Jan 09
Birmingham City v Manchester United: Preview
Manchester United are back in action this weekend after the midweek postponement of the Carling Cup semi-final. The F.A. Cup 3rd Round loss to Leeds United has been hard to swallow, with many of the team in for harsh criticism, so expect two things against Birmingham later today. First, a number of changes and second, the dreaded United backlash.
A week dwelling on an embarrassing defeat is almost over and the team will be looking to make amends at St. Andrews, but it will be by no means an easy match. Birmingham are unbeaten in 11 Premier League matches and have equaled the record set in 1907/08, ironically, a run which ended with a 1-0 loss to Manchester United on 29th February 1908. They have also kept nine clean sheets so far this term, only Chelsea have done better.
Sir Alex Ferguson said after the Leeds match he would be ringing the changes for the following Manchester Derby. Since it was called off, these changes will be made against the Midlands side. So it looks as if it will be the 100th consecutive game he has made changes to his starting line-up.
One constant will be Tomasz Kuszczak, who, despite his error against Leeds, will continue to keep the number one spot from Ben Foster or even Ben Amos.
The defence will have a couple of changes: Patrice Evra coming in for Fabio at left-back and the other twin, Rafael, replacing the abysmal Gary Neville at right-back. The centre-back pairing of Jonny Evans and Wes Brown was not up to standard against Leeds, but due to injuries it will remain intact for this match. Sir Alex and his fitness team have now worked out what is wrong with Nemanja Vidic; it appears he has tweaked a nerve in his leg and will be out for just over a week. Rio Ferdinand is edging closer to a comeback, but he is about two weeks away from that. John O’Shea is out for a while yet.
The midfield should look completely different from the weekends match, Antonio Valencia will be restored to the right side of midfield, Ryan Giggs should come in on the left, while Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher will take up their customary roles in the heart of the midfield four. It should be expected that Anderson will see some action against Birmingham, as he was one of the better players at the weekend along with Valencia. Owen Hargreaves has stepped up his rehabilitation from his knee troubles but is only training with the reserves at the moment.
The strike force will inevitably be Wayne Rooney and one other. Dimitar Berbatov was atrocious and it is also rumored he is carrying an injury that needs operating on. Berbatov has scored six league goals so far this season, but none of those have come against a side higher than 10th in the current table. Birmingham are 8th. Will Michael Owen get a chance to start? He should, given the Bulgarians form.
We have not lost to the Blues since 1978 and Paul Scholes is confident we can get back on track, “We’ve been written off so many times before and come back and proved people wrong, so hopefully we can do that again,” he said.
Alex McLeish’s team should remain unchanged for the ninth successive league match. Look out for the centre back pairing of Roger Johnson and Scott Dann, who have both been imperious this term, and behind them Joe Hart is staking a serious claim to be England’s number one goalkeeper at the World Cup. Lee Carsley, Stuart Parnaby and Gregory Vignal are all ruled out through injury
Newly crowned manager of the month McLeish will be definitely be looking to get one over his mentor, as yet he has never beaten his former boss. In jovial fashion, he joked, “The big one for all of us who have played for Sir Alex is to beat him – but you’re not allowed, I’ve never done it. We lost 1-0 at Ibrox in the Champions League when I was manager of Rangers and then got thumped 3-0 down the road. I’ve lost two games since I’ve been here at Birmingham — both 1-0 — so I’m getting closer.”
Lets hope he doesn’t get any closer and 3 points are on their way back to Old Trafford.
Prediction: 1-0 United
Probable Line Up: Kuszczak, Evra, Evans, Brown, Rafael, Giggs, Fletcher, Carrick, Valencia, Rooney, Owen.
* * *
Betfair is the official Manchester United betting partner and we here at Red Rants have partnered with them to offer a free £25 bet when you register. Unlike other betting sites, Betfair allows you to place bets when the game is running and choose the odds at which you want to play. What allows you to do these things is you’re betting against other fans, not the bookie, so if you want better odds than are currently available, for example, you can place an order for a better price (but bear in mind that if your price is unrealistic your bet is unlikely to be accepted). So, give this a run if you’re up for it.
Related items from Red Rants:- Brum vs Reds: Preview
- Giggs and Brown to Remain Reds | Ex-Reds Clash | Wenger Threat | Takeovers And Other Such Nonsense
- Man Utd vs Birmingham: Preview
- Manchester City vs Manchester United: Preview
- Man Utd v Everton: Preview
Tags: Game Preview
January 9th, 2010 at 8:22
Please God not Owen, at least we use a flag pole.
January 9th, 2010 at 8:53
what are the possibilities of the match getting postponed??
January 9th, 2010 at 8:57
this will really be a tough match. birmingham have conceded the least no of goals this season. we really struggled to score against good defences like chelsea and villa. my prediction 1-0. birmingham defence feel pity on struggling rooney and his fight to score a goal and gift him one out of courtesy
January 9th, 2010 at 9:39
I just want to see Obertan on one wing and Valencia on the other
Also, Evra in as CB alongside Evans…
would look like this
—————Kuz—————
RDS—Evra–Evans—FDS
Vale—-Fletch—Carrick—Obe
———-Rooney—Berbatov——-
the reason i have berbatov is because he’s pretty good at distributing the ball, and I’d expect a lot of overlapping runs out of this line up.
has Evra as a CB ever been discussed here at all? I think with the recent frailties in the back, having a CB with speed would be a huge advantage, and he could still make his runs up the field intermittently as well.
this would just be a temporary measure of course, until we can get both Vidic and Rio back fully healthy…
or am I just completely crazy?
January 9th, 2010 at 10:04
You can watch this game on free live streams
United must win today
January 9th, 2010 at 10:05
Completely crazy Jonny,evra would not be able to make his runs…he cant play there because he is far too short,jerome and benitez are both big strong strikers and it would be a major screw up…Hope to see diouf today,thats all im looking forward to…berbatov cant possibly play another shite game can he?
January 9th, 2010 at 10:11
Has it really come to this? RR puts up a new post previewing the Birmingham game and I for one could care less. Fergie has ripped the interest and desire out of me. I know longer give a crap about upcoming games unless they are against big opponents. And even then I go into those thinking worst case scenario. I’m sorry if I am negative but I am really not liking this team much anymore and his unwillingness to make changes and buy players has turned me off big time. You wonder why I waste so much time digging into the past? It’s because the present and the future offers absolutely ZERO thrills and ZERO entertainment.
January 9th, 2010 at 10:19
@Taehr: diouf is ready? if he’s named to the squad i’ll be stoked, can’t wait to see the guy play
January 9th, 2010 at 10:22
i’m actually going to sleep now so that i can wake up for the game
see you all on the flip side
and groggy, i get what you mean. but man up! we’re fans through thick and thin.
January 9th, 2010 at 10:35
1-0 in favour of Birminghom.
January 9th, 2010 at 10:53
OOPS!
Sorry but I gave credit for the new post to RR when it should have David Schiavone. Sorry mate.
January 9th, 2010 at 10:54
@Jonny: Yes we are, and it hurts like hell.
January 9th, 2010 at 11:20
We could be top of the league by the end of the day!
It really is a must win game. We need to take these opportunities to put the pressure on Chelsea.
January 9th, 2010 at 11:31
RedRich – mate I’d like to answer some of your questions from your post about today’s game in the other thread! Rio is not back, he is back in full training and they are hoping he can be ready for 1st team action in 2 weeks. Scholesy and Giggsy are fit again and will be playing today or be involved. Diouf will play a part in the game today. Wes Brown and Evans are our centre backs. Nev is NOT leaving the club, but Rafael is playing today, and is our future right back according to SAF. SAF told gathered media that we have PLENTY of MF’s to replace Scolesy and Giggsy when they retire in 1 or 2 years. Plenty of MF’s?
. I think whether we win the game or not today will depend on how our defence play collectively! If they give a good showing of themselves, then I think we might sneak a goal. Fletch and Carrick should be in MF although I got the impression from SAF that Scholesy would be playing, so can we expect another Fulham away type result then? Anyway, I am looking forward to just catching a glimpse of Diouf. Hope the lad gives a fairly good showing!
January 9th, 2010 at 11:47
Why the hell is our kick off time 5.30pm AGAIN. Late kick off in this bloody weather is HARD on the OT travelling contingent. Especially as it gets colder at night and on the return journey it will be totally hazardous and black ice not clearly seen
January 9th, 2010 at 12:11
@CraigMc: It would down to the legistics of changing the KO, police, stewards local business would be a nightmare, and why worry about the fans?
January 9th, 2010 at 12:43
We win we go top now thats an incentive…
January 9th, 2010 at 12:57
@Stephen:
.
January 9th, 2010 at 13:13
This has been a frustrating season. But i’m ever the optimist and I believe we can win silverware this year.
This team isn’t as bad as we make out. It’s down to its bare bones through injury. Players take 4 to 5 games to get back into the groove after time out from injury and almost our entire defence is coming back from injury. Berbatov too is also playing with injury and trying to regain fitness. Rooney can’t do it all on his own so let’s hope Diouff can bag double figures over the rest of the season.
I almost wish tonights game was called off as well, our entire team needed a break and the extra few days training has given players like Hargreaves, Vidic and Ferdinand more time to get back to 100% as well as giving Rooney a well deserted rest.
As for the game itself, i’m expecting something similar to the Stoke game we had directly after the Club World Cup. Fingers crossed we get the same result
January 9th, 2010 at 13:24
@Nick: The only flip to that is there will be a fixture back log and all the other sides will have to catch up, convient for Chelsea though will there players away at the African Nations.
January 9th, 2010 at 13:26
Hope it just gets postpond……….. if v lose, then chelsea will b very happy as their game has been postponded and will get more time and advantage as playing conditions r not good…….
January 9th, 2010 at 14:08
Kuszkcskckzk
Rafael Evans Brown Evra
Valencia Flether Carrick Obertan
Rooney Diouf
make it so.
January 9th, 2010 at 14:09
@Stephen: Not convenient if they’re having to play 3 games a week!
January 9th, 2010 at 14:11
@CraigMc: It’s 5:30pm because it’s the ESPN game. They can’t move it cause ESPN won the package to show games at 5:30.
January 9th, 2010 at 14:12
That is very true but in the winter heavy pitches and cold weather mean that players are more susceptible to injury. I would rather have fixture congestion in the summer months when the conditions are more conducive to regular games.
January 9th, 2010 at 14:16
@Traverse: True but better with a full squad I suppose, ideal for Liverpool though to cancel the game with an in form Spurs.
January 9th, 2010 at 14:17
@Traverse: And I have just spent a tenner to order it!
January 9th, 2010 at 14:20
@Traverse: Throwing Diouf into a game like that could be a nightmare for the lad, for me that team and play Owen see how we get on the chuck him on for 20 mins or so depending on the score.
January 9th, 2010 at 14:44
@Stephen: I’d rather start him and gve him a go than bring him on with 15mins left needing a goal.. THAT’s pressure. If he’s as good as Fergie is saying then he’s a better option right now than Owen, so give him ago.
January 9th, 2010 at 14:52
@Traverse: In fairness to Owen mate he has hardly had a run and has scored a few goals, I am saying if er and when we are winning then put him on, starting him in a side lacking on form and confidence will do him no good, we need to bring him on slowly, this isn’t Norway.
January 9th, 2010 at 15:10
@Traverse: Its a real bummer though Trav!
January 9th, 2010 at 15:44
I do not have a good feeling about this game at all. In fact I may pull a Groggy and not watch it!
January 9th, 2010 at 16:21
@Grognard: Thats where youre wrong Groggy because you do care, no matter how much you try not to, otherwise you wouldnt spend time watching the games and being angry at the players, manager,glazers and everyone else.
January 9th, 2010 at 16:47
@CraigMc: Yeah I was talking about everyone on the bus not just the players. As of right now i only know of the driver being killed, which is sad because he was only doing his job.
Are they terrorists? I have no idea, I don’t really care. All I know is they are a bunch of cowards for firing on a unsuspecting and unarmed bus. I mean, what is this world coming to? I know I live a priviledged life, but I still can’t imagine a situation that would make me kill innocent people. I’m seriously at a loss for words right now.
January 9th, 2010 at 16:53
If Diouf and Nani are playing today, we are gonna win 7-1!
January 9th, 2010 at 16:55
I have a uneasy feeling about this one, only Villa and Bolton have came away from the Blues with a win. The major thing in our favour today in my opinion, some wrongs of recent weeks need put right!And the team should require no more incentive.
Which ever way it goes I will be a yawn and probably a middle of the park slugger.
With Cocky Big Alex Mcleish named Barclays Prem manager of the month, nothing would give me more pleasure than too see that sweaty sock, eat some humble pie and remember your place!
I suggest a scoring draw 1…1 that’s based on my heart
Away to the pub to get loosened up and some pre match cocktails.
January 9th, 2010 at 16:56
I`m not gonna watch the first half, I`d rather be out in the snow and -28 degrees playing football with my mate.
But I’ll watch the second half, because I know Diouf will play that one.
January 9th, 2010 at 17:34
@Footy4Eddy: If diouf is, we should
Dunno bout the later.
January 9th, 2010 at 17:35
if you guys need a streaming link to birmingham match, here it is:
http://tv.indonewyork.com
January 9th, 2010 at 17:36
Hopefully Everton can hold of Arsenal for the next 20mins. Then they’ll be behind us without a game in hand, which would be nice.
January 9th, 2010 at 17:43
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bx6k7nAN8f4
January 9th, 2010 at 17:43
And now it’s 2-1 Everton!
January 9th, 2010 at 17:43
@Dan: I`ve missed you Kaka!
January 9th, 2010 at 17:44
@Traverse: Fuck holding Arsenal, EVERTON LEAD!!!
January 9th, 2010 at 17:46
Who else but Penishair?
January 9th, 2010 at 17:53
Every time you think Arsenal is just about ready to mount a real threat for first they always implode. Why, like United they do not have the take charge leader on the pitch to guide the ship. They didn’t want an over the hill Vieira but in actuality that is exactly who they needed.
And just as I write this they tie the game. Go figure.
January 9th, 2010 at 17:55
Rosicky Scores boo!!
January 9th, 2010 at 17:55
Lampard’s Luck though innit. Both Arsenal’s goals have been massive massive deflections.
January 9th, 2010 at 17:57
PIG
Rafael Brown Evans Evra
Valencia Carrick Fletcher Scholes Park
Rooney
FUCKING HELL
January 9th, 2010 at 17:58
@RichmondRed: I’m watching it. Had the game been an early start I wouldn’t have bothered but it fits fine when I wake up and watch it at 9:00am. Still, I know I am going to be upset at the end and bored to death in the process. I have zero faith in this team anymore.
January 9th, 2010 at 17:58
SUBS : Amos, Neville, Giggs, Anderson, Owen, Fabio Diouf
January 9th, 2010 at 17:59
Mmmmmmm Everton scored 4 fucking goals in that game
January 9th, 2010 at 17:59
@Grognard: Especially one containing Scholes and Park. That’s something they wouldn’t do to you in Guantanamo….
January 9th, 2010 at 18:01
@taehr: Of course I care mate. I care a great deal but I must say that there days where I no longer care to actually make the effort and watch the game. I do not feel like getting up on those days when it’s an early start in England and it’s either 4:30am or 6:00am here in Canada. For years and years I religiously woke up for every one of those games and I still recorded them and added them to my collection. I no longer get up for early games and I have only recorded three matches all season as I figure why waste a blank DVD when I know I will never watch that game again?
January 9th, 2010 at 18:01
Liverpool have gone in with a bid for Louis Saha, but Moyes says he thinks Louis will stay with Everton. But Lpool think Saha is back to his best free scoring, and are pushing him to sign!
