Apr 28
Manchester United vs Arsenal – UEFA Champions League semi-final Live Blog!
United take on Arsenal in the crucial Champions League semi-final first leg tomorrow and RedRants’ Stephen Darwin will be here to bring you all the action as we present our brand new Live Blog feature.
Tune in here tomorrow evening from around 19:15 (BST) to follow all the action and hopefully celebrate a United victory!
Make sure you keep the comments coming during the game and Stephen will be sure to respond to as many as possible without distracting his attention from the action too much! I mean we don’t want to be missing another Ronaldo stunner do we!
Comments on this post are off. This is just a place holder so you know where to come for the actual live blog. So continue to use the older thread (and the preview thread when it comes up later in the day) for your pre-match analysis.
- Arsenal v Manchester United Live – Champions League Semi Final
- Manchester United’s tough, tough April fixtures list
- Manchester United Make History As World Champions
- Liga de Quito v Manchester United, Club World Cup Final Match Thread
- Manchester United drawn with Besiktas, CSKA Moscow and Wolfsburg
Tags: Live Blog
April 29th, 2009 at 19:25
…hello….!!?
anyone there..?!
April 29th, 2009 at 19:27
I’m off to watch the game. Hopefully, see you all in 2 hours to celebrate and gunner bait.
April 29th, 2009 at 19:27
Come on United
April 29th, 2009 at 20:08
1-0 good old Johnny O’Shea. We are all over them and it has a lot to do with bring Roovez back allowing us to play at a high tempo which Arsenal just cannot cope with!
April 29th, 2009 at 20:12
If you can’t watch this game on tv you can try Manchester United vs. Arsenal – live streams.
April 29th, 2009 at 20:37
Great half…should have scored more..Ronnie should have buried the header
April 29th, 2009 at 20:39
@colver: Hardly, tevez had nothing to do with the goal! we started “roovez” against pool and look what happen there
We badly need berba, anyone that disagrees is just plain bias.
April 29th, 2009 at 20:42
@Dan is a stupid moron who is not good enough to wipe the crack of dean windass:
I thought Tevez has been brilliant. We are playing with a high tempo because we have the holy trinity back. And dont forget the inch perfect cross he delivered that Ronaldo should have buried
April 29th, 2009 at 20:43
It absolutely amazes me how United can manage to make the most pedestrian of goalkeepers to look like Iker Casillas. Game after game our shooting ineptitude makes things difficult for us. Come on boys, Almunia? He is the walking epitome of total shite.
Anderson has surprised me and played wonderfully. His runs have been dynamic but once he gets in to the attacking third, his lack of vision and finesse betrays him and we lose the ball. He did send Tevez in for what turned out to be a woefully unfair yellow card to Carlito. WTF? (OOPS! an acronym from Grog).
O’Shea has been immense at both ends of the park and if only we had more presence up front and in the middle, we’d be murdering them. How many dangerous crosses from advantageous wide positions with nobody in the box? And when someone does show up, Almunia robbed Ronaldo and Tevez. Go figure. Arsenal have been utter shite and yet I have a bad feeling that Evra will let Walcott loose and they will score. He almost frakked it up in injury time handing Walcott a chance to cause problems.
I also liked the way we played in the first 25 minutes of the game when Anderson, Fletcher and our forwards were pressing them defensively. We let them have more of the ball later by dropping back into that zone of ours that I have to say I am not a big fan of. Press Arsenal. They lack grit and quality defenders and pressing them will cause them to make a mistake.
I expect Wenger to switch things up and eventually insert Bendtner as a second striker, so we have to be more careful defensively but we then can exploit them with lightning counters. Lightning counters from United? Yeah right.
What is this, Roma and 2006?
April 29th, 2009 at 20:44
At half-time:
Tevez started slowly bnut gradually got into the game.
Rooney has been equal to his own – a menace.
Ronaldo ditto.
Fletcher has been enormous.
Evra still being a defensive liability. And that’s when Walcott is not attacking him with runs and crosses like Lennon did. Hope arsenal don’t realise that our left defense is our achille’s heel.
O’shea is MOTM of the first half, for his goal but also for his defending.
Oh, and Silly gave the final pass for O’shea’s goal.
And Almunia has saved arsenal’s arse at least 3 times. We should have been 2 – 0 up but for him.
Also while we totally dominated the first 30min we let them come back by switching to “Italian mode” for the last 15. All in all, I’ll gladly take a repeat of the first half.
April 29th, 2009 at 20:46
WOW! What a half a football. Without wishing to risk that oh so faint accusation of hyperbole, we were a list of football cliches: hungry, pacy, energetic, incisive, controlled, skillfull, dynamic, calm, inventive, disciplined, the list goes on. When have had a first half of footballl as good as that? (I missed the 5 we put past Spurs but were we as good as that?) Downsides, well Tevez’s touch let him down once and someone let Fabregas get a shot it but really were sensational. The sad thing is that this kind of performance worries me, I’m so fickle. Can we keep it up, Of course not, how can we? We only scored one and it will be closer in the second half, the only thing I felt we lacked was a bit of luck. Arsenal were not even poor, they just never had a chance.
April 29th, 2009 at 20:47
somehow I couldn’t see Berbatov slotting into that half of football, like him as I do….
April 29th, 2009 at 20:52
@Dan is a stupid moron who is not good enough to wipe the crack of dean windass: WTF???
Just read the last thread… now I geddit, but still this is hilarious!!!
April 29th, 2009 at 21:03
AHH for fucks sakes Anderson. Teed up for you. Could you at least get the shot on goal?
April 29th, 2009 at 21:38
I’m going out for some air. I need to calm down before I comment. After all, nobody likes knee jerk reactions.
April 29th, 2009 at 21:40
@Grognard: give anderson some time, he is of the 5% to prove you wrong, still have no idea why he was taking corners
April 29th, 2009 at 21:40
We dominated, should’ve been about 3 or 4 nil. Everyone worked their socks off.
April 29th, 2009 at 21:41
O’Shea was brilliant. But he’s definitely not good enough for United
April 29th, 2009 at 21:43
Fletcher was absolutely superb, well done laddie.
April 29th, 2009 at 21:46
We should have been booking flight tickets to Rome, but instead poor finishing means we have to go to the Emirates a bit apprehensive and more importantly, leaves Fergie with a difficult decision – does he go gung-ho to get the away goal, or does he sit back? both approaches have their pros and cons. Going all-out means leaving gaps, and sittick back will rob us of momentum if Arsenal do score. Either way, 1-0 is a very dangerous score
On to the positives. The first half was scintillating (I choose to ignore the 15 mins of Italian relapse). The holy trinity clicked into gear and we looked menacing. The defence held out well throughout the game, hopefully Rio is not too badly hurt. Ronaldo, showed his best and worst aspects today, really should have buried the header. Really impressed with Carrick who I thought had a good game. All in all, a decent result, but the tie is by no means over.
April 29th, 2009 at 21:49
Tbh, i would prefer a defensive style performance ala barcalona last year(and chelsea this year) at arsenal because, to be honest, they cant cut through our defence.
April 29th, 2009 at 21:55
@Dan is a stupid moron who is not good enough to wipe the crack of dean windass:
still funny, anyway we showed tonight that we can cut through their defense too
April 29th, 2009 at 22:00
We need to go to the Emirates, and get an early goal…sit back and play on the counter..Stun Arsenal early on. Get a goal within 10 minutes, and then play the stupid 4-5-1 defensive crap Fergie loves. I’m quite sure we’ll go through if we do that. But really, the tie should have been buried tonight. I wonder, if we played 15 minutes with the Big Four blazing forward, whether the match would have changed….?
April 29th, 2009 at 22:10
@Babyface: Clearly you missed Spurs 2nd half.
April 29th, 2009 at 22:10
@Grognard: Exactly Grog: Press Arsenal. They have the mentality of perfectionists, they need nice one-twos are flicks and passes to be able to score a goal. I’m really glad the team showed great intent going forward, and yet, the moment an Arsenal player was remotely close to our box, we see 3 players storming back. 1 to hassle the man on the ball, along with our CB, the second and third to form a line of defense in front of our own defense, starving the man in possesion of any real options to pass to.
If we can play like this in a week’s time, we will win the tie. Despite all the rants about 1-0 being a danger scoreline, and I agree fully, considering all other aspects, I think we are in a well poised position to win, provided we do not rely solely on our defense ala Nou Camp last year.
All we need is 1 goal, and that will force Arsenal to go for 3. Despite them having to go for 3, I feel we can’t even let them get a sniff of the first. Ties like this have the tendency of snowballing 1 goal into a string of goals, we cannot allow that to happen. Offense is the best defence, and if we play with ambition, we will see more of the ball, hence Arsenal sees less of it. The only real way to stop their threat, is to be a threat to them themselves. They failed to do that to us today, simply because of the quality of our defending. But we cannot assume that our defence is watertight…we NEED a goal.
April 29th, 2009 at 22:11
@Babyface: No, the five against Spurs were easily the best half of United football I’ve seen for easily more than a year. That day everybody (except Evra) clicked. Everybody worked tirelessly and all of our passes were coming off, and Rooney, Ronaldo, Carrick, Berbatov and Tevez all played their part.
