Nov 03
Manchester United v CSKA Moscow: Preview
Darren Fletcher is expected to return to a side beset with absentees — to injuries and personal reasons. The manager took time out to shower yet more praise on Fletcher.
“Most people now recognise Darren Fletcher as a big-game player,” said Ferguson. “We have been aware of that for quite a while. Now he is getting an acceptance that he is a very important player for us.
“Our fans see that he is a key player in major games. That has been very important to the lad because it gives him a confidence. He has been missed in some key games recently and yes, it is great to have the boy back.”
He also intends, like all managers, to ensure we qualify to the next stage top of the table. [Video here]
He was doubtful about Rio Ferdinand even making it for Chelsea but defended him. I expressed a bit of concern for Ferdinand; his lack of pace in the City game — as well as against Torres — was worrying. But I also had a nagging feeling that he wasn’t playing at 100%. I think if it’s one week, two weeks or one month, it’s better if Ferguson sits him down and lets him take a break. It will do us better in the long term that way.
Meanwhile Michael Owen believes the Champions League could be the stage that would propel him on to England team reckoning.
“I can influence my chances by playing well and performing in the Champions League has to help. But I don’t go to bed thinking if I will play for England again. I think about playing well for Manchester United. The rest will take care of itself.”
As far as our starting XI goes, Rooney would be out. I saw Berbatov limp out of the Blackburn match, and he would be doubtful, with Park and Giggs definitely out. Owen would be upfront alongside perhaps, Welbeck. Valencia and Nani would be on the wings then with Fletcher certain to return in midfield alongside either Anderson or Carrick. Brown and Evans should be in central defence, Evra on the left, and there is a distinct possibility that Ferguson will plump for Neville at right back.
Prediction: 2-0 to United.
Related items from Red Rants:
- Manchester United drawn with Besiktas, CSKA Moscow and Wolfsburg
- CSKA Moscow vs Manchester United: Preview
- Liverpool vs Manchester United: Preview
- Man Utd v Everton: Preview
- Manchester United 2006/2007 Season Review
Tags: Game Preview
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:29
I think Carrick will be playing alongside Fletcher. Would prefer Obertan to start instead of Nani but I know Nani would be given the preference and Obertan would make a substitute appearance at best.
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:44
I somehow have the feeling that Anderson will start tonight and be on the bench against Chelsea. Guess only football pundits recognises the fact that he needs to be played consistently. The same with Nani. You cant just punch them down pick them up and punch them again….
How about some consistency?
November 3rd, 2009 at 11:04
Consistency isn’t that Scotish for different every game
November 3rd, 2009 at 11:10
@New one: I kinda of agree, although with Nani, I think he has been given a lot of opportunities. Look at Kiko, he was given just few opportunities last season and he did very well. Nani, well has tried a bit but the drive is not there and I must say he is not a team player. Look at the poor quality of his delivery presently. When He first joined United, his deliveries were almost impeccable. The FA cup game against Arsenal remains his best game to me. Honestly Nani needs to stop trying to be Ronaldo and just be himself. With Anderson its a different issue, the lad is growing but he needs consistency. A couple of goals will boost his confidence.
November 3rd, 2009 at 11:18
I think it’s going to be a mish mash team, and that we’re likely to lose our ridiculous streak at OT in the CL. Had to happen sometime. CSKA know we don’t have our eyes on this match, whereas if they can get a win it puts them in real contention to get through. I expect Fergie to field:
———–Foster———-
-Neville-Evans-Vidic-Evra–
——Carrick–Scholes—–
—-Fletcher——-Nani—-
——–Macheda-Owen——-
Hoping that Obertan and Tosic get a look too
November 3rd, 2009 at 11:24
@Beachryan: I am not quite sure but, i think Tosic is not a part of CL team that we have submitted to UEFA. So, then is he allowed to play mid way through…?????
November 3rd, 2009 at 11:46
@ Onkar – yep you’re absolutely right, apologies. No Tosic. When will the boy be given a chance!? Sigh.
Anyone else find it hard to wait through the day when its a CL game in the evening…?
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:20
@Beachryan: Yeah… Its very tough… Specially here in India… As for us wait is not till 7.45 in evening but, its till 1.15 midnight… Whats worse is you stay awake to see the match till midnight 3.30 almost and then catch up the office next morning by 8.30 leaving house by 7.00 in morning.
But, I think that fandom is all about isn’t it bro???? Man UTD love after all……..
Anyway, getting back to Tosic topic. I don’t know what Fergie is upto. I mean if I am not mistaken last time I saw him playing (in Carling Cup inthink) he looked ok… Definitely not as bad as some people make out. Infact he seems to have one of better close control and he has goos delivery too…
I mean can’t be as frustrating as Park is… Isn’t it??? Then why not try him more specially considering amount of time Park has got….
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:48
@Onkar: You will be later than usual this time then. Ten Sports is tele casting the match on deferred live. At 3.15. I do not want to know the score before hand, kills the excitement. Should wait and see if I can resist it. The Milan Madrid game is on at 12 30. That should be a cracker too and knowing Fergie, he will field a 4-5-1 and bore us. So even though it sounds blasphemous, I’d rather watch the Milan Madrid game than fall asleep midway during the United game.
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:50
@Onkar: I tend to agree with you on Tosic, he certainly has an eye for goal, and has good close control and he aint afraid to track back either, begs the question, why isnt he given more chances? Then again with all our wingers(Nani, Valencia, Park, Oberton), when do you get a chance to play him?
He may not have the physique for the english league, but I have seen him a few times and from what I gather, he certainly has the heart!
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:54
@Grognard: Carrying on from the player in Player out topic. For all the talk about the Villa I don’t know why (or may be I know) but I have to say the player better suited for the job would be EDIN DZEKO. I mean he is at the right age when compared to Villa. I feel Villa at 28 has laready reached its peak. He in all fairness will take at least couple of months to settle down so you are getting hardly 2 yrs out of him whereas DZEKO is definitely lot better option at 23. Secondly, Villa is again more of Rooney in terms of his build which will not add that height to our attack which DZEKO will be able to provide. And last but not the least is the Price tag which DZEKO will have definitely cheaper then Villa.
Moreover if wolfburge is not in CL by Jan then I feel DZEKO will be available for even cheaper price as he will be cup tied and not many clubs will fancy him. may turn out to be a great buy at that time.
But, then again I would like to point one thing that we need a midfielder to create chances to our strikers so that they can bury it and even then they can’t then change the strikers. But, both of our fist choice strikers have shown in past that they can score hefty amount of goals but they would want better service and better tactical support from midfield and manager.
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:57
@Aditya: I think just check the TV listing for ZEE Sports I feel if the TEN Sports in telecasting the match on delayed basis then ZEE Sports might be on live basis… Just check out bro…
And as far as knowing score beforehand concerns yeah… It really kills the excitement ….If the match is not on live basis then I am not watching it… Can’t get up in the midnight 3.30 to watch the match as it will screw my whole tomorrow in the office….
November 3rd, 2009 at 13:00
@New one: The problem here bro is the will of the manager. I mean if he can make place for the Park in the team then he can fit any one in it. Just to say I am not discounting PARK here but all I want say is he no better than what TOSIC is. I mean at the worst Tosic might be as bad as PARK isn’t it????
Then why not try him for god’s sake… He may turn out well if not great….
November 3rd, 2009 at 13:03
@Aditya: And rather than waiting till midnight you can try some streams if possible… There will be few available on here as well….
November 3rd, 2009 at 15:20
@Beachryan: Why would he start Foster when they haven’t clinched anything? EVDS is far from tired having rested for most of the season and also needing match time to find his fitness and form. If we ever see Foster again it will be Carling Cup and game 6 of the group after we have clinched advancing.
November 3rd, 2009 at 15:25
@Onkar: Valid point but honestly, although I like Dzeko a lot, I’m not sure he is the right player for us. The way our midfield is, we need players who can make something out of nothing. Take the ball 35 yards out and somehow find a way through the maze to score goals. Why? Because frankly, our midfielders and fullbacks do not provide enough quality service into our forwards. Dzelo is a striker that like most strikers requires service. Aguero on the other hand can create goals on his own and his speed and skill will better blend with the speed and skill of Rooney. Dzeko isn’t much for holding the ball up and playing the Heskey role for Rooney, so for me, he just isn’t the right fit.
November 3rd, 2009 at 15:30
@Onkar: But you are basing this on what mate? How many times have you seen Tosic play? The point is he hasn’t played for the big club so rating him higher than Park isn’t really very fair. Park offers nothing in attack but his defensive skills are such that on the road against a team like Wolfsburg, he would be valuable to have. I wouldn’t start him or Tosic for that matter tonight as we are at home and we need to go out and score some goals. Tosic for me is too small and too light weight for the Prem. Some small players can hack the pace and the grind of the EPL but I do not believe he is one of them. Simply put, he was bought to be Ljajic’s man servant and nothing more.
November 3rd, 2009 at 16:05
I predict a dull 0-0 draw, possibly also a loss for us. The only way we can win this is with help from the ref, cause we truly suck.
We way do we have the team or management to beat CSKA at Old Trafford, our players are just not good enough. Think Im gonna stick to watch the Milan-Real game instead, this game will only be a waste of time… 
November 3rd, 2009 at 16:15
@Grognard:
How can you say that Dzeko wouldn’t get the required service needed to shine for us? The problem with United these days isn’t the amount of crosses floated into the box, IMO we have plenty of crosses, but we do not have a intelligent target man to get on the end of them. Rooney is to short, and even though Berba has the hight he just isn’t good enough in the air to provide any threath there. He needs the ball at his feet.
A norwagian pundit always highlight that United base their attacks on wing players and crosses into the box but lack the areal threath to be very successfull at it. I would urge you to count the amount of times we put crosses in during a match, because I think that you would be in for a surprise. Problem is that no one is at the end of those crosses and hence we do not create anything from them.
IMO a big, stron and intelligent target man would get onto those crossses a lot more than our current strike force does.
My issue with Dzeko is not wether he would get the needed support, it’s more wether he’s really good enough to play for us. After all, he’s just had a season and a half of top level football to date. And in a league that though not bad it’s not the pinacle of European football either.
November 3rd, 2009 at 16:48
Welbeck is injured as far as I know so won’t be involved.
I figure it will be Fletcher/Scholes in the middle tonight with Ando/Fletcher to try battle the power of Chelsea’s midfield on Sunday, maybe even Carrick on Sunday if we play 4-5-1.
Owen will probably play along side Macheda. I hope Valencia and Evra get a break tonight. They will need to be at their best for Sunday, we can’t afford either to be hurt. Perhaps Obertan to come on for Valencia at 60 minutes and Fabio to play from the start. Neville on the right as he is not eligible for Sunday.
November 3rd, 2009 at 17:01
Please fergie,win,loss,or draw,play some entertaining stuff.We are tired of sleeping in pubs trying to watch our defenders kick the ball upfield.
Fletcher is back? i hope his partner is allowed to play in a more advanced role
November 3rd, 2009 at 17:16
Damn…the game is not on TEN Sports??? I cant wait till 3.30 to watch Fergie bore us all to death..I think I’ll just watch the comedy drama that will be Milan Vs Madrid..definitely better entertainment value
November 3rd, 2009 at 17:33
@Vivek: It will be live on Zee Sports
November 3rd, 2009 at 17:38
@owen…
I dont get Zee sports..dont think its available on Tata SKy..but like I said, would rather watch the Milan-Madrid comedy
November 3rd, 2009 at 17:41
@owen: I hope bro it that it will be live on ZEE Sports…. But, as far as TV listing shows they are showing Chelski and Athletico game as the live game. I hope they will change it at last moment…
November 3rd, 2009 at 17:44
@Grognard: Higuian is one such player – who can create something out of nothing. good thing is he can play wing forward role as well so with him we can play 4-3-3!
Aguero wud be an awesome signing but I think chelsea too are serious about him and we all know very well what happens when chelsea and utd go for the same player!
November 3rd, 2009 at 17:49
@Grognard: I know bro that the KUN will do all the things that you have poited out… And he has that ability, Skills and more importantly the CHARISMA the so called X factor that our team is missing..
But, as I speciafiacally pointed out I was talking about the popular public opinion of VILLA to Man UTD. And for me DZEKO is more realistic choice than VILLA for the reasons I have poited out. Secondly, just try and count through the no of passes that Valencia make in a game fly through the box without any intervention from strikers (and then most of us feel that the delivery lacked quality, its the deficiency of the target man that united have). We never seems to have a player who attcks the NEAR/FAR post. Which wastes all the half chances that Valencia craetes. I think in this regards DZEKO will be very usefull…
And I am just restricting the comparison between VILLA and DZEKO not adding KUN to it as he is just not comparable to any one of these two he is far SUPERIOR to both of them…….
November 3rd, 2009 at 18:02
While we are at it, a cheeky bid of 10m + Carrick for Febregas will do it for me
Wenger wud love it
November 3rd, 2009 at 18:13
My prefered team for tonight:
Foster
Rafael
Evans
Vidic
Evra
valencia
Fletcher
anderson
obertan
welbeck
Owen.
That team is more then capable of a 2-0 win.
November 3rd, 2009 at 18:21
Fans in the States… is the Utd game on FSC or Fox Sports???? I totally forgot about the game…
Now, I have to hurry home after a meeting to watch the game (or I could sit in my office and iraqgoals.com , magedtv.com or redlog.pl it all day
I kinda wanna watch Liverpool-Lyon and hope for their worst
November 3rd, 2009 at 18:23
@NorwegianDevil: ND???? Are you Eddy in disguise?
November 3rd, 2009 at 18:25
What is up with Giggs? Why is he out for so long? Or are we saving ourselves for the Chelsea hustle?
November 3rd, 2009 at 18:54
@[OPTI]Madschester United: He’s got an injury – not seen exactly what. Perhaps a blessing as it forces more games on the likes of Nani and maybe Obertan. Ando’s first season, he got all those games because Scholes was hurt and did really well. Maybe Giggsy being out can be the kickstart for one of these guys – though an in form Giggs, I’d love to have for Sunday.
November 3rd, 2009 at 18:56
@NorwegianDevil: The Canal+ “experts” know shit about football, except for Lars Tjernås` precious “Å NEI!” when Diaby headed the ball into his own net I cant think of anything they do right!
Ron Atkinson is a good aquirement, but otherwise they do fuck all. Id rather watch the games, their analysis is as useful as a drunken donkey.
November 3rd, 2009 at 18:57
@[OPTI]Madschester United: If he was me, he would have said at least one thing about Anderson.
November 3rd, 2009 at 18:58
@[OPTI]Madschester United: He has got a knee injury, so would be surprised to see him start on Sunday. Thank God Park is injured as well, probably means another chance for Nani or Obertan. They both looked fresh against Blackburn.
November 3rd, 2009 at 19:11
@Footy4Eddy: troll much
November 3rd, 2009 at 19:13
@gator: Yeah baby, rock the casba.
