturbs me so much about the change in attitude of Fergie over the past few seasons. Chelsea winning two years in a row playing pedestrian football really damaged the man psychologically. His solution, if you can’t beat, join them. So we adapted and have picked up every negative bad habit ever invented in Italy and now we have an English/Italian hybrid that bored the league into submission. But when we went up against a team that believed in it’s coach, style of play and it’s own hype and hubris, we were exposed for what we are, pretenders to the European throne. I’d rather go down fighting trying to play attacking football than to lose badly by playing cautious cowardly football. Fergie has taken a royal dumper on everything our club has represented in this game for 50 years. And he had so much to do with creating that great reputation. But his personal greed for European glory has turned him into a very cautious man bordering on cowardice in terms of his strategy and tactics. Sad really.
June 9th, 2009 at 19:42
@MoYa: I’m a bigger fan of Pavlyuchenko but I rate Pogrebnyak as a better all round goal scorer. Pavlyuchenko just has a flair for the spectacular that I tend to be a sucker for.
June 9th, 2009 at 19:43
@johnsom33: a bit of both…
June 9th, 2009 at 19:43
@johnsom33: I prefer Fletchelinho myself.
June 9th, 2009 at 19:44
@Grognard:
Would much prefer Toure between the two, Keita is much more of an all round midfielder and likes to get forward also. I don’t think Toure would have any problem adapting to the Premiershp. Keita I must say I would be a bit more doubtful. I see Toure’s agent says he doesn’t wanna leave Barca.
What are your views on Mamadou Diarra? I highly doubt he’s gonna get much playing time next seaon, with Lass and they want Alonso. I feel we could get him at a cut price. I remember when he was at Lyon some rated him better than Essien
June 9th, 2009 at 19:44
@Merlinus: Goals look nice but the only thing that matters at the end of the day is winning mate. There is no glory unless you win. And Real Madrid are REAL LOSERS. 95% of the fans you poll will prefer their team win 1-0 than lose 4-5. Thats a fact as Rafa would say.
June 9th, 2009 at 19:47
@Craig Mc: Yes the underrated engine of a beat up old Edsel that has over 300,000 miles on it. He’s good but we can do better. We must do better. And I never take anything other teams say in the press seriously. Especially before a big game. They are always praising and complimenting players even if what they say is a lie.
June 9th, 2009 at 19:48
@Red Ranter:
, my mind it like a sieve, it only retains for a short while, and moves on to ever changing things 
.
June 9th, 2009 at 19:49
@Grognard: Agree that the RR has been too kind to our midfield (except for Fletcher and Giggs that is).
Carrick has not reproduced the form of the 07-08 season, or rather only fleetingly. Carrick – 7
A 6 point rating means barely average. Considering he has mostly been poor for me, I would have given Scholes a 5.
Anderson – 5.5 or 6.
The fact that Rooney and Berbatov have been helping out in creative duties in midfield underlines the poor offensive showing of our midfield this season.
Also I would have rather Ronaldo being an offensive midfielder capable of scoring around 15 goals, and creating also more for others than Rooney and Berbatov having to drag back to get involved into play…
June 9th, 2009 at 19:50
@Matt: It was Pavlyuchenko that did the scoring at the Euros mate. Pogrebnyak wa son the bench to my horror.
June 9th, 2009 at 19:51
@Grognard: It was actually AFTER the game Grog
. It is not me that is agreeing with the MF engine part regarding Fletch. For me the lad just isn’t consistent performer in every game. I like those who can maintain their performances at high standards for most of the season!
June 9th, 2009 at 19:54
@Craig Mc: Fergie couldn’t care less about players wanting to play for us or he would have signed either Aguero or Huntelaar. It’s almost like it turns him off when they say they are lifetime fans of the club.
June 9th, 2009 at 19:55
@Red Ranter: Thanks for that RR.
June 9th, 2009 at 19:57
@MoYa: I prefer Toure too but I would give my left nut for Essien.
On second though, I wouldn’t give my left nut or my right one for anyone. But you get my drift. I absolutely love Essien. He is the most complete player in all of football.
Also, I just hate all Diarra players. Completely one dimensional, boring.
June 9th, 2009 at 20:00
@Grognard: Bloody hell Grog, well I think United should give him a try, and make the lads dream come true. How old is he Grog?
June 9th, 2009 at 20:00
@Grognard: So true about Barca. From their youth teams they trained to play in a 4-3-3 formation. They only ever play that one formation and they stick deep to their roots. Rich tradition in developing local youth, and by local I mean specific to Catalonia. Barca only play one style as they see themselves as being traditionalists. Their moto says it all “More Than a Club” which they hold so true to.
When Abromovich took over Chelsea, I think Fergie decided during their domination to take us to the ‘next level.’ He tried to make us more effecient and dynamic in the league as well as adding that solidity for Europe which he got from the Italins, as at the time they were doing so well.
I think Fergie’s ultimate would be to make as solid, unbreakable to be able to defend 1-0’s and at the same time rip through any team with crisp, penetrative movement… Lol if you get what I mean
June 9th, 2009 at 20:02
@Stephen: Imho, Butt was very overrated. His youthful energy made up for his limitations and players around him made him look better than he actually was.
Cue the number of dangerous fouls he commited on the edge of our own penalty area that lead to us conceding goals. Ditto for P.Neville.
June 9th, 2009 at 20:04
@Grognard: Well from all your complaints in the past about not getting much action with the lasses since your back injury problems, I don’t think you would miss either of your NUTS would you Bro
.
June 9th, 2009 at 20:10
whats the deal with zhirkov? is any club tracking him right now?
June 9th, 2009 at 20:10
@Grognard: Absolutely agree… Well not bout giving my left nut though!!
What a player, put him in any position on the field and he’ll look excellent.
I remember Mourinho once said that when players are tired towards the end of games Essien is just getting warmed up!
June 9th, 2009 at 20:10
@Matt: Go over to News Now mate, the Man United football page, and read the article, its from the Daily Mail website I believe
.
June 9th, 2009 at 20:11
@MoYa: So true what you said about Barca!
Anyone care to join me for an official request for the return of our beloved 4-4-2??
June 9th, 2009 at 20:13
@NicoQB: I am a little kinder than you but I think we are seeing things similarly. If I would be honest with myself and grade players according to their honest abilities and performance where Maradona is a 10/10 and Anderson is a 4/10
It would go like this.
Fletchers 6.5/10, Carrick 6.5/10, Giggs 6/10, Scholes and Anderson 5/10. And yes I would even consider giving Anderson 4/10 because I have yet to figure out what he contributes to the team? Now if I was to grade player on how they are reaching their own personal potential I would go at it like this;
Fletcher 8/10, Carrick 7/10, Giggs 6/10 (according to his age, not his past accomplishments), Scholes 4/10 (same criteria as Giggs) and Anderson 2/10. Yes I am being rough on Andy but how close has the lad come to his potential? Considering what he was in Brazil and in under 21 tournaments, the lad hasn’t even touched on his potential. He’s bee a major bust.
