Oct 31
Manchester United vs Blackburn Rovers: Preview
After the effective, if not inspiring, performance of the second string in the Carling Cup earlier in the week, normal service resumes this weekend as United face Blackburn in the Premier League.
Rovers enjoyed a relatively safe passage into the quarter finals of that competition that none of the big guns tend to take very seriously the League Cup themselves on Tuesday night although Saturday should prove a much tougher hurdle for Sam Allardyce and his swine flu-hit charges to negotiate.
With Ferguson guaranteed to reshuffle the pack following the victory over Barnsley, expect atleast eight or nine changes from the team that started at Oakwell. Edwin van der Sar will certainly replace Ben Foster in goal and you would expect that John O’Shea and Patrice Evra will slot back in to the two full-back positions.
Having served his one-match suspension in the Carling Cup, Nemanja Vidic could return to the side although a calf problem renders him a doubt. The much maligned Rio Ferdinand is also struggling with a calf injury so don’t be surprised to see either Jonny Evans or Wes Brown featuring from the start.
In midfield Owen Hargreaves, Park Ji-Sung and Darren Fletcher remain on the sidelines while Ryan Giggs is reportedly struggling with a knee injury. That could see both Nani and Antonio Valencia starting on either flank with Anderson and Michael Carrick forming a central midfield partnership. Gabriel Obertan gave a good account of himself against Mark Robins’ Tykes on Tuesday although a place on the bench looks like the most he can hope for at this very early stage of his United career.
Up top, one would anticipate that Ferguson will opt for the familiar partnership of Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney although Michael Owen will also be in with a shout having took his goal superbly well the other night and generally looked sharp in the limited cameo role he played against Liverpool.
Speaking to the media, Ferguson explained that he is anticipating a difficult encounter with Blackburn, praising the role of Allardyce in picking up the pieces when Mark Hughes departed Ewood Park back in June 2008.
“I saw them recently against Burnley and they played really well in that game,” he said.
“They have always been difficult to beat at Blackburn and I think Sam has built a different team from Mark Hughes’ Blackburn.
“Quite a few decent players have left like David Bentley and Stephen Warnock and Sam has had to pick up the thread of what was left and replacing players of that quality was not easy.”
Blackburn are likely to be without Christopher Samba and Jason Roberts who are both suffering from the effects of swine flu and Ferguson moved to insist that United have so far been unaffected by the pandemic.
“It’s an interesting thing. Flu does happen. Whatever you call it, you had Asian flu a couple of years ago with players missing games,” he added.
“Fortunately so far we have been okay.”
Sir Alex may have called for caution ahead of Saturday’s meeting at Old Trafford although anything but a resounding three points would surely fan the flames of the critics even further.
While Sunderland recently caused something of a stir when they deservedly left the Theatre of Dreams with a point, Rovers have only won once in the Premier League at the home of the champions, back in September 2005.
You would hope that the lads will be ready to prove a point following events at Anfield last weekend and with Blackburn’s dismal recent away record in England’s top flight (nine away defeats on the trot), United should be looking to dominate this one from the off.
Prediction: 2-0 United
Related items from Red Rants:
- Blackburn v Manchester United – Preview
- Blackburn v Man Utd: Preview
- Sir Alex Ferguson’s Successor
- Manchester United’s tough, tough April fixtures list
- Man Utd v Blackburn: Preview
Tags: Game Preview
October 31st, 2009 at 14:00
I’m expecting a blinding performance from Rooney. He was guff last week and he owes us one.
October 31st, 2009 at 14:02
Hopefully Rooney will be on his game (he has been off for a while now) because we will need the team to be at their best… teams like Blackburn are difficult tests for us and we need to win here after the disappointment of last week.
Elsewhere: Comon you Spurs!
October 31st, 2009 at 14:45
United face Spurs in the quarter final of the Carling Cup. The game is played at Old Trafford.
October 31st, 2009 at 16:25
My God!!! is it only us who are not able to beat liverpool!!! or at least score!
October 31st, 2009 at 16:26
Watching arsenal makes me upset… They look brilliant this season. They will always score because they have so much youth with youth comes speed. Everyone in their team has legs. We have so many donkeys. I just wanted to ask..has berbatov ever made a run beyond the line defenders?? I cant recall one occasion. The guy just stands there infront of defenders. And the midfield is always blamed for not creating. Though with owen we create so many more chances. The more I watch players with pace like eduardo I think what a fuck up berba was for united. His fancy flicks will never be good enough.
Its just our luck that Saha is now FULLY FIT almost always and playing well,scoring goals.
I hope Rooney Owen play today. Owen has scored more goals than berbatov and deserves a decent run. Its not fair to rotate everyone except the strikers. Obertan needs to be the bench . Im too excited bout him.
Hope Nani and Valencia start on the wings!
October 31st, 2009 at 17:18
Two words: Viking Football!
I want pillaging, slaughter, and merciless destruction of Blackburn.
I want at LEAST 3 goals+clean sheet. I want emotions, heart, and blood!
Today we win. No excuses. No other options.
Viking Football!
October 31st, 2009 at 17:49
“Liverpool In Crisis!!!”
October 31st, 2009 at 17:51
Oh Look. They finally decided carragher’s foul on owen deserved a red card!
October 31st, 2009 at 18:00
Man after watching the Arsenal’s and Chelsie’s games I need some good news and the scousers provided it. On our front as someone already said anything but 3 points is inexcusable. Our team is not as good as we all thought, but the are way better then most of the teams in EPL, so there can be no excuses for anyone.
October 31st, 2009 at 18:08
if you guys need a link to stream this game, try this one, it’s good:
http://tv.indonewyork.com
October 31st, 2009 at 18:09
Team:
Van der Sar, O’Shea, Brown, Jonathan Evans, Evra, Valencia, Carrick, Anderson, Nani, Berbatov, Rooney. Subs: Kuszczak, Owen, Scholes, Fabio Da Silva, Fletcher, Obertan, De Laet.
October 31st, 2009 at 18:11
@Red Ranter: Without Gerrard they are just Liverpuddle.
October 31st, 2009 at 18:11
Man Utd: Van der Sar, O’Shea, Brown, Jonathan Evans, Evra, Valencia, Carrick, Anderson, Nani, Berbatov, Rooney. Subs: Kuszczak, Owen, Scholes, Fabio Da Silva, Fletcher, Obertan, De Laet.
Blackburn: Robinson, Chimbonda, Samba, Nelsen, Givet, Nzonzi, Emerton, Dunn, Andrews, Diouf, Di Santo. Subs: Brown, McCarthy, Grella, Pedersen, Kalinic, Hoilett, Salgado.
Thats a good side hope for obertan
October 31st, 2009 at 18:18
Fuck sake makes our loss against that lot even more painful. But i still enjoyed that
October 31st, 2009 at 18:27
@Taehr: How? It just shows how useless they are.
October 31st, 2009 at 18:29
COME ON UNITED!!
October 31st, 2009 at 18:32
@Taehr: I live with Liverpool and Fulham supporters unfortunately, so perhaps you can imagine how bad it has been for me over the last week. Mind you, it wasn’t as bad as the stick I got from those lads last season when we got hammered consecutively by those two teams!
October 31st, 2009 at 18:41
Blackburn lost 5-0 at Chelsea and 6-2 at Arsenal….this suggests ‘cannon fodder’!!
October 31st, 2009 at 18:46
Van der sar is so shit. Look at that shitty clearance he just made. Had all the time in the world and gives it to blackburn!!!!
October 31st, 2009 at 19:11
Unlucky that. Just when we open em up, its a goddamn offside!
October 31st, 2009 at 19:16
How did Nani not get his head on that??
October 31st, 2009 at 19:20
@Dan: Because fulham beat them !
Ahhh this is frustating… Owen and Obertan please
October 31st, 2009 at 19:21
HT.
Played better toward the end
Always gonna be difficult to beat a team who puts everyone behind the ball and boot it as far as they can to the other end when they get the chance.
Just need to keep the pressure on.
October 31st, 2009 at 19:24
@edwin: i think he did…just poorly though..chimbonda should’ve been send off
October 31st, 2009 at 19:24
does anyone have any links to good streams? I tried http://tv.indonewyork.com but it keeps asking for password
October 31st, 2009 at 19:25
@Taehr: Thats no explaining why it makes our defeat more painful. I think you’re being a bit melo-dramatic.
October 31st, 2009 at 19:25
We are not only useless, we are unlucky too. Berbatov hasn’t got an ounce of luck in him. We are working hard but we just lack the class in the final third to break them down. Rooney has made some nice things happen but his first touch at the top of the box has deserted him three times in that first half. Berba is being more aggressive but just can’t catch a break. Valencia and Nani are aggressive and are working hard but they need to win more one on one battles and try to spread Blacburn out a bit as they are really packed in there by the box. Evra is just shite with the ball at his feet when he is in the attacking area and our central midfielders are once again playing to far deep to be of any help to our attack. Rooney is looking slow to me. I don’t care what anyone says, Wayne Rooney has lost a step and has not been the same since just before the CL final of last season. Here’s hoping we finally break through in the second half. An early goal and we might just score 2 or 3. A goal would really open the game up.
October 31st, 2009 at 19:26
If there is ANYWHERE in THE WORLD, who is playing more WOEFUL football than Man Utd, and our shite performing players, then please DO TELL
. I almost travelled to watch this shit, so glad I didn’t now. L’pool may have gone down, but at least they went down playing entertaining and fighting football, well more effort than our lot by far. This is the Blackburn team that Chelsea and L’Arse 2nd team thrashed. No wonder fans everywhere and other teams are all saying NOBODY is scared of Man United anymore, United fans might as well pay good money to visit the local toilet, because their performances are persistently of the thing you flush away down the sewers. I am sick to death of this team, what is SAF doing keep making excuses to us for it. Well he has too to save face doesn’t he? Please tell me I am wrong someone???????
October 31st, 2009 at 19:28
@edwin: When a team puts ten men behind the ball and sets up the Great Wall of China what is needed is an attacking midfielder who can make finesse passes, lobs, chips etc and also have a cannon shot from around 20 yards. We have nobody that fits that description and therefore it inhibits our ability to break down clubs like this.
October 31st, 2009 at 19:32
@Grognard: wait …i am coming on the pitch in few minutes….then why you worry???
October 31st, 2009 at 19:32
Fuck off kevin keegan you daft twat. You know shit all about football evidently, and should no your place.
October 31st, 2009 at 19:33
@CraigMc: It’s simple mate, we can bitch and whine about this team but the bottom line is what I said back in July and August. This club is just not good enough and does not have enough world class players at the real skill positions. We will never play the way you and I want them to play until Fergie realizes that his midfield is just not up for it. And as much as I like Berbatov, the man is just not performing for us and also has no luck simply because I think the pressure has gotten to him playing for us and he is pressing. When you press you miss chances by trying to hard and losing your composure because you are fighting the ball and your confidence. It also doesn’t help when Rooney is playing at 3/4 speed. I’m sorry but Wayne just hasn’t got the drive that he has had in the past. That extra gear and that desire just seems missing to me. So watch, both he and Berba will score in the second half.
Also, I must say that I like what I am seeing from Nani today. His end product has been poor but he has a spark in him and is showing some aggressiveness which is encouraging. We both know that at the end of the day he will be involved in the winning goal now won’t he?
October 31st, 2009 at 19:34
@Grognard: Diego!!
October 31st, 2009 at 19:34
@Grognard: What we need is to feed our players some horse stimulants, then at least we might increase pace slightly to quickened TROT. I am certainly not expecting a GALLOP from a team who love to put us all too sleep. As the radio are talking, this United team have been forgettable, and played forgettable football for months!
October 31st, 2009 at 19:36
COME ON UNITED!
October 31st, 2009 at 19:36
@owen: Well go out there and deliver us a goal or two and bail us out of this boring mess.
October 31st, 2009 at 19:37
@Nino: Too late for him as he just started his tenure with Juventus. They are not about to let him go so soon after buying him. But yes, he would have been a great signing.
October 31st, 2009 at 19:37
@Grognard: Or until SAF retires perhaps??? I hope somebody scores Grog, JUST ANYBODY!
October 31st, 2009 at 19:38
@CraigMc: With these guys all we will get out of that experiment is more horseshit.
October 31st, 2009 at 19:38
@CraigMc: I’d take an Anderson or even O’Shea goal right now.
October 31st, 2009 at 19:39
@Dan: I’m getting the Setanta feed here in Canada Dan. What did Keegan say that got you so upset?
October 31st, 2009 at 19:41
@Grognard: why we provide so much crosses when we have headless strikers???