November 3rd, 2009 at 19:16
@[OPTI]Madschester United: The website says it’s on
FSCSetanta Sports.November 3rd, 2009 at 19:16
@Footy4Eddy: haha i hope we see some key players rested today for the scum at the weekend. i can see oberton and at least one twin playing a part today.
November 3rd, 2009 at 19:17
I prefer to go with this formation:
——–Foster———
Rafael-Brown-Evans-Fabio
Nani-Fletcher-Scholes-Welbeck
——–Owen-Macheda——-
Need to give rest to Valencia, Evra and Anderson to be 100% fit for the next game.
Prediction: 1-0 Owen to score
November 3rd, 2009 at 19:36
@Ramkarthik: ill buy that team if scholes is pushed up to cam and isnt allowed to tackle
November 3rd, 2009 at 19:37
@Onkar: The problem is that Dzeko may do all the things you say he can but I still do not believe he will receive the service from out players. I agree that Villa is too old for us to chase although I would not say no if he came here. Until we get midfielders or a RB who can deliver passes and crosses consistently well into the box and to our forwards, we could have Pele and Gerd Muller up front and it wouldn’t make much difference. If you see our forwards not in ideal positions to receive service, that’s not their fault, it’s Fergie’s fault for the system we play that demands our forwards track back and play much higher up.
November 3rd, 2009 at 19:39
@Dan: Mate this is the frakken Champions League, not the reserves nor is it the Carling Cup. Get real, we haven’t clinched anything yet and you never take games for granted when you haven’t clinched.
November 3rd, 2009 at 19:43
@Grognard: I think that’s not too bad a team. I think we can still beat CSKA at home with that. Considering our injuries, it’s not far from a reasonable selection.
November 3rd, 2009 at 19:56
@Grognard: One word:
ANDERSON!!!
The man you seek, the man you need, the man you long for and get wet dreaming about at night, his name is Anderson Abreu de Luis Oliveira! 
November 3rd, 2009 at 20:00
Lineup
VDS
Neville
Brown
Evans
Fabio
Valencia
Scholes
Fletcher
Nani
Macheda
Owen
November 3rd, 2009 at 20:01
Seems the team is out. Someone can confirm?
VDS, Neville, Brown, Evans, Fabio, Nani, Scholes, Fletcher, Valencia, Macheda, Owen
Rooney on bench. Got it from Ben Hibbs on twitter.
November 3rd, 2009 at 20:02
I am going to start today,thats sure
November 3rd, 2009 at 20:02
@t_reason:
omg
omg
omg
omg
omg
omg
omg
OH MY FUCKING GOD!!!
November 3rd, 2009 at 20:03
@owen: You better score a goal as well, or else Kai will take your spot in the team!
November 3rd, 2009 at 20:04
Originally Posted by Matt09
Confirmed:
van der Sar
Neville
Brown
Evans
Fabio
Valencia
Scholes
Fletcher
Nani
Owen
Macheda
November 3rd, 2009 at 20:04
My philosophical word of the day:
“Live and love life… until it puts a vibrator up your ass”
GOES BY THE NAME OF KAI ROONEY!
November 3rd, 2009 at 20:05
@Grognard: Yea your right. Lets just injure our players ahead of our key game against chelsea
Piss off with your digs. Its not needed.
November 3rd, 2009 at 20:06
@Footy4Eddy: I bet Kai will sacrificed in the wing to accommodate the current number 7 Owen.
November 3rd, 2009 at 20:11
I am so awesome, that every goal United score today will be in my honour. You just watch Owen score and point to the camera and say: “It`s all because of you Eddy, its all because of you…”
Bet its gonna be a 0-0 draw just because of that.
November 3rd, 2009 at 20:12
@Dan: You mean urinate away.
November 3rd, 2009 at 20:12
@Ramkarthik: Kai can play on the shoulders of Owen, and they still wouldnt be taller than Macheda.
LITTLE MICKEY!!! Eeeeeeeey, Owenskåå!
Crackin lad dat is, looking like pimp, nigger brush your shoulders off. 
November 3rd, 2009 at 20:14
@Footy4Eddy: Yeah
I’m sure we can score a few headers off corners by playing Kai on the shoulders of Owen.
November 3rd, 2009 at 20:14
VDS
Nev Brown Evans Fabio
Valencia Scholes Fletcher Nani
Macheda Owen
Rooney on bench
November 3rd, 2009 at 20:15
@NicoQB: Eeeeeeeey, NicoQBskååå! Meant the be Nico <3 Barbeque, but intercourced up the sentance because he is so cool!
Awesome lad you are, NicoQBinsteadofNicoBQ. 
November 3rd, 2009 at 20:17
Owen – Macheda is a no-no.
How many times must I say it?
No creativity there. Too similar as they are both finishers.
Wish they would prove me wrong but I doubt it.
November 3rd, 2009 at 20:18
@Ramkarthik: Kaiskåååå, more mature than Drogba! Cries less and probably shits less as well, the donkey is carrying things while Lil Wayne gets carried around! Eeeeey, young lad is already a legend. Scores more than Anderson, whines less than Drogba and is already taller than little Mickey. Fortunately his head isnt bigger than Obertans, Old Trafford would circle around Kai then like the moon circles around the earth.
November 3rd, 2009 at 20:20
Is Obertan on the bench? Can’t wait to see him again! Imagine him and Rooney comin on for Nani and Macheda in the 2nd half!! Bliss!
November 3rd, 2009 at 20:20
Anybody else thinks that Kiko`s and Evans` heads are shaped like a chicken?
November 3rd, 2009 at 20:21
Any score predictions for this game? I say 2-0. I’ll buy a pint for anyone who gets it right!
November 3rd, 2009 at 20:22
@Footy4Eddy: LOL Give him No.7 and sign him a contract with huge release clause (more than Messi’s). That way he won’t go to any other club.
November 3rd, 2009 at 20:24
Bench is:
29. PIGskååå!!!
3. Patriceskååå!
8. Andiskååå!!
10. Father of the up and coming Kai Wayne Rooney!
22. Osheaskååå!
26. Big-Headed mutant!
28. Gib-shoots-just-as-hard-as-I-fuck-Sonskååå!!!
November 3rd, 2009 at 20:26
@Footy4Eddy: LOL thanks. That means Oby is on the bench!
November 3rd, 2009 at 20:27
@Footy4Eddy:
Uhhhh…..
.
..
..
.
Mary Jane? Sensemilia?
Or just simply on the piss?
November 3rd, 2009 at 20:28
@Ramkarthik: The baby is taller than Messi, and the bigger you are, the most you weight, and all footballplayers who play for United, Barca or Milan are worth their weight in gold! Which is why Ronaldinho and Ronaldo(FATSO!!!) went there, and why Anderson is the best player in the world!
Kai weights more than Messi, so should be worth more as well. Kaiskååå!!! Wildman, legend just in the case of making a guy like Rooney throw his dump and powder his ass white like Terry`s skin when watching his CL slip. He is da boss, that lad, SIGN HIM UP FERGIE!!!
November 3rd, 2009 at 20:29
@NicoQB: Bet you slipped something in my barbeque…
Nicoskååå!!!
November 3rd, 2009 at 20:30
@antsBoy: With the size of that head, the bench is on Obi.
November 3rd, 2009 at 20:31
I’m working on some stuff
, so I’d welcome some occasional updates.
I can cope with bonkers writing… (just who am I referring to? Hmmmm
)
November 3rd, 2009 at 20:32
@Footy4Eddy:
True!
November 3rd, 2009 at 20:33
@Footy4Eddy: I like it!!
November 3rd, 2009 at 20:35
@NicoQB: You are referring to all the guys on the site which is from R to the E to the D to the R to the A to the N to the T to the S to the DOT to the C to the O to the M to the SLASH to the M to the A to the…
November 3rd, 2009 at 20:37
@NicoQB: Nicoskååå, barbeque maniac, eats it twice a day and slips some “stuff” in it becaus he wants to not just love it, but make love to it. He is wild that lad NicoQBwhichwassupposedtobeNicoBQ, legend in the word that he spells QB instead of BQ. Nicoskååå!!!
November 3rd, 2009 at 20:41
@antsBoy: Obertanskååå, biggest head seen since the ancient whale skull, his head being a square kilomiter bigger than Australia. Obertan, Uber-Tan, Sober-thong, Obi-Wanks-Kanobi… Obertanskååå, legend in the word that his head is so big Peter Crouch can live in it, and that his name is so easy to make fun of.
November 3rd, 2009 at 20:42
any live streams ?
November 3rd, 2009 at 20:46
Kiko has a eagle nose, Evans has a chicken head, Owen is shorter than Kai Wayne Rooney, Fletcherskååå has elf-like ears, Nani looks like Michael Jackson, Valencia doesnt know how to show emotions, Scholes is a ginger(Gonna kick him on the “Kick a Ginger day”), Brown has a potato nose, Fabio we dont know whether its Fabio or Rafael playing and Neville is trying to grow a Rafa goatee beard.
UNITEDSKÅÅÅ!!!
November 3rd, 2009 at 20:49
CSKA nearly scored, just outside from 25 yards.
CSKAskååå!!! Legends in the word that they think they can rule everything and dance ballett just because they are from Russia. Wild men those lads, their coach looking like a grandmother.
November 3rd, 2009 at 20:50
Fabio has really sexy, curly hair. Look over your shoulder Hargo, Fabio wants to take your chant!
November 3rd, 2009 at 20:54
Marseille lead
And Owen miss-hit a good opportunity…
November 3rd, 2009 at 20:56
valincia 1 2 w nani pass to owen who scuffed the shot
November 3rd, 2009 at 20:57
We are playing a straight forward 4-4-2 today, Owen and Kiko always being on top, with Nani cutting inside as an LAM instead of a pure winger. Our midfielders to a lot of running, well played there.
Marseille, 2-0
November 3rd, 2009 at 20:59
Nice shot from Fletcher!
Had that not swerved more than Beckhams best free-kicks, that would have been straight in the top corner. Nearly Fletch, we have missed you! 
November 3rd, 2009 at 20:59
Wolfsburg lead 1-0 in Turkey.
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:00
Fletcher so close!! missed by millimeters!!
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:04
wow machedas showing some good awareness there owens scuffs it again..nani dribbling way too much
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:05
Great tempo in the game, really exiting.
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:08
@Footy4Eddy: Completely off his head.
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:09
MACXHEDA
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:11
here comes the buss
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:12
dzagoev..what a finish…it seems browns lost a bit of his leg..maybe why fergie doesn’t pick him for RB any more
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:13
SHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEIT, that was some finish!!!
I blame Edwin, he wasnt… Err… Tall enough? Should eat more, to thin. Yeah, thats it, he is to thin.
0-1, Game on!
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:13
sketchy defending and wasteful chances in attack
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:13
Poor keeping.
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:14
OWEN!!!!!
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:14
WHAT A GOAL!!!
OWENSKÅÅÅ, brilliant finisher by every means. Great at staying onside, that was sexy as hell. Brilliantly done lads!
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:15
MIKEEEEEEEEEEE is a red:twisted:
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:15
nani with a back heel assist
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:16
THIS IS WILD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:16
finally mickey owen scores…
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:16
@Dan: from sar or aqueffen
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:17
onside and they take the lead back what a game
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:17
omg
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:18
defensive crisis
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:18
@gator: The first goal was van der sar. Got beat near post by ball that was curling out, rather then in.
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:19
c’mon fletch slow this game down
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:20
And now Real Madrid lead…
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:20
@gator: Fuck no, this is awesome!!!
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:24
@Footy4Eddy: 1-1, Ronaldinho from the spot!
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:25
valincia just took some ruskis head off haha
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:27
this is awesome………..fergie will definitely buy krasic now
in a way its good for united
and great by krasic…..he could have had VDS sent off
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:27
fabio not doing bad but looks frustrated
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:31
akenfeev keeping them ahead
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:34
@Footy4Eddy: yea awesome for their attack but not our second string defense
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:34
Its been a wild game, CSKA play the game well. Attacking minded, good passing, fast play and a quick build up. Good on the counter as well. That Krasnic fella is a good player, but the first goal was simply wild. Never thought that could go in, brilliant finish.
As for us, we have played well. Could have scored at least as many goals as them, but Im getting used to us missing lots of chances.
Great goal by Owen, and all in all a good game. Hope we can win this, remember that we have scored 80% of all our goals this season in the second half. So come on lads! 
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:37
they are playing the counter attack better than us we are getting caught up field hopfully they have run their gass in the first and will be unable to replicate the performance in the second
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:37
Reason for us falling behind? Wes Brown, mistake on both our goals. Played a blinder on Saturday, but bad, unconcentrated defending today. Suck it up Wes!
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:39
SAF should be ashamed of himself with the football he is dishing up for the United faithful. We are like SNAILS in MF, our defenders are TOO SLOW to catch a cold – feckin useless in other words, and it would be such a good lesson to SAF if CSKA give us a hiding. Perhaps then he would get his feckin fingers out and BUT some top class players that can entertain. Truly this is dire stuff, and Fergie we deserve everything we are getting – sorry but I feel sorry for the fans who have payed thru the nose to watch more SHIT. I’m bloody disgusted!
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:40
Most entertaining CL game we have played this season…Unfortunately, we are behind, but we will win 4-2 with a Macheda hattrick. That boy is better than i thought…
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:40
Jeez this sounds like an entertaining, if else frustrating game…
Wish I was watching it.
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:41
wow whats happening to red rants changing looks mid game?
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:43
What the hell is going on? We’re playing in slow motion!? Nani has delivered a performance befitting of his (poor) reputation. Strange match, at least it’s eventful!
Feel that we need to change up the left side. Fabio is low on confidence for some reason, and not helping Nani out. And Valencia is doing pretty well imo. Macheda looks good and Owen is making space…just need some shots to go in!
And TEMPO!!!
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:44
@CraigMc: whaaaaaaaaa macheda is showing class up front and our backup defense made some mistakes? imagine that.
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:44
who were the better performers???
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:44
I agree – Macheda looks good today…he’s had some good touches and decent shots as well. Wish I could say the same about our defense though…
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:44
@Footy4Eddy: They should have NEVER got as far as Wes Brown Eddi mi man, our other defenders Gary and Fabio (the not so Fabio in my opinion) are so subdued in performance, and giving the ball away, I swear to God they are sleepwalking. How much more dilitary can SAF get in sending out teams to serve it to us cold. Better improve in the 2nd half, because people have payed BIG ticket prices to be put to sleep once again
.
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:45
@CraigMc: Craigskååå, what are you saying my mate, my bro, my rizzle-fo-shizzle? We have played well, unlucky to be behind. Look beyond the scoreline now, think of the game itself. We have played well, and I well and truly expect us to win this game. If not easy, then at least win. Come on lads, you are more optimistic than this my Craigy mate!
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:45
@Footy4Eddy: I blame van der sar for the first. To the angle, power, and swirl of the shot, it should not have gone in.