June 9th, 2009 at 20:13
@johnsom33: Man you are really hung up on this whole Tevez thing mate. Tevez has been offered a contract, if he wants to play martyr, that’s his choice – end of. United offered the financial terms of the contract, but Tevez wants to play every game, and SAF will not sign up to that.
June 9th, 2009 at 20:14
@Craig Mc: Yes nice of them to say that to me make us feel better after demolishing our midfield.
June 9th, 2009 at 20:17
@Craig Mc: He’s 25 mate and has a lot of great football in front of him. I never mention him because from where I sit, Fergie hates Russians almost as much as he hates Germans. I’ll never forgive him for not solving our left wing problem with Andrei Arshavin.
June 9th, 2009 at 20:21
@MoYa: Barcelona play beautiful short pass one touch football where there is a lot of movement off the ball and where the 4-3-3 is closer to what it was like in the 70’s and 80’s where the three forwards played like forwards and their defensive duties were minimal. I mean I will never know why we feel the need in today’s ultra defensive game that we need to drop 10 men behind the ball to defend five or six attackers? Makes no sense at all. Our counter attack would be lethal if two forwards never tracked back farther than 35 yards from our goal. Our game has lost it’s boldness and has become gutless.
June 9th, 2009 at 20:22
@Craig Mc: Hey I love my nuts. They are mine and they are sacred. And I’m still hopeful these days. Never say never. I’m not dead yet mate.
My ex may have zapped the mojo out of me but like Austin Powers, I just might find it and get it back some day.
June 9th, 2009 at 20:24
@johnsom33: I think Chelsea are very very close to signing him mate. He was supposedly signed up last week but that apparently isn’t the case. Abramovich will not let him get away.
June 9th, 2009 at 20:26
@NicoQB: I prefer 4-3-3, but the way Barca play it. It gives a team three forward and more width.
June 9th, 2009 at 20:28
@Red Ranter: RR, I just clicked and looked at Grogs comments – thank you. Now I know why I didn’t recall it. I noticed I was not on sight at the time, remember I left for a while, at one point, and so I wasn’t around at that time
. So I am not the numptee I thought I was 
.
June 9th, 2009 at 20:30
@Grognard:
, so your all talk and no action when it comes to taking one for the team 
.
June 9th, 2009 at 20:30
My God how I loved 4-3-3 in the 70’s with the great Bayern teams as well as Ajax, Feyenoord , Borussia Moenchengladbach and even Hamburg with Kevin Keegan near the end of that decade. One central striker and two flashy wingers who could cut in and score goals like Keegan, Simonsen, Cruyff, Keizer and even the great Rummneigge started out wide before his ability to score woke Bayern up and they made him a striker. You watch Barca do the same thing with Eto’o in the middle and Messi and Henry wide but with freedom to cut in. It’s a beautiful frakken thing to behold.
June 9th, 2009 at 20:32
@Craig Mc: Yes you are.
Just kidding Bro.
June 9th, 2009 at 20:33
@Craig Mc: My name is not Nani.
I refuse to take one for Fergie if he won’t play me. 
June 9th, 2009 at 20:33
bayern have reportedly signed Dutch left-back Edson Braafheid (26) from Twente Enschede for 2.5 million Euros on a 4-year deal
why cant united ever sign a stop-gap player like that is much needed for a small sum…all transfers must be blown out to 2 times their price (read Luis Valencia)
apart from that, does that have any implications on lahm going out of bayern (read barca)
June 9th, 2009 at 20:34
@Grognard: Perhaps that was because SAF was trying to stay loyal to Giggsy, Andie, Nani etc etc etc. But I would have loved Arshavin. I would have also loved Zhorkov is it?, but isn’t he getting a bit old now Grog? Maybe we should all send a postcard to Fergie, with the same message, Give Pogrebnyak a go boss
.
June 9th, 2009 at 20:37
@Craig Mc: Zhirkov is 24 or 25 mate. Hardly old. As for Pogrebnyak, the article that was being mentioned about him being a United fan is below as a link. Enjoy and get frustrated all in one.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1191850/Arsenal-target-Pavel-Pogrebnyak-dreams-playing-Manchester-United-reveals-Tottenham-Hotspur-striker-Roman-Pavlyuchenko.html?ITO=1490
June 9th, 2009 at 20:37
@Grognard: But you will give Lil man Nani 10/10 right?
. Give the right answer, or you will lose more than your right or left nut – 
.
June 9th, 2009 at 20:39
@t_reason: No, it means that Oddo is leaving and that it may force Lahm to play RB next season. Lahm isn’t going anywhere mate, trust me. Also, the reason we never get players for that kind of money is that as soon as we contact them the price automatically double or triples. Our greatness and reputation goes against us in all these negotiations.
June 9th, 2009 at 20:40
@Craig Mc: Nani gets 10/10 and 12/10 for potential.
Happy?
June 9th, 2009 at 20:46
@Grognard: Well it won’t matter much if he wont play you, he has too many geriatrics already Bro
, and anyway you’ll be the Man United Manager soon wont you? 
.
June 9th, 2009 at 20:47
@Grognard: Very happy Grog, I can sleep well tonight now
.
June 9th, 2009 at 21:19
Michael Carrick needs a partner in midfield – I live in germany and have two suggestions. First choice would be Dzeko from wolfsburg, second would be Guererro from Hamburg. Both have the drive and attacking skills to take pressure of Carrick and give him targets for his killer passes.
June 9th, 2009 at 21:27
@Grognard: As I see it you’re the one who’s harsher than me!
June 9th, 2009 at 21:27
@NicoQB:
Our 4-4-2 use to be extremely entertaining! 2 box to box centre mids, 2 old school wingers willing to get chalk on their boots and bombing crosses whenever they had a chance, a combo of strikers with and understanding just waiting in the bo to finish… Was fantastic!!!
I’m not so sure if we’ll ever see the return of that. That was in the “old fashioned” league. Nowadays it’s way more continental and with the influx of so many foreiners, especially foreign coaches.
Don’t think Fergie sees this formation as a way of going forward as he deems it too predictable and not so flexible.
June 9th, 2009 at 21:32
@Grognard: At the same token if we kept 2 forwards so far forward at all times I feel it would lessen our counter attacking as the opposition wouldn’t commit as many forward.
United thrive their counter attacking, we prefer to pull the opposition as far forward as we can and the break forward with lightening pace to catch them outa position.
June 9th, 2009 at 21:36
@the Count: Dzeko is a strtiker
June 9th, 2009 at 21:42
@the Count: Guerrero is also a striker mate, very skillful. And Dzeko is close to joining Milan.
June 9th, 2009 at 22:07
Why did I feel that when I opened RedRants today I would be dissapointed with Andys grade?
Oh well, cant say he has had a good season. It was really on-off. He played well against Pompey on the first game, then went AWOL agaisnt Liverpool(despite being one of the two making our goal
), then didnt play for a while and when he came back played poorly. After his injury and return against Porto I thought he did well up until the game against Barca, but I guess I have to agree with Grog when he says “what has Andy really contributed to this team?” Saddens me, but I still have lots of faith in the lad! 