January 9th, 2010 at 18:02
@Johnsom33: Yeah, i too am really disturbed by it. When i read about it being the togo national team. i thought to myself….
adebayor is there…. man, even a shit like him should havent to cower in a hail of bullets… now that i have heard one player died… i imagine how his teammates and supporters must feel… no one should have to go through that….
and you know what takes the cake? the CAF have to fucking indecency to ask why they were travelling by bus instead of flying….. like the togolese WANTED something like this to happen…
the higher someone goes, the stupider they are… must be because of the thin air up there… those are the people who should get shot….. sometimes…
January 9th, 2010 at 18:02
@Scotjimland: I am predicting a 1-0 loss.
January 9th, 2010 at 18:04
@Traverse: Is it a surprise that he would put out the cowards lineup again of 4-5-1 with Scholes and Park out there? I couldn’t care less if we win, this lineup is not why I became a Manchester United fan. Where is our ego, our arrogance our confidence, our mojo? Since when to we play tot he opposition rather than have them worry playing to us? It’s bullshit?
January 9th, 2010 at 18:05
I fear another Fulham result with Scholes and Park again
.
January 9th, 2010 at 18:05
A very good article by Terry Venables.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2801058/Time-for-Glazers-to-back-Fergie.html
January 9th, 2010 at 18:06
Rooney on his own up front – so no goals for us then
. Maybe he will surprise me 
January 9th, 2010 at 18:09
Okay I have had a couple brandy’s to warm my cockles, so feeling a bit generous – I will stick my neck out – 2-0 United, we are good at breaking winning streaks – leastwise we used to be
.
January 9th, 2010 at 18:11
@Grognard: Ever heard of TiVo, mate??
January 9th, 2010 at 18:12
Sky were reporting that two Togo players had dies, out of nine people injured with flying bullets etc!
January 9th, 2010 at 18:14
@Traverse: If we get a result tonight it will be in spite of this line up.
Three things horribly wrong here.
1. Only one striker.
2. Ji Sung Park
3. Paul Scholes in a five man midfield.
Does that mean Berbatov is now in Fergie’s doghouse?
January 9th, 2010 at 18:15
@CraigMc: Togo’s goalkeeper .Coach and press officer have died
January 9th, 2010 at 18:17
If Scholes is on his game, we’ll win this one. Good CMF selection here and I can see us hog possession handily.
We’ll see!!
January 9th, 2010 at 18:17
@Grognard: I miss that too… the strut and swagger of the devils when they put their opponent to the sword….. i hate this feeling of mediocrity, weakness, fear….
our team excites us, even in a 3-4 defeat… that what we want… not a scrappy 1-0 win… this sucks…
in an unrelated note….@Redrich: he is a dinosaur…. im impress he knows what a DVD is!!!
kidding grog
January 9th, 2010 at 18:19
@Redrich: By god I hope that you are right.
For now, allow me to
you.
January 9th, 2010 at 18:20
@Grognard: that article was shit mate.
he needs to go back to gramar school.
but this one was even worse “Im not fit to wear utd shirt”-Anderson
full of errors like “who came to England in a £35million joint deal with Porto team-mate Nani”
January 9th, 2010 at 18:21
@owen: That is truly horrible news.
More senseless violence – what the fuck is this world coming to!!
January 9th, 2010 at 18:22
I’m torn.
For one want I always want us to win, but on the other hand I don’t want SAF to vindicated with this retarded line up.
January 9th, 2010 at 18:27
@NicoQB: What side would you field today??
January 9th, 2010 at 18:27
@NicoQB: What’s with your avatar mate? Who is it?
January 9th, 2010 at 18:27
COME ON UNITED!!!
January 9th, 2010 at 18:30
@NicoQB: That’s just plain bloody mindedness, mate.
Cut off your nose to spite your face, eh!!
January 9th, 2010 at 18:32
@Redrich: Fuuny thing is that I don’t really know. That’s a measure of how weaker we’ve grown. Maybe this one:
PIG
Rafael Brown Evans Evra
Valencia Carrick Fletcher Nani
Berbatov
Rooney
January 9th, 2010 at 18:32
@CraigMc: and a assist from the new american in the prem
plus a gigsesque run for a shot that went just wide.
January 9th, 2010 at 18:33
Match Live streams:
http://bit.ly/6PHE4W
January 9th, 2010 at 18:34
@CraigMc: 3 now i hear
January 9th, 2010 at 18:37
Good start United!! Keep it up!!
January 9th, 2010 at 18:38
Not a bad start. Park should have played Rooney in first time though.
January 9th, 2010 at 18:38
get in boys
January 9th, 2010 at 18:39
And the travelling support is in good voice.
January 9th, 2010 at 18:41
Looks like our plan is to draw them forward, hound them off the ball and hit Rooney/Valencia on the break.
January 9th, 2010 at 18:41
@Traverse: As always!!
January 9th, 2010 at 18:44
they are playing rough look for shattengerg to penalize united
January 9th, 2010 at 18:45
scholes is a liability at dm get him out of there
January 9th, 2010 at 18:49
@gator: I loved both articles and so really, do I care if somebody else doesn’t agree. I agree and so I offered the links for you and others to make up your own minds. For me both articles speak the truth and there is proof to back up my claims. So swim down the river De Nile all you like mate, it’s no skin off my nose. It’s your prerogative and I respect it.
January 9th, 2010 at 18:50
@gator: ill take it back if he puts that in the net
January 9th, 2010 at 18:51
@Redrich: Yes but I don’t have it. The cable box that offers it in our area is not actually Tivo but something similar but I find it expensive and as I no longer work because of my disability, I find that I really have no use for it. Heck, how much do I care about United these days? I am writing to you now in another room while the game is on. And from the distance it sounds like a colossal bore.
January 9th, 2010 at 18:52
@NicoQB: Fergie should only put himself in his doghouse and then throw away the key.
January 9th, 2010 at 18:55
@Grognard: i said nothing of truth i only said that the bloke who scribbled it down should go back to school and learn grammar and fact checking. the writing on this blog is 10* better imo
but im biast
January 9th, 2010 at 18:55
@Wink: I have been into every ground breaking tv and recording release since the early 80’s. Tv and movies are my life mate so trust me, I am always ahead of the rest, even if my wallet can’t keep pace. Right now I am excited about 3D television and cannot wait to see footy televised in full 3D aspect. But right now I would settle for Prem games to be offered by Setanta in North America in HD. That would be a start.
January 9th, 2010 at 18:58
@gator: I agree with you there. But lets face it, the requirements for journalist’s these days is far less than it used to be. I’d actually be all over his editor for not catching the errors more than the writer.
January 9th, 2010 at 18:59
@Grognard: setanta is going away from what i hear and fox has gotten the rights and with sooooo many channels already im excited to see more footie
January 9th, 2010 at 18:59
Damn
Unlucky Rooney!!
January 9th, 2010 at 19:00
@Grognard: and to think they both got paid for that
January 9th, 2010 at 19:01
getting close boys they cant defend for 90min can they
January 9th, 2010 at 19:03
Rooney back to his I can do anything EXCEPT control the ball, dribble or find a pass. I can also kick the ball anywhere but in the feckin net, no matter how many good chances you give to me. But give me a few dozen chances and I may get one for you
. Also every time scholesy gets the fuckin ball he scares the shit out of everyone, because he makes that inevitable SHORT of the player backpass that COSTS us big time!
January 9th, 2010 at 19:03
`Get Mame on
January 9th, 2010 at 19:07
bham are pressing and running their asses off with no controll 2nd half should be easier with a tired defense maybe diuf? for a debut goal
January 9th, 2010 at 19:08
get up bitch boy
January 9th, 2010 at 19:09
Have you ever seen a more useless git in the attacking third than Just Shite Park?
January 9th, 2010 at 19:09
O Dear, Park on his arse is dia-feckin-bolical. what a joke.
January 9th, 2010 at 19:09
GOD DAMN IT PARK GET OFF THE DAMN PITCH AND LET A FOOTBALLER ON.
January 9th, 2010 at 19:11
I have a fucking ABU supporter in my fucking ear that i want to strangle
January 9th, 2010 at 19:12
hand fucking ball
January 9th, 2010 at 19:12
Our lot are missing too many chances – just like the Chelsea game, we are gonna get done in this match if we don’t take one of them!
January 9th, 2010 at 19:14
Lucky lucky cunts.
January 9th, 2010 at 19:14
Am I the only one not caring so much because it`s becoming a habit?
January 9th, 2010 at 19:14
Wait what the fuck was that serriously?????? do we have a back 4 playing or have we given them a snow day or something?
January 9th, 2010 at 19:14
bullshit it was a handball on the first chance should have been a free kick in the box not a corner thanks alot shattenberg
January 9th, 2010 at 19:14
Just so predictable. It’s playing exactly to script so far. All the possession, no class available to create quality chances and finish them and the opposition gets one chance and scores. Just the way I envisioned it.
January 9th, 2010 at 19:15
Mame on for Scholes, ANYBODY!!! on for Park as soon as possible…
January 9th, 2010 at 19:15
@gator: Quit blaming the ref, we suck. Simple!
January 9th, 2010 at 19:16
im just glad im not on the pitch i feel violent right now
January 9th, 2010 at 19:16
@Grognard: Sorry, haven`t got a medal I can give you right now… But congratulations nontheless!
January 9th, 2010 at 19:17
@gator: You would do better than Park son!
January 9th, 2010 at 19:17
We are the biggest bunch os stooges in the PL – sucker punch again. I told you we could get done! Our attack total dunces, and a laughing stock! No excuse for them!
January 9th, 2010 at 19:17
@Footy4Eddy: they cant keep this up they will be shot by 2nd halv
January 9th, 2010 at 19:19
Serves Fergie fucking right for not playing another striker, but going for the extra MF defender
.
January 9th, 2010 at 19:20
Mame Biram Diouf
January 9th, 2010 at 19:21
@CraigMc: he didnt play and extra mid he played a ghost scholes has done nothing bar one deflected shot.
and its ando gigs or the new lad on the bench 
January 9th, 2010 at 19:22
they suck sooooo bad how the fuck did we concede they are just shit with 6 men in goal
January 9th, 2010 at 19:24
@gator: i guess owen is there also
January 9th, 2010 at 19:25
I don’t care what people say, this is one of the best halves I have seen us play whole season. I know we are down but we played great. Bitmingham defended well, but all of our guys are giving their all their, so I can’t complain. I don’t know how the game will end, but if we give our all again, I will not complain even if we loose.
January 9th, 2010 at 19:25
Birmingham Manchester United
Shots (on Goal) 3(1) 12(2)
Fouls 6 6
Corner Kicks 1 8
Offsides 0 2
Time of Possession 30% 70%
Yellow Cards 0 1
Red Cards 0 0
Saves 2 0
January 9th, 2010 at 19:26
Grog we have made chances mate – Rooney has missed at least 2 sitters, and the others have had opportunities. Michael Owen would have been there in that box, better than Park for sure. I am pig sick of this ineptitude. We are imploding as badly as the scousers in their beginning of season! This lot is depressing NOW!
January 9th, 2010 at 19:26
I kinda hope we lose to be honest…
Unless Mame is getting subbed on, I hope we get a hammering.
With the team we started today, we deserve nothing less. 
January 9th, 2010 at 19:27
12 shots and 70% possession, wtf is going on
story of the season play a team almost off the pitch w/nothing to show they take their 1 chance and do us in. and now fletch is hurt so scholes stays on 
January 9th, 2010 at 19:27
@gator:
Birmingham 1-0 Manchester United
Who the fuck cares what else is written?
January 9th, 2010 at 19:28
I just have one question. I know many out there will say not to panic regarding this game and the season. But when is it OK to start panicking? Seriously, how long are we expected to put up with this rubbish and stay silent and supportive of the club? How long can Fergie get away with his no buying policies before it becomes quite evident that he is just BSing us? And if he indeed has possession of it, why treat the Ronaldo money like it is the only money that this club will ever have for player purchases for the next ten seasons? Spend it and expect 20 or 30 million at the end of the season from the owners like he seems to have gotten in the past. Of course we all should know that isn’t the case and all we are getting are bold faced lies from our manager who will burn in Hell for his lying and duplicitous behavior. When does the misery come to an end? I can’t stomach this anymore.
January 9th, 2010 at 19:29
Hmmm this is getting too familiar
January 9th, 2010 at 19:29
HT.
4-5-1 is going to be our doom.
January 9th, 2010 at 19:29
@Footy4Eddy: My mother on her death bed would do better than Park as the bed has wheels under it.
January 9th, 2010 at 19:30
@Orez: Says a lot about our season….
January 9th, 2010 at 19:33
@CraigMc: It’s playing out exactly how I envisioned Bro. It’s sad that I can be so right so often. I knew he would go with 4-5-1, I knew he would start Scholes and Park and i knew Birmingham would get no more than one or two opportunities but score on one and that would be it. Now can we salvage the win or at least a point in the second half? Only if he replaces Park right away and stops playing 4-5-1 and brings in another striker. And stop dilly dallying around the box and actually shoot the fucking ball. We lack so much class and quality in the attacking zone it’s pathetic. We are trying to play like Arsenal but haven’t got the Arshavin or Fabregas class factor to make things happen.
January 9th, 2010 at 19:34
@gator: It’s because we are shittier than them.
January 9th, 2010 at 19:34
@Orez: Well then you please very easily. Are you also attracted to plain or ugly looking women too?
January 9th, 2010 at 19:35
@Grognard: im still gonna wait till after the summer to cry but thats just me I just think he has too many excuses not to spend this month untried youngsters diouf, tosic…
but i still dont get the fucking nani part where the fuck is he?
if we are trying to do a player + deal i understand but idk
January 9th, 2010 at 19:36
What worries me is that the prophesy I made about winning nothing this season, and a good chance of not finishing in the top 4 – becomes seemingly ever more likely! We are playing the kind of football that is all about possession, but we forget that it is good strikers that win games, and we haven’t got any, and yes that includes Rooney. He is too hit and miss!
January 9th, 2010 at 19:36
@CraigMc: Yes we have missed chances but we are still not creating enough opportunities to buck the odds. We lack so much class in creating and finishing that it is actually laughable to watch if you can keep you heart from burning.
January 9th, 2010 at 19:37
@Grognard: Women with moustaches?
January 9th, 2010 at 19:37
We were unlucky to concede, but the lack of dangerous opportunites for us is damning.
2 strikers, Fergie, is that so hard to understand?
But I also think that because of seniority, SAF will be tempted to put Owen on before Diouf.
And Rooney on the left again…
January 9th, 2010 at 19:37
So Fletcher looks injured… hopefully he will be replaced by a striker… that means Scholes stays on the pitch for 90 min…
January 9th, 2010 at 19:38
@Footy4Eddy: Truly, I am sick and tired of hearing about this MAMA PAPA DIOUFBAG. As far as I feel, he will a bust like everybody else we have pinned our hopes on in the last two years. I want us to seek out world class proven players and none of these no name kids and muggers we have been buying. If he comes on and does well, I will apologize, but somehow, I have a feeling he will do sweet fuck all.
January 9th, 2010 at 19:39
@gator: Nani is in the doghouse he keeps where once somebody is let into it, the door is welded closed and there is no escape for him until he is sold.
January 9th, 2010 at 19:39
@Grognard: dont knock ugly girls i was taught “you go to hell for turning down punani”
you got to learn somehow eh
January 9th, 2010 at 19:40
What a sad sight we are. We are so evidently better than this Birmingham lot, but are hampered by our lack of balls. And that sadly starts and nearly ends with Fergie. They play 4 across the middle for fucks sake, then why don’t we? We totally boss the midfield yes, but to no end.
January 9th, 2010 at 19:40
@Footy4Eddy: Ah yes, Greek women.
January 9th, 2010 at 19:40
Scholesy is such a feckin liablity – juggling the ball in their box – WTF?
January 9th, 2010 at 19:41
@gator:
January 9th, 2010 at 19:42
@Grognard: I was thinking of Torres…
January 9th, 2010 at 19:42
@Anders: It’s a lack of balls, a lack of grit, a lack of class and a lack of managing and knowing when to change your tactics. He’s waiting far too long to make changes, because his patience is that of a person who just doesn’t care about what supporters think. We lack a book full of qualities mate that I could list and that would take me hours to finish.