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:46
scholes is playing decent but i think ando would help control tempo from the mid better
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:47
By the way – can somebody tell me why Valencia can NEVER get a ball into the box – he should be playing for Tranmere Rovers on this performance, not supposedly great Man United. Oh but then I forgot, nobody, not another sould who knows anything about football believes United are great anymore. What a sad lot of muppets!
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:47
Obi and Rooney on for Nani and Owen in the second half please! The sooner the better! Though I’d feel a bit for Owen…but Macheda has just shaded it today.
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:47
Tbh the 1st goal was poor defending and poor keeping. Edwin just flapped his arm like “whatever thats not going in”. Nani has been making some good decisions esp with the short passing. Tony is one of the most accurate crossers I have seen in a long time and has been great. I personally think this game requires Anderson just like vs Liverpool. I think together with Fletcher they have been our best midfielders
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:47
@CraigMc: I still think watching golf is more boring…
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:48
But this is torture….
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:49
4-3 anyone?!
Wazza and Ando rushed into warmup, come on now!!!
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:49
oh dear god!!!
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:49
wow i missed it
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:51
OH MY FCKING GOD!
PISS OFF REFEREREE!!!!!!!
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:51
@CraigMc:
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:51
PENALTY YOU FUCKING TWAT!!!!!! BALD FUCKING MORON, THATS A FUCKING PENALTY YOU MOTHERFUCKING COCKSUCKING FUCKFACE!!!
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:52
wow what a prat call by the ref
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:53
WHAT A FUCKING TWAT! HE FUCKING GAVE FLETCH A YELLOW ON TOP OF THAT!!!!
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:54
Yesterday he helped his wife give birth to a child, a coming legend, now he has to help his club win a game being behind 3-1 at home with 35 minutes left. Come on Wayne!
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:57
Wazza is on. Make Kai proud Wayne!
November 3rd, 2009 at 21:59
Nani off
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:00
wow new left side
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:00
Fabio off, Evra on
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:02
we need to be tackling hard as fuck when they run at us take a red if you must but fuck if we should be scared of them
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:03
We are gonna win this 4-3
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:08
who the fuck does fergi need to suck off for us to start getting calls from the refs this is fucking stupid.
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:09
@Footy4Eddy: We are gonna lose it 4-1 mate
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:12
If we can score 4 in 10 against Spurs we can score 3 in 20 against this side…
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:12
cska bring in the hack artist great the refs will let this old bastard injure the rest of our team
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:14
Is it so fucking difficult to just tell Anderson to get his fat ass off his seat and warm up and play?!
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:14
@Footy4Eddy: We had the best player in the world in that side.
We havent got the best anything in this side.
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:15
and we laugh on Rafa and his substitutions!
we 3-1 down and scholes still on the pitch…
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:18
@Dan: Nah, Anderson didnt play that game.
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:20
OMG Wayne, Kai could have scored that!
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:20
I fucking hate russians
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:22
WE ARE HAVING NO LUCK WHATSOEVER TONIGHT!!!
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:22
We need to sign this fucking keeper…fucking brilliant
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:23
somone put some fucking studs in that keeper asap and get him out of the game or we will never score
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:23
I am thinking Macheda should start against Chelsea
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:24
their keeper is a monster
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:24
Wel take Krasic and Akinfeev please/ I hope we dont get beaten 4-1 on the counter. My god Akinfeev!
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:25
COME ON SCHOLES!!!!!
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:25
We finally scored
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:25
GET IN!!!
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:26
@Lars: Im thinking this to.
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:26
@ROOOOONEY: Makes ours look like dogshite!
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:26
@AndyCR7:
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:26
@AndyCR7: hes just scored!
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:27
if he doesnt give him a second yellow for that handball we are surley going to be fucked by the refs at evry possible chance.
nice scholes
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:27
@Lars: macheda could play winger quiet easily…he is miles ahead of welbeck…do something obertan
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:27
Old Trafford is rocking!!!
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:28
i must admit, why is it this team starts playing real football when theres 10 minutes left and they are losing 3-1, they look like beasts out there, if it wasn’t for akinfeev i wonder what the score would be, shame about our defending
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:29
@RMJ: Dont get ahead of yourself now.
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:31
the ref is a fucking prat that should be red against scholes
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:32
YESSSSS VALENCIA. UNITED
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:33
VAAAALLLLLENCIAAAA!!!!
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:33
YYYYYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:33
VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVAAAAAAAAAALINCCCCCCCCCIAAAAAAAAAAAAA
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:34
thats why we are machester united
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:35
hand fucking ball
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:37
finally samberas gets send off
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:38
We should have won that 4-3. Stonewall penalty and i want heads to roll.
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:38
The one game I miss ad we start playing attacking football…
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:39
great way to cover up your bias by sending off with no time left fucking disgraceful ref again
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:39
I want obertan to start against CSKA london. Much better then nani in the 10 minutes he came on for.
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:40
seriously fergi was right to question the refs and they are punishing him for opening his mouth how do we get our 50 50 call ban over with this is fucking retarded
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:40
I thought Fergie only vented his anger against English refs…wasnt he complimentary of European refs? Is this how the European refs are showing solidarity with their English counterparts?
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:40
@gator: Agreed. THis game should have been won.
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:41
@Mr.Muhozi: Extremely frustrating! 1-0, 1-1, 3-1, 3-3…
Where is our defense from last year? We need shutouts and start attacking people like we do when we are behind.
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:41
Phshaw, this game sounded mental…
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:41
I want to hunt down this ref and cut his bollocks off. Absolute twat.
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:42
Don’t know what you are all shouting about, our lot should hang their heads in shame, because we only turned up for the last 20 minutes – I am not happy – sorry!
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:42
@Red Ranter: Do you still feel that way?
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:43
And evans was a total monster in the second half.
He was vidic like to say the least. Ferdinands number may truly be up.
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:43
fergi on the pen call : “one of the worst(decisions) ive seen all time”
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:44
@Dan: Woah Dan, I can feel the ref’s pain already, Dan on the pitch ready with an axe ready to find and chop his balls off. Only problem is Dan, has he got any – more like little peanuts m’thinks.
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:44
Obertan has serious shades of Henry. His touch is soooo similar… he looks sooo good when dribbling and first touching it.
Macheda was great too. He looks so strong and his passing and shooting was great too. He deserved a goal for his header on the post.
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:44
@Footy4Eddy: Anderson sounds a lot like the noise I make when I’m breaking wind Andersddfpohjpjoku[k[errrrrtr
The player gives me gas and diarrhea to be honest.
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:47
Obertan is our next left winger he has too much quality. They couldnt touch him. Nani is soo i dont know..
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:47
@Grognard: We could have (and should have) beaten this team, but lady luck was not on our side.
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:47
@Dan: I did not notice evan’s played particularly well. He seemed out of position a couple of time and lost his man too.
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:48
@Taehr: He looked EXACTLY like ronaldo at one point during the game.
Fucking £3mil? Daylight robbery.
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:49
Damn Aguero scored two peaches against chelsea!
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:50
@[OPTI]Madschester United: Nope, you’re getting him mixed up with brown.
Brown was our rio, evans was out vida.
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:51
@Dan:
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:52
@Dan: I guess my Low-Def online feed made Evans look like Brown.
Our defense HAS been shaky this season regardless of who is there.
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:52
@Dan: Completely…his movement, control everything is just superb. he cost what 5 times less than Nani??
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:53
I am also a bit annoyed by Rooney’s fumble feet. Can he actually dribble without losing the ball and his finishing is 1 is FM terms.
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:55
@Dan: Maybe at the beginning of the game or at 1-1. After that, this game was all but lost, until 84th minute. Then we could salvage a point and should be grateful that Dzagoev was subbed… he tore us apart along with their blond winger
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:56
Im putting much of the blame on VDS tonight. First and third goals where near post and should have been saved. Not all the blame, but much.
And the referees a wanker is the least that can be said about him.
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:56
they took their chances well vds saved only one of their shots on goal to Akinfeev saving 8 of our 10 plus the og.
we are still blunt up front
roony first touch is non existent
brown needs more match fitness/awareness .
obertan looked much calmer and had some good time on the ball.
nani was disappointing but had some good touches and passes.
valincia is growing in confidence and looks good on the right.
fletch should be better against chelscum but didnt have a bad night just need more from him.
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:56
Well, I was right. A really dull draw…
More like a Champions League classic!!! EPIC!!!
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:57
He didn’t do too well early on, but Evans definitely was a monster in the 2nd half! Obertan looked a bit cautious but at least he didn’t try to do everything himself and look like a fool like the other winger who got subbed!
I thought Neville put in some good crosses too towards the end…and Valencia should make sure all his touches are not too heavy!
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:57
@[OPTI]Madschester United: Im referring to the penalty. And we were all over them in the second half, thats pure shit to say we only started playing in the 84th minute.
November 3rd, 2009 at 22:57
@Dan: lady luck and old man ref as well
November 3rd, 2009 at 23:00
@[OPTI]Madschester United: i thought Evans did okay considering how bad Brown was…as i mentioned somewhere before Macheda is miles ahead of Welbeck…he should be starting in the Carling cup..and he looks comfortable playing on the wing..reminded me of ronaldo..ran at the defenders and put in couple of decent crosses and then moving into the middle to head the ball like a striker.he even made a couple of thru ball chances for Rooney and Owen…i thought Fletch was a bit off colour(back from injury so.)..Obertan needs to run at defenders more..too many times he tends to lay off the easy pass but he looked really good even then
November 3rd, 2009 at 23:04
@RMJ: WHAT? Macheda didnt do much on the wing at all, he put in zero crosses so i dont know where you got that from, and just passed it to the nearest player to him, hardly running at defenders.
And obertan ran at defenders much more then macheda. And its better to pick out intelligent passes then trying to do everything yourself like nani.
You need to go watch some videos of ronaldo if THAT reminds you of him.
And as for him being miles ahead of welbeck, dont make me laugh.
November 3rd, 2009 at 23:06
@Grognard: I haven’t seen the match — DVR’ed it will go home and watch it — but from our history in the Champions’ League group stage over the past two/three years, we’ve put shit teams and still managed to do our job; they’ve never always been pretty, but they’ve almost always got the job done. (Chelsea was clearly the bigger fish, and I really wouldn’t bother even if we’d lost this.) My opinion was not based on a wild hunch but based on how we’ve done in Europe over the years.
November 3rd, 2009 at 23:07
Well wasn’t that fun? We can thank the footy gods tonight as we lucked one out even though we really should have cleaned their clocks.
Fact, they had three chances and they scored three goals.
Fact, EVDS made me miss Ben Foster tonight. He looked old and slow to react. Probably never had a
chance on all three but his positional play was poor and his reactions to all three goals was non existent. Dan, never say I am not fair. By the way, did everyone catch the world class performance by Akinfeev. Yet
another of the keepers I had placed on my top 4 want list. And some of you have the nerve to question my ability to judge keepers.
Fact, Wayne Rooney sometimes plays like a useless git. And I personally don’t give a rats ass if just became a father. His child and wife are both in excellent health, he should have started this game. And played better as well.
Fact, The team selection was absurd. Too many kids in a game that nobody and i mean nobody should have been taking for granted. CSKA were here to fight for their CL lives.
Fact, I now know that Fergie has completely lost it. Take off Nani to bring on Rooney and then play Macheda at Left Wing? Are you kidding me? We lose a wide threat and a player who can deliver balls into the box when we are down 3-1?
Fact, Our backup defenders are just that , backups. None of them show me the qualities to be starters in this league and without our starters back there, we are a woeful mess.
Fact, Our finishing and positioning up front is an absolute joke. We not only need our strikers to finish better and get into better position and angles to receive service, but when it comes to finishing, the only luck we have is bad luck. And yet we were incredibly lucky to draw tonight. Incredibly lucky.
Fact, If Fergie does not sign Milos Krasic, I will personally kill myself. That Serb is frakken awesome. Makes Valencia seem like a part timer.
Fact, If we do not sign Neuer or Adler, it better bloody well be Akinfeev.
Fact, Tonight’s score line might seem like we played poorly. Defensively we were completely useless but offensively I thought we were quite good. We had many many quality chances only to have poor finishing, Akinfeev or the post thwart us. Our movement and interplay was outstanding in the second half but Neville kept on screwing up possession for us.
Fact, This may shock many but my player of the game for Man Utd was none other than Paul Scholes. I thought he was outstanding tonight and kept us in it not only with his goal but his vision and distribution. I will give the old man his due when he earns it. Krasic was great also but for me the hands down player of the game was Igor Akinfeev. World class Casillas like keeping or this game would have been 9-3.
Fact, As frakked upas we are , we are not in the same world of hurt as Rafa. Dats a Fact.
As for our defense and goalkeeping, man are we in a world of hurt. A back four of ball watchers and when our keeper joins in on the activity, we are in a world of shite. And people actually question me about why I think Chelsea will take us apart on Sunday? Mates, tonight was a sign of what I declare to be the beginning of the end for Manchester United in it’s 20 year reign at the top of English football. The signs are there for the beginning of a decline and decay and unless this club wakes up to the fact that money needs to be spent to rejuvenate the side, I see us in a world of hurt by the end of next season. I’m sorry but I find far too many problems with our team and too many players who are just not cutting it. What else am I to think? But at least when it comes to results, we have some luck left in us. Now lets see if that luck carries over to Stamford Bridge.
November 3rd, 2009 at 23:07
@Dan: I can promise you, Obertan will NEVER look exactly like Ronaldo!
November 3rd, 2009 at 23:12
@Grognard: I agree with more or less everything apart from the back up defenders bit.
Im sorry, but evans was a bloody monster at the end of the game. He looked a real leader and the type to digg deep when the going gets tough.
November 3rd, 2009 at 23:13
@Footy4Eddy: He should have come out a bit more to cut off the angle but a shot that high over a goalkeepers shoulder has no business going in. I am amazed he could lift over EVDS and not have it end up in the tenth row. A Hell of a strike but the keeping was a bit suspect.
November 3rd, 2009 at 23:13
I think Gayr Nev is our best crosser of the ball brilliant free kick…and consistently good balls
November 3rd, 2009 at 23:14
Dan and Grognard,
Both of you are not allowed to converse with each other indefinitely. It’s obvious that there’s a lot of ill-feeling and impossible that the two of you can debate with one another without wanting to punch each other.
November 3rd, 2009 at 23:14
@gator: That was no back heel assist. That was a deflection assist but of course Craig will see it differently. For him it will be magic from the Lil Man.
November 3rd, 2009 at 23:15
@Grognard: “this is the frakken Champions League, not the reserves nor is it the Carling Cup.”
You tell me how this isnt a digg? And yet more hypocrisy from the “man” that crys any time someone says hes wrong. Do you really have to resort to insults to get your point across? Sad if you do.
November 3rd, 2009 at 23:16
@CraigMc: It’s because he doesn’t run past defenders. He lets them get far to close to him and doesn’t try to create separation. See Krasic to know what I mean about getting by defenders with bursts of speed.
November 3rd, 2009 at 23:17
@Red Ranter: Im disappointed. Had i reacted like that i would have had the book thrown at me, no?