The first half today was serious, inspiring and effective. But nowhere near the hunger and the sheer will to score and win that we showed against Spurs.
April 29th, 2009 at 22:13
I was disappointed when we didn’t start with The Fab Four.. and then Berbatov came on at the expense of Tevez.. *sigh*.. Slender lead, slender lead, and good old O’Shea had a sweet game (no silly cockups + scoring the winner as bonus).
Please, I live for The Fab Four.
April 29th, 2009 at 22:15
@Vivek: The 3 men in midfield won the first half for us…Carrick, Fletch and Ando. They won back the ball, charged any sniff of a threat down, and turned an Arsenal attempt at attack into a United one. Fletch didn’t seem like he did much, but he was winning possession for us everywhere. A very good performance from all 3 of them!
April 29th, 2009 at 22:16
How the fuck do we manage to make the likes of Jones, Sørensen and now Almunia look like the second coming of Peter Schmeicel?!!
Great result, I was delighted about the performance in the first half. And according to my sources, the fans werent at it as much in the second half as they were in the first… Still, loved the performance, especially by Rooney, Oshea and Fletcher. I love it when Oshea celebrates, doesnt know what the fuck he is gonna da?!
And imagine if its him that sends us to Rome, I truly wont be able to believe it. Nah, actually I BELIEVE!!! 
Says so on my Facebook page, my Youtube page and now in my RedRants section. 
I think this performance was very similar to the one against Barca last season, only this time we were much closer to scoring a second. That Ronaldo shot? POOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWW!!!! Had that gone in, we would remember it until we died, it would be our last memory before the worms eat us and makes our soft skin wrinkled as a rasin and our organs are sucked into a tranformation so they become earth.
Looking forward to the game at the Emirates, I BELIEVE we are gonna get to Rome!!!
April 29th, 2009 at 22:18
Ronaldo – very unlucky not to score at least one. I think tonight we are the miost disappointed of the two teams as the score is really flattering for arsenal. As liam rightly said the score should have been 3-0 or 4-0.
But it is refreshing that for a few matches now the team is playing well. Dare I say it? Simply put, the midfield has been doing its job. Henceforth the performances follow suit. Irrespective of Tevez or Berbatov.
One more thing: Sorry Eddy, but right now everytime I see Anderson I picture images of a banjo and a cow’s arse!
April 29th, 2009 at 22:18
@Dan is a stupid moron who is not good enough to wipe the crack of dean windass: Are we supposed to listen and take advice from a guy called… Well, the thing marked with red letter over this comment.
Just kidding mate, I just love your name. Do this again another time, PLEEEEAAAAAAAAAAASEEEEE!!!!
April 29th, 2009 at 22:19
Should have been 2-0 but Ill take 1-0. Score one at the Emirates and they have to score three. Our defence seems to be holding up OK of late so I reckon that is do-able.
April 29th, 2009 at 22:19
@NicoQB:
Why is that, please inform me.
April 29th, 2009 at 22:34
Fltecher man of the match. Ando had a great game as well.
April 29th, 2009 at 22:36
@frankie: THANK YOU!!!
April 29th, 2009 at 22:36
@Jon:
But Fletch did make many silly mistakes, both offensively and defensively and Ando, well he did a lot of good things, but for the role he played – that of a attacking midfielder, he is woefully unequipped. He cant hit a barn door at 6 yards and his final ball is always lacking. But all in all, a good, if not perfect performance from the midfield 3
April 29th, 2009 at 22:38
@RedDevilEddy: Anderson looks like a football genius. Until he shoots. He played well in every other aspect of his performance but when his number was called, yet again choked on the shot
April 29th, 2009 at 22:47
@Liam: He suffers in the most imporant aspect of the game, finishing, which frustrates me. But because of his personality and other factors, I tend to look past that. I agree, take away his finsihing and I believe he may soon be in the category of Ronaldinho in his peak. His vision is splendid, he loves to attack, he can hit a ball, and he does have a coombination of strenght and skill, which is a rare combo these days. I just wish he could score a fucking goal!!!
April 29th, 2009 at 23:15
I thought we completely dominated Arsenal. We let them have a lot of possession in the 15 yards from the halfway line towards our box, where they had no option but to do fuck all with it. We looked like scoring with every attack. They had one attack, and headed it 5ft over and 5ft wide.
This is a team that the press were expecting to come to Old Trafford, pass us to death and play total football in our back yard.
It would be amazing if we didn’t score at the Emirates. Unfathomable. If we score, they need 3. I’m not saying it’s over completely. We have to turn up. But I’m definitely checking the date of the final and pencilling in my plans.
April 29th, 2009 at 23:29
Oh Dear
.
April 29th, 2009 at 23:38
@Craig Mc: What?
April 29th, 2009 at 23:46
@RedDevilEddy: It was a very sad affair Eddie, so many chances, and the usual so many missed
. Was Skinned sausage on the field of play tonight then?
April 29th, 2009 at 23:47
It comes to something when a full back has to show the forwards how to score a great goal
.
April 29th, 2009 at 23:57
Ander-son-son-son, shake pineapple from a tree,
Ander-son-son-son, made ole Cesc feel misery.
Only problem is whenever he tries to score,
You would think the goals were a fucking revolving door.
If he tried all day, or if he tried all night,
He would never score to save his fucking life.
What he really should do is kick the ball with glee,
every time he sees the Nani hating from Fergie.
And make sure you don’t miss hitting Fergie Andie boy
April 30th, 2009 at 0:30
OK, I went out to get some groceries and to cool off because I found the game very very frustrating. In many way you could say that was one of the most one sided and dominating 1-0 wins a team could could ever experience. But yet again we have an incredible ability to not finish off our chances and to make complete muppet keepers look like Schmeichel, Maier and Casillas all wrapped into one. Come on, FUCKING ALMUNIA?
The man is the worst shot stopping keeper in the the history of the game and today he looked awesome because we never really made him have to work for his saves. The headers, the shots were all right at him or slightly to the side but never in a position that would force him to really work hard.
1-0 and really, with any luck we should have won 4-0 or 5-0. This should have been Bayern vs Sporting all over again. Tevez misses two great chances, Ronaldo hits the crossbar on a screamer and his header saved by Aluminum at point blank range. Anderson has a great chance teed up for him and he sends it into 40th row of the Salford section. Giggs is a smidgen off side and his goal is disallowed, Anderson is sent in all alone and on side and he is called off side, Rooney just misses with a header, and at least half a dozen great services into the box were not taken advantage of because there was nobody at the back post, except for one instant when Rio was there all alone and he muffed it. It was a Three Stooges affair of finishing and it’s been like that all season. Hell, even three of the goals last weekend never went in cleanly and Almunia almost stopped O’Shea’s shot tonight.
No today we are nice and happy because we take a healthy albeit precarious 1-0 lead to the Emirates thanks to a scrappy goal from our second choice utility fullback. Sorry but not good enough. On a big night like tonight the big names like Rooney, Ronaldo, Carrick, Tevez never really showed up. Rooney was bloody well terrible all game and Carrick may have luckily assisted on the goal but he made at least a half dozen poor passes today that killed our offense. Tevez had a couple of chances and was stopped and the rest of the time his first touch betrayed him. Ronaldo had two exquisite chances to score but was unlucky but in general, he was very quiet. For me two men shone above the rest. Darren Fletcher and Anderson (yes you heard me right, Anderson). I have many major issues with Anderson but his pace and dribbling tonight was absolute dynamite. How often he took the ball deep in our end and brought it out by himself and started a strong attack. Unfortunately, that is where it would end. Once in the attacking third, Anderson would revert to his Anti-Anderson persona, the one I can’t stand. The one that lacks imagination, finesse, vision and finish. But I will not overlook his defensive work, hustle and the thing I have always said he does as good as the best, which is dribble fast and protect the ball. Well done to him. Now if he could learn to spot an opportunity and deliver a feathered pass into a forward or take advantage of a good scoring chance?
Darren Fletcher also delivered a master class in hustle and ball control. Countless times he and Anderson shot off the passing lanes of Arsenal and never let their faggy as Hell midfield get it’s game on because all channels were closed. Great hustle. But nothing on the offensive end.
Our back 3 and a half was also very strong. Great game by O’Shea and he took his goal well and did a good job defending but especially supporting the attack. Rio and Vidic were outstanding, never letting anyone in and completely manhandled YabbaDabbaDour. Even the weak link Evra did a good job defensively but was completely useless in attack. When was the last time that lad delivered a telling pass into the box? Sad when O’Shea is the attacking threat of our fullbacks. Very sad.
A good solid professional performance an a master class in patience and totally neutralizing a good opponent. Now what about scoring some goals.
April 30th, 2009 at 0:55
I would agree that we did miss alot of our chances but I cant take credit away from almunia for making some great saves. Its saying something when the losing goalkeeper is the MOTM.
I am not worried about the return leg if we attack like we did today and control the midfield again. Not even Van persie could have made a difference today because our midfield just choked out the Arsenal attack. My only concern is that fergie will go back to his negative self and go for a nil nil result in london.
