Aug 29
Manchester United vs Fabregas-less Arsenal: Preview
So here we are then. With just three competitive (if you prefer not to count the Community Shield as meaningful) games of the season played, we face our first big test in the shape of Arsenal.
While last season’s meeting at Old Trafford in the Premier League was hardly of massive significance, tomorrow’s encounter will certainly provide a decent benchmark to how we are shaping up in terms of our title credentials this campaign.
The big news? Cesc Fabregas will NOT be playing for the Gunners. Now while I don’t like to single out opposition individuals on the impact they can have on a game, Fabregas has looked pretty darn impressive in the opening couple of games this season. Given our own injury worries too, his absence should certainly provide a welcome boost.
I doubt you’ll need reminding but Rio Ferdinand continues to miss out for us with a thigh injury although a return against Spurs on September 12th has been pencilled in as a realistic comeback date. Despite Jonny Evans’ concerns over his own fitness, it would appear that he will continue to play through the pain barrier to line-up alongside Nemanja Vidic at the heart of the defence.
Ben Foster will undoubtedly continue to deputise for Edwin van der Sar between the sticks while I expect Patrice Evra and John O’Shea to vacate the two full-back berths. In central midfield we (well Sir Alex really) is faced with something of a conundrum. After Anderson’s well documented paddy, will Fergie continue to leave him out despite the Brazilian’s eagerness to brush the incident under the carpet. Michael Carrick was another to miss out against Wigan but with Darren Fletcher pretty much a nailed on starter, I predict it will be one of Carrick or Anderson to come in ahead of Scholes.
Following a decent, if not inspirational, performance from Antonio Valencia against his former club last weekend, he should start on the wing with Nani continuing on the opposite flank. That said, Park has always seemed to perform well against Arsenal so I wouldn’t be at all surprised if he does make the starting eleven. That leaves the inevitable strikeforce of Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov as I can’t see Owen getting the nod in a game of such significance.
In his pre-match press conference Sir Alex has called for our results to improve against the so-called big four (where we only won one out of six last term) but he has played down the significance of tomorrow’s clash with the Gunners.
“With 35 games left, you can’t say that this game will be decisive,” he said.
“But what means a lot to us is that last season against the top teams we dropped six points to Liverpool, five to Arsenal and two to Chelsea. We really need to address that and do better in these games. One opportunity comes along on Saturday and I hope we take it.”
In an ultimately similar fashion (gone are the days of a Wenger-Ferguson feud I’m afraid), Wenger has admitted that he is desperate for Arsenal to prove they can pick up victories away from home against the club’s fighting for the title. Prior to beating Chelsea in November last year, the North Londoners hadn’t beaten a top four club away from home since 2006.
“We want to show that we can win the big games away from home,” he said.
“This is a good opportunity to do it. We know we go to Old Trafford with a good belief and that is very important before a big game like that.”
Whether Arsenal will be more up for the game considering we outclassed them over two legs in last season’s Champions League semi-final remains to be seen but in terms of our recent record against them, we’re certainly on top, especially at Old Trafford.
Arsenal have clearly come flying out of the blocks this season and I believe it’s going to be just as much a test of our credentials as it will be for Wenger and his side. Freshness may be a factor later on in the game with Arsenal having played against Celtic in midweek although at this early stage of the season I can’t see it being too much of a hindrance to them.
Despite the loss of Fabregas, the likes of Arshavin, van Persie and Eduardo all have the ability to cause us problems which is why I’m tentatively predicting a draw as the outcome.
Prediction: 1-1
Photo credit: Getty Images
Related items from Red Rants:
- GOAL VIDEOS: Manchester United v Arsenal
- Arsenal v Man Utd: Preview
- PFA Players Shortlist: Where’s Anderson, Rooney and Rio
- Man Utd v Everton: Preview
- FA Cup Preview: Man Utd v Arsenal
Tags: Manchester United News
Opti (541)
Stephen (479)
RedDevilEddy (459)
Craig Mc (345)
Moscow is my heaven (272)
@Grognard: thought that too abt owen v berba yesterday but i think we were up at that point and berba is class at holding the ball up and being a lay off cf which would help us pass them up to the end.
and yet we were still putting on a striker for a midfielder in the dying minuets of a game we were leading by a point. that is not usually done.