November 3rd, 2009 at 23:18
@Dan: I deleted his comment. It was uncalled for, I’ve already mentioned that if anyone had a problem they should approach me. And I didn’t tell you off when you told him to piss off.
November 3rd, 2009 at 23:21
I wish Anderson played tonight. He really bossed that midfield in Moscow. Scholes was okay but he couldn’t control that midfield as it was too pacy for him. Krasic is a dangerous player indeed. Very tricky and intelligent. Akinfeev is a brilliant goalkeeper. Nani is unfortunate because it looks like Obertan is just too confident and more intelligent. Should he be sold. No. I’ll still give him time. He actually played well throughout the 1st half and did assist Owen in scoring the 1st equaliser. Owen was looking sharp here and there but I’m impressed with his positional sense. Macheda has a lot of hope in our squad. Good link up play with everyone esp Owen and Tony. Great strength and balance and to some extent ball control. I don’t know what people are on about Rooney. He changed the shape of the game and we began to look a lot more threatening. He really looked lively and was unfortunate that he was playing against Edwin’s successor. And van der Sar’s keeping today was really not up to scratch esp the 1st goal. Let’s all be honest if it was Foster today he would have shouldered the blame for the whole game. Even the 3rd goal that was just poor. So was the defending. Anyway if Anderson doesn’t start against Chelsea it will probably be Fletcher and Carrick but I’d prefer Anderson and Fletcher. Good energy and strength and great drive esp given the physical nature of the Blues. Not likely to be a midfield that can be bossed. If Scholes starts then just like Liverpool we’ll be destroyed.
November 3rd, 2009 at 23:23
First post so be gentle with me
Enjoyed the game, however feel that the final result compliments us quite a bit.
Had a makeshift defense and it showed,they, as well our midfield, just couldn’t live with the movement and creativity of the CSKA lads, Krasic and Dzagoev in particular. For a while after they went 3-1 up it was beginning to look like it could become quite embarrassing. But then they went negative. It seemed as though the reality of the occasion dawned on them and they didn’t really believe they could beat us and so tried to hold onto what they had. The manager made a couple of defensive substitutions, camped his players out in their half and invited us onto them.We then proceeded to do what we do. Credit to the lads for pulling it back and had luck been on our side, we had the chances to win it. Doesn’t change the fact that Moscow gave up the game and had it been a bigger side we wouldn’t have been so fortunate.
Doesn’t bode well for the weekend that’s for sure, (though i’ll take the fighting spirit!)
November 3rd, 2009 at 23:23
@Red Ranter: Well ive got a problem. Its not right how he ALWAYS reacts like this to EVERYONE when you say the slightest thing negative about him. Hes been doing it for years now and to my eyes, its gone unpunished. I know in my heart that had i have written that comment, id be banned on the spot, and with good reason. How you put up with it, i dont know? He always accuses you for not sticking up for him, when you probably do it to much. Meh, im tired of this. I wont reply to any of his posts, its fine by me.
November 3rd, 2009 at 23:24
@Dan: It’s a statement that indicates that your team selection was far to young for a game of such importance.
November 3rd, 2009 at 23:28
@Red Ranter: Then you should have deleted his little dig at me mate. I didn’t appreciate it because my comment to him was not meant as an insult. It was simply disagreeing with his team selection and I gave a valid reason why. But he has his dandur up so much because of a few days ago that nothing I say will be looked at as anything but negative or adversarial. I am tired of his immature attacks. If he cannot debate with me like a man and be mature then he should shut the Hell up and leave me be and I’ll do the same to him. Honestly man, I get it even when i don’t deserve it.
November 3rd, 2009 at 23:30
Also, before either Dan or Grognard accuse me of favouring the other let me just spell out the chain of events:
Dan spelled out his prediction of the starting XI for the match.
Grognard told him to “get real” and that this wasn’t the Carling Cup.
Considering the tension already between the two, Dan interpreted this as a dig, and told him to piss off .
Grognard, either should have approached me because he was told to piss off, or explained himself to Dan. He called him a “fucking pratt” and to “grow the fuck up”.
Dan responded by quoting him and explaining to him that it was a dig.
This is a case of misinterpretation, and any solution is going to be bad for either parties. So the best thing for now, is I am not going to have Grognard and Dan debate with each other for an indefinite period of time.
November 3rd, 2009 at 23:30
On top of that, he is frakken paranoid and he accuses me of being like this to everyone and having been like this for years. Either shut him up, or I will………….PLEASE.
November 3rd, 2009 at 23:31
Do we really wanna spoil such a great game and night with a pointless argue?
November 3rd, 2009 at 23:34
@Red Ranter: Fine with me. It’s like I’m coming to a gunfight fully armed and he’s carrying a pocket knife when we debate anyway. He’s burned his bridges with me anyway so I couldn’t care less. Like I need to converse with him to make my day complete?
I’d rather have dysentery.
November 3rd, 2009 at 23:36
@Footy4Eddy: No we don’t mate but some people will not let bygones be bygones. Somebody was holding a grudge and went a bridge too far with his little snipe. I’m done conversing with him anyhow.
November 3rd, 2009 at 23:36
Gotta sleep, just wanna finish with one statement:
Igorskååå, wild man! Brick wall, moving himself like a puma. Dat man is da shit, sign him up Fergieskååå!!! Do it before I do, because that Igorskååå would be the perfect keeper for us. Come on Fergie!!!
Weeey, immense game, bring on sunday!
November 3rd, 2009 at 23:40
@Footy4Eddy: I have no doubt he is a top keeper, but what im wondering is will he perform at the same level for us. Take brad friedel for example, hes a great keeper, and seems to always raise his game AGAINST us, but do you think hed perform at that level while playing for us?
Still, he had a top, top game.
November 3rd, 2009 at 23:41
For Sunday one thing is for sure Scholes isnt starting. And Anderson is. I hope we go with 3 in midfield because tbh 2 will not be enough I dont think right now because of the was Chelsea are playing. It would have worked with a hargo on the right ready to tuck in like in the champs final. Rooney looked much better again today. Im looking for a big performance from him Sunday
November 3rd, 2009 at 23:41
Can the people who are saying Nani was disappointing actually point out how he was disappointing. The truth is Obertan had a greater impact but that doesn’t automatically mean Nani was poor. He made some good touches and his link up play with Owen and the like was good. Yes Obertan looks the more intelligent and able player but it doesn’t mean Nani was rubbish. Other people are talking about Rooney and his bad touches. What are you guys talking about? I was especially impressed with his touches and passes with Evra, Macheda and later Obertan. What game were you watching. If Owen had been more aware at some point then he would have been perfectly placed for Rooney’s super through ball. How do some people watch games actually? I’m amazed.
November 3rd, 2009 at 23:41
@Dan: Trust me mate. You have no idea at the number of times I’ve looked away when you’ve had snide digs at people. Since you’re bringing this up now let me quote this comment at RMJ:
You need to go watch some videos of ronaldo if THAT reminds you of him. And as for him being miles ahead of welbeck, dont make me laugh.
That’s a completely sarcastic comment and not the first you’ve done so. I’ve let it pass. I am not asking for everyone to give me credit for it. No. Far from it. I am far from perfect. But if you are interested in being pedantic, I can start rattling off the transgressions everyone has been making.
November 3rd, 2009 at 23:43
@Taehr: We havent got the striker for a 4-3-3 unfortunately. We cant play that system anymore in my eyes.
November 3rd, 2009 at 23:44
@Dan: Yea dats true but even for Russia hes been good and im sure our scouts will definately look at him now. His technique is near perfect. Angles etc…
November 3rd, 2009 at 23:45
@Grognard: Considering the tension between the two of you, I think it’s natural that both of you will be paranoid about one another, even if you’ll say that you don’t hold a grudge. It’s plain obvious you both don’t think highly of one another. So, as I said let’s get back to discussing United.
November 3rd, 2009 at 23:46
This is one reason I hate match days — especially midweek ones.
November 3rd, 2009 at 23:47
@Red Ranter: Yea, but i havent insulted him personally though have i? i havent even insulted his views have i? The amount of times someones said “dont make me laugh,” i have never considered that an insult, just annoying. I fail to see how this compares to be being called an idiot, a fool, a child etc.
But im moving on. Im not the one still commenting about burnt bridges and what not. As my mother use to say to me, just get on with it. And thats what i plan to do.
November 3rd, 2009 at 23:47
@Dan: I know, Im just worried bout the middle getting completely overun but yea we dont have a drogba or torres. Berba I thought would be good as the lone man with his height and and all but he just doesnt challenge for headers etc and hides behind defenders
November 3rd, 2009 at 23:49
@Taehr: Agreed. He played excellently tonight.
November 3rd, 2009 at 23:51
@Taehr: Yea, despite his physical attributes, he isnt a very good lone front man at all.
November 3rd, 2009 at 23:54
@Red Ranter: That’s fine with me RR. Sorry for stressing you out.
November 3rd, 2009 at 23:54
@Lars: I am thinking that your thinking is off mate
. Macheda play against Chelski – yeah if you want us to come away goal less 
. Obertan should play BEFORE Macheda, because he has far far far more technical ability than Macheda could ever dream of. Obertain has the expertise to link MF with attack, by all round awareness and thru balls to open up defences. What I noticed about Macheda, is that OBERTAN has the winning mentality too!
November 3rd, 2009 at 23:56
Very eventful day and not for the right reasons. Meh, im off to bed.
November 4th, 2009 at 0:14
@antsBoy: Errrr if I am not mistaken Nani got the assist for the Owen equaliser to make it 1-1 so quickly! He got at least three other good balls thru their defence and onto our forwards in the area, and wouls have had more assists if the strikers weren’t so feckin numptee! But hey whip Nani as usual – right
November 4th, 2009 at 0:16
@Grognard:
, you keep on a stressing em all Grog, this team and their performances deserve it 
.
November 4th, 2009 at 0:19
@CraigMc: Obertan is a winger, whereas Macheda is a striker. So it ISNT fair to compare the two.
On the other hand Craig. Let me bring up the topic of Nani vs. Obertan.
Where do I start? Nani is a cry lady. He is so damn frustrating. Did you see Obertan today? He seriosuly put on a show in linking the left hand side together. Nani is so damn predictable and he can’t even take on defenders like Valencia does.
In the end. He is a lady from Lisbon who should be kicked out from OT!
November 4th, 2009 at 0:21
@Jay wire:
, its called fandom Jaywire! I thought they were all mostly poor tonight bar the last 20 minutes 
.
November 4th, 2009 at 0:30
@Darth Red Diablo: All I got to say to you mate is go buy a decent pair of spectacles, cos you must have been blind watching Nani tonight. Nani made the assist for Owens goal, and he put our strikers thru on at least 3 other occasions one on one. It isn’t Nani’s fault if they didn’t make goals from their given opportunities. As for Obertan/Nani, Nani has as much technical ability as Obertan, and almost as much speed. Admittedly Nani needs to sharpen his all round awareness, but there was not a lot wqrong with some of his decision making tonight. I can compare Macheda and Obertan mate, because I was comparing their BASIC TECHNICAL SKILLS, NOT THEIR STRIKING qualities. So live with it, because Macheda is all feet, and has few technical skills.
November 4th, 2009 at 2:02
Guys guys guys…… everyone needs to calm down. As Sir Ryan Giggs says, you only worry about us if we stop creating chances and i think we created enough for a rugby score last night. Sure the finishing wasnt the best but we hit the post and there were some excellent saves made which no one can do anything about. Yes the back line needs to be more aware but Johnny Evans and Wes Brown do not become second rate defenders over night.
The true test is chelsea on Sunday. By then it would be 11 games played in the league and we will have a clear idea if we r upto it or not.
COMEON UNITED!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 4th, 2009 at 2:58
@Dan: The handball at 3-3??? Come on… with a deflection goal in the 92nd minute that was off target and Owen being off-side for 1-1, I find the handball penalty claim for a “should’ve won” quite tame.
I am happy with 3-3 and an entertaining game, but at 1-3, I was hoping for 3-3 and did not expect a win…
Nonetheless, I understand your frustration at being so close to turning around 1-3 to 4-3… would’ve have been astonishing!
November 4th, 2009 at 3:03
@CraigMc: I am not sure that Macheda or Obertan should play against Chelsea. They are both rather weak (physically) I think chelsea’s main strength against us, is the physical strength all over the field. Terry, Cole, Bosingwa, Essien, Ballack, Mikel, Lampard, and Drogba.
I think neither Da Silva twins nor Macheda or Obertan should start.
However, I do agree with you that Obertan is more ready to start than Macheda…
November 4th, 2009 at 3:05
Just watched the whole game (sky+ed it…. was at a band practice) and I’d managed to avoid the score. The first half can be summed up by the line ‘Carling Cup performance by a Carling Cup starting 11′.
Macheda wasn’t good enough up until he nearly scored. Why we bought Nani off for Rooney and not Macheda was beyond me. Macheda did nothing on the wing, made our play predictable (down the right) and only got involved in the game by drifting into the middle.
Other observations include :
Obertan again looked good when he came on.
We should sign Akinfeev.
The breakdown in attacking play almost always came from Scholes or Neville duffing something up.
If the referee doesn’t give that penalty, he must have never given a penalty ever. Or ever again.
VDS should have done much much better for all 3 goals.
We should sign Akinfeev.
Nani isn’t good enough, and we should move heaven and earth to get Silva.
If we start the match against Chelsea like we ended this one, Chelsea have no chance.
If we start the match against Chelsea like we stated this one, Chelsea will have killed us of by half time.
November 4th, 2009 at 3:12
@Traverse: So what do you think of Akinfeev?
November 4th, 2009 at 3:18
@CraigMc: On the contrary mate, they and the team are stressing the Hell out of me. You know me though, somebody insults me or makes a back handed remark and my glove comes out and it’s pistols at dawn. I demand satisfaction.
November 4th, 2009 at 3:31
@[OPTI]Madschester United: I might have mentioned it, but we should sign Akinfeev.
He’s 25. Good with his feet, good one on one, good at flinging an arm at things, good positioning, parrys away from danger and gets up quickly. If he can speak English and is also a United fan as rumoured then it is ALL GRAVY.
Akinfeev and Silva should be priorities in January. Russian season will be over, and Valencia need money and Silva can play in the Champs League.
November 4th, 2009 at 3:43
@Traverse: I personally find Silva a wee bit over rated and would have a lot of pressure on him to perform…. this would give him 6 very difficult month (remember Vidic and Evra’s first 6 months).
November 4th, 2009 at 3:51
That krasic player seemed rather good. Has anyone seen him play more games? I am curious if this was a one off game or does he put in these performances all the time.
Also akinfeev was fantastic, hopefully he really is on fergies radar.
November 4th, 2009 at 4:12
The spirit of ‘99 lives on. Never, ever rule this team out.
Have other things to say, but still catching my breath!!
November 4th, 2009 at 5:12
Well now, does anybody still think our 2nd team deserves a shot??