October 31st, 2009 at 19:42
I’ve had enough of Nani! Come on Fergie…sell him off to Valencia in January and get the two Davids (Silva and Villa) in!!!
October 31st, 2009 at 19:45
Berbatov is great,really great.
October 31st, 2009 at 19:46
BERBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!
What A GOALLL!!
October 31st, 2009 at 19:46
Fergie spend the £80m next summer please and get us back to how we were before!!! Three world class players are all we need to compete for all trophies once again – the Valencia duo for £50m and Ribery for £40-45m will do me nicely!!!
October 31st, 2009 at 19:48
@Grognard: He basically said that valencia is shit and has done shit all since his move to united. Dumb twat.
October 31st, 2009 at 19:48
Carrick is very good today…Has also defended much better
October 31st, 2009 at 19:49
@Nino: Dont be a muppet.
October 31st, 2009 at 19:49
Great goal by Berba. About time. And what a totally useless effort by Anderson a minute later. How many midfielders I can think of that would have had a goal from that setup but Anderson just made an ass clown of himself as usual.
October 31st, 2009 at 19:50
Gabby Obertan to come on!!
October 31st, 2009 at 19:51
OBERTANNNN!!!!
October 31st, 2009 at 19:53
Nani for Obertan.
Come ON Gabby!
October 31st, 2009 at 19:54
@Dan: Anyone who thinks VDS is shit surely is the real muppet no?
October 31st, 2009 at 19:57
oooooooooohh… Obertan!!
Good start, fantastic ball from Anderson.
October 31st, 2009 at 19:57
@Nino: Anyone who think s i was being serious is just an idiot
October 31st, 2009 at 20:07
MO7 to come on!!
October 31st, 2009 at 20:09
Well played Berba!!
October 31st, 2009 at 20:12
oh no Obertan!!!!
October 31st, 2009 at 20:17
ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONEY!!!!!!!!!!!
October 31st, 2009 at 20:18
What a bloody cross from Anderson!!
October 31st, 2009 at 20:18
@Grognard: “So watch, both he and Berba will score in the second half.”
Well played, mate!
October 31st, 2009 at 20:25
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooohhhhhh…….
Owenn!
October 31st, 2009 at 20:25
Rooney is back to form…This is good news
October 31st, 2009 at 20:26
FT.
Pressure told
Great finishes from great balls from Anderson.
Three points well deserved,
Lets have it CSKA!
October 31st, 2009 at 20:26
@zhoro: What can I say, it was a vision.
October 31st, 2009 at 20:27
@edwin: 3 points well deserved
– yeah right 
October 31st, 2009 at 20:28
Rooney to me looks as thought he doesn’t want to be at United anymore – no fire or passion, even after he scored – think about it!
October 31st, 2009 at 20:29
Obertan did more than nani in 30 mins…looks good. unforgicable miss though
October 31st, 2009 at 20:35
@Taehr: Why what did Obertan do eh? All his passes into the box ended up nowhere, and he missed a completely unmissable opportunity even my gran could have scored. He aint proved nowt to me yet. Nani cannot be said not to have had opportunities this season though – so no complaints. Valencia was shite today too, but I don’t see snybody giving him a hard time – hypocrites!!!!!!!!
October 31st, 2009 at 20:35
Blackburn are a disgrace by the way. this was a pitiful performance that showed no ambition or intent other than not to lose by 5 or 6 goals. “big” Sam is a coward and a small time manager, nothing more, and his team reflects that. it almost feels like Sam and his golf buddy Fergie mutually agreed to take it easy on one another. Fergie: “i’ll call off the dogs.” big Sam: “and i’ll instruct my lads not to cross the half way line.”
great entertainment ensues and Sam can tell us how 2nil was a fair result and Old Trafford is a tough place to play for anybody, particularly a small club like Blackburn that has an entire first team squad suffering from swine flu and bubonic plague like effects, and Fergie can praise Blackburn’s effort and fight, “what else would you expect from a Big Same side, right, now, piss off and if you ask any questions about my transfer policy i’ll have you flayed alive.”
October 31st, 2009 at 20:37
The last few minutes we were on fir…Great play by valencia. CSKA should be a game where fletcher should get ready for chelsea. I want a win!
October 31st, 2009 at 20:38
Except the first 30 minutes ,we played some good football..First time strikers were getting some balls from central midfielders…Carrick was really good today and Andy OK.Valencia and Nani were much involved…For first time this season,Rooney showed some great first touches
October 31st, 2009 at 20:41
@Grognard Both pretty, pretty nice goals too!
October 31st, 2009 at 20:41
Poor Blackburn really got hosed at the end because that goal should have counted. Anyway, United dominated the second half and if not for some useless finishing, would have had 4 or 5. Obertan shows great promise but at times felt like a fish out of water. He seemed overwhelmed by the arena and atmosphere. Great skill but like all the other United wingers, no frakken end product. But still, I will be fair with the young man because he did show some great promise and he will get more and more comfortable.
Great goals by Berba and Rooney and that was a great low cross by Anderson to Rooney for the second goal, so lets not here that I never praise Andy. For me the player of the match was Valencia because it was the very first game since he has arrived where he showed his speed with some tremendous drive and pace and he ran at opponents. The end product wasn’t always there but he managed to stretch Blackburn more than once and his willingness to go at them at full speed is what has been missing from his game all season.
Our back four kept a clean sheet even though Blackburn got robbed of a goal on their one real chance due to a bad offside call. Had they scored it would have made the last two minutes interesting because I think our defense it a shambles when teams actually attack it. They had most of the night off due to Big Sam’s cowardice and overly defensive tactics. Still, even with our patchwork back four, they seemed comfortable and composed back there because they knew that a real goalkeeper was back there guiding and helping them. Carrick was invisible as usual, and one has to ask the question about what exactly is wrong with this lad as he seems completely unwilling to make his presence felt in a game. He plays like the the fifth defender and is offering nothing on attack. Anderson actually had a very good game despite his really crappy shooting. His distribution and decision making was very good and of course he assisted well on Rooney’s goal.
I didn’t think Nani played badly but you could see when he was subbed off he was not a happy camper. Then Obertan came on and instantly did some impressive things and won the crowd despite his unbelievable miss. You just know that he got Fergie’s attention also and this just means even less time for Nani I believe. Poor Nani, this guy always gets the shaft it seems and yet, he is not doing enough to get the Boss and the fans to notice him and give him more playing time.
A good win but far from inspiring. This was a typical win that you just have to be patient until you break down the team that shows up intent on not playing football. They won comfortably at the end and got the three points but poor first half and the glaring misses in the second half are evidence that this club is just not firing on all cylinders………yet.
October 31st, 2009 at 20:42
@CraigMc: Valencia was good today. If Berba and Obertan had scored their siiters that he created he would have had two assists.
Obertan showed pace to run beyond the defence. And his positioning was much better than nanis. Hes already showing more potential than nani. I see him and valencia scaring defenders in the next few years. He missed a sitter but that was unlucky. Still made space for himself. He will b good. Hope he starts against CSKA
October 31st, 2009 at 20:42
@zhoro: Yes they were and confidence builders too I hope because both players needed something to wake the confidence in them.
October 31st, 2009 at 20:43
@CraigMc:
October 31st, 2009 at 20:44
@Taehr: Obertan was given 2 good chances to become an instant favorite… his shots were weak, but I liked his pace and dribbling. I will credit his misses to his nerves.
Good game for us. But Bburn sucked big time. They did not even try to attack, they just sat back.
We played Viking Style – except for the finishing. Should’ve been 5-0.
‘Nother week, ‘nother win!
October 31st, 2009 at 20:45
@CraigMc: He didn’t do more than Nani but his burst of speed and his positioning will have been noticed by many. To me he looked overwhelmed and nervous which is understandable and I have to say, that miss he had, no way would Nani have missed either that one or the earlier one he had. Still, managers can be as fickle as fans and you can see that he does bring something to the club and this just means even less time for Nani. It’s not a fair world mate. Poor Luis Nani, just can’t get any respect.
October 31st, 2009 at 20:46
@CraigMc: I think Nani was subbed for Tuesday’s game. I did not play poorly.
Nice to have you back CMc! How’s having a baby?
October 31st, 2009 at 20:46
At 3million, Obertan looks like a steal.
But I think he was suffering from nerves tonight though, as he fumbled his first few contributions/ Simple passes he could not complete and that miss.
Strange as he seemed to have good fundamentals when he played with the reserves.
October 31st, 2009 at 20:48
@CraigMc: It was not vintage United by no means mate, but they did deserve the three points as they were the only team on the pitch. It’s bloody hard to breakdown a team that doesn’t come to OT to actually play a game of football but just defend for a 0-0 draw.
October 31st, 2009 at 20:49
@CraigMc: I’m glad you are noticing that too. I thought it was just me. The fire he usually shows is gone.
October 31st, 2009 at 20:52
@Taehr: OK, I need to know exactly what did Obertan do that was better than Nani? Did any of his passes reach their mark in the box? Did he put away his two chances to score? What exactly did he do that was so much better than Nani’s effort today? It’s sad when we get seduced by flash and no substance, smoke and mirrors. He showed some skill but he also showed stupidity and inexperience (which is to be expected). I like him but I wouldn’t say that he is better than Nani or that he played better than Nani. He also came on when we were up 1-0 and Blackburn had to attack. That gave him way more room than Nani had as most of his stuff was done on counters. Not a fair circumstance to compare the two really.
October 31st, 2009 at 20:54
@Grognard: Was that a hint of optimism in your post?
October 31st, 2009 at 20:54
@owen: Carrick was really good today?
Was he on the pitch? I don’t remember seeing him at all. Also, go back to the first half and take a look at three attacks that went bad because of Rooney’s terrible first touch on easy enough passes to him. You seem to remember the good things he did and forget the many poor touches and many low percentage passes that went nowhere.
October 31st, 2009 at 20:54
Obertan’s first shot on target (the weak one) was also a poor choice as Rooney was open to his right.
The next ten minutes, Rooney and Evra chose to ignore him even if he was well-placed. Reap what you sow.
I more or less agree with Grognard as to the Nani – Obertan cmparison, except for the fact that Nani had to play against a 10 men defence, whereas Obertan had the luxury of using his pace to burst on the counter against a somewhat more open Blackburn. But still he does have more pace and urgency than Nani, whose moves are nowadays becoming quite predictable… shift the ball on his right foot and bang it hard from distance.
October 31st, 2009 at 20:57
@Taehr: If Nani had missed that sitter, would you have called it unlucky?
October 31st, 2009 at 20:58
Rooney is a Chrysler 300 trying to pass himself off as a bentley
October 31st, 2009 at 20:58
@[OPTI]Madschester United: Giggs will be playing on Tuesday mate. Take that to the bank. Hopefully Fletcher will be back too.
October 31st, 2009 at 20:59
@Grognard: Were you Watching the match or hearing commentary on radio???
October 31st, 2009 at 21:00
@Taehr: Ah………………..yes it was. Begrudgingly so.
October 31st, 2009 at 21:00
@[OPTI]Madschester United: Having a daughter is so good mate, only the Dads on the blog can tell you what it feels like – bliss mate, but we got a peaceful baby, so who knows what it will be like when teething time and crying come around –
. Better 2nd half but I am still not impressed. We have too many strikers and MF’s that scorn opportunity after opportunity. Expect a hammering at Chelski next week – if United don’t put them to sleep with our snooze football zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz 
October 31st, 2009 at 21:02
@owen: You dare question my analysis of a game? That’s rich.
October 31st, 2009 at 21:04
@Johnsom33: Doing a great job at it as well…
October 31st, 2009 at 21:05
@CraigMc: You can count on us trying to play like Blackburn did today over at the Bridge. Chelsea has been scoring four goals every game of late and Fergie knows our defense is far from solid. He will go there hoping for a 0-0 draw I think. We might try early on to get a goal buy then we will backup and defend until Chelsea puts one or two behind us. Then we will attack and leave ourselves open for a counter. At the end we will end up losing 3-0 at the Bridge. You heard it here. Coming after a short rest due to the CL, I would expect us look tired and defensive.
October 31st, 2009 at 21:06
@Grognard: NAni was absolute shit today…he once again gave away the ball at will. One thing Obertan didnt do was slow the game down like nani does. have you seen him dribble he literally stops and I think he honestly doesnt know what he wants to do with the ball. As well as keep the ball moving he made better runs past the defender. Yes we were up 1-0 and I am definetly overrating him but I just see more attributes in him than you and he has something very important…a brain
October 31st, 2009 at 21:06
@Grognard: Got angry????sorry then…but Carrick was good as was Rooney with some nice first touches
October 31st, 2009 at 21:08
@Grognard: Haha definetly NOT! But obertan is my new favourite player so…
October 31st, 2009 at 21:19
You expect more from nani though. Hes much, much more established then obertan, for any comparisons to be made, shows he has dropped of since his first season.
