Dec 27
Manchester United vs Hull City: Preview
Betfair is the official Manchester United betting partner and we here at Red Rants have partnered with them to offer a free £25 bet when you register. Unlike other betting sites, Betfair allows you to place bets when the game is running and choose the odds at which you want to play. What allows you to do these things is you’re betting against other fans, not the bookie, so if you want better odds than are currently available, for example, you can place an order for a better price (but bear in mind that if your price is unrealistic your bet is unlikely to be accepted). So, give this a run if you’re up for it.
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Merry Christmas, after a few days of relaxation the hard graft of the Premier League gets underway once more. Manchester United face a trip to Hull City and the KC Stadium later today, with Chelsea slipping up once more and the defeat last week against Fulham, it is imperative we return to winning ways. A positive result would leave us a mere two points adrift of the league leaders, unthinkable a week ago.
We can start with the good news, we have defenders fit! During the press conference on Thursday, Sir Alex Ferguson retorted to questions about the United defence, stating,
“We rushed Fabio back a little bit, but given the situation we find ourselves in sometimes you have to do that,” admitted Sir Alex, while “Rafa’s only trained for a few days but he will be involved on Sunday,” Ferguson confirmed.
However, Jonny Evans, John O’Shea, Gary Neville and Rio Ferdinand are still out.
So, in a return to the usual 4-4-2, Rafael will likely to be back in the side at right-back, Patrice Evra will almost certainly line up at left-back, there are two spots to be filled in the centre of defence, Nemanja Vidic and Wes Brown have almost recovered from hamstring and calf injuries respectively. It would make sense for one or both of them to start given the humiliation last week, if not then expect Michael Carrick to have one more outing at the back. Edwin van der Sar has still not recovered from a knee injury, so Tomasz Kuszczak will continue in goal.
With a defensive crisis, the two most consistent midfield performers were dropped to the backline, but as the situation at the back improves, Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick should be moved to their more natural positions. We have missed both, in particular the drive Fletcher provides to the midfield. Alongside one or other would have to be Anderson or Darron Gibson. Paul Scholes should be dropped to the bench after his dismal showing last week.
On the wings will be Antonio Valencia on the right, and either Ji-Sung Park or Gabriel Obertan on the left. Ryan Giggs is a doubt as he still has a hamstring niggle, while Nani has an ankle problem.
As for the strike partnership, Wayne Rooney will lead the line along side Dimitar Berbatov. The Bulgarian hitman came on as a sub against Fulham and was a bit more effective than Michael Owen who will no doubt drop to the bench.
Hull will no doubt prove to stern test given our form, two defeats in the last three. Sir Alex is also expecting a tough test, saying,
“Hull will be encouraged by our injury problems, and I’m sure they’ll have a go at us.”
Hull manager Phil Brown has no real injury worries, other then Jimmy Bullard and Ian Ashbee, only Nick Barmby is a doubt after he suffered a calf strain in the defeat to Arsenal and looks likely to miss out. An unchanged line-up other than that is to be assumed.
The most dangerous player Hull possess, is undoubtedly Brazilian forward Geovanni, he can produce the unexpected and has bags of quality, it just depends on whether he turns up on the day. Arguably though Hull’s player of the season so far is Anthony Gardner, the former Spurs defender has been in terrific form for the Tigers and will look to help his team to a clean sheet today.
Hull are unbeaten in six matches at home, but having scored just 17 goals in the league this season, they hold second worst tally in the league and are without a win in four games and haven’t scored in three Thus, a United side out with something to prove would look to take advantage of such poor momentum. Victory for United.
Prediction: 2-0 United
Probable Line Up: Kuszczak, Rafael, Carrick, Vidic, Evra, Valencia, Fletcher, Anderson, Park, Berbatov, Rooney.
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Betfair is the official Manchester United betting partner and we here at Red Rants have partnered with them to offer a free £25 bet when you register. Unlike other betting sites, Betfair allows you to place bets when the game is running and choose the odds at which you want to play. What allows you to do these things is you’re betting against other fans, not the bookie, so if you want better odds than are currently available, for example, you can place an order for a better price (but bear in mind that if your price is unrealistic your bet is unlikely to be accepted). So, give this a run if you’re up for it.