An appalling performance by the back ups. The whole idea is to give them the opportunity to prove their worth, in a game that actually means something.
They were amateurish and lackluster, they responded to the pressure like a deer staring at the headlights. They generally had the organization of a bull setting up the china shop!
If I was to say that our reserves weren’t ready, it would be like saying Xmas arrives in December. This was truly a damning exercise for Ole’s men, and one that illustrates the gulf that lies between players of class and those of hope.
If we had some solace in thinking that we have a future lying ahead with the young men that we have stock piled over the last few years, then think again.
We are as poor in reserve as we appear to be in earnest.
The final moments of the game got my United goat going, but in all honesty this was a shambles of a performance!!
November 4th, 2009 at 5:24
@Dan: First goal, definitely slow reaction. Second and third poor defending – slow to shut ‘em down!
November 4th, 2009 at 5:30
@[OPTI]Madschester United: I like putting pressure on a player – his reponse will show his worth!!
If I remenber rightly, Evra and Vidic had some bad games at the beginning, but certainly not for 6 months!!
November 4th, 2009 at 5:41
@Dan: But there’s power in numbers. Three is better than two, especially if Rooney is one of them!!
November 4th, 2009 at 7:18
I watched the match and this is what I have to say. I am shocked everyone missed this entirely. No one — I mean, no one brought this up earlier. The CSKA Moscow coach’s name is Leonid Slutsky. Slutsky! Get it? Huh? Huh?
No?
Bah!
November 4th, 2009 at 8:02
One of very few exciting games that Man UTD played it sems like… How bad is it I Missed IT due absence of LIVE telecast in INDIA…. But, just curious to know from those who have seen the that How do you find this Fella Dzagoev????? Just wanted to have some take on him nothing else…
November 4th, 2009 at 8:05
FOR CSKA his stats says :59 Apps, 20 Goals and 21 Assists… Looks interesting at the age of 19 I suppose…..
November 4th, 2009 at 8:39
@[OPTI]Madschester United: No. When fletcher got hacked down in the box at 3-1.
Did you miss this part?
November 4th, 2009 at 9:49
@[OPTI]Madschester United: First of all, Owen was onside. Second, if there was any other keeper than Akinfeev in their goal, even Casillas or Buffon, the game wouldve been done and dusted before Valencias defelcted shot. Yeah, we were lucky, but as so often before this season we are having luck in bad luck.
Last, we should have had 2 penalties. The Fletcher foul was as clear as they get, and just because it was Fletcher who got fouled you just knew it wasnt a dive. Its Fletcher for Christ sake!!! 
The most honest and clean player you will see in you life, at least of the ones who have a hard style. That was never ever a dive, and a clear penalty which most probably would have made it 3-2 to them after 52 minutes instead of in the 83 minute, which was what happend. And did you see the Milan-Real game? The penalty we should have had in added time was quite similar to the one Milan got against Real. Handball when sliding in, maybe not a clear one but still a penalty. These decisions change games, and at the moment we seem to have all the refs against us. Not only in the Premier League, but in the Champions League as well!!! 
Deary me, what has this earth come to when referees are afraid of giving us penalties or free-kick near the box?
November 4th, 2009 at 9:55
BTW, Obertan is one mad bastard! He has got the biggest head Ive ever seen, and Ive seen some big heads!
Brilliant player though, really reminded me of Cristiano. Ive only seen him play 4 games, but he has been brilliant in all of them. And since he has just come back from injury, he can only get better!!! You guys know I love Nani, but atm big-head is better than him. He worked well with Anderson on Saturday, and worked well with Rooney and Evra yesterday. Something which took Ronaldo a long time to manage, to link up with different players that is. Nani still hasnt managed it! No Im not saying Obertan should stat every game, but I feel that the more we see from him the better!
If Giggs isnt fit Sunday then I know who I want to start at left wing…
OBERTANSKÅÅÅ!!!
November 4th, 2009 at 10:12
Fergie out.We are not winning anything this season with all the mechanic like players.
November 4th, 2009 at 10:12
I will promise you guys one thing. United will not buy David Silva. Not this January, not next summer, not in a decade. Why? Because we simply dont need him. We have Obertan, Nani, Valencia, Park and Tosic. In my mind three of them have potential to become some of the best wingers in the world, while to other two are squad player. Tosic should actually just hope to be a squad player, cause he is shit!
If we sell Nani, which wouldnt make much sense, I still dont think we will buy Silva. We have struck gold here with Obertan, and in two years time I see him being in the top 10 players in Europe. If he keeps playing like he has, he may even join the French international squad come the end of the season! Valencia is also the ultimate winger, not a ultimate player or a Ronaldo-type, but still an incerdible winger. He always want to cross, he is fast like daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaamn!!!, has good driblling, is strong, tracks back, and lately even shows that with some confidence can score goals as well. They will probably be our main wingers, with Nani as a back up. Or maybe just “rotation”, as Fergie calls it these days. 
If we are gonna buy a winger we wont buy someone who costs £20-25 million. So even though I would love us to buy Ashley Young, Ive taken in the fact that we wont buy him. We wont buy Silva either, but maybe a winger in the price-range of £5-15 million. Somewhere between that. Cant come up with someone right now, but I had heard of Obertan 6 months ago either so who knows? 
As for Silva being a playmaker, we wont get him either. Fergie, just as me, has massive belief in Anderson. Okey, he may be the worst finisher this club has seen since Gary Neville in his prime, but he is a really good box-to-box player who can only get better. He is only 21 after all, at that age Ronaldo was no better than Malouda or not even as good as Benayoun. Think of that.
So Andy will be the future there, and if not him it will be Ljajic. How come everyone has forgotten him? A few weeks ago he was talked about as our “saviour”, which I think is going too far, but he certanly will join this club and have high expectations, I think he will turn out well, seems a good player for me. Big, strong, atheltic, good ball control, great passing range and one hell of a shot! I think having Andy and Ljajic as two AMs in the future, with possible also Gibbo getting a shot due to his, well, shot. So I highly doubt we will get Silva, would actually make no sense to me… 
November 4th, 2009 at 10:13
@donibrasco:
Nice one.
November 4th, 2009 at 10:30
There are two players on my shopping list. Not for this January, cause I know Fergie wont buy whatsoever, Ive learnt that during all these years. But next summer, when Edwin has retired, I would like us to go for that Igor lad. Brilliant keeper, absolutely brillaint. I said we should have bought him before these two games were played, but now I am certanly sure we should. Ive seen him for Russia a few times, and for CSKA when they have been in the CL. A brilliant player, just brilliant! Foster is good, but not good enough to be first-choice for the best club in the world. I would like it though, as Im fond of Foster, but if we have the opportunity to buy Akinfeev, I say TAKE IT!!! In my mind he may be better than Casillias if given a chance…
Second is Dzeko. Would have been Aguero, but dunno if he adds much to our play. Brilliant player, of course. Absolutely brilliant! But he may not be what we need. On one hand he is one of the best players in the world in my opinion, great striker, United fan, young and definately gifted. But then he is Argentinian, would cost hell of a lot of money, his stepfather is Maradona(
), he isnt the tallest player around and I am not sure whether he would fit the physical play of England.
Then David Villa, one of the best strikers in world football, is getting older. He is 29 I think, and would cost a lot of money. Very similar to Aguero, just more mature and taller. But still not the striker we need, I feel.
Now I have started to like Berba. Goals such as the ones against Blackburn and Sunderland will defo help him become much more of a fan-favorite, but I still think, and I know a lot of us do, that he is not right for this team. Square peg trying to fit in a round hole. People compare him to Cantona, and I think Fergie does as well. But there are five very big differences between Cantona and Berbatov.
1. Aggression
2. Passion
3. Ability to win things on his own
4. The cocky arrongance which makes you hated by oppositions, loved by your fans.
5. Bravery
Now if I would sum up Cantona in 5 words, it would be those. Which is why Berbatov will fail in Fergies plans. Brilliant player, absolutely brilliant player, but not for us.
Owen is a brilliant striker, and I know Rooney can be world-class at times. He can be unplayable, and when he is in his “game”, he can be better than Ronaldo. I will say this, if Rooney could play at his top level as consistenly as Ronnie, he would be one of the top 5 players in the world. Unfortunately that is not the case, but we still know what he can do, so he is a must in our team. Owen has the best movement I have seen from a United striker in my lifetime, just a brilliant striker. Starting to love the lad! Who would have thought that 6 months ago!?
Dzeko would give us another dimension. He is tall, strong, brave, tecnically giften and all in all just a brilliant finisher. I think he would fit well in this side, and could certanly work well with Rooney. 23, isnt he? Ive not seen him too often, but when I have he has impressed me. Would like to see him partner Rooney up front one day.
So, shopping list is:
Akinfeev
Dzeko
Then there is Mame Diouf coming in in January, but personally I dont think he is a good player. Well, he is good. But not “United good”. Ah well, we`ll see!
November 4th, 2009 at 11:04
@Footy4Eddy:Whenever I read any of your post buddy… I feel as if life is so ‘ROSY’ so ‘NICE’at our beloved MAA UTD. I mean I forget everything the boring snooze football, some mediocre players, no capacity to buy any world class talent due to debt ridden club, and ageing stars….
) you can definitely join them as a PR executive…. Isn’t it????
I think if you may not be able to join Man UTD as player (though some day i would like you to so that we all at RR can boast that super CDM playing like a devil is our Friend….
Fergie and Glaziars take note of this lad… He is what you want in such a difficult time at club…..
November 4th, 2009 at 11:21
@Footy4Eddy: I agree on both the players you have short listed.. In fact since yesterday itself I am advocating DZECKO over Villa for sure. And I agree as far January is concerned. I think… if we manage to win anything (which I don’t think will be a possiblity )or finish with considerably ok year (i.e. Carling and FA cup wins, Second Place in PL and Semi Final in CL) then I don’t think we will add anyone in next summer as well, specially when market prices of the players will be sky high due to WC.
November 4th, 2009 at 11:40
@Traverse-Why should we sign David Silva? And this is an honest question, but do you actually watch him play and know what he can bring to the squad that would add to our play?
November 4th, 2009 at 11:52
@Onkar: Eeeeeeeeeeeeeyyyyyyyyyyyy Onkarskååå! Legend in the sense that his name means bachelor in Norwegian, crushing pussies all over the place! Wild man that lad, following United through thick and thin, saying I make shit look like the sexiest chicks in the world! ONKARSKÅÅÅ!!
Well mate, thanks!
Im always trying to be an optimist, never giving up. Its not over till the Fat lady has finished singing I say. As for United, its my number 1 dream in the world, and Im doing my best to make it happen. Me next to Anderson would make me a little embarrased, fucks sake I would get a boner on TV with millions of people watching! 
November 4th, 2009 at 11:52
Maicon’agent is a true legend.He told ” who are City???Dont joke…If it is United or Chelsea,then there is something..”
Mark Hughes must have read his comments.
November 4th, 2009 at 11:55
@Onkar: I dont think Bosnia are in the WC, so Dezko wouldnt cost a lot. As for Akinfeev, keepers usually dont cost a lot. I think an offer of £14 million would be enough to get him. Zenit let Arshavin go for £16 million or so, and he is THAT gem!
We got Vidic for £5 million. Russians may be great when it comes to “dealing”, but its easy getting things cheap from them. 
November 4th, 2009 at 11:56
@owen: From the L to the E to the G to the E to the N to the D that guy is a fucking LEGEND!!!
November 4th, 2009 at 12:00
@Footy4Eddy: One sad news is that City’s have also joined the race to chase Rodwell.
November 4th, 2009 at 12:02
@Jay wire: Yes. And for one, a decent through ball from the left! Do you watch him? Is there a reason we shouldn’t that I’ve managed to miss? He is twice the player Nani is, and can play on both wings and as a support striker. He is United class.
November 4th, 2009 at 12:04
@[OPTI]Madschester United: And then they were dynamite and are regarded as one of the best at their positions in the world and helped us win 3 Prems in a row and a Champs league. Your point?
November 4th, 2009 at 12:04
@owen: These are the actual quotes:
“One day it’s Real, the next it’s United and more recently it has been City. The player has already said he wants to remain at Inter. If Real or United knock at the door then that’s one thing, but City? What would Maicon do at City? Let’s not joke around…”
November 4th, 2009 at 12:04
@Eddy-I have to disagree with you on Berbatov. He is a top class player and there’s no need to compare him with Cantona. It’s like when people use his price tag to judge him. There’s zero sense in it. Otherwise given that we don’t complain about Rooney and his price, he should also be afforded the same treatment. I mean he has a better overall goalscoring and assists record anyway. Last season he was misused and we’ve discussed that at length. This season he has been applied somewhere close to his optimum position and we can all see the fruits. He has improved with every game. The Liverpool game he was quiet I admit but most of our poor performances have been simply down to the coaching staff and the manager. Anyway, I’ve said this and will say it again, if you want the best out of Berbatov make him the focus of the attack. Simple. He always knows what to do with the ball. He knows which winger to pass to and when. Analyse him everytime he has the ball. He rarely makes predictable passes. Instead of comparing him with Cantona I’d say in this sense he’s like Zidane. He’ll know what to do and will set up good play. I don’t know why everyone else is doing panicking about our team. We all want to get the next billion pound superstar because we think our squad is not good enough. It’s simple and I’ve said it a dozen times, the management. Rather the coaching and techniques are flawed. The “rotation” is absurd and the team selection is designed to defeat the players before they even step onto the field. So even if both Davids come from Spain and we add the next best players in world football the tactics will cause them to be flops. Ronaldo and Tevez have gone. But has this resulted in a lower goal tally or a higher one? So no problems there. Berbatov has been stepping up with every game, Tony looks the real deal, Fabio is exciting, Owen’s positioning is still unmatched, Rooney has done well so far, and we have Fletcher. I haven’t even spoken of the massive strides Anderson has made and now with Obertan back in the mix. No problems on the personnel. Let’s all not run away from the real issue.
November 4th, 2009 at 12:05
@owen: Manchester City have a vibrator up their ass.
November 4th, 2009 at 12:19
@Jay wire: Valid points mate. For the record, I am not the one comparing him to Cantona. I would never compare anyone to Cantona! He is God, and there is no-one like him.
I agree with you about Zidane. Just that Berbatov runs less…
I personally think Berbatov is a wonderful player, just that he doesnt exactly fit in the team. LIke I said, I would love to be proven wrong, as I am one of the people telling my friends “If you dont get Berbatov, you dont get football”. 
Just that so far he hasnt done so well, he has taken massive strides this season and he has become a better player, for the team and personally. Dzeko is just a player I would like us to buy if Berbatov doesnt fit in the team come May, because I feel that he has then gotten the time he needed and if he doesnt fit then, he will never fit. He has done wonders lately though, scoring wise as well as creating. Hope it continues…
The reason I think we should buy Dzeko in the first place is because Owen isnt getting any younger, Wayne still has his few injuries, Macheda has dissapointed somewhat this season and Welbeck is time and time again being used as a winger instead of his natural striker role. I am one of the guys who have massive belief in youth, just two weeks ago I stated that I felt we didnt need to buy any midfielders because Pogba and Ljajic should be given a chance sooner or later, and we should start playing De Laet and Evans in more games. If you see my earlier post I wrote why we shouldnt buy David Silva, as my faith in Obertan has grown like Craigs penis when Nani scores a goal.