I say go for the away goal and then pack for rome.
April 30th, 2009 at 1:09
@RedDevilEddy: Check this link, and dare to disagree with me!
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=couldn‘t+hit+a+cow’s+arse+with+a+banjo
April 30th, 2009 at 2:51
bar our finishing we really had our heads in gear today,
some of the one touch passing and through balls were sublime,
not sure what arsenal would do in the next game to make a difference,
apart from actually try and play some football, smart move from SAF to get Rooney to help Evra with Walcott, he didn’t amount to much in the end, and personally Evra had a better performance generaly than previous games, egiving Bendtner grief also when he was near the ball, it what was good was watching us win the 50/50 balls and contesting everywhere, even when they had the ball in defence! even saw berbatov in our back corner at one stage
Hope Ferdinand is good for the game next week…
April 30th, 2009 at 3:04
We just had a major match conclude involving Man Utd and our bitter rivals Arsenal and everyone has disappeared. Where is everyone? We
re at 48 hits on a CL Semi-Final Wednesday and all of you have gone into hibernation?
April 30th, 2009 at 3:13
We played really damn well, Almunia was outstanding in the first half. We were unlucky to not score 3 or 4 but we WILL score at Emirates, especially with Arsenal not really knowing how to control the tempo of a game.
Disagree with the comments about Evra, thought he was good today. Didn’t get too many crosses in but that wasn’t the game plan, and Walcott was rarely a threat.
It was nice to start Tevez but I don’t think he offered anything after the first half hour, and Berbatov was excellent when he came on; his ball juggling on the edge of the area was up with any individual skill I’ve seen this season. I understand why people don’t like his indifference to the penalty area but he really helps us dominate up front, leading play and keeping the ball incredibly well.
Anderson was good but the lack of goals is clearly getting to him, as he turned down opportunities to run at people and his shooting is getting worse every week. Fergie should get him to practice for an entire day until he’s confident hitting the ball again.
We defended excellently overall and were never threatened, and the team seems to be enjoying this final stage of the season a lot more than they were a few weeks ago. I’m beginning to think Carrick’s form has been a big part of this (He was great tonight, but that’s partly because there were runners to pass too and hustlers to win the ball for him).
In summary, although you can never know with football I’m confident we’ll progress, we’re just a (slight) class above Arsenal.
April 30th, 2009 at 3:20
@michael: we definately looked a class above Arsenal today, we had played well, and they played like a…relegated threatened team…
Do expect them to come back though, this is their only chance for a cup this season, they should be throwing everything they have in the next game
April 30th, 2009 at 3:21
@Grognard: “On a big night like tonight the big names like Rooney, Ronaldo, Carrick, Tevez never really showed up. Rooney was bloody well terrible all game and Carrick may have luckily assisted on the goal but he made at least a half dozen poor passes today that killed our offense. “
Just want to point out that perhaps we watched a different game. Carrick made a few risky passes that didn’t pay off but he could afford to take those risks, and his awareness of his teammates and ability to pick them out was outstanding, especially against a fast Arsenal defence.
Tevez was OK, but Rooney and Ronaldo played really well, I thought. Got shots in and kept the ball well up front, making a lot of chances with their running and drive. You can’t dominate up front like we did without decent work from your forwards.
April 30th, 2009 at 4:16
@Grognard:
it’s final exam time + qualification exams for my phd program… torrent time but ends on May 15th… looking forward to watch United play in Rome and beat Arsenal x 2
Until then…
April 30th, 2009 at 5:04
@michael: I guess we were watching different games. I’ll stand by my description of the game because I do trust my judgment. No insult or disrespect to you intended but I think you got some of it wrong. Rooney never made a good move all night, and when he did, his final pass or shot was awful. Just an off night. Ronaldo was ok but he plays in spurts. He’ll show up out of nowhere for a header or a good shot but where is the guy who who would pick up the ball in his own end and dribble it downfield and totally expose defenses? He’s playing like a poacher, not a winger. Carrick made bad pass after bad pass all night. Sorry but I know what I saw.
April 30th, 2009 at 5:32
@Grognard: to give Rooney credit, he was running back and helping out Evra a fair bit to cover Walcott.
One thing we could probably all agree on is that our finishing was terrible, but if Ronaldo’s long range shot didn’t hit the crossbar, but went in instead..it’d be a whole different story.
April 30th, 2009 at 5:44
in Prem this weekend, I’m hoping we run rampant through ‘borough, if arsenal can score 2-0 against them last week, with our form, we in for another fun game to watch i reckon,
but then hope it doesn’t take them scoring a goal first for us to get our asses into gear!
April 30th, 2009 at 6:25
The story of our season is missed opportunities. Just cant stick the ball in the net, and today, we needed JOS to bail us out and our best striker to bail Evra out.
The idea that Berbatov could come on and make a better impact than Tevez, is fucking bullshit and in the end the 2 goal advantage was conceded because of this.
We had these wankers on the rocks, wait, we had them head first over a cliff and all we had to do was let go.
I’m so pissed off about this non-result, I’m wondering what, if anything, there is left for us to do to change our sloppy goal-scring ways.
We have debated our style and our skill all season long, but the clear answer to out malaise is to put the ball in the net. Apparently we don’t have the ability amongst our ranks to do this and we don’t have the smarts to figure out that Le Arse was willing to lay down and show us their, collective, rear ends!!
Wayne Rooney knew that Evra needed cover, he knew that we needed penetration down the left flank, and he knew we needed to score goals. He really was the only man on this planet that could have provided all of this, but his one man show was to be let down by the weak attaking ranks of his unwilling co-horts.
We should have squashed these pretenders, but instead, we gave them life!! The way through is not that hard to figure out, but they really have put pause to the dominance that should have prevailed, and to give the second chance in this competition is unforgivable!!
Frankly, we ran their Arses’ off. Midfield was ours, their defense was weilding under our sword, and our killer blow was to sub Tevez for Berbatov??
A roll of the dice, and a small stretch of the imagination will make Le Arse the finalists and not us. Fuck these pricks. I want to bring very hard purgatory upon them and make their challenge an adventure that Wenger’s army will never recover from. The idea of making this tie winnable is laughable. The true example to be made here is to crush the French, like a clove of garlic, and to put away our true destiny in the stark form of goal, after goal, after goal, after goal!!
April 30th, 2009 at 6:29
@Natzca: I don’t rate Rooney for tracking back. He’s a forward paid to score and set up goals. Yes he tracks back and that’s great but that’s not why we watch him now is it? Even if Ronaldo’s shot went in, our finishing was still terrible. Point blank shots missed is just not acceptable.
April 30th, 2009 at 6:31
@Natzca: Don’t underestimate a team trying to survive relegation. They are at home and they will fight harder than Arsenal did tonight.
April 30th, 2009 at 6:41
@Grognard: yeh, he is a forward, but he also does what’s necessary for the team, we all know Evra would’ve struggled trying to contain Walcott on his own, he just doesn’t have the pace.
But Rooney’s covering helped contain him, and was part of the reason we shut down their offence, not to mention the good controlling job the rest of our midfield did against theirs to win the ball and keep pushing forward.
If Evra was capable of containing Walcott, we would’ve seen Rooney being more threatening. He just couldn’t be everywhere at once.
That’s my opinion though, feel free to agree/disagree
April 30th, 2009 at 7:02
@Grognard: Im sleeping…
April 30th, 2009 at 8:14
@Grognard: nearly every team we’ve been playing has been fighting hard against us
April 30th, 2009 at 8:15
@Grognard: comes with the territory also
April 30th, 2009 at 8:42
I hope DAn hasnt changed his name… I love the new Dan!!!
April 30th, 2009 at 10:28
A vulgar display of power in defence (and midfield)… and a vulgar display of finishing indifference… plus a ‘1-0 to the United’.
I wonder where I’ve seen that before!!!
Before the game some Arsenal players were goading how they manage to keep us at bay by not giving us possession and not allowing us time or space with the ball… and how they won at Emirates like that earlier this season. The same ones played like jackasses and the same Arsenal side got outplayed in possession and time with the ball. Credit where it’s due.. to the midfield.
Fletch and Anderson were magnificent in the first half at controlling midfield, pressing those yellow flies anywhere and everywhere. They took away every millisecond of the time Arse players had on the ball and most often took away the ball too. They started the second half in the same way, though some mistakes did eventually creep in, the ended up doing a bloody good job.
The back three and a half (as someone pointed out b4) played well enough for whatever came their way, which wasn’t much. They kept a clean sheet, which says it all. Rooney was also full on in answering Evra’s “SOS – please cover for me” calls.
Arsenal were useless going forward as well. Playing like that, Adebayor wouldn’t make it to Accrington’s transfer wishlist next summer.. never mind AC Milan.
I would not comment on the finishing though.. it’s become a moot point.
What I would say is that if forwards bang in 10 shots straight at a goalkeeper in one game.. no matter how poor/good the shots were.. the GK would automatically be the MOTM. Ergo the Almunia praises from all over.
To end on a positive note, we played a furious version of our champagne football for the first half of the match, and I’m bloody pleased with that in itself.