October 31st, 2009 at 21:25
@Dan: Spot on…I just cant imagine when nani will start to perform. Some will say he looks better but I dont see anything promising with him
October 31st, 2009 at 21:25
VDS – 7.5 Kept focused despite having little to do.
O’shea – 7 One great last ditch tackle to spare Brown blushes, but did little else.
Brown – 7.5 Calm and composed, good ditribution from the back and defended quite well. Is the old Rio in disguise?
Evans – 7.5 Mopped up and covered better than Brown.
Evra – 8 Had license to roam and imho caused more trouble to the opposition defenders than either Nani or Obertan.
Valencia – 7 Created opportunities. What’s great with Valencia is that you always know he’s going to deliver a minimum standard of good football. Just wished he shone a bit more brightly though.
Carrick – 6.5 A bit anonymous imho. Did nothing worthy of praise, and against a poor Blackburn side he should have done more.
Anderson – 8 Made a good enforcer and his passes actually came off. Assist for Rooney.
Nani – 7 Frustrating as he always seems to look to set himself up first, then looks for the pass.
Berbatov – 7.75 Peach of a goal. But missed a heading sitter in the first half.
Rooney – 7.5 Good goal. Good passing too thorughout the game, but strangely did not get enough on the nd of things, especially in the first half.
Obertan – 7 Should have scored. And dodgy feet which can be attributed to nerves more than anything. But his movement and pace were really good. Also looks like he’s faster with the ball than without it – just like a certain Mr. Henry.
Owen – 7.5 Good movement, and let Obertan have a certain goal for his debut. his own miss was by a whisker and he was trying to place it, so no big deal.
SAF – 8 Did the simple things and that’s just what I want from him.
October 31st, 2009 at 21:27
I think Nani’s time is up, and about time too…it’s even more frustrating when you know he has the potential but his brain can’t handle the flow of information apparently… Obertan looked seriously good though, though his miss was shocking! I liked his ability to fire in low crosses too, rather than big looping ones that don’t serve any purpose!
October 31st, 2009 at 21:30
oh yeah and I don’t think Rooney’s lost any of his fire..he was just like “finally, a goal..thank goodness!!” More of relief than anything else. In fact, if his goal was our first today instead of Berba’s, I’d bet you’d have seen him running towards the corner flag. Some of you guys read too much into stuff and if you can’t think of anything else – you pick on Rooney’s passion out of all things!!
October 31st, 2009 at 21:58
@owen: He was rubbish and so was Rooney for most of the game.
October 31st, 2009 at 21:59
@Taehr: Yeah well whatever. You believe what you want to.
October 31st, 2009 at 22:01
@Taehr: Lets start Obertan next game we have a lead and bring Nani on in the 62nd minute and see who looks better. I’ll bet you it will be Nani.
October 31st, 2009 at 22:03
@Grognard: Well next game is Chelsea. No one’s going to look good at this rate.
October 31st, 2009 at 22:08
Okey, just to get it out of the way. Anderson has now 3 assists in two games, and the last one here was the best of the lot. For all of you saying he has poor decisionmaking and is a headless chicken, he is the ONE AND ONLY player on the pitch who realises that our strikers are short muppets who cant head the ball. So what works better for a strong finisher and a striker with marvellous ball control against tall and clumsy defender? Low, hard crosses who dip a little. Great assists, and all in all a great game by the Brasillian.
Hope he and Fletcher is our pairing next weekend against Chelsea, if I see Carrick or Scholes on that teamsheet I will put a gun to my head. 
Berbatov did well today, although I still feel he could work a little harder and try to be braver when the ball comes in from the cross. His goal reminded me a lot of that Ronaldinho scored a whole back, Im sure you have seen it, and it was a brilliant finish. For me, that finish summed up Berba. Im still not quite convinced by him, but goals like that and the one against Sunderland will certanly not work against him! He made a goal out of nothing, which for me describes the absolutely great players. I have seen way too little of that from Berba, and what I think our team in total lacks right now. Ronaldo did it before, Cantona before that and Best all that way back. Thats what made the so special. A goal out of nothing, and a vital goal as well. You would never see Smith or Voronin or Bendter for that matter do something like that. Ive not seen it from Berba to often, but its not two in three home games so maybe, just maybe…?
Rooney should get his old boots back. The black and orange ones were good for him, these silver, black and red are fucking everything up for him. Ever since the Wolfsburg game, he cant pass, his shooting is bad and he just doesnt run too fast. Its annoying to watch, because we know what lives in him. Still, he scored a good goal and hopefully that will help his confidence. We will need a good Rooney next week.
A good performance by the team, think Wes and Valencia did really well, Wes showing the power and brave style which Vidic has been missing for a long while. I love Wes, and hope he can stay injury free so we see more from him and that kind of play. Its just that reklessness we need! Nani was dissapointing, but it must be annoying for him. He is such a great cross but has nobody to aim at. Rooney is too short and Berba is too much of a pussy, so is it his fault he keeps fucking with the ball? Wonder how good he would actually be if we had a strong aerial threat in the middle?
Good performance from the team all in all, and could easily have scored 6 or 7. Obertan, Rooney, Owen and Valencia all missed big chances. We have still not hit top gear, but Im still confident it will arrive sooner or later. 
October 31st, 2009 at 22:11
@Grognard: Thanks for the Ando praise, but may I just add that for you thinking he is a stupid fuck, he is the only, the fucking ONLY!!! player on the pitch who realises that high crosses are useless for Rooney and Berba. Low, dipping, hard crosses=goals. And when they are so presice, its only nice.
October 31st, 2009 at 22:14
@Grognard: Chelsea should be worse off than us. They travel to spain, no? While we stay home for CSKA? We both play on Tuesday.
Yes, Chelsea are of form now, but form does not last long. We can still beat them – albeit, we cannot afford to miss the chances we had today.
October 31st, 2009 at 22:16
@Grognard: Youre on. Nani is even worse than ur favourite anderson. Obertan will take his place that im sure of…you believe what you want to
October 31st, 2009 at 22:21
@Footy4Eddy: He is looking better with passing but to call his pass to owen an assist is extreme…Owen did everthing…
October 31st, 2009 at 22:23
@Taehr: Had he not passed the ball to Owen in that instance, or to Owen at all, but instead just controlled the ball and try to hoof it over the pitch to Obertan, and not pass the ball to Owen on first touch, Little Mickey would not have scored at all.
Of cource Im overreacting and blowing things like this out of proportions, but I take what I get from Andy! 
Brilliant goal by Mickey, it was all his own work, but he wouldnt have done it had Ando not passed to him.
October 31st, 2009 at 22:37
@Footy4Eddy: Fair enough,in that case did you see obertans ball to ando that led to his cross and the goal??
October 31st, 2009 at 22:49
Would be good to see Owen on with Berbatov more. It’s usually Berbatov who comes off but his playmaking can work well with Owen and provide some cohesion up front. Today, however, he may have got a bit of a knock and that could be why he was taken off.
October 31st, 2009 at 23:23
@Taehr: Yes, it was brilliant! The second best pass of the game.
November 1st, 2009 at 0:13
My verdict on Obertan:
His head is too big. If his career doesn’t pan out to our lofty expectations, blame it on his head. That head isn’t good for anyone’s balance. It’s a wonder he’s able to walk with the ball at his feet, let alone run at defenders.
He’s also certainly not the next Ronaldo — he’s too ugly.
November 1st, 2009 at 0:30
@Red Ranter: three words, silvestres love child.
November 1st, 2009 at 0:35
@Dan: Slivestre, Henry and an Easter Island combined.
November 1st, 2009 at 1:02
@Red Ranter: He plays on the left and he’ll leave you for dead, that boy Obertan’s got a massive head
November 1st, 2009 at 1:33
@[OPTI]Madschester United: Lets see how optimistic about things we are next week around this time. Somehow, I just don’t think it will be a happy day. In fact, I am predicting that we are going to get royally whacked. As always, I hope I’m wrong, but as Han Solo always liked to say, “I’ve got a bad feeling about this”.
November 1st, 2009 at 1:36
@Red Ranter: He’s also one ugly MOFO. Kind of looks like a tortoise with his head stretched upwards.
November 1st, 2009 at 1:39
@Red Ranter: There you go Easter Island, exactly. He looks like a tortoise whose mother had an affair with Thierry Henry’s dad. But sorry, there isn’t enough alien in him to qualify for any resemblance to Silvestre. He actually kind of looks like one of those sad victims in newsreels who survived concentration camps in WW2. Like he hasn’t eaten in a year and is suffering from malnutrition.
November 1st, 2009 at 4:16
I’m so sick of these doubting fans continually commenting on this website. Some people have no clue what they’re talking about. Berbatov is miles better than he’s given credit for, he’s shown that on Saturday. When he plays well he’s an asset that so many teams around Europe would love to have, so stop giving him stick.
People claiming our United team is not good enough please end your useless and unwelcome criticism, we’ll only know at the end of the season the worth of our sqaud. The players we have are establishing themselves and BECOMING world class players so stop whining about their quality, it will be slightly sporadic until our younger players become more experienced.
This is definitely a case of SAF knowing best as we go through this rebuilding stage. Manchester United has entered a new era with Sir Alex again molding his team around his evolving football idealogy. So whilst players like Anderson and Valencia (who are gaining confidence and performing better by the match) settle in, let’s trust in Sir Alex to do the job that we’d probably all miserably fail at.
November 1st, 2009 at 5:31
@Red Ranter: Obertan = Henry + Silvestre…
November 1st, 2009 at 5:36
@Grognard: If you set your expectations low, it cannot really disappoint you
This was the team that beat Chelsea 3-0 at OT last season:
Man Utd: Van der Sar, Neville, Vidic, Evans, Evra (O’Shea 66), Ronaldo, Fletcher, Giggs (Carrick 79), Park, Berbatov, Rooney.
Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Anderson, Scholes, Welbeck, Tevez.
ONLY Ronaldo was the difference from our team this season and he was not on the scoresheet. Tevez was not even used.
Chelsea’s team is identical, I believe.. except for Essien and Scolari
Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa (Belletti 64), Carvalho, Terry, Ashley Cole, Mikel, Joe Cole (Di Santo 85), Lampard, Ballack, Deco (Anelka 46), Drogba.
Subs Not Used: Cudicini, Ivanovic, Ferreira, Kalou.
3-0…. we can at least give them a run for their money this time around.
I see no reason for spreading fears of massacres and slaughter. We can play equal with these beasts.
November 1st, 2009 at 6:06
@[OPTI]Madschester United: Spreading fears?
What a load of bullshit. I am stating MY OPINION. Nobody has to agree with it but above all, my opinion is not a tool for spreading fear. It’s just my honest feelings on what I think will happen. I feel greatly insulted that you would take my right to express my feeling on this blog and turn it into a forum of fear mongering. I may not be your cup of tea and you may not be mine, but insulting one another and accusing each other of things that are not true, is totally out of line. If my opinion on next weeks game is negative , that’s my right and by sharing it, I am sharing what i think will happen without any preconceived knowledge or ESP or magical power to know what will transpire next Saturday. I base my opinions on logic and form and what happens happens. I guess you would put those who warned against Hitler to the sword for promoting and spreading fear? 
Also, we beat A Scolari run Chelsea team at OT, not at the Bridge. We never beat them at the Bridge. Correct me if I am wrong but isn’t the game at Stamford Bridge. If not then my prediction would be different.
November 1st, 2009 at 6:22
@Ober-fan: I’m so sick of these doubting fans continually commenting on this website.
I assume you are rational and logical – and any logical person sick of reading such things wouldn’t read this site. I advise you to do the same. Secondly, criticism/praise of players of any kind is allowed on this site as long as nothing is personal at fellow commenters. If you don’t like that, this site is not for you. I’m sure there are other blogs for your liking.
November 1st, 2009 at 6:44
@Red Ranter: RR, can you do me a favor? I am very tired of being called “insulting”,”bullshit”,pro-Hitler, etc every time I refer to Grognard’s comments. Can you state, clearly, the rules of commenting on here, because I am not sure I understand what we are allowed to do and what is considered “insulting”/demeaning/libel/etc. Look at post 128 here for reference.
@Grognard: Grognard. You REALLY should relax more on this site. No one is here to steal your free speech or thrust Big Brother upon you. Seriously, no one! Can you stop acting like a victim all the time? Can you stop equating posts on here with Nazi Germany and World War II events? It is getting old. Actually, it IS old.