January 9th, 2010 at 19:43
@Footy4Eddy: The best looking shemale in world football today I think.
January 9th, 2010 at 19:46
@Grognard: It’s not about being pleased, but the guys are really fighting today.
January 9th, 2010 at 19:47
they are kicking us out of the match
January 9th, 2010 at 19:49
When is our sitting there staring chewing gum boss going to change this team and formation then?
January 9th, 2010 at 19:49
kick then dive kick then dive bitch asses
January 9th, 2010 at 19:51
@Grognard: Our problem is, and I have been saying so all season, is our inability in MF to make things happen, BUT MORE SO our INABILITY to do anything in the final 3rd. We are pitiful in the final third and that is what is letting us down.
January 9th, 2010 at 19:52
raphaiel is a bright light
January 9th, 2010 at 19:52
spoke too soon
January 9th, 2010 at 19:54
60min.
We’ve lost 15 min in the second half doing squat.
The one thing I admire about Mourinho is his willlinglness to make substitutions as early as in the start of the 2nd half when the team is not performing.
Will we wait until its 75min before some change?
January 9th, 2010 at 19:54
My God 60 minutes gone and we are playing like crap in this second half. Instead of getting better it’s gotten worse and still no Owen or Diouf. WTF??? Mental lapses, lack of passion and focus and an old fossil like Ian Bowyer is having his way with us. Disgusting!
January 9th, 2010 at 19:56
der we go
January 9th, 2010 at 19:58
bitches get what they deserve how bout a card for descent
January 9th, 2010 at 19:58
o.g.
January 9th, 2010 at 19:58
Jesus christ the BEEB just gaave me a heart attack I though park had gone an scored the equaliser, and any ideas on fergie leaving the touchline?
January 9th, 2010 at 19:59
storm the pitch come on lads its a riot
January 9th, 2010 at 20:00
January 9th, 2010 at 20:00
@Grognard: I agree, sometimes we need to make changes at half-time. Now we’ve been let out of jail and Park has finally come off fortunately.
January 9th, 2010 at 20:01
@CraigMc: Totally agree with you mate. No need to preach to the choir, I’m a convert.
January 9th, 2010 at 20:04
sooo we need a striker on, do we take out fletch whos on a yellow or scholes who is on two old legs?
January 9th, 2010 at 20:05
cmon defense
get your shit together
January 9th, 2010 at 20:07
the fans aren’t saying shoot their not saying boo their saying diouf
… 
… 
January 9th, 2010 at 20:08
Sack Fergie.
January 9th, 2010 at 20:08
We are in match due to PIG …
January 9th, 2010 at 20:10
Rooney is the worst free kick taker on the planet
January 9th, 2010 at 20:12
about time
January 9th, 2010 at 20:13
now were firing… get in
January 9th, 2010 at 20:14
rangers
January 9th, 2010 at 20:15
alright eddy here we go
January 9th, 2010 at 20:17
bullshit i call bullshit diving faggot should be beheaded
January 9th, 2010 at 20:18
even the ABU cunt im listening to says not a card
January 9th, 2010 at 20:33
I feel drained out of energy every fucking time i watch the same shit happen over and over again. the excuses are same as always blame the ref or credit the opposition and forget that we fucking suck.
January 9th, 2010 at 20:36
Mame Biram Diouf…
Disappointing really. Now he’ll have to score eight goals in his next game to maintain his goalscoring ratio.
January 9th, 2010 at 20:39
Player of the match? PIG. If we could only create the number of quality chances that Birmingham did. Our forwards are incapable turning an opponent and having a go. That chance Scholes had before he went off, well Fletcher should have taken the shot just before he passed it to Scholes as he had an open path and a better chance. As soon as Fletcher got that joke of a second yellow, the game was over. United had no clue on how to create a chance and to keep the ball. Why not bring in a third sub to give you an extra 30 seconds or a minute of extra time? This is just a calamity of errors being made by this club in all areas. How long must we be forced to tolerate this rubbish?
I have always been worried that by bitching too much and by demanding so much that fans like myself would start sounding like the pathetic tribe of supporters that so want to run Newcastle and often do. I do not want to run the club but how long am I and others supposed to wait before the club does the obvious and buys some players and changes it’s tactics? In hindsight I wished today’s game had been cancelled. Once again we fail to take advantage of an opportunity to take first place and that just shows how bad we are and how much we lack the quality needed as well as the killer instinct. So what is a fan like myself supposed to do after today. Be neutral, show no emotion, sit on the fence and look forward to our next game?
I don’t know about all of you out there, but I am sick and tired of being ignored and having my wishes for the team ignored. I am a fan of United, not West Ham or Bolton or Wolves? I expect more from my club and I expect them to go out and buy players and to Hell with value. If they have the Ronaldo money, bloody well spend it because whether Fergie thinks a player is worth 50 million or not, it’s clear his entire squad right now is not worth 50 million collectively. And that in a nutshell is what is wrong here. What value am I seeing right now that tells me that buying David Silva and David Villa and spending the entire 60 million on them is bad value?
Christ if I was facing Fergie right now in person, I would bop on his bulbous nose from the frustration and anger I feel towards him and the club.
January 9th, 2010 at 20:39
Fergie : there is a lot of money available for me.But dont find VALUE …
Idiot.You buy any player blindly.Even for 1 million.He will only improve your team bcoz this team is a real mixtures if all flops .At 85 minute also,Carrick back passes.Bastard.
January 9th, 2010 at 20:41
@owen: The last time he cleared a wall in a free kick attempt was the goal he scored in his debut game for us. Fact is we have no legit corner kick or free kick taker on this team when Giggs and Nani aren’t playing. That’s an entire dimension of attack we are ignoring. Just who the Hell is managing this club these days because frankly, I could do a better job?
January 9th, 2010 at 20:41
Without Wes Brown who was fucking immense for us today, and PIG, we would have been WALLOPED. We should have been 3 up by half time the amount of chances we had, but then we did have Rooney and Scholesy on the end of most of them, and you know what that means – yeah, they are only going one place, in the upper eshelons of the stands. Fergie I’m sorry, but he does the same old tired things all the time. Waiting, waiting, waiting for a change in personel and formation. Valenci-dire did his worst as usual, and Park even worse. Only three players on the field worth their salt today, PIG, Wes Brown and Rafael. The Brummies even scored our goal for us. Look all you SAF fans, surely you have to admit that we are NOT improving, and 4-5-1 is costing us big time. How long can you SAF defenders keep defending. How long can SAF keep making excuses. To me B’ham were there for the taking today, but we couldn’t take them. I am so fucking fed up with our continual piss poor ability to do anything in the FINAL THIRD!
January 9th, 2010 at 20:42
@Grognard: If Fergie makes his whole squad availabe for buying,Then i am sure not more than 5 players will find any purchaser.
January 9th, 2010 at 20:42
What a waste of a football match. I feel almost sory for having a go at Park. He is far from the problem with our team. It’s not easy being a complimentary player when the core players are failing, and the manager seems to have lost the last bit of tactical sense. I couldn’t believe the sight of that Birmingham supporter giving the ref the two finger salute at the 6 minutes added. They should have been cheering at the chance of having a go at us. Two sorry teams at display, and I feel absolutely hollow about the whole affair. I saw no positives, but we limp along somehow. Thank God I have a good brandy to cheer me up.
January 9th, 2010 at 20:43
Started out with good possession, chances created, and controlled the game – fergie had tactic spot on.
Rooney should have scored on his 1-on-1 with Hart. Park should not have played. Carrick was invisible.
I am so angry (again) at how poorly our players perform. We were by far the better team in the first half… and here is one problem we need to fix right now. CORNERS. How pathetic are we, seriosly.
Birmingham had 2 corners and scored on one while the other forced a good save from Kuschacszxcxzyz.
We had 11 corners and each one was wasted — WE HAVE NO HEIGHT SO WHY DO YOU CROSS HIGH INTO THE MIDDLE OF THE BOX, YOU TWAT!!!!!!!
The good: Rafael (getting better), Evra (Utd’s player of the year), PIG, Evans
The bad: Rooney, Carrick, Scholes
The ugly: Brown, Park — sell him
As much as I hate agreeing with some of you, if we do not inject some talent into the squad this January (especially since we are not using Nani at all) it will cost us the title/ECL.
RANT OVER!
January 9th, 2010 at 20:44
This team is so shit that there is not a single player who can take proper corner.Is not this a joke???
January 9th, 2010 at 20:46
@NicoQB: hars comment
January 9th, 2010 at 20:48
@gator: Ref Clattenberg is another piece of junk referee to ruin an EPL game. I am so tired of inept refs in the EPL.
So inconsistent…
January 9th, 2010 at 20:50
@CraigMc: Sorry mate but I saw nothing more than a good chance and two or three half chances. On the other hand Birmingham had 4 quality chances to score and if not for Pig should have put 3 or 4 behind us. We were shite at both ends of the pitch and we deserved to lose today with a question of a doubt.
January 9th, 2010 at 20:50
@Grognard: If I was Michael Owen I would tell Fewrgie to stick his fucking football team, because Mickey isn’t a part of it, and HE WOULD have got goals for us today for sure, especially if he had the chances Rooney missed! What worries me is that the other day Fergie told the gathered media that THEY WERE MISSING the point saying we needed strikers and MF artiste, because all we needed was our defenders back. Now I ask you all, who is it really thats missing the point? If Fergie really believes that, then I do believe that his vision is definately so far deteriorated from what it used to be. We need someone who can create, and someone who isn’t Rooney to be our main striker, because the truth is, we can’t rely on Rooney!
January 9th, 2010 at 20:50
Another awful match leaving me dissatisfied as a United fan. Was there ever a united player behind Birmingham’s defence?
I hope this really is just a bad spell and not just a result of the change in tactics as many are saying.
What a dull time to be a United fan, dire, dire stuff.
Rooney needs to sort himself out, I couldn’t care less if he’s a work horse, so’s Fletcher, so’s Hargreaves (when he’s back), he doesn’t even have confidence in his shooting any more. Twice he was on the edge of Birmingham’s box where he could have dinked one for the back post, instead he waits and decides to pass. His decision making is shite.
Someone on this forum once said that the drab performances United are displaying are a result of the players, and the core of the team are at fault for that. Rooney keeps reproducing these uninspired performances and needs to be dropped or used in another position. For me, he is not a striker, he isn’t big enough and he’s continually looking at his feet when he’s playing in tight situations.
But don’t get me wrong, Rooney on his day is a brilliant player and the rest of the team need to produce something fast, Rooney’s only in these tight situations because the rest of the team aren’t creating any clear cut chances (and obviously because teams defend against United as vigorously and tight as they can). Rooney should be tried as a CAM in my opinion. Or our boring tactics need to be changed….. CB to CM to RW…. CROSS… gets to no one because Rooney’s a short arse and we’ve taken so long, ensuring we keep possession in the most unimaginative way that the opposition’s defence are all in place and we can do fuck all.
Please sort it out Fergie, get rid of Mike Phelan and get decent tactician to help you out.
January 9th, 2010 at 20:51
@Anders: The problem has never been just one player. The biggest problem we have are the owners and the manager and coaching staff. Firing Squad for the whole lot of them. Hell firing squad and bullets are dignified way to go. I say hang them all instead.
January 9th, 2010 at 20:52
The ideal purchase according To Fergie’s behaviour these days will be A REFREE who will give him 30 minutes of extra time every match.Fuck you.You are becoming new RAFA…
January 9th, 2010 at 20:53
I wish I could write a match report, but I can’t see beyond rubbish.
January 9th, 2010 at 20:53
@[OPTI]Madschester United: Fergie ruined this game, not Clattenberg. I am so tired of this blaming the ref BS every game because if we played anything like we are supposed to play, the refs decisions wouldn’t make a difference.
January 9th, 2010 at 20:54
@Grognard: You’re right. “with a question of a doubt” we deserved to lose
Seriously, besides Jerome’s goal, they had nothing in the first half. I think a draw was very fair — without a question of doubt.
January 9th, 2010 at 20:55
@Grognard: I would go to war with you over the fact that Wes, Rafael and PIG did a good job today, and in my opinion were far from shite. It was our one dimentional MF, and DUCK footed forwards that let us down, as they more often than not always do this season. Boy how Ronaldo papered over the cracks – time to be honest and acknowledge that now!
January 9th, 2010 at 20:55
Who cares?
January 9th, 2010 at 20:55
@Harry Carrick: Get Rid of Fergie also along with Phelan
January 9th, 2010 at 20:56
@CraigMc: Owen wouldn’t have made a hill of beans difference because as usual, the service was awful and there is no guarantee he would have been in the right spot where Rooney missed and no guarantees based on his form this year that he would have capitalized on his chances or chances either. Face it mate, the whole team is shite and there is little hope from where I’m sitting. We are just as bad as Liverpool, make no mistakes about it.
January 9th, 2010 at 20:57
@owen: Definitely he is dog and pony show is wearing thin. I’m sick and tired of the gum chewing git.
January 9th, 2010 at 20:57
@Grognard: our players… they ruined the game. Rooney should have scored. Park is good enough to score on his chance, our defense is good enough to clear corners, we created enough to win the game, but our players let us down.
McLeish was crapping himself around minute 35 as was his staff… we were all over them.
MoM: EVRA. Love this frenchie
January 9th, 2010 at 20:58
@Red Ranter:
, I know what you mean RR 
.
January 9th, 2010 at 20:58
@Grognard: We are not just as bad as Pools.We are more.They have 2 players who are pure class and are consistent.
January 9th, 2010 at 20:59
@ grognard, look back m8 at my post 36, and yours around the mid fifties
I am a Scotsman I got zips on my pockets and hedge my bets, the stats said this would happen.
.
For me we were better tonite a bit faster around the park, but not hitting each other with passes.
Wayne and i hate to type this was woefull, J sung is like a chinese man with 1 chop stick, will only sell shirts in Asia.
But in my simple opinion, I think we are slipping below the radar now, Arse fuck up today,Chelski as i said in previous post would fail on boxing at Birmingham, so lets not see this as a negative .
We dominated the game the attempts on goal, the possesion, and yes u will hit me with bottom line.
For me I am happy to come away from there with a point and the overall performance, its not OUR MANCHESTER UNITED, we know and love, but as we all know there is as you highlighted and a Fabulous detailed post was put up on here( took me 2 hours to digest)
As the real proven one says we are playing shite, but lets take stock, at our overall postion in EPL, CL.
And finally I read all posts carefully, I smile and think I know where you are coming from, You think for one minute yer being maligned yer so wrong, although a lil bitch fight with you and whoever, just makes me smile, and generally on this blog.
Keep up the great posts REDS.
January 9th, 2010 at 20:59
@Red Ranter: Was that you taking a stand and getting off the fence mate?
See that’s the problem RR, I for one would love to read a rant of yours that lets us no just how much rubbish this performance was to you. Let Fergie and the club have it. It would be good for your soul and great for this blog. Come on, show me the money mate. 
January 9th, 2010 at 21:01
@Grognard: Owen has scored 7 goals in 9 games, to me that is a good return. He would have done well today, because HE CAN GET AWAY from the last man, where the rest of our strikers can’t
.
January 9th, 2010 at 21:02
@[OPTI]Madschester United:
So that’s why we looked toothless up front…
January 9th, 2010 at 21:02
@CraigMc: When did I say Pig, Rafael and Wes were shite? In fact I picked Pig my player of the match. He made three game saving stops. Other than one bad rebound Brown was solid too and Rafael was not bad. But defense was never a major concern against a team that parked the bus. Our lack of class, skill and creativity was the problem, not to mention our useless finishing.
January 9th, 2010 at 21:02
@Grognard: I take a stand more often than you think. That’s the problem. Just as people don’t give you credit for being positive, people don’t give me credit for the moments when I am not on the fence.
January 9th, 2010 at 21:03
@[OPTI]Madschester United: Park IS NOT good enough to score on his chances and that’s the problem. He’s just not good enough.