Make me proud Andy!!!
I feel Fletcher deserves an 8 though… He has been marvellous this season, being our most consistent performer. Carrick has some awful games between late February-mid April, so I would give him 0.5 lower. But Fletcher has been our best midfielder this season, with Carrick close behind.
But we need an enforcer. I have started to like Fletcher, but an Essien… I would feel we were simply unstoppable! Something I dont feel right now, but I have massive faith in our players, so Fletcher or Hargreaves at top level next season would do wonder. So, bring on the next season!
Oh, and RedRanter! If you dont give Vidic a 9 I will slap you!
June 9th, 2009 at 22:08
Foster
Brown Vidic Rio Evra
Valencia Hargreaves Carrick Nani
Rooney
Ronaldo
???
Works for me on FIFA…
June 9th, 2009 at 22:28
@RedDevilEddy: ronaldo upfront is the best srtiker you can get in fifa, fackt. Followed by gomez, benzema and torres in that order.
June 9th, 2009 at 22:44
@Dan: Yeah, I know. Tend to use him there when I play Xbox Live because Berba is too slow… Or just that he doesnt have that axillerating power that Ronny does. Also, this shouldnt surprise you, Andy is a goal machine for me on FIFA.
Shows that there is a big, but also small difference between game and reality. Sure, I do use Andy in a CAM role, but he has scored some real crackers from some 40 yards… 
June 9th, 2009 at 23:05
@the Count: Count, ah I don’t know how to break this to you but both Dzeko and Guerrero are strikers not midfielders. And regardless of that, Guerrero is crap. Dzeko is a good striker though.
June 9th, 2009 at 23:07
@NicoQB: Yes in some ways I am because I judge on a ten scale that demands absolute perfection at ten. To rate Carrick and others over 7 just doesn’t wash with me when they are only average at best.
June 9th, 2009 at 23:09
@MoYa: Crosses are nice if you have a Beckham to deliver them. If you don’t crosses are a low percentage play like playing long direct balls from the back. It’s playing hopeful but not awesome football. A 4-3-3 with the right kind of players is truly an awesome formation because your wide forwards can cut in and score and pass as well as go wide and cross.
June 9th, 2009 at 23:12
@MoYa: What good is a counter attack when once you get the ball all your players are behind it? No, you have to have a few forward to latch on to a direct ball or fast pass and start the counter with a nice diagonal run. Having everyone track back is what made our counter game less forceful and impressive this season. Watch the Roma 7-1 game to see what true counter attacking looks like and watch how far up Ronaldo and others played during the game.
June 9th, 2009 at 23:18
@Dan: In FIFA Ronaldo is a God but after that Rooney, Klose, Torres and Etoo are awesome as well. Benzema is a little slow and Adebayour is useless. Tevez is a tough player to control because he has no agility (can’t turn sharply while running) and his shot is poor as it seems to always miss or be right at the keeper. Ronaldo on the other hand has an awesome shot as does Ballack and Lampard. And Tevez is also a useless passer too. Sometimes art imitates life. And you don’t want to know about some of the great banana kick or bicycle kick goals I have scored with Huntelaar.
June 9th, 2009 at 23:19
@RedDevilEddy: I actually love playing Berba as an AMF because he is so good at controlling and protecting the ball. He does play the holding role so well and waits for help. His shooting isn’t great though.
June 9th, 2009 at 23:22
RR…
Make sure you include Rooney’s name in the defense review!
Cause Fergie has DESTROYED him!
All I can say for Rooney’s sake is…..
Capello for MANAGER!
June 9th, 2009 at 23:24
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/jun/09/cristiano-ronaldo-real-madrid-manchester-united
Madrid are going to ‘make contact’ with United about Ronaldo. I’d love to be in the room when Fergie picks up that phone call. 25 minutes of laughter with only enough pause at the end to creep out the words ’stick it up your bollocks’ before 10 more minutes of laughter.
June 9th, 2009 at 23:40
Villa is reportedly going to Madrid for about 30-32m pounds. If we have 25m from the tevez fund and 6m from campbell… Ill let you guys finish my train of thought.
June 9th, 2009 at 23:54
@johnsom33: We get Benzema for £30mil and three years down the line when madrid start sniffing and he begins to declare his eternal love and childhood fantasies for them, we sell him for £40mil and get a then 30-yr old Villa in the deal ???
June 9th, 2009 at 23:59
@Grognard: To be honest Im not too big a fan of Berba on FIFA… He has great control and short passing, but he is weak, doesnt have too much pace and his long range shooting is horrible. FOr a guy that always goes for the spectacular, this is the team I choose for most games on FIFA.
Foster
) Carrick Anderson Nani
Rafael Rio Vidic Evra
Valencia(new buy
Rooney
Ronaldo
subs: Amos, Brown, Evans, Hargreaves, Eddy, Berbatov, Macheda
Macheda is terrible during my first season, but after giving him experience he is a monster! Strong, quick and tall, every aspect of a great gaming striker. I use Berba when i play weak teams, like Boro and West Ham. Eddy is still very young, and doesnt have too great long shooting ability, but tackling and long passing is 85. Which is good. I want to make myself the greatest!
Then there is Amos and Anderson. Amos is brilliant for me, not too good the first two seasons but he is a brilliant back-up. And Anderson, what a finisher he has become after two seasons! He is up there scoring 25-30 each season, most of them being real thunderbolts!
My, my! Have we returned to FIFA discussions again?
Really must be summer! 
June 10th, 2009 at 0:00
@johnsom33: Im not too good at maths…
June 10th, 2009 at 0:01
By the way guys, Ive been looking on the net these days after a song that really fits with my next FIFA 09 vid. This si what I ended up with: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPWa_fKvzq8
Really fits, I must say!
Its all about Edddddddy!!! 
June 10th, 2009 at 0:19
@RedDevilEddy: Speaking of Fifa, did you read this? http://e3.gamespot.com/story/6211111/fifa-10-impressions
June 10th, 2009 at 0:25
@RedDevilEddy: It seems they are finnaly gonna include the Russian Premier league.
June 10th, 2009 at 0:37
@MoYa: I’ve heard from a good source that SAF is ready to abandon the striker position entirely. With the prospect of just Berbatov and Rooney up front he’s going to adopt a much more conservative “Italian Game” approach.
He’s in Italy right now at a coaching clinic run by , no one other than, Ancilotti himself. The name of it had some long fancy Italian name that I just can’t remember, but loosely translated, it’s like “The Italian Game – The Beauty of the 4-6-0″.
Also on his agenda was a visit to ancestral home Fergussini, Sicily, where he has appointed his cousin, Gianfranco Fergusoni, to the new position of “Official Monitor”.
Having grown weary of constantly trying to make sure the game officials do their job, SAF has finally delegated this to a trusted family member.
A statement from the club read – “Don Fergusoni has a unique set of skills to deal with these issues, and his no-nonsense approach will undoubtedly give todays modern referee a good incentive to make the “right calls”.