Like?
0 
0
@Dan: they haven’t got the depth we have a team that can win a scrappy game with le arss and the rest at the top and our second string cat beat anyone but the top 4 with subs to spare i see this giving us the title this year our depth and it is what has helped us the past few yrs. we are prepared for all fronts but i think to do well in europe this yr we need kids to step the fuck up and be the superstars that they think they are.
Like?
0 
0
@Red Ranter: Thats your opinion, in my eyes its harmless banter, and thats not sad at all, whats sad is you taking banter so seriously.
Like?
0 
0
@Fred The Red: Now you see why fergi hasnt spent the ronaldo $ yet…. he will be back in jan
hahahahaha
THIS JUST IN Ronaldo not happy in madrid and wants to come back to United. Begs Fergi for forgiveness and promises “champions league glory”.
Like?
0 
0
@Craig Mc: Are you calling me hypocrite?
Tell me how im a hypocrite please.
Like?
0 
0
@gator: I agree – the first vibes coming from madrid are not positive…
Still you can bet on madrid not being as weak-minded as we were and if there is indeed a return of the prodigal son – I can see it in say, 2 years, they are not going to settle for 40 or 50 million.
But meanwhile Obertan and Ljajic will have turned into world-class players.
Like?
0 
0
@Darth Red Diablo: I missed you mate, but Ive been busy with my own life and havent been so much on this site lately. So Ive not missed you, because I havent had time to miss you. But welcome back mate!
Like?
0 
0
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_5523934,00.html
SAFs opinion on our squad, I personally believe that the manager has a picture in his mind of the potential he sees, players like Ljalic, Obertan and Macheda are going to be looked at before we plunge into the transfer market heavily again, so my advice to you is just watch how the season goes and see how things pan out, we will be better placed then to see what areas need addressing, its the right thing to do coz panic buying or signing players for the sake of it could back fire big style.
Like?
0 
0
@Dan: I am talking about the fans being hypocritical to sing the vile paedophile songs to Asrsene Wenger, for buying young players, when SAF is doing exactly the same thing, but will not be taunted with paedophile name calling. United fans in that aspect are being hypocritical! I don’t intend getting in heavy debate with you about this Dan, I have said that to me any really vile terrace chanting, no matter which clubs fans are involved IS NOT OK where I am concerned. It seems RedRanter, Grognard, Fred the Red feel the same as I do, so there are a lot of United fans who don’t like that kind of so called banter singing.
Like?
0 
0
@Footy4Eddy: Eddy ME man…! Thanks for the small comfort… So.. what we’re discussing…
Oh and Nico… Ouch!
Like?
0 
0
@Craig Mc: Agreed, Munich, Heysel, Hillsborough or any vile chanting is not on, a bit of terrace banter is fine, but some stuff is disgusting.
Like?
0 
0
@Karl: Mate you obviously did not understand the Spirit and content of my post. What I was saying was NOT an accusation of SAF, it was the contrary of that. I was saying that SAF also brings in young players a la Wenger, and that neither Wenger OR Fergie should have paedophile chanted at them
. I was supporting their right to sign the youngsters, NOT condemning or callling them vile names 
.
Like?
0 
0
@Darth Red Diablo: We are discussing the following:
1. Fletcher is slowly turning every United fan gay.
2. Ben Foster is either the second coming of Schmeicel or Taibi.
3. Can Rooney win the golden boot?
4. Are we correct to call Arsene Wenger pedophile or is it just ypocritical?
5. I am a sexbeast!
Your choice!
Like?