Of course, you are stating your opinion. It would be amazing if you stated anyone else’s opinion
However, when you post any OPINION on here, it is equivalent to you standing up in a room and speaking out loud — your post becomes public — your opinion becomes public. This (as far as I understand) allows me to comment on your post/opinion. My comment will reflect my opinion. While I am not trying to convince YOU of becoming one of my many blind followers, I am making sure that other people hear “the other side” of the story. I see it as important (and I may be wrong) that this site has many viewpoints (opinions) and that these viewpoints are actively and healthily discussed to promote understanding — note here that I am not attacking you. That is why your comments about Nazi Germany and free speech rub are not relevant here. No one is enforcing their opinions down your throat, they are just making sure that your voice is not the only one out here. Please stop acting like a victim, it is really quite pathetic (note: You are not pathetic but acting like a defenseless victim of Hitler (me?) on this site is pathetic).
You stated:
“At the end we will end up losing 3-0 at the Bridge. You heard it here. Coming after a short rest due to the CL, I would expect us look tired and defensive.”
— You are (proudly?) claiming that we will be tired and defensive and lose 3-0. I am merely pointing out that this view point is VERY negative in my opinion and I want to make sure that the rest of redrants.com to know that AT LEAST one person disagrees with you on this topic. And, yes, I do find this as fear-mongering. You fear that we will lose 3-0 (heavy loss) vs. Chelsea and ALL SEASON you have been stating that we will be out of the top 4 (fearful situation in ANY United supporter). In other words, you are promoting a feeling of fear amongst United supporter (proudly, I ask again?). This is the definition of a fear-monger.
Finally, to answer your Q. Yes, we are at THE BRIDGE, but I do not see that as the main obstacle. I think, if we play well and make use of our chances, we have every right to win this game – at least be competitive. This is the opposite of what you believe, I think.
November 1st, 2009 at 8:14
@[OPTI]Madschester United: There is context, when it comes to using a word like “bullshit” — it’s a question of calling someone’s opinion bullshit according to the situation. And the comments policy is clearly stated and rather comprehensive.
As for Hitler-comparisons, I think you have a valid point and I’ll say this now. Grognard, I don’t want you to be reducing every time someone challenges something you say to Nazi-right-wing-anti–free-speech stuff. It’s insulting. For the millionth time, this is the internet. Anyone challenging you does not mean they are stopping you from expressing your opinion. So what if someone tells you that you can’t say a certain thing? Can they really stop you from airing your opinion. Laugh it off and move on. We’ve been through this a million times: only I can prevent you from airing anything on this blog. So the next time you throw a fit of rage at some one, stop. Think it through.
You have strong opinions and you express them honestly, but this bit of losing it at most people who give you a nudge at worst puts people off the blog — and wears them out. And that’s not something I want.
Now I am sure you will respond with a long explanation for what you did. I will tell you right now, I am not looking for an explanation. You don’t have to explain yourself. I think I’ve made myself clear on this: no WWII, Nazi, fascist, anti-free-speech, right-wing, Bush admin references to people you know absolutely nothing about. That’s all.
Cheers.
November 1st, 2009 at 8:37
@Red Ranter: Thank you for the comments policy link… not sure how I missed it all this time.
I think this one is most appropriate in this case:
Do not launch a personal attack on a fellow commenter, just because you don’t agree with him. Attacking his comments is acceptable
if it is backed up with well reasoned comments of your own. So keep that in mind.
November 1st, 2009 at 8:46
@[OPTI]Madschester United: Jeez mate, I assumed you actually looked through the policy prior to asking me — and provided the link as an afterthought. You see this line in bold right above the comment box:
“Leave a Reply
Problem with comments? Please view our Comments Policy.”
November 1st, 2009 at 9:53
@Red Ranter: Could not see the forest for trees
November 1st, 2009 at 11:11
@Ober-fan: You know, practically all of your points, i strongly agree with. Good first post. You should stick around and post more, you’ll get use to negativity, dont worry.
In a non-gay way, i like you.
November 1st, 2009 at 11:23
Apparantley Rio is out for two months, which means he will be out until 2010…
Dunno if this is good news or bad news to be honest, I like Rio but I feel young Johnny has a big future and at this stage is actually better than Rio. Certanly at the moment he is… Oh well, lets see.
November 1st, 2009 at 11:39
Players who need to be SOLD or RETIRED: Nani, Anderson, Carrick, Scholes
November 1st, 2009 at 12:19
@godzilla: Anderson is beginning to rediscover his form of his debut season, where he shat on gerrard and fabregas.
Carrick was good yesterday to, but i didnt expect much people on here to recognise this. Ill give you the other the two.
November 1st, 2009 at 12:29
I thought Carrick was good yesterday.. He was doing the holding role of the two, and that very much is not his thing, and he must have made 6 or 7 really good sliding tackles that set us up for counter attacks. If only we’d have had some of that against the scouse.
Also, Hargreaves for the bench on Tuesday?
November 1st, 2009 at 12:40
@Traverse: Doubt it. He hasnt played in the reserves yet. Saf could i guess, considering we should be resting players for CSKA london, but i wouldnt count on it.
November 1st, 2009 at 14:12
@Dan: I don’t think Neville played for the reserves before he came back from his year long injury either. Fergie gave him 10 mins at the end of a home Champs League match. Then we didn’t see him again for a few weeks while he built up time playing for the reserves IIRC. It’s a good confidence building exercise that’s for sure.
November 1st, 2009 at 14:51
@Traverse: Yea he did.
November 1st, 2009 at 16:48
@[OPTI]Madschester United: So what you are saying is that by unless I comment in a positive manner, everything I say is fear mongering? If I honestly feel the team will lose that is fear mongering? WTF!
Listen to yourself man. That is the most ridiculous oppressive bullshit I have ever heard. I am no longer allowed to come here and make my feelings known about a team because I have to worry about spreading and promoting fear mongering? Is this a a bad dream I am just waking up from?
And if you and others haven’t got the capacity to understand a historical analogy like the one I used about Hitler, then tough. I do not apologize for it whatsoever because I made a very strict point by using that analogy to show what true fear mongering was, not what I was writing about a fucking football team. You and everyone else needs to chill out, not me. I am just offering my views on the Man Utd and the game in general and to insult me in this manner by throwing political correct crap at me without really reading what I said and understanding why I said is total horse manure. I feel incredibly hurt and insulted because you are allowing the ridiculous statements and accusations of someone who is dead wrong poison you against me.
I should “RELAX”. I was very relaxed. No it is you who should relax and stop allowing the politically correct to form and define your blog. From day one I have given my opinions on here whether they be positive or negative. Either way they were and are just my opinions on the game of football. The fact that I am articulate and well educated and the fact that I can conjure up an analogy form some period in history to better make my case is now being used against me? Did I say something positive about Nazi’s or Hitler? Did I come on here and start real fear mongering and threatening and start spouting right wing propaganda? No, so why then are you trying to make me feel dirty or like I did something wrong when I damned well didn’t. If most of your readership and yourself do not understand the true term of what fear mongering is, then I was willing to spell it out for you using proper context. To be accused of fear mongering because I think our fucking team is going to lose a fucking football game is going to far indeed. You, not I has crossed the line here. And I don’t care if this is your blog. You have gone and insulted me with this accusation far worse than anything anybody else has ever said to me before. And then you tell me to chill out when all I get is abuse from people who don’t like it when I offer my opinions. Instead I write a long piece the other day which was humorous and tongue and cheek and before the individual even took time time to read it he judged it and commented in a rude fashion without really knowing what the piece was about. This is the kind of unfair bullshit I have to go up against. I am guilty before I am found innocent just because I write controversial material that is looked at as negative by those who try to impose their thinking on others. And like I made the point last week, how many times do I have bring up the many many times that I have been proven right?
And you punish me.
Whether you like it or not mate, I am the heart and soul of this blog. That’s not arrogance or conceit speaking, that is an honest and sincere assessment. Your blog would go on without me and you would always have a strong blog, but I give it energy and life and I make it truly multi dimensional. Think about it, respect what I offer and think twice before taking the side of a an asshole who cannot read, comprehend or even have the courtesy to fully read one of my posts before rudely commenting. As for your accusations and hurtful comments about my including Hitler and Nazi’s in my writing, it’s all about context and nothing I say or write is promoting them or servicing them in a positive way. In fact it is the opposite. The question is do you want members on here who are intelligent, who can form sentences and articulate while using real world analogies to make a point or do you just want your standard dumb ass footy fan fan who is about as interesting to read as JS Park is to watch? You make the call. I make no apologies for anything i said or for who I am. Above all, I am not and refuse to tolerate anyone calling me a fear monger just because I don’t think my football team is going to win a game. That is ridiculous, childish and extremely out of line.
You think we will play well at the Bridge. Based on what recent history? When was the last time we won at the Bridge? We have played them how many times there with Ronaldo and what were better United teams and have lost or been lucky enough to get a draw. We have gone there when they were in turmoil under AV Grant and then Scolari and not beaten them yet you seem to think that my view is fear mongering because i use logic, history and present form to form my hypothesis and prediction. And why is my prediction all of a sudden forbidden? I have no problem with anyone disagreeing with me but to call me a fear monger was crossing the line with me big time.
November 1st, 2009 at 17:06
@Red Ranter: You know it’s funny, people can accuse me of something as insensitive and as wrong as a fear monger but they get away with it because you agree with them. I think the attack on me and my views today has been woefully unfair and misplaced. Further more, I think you taking a side against me on this was way out of line because I did absolutely nothing wrong whatsoever. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WRONG. To agree and say I was a fear monger is something that is very hard to bare coming from you. To throw this crap about me bringing history up to validate and strengthen my point is also nothing more than PC bullshit and I for one do not appreciate it. You paint a very negative and unfair picture of me because you refuse to understand the context of what I was saying.
I’m putting people off the blog? That’s rich mate very rich. I defend myself when people are rude towards me. I do not get bent out of shape if they just disagree with me. But when they write down something like zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
zzzzzzzzzzz 
after I have taken considerable amount of time to write something that was humorous and not my usual “fear mongering”, I’m supposed to just take it eh? I’m not putting people off this blog mate. I may be turning a few of the control freaks off it but those who have intelligence and are fair and respectful of others are always here. To accuse me of that is also very underhanded and incredibly unappreciative of all my efforts and all the things I have done for this blog.
Right now I know how Fergie must feel when I come down on him after 23 years of loyal service in which his contributions raised the calibre of his team. I have contributed a lot of time and effort on this blog and I would think that after three years the moderator of this blog would respect that contribution and would clearly see that even with my glass half full perspective of things, I was nothing but a positive for this blog and had a lot to do with it’s popularity, not the accusation that I am bringing it down and keeping people off it. I mean, how bloody hurtful can you get with me before you realize that you have just wronged me big time? You are telling me to stop my bashing of anti free speech banter yet you are doing what right now to me? Calling me a fear monger and suppressing my right to be myself and to communicate my knowledge and my opinions in my way. Why because a couple of individuals have wrongly accused me of something way out of the context it was intended? Here’s your favorite smiley. Interpret it the way you best see fit
November 1st, 2009 at 17:42
aahhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaa. typical English character. You start giving stick or praising the lad after just 25 minutes of senior appearance for united! C’mon dudes. From what i saw in the game, he’s a prospect so lets reserve our words for the future and per the miss, everyone whose played soccer knows the pressure that’s on one’s back when you are about to score on your debut. It becomes worse if you are playing for a team like United.
After not passing the ball to Rooney and opting to beat the defender a take a weak short, Roo decided not to pass the ball to him any more, even when the boy was in great positions to score or lay a minus for another player to score yet no one wants to blame that on Roo.Fair enough, if the selfish game is to go on, who will need the other most, we all know the answer though most of us wont agree. Technically gifted player need no big assistance from anyone to put their mark, Berba’s goal will confirm that.
November 1st, 2009 at 17:48
But when they write down something like zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
zzzzzzzzzzz 
after I have taken considerable amount of time to write something that was humorous and not my usual “fear mongering”, I’m supposed to just take it eh?
I defended you on that occasion, if you recall.
And I am telling you to stop giving a lecture to people on anti-free speech and calling them fascists/Nazi/WW2 and instead come to me and tell me your problem rather than confront.
Instead you misunderstand me for the millionth time and get all melodramatic. I am getting back to basics regarding the comments policy because recently things have gotten a little out of hand. Here it is quoted from the comments policy and this is what I expect:
if you feel you’ve been attacked by another commenter, do not try to confront him. Most likely he will keep on with his side of things and you will be involved in a seemingly endless and pointless slanging match that you can’t seem to get out of. Your best option is to ignore. If you still feel strongly about it, contact us and we will resolve it.