January 9th, 2010 at 21:04
@CraigMc: Owen has also missed a number of sitters and actually has fanned on some completely. He isn’t as automatic or as sharp as he once was mate, make no mistake about it. But he still should have started.
January 9th, 2010 at 21:05
@CraigMc: here here m8, and pure class, i always felt this, think Berba,?????
January 9th, 2010 at 21:07
@Grognard: But that’s not RR’s personality Groggy, and for somebody who runs a blog like this, it is better for him to think on things, and not be a REACTIONIST like you and me Bro, who shoot from the lip immediately after and then have to defend our stance
. See it is expected of blog masters to be more responsible, whereas you and I can spout our venom til the cows come home. RR will lose integrity if he doesn’t write his articles and thoughts from both positives alongside negatives, giving both sides. I learn’t that when I was friends with some writers at Uni! 
.
January 9th, 2010 at 21:08
@Scotjimland: I see your point mate but like you say, I’ll hit you with the bottom line but I will also hit you with the fact that despite our possession and dominance, we created no quality chances and Birmingham with hardly no possession of the ball had four outstanding chances. Our lack of bottle and brass in the last ten minutes shocked despite losing Fletcher. We never mustered up one quality shot in the last twenty minutes of that match which for me is shocking and appalling.
January 9th, 2010 at 21:10
@Scotjimland: A Chinese man with one chopstick – that is fucking class expression mate, sooooooooo funny!
January 9th, 2010 at 21:10
right away to watch class , 1 needs to keep in touch with it Inter 1 Siena 1
Keep it Red, and Trust
January 9th, 2010 at 21:10
@CraigMc: Actually that’s partly what I’ve tried to say all along.
January 9th, 2010 at 21:11
@Red Ranter: Perhaps its to few and far between for us to remember mate. But like I said, the reason why I would like to hear a good rant from you is because I do respect your wisdom and the times when you let it hang out. Not enough of those times for my liking and especially now when there is a lot to be said about the problems with the club. Sorry but now is not the time to be silent. Be more proactive and assertive. Mancunia needs loud voices of discontent and rebellion against the party line.
January 9th, 2010 at 21:11
@Scotjimland: You can always maintain Possesion with back passes.But then what is the advantage ..
January 9th, 2010 at 21:13
@CraigMc: Shooting from the hip and defending our stance is all the fun mate. It’s debating and putting yourself out there. As long as people don’t get personal and insulting, I love it and I love reading other’s heart felt rants. What I hate is those who commit no more than a few words or a sentence which for me is of no use at all and those who tow the party line like a bunch of blind programmed monkeys. We are in dire straights these days and being silent is no way to help the situation. Especially when your blog is called Red RANTS.
January 9th, 2010 at 21:16
@Red Ranter: I respect your position RR, really I do. But i don’t have to like it. For me the moderator and host of this rant blog needs to rant and take a side once in a while. Don’t just count on the members to keep this site moving forward and not boring. You need to interject your views and wisdom far more often than you are or you are capable of because of your time constraints. But certainly on game on the weekends you could let us no just how badly you were pissed off with today’s performance?
January 9th, 2010 at 21:32
@Red Ranter:
, so I got to say it for you. I can be useful sometimes 
January 9th, 2010 at 22:46
Fergie is moaning about the ref AGAIN! He is losing all integrity with his constant carping, and it is embarrassing to be honest. He is the first to talk about Managers who don’t know how to lose – well he should preach to himself, because he looks like a hypocrit, saying one thing and doing another. When is he going to realise what a good few of us already know, WE NEED STRIKERS, and someone who can create a decent chance. Nothing to do with our defence Fergie, they were stalwarts. Your attackers cannot create and breakdown teams that pack themselves up against them. When they do break thru on the odd occasion, they cannot put the ball in the net! United fans need to stop lying to themselves and get real on our team this season!
January 9th, 2010 at 22:48
@CraigMc: I was actually surprised.
January 9th, 2010 at 22:50
As Mourinho says – the way to break down packed defences and teams difficult to beat, is by fast flowing football, something we lost the art of when Ronnie left! Scholes slows us down, Carrick slows us down, Giggsy, Valencia, Park slow us down. We have no PACE – and Rooney when he does have pace has NO COMPOSURE !
January 9th, 2010 at 22:57
Just simple question.. if we play Barca or Real next week,
what would be the final score?
but don’t worry guys, we have great squad with world class players with great values. btw it will hit the double figure.
January 9th, 2010 at 23:07
Well once again we managed to suck the life out of another game and had to rely on an own goal to salvage point. Where did it all go wrong??
Yes we can blame the managers tactics but the fact of the matter is we do not have the quality in our squad anymore. The whole team apart from PIG and evra were below par but this has been our problem this season. I like evans and i thought he was unlucky on their goal, however playing alongside brown our defence looked very vunerable. Browns heading ability was ok but one on one against jerome and benitez he looked shite. He was also poor against leeds and was lucky to stay on the pitch but lets not talk about that again. As for our midfield scholes needs to retire as he has been a liability. I like fletcher and his work rate is unquestionable for the team, he was also unlucky to get sent off. Valencia is only effective on the right and needs to improve on his end product fast as his crossing ability is unconsistent to say the least. Carrick is neat and tidy but goes completely missing far to often in games and today was no exception. Park’s best position is on the floor as thats where he usually ends up when he plays. As for our attack today everybody knows that Rooney is useless upfront on his own so why the fuck does Fergie continue to do this is beyond me. Our squad is seriously lacking proven quality and Fergie needs to wake up and smell the roses.
January 9th, 2010 at 23:22
@devilinho: Against barca 7-0 at half time and the team refuses to play the 2nd half
January 9th, 2010 at 23:23
Horrible, horrible performance
weather conditions aside, we were just disjointed and lackadaisical. This teams desperately needs a captain that can whip these players into gear; players like Carrick, Brown, Berbatov etc.. players who don’t know the meaning of the word grit. This team lacks spirit, desire and most importantly, concentration; that is why they cannot string three passes together or shoot accurately on goal. They were doing it some years ago, so why is it impossible all of a sudden??
Fergie doesn’t seem to be able to scare these players into performing, our captain cannot either as he is even worse, the sub-captains are either forever injured or too passive. We need soemone with balls in midfield, someone who isn’t afraid to take the ball to the opposition. Too many times I see our midfeilders passing the ball back to the defence, too many times I see our defenders punting the ball aimlessly upfeild because we don’t have a midfield willing or able to collect the ball and feed the forwards!! No more Park, no more Carrick, no more Scholes, no more Berbatov, no more players who weigh the team down as opposed to contributing effectively.
Why is watching United becoming so aggravating?? I’m getting to the point where I’d rather we lose, but playing like we did at chelsea this season, than playing like we did today and scraping results.
January 9th, 2010 at 23:46
Latest:
1> Foster to be sold for 4 million
2>Anderson and Nani will also be allowed to go at the right price
3>Will bid for Benzema in summer if They get good price for Berba
January 9th, 2010 at 23:53
@owen: yeah, read that in the daily heil… also, we were linked with West Ham’s Behrami. Honestly, if the guy can string a thru pass to our forwards as opposed to passing backwards, I want him!! Can’t be worse than the blunt attacking players we have at the moment.
January 9th, 2010 at 23:58
@Gabriel: Agree with you on every point Bro except on Wes Brown – he apart from one game has been immense for us. He was good today, with PIG and Rafael the only other ones!
January 10th, 2010 at 0:00
@aron84: I very much disagree with you about Brown – he was bloody immense mate. I agree that we have very other little quality in our team – most of our players are ORDINARY!
January 10th, 2010 at 0:02
@Red Ranter:
January 10th, 2010 at 0:12
@CraigMc: Brown is a great defender, when he is concentrating. He is too absent minded and laid back; that is why he was beat by Beckford and almost embarassed by the birmingham forwards today. It’s very simple, put a 100% concentration and effort in and you won’t make errors that cost games. This is what pisses me off with our players off late, they don’t seem to want it enough or concentrate enough to even coast like we used to do last season!! Cliche as it sounds, we need a Keano-type character to push these lads; i’m afraid Fergie has mellowed with age and Neville doesn’t have any legs to stand on, what with his performances not setting an example.
January 10th, 2010 at 0:14
@CraigMc: Pace and creativity on the ball as well as great instinctive movement off the ball are the keys mate. All three United are deficient at and I have yet to see an ounce of improvement in 18 months. Also, we dilly dally too much on the ball and never take the shot when it is there to take but prefer passing it off. This is just pissing me off. Today Fletcher passed up on three great opportunities to drive a good shot at goal and passed it off. When will Rooney ever take a ball and turn on a defender the way Benitez did twice today to create great scoring chances? We are just such RUBBISH!
January 10th, 2010 at 0:16
@devilinho: Knowing United we would beat them because it would be a meaningless game. But if we were going to meet them in a meaningful Champions League game I could see us drawing at home and losing big on the road. 1-4 or 0-3 on aggregate
January 10th, 2010 at 0:17
@CraigMc:
I thought he looked suspect to be honest. However Ive always thought that he is a better RB than CB. Its a real shame that he has lost alot of pace due to his injuries. I mean I seem to remember him having decent pace although he is getting on a bit now. He just looks too clumsy which seems to rub of on evans. Kinda like when we had foster in goal and our whole back 4 were shakey lol. I just cant wait to we get a fully fit rio and vida combo back or even one of them to partner evans.
January 10th, 2010 at 0:21
@aron84: “Yes we can blame the managers tactics but the fact of the matter is we do not have the quality in our squad anymore.” Well tell me mate, whose responsibility is it for the squad of players we have and for the fact we are doing nothing to improve that squad? I’d say the whole blame falls on the manager especially since he seems content with leaving the Glazer’s out it. Fergie is to blame for all of this. He’s too old too stubborn and too cheap and he really must go despite the fact he is a legend and the greatest manager of all time. Tom Landry, Don Shula and Chuck Knoll were great coaches in the NFL with legendary numbers but even they reached a point in their careers where players tuned them out and where the game had passed them by. It’s time for Fergie to retire and a younger and more suitable manager like Laurent Blanc or Mourinho take over. Sometime the truth hurts but that unfortunately is the ugly truth.
January 10th, 2010 at 0:34
Just watched the ‘highlights’ on MOTD and my God does Park do anything other than fall over or miskick a ball?! why is he playing for Manchester United?
As for Fletchers sending off, i knew as soon as i heard it happen it would be a mistake. The second yellow is quite frankly laughable.
I think we’re starting to see what Johny Evans plays like without Vidic or Ferdinand next to him… read from that what you will.
Rooney is craving someone to play infront of him.. so why the hell did we play an aburd 4-5-1?
Phelan also is Clueless. but then we knew that already didn’t we.
January 10th, 2010 at 0:47
@Grognard:
. Fergi has always been a good motivator but tactical decisions have failed him recently. I cant help but think that fergie is covering up for the Glazer’s. There is know doubt that if Fergi thinks his current squad are good enough then he is in serious denial and that along with stubborness is a major cause for concern. Personally I just cannot imagine united without Fergie it will be like having my roast with no gravy or cornflakes without milk. However I would love to see Fergi go out on a high before he retires, but the more I watch our performances it may just be wishful thinking!
I here what your saying mate but I think what Fergi is lacking is a good no.2 like CQ we need to bring him back along with ronaldo asap
January 10th, 2010 at 0:55
I’m sorry guys, but I`ve had it!
Don`t think you`re gonna hear frmo me for a while, but when I`ve settled everything I will talk to you again. But, it may take a long time so for now I just gotta say goodbye, I love all of you. Take care everybody! 
RedRanter, you keep being a brilliant boss!
Grognard, you keep being such a wise ass bastard, which we all love!
Craig, good luck with your wife and your child and just everything going on in your life. I hope you all turn out great, you deserves the best.
Nico, keep being funny and clever, love you mate!
RedRich, Dan, OPTI, Richmond, Karl, Traverse, Gabriel, just everybody I`ve known on this site during my time here. I love you all, take care now!
We`ll cross paths again one day in the future, I`m sure of it…
January 10th, 2010 at 1:00
Once again our lack of teeth up front has let us down – not a whole lot of opportunities and of course the ones we had we muffed.
In the PL games we’ve either lost or drawn we scored a grand total of 3 goals. This really needs to be sorted ASAP.
PIG and Fletcher were good, Scholes mediocre, and Park shit. The rest were neither good nor bad. Rooney fluffed a couple of chances and was quite successful passing to his favorite target – “thin air”, (anyone happen to know his pass completion rate for this game?) and again wanted to try the impossible when simple would have done better.
The carelessness we’ve seen for most of the season was there today too – far too many poor shots, crosses, corners and free kicks. Passing, generally was OK (except Rooney) and ball control was just OK considering the cold weather. The overall shape and motion of the team looks undisciplined and certainly not becoming of champions.
We had our best CMF combo out there today and of course, with the extra man we dominated possession, but even so we had neither the vision or where-with-all to break down a middle table team. This has continued most of this whole year and doesn’t improve any, if anything, it’s looking worse by the game.
It’s time now for SAF to admit that his players are just not up to the task, buy some new ones, move on!!
January 10th, 2010 at 1:07
@Footy4Eddy: What’s the matter, Eddy??
January 10th, 2010 at 2:16
@Redrich: Quite successful passing to his favourite target – ‘thin air’.
that comment made me laugh so much mate!
January 10th, 2010 at 2:20
@Footy4Eddy: Eddi what’s going on with you mate – your not suicidal over a Man United poor season are you? I mean its just 22 players kicking a bag of wind – no biggie mate! If something else is troubling you, go talk to somebody you trust, cos your worrying me bro.
January 10th, 2010 at 2:22
@CraigMc: And watching United this season is making me ‘ave thin ‘air too!!
January 10th, 2010 at 2:32
Interesting read in the NOTW about Berbatov. It claims his failure at Old Trafford can be linked to a crisis of confidence. I’m inclined to agree. He has all the skills to be a success at Old Trafford. But what separates the true greats is the confidence, the swagger. That is why Eric Cantona was the King and Berbatov is just a pretender to the throne.
In the current squad the only player who has that confidence is Rooney (and Nani as well…but Fergie never plays him). And he cannot do it all on his own. The majority of our team are shrinking violets. Carrick is another example. Obertan too. Valencia too.
January 10th, 2010 at 2:37
@CraigMc: Don`t worry mate, nothing like that. I`m gonna be alright, turst me I`m not silly but I`m just gonna be really busy this near future. Cheers lads!
January 10th, 2010 at 2:42
@Gabriel: I know Wes made the mistake in the Leeds game that led to the goal, but he was the best we had at the back today – and PIG did good too. I don’t know Gabriel, I personally think we are done for a couple of seasons of change and reestablishing ahead. This is a very disjointed Man United team, with some players who are done, and some who are not ready but raw, and some who are good but disjointed. I think the message is sinking in with United fans now. We are not playing anymore like champions, because we are missing what were our champion players, either moved on or injured. Other buys just don’t fit, and you know Bro – I am actually beginning to feel some compassion for the players. They have tried Gabriel, they did try today, but I think even they are beginning to realise that something is just not clicking. A creative spark, a player who can take a game by the scruff of the neck, whatever. But we have more ordinary players now, and all the chopping/changing every single game is helping none of the players. Wouldn’t you just be happy to see us play the same 11 for a while to try and get some kind of a run going, and only change if we have injuries and are forced too. I just think the players are confused, because if its not manifold changes, it is square pegs round hole positioning changes on the field, so players not in their natural positions. Other teams seem to play the same players every week if they are fit, Arsenal particularly. We never used to keep swapping and changing all the time, but Fergie has become obsessed with being fair to everyone. I mean fuck that Gabriel, because we need to pick a team who BELIEVE in each other, because the way our players argue and remonstrate with other players on the field, they obviously don’t believe in some of our promoted players do they????? I am beginning to feel for the lads, and want to get back onto the terraces post haste to give them some support!
January 10th, 2010 at 2:42
@Grognard: Maybe Rooney wants to be the new WPOTY and is trying way too hard to elevate his game to the next level?
