Mar 29
Manchester United v Aston Villa Preview - Tougher than it looks
After the disappointment at the international stage (some might call it a Newcastle-like tendency to expect too much) we return to Premier League action as United take on Villa at Old Trafford and with Arsenal and Chelsea facing relatively easier opponents (Bolton (away) and Boro (home)), the pressure is on the champions to win this game ahead of their CL quarterfinal away leg against Roma.
Aston Villa have taken something of a stumble, losing two games on the trot. On the other hand, Manchester United have been in title-winning form over the last few games, winning the last 5 and not conceding for 300 minutes. I could quote you more stats (we’ve never lost at home to Villa in the Prem) but the long and short of it is - United are on form and at home, Villa are out of form and away from home, and from only that I would point to a 2-1 or 3-1 win tomorrow evening.
But if only it were that easy!
With the Roma game coming up Fergie is likely to rest a few players (Hargo in particular might get rested in favor of Carrick who got a good week’s rest) and some, like Nani, are doubtful because of injury. The team selection is likely to keep all of us guessing till kickoff tomorrow, but considering that we only have 2 strikers, it is entirely possible that only one of Rooney and Tevez will start.
Here’s how our Premier League run-in looks like:
Middlesbrough (a)
Arsenal (h)
Blackburn (a)
Chelsea (a)
West Ham (h)
Wigan (a)
The sad thing is - Villa at home is probably our easiest game at least till May, when we have the pleasure of playing the Hammers at home (banana-skin) and Wigan away (4 goal minimum). Squeaky bum time starts now, hopefully this bunch is ready for it.
Possible lineup:
Van der Sar / Kuszczak / Foster (who knows?), Brown, Rio, Vidic, Evra, Ronaldo / Park, Carrick, Anderson, Scholes, Giggs, Tevez / Rooney
Over to you guys.
Related items from Red Rants:- Aston Villa 0-2 Manchester United: Ronaldo and Rooney complete a late win
- Aston Villa vs Man United: Preview
- PFA Players Shortlist: Where’s Anderson, Rooney and Rio
- Aston Villa v Man Utd:Preview
- Aston Villa 1-4 Man United: “Oh That Was So Easy!”
Tags: Game Preview
March 29th, 2008 at 8:13
Villa at home when their current form is poor is encouraging. We obviously can’t take anybody lightly because any dropped points from now on could be very costly. Prediction 2-0 United. As for Ronaldo and Nani not playing for Portugal, I think those were very convenient injuries and I wouldn’t put much stock in them. The boys will be ready and up for the game.
March 29th, 2008 at 8:14
United historically have a great record against Midlands clubs… Expect a win but would also suspect that fergie will rest a few players such as Giggs and Scholes… I hope we go back to 442 not the 451 that was played against Liverpool.
3-1 Victory expected though
March 29th, 2008 at 9:26
yea i think rooney will start, and tevez on the bench, i dont think saf will play a 4-5-1, he will play 4-4-2, with park,nani(if fit)/ronaldo/giggs, and even possibly welbeck.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:39
however much we would love to see Rooney and Tevez up front together, I have given up hope that SAF will heed to our requests. I think its very essential that either Rooney or Anderson be amongst the scorers, coz I know how great ones confidence can be in the game after thumping the ball into the back of the net.
I think these two players will be extremely important in the run-in. They just HAVE to be on goalscoring form.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:47
I don’t see hargo being played for the roma game so “resting” him 4 2day’s game is unnecessary.Its high time saf remembers that he cost a lot 4 a reason and this stupid overresting of players is irritating.Rooney and ronaldo are rarely rested but when was the last time we saw tevez go 4 3 games in a row or hargo playing more than once in a month.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:54
I totally agree with u Mihir.Roovez was turning into a great partnership then suddenly ronaldo is the new centre forward.Does fergie do things in a way just 2 irritate fans.
March 29th, 2008 at 9:57
wow it kind of amuses me how people can spend all this time and still cant understand the ways of their manager. ok all am saying is Nani and Ronaldo are all fit. its just that SAF has earned his respect globally to the extent that his lies about players injuries and no concerned international coach questions him. why? because they know they wont beat him at that.
ever wondered why EDVS was left behind on Hollands team as a precautionally measure and Van Persie of all people called. i mean they guy had hardly played 75 minutes of a competitive match yet EDVS playing a whopping 90 minutes against the dippers.