It’s clearly stated, that I am supposed to defend anyone here if they’ve been wronged. And if you have a problem you come to me via email. Instead of giving a lecture on free speech to people a lot of whom are not as stupid as you make them out to be.
November 1st, 2009 at 17:57
@Shami: HA nice
November 1st, 2009 at 18:01
And secondly, it’s not your comments that put people off, it’s losing your head when someone tells you to think differently. Your answer to confrontation has been to lose your head and talk about free speech in a long winded way. When gently and tersely informing him would work better. Here’s a reality pill for you: you are not the first nor last person to be told not to think in a certain way.
Ok I’m done with this, feel free to lecture me on my inadequacies as you please.
November 1st, 2009 at 18:09
@Taehr: to be fair nani was kicked off the park and their fullback was lucky not to have been sent off in the first half for throwing a knee to nani’s back then shoving him to the pitch while already on a yellow. but i do see nani having trouble with english full press defenders. maby spain would be better for him… hate to say it he is class
November 1st, 2009 at 18:13
@Dan: Mate, I don’t want to escalate things here. This is between Grognard and Madschester. Let me deal with this. Please, stay out of this. It’s a request mate. Hope you don’t take this otherwise.
November 1st, 2009 at 18:15
@NicoQB: obertans first run with the ball he dribbled out of bounds
but he did it rather quickly and had left one defender behind. 
November 1st, 2009 at 18:17
@Red Ranter: I defend myself mate, because frankly, I cannot count on you to defend me due to your busy schedule and also because like today, you agree with their wrongful accusations and defamatory BS. I’m going to let you defend me over somebody who wrongfully calls me a fear monger, when you agree with them? Please, do not take me for a fool. I have shown much more of a thicker skin of late and even my defense of the fear monger accusation was to bring an analogy and defend myself intelligently and properly without throwing personal insults. And still I get slapped on the wrist. Unacceptable, and I don’t care if tit’s your prerogative as blog master. You need to be fair to me and treat me properly as I did nothing wrong here. When i do misbehave, feel free to let me have it like when I insult Dan out of sheer frustration. Otherwise, I am by right allowed to defend myself without getting personal or insulting am I not? Instead I bring up a an analogy from pre WW2 and then i am accused of crimes that are not politically correct? So now the blog is being reduced to the uneducated, inarticulate and those who limit their replies to tow sentences because they have nothing concrete to say? Do not chastise me for offering an educated example which was intended to show the absurdity of the fear monger accusation being thrown at me. Where in all of this did I get personal or insult anyone. Now I am being censored for no reason. Unbelievable.
If I honestly felt that you had my back 100% I would shut up. But clearly you don’t.
November 1st, 2009 at 18:21
@Red Ranter: Is it any big surprise he would put his two cents in and which side he would take. How bloody immature can one get. SERIOUSLY?
November 1st, 2009 at 18:21
@owen: yea i cant agree that carrick was good at all today imo he lost his spot at united today
off in jan he wasnt involved at all i didnt see him intercept passes or close anyone down and his only passes were awry or 3footers to anderson who was more than “OK” he was back to the ando that received his own song from the fans in his first season with the team. he was immense bar his shot that went out for a throw 
he started our attacks and showed a willingness to take control of the ball and game, make decisions and passes that worked. All the while carrick watched the game for free.
im afraid carrick is going to be all but off the team when fletch and Hargo come back
November 1st, 2009 at 18:26
@Johnsom33: harsh mate
does he at least have the platinum grille and some 20″ spinners
November 1st, 2009 at 18:27
@Red Ranter: I am getting really sick and tired of being referred to as “long winded” and “melodramatic” I find it highly insulting and incredibly disrespectful of both my writing style, content, and intelligence. I like to write and i like to express myself fully as opposed to the intenret’s generation which has reduced itself to a sentence with a smiley and abbreviations like WTF and LOL. I am not lazy when I write and i take the time to and effort to write my feeling on things not to have you or others mock me and insult my efforts because you suffer from ADD. I come from another generation where my writing was and is not considered long winded but articulate, expressive and thorough. I mean really, how many insults must I endure here?
November 1st, 2009 at 18:29
@Grognard: Read my email first. Ignore all this.
November 1st, 2009 at 18:42
@Red Ranter: I’d say the sam to you.
November 1st, 2009 at 18:59
@Grognard: cska had a couple players that looked like that last week(sunken cheeks, thin frame) but being a gentile i feel restrains against making the comment but sense its already been mentioned …
November 1st, 2009 at 19:05
@Dan: “back off nasty dan, he’s my bitch”
November 1st, 2009 at 19:07
Alright, I propose Godwin’s law be implemented on this blog herewith.
November 1st, 2009 at 19:12
@godzilla: dude ando was massive in this game, put someone besides carrick with him in mid and hell be even better
carrick didnt have a stinker but he was non existent for large parts of the match. i just think his place on this team will be taken by a fit hargo or fletch who offer more bite.
November 1st, 2009 at 19:58
@Red Ranter: I didn’t comment on anyone personally, ‘doubting fans’ is clearly an impersonal statement to make.
Of course criticism is welcome, but a lot of the criticism on here is hardly constructive and makes it seem to me like there’s a vast number of United fans out there who revel in thinking their team is going down the pan.
I hope I’m wrong and maybe these fans are just naive or impatient. If that is the case I’ll point out the fact that football is built on patience. If a player doesn’t succeed in making the correct pass or getting a shot off resulting in a failed attack, does he sit down and give up? They carry on, encouraged by the attacking promise they’ve already shown. So why be so short sighted as to criticise someone who shows promise but isn’t quite there yet.
The same people who will say Berba or Anderson need to go are the same people who will have nothing but praise for them another day. Saying players need to go is ridiculous and unrealistic. I cannot think of a single United player who ‘needs to go’.
So please if you have any criticism, unless we do have a full squad of no-hopers, let it be justified and let it be constructive.
November 1st, 2009 at 20:01
@Grognard: You are exactly what you claim you are not… you are hypocritical. You don’t like being called a “fear-mongere” but have not problem being the “dark lord” (I think that was your title last year, no?).
All I am saying is that you should not take such great offense from comments/replies to your opinions because NO ONE is after you one here and NO ONE wants to force you to see it one way or another. Yet, over and over and over you decide to take comments personally as if anyone on here knows who you are (or actually cares to hurt your feelings).
And regarding your wisdom and writing style… you use smilies more than most people. Lastly, on this blog you are no Hemingway (nor do you have to be).
Let’s just get along — no need for hugs and kisses — just get along.
November 1st, 2009 at 20:02
@Grognard: I took no ones side
Thats petty and immature and not what you deserved. I agreed with something redranter said. I didnt know that was crime.
@Red Ranter: Fine, i wont tell him anymore home truths.
November 1st, 2009 at 20:06
@Ober-fan: “I cannot think of a single United player who ‘needs to go’”
I can think of two. Possibly three. They dont really need to go, but they need to stay on the bench and not start.
November 1st, 2009 at 20:06
@Dan: I thought both Carrick and Ando looked good yesterday. Ando especially – his distribution was solid and mostly accurate (albeit a little conservative). He looks to have much more confidence, and is enjoying his playing tome.
Lets not forget, though, that Blackburn was busy parking the bus and didn’t really try to contend the middle.
November 1st, 2009 at 20:11
@gator: Carrick was really playing in a DMF position. It’s likely you didn’t notice him because of the nature of this position!
November 1st, 2009 at 20:15
Spanish Waiter: “I don’t agree when people say that you have to win trophies [to be successful]” .
That makes LIverpool the MOST successful club over the past 20 years
November 1st, 2009 at 20:27
@Ober-fan: You are the smartest person I have ever met!
I like you mate, keep the good vibes coming! 
November 1st, 2009 at 20:28
@[OPTI]Madschester United:
He really said that???
November 1st, 2009 at 20:35
@Footy4Eddy: I know! I think i have an e-mancrush on him!
November 1st, 2009 at 20:37
@Dan: Make that two of us!
November 1st, 2009 at 20:37
@[OPTI]Madschester United: Only Rafa could have said that!
November 1st, 2009 at 20:42
Sometimes I read ppl’s comments and I realise that some will never really consider if they are talking sense or any form of reality. Some just say things like so and so is crap and together with so and so they should be sold and we should acquire this one and that one. I don’t want to be accused of forcing my opinions down ppl’s throats etc but please by all means can we all actually put some thought and consideration into what we about to say. For instance, you can ask yourself “under the current conditions and all things considered am I actually talking sense here”. If you think Michael Carrick should be sold, explain why. Unless it is a personal issue. If Anderson is a headless chicken, the least you can do is to assist us in understanding your viewpoint by qualifying it. If Paul Scholes is a waste of space explain it to us. Ben Foster is a the most useless goalkeeper ever to walk the face of this planet. Qualify that opinion and explain why issues like being given a run in the team should not be considered. Or the issue that many football coaches will tell you, that goalkeepers need to be allowed patience given the relative lack of constant activity in their part of the pitch esp if behind a world class defence. Early last season and in much of the preceding one, Ryan Giggs was referred to as too old and a real hindrance in our squad. Now everyone is hoping he’ll be fit for the Chelsea game. Unbelievable. Paul Scholes together with Michael Carrick as recently as 2007 were declared the two best central midfielders in England and suddenly one is as useful as Jonathan Greening and the other should promptly retire from any form of football activity without further delay. Take a look at things like tactics and team selections which have not been consistent at all since that time. Look at the management and the coaching staff and see if the players can actually continue to perform optimally given the current conditions. Look at the players’ actual age and see if it would be logical to expect him to play the same standard and consistency as former and current player of the year award recipients. Oh he missed a sitter. That’s unacceptable. We are doomed if this is the calibre of our players. Let’s quickly acquire David Silva. Have you considered that maybe just like Evra on his debut, nerves may have gotten the best of him? Esp coming from a long lay off. And at 20 years of age. Wellbeck is a dud and has no hope. Being recognised as a striker and a very young one at that, has he been actually played as that by the manager? And at his age can we expect the same consistency as Samuel Eto’o? I apologise for the long post but I feel it’s necessary. Let’s be a bit multi dimensional and make sense of our opinions.
November 1st, 2009 at 20:57
@RedRanter- Can you please assist me as to how I can reply to a comment via mobile devices without having to type the name of the poster. And while I’m enquiring, just wanted to understand something from you. Maybe two more things actually. Firstly, am I actually free to insult someone who hasn’t insulted me? I’m not meddling or being funny but certain instances these things have occured directed to me and how long will you take before you take “action” against persistent offenders? Like the grace period so to speak.
November 1st, 2009 at 21:04
@Ober-fan: Justified criticism and unjustified criticism is a matter of opinion. You cannot implement it as a moderator of the site. What you can implement is free thinking and sharing of opinions whether it be criticising players or praising them. The only thing practically implementable is to not allow personal insults or name calling.
Also, I can think of a couple of players for sure we could do without. And I’m not being naive about it too. But the same players I think would need to go would be the same others wouldn’t. So if you see it that way, someone or the other will find a certain form of criticism not constructive. It’s not an easy line to draw.
November 1st, 2009 at 21:14
Can we get back to discussing United? It seems every post now is done lecture about everything but the club. It’s a rant site, people are aloud to rant.
(as I’m writing this, I realize I am starting my own little lecture)
sorry haha
November 1st, 2009 at 21:15
@Jay wire: click on the “picture” of the commenter… and “Reply” will pop up in the lower right corner.
November 1st, 2009 at 21:16
@Jay wire: On the iPhone if you touch a posters avatar then the “reply” button appears
November 1st, 2009 at 21:19
@Redrich: it was taken from TF, but seems like something he would say being under pressure.
November 1st, 2009 at 21:52
@Redrich: Mate I’ve been an avid reader of this blog going to two years now, unfortunately though, I dont get to comment that often. However, I could not resist the urge to throw some just credit your way;I had been reading this thread all day, patiently waiting for your take on the match. ”I thought both Carrick and Ando looked good yesterday. Ando especially – his distribution was solid and mostly accurate (albeit a little conservative). He looks to have much more confidence, and is enjoying his playing tome.
Lets not forget, though, that Blackburn was busy parking the bus and didn’t really try to contend the middle”. Thanks alot mate as I honestly feel that was a very honest assessment of the game. Cheers
November 1st, 2009 at 22:21
Characters on Redrants:
Dan: Loves United to bits and everything British. Has a weird crush on Foster and would put it a good word for any kid in the reserves.