April 30th, 2009 at 10:34
Also, I would have liked Kiko to come on for Tevez.
And I would also like a big fat smile from Ronaldo when he gets fouled, rather than a sorry attempt at acting like a crazy dog attacked by imaginary fleas. May the Lord bring peace to his troubled mind.
April 30th, 2009 at 10:59
@Rahul: Pantera ?
April 30th, 2009 at 11:06
@Traverse: Heall yeah mate!!
April 30th, 2009 at 12:46
For me the most sobering aspect of this game is this is an Arsenal side Liverpool put four past. You can blame bad luck and make a case for Almunia making some good saves. But the truth is that apart from Ronaldo and occasionally Rooney on a good day, we just do not have killer instinct.
Tevez should have scored two but his touch let him down and he didn’t get any power or placement behind his shots. But fair play to Tevez for getting into the right positions and causing Arsenal problems with his movement.
I agree with Grognard that Rooney could have done more. He did not need to do as much defending. Id have preferred if he’d got forward a bit more and really tore into Arsenal’s defence.
April 30th, 2009 at 12:51
@colver: That was just a freak result, you can’t say becuase they conceded four against the Dippers then we should have scored four, on another day we could have their keeper was MOM.
If someone gave me one nil at the start I would have taken it.
April 30th, 2009 at 13:27
Return leg, 1-1 or 2-2 draw, that is my prediction, so lets see
.
April 30th, 2009 at 13:33
@Craig Mc: We will score at the Emirates I am sure of that, we should be happy with the performance and result in my book, but I am easily pleased.
April 30th, 2009 at 13:48
Last night, Arsenal looked like they wouldn’t score if the match went on 3 days and Van Der Saar was in a sleeping bag. We have to go to the Emirates and not loose by 2 clear goals. We will score there. I’d be amazed if we conceded 3, Rio or not.
Does anyone else think that Brown rather than Evans will play against Boro. He hasn’t had a lot of playing time, but if he’s fit and ready, i’d rather play him than Evans against Adebayor and Van Rapist.
April 30th, 2009 at 14:09
@Traverse: are you bonkers? id much, much rather play evans against arsenal, fact is, he is a better overall CB then brown.
Earlier in the season when brown was available, he was 4th in the pecking order for CB, now, hes been out for more or less the whole season, why should he start ahead of evans now? it makes no sense!
April 30th, 2009 at 14:20
Because Evans was less than convincing in the last few matches he played, and I think Fergie will be tempted to go with experience in the 2nd leg of a European Cup away from home.
April 30th, 2009 at 14:37
@Traverse: You can’t play him after zero prem minutes in a must win game it would be sucide, play him at right back.
April 30th, 2009 at 14:40
@colver: That has bee the case all season. We have played better or worst but only in the second half of the game against Spurs we looked like the goal scoring machine of the past.
April 30th, 2009 at 15:16
@Stephen: That’d be worse! If there is one thing he will be lacking on it’s pace, not his positional sense. Leaving him against Nasri on the wing would be suicide. I just think it’s a good time for him to be back in contention, having played in the Champions League Final last season and having the experience that’d allow him to come into a game like this. Only if he is ready, mind. If he isn’t then anything could happen.
oShea could move into the centre and Raphael could play wide. oShea could stay left and Evans could play centre. I guess either way, if Arsenal are a toothless as they were yesterday it won’t make a blind bit of difference…..
April 30th, 2009 at 15:20
@Traverse: I meant against Borough mate not Arsnal, Evans should play instead of Wes if Rio isn’t fit, my bad.
April 30th, 2009 at 15:48
@Stephen: Ah right. I guess we’ll know Fergie’s thinking about 12am on Saturday when we get team news.
April 30th, 2009 at 15:52
@Traverse: God knows mate, in my view we need to play our best team here on in until the end of the season, no rotation lets just go for it
April 30th, 2009 at 17:05
@colver: tbh i think it was rooneys defensive covering of a liable evra that kept walcott at bay. 2-1 to us at the emirates though i wont be surprised if it the reverse.
April 30th, 2009 at 17:44
@RedAllTheWay: What did Evra do wrong last night, he had a decent game don’t knock him for the sake of it.
April 30th, 2009 at 17:57
Mikael Silvestre and Eduardo both picked up groin injuries and will miss the return leg. Boo bloody hoo.
April 30th, 2009 at 18:36
@Stephen: I thought Evra had a poor first half and a much better second half.
Still, Walcott has just shown how overrated he is. He has bags of skills but no heart at all. Compared to a Lennon who is less skilled but is prepared to constantly torment his opponent.
Don’t let the appearances fool you – had it been Lennon instead of Walcott, we would have again been on the rack on our left side@Dan is a stupid moron who is not good enough to wipe the crack of dean windass: I agree with traverse, as recently Evans has been a wee bit dodgy. Hope that his recent lay-off has done him some good. On the other hand I would have no qualms about playing the Evans of early to mid season. The boy was class then.
April 30th, 2009 at 18:44
No im sorry, doesnt matter if evans has been a bit dodgy in the last few matches, anyone who picks a player with next to NO match fitness/time in a CL semi final away leg is mad!
Neville has all the experience in the world, does that mean he should start against arsenal? NO!! experience is one thing, match form is another.
Wes brown should NOT start in the centre of defence against arsenal. I would be OK with him starting at right back against boro, but i would much, much rather we started o’shea on the left and rafael on the right.
To put it lightly, brown is dead to me this season!
April 30th, 2009 at 18:58
@RedDevilEddy: It does suit him doesn’t it.
April 30th, 2009 at 19:00
Im never doing that again
April 30th, 2009 at 19:05
@colver: It’s not that Rooney never tried to do more, it’s just that he had an off day dojng so. Quite often he would be in position to lay off a pass to someone in a very advantageous position and he either shot or passed to the wrong person or his pass never got through. All night two passes were available to him and others in the attacking zone. The cutback pass near the byline and the back heel pass. Quite often our forwards play with their backs to the opponent goal, yet none of them except Ronaldo try the back heel enough. It’s a riskier pass but so many times you can see the potential that could come from one but they are either instructed not to try them or they lack the vision to do so. It’s what makes some of the other great sides who attack so dangerous and clever. When done well, it’s hard to defend against. A couple of weeks ago Rooney gave a nice heel pass to Tevez for the second goal against Porto at OT. More of that kind of stuff is needed to crack defenses. Sometimes our attack is so pedestrian and sophomoric.
April 30th, 2009 at 19:07
@Dan: The old Dan has returned. Welcome back buddy.
April 30th, 2009 at 19:19
@michael: Direct from the horse’s mouth. This may sound arrogant but it just confirms that I know what I am talking about.
From FIFA.COM
ROONEY: I CAN DO BETTER
Wayne Rooney may have added to his legions of admirers with his forceful display against Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League, but the England striker was not happy with his performance. Rooney admits he can be his own harshest critic, but Arsenal will just be hoping he does not improve for next week’s semi-final, second leg at the Emirates.
The 23-year-old striker, who was played by United manager Sir Alex Ferguson wide on the left, was critical of his display. “I don’t think it was one of my best games,” he said. “Obviously I did a job for the team but going forward I felt I didn’t really offer too much, so hopefully I can improve on that next week. In some games it is better to play there [on the left] as you can get more space and see the whole game, but at other times it’s better to be in the middle.”
Grognard is never wrong
April 30th, 2009 at 19:46
@Grognard: It really does…
April 30th, 2009 at 19:47
@Dan: Awwww, why did you change it?!
And never say never, I bet you wont mind being called that if we win the Champions League. 
April 30th, 2009 at 19:49
@Grognard: Thank you!
@RedDevilEddy: Maybe i should make this a weekly thing, where i guess the line-up, that would be humorous but painful at the same time! hehe, maybe not
April 30th, 2009 at 19:51
@Grognard: His crosses were poor, other than that he was ariite. He had some bad passes, dribbled to much on some occasions. But for me he was good, and if he can perform on the left wing like he did against Spurs more often, I dont see why using him there would damage our team. His crosses for Ronaldo( Spurs), Scholes( Sunderland) and the cross for Ronaldo against Inter were top drawer. From what he has proved with his crosses this season, he may be our best left winger!
April 30th, 2009 at 19:51
@Dan: Please do that, it would make my day!
April 30th, 2009 at 19:54
Our team of the season:
Van der Sar
Rafael Rio Vidic Evra
Fletcher Carrick
Ronaldo Giggs Rooney
Berbatov
My feelings say Berba doesnt deserve a spot there, but my mind says otherwise. Soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
April 30th, 2009 at 20:07
My team of the season
)
———–VDS(but my heart says foster
rafael evans vidic o’shea
———–carrick
—-fletcher——–giggs
Ronaldo————-rooney
————-berbatov
Thats my team, so might question my disclusion of rio, but that 9 game streak was largely down to evans and vidic, and rio has been wuite injury prone this season also.
I reckon if andy got more games this season, he be in there. same with fabio.
April 30th, 2009 at 20:14
@Dan: Oshea over Evra?!
April 30th, 2009 at 20:26
@RedDevilEddy: yes o’shea over evra, because o’shea has been better then evra for the overall season.