Portugal greece was a bogus friendly and the boys are also clever enough to know whats good for them, so they had to adhere to SAF’s advice. First they are all assured of their numbers on the national team, then why go and play in a stupid friendly that’s going to hinder your chances of going home in summer with a silverware yet again you are not sure you are going to win the Euro. SAF is wise, he can never just let his most relied on players. Just imagine if what happened to Fletcher had happened to Ronaldo, United’s chances of silverware rthis season would be slim and his chances too for Fifa and Euro world player’s awards would be considered gone. So relax and be sure to see Ronaldo and Nani in today’s match.
I predict United 2 Villa 0. Goals courtesy of Roonay and Ronaldo free kick.
March 29th, 2008 at 10:27
I predict this is not going to be as easy as we all might think!. I remember the Arsenal/Villa game recently - Arsenal only scraped late equaliser, and that after extra, extra time minutes. If Rio doesn’t play because of Tuesday, but Carew does play for Villa, we all know that balls floated into our box for big players like (Carew, Agbonlahor), cause chaos sometimes for Vidic and Brown. After Hargo’s great display for England against France, I think he should be playing in front of our back four in Rome, and not an attacking midfielder instead. We will have to defend VERY WELL in Rome. So Hargo would be ideal. Let Carrick play today, with Anderson, and an other. Underestimate Villa at your peril Fergie!!!.
March 29th, 2008 at 11:02
Eah…RedRanter, Chelsea play Boro at home, not Derby!
Villa may have got draws away to Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool, but we are a different side. Shouldnt be an easy game, but it shouldnt be a that tough game either. If Ronaldo and Rooney starts we should win this easy. With the speed our side has, they shouldnt be able to cope with us. Predict 4-1 to United with Rooney scoring a hat-trick and Ronaldo on a penalty. Optimistic maybe, but also realistic.
My lineup:
VDS
Pique Rio Vidic Evra
Ronaldo Owen Carrick Anderson Park
Rooney
Should be a tough game, just like the Arsenal home in FA cup
March 29th, 2008 at 11:26
bold predictions lads,bold.I am happy with anykind of win.even if
we mug them at the last minute of extra time.
March 29th, 2008 at 11:34
how come red devil you changed your prediction at the last minute
March 29th, 2008 at 11:53
GODD!! how do i kill time, i hate matchdays, it seems like centuries until the matches start.
March 29th, 2008 at 12:12
Banana skin it is for you boys! Dont
get your hopes up - we’re out to ruin
your party ahead of Rome! Carew and
Laursen!
March 29th, 2008 at 12:34
Thats because I wrote wrong first. And I mean Ahmed, not RedRanter.
March 29th, 2008 at 13:56
Giving predictions isnt going to help us win so I wont make any, I want the strongest team to play today and on Tuesday, the guys dont need to rest not now anyway,if resting is needed the Boro game would be better.
March 29th, 2008 at 14:32
Hello. Has anyone noticed the fact that manchester united’s two most successful managers are scottish? Talking about Sir Alex and Sir Matt. Doesn’t that point to somewhere for the replacement of Sir Alex?
March 29th, 2008 at 14:43
well i for 1 would rather have hughes then eck lol
March 29th, 2008 at 14:59
watch this
March 29th, 2008 at 15:01
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uS0VMVvysbk
March 29th, 2008 at 15:13
I’d be cautious about Villa actually…it’s a potential banana skin as they haven’t lost away to the other three members of the Big 4 this season (4-4 at Stamford Bridge, 2-2 at Anfield and 1-1 at Emirates just to jog people’s memories…)..so I wouldn’t expect the cakewalk some fellow ranters are predicting here. Everybody expected us to trash Derby a couple of weeks ago and look what happened there :P…bearing in mind most Prem teams raise their game agianst us simply because we are the mighty Man Utd; the champions!
Having said that, we have had the Indian sign over the Villans for so long (and their record at OT is pretty shite), that I’m backing it to continue here today, with us edging it 1-0 thanks to Rooney.
March 29th, 2008 at 15:19
Ah sorry red devil already highlighted Villa’s away record against the Big 4..didn’t see that! Sorry ignore what I said above then! lol
March 29th, 2008 at 15:29
Since 15-12-97 VILLANS have taken only 3 POINTS - 3 TIES in the Premier League. That’s an amazing record for the last decade and SAF.OUR LAST DRAW with VILLANS was 26-10-02. Since then (26-10-02) if they score a goal we score three or four. I don’t think they have a chance. The clean sheet againt them will be the key to win,once again, but even if they score we’ll win.
THAT’S the easy way to preview the game.STATS. 2-0 for us at least.Even a simple 1-0 is possible.