I would like to see a return of the old, raw Rooney, out-of-control personality, berserk player, that would use his aggression to dominate defensive players.
What we’ve got now is this dumbed down version – Rooney on Xanax, that can’t get a red card and can’t get on the defenders nerves!!
Shame, really.
January 10th, 2010 at 2:46
@Footy4Eddy: Well that’s a relief, I thought you were going off on one mate, losing it a bit!
January 10th, 2010 at 2:53
@Redrich:
, all this commotion over 22 players kicking a ball full of wind 
. I think sometimes we all can become a tad too serious, and lose the FUN of fandom. I just realise I might be getting as UGLY natured and venomous as journalists to whom that is their only calling in life – if you gat my gist Bro 
.
January 10th, 2010 at 2:55
@Redrich: I’ll send you some paper bags mate so you can blow into them and get more air – seeing as your air is seemingly too thin
.
January 10th, 2010 at 2:56
@colver: I think there’s an element of truth to that.
Confidence comes from the knowledge that you’re doing well.
…..Well??
January 10th, 2010 at 3:02
Right its 2am here in blighty. My wee daughter has finally settled for the rest of the night, so I am off to get some shuteye too. Night you all!
January 10th, 2010 at 3:22
@CraigMc: I know mate, where’s the fun when all the time we have to use apocalyptic terms about something that is supposed to make us forget about everyday hassles.
With the likelihood of United going through a few years of mediocrity, things around here could end up being as appealing as an Afghanistan vacation.
As much as I would like to rant and rave this shit to death, I would prefer just to connect with other United Nuts.
You know, …share the pain!!
January 10th, 2010 at 3:25
@CraigMc: If Rogaine doesn’t do the trick mate, I doubt the paper bags will help!!
January 10th, 2010 at 3:32
@aron84: Once again though, who is responsible for hiring the #2? Fergie. Nobody forced Mike Phelan down his throat. He did it all by himself so he shows us yet another wrong move he has made that has hurt the club.
January 10th, 2010 at 3:35
@Footy4Eddy: Take care Eddy. Don’t be absent too long. We all care about what’s happening to you. Try not to let this Man Utd darkness turn you off from coming around Red Rants for a bark or two. Cheers!
January 10th, 2010 at 3:37
@Redrich: I think Eddy has reached his boiling point when it comes to United and has decided to put his time towards more interesting activities like his own football career aspirations and of course girls. Can’t say I blame him.
January 10th, 2010 at 3:39
@Grognard: I think he can speak for himself, Grog!!
January 10th, 2010 at 3:43
@Redrich: Rooney is a shell of the player he was four years ago. There is no mistaking that. Yes he lacked discipline and was often caught doing incredibly stupid things but his energy, pace, enthusiasm and imagination back then coupled with Ronaldo or RVN was magical. But Fergie wouldn’t stand for it. He had to force RVN out of United and eventually made football so dull and boring to play that even Ronaldo felt he had to leave in order to be allowed to play the game the way he believed it should be played. All Fergie is doing with this team these days is causing a mass exodus of our finest players and replacing them with garbage and dirty lies. Whose next, Vidic, Rio, Bebratov perhaps even Rooney? I wouldn’t put it past the Boss to cause such a bad atmosphere and a feeling of hopelessness within the club that all our class players decide they need to ply their trade elsewhere. Great news for the Glazer’s as it will free up a lot of cash for their coffers.
January 10th, 2010 at 3:47
@Redrich: That’s why I’m so upset. I have always used United as a great escape from my regular life and all the stresses and hassles in it. Being a fan of United never used to cause great stress and aggravation, just joy and a childish giddiness while I awaited a big game. These days I am bored, aggravated, pissed off and completely mystified but I am rarely if ever entertained and excited and following the team is no longer an escape from my problems but an addition to all my problems.
January 10th, 2010 at 3:48
@Redrich: Hey mate I was just taking a humorous guess as to why, not speaking for him. If he’s really upset I can understand his mindset because I too have often felt like scrapping the whole thing too simply because following the team and having discussions about it was no longer any fun.
January 10th, 2010 at 8:46
Nice Video… The Legend Of Manchester United
January 10th, 2010 at 11:14
@Redrich: Rogaine?????
January 10th, 2010 at 11:19
@Redrich: I know mate, and perhaps we should remember what used to be our Man United signature song “Always look on the bright side of life.” I think the lads know things are not right themselves, so I decided to stop giving them a good kicking when they are down – opposing fans will give them that! I said my piece, and that’s it for me! Back to the laughter
.
January 10th, 2010 at 11:21
If we can somehow limit Man shitty to a draw or 1-0 loss score at their place, I think we have a decent chance of beating them at OT with all our players fit
January 10th, 2010 at 11:26
One thing is for sure – these troubled times at United are going to sort out the REAL fans from the hangers on. Once the hangers on move off to pastures new – then ticket prices will drop because of lesser demand for them, and ALL THE MANCS and locals will then be able to go again and stand on the terraces with their families. Then you will know again what OT atmosphere really is!
January 10th, 2010 at 15:21
I am not surprised by this shite of a season at all. How many one-nil victories did we have to pull out of our arse last year even with Tevez and Ronnie? Way too many is the answer. Therefore, I am not sure what any of us were to expect this season after we lost Tevez and Roonie and only picked up average players at best and only one of which were we going to give ample playing time to in Valencia. All this talk about needing another stiker is fine and all, but if the strikers have no distribution or service what does it really matter?! It does not. I do not care if we even got Torres or Villa, no midfield and little to no goals! We have one of the worst midfields in England.
And I don’t give a shite what anyone says, Scholes needs to retire. If we had a penatrating midfielder to play along side him, alright, maybe a game or two, but his slow and dilapidated arse slows this team dowm way too much to have another slow arse like Carrick or Flethcer playing along side him!
It seems to me that Wayne Rooney never really left Everton, because that is the same kind of team I see in front of me week in and week out. A team that playes five across the middle on the road and trys to nick a goal, who has average, slow players, with amazing work rate! Well that is Everton and not United at all! So Fergie might as well retire and then we can bring over David Moyes, because we have the same type of team so he should have no problem making the switch! Then again, maybe he should go to a club with some promise like Villa or hell, Burmingham! Why would he want to come over here and manage our players? It might even be a step down. In fact, I think it would be, other than the name of Manchester United which this season means absolutely nothing!
And who is to blame for all of this mess? Well, as Grog has pointed out, it is the owners! But I lay more blame on SAF! He is the one saying that our team is fine and he likes the squad he has. That in itself tells me he has lost the plot. Does he really believe the shite coming out of his mouth? If he really did then that in itself is enough for Fergie to be kindly asked to start his search for a replacement. But it is not just the squad Fergie, it is your terrible selection of said squad and then to make matters even wors, if that is possible, you feck it up with this God awful formation of a lone striker!!!For the love of beautful football…who the hell does that…scared out of their britches clubs…Everton, Sunderland etc…now it appears United. What the hell is going on?
Then Mr. Nosehairs himself, SAF has got to blame to refs time after time! Shut it please! It is not bad enough that I have to hear it from all my other United hating mates about drawing or losing, but to have to hear about my managers rants about the refs time after fraking time is almost as nerve racking as discussing the loss. It is absolutely pathetic.
I certainly hope the rumors are true and Fergie is looking to let a lot of players go in the summer and is planning on making over theis team and building a new one. But if he is then he better make over himself as well and quick bullshitting the fans about these palyers we have. We see them play just as much as he does, so who does he think he is fooling? Not me I can tell you that. Our squad is shite right now, and to be honest it was not the greatest last season minus Ronnie and a few others. In fact, I feel we were over rated last season by the media and if was not for wonderful performances by our defense and a moment or two of brilliance from Ronnie last year we would not have one anything and never made it to the final in Rome. Now the defense was suppose to be solid again this year and with all of the injuries I do not lay blame on them for our bad performances, but we have the same offensive shite players we had last year, without Ronnie and Tevez and we have replaced them with a raw Obertan, a one-trick poney in Valencia (who I like by the way) and a slow version of Michael Owen (who I also like but feel Fergie is not using him enough to matter). What did we expect to happen then eh? For me, I have been dooped. I believed in all the Fergie talk and I wanted to believe we would be alright. I lied to myself and I am not going to do it anymore. I admire SAF, but he has got one more summer to get it right for me. If he comes back in the summer and we buy a bit player here or there and we get the same excuses of no value in the market I am crying bullshit and for his head. One summer, to let some shite players go and bring in some fresh talent because I honestly cannot take another year of this boring arse, lame excuse football, from a club I have grown up loving for there grit, their passion, their never-say-die attitude,but above all, their attacking style of play which today does not exist.
I can handle most of the losing guys, I really can. But entertain me for crying out loud while you are doing it. Play to win with attacking formations and attacking players with flowing football, flicks, backheels, stepovers, whipped in crosses, diving headers…not this slow pedestrianing shite. Look, I understand in football it is not always like that and to play football you have to backpass and knock it around, but I also know in football that is not the only thing. We used to do all the other beautiful things before, even before Ronnie arrvied. Here’s hoping it all did not go away, taken by a couple of Portuguese (Ronnie and Queiroz) 
January 10th, 2010 at 16:37
This club has a lot of optimistic supporters. I’m not sorry to burst anyone’s bubble but it’s not likely that we will retain our title. In fact I’d go as far as saying we will not even win anything this season. C’mon what more evidence do we need;we lost at home and for the 1st time in a million years we crashed out in the 3rd round of the FA Cup to a League Two team. Not by some fluke,but they played more fluently than us and were more organised. Quite frankly I don’t know how in the world we are still in the top four because we don’t deserve it. Arsenal given their average form,so far this season deserve to be above us. SOme say they are imploding,without even considering the fact that they are being forced to play without their talisman Cesc and top marksman Van Persie. No Song too who has been magnificent this season. How well would we fair without Rooney and Fletcher for most of the season. Take away Valencia too and see if we amount to much.
What’s my point? It’s the same point I’ve been making forever. We don’t have a competent coach. Not since CQ left have we been so incompetent and ultimately mediocre. Noone can convince me that the reason is Ronaldo’s departure because even when he was there in his last season we still played crap. He played well but there was still no fluency in our performances. He scored goals but the tactics benefitted him alone and at least he made full use of it. We have been missing technical sanity at Manchester United FC for a long time now and it has cost us this season and the same loss will prove an impediment in the coming years unless addresed immediately.
SAF and Mike Phelan are not competent coaches at all in any way. They have continually displayed this since CQ left and Phelan took over.I know very well that I’m making very few friends with statements like this but in all honesty none of us can truly claim they have been impressed by our “way of play” since the departure of Carlos Quieroz. Yes we won the league,but then again Chelsea collapsed at key points and so did Liverpool. Yes we deserved to win the league but that cannot be attributed to the coaching staff,but squad depth,motivation and one Cristiano Ronaldo. At some point things will catch up with us and we won’t be so fortunate. It has started already this season and it would be a miracle if any of our proud records remain intact by end of May.
So what’s wrong with SAF’s coaching? I’d rather ask what is right with it. Where would I even start? The absolutely ridiculous rotation system is the number one enemy of our club today. In fact I would put it above our gazillion dollar debt as PE No.1. Just the recent match against Brum will illustrate this perfectly. Birmingham City are the league’s in form team at the moment or rather the unbeatable team in the league. They are well drilled and almost impossible to break down and each player is fully aware of their role in the team. Each player knows the individual role of each of his teammates and can predict their actions with relative ease. How did Birmingham get to this level and how are they unbeaten in almost 10 games running? Simple. Consistency. Alex McCleish has named the exact starting 11 for the last 9 consecutive matches. How come Chelsea are on top and play like a world class football team? Well Carlo Ancelotti has played more or less the same team since he took over in August with minor changes here and there. What does this bring? Fluency. Invincibility. Confidence. But most of all results. In contrast,Alex Ferguson has not named the same line up in 2 consecutive matches for last 101 games. This is not a typo I really mean one hundred and one games. What more do we expect?
January 10th, 2010 at 16:46
@RichmondRed: Mmmmmm so you think strongly eh mate
. We are going to win the PL, the CL and the Carling EGG cup, as we whip Man shitty’s arses, and that with all our ‘bright shining young things’ out in full force on the pitch. What you don’t believe in miracles then mate 
.
January 10th, 2010 at 16:56
@RichmondRed: I do agree with most of what u are saying but I don’t believe an overhaul of the squad is what is necessary here. We need CQ back and by that I mean any level headed and competent coach who will be put in charge of tactics and team selection. Leave SAF in charge of what he does best…..management. In other words issues that have to do with motivation of players. Nothing to do with the actual nitty gritty of on pitch football. That’s how we will succeed. We can bring the mega superstars of our times and their talents will be destroyed by SAF’s lunatic rotation. Ferguson’s idea of football is to reward a 2 inch striker who goes to play for us in Germany upfront by himself in a must win Champions League game,supported by noone from his midfield with a patched up defence and scores a hattrick. He is rewarded by a place on the bench the very next game,so what makes people assume that he will change approach when Kun Aguero and David Silva arrive from Spain is beyond me.
We need a radical technical overhaul,in fact all our coaching staff should probably be intergrated into adminstrative positions cause I don’t believe in job dismissals. They are definitely doing the wrong job
January 10th, 2010 at 17:01
@RichmondRed: OK let me end the rumors right now before they start. RichmondRed is not Grognard in disguise.
What can I say mate but that was a beautiful, intelligent and highly passionate rant that spoke to my heart. Pretty well what I have been singing now for a while but refreshing to hear it spouted out with the same passion and venom as myself.
I would add one thing to it however. Unlike yourself, I am not willing to wait until summer for Fergie to make the big changes buy cutting lose players and buying new ones. That would be cutting it to close and after the World Cup prices for most great players will be going up and he will be singing the old no value tune I have become sick of hearing. Fact is he should buy a big player or two right now with the supposed 60 million he has from the Ronaldo money. Now as you and other must know from my many rants, I do not believe he has that 60 million but Fergie has said he does and if I am to refrain from calling him an asshole liar, then I will buy into his deceit and let him prove me wrong.
Take that 60 million and go buy Manuel Neuer or Rene Adler and forget about far inferior keepers like Akinfeev and Doni. Then go buy the midfield attacking general this team needs. It’s got to be one of two players as I see it. David Silva or Yoann Gourcuff. Then go get another great young CB like Simon Kjaer or Jack Rodwell. Many would say we need to go and get a LW like Di Maria and a striker. I would agree and i would add a RW to that group even though Valencia is decent. I still would love to see Milos Krasic on this club. As for strikers, they are the toughest to find and the most expensive to buy. He will need to sell the players that I am reading will be gone this summer, Nani, Anderson, Foster, Berbatov and even Vidic for the money to be available for that. Personally, I would add Park and Rio to that must sell squad and demand that Scholes and Neville retire in order to free up all that high salary money vets like that get.
As for buying that forward, this time he needs to go after a forward that not only is a goal scorer, but who will fit in with the club and who will blend well with Rooney. Benzema is an obvious choice and is a possibility if Real Madrid show interest once again in David Villa. I do not like Benzema, his attitude and his lack of desire. Everyone knows I love Huntelaar but I know Fergie is not that keen on him. Aguero is a great player but clearly not of any interest to Fergie so I would look for some kind of surprise like a Fabiano or a Hulk to be the answer. I hope not but then again Fergie no longer thinks like I do. There was a time he used to be simpatico with me, but not anymore. If Liverpool collapse out of the Champions League I could see Fergie make an attempt to get Fernando Torres but three obstacles get in the way of that. First, no matter what, I cannot see Liverpool ever selling a player of that caliber to us. Their would be riots and lynchings in Scouseville. Secondly, I seriously doubt Torres would want to come and play for us knowing that our team is now a dull team that plays negative football and that our owners are even worse than Liverpool’s. Finally, we cannot afford the price tag that will be placed on him.