I pick the best players, not the biggest reputations!
April 30th, 2009 at 20:30
@Dan: Im not talking about reputation, I just feel that if you consider the season until February Evra was one of our best players. Oshea hasnt been better than Evra overall this season, one goal doesnt make up for it for me. I like Oshea, but there is no way he has been better than Evra! You might point out that Evra has been skinned by Lennon and others this season, but Oshea became dead and buried against Valencia, Riera and Bentley this season.
April 30th, 2009 at 21:06
@RedDevilEddy: Evra has been poor for 70% of the season, o’shea for me, hasnt been poor all season.
April 30th, 2009 at 21:42
@Dan: I agree with Dan on this one. O’Shea has been a savior for us many times this year and he deserves to be on the LB spot over the far poorer Evra. Evra has had a poor season and he cannot be put out there on the basis of past performances and past years. Berbatov is a tough one but there really isn’t anyone else but him.
April 30th, 2009 at 21:44
@RedDevilEddy: Damn straight. O’Shea deserves a lot of respect and some love from many who have ignored his contribution this season. He has had to be Evra, Rio, Vidic and Wes Brown and hasn’t embarrassed himself at all. He also has a knack for scoring some very big and timely goals. Three cheers for the Irishman!
April 30th, 2009 at 21:48
@Grognard: i think you meant me
April 30th, 2009 at 22:00
@Grognard: I think you meant Dan, but I get what you are saying.
I dont have anything against Oshea, its just that I dont think he has performed as well as Evra over the cource of the season. But when you mention it, he and Vida were the defenders that played the most games during our clean-sheet streak. So yeah, he may get a place. I was in doubt wether I would choose Evra or Oshea, but my heart said Evra. 
April 30th, 2009 at 22:11
@RedDevilEddy: No, evras reputation chose evra, not your heart, if you look deep enough, you’ll see evra has been poor, i guarantee it!
evra hasnt performed, period. In the 2 appearances fabio made, he played a lot, lot better then evra all season.
He got forward when he should get forward, and back when he should be back, he can cross the ball (unlike evra) and done something that a lot more “experienced” players couldnt all season, be able to fart on fellaini in his back pocket!
O’sheas positional sense, and abilty to put a clean tackle in is what makes him my choice ahead of fabio and evra. O’shea is a solid RB, better then brown in my honest opinion, but i fear he will always be that bit part player in the squad.
If he was playing week in week out from an earlier age, i reckon he would have been as good as neville at RB and as good as toure in the centre.
Woops, ive been rambling away. night!
April 30th, 2009 at 23:53
@Dan: We didn’t loose one of the 9 league games Rio missed.
May 1st, 2009 at 0:00
@Dan: Evra was pretty decent against Arsenal, I feel his bad run of form may go away as he gains more confidence
May 1st, 2009 at 0:02
@Traverse: 9 out of 9, scored 16 let in 3 without Rio as far as I know. Far from shabby.
May 1st, 2009 at 0:25
@Grognard: fair call, points to ya mate
May 1st, 2009 at 2:16
out of place around here but is anyone watching the Bulls and Celtics series? Great games, hope the Bulls can hang on tonight to bring it to game 7.
May 1st, 2009 at 3:10
@Dan: Evra, with Rooneys help, had a better game. He tried, much harder to attack his man and seemed conscious of his responsibilities. An improvement than of late, and a good sign!! Of course, well see sooner or later how it all pans out, but he’s now going down the right road at last, I think!!
May 1st, 2009 at 3:35
The big problem with Evra is that he’s now being targeted by the opposition.
Without a clean bill of health (or form) it really has becomes a “dog-eat-dog” situation.
If you were to face this team, you would try to find it’s weakest link, and, Evra, with his current form, is the one they’re all going after. It’s not an ideal situation for someone in his position and it certainly is not helping him regain his form, and I would imagine that his standing within the team is, to a certain point, being protected!
Patrice is a popular member of our very best team, and will be given every chance to recover his “touch”. I do hope that the loyalty shown by his com padres will elevate his performances to the level that we all expect!!
May 1st, 2009 at 4:41
@Grognard: I agree, JOS has become the very rock of utility men. I don’t mean that with any disrespect at all to him. Being utilitarian, really is his mark on this club, and without that kind of versatility we’d be stumped to fill in for the absences to our key players!
But wait a minute now, isn’t he just about becoming one of those? A key to our team success! Because of his adaptability he has edged a vital role that, for this season especially, has been as important as that of any of his teammates.
O’Shea is carving out a legacy for himself, and for his team this season. A man that just makes his contribution and then lets his presence be known for that.
I cannot think of another player that, has so selflessly served our cause. Player of the Year? No. Man of the Year, Possibly!!
May 1st, 2009 at 5:51
@Redrich: Championships are won buy the power and ability of your bench. O’Shea is the model of a true professional and a player who is a cut above the average rabble that sit on the bench and do similar work for other teams. If you took a poll amongst the United players and coaches, I’m sure to a man they would vote him as a team MVP for the role he so capably handles.
May 1st, 2009 at 7:25
@Liam: that’d be awesome if the bulls pulled pass the celts, Derrick Rose is definately looking a future star for the bulls.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:09
Macheda to start against boro?
http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_5261779,00.html
Tevez set to leave?http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_5262131,00.html
I’m starting to get annoyed by his “I’m-the-victim-for-not-playing-,I-have-the fans-on-my-side,-so there!” stance.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:17
@NicoQB: Berba needs to start in my view, our record against Borough is simply poor.
We need three points and gambling with the side could well be title sucicide.
With Carlos love him to bits, but think we either have to negotaite the transfer or pend £32m more wisely.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:33
@Stephen: To be honest Macheda delivered against Everton even though he did not score. He played better than Tevez or Berbatov that day. He’l certainly be involved. Boro being in the thick of relegation battle will be a harder team to beat than another team having nothing to play for – at least that’s usually the case.
For carlos’s contract we only have to spend about 22 million, but even that’s expensive in my opinion. His attitude on the pitch is admirable but for his lack of tangible contribution, but I’m questioning the fact that recently he’s been shouting out loud his dissatisfaction for not playing -some of our past strikers, even when they were dissatisfied with lack of playing time, did not go about crowing about their situation for all to hear. It seems that he’s adamant that he’s in the right having been comforted in his opinions by the affection he receives from most united fans.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:37
@NicoQB: He seems to be putting himsself well and truly on the market for other clubs, we need unity throughout the squad and not shake heads when taken off, an all round purchase of £32m is simply not good value, his effort is great but I like strkers who can score and certianly we that sort of money.
Macheda is a superb talent but I feel we need to pick our best side now until the end of the season, we cannot afford to drop points and as I have said our record against Borough isn’t great.
May 1st, 2009 at 11:34
Team of the season? The first ten names virtually pick themselves: EVDS, Rafael, Rio, Vidic, O’Shea, Giggs, Fletcher, Carrick, Rooney, Ronaldo
But for the eleventh position in my view it is a tie between Park and Berbatov. Park had a huge part to play in helping us keep all those clean sheets during a time when our strikers (including Berbatov) could barely muster a goal a game. But then again going forward Park has been ineffective providing neither goals or assists.
Really Berbatov should have walked it into the eleventh position on my team. But given his quality his season has been disappointing. There have been no goals against the top teams, and most of his goals have been goals against weaker opposition or goals when the game was already wrapped up. The assists he provided at the start of the season have dried up. And on occasion he has showed lack of commitment and while his link-up play and ball retention has been useful for us on occasion, he also slows us down. First half against Arsenal was the sort of high-tempo vintage United stuff we were playing last season. Any coincidence Berbatov was off the pitch? I think not.
May 1st, 2009 at 11:39
@colver: “There have been no goals against the top teams”
He scored against Chelsea, plus nemerous winners.
May 1st, 2009 at 11:46
@colver: Second half against Spurs was “the sort of high-tempo vintage United stuff we were playing last season.” Berbatov was on the pitch.
May 1st, 2009 at 11:58
You can see Fergies thinking a mile off. It’ll cost us another £22mil ontop of the £10mil we’ve already spent. If Lyon don’t qualify for the Champions League, Benzema will leave, and £22mil would do it. If Lyon qualify for the Champs League, then Tevez may have a chance….
I think this summer could be our biggest for a long time. Tevez and Nani could be out, the Ronaldo out rumours will continue.
It looks likely that we will get Valencia from Wigan for £5mil and Fraizer Campbell.
Ribery and Benzema are both players Fergie would love to have (and should have signed up cheaper, sooner), and with both their teams looking like missing out on Champions League football, the players will be itchy, and the clubs will have a gap in their accounts.
If Ronaldo goes, we have £85mil to play with. We’ll need a superstar to replace him (if not positionally, then for shirt sales…..) And Kaka would be a brilliant get (could also miss out on champs league). I know I’m playing fantasy football a bit, but this is the team if Ronaldo goes, and we buy our targets. Even if Ronaldo doesn’t go, his name for Kaka would still look awesome.