Don Fergusoni is expected to work, closely with the FA, the referee’s themselves and of course, their families.
The spokesman for the Referees union, Mr. Rob P. Whistler is late returning from a holiday in nearby Palermo, and so far, cannot be reached for comment!!
June 10th, 2009 at 1:03
@RedDevilEddy: Aaaaaah Eddi, you got Lil man Nani in your team
. How does he play for you Bro? Your BEST player right? 
.
June 10th, 2009 at 1:06
@Traverse: Problem with that Trav, is that Ronnie will be standing next to Fergie, sob, sob, sobbing into his Real Madrid handkerchief. SAF will be purple faced with rage, because the VIRUS even knows his phone number
.
June 10th, 2009 at 1:34
@RedDevilEddy:
I’m 4 or 5 seasons into my Manager Mode and I’ve made a lot of changes to where my team is actually more like a collection of Galacticos tbqh. I still kept a lot of the players from the start though. The big move was selling Berbatov cause he didnt fit the fast style that I play. Then I sold Ferdinand. And the most recent big move was selling Tevez for $140m which I spent on maxing out the upgrades.
my lineup now is
Adler
Rafael Evans Vidic Fabio
Ronaldo Carrick Fabregas Silva
Torres Rooney
Subs: PIG, Pique, Evra, Anderson, Hargreaves, Messi, Aguero, Podolski
Reserves (iirc): Foster, Caceres, , Brown, Banega, Possebon, Benzema, Ben Arfa, Welbeck, Altidore
I’ll probably get rid of Torres soon and promote Aguero though because he’s killed my GPG average since I got him.
June 10th, 2009 at 2:55
@johnsom33: We don’t have 25 million from the Tevez fund because we did not own him nor sell him and we never had any intention of paying that much for him.
June 10th, 2009 at 3:03
@Grognard: well “word on the street” is that United met his valuation aka the 25m and he decided to sign with shitty(even tho Ive yet to hear the british bullshit machines confrim this) so… assuming the 25m was there and assuming we really got 6m for campbell… why are we busy in the transfer market?
June 10th, 2009 at 3:04
@RedDevilEddy: The problem with each year of FIFA is after five hours and the novelty of a new game it starts feeling and playing the same year after year. They still don’t get how to get opposing defenses to play like their real life teams and the game lacks proper controls for dribbles and finesse moves. I also hate the fact that making a through ball pass is so tough yet so easy in their UEFA 08 game.
What I would give for creative control in the game. Give us an editor where we have complete and total control on editing existing players as well as creating teams leagues and players of our own with no limitations on skills. The one thing that Pro Evolution used to do real well is their editor. We are living in the era of the Avatar where people are focusing on their own creativity and where they want more control on how they want their games to look and function. FIFA needs to wake up and be more like the upcoming NCAA Football game that will allow you to create your own players, college teams, uniforms, logos stadiums etc. Now that’s gaming.
June 10th, 2009 at 3:05
@Grognard: And please tell your mates at EA that it is a disgrace they havent added the Russian,Greek and argentine league yet. Seeing that 3 Ukraine teams made it to the eufa cup semi final I dont think it would be out of order to include that league as well.
but who am I kidding, they are prolly gonna add the Blue Square prem and the 2nd and 3rd divison of scotland(because we know the whole world is clamoring for those leagues.)
June 10th, 2009 at 3:06
@johnsom33: What I have been bitching for is the Argentine league. That league is nuts and would be fun as it is split up into two seasons in one and is highly competitive and volatile. You can go from first to last in 3 months.
June 10th, 2009 at 3:11
@Craig Mc: He scored a cracker for me the other day as he cut in from the left and drilled the winner from 20 yards out in a tight game. And earlier today I was playing a quarter final in the Carling Cup and was losing to Hull 1-0 when he stole the ball in the 82nd minute and fed it to Welbeck who was fouled and a penalty was given which Hargreaves (Ronaldo did not play) scored on. He then went down the left side two minutes later crossed a ball beautifully to Welbeck who headed it at the keeper who made a reflex save but Tevez was there to knock in the rebound. United win and make it to the Semis thanks to the Lil Man.
June 10th, 2009 at 3:14
@johnsom33: Honestly, I don’t know. If Fergie wants Benzema he better move on him fast because Barcelona is sniffing around seriously. If he isn’t going after a forward then buy Valencia and go after a midfielder and enough with this Ronaldo nonsense. Tell them to stuff it and leave us alone already.
June 10th, 2009 at 3:15
@Grognard: The mexican league also has the “apetura, and closurera”(as you can see I dont really know ow to spell it) league system. But your right, the argentine league is sorely needed, there is too far to much young talent in that league to be ignored.
June 10th, 2009 at 3:16
@Grognard: You pulling for the penguins or red wings right now?
June 10th, 2009 at 3:19
@johnsom33: It’s bette roff without those leagues mate because the blokes at EA are all kids anyway and they know nothing about the players or teams in those league and so every player would be based on a little information provided by FIFA and a lot of guessing. Trust me on this I know these people and I even placed some of them in their jobs back when I was an IT recruiter. EA is a stones throw away from my place and I drive by it every day. How often I feel like going in there to bitch slap some people about the way they design their players. Good game but they are awfully lazy at times and go through the motions in leagues other than Italy, England and Spain. And for Gods sake this year I hope they get the licensing for the Dutch National team. I’m sick of buying the game and them not having the real players for that team. A real joke.
June 10th, 2009 at 3:20
@johnsom33: And there is RIQUELME too….. Ahh.
June 10th, 2009 at 3:21
@johnsom33: Penguins all the way. Hate the Red Wings and all their Russian players. When it comes to hockey I am a racist bastard and only believe Canadians should be playing the game. Go Sid the Kid.
June 10th, 2009 at 3:24
@Grognard: “How often I feel like going in there to bitch slap some people about the way they design their players. ” hhaahahahahahaha
I always wondered why they wouldnt contract a different company to go out and do the research, or even partner with the people who make Football Manager.
June 10th, 2009 at 3:27
PRO EVO or FIFA ?
June 10th, 2009 at 3:31
@Merlinus: seriously who cares, I am sick to death of this pointless debate. How about you decide what one you like better and go play that one and then all of us alone.
June 10th, 2009 at 4:13
@johnsom33: FYI, I’m proficient in both.. World ranking stand off and National champ
Yet i don’t have an answer myself.. A bit of soft spot for PES though ’cause the gameplay is beautiful..
June 10th, 2009 at 4:23
@Merlinus: beat reddevileddy in a match and I might believe your claims.
June 10th, 2009 at 5:58
@Johnsom33: Who’s eddy? F4T4LITY? Come on, I can even knock the wind out of his sweet bubbly candy bum!.. I say bring it on
June 10th, 2009 at 6:04
@johnsom33: All they need is to hire a quality control consultant like me and their problems would be solved. Of course then Dan would never play the game again because Huntelaar would be a frakken God.
They need a man among the kids to help them out and make sure they get all the resources and info that they need to make sure that every player is rendered acurately and statistically accurate.