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- Manchester United vs Manchester City: Preview
- Man Utd v Everton: Preview
- Diouf, Guardiola and Post-Boxing Day
- Manchester United to top the table
- Manchester United 2006/2007 Season Review
Tags: Manchester United News
Opti (541)
Stephen (479)
RedDevilEddy (459)
Craig Mc (345)
Moscow is my heaven (272)
@Redrich: I find that extremely amazing when Nani is out injured, and according to Fergie they are trying their hardest to get him fit to play. Lil Man stay on your sick bed mate, and watch Man United win fuck all this season. Cos our team choices, formations, snooze football and Fergie constant tinkering will have NO REWARD! There I said it! Stay injured Lil man, then you can’t be blamed – and the others will be shown up for the feckin useless Eustaces they have become.
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I fear for SAF’s sanity – I truly do. His latest quote to the papers today, is that Valenci-DIRE has proved a worthy successor to Ronaldo – WHAT!
what a bloody stupid statement – the whole country is splitting their sides with laughter.
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@Redrich: Your mother should have called you Dick not Rich Bro
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@CraigMc: Not nice mate. But unlike you, she had good taste!!
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Fergie is becoming renowned for his bloody stupid quotes – lets see.
. Man United faithful really appreciate that comment Fergie, yeah its bloody music to our ears 
. (3) Valenci-DIRE has proved worthy successor to Ronaldo. 4. Man United are ready to BE CONSISTENT in our usual post Christmas charge to the PL title – yep we believe you Fergie – NOT!
In todays papers – (1) It is becoming increasingly difficult to expect Vidic to stay at United (or words to that effect. (2) Anybody can win the PL this year – EVEN Manchester City
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@Redrich:
– Your Mom must have Rich – I would have called you DICK for sure 
.
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RedRich – on 2nd thoughts mate, I think SAF right now is a more worthy recipient for the name
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@CraigMc: You misunderstand mate. Nani must go. You too have agreed with this in the past. It’s got nothing to do with his ability which you and I both agree is great. It’s just that he has no future at United therefore, he must go for the betterment of the team and especially himself. Now what is so RUBBISH about that?
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@CraigMc: Last week somebody passed a memo to Fergie that asked Fergie to think up a bunch of stuff that would silence Craig and Grognard on RedRants. They have to be silenced and so we must feed them irritating pills to swallow. Well, I for one didn’t swallow it like you did mate because anyone with an IQ over Jaimie Carragher can see that Fergie is manufacturing bullshit and he is hoping we both eat it.. Well I for one am not that hungry. He’s full of bollocks and you know it. Making his excuses early and building up players who have no hope of ever making a significant make with the club. Typical Fergie.
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I hope Annemarie gets well as fast as possible, there is not a lot which is worse than what`s happend here…
But I think it would be wise of Edwin retired. He is suffering from a knee injury already, and I really doubt he will be able to play well after this incident. Keepers usually don`t have a lot to do during games, and if this just pops up in his head it will ruin his consentration and want to go home. I know it may sound silly, but it`s true that this might happen. So Edwin, for your family and your own sake, you should retire.
And to be honest, I actually expect this to happen.
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@Grognard: Nothing at all Grog, I just like saying Rubbish to everyone when I am feeling IMPISH that’s all Bro. You should know what I am like by now
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@Footy4Eddy: I agree Eddie mi man
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@Grognard:
– you said it Bro 
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@NicoQB: “but reports go that it was far greater than the reported 25 million.”
That doesnt really make any sense. basically what you are saying is that you have no idea how much he was gonna cost, so you choose to belive the higher value because its more beneficial to your point.
Who is the asshole who brought up Tevez name? We have seriously debated about him to death. All the detractors are quick to point out his goal output of last season. where he played considerably less in the league and played more in the carling cup. The people who did like Tevez(obviously im one of them) are quick to point out how vital he was for us the year before when he wasnt rotated with berba.
The last criticism aimed at tevez is the way he acted at the end of his stay hear. Im of the opinion that he was justified in his behaviour because of the way it all went down. He was basically a passenger while Joorabchian and United fought over him. What he did at the end was bad I’ll admit, but I think its harsh to label him classless. after all while at the club he conducted himself fine until the end.