0 
0
@Grognard: My post was not directed towards you. It was towards the stupid fucks on here who believe Foster will fuck up our season, when so far he has actually only saved our asses against each team we have played. Im not even trying to back up Dan, or make some people look stupid or “Einsteinish”! Im just trying to satnd up for Foster, because he doesnt deserve the bashing he gets here, at least not after his last few games. When he does fuck up, I will also bash him. Of cource, because thats what we do. Its not hypocritical, its just living in the moment. And right now I am living in the moments where Foster has been a Godsend for us and won us 8 points.
Right now Foster is the reason why we have 9 points… Him and Rooney have been our most vital players this season, our match winners. So I will give him credit and stand up for him until he proves me otherwise.
Like?
0 
0
@Grognard: Well, I watched the game hangover and with an icebag on my ankle. Plus, I had a Liverpool fan watching the game with me. Dunno how you watched the game, but I bet its not the way I did it.
We will have to agree to disagree here, because you know I will always try to point out the positives in the game and not criticise our team after a win against ARSENAL! Its a tough opponent, and as long as we win I am happy. 
Like?
0 
0
@Grognard: I was joking.
Like?
0 
0
@Craig Mc: What I meant was Arsenal didn’t give the ball away so cheaply like Man Utd did on plenty of occasions yesterday.
Like?
0 
0
@Footy4Eddy:
1. That’s only temporary till Hargreaves gets Back! And Trust me…. He’s the player whom I want to take Pens….
2. Schmeicel… All Foster needs is SOME GAMES! Trust him guys… He’s good!
3. Only if he stays fit!
4. That’s Hypocritical! I mean come on… Give the guy a break!
5. You’re an ass!
I still want a AMF! Because even though the premierleague may be good… In Europe… We’re going to get Raped!
Like?
0 
0
@gator: Admit it dude, we were total shite until Mike Dean awarded us the pen, which itself was debatable. Without the pen, I am pretty sure we would have not scored from open play. Also theres no point having the majority of possesion if you’re not gonna do anything with it, and we only created one proper chance (the Fletcher half-volley) up until the penalty award.
Like?
0 
0
@Craig Mc: Trust me, I uderstood fully. My point is, when I try to point out the hypocricy, you label me. (Incidently, my point with our Tevez/Ronaldo debate was about that exactly. Not that I want to get into it again.).
). That does not now automatically mean that you are anti-SAF, anti-United, anti-United-supporters. Neither am I. If I go so far as to say that I feel the time is right for him to retire with pride, it still does not mean I am anti-SAF.
You seem to notice some hypocricy, which is good. (Not much, but it’s a start
About a year ago, I raised my concerns that Berbatov is a great player, but that he is all wrong for United’s style. Needless to say, I was branded a Berbatov-basher. And now? Now people start to realise that he is a square peg trying to fit into a round hole? Trust me, I’ve been through this many many times.
But, as Groggy said, screw what people think.
Like?
0 
0
@NicoQB: Not if Ronny forces the issue and demands a move back to us.
Like?
0 
0
@Karl: Berbs would do so well in Serie A with his style of play. I could imagine an exchange with AC Milan for Pato in a year’s time – we get a dynamic, pacy young striker with an eye for goal and Milan get a player approaching the wrong side of 30, which seems the basic pre-requisite to get into their team these days.
Like?
0 
0
@Footy4Eddy: Eddy my friend…’There are no bigger lies than the lies you tell yourself’.
You’re not living for the moment (at least not in this instance)… you’re living for the future. In this case, the 3 points are most important. Why? You want us to win the League. It’s not wrong, but it’s not living for the moment. Living for the moment would be more concerned about the “entertainment value” of “the moment”.
When I was your age, my Karate instructor taught me a valueable lesson that I still remember today. He said:
“In Karate, everybody dream of getting a black belt. That is a good dream, but will be totally useless if you don’t enjoy the trip between now and then. The journey is just as important, if not more than the goal”.