So there you have it. Time for Fergie to shut up and show us the money. And then after showing us the money, show us he knows how to spend it. So help me, I do not want to see us sign another teenager for two years. It’s time to go out and replace the crap we have with proven players.
January 10th, 2010 at 17:01
@Jay wire: And SAF for spmeone who was hell bent on being the worlds best manager, and making history few would be able to catch, has suddenly decided to throw it all away without batting an eyelid. He threw away our proud home unbeaten record in the CL, and the one where we have NEVER in God knows how many years been knocked out in the 3rd round of the FA cup. When did we last lose so many games in the 1st part of a season have we have done so far already, and so lucky not to lose more – against City, Arsenal, and Sunderland we were very lucky to sneak a win or draw in the very last minute! We have been unfortunate to have a good few of our best players out injured though, which will disrupt things. Yet who could tell whether the MOTHER OF ALL TINKERMEN SAF would have played them regularly even if they had been fit. Still we are the best squad and that in depth, we will win PL, CL, and Carling EGG cup, because Fergie has faith in this squad, and don’t you know we are good enough and don’t need new players coming in Jaywire. Who said so? – why the one who never apologises, Sir Alex Ferguson. It truly would not surprise me though Bro if Fergie gets lucky again at some point, and pulls the proverbial lucky rabbit out of the hat!
January 10th, 2010 at 17:17
@CraigMc: MUFC has enough “real” fans in Northern England to fill OT twice so don’t bank on it. Very few fans who actually pay money to get a seat at OT would consider switching clubs. They’ll probably just stop going to the stadium which to me is the most sensible thing right now. Watch at home if you have time to spare,but pay real money which you could logically channel to other needs to watch such rubbish is something only those who do it understand. You see for the rest of this season it is a guarantee we will keep playing like we have been playing and if current performances are worthy of spending money on then each to his own
January 10th, 2010 at 17:17
I agree with Jaywire regarding playing our best 11 players on a regular basis until they GEL again with each other, and get some kind of understanding and winning streak together. I said that clearly in an earlier post. I think United fans are more pissed with Fergie’s swapping and changing, and his square pegs/round holes philosophy, to the degree we cannot perform as a cohesive machine. I heard Fergie talking after a game from 4 years ago I saw rerun on MUTV, and this is what he said – “You never under any circumstances CHANGE a winning team, unless you have to because a main player is injured.” Well WTF happened to that philosophy, which is a winning one. I don’t care really about allowing the kids the opportunity in Carling and FA cup – but play the kids then, and stop swapping and changing your mind even regarding that when it suits! SAF has become an indecisive ditherer, and it is not like him, he was never like that – he was a ruthless winner. What happened? I dont think any United fan understands really!
January 10th, 2010 at 17:22
@CraigMc: Exactly. I just shrug my shoulders these days and accept the reality of what we have become. I’m just trying to quickly adjust to how it is to support the Wigans and Boltons of this league since we are playing at the same level. The quicker u adjust the better
January 10th, 2010 at 17:23
@CraigMc: He said that? ARE YOU SURE? That’s a shocker
January 10th, 2010 at 17:24
@Jay wire: Where are you actually from Jaywire, if you don’t mind me asking? I was more referrig to the fact that a lot of local fans would die to go to OT regularly, if the prices of tickets were just a little less than they are at present. I suggested this might happen IF the ones like yourself decided not to support the team thru this bad patch, wasting their money as you put it! So if enough likeminded people as yourself abandon the games, then maybe United would bring down prices to sell out, which they have actually done BEFORE!
January 10th, 2010 at 17:28
@Jay wire: You made one friend for sure with that rant me and that is me. It’s up to you whether that is a blessing or a curse.
I agree whole heartedly with you on everything except that when Ronaldo was around, we were capable of still beating anyone at any time and even though our philosophy was one dimensional and designed to cater to him, he continually delivered for us and made us one of the top two or three sides in the world. Frankly his greatness was irreplaceable but what bothers me to this day is that Fergie never even tried to replace him.
Here Fergie had 80 million to work with and he could have built an exciting new team with that money and by also selling some waste product like Anderson, Park and a few others and rebuilt this team this past summer. Instead he patched it up a bit with some Scotch tape and some thumb pressure and moved on like there was nothing else wrong. And now we are paying for the fact he never had the foresight or vision that I had to predict the very exact thing would happen tot his team that I predicted 6 months ago. I knew this team would perform exactly as it has. My only surprise is that we are in second and not third or fourth. The only reason for that is that the league in general has become more competitive because all four of the big clubs have fallen back to the pack, not just us. If not for that, Chelsea would have a bigger lead and I am still convinced that Arsenal are way better than us except their injuries have been to skill players as opposed to just defenders like ours.
Our one blessing has been this club’s depth. We may not have a lot of world class quality in our squad but we do have a lot of depth and a lot of players who can play multiple positions. In this regards Fergie has done a good job getting the most out of the club. His tactics and rotation are a disgrace but trust me, if he never used these negative formations and slowed the game down by adding back passes and boring ball control, we would be in seventh place right now. Frankly, we do not have the talent to compete with the big boys and Fergie knows this and so he has concocted a style that basically hides the fact that we are a pile of rubbish. Three out five times we can get away with this stuff because ball control and a slow tempo is a sure fire winning tactic despite the fact it is boring. Fergie has learned well from the Italians. But there are those other two instances every five games where we stink and we either lose or only draw.
There is no more building momentum. We lack the pace, the imagination, the bite and the passion to beat defenses these days. Yes, losing CQ and having replaced him with the Muppet Mike Phelan was a colossal error by Fergie. It should be rectified asap. And if Fergie was truly concerned with the club, he would either retire or come clean and admit to everyone just what is going on with the club. Fat chance that’s ever going to happen. Although he has done a decent job with no talent, he has also systematically taken this club from a Champions League champion and turned it into an ordinary outfit. If all we were was a team built around one man, Ronaldo, then it’s time this team had a change at the top and it’s time to bring in a new manager with new ideas and a fresh approach. Because frankly, whatever it is Fertgie is trying to do of late, INSN’T WORKING.
January 10th, 2010 at 17:29
@Jay wire: He did say that after a Birmingham game 3 or 4 years ago which I was watching on MUTV. He said it in post match talk to the tv reporters! I was a bit amazed myself, but I heard it with my own ears, and Jaywire, don’t know how long you have been United fan Bro, but we NEVER used to mess around with changing our regular players as we see happening now
January 10th, 2010 at 17:30
@CraigMc: I’m a big Lord of the Rings fan and so I am into high fantasy and us winning anything this season is nothing more than high fantasy that Tolkien would be proud of.
January 10th, 2010 at 17:36
@CraigMc: I’m glad you have mentioned this right now. I said this after the Burnley game early on in the season and I’ve said this since. Look at the clubs who maintain consistency in their starting lineup. Chelsea,Spurs,Arsenal(when health permits) and now recently Birmingham(who just broke a club record dating back to 1908 of 8 games unbeaten run). Now look at the master rotators in the league, Manchester United and Liverpool. Need I say more
January 10th, 2010 at 17:41
@CraigMc: I won’t quit the club but I won’t spend money to watch certain crap. Even if it was for free,there are psychological issues to consider. Things will change for the better for sure and that’s when I’ll consider paying money to watch United. I can follow results and support like that. Even if I wanted to switch sides,I’m already too attached to United. Point of no return. South Africa is where I live
January 10th, 2010 at 17:45
Actually the problem started last season only.We were winning almost all the matches with 1-0 with Ronaldo in the side.The defenders were in the form of their life.But the midfield which is major concern today started to show their useless quality last season only.Ronaldo’s 30 goal tally came down to 18.Then only Fergie should have known that the squad lacks a lot.
But it was Ronaldo who covered all the cracks in the 2nd half of pitch and Vidic did it in the 1st half.
Now at this stage the old and day by day becoming useless brain of Fergie has realised that they need massive change and are going for major sell in January.Why he waited till this time???What signs Anderson,Foster,Nani,Berba showed last season to gamble on them this season???What Park has done to get a new contract???Gallas performs at very high level for Arsenal but then also Wenger is not too eager to give a new Contract but here Scholes and Neville are getting extension.
Gallas ,as defender ,has scored more goals this season than our ACM Scholes.
Now about some players choice.What our scouts do ???Merida was available free and is a far much better future prospect than Obertan.But never,there was not a single mention of this player ever.When Barca was asking for Nani and we could have some good price,then why was he not sold???Valencia is a good winger but he cant tore defence on his own.But we had to replace Ronaldo,not to buy a winger.Has Fergie and his scouts really heard the name of Arshavin before he joined Arsenal???I am sure no.Our scouts are paid good amount needlessly and they should take 1 month coaching from GROGNARD.
So the season is almost over for us.Having Fun watching the conversion of Rooney to Tevez.But then also Tevez is doing better now.For the first 5 matches when Tevez was not playing regularly this season and Owen scored 1 or 2 goals,Everyday there was a column at ROM comparing these 2 and proving how much better Owen is.But now there is no mention there.What a funny side.
January 10th, 2010 at 17:49
@CraigMc: Since 1996. I’m just shocked he would actually say this knowing fully well that it makes sense and then a few seasons on he does the exact opposite thing. I don’t know how that can be explained
January 10th, 2010 at 17:50
@Jay wire: I am a big fan of Dale Steyn.Best of luck for last test.
January 10th, 2010 at 17:52
@Jay wire: We need someone like a CQ back but come on mate, we are in massive need of a squad overhaul. Park, Anderson, Berbatov, Scholes, Neville, Foster, EVDS and even poor Nani are just not fitting in with this club. Changes have got to be made. How many years will it take before the manager realizes that Anderson and Park are nothing more than massive liabilities and a complete waste of time and effort? Scholes and Neville are done yet they continue to take away playing time from younger and better players.
Carrick has been alright but far from what we expected and for what he is being paid. Hargo has been a bust because of his injuries, Rio has reached his peak and with his injuries and age can only be expected to slide downhill from now on. EVDS is near 40 and is almost ready to call it quits, Foster is the single worst and most overrated keeper in the the game over the past 30 years. Then we have Berbatov. A player I personally love but a player that even I have to admit fits as well into this team as pepper does in strawberry shortcake. He is a square peg trying to fit into a round hole and no effort is ever going to get him to finally fit.
Valencia and Obertan are ok but hardly anything to write home about. Average players with very little WOW factor and for me, wingers need to have WOW factor or at least have the ability to cross the fecking ball and skin a defender and get by him. Our only positives in an otherwise negative season have been PIG in goal who has been a bit of a revelation but for me is still not the answer as our starting keeper, Evra who has returned to his best form after a season and a half of just terrible form and of course Fletcher, who has shocked me, but who has kind of lost a bit the last few games.
Other than that I am generally disappointed in each and every player. Rooney has the goals but has been missing a lot more than in the past, his passing has been horrendous at times and his pace and desire has gone missing in many a game. Owen we hardly ever see so how can I really be critical of him. Valencia is scoring a fair amount of goals but for me lacks the jump, tight dribbling ability and burst that is need from a wide man and he cannot cross the ball. He does work hard though which is appreciated. Obertan shows signs of promise but he is very timid, has no left leg, cannot cross or shoot worth a damn and for me is a doubtful project.
Park is a simply the second worst signing by Fergie ever. The least talented and most meaningless player I have ever seen on the pitch at Old Trafford wearing our colors. Anderson would fall second into that category followed by Foster. As for the twins, well it’s time to either play them or trade them. I do not see Fabio ever replacing Evra and Rafael has his moments but I still believe we would be better with a Lahm or Maicon. Evans for me is good but is he up there with the best of Vidic or Rio? Time will tell but he has not shown me so far that he is everything many make him out to be. I still prefer Wes Brown to him. And as for the old guard, I still enjoy watching Giggs play provided he is adequately rested but scholes and Neville are done like dinner. Spare us from their slow footed mistakes and Scholes endless back passes andlets move on.
My point to this long reply is that I do believe the team is in desperate need of a major overhaul. If not due to panic, by sheer necessity. Simply, too many players are just not cutting it at the highest level and when they cannot seem to cut it against the Leeds Utd’s, Birmingham’s, Burnely’s etc, then we are in deep shite. Nope, we are Manchester United, not Man City, we deserve and demand a better quality of team with a better compliment of talent. No more excuses and no more BS from the owners and especially the manager. It’s time for him to shut up and start delivering the goods, or bloody well retire and let a new man with great ideas and a fresh approach come in and overhaul the team.
January 10th, 2010 at 18:01
@Jay wire: How did we ever survive a long season in the 80’s and 90’s when we always played our starting eleven and only had two players on the bench? How did we survive? Too much emphasis is put into rotation and deep squads these days and for me it’s killing the game. A few teams at the top have 25 great players to choose from which means that the bottom ten or twelve teams have hardly anybody of quality because players who would be playing for those kinds of teams are sitting rotting away on the bench of big clubs. Well they rot on the bench at clubs like Chelsea anyway.
On United many get a chance to play but like you said, how are we ever supposed to gain any kind of consistency or competitive edge when the names of the starting eleven are constantly being plucked out of a hat every game day? It’s a joke. Yes football is a long season but newsflash, it’s always been long. Why follow the rule of a failure like Rafa Benitez? What has his rotation really ever brought him? The odd trophy but hardly anything to sing his coaching praises over. Fergie needs to smarten the fuck up and shorten his squad and start relying on a core eleven. I also think a lot of the injuries we get are because players are not playing enough and their muscles get cold and thus are more apt to get injured. Just a theory but all I know is when we were playing with a core of 13 players, we were never decimated by injuries the way the game is saturated with it now. Take away seven subs and go back to two. This would also force more players making millions to actually learn how to play with a little pain, instead of being the wimps they are today with their fat contracts and low pain thresholds.
January 10th, 2010 at 18:07
@Grognard: I regretfully have to agree with a lot of that, the team needs some new blood and Diouf and Obertan are not anywhere near the solutions.
Park is poor but not anywhere near the worst Fergie signing, at least he works but he is nowhere near United class but he sums us up at the moment all work and no imagination as the Mail said today. We simply bar Rooney have no real quality, Fletch good lad but should be a good squad player not a player we have ro rely on. Carrick to me seems to wear boots made of lead, Anderson is simply awful, Valencia decent but not top class Berba simply should be put out of his misery and needs to move on.
I really feel for Owen, what a slap in the face when Fergie brings on Diouf ahead of him, that was awful and now we look like a side that is now simply desperate.
January 10th, 2010 at 18:11
@Jay wire: There are other coaches out there other than CQ, I agree we need someone else but he has left us twice and would only come back if he had reassurances that he would step into Fergies shoes when he retires and that would be a disaster.
January 10th, 2010 at 18:20
@owen: The season is harldy over, we are still in eveyone bar the FA Cup we are not a good side but we are still in contention.
January 10th, 2010 at 18:20
@owen: Thanks for the vote of confidence Owen. I take pride in my ability to evaluate talent, especially at goalkeeper and at striker. The real key in what i have been saying for so long was not just the players I was advocating that we should sign talent I liked, but I was always right about in my evaluation of the players we had that we should get rid of. For three years I have been screaming about Park and Anderson and who has been a louder critic of Foster than myself? I was softer on Berba and on Nani because I liked them but even I knew they were wrong for this club. My God, if I had one wish that was granted to me by a Genie out of a bottle it would not be for billions of dollars, or a harem of women or any of the predictable things. It would be to be placed in charge of this club as the General manager with carte blanche when it comes to buying players. The manager would be nothing more than a puppet like he is at Lyon. The owner would give me the complete control and not meddle and would give me the money I require to do the job. Good health and all the other stuff would come second to this one desire and wish.
Why do I have this wish? Because I frimly believe in my heart and soul that I could do a better job than the men presently working at OT. Of course the ultimate wish would be to be the owner of the club with a lot of cash so that I could really wield control. Of course my wish would be contingent on the Glazer’s not being owners or if they were, the Ronaldo money and all money made from player sales sits with me and that they would grant me 30 to 40 million a year for transfers. Then watch me find value in the market that Fergie says there isn’t any. I mean what can we expect from a cheap Scotsmen. One of my best friends is a Scotsmen and he is so proud of stinginess that he wears it on his sleeve with pride. Personally, he’s an idiot because it is nothing to be proud of at all. In fact I only have pity for people like that.