I realize I havent said anything new here, we have all argued these points over and over and over again. Tevez is gone Berba is here, end of.
Speaking of Berba whats with all the hate? he was hurt for alittle while and Im not convinced he is back to full fitness. Ill say what I said at the beginning of the season. I will reserve judgement on him unil after the season. It is to early to call him a flop.
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@CraigMc: I think you are way to harsh on Valencia. has he replaced ronaldo? of course not, Ronaldo is the best player on the planet. Is he an upgrade over park? you better believe it. He has had some good games and some bad games for us.
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@johnsom33: Has he ever been fit then??
Tell me when, and really did that make a fucking difference in his form??
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@CraigMc: Redrich > SAF!!
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@Onkar: Good team.. but I think David Beckham also deserved a place….
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@Ab Kr: Yeah, he did.. But for me on the bench. Not because he is not good enough, but when you are competing with Ronaldo for the same position in the team you are suppose to loose your position isn’t it??? And that is why on RW CR07 in place of DB07…
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@Redrich: So too you, berba has never played well for United?
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@CraigMc: True enough.
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@johnsom33: My mother in a wheelchair at 92 is an upgrade to Park. That’s not exactly a glowing recommendation. Valencia is a good player, but he is not a great player and he was not worth 17 million. Christ we could have got a player like Krasic or DiMaria last year for lest than 17 million as they are truly great wingers but as usual, Fergie waits for players to be priced out of range before showing interest in them. Truly I’m tired of the old man’s procrastination and bad buys of late. Hell 18 months ago when I brought up the name Arshavin, he could have been bought for under 15 million. Nuff said really.
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@Ab Kr: Who would you replace in order to place Beckham? I myself place Beckham on the team of the 90′s but he misses out on the team of this decade because he Ronaldo and Giggs were just that much better. And I love Becks.
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@Onkar: I agree…the thing is that we are finding just the best 11. Two very good players for same position…Ronaldo has an edge over Becks….thts why Sir Alex preferred him…
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@Grognard: Hey..we need to think on defense, we don’t have resources to fill in for Vidic and Rio….SAF need to find someone like Thomas Vermaelen. Has anyone knew his name before this season..and today he is simply the best CB in EPL….Unbelievable stuff from Arsene Wenger…
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discovering a new keane or cantona the perfect birthday present for ferguson
Nice read in independent….
http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/discovering-a-new-keane-or-cantona-the-perfect-birthday-present-for-ferguson-1992398.html
I wish we could have another Keano.. But as they say there is only one KEANO…
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@Ab Kr: Yeah.. But, AW is known for that.. The list of AW finds are long and it hurts to accept but, Fergie is not the best around in terms of finding and buying players at right time and price.
Anyway.. There is strong news flow about prospective summer move for VIDIC to may Real Madrid (no again….). What say about it. We may sell him 30mn and then end up buying either Klear for around 15mn or Rodwell for around 20mn.
Having said that we may end up with no one but Evans and all the money would end going into Glaziers back pocket…
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@Ab Kr: Like Grogy said the team for the 90′s would include Becks on the RW but, when you are competing with Ronaldo for the same place you can’t win the battle. As CR7 is GOD and one can’t win against GOD. Isn’t it????
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@Onkar: @Onkar: Yes….. CR is a better choice for THIS decade…
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@Onkar: What about Gerard Pique as CB…I think he is doing great work for Barcelona…even Evans can do better with time..
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@Ab Kr: Be realistic matey.. Pique is closed story. I mean he is doing great in a great team which is winning everything that is available. Secondly, he is hometown boy, why would he want to come back to us. Totally unrealistic mate. I agree that Evans is doing well. But, why I am talking about CB all of a sudden is because there seems to be a real possibility of VIDA exit in Summer. Then we will end up with Evans, Rio and Brown as possible CB options. But, we all know that Rio and Brown are both injury prone and can be out for the length of the period which will compel us to buy some CB.
But, that is something may not be on my agenda. First thing first I want us to buy a Real proven CAM who can create something out of nothing with ease. And of course a winger on left….