More importantly Eddy, it seems like you starting to turn your back on Anderson? Why Eddy? Not cool dude.
Like?
0 
0
@Karl: Im living in the moment, as in “I dont give a fuck, a win is what is vital!” When you go out to play a game, you dont think about the effects it can have on a title race or relegation battle. You only think of it as a chance to prove yourself, do well and win! We did that against Arsenal, and even though we play like shit the result proves we are better than Arsenal! See?
And no mate, I am not turning my back on Anderson. I want him to do well, I root for him and I follow every step he makes. But he admitted he had fucked up in training, and I cannot be in support of a player that doesnt give a fuck! I want to be proven wrong, and I want Andy to do well. I still support him, because I hope he will give more and be more serious now. But if I dont see any improvement, then yes, I will not be his biggest fan anymore. Because in the end its United> Anybody!
Like?
0 
0
@Nino:
I agree it does seem like a pre-req. I think Berbatov would excell there. He is a great player, but not for our style. Then again I don’t know anymore what our style is. I thought that we would focus things around Berbatov when Ronaldo left, but now I’m not so sure anymore. I get the impression that Fergie has lost his patience with Berbatov. Almost like dating a super-hot girl. In the beginning it’s cool, but then you start to notice her crap…
Although a bit low on confidence at the moment, he is still a great player though.
Like?
0 
0
@Footy4Eddy: I’m not too perturbed about this training spat. I believe there’s 2 sides to a coin. Maybe, just maybe he does not like playing CDM? You never know.
What is obvious to me is that he don’t seem to enjoy his game anymore. IMO, I think that is a greater reason for concern. After investing 18m on a youngster, I think it’s important for United to investigate that.
Like?
0 
0
@Red Ranter: Well said RR, well said.
Like?
0 
0
@Craig Mc: I have never heard anyone call Fergie a pedophile or child molester. Yes United as an organization has been accused of dirty tricks for signing young players but that is an insult directed towards their business practices, not them personally and not in so defamatory terms. I honestly feel bad for the Voyeur for all the crap he has gotten.
People should bitch about his constant whining to refs and his inability to admit his club has a bunch of divers and babies, but to actually go as far as too personally insult the man’s morals, ethics and his reputation by accusing him of such a heinous and distasteful crime is way below the belt. I’ve never seen that kind of abuse hurled at Fergie. And if I were ever in the stands and heard an opponent’s supporter call Fergie something like that, I might go over and knock his frakken block off.
Like?
0 
0
@gator: Nobody and I mean nobody would love to se a successful comeback for Owen Hargreaves than me, but I just won’t believe it. Even when he returns his stay will be short because he will suffer a setback. That is the nature of that injury and the fact he hasn’t played for a very very long time and his body and muscles need to get in game shape again. But then again, as much as I love him, I do not want us playing both Fletcher and him at the same time. That’s far too defensive for my liking.
Like?
0 
0
@gator: Only if the girl is really ugly.
Like?
0 
0
@gator: When you are leading late in a game teams will take more risks to score the equalizer so we have to change our attack into a 1005 counter attack option. In that style Michael Owen is by far and away the proper choice to bring because of his pace, dribbling ability ability to make strong diagonal runs and play off the shoulder of the last defender etc. It’s a complete no brainer. If Fergie is to use an excuse like he wanted to rest him I would counter, rest him against Wigan with us up 3-0 because he is badly needed against a great opponent like Arsenal. Fergie is the experienced genius in all this and who am I to criticize but I’m sorry, it just makes no sense to me.
Like?
0 
0
@Craig Mc: Totally agree with you mate. We are all Man Utd and as we expect our players and manager to act with class and dignity, I certainly feel we as fans should also. Especially in the stands and terraces.
Like?
0 
0
@Footy4Eddy: Ye smate but I am one of those on here who believes Foster will fuck up our season. So I include myself in that group because I believe to be true. I honestly don’t want to hate the bloke but i think he is total shite and I howl every time he makes a big save how some on here start calling him great and another Schmeichel. The fact is his job is to stop everything and to be technically and mechanically reliable. He is none of the above.