January 10th, 2010 at 18:22
@Stephen: Te only reason Fergie treats Owen the way he does is because Owen lets him get away with it. Fergie says Owen never complains. Well he bloody well should, because I think the nasty Sir Alex is treating Mickey bloody horrid. Michael grow some mate, because you are so much more likely to get some goals for us IF played regularly than ANY of our other strikers, and that includes hit and miss – pot shot Rooney! Where has Fergie’s brain gone, because it certainly isn’t in his head anymore with the decisions he makes
January 10th, 2010 at 18:24
@Stephen: Park is on this team for one reason and one reason only. It’s not for his pest like defense either which I believe is incredibly overrated (watch the Barca game for proof of that). The reason for why we have to put up with Park is selling the brand to the Asian market. He is nothing more than promotional hardware directed towards Asia to increase the power of the brand. A sad reason to have a mediocre player on your squad but when you actually play him more often than you should, it’s bloody well tragic.
January 10th, 2010 at 18:26
@Stephen: Not for long. I think the club’s confidence level right now is reaching an all time low and we could conceivably implode. There has never been a better time than for the manager to instill some hope and confidence in to the team with a really big and promising signing of an attacking player of world class calibre. Fat chance on that happening.
January 10th, 2010 at 18:30
@Jay wire: I do mate, the inmates instead of the Matron are running the asylum, the tail shaking the dog rather than the dog shaking the tail about. When you have someone like nobody Welbeck pouting and about to lose it because he weas substituted in the cup game – until he thought better of it as he saw the looks of some of the senior players, then you know you have a problem with the inmates don’t you? I couldn’t believe Welbeck’s attitude, I mean he really thinks he is a star – now that is DELUSION mate!
January 10th, 2010 at 18:31
@Grognard: I agree, but we are a mediocre side really bar Rooney and maybe Evra we had no real genuine work class players anymore, Vida and Rio when fit could but they arre defenders.
We are Ok up until the final third then no imagination no creativity and no quality we should sell Nani or play play him, sell Anderson, Park, Tosic, Berba and some of the kids to raise revenue and just buy two or ideally three players of some quality.
@CraigMc: Rooney though mate is carrying the side and playing him up front on his own is a feckin waste HE SIMPLY ISN’T THE TYPE OF PLAYER HE CAN DO THAT JOB WELL FOR FUCKS SAKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
January 10th, 2010 at 18:32
@CraigMc: Fergie has proven that acting like a gentleman and like a good team player never gets you more respect or consideration from him. Owen has been a model professional and it has gotten him sweet fuck all. So why should anyone blame a player like Nani for complaining to the media about being unfairly treated. It’s true. Does anything ever improve by keeping your mouth shut? Perhaps Owen would be better served if he openly complained that way he could be moved to a team that would use him, instead of rotting away in the OT dungeons for a crime he has not committed. I am so sick and tired of Fergie the Impaler.
January 10th, 2010 at 18:33
@Stephen: You’re speaking my language made.
January 10th, 2010 at 18:34
@Grognard: Simply as we have no money to spend and Fergie is towing the party line by saying we have but shopping a Lidl rather than Waitrose, would we under Gill and even Kenyon talk about getting value in the transfer market, was Rio value at £30m when Leeds were going pear shaped, was Veron when Lazio were doing the same especially as they still owed us money from Stam??
January 10th, 2010 at 18:35
@Grognard: I don’t consider making a friend as a curse.
. We sometimes disagree but I respect someone who can air their views fearlessly and especially if the significant portion is well thought out and expressed intelligently. I concur on most things as well,but would differ in the idea that SAF has been forced to use illogical tactics by the squad options he has. I think he uses those tactics because of either of two reasons. He actually believes such tactics work and are best regardless of the players he has. Or he is trying to sabotage the club and destroy it. Those are the only 2 reasons I see. Obviously the last one in SAF’s case can’t be true because we all know he loves the club so that leaves me with the first one.
Why do I say this? Firstly, apart from the departures of Ronaldo (very big loss) and Tevez we still have pretty much the same team we had which destroyed Roma 7-1. I’m a relatively new member of the United support since I started following the club in ‘97 but I haven’t seen any of our teams play as well as the class of 06-07. Even back then we didn’t have an attacking midfielder who would burst forward from the middle. We had Scholes and Carrick playing together very deep for almost every match. Their range of passing was what we used to supply the attackers. And we attacked with four “forwards”: Giggs,Ronaldo,Rooney and Saha. One thing was a common denominator in this squad: consistency in selection. Scholes and Carrick worked so well together they were thinking of having them as England’s midfield mainstays at some point. Only two players from outside United made it into Team Of the Season;Drogba and Berbatov. This tells me the coach (CQ) was doing something right.
Now surely Carrick could not have become so incompetent to not deserve a decent run with a stable partner in midfield. The same can be said of the much improved Fletcher. Surely with Valencia become more and more of a goal threat,he could be applied more to be involved in the business end of things. I can see they seem to have developed and understanding with Rooney though Rooney’s execution has been often poor. If it was really the fact that he had mediocre players at his disposal then he should have simply selected a list of his 11 less mediocre players and played them consistently. Surely,Nani is less mediocre than Park or even Obertan,Tosic or Foster are better options than Park. I mean play the best that you have consistently and get them to actually understand the system you are playing. If the new way of playing is “park the bus” then park the same Greyhound.
January 10th, 2010 at 18:35
@owen: There would be mention there though IF SAF bloody well played Owen!
January 10th, 2010 at 18:36
@Grognard: Well if you can’t beat them, join them!
January 10th, 2010 at 18:37
@Stephen:I actually said anyone who is competent to coach. I didn’t say only CQ. Read again and you’ll see
January 10th, 2010 at 18:39
@Grognard: I too would like to say that it is the summer for me only as well, but I know that the value of players after the World Cup is going to be even higher then this past summer, therefore I do not believe SAF will get any of the players we truly need. In other words, I already expect to be disappointed this summer and I fully believe that next year will be just as difficult as this season has been. However, I still have a little faith in SAF and I admire the man still. So calling for his head after one bad season just does not seem fair. However, if next season is as frustrating as this one has been I will jump in line with you. No one, I mean no one is bigger than the club and that includes SAF. I respect all that he has done, just as I am thankful for the services of Gigsy, Scholes, and Red Nev, but if one is not helping to maintain the standards of excellence at this wonderful club, no matter their past, or the persoanl achievements, it is time for those individuals to move on.
January 10th, 2010 at 18:40
@Grognard: Fergie the Impaler
SAF certainly deserves that name for the treatment he dishes out dispassionately to some of our good players 
.
January 10th, 2010 at 18:41
We spent £17m on Nani, £8m on Tosic who hasn’t even started a game, £18m on Anderson, £17m on Hargo who we signed injured that is £60m worth of players who are nowhere near the first team are were signed injured, Bayern are no mugs, real value.
January 10th, 2010 at 18:42
@Jay wire: Sorry mate I havn’t been able to see straight since the Leeds game.
January 10th, 2010 at 19:07
@Stephen: Yeah but don’t you see how those 3 players played really good for us in their 1st season for us when CQ was at the club? Anderson and Nani had very good seasons, and only regressed after not getting regular run of games, and so felt unwanted. They have it in them, but Andi got into the whole partying thing, gained wait thru the good life, and his game deteriorated. Nani was the model professional and yet SAF’s lack of confidence and interest in the lad bruised his effervesent personality and damaged his confidence thru being put continually in the stiffs!
January 10th, 2010 at 19:13
@AndyCR7: Best. Video. The End.
January 10th, 2010 at 19:34
I know a lot of you guys are really disappointed with the players and believe most of them are just mediocre players who should not be here. Anderson, Nani in fact pretty much the whole team. Now I don’t know how many of you have studied the fact that we have played different teams for the past 101 games. I don’t know about you but even the very best collection of players would not work well at all by the 20th match. Even mediocre players like Birmingham’s can make their home THE fortress of the league.I’d be surprised if towards the end of the season the relegation threatened clubs won’t be wishing for their come back game to be at OT. Given the fact that we are playing badly which is being compounded by the stupid rotation and yet are still just one point from top spot is a sure testament of the players’ effort and talent. How many in all honesty are going to credit Ferguson’s tactics and rotation and claim we are still surviving because of this? Imagine if we had been playing a consistent team from the beginning, with a consistent system,surely we would be playing better and I’m convinced we would be in a better position.
That’s why I maintain that it is not a crisis of players but of coaching. I mean who can turn a goal machine like Berbatov into Dirk Kuyt? Only 2 people can do that. SAF and Benitez. Yeah I’ve heard it before and I don’t buy it that Berba just isn’t suited to our style of play. Or he doesn’t work with Rooney. Rooney and Keane play a similar style. Running around all over the place into spaces behind defenders etc and Berba worked well with Keane at Spurs. If you watch Saha closely you’ll notice that he holds the ball up in a similar way Berba does and links up well with the other players. Both have excellent ball control which is essential for such a role. Both link up well, so why can’t Berba fit into the squad. Do we honestly believe with CQ around he would have been clueless in how to use Berba? I don’t think so.
The truth is simple. Ferguson doesn’t know how to use the players he has in the best possible way. I don’t know how people keep buying this thing of players not fitting to our systema and style when no one can even define what our system or style is. Even Liverpool can define their style. Stop blaming players. It’s like calling miners incompetent when they have been equipped with laptops and PDAs to mine coal.
January 10th, 2010 at 19:38
@CraigMc: You are making too much sense. Please stop now
January 10th, 2010 at 19:42
@Stephen: All this combined with the fact that SAF is continuing to bulldoze ahead with his policy of youth and value, is something he must be held responsible for!
For me, the fact that we aren’t playing well is not necessarily down to poor tactics or coaching, but clearly because we don’t have enough good players.
It was the reason for our decline in the late ’60’s/early ’70’s and it’s the reason now.
I’ll forgive SAF for a lot of his failings – and after all why wouldn’t I, given the success he has brought us – but if he is going to drag us down by continuing with this failed policy, he will be permanantly in my crosshairs.
January 10th, 2010 at 20:08
@Jay wire: The fact is that we lost Ronaldo and that the waning skills of Giggs, Scholes and Neville have not been adequately replaced, are the reasons for our precipitous drop off in form and not because SAF has all of a sudden become incompetent.
What you suggest, by implication, is that we hold on to the current squad of players, continue with the financially convenient policy of developing youth/ignoring the top end of the transfer market, and then sacking the manager and his coachiung staff!
My god, man, you could send us down a bottomless abyss that would take years to recover from – if ever at all!!
January 11th, 2010 at 0:04
@Jay wire: Mate Fergie has admitted live on tv that he doesn’t pick the substitutes for tactical reasons, but to give everybody a spell of match practice. I suggest that he picks the full team in the same way! I don’t care what SAF says to the contrary, he has NEVER chopped, changed, and put square pegs to fill round holes as he has the last two seasons! Before that he only changed if players were injured or subs in the last half hour. I believe your sad indictment that we have changed players 101 times this season, if I read you right. They mentioned that on the sports news programmes recently, calling Fergie the NEW tinkerman! Ranieri had great players when he was at Chelski but never won the PL etc, because he was tinkerman No 1. Mourinho did win, because he mainly kept to his main pool of 15 class players, and the others of the squad only got a sniff in if somebody died
.
January 11th, 2010 at 0:23
Word is we will swap Benzema with Vidic in the summer. Probably a good deal.
January 11th, 2010 at 0:31
Accortding to Reuters – Man United issued an email to say that they will raise 500 million pounds from bonds released against present debt secured against MU PLC holdings. It is on news now, so if anybody who understands finance can explain this, I will be grateful
.
January 11th, 2010 at 0:33
@Traverse: I really don’t want Benzema Trav – do you?
January 11th, 2010 at 0:38
@Stephen: Exactly. He never had a problem in the past paying over the board for a player who regardless of how good he was, was not as valuable as the money that was spent on him. Rio, Veron, RVN, Anderson, Nani, Valencia and Berbatov were all more expensive than they should have been. At least RVN and Rio lived up tot he amount. Now all of a sudden we are supposed to believe that great players like Aguero or Villa aren’t worth the money that’s being asked. The market has gone crazy. And who more than Fergie is to blame for escalating the prices more when you consider what he got for Ronaldo and what he was willing to pay for a Berbatov or Valencia. If a Berbatov is worth 32 million, then I’m sorry but a Villa is worth at least 50 then. If a Valencia is worth 17 million then David Silva is worth at least 30 mil. Fergie needs to blame people? He doesn’t have to look to far away. All he has to do is look at himself in the mirror and point at his image for blame.
January 11th, 2010 at 0:45
@Jay wire: O6/07 was three years ago mate and that is an eternity for core players like Giggs, Scholes and Neville who back then still had a lot to offer. And yes we had a Ronaldo back then but we also had a more free spirited and enthusiastic Rooney. We were young but experienced in all the right areas and we were a faster and more aggressive team. But later that year we got smacked and whacked by Milan in the CVL and that loss devastated Fergie. Even more so, he saw and he adopted the Italian way of doing things. So yes he is a smart enough man to adapt to something but he doesn’t have the players or the quality in coaches to make the changes work better. As long as he had Ronaldo working with Rooney, anything was possible but once he lost Ronaldo, the whole thing collapses because for three seasons the team was structured to operate around Ronaldo. His lack of vision and preparation for the post Ronaldo inevitability is what has caused this problem. He knew he was going to lose him yet he did very little to replace him in the lineup and even less to prepare the club and have them change their way of playing. It’s like Fergie never had a Plan B or a Plan C for when he was without Ronaldo. That lack of prognostication and preparation has left him to adopt desperate measures in order for us to survive. It’s rather sad I think. And yes CQ was a major factor
January 11th, 2010 at 0:53
@RichmondRed: Nobody has more admiration for Fergie than I do. How could one not admire what this man has done over twenty seasons? He is a legend. But the reality is that this is a growth industry an evolving game and that all good things come to an end. He is a legend but he no longer is earning his paycheck and after all is said and done Man utd is a professional team which makes money thanks to the fans who support the club. We are consumers and as a consumer I am very displeased with the product that is being presented to me. Regardless of the past, I am now looking at the present and the future and I no longer believe that Fergie is up for the job. We cannot live in the past although we can learn from it. Admire the man all you like but the fact is he is not doing the job we all want him to do. It may not be all his fault but at the end of the day, the blame falls at the manager’s feet. Unless he can wake up and buy some talent for this club, then he must go and allow a more aggressive and more tuned in manager to come in and fix this mess before we end up as another West Ham.
January 11th, 2010 at 0:55
@Stephen: I never throw Hargo into the argument because Hargo was worth every penny that was spent on him. One cannot predict career threatening injuries and nobody is to blame for that other than bad luck. Hargo was a quality purchase gone bad.
January 11th, 2010 at 1:03
@Grognard: That may be true but we weren’t in a recession then Grog, and the 50 per cent tax wage deduction for the high earners in this country isn’t helping our cause either, because players want their same amount of wages negotiated AFTER tax! So club having to fork out phenominally!
January 11th, 2010 at 1:26
What I am gonna say now, I say with a very heavy heart.
Manchester United Football Club has this season made me lose interest in watching football. Yes, I am honest. During these last couple of weeks I`ve been in some kind of unnoticed depression because of Uniteds failiure to play well and do things the way are supposed to be. Watching United play has lately become something I dread, instead of love. Sir Alex Ferguson has time and time against made a fool out of himself. With the players at his choice, his tactics, his statements and just most of the fucking horrible shit he has done. He may be in a horrible situation, but being honest wouldn`t kill him here. Our players are shit. I`ll admit it. Carrick, Scholes, Anderson, Gibson and Giggs are no where near the quality that Fabregas or Essien are, not even Song! Fletcher is the only good midfielder we have. Park is the worst footballer I have seen, watching him play makes me want to kill myself!