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Team of the decade, player of the year etc etc. Never been a fan of these, and never will be. To me they objectify player attributes, and that to me is to lose the point of the beautiful game.
Just had to get this off my chest.
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@Onkar: At CB they may go for Giorgio Chiellini and for CAM, I think Rooney can play as CAM and we need a better striker (not one like Owen who is not physically present).
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@Red Ranter: Team of the decade is a combination that can’t be tested ever. The thing is that a team on paper is totally different than one on ground.
Like on paper Chelsea is a lot too stronger than Birmingham, but on ground they were equal at 0-0 on their last meeting.
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@Red Ranter: So feeling better now…. Load of your chest….Thank god….
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@Ab Kr: As I said, all theoretical talk that mean nothing. Lists like these make easy copy and appeal to the masses and their fantasies. To me they’ve always been pointless and boring exercises.
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@Onkar: Yes I am.
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href=”#comment-101211″>Grognard: This</a@ sounds a lot like you.
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@Grognard:
Ill do that again.
This sounds a lot liek you Grognard.
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@Red Ranter: Yes.. The thing matters is the result not the stats of possession and cards. These things can only make you feel good if your favorite player is winning prizes and awards. What matters most is the result not the rewards.
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@Red Ranter: I agree more often then not its a pointless things. At the same time I understand that it is nothing but food for fantasies of people. But, then for me this is also one of the way acknowledging the greatness of certain player or personality. When we say say that I would have selected X over Y all I am doing is acknowledging the services and greatness of services provided by that player nothing else. When some one like me say the Becks was good and I loved him but at the same time Ronaldo was GOD what I am essetially doing is showing tribute to what he has achieved with us thats all. Even though pointless not bad for sure….
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@Ab Kr: Foe me more than results what matter is how you achieve that result. I mean if we win with ’0′ entertainment value for me it counts for nothing. Just take the example of what we are doing currently. Man UTD is boring us to death to achieve those ‘RESULTS’ which they are surely getting. But is it what we want?? NO. I want us to WIN and WIN in style and thats what matters to me more than anything else.
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@Aditya: Seems like Soccerlens has a guest writer writing for them….
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@Onkar: Winning is important and winning in style is like icing on the cake!
But EPL is all about defending, the overall gameplay is less entertaining than in Spain. If you see in EPL among top four only Arsenal and Liverpool (sometimes, when trailing) produces the best entertainment stuff, Chelsea and United plays a bit slow and boring football. With CR, Man Utd was great but this season they are simply lacking some force.
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@Ab Kr: +1
… But that is what I wish for as a United fan… That is what I feel we deserve as United fan… 
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If Madrid want Vidic, then for £45mil he’s yours. Anything less is bending over. Buy Rodwell and Kjaer BEFORE we sell him i.e. half the damn price they would be… £20mil and £7mil. not £35mil and £15mil
If he wants out then get rid, but do our business first.
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@Traverse: Hmmm….. another one going to Real… After DB, RVN, GH and CR.
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@Grognard: SAF did that with Anderson and Nani and look where it got us. Point is I do not feel either our scouts or Fergie has a really good sense of young talent anymore. The type of talent that blossoms out of the reserve team into a star. Not that they once did not have it, for it is proven in the past that United have brought up some great players, but I cannot say the same for the past decade which is a shame.
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WHERE IS DAVID AND HIS PREVIEW FOR TONIGHT….
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@Ab Kr: It doesn’t usually work out for the best!
Beckham, for example… 1 La Liga, 1 Supercopa in 4 years. In that time we did 1 Prem, 1 Fa Cup, 1 League Cup, 1 Charity Shield.
Not particularly great, but considering that Madrid team had Becks, Ronaldo, Zidane, Carlos, Raul and Figo its pathetic.
Heinze was the same… 1 La Liga, 1 Supercopa. We got 2 Prems, 2 League Cups, 2 Charity Shields and the Champions League. Evra laughing his way to being arguably the best left back in the world.
Van Nistelrooy.. 2 La Ligas, 1 Supercopa. We’ve got 3 Prems, 2 League Cups, 2 Shields and the Champs League.
Ronaldo will probably break that streak, but I wouldn’t bet against it.
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