March 29th, 2008 at 15:31
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/2008/03/29/michael-carrick-we-need-to-win-prem-title-3-years-running-89520-20366582/
Has this dude taken over as the team’s media mouthpiece or something? The amount of times he’s spoken to them this season is ridiculous. He’s probably given more interviews in two weeks than Scholesy has done in his entire career! A job in PR surely awaits once he’s hung up his boots…
March 29th, 2008 at 16:03
Well, even though they got 4-4 against Chelski, 2-2 against dippers and 1-1 against Arse, last week they lost 1-0 at home to Sunderland! They are a great side, but they have been really poor lately. With Uniteds record against them, the match being at Old Trafford and Manchester United playing the best football in Europe, we should win this one. And even though Rooney hasnt scored in some time, I think he will today..And more than once!
March 29th, 2008 at 16:13
I think Fergie may rest a few big names today because this is a home game leading up to a midweek CL clash against mighty Roma. Can he afford to give big names a day off? 5 point lead is certainly not large and so it puts him in a difficult position. I might be tempted to sit Rooney down because he played for England just a few days ago and play Tevez instead. Also, I doubt we will see Hargo start for the same reason. Still, Fergie isn’t that predictable so one never really knows. I do know that they need to be fresh, healthy and at their best to withhold a real attempt at massive revenge from Roma. Roma won’t just want to win, they will want a significant result. But, lets get Villa out of the way first.
March 29th, 2008 at 16:23
Yes, Bolton lead against Arse!
March 29th, 2008 at 16:26
i would not read to much into it RD, they most likely will still win or nick a draw in the last couple of minutes.
March 29th, 2008 at 16:29
I know but so far, so good.
March 29th, 2008 at 16:33
red card for the arse!
March 29th, 2008 at 16:33
abou diaby it is! an interesting afternoon lies ahead now…how will they respond??
March 29th, 2008 at 16:34
wow, an arsenal red card, maybe i should get excited.
March 29th, 2008 at 16:36
yep, defoe really is englands second best striker.
March 29th, 2008 at 16:43
Defoe is a tidy little player you know, I’m still wondering why SAF didn’t take a punt on him…
March 29th, 2008 at 16:47
2-0
March 29th, 2008 at 16:50
Off-topic I know, but according to the BBC Football site updates, Derby will be (FINALLY!) put out of their misery and be relegated if they don’t beat Fulham today. A bit harsh maybe, but quite frankly has there ever been a more pathetic excuse for a team in the history of professional football??
March 29th, 2008 at 16:51
I always felt with Defoe that he was very selfish. Whilst one could say Ronaldo, selfish, brilliant, if only Rooney was more selfish etc, I would not like to have a selfish player in the team who isn’t as talented as the rest. So he is great in a small team, where he will be there most talented player and justified in being selfish. For us- get someone taller and better. Manucho is the former, hopefully the latter, too. If not, lets get Huntelaar or Benzema!
March 29th, 2008 at 16:51
as things stand, discluding chelsea, we must lose are next 4, and arsenal must win their next 4 to get back on top. touch wood.
March 29th, 2008 at 16:55
i have always rated defoe highly, i rated him higher than keane at spurs and deserves a chance, i dont think he is selfish and would of been great for us.
March 29th, 2008 at 17:03
i just saw the diaby tackle, EXZACLY THE SAME AS EDUARDO, arsenal can say NOTHING on the subject anymore, because they have done exactly the same, he REALLY is lucky not to have the same(or worse) injury as eduardo, but believe when i say that is pure luck.
March 29th, 2008 at 17:04
We’ll agree to disagree on Defoe- I know plenty of people who share your view, including my dad who’ll never let me hear the end of it!
I don’t think we can ignore Chelsea though- I am not worried about Arsenal really any more, but Chelsea scare me. We have to go to their place- a game they will be more confident than us about, but other than that they have a pretty easy run in. Contrast us- we also have Arsenal, west ham (who always beat us) and others eg middlesbro away who’ve given us trouble over the years.
March 29th, 2008 at 17:05
Any chance you can give us a link to that video, Dan?
March 29th, 2008 at 17:06
what the hell is happening to arsenal?! no complaints, mind
March 29th, 2008 at 17:08
sorry sam, i saw it on the replay:sad:, likewise i know people who share your view.
March 29th, 2008 at 17:09
Not surprising whats happening to the arse…it was inevitable their squad would be stretched to the limit and hence their key players would face burn out. When you apparently have £70m in the bank but have a tight French c**t for a manager, this is pretty much what you can expect….