Obertan is shit, Giggsy is old and, even though he is brilliant, Nani is in the doghouse and can often be shit. Valencia is good though, maybe not with his skill but he is a great player. Berbatov is shit, Owen is nothing if he doesn`t get service and Rooney is more inconsistent than a woman with her period. Diouf could turn out to be a star, a goldmine, but only time will tell. Our defence is good, but then there is the O’shea`s and Gary Nevilles of this world… Not to mention PIG(who has been good this season tbh) and Foster, who I thoroughly think are some of the worst keepers I`ve seen. Shot stopper, alright, but a goalie is much more than that! Summary, our team is shit.
When I wrote to you last night I had my mind set on converting to Arsenal. I love all of you guys and I want to be honest with you. I was honestly with a sane mind thinking of joining Arsenal. I even found out they were founded in 1886! I`ve got few friends who are United fans, but a whole bunch who are Arsenal fans. They`ve had an effect on me, no doubt. I`ve always liked Arsenal for the way they play the game, their style. Their players are easy to respect too! I have great thoughts of Arshavin, Fabregas, Song and Walcott. So, I was today planning to become an Arsenal fan. I was even starting to put some of my United stuff in my attic, in a big black bag. I have been in a depression because of United, and I thought “To hell with it, I`ve given this club my sould and what do I get for it?!”. I was gonna quit United…
Then, I had some friends over. Two of them are Arsenal fans, they both want me to move from United to them. They call me Mr. Illuminati, as they consider United to be illuminati and me to be their biggest fan. I was getting sick of it, telling them all kinds of things. But they were doing their best to convince me, I was even falling for it. After a lengthy discussion during the Milan-Juventus game the Arse fans left along with my Liverpool mate. The only one remaining was an Initer Milan fan. He told me I was being silly. I couldn`t quit United, it is impossible for me. They are in my heart. I explained to him thoroughly why I was deciding to switch clubs. He said he understood what I was saying, but then he said to me: “How many United games have you been too? How long have you followed this club? What does you heart really say, United or Arsenal?” Then we had a long discussion where he brought up several vital points.
“You are the only true Manchester United fan I know of. To be honest, you are the biggest football supporting lad I know! United mean so much to you, it has meant so much to you, through all these years. It has given you such pleasures. You were there when you won the title! You have it on tape, we can all see your smiling face when Gary Neville lifts the Premier League title. Have you all forgotten that? You ARE Manchester United. Don`t care what other people say about you, if you leave United I have lost my belief in modern football. Mate… You are THE Manchster United supporter!”
I started crying. I literally cried! What the fuck was I thinking of. What other club, person, THING could give me such delights as Manchester United have given me?! I experienced winning many games, titles, cups. I was at Old Trafford when we lifted the Premier League title. I ran chores around my house when we won the Champions League. I threw myself into the wall of delight, screaming when Giggsy put the ball in the net at Wigan. I had the greatest possible orgasm and delight when we beat Roma 7-1! Our comeback at Spurs in 2001, against Villa and Spurs in 2009. I saw David Beckham score from the half way line, to getting booted by Fergie in the face. I saw his transition from a young lad to the biggest celebrital footballer in the world. I saw Cristiano Ronaldo frustrate our brains off, then dazzle-delight us like nobody else ever could. I saw Rooney score the best volley in football history. I saw Solskjær put the ball in the Germans net. I saw Cantona become United God. I saw Roy Keane make Patrick Vieira shit himself. I saw a goalkeeper do a summersault. I even saw Anderson panna Fabregas!!!
I`ve experienced so much as a United fan. I`ve been through so much that I just can`t leave this club. It`s in my veins, my sould, my body, my heart! United in my heart, my God how that feels good to say now!
For all the shit I am gonna go through, for all the shit we go through, for all the shit United are gonna go through… I`m gonna be there!
I`m gonna stand there, proud and red. Glowing United red. I love this club. I can`t do anything about it. Neither do I want to do anything about it! This club is in me, this club is with me and this club is me.
UNITED TILL I DIE!!!
January 11th, 2010 at 2:41
@Grognard: We’re in Plan B right now!!
When the club realizes it’s not working, we’ll move onto Plan C – and really that’s the one we should all be interested in.
Although it may well involve new players and perhaps a new manager (if/when SAF retires) it is critical, in my mind, that we put ourselves in damage control mode right now. Limit the slide as best possible, keep United up there as an attractive choice for players, fans and managers alike – basically put a stop to the downward direction of club successes and finances.
It may well not be the very best investment for the future, but it will, al least, assure that there is a future to be had!
January 11th, 2010 at 2:44
@Footy4Eddy: Good choice, Eddy.
Seems like all this negativity really tested your loyalty!
January 11th, 2010 at 3:05
Enough Park bashing. He is a squad player and we got him very cheaply. He played a part in our success over the last few years. Yes he had a bad game againsts Barcelona but so did everyone including Rooney. He has hardly played this season so it is unfair to blame him for our terrible form and dull football. If you want scapegoats blame overpriced stars like Carrick, Anderson and Berbatov.
Grognard, we were unlucky with Hargreaves. But he was injured when we bought him and I have no idea how he passed his medical. We should have waited till his injury cleared up or pushed down the transfer fee to reflect the injury risk.
On that matter, Ive heard we are interested in Behrami. Again a bit injury prone. But he has Hargreaves’ versatility and has a reasonable pedigree and would be available at a reasonabale price Id hope. Apparentely Rangers have a promising defender we are also checking out. Just transfer gossip but I hope we bring someone in this January to freshen up the squad.
There is no value in the market especially for us as clubs have routinely over the years ripped us off. But that is life. Price inflation is obscene but that is reflected in selling prices as well. I never imagined us getting more than £50 million for Ronaldo. But we got £80 million. I find it hard to believe there is no-one available within our means who cannot improve our squad. After all our midfield is one of the worst in Fergie’s reign at the club.
Our tactics are negative and that has reduced our watchability. But that is reflected in the players we have. If you look at our best players….EVDS, Vidic, Rio, Evra, Evans, Fletcher….they are defensive in nature. Rooney is the only quality attacking player we have. Therefore we play defensive football hoping to sneak a 1-0 win. Fergie is doing the best he can with the players he has and should be commended for how good a job he is doing.
An attacking 4-4-2 would be suicide because if we concede we do not have the players capable of scoring two or three goals with consistency, especially against good teams.s
The reason it has not been working lately is because our defence has been affected by injuries and excessive rotation so lost its invulnerability, and defensive teams are not good at chasing games.
Once we get our defence back in working order we will start getting results again and place respectably. Its not pretty but at least we will not go the way of Liverpool.
Attractive football will only return to United when we give our midfield and attack a makeover. As Fergie is unwilling to spend any money that is not going to happen until Fergie retires and our financial position changes and/or we are incredibly lucky and some of the teenagers we have turn into world beaters.
January 11th, 2010 at 3:27
@Footy4Eddy: WOW! Mate you literally almost brought an old miserable bastard like myself to tears. That wasa beautiful heartfelt letter of love and passion that you mistakenly posted onto this blog when in fact it was a letter you should have sent to the office of Sir Alex Ferguson at;
Sir Matt Busby Way
Old Trafford
Manchester M16 0RA
That miserable old bastard is who should read that post and see just what his bullshit and Judas like retooling of this team has done to the heart and spirit of many of our die hard supporters. He should be forced to read about your pain and above all, the unthinkable thoughts of changing your religion from that of a Mancunian to an Arsewipe. Thank God you snapped out of it and saw the light.
No matter how bad things get with United mate, you and I and most everyone else on this blog are United through and through and although everyone’s blood runs red, ours has a little black, white and yellow blended with it. Part of life is handling the highs and the lows of life and above all, not quitting when the times get tough. It’s a physical impossibility to expect our team to win every year we are alive. Life is a stage of cycles and winning and losing in sports is often cyclical. United have had a very long and very successful run and you have been alive long enough to experience it. You have witnessed the many times we have won the Prem, numerous FA Cups and a couple of fantastic Champions League triumphs. Therefore, it’s not like you have been starved like a West Ham or and Everton fan. And thank God for us all that we have not had to endure the shame of being Liverpool fans. But to consider converting to the Arse mate? Man you must have hit rock bottom emotionally. That’s just as bad as breaking up with your wife or fiancee and hooking up with a tranny. It’s just so wrong on so many levels.
Trust me, I sympathize but me thinks you were being a bit dramatic there. No matter how bad things get, you never turn on your own kind. It’s not just about loving the team and loving the way they play. It’s about being part of a family. We are United and to leave United you need to die first, otherwise it’s just not allowed. Once United, always United. That doesn’t mean you cannot be mad as Hell at the team or a player or the manger and that you cannot be fed up with the whole thing and need a break from it. But in the end, you never turn on the team, no matter what. You bad mouth them, criticize them and throw insults at them but you remain loyal. Why? Because that’s what it means to be United born and bred.
I have followed this club for 35 years mate. That’s more than twice your lifetime. Through that time I have seen them relegated, become a doormat thanks to the tactical stylings of Tommy Docherty, Dave Sexton and then the totally useless Ron Atkinson. Almost twenty years of rubbish with only a few FA Cups thrown in to keep us hopeful. Imagine how many who were fans before me and who were spoilt by the great era of Sir Matt felt having to submit to that many years of sheer torture. Well all we have really suffered mate is half a season of rubbish in the last 20 under Sir Alex. You have every right to be upset with what the team is and isn’t doing right now and what the great man has reduced himself into doing of late. But still, as mad as we are, we must not lose perspective on the big picture and we must not succumb to the negative jealousy of scum form the ranks of Liverpool and Arsenal supporters who have won sweet fuck all and yet have the audacity and unmitigated gall to insult United and tell you such things as our club is the Illuminati when all they remind me of is a faction of the Hitler Youth who follow Arsenal. Fuck em, to Hell with them. They are just envious and they have built up years of envy and aggression praying for the day our club showed just an ounce of weakness so that they could come back at you with that recruitment bullshit. Why weren’t they trying to convert to United when their club was mediocre in the 80’s and early 90’s? Because despite the shame and embarrassment they have to carry on a daily basis, they are Arse to the bone and they too couldn’t convert to another team if they tried.
Be mad and frustrated mate, you earned that and certainly you have a right to be. But being mad and frustrated must not force you into the unconscionable. We must never completely turn away from our team. Ignore them for a time, find another hobby for a while if you must, but never stop bleeding United red. The good times may be gone for a while but they are not forgotten and with God’s help they will return. Because I truly believe God is also a United fan even if we call ourselves Red Devils.
United will once again rise to the top. We need to go through a transitionary period and some hard times. Fergie unfortunately has to go because he has openly forsaken us all in order to protect his employers who for me are truly red devils. But they too will eventually leave and I believe this team will eventually be bought by people with deep pockets and tons of ambition. So be patient and wait it out and good times will return. In the mean time, bitch and whine like me and just be patient and bite the bullet for a while.
Cheers to you my friend and always know that you have like minded friends on this board who understand and sympathize with your pain. Whatever happens though, never ever ever think of turning on United and going over to that band of bozo’s called the Arse again. You will hate yourself if you do. I admire Arshavin and Wenger but as far as I’m concerned, they can suck the farts out of my bed sheets for all I care. They are the sworn enemy and admiration aside, I hate their guts. And so should you. Be patient and hopefully we all will have a new era of United football to feel good about as soon as this era ends.
UNITED FOR LIFE!
January 11th, 2010 at 3:53
@CraigMc: Benzema better than Owen and Berbatov put together mate. He’s also fairly big and strong, which is a big depature from the assets of the afore mentioned!
January 11th, 2010 at 3:59
@Traverse: Link, please!
January 11th, 2010 at 6:56
@Redrich: i was watching the madrid match this morning. when benzema came on in the 2nd half the commentators commented that he wasnt happy at madrid. united should make a move for him. pay madrid what they want and get him to old trafford to rescue the season. after all madrid paid what we wanted for ronaldo. it doesnt matter that he’s cup tied in the european cup. we will beat ac milan but i cant see getting past the next stage. i watched the ac milan juve match. what a terrible match. a-league matches are a better standard.
January 11th, 2010 at 7:05
@Footy4Eddy: Never ever think again like that.United are United.If i will ever leave United,The day will be last of my Football love.United till die…
January 11th, 2010 at 8:47
I just finished watching the movie “Goal III”. What a stinking pile of dog shit. What the Hell was the point and why did the trilogy take such a drastic turn off a cliff? The star of the first two films and the main character was reduced to a bit role in this one and the movie hardly had anything to do with football. It’s almost like the director had spoken to Fergie and got ideas from him on how to ruin a perfectly good thing and bore the fans in the process.
January 11th, 2010 at 9:52
Post up.
January 11th, 2010 at 10:48
@Footy4Eddy: So I was right Eddi! You were getting depressed because 11 Man United football players weren’t kicking a round ball full of wind in the way you wanted them too. I suspect you have the total pride of a young man who doesn’t like the ‘ribbings’ of his mates! So what if your mates call United the illuminati – the illuminati are the ENLIGHTENED ones Eddi, and United have certainly been more enlightened than most where football is concerned. Okay we may not be playing like enlightened ones at the moment, but I for one would be shouting back at my mates – “Yeah Man United are the enlightened ones, and that is why I am a fan of them.” Sometimes the light gets hidden behind big bad clouds of darkness, but eventually the storms and clouds will go, and Man United will still be there in glory again
. Anyways, a lad of your age shouldn’t be taking life so bloody seriously, football should be something you enjoy in good or bad times, bantering with your mates, fighting your corner, asking them “ok you Arsenal, Scouse, Milan fans etc how many trophies you won exactly – yeah yeah yeah – miniscule in comparison to ours.” 18 and still counting! The scouse fans won old titles, but NEVER the PL 
. Anyway you should have a life and other interests outside of football. Nowt wrong with coming on a rant blog to mouth your negatives post games, and dissect the fuck out of things, but get some perspective Eddi mi man. More important things in life than football and Man United, and what does it say about your character if you desert a ship which hasn’t even sank yet? No Sir GROW SOME BOLLOCKS mate, and stand up to your mates. Football should be a place to take your mind off more important things, not make you suicidal because other fans want to kick us when we’re down. Take a fucking stand Eddi, after all we give them a kicking when we are on top 
.
January 11th, 2010 at 12:34
what can I say, its time to stick up for this mess Fergie and co have put us into.
UNITED for LIFE
January 11th, 2010 at 15:29
@Footy4Eddy: Very heartfelt post. I bit melo-dramatic
… but I respect and emphatise
with you. I know exactly how you feel.
Craig is right though. There are more important things in life than football. After all, it is just entertainment for the masses. In our case, I don’t know what the fuck it is, but it’s something like that.
It is for this reason that I do not post that often anymore. My own writing seemed to depress me because I’ve been posting the same shit over and over again, and instead of the people that could do something about it reading the posts, I get opposition from fans who ‘knows better’ and just don’t get the message. Well, it seems like the message is getting out now load and clear. Hopefully it will reach the old man’s ears. You know, sometimes when I see hom on the tele, I wish I had a pair of virtual pliers in my hand that can work through the tele so that I can pull him by his bloody nose hairs, just to give him a bloody wake-up call. I believe if enough people vent their frustration and disaproval, eventually things will change. Just hang in there mate.
Don’t be naive. Even if you try, you will NEVER be able to change to another team now. You’re already hooked for life. Like me and so many others, you just need to learn patience and endure these trying times.
@Jay wire, you’re so spot on mate.
January 11th, 2010 at 21:14
@Footy4Eddy: you might have put on a different shirt but the stench of the rag would have been too much and you would have pulled that black bag out of the attic in no time. We are playing shit at the moment but its a transition year. Cheer up mate winter is leaving soon and the girls will be shedding layers and the only troubles you are going to have will be blonds, brunettes, and RANGERS!
UNITED TILL I DIE