Kiko and Danny are both young, I think theyre both 18 or Danny becomes 19 soon if Im not wrong. If Kiko and Danny take some big steps this season and prove that they are well and truly United quality, I think we only need one player, a goalkeeper. Hopefully either Akinfeev or Neuer. Most likely Akinfeev because he was mental last night!
The future is bright!
November 4th, 2009 at 12:24
@Jay wire: Agreed 100% matey… I am suddenly likking this place as far as Berba issue is concern. As I always felt on here that I am the only one who liked Berba and always voiced my protest against judging the player by Price Tag. I mean one simple thing here people forget is the price at which player come and go is hardly determined by player himself. But its the negotiations skills of those respective clubs (which we lack horribly) which are involved. So, iots foolish to discount player by saying that at 15mn he would have been steal and at 30mn its a wastes. As players doesn’t decide that.
Secondly, I don’t think the player has been used properly at all for whole last season. This year I dare say that he is one of the best if not the best performer that we have may alongside Fletch. And I firmly believe that the best is yet to come.
Thirdly the problem here is his class is not comparable to any other player on the team sheet tbh. I dare say that as far as quality is concern he is from different planet compared to all other players he plays with.
Lastly, the lack of off the ball movement from our player. I mean the man is class as far as finding the impossible passes. I can use the latest exaple of Carrick against the Wolf in the Cl match when he was sent one on one by berba only to miss the chance. Just check that out. He could find Carrick literallyt through a wall of three players. Thats class. I mean it hurts but my bro who is a gooner fan always says that we are wasting berba. If he would have been a part of there team by now he would have been a world beater. I sadly have to say that I kinda agree with him. Just the way the whole team of those gooners move he would have never felt short of option there like he does with us….
November 4th, 2009 at 12:27
As usual, slightly late player ratings:
EVDS – 6.0 – I’m not sure I can blame him for the first and third, but I’d like to. Second he did well, even touched the ball with his spread at the feet. Just one of those games.
Gary – 5.5 – I know he ended up delivering some decent crosses but he’s a right back. And his defending was woeful. Plus he’s not fast enough to make up the ground when he moves forward, restricting the CMs from abandoning the halfway line.
Wes – 5.0 – At fault for at least one, maybe two of the goals. That one two was obvious a mile away and he didn’t apply any pressure to at least make it difficult. And the second goal he was not only not pressuring the ball, but also keeping everyone onside. Other than that decent.
Evans – 6.0 – Was okay. I worry he doesn’t have the pace to be a first XI for the very best clubs though. Needs to improve his reading of the game to compensate.
Fabio – 4.0 – Not good enough offensively or defensively. A bit worried that he’s not all he’s cracked up to be.
Scholes – 7.5 MOM – If you give him time, space and a weak opposition he’ll kick your ass. The perfect option for games like last night. Not for good premiership teams.
Fletcher – 6.0 – I know we’re supposed to be cheering him like the second coming, but he was pretty poor imo. Misplaced passes, left gaping holes in midfield before we went down by 2 offered little going forward other than his early distance strike…looked like the Fletcher of a couple years ago.
Nani – 4.0 – Not good enough. No pace, no directness and incredibly wasteful. Also has the worst ‘token’ attempts at defending since Ronaldo.
Valencia – 6.5 – Really really good in the first half, probably our best player. Then ran away and hid somewhere until the 91st minute. Gets half a mark for having the best celebration ever.
Macheda – 6.7 – Has the touch, guile and technique of a 35 year old Italian striker. Unfortunately also has the pace, urgency and enthusiasm of one. You’re 18! Show some damn energy! Still, I think we’re onto something with him. The way he carved out space for 3 shots and then his header were a class above. Desperately hope he gets more chances.
Owen – 6.5 – Movement is important for a striker, but scoring is more important. If Owen is going to be a 1 in 5 chances type player for us, he won’t succeed. He still has time, I can understand the shock at getting chances after being at Newcastle for a few years.
Subs
Rooney – 7.0 – First touch is still a little iffy but having him on the ball is like playing a video game from the tv camera. He just sees the right place to go, right pass to pick, even if he sometimes screws it up. Wore gloves so loses half a point for being a p*ssy.
Evra – 7.0 – World class left back gives world class 25 minutes. Nothing surprising, other than what a difference it made on krasic (who was clllassss)
Obertan – 6.0 – Did nothing of note, but also didn’t give the ball away, slow things down and generally suck – so a marked improvement over Nani. Would like to see him for 90 minutes soon…
A note for Krasic and Akinfeyev. Yes please.
November 4th, 2009 at 12:42
@Grognard:
Fact… At current form Vidic cannot contain Drogba.
Fact… At current form Vidic cannot contain Anelka too.
Fact… At current form Rio, Brown and Evans cannot contain neither of the top two too.
Fact… At current form EVS maybe a liability considering his poor positional play against CSKA.
Fact… At current form JT and RC are able to fend off any attack from our forwards.
Fact… At current form Essien can easily cut off any threat posed by our attacking midfielders.
Fact… At current form Lampard can easily penetrate our midfield and conjure up a shot on target.
Fact… At current form Drogba and Anelka are one of the best striking partnership out there.
Fact… At current form Chelsea are far, far better organized than us and will be superior on Sunday in all areas of the park.
FACT… WE ARE MANCHESTER UNITED AND WE DON’T GIVE A RATS ASS WHO WE’RE UP AGAINST BECAUSE WE WILL NEVER DIE!
November 4th, 2009 at 12:43
@Traverse- Yes I actually watch him. I wanted to hear your view on why we should get him. Now watching him I can tell you this, his can play as a winger on both sides or as a number 10 as we used to know them or as a supporting striker as you said. His best position is as a playmaker. If you’ve followed Valencia a bit you’d know they had one Pablo Aimar at some stage and they got Silva as a direct replacement and their game is similar. Aimar can also play as a SS. He will cost a billion to get him and I used to advocate his purchase long ago because I know his quality. But I think Nani should be allowed as much time as we allowed the once frustrating Ronaldo who only really kicked into gear in the second half of his 3rd gear. We are not Chelsea who have no time for developing players and no patience in that dept. They just buy world class players like Madrid. We believe in nurturing rough diamonds and making them superstars. And we already have Obertan who can play the same positions as Silva except playmaker and has shown great promise. In my opinion Nani has not been shown the same treatment Ronaldo got. Ronaldo was at times beyond frustrating with his billion stepovers and wayward shooting and selfishness in his early days. His decision making was at times atrocious. The difference was he almost always played. There was absolutely no competition for him and either the more frustrating and badly positioned Fletcher or the paperweight Park would be the only competition. But Fergie persisted in playing the player the press once called “empty bag of tricks”. That’s the difference between him and Nani. Nani has had to compete esp due to the fact that he is mainly limited to the left wing, with Giggs,Park,Ronaldo and even Rooney and Tevez. It’s not enough to play him 60min after every three games and expect consistency. Some players need time to develop like Ronaldo, Deco and Henry. Others just hit the ground running like Rooney,Messi or Obertan as it seems.
November 4th, 2009 at 12:50
It should read “kicked into gear in the second half of his third season
November 4th, 2009 at 12:57
@Jay wire: It’s become failry obvious Nani isn’t going to eb shown the same attention from Fergie as Ronaldo got. We should call it quits both for us and for him. He isn’t gong to get that chance at United, right or wrong. Plenty of teams would be interested in Nani, and Valencia they know that if they can’t get champs league football again this season that they will loose Silva and Villa, because they simply have NO money.
I’d play Silva left wing while Obertan is developing, and move him inside more when Scholes finally retires to be a play maker. The money we’d need to spent on him is negated by the fact we probably wouldn’t need to get another striker, cause he can fill that role too. He is the ultimate utility player, and Fergie loves those!
November 4th, 2009 at 12:58
@Eddy- Actually Berbatov runs more in a season than the ground Zidane together with Riquelme covered in their whole careers. And the trio have been accused of being lazy but I think they just know when to do the running and when not to. I concur with what you are saying though. By the way the rest of that post I was just speaking in general not necessarily directed to you.
November 4th, 2009 at 13:05
@Jay wire: The reason we were patient with Roandlo is because he was 17 when he joined us. Nani is what 22? already. And when we first saw Roanldo, we knew he was something special. If we get Silva we can play him in CAM/SS role. I think that’s where we need reinforcement. I can see Obertan owning the LM in few months. I still think Nani is not being treated fairly…
November 4th, 2009 at 13:08
@Footy4Eddy: Problem with Berba though is whenever we loose and we need a scapegoat to bash we have only one name to bash for and thats Berba… I have stop coming to this place whenever we loose or we have a bad game… Just because I am so sure that people here will be hitting Berba left right and center. And I have to agree that I don’t have as much patience as DAN to keep on fighting people like he does Foster. But nice to see at least some Pro Berba people on here…..
November 4th, 2009 at 13:10
@donibrasco: And who in? You dont stop to amuse me. Look at what is happening at the Bernabeu, what dont they have!
November 4th, 2009 at 13:25
There we again….
Man Utd boss Ferguson insists Akinfeev not on shopping list……
Maybe Nuerer or Adler are……
November 4th, 2009 at 13:32
well duh, he wont say that he is on the list
November 4th, 2009 at 13:33
@Onkar- Funny enough I’ve been thinking the same thing lately. You see as much as we loathe Wenger and his team, Arsenal have always been the best team technically. I mean in terms of technique just in case some overzealous fans jump on my back. That man really knows how to arrange his team and no team in Britain can be so excellent consistently in techniques. Off the ball running. On the ball movement. Organised but very swift attacking movements. There are very few teams able to match their techniques and their football in the world. I’d say Barca is ahead and teams that come close are Milan and Juventus of Nedved days or Zidane and Davids days. Anyway point is these teams have mastered the art of player positioning and football techniques. At anyone of these teams Berbatov will flourish because they’ll know how to use him. Needless to say, techniques and tactics don’t win trophies alone as poor Wenger hasn’t learned by now. You also need excellent man management and expert motivation skills. Quite frankly Ferguson can win the Champions League with a bunch of ice hockey players if he wanted with just his motivation skills. What he lacks is the technical expertise and from the evidence of our play the same applies to Mike Phelan. That’s why we still win because of the great motivator but we play boring football with no real direction. Off the ball movement is atrocious and this insistence on playing the archaic and extinct long ball is costing us. Because the players are talented and motivated they’ll get the results. I’ve been watching the reserves a bit since Ole took over and I’ve been impressed by what I’ve seen. Just that this season access has been limited. But what struck me was the tactics and the organized football. He has shown that his tactical awareness is high. And I believe much better than Phelan’s. Maybe we could try him as assistant because honestly since Quieroz left our game has been seriously boring. Snoozefest after snoozefest. Predictable “pass to the winger or boot upfront” football with a number of sideways and crossfield balls. No constant running off the ball like everyone has been commanded to stick to their posts like the army. In fact it is believed that an arrangement was made for all grounds in Europe to contain an electromagnetic strip around the centre circle . With both Scholes and Carrick equipped with boots with sensors to “zap” them each time they try to breach that boundary. Sorry for long post but it’s my nature. I just think with a more technically aware and competent assistant we could really become a force to reckon with and won’t have this problem of players struggling to play due to bad positioning or ridiculous tactics and rotation
November 4th, 2009 at 14:00
@Traverse-I’ll have to grudgingly agree with you on that reality. It seems Ferguson is really in a rush to win and he has no time for player development anymore. But you have to realise that before we acquire any new world class players our technical side has to be sorted. I fear we could get the best players and still they’ll suffer and would want out very soon because of the low standard of football at our club. A lot of people say Veron was a flop when it was due to bad tactics. You can’t play him and Scholes in the same team because they’ll be a duplication of roles. So he was played deeper but people who’ve watched before know that’s not where he plays. I fear Silva’s adaptability may actually be his downfall. Ferguson doesn’t seem to understand that a player needs to be played consistently where he is best. Wellbeck and Rooney and even Berba will tell you that. Silva is not an excellent winger but through the middle he is superb either as a CAM or SS. Personally I’ve got no problem with our current squad, but my beef is with Ferguson and his puzzling and illogical tactics. If that’s sorted people will begin to see that we actually do have quality in our ranks. As for Silva, should he come he would be great if used correctly but we should then not bother buying potential and do it like Chelsea since we already have plenty of midfielders that any young players will have zero chance and afforded even less patience than zero. At least we are as boring as them so far we might as well announce it officially.
November 4th, 2009 at 14:15
@Jay wire: You hit Neall in the Head mate… Thats precisely what I was thinking… And thats why I said Berba is class above for the team he is playing currently… Because, he is technically far superior… But still I am happy that he is playing for us….
November 4th, 2009 at 15:12
Which fans boo their own players and manager? Obviously it can only be the “Old Trafford faithful”. What kind of a counterproductive psycho can you be to do that? Apparently, Nani was booed again yesterday. He actually had a decent game ironically but that’s not even the point. Why would you boo a 22 year old player with immense pressure on him to perform, who is being massacred by the media and by fans on the internet and tv? And a player playing for your own team? Honestly something should be done an educational campaign maybe to teach unruly fans that it actually doesn’t help to boo your own players. We have an embarrassing record at Old Trafford of booing players. Rio, Scholes, Saha,Giggs, Fletcher, Park and the manager and now Nani. To make it worse we have the biggest but suprisingly quietest ground in England with fans leaving as early as the 75th minute. Impatient and unruly and only making noise against your own. Craven Cottage makes twice as much noise as the 75000 seater Old Trafford. Our “fans” never cease to amaze me
November 4th, 2009 at 15:40
Just felt like I had to say something I’ve noticed about Nani recently… he seems to be consciously trying to keep his head up while with the ball at his feet (unlike before). This I feel is an attempt by him to improve his awareness of team mates so he can pick the right pass, however, it is leading him to be dispossessed more easily as he is not focused on his dribbling as he used to be.
I reckon Fergie stick with him as his game can only improve and the fact he is getting out of his comfort zone to improve his general play bodes well. Obertan sure looks good, however, Nani still has quite the arsenal and maybe when he gets the knack of dribbling with his head up he’ll deliver like we expect him to. Just my two cents there…
November 4th, 2009 at 18:42
@Redrich: Well said mate. I was shocked to see so many backups and kids playing a major match like this one. Others brought up the Chelsea match but I also brought up the fact that we had nothing clinched in the CL and therefore had to get a point and could not take any opponent for granted. Sometimes starters just need to dig down deep and play two games in four or five days. Jeez Fergie should stop treating them like little girls and treat them like he did teams in years before all this rotation nonsense. In 1999 he would play the starters yesterday minus one or two players and then play all of them on Sunday. Now it’s play all but a few starters. Fergie is suffering from Rafa on the brain. Play subs and reserves in the Carling Cup or two give a player or two a rest every week, but not a wholesale change like yesterday. There is a reason we looked so useless defensively. Each one of those backups are used to sliding in and playing with three world class defenders. But having to play with three players no better than them and who are also feeling uncomfortable was asking way too much of them. Lets see if this risk or gamble will bare fruit vs Chelsea. I still think our starters will lay a brick at Stamford Bridge.