March 29th, 2008 at 17:11
@ sam:
it was basically raised studs slap bang above the guys ankle
March 29th, 2008 at 17:25
they’ve pulled one back, though it makes no difference when you look at the bigger picture i guess.
March 29th, 2008 at 17:26
Team News:
GK: PIG
RB: Brown
CB: Ferdinand
CB: Vidic
LB: Evra
RM: Ronaldo
CM: Carrick
CM: Scholes
LM: Giggs
CF: Tevez
CF: Rooney
Subs: Foster, O’Shea, Anderson, Hargreaves, Park
March 29th, 2008 at 17:27
i dont like this team 1 bit.
March 29th, 2008 at 17:29
the ref just fucked bolton.
March 29th, 2008 at 17:31
hows the ref fucked bolton? it was a good decision - stonewall penalty! defender didnt get the ball and tripped the attacker in the box
March 29th, 2008 at 17:32
bloody hell
March 29th, 2008 at 17:32
is VDS still injured or what??
March 29th, 2008 at 17:34
2-2. 20 Minutes left on the clock.
March 29th, 2008 at 17:40
Abood- cheers.
I like our team. Could be much worse. Remember both Nani and Saha are injured, and Carrick and Scholes were pretty good together last year (and were always likely to start having not played midweek).
March 29th, 2008 at 17:50
Apart from Tevez and VDS, the same team that won us the title last year. Should be fun to see.
March 29th, 2008 at 17:52
fuck arsenal i swear.
March 29th, 2008 at 17:53
FUUUUUCK!
March 29th, 2008 at 17:57
WOW! I though Fergie was resting some players for the Roma game… that is almost a full strength team.
Sweeet! Sunderland won. Comon Keano!
March 29th, 2008 at 17:59
Bolton 2 Arsenal 3 Full Time. Right at the end
March 29th, 2008 at 18:00
we have to watch it, today has been a day of upsets and we dont want t be the last casualty.
March 29th, 2008 at 18:01
Just to make J Samuel feel worse, its his birthday. Like the team BTW
March 29th, 2008 at 18:02
Wow I can’t believe they came back, with fucking 10 man. Bolton sucks and they deserve to go down. In any way I don’t think it’s that bad, I was more worried of Arsenal in Old Traford without a win in 6 and trying to prove smth, but then again i don’t know. let’s just take care of Villa
March 29th, 2008 at 18:04
defoe has had a great season, 8 goals in 7 games for pompey since January, i could easily see pompey getting between 13-18 million for him.
March 29th, 2008 at 18:09
fergie has just dropped points with this team.i hate to say i told you.havent u seen how arsenal almost lost?
March 29th, 2008 at 18:10
[Dan]
FIFA rules prevent a player to play for more than 2 clubs in a year. He will be unable to move in the summer, if that is what you meant.
March 29th, 2008 at 18:11
i meant in general.
March 29th, 2008 at 18:15
Defoe has always been a great goal scorer/poacher/finisher. I really think that he never got his due. He is definately “top 4″ off the bench fellow.
PS: ummm… Top 3 Clubs.. It ain’t 4 anymore.
March 29th, 2008 at 18:35
Oh my God. He did not do that!
March 29th, 2008 at 18:37
wow! frickin unbelievable goal!!! this dude seriously is the best player in the universe right now!! 35 goals and counting!!
March 29th, 2008 at 18:38
well that was a stylish goal to say the least
March 29th, 2008 at 19:01
I’m just hoping United don’t shut up shop at 2-0, like they did against Portsmouth and Bolton, and instead keep on attacking and trying to score more, as Villa on this kind of abject performance are there for the taking. Heres hoping they don’t pull off an Arsenal though haha
March 29th, 2008 at 19:30
one of the best scenes ever, rooney scores and EVERY man utd supporter screams and claps, even saf has that “nice one rooney” smile on him.
March 29th, 2008 at 19:31
That’s more like it from Rooney!
March 29th, 2008 at 19:39
i just heard totti may be injured.great news.he may be in doubt for the champions league.
March 29th, 2008 at 19:41
we’re watching some of the best football we’ve seen this season! enjoy!
March 29th, 2008 at 19:50
Did i say it before? We ARE watching some of the best football we’ve seen this season!!! Rooney = Magic. I think Rooney n Ronaldo should just come off and rest for Roma now. (even if that means we play the rest of the match with 9 players :P)
March 29th, 2008 at 20:04
bad news though i think vidic is gonna be suspended for the next game that was his 5th of the season!