June 10th, 2009 at 6:10
@Merlinus: I have many issues with FIFA but at least they push the envelope every year and try to improve. Pro Evolution has not “evolved”. It has gone backwards ever since it went onto the 360. The graphics are amateur hour and even the thing that made the game awesome on the old XBOX, the editor, has been dumbed down and made bare bones with fewer options. The game play, the look of the players, the pitch, the stadiums and the crowd still looks like ten year old technology. They should fire that fat ass Seabass at Konami, the guy in charge of the game and actually hire somebody that will redo everything from the ground up. They need to take two or three years off and build a new engine and game. Get into the 21st century and above all, either get all the leagues and team licenses, or make the game as simply a creative tool that allows players to create their own player, teams, kits, logos, stadiums, tactics etc. A creative tool like Little Big Planet that allows us to create whatever players, and leagues we want without the worries of licensing and limitations. They cannot beat FIFA so be completely different than FIFA.
June 10th, 2009 at 6:12
@Merlinus: The gameplay is a joke. It’s like an arcade game, not like football. It also looks like it did ten years ago and the players move as badly as that.
June 10th, 2009 at 6:29
@Grognard: The first touch is stunning in PES.. thats the only thing which is so enticing about the game.. There is no such thing as FIFA “shift” key
.. The ’supposed’ first touch which makes the ball move mechanically.. in FIFA we control the ball, in PES we control the players who control the ball.. The dynamics and unpredictability of a ball on a given surface is exciting 
..
.. As for the Edit, dunno why they can’t give us full control over players ability!.. Also the master league where you start from second division and move up is irritating..
The below average graphics, and licensing is due to insufficient funds at KONAMI
But the fluidity of the game is what scores well above fifa.. Also you can bring the ball down in ten different ways with PES(+ Super cancel!) whereas in fifa once you’ve sent an arial pass its up to the ‘ai’ to bring it down on the reciever’s chest or feet.. sad..
June 10th, 2009 at 7:04
@Merlinus: I accept your challenge!
Play a guy that was fourth in the world rankings in January, but now doesnt play many Live games because he leads 4-0 at half time almost every game and oppositions lave. Play a guy that beat a level 99 Live guy 4-0, with a man less on the field. Play a guy that was worked with some of the guys at eafootballworld on different aspects of the game and has made different real life goal look like they can be made in the game like this. 
So I repeat, I accept your challenge…
June 10th, 2009 at 7:06
@Merlinus: FIFA!!!
June 10th, 2009 at 7:09
@Craig Mc: Nani does these sorts of things for me, I think that can answer your question…
June 10th, 2009 at 7:13
Anything ! FIFA or PRO EVO.. I’m decent
at both.. I guess we’ll be able to do a direct ip instead of live.. will see what i can come up with..
June 10th, 2009 at 7:14
Anything ! FIFA or PRO EVO.. I’m decent
at both.. I guess we’ll be able to do a direct ip instead of live.. will see what i can come up with.. Preferably over the weekend 
June 10th, 2009 at 7:15
@MUFC Fan in America: Its a good team. But I like to rather develop the players that already play for United instead of buying new ones, I like keeping it real. And, what can I say? I just love this team, and if every player plays up to their real abilty, they are the best!
The furthest I came so fain manager mode was to the fourth season, but I had to start all over again because somethign weird happend to my game… 
Oh well, but this was my team:
Foster
Rafael Rio Vidic Evra
Hargeaves Carrick
Ronaldo Anderson Nani
Rooney
Ronaldo was kinda like an RF, coming in from the right when Nani made his beatiful crosses. Rooneys speed and power is very good to have when I use Andersons breathtaking passing skills. He is also a very good goalscorer for me in the game, nd usually ended up with 25-30 goals a season. Then of cource almost every player became a total of 99 in the third season, so when Rooneys leap and heading ability, and Nanis strenght and tactical awareness became 99 there was no stopping me. Won games 9-0 almost each week! Now if only the real United could do that…
June 10th, 2009 at 7:15
sorry for the double post..
June 10th, 2009 at 7:16
@Merlinus: You got Xbox or PS3?
June 10th, 2009 at 7:19
@Merlinus: I dont play PES. The gameplay is a joke, and I pity people that play it instead of FIFA. I dont blame people who play both FIFA and PES, cause it gives a variation that is good for football games. But only PES, that is just sad…
Always played FIFA, always will play FIFA, and, always will be FIFA.
June 10th, 2009 at 7:19
@RedDevilEddy: 360 or PC
?
June 10th, 2009 at 7:26
@Merlinus: What do you play, Xbox 360 or Playstation 3? Cause Ive got Xbox, and it would be difficult to play a match against you if you played on anything else…
June 10th, 2009 at 8:01
In my next life, i wanna be born in brazil and my name should end with an “aldo” or a “dinho”…
June 10th, 2009 at 9:05
It is being reported in Spanish newspaper AS, that Real Madrid have been in talks with Man United for several days now, and have almost agreed a deal for Ronaldo for 89 million Euros. According to AS, (who the fuck are they?) SAF has all but accepted the loss of Ronnie to Madrid as inevitable, and has become resigned to it. They feel the deal will be sealed BEFORE the end of June. Perez is confident Man United are ready to sell. So who knows what the hell is going to happen. Ronnie’s ego will not let him rule himself out of the great Galactico revolution at Real Madrid, or will it? Your thoughts please
.
June 10th, 2009 at 9:28
@Craig Mc: Dude, I highly doubt it but neither did I see Kaka leaving!!! The difference between us and Milan though is we are winning trophies, that has to count. Also, despite all this talk about Galacticos, Madrid haven’t yet won nothing and are not guaranteed to; Ronnie should know that and if he doesn’t, i’m sure SAF will point it out.
Part of me says we should just sell but Ronnie is such an important cog in this team, it will leave a massive hole in the team. Although his departure could see the team get a solid balance as we just tend to rely on Ronnie all the time. The guy is just that good!! Despite SAF buying Berba to provide a plan B, he just ends up going back to the Ronnie show. It’s unbelievable!! Fergie absolutely loves that kid and he won’t give in without a fight, beleive me!!!
I reckon Ronaldo will still be a United player next season. 
June 10th, 2009 at 9:32
he will go.
June 10th, 2009 at 9:41
Holy Mother of GOD! Will he? or Won’t he? already!.. Don’t start.. please..
June 10th, 2009 at 9:52
to the bathroom~
June 10th, 2009 at 11:29
@Gabriel: I would agree Bro, but truth is, Ronnie was wanting so badly to join Madrid last summer, and they hadn’t won anything that season either. So I don’t think not winning anything comes into the equasion really. What might come into making a decision, is that Ronnie loves to think that he is a teams Saviour, that everything depends on him. With Madrid and the new Galacticos he will just be ONE of the stars, rather than the ONLY star, if you know what I mean Gabriel. On the other hand, he may be totally sold on the Galacticos project, and feel that Real Madrid will be bound to win EVERYTHING with their getting of all the worlds so called best players. Lets face it, Ronnie is eventually going to sign for Madrid or another Spanish team, and my worry is that if we leave it another year, we will miss out on a very big fee presently being offered. Glad its not my headache to sort out though Gabriel
. I do know that SAF is not entirely sure of Ronnie, because he said recently in interview, the info that is coming from the other players in the dressing room, is that Ronnie is not talking about going anywhere at the moment. If that is the way that even the great SAF finds out his information, then I would say he has accepted that the decision is not in Man United’s hands anymore!