CraigMc: A true Manc by all standards. A true optimist who adores the legacy of Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson. Hates Liverpool and Manchester Shitty even more. Loves De laet and Wes Brown, but would absolutely maim anyone who even suggests Nani isn’t God. Has a brother who impersonates him after every game. Loves the ale.
Reddevileddy/footy4eddy: Most enthusiastic bloke on the blog. Gets high drinking from the fountain of youth. Loves to tell his love stories. Loves footy to bits. Has a crush on Anderson. Believes United will never die.
Redrich: Fortifies the saying that with age cometh wisdom. Tries to have a balanced view of all things United. Does not have a favourite United player. Believes Berba/Rooney will not work irrespective of how classy they are. Provides a very un-biased assessment of every game.
Redranter: handles the rather daunting task of moderating the blog and all its alter egos. Writes really great articles, really great. Has a funny sense of humour, as crazy as that sounds. Tries to give a balanced opinion of all things United. Doesn’t like Michael Carrick. No favourites in particular. Great blog, great moderator!
Grognard: Quite an encyclopaedia. Well versed in all things football;tactics,goalkeeping ,formations. Loves Riquelme, Ballack and Huntelaar. Hates Anderson, Foster, and until recently Scholes. Not really happy Evra is having a good run of games and can’t wait to skin the sausage. A self acclaimed doom Lord. Sometimes overly pessimistic. Still loves United and craves a return to champagne football!
November 1st, 2009 at 22:38
@WhiteY: Hilarious characters! All we need now is a cast and a script and off to Broadway we go
“The Phanton of the Theatre of Dreams” or “Rant” or “North-side Story”, “My Fair Ranter” are all candidates for the title.
November 1st, 2009 at 22:40
Depending on the focus of the play, “Les Miserables” might be appropriate
November 1st, 2009 at 22:41
@WhiteY: I think that’s a fair assessment of everyone. You’ve done your homework. Well played
November 1st, 2009 at 22:50
@WhiteY: I think mines pretty accurate apart for my british love. Where did you get that from?
November 1st, 2009 at 23:01
@WhiteY:
Forgot to add future footballing superstar!
Still laughing myself pissed!
November 1st, 2009 at 23:15
@Dan: You’re anti British, I just knew it!!
November 1st, 2009 at 23:17
@WhiteY: Cheers mate, nice of you to say.
November 1st, 2009 at 23:59
@Jay wire: I think your comments will mostly be ignored if you cannot be more specific.
If you have a disagreement with a particular viewpoint, you should respond to it in on an individual basis. The discussion back and forth is the way to form concensus, and a way for you to concisely form an opinion.
To lecture us all in such a rambling fashion, serves no purpose!!
November 2nd, 2009 at 0:20
@Dan: British football and her footballers?
November 2nd, 2009 at 1:04
@Footy4Eddy: There’s also alot of speculation that he’s not injured at all, and was in fact dropped for the Blackburn game!
November 2nd, 2009 at 1:21
@[OPTI]Madschester United: How are we going to get along when you keep opening your big fucking trap and insult me eh? Call me a hypocrite and then say we need to get along? I maybe a hypocrite but you are an asshole.
My battle with you was over but you just had to open your trap. 
November 2nd, 2009 at 1:24
@Redrich: I thought he was invisible mate. I mean really, based on the way Blackburn were playing, did we even need a DMF? He could have shown a little more adventure and attacked or attempted a long through ball or something. Instead he played the role of 5th defender against a team that played 4-6-0. I have to be honest, I was not impressed one bit with Carrick. I agree about Anderson though. One of his best games ever for the team.
November 2nd, 2009 at 1:34
@Ober-fan: Did you ever stop to think that maybe some of these fans are not naive but actually very intelligent and able to diagnose a problem for what it is? We all have different views mate but it’s not for you to call people’s views wrong if they are different or negative. I used to be a very happy and very jolly United fan because this team gave me reason to be. I cannot say that any longer and yet, when they play well, I am full of compliments and praise but nobody ever remembers them. Why? Because those days are few and far between and because the team is playing poorly far more frequently.
So am I supposed to shut up and keep my views to myself if they are not positive or full of sun and flowers? You may be intelligent but I also think it is you who is naive. This blog is for all viewpoints, not just the positive ones. When the club is playing well, let the positive people reign. When the club is not playing well, then I think it’s fair to let those disturbed by the poor football to voice their opinions. Suck it up and take it like a man and stop being such personal critic of those who don’t think like yourself. Show your intelligence by talking about football and not about the problem you see with members on this site. If everyone acted like that, nobody would hear a nasty or angry peep out of me. Keep it on football mate, not on members of the blog.
November 2nd, 2009 at 1:41
@WhiteY: Very well done mate. An accurate and well thought out look into the personalities who are most common on this blog. Quite entertaining. And you got me figured out pretty good. I need more stinky performances from the Skinned Sausage, that’s for sure.
November 2nd, 2009 at 1:43
@[OPTI]Madschester United: Yes you are right. Les Miserables is the one to go with. That suits me perfectly doesn’t it?
November 2nd, 2009 at 1:45
@Dan: You have got to be kidding Dan? If they aren’t English, they are second class citizens to you. At least that is how you have always come across.
November 2nd, 2009 at 1:47
@WhiteY: He likes “her footballers”. Ben Foster is a major pussy and he’s Dan’s fave.
November 2nd, 2009 at 1:53
@Red Ranter: Let’s compromise. Instead of constructive criticism, let’s at least have reasoning. Rather than:
“BERBATOV IZ A DOGSHIT LOL GET RID OV HIM AHAHA”
we could have:
“Berbatov is no where near as athletic as I’d expect a United player to be, I enjoy his fancy passing and his brilliant first touch but the industry and athleticism of a player like Kun Aguero could be so much more effective than fancy feet alone”
That would be brilliant !
I, of course really like Berbatov. Sir Alex should just sign me I’ll come on a free transfer from Stockport College.
November 2nd, 2009 at 1:53
@Grognard: I’ll give it another watch, mate. But I thought he was effective in the role that he was playing (and that of one conceding a predominately creative role to Ando).
You know my thinking, generally, about the CMF and yesterdays game in no way influenced it.
The difference in the scoreline for us and Chelsea, yesterday, was that they buried their ops and we squandered most of ours!!
November 2nd, 2009 at 1:55
@Ober-fan: To be honest, if you read my comment policy any comments that are written in full caps and are in text messaging language (sms) are typically deleted without question. Writing in caps is one of my pet peeves on the internet. I think you are new here which is why you may have not noticed.
November 2nd, 2009 at 1:56
ALSO has anyone seen this 8 year old (or something) wonderkid United have signed. They should give him a curly wig, stick him at right back and claim him for Rafael.
November 2nd, 2009 at 1:57
@Ober-fan: You also need to respond to individual comments so that we could…
FIND OWT WAT THE FUC YA TACKING BOUT!!
November 2nd, 2009 at 1:57
@Grognard: You are the only one who thinks there are battles here. Go ahead, fight all you want. I am sure you will win.
November 2nd, 2009 at 1:58
@Redrich: I think I agree with Grognard on this. I thought Carrick was invisible, and he hasn’t done much to change my view that he has regressed this season. I think if I were to give him credit, it would be that he at least held on to the ball when he had it and didn’t step on anyone’s legs — generally stayed out of trouble and gaffes.
Anderson had a very good game. The sad thing is he’s not able to replicate this on a consistent basis through the season.
November 2nd, 2009 at 2:01
@[OPTI]Madschester United: Mate, don’t escalate things further. You asked for unnecessary trouble here by calling someone a hypocrite; everyone is a hypocrite on some level so let’s not get into that. Someone has to stop this or this will continue in a cringe worthy fashion.
November 2nd, 2009 at 2:05
@Ober-fan: I find it a bit repulsive that United (and other clubs, for that matter) sign/acquire young kids less than 16. I know they have excellent facilities but for this kid, the probability that he makes into the squad 8-12 years from now is astronomically low – despite his current abilities. Training this kid is a waste of time for this club and kids should be playing in small local clubs to avoid pursuing impossible dreams of playing for United. Maybe, I am not aware of how the system is, but 8 year-olds are too young for anything but having fun.
November 2nd, 2009 at 2:07
@Red Ranter: “I thought Carrick was invisible, and he hasn’t done much to change my view that he has regressed this season.”
I think you’re right about Carrick but he’s sorting himself out recently and definitely being more than just a pair of legs on the pitch. He can still keep the ball well and we can rely on him not to lose it where lesser players might. But I don’t think he’ll be around much longer with Hargreaves almost ready to return. I prefer Fletcher to Carrick anyway, but what happens when Fletcher hits a lull ? Every player does it, we can’t just get rid of players for losing a bit of form. If we turned players over like that we’d be in Merseyside, possible nicking nintendos.
Dey do dough, don’t dey dough?
November 2nd, 2009 at 2:10
@Red Ranter: I think generally the quality of our opposition gave me pause to comment on the game.
While pleased that we won, and delighted at how both Berbatov and Rooney took their goals (Berbatov’s was amazingly RVN like!) we should have put pay to that heap of crap long, long before we did.
Carrick was not on my radar yesterday, and so I’ll give it another peek. What I did notice of him though, was that he was playing closer to his comfort zone than I’ve seen in a while!!
November 2nd, 2009 at 2:10
@Red Ranter: I did not call him a hypocrite — he tells me how upset he is by being called a “fear-monger” but “dark lord” is OK???? Then he insists that only logic is valid and I dare to suggest the he is being hypocritical
RR: I am done now.
(Note: Being hypocritical is not the same as being a hypocrite. A hypocrite indulges in hypocrisy, whereas a single statement can be hypocritical but the person making that statement may not be a hypocrite.)
November 2nd, 2009 at 2:18
@Redrich: Quality of finishing is one thing but it’s not so much that Chelsea are burying their opportunities. They just create way more chances and so more goals will come from that. We had five or six good chances to score in the Blackburn game where Chelsea had a at least ten good chances that I counted for them to score four. That’s what I miss the most, is the pace and the creation of more chances. And I too will watch the game again to see if I was wrong about Carrick.
November 2nd, 2009 at 2:19
@Ober-fan: would you be so against letting go of carrick if it meant a david or two from valincia(club not player).
November 2nd, 2009 at 2:20
@[OPTI]Madschester United: That is clearly the most ridiculous and idiotic thing I have ever heard. Utterly amazing.
November 2nd, 2009 at 2:20
@Red Ranter: “any comments that are written in full caps and are in text messaging language (sms) are typically deleted without question.”
Oh I realise that, it was just hyperbole of an uneducated and unjustified opinion
November 2nd, 2009 at 2:25
@Grognard: maby i should look at the lad again as well perhaps ando was just so eager to please and was on a roll that he just didnt leave room for carrick in the middle but carrick is a quality player and an asset to the team right now but needs to step up and have a good run while we have injuries to keep his place as even a squad player.
speaking of which where the fek has park gone?
November 2nd, 2009 at 2:30
@gator: Haha of course not! But Villa and Silva will be cup tied won’t they? Does the Europa Cup count in cup tying situations?
Nonetheless I think we do need one more world class striker, but not another winger. I think Villa is likely to come in January. I’ve heard he wants a move and he’s apparently fired his agent for not getting him a move to a big club.
The one question that remains, what will he make of the sodden, grey clouds covering the Manchester sky?
November 2nd, 2009 at 2:35
@Grognard: Agreed to a point, but it would have been 5-0 for us if Berbatov’s header, Obertans open goal and Owens aimed shot wide would have been buried.
All of those should have been goals, in any league in the world, but if you have players that cannot perform to a high level of concentration and proficiency, you must move on.
There’s little margin (or allowance) for error at the very top of your profession!
November 2nd, 2009 at 2:36
@gator: Park came back from Korea with a swollen knee and I don’t think they know what’s wrong with him yet he should be back in a couple of weeks at the most, but I really wouldn’t be amazingly surprised if it was something a bit worse than we know. It reminds me of a certain Canadian Englishman we’re all eagerly awaiting the return of…
November 2nd, 2009 at 3:01
@Grognard: I’ve not said a personal thing to anyone on this blog.
I understand being a football fan isn’t all sunshine and daisies, I’ve already explained that. And I’m not saying everything that’s said about United has to be positive, I think there just needs to be a reason behind every opinion that should be voiced whether it is positive or negative.
The difference between the two is that a negative comment on a website full of United supporters will ruffle people’s feathers unless there’s a reason given.
And to your comment about the way the team is playing at the minute. United, unfortunately, has left the era where they will run away in the league with no real challengers. It has to be accepted.