Yes he can make these reflex raw instinct saves which I have even seen the useless Almunia make, but what really pisses me off and gets me worried is the fact that Almunia is (God help us) better than Foster. That’s like comparing shite to shit.
I expect more than one good save a game. I expect complete security and confidence in my keeper to keep the area clean, scream at his defenders and make the simple play. If he occasionally gets beat by a great goal, I won’t complain. But if he keeps dropping crosses, keeps clearing the ball poorly and playing on his heels, he will continue to receive my wrath even if he makes five world class saves a game.
Like?
0 
0
@Footy4Eddy: You watch it anyway you like Bro. I have complete confidence and belief in my analysis and I do not need consensus agreement from anyone to know what I saw and that I am right. Arrogant? Perhaps, but I would prefer calling it honest with myself and possessing the knowledge and confidence to dissect a game without jumping on the fanboy bandwagon.
Like?
0 
0
@Nino: I know you were, thus the smiley with a grin.
Like?
0 
0
@Nino: There are reasons why United was giving the ball up so easily. Blindly not looking where they were passing, trying far too many poor percentage long direct balls, and the lack of proper movement of players off the ball looking for space for players to find them. Like in Rome, they were caught standing around and doing nothing. I would call our efforts all season as unimaginative, uninspiring and above all, LAZY.
Like?
0 
0
@Karl: Exactly. If many don’t want to open their eyes and see reality and the truth, our words of wisdom and attempts to convince them will only be futile gestures mate. So although I like to debate, I don’t care for views that are based on nothing more than positive loyal bias. Because of this, I have grown a thicker skin and am prepared for insults and put downs from this group.
Like?
0 
0
@Nino: let us agree to be glad that our results dont depend on you being pretty sure at least.
Like?
0 
0
Axel witsel is a cunt!
http://i29.tinypic.com/33e1wfd.gif
(not for the faint hearted)
Like?
0 
0
@Grognard: That’s my whole point Grog. The United fans who chant paedophile songs at Arsene Wenger, would go bananas IF Fergie were to receive those same chants from opposing fans. That’s why I named it hypocrisy, because there is no difference between Wenger bringing in young players, and SAF doing the same. But United fans wouldn’t dream of chanting that at SAF would they? I cannot understand why the club allows it to continue, without doing something about it. To me Grog it brings shame on our club!
Like?
0 
0
Fred yeah Fergie seems pretty adamant and I for one have given up on expecting any new faces.
The problem is that our current strategy is to play EXACTLY the same side as we played last season with Valencia in Ronaldo’s place. As Valencia is half the player that Ronaldo is and does not score any goals whatsoever then we are bound to be in for a fairly disappointing season by our standards.
I think Fergie is resting all his hopes on players like Berbatov, Rooney and Nani emerging out of Ronaldo’s shadow and on players like Gibson, Valencia and Anderson making giant leaps this season.
The display of faith is touching but I think he is expecting a bit too much and our squad does not have the room for improvement he anticipates.
YES with the loss of Beckham came Ronaldo. But when Beckham left we endured many disappointing seasons before Ronaldo came into prominence and started winning us titles. Maybe Valencia or Obertan will become our next star a few years along the line.
With Ronaldo it is even harder than with Beckham because you are not just losing a star you are losing 25 goals a season.
With £80 million in the bank it would be much simpler and more effective to replace a STAR with a STAR. So what if Aguero or Silva or Villa cost 30-40 million. At least you know you are buying a player who is destined for the top. One star signing isn’t going to sabotage our entire youth system.
Like?
0 
0
@Footy4Eddy: According to reports on Republik of Mankunia, Anderson had a big bust up with MACHEDA in training the day or so before the Wembley game, SAF did not like Anderson chewing up Macheda, and so told him he wouldn’t be playing in the Wembley game!