June 10th, 2009 at 11:36
@Merlinus:
, 
We’re not starting mate, but the ‘will he’ ‘wont he’ saga started when after the CL final, Ronnie said ‘his future would be decided after the internationals’. That statement brought on all the discussions about him leaving United, because once again Ronnie is being dubious about his future 
.
June 10th, 2009 at 12:26
According to Marca, David Gill rang Madrid to say if they want Ronaldo it will cost them £96million. Once again, I call bollocks.
June 10th, 2009 at 12:29
I meant Euros.
June 10th, 2009 at 12:30
@Traverse: The Mail say a deal has been done @ £75m! They also have sent a doctor to LA!
June 10th, 2009 at 12:43
@Traverse: Trav
, the 89 million euros offered is not far off the 96 million asked for Bro! I know you keep bollocks-ing everything, and we will just have to wait and see if your bollocks-ing turns out to be right or wrong Bro 
.
June 10th, 2009 at 12:44
@Stephen: IF it’s true, we need to bring in all of our summer signings FIRST. Otherwise we will get nothing out of that money.
We’ll need another winger, unless Valencia is Ronaldo’s replacement, and Nani is going to start on the left. If not, buy Ashley Young.
If Ronaldo is leaving, we need goals. A top striker to partner Rooney. I hope that man is Benzema. If not him, the Hunter. If noT him, Emile Heskey (JOKE!
)
June 10th, 2009 at 12:44
@Stephen: Are you being sarcastic here Bro, or are the Mail really reporting that? I mean sending a doctor to LA, when LA is full of top Docs already
.
June 10th, 2009 at 12:48
@Craig Mc: I’m just not convinced Fergie would sell him to Madrid, especially without being able to go after someone like Kaka as a replacement. It looks like Ribery isn’t coming here, so unless someone like Nani/Anderson/Rooney is going to step up and be the new goal machine we aren’t selling Ronaldo.
If we suddenly sign Benzema and Ribery, then Ronaldo is probably off…. But it’d be nice to have all 3!
June 10th, 2009 at 12:49
@Craig Mc: I take it Real want to send their own doc matey, also the only docs in LA are plastic surgeons!
June 10th, 2009 at 12:50
@Traverse: It will be a smack in the face for Fergie after the virus quote, if it is true of course.
June 10th, 2009 at 13:16
@Stephen:
.
June 10th, 2009 at 13:23
@Traverse: SAF not selling to Madrid, – we’ll see Bro
. I believe the decision lies with Ronnie, if he pushes, SAF cannot chain him to OT! If players want out these days, they GET OUT. If Ronnie does go, it will show that all his I am very happy at United, it is my home etc interview to Daily Mail, will in your own words Trav, just turn out to be total bollocks 
.
June 10th, 2009 at 13:40
Ah how I love to see the usual great summer delectables! The ‘Will he, wont he?’ saga. I am getting used to the eventuality that Ronaldo will leave.
There is one thing I know for absolute certain – if he leaves, we are half screwed already. There is no ready-made replacement for him anywhere; all the Ribery/Valencia etc comparisons are er.. Bollocks.
June 10th, 2009 at 15:20
@Rahul: Oh nooooooooooooooooooooooo, not another Bollocks-er on the blog Rahul
.
June 10th, 2009 at 15:23
@Craig Mc: Either way I wish we would just get it sorted and done with before midnight on August 31st…
June 10th, 2009 at 15:24
Oh noooooooooooooooooooo, NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, noooooooooooooooo, the feckers are after Rooney now
. I wondered how long it would take them to get to that one. Rooney was discussed in the Ronaldo discussions, together with Vida. If you want our whole team you feckers, why dont you just BUY the club? 
.
June 10th, 2009 at 15:59
Well, if we get £75mil +sneidjer and huntelaar, then we sign ribery for £50mil or so, would our team not be better then it is now?
Foster
rafael
ferdinand
vidic
evra
valencia
carrick
sneidjer
ribery
rooney
huntelaar
Heck, we put in a cheeky bid for silva, this team would be miles better then what we have now.
June 10th, 2009 at 16:01
@Craig Mc: i cant see that on the web?
June 10th, 2009 at 16:08
@Dan: Changes are difficult for players. I dont believe that team would win anything the first season, but maybe in the second and third. Looks good on paper, but so do Spurs and Newcastle!
Oh, and may I say that I find it hillarious that you have Huntelaar in your team!
June 10th, 2009 at 16:09
@Craig Mc: Rooney wont leave. If you would ask me one player I think never will leave United it is Rooney, so that shows how stupid the papers are these days. Fuck them all, WE RULE!!!
June 10th, 2009 at 16:13
@Dan: That’s because SAF told Madrid, when you wipe off the United debt, we might consider it. That’s how much he thinks Roon and Vida are worth
.
June 10th, 2009 at 16:34
We have a bit of a problem for central midfield next season. Giggsy’s career certainly enjoyed an Indian summer but I agree he shouldn’t start anymore and therefore cannot be central to Fergie’s midfield plans anymore. Scholes, after a great career is probably just about finished. The jury’s firmly out on Anderson and Gibson has potential and nothing more really at this stage. Possebon – who knows ? So the only certainties are Carrick, Fletcher and Hargreaves with the latter still a great worry injury wise. It seems Fergie will have to get someone else to fill a central midfield role as well as seeking replacements for Tevez (almost certainly) and Ronaldo (maybe). How and where to play Rooney and the, so far at least, quite unconvincing Berbatov, will also provide much food for thought. It should be a busy summer.
June 10th, 2009 at 17:04
@Craig Mc: Well then Fergie better start playing Rooney upfront. Going into a Wolrd cup where would you have rather played the season as a stiker? Upfront, or left wing?
June 10th, 2009 at 17:10
Assuming we have reached the end of the road with Ronaldo, and that Madrid are desperate to have him. ALso assuming this ridiculous “pre contract” bollocks is also true(the one where they have to pay 26m if the deal doesnt go thru) I say its time to pull there pants down over it.
Tell Madrid they can have him for 75m plus Huntelaar and sneijder/robben. that is our opening offer. if the refuse slowly back down until you hit the rock bottom price of 60m plus huntelaar and sneijder. I wouldnt take a penny less than 60m because it would pip the Kaka transfer as the biggest fee ever. I also wouldnt do any deal that didnt involve another player.
Before you scoff at my 60m plus huntelaar price, consider the ridiculous of the pre contract agreement. This is why I doubt a club would ever do such a thing.