March 29th, 2008 at 20:10
thats the rooney we know and love.
March 29th, 2008 at 20:10
That rule is over Viz. He needs 10 yc to miss a game now. And I must say: WHAT A GAME! Rooney and Ronaldo=Best in world!
March 29th, 2008 at 20:12
good stuff that i’m wrong hopefully rooney gets a few more goals this season he deserves it can’t wait for CL roma are gonna get whooped!!
March 29th, 2008 at 20:13
even worst news, giggs could be a doubt, that means we could play park on the left against roma-EEWW! OR 4-3-3, yea i like that option.
March 29th, 2008 at 20:19
who says ronny cant do assists?
March 29th, 2008 at 20:30
That was some pretty one sided, scintillating stuff! On this evidence, the Roma match should be a classic encounter!
March 29th, 2008 at 20:43
Uniteds last four games:
Derby 1-0
Bolton 2-0
Liverpool 3-0
Aston Villa 4-0
If this continue we will beat Roma 5-0! I dont think that will happen though. Ronaldo 1 goal, 3 assists! Some stats. Yeah R&R, Go on United!
March 29th, 2008 at 20:43
see the difference it makes when ronnie actually passes the ball? We were a hell of a lot better than in recent weeks and it was because we played a 4-4-2 with both Rooney and tevez playing and ronnie was playing like he was last season by setting up goals as well as scoring which allowed us to play a better team game. Btw Carrick and Scholes were immense today and I think that we should play this formation against Roma because we are so much better when both Rooney and Tevez play up front.
P.S. Donibrasco, in recent weeks you have done nothing but criticise the team and today they won 4-0 when you said they would drop points so please actually start supporting this team instead of criticising them for no good reason
March 29th, 2008 at 20:48
Ronaldo - 1 goal, and 3 assists for rest of the scorers. Now thats a scintillating performance if there ever was any! Sublime, consummate….BRILLIANT!
Now thats the Ronaldo I love, the one who creates chances for others and also makes ur jaw drop with the cheekiest goal of the season!
March 29th, 2008 at 20:56
I just wonder now that Ronaldo scored another contender for goal-of-the-season, which goal do you think is Uniteds best this season? My favorite is Ronaldos free-kick against Pompey at Old Trafford, January 30. After that, Nani against Boro in October and then Rooneys second against Newcastle in february.
March 29th, 2008 at 20:57
Heyy yeah Liam, I would back this same starting 11 against AS Roma. The HOLY TRINITY should not be disbanded from the starting 11 in any game EVER!
March 29th, 2008 at 21:03
Worrying tekst from Manchester Evening News:
“One area of concern for United will be that Michael Carrick, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra all had to be substituted with injuries, Ryan Giggs suffered a knock and could not be replaced and Ronaldo needed ice treatment on his hamstring after the game”
That aint good.
March 29th, 2008 at 21:07
RedDevil, I think they are just assuming Evra, Rio and Carrick came off with injuries. Although Giggs was definitely injured and injury news about Ronaldo is never good, although he has the superhuman ability to get over knocks with ease, lets hope he’s fine.
March 29th, 2008 at 21:10
No Conor, it was Fergie that said it after the game.
My ratings:
PIG 7
Brown 7
Rio 8
Vidic 8
Evra 7
Ronaldo 9.5
Carrick 8
Scholes 7
Giggs 6
Tevez 8
Rooney 9
Oshea 6
Owen 7
Anderson 7
March 29th, 2008 at 21:15
I wouldn’t worry about Rio, Evra and Carrick too much, the fact they all came off together suggested it was just a precautionary measure. Giggs and Ronaldo both looked ok, probably just minor knocks. The biggest worry would be VDS with another groin strain and Nani, Saha and Fletcher are all out.
March 29th, 2008 at 21:23
Also note guys that Villa had some decent chances. And I think PIG, sorry, Kuczak, made 2 or 3 decent stops.
But had to admit that the defense was imperious too.
March 29th, 2008 at 21:27
Hahahahahahaha to all Tevez and Rooney haters in your face
March 29th, 2008 at 21:33
Totti is a doubt for the Roma match with a hamstring injury apparently.
Great news!
March 29th, 2008 at 21:35
Hmm guys, with this kind of performance Ronaldo should win world player of the year with a landslide margin.
Yet, its 2008, and soon will take place the Euro tournament.
Enlight me please, those international awards, they are awarded usually after the major Euro or world cup tournaments are they?