Like?
0 
0
@gator: why is everyone hating on the team?
Because, despite what the stats say, I didn’t see the spark in my United side that I saw in previous seasons. In the past despite a disjointed performance I would see a silver lining. If at all we win the title this year, I have a feeling we’ll limp towards it with one ugly win after another. It’s not going to be pretty.
Like?
0 
0
@Karl: I am STILL waiting for you to show me from that post comment of mine, how DEFENDING Asene and SAF from abuse, could possibly be construed as hypocrisy! By all means do join the Grog SCREW YOU position to all who don’t agree with you. Grog and I have lived with each other in our disagreements for a good amount of time on this blog now. So – feel free to say SCREW YOU every time I disagree with you Karl. I’m not into all this LABELLING business Karl, and as Grog and you keep referring to us as the young ones who won’t listen to you our elders, one word mate, we youngies already have a DAD!
Like?
0 
0
@Red Ranter: That’s what we did LAST season, so what’s the difference?
.
Also, I didn’t realise you were a hater of the team RR
.
Like?
0 
0
@colver: Well can’t say I blame Fergie for resting his hopes on Nani
. But I agree that Valencia is powder puff so far – yeah! SAF is not going to get that star, so no use us pushing it eh? However, I enjoyed the Wigan, and the Arsenal game. I felt we were lacklustre against B’ham but even that had its moments. Burnley – well NUFF said!
Like?
0 
0
@Craig Mc: Well, that’s fans for you – they can be big hypocrites.
I remember last year when Arsenal fans at the Emirates were saying some unpleasant things to Ferguson and he lost his cool. We also lost that game. Oh well…
And for those who think it’s banter, Ferguson said it way back in 2007 that it was as bad as the Munich chants. Calling someone a child molester, even for a joke, can get you arrested these days.
It’s just my hope that fans stick to the usual banter but stay away from classless stuff like mocking the dead, calling specific individuals paedophiles and making racist remarks.
Like?
0 
0
@Red Ranter: where is the fun in not being on the edge of your seat, chewing your fingernails off? haha
this season, god will hear alot of prayers from us utd fans…
Like?
0 
0
@colver: I heard a interview that SAF gave recently on ESPN, the guy asked some good questions about the current squad and it was clear that SAF sees something in some of our young players that he intends to allow to progress without a big squad of stars blocking thier path. He has Nani and Anderson who are still young and who he thinks will improve, he mentioned Rooney and Evans also.
Add to that Gibson, Wellback, Macheda and the Da Silvas who have already tasted first team action and not looked out of their depth and you start to see what is in his mind.
Also Obertan is considered by some in France to be a special talent who has lost his way mentally, the gaffer obviously thinks he can help the boy. And dont forget, two more young players are arriving in January, the very raw but very talented Diouf from norwegian side Molde and Adem Ljajic from Partizan who is rumoured to be another special youngster.
When you add these players to the players we already have and expect to be around for the next 2 or 3 years like Valencia, Evra, Vidic, Berbatov,Owen, Brown, Rio and hopefully Hargreaves, then it is understandable that SAF feels it is the right time to sit back and wait for at least a season to monitor the progress these kids make, it might end up being a mistake,time will tell, but its certainly not the work of a fool.
Like?
0 
0
@colver: you’re right: it is pure sabotage. You spend 40 million on a player, you still have 40 million left over, so I can’t understand his miserly stance. Sneijder could have been got for under 15 million. Van Der Vaart remains available at a Walmart price yet we must endure the creative whims of Carrick week in, week out.
I can’t understand the source of his faith: the squad smacks of mediocrity across the board, and we fans can only helplessly watch as Ferige, who is hell bent on instituting a culture of creative atrophy, goes out of his way to bestow congratulatory vacuous prattle and heights of ego inflation on this underserving collection of players.
Three games in and I’ve already had enough.
Like?
0 
0