1. Its concrete evidence of tapping up a player. How can a club reach a contractual agreemtn with another clubs player?
2. If I understood it wrong, and the deal is actually with Manchester United then its even better for us. We would hold all the cards, Madrid would have till june 30th to reach our demands or be prepared to pay the 26m pound penalty for not keeping their end of the bargain.
I know this is all fantasy football, but if we are to lose ronaldo this is a scenario would actually be happy with.
60m+ huntelaar(realistic price)
60m+ Huntelaar and Sneijder(david gill redeems himself for the berba fee and signing the ridiculous Tevez loan deal.)
June 10th, 2009 at 17:11
Reports on Sky Sports are suggesting that Maicon wants to leave Inter Milan. If I was Fergie I’d be very interested in his availability to strengthen the RB position for next season.
June 10th, 2009 at 17:14
One thing we can all rest easy over is that Fergie is hands down the best manager ever in rebuilding a team. If we do lose Ronaldo, Fergie is the perfect man to mould our team into a different animal. He will also have the transfer funds to do so, with the proceeds from the sale.
In Fergie we trust.
June 10th, 2009 at 17:15
@Nino: Maicon wants to leave? hmmmmm
June 10th, 2009 at 17:22
did anyone else read this?
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=652757&sec=england&root=england&cc=5901
June 10th, 2009 at 17:42
Madrid just bought Kaka, they are trying to get Ronaldo, Villa and Ribery. Yet I havent heard 1 word from Platini. What a complete hypocrite. Man I hate that man.
June 10th, 2009 at 17:53
@Merlinus: Oh please, Konami have made millions selling their game around the world for over a decade. There is no excuse for better graphics. Their player physics up close are a joke and yes their first touch and dribbling is pretty nice but the game is too easy in my opinion and to arcade like. I also laugh at the awful stadium and crowd renderings and the look of the goals and pitches are bland and unoriginal.
When I bought the XBOX titles 5 and 6 years ago I was amazed at how much fun the game was and even though the graphics weren’t great, they were comparable to FIFA. Since then FIFA has improved greatly (don’t get me wrong, they are far from perfect too) where PES continues to offer us ten year old technology in the 360 next gen platform. Inexcusable.
I remember designing entire leagues and teams for two season of the Bundesliga in the late 70’s and early 80’s on that game back 2005 and 2007 as well as all the teams from the 1974 and 1978 World Cups. I had all the teams and kits down perfect and my expertise on the subject as well as my yearbooks and numerous photos and videos of the German league at the time allowed me to capture a very accurate look for the games as well as the players. Why? Because their editing tool and it’s options were that good for it’s day and it allowed you to be able to take up ambitious projects like that. Many man hours went into me creating those teams and leagues but I still find myself playing the game because it’s fun and very nostalgic for me. It’s too bad that once the Konami boys decided to go to the 360 platform they scrapped all the useful and good elements of their old games. And there is no excuse for only being able to give us a marginal improvement in graphics. Just not acceptable. They have lost me as a customer for life.
June 10th, 2009 at 17:59
@RedDevilEddy: I too like keeping my teams real but I pretend in my head that I have a budget of around 40 million and so I will sell players in order to make up money. I am presently playing with United where I have sold Anderson (big surprise) and Scholes as well as Berbatov and have bought only two players, but they are big. I bought Essien and Benzema and of course I have a healthy Hargreaves. So far I like what I see. Essien has been fantastic and Benzema has gotten it going too, although he started very slowly. I guess I need to get used to how to work him around. But still Ronaldo is the man and Rooney is pretty damned good too. I only wish Evra would play as well in real life as I play him in the game. He still sucks offensively as both he and Tevez couldn’t make a good pass in the attacking zone if their lives depended on it. But at least in FIFA, Evra doesn’t get skinned like a sausage all the time.
June 10th, 2009 at 18:02
@Craig Mc: Believe nothing you read mate. Fergie is on holidays and nothing will be done before he returns. Also, Perez said that he looks forward to talking with united. That means nothing has happened yet and it’s just Marca spouting their usual BS. Have we learned nothing from last off season?
June 10th, 2009 at 18:04
@Grognard: Unfortunately for the 360, in a recent interview about the new Fifa, head of EA Sports said the developers have done all they can on the 360 with FIFA 10 and there is no more headroom on the discs or processing power. This is not the case on the PS3 luckily for me …
June 10th, 2009 at 18:07
@Craig Mc: Ronaldo is a passive aggresive loon. He likes to say things to the press to show that he is in charge and he likes to have moments of petulance in puyblic to show that he is an independent thinker and not ruled by anyone but as soon as the Boss says “Ronny, shut it. Come home and put a sock in it, enough already.” Ronny shuts up, puts his tail between his legs and legs it home like his master Fergie told him to do. It reminds me a lot of the way Fergie orders the Ronny puppet to stop and shutup during episodes of “Special1 TV” As soon as he shouts at Ronny, all the passive aggressive stuff turns into cowardice and Ronny gets grounded in reality again. I honestly believe this.
June 10th, 2009 at 18:12
@Traverse: One thing is for sure. If Perez wants to heal old wounds with United, he will tread carefuly in how he approaches United with an offer for Ronaldo. In other words, nothing Real Madrid is doing or not doing about this possible transfer is going to be reported to Marca and nobody close to the situation is going to be allowed to say anything to the press. If a deal is to be done, it will be done behind closed doors and highly respective of United. Therefore all the things we are reading, all the rumours etc, are nothing more than an enormous mountain of bull shit. Believe none of it until you see a press conference with Gill Fergie, Ronaldo and Perez. And I personally don’t think it will happen. I seriously doubt that Fergie would ever sell Ronaldo unless he was guaranteed his replacement or replacements before the deal was done. He’s got no intention of leaving the team out in the cold with their talisman gone for good.
June 10th, 2009 at 18:14
@Stephen: BS mate, BS. Trust me. Nothing is done until Fergie shows up from holidays. And then I expect Fergie to come out and say “Ronaldo is not for sale at any price.”
June 10th, 2009 at 18:15
what season are you lads in for fifa? because for me, im so far in its impposibble for me to buy a real player thats better then the fake young guns!
Heck, im ready to sell ronaldo, and buy this lad called bollat from city whos 17 and rated at 87
The only real players still in my team are:
adler
lahm(but he is about to find himself on the bench)
vidic
ronaldo
hamsik
fabregas(he also is about to be parked on his arse, probably even sold!)
Another scary thought, only two of those players are from united, ive sold about roughly 85-95% of my original squad, i know i still have hargreaves, but i also have a bunch of reserves that i dont use and they are some still might be united players
June 10th, 2009 at 18:17
@Craig Mc: Can’t you all see this is nothing but bullshit? Honestly, stop falling for this tabloid bull crap. It’s Marca and the Sun and all their minions stirring up shite because they are bored and because that is what they do. Enough already! Don’t buy into any of it.