In any case I can’t see any European player producing regular performances remotely close to what Ronnie has been doing week in week out.
March 29th, 2008 at 21:44
RedAddict: I had heard that Totti rumour was a hoax. Can anyone confirm or deny it?
NicoQB: The major awards are handed out towards the end of the calender year. To secure at least one of the titles I would say that Ronaldo will have to make a major impact in the latter stages of the CL or the European Championships
March 29th, 2008 at 21:46
Yes the Totti rumour is indeed a hoax. He’s perfectly fine for Tuesday.
March 29th, 2008 at 21:49
My goal of the season is Tevez first vs Boro. 2nd, Ronaldo free kick vs Pompey. 3rd, Ronaldo vs Arsenal.
March 29th, 2008 at 22:10
[Dan]
I’ve had enough of it from the last thread. I’ve deleted your remarks, and have banned you. And you have been warned at least 5 times previously. So you really have no reason to complain.
[Others]
Nothing to be worried about. At times one needs to set the house in order, so I had to do this.
On the game, what do I say! Sublime stuff. Just hope the injured players make it back for Roma. Details on the match tomorrow. Enjoy your weekend!
March 29th, 2008 at 22:31
Great news: Ronaldo is fine, he will play against Rome.
March 29th, 2008 at 22:51
Red Ranter - why has Dan been banned????. I don’t think his posts have been that offensive, or have I missed something?. People express themselves in all different ways, and that’s what makes the world go round. If some on the board find his posts hurtful, I just want to register that I haven’t noticed anything truly untoward, or overly offensive in them. But then I don’t know most of you on the forum, but I have heard a lot of things far more offensive on the terraces amongst the fans this afternoon. Maybe you can tell me it’s none of my business, and I will accept that, but I don’t understand the ban that’s all.
I just got back from the game, after stopping off for a few bevvies with some of the other match goers, so I am little lager brain dead!. I don’t think Dan’s comments warrented a ban from what I have seen in his recent posts, so I wanted to speak up for him, even though I don’t know him, nor if he wants anyone seeking to come to his defence. Ronaldo was so unselfish today, which was nice to see. Rooney’s first goal had raptureous applause from all sections of the crowd. Tev was run, run, run, no wonder they call him the Apache. So glad Hargo got on. I shouted so much at the game I am hoarse LOL.
March 29th, 2008 at 23:00
[craig mc]
Yes, you did miss something. The fact is that I don’t have to explain myself here even though I do give chances to several posters (I try not to abuse that power). Dan knows why he has been banned.
[Dan]
If you really want to get in touch there is the contact form for you to use.
March 29th, 2008 at 23:29
Craig to tell you the truth Dan often was a bit ‘overly enthusiastic’, shall we say, in his posts
, and insults came out. Although it seemed like genuine naivety on his part and he didn’t realise any wrong-doing, he still should’ve learnt not to do it after once or twice, he didn’t.
March 30th, 2008 at 0:56
Conor - thanks for explaining mate!. I have only been a member of this forum for a short time, so don’t know what all has gone on in the past. I just think Dan’s posts appear so innocuous to me, naive maybe like you say. Not everybody is polished in all that comes out of their mouths, some people just say things off the top of their heads. I think Dan seems to just say it how it is to him. But like I say Conor I am new here, so if Red Ranter says I missed something, I must take his word for it. Thanks again though.
March 30th, 2008 at 1:29
getting back to the team - a few observations:
- Nigel Reo-Coker had a fantastic game at right-back. A lesser player would have allowed Rooney way more space and would have allowed United to score at least 2 more goals (or 4-5 more chances).
- Rooney came out about evens in his duel with Reo-Coker, but when Anderson came on, he just went at it with Reo-Coker and managed to come out top. There’s this amazing energy about about Anderson which if he can harness towards his passing and shooting (as opposed to his hustling and bustling), he will own the opposition in a way very few people (only Ronny in the current United squad) can. Not even Fab / Gerrard have that type of presence, or at least they’ve been shown up so far this season. Amazing.
- Carrick was awesome today. His defending (and even those 2-3 tackles he had to put in) and his passing was as good as anything we’ve seen from him since his move to Old Trafford. Long may it continue.
March 30th, 2008 at 1:43
Does anybody else think that these were the best back to back performances Manchester United have done in an extremeley long time? And that the Villa game was the team’s telling AS Roma “this is what we can do; can you take this?”
This was by far the best I have seen United play in the past two seasons. Hope they keep it up.