VDS
Brown Ferdinand Vidic Evra
Hargreaves Carrick
Kaka Rooney Ribery
Benzema
Foster, Raphael, Fabio, Anderson, Scholes, Valencia, Berbatov
I’d love that team. That team’d pass Arsenal to death, and still have enough physical ability to compete with the Chelsea’s and Bolton’s of this world. Ribery has a workrate similar to Tevez, and Benzema is no push over or slouch. Plus he is a striker with a genuine ariel threat.
Ah a man can dream….
May 1st, 2009 at 12:17
Fergie has confirmed Rio HAS NOT cracked a rib, and should be available for the Emirates. Just bruising. Thank fuck for that.
May 1st, 2009 at 12:35
@Traverse: I think its likely that we get Benzema. Lyon arent even the top team in France currently, and Benzema isnt even top scorer!!!
And I tell you, I have watched many Lon games this season. Its not because he has been bad, oh no! Its because except for Juninho and Benzema Lyon are practiacally worse than Derby going forward this season! And if Marseille hadnt been so shite themselves, they would have walked away with the title! I tell you, had it not been for Benzema Lyon may not even have been in the spot to qualify for the European League(as the UEFA cup is gonna be called next season). To spend more than £30 million on a striker which isnt top scorer in the country, isnt playing for the winning team in France, hasnt reached his peak yet, and for a team that is so far away from winning the Champions League that Villa would look like Champions of the world if they met them, its li¨kely that if we go for Benzema he wont cost more than £25 million.
Some people may point at Torres, because he didnt play for Barca or Real, wasnt top scorer and hadnt been playing for a team qualifying for the Champions League. But he was playing in Spain, he was first choice striker for his country, he had reached his peak. And Spain is a better fotballing country than France, we all know that. I bet that if Fergie goes for Benzema, we will get him. He will only cost £23 million, not £30 or £40 million as predicted. So I see no reason why not going after him…
May 1st, 2009 at 12:38
Tevez is leaving…
May 1st, 2009 at 13:15
Stephen, the game was wrapped up against Chelsea when Berbatov scored.
ErictheRed, yes Berbatov was playing second half but it was the Tevez substitution that really moved us into top gear. Obviously it is not feasible to play Rooney, Tevez, Berbatov and Ronaldo….but when we play Ronaldo, Rooney and Berbatov the play hasn’t been as sparkling as last season.
I hear Ribery will leave Bayern if they don’t qualify for the Champions League. Although Barcelona must be favourites to snap him up, if we make the highest bid it may weight things in our favour.
I like the idea of signing Benzema. But firstly would he join when he’s made it quite clear he likes Spain. And secondly there is no way he’d play second fiddle to Berbatov.
Tevez understandably does not want to either. So it is probably easiest to rely on our young strikers as back-up, and spend our money on someone like Ribery, Silva etc.
Actually a cheap option Id be interested in is Santa Cruz. I think he’d be available on the cheap from Blackburn and at his age he’d be happy to be a third striker for us.
May 1st, 2009 at 13:20
Incidentally the Tevez quote “I need continuity to play my best” is telling. Players like Tevez need to be playing every game to keep their match fitness and touch. So from that perspective he is not a good option to have as a third striker. Compare that to someone like Fletcher or Solkjaer who could not play for months and still come into the team and produce a performance.
I think if we had not bought Berbatov and had played Tevez every game this season, Tevez would be playing five times better than he has in the appearances he’d made, and we’d be more like the side we were last season.
May 1st, 2009 at 13:41
@colver: We have won two pots already, on the verge of a getting to the final of the Champions league and could be 6 points clear in the league, I think we are doing Ok.
Also so that goal doesn’t count then? Carlos has only scored 3 times this season in the league in 25 games, Berba has 9 in 28.
May 1st, 2009 at 13:54
We could probably get Ribery for a similar price to Tevez this Summer and as much as I love Tevez, his time may be up. I just wish we had’ve signed Ribery instead of Nani 2 years ago
god damn Queiroz
May 1st, 2009 at 13:59
@Liam: It was Fergie’s decision to sign Nani, also give him a break he has had a troubled second season but he has hardly had a consistant run in the side, and he is still only 22.
May 1st, 2009 at 14:27
@Liam: We would have won fuck all if not for Nani, and you should know that. He has been a vital asset to this team, and I am confident he still will be. Unlike Tevez he isnt sucha huge fan-favorite, but he is probably more vital for us. Tevez doesnt give us anymore than Alan Smith did, but Nani gives us something Park doesnt. CROSSES!!! I just wish he would do that more often.
I think Ribery is currently a better player, but I have faith in youth. And I know what quality Nani has, so I wouldnt be surpries if he became one of our best performers next season.
May 1st, 2009 at 14:27
Lets just hope when Tevez goes, he disappears to Spain and not Liverpool. That would be too much to bare, and he’s bloody perfect for them.
May 1st, 2009 at 14:31
@RedDevilEddy: Alan Smith was for a better word crap, as for Carlos give us anymore than him well Tvez has scored 17 goals on 59 compared to Smiths 7 in 61, so he gives a lot more goals for starters, also he is twice the player.
May 1st, 2009 at 14:33
If Carlos really leaves and we buy Benzema, I think this may be a much-used team:
VDS
Rafael Rio Vidic Evra
Hargreaves Carrick
Ronaldo Berbatov Rooney
Benzema
From what I have seen, Benzema is better when he leads the line. He is the ultimate lone-striker, as he is strong, good in the air and has a really good shot with both feet. Rooney has proved that he is really good as a LW, Ronaldo is best as a RW and Berbatov may not be best as CF, but has been used there a lot this season. Why not?
May 1st, 2009 at 14:36
@Stephen: When Smudge played for us we won 2 trophies in 3 seasons. With Tevez we have won 5 trophies in 2 years… And Alan Smith played the majority of his games as a CM instead of a striker, while Tevez has been used mostly for the Cup games this season. 3 goals in the Prem this season is far from good enough for a United striker playing over 20 games…
May 1st, 2009 at 14:41
@RedDevilEddy: Mate but the trophies we won were hardly down to Smithy, he only played one season in midfield, and that badly he was at best a poor player and it sayes a lot that he a, has never scored for Newcastle and b, is on the bench for them.
He isn’t fit to lace Carlos ’s boots.
May 1st, 2009 at 16:09
i think we will get benzema and a winger(either ribery or valencia) in the summer.
I would much, much rather us spend £22mil+ on the moody git then £22mil+ for a striker that has scored 3 goals in the league all season!
May 1st, 2009 at 16:14
@Dan: Good point but why buy Benzema, surely we should give Welbeck and Kiko a go, we could save ourselves £20+ million.
May 1st, 2009 at 16:17
Also Ribery is going to Barca, unfortunatly.
May 1st, 2009 at 16:18
@Stephen: Yep, would much rather prefer that, but we all know fergie hasnt got the balls to do it!
May 1st, 2009 at 16:29
@Dan: Probably
but in my view we have the future with those two lads, they look like they have “it” whatever it is and really worth giving them a decent run instead of doing what we always do, fork out shed loads of money for a player.
May 1st, 2009 at 17:04
Just finished an article on Nani guys. Hopefully RR will put it up before the match tomorrow. I’m sure I will have ruffled a few feathers but I tried to keep it nice and balanced!
Is the game live on Sky Sports tomorrow by the way?
May 1st, 2009 at 17:06
@Stephen Darwin: Yes mate.
May 1st, 2009 at 17:12
@Stephen: Excellent, thanks for that!
May 1st, 2009 at 18:04
@Stephen: We have had Rooney, Tevez, Berbatov and Ronaldo as first choice strikers this season. Welbeck and Kiko have played some games. I dont see why replacing Carlito with Benzi would change that. We all know Rooney is gonna be injured for some parts of the season, Berbatov dont have the stamina to play 3 games in one week, and Benzema will probably have his fair share of rests during the season. So Kiko and Danny will get games even though we buy a top class striker… They are still below 19 both of them, and with Berba reaching his thirties it might onlly need one more season until they become first team regulars. I wish that they both play many games, but I just feel they aint ready yet.
And about Ribery, it would be great if we could get him! But I really doubt it, mostly because of his admiration for Barca as well as him being too expensive if we buy Benzema. Besides, I feel that we could use Rooney as a left winger next season. I know its very out of position, but he has played there many times! When Nani is out injured or isnt in top form, Wazza should usually get some games there. I remember his fair share of assists from the left hand side.
Fulham 5-1(Ronaldo)
Liverpool 3-0(Brown)
Inter 2-0(Ronaldo)
Sunderland 2-1(Scholes)
Spurs 5-2(Ronaldo)
Of cource, these are only the ones dropping into my mind right now. He has got many more from that position.