November 4th, 2009 at 18:46
@Red Ranter: Reminds me of my friend in high school who’s last name was CRAPowski.
November 4th, 2009 at 18:56
@Footy4Eddy: It absolutely amazes me Eddy that you ignore our most obvious needs because you think we are fine there. We are not fine at midfield, no matter how much you think it or will it. We are not fine by a long shot. Your shopping list is fine both players would be welcome additions but not when there are better players playing those positions available. Akinfeev is #3 on my depth list of goalkeepers to go for. Still, would I say no to him, no way, he is class. Dzeko I like but I already wrote a large rant about how he will suffer like Owen, Berba and Rooney because he more than any of them, requires service and precise service in order to be effective. And that service is not going to come form the Rogue’s Gallery you claim to be the backbone and future of our club. No way in Hell. David Silva is the single most important player we need to sign. Not even a debate about it, he must be signed. If we fail then we must go after Gourcuff. One of those two is vital for us then we can go after a keeper and Jack Rodwell. As for strikers, I am bold when I say that we don’t need one, but if we were to go after one, Aguero is still the one and only for me since Huntelaar has lost a lot of shine with everyone.
November 4th, 2009 at 19:00
@Footy4Eddy: You next to Anderson should embarrass you. A great young Norwegian talent standing next to Mr. Clown Shoes himself? Hell I’d be embarrassed.
As for getting a boner mate, seriously, get help. 
Save that for when you play next to or against Ronaldo.
November 4th, 2009 at 19:10
@Footy4Eddy: Trust me mate, any player United wants badly will cost a lot, World Cup or not. Funny thing about Akinfeev is after the game in Moscow nobody said bleep about him but after yesterday they all claim we should sign him up. Bandwagon jumpers the whole lot of you. I have seen some really poor games by the Russian and he like all keepers is prone to some real howlers. Let me just say that I rank him third on my list of keepers but he is a distant third to Neuer and Adler, not because he isn’t German, but because Neuer and Adler perform the way he did yesterday, every frakken week. They are Gods and they are very consistent. And as much as I love Neuer, I actually think Adler is the better selection for us because he speaks English and is better prepared to communicate with his team on the pitch and that he is dying to become a member of this team where Neuer is very loyal to his home town Schalke. Russians also seem to suffer culture shock when they come here. Arshavin has gone through it so has Pavlyuchenko and now Zhirkov is asking to be moved because he can’t handle English life. Although Voronin is Ukrainian, to me that is almost the same thing and he has always hated life at Liverpool. Can’t really blame him. A German who speaks English and who calls United his favorite team and flies to see them play Liverpool live is a player I would seriously consider. The fact he is the #1 choice for Germany is also noted. Not like they have had stiffs manning their goal for the past 40 years.
November 4th, 2009 at 19:15
@AndyCR7: I’m also sure he has heard less than glowing reviews about City form Robinho and Elano. I have a better chance of winning the lottery than City have of acquiring Maicon.
November 4th, 2009 at 19:18
@Footy4Eddy: Only God can compare favorably to the King.
November 4th, 2009 at 19:21
@Nafooy: FACT, I agree with you 100%.
November 4th, 2009 at 19:25
@Onkar: Fergie has seen the light of Grognard’s wisdom. He is going after one of my two German lads. It just took me two years to get him to come around but he has. Now that he has, I’d like to throw another name at him of a player we must buy for sure. Milos Krasic. He is a fantastic player with the pace, drive, imagination and skill to be truly dynamic for us. We must have him.
November 4th, 2009 at 19:42
People need to know. Watch the video and begin to drool and fantasize.
http://www.imscouting.com/global_news_item.aspx?id=3505
November 4th, 2009 at 20:07
@Grognard: If Fergie does sign him, hopefully you’ll stop going on about your long held belief that he doesn’t like German players
November 4th, 2009 at 20:40
@Grognard: pfft, Foster could do that!
I like Neuer, just like you I have been asking Fergie to buy him. I think he is a wonderful keeper and personally him signing for United would be a dream. I am not very fond of Adler to be honest, for me its always been between Neuer and Akinfeev. Igor just wins it because he played so well against us, but I wouldnt care too much whether we get Neuer or Akinfeev. They are both exellent!
November 4th, 2009 at 20:47
Obertan gets a facelift. (Or Nani gets a facelift) Click
November 4th, 2009 at 20:51
@Red Ranter:
That head… Its just so…
BIG!!!
Now we know the reason Obertan has such a great ability to have the ball close to him, it circles around him as the moon circles around the earth.
November 4th, 2009 at 21:20
I could not be a bigger fan of Lyon right now. I would love nothing more than for them to score a late winner today. That would truly crush the scum
November 4th, 2009 at 21:34
@Grognard: Okey. Let me just ask you one thing though. How come, that when our midfield service is so horrible, how come that we create so many chances each game? Against City we could easily have had 6 or 7 goals. Against Spurs we missed a couple of huge chances even though won 3-1. Against Wolfsburg, how come we had 9 big chances, but only scored twice? How come we only scored 2 goals against Bolton when we recorded more than 15 chances during the whole game? Against CSKA we could have had 9 goals if not for their miraculous keeper, against Blackburn Obertan, Rooney and Owen all missed sitters, against Arsenal our midfielder Darren Fucking Fletcher was man of the match, us having more possession, more shots and more opportunities than them, in the end also more goals. Dont bring the Liverpool game as an example, the midfield there is the weakest we can possibly field! It was like drawn out of a hat, two of the weakest, slowest existing football players on this planet against a fired up Liverpool side which just had to win. And still, we were not very far away from winning! We should have had a penalty, Carragher should have been sent off easily and Valencia hit the crossbar in the last minutes. Had it not been for absolutely SHIT DEFENDING we would lead the table and have had one of the best starts to a Premier League ever. I, unlike you and many other, dont think we have played so badly this season. Yeah, we have had the occasion bad game against Burnley and Sunderland, but all in all I think we have played well. Maybe boring football in some games, but we have still played great in the majority. Wigan, Spurs, City, Wolfsburg, Blackburn, CSKA and Bolton. I think its been a good season, if not for these things:
Defence
Not once this season have we had a fully fit defence. Rio and Vida were both out at the beginning of the season, and didnt play together until the Spurs game. Edwin was out until Bolton, a newbie goalkeeper having to play many games. Yeah, he won us points against Birmingham, Arsenal and Spurs, but he also lost us points against Sunderland, nearly removing a well deserved win on his own against City. Foster did well, but with a makeshift defence in front of him it hasnt been easy to do well. Communication was always a problem, and he never really seemed to “know” his defenders. We played a total of 9 different backlines in the games Foster played for us this season, some of them with Rio and Brown not fully fit. Even against Liverpool we played with a not fully fit Rio, which showed. But in that game our problem was the midfield, and that was not because we didnt possess the right players but because we chose the wrong ones. I can honestly say that I think we would have won the game had Anderson played instead of Scholes, him having a nightmare and Anderson the only one being able to harrass their players. Injuries in defence have ruined for us this season, making us more cautious. If it wasnt Edwin, it was Rio. If it wasnt Rio, it was Vidic. If it wasnt Vidic, it was Brown. If we can keep Evans, Vidic and Edwin fit for a while now, I think we will see a less cautious United side because we have stability in defence, which is incredibly vital!
Attack
And lets not talk about the big chances he missed against Sunderland, CSKA and Wolfsburg, whick could have been vital in the end. Obertan missed an absolute sitter against Blackburn, Nani shot over the bar when having the whole Arsenal goal to aim at, Valencia hit the bar against Liverpool and Vidic of all people shot outside from 7 yards against Sunderland, a huge miss if you are ever to see one! If not for inept finishing, we could have had more points and a better goal difference.
Lets put it simply, if we were as efficient as Chelsea our goal difference would be incredible! Owen has been guilty of many misses, Berbatov has been guilty, Rooney has been guilty, Valencia, Nani, Scholes etc.etc. Whether it is that we just dont have the finishing instinct intact this season, or that our forwards just are horrible finishers, I dont know. Owen have missed when 1-on-1 with the keeper a few times, most notably against Birmingham, Bolton and Blackburn. Berbatov fluffed an effort when he would have been alone with the keeper against Arsenal, he shot straight at the keeper in the penalty area against Spurs, and against City he missed two headers which would and should have been two goals, if not for brilliant goalkeeping by Given. Rooney has scuffed very many long shots this season. Against Burnley he shot time and time again either outside or over the goal, he did it against Sunderland, he did it against Liverpool, against Stoke, and last night against CSKA, blazing the ball over the bar from 25 yards in added time. We all want him to be more selfish, but if he should be THAT selfish at least work on your finishing, for Christ sake Wayne!
Refs
Refs have fucked us over in every game after Fergie called the ref a fat pig, even in Europe! If we could just be looked at as a team, and not “Manchester United”, the team who ALWAYS gets decisions their way. 
For all our fucking “luck” with referees this season, how many times have they fucked us over?! Should have had a penalty against Birmingham, should have had two against CSKA(home and away), should have had one against Liverpool and should have had one against Sunderland, when Welbeck hit the hand of Richardson in the area in the first half. Thats 5 penalties, and unless Carrick or Evra had taken them it would probably have been 5 more goals. Lets not forget the fact that we were fucked by the ref against Liverpool, the worst refereeing Ive ever seen in my 16 year old life. It was a disgrace, absolutely horrible to watch. Everything went against us, and Liverpool were given an extra player.
So to sum it up, I dont think our biggest problem this season hasnt been our midfield. Our defence has been in shambles, and that is not because of the midfield, cause if you see most of the goals we have let in have been individual errors, ala Rio vs City, Foster vs Sunderland and VDS against CSKA. I could go through every single moment which has occured this season just so I could prove you wrong, but no, I dont think its nesecarry. You are right, we dont have the strongest midfield. Well, we do, but not always. I know this may sound really fucked up and stuff, but if we play Fletch and Anderson as a CM pairing I think we could blow away every team. Honestly, and Im not pissed here.
Its just that Fergie absolutely MUST play Scholes, Carrick and Giggs as our midfield, and like at Anfield I dont get it. When Fletcher and Anderson play together we look unbeatable, and if the defence stops fucking up and the strikers start scoring on those chances, we will be good again.
Optimistic? Yes. Realistic? Maybe, we will see.
I have faith in this side, and Ive noticed things this season which only makes me believe that this season will be great. Our defence has been our main issue, or at least our new issue, bad finishing has existed for a long time. For all your doom and gloom theories, I am not gonna let them bother me as the only man who can rub me the wrong way is Sir Alex Ferguson. 
I have the occasion knee-jerk reaction now and then, but thats natural as a fan! When I calm down and look at the bigger picture I see we are not as bad as some of you make us to be. If Fletcher can stay fit, Anderson can keep up his good form, we keep regular back five and start putting some of those absolutely massive chances away, we will all forget about Ronaldo! Again, THE FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT! 
November 4th, 2009 at 21:37
Holy ****!
That was one long post! But for all the people here wanting to get a true view, an optimistic view on our team, you should definately read it. Cheers! 
November 4th, 2009 at 21:43
@Footy4Eddy: “I think its been a good season, if not for these things:”
And you went on to include Attack, defence, midfield, refs in that “if not for these” list. If not for those we had a good season? Umm, okay…
November 4th, 2009 at 21:54
@Grognard: The more I learn about other keepers Neuer and Akinfeev the more I think we NEED to sign one of them. The German looks like a giant though. We would be set for the next 15 years if we bought him.
November 4th, 2009 at 22:05
@Grognard: The 2 hooligans that stormed the pitch in Barnsley, really have a touch for goal.
I’d say bail them out and sign them up!!
November 4th, 2009 at 22:05
@Red Ranter:
I meant that if not for the defensive errors and many missed chances, its been a good season. We have always had our fair share of bad luck and bad play, even refs against us, its nothing new. The “headlines” in that comment was just to underline why we have done bad in those areas. Not that the particular area was bad, but we had some small flaws its difficult to do anything with. Its not been a bad season by any means, we have had our best start since 2007 and some people think we are gonna end outside the top 4 and think this is the end of Manchester United. Its not only Grognard, its others as well. When we lose a game its all doom and gloom, and I can understand some people will react that way straight after a defeat. But when its been a few days and when we actually win a game, I think we should look at the good side. We are second in the table, we have scored more goals so far this season than what we had done at the same stage last season. We have lost two games, but we have had to deal with lots of injuries. I dont think we have once this season played with our absolutely strongest team, so I still think there is more to come from this side.
November 4th, 2009 at 22:17
@Footy4Eddy:
Can we please stop blaming the refs for everything? The refs have, over the years, been uniformly inconsistent. There is a good chance that they tend to favour the big four clubs when they play at home. But in general, it’s not bias, but incompetency that results in errors. But those errors are statistically random, and can occur in any match against any team. Go to any club’s fan forum and you’ll see fans complaining that the refs robbed them of something. What does that tell you? That at some point or the other, some team has been on the receiving end of incompetent refereeing. Over a season, these things average out, and almost always the best team wins the premier league. If we don’t win, we’ll have to take the blame on ourselves and if we do we’ll have to take the credit for a job well done.
Secondly, you are entitled to look on whichever side you please. Positive or negative. I am not arguing about that. But optimism or pessimism for the sake of it is not useful either.
November 4th, 2009 at 22:29
@Red Ranter: That is true, and I am not normally one to blame refs. Of course I get annoyed when decisions go against us, but I know that happens against each side. Its just that the Liverpool game was just the worst refereeing I had ever witnessed, and its hard to let it go when all my mates keep reminding me of that game. We played poorly, but as Ive said before the ref didnt let us play the way they did as they could make 5 fouls for a card that we had to make 2 or 3 of. Ive been in many discussions about it, and I know refs have a difficult job. But when they are absolutely shit, they should expect to hear it. Now I dont blame refereeing very much, but we do get incredibly many calls against us. These last three season we have had more than 26 goals disallowed and penalties not given to us. That is a very large sum.
As for optimistic, I am. I am not unrealistcly optmistic, I keep a healthy spin on it.
Whats possibly wrong at looking bright on things if you know the possible consequences? And you are of cource prepared to deal with them.
November 4th, 2009 at 22:30
Ryan Babel…
November 4th, 2009 at 22:35
@Footy4Eddy: Lyon 1-1- Liverpool Lisandro, you beauty!
November 4th, 2009 at 22:37
@Footy4Eddy: Lisandro Lopez..