What amazes me is that United can go and play a premier league team like Blackburn (who, yes we should beat, all day long) and completely and utterly control the game, score two top class goals, create a score of other good chances, show promise in a new young star and yet people STILL find something to complain about!
I really couldn’t care less if any fans find THEIR team utterly controlling the game boring. I’d rather that then have games similar to the Derby week in week out, because you won’t always come on top in games that have to be chased. Moreover it nackers the team out having to chase the more exciting games and with a busy schedule that is not what we want as United fans.
So you can either dream (like most of us) that the domination of the reds will return again, or start currently appreciating the team you support.
November 2nd, 2009 at 3:38
@Ober-fan:
And that’s your problem, so far.
Before you introduce yourself, by attacking each and sundry, why don’t you offer some insight and thoughtful commentary about our team and not how you think things should be run around here?
I’m not sure you’re sober, mate, and if not, quit it now and come back when you have something of substance to say!!
November 2nd, 2009 at 3:50
Benitez is hanging on by his last thread. On why they are not performing:
“The problem that we have now with injuries you cannot play without Gerrard, without Torres, without Johnson, without Riera and without a lot of players in too many games”
Excuses, excuses, excuses…
Benitez to get the sack come May!
November 2nd, 2009 at 4:00
@Dan: You and I both know it was a dig directed at me because you are holding a grudge against me of over the whole Foster thing. Give it a rest mate, I have.
November 2nd, 2009 at 4:04
@gator: Park’s been injured thank God.
November 2nd, 2009 at 4:05
@Redrich: Agreed. They need to make their opportunities, especially when they are complete sitters.
November 2nd, 2009 at 4:15
@Ober-fan: I never accused you of attacking any person specifically mate. But you are questioning the rights of individuals to express their opinions whether or not they agree with yours. You bring up very valid points and I respect you for them but understand that many of us expect and demand much more from our team. Fact is and I personally admit to having been spoilt rotten for the last 20 years. I expect attacking fast paced champagne football. Hell no, I demand it. This is the biggest and richest club in the world and having to settle for the shite they have been serving for over a year now is not my cup of tea. It’s got so much more to do with than just the result. So what if we won 2-0. We played a club that didn’t even show up to have a go at us and we did nothing for the first 35 minutes. At the end we scored two goals and created only five quality chances against a useless bunch of muppets like Blackburn. Now honestly, if this was the 94 or 99 versions of United what do you think the score would have ben in this kind of a mismatch? I suggest 6-0 or 7-0 for sure. So just call me demanding, not unrealistic.
We have the resources to be a lot better but we are not using them. We had money from the Ronaldo sale to buy three or four quality players and we never spent it. Instead we spent the 20 million that had already been allocated to us before the sale. United has a lot to answer for, especially to fans who have been around for all of Fergie’s tenure. We have expectation that are high, not delusional. Right now we are not meeting any of them. So as much as i am a hard core fan, I am far from naive but I am also far from pleased. Consider me perpetually disgruntled until I see a concerted effort by management to improve this club by changing tactics and buying players. Until then, they must get used to me unleashing Hell on them every week, unless they play well.
November 2nd, 2009 at 4:19
@[OPTI]Madschester United: Yes they are excuses but they are valid ones. How well do you think we would do without Rooney, Rio, Vidic and Giggs? I bet you we would lose nearly every game. They don’t just have injuries, it’s their very best players and their engine room that is out. I don’t sympathize one bit but I wouldn’t exactly blame Rafa for the results under those circumstances as I wouldn’t blame Fergie if our main core players were all out.
November 2nd, 2009 at 5:03
@Grognard: I think there is a difference here. You are removing the heart of our defence and two of our better attacking players. Any team would suffer if you removed 4 key players (that said we did win without our central defensive pair & Giggs against Blackburn)But Benitez cannot be giving such excuses because he’s typically bought badly. Torres, Mascherano, Alonso were among his better buys, and he treated Alonso like crap.
I think if Benitez has champions aspirations he should have built a squad that could somehow find a way to win against the lesser sides and he’s failed to motivate his players for that. So his excuses will fall flatter than other managers.
Whatever we may say about Ferguson’s questionable tactics, he somehow finds a way to keep us up in the table however the situation we might be in. Rafa is on borrowed time, but I hope the owners keep him in his job for our own good.
November 2nd, 2009 at 5:15
@Grognard: Last year and this year in game against CSKA we had our injury crisis. Against CSKA we were without Rooney, Giggs, and Fletcher and Ferdinand played injured and got subbed. We did not peter out. Last year with every possible combinations of our back four (due to injury and suspensions), we set the EPL record in clean sheets. Sure, we have more depth than them, but we did not lose games like they are doing now – even without our stars, we grind out results. That is the main difference between us and them I feel.
I say it is an excuse because Liverpool have dropped the ball all this season – not just now, not just without Gerrard and Torres. They’ve lost many games to mediocre opposition (Aston Villa, Fiorentina, Fulham for example) over the entire of the current season even with Gerrard and Torres and X, Y, and Z in their lineup.
This season they have lost 8 out of 16 competitive games… I am just happy not to be a scouser
November 2nd, 2009 at 5:18
@Red Ranter: OK, second look and I still think that he was OK in this game.
Still missing is his super long probing passes, and his shots on goal, but his passing accuracy seemed good, and tackling was firm and foul-free.
If you pressed the point, I would prefer someone else, but to me he’s not the crux of our problems!!
November 2nd, 2009 at 5:53
@Red Ranter: The real key thing here is even if we lost those four, we have always had more than enough quality if not spectacular depth to cover us in times of peril. Rafa has a very thin squad but lets face it, without his core players, he is royally screwed. Honestly, if it was Wenger or Ancelotti I’d have an ounce of sympathy because those men although adversaries, are men to be respected and even admired. But the fat waiter just stinks as a human being and deserves nothing but locusts coming down on him and his water supply turn to blood (obviously a biblical reference) for his many sins, and disgusting comments he has thrown at our manager over the last couple of years. Still, I’d be shocked if they gave him the sack because he is loved by the fans and the fans absolutely hate the owners. His sacking would create a worse fire storm than the one that hit Chelsea when Mourinho left. Why, because as bad a s Londoners can be, Scousers are that much worse.
November 2nd, 2009 at 5:53
@[OPTI]Madschester United: What’s got lost in translation here, is that we all want the very best for our team.
Your intricacy of Grognards observations doesn’t put you any closer to the truth than anybody else, and certainly not just because you don’t loose your head!!
I find his observations eccentric, provocactive, and based largely in reality. He has an elevated view of our passion, and weather you understand or not, it will always come from the heart!!
In my early days here, I too had my differences with him and in the end, my interpretation of it all was that we just didn’t understand our common views. I now regard him as my best friend here!
You’ve been here a while now too and you should be over this!!
If we can’t give one another some lateral slack, especially after we’ve grown to know all (or some) of our strengths and weaknesses, it can only be viewed as mean spirited!!
November 2nd, 2009 at 5:55
@[OPTI]Madschester United: True and as I mentioned to RR, we do have considerably more and better quality depth to draw upon during time os injury. Rafa has only rabble to call upon if his main players get hurt.
November 2nd, 2009 at 5:57
@Redrich: If you are referring to Carrick it’s true, he never made any mistakes and played his position but he never did anything to impose himself in regards to the team’s attack. He seems very tentative and almost afraid to get involved for fear of screwing up. I hope he snaps out of it because when he is in form, he’s a player I enjoy watching.
November 2nd, 2009 at 6:07
@Redrich: Thanks for that Red. As always, you understand me fully. And for the record, you and RR are my best friends on this blog. But let it be known that I like almost everyone on here and even some of those that tick me off like my buddy Dan. Sure I can overreact and i can get hot under the collar but I am passionate about what I believe in and what I write and all i ask is that people respect it. They don’t have to agree with me, but like someone said earlier people need to disagree or agree and give a valid concrete reason. Just disagreeing or putting someone’s opinion down is not right and rather rude. We must make our case and express our honest but polite intentions. Otherwise this becomes just another one of many unruly blogs. No matter what many might think of me or my views, I do come prepared and my arguments are always backed up with evidence or valid points. So disagreeing with me is fine, but give a reason why and try not to make it personal. Honestly folks, I am not a bad guy, I’m just overly sensitive. Again Red, thanks as always for the support and the words of real wisdom.
November 2nd, 2009 at 6:09
@Grognard: Mate there are very few that impose themselves on the game these days, but OK he wasn’t Mr. Dynamo, but certainly not a player that I would point out for the reason why we struggled!!
November 2nd, 2009 at 6:14
@Grognard: I know it’s hard for you, but you have to bite your lip, mate!!
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:07
@Redrich: I know mate, I know. It’s hard but I will try. If only I can repress the stubborn and proud Greek in me.
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:14
http://www.imscouting.com/global_news_item.aspx?id=3499
we need a villa but i think we need silva more.
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:00
@Grognard: Utter bullshit and you know it. Yet more hypocrisy from you. We all know that no one can be as good as a german
@Grognard: A grudge? You really think i have the time to hold an e-grudge? Wow…
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:04
@WhiteY: What? When im protecting british football(like anyone would) when grognards always going on about changing it to an american system? Thats what anyone would do.
November 2nd, 2009 at 12:03
@Dan: But don’t you see we need a system with no relegation so only a chosen few of the 92 professional teams and 100’s of other teams can never be involved. We need a system where move your team to a different city and change its name because your BRAND could make you more money in a different MARKET.
Don’t you want to support THE LONDONCHESTER RED DEVILS.
GO SOCCER.
*caps indicates American accent…
November 2nd, 2009 at 12:07
@Traverse:
November 2nd, 2009 at 13:37
Rooney not at training. Looks like he’s becoming a dad!
November 2nd, 2009 at 15:55
I have noticed a pretty merry go round on this site, When we loose, even the so called optimists are out spewing venom and calling for berba’s head, the realists are more level headed and call the game as it was, thats when you here stuff like something or someone is needed in the midfield. Then we win and all is forgotten for a couple of days, and if anyone dareth talk bad or voice a concerning issue, you are castigated for “expecting united to fail”.
In my personal opinion the defense wasn’t really tested and when they were, they let one in, Yep, blackburn scored a fair goal and were denied by the linesman, and this reminds me of the bolton game, If blackburn would have scored it would have been a very tense final minutes.Yeah this united is struggling to put the ball in the back of the net, especially on a team that has fallen 5 to chelsea and 6 to arse. You all can try to sugar coat is as much as you want but the fact of the matter is, its boring and frustrating football and only berba makes me sit through united’s performances these days.
Anderson played well, very well indeed considering he wasn’t pressured for the ball, so that is one area worth noting, ando’s passing is very good when there’s little pressure, but all round ando is a decent player because he runs and hustles for the ball in midfield even when under pressure he rarely looses possesion, but the same can’t be said of carrick i dont think carrick can cope against top opposition the likes of chelsea, he needs too much time on the ball.
For those asking us not to point fingers at the obvious, let me say, scholes was a very good performer for united, but the key word here is WAS. He isn’t up to the gruelling task anymore, and it shows. He will have one good performance the stink up the joint for the next five game’s,Giggs still has it at 36, and that is saying alot, I mean the best attacking medfielder for united is a 35 yr old player, I think that itself shows that there a couple of players who need to be shipped out.
But not to worry, all we nay-sayers, I can see the storm coming, and in a weeks time we will all be gathered ranting about united and how their performance sucked, like I said I’m noticing a trend on this blog.
November 2nd, 2009 at 16:05
Good game, took too long to really get into gear but, when we did, we played some good football. Just didn’t put away our chances.
I certainly noticed Carrick yesterday, he stood out for playing the type of game he is often criticised for not playing, that is getting stuck into tackles and breaking things up. He laid off everything to Anderson to create and sat quit deep covering the middle of the park. Even when he got deeper in, Anderson came to get the ball off of him (and gave it away in a dangerous place), which to me tells me that Carrick was instructed to sit back – so that is very good discipline. He certainly wasn’t great with his passing though. Still it was encouraging for me to see him play with grit.
Rooney – fantastic goal but, for a while now I think he’s just lost something as well. Maybe it’s the impending birth coming up. He can’t seem to receive ball to feet and tends to misplace passes though Saturday was better.
Evra made some really dangerous give aways and hopefully those will be cut out for next weekend.
Nani – I think he was kicked to no end but, atleast he got up and played on. He was also the player that got us several free kicks in dangerous areas. Something easily ignored.
Freekicks – if I was another team, I’d foul us to no end. We have no threat it seems on freekicks, not even close. Giggs takes finesse ones, our power ones seem to be no where near good. Not sure why Nani didn’t get a pop at least 1. I think he was probably removed for the kicks he was getting down the left and that Giggs will not be available for CSKA.