May 1st, 2009 at 18:11
Ive noticed that we have played a different formation for the last few games. Against Villa, Sunderland, Porto, Spurs and Arsenal, we have played a 4-2-3-1. At Porto we had Ronaldo as ST, with Berba, Rooney and Giggs behind him. Then Spurs we had Tevez up front with Berba, Rooney and Ronaldo as the 3 offensive midfielders. And against Arsenal it was Rooney, Tevez, Ronaldo and Anderson switching positions up front. We see that this has worked out, because 3 of those games have been some of our bests this whole season! I think we should carry on with this for the reminder of the season, because it really has worked out. And next season, we can play with the team I put this comment: @RedDevilEddy
May 1st, 2009 at 18:14
BTW, check out this vid: Scholes vs Bradford, by RedDevilEddy
May 1st, 2009 at 18:21
I think if we become the first team to successfully defend the Champions League, Ribery would be mad to pick Barca over us. The can play all the lovely football they like against Getafe and Athletic Bilbao, but as yet they have nothing to show for it. They might not even win the league this year! Real Madrid are right up on ‘em.
When we win the Champions League we will be the best club side of the modern era. Who’d turn down a place in that?
May 1st, 2009 at 18:24
Eddy, good points but we also have Campbell comming back and with Kiko and Welbeck maybe we should have some faith in their ability like Barca with Bojan and with Messi.
May 1st, 2009 at 18:34
@Traverse: Yeah but barca have played much better football than united this year so it would be understandable if a player found them a more attractive destination for that reason.
May 1st, 2009 at 18:41
@tevez: Maybe, but Ribery will know that if he leaves for Barca he may not start many games. The trio of Etoo, Henry and Messi are incredible, and I really doubt he would break that easily… So coming to United may not be such a hard decision.
May 1st, 2009 at 18:44
@Stephen: If Ronaldo leaves, Ribery would be stupid to sign for Barca as he would be an absolute star at United. United being the most followed team in the world and all…
I’m just annoyed that Ribery was swayed to root for Barca now by the hammering Bayern received and the touting Henry was doing to Ribery about joining Barca – he was clearly seen on camera whisoering to a thoughtful Ribery after the bayern debacle. Days later Ribery was professing his Barca love…
And a different note, I found this on ROM’s daily reads… Interesting, especially the site in general.. Gives a very different but still entertaining view of footy in general…
http://www.kickette.com/index.php?/site/comments/champions_league_semis_observations/
May 1st, 2009 at 19:03
Ive been reading a lot about us and berbatov and after thinking a bit more about it i have changed my mind and now would be absolutely over the moon if we signed him. First off i think its safe to say carlos is off, we will all miss him but i think its pretty obvious hes as good as gone and we will definitely be bringing someone else in. We will no way leave it with the youngsters to come in, whether we sign a big money striker or a more reasobale priced one depends.
Back to benzema, it does seem he may now be touchable. Should lyon miss out on the champions league spot and his value would lower further, however dont be too surprised if we still ended up paying up to £30 plus million for the frenchman tho, lyon are right money grabbing bastads but to be fair its within their right.
Now for the money would he be a good signing? Well in my opinion a simple yes, the lad looks excellent, a mixture of a couple of players. He reminds me a bit of a mixture between henry and torres. Henry for his pace and arrogance and torres for his ability to pray on the last defenders shoulder and score some terrific goals, a real good finisher in general.
Up until recently i had 2 concerns about him. 1 being his price tag which hopefully wont be an issue anymore and his desire to join those spanish idiots in madrid. As i say i dont think the price tag is the main concern now. There was just something about the guy i didnt like for some reason and still to an extent i dont. Its probably down to his public remarks about madrid but i had a thought about that.
Maybe we are not his first choice and thats fine but maybe just maybe we will grow on him. I can see him joining us as long as the moneys correct but maybe i can see him hesitating to join us. Or maybe like cantona he will come here do brilliantly and this club will just grow in his heart and all this about madrid will be irrelevant. Thats what i hope anyway its just i cant stand it when madrid come along and try to steal our players. Theres no doubting hes good enough, he can lead the line, play on the left, right whatever he just fits perfectly into our team.
Just imagine a team of this next season:
VDS/FOSTER
RAFAEL RIO VIDIC EVRA
HARGREAVES CARRICK/ANDO
RONALDO BERBATOV ROONEY
BENZEMA
That team just looks bloody great, but it does beg the question, if berbatov is still being depolyed behind the main man, what was the point in his acquistion, wasnt he meant to lead the line?
May 1st, 2009 at 19:22
@Stephen Darwin: RR better not put it up, because if you fucking want to be fancy dan by ruffling feathers, you will get more than your feathers ruffled – mark my words – numptee!
May 1st, 2009 at 19:25
@RedDevilEddy: Tevez is getting on my fucking nerves now whining to the press all the time. I am going he keeps saying, well FUCK OFF then, United were great before you came on the scene, and they sure as fuck will be great when you go. LOSER!!!
May 1st, 2009 at 19:27
@Stephen: He fucking moans a hell of a lot more too Stephen – fuck him
.
May 1st, 2009 at 19:28
@Traverse: Are you fucking serious Trav, who cares if he goes to the scouse gits, perfect for them, I dont think so
.
May 1st, 2009 at 19:30
@RedDevilEddy: Nani would do it for us more often, IF Fergie would put the lad in the fucking team – Fergie is pissing me off big time, TWAT!
.
May 1st, 2009 at 19:33
@RedDevilEddy: I have to agree with all your points. If ronaldo is heading to Real next season – Ribery is the only replacement I see for him. He isn’t required if Ronaldo isn’t going anywhere. Benzema will be a very good addition coz we need someone really strong in the air for wing crosses (we need to improve this a lot next season. Like Beckham days). Right now only Ronaldo is the only forward strong in the air. If Berba could improve on that next season we could be a very lethal force next season. I am just praying that Tevez doesn’t end up with Liverpool next season, if he does we will be in deep trouble next season. A Torres-Tevez combination can be really devastating. Somebody was saying we need to get a winger next season, I don’t think that will be necessary as Hargreaves was impressive to me last season in the champions league when he played as a winger. We already spent a decent amount on buying him. We have plenty of people in the center mid-field positions. And definitely Welbeck and Macheda needs to be groomed well for 2010-2011 season. They aren’t ready for a full 90 minute game as forwards.
May 1st, 2009 at 19:37
@Grognard: Grog you talk so much bloody sense mate, but some on here fuck me – the garbage that cometh forth. Let Tevez get the fuck out of here, I am sick of his whining. I mean who the fuck does he think he is, hardly as needful as Ronnie is he? And I used to like the guy, but sick of the fucker prostituting hijmself to any other whore football club in sight.
May 1st, 2009 at 19:57
Tevez is trying to bully his way into a deal, dumb twat! we never have luck with Argentines do we!
Correct me if im wrong, but didnt we sign anderson and nani on may 1st?
I think fergie will make 3 signings this summer, 1 winger, 1 striker and yet another midfielder.
To be honest, i would love if we only bought a winger or two, and it looks like we are getting valencia.
And lets be honest, if tevez goes, fergie WONT player macheda and welbeck more, he’ll just buy another striker in his late 20s or benzema.
May 1st, 2009 at 20:12
@Matt: http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A50747835
Look at “the EPL lion”, is that you or should we sue for copyright?
May 1st, 2009 at 20:18
@Craig Mc: You might not like it but I’m spot on. He is EXACTLY the type of player they need playing up with Torres, to allow Gerrard to come deep form midfield. Luckily they can’t fucking afford him, what with rafa having to sell Xavi Alonso to buy Gareth Barry.
Reeeeeaaal smart move that one…..
May 1st, 2009 at 20:31
Were not getting Valencia Dan
May 1st, 2009 at 20:46
@Traverse: Trav, how do you know this? I cannot seeTev being anything but a flop for the fools. Also how do you know that the fools are selling Alonso mate? I think Alonso is better than Tev, there I said it
.
May 1st, 2009 at 20:47
@realred: Errrr and you know this HOW????
May 1st, 2009 at 20:54
@realred:
why are you still here?
Its as clear as daylight that wigan are prepared to sell valencia to us, steve bruce has all but confirmed it in recent interviews that hes prepared to let him go.
May 1st, 2009 at 21:14
@Dan: Haha no thats not me mate, great minds think alike i guess. But seriously that is some bloody amazing team, can you imagine the play between the front 4, just amazing thinking about it. I do have to wonder tho if ferguson is even going to buy a striker this summer and thats even if tevez leaves. I think we have other areas that also need strengthening and i think fergie will address these instead of spending another £30 plus million.
It also important to think how is benzema gonna fit in was he to join. We havent been able to fit tevez in so why will we be able to fit benzema in. Is it just because fergie doesnt like playing too attacking or just that he doesnt rate tevez as much as others.
May 1st, 2009 at 21:33
@Matt: great minds my arse! that guy has been stealing quotes from us since the turn of the year!
lol, i make it sound like your not a great mind, you are, but hes a fraud!!!
May 1st, 2009 at 22:00
@Craig Mc: Well for one, they bought Keane cause the need a second striker. They only have one senior striker (and nobody on gods earth counts dirk kuyt). It stands to reason they will try and get another this summer. Most of the team speak Spanish.Mascherano is already there, and they are good friends. Infact Mascherano did an interview with skysports this morning where he was talking about bringing Tevez to Liverpool if United don’t sign him up.