November 4th, 2009 at 22:38
Yes! Lisandro lopez scored in the 90th minute to snatch a draw. With that beard he looks like a conquistador
November 4th, 2009 at 22:43
LISANDROOOSKÅÅÅ!!! Wild man that lad, legend in the sense that he breaks Liverpools hearts and sends them out of the Champions League. Equaliser in added time, beautiful goal as well. Lisandroskååå!!!
November 4th, 2009 at 22:44
@Gabriel
@Red Ranter
@Johnsom33
Yeah baby, yeah!
November 4th, 2009 at 22:50
You lot can fuck off with your fucking precious 2-0, because:
FACT!! 5 losses from 11 games in the Premier League!
FACT!! Out of the Carling Cup!
FACT!! Practically out of the Champions League!
FACT!! Your best player is a girl!
FACT!! Your captain is a criminal!
FACT!! Your manager belongs in a mental hospital!
FACT!! You rely on Voronin to score goals when your trans has its period!
FACT!! Success is actually measured in trophies won!
FACT!! You havent won a title for 20 years!
FACT!! WE ARE MANCHESTER UNITED AND WE SPIT ON YOUR CLUB!!!
November 4th, 2009 at 23:13
Fernando torres, best striker in the……europa league.
November 4th, 2009 at 23:14
@[OPTI]Madschester United: I think he was talking about fletchers yellow for simulation in the box, when his feet were clearly kicked out from under him. dont remember the handball claim i usually dont wine about those too much though?
November 4th, 2009 at 23:19
@Dan: They’re not out yet though, are they. They have games against Debrecen and Fiorentina still. Haven’t done the maths but heard they aren’t out yet.
November 4th, 2009 at 23:22
@Footy4Eddy: +1 on that
November 4th, 2009 at 23:23
@Red Ranter: If Lyon fail to beat Fiorentina, Liverpool are out of the group stage. For Liverpool to qualify for the knockout stages the following things will have to happen:
Lyon have to beat Fiorentina.
Liverpool will have to beat Debreceni in Debrecen.
Liverpool must beat Fiorentina by at least 3 goals at Anfield.
Lyon are already through, Fiorentina just need one more point.
November 4th, 2009 at 23:38
@Footy4Eddy: so who would you get in jan just saw second post edit.
You think we need anyone at all?
I said at the beg of the season, I thought we should give the kids a whole season before spending, but have been scared back into wanting Silva but you are reminding me of my previous faith(fergi’s) in the kids and in hargo getting back to form.
i had faith in foster as a no 2 and potential no 1 but the fear he showed against sunderland scares me maybe it was frustration and not fear but he looked lost. I wouldnt argue if we brought in a top young keeper like those that grogy keeps mentioning.
If the a couple of the kids come good and we win a couple pieces of silver then the world will have to admit fergi is the god of footy. If not we spend big in the transfer market at the end of the season.
November 4th, 2009 at 23:49
@Footy4Eddy: agree about not buying in jan as chelscum will be throwing cash around desperately as their 2 yr ban (:shock:HAHA) will likley be on hold due to waiting on their appeal so they should try for alot of young players at multiple positions to slot in with their aging squad. and as such we will watch another class of stars go elsewhere
but hopefully we will have a couple more silver buckets to catch our tears.
November 4th, 2009 at 23:59
@Gabriel: i think your on to something there. if he is able get to get his tricks to come off with his head in the game and not on his feet then he would be the force that we are begging him to be.
November 5th, 2009 at 0:00
@Grognard: fingers crossed mate
November 5th, 2009 at 0:03
@gator: I dont think we need to buy anyone this January. We already have Ljajic coming in, and possibly also Mame Diouf. But come the end of the season, when we know whether Edwin retires or not, we should seriously consider buying a new keeper. Foster is a great keeper in my opinion, but his overall pitch-personality may fuck him over. He isnt mentally strong enough to be first keeper at United if you ask me, so I think getting either Neuer or Akinfeev should be top of the list.
Berbatov is getting better and better each game, and if he keeps it up I dont think we need another striker. This season may be make or break for him, as he is getting a lot of stick for his playing style. But Im getting used to it, and if Owen can stay fit we are well covered there. Rooney will probably always be the first name on the team-sheet, so no worries there. With Kiko and Danny both being 19 come the end of this season, they still have a lot give. In my opinion Welbeck plays more mature than most 18 year olds you see out there, if I would give him an age just from how he plays I would say he was 21-22. Kiko looks like he is 27, physically and probably also thinking wise. He is a smart lad, but youth gets the better of him at times as he can easily lose his focus and think a little to far forward in time, which is why I think he fucks up at passing. He thinks about the movement he is gonna make when the pass is made, while making the pass. He gets caught in two minds, and the pass becomes bad. Ive noticed this, and if he can sharpen up in this area I think he will become a real vital asset for us. We all know he can finish, and he has the luck a United striker should have. His tecnical skill is beyond his age, but his bravery and will to win is very youthful. Which is a good mix, and a perfect blend for him. I have massive faith in Kiko, and I think he will do well if given enough chances.
Its been many disussions about Silva and Courcuff and Ribery and such. But like I said in my earlier post, I dont think we need them. I have massive belief in youth, and loytaly is vital for me. I think Scholes and Neville are probably going to retire this summer, and we dont know with Giggs. He may retire, he may stay. You just dont know with the boy!
We have more than enough cover at right back, so no need to buy there. We have Gibson, Anderson and Ljajic to take over when Scholes retires, and there is also young Pogba who is just 4 days older than me doing well for the academy. The lad is some player, and I think he will become an Old Trafford great one day. So no need to buy a midfielder if Hargo can come back fit, but much depends on that to be honest…
I dont think we need to buy more than a goalkeeper next summer. We have good cover in defence, in midfield and up front. There are some lads who many of us have massive faith in, who hasnt even got much chances to prove themselves. Names such as Ljajic, De Laet, King, Eikrem, Pogba, Obertan and Wesleys young broher(forgot his name
).
In:
Neuer or Akinfeev
Out(retired):
Scholes
Neville
Giggs
Van Der Sar
Tosic
I would also like Park to leave, but it seems Fergie likes him too much.
In the words of the great Eddy, “Park is the oppositions best defender”.
November 5th, 2009 at 0:04
@Red Ranter: kid looks like a young david hasselhoff. and you know how germans go crazy for him. Neuer could sell some shirts in germany come on glazers cough it up.
November 5th, 2009 at 0:04
Just heard Kalou`s contract ends in January?!
Anybody who can confirm those news?
November 5th, 2009 at 0:04
@Red Ranter: creepy
November 5th, 2009 at 0:06
@Redrich: HA wonder what happened to them if they get a ban or just a night sleeping on concrete with shitpaper for a pillow?
November 5th, 2009 at 0:07
I wonder about one thing. Which Italian striker would you rather choose, Rossi or Kiko? Both played for us at a young age, one of them is still playing. While Rossi probably did best of the two, and had more faith and support, Kiko has made the biggest effect on the team. So, which would you choose?
Id go for Kiko.
November 5th, 2009 at 0:38
@Footy4Eddy: kiko is what we were and are looking for in a striker once he gets settled with the first team i think his height will be the difference btw him and rossi. with rossi’s height he was always going to be roonys backup.
kiko has great attributes in front of goal; great at the turn and shoot and hopefully we will get to see him on the end of many a longball from ando and nani/valincia/ObieOne crosses. he could gain a couple pounds in the off season like ronny did and boss the box a little better. but he has made me a fan for sure.
November 5th, 2009 at 1:02
@gator: Your easily pleased mate, Macheda is never going to make it big for United!
November 5th, 2009 at 1:05
@Footy4Eddy: Rossi, Rossi, Rossi, Rossi, Rossi, Rossi, etc etc etc. He already made it as successful full international. Macheda played two games for Italy under 21’s and the Italy manager and coaching staff said he is a lazy git, and has got a long way to go to get anywhere. I must admit I agree!.
November 5th, 2009 at 1:16
@Footy4Eddy: That’s a ridiculous no-contest. Rossi without doubt. Much more skilful than Macheda.
November 5th, 2009 at 3:32
@Red Ranter: All will be forgiven.
But if he signs neither of them, what do you think I will be saying then?
November 5th, 2009 at 3:35
@Footy4Eddy: Wouldn’t you want Adler because like you, he is a life long United fan and has dreamed of playing for us? I would think that would count for something with you Eddy. I’m surprised. Besides, he’s a much better all round keeper than Akinfeev, believe me. One game does not make a keeper and Akinfeev at times has been less then stellar for CSKA in the Russian league.
November 5th, 2009 at 3:37
@Footy4Eddy: It’s his heads natural gravitational pull that attracts the ball.
November 5th, 2009 at 3:47
@Footy4Eddy: Our defense has been in shambles but that has more to do with injuries and poor keeping. That’s going to correct itself with time. The fact you think that we create a lot of chances is a myth mate. Yes we created a lot of chances yesterday and in the second half of the City game but other than that, we create very few chances and hardly any on the road. Yes it is our midfield. It’s not all the players fault though. Our central midfielders are being forced to play too far back and naturally cannot inflict themselves on the opposition in the attacking zone as often. But we desperately and I say again desperately need an attacking midfielder with the vision, finesse and creativity to create chances and take his own chances. On top of that, we need a winger who turns defenders inside out with his dribbling and speed and then has the ability to consistently deliver telling passes and more importantly, telling crosses into the box Nani and Valencia just don’t do this and Obertan looks to be afraid of the cross as he always looks to cut back and make the safe pass.
I tell you this right now mate, put Manuel Neuer or Rene Adler in goal and Milos Krasic on the right wing and David Silva on the left or in the middle an this team would be almost impossible to beat. We would score way more goals, play at a faster pace and be more creative. And of course fewer goals against would be scored on us as well. Our forwards are not perfect but I do not believe and refuse to believe that they are the problem. Sure they miss opportunities but that also happens from not getting enough chances. Andy Cole used to miss ten shots a game but would score that one because he was always getting the service that would help him get that many cracks at goal. Watch Chelsea play mate. They take twice as many shots as we do and they get three times as many quality chances to score. That is the difference. And yes, our forwards could be more aggressive but our midfielders are putting them to sleep, literally.
The future is bright only if Fergie starts listening to the Grognard. Otherwise, it’s looking pretty bloody gloomy to me.
November 5th, 2009 at 3:53
@Taehr: Absolutely. He is a giant and he is a game saver big time. Two years ago I saw a sequence in one game where he made four breathtaking saves in a span of 7 or 8 seconds that was strictly awesome to behold. GOLTV used to use it as a commercial to advertise their Bundesliga coverage, that is how awesome it was. From the day I saw that, I started paying very close attention to the kid. He was only 19 then and he’s only 21 now. He could be our keeper for well over ten years until he had won everything and was bored like Schmeichel got. I just pray and keep my fingers crossed that he ends up with us or at least my other club Bayern. The ideal scenario for me is for Neuer and Adler to sign for either United or Bayern so that both keepers are playing for my two teams. That would be utopian.
November 5th, 2009 at 3:54
@Redrich: Nah, Foster made a mess of the clearance.
November 5th, 2009 at 3:57
@Grognard: On one hand you say it’s not the players fault, but then go to say that if we have a new goalie and a couple new MF’ers then things would be fine.
It’s one or the other mate – you can’t have it both ways!!
At least not with me!
November 5th, 2009 at 3:59
@Footy4Eddy: I’m sorry mate, I respect and admire your loyalty towards young player but I’m sorry this team needs a better class of player in the midfield. That is the bottom line. Goucuff and Silva can be had and they are light years ahead of our present crop in skill, talent, imagination, vision and finesse. This is Man Utd, we strive to be kings of England and Europe and this present bunch may not get us 4th place in England and past the round of sixteen in Europe. Just not good enough. Just ask Berba, Rooney and Owen. I bet you secretly, they agree with me 100%.
November 5th, 2009 at 4:00
@gator: He’s a good looking lad as is Adler. They would sell a lot of jerseys to the female supporters that’s for sure.
November 5th, 2009 at 4:01
@Footy4Eddy: No, but why would I care, he’s a muppet?
November 5th, 2009 at 4:04
@Redrich: No Red, I say it’s not ALL the player’s fault. Fergie and the tactics hurt us but he uses those tactics simply because he has no confidence in these players playing higher up the pitch. I seriously doubt he would do that to Silva or Gourcuff.
November 5th, 2009 at 4:41
@Grognard: I’ll buy that!!
You really have to use a player within his outer limits and not in a position that makes it impossible for him to thrive.
We saw Giggs revisit the wing and it wasn’t a pretty sight!! Scholes as a holding MF’er, eek!!
I fear that SAF will have no choice but to resort to some of these tactics, not through desire, but simply because every other alternative has been exhausted.
With a pool of players that are struggling to keep their names on the starting team sheet, and most of them not dead certs, the merry-go-round we see all the time, is inevitable.
Until we assemble a first team made up of premium players, our tactics, our consistency and our results, will all fall to a compromise of what we’ve been used to!
November 5th, 2009 at 5:02
@Footy4Eddy: Not exactly true.
Two ways Liverpool go through:
1. Fiorentina lose rest of their games and Liverpool win the rest – Fiorentina will have 9 pts, Liverpool 10.
2. Fiorentia draw against Lyon and Liverpool win the rest with 3-0 against fiorentina – Fiorentina have 10 pts, Liverpool have 10 pts, but 3-2 aggregate score for Liverpool against Fiorentina sees them through.
ANY other than above and Liverpool are in the Europa League with Bayern Munich.
Then again, Rafael Benitez might want to win some trophies, so EL + FA Cup might trick liverpool fans to think they have won ECL and EPL
November 5th, 2009 at 5:02
@Grognard: Furthermore, and to the point this week, I read an article (and I can’t remember where) that compared the Chelsea first team to ours and put player up against player. The conclusion struck by the author (and one that I happen to agree with) was that with the exception of Rooney and perhaps one or two others, most of the United team couldn’t get a sniff on that eleven.
It was a stark realization that we had fallen much further than I’d thought and reinforced my belief that we are in need of quality players, and quick!!
November 5th, 2009 at 5:09
@Grognard: I took your advice and started watching Bundesliga for Adler and Neuer and Schalke – Leverkusen, and ironically both keepers were a bit poor. But previous YouTube! clips show their true class.
Nonetheless, I found Neuer the more interesting player, but Adler’s “loyalty” might tip the scales. Of course, Akinfeev would be nice too…
November 5th, 2009 at 5:12
@Redrich: They undoubtedly have world class talent but it is an aging team. I really doubt that they can sustain their run of form throughout the entire season AND with the impending AFC in January.
Do you at least agree that this probably is Chelsea’s last year in their “prime.”
November 5th, 2009 at 5:14
@Red Ranter: Really? Rossi’s size and and the physical requirements of the EPL, I do find it a more competitive comparison. Right now Rossi gets the nod, but give Macheda a year or two and I think he will catch up technically and be able to compete in the EPL (that is, unless he want to go to AC Milan after winning everything with us)