Obertan – I think people are just desperate for something other than Nani on the left. He saw glory and could have laid it off to Valencia (some are saying Rooney but, Valencia was even better placed) and missed a sitter. He’s tall so that is good since we lack height for freekicks/corners. Hopefully he’ll continue to develop and get chances. He does look like we may have found a gem but, it is still early.
Lets get the 3 points against CSKA and then really be up for it against Chelski. We need to bring the energy for that one or we do risk being overpowered.
November 2nd, 2009 at 17:02
@Dan: I thought the “Dan supports Brits to death” thing was a fair assessment. Even I thought that to be true.
November 2nd, 2009 at 17:12
Anyone know anything about Luis Suarez of Ajax? I admit a guilty pleasure of mine is reading goal.com reports even though it is very speculative they link him to us.
November 2nd, 2009 at 17:18
Wayne Rooney is a dad, his chiled named Kai Wayne. Congrats Wayne, get the baby rock celebration going on Sunday!
November 2nd, 2009 at 17:36
I expect kai in the squad for chelsea.
November 2nd, 2009 at 17:46
@Dan: Better than Scholes.
November 2nd, 2009 at 17:47
Fergie has been in my doghouse for a while now but statements like these may finally get him back in my favor.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1224354/Ben-Foster-s-Manchester-United-prospects-hit-rumours-renewed-bid-Schalkes-Manuel-Neuer.html
I also find it funny how the three names he has shown the most interest in are the three names that I have pushed on here for well over a year. Yet, some on here have the audacity to say that I don’t know more than anyone else about keepers. Seems that Fergie is proving them wrong.
November 2nd, 2009 at 17:53
@ROOOOONEY: I agree but I do not think we will get Villa anyway. Chelsea apparently are offering 33 million for him. Villa prefers us but there is no way the Glazer’s will pay that kind of money for a player over 27 and with no resale value. So Fergie will have to settle for Silva and some other striker I think. Silva and a keeper should be this team’s top priorities. I am still of the belief that even though our top two strikers don’t seem to gel or score at a prolific rate, they will be fine if our midfield is improved and becomes more creative. It will be interesting though now that Villa has claimed he prefers United, what Fergie will do or say if the Glazer’s refuse him this purchase?
November 2nd, 2009 at 17:58
@Grognard: Let’s not get premature in our hopes. Ferguson has actually made no statements. According to the article the Daily Mail ‘understands’. When tabloids understand, we should just nod our heads and say, “Yeah, right. Next?” and move on to another article to read.
Today it’s Neuer (wel,l for the past month it has been Neuer), last week it was reports that Adler was at Anfield to watch the Liverpool United match and was instantly linked to us.
I would love a top quality keeper at the club, but let’s wait till there is something concrete in the media.
November 2nd, 2009 at 18:15
New post up — well, mini-post really. But since there are enough comments for this post, move on to that. Cheers.
November 2nd, 2009 at 18:24
If that bit about Neuer loving Shalke is true, I hope he stays there. Too few players honour their allegiances these days, it would be refreshing (like Casillas at Real).
Adler looks more realistic, and cheaper.
Agree that we won’t get Villa. Class act, but would be the end of Berbatov. Unless we could do some kind of trade of course. We’d also be back to be completely unable to the hold the ball up (front line of Nani, Valencia, Rooney and Villa? No aerial ability whatsoever).
In a sense our biggest asset is our biggest problem. Rooney requires a certain type of foil to be at his best, and that foil doesn’t seen to be available anywhere in world football. We need someone who is both able to hold the ball up and be competitive in the air as well as being able to run the channels. Berbatov physically should be able to do both, but does neither all that well.
I know he’s a Chelsea reject, but I for one would love to give Carlton Cole a serious look. Very young, has all the attributes to work with the Roon. Only problem might be his injury record. But if West Ham have a fire sale…
November 2nd, 2009 at 18:30
@spizzy: I think I am pretty consistent throughout but yes you are right. Lets not forget that one thing that is consistent about most supporters is that they are fickle and many of them suffer from back problems caused by jumping on and off the bandwago so much.
It’s just human nature. People’s emotions go up and down and a good performance by the team or by a player helps them forget the poor performance of the team or player the previous week. You are right though, it has become a much more increasing trend of late.
November 2nd, 2009 at 18:35
@Grognard: I’ve moved that comment of yours to the next post, since I assume most might come to that post to discuss.
November 2nd, 2009 at 18:35
@Shimo: We have several players who are more than competent at taking free kicks, Giggs, Rooney, Anderson, Nani but the truth is none of them are superior in that area. That is why a Silva or David Villa would be incredibly helpful. Not only would they make the club better because of their general play, but they are free kick magicians and that would once again offer us that dimension which we lost with Ronaldo. I do think that as great as Ronaldo was at this discipline, he sucked at it for half a season last year until he got his body and his game back to full fitness. Already Giggs and Nani have scored for us on free kicks and Anderson scored a great goal in pre season. So we could be a lot worse.
November 2nd, 2009 at 18:36
@Red Ranter: If ever something was stating the obvious.
It’s as obvious as Grognard has penchant for liking German players.
November 2nd, 2009 at 18:40
@Footy4Eddy: Congrats to Wayne and hopefully the little one has taken it’s looks from the mother and it’s athletic skills form dad.
Way to go Wayner. A baby Roonaroo to look forward to wearing United red in 17 years.
November 2nd, 2009 at 18:42
@Red Ranter: Whether it’s Neuer or Adler, don’t stifle my fantasy RR. I need to believe that one of these boys will end up at OT and the other at Bayern Munich.
Dare to believe. Adler is probably the best fit for us because he speaks English and his favorite club growing up was United. Showing up to the Liverpool game kind of confirms that too.
November 2nd, 2009 at 18:45
@Beachryan: Adler is the more realistic choice but Schalke are also known to be in a little financial trouble and so they may be willing come summer to sell for the right price. The same was said about Arshavin with Zenit. Where is he now. Money talks mate.
November 2nd, 2009 at 18:46
@Red Ranter: Thanks mate, much appreciated.
November 2nd, 2009 at 19:06
@Grognard: I’m not doing any stifling. Just making sure you don’t get your hopes too up only for them to be dashed.
November 2nd, 2009 at 20:06
@Red Ranter: Trust me mate, I’m so used to my hopes being dashed in life, that I can handle it. But should we get neither of those two keepers, expect a raging rant directed at Fergie just for the sake of it.
November 2nd, 2009 at 21:33
@Ober-fan: he will turn them to sunny skies when he is on the opposite side of berba from roony in a 433
November 2nd, 2009 at 21:46
@Grognard: noticed this also he(carrick) would often just cough the ball up to anderson and let him run the show when he could have pressed a little or played it to a forward.
But… at least he didnt give away possession and made less back passes than scholes would have
so i can see him being ahead of scholes in the pecking order now.
November 2nd, 2009 at 23:32
@Redrich: Wait a minute. I’m not commenting on the way things are ran, I really couldn’t care less how things are ran. You’ve specifically stated my point in your tangent about insight.
Some comments that I’ve read on here (and I’ve been reading, just not commenting for a while now) have no insight, they’re just useless criticisms which nobody bothers to justify.
You can voice any opinions and I really won’t mind. This will be the last post I make about this subject.
But people seem to take delight in the usual chunner about players being crap, they must just resent their own club in some form or another.
Of course, if reasons were provided for these opinions then I would think differently.
November 2nd, 2009 at 23:54
@Ober-fan: I would disagree with that. I find it hard to imagine people would be delighted at the failure of players. It’s completely irrational and counterproductive. A lot of people here have given reasons for players being crap here. And sometimes they may repeat that statement by saying X player is crap without giving reasons because they assume people already know their stand on said player, because they’ve already given their reasons in the past.
I think you have a problem with negativity in general. I think, if you’ve read this blog regularly most of those who are negative have been quite expressive and elaborate in their criticism. I don’t want to take names, but I’ll do it for now because it’s fairly obvious. Redrich and Grognard are two people for example who have been accused of being negative. They often get stick for it. But most of their criticism has rarely just been a mere “so and so player is crap”. They’ve written essays here detailing their reasons. I think anyone who takes the effort of doing deserve as much credit (or in fact more credit) than someone who just says: “United lost. But I believe, we’ll win the title.” (That sort of comment doesn’t really contribute much by way of rational debate — and is more a statement of faith.)
November 3rd, 2009 at 1:15
@Red Ranter: You’re absolutely right with that statement, you’re even correct in me not enjoying negativity, but who really does?
It’s just that some people are being defeatist, we’re not in a state of emergency, Chelsea are looking good, yes it’s bad we lost to Liverpuddle, but the season’s far from over and I don’t like to see people panicking and losing faith so early on. I have confidence that United can do it again this season, a rather conservative statement of faith it may be, but who knows, maybe a refreshing point of view.
I know people won’t be delighted by the failure of players but it’s perfectly possible that people have formed an opinion too quickly and human nature is to not retract a point of view, unless utterly convinced otherwise. Also I think the whole ’stubborn child’ syndrome comes into play here. Not that people are being stubborn about their opinions but rather they enjoy going against the grain and portraying a negative image. I’m beginning to sound like a psychologist here so I’ll let it be, I don’t want to undermine anyone’s opinions, especially not if they are adequately justified at whatever point in time. It’s just we have plenty of other team’s supporters who can criticise our ‘Nanigoats’ and ‘Donkey Welbecks’.
I realise I’ve left another comment on this subject so, rather abruptley I’ll say that Fergie should have swallowed his pride and swooped for Beckham under Milan’s bushy, Italian noses.
November 3rd, 2009 at 1:23
@Ober-fan: Fair enough, you don’t have to enjoy negativity, but it doesn’t mean you should be telling others how to think. It’s their view on it — they may be right, and they may be wrong. That’s not for us to judge.
In my years of running this blog, I can say most of the regulars qualify their opinions (positive or negative) with backed up reasons for their thought process. As long as they don’t infringe on another’s right to express their view everything is fair game in my eyes.
I participate in debates, but remain objective enough to allow freedom of expression because this site is a platform for that. I have seen a lot of fan forums where people have been hounded out just because they have a negative opinion. Anyway, that’s my view on it, and hopefully we are done discussing how this site is run and you are here to offer your two cents on United.
November 3rd, 2009 at 1:46
@Grognard: I respect the fact some think we need to buy players and I wouldn’t argue much differently, but United is in millions of pounds worth of debt and I think Fergie has kept that in mind and he’s been sensible.
He’s taken more of a Wenger style approach. Obertan was a steal and as well as being one for the future, I think he can contribute to our team considerably this season. Owen was a clever signing and the fact that he was free only makes it better. Valencia, well the jury’s still out on him, but like many people have said, he has all the attributes of a good player, strength, pace, attacking and defensive intelligence. His delivery is getting better and he should boss the lesser teams in no time. I’m not going to entertain the thought of him ever replacing Ronaldo, but he’s part of a new look United team, one that (when they play well) function as more of a team unit than when Ronaldo ran riot with his free-flowing attacking minded play.
Somebody said before that we need more aerial prowess in the box and they’re right in saying so. Carlton Cole is an interesting one and I’ve contemplated him at United before, but he’s another one we’re yet to see reach their potential. He certainly has the ability but could he ever really be a United player?
I think January probably will hold some excitement for us United fans, but we have to remember that this isn’t fantasy football. Villa would be good, but still not the biggest or the strongest and Fergie definitely won’t break the bank to acquire his services. So all you Villa fans will have to keep your fingers crossed and hope that Chelsea don’t have their transfer embargo lifted – I’m sure a lot of the world’s strikers would love to play along side Didier Dogpaws.
November 3rd, 2009 at 3:41
@Atomic: Berbs did get hurt on Saturday. From ManUtd.com: “Dimitar Berbatov is a doubt after suffering a kick on the knee-cap in United’s weekend win.”
November 3rd, 2009 at 17:49
@Grognard: No doubt the people you mentioned can take freekicks and if/when Hargo comes back he can take some great ones.
It is just that right now we seem to be hardly threatening. Ando, Rooney and Nani should be made to stay after training and just work on them – maybe Valencia as well (I remember one he took for Wigan that was a rocket if not mistaken). It’s not just our direct freekicks especially when Giggs isn’t around, we seem to have no aerial threat and play a lot of short corners. The players can’t suddenly grow a few inches but, it is one part of our game that suffers the most right now with the departure of Ronaldo and that Vida hasn’t been as lethal in the box, we can’t seem to put pressure on other teams when they concede freekicks in their half.