It’s widely known that Liverpool have no money, hence the scrapping/postponing of the new stadium they were meant to start building. It’s also widely reported that Benitez will have to sell players to generate funds for new ones. He spent most of last summer trying to barter with martin o’Neil on Gareth Barry, and Juventus wanted (and still do) Xavi Alonso, but Benitez would only let him go if we could get Barry for the same ammount of money. Villa wanted £18mil and Juventus were only offering £14mil. Hence the deal not happening.
May 1st, 2009 at 22:00
Valencia who!?
Ehh please tell, me what he has done to merit a place in our squad??
May 1st, 2009 at 22:02
@Matt: Think Alike? Its exactly the same, line for line! You are giving the guy on 606 too much credit.
May 1st, 2009 at 22:05
@Dan: The guy has now stolen this comment from Binoj as well: @Binoj:
May 1st, 2009 at 22:11
@Craig Mc: I like AC Milan’s attitude towards players. If they don’t want to be there, show them the door and hope it doesn’t hit them on the way out. In this day and age top teams are playing well over 60 competitive matches a season not counting the exhibition games to get themselves in shape. Some players feel they need to a part of every game yet it is asking far too much. Tevez has played as much as Berbatov this year and yet he is complaining. Well, I suppose I can understand but unlike many who jump on his bandwagon for his blue collar effort and desire, I judge an attacking player by his ability to rack up goals and assists, and frankly, Tevez really lacks in that area. If he puts away one of those two clear cut chances he had in the last game, we go to Arsenal with a damned hard 2-0 lead to beat. Instead, he squandered them because he has feet of stone and the first touch ability of a central defender. I like him and his heart and desire but I honestly feel we can do better. And yet, it was his immersion into the Spurs game that changed everything for us. Sometimes it’s not just the goals you score but what your presence does to a defending team. I’ll be sorry to see him go but at the asking price, frankly we can get a lot better.
May 1st, 2009 at 22:14
@Dan: Dan, you are talking like Fergie has an open wallet to spend as much as he can. The Glazers will not front him more than 30 to 35 million for player purchase and if he goes after Benzema, all of it will be used up there. The only other alternative is to sell Ronaldo and I don’t see that happening regardless of the fucked up media. I think it will be one big signing like last year and that’s it.
May 1st, 2009 at 22:17
@realred: Perhaps you should watch Wigan play. Sounds like you are stuck in the rut that many get into where they only think a player is great enough to play for us if he already plays for a great team. Not true mate, not true. Valencia is a quality winger/striker
May 1st, 2009 at 22:20
@Binoj: Ronaldo isn’t going anywhere until Fergie retires. Give up buying into the delusional BS that’s being brought out by the media. It’s just garbage. Ronaldo is happy here and although he wants to go to Real at some point, he will not do so until Fergie leaves. Frankly, Fergie will not allow it. Don’t buy into everything you read, especially if it originates out of Spain.
May 1st, 2009 at 23:14
@Dan: You know what, that Benzema video tells me shit! Because you can show me all Benzema videos on youtube, hell even a compilation of Benzema videos, and it wouldnt set an image of who he really is. That is because those making the videos only include his on-the ball movement and stuff. You gotta watch him play games! I watch Lyon quite a bit, doesnt interest me but when Im bored Norwegian telly always show some French la-di-da game. And when Lyon play I watch Karim. I dont care what he does with the ball, because Im getting used to see his Zidane and Henry type of skills. No, what his best asset is is is off-the ball movement. And for a striker that is the most important thing to have. How many goals did Ole or Ruud score with their first or second touch? TONS!!! Those videos only show the beautiful goals, but I say fuck them! The beautiful goals are to be scored by Scholes, Carrick, Ronaldo and Rooney etc. The ugly goals are what matter. And he scores many of them. I hear people combining Benzi to Henry and Torres. Not quite right. He comes deep to get the ball at times, but when the ball is on the wing he is definately in the box. I will say he is a perfect combination of Zidane and Ruud. Yes, Ruud. Because his positiong is as close to perfect as possible. And the way he deals pressured situations when he is with the ball is just like watching Zidane. I can just imagine him ad Berbatov in a partnership…
:drool: With Berbas vision and passing abilities, and Benzemas perfect movement and deadly finishing, it would be a deadly partnership!
Wether he is right for United, he definately is! I dont know personality wise, but certanly his footballing skills are a perfect match for United. I will tell you that he would be a major fluke for Real Madrid, that much I know. They play a different style to ours, something that doesnt suit him. Just like it hasnt suited him at Lyon this season. He has been making incredible and clever runs into the right area, but his selfish and arrogant teammates have either gone for goal or made a backpass. I tell you, if Lyon had a player like Berbatov, Fabregas or Xabi Alonso in their side, they would be winning French titles like this *! Because all Benzema needs is a partner or teammates who can see his runs, and he will finish them.
Oh God, how I wish he had the personlity of Ole!
If he did, I would personally kidnap him to United! He is so perfect for our team, and I dont care if I spend my life in jail as long as I watch United play wonderful attacking football like we may! 
May 1st, 2009 at 23:29
@Grognard: Spot on. Valencia is quality. Stick him in a team with proper players and he’ll shine. Really hope everything I’ve read is true.
May 2nd, 2009 at 0:22
I’m not a huge fan of Tevez; although he is clearly a good player, I feel he lacks technically and that his high work rate fails to make up for this. That said, I also feel that he could score 20-25 goals in a season (with rotation), that he is only likely to improve and that his rapport with the fans and work rate affect the rest of the side positively. So for me the issue is who could we get for £22 million or thereabouts who would represent an improvement to the team over Tevez?
I’m not sure there’s anyone, certainly not a striker. Right now we have four forwards who we could happily play in any game without fear, and few clubs can say that. If we let Tevez go and don’t buy a striker, then we’re down to three (one of whom is a winger), and any striker we buy is likely to cost £25+ million and unlikely to whine any less than Tevez about rotation.
May 2nd, 2009 at 0:30
@RedDevilEddy: Fergie today tipped Anderson as scholes replacement. Did you read that?
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:24
@realred: We are buying the club Valencia. Not the player.
After all, you can never have too much debt.
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:33
@Johnsom33: So we’re regressing as a team then.
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:40
@Johnsom33: Wow! I’d say it’s way too early to predict Ando’s future. After all he’s not shown us anything on a consistent basis yet.
SAF is just giving the boy a confidence boost, and for that I applaud him. For Ando to take Scholes’ place he needs to work on his passing accuracy and his decision making.
Although I do think he’s there already with the mistimed tackling!!
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:42
From what I’m reading it looks like Fergie is going to rest the big boys for the game tomorrow. No doubt we know what Fergie’s priority is and so it may mark the debut of Macheda as a starter. Expect Rooney and Ronaldo to be rested. I have a sneaky suspicion we may drop points tomorrow boys. Middlesbrough needs this game badly. And there is going to be a lot of bitching and sour grapes thrown at Fergie if Middlesbrough get points out of the match. I laugh when I read shite like that because the bottom feeders who are going to take exception to Fergie resting his stars are losers who have nobody but themselves to blame. They need to remember that United is playing for something far more important and meaningful than just surviving relegation for another year. Do none of you see how ridiculous this league model is? Relegation is just a joke and a bookie’s wet dream.
May 2nd, 2009 at 7:11
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_5265794,00.html
Feels like a girl is “feeling” my whole body.
One of the happiest readings Ive had this season. Thank you Fergie…
May 2nd, 2009 at 7:12
@Johnsom33: Yes I did, thank you!
Almost got an orgasm when I read that, because we all know how much I want Andy to be a vital asset to this side. 
May 2nd, 2009 at 8:39
@Craig Mc: Haha!
And I deserved that comment for what exactly!? But I am quaking in my boots Craig. Seriously I mean I wouldn’t want you knocking on my door tomorrow morning with a baseball bat… 
May 2nd, 2009 at 8:47
@RedDevilEddy: I think the article is more of a fantasy than the girl part is there mate.
I myself would get my kicks from a night with Kate Winslet. Anderson just doesn’t get me to orgasm, sorry.
May 2nd, 2009 at 8:57
@Grognard: The thing that worries me is that if I get an orgasm from that, what on earth is gonna happen when he scores?! I bet youre gonna hear me there, and my girlfriend would think I have been cheating.
Loved the part where Fergie said they were lighting candles because Andy cant score.
May 2nd, 2009 at 9:01
@Craig Mc: That was uncalled for
May 2nd, 2009 at 9:34
@RedDevilEddy: what are you talking about? if you read my entire post it wasnt about the article, it was about one of the posters
May 2nd, 2009 at 9:40
Right, im gonna do it again, if fergie doesnt name macheda and/or welbeck in the starting 11 today, i will call myself, “Dan, a typical wanker” for the next 24 hours.
Im open to suggestions as to the named actually, if you post a funny one, ill put it instead, but i already know that fergie will put one of them in starting 11, im 99% always right you see
May 2nd, 2009 at 9:45
@Dan: Oh, excuse me then.
I thought you were reffering to the Benzema video, which was the only thing I looked at in your link. But all I wrote about Benzema was true! 
May 2nd, 2009 at 9:49
New post up. And I’m off to bed for now.
May 2nd, 2009 at 10:01
@Red Ranter: You are going to sleep?! And I who just woke up…