June 10th, 2009 at 18:19
@Dan: The problem with that theory is assuming United agree to get those players back in return. Knowing the team as it is owned by the Glazer’s, I think they will prefer the money, give Fergie half of it and keep the other half for debt repayment. Are they smart enough to include Scheijder and Huntelaar in a swap deal? I don’t think so. Because frankly, Fergie has shown no interest in these players of late.
June 10th, 2009 at 18:19
@Dan: Only the second season right now, because my previous team got fucked up when I reached the Charity Shield of my fourth season. The last game I played then was:
Foster
Rafael Rio Vidic Evra
Ronaldo Hargreaves Anderson Nani
Rooney Welbeck
sybs: Amos, Evans, Fabio/Brown, Eddy, Carrick, Salouk(scouting, LW), Macheda
I beat everyone 9-0…
June 10th, 2009 at 18:20
Oh, and new thread guys. Defense part…
June 10th, 2009 at 18:20
@RedDevilEddy: Hey! Don’t make fun of Dan regarding Huntelaar. He’s slowly coming around. Don’t stir up his old feelings. I have him just where I want him.
June 10th, 2009 at 18:21
@RedDevilEddy: Totally 100% agree with you there mate. Rooney is United for life.
June 10th, 2009 at 18:23
@Grognard:
Sure champ, I will follow your orders! 
June 10th, 2009 at 18:24
@Traverse: The whole point in getting Valencia is to end the experiment with Rooney playing on the left. I think Fergie has always wanted Rooney to play striker but he needed him elsewhere because he had holes he needed to fill and Wayne never complained and was very versatile. Valencia should give Wayne peace and contentment at striker finally.
June 10th, 2009 at 18:24
@Grognard: Wazza is da pimp-shrimp of Old Trafford!
June 10th, 2009 at 18:25
@johnsom33: Bayern Munich have done us a big favour. They have posted an asking price for Ribery at 87.5 million. If true, then we will not accept a price less than 90 million as Ronaldo is worth more than Ribery in his sleep. Digest that you Spanish assholes.
June 10th, 2009 at 18:27
@Grognard: I think the fact that our first choice left wigners this season have been Ronaldo and Rooney says a lot… Ronaldo is a right winger, and Rooney is a striker, and Park is just not a winger, so the thought of getting Valencia makes me happy!
June 10th, 2009 at 18:27
@Nino: In two years time Rafael will make you forget you even thought about Maicon. Trust me.
June 10th, 2009 at 18:28
@Grognard: In four years I will make you forget about Rafael…
June 10th, 2009 at 18:33
@johnsom33: Christ I hate that prick back in 1976. There was always something abouthim that just rubbed me the wrong way. Certain players have that affect over me. Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, Didier Drogba, John Terry, Paolo Rossi, Ronaldinho, Rijkaard, and Maradona are players I just hated with a passion. Some of them I know were incredible players but that never took away my incredible dislike for them. Platini would near the top of that list alongside Ronaldinho and Henry. Assholes and punks the whole lot of them.
June 10th, 2009 at 18:38
@Traverse: Yes but the 360 is on it’s last legs. Microsoft is presently in the works for the next gen console to be revealed sometime next year. Possibly at E3 in 2010. That will leave the PS3 in the dust for the next 3 to 4 years until Sony decide to up the anti themselves. They have put too much money and sweat fixing all the problems with the PS3 to scrap it now or in the near future for the PS4. But I know from a couple of close friends working in Seattle for Microsoft that work on the next console is ahead of schedule and we are talking no longer than 18 months before it is released. Then you will see FIFA as it should be. I hope. I’m hoping Peter Moore is keeping them busy at EA because they were getting lazy there for quite a while.
June 10th, 2009 at 18:42
@Dan: I’ll be honest folks. Although I do buy and sell players, I often will start a game and place what major player I want on my team before I go into a season or manager mode. Who cares if this is cheating. The buying and selling model in FIFA is rank amateur childish shite anyway. So I place the players I really want and get rid of the ones that I think would make the team unfairly unbalanced and then proceed to move the team into a manager mode scenario. Like i give a rats ass if I ever buy a player using their transfer tool. Now that of course is different for those playing live, but I don’t do so. If the game had a Football Manager feel to it with that kind of complexity and realism, then i would play by the rules.
June 10th, 2009 at 18:44
@Dan: At least you listened to me about Adler and Lahm. I consider that a personal victory even though I know you will not credit me with that.
June 10th, 2009 at 18:46
@RedDevilEddy: God! You’re worse than Fergie. Have you considered going out there to buy a player and some new blood and a new look to your team. If I had to put up with our existing lineup for one more season I would go crazy from stale boredom.
June 10th, 2009 at 18:48
@RedDevilEddy: I’m counting on that but I would prefer if you helped me forget about Evra…..PLEASE.
June 10th, 2009 at 18:54
@Grognard: ive always liked those two, i prefer foster though.(in real life)
June 10th, 2009 at 18:54
@Grognard: cheater!
June 10th, 2009 at 18:55
@Grognard: No, i wouldnt spend more then £7mil on him, but i wouldnt mind him coming in on a free.
June 10th, 2009 at 18:56
For those waffling here unaware of the treasures that lay beyond, part 3 is up. Head over there to continue waffling, but in bliss.
June 10th, 2009 at 18:57
@Grognard: i agree, they’re punks like that, we need someone different in higher management EG Manager, assistant manager, chief executive or chairman. One of these positions need revamping with a new fresh lad with urgency.
June 10th, 2009 at 19:57
@Grognard: We’ll see! I told you last year that Ronnie was going to Spain this year, because of what the United players Missus told my friend. I wont believe Ronnie is staying until I see his name up on the electronic scoreboard at OT starting next season.
.
June 10th, 2009 at 19:59
@Grognard: Fergie isn’t on holiday though yet!
June 10th, 2009 at 20:07
@Grognard: Grog the preseident/secretary of Real Madrid was on Setanta sports here this evening, saying to the whole world that they are talking with Man United management and Fergie, over the lasr few days! They are not talking to Bayern or L’Pool about Ribery or Alonso who they want also, because these clubs have told them firmly that they are not going to sell. He said if the situation changes they will talk with the clubs. But he confirmed they were in talks with Ronaldo and Man United. So if he was lying in front of the TV cameras, and we are not talking about Marca here, we are talking about a member of the Real M management team, then they should be punished for saying what they are. Anyway believe what you like Bro, I am only saying what I heard from the Madrid official himself talking on Setanta.
June 10th, 2009 at 21:50
@Dan: It’s not cheating when you consider yourself infinitely smarter than the designers of the game. They are total quints so when I do things, I consider it an improvement on a stupid game engine and user interface that limits practical and realistic use of players. Like I said earlier, they begin to have a transfer and player engine like Football Manager, I’ll quit creating my teams outside of the box.
June 10th, 2009 at 21:52
@Craig Mc: I heard he was in the south of France tanning his red nose brown.
June 10th, 2009 at 21:55
@Craig Mc: Well that is disturbing indeed. If United were still adamant about not selling Ronaldo, they wouldn’t open up dialog with these pricks. On that note, it appears to me that Ronaldo’s days at United are indeed numbered.
